cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Testing and Genetic Screening

In recent years there has been an enormous expansion in the knowledge that may be gleaned from the testing of an individual's genetic material to predict present or future disability or disease either for oneself or one's offspring. The Human Genome Project, which is currently mapping the entire human gene system, is identifying progressively more genetic sequencing information (see Scope Note 17, The Human Genome Project). Information obtained from genetic testing raises ethical and legal questions about its uses by society. The ethical dilemmas were foreseen two decades ago by bioethicists who asked whether questionable applications could stop "legitimate pursuits " (IV, Gaylin 1972) and whether genetic disease might come to be viewed as "transmissible" in the sense of being contagious (IV, Veatch 1974). Not only has knowledge expanded, but the practice of genetic testing and screening has greatly increased as well. For example, in the case of testing for cystic fibrosis (CF), the U.S. Congress' Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) estimates that instances of screening jumped from 9310 tests in 1991 to 63,000 tests in 1992 (I, OTA [Cystic Fibrosis] 1992). In addition, the OTA estimates that within the next few years, the six million women who become pregnant each year routinely will be informed of available CF carrier tests (I, OTA [Cystic Fibrosis] 1992). Following the recent identification of a gene linked to breast cancer, Dr. Francis Sellers Collins, director of the National Center for Human Genome Research, said that "it is not inconceivable that every woman in America may want to be screened for this gene. The economic, ethical, and counseling issues will be very daunting." Dr. Collins opines that in the near future physical examinations for 18-year-olds will include DNA testing for diseases with genetic components and that physicians, in the interests of preventive medicine, will make risk-based recommendations for a healthy life-style (IV, Breo 1993). The U.S. President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research predicted as early as 1983 that before the end of the century genetic screening and counseling would become major components of both public health and individual medical care (I, U.S. President's Commission 1983).
Sport, mass consumerism, and the body in modern Spain

The world constantly changes around us and those changes have come faster and faster over the last 200 years as technology has knitted the globe together more closely economically, politically and ...
Correlation of the distribution coefficients of various barbituric acids.

Evidence is provided to indicate that the distribution coefficients of various barbituric acids can be related to the number of carbon atoms and the Taft polar constants of the 5,5-substituents. This suggests that the hydrophilic portion of the molecule is affected not only by the size of the substituents but, also, by their polarity.
Inhibition of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation correlated to anticomplementary activity in sera from melanoma patients

Sera from 98 melanoma patients and 90 normal donors were analyzed for antibody (Ab) to melanoma extracts, melanoma-associated antigen (Ag) and anticomplementary (Ac) activities by the microcomplement consumption technique. Sera were also tested for their ability to inhibit mitogen(phytohemagglutinin: PHA)-ininduced blastogenesis of normal lymphocytes. The results of the complement consumption assays were correlated with the results of inhibition of PHA-induced blastogenesis. Of 98 melanoma sera, 22% were Ab-positive, 30% were Ag-positive, and 44% were Ac-positive, in contrast to only 6% Ab-positive, no Ag-positive, and 7% Ac-positive in 90 normal sera. Fifty-nine percent of melanoma sera were inhibitory to PHA-induced blastogenesis, as against 12% of normal donors' sera. Ac-positive melanoma sera were significantly more inhibitory than Acnegative melanoma sera. The inhibitory activity of Acpositive sera was potentiated by the simultaneous presence of detectable Ag activity and was diminished by detectable Ab activity. Presence of Ab or Ag activity alone did not correlate with the inhibitory activity of the melanoma sera. Increasing incidence of Ac activity and ability to inhibit PHA-induced blastogenesis was observed with increasing tumor burden or advancing clinical stage. Sera from patients who displayed a delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) were less inhibitory to PHA-induced blastogenesis than the sera from patients who did not respond to this contact allergen. Thus, Ac activity may be one of the circulating factors responsible for the immunosuppressive effect of cancer patients' sera.
A model for the relationship between semantic and content based similarity using LIDC

There is considerable research in the field of content-based image retrieval (CBIR); however, few of the current systems incorporate radiologists' visual impression of image similarity. Our objective is to bridge the semantic gap between radiologists' ratings and image features. We have been developing a conceptual-based similarity model derived from content-based similarity to improve CBIR. Previous work in our lab reduced the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) data set into a selection of 149 images of unique nodules, each containing nine semantic ratings by four radiologists and 64 computed image features. After evaluating the similarity measures for both content-based and semantic-based features, we selected 116 nodule pairs with a high correlation between both similarities. These pairs were used to generate a linear regression model that predicts semantic similarity with content similarity input with an R 2 value of 0.871. The characteristics and features of nodules that were used for the model were also investigated.
Advanced shield design for space station freedom

Abstract Due to the predicted increase in the severity of the orbital debris environment in low-Earth orbit, the baseline meteoroid/debris protection system for Space Station Freedom (S.S. Freedom ) must be augmented on orbit. In response to this need, an advanced shield design effort is underway at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The results to date of this program are presented. A series of 18 hypervelocity impact tests were conducted at MSFC's Space Debris Simulation Facility. These tests consisted of launching aluminum projectiles at velocities up to 7 km/s to evaluate various design solution. Parameters investigated include shield material and geometric configuration (thickness, spacing, orietation, and arrangement) in relation to the baseline aluminum “Whipple” bumper. The results of the hypervelocity impact tests are presented. Comparison with protection offered by the baseline protection system is made. Evaluation of protection offered by candidate augmented systems and hydrocode simulations is performed. An assessment of the often-overlooked structural design onsiderations such as launch loads, on-orbit loads, extravehicular activity requirements, maintainability, etc., is presented. These analyses lead to identification of a candidate system to augmented the baseline meteoroid/debris protection system for the habitable modules of S.S. Freedom .
Prostate cancer tumor location as predicted by digital rectal examination transferred to ultrasound and ultrasound‐guided prostate needle biopsy

The advent of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and the Biopty instrument (Bard Urologic) has revolutionized prostate biopsy (PNB). Theoretically the systematic multiple biopsy approach offers the advantage of less sampling error with respect to presence of carcinoma, grade of carcinoma and sites of tumor within the gland. These parameters may be important in selecting the therapeutic approach and, if radical prostatectomy is contemplated, in modifying the operation as indicated based on tumor location. In the present investigation, we received specimens obtained from 100 men with clinically localized prostatic carcinoma who had previously undergone ultrasound-guided random biopsy (TRUSPNB) along with TRUS and digital rectal exam (DRE). Among the 372 sectors with carcinoma identified in the 100 radical prostatectomy specimens, significant underrepresentation by TRUSPNB was noted (39% false negative). When an abnormality on either DRE, TRUS or TRUSPNB was observed, the sensitivity was 65%. The specificity was 89% when all three tests were abnormal. It would appear that preoperative assessment of tumor location is inadequate with the current modalities available. There may, however, be subsets of patients which would benefit by tumor location utilizing DRE, TRUS and TRUSPNB. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
State to state rotational transfer in collisions between IF molecules and helium atoms

Abstract We report measurements of the rate for transfer of population between rotational levels of the B state of iodine monofluoride in collisions with helium atoms. The measured rates are much larger than those observed for transfer of population between vibrational levels, indicating that the rotational population distribution in the collisionally pumped IF laser should be rapidly thermalized. The rates show a dependence on the quantum number of the initial level, in contrast to the results of theoretical calculations.
Abundance of apoptotic neoplastic cells in diagnostic biopsy samples is not a prognostic factor in childhood primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system.

Purpose: To assess if the abundance of apoptotic tumor cells is an independent prognostic factor in primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of the central nervous system. Patients and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue sections from 78 clinically well-characterized children with PNET were evaluated by terminal deoxytransferase-mediated deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Apoptotic indices (AI) were determined by counting TUNEL-positive tumor cells either in the highest staining region (AI hot spot) or in at least 15 randomly chosen fields (AI random). The AI hot spot and AI random were then correlated with clinical variables and survival outcome. Results: AI hot spot (median 0.56%; range 0%-6.54%) and AI random (median 0.30%; range 0%-3.21%) showed considerable intertumor variability. Moreover, 53% of the evaluated PNET showed a more than two-fold difference between AI hot spot and AI random, showing important intratumoral variability of the abundance of apoptotic cells in a subset of the evaluated PNET. No significant associations were found between AI hot spot and AI random with clinical variables or survival outcome. Conclusion: The apoptotic index does not predict survival outcome and is not specifically associated with clinical variables of prognostic significance in childhood PNET.
Identity, Causality, and Pronoun Ambiguity

This article looks at the way people determine the antecedent of a pronoun in sentence pairs, such as: Albert invited Ron to dinner. He spent hours cleaning the house. The experiment reported here is motivated by the idea that such judgments depend on reasoning about identity (e.g., the identity of the he who cleaned the house). Because the identity of an individual over time depends on the causal-historical path connecting the stages of the individual, the correct antecedent will also depend on causal connections. The experiment varied how likely it is that the event of the first sentence (e.g., the invitation) would cause the event of the second (the house cleaning) for each of the two individuals (the likelihood that if Albert invited Ron to dinner, this would cause Albert to clean the house, versus cause Ron to clean the house). Decisions about the antecedent followed causal likelihood. A mathematical model of causal identity accounted for most of the key aspects of the data from the individual sentence pairs.
Nuclear quadrupole resonance in CeAl2

Abstract Magnetic ordering and Kondo behavior have been studied in CeAl 2 using 27 Al NQR. Below T N = 3.9 K an anomalously narrow resonance was observed, and spin-lattice relaxation rates indicate inhomogeneous activated-magnon and Kondo-like fluctuations. Relaxation data above T N suggest spatial correlations in the Ce spin system.
MAGNETS BASED UPON THE MOLECULAR SOLID STATE

Abstract A few molecular solids comprised of radicals crystallize in such a manner that the spins ferromagnetically couple. In a rare cases ferromagnetic coupling can lead to ferromagnetic ordering and the formation of a bulk magnet. This occurs below a critical temperature, Tc. Several examples of molecular solid-based magnets have been prepared with Tc's exceeding room temperature. This short review summarizes some of these molecular solid-based magnets prepared in our laboratories.
Genetic variance in nonverbal intelligence: Data from the kinships of identical twins.

The multiple relationships within kinships of adult monozygotic twins permit incisive analyses to be made of genetic and environmental effects on behavioral traits. Data from families of 65 monozygotic twin pairs yield evidence of genetic variance on the Block Design Test, a nonverbal measure of general intelligence.
Peritoneal tuberculosis disguised as ovarian cancer: an emerging clinical challenge.

Abstract Background. The incidence of peritoneal tuberculosis in the western world has increased over the past decade. The diagnosis is often made at laparotomy for suspected peritoneal carcinomatosis. Case. A 56-year-old Filipino female underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected ovarian cancer. Frozen-section analysis of her ovaries revealed noncaseating granuloma and the initial acid-fast stains were negative, consistent with non-tuberculous granulomatous disease. Later, all specimen cultures grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclusion. The diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis can be difficult and elusive. It mimics ovarian cancer and non-tuberculous granulomatous diseases by its vague symptoms and nonspecific radiographic, pathologic, and laboratory findings. In patients at high risk for peritoneal tuberculosis, we emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion in addition to frozen-section analysis to avoid unnecessary extensive surgery and delay in anti-tuberculous treatment.
A comparative study of DNA ploidy in 115 fresh-frozen breast carcinomas by image analysis versus flow cytometry.

Background. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of cellular DNA content may be clinically useful in the prognostic evaluation of certain types of malignant tumors, including breast carcinoma. Flow cytometric (FCM) analysis has been the most frequently used procedure for DNA analysis, but it requires reasonably large tissue sample. Computer-based image analysis (IA) now allows imprint, cytospin, and needle aspiration smear preparations and other small tissue samples to be used. Methods. To resolve concern about the diagnostic efficacy of small tissue samples in the use of IA, the authors performed comparative study of FCM analysis and IA using 115 fresh-frozen breast carcinomas. Feulgen-stained imprint preparations for IA and single-cell suspensions from the same fresh-frozen tissue for FCM analysis were used, and the respective histograms were compared. Results. The results were concordant in 90.4% (104 of 115) of the cases, but 11 specimens yielded discordant data. IA provided histograms with somewhat lower resolution and relatively high coefficient of variation for the GO/G1 peak, thus rendering occasional tumors, which were near-diploid aneuploid by FCM analysis (four cases), not amenable to diagnosis by aneuploid characterization. In three additional cases, FCM analysis showed aneuploid hyperdiploid (two cases) and multiploid (one case) histograms, but IA only demonstrated diploid peak. Conversely, in four other cases, aneuploid peaks were recognized only by IA. Conclusions. Computerized IA has significant advantages over FCM analysis, including lower cost, the ability to analyze very small specimens, the capability of detecting rare high ploidy cells, the capacity to classify cellular populations according to specific morphologic type, and the fact that no destructive enzyme or chemical digestion is required for specimen preparation, thereby preserving the integrity of fragile cells.
Rapid enzymatic preparation of [14C]D-leucine from [14C]DL-leucine

Abstract A rapid enzymatic method for the preparation of [1- 14 C]D-leucine is described. [1- 14 C]D-Leucine was obtained from [1- 14 C]DL-leucine by oxidative deamination of the L-isomer using immobilized L-amino acid oxidase. The total preparation (including ion exchange purification) was accomplished in 40 min with an 83% yield. The methodology is applicable to the production of [l- 11 C]D-leucine, a potential imaging agent for tumor localization.
Either isoform of the dopamine D2 receptor can mediate dopaminergic repression of the rat prolactin promoter

Abstract Hypophyseal portal dopamine is a major negative regulator of pituitary prolactin (PRL) production. Dopamine has been reported to repress PRL gene transcription in pituitary cells. To facilitate further study of the effect of dopamine on PRL gene activation, we introduced PRL promoter and D2 receptor (D2R) constructs into GH3 cells. Since two D2R isoforms (termed D2S and D2L) have been cloned previously, we first determined which isoform(s) is present in the lactotroph by measuring the level of each mRNA species in rat prolactinoma. mRNA for each D2R isoform was found to be present, with the D2L mRNA in great (c. 6-fold) excess. Because the lactotroph contains both isoforms, the effect of each on the PRL promoter was investigated. The cDNA for each receptor isoform was synthesized by polymerase chain reaction, and cloned into an RSV-based expression vector. GH3 cells were then transiently co-transfected with either of the resulting RSV-D2R constructs plus a PRL-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) construct containing the first 1957 base-pairs of PRL gene 5'-flanking DNA. The cells were then incubated 48 h plus or minus the dopamine agonist ergocryptine (ECR). In the presence of either RSV-D2R isoform, ECR yielded a 4–5-fold decrease in CAT activity, an effect not seen in the absence of the RSV-D2R. The promoter specificity of this effect was demonstrated by the inability of ECR to regulate expression of a control RSV-CAT construct. The PRL promoter repression mediated by each receptor isoform had appropriate pharmacology: the specific D2R agonist, quinpirole, yielded results similar to ECR, and the ECR repression was reversed by the dopamine antagonist spiperone. These data imply that rat PRL 5'-flanking DNA contains a dopamine response element(s) which can respond to dopaminergic signals mediated by either D2R isoform.
Inhibition of αENaC expression and ENaC activity following blockade of the circadian clock-regulatory kinases CK1δ/ε

Increasing evidence suggests that the circadian clock plays an important role in the control of renal function and blood pressure. We previously showed that the circadian clock protein Period (Per)1, positively regulates the expression of the rate limiting subunit of the renal epithelial sodium channel (αENaC), which contributes to blood pressure regulation. Casein kinases 1δ and 1e (CK1δ/e) are critical regulators of clock proteins. CK1δ/e must phosphorylate the circadian clock protein Per1 in order for the latter to enter the nucleus. We used a commercially available CK1δ/e inhibitor, PF670462, to test the effect of CK1δ/e blockade and inhibited Per1 nuclear entry on αENaC in a model of the renal cortical collecting duct (mpkCCDc14 cells). CK1δ/e blockade prevented Per1 and Clock from interacting with an E-box from the αENaC promoter. CK1δ/e inhibition reduced αENaC mRNA levels by <60%. A similar decrease in αENaC mRNA was observed following siRNA-mediated CK1δ/e knock-down. Inhibition of CK1δ/e effectively prevented the transcriptional response of αENaC to aldosterone, suggesting an interaction between the circadian clock and aldosterone-mediated regulation of αENaC. CK1δ/e inhibition significantly reduced αENaC but increased Caveolin-1 membrane protein levels; transepithelial current, a measure of ENaC activity, was decreased. Importantly, single channel analysis in amphibian renal cells demonstrated a dramatic decrease in the number of patches with observable ENaC current following CK1δ/e inhibition. The present study shows for the first time that CK1δ/e inhibition and impaired Per1 nuclear entry results in decreased αENaC expression and ENaC activity, providing further support for direct control of ENaC by the circadian clock.
Parental Awareness of Adolescent Sexuality

Background The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of communication and knowledge about adolescents’ sexuality between parents and their teenagers. Methods All 12–18 year old patients who have been accompanied by a parent for an office visit in a Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecologist's private practice have been invited to participate. Questionnaires with short answer and multiple choice questions have been administered to both the patient and her parent. All responses obtained from the first 10 weeks of data collection have been analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test). Data collection is ongoing. Results Forty-five of 46 (97.8%) patient/parent pairs completed the questionnaires. Mean patient age was 15.0 years (13–17). Patient responses showed that 31.1% were sexually active, 0% had been pregnant, and 8.9% had had a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Parents knew of or suspected sexual activity in 35.6% (P > .05), pregnancy in 00/0 (P > .05), and STDs in 8.9% (P > .05) of their daughters. There were 2 parents who thought that their virginal daughters were sexually active and 1 parent who was not aware of her daughter's sexual activity. Among sexually active teens, 10/17 (58.8%) stated that they had told their parent. citing “I thought they should know” as the most common reason for disclosure (71.4%); reasons most commonly given for not telling parents included fear of parental anger or disappointment (50%) and “it's not their business” (30%). Parents, however, indicated that only 29.4% of their sexually active daughters had volunteered this information. Parents discovered their daughters’ activities by confronting them (23.5%), noting suspicious behavior (23.5%), and finding incriminating evidence among their daughter's belongings (11.8%). The vast majority of parents felt that the best way to find out about their daughter's sexual activity would be direct communication with the daughter (95.6%), but only 11.1% stated that they would be supportive if they found out that she is sexually active. Nearly half (44.4%) said they would be hurt, disappointed, or upset, but only 11.1% said they would be angry. Most parents had discussed menstruation (97.8%) and sex (91.1%) with their daughter, but fewer had discussed contraception (77.8%) and STDs (80%). Conclusions Most parents of adolescents in this population are aware of their daughter's level of sexual activity, but often this discovery is not due to disclosure by the daughter.
Monochorionic diamniotic infants without twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

Monochorionic-diamniotic twins (MoDi) occur in 0.3% of all pregnancies. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) that occurs in 20% of MoDi pregnancies is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. MoDi twins without TTS are more frequent (80%) but have been scarcely reported. To study perinatal morbidity and mortality of 74 MoDi twin sets without TTS and to compare it to that of 38 sets of MoDi twins with TTS. Chorionicity was determined by gender and placental examination. Gestational age (GA) was set by sonography and pediatric examination. TTS was diagnosed clinically and by sonography, discordance was defined by twins birth weight difference ≥20%, and fetal growth restriction was determined by using a twin-specific nomogram. MoDi twin pregnancies without and with TTS were similar in demographics, live births, history of preeclampsia, fetal distress and cesarean delivery. They were different (p<0.01) in discordant pregnancies (36 and 79%), GA at delivery (32 and 29 weeks) intrauterine growth restriction (39 and 89%) and neonatal mortality (12 and 36%). Concordant (47 sets) and discordant (27 sets) MoDi twins without TTS were clinically similar. MoDi twins without TTS have high rates of birth weight discordance, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, prematurity and cesarean delivery. Although their perinatal mortality is low, the reported occurrence and the short- and long-term impacts of fetal and neonatal morbidities warrants attention.
Toward a positive theory of consumer choice

The economic theory of the consumer is a combination of positive and normative theories. Since it is based on a rational maximizing model it describes how consumers should choose, but it is alleged to also describe how they do choose. This paper argues that in certain well-defined situations many consumers act in a manner that is inconsistent with economic theory. In these situations economic theory will make systematic errors in predicting behavior. Kanneman and Tversey's prospect theory is proposed as the basis for an alternative descriptive theory. Topics discussed are: undeweighting of opportunity costs, failure to ignore sunk costs, scarch behavior choosing not to choose and regret, and precommitment and self-control.
Enhanced Mammalian Transmissibility of Seasonal Influenza A/H1N1 Viruses Encoding an Oseltamivir-Resistant Neuraminidase

Between 2007 and 2009, oseltamivir resistance developed among seasonal influenza A/H1N1 (sH1N1) virus isolates at an exponential rate, without a corresponding increase in oseltamivir usage. We hypothesized that the oseltamivir-resistant neuraminidase (NA), in addition to being relatively insusceptible to the antiviral effect of oseltamivir, might confer an additional fitness advantage on these viruses by enhancing their transmission efficiency among humans. Here we demonstrate that an oseltamivir-resistant clinical isolate, an A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1)-like virus isolated in New York State in 2008, transmits more efficiently among guinea pigs than does a highly similar, contemporaneous oseltamivir-sensitive isolate. With reverse genetics reassortants and point mutants of the two clinical isolates, we further show that expression of the oseltamivir-resistant NA in the context of viral proteins from the oseltamivir-sensitive virus (a 7:1 reassortant) is sufficient to enhance transmissibility. In the guinea pig model, the NA is the critical determinant of transmission efficiency between oseltamivir-sensitive and -resistant Brisbane/59-like sH1N1 viruses, independent of concurrent drift mutations that occurred in other gene products. Our data suggest that the oseltamivir-resistant NA (specifically, one or both of the companion mutations, H275Y and D354G) may have allowed resistant Brisbane/59-like viruses to outtransmit sensitive isolates. These data provide in vivo evidence of an evolutionary mechanism that would explain the rapidity with which oseltamivir resistance achieved fixation among sH1N1 isolates in the human reservoir.
Gaucher disease mutations in non-Jewish patients

Summary The DNA from 64 non-Jewish patients with Gaucher disease was examined for 29 different glucocerebrosidase mutations that are known to cause the disease. The most common was mutation 1448C and the second most common 1226G. Twenty of the mutations remained unidentified. These results were compared to those obtained from 122 Jewish patients, in whom the most common mutations were 1226G and 84GG. Among the non-Jewish patients 15.6% of the mutations remained unidentified. while among the Jewish patients only 1.2% remained unidentified, and even screening for the five most common mutations identified all but 2.9% of the Jewish mutations. The greater diversity of mutations among the non-Jewish patients has important implications with respect to DNA-based screening. diagnosis and counselling.
Experimental Determination of the Excited-State Polarizability and Dipole Moment in a Thin Organic Semiconductor Film

We report the evolution of the electronic structure of excited (sub)monolayer films of vanadyl naphthalocyanine (VONc) at the interface with highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). Using two-photon photoemission spectroscopy, an unoccupied state corresponding to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of VONc is observed. The energy of this state shows a significant dependence on coverage, interpreted in the context of the electrostatic environment at the interface. On the basis of a simple electrostatic model, we were able to determine the excited-state polarizability and dipole moment of VONc at the interface with HOPG. The results suggest that local electric fields may have a major influence on interfacial energy level alignment in the excited-state manifold, with direct consequences for interfacial charge-transfer dynamics.
Fully-differential self-biased bio-potential amplifier

A highly versatile and programmable bio-potential recording amplifier is presented. The amplifier achieves low-power operation with minimal size by using a fully-differential self-biased operational amplifier and the Miller capacitance technique. The experimental results of recording various biological signals are provided.
Review: Current evidence shows no overall benefit of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetes

Source Citation De Berardis G, Sacco M, Strippoli GF, et al. Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in people with diabetes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 200...
Temperature preferences and the effect of changes in serotonin in maturing mice.

Abstract Behavior of maturing mice in a 20 cm long thermal gradient is described. Mean preferred temperatures (T pref ) under standard test conditions ranged from about 29° to 31° in untreated mice aged 3, 7, 10, and 14 days postpartum, which is similar to the temperature maintained in the nest by parent mice. Increased serotonin (5-HT) after injection of the precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (30 mg/kg) was generally associated with increasted T pref (7 and 10 days) as compared with vehicle injected littermate controls in a double-blind study. Depletion of 5-HT following p-chlorophenylalanine (400 mg/kg) was associated with decreased T pref (3 and 7 days). Relationships with body temperature and thermoregulation are discussed and handling cautions are presented.
The Tobamovirus Turnip Vein Clearing Virus 30-Kilodalton Movement Protein Localizes to Novel Nuclear Filaments To Enhance Virus Infection

Plant viruses overcome the barrier of the plant cell wall by encoding cell-to-cell movement proteins (MPs), which direct newly replicated viral genomes to, and across, the wall. The paradigm for how a single MP regulates and coordinates these activities is the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 30-kDa protein (MPTMV). Detailed studies demonstrate that TMV multiplies exclusively in the cytoplasm and have documented associations of MPTMV with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, microtubules, and plasmodesmata throughout the course of infection. As TMV poorly infects Arabidopsis thaliana, Turnip vein clearing virus (TVCV) is the tobamovirus of choice for studies in this model plant. A key problem, which has contributed to confusion in the field, is the unproven assumption that the TVCV and TMV life cycles are identical. We engineered an infectious TVCV replicon that expressed a functional fluorescence-tagged MPTVCV and report here the unexpected discovery that MPTVCV, beyond localizing to ER membrane and plasmodesmata, targeted to the nucleus in a nuclear localization signal (NLS)-dependent manner, where it localized to novel F-actin-containing filaments that associated with chromatin. The MPTVCV NLS appeared to be conserved in the subgroup 3 tobamoviruses, and our mutational analyses showed that nuclear localization of MPTVCV was necessary for efficient TVCV cell-to-cell movement and systemic infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana. Our studies identify a novel nuclear stage in TVCV infection and suggest that nuclear MP encoded by TVCV and other subgroup 3 tobamoviruses interacts with F-actin and chromatin to modulate host defenses or cellular physiology to favor virus movement and infection.
Sampling and efficiency of metric matrix distance geometry: a novel partial metrization algorithm.

In this paper, we present a reassessment of the sampling properties of the metric matrix distance geometry algorithm, which is in wide-spread use in the determination of three-dimensional structures from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. To this end, we compare the conformational space sampled by structures generated with a variety of metric matrix distance geometry protocols. As test systems we use an unconstrained polypeptide, and a small protein (rabbit neutrophil defensin peptide 5) for which only few tertiary distances had been derived from the NMR data, allowing several possible folds of the polypeptide chain. A process called ‘metrization’ in the preparation of a trial distance matrix has a very large effect on the sampling properties of the algorithm. It is shown that, depending on the metrization protocol used, metric matrix distance geometry can have very good sampling properties'indeed, both for the unconstrained model system and the NMR-structure case. We show that the sampling properties are to a great degree determined by the way in which the first few distances are chosen within their bounds. Further, we present a new protocol (‘partial metrization’) that is computationally more efficient but has the same excellent sampling properties. This novel protocol has been implemented in an expanded new release of the program X-PLOR with distance geometry capabilities.
Theoretical Basis of Protocols for Seed Storage III. Optimum Moisture Contents for Pea Seeds Stored at Different Temperatures

In previous work, we demonstrated that there was an optimum moisture level for seed storage at a given temperature (Vertucci and Roos, 1990), and suggested, using thermodynamic considerations, that the optimum moisture content increased as the storage temperature decreased (Vertucci and Roos, 1993b). In this paper, we present data from a two year study of aging rates in pea (Pisum sativum) seeds supporting the hypothesis that the optimum moisture content for storage varies with temperature. Seed viability and vigour were monitored during storage under dark or lighted conditions at relative humidities between 1 and 90%, and temperatures between -5 and 65°C. The optimum moisture content varied from 0·015 g H2O g-1 d.wt at 65°C to 0·101 g H2O g-1 d.wt at 15°C under dark conditions and from 0·057 at 35°C to 0·092 g H2O g-1 d.wt at -5°C under lighted conditions. Our results suggest that optimum moisture contents cannot be considered independently of temperature. This conclusion has important implications for 'ultra-dry' and cryopreservation technologies.
Load-balancing algorithms for multifrequency data communications

This paper describes an approach for enhancing the network performance of the air-ground (A/G) portion of the National Airspace System (NAS) data communications (Data Comm) network when multiple frequencies are used per ground station (GS), and the expected aircraft and data traffic for each location is known. The main point made in this paper is that, in a scenario with multiple frequencies per GS, one can achieve better system performance by carefully allocating aircraft to each frequency, as opposed to having each frequency have an equal share of the traffic or by using one frequency to its maximum capacity before offloading to the next. The algorithms for assigning aircraft to GSs were developed initially with a focus for implementation on simulated scenarios, but could potentially be applied in actual field scenarios, a topic to be explored in future studies. The work described in this paper builds on the evolving Spectrum Dimensioning and Optimization framework developed at The MITRE Corporation [1]. The framework was designed to address the dimensioning and optimization of a radio frequency (RF) network for A/G Data Comm. The Data Comm program is a key part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s Next Generation Air Transportation (NextGen) initiative to implement and modernize A/G communications and air traffic management (ATM) capabilities in the NAS.
Recent developments in neurotoxicology.

(1999). RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NEUROTOXICOLOGY. Inhalation Toxicology: Vol. 11, No. 6-7, pp. 519-521.
Labor supply over the life cycle: the long-term forecasting problem.

Abstract It would be very useful to be able to make long-term forecasts of age variations in labor supply. The life cycle theory of labor supply has been employed to analyze such variations. This theory holds that the individual allocates his time between work and leisure over his lifetime so as to maximize his utility. The theory's use in long-term forecasting is limited, though, because of the uncertainty that the individual faces about wages, prices and other economic variables and about future government policies that will affect his labor supply decisions. Data for the past sixty years are consistent with an alternative theory: that the labor supply of younger and older groups is influenced by subsidies from prime-aged groups. Forecasts based on this theory can in effect predict the level of intergenerational subsidies as well as individual reactions to them and so may provide a more practical tool for long-term forecasting.
Protandry in western cicada killer wasps, ( Sphecius grandis , Hymenoptera: Sphecidae): an empirical study of emergence time and mating opportunity

Sphecius grandis is a univoltine, colonial wasp. Females mate once and are sexually receptive when they emerge in July and early August. Males generally emerge earlier in the summer than females. The opportunity for each male to acquire mates is a function of the number of females emerging during his lifetime and the number of competitiors that are active when the females emerge. I determined a mating opportunity index (MOI) for each male in an aggregation of wasps for three separate summers, and correlated the MOI of individual males with their emergence date. The MOI of a male estimates the potential contribution that timing of emergence makes to his reproductive success. In 1984 males emerging near the mean of the male emergence distribution had the highest MOI. These males emerged between one and two weeks prior to the mean female emergence date. However, in 1981 late emerging males had the highest MOI. In 1983 there was no significant difference in MOI among males. As a result of between-year variation in female emergence schedules and in the duration of male lifetime, the selection pressures influencing male emergence time vary between years.
No evidence of disease after radiofrequency ablation in delayed nephrectomy specimens

Abstract Objectives Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are routinely used during follow-up of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal masses. Widespread acceptance of needle ablation is limited by the need to rely on radiographic criteria to confirm effective ablation. In this report, we correlated the long-term radiographic appearance of RFA with the histologic findings in three delayed nephrectomy specimens. This should enhance our understanding of the histopathologic features of successful RFA and highlight potential shortcomings of modern imaging after ablation. Methods Radiographic and histologic data were analyzed in 3 patients who underwent delayed partial or total nephrectomy after RFA, performed for complications or misinterpretation of postablation surveillance imaging findings. Results Two delayed nephrectomies were performed for new enhancement at the periphery of the ablation zone margin and one for RFA-related ureteropelvic junction obstruction. At the initial ablation, all 3 patients had biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma, and the mean time to delayed nephrectomy was 18 months. Histologically, all three demonstrated absence of residual cancer within the ablation zone. In the patients with enhancement at the periphery of the ablation zone, a granulomatous foreign body giant cell reaction was found. Conclusions RFA is an effective technology for eradicating small renal cell carcinomas. However, proper image interpretation after ablation is a crucial component of patient care. New enhancement at the peripheral margin of the tumor ablation zone does not invariably suggest malignant recurrence, but a benign granulomatous reaction. Additional experience with interpretation of cross-sectional imaging is required to better understand the radiographic evolution of radiofrequency-ablated renal tumors.
Complexes of 4-cyanopyridine N-oxide

Abstract 4-Cyanopyridine N-oxide has been incorporated as a ligand in nine new complexes spanning the six metal ions VO2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. Its strength as a ligand, which is greatly weakened by the strong electron withdrawing capacity of the para cyano group, appears to fall between F− and Cl− on the stronger side and Br− and ClO4− on the weaker side, at least towards VO2+. The new complexes have been characterized by their i.r. and visible-u.v. spectra, by conductance, and by magnetic susceptibility. The stoichiometries of the VO2+ complexes appear to be controlled by the anions present, and the Cu2+ complex is most likely a dimer.
Organizational Theory Development: Displacement of Ends?

In this essay I argue that organization theory has witnessed a significant displacement of ends over the last 30 years. Whereas in the 1960s and 1970s the dominant goal of the discipline was achieving consensus on the validity status of theories, today the overriding goal appears to be development of new theory. Formerly new theory development was considered a means to the end of attaining consensus on theory validity, but was not the only activity deemed necessary to accomplish that goal. In addition, instrumental standardization and replication were viewed as important. The contemporary displacement of ends toward new theory development creates the paradox that organization theory today is both epistemologically simpler (in terms of the intellectual activity deemed desirable) and more complex theoretically than it was 30 years ago. I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the displacement of ends toward new theory development in organization theory, and offer some possible remedies that are designe...
Trauma of the coccyx and coccygodynia

Abstract Attention is directed to the necessity for care in the interpretation of physical signs and x -ray findings in cases of trauma of the coccyx and coccygodynia. Major trauma is uncommon. Because of the frequent failure of excision to effect a cure, conservative measures should be persisted with for longer periods than is generally the practice.
Calibration of dispersive Raman process analyzers

Widespread acceptance of Raman spectroscopy in chemical process monitoring requires instrument calibration, which is automated, repeatable, reliable, verifiable, and transferable from instrument to instrument. Key elements to be calibrated in a dispersive Raman analyzer are Raman emission wavelengths, the spectral response of the instrument, and the excitation laser wavelength. Modern Raman instruments are capable of simultaneously monitoring multiple sample points in a process pipeline. In a typical industrial installation, multiple remote probe heads are coupled to a central instrument (laser source, spectrograph, CCD detector and control/software) via fiber optic cables up to hundreds of meters in length. Instruments must self- calibrate and validate without direct access to remote probe head installations. The presence of a holographic laser notch filter in the system presents unique calibration challenges. The implications of these issues on instrument configuration and calibration/ validation protocol are discussed. Candidate wavelength and intensity calibration references are compared. Examples of industrial Raman applications and their requirements on calibration accuracy and precision are given.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the calculation of correlation functions in nuclear matter

Abstract A new three-parameter set of nuclear matter correlation functions is generated by two-body Euler-Lagrange equations. The parameters include two correlation ranges, d for central, σ 1 · σ 2 , τ 1 · τ 2 and ( σ 1 · σ 2 )( τ 1 · τ 2 ) correlations, and d t for tensor correlations. A new parameter α that simulates the quenching of noncentral interactions in matter is introduced. Simple physical arguments indicate that this parameterization is more appropriate. The new correlation functions give 2–3 MeV lower energies for the semirealistic υ 6 models at equilibrium density.
Testing hierarchical systems

We investigate the testing of hierarchical (modular) systems, in which individual modules are modeled by finite state machines. Given a hierarchical system, we are interested in finding a small set of tests that exercises all the transitions of the system. We present tight approximation algorithms and hardness results for the problem. Our techniques extend to other criteria and metrics.
Enrichment of Amaranth Oil with Ethyl Palmitate at the sn-2 Position by Chemical and Enzymatic Synthesis

Amaranth oil is rich in linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Structured lipids (SLs) with specific functional and nutritional characteristics can be prepared through chemical or enzymatic intereste...
Distinction between paraclinoid and cavernous sinus aneurysms with computed tomographic angiography.

OBJECTIVETo examine the reliability of using the optic strut as a landmark in computed tomographic (CT) angiography, to differentiate between intradural and extradural (cavernous sinus) aneurysms involving the paraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA).METHODSMicroanatomic dissections
The influence of wheat dehydration-induced proteins on the function of turkey spermatozoa after twenty-four-hour in vitro storage

Dehydration-induced proteins and other osmo-protectants enable plants to survive dehydration stress. The object of this study was to determine whether dehydration-induced proteins from wheat seeds could protect turkey sperm and improve survival and function after liquid storage. A partially purified heat-soluble protein extract was isolated from dry, mature wheat seed embryos and added to semen diluent. Hens were inseminated with either fresh or semen stored 24 h at 5 C and fertility and hatchability data collected. The addition of 10% wheat protein extract to semen stored 24 h at 5 C improved fertility and hatchability of eggs over semen stored in diluent alone (P < 0.05). The heat-soluble proteins isolated from wheat seed embryos are capable of protecting turkey sperm during in vitro storage and could potentially improve long-term storage of sperm from other species.