cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beta-blockers in selected heart failure populations.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of the beneficial effect of β-blockers in systolic heart failure, questions have been raised as to whether they provide similar benefits to women, the elderly, and blacks. Also, concerns about the use of β-blockers in diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) have limited their use in populations with these diseases. A review of the experience generated from the three β-blocker survival heart failure trials confirms the extension of similar beneficial effects to women, the elderly, blacks, and diabetic patients. There is strong support in the literature for the use of selective β-blockers in patients with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and encouraging data on their use in patients with mild to moderate PVD.
Expression of human β defensin 2 in thermal injury

Sepsis is a common and serious complication of major burn injury and accounts for over 54% of deaths in burn patients. Burns are associated with high levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and immunosuppression, promoting systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis, for which no effective treatment is currently available. Defensins, a family of cationic, naturally occurring, antimicrobial peptides are important components of the innate immune system, playing a major role in the body's defence by inhibiting activities of bacteria, fungi and enveloped viruses. These natural antimicrobials also chemoattract immature dendritic cells, some types of T and B-lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages, and act as an adjuvant, enhancing adaptive immunity. Our prior studies suggested a decreased expression of human beta defensin 2 (HBD2) in burn wounds. Here we have identified HBD2 protein in skin samples of partial and full thickness burns and in normal skin using fluorescence deconvolution microscopy. Images showed that in normal skin the majority of HBD2 is located in the Malpighian layer and, in smaller amounts, in the more superficial layers, a pattern that is absent in burned skin in which the epidermis is destroyed or damaged. However, surviving dermal and subcutaneous layers revealed the presence of HBD2 in a number of other cell types and structures, such as hair follicles and sweat gland acini, but not in vascular endothelium and fat cells. The results of these studies further contribute to an understanding of the role of antimicrobial peptides in the pathophysiology of burn injury, associated immunosuppression and sepsis and the possibility of using these other sites of HBD2 deposition for upregulation of antimicrobial synthesis in the treatment of burns.
Machining of sub-micron holes using a femtosecond laser at 800 nm

Abstract The ability to machine very small features in materials has a number of technological applications. We have ablated holes, by laser ablation, into a metal film. Using 200 fs, 800 nm pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser, focused to a spot size of 3000 nm, we have produced holes with a diameter of 300 nm and a depth of 52 nm. The production of these small features is possible because the effects of thermal diffusion are minimized with the short pulses.
Effect of temperature on the low-energy (≲1eV) electron attachment to perfluorocyclobutane (c-C4F8)

Abstract A large decrease in the total electron attachment rate constant Kfor cC4F8 with increasing temperature T (300 to 560 K) has been observed for mean electron energies 〈ϵ〉 ≲ 0.8 eV, where the electron attachment is non-dissociative. Possible origins for the observed large negative effect of temperature on Ka(〈ϵ〉) are discussed.
2D and 3D Mathematical Models and a Physical Model of Electromagnetic Casters

The paper summarizes the develo0ment of a two-dimensional (axisymmetric) and a three-dimensional mathematical model for electromagnetic casters of the two types used in the aluminum industry, which may soon be applied to other metals. A physical model where liquid metal is simulated by Wood's alloy is described and measurements of magnetic field, electric field, meniscus deformation and melt velocity reported. Some of the measurements are compared to the predictions of the 2D model and found to yield approximate agreement.
Public Perceptions and Actions towards Sustainable Groundwater Management in the Pacific Northwest Region, USA

A 50-question survey was developed by the land grant universities in the Pacific Northwest to document public awareness, aptitudes, attitudes and actions toward water issues in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, USA. Demographic data were also collected about the survey respondents. The statistically designed survey was completed by over 50% of the 1800 residents who were solicited for the study. The public consider clean groundwater a high priority issue. Survey respondents currently consider groundwater quality to be good; however, most people are unaware of groundwater quantity issues. In the last 5 years, a majority of survey respondents have taken voluntary actions both to protect groundwater quality and to conserve the use of this resource. People want the government to focus more attention on groundwater issues; however, they are unwilling to pay increased taxes to achieve this end. Based on this survey, the land grant universities need to increase groundwater education programmes ...
Dysplasia of Epidermal Ridges in a Trisomy 18/Normal Mosaic

SUMMARY A one-year-old girl with disruption of epidermal ridges associated with trisomy 18 normal chromosomal mosaicism is described. The poorly developed dermatoglyphics were more striking on the left side than the right in both the upper and lower limbs. Other anomalies, also more marked on the left side, included an asymmetrical skull, a small eye and ear, myopia, esotropia, torticollis, a hemangioma, an interventricular septal defect, scoliosis and hypertonus. Previous instances of dermatoglyphic distortions are reviewed. The possible relationship between the epidermal anomaly and the chromosomal aberration is discussed. RESUME Dysplasie des sillons epidermiques dans une trisomie 18 normale mosaique Les auteurs decrivent une petite fille d'un an qui avait une rupture des sillons epidermiques associee a une trisomie 18 normale mosaique. La faiblesse des caracteres dermatoglyphiques etait plus frappante du cote gauche que du cote droit dans les membres superieurs et inferieurs. Les autres anomalies, egalement plus marquees du cote gauche, comprenaient: crâne assymetrique, oeil et oreille petits, myopie, strabisme convergent, torticollis, hemangiome, defaut de la cloison interventriculaire, scoliose et hypertonus. Des exemples precedents de distortions dermatoglyphiques sont examines. On discute les relations possibles entre l'anomalie epidermique et l'aberration des chromosomes. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Dysplasie der epidermalen Erhohungen in einem trisomischen 18 normalen Mosaic Es wird ein einjahriges Madchen beschrieben, das Aufbrechung der epidermalen Erhohungen in Zusammenhang mit trisomischem 18 normalem chromosomischem Mosaizismus aufwies. Die schlecht entwickelten Dermatoglyphien waren auf der linken Seite auffallender als auf der rechten, in beiden oberen und unteren Gliedmassen. Andere Abnormitaten waren ebenfalls auf der linken Seite auffallender, wie asysmetrischer Schadel, kleines Auge und Ohr, Myopie, Esotropie, Tortikollis, Hamongiomie, interventrikularer Septumdefekt, Skoliose und Hypertonus. Fruhere Falle von dermatoglyphischen Auswuchsen werden besprochen, ebenso die mogliche Beziehung zwischen epidermaler Abnormitat und der chromosomischen Aberration. RESUMEN Displasia de las crestas epidermicas en una trisomia 18 mosaico normal Se ha descrito una nina de doce meses afecta de una displasia de las crestas epidermicas en asociacion con una trisomia 18 mosaico cromosomico normal. Los dermatoglificos poco desarrollados se veian mas claro en el lado izquierdo que en el lado derecho en los miembros superiores asi como los inferiores. Otras anomalias, tambien mas notables en el lado izquierdo, incluian craneo asimetrico, ojo y oreja pequenos, miopia, esotropia, torticolis, hemangioma, defecto del tabique interventricular, escoliosis, e hipertono. Se repasaron casos anteriores de deformaciones dermatoglificas. Se discutio la asociacion posible entre la anomalia epidermica y la aberration cromosomica.
IBM voice conversion systems for 2007 TC-STAR evaluation

Abstract This paper proposes a novel voice conversion method by frequency warping. The frequency warping function is generated based on mapping formants of the source speaker and the target speaker. In addition to frequency warping, fundamental frequency adjustment, spectral envelope equalization, breathiness addition, and duration modification are also used to improve the similarity to the target speaker. The proposed voice conversion method needs only a very small amount of training data for generating the warping function, thereby greatly facilitating its application. Systems based on the proposed method were used for the 2007 TC-STAR intra-lingual voice conversion evaluation for English and Spanish and a cross-lingual voice conversion evaluation for Spanish. The evaluation results show that the proposed method can achieve a much better quality of converted speech than other methods as well as a good balance between quality and similarity. The IBM1 system was ranked No. 1 for English evaluation and No. 2 for Spanish evaluation. Evaluation results also show that the proposed method is a convenient and competitive method for cross-lingual voice conversion tasks.
Immediate and Delayed Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients With Head Trauma and Preinjury Warfarin or Clopidogrel Use

Study objective Patients receiving warfarin or clopidogrel are considered at increased risk for traumatic intracranial hemorrhage after blunt head trauma. The prevalence of immediate traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and the cumulative incidence of delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage in these patients, however, are unknown. The objective of this study is to address these gaps in knowledge. Methods A prospective, observational study at 2 trauma centers and 4 community hospitals enrolled emergency department (ED) patients with blunt head trauma and preinjury warfarin or clopidogrel use from April 2009 through January 2011. Patients were followed for 2 weeks. The prevalence of immediate traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and the cumulative incidence of delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage were calculated from patients who received initial cranial computed tomography (CT) in the ED. Delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage was defined as traumatic intracranial hemorrhage within 2 weeks after an initially normal CT scan result and in the absence of repeated head trauma. Results A total of 1,064 patients were enrolled (768 warfarin patients [72.2%] and 296 clopidogrel patients [27.8%]). There were 364 patients (34.2%) from Level I or II trauma centers and 700 patients (65.8%) from community hospitals. One thousand patients received a cranial CT scan in the ED. Both warfarin and clopidogrel groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics, although concomitant aspirin use was more prevalent among patients receiving clopidogrel. The prevalence of immediate traumatic intracranial hemorrhage was higher in patients receiving clopidogrel (33/276, 12.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.4% to 16.4%) than patients receiving warfarin (37/724, 5.1%; 95% CI 3.6% to 7.0%), relative risk 2.31 (95% CI 1.48 to 3.63). Delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage was identified in 4 of 687 (0.6%; 95% CI 0.2% to 1.5%) patients receiving warfarin and 0 of 243 (0%; 95% CI 0% to 1.5%) patients receiving clopidogrel. Conclusion Although there may be unmeasured confounders that limit intergroup comparison, patients receiving clopidogrel have a significantly higher prevalence of immediate traumatic intracranial hemorrhage compared with patients receiving warfarin. Delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage is rare and occurred only in patients receiving warfarin. Discharging patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications from the ED after a normal cranial CT scan result is reasonable, but appropriate instructions are required because delayed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage may occur.
G-PNN: A genetically engineered probabilistic neural network

Abstract The probabilistic neural network (PNN) is a neural network architecture that approximates the functionality of the Bayesian classifier, the optimal classifier. Designing the optimal Bayesian classifier is infeasible in practice, since the distributions of data belonging to each class are unknown. PNN is an approximation of the Bayesian classifier by approximating these distributions using the Parzen window approach. One of the criticisms of the PNN classifier is that, at times, it uses a lot of training data for its design. Furthermore, the PNN classifier requires that the user specifies certain network parameters, called the smoothing (spread) parameters, in order to approximate the distributions of the class data, which is not an easy task. A number of approaches have been reported in the literature for addressing both of these issues (i.e., reducing the number of training data needed for the building of the PNN model and producing good values for the smoothing parameters). In this effort, genetic algorithms are used to achieve both goals at once, and some promising results are reported.
Personality Characteristics of Student Leaders

95 students were nominated by their schools to attend the Leadership Studies Program, a summer residential program for students in Grades 6 through 11. Students were administered the High School Personality Questionnaire to assess their personality characteristics and differences between boys and girls on any of the factors on the instrument. Girls were significantly higher than boys on Emotional Stability (Factor C), Dominance (Factor E), and on the secondary factor of Independence.
Magnitude, Kinetics, and Duration of Vibriocidal Antibody Responses in North Americans after Ingestion of Vibrio cholerae

Sera from 147 volunteers were examined for vibriocidal antibody by the tube-dilution method before and after they ingested 10(3)-10(6) Vibrio cholerae organisms. Titers increased significantly after challenge in 97% of 110 persons who excreted V. cholerae. In 12% of the bacteriologically confirmed infections, the titer increased significantly only to the homologous (Inaba or Ogawa) serotype. Levels of vibriocidal antibody decreased substantially between one and six months after challenge, but they usually remained elevated over base-line values. Levels of antitoxin to V. cholerae were measured by IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), rabbit skin permeability tests, and adrenal cell techniques in 73 pairs of prechallenge and postchallenge sera. Results of the vibriocidal assay agreed most closely with those of the ELISA, the most sensitive antitoxin assay, in serologically detecting clinical and subclinical infections. Recent infection could be accurately serodiagnosed by levels of vibriocidal antibody and antitoxin (by IgG ELISA) in a convalescent-phase serum.
Effect of Sulphydryl Reactants on Liver Ribonuclease

WHILE investigating the characteristics of rat liver ribonuclease it was noted that several reagents which react with sulphydryl groups increased the activity of this enzyme in homogenates. 4 × 10−4 M silver or lead ions increased the activity approximately 25 per cent, while saturation of the test system with p-chloromercuribenzoic acid or phenyl mercuric chloride caused a similar increase. Cupric ion of 4 × 10−4 M concentration was, however, inhibitory to the extent of 50 per cent. The inhibitory action of cupric ions could be reversed by the addition of 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL); but this compound had no effect on systems containing the other sulphydryl reacting agents, or on the enzyme alone. The accompanying graph shows the results of a typical experiment.
Analysis and comparison of active constituents in commercial standardized silymarin extracts by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract A sensitive method for the simultaneous quantitation of six active constituents in commercial silymarin standardized extracts was developed based on liquid chromatography (LC) in combination with mass spectrometry (MS). The six main active constituents, namely, silydianin, silychristin, diastereoisomers of silybin (silybin A and B), and diastereoisomers of isosilybin (isosilybin A and B) were completely separated and quantified by LC/MS. Silymarin obtained from Sigma–Aldrich Co. was evaluated and used as standard reference material for the six individual constituents in comparing the relative content of silymarin and the relative ratio of each constituent in commercial standardized silymarin extracts, respectively. Significant variation was found between different commercial silymarin sources. As a result, this method has proven useful in evaluating and quantifying the six active constituents in commercial milk thistle extracts. The calibration curves were over the range from 0.25 to 100 μg/mL for silychristin and silydianin, and from 0.10 to 100 μg/mL for silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A and isosilybin B, respectively ( r 2 ≥ 0.9958). For all six active constituents, the overall intra-day precision values, based on the relative standard deviation replicate for four QC levels, ranged from 1.18% to 12.4% and accuracy ranged from 89.4% to 112%. This methodology could easily be incorporated into standardized testing to assess content uniformity including lot-to-lot variation as part of routine process controls as well as a means to describe cross-product variation among the exiting marketed formulations.
Reduced Rank Signaling in Spatially Correlated MIMO Channels

The optimal input covariance matrix Q that achieves the ergodic capacity under the coherent assumption in a point-to-point, multi-antenna setting is a function of the spatial correlation and the transmit SNR. While the eigenvectors of Q can be characterized in closed-form for many realistic correlation models, the eigenvalues have to be determined numerically. However, it is well-known that the rank of Q is a non-decreasing function of SNR. Motivated by this fact, in this work, we study communication with a low-complexity family of input covariance matrices that are characterized by their rank, assuming uniform power allocation over the smaller-dimensional eigen-space. We quantify the impact of spatial correlation on the M-th transition-SNR which is defined as the smallest SNR at which rank-M transmission becomes optimal.
Suppression of relaxation oscillations in flash-pumped 2-μm lasers

The output of most pulsed solid state lasers operating in a normal mode (long-pulse) condition typically exhibits a transient spiking behavior, characteristic of relaxation oscillations. Suppression of this spiking behavior can be achieved using a number of passive techniques. In this paper, the use of intracavity second harmonic generation to achieve smooth, long-pulse operation of a flashpumped 2 micrometers Cr;Tm:YAG laser is described.
Two-photon absorbing probes and their use in two-photon fluorescence microscopy of cells and Ex Vivo imaging of tumors

Efficient two-photon (2PA) absorbing dyes and bioconjugates were used in two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) of cells, tissue sections, and excised tumors. Results show the utility of these dyes in studying biological processes.
Chaotic inflation with metric and matter perturbations

Abstract A perturbative scheme to analyze the evolution of both metric and scalar field perturbations in an expanding universe is developed. The scheme is applied to study chaotic inflation with initial metric and scalar field perturbations present. It is shown that initial gravitational perturbations with wavelength smaller than the Hubble radius rapidly decay. The metric simultaneously picks up small perturbations determined by the matter inhomogeneities. Both are frozen in once the wavelength exceeds the Hubble radius.
Scaled medial axis representation: evidence from position discrimination task

Abstract Previous experimental studies (e.g. Kovacs I, Julesz B. Nature (London) 1994;370:644–646) have found enhanced contrast sensitivity at medial locations, supporting theoretical speculations that the visual system represents simple spatial regions by their medial axes. The core model (Burbeck CA, Pizer SM. Vis Res 1995;35:1917–1930) hypothesizes that the medial representation arises in a scale-specific way: the scale is determined by local object width, and it controls the resolution at which the medial locus and object width are encoded. Here we look for further evidence for a medial representation and test the idea that the resolution of the axis depends on object width. A new experimental paradigm was developed to infer sensitivity to position within individual figural regions, using circles as the figural regions. A probe dot was presented within a circle along a diameter at one location in one temporal interval and at a slightly different location on that diameter in a second temporal interval. The observer’s task was to report the direction in which the probe dot had been displaced. Position discrimination thresholds were calculated and compared to two-dot separation discrimination thresholds. Data were obtained for two circle sizes. It was found that positional sensitivity was strongly enhanced near the center of the circle, and it was enhanced in a scale-dependent way. The results were tested against a scaled medial (core) model and against models assuming no medial representation. The core model was better able to account for the results.
Rapid improvement of stochastic networks using two-moment approximations

This paper investigates a method for rapidly improving the performance of stochastic networks. The method uses queueing network techniques based on parametric decomposition and two-moment approximations. It employs some recently devised developments to the approximations, especially in the context of closed queueing networks with synchronization stations. We describe these developments and explain how the method uses them. It appears to offer a substantial advantage in speed, and reduces the dependence on repetitive simulation runs for identifying opportunities to improve network performance. We present an example from airfield operations, in which the method evaluates the tradeoffs with respect to several strategies for enhancing airfield performance, such as the introduction of concurrent operations, the reduction of service variability, and the increase in airfield capacity.
The superior laryngeal nerve: function and dysfunction

Clinical attention to superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) dysfunction has grown in tandem with the field of neurolaryngology. Although recurrent nerve disorders have received the lion’s share of attention, probably because they are easier to identify and treat, there has been an awareness of SLN paralysis and paresis throughout the entire history of laryngology [1,2]. Many otolaryngologists are familiar with the story of the celebrated soprano Amelita Galli-Curci, whose glorious career was supposedly cut short in 1935 after injury to her SLN at thyroidectomy. Although this has been shown to be more legend than case history—Galli-Curci was operated on for a massive compressing goiter that had dramatically affected her singing voice long before surgery, and at the age of 53, when many a soprano has noticed a voice change without the intervention of a surgeon [3]—it has been transmitted to generations of residents as a cautionary tale, and speaks to an early awareness of the potential for SLN damage, in this case, from thyroidectomy. Despite this long history, the clinical presentation of SLN paresis or paralysis remains unclear. Means of verifying SLN pathologic findings— principally electromyography (EMG), but also sensory testing—have been available for a relatively short time, and these remain imperfect. In their absence, theories regarding expected deficits have hardened into dogma with time and by dint of repetition. These may be as unreliable as the complicated theories that extrapolated laryngeal nerve injury patterns from the position of the immobile vocal fold, which were the focus of professional
Characterization of semiconductor laser diodes by beam injection techniques

Abstract This paper illustrates the application of microscopy techniques to address material, processing, and device-related issues encountered in the development of laser diodes. General comments are made concerning local characterization of laser diodes, and issues related to laser reliability are addressed. An extensive investigation is presented, showing how microscopy techniques can facilitate the building of modern devices. The examples cited include recent data published by various authors as well as the author's own work on quantum well ridge-type InGaP/AlGalnP/AlGaAs red emitting lasers, GaAs/AlGaAs lasers, strained InGaAs/AlGaAs 980 nm lasers, and GaAs/AlGaAs lasers with dry-etched mirrors.
Analytic Measures for Evaluating Managerial Writing

The recent addition of a writing performance assessment to the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) means that many students now enter business school with a writing assessment score and perhaps even a heightened awareness that writing matters in some way to the successful completion of an MBA degree. This situation presents teachers of business and managerial writing with a new opportunity and pressure to provide students with writing tools that are directly relevant to their business studies and professional careers. The Analysis of Argument Measure and the Persuasive Adaptiveness Measure introduced here are assessment tools that may be used to explain holistic assessment scores (which students receive on the GMAT writing component) and may assist students in understanding and evaluating their writing, both in school and in the workplace. Designed to evaluate managerial documents that are persuasive and directorial in nature, these measures were developed through a series of pilots and used to asse...
Using a general model of personality to understand sex differences in the personality disorders.

In the present study, a general model of personality was used to evaluate sex bias in the personality disorders (PD). This present study compared observed sex differences among the personality disorders (PD) with differences expected based on the Five Factor Model of personality functioning (FFM). Observed sex differences were obtained by metaanalyzing over 30 reports. Expected sex differences were computed using what is known about sex differences in the FFM traits and how these traits relate to the PDs. Agreement between observed and expected sex differences was quite good for eight of ten PDs. For histrionic PD, the obtained sex difference was larger than expected; for schizotypal personality disorder, an expected sex difference was not obtained. Implications of understanding sex differences in terms of the FFM are
Effects of medical and surgical treatment on cerebral perfusion and cognition in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia

The effects of medical treatment with and without cerebral revascularization procedures on cognition and cerebral blood flow were compared among 36 patients with extracranial occlusive cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairments. Three comparable groups were studied. The first group (N = 18) received only medical treatment by control of risk factors for stroke (including hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia) and antiplatelet aggregant medication. The second group (N = 10) had the same medical treatment plus superficial temporal-to-middle cerebral artery bypass, and the third group had the same medical treatment plus carotid endarterectomy. Regional cerebral blood flow and cognition were monitored in all three treatment groups over a 3-year interval. All groups showed stabilization without expected rates of decline for both cerebral blood flow and cognition, but no statistically significant differences emerged among the treatment groups.
Types of authority and two problems of psychiatric wards.

This paper concerns the relationship between authority structures and two “problems” reported in the literature as common to “milieu” or “therapeutic community” wards. Psychiatric wards with rational-legal and charismatic authority structures are found more likely to experience mood and morale swings on the part of patients and staff and to spend excessive time and energy changing ward rules.
Perceptions of Breast Cancer Risk and Screening Effectiveness in Women Younger Than 50 Years of Age

Background : The National Cancer Institute has recently changed its approach and has substituted summary-of-evidence statements for specific recommendations for breast cancer screening in women 40-50 years of age, leaving these women with a greater share of decision-making responsibility. To make an informed decision about breast cancer screening, women need accurate information about their breast cancer risk and the benefit of screening. Although it has been suggested that women younger than 50 years of age overestimate this risk and benefit, their estimates have not been quantified. Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine how women 40-50 years of age perceive their risk of breast cancer and the effectiveness of screening and how these perceptions compare with estimates derived from epidemiologic studies of breast cancer incidence and randomized clinical trials of screening. Methods : We mailed a questionnaire to 200 women, identified through the computerized medical records of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, who were between 40 and 50 years of age and had no history of breast cancer. Each woman was asked about her risk factors for breast cancer and asked to estimate her probabilities of developing breast cancer and dying of it within 10 years, with and without screening. The women's answers were compared with individual probabilities derived from the Gail et al. model, age-specific probabilities of developing and dying of breast cancer in the United States, and the results of randomized clinical trials of screening. Results : The mailed questionnaire was completed and returned by 145 (73%) of the 200 women. Respondents overestimated their probability of dying of breast cancer within 10 years by more than 20-fold (median, 22.3 ; interquartile range, 11.1-74.2). Assuming a 10% relative risk reduction from screening, respondents overestimated the relative risk reduction by sixfold (median, 6.0 ; interquartile range, 5.0-7.5) and the absolute risk reduction more than 100-fold (median, 127.5 ; interquartile range, 47.1-399.6). The median perceived estimate of absolute risk reduction was 6.0 breast cancer deaths per 100 women ; the median calculated estimate was only 0.04 per 100 women. Conclusion : These findings suggest that many women younger than 50 years of age substantially overestimate their breast cancer risk and the effectiveness of screening. Implications : A balanced presentation of information about breast cancer risk and screening effectiveness may improve decision making for women younger than 50 years of age and reduce their anxiety about breast cancer, regardless of whether they choose to be screened. [J Natl Cancer Inst 87 :720-731, 1995]
Hydrogen atom adsorption on molecular solid surfaces

Magnetic resonance techniques similar to those developed in Paris to study adsorption of 3He on molecular solids have been used to measure the energy of adsorption of H atoms bound to solid atomic neon and molecular hydrogen surfaces. Information about sticking probabilities and polarization of the H atoms while adsorbed is also obtained.
Far-infrared properties of Markarian galaxies with multiple nuclei - Warm dust emission in mergers

An investigation of coadded IRAS data is performed on 187 Markarian galaxies where distinguishing morphological characteristics or multiple optical nuclei are present. The far-IR properties of Markarian galaxies are compared to the IRAS Bright Galaxy Sample, and a much higher median dust temperature is found in the multiple nucleus galaxies, suggesting that more far-IR luminosity results from active star formation. Both optical/UV and far-IR selection techniques are necessary to extract complete samples of AGNs since the far-IR two-color plane can miss up to 50 percent of the galaxies. A systematic increase in the contribution of warm dust emission due to active star formation and AGNs is found in a statistical comparison of merger candidates and other galaxy samples. The assumed nature of precursor galaxies determines the assumed enhancement of far-IR luminosity caused by galaxy collisions. A model is presented which describes the properties of the Markarian galaxies in terms of enhanced OB star formation and different grain size distributions. The results of the investigation are shown to be consistent with a 'subdued' interpretation of merging galaxies with high luminosities.
Normative selection of Bayesian networks

This paper presents a Bayesian decision theoretic foundation to the selection of a Bayesian network from data. We introduce the class of disintegrable loss functions to diversify the loss incurred in choosing different models. Disintegrable loss functions can iteratively be built from simple 0-L loss functions over pair-wise model comparisons and decompose the search for the model with minimum risk into a sequence of local searches, thus retaining the modularity of the model selection procedures for Bayesian networks.
Pinch-off syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease receiving erythrocytapheresis.

A 6-year-old female with homozygous sickle cell disease had a central venous access device (CVAD) placed to facilitate chronic erythrocytapheresis. Erythrocytapheresis was ineffective due to the rare pinch-off syndrome causing communication between the dual lumen tubing. Awareness of and monitoring for the pinch-off syndrome is indicated in people with sickle cell disease and a CVAD for chronic erythrocytapheresis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:354–356. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
You do not only hurt the one you love: Self-protective responses to attractive relationship alternatives

Committed romantic relationships confer important benefits to psychological health and well-being. However, to effectively maintain these relationships, individuals must avoid threats posed by the temptation of attractive relationship alternatives. Previous work has demonstrated that individuals in committed relationships consciously downplay the allure of romantic alternatives. The current work tested the hypothesis that attractive relationship alternatives evoke an automatic self-protective response at an early stage of cognition. The current study employed a computer simulation that recorded automatic, split-second assessments of threat elicited by social targets that varied in their gender and level of attractiveness. Consistent with hypotheses, attractive opposite-sex targets evoked automatic self-protective responses from participants in committed heterosexual relationships. Moreover, these responses seemed to be particularly pronounced among the male participants in committed relationships. These findings have implications for the maintenance of long-term close relationships.
Phytochrome Signal-Transduction: Characterization of Pathways and Isolation of Mutants

The study of phytochrome signalling has yielded a wealth of data describing both the perception of light by the receptor, and the terminal steps in phytochrome-regulated gene expression by a number of transcription factors. We are now focusing on establishing the intervening steps linking phytochrome photoactivation to gene expression, and the regulation and interactions of these signalling pathways. Recent work has utilized both a pharmacological approach in phototrophic soybean suspension cultures and microinjection techniques in tomato to establish three distinct phytochrome signal-transduction pathways: (i) a calcium-dependent pathway that regulates the expression of genes encoding the chlorophyll a/b binding protein (CAB) and other components of photosystem II; (ii) a cGMP-dependent pathway that regulates the expression of the gene encoding chalcone synthase (CHS) and the production of anthocyanin pigments; and (iii) a pathway dependent upon both calcium and cGMP that regulates the expression of genes encoding components of photosystem I and is necessary for the production of mature chloroplasts. To study the components and the regulation of phytochrome signal-transduction pathways, mutants with altered photomorphogenic responses have been isolated by a number of laboratories. However, with several possible exceptions, little real progress has been made towards the isolation of mutants in positive regulatory elements of the phytochrome signal-transduction pathway. We have characterized a novel phytochrome A (PhyA)-mediated far-red light (FR) response in Arabidopsis seedlings which we are currently using to screen for specific phyA signal-transduction mutants.
The relationship of health-related quality of life to prevalent and incident vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: results from the Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation Study.

Objective To examine the effect of both prevalent and incident vertebral fractures on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and to characterize the effect of prevalent vertebral fractures on HRQOL with respect to number, location, severity, and adjacency. Methods Participants were a subset of women (n = 1,395, mean age 68.5 years) from the Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation trial who had low bone mineral density and/or prevalent vertebral fractures. Vertebral fractures were measured by radiography at baseline, 2 years, and 3 years. HRQOL was assessed using the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire (OPAQ), a validated disease-targeted instrument, at baseline and annually for 3 years. Results Both prevalent and incident radiographic vertebral fractures were associated with decreased HRQOL. At baseline, women with a prevalent vertebral fracture had significantly lower OPAQ scores on physical function, emotional status, clinical symptoms, and overall HRQOL compared with women without a prevalent fracture (all P < 0.01). HRQOL scores were lower with each subsequent fracture. The effect of prevalent vertebral fracture was dependent on the location within the spine and was strongest in the lumbar region (L1–L4). Incident vertebral fractures significantly decreased OPAQ scores on physical function, emotional status, clinical symptoms, and overall HRQOL (all P < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the importance of treating postmenopausal women who have prevalent vertebral fractures to prevent further decreases in HRQOL associated with subsequent incident vertebral fracture.
Policy Watch The Repeal of Glass-Steagall and the Advent of Broad Banking

Enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) in November 1999 effectively repealed the long-standing prohibitions on the mixing of banking with securities or insurance businesses and thus permits "broad banking." We attribute repeal of these prohibitions to the increasingly persuasive evidence from academic studies of the pre-Glass-Steagall era, the recent favorable experience in the United States following partial deregulation of banking activities, the experience of banking systems abroad with broader scopes for banking activities, and rapid technological change in telecommunications and data processing. How regulators will in practice coordinate their efforts so that the safety and soundness of the banking system is maintained efficiently remains to be seen.
Type-II thyroxine 5'-deiodinase is present in the rat pineal gland.

Abstract Thyroxine-5′-deiodinase has been identified in the rat pineal gland. The characteristics of the enzyme are compatible with a Type-II deiodinase which is tissue-specific and presumably related to generating a local action of thyroid hormone. Our data suggest there may be a previously unrecognized role of thyroid hormone in the regulation of pineal activity.
The Kingdom of Kongo and the Counter Reformation

From early contact with the Portuguese and conversion to Christianity in the late 15th century and continuing through the Counter Reformation, the Kingdom of Kongo resisted Portuguese colonialism while remaining steadfastly loyal to the Roman Catholic Church. Against the turbulent backdrop of the growing Atlantic slave trade, internal conflict and power struggles, and Portuguese presence in Luanda, Kongo repeatedly resisted the temptation to break from Rome and establish its own Church, in spite of Portuguese control of the Episcopate. In the late 16th century King Alvaro clashed with the Portuguese Bishop, but remained faithful to the church in Rome. In the early 17th century, Kongo armies repelled Portuguese invasions from the south while kings continued to lobby for more Jesuit and later Italian Capuchin missionaries, whom they needed, above all, to perform sacraments vital to Kongolese Catholics. Another opportunity to split from Rome came when Dona Beatriz Kimpa Vita created the Antonian movement in 1704 and denounced the Catholic Church. Instead, she was captured and burned at the stake while King Pedro IV remained faithful to the Capuchin missionaries. In contrast to Portuguese Angola, where Jesuits were deeply implicated in slave trading, the Capuchins in Kongo did not own slaves and, for the most part, both resisted and criticized the slave trade. Resume Depuis les premiers contacts avec les Portugais et la conversion au christianisme a la fin du 15eme siecle jusqu’ a la Contre-Reforme, le royaume Kongo a resiste a la colonisation portugaise tout en restant resolument loyal envers l’eglise catholique romaine. En depit du contexte difficile, marque par l’essor de la traite negriere transatlantique, un conflit interne et des luttes de pouvoir, et la presence portugaise a Luanda, le royaume Kongo a toujours resiste a la tentation de rompre avec Rome et d’etablir sa propre eglise, et ce malgre le controle des Portugais sur l’episcopat. A la fin du 16eme siecle, le roi Alvaro s’opposa a l’eveque portugais, mais resta fidele a l’eglise de Rome. Au debut du 17eme siecle, les armees du Kongo repousserent les invasions portugaises venues du Sud tandis que les rois continuaient de reclamer davantage de Jesuites et, plus tard, de missionnaires capucins italiens dont ils avaient besoin, avant tout, pour celebrer des sacrements essentiels pour les catholiques kongolais. Lorsque Dona Beatriz Kimpa Vita crea le mouvement antonien en 1704 et denonca l’eglise catholique, cela aurait pu constituer une autre occasion de rupture. Au lieu de cela, elle fut capturee et brulee sur le bucher tandis que le roi Pedro IV restait fidele aux missionnaires capucins. Contrairement a ce qui se passait dans l’Angola portugais, ou les Jesuites etaient tres impliques dans la traite negriere, les Capucins au Kongo n’ont jamais possede des esclaves et, pour la plupart, ont resiste au commerce des esclaves et l’ont critique.
Effects of antibiotic substances on the respiration of yeast grown in 1% glucose

Abstract The effects of three antibiotic substances, ethidium bromide, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid, upon respiration and cell growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in 1% glucose have been investigated. The immediate effect of ethidium bromide is an inhibition of normal increase in cellular respiration. Chloramphenicol inhibition of respiration in growing cultures is first observed just prior to the onset of stationary phase. An effect of nalidixic acid can be observed only when present at a specific time late in the logarithmic growth phase. Nalidixic acid thus appears to inhibit the signal which initiates aerobic adaptation.
Ureaplasma species: role in neonatal morbidities and outcomes

The genital mycoplasma species, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum are the most common organisms isolated from infected amniotic fluid and placentas, and they contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and neonatal morbidities. In our institution, almost half of the preterm infants of less than 32 weeks gestation are Ureaplasma-positive in one or more compartment (respiratory, blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid), indicating that these organisms are the most common pathogens affecting this population. This review will focus on the compelling epidemiological and experimental evidence linking perinatal Ureaplasma species exposure to important morbidities of prematurity, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular haemorrhage and necrotising enterocolitis.
Cyclin synthesis and degradation and the embryonic cell cycle

I discuss recent advances in the study of somatic and embryonic cell cycles. In the frog embryonic cell cycle, cyclin is the only newly synthesized protein required to activate maturation-promoting factor and induce mitosis. Diminishing the rate of cyclin synthesis increases the length of interphase. Cyclin degradation is required for the progression from mitosis to interphase. Comparison of the frog embryonic cell cycle to other cell cycles suggests that all cell cycles will rely on the same closely conserved set of components. However, the component that is rate-limiting for any step in the cell cycle will vary in different cell cycles.
Levodopa effects on [ 11 C]raclopride binding in the resting human brain

Rationale: Synaptic dopamine (DA) release induced by amphetamine or other experimental manipulations can displace [ 11C]raclopride (RAC*) from dopamine D2-like receptors. We hypothesized that exogenous levodopa might increase dopamine release at striatal synapses under some conditions but not others, allowing a more naturalistic assessment of presynaptic dopaminergic function. Presynaptic dopaminergic abnormalities have been reported in Tourette syndrome (TS). Objective: Test whether levodopa induces measurable synaptic DA release in healthy people at rest, and gather pilot data in TS. Methods: This double-blind crossover study used RAC* and positron emission tomography (PET) to measure synaptic dopamine release 4 times in each of 10 carbidopa-pretreated, neuroleptic-naive adults: before and during an infusion of levodopa on one day and placebo on another (in random order). Five subjects had TS and 5 were matched controls. RAC* binding potential (BP ND) was quantified in predefined anatomical volumes of interest (VOIs). A separate analysis compared BP ND voxel by voxel over the entire brain. Results: DA release declined between the first and second scan of each day (p=0.012), including on the placebo day. Levodopa did not significantly reduce striatal RAC* binding and striatal binding did not differ significantly between TS and control groups. However, levodopa’s effect on DA release differed significantly in a right midbrain region (p=0.002, corrected), where levodopa displaced RAC* by 59% in control subjects but increased BP ND by 74% in TS subjects. Discussion: Decreased DA release on the second scan of the day is consistent with the few previous studies with a similar design, and may indicate habituation to study procedures. We hypothesize that mesostriatal DA neurons fire relatively little while subjects rest, possibly explaining the non-significant effect of levodopa on striatal RAC* binding. The modest sample size argues for caution in interpreting the group difference in midbrain DA release with levodopa.