cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of two dosing regimens of intravaginal misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination.

Abstract Objective: To compare the effectiveness of misoprostol administered intravaginally every 6 versus every 12 hours for termination of second-trimester pregnancies. Methods: One hundred pregnant women at 12–22 weeks’ gestation were randomized to receive 200 μg of misoprostol intravaginally either every 6 or every 12 hours for up to 48 hours. Results: The incidences of abortion within 48 hours after initial drug administration were 87.2 and 89.2%, the complete abortion rates 43.9 and 33.3%, and the mean abortion intervals 13.8 and 14.0 hours in the 6- and 12-hour groups, respectively. Side effects were similar between groups. Conclusion: Misoprostol administered vaginally is effective for terminating second-trimester pregnancies. Shortening the dosing interval from 12 to 6 hours produced no significant benefit.
Experimental determination of the thermal conductivity of a conducting polymer: Pure and heavily doped polyacetylene

Room-temperature values of the thermal conductivity ($\ensuremath{\kappa}$) of pure and heavily doped polyacetylene, both cis and trans isomers, have been experimentally determined using a new experimental approach for the determination of $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ along the plane of the sample. We find that effects of radiation losses are substantial and take them into account in our analysis. For heat transport along the plane of the film, we find $\ensuremath{\kappa}=2.1$ mW/cm K for cis-${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$ increasing to 3.8 m W/cm K after isomerization to trans-${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$. After doping to the metallic regime, $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ increases to 6.9 m W/cm K. The large increase in $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ upon isomerization is associated apparently with the difference in the lattice heat conduction in these isomers. From the increase of $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ after doping to the metallic regime, the free-carrier contribution is obtained. Using the Wiedemann-Franz ratio, we infer that the intrinsic electrical conductivity in metallic doped ${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$ is high and that the measured values are limited by the polymer morphology.
Calix[4]pyrrole dimers bearing rigid spacers: towards the synthesis of cooperative anion binding agents

Abstract Calix[4]pyrrole dimers ( 2 , 5 , and 6 ), potential hosts for anionic guests, were synthesized by a procedure involving a palladium(0) catalyzed C–C bond formation process. In the case of 2 , a dimer linked via a rigid di-ethynyl spacer, a detailed study of carboxylate anion binding was carried out using 1 H NMR spectroscopy. For isophthalate anion, a 1:1 binding stoichometry was observed with this receptor and a much higher association constant was found than for the control monomer, octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole. These findings are ascribed to cooperative binding. Consistent with this conclusion was the finding that, for phthalate and benzoate anions, 1:2 (host:guest) binding stoichometries and lower association constants were recorded than with isophthalate anion. The control compound, octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole, showed a 1:1 binding stoichometry and a much lower association constant than dimer 2 , not just with isophthalate but also phthalate and benzoate anions.
Cardiovascular effects of neurotension and some analogues on rats

Abstract When administered in vivo into the femoral vein of normotensive rats, neurotensin, neurotensin-(8–13), and [D-Lys 8 ]neurotensin-(8–13) decreased diastolic blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, without change in heart rate. All three peptides evoked tachyphylaxis and a triphasic depressor-pressor-depressor, response at higher doses. The rank order of potency was neurotensin > [D-Lys 8 ]neurotensin-(8–13). In organ chamber experiments, both neurotensin and neurotensin-(8–13) at a range of concentrations which induced dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure, did not significantly change tension in rat aorta rings with or without endothelium. In contrast, [D-Lys 8 ]neurotensin-(8–13) induced weak dose-dependent relaxation of both rings with or without endothelium. However, this effect was not obtained at concentrations able to decrease the blood pressure. Indomethacin did not change the vasodilator effect of [D-Lys 8 ]neurotensin-(8–13). There was no correlation between the vasodilator effect of this peptide and its ability to decrease blood pressure. These experiments suggest that the hypotension was not due to a direct vasodilator effect on the smooth muscle. In addition, since the rank order of peptide potency was opposite of those found in previous studies of second messenger synthesis and binding to neural tissue, these data suggest that there is a second receptor for neurotensin or that neurotensin can also bind to a different unknown receptor.
Modeling the Oxygen Diffusion of Nanocomposite-based Food Packaging Films

Abstract: Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites have been shown to improve the gas barrier properties of food packaging polymers. This study developed a computer simulation model using the commercial software, COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze changes in oxygen barrier properties in terms of relative diffusivity, as influenced by configuration and structural parameters that include volume fraction (φ), aspect ratio (α), intercalation width (W), and orientation angle (θ) of nanoparticles. The simulation was performed at different φ (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%), α (50, 100, 500, and 1000), and W (1, 3, 5, and 7 nm). The θ value was varied from 0° to 85°. Results show that diffusivity decreases with increasing volume fraction, but beyond φ= 5% and α= 500, diffusivity remained almost constant at W values of 1 and 3 nm. Higher relative diffusivity coincided with increasing W and decreasing α value for the same volume fraction of nanoparticles. Diffusivity increased as the rotational angle increased, gradually diminishing the influence of nanoparticles. Diffusivity increased drastically as θ changed from 15° to 30° (relative increment in relative diffusivity was almost 3.5 times). Nanoparticles with exfoliation configuration exhibited better oxygen barrier properties compared to intercalation. The finite element model developed in this study provides insight into oxygen barrier properties for nanocomposite with a wide range of structural parameters. This model can be used to design and manufacture an ideal nanocomposite-based food packaging film with improved gas barrier properties for industrial applications. Practical Applications: The model will assist in designing nanocomposite polymeric structures of desired gas barrier properties for food packaging applications. In addition, this study will be helpful in formulating a combination of nanoparticle structural parameters for designing nanocomposite membranes with selective permeability for the industrial applications including membrane separation techniques.
Discriminating the panic disorder patient from patients with borderline personality disorder

Abstract A discriminant function analysis of 72 patients with Panic Disorder (PD) and agoraphobia, and 68 patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and PD revealed five main factors that discriminated the two groups at a 94% accuracy rate. BPD patients were more likely to be female, single, and of lower socio-economic status. They reported a high rate of suicide attempts (25% vs. 0%), panic attacks that lasted longer with more fearful thoughts, more social phobia, and “anger”. They were also more likely to report a history of substance abuse, a childhood with familial conflict including sexual and/or physical abuse, more medical emergency room visits, an overall poorer treatment response, more adverse reactions to relaxation training and, not surprisingly, more multiple chronic stresses.
Adenosine triphosphate cellular levels in Rhodospirillum rubrum during transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism

Abstract 1. 1. Cellular ATP levels were investigated in Rhodospirillum rubrum under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in the light. All experiments were done with organisms precultured in the light. 2. 2. After a short time of decrease the ATP content increased under aerobic light conditions. No bacteriochlorophyll was formed in the growing cultures. 3. 3. In cultures which had been grown in the presence of air and light the ATP level dropped upon replacement of air by nitrogen. This occurred only if the cells exhibited a low bacteriochlorophyll content, in which case pigment synthesis started. 4. 4. A decrease of the cellular ATP content was also measurable when cells were grown anaerobically in the light. This was dependent on low bacteriochlorophyll content and new synthesis of bacteriochlorophyll. 5. 5. Correlation of the ATP level and the various synthetic activities, e.g. bacteriochlorophyll formation, necessary for the synthesis of the photosynthetic apparatus is discussed.
Reification and the Dandy: Beppo, Byron, and other Queer Things

When contemporary critics like McGann and Christensen link the figure of the dandy with the category of “the thing,” they participate in a rich and enduring cultural pattern that dates back at least to the Restoration. “Reification and the Dandy” elaborates this cultural history through an examination of eighteenth-century British rhetorics of foppishness and their reliance on the category of the thing in order to situate its contemporary iterations in their historical context. Recalling this history also underscores the extent to which Byron’s poetics in Beppo are disarmingly queer in their performance of a refusal to feel the degradation of foppishness, thinghood, and impotent triviality. Beppo neither resolves nor exorcises the double binds and blinds of poetic composition in a reified culture, but it performs those binds for us in a slight work, next of kin to a nonentity. In Beppo Byron offers foppery as poetics itself, making the slight, the trivial, the barely there, turn his career. The ottava rima may have been inspired by Frere and Pulce, but the foppish poem, itself a dandiacal confrontation with Wordsworthian poetics, was Byron’s own.
Amount of Suitable Habitat and Viability of Northern Spotted Owls

In 1990, in response to requests from the private sector, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service circulated draft guidelines to protect Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) from harm due to harvest of old-growth trees in proximity to nests or activity centers. The guidelines are often referred to as the "40% guideline," the "500-acre guideline," and the "70-acre guideline." I comment on the rationales used to develop the guidelines and suggest ways the guidelines could be improved.
Effects of deuterium oxide on the synthesis of T5 and T7 bacteriophages.

EARLY experiments on the biological effects of deuterium oxide indicated that the substitution of the pure substance for water resulted in cessation of growth in such diverse biological entities as tobacco seeds1, flatworms2, and mice3. When there was partial substitution of water by heavy water, growth was merely retarded. This retardation was attributed to an isotope effect resulting in lowered rates of reactions involving deuterium as compared to hydrogen4. The inhibition of tumour growth in animals the body water of which contained appreciable amounts of deuterium2,6 is another striking example of an isotope effect in which retardation of a biological reaction has been observed. Similar isotope effects have been observed in photochemical reactions4 as well as in yeast fermentation7.
Scoring criteria for response latency and habituation in electrodermal research: a critique.

Recent evidence, particularly in research on the skin conductance orienting response (SCOR) in schizophrenia, suggests that differences in scoring criteria may be important sources of error and variability in studies of electrodermal responses to discrete stimuli and their habituation. Although a wide variety of response latency criteria have been used in published studies, empirical evidence suggests that responses occur in a narrow and early post-stimulus time window. Data are presented demonstrating that the intra-subject variability of response latency is low when responses are scored within a narrow time window, but that broader time windows include more variable-latency responses that may represent spontaneous activity. The commonly-used criterion of three no-response trials as an habituation endpoint may also introduce contamination by spontaneous activity; available evidence favors a two-trials criterion. Analyses such as the ones presented here permit testing of the specificity of scoring criteria for responses elicited by experimental stimuli.
Contaminating antibodies in anti-IgE antisera

Abstract Antisera directed against IgE globulin from a variety of commercial and non-commercial sources were found to contain antibodies that reacted in Ouchterlony double diffusion with some λ-type light chains. These antisera cross reacted with a small percentage of λ-type myeloma globulins as well. Absorption studies suggested that the cross reacting antibodies were directed agaist antigenic determinants present on the light chain of the myeloma globulin used for immunization. These findings may partially explain some of the difficulties encountered in immunologic measurement of IgE globulin in body fluids.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide: 24-Hour Profile and Responses to Volume Contraction and Expansion in Normal Men*

Plasma immunoreactive calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) concentrations were measured in 10 normal male subjects, aged 23-34 yr, who were studied under 3 separate conditions at intervals of at least 1 week. In phase 1, plasma CGRP concentrations were measured hourly for 24 h during normal activity; in phase 2, the CGRP response to diuretic-induced volume depletion and upright posture was measured over 3 h; in phase 3, the CGRP response to volume loading and supine posture was measured over 4 h. During phase 1, the mean 24-h plasma CGRP concentration averaged 30 +/- 16 pmol/L; hourly CGRP concentrations ranged from 25-37 pmol/L over 24 h and oscillated from 16% below to 27% above the mean 24-h CGRP value, changes that were highly significant (P = 0.005). The peaks were at 0600 and 0700 h, while the nadirs were at 1200 and 2000 h. No significant difference was found between fasting CGRP at 0800 h and levels taken 1, 2, and 3 h postprandially (P = 0.68). During phase 2 (volume depletion and upright) mean plasma CGRP rose significantly, going from a baseline of 42 +/- 8 pmol/L at 0800 h to a peak of 60 +/- 10 pmol/L at 1100 h (P = 0.0005). The percent CGRP increment was relatively small (26% to 42%) compared to the rise in PRA (518% to 1033%) and aldosterone concentrations (333% to 465%). Hematocrit increased from 40.5 +/- 0.7% to 45.8 +/- 0.7% (P = 0.0001) in phase 2, while serum osmolality did not change significantly. In phase 3 (volume loading and supine), plasma CGRP did not change significantly, while PRA and aldosterone concentrations fell significantly (P = 0.0001); neither serum osmolality nor hematocrit changed significantly. We conclude that plasma CGRP concentrations fluctuate spontaneously and significantly during the day, and rise in response to volume depletion. The reasons for the CGRP fluctuations seen over 24 h, which are not apparent from this study, may be related to changes in vascular volume or other as yet unidentified factors. These studies are consistent with the concept that CGRP, acting either directly or through the renin-aldosterone system, may have a role in regulating peripheral vascular tone or controlling vascular volume.
Volvox as a Model System for Studying the Ontogeny and Phylogeny of Multicellularity and Cellular Differentiation

Volvox carteri, a spherical alga with a complete division of labor between approximately 2000 biflagellate somatic cells and 16 asexual reproductive cells called gonidia, provides a very attractive system for analyzing how a molecular-genetic program for cell-autonomous cellular differentiation may be encoded within a genome. Then, when considered in combination with a group of closely related volvocine algae that includes unicellular Chlamydomonas plus a series of colonial forms of increasing cell number and complexity, it also provides an attractive model system for analyzing how such a program for multicellularity and cytodifferentiation may have evolved. It is proposed that the following were some of the key steps in this evolutionary pathway: (1) The Chlamydomonas cell wall was transformed into an extracellular matrix (ECM) that joined sister cells into a colonial unit. (2) Larger organisms with more abundant ECM were favored because of the role the ECM plays in storing limiting nutrients. (3) In the V. carteri lineage the ancestral biphasic first biflagellate and then reproductive pathway of development became converted to a dichotomous pathway by introduction of two kinds of cell-type-specific negative regulators: one that blocked growth and reproduction in presumptive somatic cells and one that blocked somatic development in presumptive gonidia. Progress has been made in cloning and characterizing genes that are involved in setting apart the two cell lineages of V. carteri and in subsequently controlling their dichotomous differentiation. The strengths and weaknesses of V. carteri and its relatives as a model system for studying the evolution of multicellularity are discussed.
Pendent Polymers of 1-Methyl-2-Oxo-4,5-Dicyanoimidazole and Their Electrochemical Properties

The electron accepting 1-methyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazole group was attached to vinyl polymers, via an alkoxy link, by nucleophilic aromatic substitution (NAS) of 1-methyl-2-fluoro-4,5-dicyanoimidazole (1) with poly(vinyl alcohol), or conventional polymerizations of vinyl monomers containing 1-methyl-2-oxo-4,5-dicyanoimidazole. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies show that monomeric and oligomeric model com- pounds are electrochemically quasi-reversible and the degree of reversibility decreases as dicyanoimidazoles become more proximate within a molecule. On the other hand, the polymers show much less reversible reduction waves at 22.6;22.7 V vs Ag/Ag 1 , suggesting that there are chemical reactions among the pendent groups reduced at relatively high potential. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 3828 -3838, 2000
Improved chiral separation using achiral modifiers in cyclodextrin modified capillary zone electrophoresis.

The influence of achiral modifiers on the chiral separation of propranolol is examined by cyclodextrin modified capillary zone electrophoresis. The improved chiral separation of propranolol is by molecules previously identified in our group as forming ternary complexes with cyclodextrin and pyrene. The polarity, chain size and heteroatom composition of the functional groups on the comodifiers was systematically varied in order to study the influence of these variables on the separation of propranolol. The improved chiral separation is accompanied by a decrease in retention time. The decrease in retention time is suggestive of a decrease in the association of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with propranolol which was verified by calculation of apparent association constants using fluorometric methods.
Interdependence of multi-drug efflux pumps and quorum sensing systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background: Multi-drug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps belonging to the nodulation cell division (RND) family in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are able to extrude out a wide variety of drugs and antibiotics. These complexes of inner-membrane, periplasm, and outer-membrane protein components are not merely molecular machines that pump out drugs. The very drugs that are pumped out by these efflux pumps can also induce expression of the efflux genes/proteins. In addition, the MDR efflux pumps transport out quorum-sensing molecules, which can induce expression of several genes including those related to biofilm formation, virulence, and efflux, thereby conferring additional resistance. Therefore, a complete understanding of the function of the MDR efflux pumps requires measurement and modeling of three processes: (a) how a givendrug is extruded through thesepumps; (b)howthesamedrug induces the expression of these pumps; and (c) how the release of quorum-sensing molecules cause the expression of biofilm, virulence, and efflux genes. Methods & Materials: We measured and modeled the survival kinetics and intraand extra-cellular concentration of ciprofloxacin in thewild-typeP. aeruginosa strainPAO1and themutantsdeficient in efflux and quorum sensing. We also measured the formation of biofilm, antibiotic-induced expression of virulence, and efflux genes by real-time qPCR (Fluidigm) and modeled how the expression of these genes confers additional drug resistance viabiofilm formation and enhanced virulence. Results: We showed that (i) theP. aeruginosa tripartite MexAMexB-OprM protein complex plays an important role in the efflux of ciprofloxacin and in the induction of the quorum-sensing pathways (ii) a sharp increase in the efflux within 5–10minutes after the treatment of ciprofloxacin after which the efflux levels off (iii) the quorum sensing mediated biofilm, virulence, and efflux genes are expressed at higher level by mature biofilm than the nascent one providing additional resistance. Conclusion: Combination of experimental and modeling studies provides an insight into how MDR efflux and quorum sensing systems work together to confer drug resistance. A similar approach can be extended to understand the structural, genetic, and cellular processes underlying the function of MDR efflux pumps.
Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion Is Reduced in Infants with Pulmonary Hypertension

Background Right ventricular (RV) function is reduced in infants with pulmonary hypertension (PH) but echocardiographic assessment can be challenging. We sought to determine the role of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in infants with PH and compared it with other markers such as tricuspid annular S' and RV fractional area change (RVFAC). Methods Retrospective review of medical records of 30 infants treated for PH and 69 healthy controls from January 2012 to November 2012 was performed. Patients with significant congenital heart disease were excluded. Offline analysis of echocardiograms was performed to obtain TAPSE, tricuspid annular S', and RVFAC. TAPSE was indexed to body surface area (TAPSE/BSA). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relation between echocardiographic markers and PH. Results TAPSE and TAPSE/BSA were significantly lower in PH patients. PH patients were younger than controls; however, TAPSE was significantly lower in PH patients after matching with controls by age. Tricuspid annular S' was decreased in PH patients, but RVFAC was similar. On multivariate analysis, tricuspid S' did not have a significant effect on the probability of PH (P = 0.067). The odds of PH significantly increased with each 1 mm decrease in TAPSE (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.26–2.45). Inter-observer agreement for TAPSE showed concordance correlation coefficient of 0.89. Conclusions TAPSE is a feasible and reproducible marker of RV systolic function in infants with PH and is superior to tricuspid annular S' and RVFAC. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the role of TAPSE in serial evaluation of PH.
Evaluating the influence of polymers on nucleation and growth in supersaturated solutions of acetaminophen

The nucleation behaviour of supersaturated acetaminophen was studied in the presence and absence of pharmaceutical polymers. Two different techniques involving turbidimetry and particle count analysis were used. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and the cellulosic polymers were found to be the most effective at nucleation inhibition at the supersaturation studied.
Psoriasis: Targeting Therapy Towards the Inflammatory Cascade

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and joints that typically follows a relapsing/remitting disease course. Whereas psoriasis is primarily a T-cell-mediated disease, intrinsic alterations in epidermal keratinocytes also play an important role. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) has been identified as an important cytokine in the inflammatory cascade of psoriasis. The importance of TNFα is further underlined by the therapeutic efficacy of compounds that interfere with TNFα function, such as biological agents
Epigenetic landscaping: Waddington's use of cell fate bifurcation diagrams

From the 1930s through the 1970s, C. H. Waddington attempted to reunite genetics, embryology, and evolution. One of the means to effect this synthesis was his model of the epigenetic landscape. This image originally recast genetic data in terms of embryological diagrams and was used to show the identity of genes and inducers and to suggest the similarities between embryological and genetic approaches to development. Later, the image became more complex and integrated gene activity and mutations. These revised epigenetic landscapes presented an image of how mutations could alter developmental pathways to yield larger phenotypic changes. These diagrams became less important as the operon became used to model differential gene regulation.
A design retrospective of the DIII-D tokamak

The DIII-D tokamak evolved from the earlier Doublet III device in 1986. Since then, the facility has undergone a number of changes including the installation of divertor baffles and pumping chambers in the vacuum vessel, the addition of a radiation shield, the development of extensive neutral beam and RF heating systems, and the addition of a comprehensive plasma control system. The facility has become the focus of a broad fusion plasma science research programme. An integrated picture of the facility and its capabilities is presented.
The Weight of Tradition, the Springboard of Tradition: Let's Move Beyond the 1990S1

My initial armchair speculation about what had transpired in urban geography in the 1990s was rudely undermined by a look at the published literature. In the first part of this paper I describe the ways in which the weight of tradition is evident in the urban geography literature of the 1990s; tradition dominates in the topics and themes that are the focus of research, the types of cities studied, the epistemological and methodological approaches used, the gaps that are evident, and the disinclination to make clear the links between research and possible action. In the second part of the paper I describe three strands of path divergence that have emerged in the 1990s from these traditions, namely research on globalization, research on gender, and a greater diversity of methodological approaches and data sources used. In the final section I suggest how we might use tradition as a springboard to move urban geography beyond the 1990s. The topics that demand a larger share of our attention include those focus...
Rotator cuff defect healing: A biomechanical and histologic analysis in an animal model

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of pain and disability in the upper extremity. With the use of an animal model, we studied the healing response of a controlled defect in the normal supraspinatus tendon and in a tendon with a reduced intrinsic healing capacity. In 36 Sprague-Dawley rats, defects (2 mm x 2 mm) were created in the supraspinatus tendons bilaterally. To model a tendon with an intrinsically reduced capacity to heal, the tissue adjacent to the defect area in the left shoulder was treated with in situ freezing. The contralateral tendon was not frozen. After 3 (n = 12), 6 (n = 12), and 12 (n = 12) weeks, animals were killed and underwent histologic (n = 4 from each group) and biomechanical (n = 8 from each group) evaluation. An additional group of untreated animals served as a normal control group. On histologic evaluation 78% of tendons had persistent defects (defined as incomplete closure of the defect site). Over time, the tissue from both groups demonstrated an improved histologic grade but did not reach normal levels, even at 12 weeks. No histologic differences were found between defect healing in normal tendons and in those treated with in situ freezing. On biomechanical evaluation there were also no significant differences between treatment groups. Over time, an improvement occurred in tissue properties, indicating that some healing of the defects had occurred. However, these tissue properties remained an order of magnitude lower than those of normal control tendons. These findings indicate that there is an active but inadequate repair response to the defect in the rat supraspinatus tendon, which is not significantly worsened by in situ freezing of the tissue around the defect. This model has applications toward the study of techniques to improve or accelerate cuff defect healing.
Limited heterogeneity of neurosecretory proteins produced by the bag cells of Aplysia

Abstract The heterogeneity of the low-molecular-weight (≤11,000 daltons) protein products synthesized by the bag cells of Aplysia in the presence of labeled amino acids was assessed by sequential sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and isoelectric focusing. The bag cells synthesize two major low-molecular-weight products: an acidic (p I 4.9) peptide with an apparent molecular weight of 4500 daltons, and a basic (p I 9.6) peptide that migrates at an apparent molecular weight of 1500 daltons in our SDS-PAGE system. In addition, a p I 8.2 peptide comigrates with the major basic product on SDS-PAGE, but comprises less than 20% of the labeled material in this region of the gels. The major basic product must be egg laying hormone, a basic (p I 9.3–9.7) peptide that is a known product of these cells. Since egg laying hormone has a molecular weight of 4385 daltons as calculated from its amino acid composition, it appears to migrate anomalously on SDS-PAGE. The apparent molecular-weight heterogeneity of bag cell products previously reported by other investigators can thus be attributed to the anomalous behavior of egg laying hormone in some SDS-PAGE systems.
Comparison of fingerprint and facial biometric verification technologies for user access and patient identification in a clinical environment

As clinical imaging and informatics systems continue to integrate the healthcare enterprise, the need to prevent patient mis-identification and unauthorized access to clinical data becomes more apparent especially under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandate. Last year, we presented a system to track and verify patients and staff within a clinical environment. This year, we further address the biometric verification component in order to determine which Biometric system is the optimal solution for given applications in the complex clinical environment. We install two biometric identification systems including fingerprint and facial recognition systems at an outpatient imaging facility, Healthcare Consultation Center II (HCCII). We evaluated each solution and documented the advantages and pitfalls of each biometric technology in this clinical environment.
Alliance Formation Among Perfectly Complementary Suppliers in a Price-Sensitive Assembly System

Independent parties that produce perfectly complementary components may form alliances (or coalitions or groups) to better coordinate their pricing decisions when they sell their products to downstream buyers. This paper studies how market demand conditions (i.e., the form of the demand function, demand uncertainty, and price-sensitive demand) drive coalition formation among complementary suppliers. In a deterministic demand model, we show that for an exponential or isoelastic demand function, suppliers always prefer selling in groups; for a linear-power demand function, suppliers may all choose to sell independently in equilibrium. These results are interpreted through the pass-through rate associated with the demand function. In an uncertain demand model, we show that, in general, the introduction of a multiplicative stochastic element in demand has an insignificant impact on stable coalitions and that an endogenous retail price (i.e., demand is price sensitive) increases suppliers' incentives to form alliances relative to the case with a fixed retail price. We also consider the impact of various other factors on stable outcomes in equilibrium, e.g., sequential decision making by coalitions of different sizes, the cost effect due to alliance formation (either cost savings or additional costs), and a system without an assembler.
What predicts divorce? The relationship between marital processes and marital outcomes.

Contents: Introduction. What Makes Some Marriages Magical and Some Miserable? Raising the Questions. Terman's Question: What Makes for Marital Happiness? The View From Observational Methods. Longitudinal Change in Marital Happiness: Observing Physiology as Well as Marital Interaction. Marital Processes That Predict Dissolution. In What Sense Are Regulated Couples Regulated? Is Conflict Avoidance Dysfunctional? Conflict Avoidance and the Behavior of the Listener: Toward a Typology of Marriage. There Are Two Types of Conflict Engagers. A Balance Theory of Marriage. There Are Two Types of Nonregulated Couples. Male Withdrawal From Marital Conflict. Replication and Extension. Physiology During Marital Interaction. Toward a Comprehensive Theory of Marital Stability. Eight-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up Study. Recommendations for a Stable Marriage. Epilogue. Appendix: The Observational Coding Systems.
Characterizing ring derivations of all orders via functional equations: results and open problems

We provide a unifying framework for the treatment of equations of the form $$\sum_{k=1}^n x^{p_k} f_k (x^{q_k}) = 0$$ for additive maps fk and integers pk, qk (1 ≤ k ≤ n). We show how to solve many equations of this type, and we present some open problems. In general our unknown functions map an integral domain of characteristic zero into itself. When negative exponents appear, we restrict our attention to fields of characteristic zero. All of the results could be formulated for integral domains or fields of sufficiently large characteristic as well.
Utility of preoperative examination and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of anterior vaginal wall masses.

Introduction and hypothesis The clinical evaluation of anterior vaginal wall masses can present a dilemma, as there are no well-defined pathways for diagnosis and management. Our objective was to evaluate the role and accuracy of preoperative exam and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for these masses.
Communicated Perspective-Taking During Stories of Marital Stress: Spouses' Perceptions of One Another's Perspective-Taking Behaviors

Perspective-taking has important connections to social and relational functioning, making it an important skill for marital adjustment (Long & Andrews, 1990). The current study investigated the types of behaviors indicative of communicated perspective-taking from the participant perspective as couples told stories of stressful relational events. Using a stimulated recall procedure, 68 husband and wife pairs jointly told the story of a stressful relational experience and then separately viewed their videotaped interaction and evaluated their spouses' perspective-taking behaviors. Agreement, attentiveness, relevant contributions, coordination, positive tone, and freedom represented the categories of behaviors spouses judged to reflect perspective-taking. In contrast, disagreement, inattentiveness, irrelevant contributions, lack of coordination, negative tone, and constraint all emerged as categories of behaviors lacking in perspective-taking. Findings also indicated that disagreement, attentiveness, inatten...
Parallel adaptation of general three-dimensional hybrid meshes

A new parallel dynamic mesh adaptation and load balancing algorithm for general hybrid grids has been developed. The meshes considered in this work are composed of four kinds of elements; tetrahedra, prisms, hexahedra and pyramids, which poses a challenge to parallel mesh adaptation. Additional complexity imposed by the presence of multiple types of elements affects especially data migration, updates of local data structures and interpartition data structures. Efficient partition of hybrid meshes has been accomplished by transforming them to suitable graphs and using serial graph partitioning algorithms. Communication among processors is based on the faces of the interpartition boundary and the termination detection algorithm of Dijkstra is employed to ensure proper flagging of edges for refinement. An inexpensive dynamic load balancing strategy is introduced to redistribute work load among processors after adaptation. In particular, only the initial coarse mesh, with proper weighting, is balanced which yields savings in computation time and relatively simple implementation of mesh quality preservation rules, while facilitating coarsening of refined elements. Special algorithms are employed for (i) data migration and dynamic updates of the local data structures, (ii) determination of the resulting interpartition boundary and (iii) identification of the communication pattern of processors. Several representative applications are included to evaluate the method.
C-Reactive Protein Does Not Impair Insulin Suppression of Glucose Release in Primary Hepatocytes

Recent studies have suggested that CRP may interfere with insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether highly purified CRP increased the rate of glucose appearance in primary hepatocytes in the absence or presence of insulin. Primary rat hepatocytes were provided glucose-free media containing 10 mM lactate, 1 mM pyruvate, 0, 1 or 10 nM insulin, and 0 or 10 μg/ml of purified CRP for 6h. Purified CRP did not increase glucose release in the absence of insulin and did not reduce the ability of insulin to suppress glucose release.
on cultural schemata

The notion of a schema as a cognitive construct which combines the structural and processing aspects of knowledge is undergoing intensive research in the new interdisciplinary field of cognitive science that brings together cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence. The utility of the schema concept for cognitive anthropology is demonstrated through a controlled experimental investigation of the role of cultural schemata in story comprehension and recall. [cognitive anthropology, cognitive science, schemata, story comprehension, story recall]
The color and duration of tonic french a 1

In order to determine the role of color and duration in differenting French [a] and [α] in patte and pâte, the writer has produced a number of synthetic syllables in which the two factors are varied systematically against each other and has presented them to a group of native French speakers for identification. The results show that, out of context, speakers from the Paris region can use either color or duration for making the distinction when the other is within a more or less neutral range of values.
The Monodromy of Weighted Homogeneous Singularities

Varieties defined by weighted homogeneous (or quasihomogeneous) polynomials are of particular interest because they admit actions of the multiplicative group of non-zero complex numbers [24] and because the topological properties of many general singularities may be computed from quasihomogeneous or semiquasihomogeneous normal forms [4]. In this paper we use hyperplane sections and relative monodromy to study such singularities, and we compute explicitly the local integral monodromy of a general class in any number of variables.
On the Third Boundary-Value Problem for an Improperly Elliptic Equation in a Disk

We study the problem of solvability of the inhomogeneous third boundary-value problem in a bounded domain for a scalar improperly elliptic differential equation with complex coefficients and homogeneous symbol. It is shown that this problem has a unique solution in the Sobolev space over the circle for special classes of boundary data from the spaces of functions with exponentially decreasing Fourier coefficients.
Gastrointestinal bleeding associated with myocardial infarction.

Gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly when severe, is frequently associated with myocardial infarction (MI) but the MI is frequently undiagnosed because of failure to test for MI in the patient with severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Simultaneous disease often presents as a distinct syndrome that differs from either disease alone and often raises unique questions about the safety of the usual evaluation and therapy. First, the clinical presentation differs from that of either disease alone. For example, the symptoms and signs of MI may be overshadowed by severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and MI may not be appreciated unless specifically tested for. Second, the pathophysiology of MI associated with gastrointestinal bleeding differs from that of either disease alone. For example, gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly when massive, may precipitate MI from hypovolemia, hemodynamic compromise, and myocardial hypoperfusion. Third, the diagnostic evaluation raises unique questions. Although gastrointestinal endoscopy is safe and nearly universally applied to evaluate gastrointestinal bleeding, the safety of endoscopy after MI must be carefully considered separately because of potential cardiopulmonary endoscopic complications. Likewise, cardiac catheterization after acute MI raises concern in the gastrointestinal bleeder about potential bleeding exacerbation during intraprocedure anticoagulation. Fourth, many therapies for each individual disease become problematic when the other disease occurs simultaneously. For example, anticoagulation, antithrombolytic, or antiplatelet therapy for MI raises issues of safety from potential exacerbation of gastrointestinal bleeding. Likewise, intravenous vasopressin therapy for bleeding esophageal varices or endoscopic epinephrine injection for bleeding ulcers raises issues of safety from potential exacerbation of myocardial ischemia. Fifth, the prognosis of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with MI markedly differs from that of either disease alone. This article focuses on these unique characteristics and potential concerns in the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with MI to familiarize the physician with the diagnosis and management of this common but frequently overlooked clinical syndrome. This article concentrates on upper gastrointestinal bleeding because this is commoner and better studied than lower gastrointestinal bleeding associated with MI. The literature on simultaneous gastrointestinal bleeding and MI consists of a few studies involving only a moderate number of patients, but the safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) after MI has been examined by several studies, including one large study.
Education and the Law

(1996). Education and the Law. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 44-46.
A tailored Internet-delivered intervention for smoking cessation designed to encourage social support and treatment seeking: usability testing and user tracing

While Internet technologies show promise for changing behavior, new methods for engaging individuals are needed to maximize effectiveness. The aim of this study is to design and evaluate an Internet-delivered intervention for smoking cessation that encouraged seeking support from family and treatment from doctors. To evaluate different introductions to the Internet site. We conducted usability testing and analyzed server logs to trace user participation in the website. Two groups of users (current smokers) were recruited using Google advertisements. In Phase 1, 58% (75/126) of users accessed the self-management strategies, but few users accessed the social support (28%) and treatment-seeking modules (33%). Then, a brief motivational introduction was added, stating the proven effectiveness of content in the unused modules, low use of these modules, and recommendations by two doctors to use all modules. Compared with Phase 1, in Phase 2 the mean time spent on the website per session increased (8 to 18 min, p = 0.01) and use of the social support (50%) and treatment seeking modules (56%) increased (both p < 0.01). At 1-month follow-up, reports of talking to family about smoking cessation also increased from 84% to 100% (p = 0.038). Changing the rationale and context of Web-based health information using a motivational introduction can change user behavior.
Energetics of HCl and HF in volcanic emanations

Abstract Comparison of the fugacities of HCl and HF calculated from thermochemical data with the abundance of these gases in fumarolic emanations indicates undersaturation of the magma with respect to NaCl, CaSiO3 and Al2SiO5 and that the gases have been quenched from magmatic temperatures.
The Complexity of Caring for Patients with Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: Case Studies

Ruptured intracerebral aneurysm causes instantaneous neurologic chaos and is associated with high morbidity ad mortality. The event initiates a cascade of physiologic and structural changes that manifest themselves in a variety of clinical symptoms. The critical care team of nurses, physicians, and therapists must rapidly identify the cause; understand the pathology; and use advanced assessment techniques, medications, and interventions to stabilize the patient and to counter the horrendous effects of the injury. Interventions that include endovascular aneurysm coiling and cerebral angioplasty are providing new options for isolating the aneurysm and countering the effects of vasospasm. Through an integrated team approach, recovery from ruptured aneurysm will be maximized.
Impatience: On Derrida, Milbank and the Decision

AbstractDerrida has long served as a foil, in the work of John Milbank, and represented the neo-pagan nature of much contemporary philosophy. He appeared in Theology and Social Theory as one of the heirs of Nietzsche, politically justifying and ritualizing violence. In the Vico books, Derrida appears again, contrasted with Vico's ability to imbue language not only with constituting power, but with a teleologically oriented realism. This theme is expanded in subsequent works, where Milbank makes Christological and Trinitarian studies of linguistic difference, and accuses Derrida's thought of degenerating into nihilism. Nonetheless, Milbank and Derrida are disturbed by a similar problem. There is, for both, an irrational moment at the foundations of political life that calls out for a decision. For Derrida this decision institutes the whole order of meaning, undergirded by the quasi-transcendental structure of writing. According to Milbank, this renders all content arbitrary, leaving Derrida unable to imagi...
Dental and skeletal similarities in aborted human twins and triplets.

In a sample of eight pairs of foetal twins and three sets of foetal triplets, two statistical zygosity determinations were made. The first was based on a numerical evaluation of the morphology of the tooth buds, and the second was based on measurements of the ossified shafts of the long bones. The results of these determinations were compared and served as the basis for formation of a presumptive opinion of zygosity. It was found that the presumed zygosity based on the morphology of the tooth buds was consistent with the a priori knowledge of zygosity, while zygosity determinations based measurements of the bones were inconsistent.