cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrent aseptic liver abscesses in a patient with Crohn's disease: True infection or a Crohn's flare?

Abstract A liver abscess is identified as a rare extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease, with an incidence of approximately 150 in 100,000 patients with this condition. In many of these patients, infectious causes are identified, and the patient’s condition is often noted to improve with antibiotics. An aseptic abscess (AA) is an increasingly recognized entity, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, where repetitive evaluations to identify the infectious cause are futile. The average age of diagnosis for an AA is 29 years. The most common site is the spleen, followed by the lymph nodes and then the liver. In this study, we present a unique case of extensive aseptic liver abscesses extending into the pleural cavity in a young patient with Crohn’s disease.
Problem of Universality in Phase Transitions in Low-Symmetry Systems

Fundamental problems concerning universality in phase transitions in such lowsymmetry systems as hierarchical and fractal lattices are examined. It is pointed out that as yet universality is but an extrapolated hypothesis for which conclusive evidence, theoretical or experimental, is still lacking. Moreover, in view of the virtually unlimited freedom in the construction of such lattices, it seems unlikely that a finite complete set of universality criteria exist. It is proposed that a distinction be made between “strong” and “weak” universality. New ways of characterizing universality may also have to be introduced.
Barbarism and Religion: European Enlightenment and the Machiavellian moment

In the fifty to seventy years following Harrington's writings (1656–60), the political structure and culture of western and especially Atlantic Europe underwent great changes and entered a condition to which the term ‘Enlightenment’ can in various senses be usefully applied. In the preceding volumes of this series the condition so termed was characterised as a plurality of states composing a system, each strong enough to guarantee civil society under government – a common term for this was les etats bien polices – and to conduct a ‘reason of state’, that is a system of wars and treaties rationally controlled. It was further shown that this condition was contrasted with a previous condition of regional revolts and wars of religion, itself supposed the product of centuries of feudal power and ecclesiastical supremacy; Gibbon's ‘triumph of barbarism and religion’. There came to be formulated what an earlier volume termed ‘the Enlightened narrative’, a history beginning sometimes with Constantine and sometimes with Charlemagne and pursued through what we termed ‘the Christian millennium’ until it reached the ‘modern’ or ‘enlightened’ moment when there emerged the Europe of contending yet co-existing states. These were connected with each other, and formed a system, not only by their power to conduct relations of war and peace – John Locke's ‘federative power’ – but by powerful economic and cultural forces: the ‘commerce’ by which they exchanged goods and money, ideas and values, with each other, and the moeurs or ‘polite manners’ which they were supposed to possess in common and derive from a past history that was in process of being written.
IFNγ-mediated exacerbation of Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula-induced proinflammatory responses is dependent on interferon regulatory factor 1 (INM3P.403)

Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (SR) is a thermophilic actinomycetes that causes hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Interferon γ (IFNγ) produced after exposure to SR has been demonstrated to be necessary for development of HP. However, the molecular mechanism by which IFNγ enhances SR-mediated inflammatory responses is not completely understood. We investigated how IFNγ alters SR-induced expression of cytokines/chemokines. IFNγ pretreatment substantially enhanced expression of TNFα, IL-6, IL-23, IFNβ, MIP-1α, and MIP-2, without affecting IL-10 expression, in response to SR. Expression of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) was rapidly increased in cells pre-exposed to IFNγ, and inhibition of IRF1 synthesis abolished IFNγ-enhanced gene expression in response to SR. In contrast, suppression of IRF1 expression did not alter SR-mediated expression of IL-10. SR stimulation led to the binding of IRF1 to the IL-6 promoter region, but not to the IL-10 promoter region in IFNγ-pretreated cells. This indicates that IRF1 expressed in cells pre-exposed to IFNγ is activated by subsequent SR stimulation and contributes to the synergistic expression of certain proinflammatory genes. Our results imply that IFNγ produced after initial exposure to SR may help direct the proinflammatory responses to subsequent SR exposure toward to pathogenic Th1/Th17 development by selectively amplifying expression of certain cytokines/chemokines without affecting expression of regulatory cytokine IL-10.
Anisotropically Restricted Diffusion in MRI

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Apparent Diffusion Coefficients and Observation Direction 3 Mapping and the Origin of the Apparent Diffusion Anisotropy 4 Clinical Implications 5 Biographical Sketches Related Articles
Informational and Managerial Inefficiency and Conservatism for Intangible-Intensive Firms

Accounting conservatism is a controversial issue. Immediately expensing R&D and advertising costs distorts accounting information, ignoring the future benefits arising from these expenditures. However, this treatment is often justified because the values of intangible investments are difficult to verify. The motivation of my research is to determine the levels of inefficiency arising from the conservative treatment of intangibles (informational inefficiency) and from managerial resource allocation decisions (management inefficiency). To the end, I analyze the consequences of conservatism on returns on assets (ROA) for intangible-intensive firms. I employ a stochastic frontier estimation technique, which is well-suited to quantify the impact of regulations. I can use this econometric methodology to estimate the shortfalls from the best performing firms by decomposing errors into two parts, a random component and inefficiency. I find that conservatism is associated with shortfalls in ROA (informational inefficiency). This adverse effect is magnified when current earnings are expected to decline. This probably occurs because managers have strong incentives to try to offset some of these expected earnings declines. I also find that for firms in a positive earning region, managers are more likely to reduce R&D spending if they expect current earnings to decline. However, in a negative earning region, managers are less likely to reduce R&D spending even when they expect current earnings to decline. These results are consistent with the notion that the conservative treatment of intangibles encourages myopic managerial decisions about R&D spending, which in-turn increases shortfalls in ROA, and generates managerial inefficiency. Although further analysis is needed, my results also suggest there may be systematic overinvestment in intangible projects. My findings have important implications for regulators because conservative treatment of intangibles creates misalignment of managerial incentives with those of shareholders concerning optimal resource allocation to produce long-term profits.
Economics of information in the Web economy: Towards a new theory?

Abstract As a shopping interface, the Web possesses certain unique attributes, which necessitates a reevaluation of the implications and validity of traditional theories of consumer behavior. Because the acquisition and management of information is drastically different in an online setting, traditional theories of information search behavior might have to be modified to suit the Web environment. This article examines how two key aspects of the traditional Economics of Information (EoI) theory, price dispersion and search efficiency , are likely to be impacted differentially due to the characteristics of the Web. A set of theoretical propositions is presented, which suggests that the Web will influence our views of the traditional EoI theory in the areas of product/information versioning, antecedents of price dispersion, relationship between price dispersion and amount of search, role of search agents and the effect of search efficiency on search behavior.
A knowledge based system for the selection of adhesives for PCB assembly

The authors describe a system that captures the requisite knowledge and simplifies the adhesive selection process by making this knowledge readily available in an appropriate format for engineers. Adhesive selection for surface mount assembly is a complex process, which must take into consideration a number of interrelationships. Automation of the adhesive selection activity results in consistent and timely judgments, and thus aids in standardization of the process. One important feature of the knowledge-based system is that the knowledge can be augmented or revised at any time to incorporate on-the-job learning. >
Practitioner competence in social work: Training and evaluation

Practitioner competence is becoming an increasingly important priority within the social work profession. A skill training program designed to promote practice competence was developed to examine problematic situations for social workers. Previous training programs have emphasized basic skills but have not attempted to teach skills in specific problematic situations. This pilot training program was evaluated using a time-series design replicated across four subjects. Results show that students made gains on all measures after the introduction of the training. These results suggest that social work students can enhance their practice skills and competence through training of this nature.
Virulence of Six Strains of Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) in Mice

The abilities of six strains of Mycobacterium bovis strain BCG to replicate in vivo and to cause spleen enlargement in the CDF(1) male mouse were compared. The strains were grown in synthetic medium and harvested soon after complete pellicles were produced on liquid medium. In addition, two freeze-dried commercially available preparations were tested. The comparisons were made on the basis of injecting equal numbers of colony-forming units. Strain differences were marked. The Brazil strain was most effective in stimulating spleen enlargement, and the Japan strain was the least effective. This correlated with the number of colony-forming units isolated from the spleen.
Transnasal endoscopic surgery of the pituitary: modifications and results over 10 years.

Objective: A 10-year retrospective review of three endoscopic approaches used by the authors for pituitary gland surgery is presented. We review our results and complications and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each. The variations in nasal anatomy that factor in the endoscopic approach are tabulated and discussed. Methods: A chart review and examination of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients who have had endoscopic pituitary surgery by the authors was performed. We gathered specific details of the operative approach, nasal-sinus anatomy, tumor location, required ancillary nasal procedures, and postoperative complications. Results: Ninety patients had endoscopic pituitary surgery. Operative reports and review of radiographic studies were possible for 75 patients. The surgical approach progressed over 10 years from endoscopic transseptal (42) to bilateral transostial (13) to unilateral transostial (20). Adequate exposure for the degree of resection was achieved in all patients. Complications included hemorrhage requiring return to the operating room (1), transient visual field loss (2), and transient diabetes insipidus (7). Four patients subsequently had craniotomy to resect suprasellar tumor extension. The average follow-up was 6 years. One patient required revision endoscopic resection 3 years later for tumor recurrence. Anatomic findings included nasal septal deflections in 36 (48%) of the patients, abnormalities of the turbinates in 42 (56%), and variances of the sphenoid sinus septum in 59 (79%) of the patients. In the unilateral transostial approach, the operative side was often determined by anatomic factors. Conclusion: The authors have exclusively used endoscopic surgery of pituitary gland tumors for over 10 years. Modifications to the approach have occurred as a result of increased surgeon experience and improved technology. The unilateral transostial approach is safe, effective, and recommended.
A cross-cultural exploration of attitudes toward product expiration dates

This is an exploratory study examining consumer attitudes toward product expiration dates in three different countries, the United States, Canada, and Turkey. In addition, the study investigates the differences in the importance of product expiration dates for three products, yogurt, over-the-counter medicine, and camera film, in the three cultures. A total of 687 surveys were gathered in the three countries. The results show that there are, indeed, differences among the consumers in three countries. American and Canadian consumers check product expiration dates before purchasing and before using products more often than Turkish consumers. Although most of the differences observed are between the respondents in Turkey versus the respondents in the United States and Canada, some differences between the U.S. and Canadian respondents are also found, indicating that culture plays an important role in consumer uncertainty avoidance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
General circulation of the atmosphere

Extensive processing of aerologic data has been made by using high-speed electronic computers. They have yielded better descriptions of the global distributions of various quantities such as wind, temperature, and, particularly, the meridional circulation. Taljaard et al. [1969] extended the analysis of the northern hemisphere by Crutcher [e.g., Crutcher and Meserve, 1970] to the southern hemisphere and obtained the monthly mean fields of geopotential height, temperature, and dew point by compiling the massive observational data. These results have been published in convenient map form and are also available on magnetic tape.
Five-Factor Trait Instability in Borderline Relative to Other Personality Disorders

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is related to five-factor model (FFM) traits and can be characterized as involving psychological and behavioral instability. A previous study comparing the FFM trait stability across individuals with borderline and other personality disorders found that the BPD group tended to have lower stability, particularly on neuroticism and conscientiousness and the overall configuration of FFM profiles over 6 years, suggesting that associated psychological and behavioral variability may be due to trait variability. The current study was designed to test the degree to which these findings replicate in another sample using different diagnostic and trait measures and extending the measurement period to 10 years. Results are consistent with previous findings in showing lower differential (rank-order) stability on conscientiousness, greater mean-level decreases on neuroticism, lower individual-level stability on conscientiousness, and lower ipsative stability of trait profile configurations among those with BPD. However, unlike the previous study, no differences were observed for differential or individual-level neuroticism or mean-level conscientiousness. Overall, findings show that the instability characteristic of BPD extends into typically stable personality traits, and that it does so with some specificity in terms of which traits are affected and how instability manifests.
The first apparent dissociation constant of carbonic acid in marine waters from 0 to 20‰ and 0 to 30 °C

Abstract The first apparent dissociation constant of carbonic acid, K1′, was determined at temperatures and salinities between 2 and 30 °C and 0 and 20‰. As in previous studies, pK1′ was related to temperature and salinity with an equation of the form: pK ′ =aT −1 +bT+c+d(Cl 1 2 ) where a, b, c and d are constants, T is the absolute temperature and Cl is the chlorinity. The values of the coefficients are: a=3406·12; b= 0·033763;c=−15·1121; and d=−0·09789 . The values generated by this equation agree well, usually within ± 0·02, with the few values measured by other investigators at these low salinities at 20 °C. Our values also agree with those given by the equations presently in use within +0·03--0·04 between 0 and 30 °C and 0 and 20‰.
Age‐related size reduction of foramina in the cribriform plate

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the foramina of the cribriform plate which transmit cranial nerve I decrease in size with age, but this finding has never been supported with quantitative data. It has also been observed that olfactory function declines with increasing age. It has been hypothesized that the cribriform plate foramina closure may be responsible for the olfactory performance decrease with age. We gathered quantitative data to test an age-related decline in cribriform plate foramina area. We report data for the area of patent foramina in the posterior 1 cm of 57 cribriform plates from 40 skulls of known age and sex. Analyses were performed to test for the effects of age, sex, and lateralization on foramina area. The area of patent foramina in the cribriform plate decreases with increasing age. Age is a strong covariate with foramina area (P value = 0.0025). The regression equation for the area of patent foramina is: expected area = 8.17 - (0.06) age. Adding the variable sex does not contribute significantly (P value > 0.28) to the model which utilizes age alone. Nor was there any significant lateralization in patent foramina area. The area of patent foramina in the cribriform plate decreases with increasing age, and there is no significant difference between males and females or left and right sides. Such decreases in patent foramina may be associated with impaired olfactory function in the aged.
High-resolution digital integral photography using a scanning microlens array

We suggest a new 3D-camera system for integral photography (IP). Our method enables high resolution three-dimensional imaging by employing a low-definition electronic camera. In contrast to conventional IP a moving microlens array (MLA) is used. The intensity distribution in the MLA image-plane is sampled sequentially by using a pinhole array. The inversion problem from pseudoscopic to orthoscopic images is dealt with by electronic means. The new method is suitable for real-time three-dimensional imaging. We verified the new method experimentally. Integral photographs with a resolution of 3760 pixel x 2560 pixel (188 x 128 element images) are presented.
Salvage of a patient with burn inhalation injury and pancreatitis

A multidisciplinary approach by the staffs of the Emergency Department and the Regional Burn Center saved the life of a burn patient with an inhalation injury and pancreatitis. This successful treatment is attributed to ventilatory management using fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the Emergency Department, followed by burn eschar excision with coverage by cultured skin and non-operative management of an enlarging pseudocyst by percutaneous transgastric drainage.
The Glue Grant experience: characterizing the post injury genomic response

Despite ongoing improvements in resuscitation, care, and outcomes, traumatic injury remains a significant health care and economic burden. The causes are multifactorial, but our approach to the clinical management of these patients remains limited by our current understanding of the pathobiology of the disease. A multicenter, multidisciplinary program known as the "Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury" Large Scale Collaborative Research Program was created by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS, U54 GM062119-10) in 2001 in a 10-year effort to address some of these issues. Its primary goal is to describe the human genomic response to severe trauma and burns, and to examine changes in gene expression in the context of different clinical outcomes. The Program has not only successfully implemented clinical care guidelines for managing the severe trauma patient based on the best available evidence to minimize iatrogenic variability, but it has also examined the genome-wide, immune-inflammatory response in total and isolated blood leukocyte populations. This review will address current milestones as well as future directions for the Program.
Investigation of ion/molecule reactions as a quantification method for phosphorylated positional isomers: An FT-ICR approach

A rapid and accurate method of quantifying positional isomeric mixtures of phosphorylated hexose and N-acetylhexosamine monosacchrides by using gas-phase ion/molecule reactions coupled with FT-ICR mass spectrometry is described. Trimethyl borate, the reagent gas, reacts readily with the singly charged negative ions of phosphorylated monosaccharides to form two stable product ions corresponding to the loss of one or two neutral molecules of methanol from the original adduct. Product distribution in the ion/molecule reaction spectra differs significantly for isomers phosphorylated in either the 1- or the 6-position. As a result, the percents of total ion current of these product ions for a mixture of the two isomers vary with its composition. In order to determine the percentage of each isomer in an unknown mixture, a multicomponent quantification method is utilized in which the percents of total ion current of the two product ions for each pure monosaccharide phosphate and the mixture are used in a two-equation, two-unknown system. The applicability of this method is demonstrated by successfully quantifying mock mixtures of four different isomeric pairs: Glucose-1-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate; mannose-1-phosphate and mannose-6-phosphate; galactose-1-phosphate and galactose-6-phosphate; N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate and N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate. The effects of mixture concentrations and ion/molecule reaction conditions on the quantification are also discussed. Our results demonstrate that this assay is a fast, sensitive, and robust method to quantify isomeric mixtures of phosphorylated monosaccharides.
Regulation of 5-HT2A receptor mRNA in P11 cells

P11 cells were used as an in vitro model system to explore effects of exposure to 5-HT on levels of mRNA encoding 5-HT 2A receptors. Exposure of cells to the agonist 5-HT resulted in a doubling of receptor mRNA levels. mRNA levels returned to control levels within 8-16 h. The stability of receptor mRNA transcripts was transiently increased, suggesting that a post-transcriptional process was responsible for the up-regulation of receptor mRNA. The 5-HT-induced increase in Levels on 5-HT 2A receptor mRNA did not require de novo protein synthesis since the increase was not affected by prior treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Results of studies in which the activity of protein kinase C was either increased with PMA or antagonized with bisindolylmaleimide indicated that protein phosphorylation was essential for increasing levels of 5-HT 2A receptor mRNA. These findings suggest that PKC-dependent post-transcriptional and post-translational processes participate in regulating 5-HT 2A receptor mRNA expression.
Sorting Out Diabetes

Early during the development of type 2 diabetes, insulin's ability to stimulate the cellular uptake of glucose from the blood is compromised ( 1 ). Muscle is the main tissue responsible for this absorption, and insulin enhances glucose movement into muscle cells through the GLUT4 transporter at the cell surface ( 2 , 3 ). This hallmark action of insulin is conserved in vertebrates, and the molecular machinery by which it occurs is thought to be similar among mammals. On page 1192 of this issue, Vassilopoulos et al. ( 4 ) identify a key protein that mediates insulin action in humans, but not in mice, a distinction with potential implications for understanding glucose metabolism and diabetes pathophysiology.
Tests for urethane induction of germ-cell mutations and germ-cell killing in the mouse.

Abstract Urethane, a chemical that has given varied results in mutagenesis assays, was tested in the mouse specific-locus test, and its effect on germ-cell survival was explored. Altogether 32 828 offspring were observed from successive weekly matings of males exposed to the maximum tolerated i.p. dose of 1750 mg urethane/kg. The combined data rule out (at the 5% significance level) an induced mutation rate greater than 1.7 times the historical control rate. For spermatogonial stem cells alone, the multiple ruled out is 3.2, and for poststem-cell stages, 3.5. Litter sizes from successive conceptions made in any of the first 7 weeks give no indication of induced dominant lethality, confirming results of past dominant-lethal assays. That urethane (or an active metabolite) reaches germ cells is indicated by SCE induction in spermatogonia demonstrated by other investigators. Cytotoxic effects in spermatogonia are suggested by our finding of a slight reduction in numbers of certain types of spermatogonia in seminiferous tubule cross-sections and of a borderline decrease in the number of litters conceived during the 8th and 9th posttreatment weeks. The negative results for induction of gene mutations as well as clastogenic damage are at variance with Nomura's reports of dominant effects (F1 cancers and malformations) produced by urethane.
On p-norm linear discrimination

Abstract We consider a p-norm linear discrimination model that generalizes the model of Bennett and Mangasarian (1992) and reduces to a linear programming problem with p-order cone constraints. The proposed approach for handling linear programming problems with p-order cone constraints is based on reformulation of p-order cone optimization problems as second order cone programming (SOCP) problems when p is rational. Since such reformulations typically lead to SOCP problems with large numbers of second order cones, an “economical” representation that minimizes the number of second order cones is proposed. A case study illustrating the developed model on several popular data sets is conducted.
Toward a greater integration of gender in economics

Abstract This paper argues that feminist analysis is finally making an impact in the field of economics. It begins with an historical overview of the alternative theoretical approaches that have discussed women's issues, particularly since the 1950s and 1960s, and it argues that, during the 1980s and 1990s, these approaches have tended to converge, at least partially, through the use of gender as a central category of analysis. The influence of postmodernism and the development of feminist theory have laid the basis for the task of transforming economics and engendering theory and policy. At the same time, feminist analysis has shifted from its main concentration on microeconomics to the discussion of macroeconomics. More specifically, the paper discusses two areas in which progress toward engendering economic analysis has been made since the late 1970s: 1. (a) the visibility of women's work and its inclusion in labor force and national accounting statistics, and 2. (b) macroeconomic issues, with focus on the area of gender and development and of structural adjustment policies, with particular reference to alternative models to the orthodox structural adjustment packages.
Forgiveness and consideration of future consequences in aggressive driving

Most research on aggressive driving has focused on identifying aspects of driver personality which will exacerbate it (e.g., sensation seeking, impulsiveness, driving anger, etc.). The present study was designed to examine two theoretically relevant but previously unexplored personality factors predicted to reduce the risk of aggressive driving: trait forgiveness and consideration of future consequences. The utility of these variables in predicting aggressive driving and driving anger expression was evaluated among 316 college student volunteers. Hierarchical multiple regressions permitted an analysis of the incremental validity of these constructs beyond respondent gender, age, miles driven per week, and driving anger. Both forgiveness and consideration of future consequences contributed to the prediction of aggressive driving and driving anger expression, independent of driving anger. Research on aggressive driving may be enhanced by greater attention to adaptive, potentially risk-reducing traits. Moreover, forgiveness and consideration of future consequences may have implications for accident prevention.
A Stereo Vision System For On-Machine Dimensional Metrology

A highly accurate stereo vision has been developed, at the National Research Council of Canada, as part of an on-machine dimensional inspection system. The approach is designed to eliminate or minimize the well-known difficulties of stereo vision. Its main features, besides the potentially high accuracy, are the flexibility, cost effectiveness and speed.
Representation of pitch in a neural net model of chord classification

A fundamental concern in the construction of neural nets for musical applications is the representation of input to the system. The way in which input is ultimately represented is determined by several factors: (1) the theoretical viewpoint of the researcher, (2) the primary use of the net, and (3) available computational resources. Psychoacousticians may be interested in representations that capture aspects of the peripheral processing of musical signals by the basilar membrane as well as with central mechanisms. "Cognitivists" may be more concerned with representations at the abstract level of concepts, such as musical key. Researchers who want to use neural nets for musical signal processing may be interested in both lowand high-level representations in order to enable analysis of recorded musical sound and the subsequent conversion into the high-level abstraction of a musical
P‐117: Direct Printed Plastic Color Filter for Color Electrophoretic Displays

Color e-paper is an important vehicle in the coming handheld electronic consumer product. However, many technologies still struggle to be more competitive in this field. This work presents a feasible and simple printed process to fabricate plastic color filter for e-paper. A color EPD of 6 inch diagonal has been successfully demonstrated.
Photochemical Electron Transfer Reactions of Tirapazamine

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of 3-aminobenzo-1,2,4-triazine di-N-oxide (tirapazamine) have been recorded and exhibit a dependence on solvent that correlates with the Dimroth ET30 parameter. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations reveal that the transition of tirapazamine in the visible region is pi-->pi* in nature. The fluorescence lifetime is 98+/-2 ps in water. The fluorescence quantum yield is approximately 0.002 in water. The fluorescence of tirapazamine is efficiently quenched by electron donors via an electron-transfer process. Linear Stern-Volmer fluorescence quenching plots are observed with sodium azide, potassium thiocyanate, guanosine monophosphate and tryptophan (Trp) methyl ester hydrochloride. Guanosine monophosphate, tyrosine (Tyr) methyl ester hydrochloride and Trp methyl ester hydrochloride appear to quench the fluorescence at a rate greater than diffusion control implying that these substrates complex with tirapazamine in its ground state. This complexation was detected by absorption spectroscopy.
Mechanistic action of pediocin and nisin: recent progress and unresolved questions.

Nisin and pediocin PA-1 are examples of bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that have found practical applications as food preservatives. Like other natural antimicrobial peptides, LAB bacteriocins act primarily at the cytoplasmic membranes of susceptible microorganisms. Studies with in vivo as well as in␣vitro membrane systems are directed toward understanding how bacteriocins interact with membranes so as to provide a mechanistic basis for their rational applications. The dissipation of proton motive force was identified early on as the common mechanism for the lethal activity of LAB bacteriocin. Models for nisin/membrane interactions propose that the peptide forms poration complexes in the membrane through a multi-step process of binding, insertion, and pore formation. This review focuses on the current knowledge of: (1) the mechanistic action of nisin and pediocin-like bacteriocins, (2) the requirement for a cell factor such as a membrane protein, (3) the influence of membrane potential, pH, and lipid composition on the of specificity and efficacy of bacteriocins, and (4) the roles of specific amino acids and structural domains of the bacteriocins in their action.
Ultraviolet spectroscopy of solar energetic particle source regions

A problem of fundamental importance for future space travel to the Moon and Mars is the determination and prediction of the radiation environment generated by the Sun. The sources of solar energetic particles (SEP) and the physical processes associated with their acceleration and propagation are not well understood. Ultraviolet coronagraphic spectroscopy uniquely has the capabilities for determining the detailed plasma properties of the likely source regions of such particles. This information can be used to develop empirical models of the source regions for specific events, and it can provide the key information needed to identify and understand the physical processes that produce SEP hazards. UVCS/SOHO observations have provided the first detailed diagnostics of the plasma parameters of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the extended corona. These observations have provided new insights into the roles of shock waves, reconnection and magnetic helicity in CME eruptions. Next generation ultraviolet coronagraph spectrometers could provide additional diagnostic capabilities. This paper summarizes past observations, and discusses the diagnostic potential of advanced ultraviolet coronagraphic spectroscopy for characterizing two possible sites of SEP production: CME shocks and reconnection current sheets.
X-rays mutate human lymphoblast cells at genetic loci that should respond only to point mutagens.

Abstract We have demonstrated that X-ray induced mutations at 4 of 5 genetic loci. 2 of these loci, which code for a mRNA synthesis factor (resistance to 5,6-dichlororibofuranosylbenzimidazole) and tubulin (resistance to podophyllotoxin), are “small-marker” loci, in that they theoretically respond only to mutations which eliminate a toxin-binding site while leaving the major function of the protein intact. Thus mutations induced by X-ray in these two loci are most likely due to base-pair substitution-type alterations. X-Rays did not induce mutations in the Na + /K + ATPase (resistance to ouabain), another small-marker locus. Two other loci, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (resistance to 6-thioguanine) and thymidine kinase (resistance to trifluorothymidine), are “whole-gene” targets in that they theoretically respond to a wide variety of mutagenic changes. X-Rays induced dose-dependent increases in mutant fraction at both of these loci. Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), an agent thought to produce mutations primarily through a base-pair substitution mechanims, induced mutations at all genetic loci tested. The pattern of mutations at the small-marker loci induced by EMS was different than that induced by X-rays, suggesting that the specificities of the mutagens and/or of the loci are different.
Sign Systems for Normal Children: What Teachers Need To Know

This paper discusses the ambiguities which exist in the literature regarding the various sign systems available for use with nonverbal multiply handicapped individuals. Several authors' descriptions of the systems are presented and compared in order to point out inconsistencies which may be a source of confusion for teachers and therapists who are seeking more information about sign language and manual codes. Research findings regarding the perceptual qualities of sign systems and their adaptation to the human processing mechanism are presented with implications for teaching signs to multiply handicapped learners.
Gender and family/career conflict: Reactions of bosses

How do managers attribute the cause for a late and inaccurate proposal by a junior manager and how do they (the manager-respondents) think they would handle the problem? Previous research indicates that the attribution of cause for the poor performance is crucial to determining the response. However, gender may affect the attribution of cause, the interpretation of the circumstances, and the response chosen. In the present study, we assess the usefulness of an attribution model of leader behavior. We vary both the circumstances surrounding the poor performance and the gender of the putative junior manager. We are particularly concerned with the causal interpretation of conflicts between family and career responsibilities. We assess the effect of gender and situation on the attributional ratings given by experienced managers. We also investigate the effect of gender of the fictive junior manager and the structure of the causal interpretation of the respondents' choice of remedial action, on their estimates of the junior managers' job effectiveness, future success, and relationships with others in the organization.
Nonlocal Gravity: The General Linear Approximation

The recent classical nonlocal generalization of Einstein's theory of gravitation is presented within the framework of general relativity via the introduction of a preferred frame field. The nonlocal generalization of Einstein's field equations is derived. The linear approximation of nonlocal gravity is thoroughly examined and the solutions of the corresponding field equations are discussed. It is shown that nonlocality, with a characteristic length scale of order 1 kpc, simulates dark matter in the linear regime while preserving causality. Light deflection in linearized nonlocal gravity is studied in connection with gravitational lensing; in particular, the propagation of light in the weak gravitational field of a uniformly moving source is investigated. The astrophysical implications of the results are briefly mentioned.
Cross Sections for the Reactions D(d, p)T, D(d, n)He 3 , T(d, n)He 4 , and He 3 (d, p)He 4 below 120 kev

These cross sections were measured by the process of passing a deuteron beam into a thin gas target contained behind a thin window of evaporated silicon monoxide. The energy loss in the window was measured by a deceleration technique. Charged particles from the reactions were observed at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the laboratory system with proportional counters. Some results are as follows: for the reaction $\mathrm{D}(d, p)\mathrm{T}$, by use of the angular distribution reported by Wenzel and Whaling, the total cross section $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ is 15.4 mb with a probable error of 3.2 percent at 100-kev incident deuteron energy; $\ensuremath{\sigma}=0.629 \mathrm{mb}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5$ percent at 25 kev. For the reaction $\mathrm{D}(d, n){\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, $\ensuremath{\sigma}=15.2 \mathrm{mb}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.2$ percent at 100 kev; $\ensuremath{\sigma}=0.592 \mathrm{mb}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5$ percent at 25 kev. The sum of these two cross sections follows a Gamow function below 50 kev. For the reaction $\mathrm{T}(d, n){\mathrm{He}}^{4}$, isotropy in the center-of-mass system being assumed, $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ shows a peak value of 4.95 barns\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.8 percent at 107 kev; at 40 kev, $\ensuremath{\sigma}=0.72 \mathrm{barn}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.2$ percent; at 19 kev, $\ensuremath{\sigma}=0.045 \mathrm{barn}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5$ percent; below 19 kev, $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ follows a Gamow function. For the reaction ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}(d, p){\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ with isotropy assumed, $\ensuremath{\sigma}=16 \mathrm{mb}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3$ percent at 93 kev; $\ensuremath{\sigma}=0.124 \mathrm{mb}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5$ percent at 36 kev; and $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ follows a Gamow relation below 100 kev.
Evolution: Parasite pressure favors fortress-like defence

Summary Why are some defence mechanisms expressed constitutively, while others are induced only upon exposure? Experimental evolution in a bacteria–phage system provides empirical support for the prediction that high frequency of exposure to parasites selects for constitutive defence despite associated costs.
Peri-epineurial Tissue to Supplement Laser Welding of Nerve

The principal difficulty with laser repair of nerves has been the inability to provide enough initial tensile strength to prevent separation of nerve ends. In previous experimental studies, dehiscence rates of laser-repaired nerves ranged between 12 to 25% whereas that for conventional epineurial suture repair was 0%. In our study, sciatic nerves of rats were transected bilaterally. Results of anastomosis by conventional epineurial suture on one side were compared with those of tissue welding by the CO2 laser using peri-epineurial sheath as a structural adjunct on the other side. At the time of reexploration at 7, 12, and 16 weeks, there was no dehiscence in nerves of either the laser with peri-epineurial sheath group or the suture repair groups. Electrophysiological and morphometric values after use of peri-epineurial tissue as an adjunct to tissue welding by the CO2 laser were comparable to those of conventional suture repair.
Intracellular Ca 2+ Homeostatic Regulation and 4-Hydroxynonenal-Induced Aortic Endothelial Dysfunction

The aldehydic lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) is known to compromise erythrocyte passive Ca 2+ permeability and to irreversibly inhibit the plasma membrane (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase and Ca 2+ -transport. To measure the effects of HNE on passive and active Ca 2+ transport in endothelial cells, we first characterized 45 Ca 2+ uptake and efflux in cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC). PAEC exchanged 45 Ca 2+ to a cumulative near-isotopic equilibrium of about 4.5 pmole 45 Ca 2+ /10 6 cells in 120 min at 37°C. This Ca 2+ pool was diminished by thapsigargin, cyclopiazonic acid, oligomycin B, and sodium azide. In contrast, ouabain enhanced Ca 2+ uptake capacity from 5.17 to 5.77 pmole/10 6 cells. Accumulated 45 Ca 2+ was extruded at rate of 8.7 fmole 45 Ca 2+ /10 6 cells/min or shunted rapidly by the ionophore A23187. HNE increased total 45 Ca 2+ accumulation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by as much as 562% with an EC 50 of 64.0 &#119 M. Concomitant morphological analy...
Recent Progress in Psychosocial and Psychopharmacologic Treatments for ADHD

In this article, we review several new psychosocial and psychopharmacologic treatment approaches for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Several of the treatments reviewed are promising and offer opportunities for augmenting current evidence-based approaches. However, others are not yet ready for prime time. Consequently, existing algorithms for ADHD treatment should still be followed. Current guidelines include those from the American Academy of Pediatrics (Wolraich et al. Pediatrics. 128 5:1007–22 2011), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) (Pliszka S and AACAP Work Group on Quality Issues. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 46 7:894–921 2007), and the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (Pliszka et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 45 6:642–57 2006). These treatment recommendations and algorithms are based on results from both controlled clinical trials and expert opinion. For core symptoms, medication is considered superior to psychosocial treatment. However, the full range of ADHD-associated impairments is best addressed by combined treatment, with an emphasis on behavioral interventions as first-line approaches when treating preschool children with ADHD. The availability of an evidence-based organizational skills training program is a welcome addition for targeting problems with organization and attention-related impairments in children. Among available medication treatments, stimulants are considered to have the most robust effects on core symptoms; however several non-stimulant medications are available and others are being investigated for possible utility. Combined pharmacotherapy with stimulants and α2 agonists is now an FDA-approved treatment and can be considered in youth who are not fully responsive to stimulants or who have other problems which may represent indications for α2 agonist treatment. Combined treatment with stimulants plus risperidone has merit in youth with severe aggressive behavior but remains off-label and should generally be considered when other options fail. The potential risk and benefits of stimulant treatment for subsequent substance abuse remains an important topic. In the main, stimulant treatment is considered safe and may even provide protection against development of substance abuse. However, the possibility that stimulant exposure could be problematic in youth with elevated risk for substance abuse disorders should be considered.
Complexity of some inverse shortest path lengths problems

The input to an inverse shortest path lengths problem (ISPL) consists of a graph G with arc weights, and a collection of source-sink pairs with prescribed distances that do not necessarily conform to the shortest path lengths in G. The goal is to modify the arc weights, subject to a penalty on the deviation from the given weights, so that the shortest path lengths are equal to the prescribed values. We show that although ISPL is an NP-hard problem, several ISPL classes are polynomially solvable. These cases include ISPL where the collection of the pairs share a single source and all other nodes as destinations (the single-source all-sink problem SAISPL). For the case where the collection contains a single node pair (the single-source single-sink problem SSISPL), we identify conditions on the uniformity of the penalty functions and on the original arc weights, which make SSISPL polynomially solvable. These results cannot be strengthened significantly as the general single-source ISPL is NP-hard and the all-sink case, with more than one source, is also NP-hard. We further provide a convex programming formulation for a relaxation of ISPL in which the shortest path lengths are only required to be no less than the given values (LBISPL). It is demonstrated how this compact formulation leads to efficient algorithms for ISPL. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Femorotibial bypass in the elderly for revascularization of the severely ischemic lower extremity.

In the elderly, revascularization of a severely ischemic lower extremity with occlusion of both femoral and popliteal arteries often can be achieved by surgical construction of a distal bypass to the tibial or peroneal arteries. An aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach is necessary, in an attempt to prevent recourse to primary amputation. Femoroperoneal or femorotibial bypass can be performed safely and is recommended in elderly patients with advanced ischemia of a lower extremity with absolute indications for surgical intervention, e.g., gangrene, gangrenous ulceration or rest pain. A significant number of limbs can be salvaged by this method. Although the mortality rate in the older age groups is predictably higher, the overall rate for this operation compares favorably with that for primary amputation.