cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensive DNA end processing by exo1 and sgs1 inhibits break-induced replication.

Homology-dependent repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by gene conversion involves short tracts of DNA synthesis and limited loss of heterozygosity (LOH). For DSBs that present only one end, repair occurs by invasion into a homologous sequence followed by replication to the end of the chromosome resulting in extensive LOH, a process called break-induced replication (BIR). We developed a BIR assay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae consisting of a plasmid with a telomere seeding sequence separated from sequence homologous to chromosome III by an I-SceI endonuclease recognition site. Following cleavage of the plasmid by I-SceI in vivo, de novo telomere synthesis occurs at one end of the vector, and the other end invades at the homologous sequence on chromosome III and initiates replication to the end of the chromosome to generate a stable chromosome fragment (CF). BIR was infrequent in wild-type cells due to degradation of the linearized vector. However, in the exo1Δ sgs1Δ mutant, which is defective in the 5′-3′ resection of DSBs, the frequency of BIR was increased by 39-fold. Extension of the invading end of the plasmid was detected by physical analysis two hours after induction of the I-SceI endonuclease in the wild-type exo1Δ, sgs1Δ, and exo1Δ sgs1Δ mutants, but fully repaired products were only visible in the exo1Δ sgs1Δ mutant. The inhibitory effect of resection was less in a plasmid-chromosome gene conversion assay, compared to BIR, and products were detected by physical assay in the wild-type strain. The rare chromosome rearrangements due to BIR template switching at repeated sequences were increased in the exo1Δ sgs1Δ mutant, suggesting that reduced resection can decrease the fidelity of homologous recombination.
Protein kinase C modulator effects on parathyroid hormone-induced intracellular calcium and morphologic changes in UMR 106-H5 osteoblastic cells

The effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on 1,4,5-inositol triphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) and intracellular free calcium (Cai2+) in osteoblasts are variable, whereas adenylate cyclase activity is consistently stimulated. Cyclic AMP is considered a mediator in the contractile effects of PTH on osteoblasts, but the regulation and role of Cai2+ remains unclear. Recent studies indicate that protein kinase C (PKC) inhibits PTH-stimulated Cai2+ increases in osteoblastic cells. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of PKC modulators and PTH on UMR 106-H5 rat osteoblastic cell morphology, and the relationship between cell shape and PTH-induced Cai2+ changes. In suspended cells loaded with the calcium indicator dye fura-2, pretreatment with PKC inhibitors calphostin C (100 nM x 1 h) and H-7 (30 microM x 18 h) potentiated the effects of 1 microgram/ml bPTH (1-84) on Cai2+ (83% increase over basal) by 1.4- and 1.65-fold, respectively. In comparison, PTH (10 ng-1 micrograms/ml) was without significant effect on adherent cell Cai2+ as measured by single-cell image analysis, although another in vitro bone resorbing agent, thrombin (10 U/ml), produced an acute 3-fold increase in the ratio (R) of emission (approximately lambda 510 nm) detected and optimized at lambda 348/374 nm (i.e., Ca-bound dye/free dye) in control cells. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed PKC inhibitor-treated cells changed from a spread configuration to a stellate form with retracting processes or cell rounding and a collapse of actin stress fibers. Within 1 h of PTH addition, PKC inhibitor-treated cells continually became extended/respread up to 3 h with an associated increase in actin stress fibers that was preceded by an acute 1.6-fold Cai2+ increase. In contrast, control or PKC activator-treated cells (phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate; TPA) contracted/retracted within 5 min in response to PTH. A role for Cai2+ in PTH-induced cell spreading was further indicated by a contractile response to PTH when PKC-inhibitor-treated cells were loaded with the intracellular calcium chelator dimethyl BAPTA (3 microM x 30 min). PTH-induced Cai2+ increases in adherent PKC inhibitor-treated cells were also associated with a 1.8-fold 1,4,5-IP3 increase as measured by mass assay. The data suggest PKC contributes to UMR 106-H5 cell morphology and selectively regulates signal pathways activated by PTH to promote either cell contraction (cAMP) or extension (1,4,5-IP3/Cai2+).
STATES OF CAMOUFLAGE

Focusing on a story of former firefighters who used a counterfeit rescue vehicle to perform a false emergency as a cover-up for drug trafficking in the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, this article engages the concept of camouflage to intervene in anthropological discussions on statecraft. The article explores how drug traffickers—but also gendarmes, prefects, and customs officers, who help smugglers by accepting bribes—use the camouflage of legitimate political authority to enable illicit transactions. In the tri-border area, the notion of camouflage helps explain how the contraband and corruption that pervade border relationships are inseparable from formal enactments of political authority. Camouflage, thus, helps illuminate the aesthetic, pragmatic, and moral connections between statecraft and criminality, further enhancing our analytical purchase on how the law and its violation are symbiotically intertwined. I argue that this study of corruption on the border reveals that state effects are created by endless refractions, which do more than blur the distinction between law and crime, between the deceived and the deceiving, between the original and the counterfeit. Camouflage does not merely blend the predictable dichotomous categories by which we approach and analyze the performance of the state, but by obfuscating any clear distinction between the legal, the political, and the criminal, it actually enables states to happen.
Correction of Ureagenesis after Gene Transfer in an Animal Model and after Liver Transplantation in Humans with Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency

We report effects of gene transfer and liver transplantation on urea synthesis in ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD). We measured the formation of [15N] urea after oral administration of 15NH4Cl in two girls with partial OTCD before and after liver transplantation. Ureagenesis was less than 20% of that observed in controls before transplantation, and was normalized afterward. Studies performed on the OTCD sparse fur (spf/Y) mouse showed discordance between OTC enzyme activity and ureagenesis with modest increases in OTC enzyme activity after gene transfer resulting in significant improvement in ureagenesis. This study suggests that both liver transplantation and gene therapy may be effective in improving ureagenesis in OTCD.
SIGACT news complexity theory column 31

This issue's guest column, by Art Werschulz, is on information-based computation. Given that this arrived during the first half of December 2000, Art clearly deserves a heroic focus award for making the time to write such a wonderful column while every news cycle was filled with the ups and downs of a presidential post-election adventure the likes of which is not likely to be seen again in any of our lifetimes.Upcoming complexity theory columns include articles by: J. Castro, R. Gavalda, and D. Guijarro; S. Ravi Kumar and D. Sivakumar; R. Paturi; and M. Holzer and P. McKenzie.
High-performance computing without commitment: SC2IT: A cloud computing interface that makes computational science available to non-specialists

Computational work is a vital part of many scientific studies. In materials science research in particular, theoretical models are often needed to understand measurements. There is currently a double barrier that keeps a broad class of researchers from using state-of-the-art materials science codes: the software typically lacks user-friendliness, and the hardware requirements can demand a significant investment, e.g. the purchase of a Beowulf cluster. Scientific Cloud Computing has the potential to remove this barrier and make computational science accessible to a wider class of scientists who are not computational specialists. We present a set of interface tools, SC2IT, that enables seamless control of virtual compute clusters in the Amazon EC2 cloud and is designed to be embedded in user-friendly Java GUIs. We present applications of our Scientific Cloud Computing method to the materials science codes FEFF9, WIEN2k, and MEEP-mpi. SC2IT and the paradigm described here are applicable to other fields of research outside materials science within current Cloud Computing capability.
Group sequential methods for cohort and case-control studies

Abstract Long-term toxicological and epidemiological studies are often designed for continuous monitoring in order to detect valid statistical evidence of adverse health effects. Standard significance tests are not appropriate when data are periodically evaluated over the course of an investigation. Group sequential methods, however, permit repeated significance testing of periodically accumulated data while maintaining the required overall level of significance. Here we present a group sequential approach to the design and analysis of cohort and case-control studies. The method is illustrated on accumulating pre-weaning and post-weaning survival data from a toxicological/epidemiological study involving two stable laboratory mouse populations: one continuously exposed to a dietary level of 100 ppm DDT and the other nonexposed. During the 70-week course of the study, the populations were maintained at 400 by weekly replacement of dead mice with randomly selected weanlings. The accumulating post-weaning survival data are analyzed by repeated significance testing using the Mantel-Haenszel test with adjustment for confounding factors. A table is presented for a cohort study in which the average sample size required for a particular group sequential design is compared to that of the conventional fixed sample design. The table shows that a group sequential design is in general more efficient than a fixed sample plan for a cohort study.
The catalytic synthesis of thiacrowns from thiiranes by Group VI and VII transition metal carbonyl complexes

The synthesis of thiacrowns by the catalytic ring opening cyclooligomerization of thiirane has been investigated by using some Group VI and Group VII metal carbonyl complexes. The Group VI catalyst precursors were transition metal complexes of the form M(NCCH3)(PR3)x(CO)5−x (x=0, M=Cr, Mo and W; x=1, M=Cr, R=Ph; M=W, R=Ph, or OC6H4–p-Me). For Group VII, the manganese carbonyl cations: [Mn(NCCH3)(L)(CO)4]+, L=CO, PPh3, PMe2Ph, PEt3, PBu3 and P(OMe)3 were studied. The yields of the thiacrowns were significantly improved by the addition of dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates to the reactions catalyzed by the Group VI complexes, but these had no beneficial effect for thiacrown formation for the manganese catalysts. The principal thiacrown products are 1,4,7,10-tetrathiacyclododecane (12S4), 1,4,7,10,13-pentathiacyclopentadecane (15S5) and 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiacyclohexadecane (18S6). Some of the manganese catalysts also yield the cyclic polydisulfides (SCH2CH2S)n (1–4) (where n=2–5), but the principal side product with the manganese catalysts is thiirane homopolymer. The phosphine-substituted catalysts give better yields of thiacrowns than the parent carbonyls in all cases.
Raman study of calcium-induced fusion and molecular segregation of phosphatidylserine/dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine-d54 membranes.

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the effect of Ca2+ on the molecular properties of model membranes consisting of mixtures of phosphatidylserine and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine-d54. The I2880/I2935 intensity ratio associated with the C-H stretching modes is used to monitor the phosphatidylserine molecules, while the linewidth at 2103 cm−1 associated with the C-2H stretching modes is used for the dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine-d54 molecules. Membranes containing phosphatidylserine and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine-d54 at a molar ratio of 1:2 show evidence of initial immiscibility, which is further enhanced by the addition of Ca2+. Membranes containing phosphatidylserine and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine-d54 at a molar ratio of 2:1 are completely miscible, and fuse with the addition of Ca2+. The phosphatidylserine molecules in the fused product of mixed vesicles have highly rigid acyl chains, and behave identically to those in an earlier Raman study of Ca2+-induced fusion of pure phosphatidylserine vesicles. The dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine-d54 molecules are also solid-like, suggesting a higher degree of miscibility with phosphatidylserine in the presence of Ca2+ than dipalmitoyl or distearoyl phosphatidylcholine.
Deciduoid mesothelioma: a rare, distinct entity with unusual features.

Abstract An unusual case of deciduoid mesothelioma occurring in the anterior abdominal wall of a 30-year-old woman is reported. The patient had a palpable mass that was resected. The mass appeared largely cystic with solid areas. Histologically, the tumor cells appeared epitheloid with eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. The tumor was positive for keratins and vimentin and negative for CEA and Ber-EP4. Electron microscopy showed features of mesothelial cells characterized by well-formed desmosomes and long, slender microvilli. In contrast to previously reported cases of deciduoid mesothelioma, this tumor developed in the abdominal wall and appears to have a benign course. Ann Diagn Pathol 5: 168-171, 2001.
Effect of Heating Time of Soybean on Vitamin B‐6 and Folacin Retention, Trypsin Inhibitor Activity, and Microstructure Changes

Heating treatments of boiling 20 min or autoclaving 5 min, 10 min, or 20 min, of soaked (25°C for 10 hr) soybeans, significantly influenced vitamin B-6, free folacin, trypsin inhibitor activity, water absorption, moisture content and blue, green and amber color values in the cooked soybeans. Analysis of covariance showed a relationship (P≤0.05) between water absorption after cooking with total folacin in cooked soybeans and water absorption after cooking with blue color values. Other relationships (P≤0.05) were observed in cooked soybeans between texture and total folacin, moisture and trypsin inhibitor activity, and trypsin inhibitor activity and free folacin.
Some Results on Measure Independent Godel Speed-Ups

We study the measure independent character of Godel speed-up theorems, in particular, we strengthen Arbib's necessary condition for the occurrence of a Godel speed-up [2, p. 13] to an equivalence result and generalize Di Paola's speed-up theorem [4]. We also characterize undecidable theories as precisely those theories which possess consistent measure independent Godel speed-ups and show that a theory τ 2 is a measure independent Godel speed-up of a theory τ 1 if and only if the set of undecidable sentences of τ 1 which are provable in τ 2 is not recursively enumerable.
Chronic Stimulation of the left vagal nerve in children : Effect on swallowing

Summary: Purpose: To learn whether stimulation of the left vagal nerve would influence swallowing. Methods: Eight children receiving intermittent left vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for their pharmacoresistant epilepsy underwent barium swallow studies with their generators off, on, and at maximally tolerated settings. Results: Laryngeal penetration of barium was present in three patients without stimulation, and was caused by VNS in one other patient. Aspiration never occurred. Conclusions: Stimulation of the left vagal nerve under conditions used to treat epilepsy does not cause aspiration.
Structure of the Fe-S Complex in a Bacterial Ferredoxin

BACTERIAL ferredoxin was isolated from C. pasteurianum by Mortenson1 and characterized as a nonhaem iron protein. The term ferredoxin was subsequently broadened to cover other iron-sulphur proteins including those involved in the photosynthetic process in chlroplasts. All ferredoxins have similar electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra and very low E0 values in the neighbourhood of −0.4 V.
Alanine and Sodium Fluxes Across Mucosal Border of Rabbit Ileum

Unidirectional influxes of L-alanine and Na from the mucosal solution into the epithelium of in vitro rabbit ileum have been determined. In the presence of 140 mM Na, alanine influx is approximately 2.2 µmoles/hr cm2, but is inhibited if the NaCl in the mucosal solution is replaced by choline Cl, Tris-Cl, mannitol, LiCl, or KCl. Although alanine influx is strongly dependent upon Na in the mucosal solution, it is uninfluenced by marked reduction of intracellular Na pools. In addition, alanine influx is unaffected by intracellular alanine concentration. Na influx is markedly inhibited by the presence of Li. Evidence is presented that Na transport across the mucosal border cannot be attributed to simple diffusion even though the net flux across this surface is in the direction of the electrochemical potential difference.
The aerodynamic characteristics of a propulsive wing/canard concept in STOL

The potential of the propulsive wing in developing very high lift coefficients for STOL operation has been investigated with several nozzle aspect ratios. The use of the propulsive wing/canard appears to offer an approach to managing the large negative pitching moments associated with trailing-edge blowing. A full-span model of a wing/canard concept representing a fighter configuration has been tested at STOL conditions in the Langley 4 by 7 Meter Tunnel. The results of this test are presented, and comparisons are made to previous tests of the same configuration tested as a semispan model (Stewrt, 1983). Also presented are data showing the effects of large flap deflection and the effect of nozzle span. Comparisons of the test results with jet-flap theory are made and indicate good agreement.
A large area position sensitive neutron detector

Abstract A 54 × 60 cm 2 position sensitive neutron detector with 0.5 × 1.27 cm 2 resolution has been constructed at the University of Missouri Research Reactor for small angle neutron scattering. It consists of an array of 43 linear position sensitive gas-filled proportional counters 0.5 in. in diameter and 24 in. long. The counters have a fill gas of 6 atm 3 He and 4 atm Ar (with 5% CO 2 ) which yields an area averaged neutron efficiency of 84% at a wavelength of 4.75 A. Position sensing is accomplished by the charge division method. Each of the detector elements is serviced by two charge sensitive, low input impedance preamplifiers and its own single circuit board electronics module. This board contains two nuclear pulse shaping amplifiers, a summing amplifier and lower level discriminator, two 8-bit Wilkinson ADCs and the muprocessor interface circuitry which maps the ADCs into successive locations in the memory/address space of a mucomputer. A FIFO encoder circuit is used to provide the mucomputer with the absolute address in memory of the detector elements which register neutron events. The computer then reads the detector ADCs and forms the charge division quotient by a table look-up divide followed by a high speed multiply. The methods of interdetector position sensitivity and efficiency calibration are discussed. In addition, results of the detector resolution, data acquisition speed and system reliability are presented.
Doing Therapy in a Foreign Land: When the Therapist Is “Not From Here”

The psychotherapy field has been paying closer attention to how therapists’ characteristics, history, and styles affect therapeutic encounters and contribute to successful therapy outcomes. Therapists have been encouraged to increase self-awareness of their own socio-cultural dimensions to optimally connect with clients. However, the experience of therapists’ own immigration has received little attention. This article highlights the experience of immigration as important for understanding the self of the therapist, describing core experiences related to immigration for immigrant therapists in the United States. This article additionally describes how these experiences can affect immigrant therapists’ clinical encounters. Finally, recommendations are provided for immigrant therapists, clinical supervisors, and training programs.
Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D): Fact or fiction

Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS (IBS-D) and functional diarrhea constitute 50% of cases treated by gastroenterology specialists and a significant proportion of those treated in a primary physicians practice. The size of the problem and the difficulty in successfully addressing these entities has frustrated patients and physicians alike. The presented data delineates work-up, final diagnoses and clinical outcomes in the largest single clinical retrospective study of 303 patients with an initial presentation of IBS-D and functional diarrhea. Results indicate that 298 (98%) patients were found to have a diagnosis different from the initial presentation of IBS-D, and 204 (68%) of the patients studied had conditions related to treatable bile acid abnormalities. After identifying these clinical diagnoses and instituting appropriate therapy, 98% of these patients had a favorable response, as measured by a decrease in the number of bowel movements to less than three per day and a significant change in the consistency of the stools. This finding is dramatically different from the poor response generally experienced from conventional therapy for IBS-D and functional chronic diarrhea. The data presented in this study substantiates the hypothesis that IBS-D and functional diarrhea do not exist as true clinical entities and explains the previous lack of satisfactory therapeutic response. Symptoms experienced by these patients were caused by a collection of different clinical conditions bunched up under this "umbrella" diagnosis of IBS-D. Once these separate entities were identified and appropriately addressed, the clinical response was quite impressive and encouraging. The implication of this hypothesis could be of vital importance because of the number of those suffering from these symptoms.
On the Tax Structure of Interest Rates

Portfolio selection, 563. — Alternative capital gains tax, 567. — Borrowing, 568. — Uncertainty, 570. — Wealth and price effects, 571. — Market equilibrium, 573. — Empirical observations, 577.
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM: TO WHAT END?*

I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this symposium, and through it to clarify my sense of the possibility of a symbolic interactionism that can do justice to the variety and complexities of social structures impacting on human interaction and the manifold ways in which that impact is effected, while doing equivalent justice to when and how human interaction can transcend and creatively alter those structures. Hopefully, the symposium as a whole will contribute to a better understanding of the potential and the limitations of symbolic interactionism as social psychological framework and theory, and ultimately to a better understanding of how society, social interaction, and the social person interrelate. With that purpose in mind, I will limit myself beyond these opening remarks to issues raised by Warshay and Weinstein. I see little point in addressing Overington and Mangam, or even those who share their premises. Communication requires some common ground, and none exists. Their view admits of no criteria other than aesthetic or political on which to accept or reject sociological and social psychological theories; mine asserts such criteria to exist in a logic by which empirical observations are brought to bear on theoretical accounts. As Scott (1981, p. 582) notes with regard to the framework he shares with Overington and Mangam, “. . . (D)ramaturgical theory . . . does not ‘demonstrate truth’ in some esoteric language whose validity can be judged by only a few experts, nor is it meant to make empirical contributions to knowledge” (emphasis supplied). In my view, making empirical contributions to knowledge is precisely the point of sociological and social psychological activity. Thus, to respond to Overington and Mangam’s entertainment would not serve to advance our understanding of either symbolic interactionism or of human behavior. Besides, I owe them no courtesy. They are clearly not the sort of people one would wish to meet in a dark alley, or anyplace else for that matter. I hope readers will discover for themselves whether my work deserves the savaging they accord it. I take the answer to the question posed by my title to be the achievement of solid empirical generalization and warranted theoretical account couched in the
Comparison of Rose Extracts Produced by Different Extraction Techniques

ABSTRACT Extraction of rose petals using the differing techniques of solvent extraction (hexane), steam distillation and high pressure CO2were performed. Extract profiles are presented demonstrating the relative extraction efficiencies of the processes with respect to fragrant and non-fragrant regions. A product richer in relevant fragrance components is produced by C02 extraction.
Inhibition of lordotic behavior in female rats following intracerebral infusion of anticholinergic agents

Abstract Cholinergic antagonists were bilaterally infused into forebrain areas of ovariectomized female rats brought into sexual receptivity by administration of estrogen and progesterone. Infusion of hemicholinium-3 (HC-3, 5 or 7.5 μg/cannula), an acetylcholine synthesis inhibitor believed to interfere with choline uptake, decreased the incidence of lordotic behavior displayed by females. This inhibition was prevented by infusion of choline chloride (120 μg/cannula) along with HC-3. Atropine sulfate, an acetylcholine receptor blocker, also reduced lordotic behavior in females following intracerebral infusion (20 μg/cannula). These results lend support to the suggestion that lordotic behavior is facilitated by central cholinergic activity.
Development of an adverse-event coping scale (AECS) using item response theory

Abstract Background Adverse drug events (ADEs) cause significant morbidity and mortality to patients. A brief questionnaire asking patients how they coped with such problems could be a useful tool for providing timely interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to develop an adverse-event coping scale (AECS) to measure patients' coping responses to their ADE. Methods Data were collected from subjects recruited from community pharmacies. Psychometric analyses based on item response theory (IRT) were performed to calibrate items and assess reliability. Convergent validity was evaluated by testing a priori formulated hypotheses about expected correlations between the coping scores and other related scales. Results A total of 140 patients participated in this study by answering the developed items. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-dimensional item bank with 11 items. The developed scale was reliable with the reliability coefficient of 0.82. Coping scores were positively correlated with seriousness of the ADE and health literacy, but not coping self-efficacy. Overall, results suggest that the score reflects problem magnitude and coping effort rather than coping efficacy. Conclusion A high score on the AECS indicates an ADE serious enough to prompt a patient to invest substantial efforts to cope with it. The final AECS item bank and its short-form can help clinicians better understand their patients' ADE-coping efforts.
Remote astrocytic and microglial activation modulates neuronal hyperexcitability and below-level neuropathic pain after spinal injury in rat

In this study, we evaluated whether astrocytic and microglial activation mediates below-level neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. Male Sprague-Dawley (225–250 g) rats were given low thoracic (T13) spinal transverse hemisection and behavioral, electrophysiological and immunohistochemical methods were used to examine the development and maintenance of below-level neuropathic pain. On post operation day 28, both hindlimbs showed significantly decreased paw withdrawal thresholds and thermal latencies as well as hyperexcitability of lumbar (L4-5) spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons on both sides of spinal dorsal horn compared to sham controls (*p<0.05). Intrathecal treatment with propentofylline (PPF, 10 mM) for 7 consecutive days immediately after spinal injury attenuated the development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in both hindlimbs in a dose related reduction compared to vehicle treatments (*p<0.05). Intrathecal treatment with single injections of PPF at 28 days after spinal injury, attenuated the existing mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in both hindlimbs in a dose related reduction (*p<0.05). In electrophysiological studies, topical treatment of 10 mM PPF onto the spinal surface attenuated the neuronal hyperexcitability in response to mechanical stimuli. In immunohistochemical studies, astrocytes and microglia in rats with spinal hemisection showed significantly increased GFAP and OX-42 expression in both superficial and deep dorsal horns in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn compared to sham controls (*p<0.05) that was prevented in a dose related manner by PPF. In conclusion, our present data support astrocytic and microglial activation that contributes to below-level central neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury.
IMRT Delivery Performance With a Varian Multileaf Collimator

The use of a multileaf collimator (MLC) for intensity-modulated radiotherapy poses unique dosimetric issues. The nature of intensity-modulated radiotherapy dosimetry, centered on leaf position accuracy, is common to all MLCs. However, the mechanical and software designs of MLCs from the different manufacturers distinguish them. This report focused on the Varian Millennium 120, although the concepts are applicable to the earlier Varian Mark series as well. The factors that affect dose delivery in clinical fields (i.e., mechanical tolerances, motor fatigue, and latency effects) have been quantified. Moreover, inadequate modeling of the MLC in the planning system can be perceived as erratic performance. Individually, some problems have been shown to be insignificant; others are correctable using software. If these problems are rectified or at least understood by the physicist, quality assurance can be simplified.
Psychosis and Low Cyanocobalamin in a Patient Abusing Nitrous Oxide and Cannabis

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an inhalant used primarily as anesthesia in dental procedures. It also has been reported as a substance of abuse among adolescents and young adults with a lifetime prevalence ranging between 2% and 15.8%. Abuse, or even occupational N2O exposure, 3,4 can cause vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency. Several case studies have also reported myelopathy, myeloneuropathy, and subacute combined degeneration in abusers of N2O, and even possible related deaths. To date, however, there have been only a handful of case studies of psychosis in a person abusing N2O. 12–14 We report a case of paranoid delusions and vitamin B12 deficiency in a man abusing N2O “whippits” along with cannabis.
Synthesis, Conformational Analysis, and Phase Characterization of a Versatile Self-Assembling Monoglucosyl Diacylglycerol Analog

Glycosyl diacylglycerols are excellent lipids for the formation of both bi- and monolayer lamellar systems but they are generally not commercially available, and the synthesis of optically pure gly...
Non-Medical Prescription Drug Use Among University Students

Abstract Background: Non-medical prescription drug use is an increasing problem among university students. Purpose: The present study investigated university students' involvement in non-medical prescription drug (NMPD) use and associations between use and other risky behaviors. Methods: A sample of 363 university students completed a four page survey assessing involvement in NMPD use and risky behaviors. Results: Results indicated that approximately one in three university students have used prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription. Pain medication (22.4%) was the number one misused prescription drug followed by stimulants (17.5%). Almost half of university students reported using NMPDs with alcohol. Logistic regression analyses revealed being male and being a junior or senior increased the odds of involvement in NMPD use. Additional analyses revealed engaging in NMPD use was associated with increased odds for cigarette use, marijuana use, and suicidal ideation. Discussion: Health professionals...
SU‐FF‐T‐54: A Three‐Phase Strategy for a Partial Implementation of Biologically Guided Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Rapid advances in imaging and delivery technologies and our understanding of radiation responses herald the coming of the long‐sought goal of practicing patient‐specific biologically‐guided radiation therapy (BGRT). In this work, we propose a three‐phase, incremental approach for the clinical implementation of BGRT. Method and Materials: BGRT, beginning with patient‐specific radiobiological parameters that may be extracted from biological images, can be implemented in three phases. Phase I includes planning population‐based treatments with empirical knowledge of tumor and normal‐tissue responses followed by plan evaluation with dose‐volume parameters as the primary criteria and outcome predictions as secondary criteria. Phase II involves the use of biological images and/or tissueassays to identify tumor region of radioresistance, use of outcome modeling to estimate a dose boost needed to overcome the radioresistance, development of a treatment plan to deliver the boost which does not reduce the dose to other tumor regions and maintains the desired dose to all critical organs, and plan evaluation with outcome prediction models. In Phase III, individualized‐BGRT plans derived using the validated outcome prediction models developed in Phases I and II are iteratively refined based on spatial and temporal varied patient‐specific information. In all three phases, treatments will be delivered with image guidance. The 3D dose actually delivered to an individual patient will be documented. Patients will be periodically evaluated with imaging and/or assays. The acquired follow‐up tumor and normal‐tissue response data will be used to refine outcome prediction models. Results: A three‐phase approach for a partial implementation of BRGT is proposed. An example of using physiological MRI to extract patient‐specific radiobiological parameters required for BGRT is presented. Conclusion: The full implementation of BGRT in the clinic will require new technologies and additional research. However, even the partial implementation of BGRT treatment planning has the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
Impact of aspirin intolerance on outcomes of sinus surgery.

Objectives: To compare objective and quality of life (QOL) outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in aspirin (ASA)-tolerant patients and ASA-intolerant patients over intermediate and long-term follow-up. Study Design: Prospective analysis of a cohort of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: Preoperative computed tomography (CT), pre- and postoperative endoscopy, and two validated disease specific QOL instruments, the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS), were collected. Differences in the proportions of patients who improved were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Results: Nineteen ASA-intolerant patients and 104 ASA-tolerant patients were followed for a mean of 17.7 months. Patients with ASA intolerance had significantly worse preoperative CT (P < .0001) and endoscopy scores (P < .0001). After ESS, 57% to 74% of patients improved on endoscopy scores, 63% to 71% improved on the RSDI, and 58% to 73% improved on the CSS; improvement did not significantly differ by ASA status. Conclusions: Similar proportions of ASA-tolerant and ASA-intolerant patients showed improvement on endoscopy and QOL measures after ESS.
An analysis of interactions in a multiple schedule.

Multiple schedules of reinforcement may bring several different rates of responding under the control of several different exteroceptive stimuli (Ferster & Skinner, 1957). Occasionally, the rate of responding during the presentation of one of the stimuli may be altered by changing only the schedule of reinforcement associated with one of the other stimuli (e.g., Herrnstein Q9 Brady, 1958). A change in the rate of responding during the presentation of one stimulus, brought about by changing the schedule of reinforcement associated with a different stimulus, is called an interaction. Interactions may be studied by reinforcing an organism on a sequence of two-component multiple schedules. For example, suppose a multiple schedule in which both components are variable-interval reinforcement (mult VI VI) is changed to a multiple schedule in which the first component is variable-interval reinforcement and the second component is extinction (mult VI EXT). In the first component of these two multiple schedules, responding is continually reinforced on the same schedule, whereas in the second component the schedule is changed from reinforcement to extinction. When the second component is changed from reinforcement to extinction, the rate of responding in the first component (maintained on the VI schedule) may be unaffected, or it may increase or decrease. If the rate of responding in the first component increases or decreases when the other component becomes extinction, the components of the multiple schedule are said to interact. The sequence of schedules, mult VI VI, mult VI EXT, may reveal another interaction: the extinction curve in the second component ma-y itself differ from extinction curves obtained under different conditions. The present experiment systematically studies the possible interactions in a two-component multiple schedule. In the first series of procedures, the component schedules in the multiple schedule were either reinforcement on a variable-interval schedule (mean interval of 3 minutes) or extinction (VI series). In the second series, the component schedules were either reinforcement on a variable-ratio schedule (150 to 1) or extinction (VR series).
Germplasm Diversity among Four Sugarcane Species for Sugar Composition

The characterization of the World Collection of Sugarcane is needed for effective preservation and use of genetic resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate sugarcane germplasm from field plots by means of an analysis of sugar composition of four Saccharum species (32 S. officinarum L., 30 S. barberi Jesw., 27 S. robustum Brandes and Jeswiet ex Grassl, and 28 S. sinense Roxb.) plus four commercial cultivars. Stalks were cut from all clones of 1-yr-old plant cane and 11 clones from the first ratoon crop were crushed for juice analysis by conventional (Brix-pol) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Most juice quality measurements showed a significant interaction between clones and crop cycles. The frequency distribution of sucrose content of the plant cane for S. officinarum, S. barberi, and S. robustum showed a marked skewness toward high sucrose content. The four species, however, showed different trends based on sugar content: S. officinarum clones were distributed in the plot of low glucose and fructose contents with sucrose content extending from low to high; S. sinense clones were distributed in the plot from low sucrose and low glucose-fructose to high sucrose and high glucose-fructose; and S. barberi and S. robustum clones were distributed in the plot between the former two species. Cluster analysis also indicated the heterogeneity within and among these four species. Information on sugar composition should assist curators in separating clones in their collection and breeders in selecting superior clones for use in their breeding programs.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate). I. Study of crystallization kinetics

Cast amorphous one mil films of poly(ethylene terephthalate)were allowed to crystallize isothermally in silicone oil over the temperature range 25–240°C. The crystallization paths were followed by recording the percent of transmission of 4000 A. light through the films as a function of time at specific temperatures. At temperatures between 70 and 90°C. the transmission increased to a value higher than the initial transmission and did not decrease with time. From about 95 to 125°C. the curves showed a similar increase, followed by a decrease to a minimum and then an increase to a new maximum before leveling off. The shapes of these curves were interpreted in terms of the sizes of the growing spherulites. The first detectable signs of crystallization were observed at 96.5°C., as evidenced by density and densitometer measurements. It is shown that the polymer passed through a temperature range beginning at the glass transition point (66°C.) and extending to about 95°C., where molecular and chain rearrangements occurred without crystallization. Half lives and rate constants were found to increase exponentially over the range 96.5–119.5°C. Above approximately 125°C., the crystallization process took place at such a rapid rate that accurate data were impossible to obtain. Activation energies were calculated from the rate constants and from an estimation of induction times from the light transmission–time curves. These values were found to be 37 and 30 kcal./mole, respectively. The density–time data were also fitted to the Avrami relationship. Evaluation of the constants indicated that the initial crystallization growth was lineal.
Cystic Hydrops and Spontaneous Perforation in Fuchs' Superficial Marginal Keratitis

Purpose We studied a case of Fuchs' superficial marginal keratitis in which cystic corneal hydrops developed in one eye, and spontaneous corneal perforation occurred in the fellow eye. Methods The patient underwent bilateral annular corneoscleral lamellar patch grafts for tectonic support. Results The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and visual acuity of 20/25 bilaterally. Conclusion Stromal loss in Fuchs' superficial marginal keratitis may be severe enough to result in cystic corneal hydrops. Patients with this disorder should be counseled regarding the possibility of corneal perforation.
The isolation of three variants of Mengo virus differing in plaque morphology and hemagglutinating characteristics.

Abstract The isolation of three variants of Mengo encephalomyelitis virus is described. The variants can be distinguished from one another on the basis of the size and morphology of the plaques which they produce in L-cell monolayers. Serologically, the three variants are very closely related to each other and are similar to the encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus. Only one of the three (M-Mengo) has a significant hemagglutinating activity. In human diploid cells, one of the variants (S-Mengo) produces crescentic plaques which conform to the orientation of the cells, suggesting a cell-to-cell transfer of virus. The substitution of methylcellulose for agar does not alter the relative sizes of the plaques produced in L-cell monolayers by the three variants. In contrast, EMC virus forms much larger plaques under a methylcellulose than under an agar overlay.
Glioblastoma multiforme following prophylactic cranial irradiation and intrathecal methotrexate in a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Cases of radiation-induced glioma in humans are extremely rare. A 2-year-old boy with acute lymphocytic leukemia had received prophylactic cranial irradiation (2400 rad/2 1/2 weeks) and intrathecal methotrexate. Five years later he developed a glioblastoma multiforme on the left cerebral hemisphere while the leukemia was in remission. This is the first reported association of these disorders. It is possible that the glioma may have been induced by radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Managing the World Economy: Old Order, New Order or Disorder?

The New International Economic Order: An Overview. By P. N. Agarwala. Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1983. Pp.xiii + 351. £17.50. ISBN 0 08 028823 5. Third World Strategy: Economic and Political Cohesion in the South. Edited Altaf Gauhar. London: Praeger, UK distributor Holt‐Saunders, 1984. Pp.xvi + 220. £24.95 and £12.95. ISBN 0 03 069713 1 and 069712 3. The New International Economic Order: Conflict and Cooperation in North‐South Economic Relations, 1974–77. By Jeffrey A. Hart. London: Macmillan, 1983. Pp.xviii + 180. £25. ISBN 0 333 34525 8. The Management of the World Economy. By Evan Luard. London: Macmillan, 1983. Pp.xxvii + 270. £25. ISBN 0 333 34236 4. The Challenges of South‐south Co‐operation. Edited by Breda Pavlic, Raul R. Uranga, Boris Cizelj and Marjan Svetlicic. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, UK distributor Bowker, 1983. Pp.xii + 455. £21.75. ISBN 0 8653 601 5. The Oil Crisis and Economic Adjustment: Case Studies of Six Developing Countries. By Andrew MacKillop. London: Frances Pinter, 1983. Pp.xi +...
Theoretical investigations of the electronic states of porphyrins. III. Low-lying electronic states of porphinatoiron(II)

Ab initio CI calculations are reported on the lowest quintet, triplet, and singlet states of FeII(P) (NH3)2. The lowest singlet state has strong mixing between the configuration (dxy2 (dπ)4 and (dxy)2(dπ)3egπ*. The lowest quintet is mixed between 6A1g)dπ and (6A1g)egπ*, where 6A1g refers to the high-spin ferric configuration. We calculate many low-energy states as 3(ππ*) ring and metal triplet and quintet configurations [“triptriplets” and “tripquintets”]. The calculations also show low-energy charge-transfer configurations of ring anion excited quartets and ferric quartets and sextets [“quartquartets” and “quartsextets”]. The farthest red x,y-polarized bands of the experimental spectra of low-spin hemoproteins are identified as dxy egπ* or dπ d mixed with dπ d and the z-polarized bands are assigned as dπ egπ*. The farthest red x,y-polarized bands of the high-spin hemoproteins are identified as excited quartsextet states. Picosecond transients observed in FeII(TPP) (pip)2 are attributed to an initial 1(dπ egπ*) state, which inter-system crosses to high-spin states that lose one ligand.
Myocardial Protection: Is There a Role for Gene Therapy?

Modification of gene expression within the heart could have a dramatic impact on both cardiac transplantation and routine cardiac surgery within the next decade. The advantage of gene therapy is that it would allow organ-selective local delivery of higher levels of cytokines, growth factors, vasodilators, or immunosuppressive drugs than could be safely achieved by systemic administration. Direct transfection or transduction of myocytes, endothelium, and/or vascular smooth muscle cells could increase the density of beta adrenergic receptors, inhibit endothelial adhesion molecule expression, or prevent neointimal formation in coronary bypass grafts. Cell transfer of neonatal or engineered adult myocytes might allow repopulation of infarct areas. The current limitations to effective clinical gene therapy are the variable transfection efficiencies of gene delivery systems, limited duration of gene expression, immune responses to viral vectors, and safety concerns. Ischemia-reperfusion injury will be one of the earliest applications for gene therapy since the short time course of injury and recovery would be amenable to therapeutic approaches with limited durations of action, achievable by currently available delivery vectors.
Increased Efficiency of Neighborhood Storage

A technique called neighborhood storage has been developed previously to store and regenerate extensive lists of sequential steps of a decision process such as all the shortest routes in a transportation system. The original formulation can reduce the required storage by more than an order of magnitude over classical techniques. The purpose of this correspondence is to provide a more efficient technique through a modification of the means of selecting feasible intermediate vertices. The revisions for the more efficient storage technique are presented along with comparisons in terms of the original formulation as well as a classical technique.