cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smoking Cessation Interventions in HIV-Infected Adults in North America: A Literature Review.

Smoking Cessation Interventions in HIV-Infected Adults in North America: A Literature Review Cigarette smoking is more prevalent in HIV-infected adults when compared to the general population (50-70%) and is linked to increased morbidity and mortality in this population. Of important clinical relevance, however, 40% of HIV-infected smokers express a willingness to attempt smoking cessation and two-thirds are interested in or considering quitting when asked. The purpose of this paper is to provide a state of the science review of the extant literature on smoking cessation interventions in HIV-infected adults. A comprehensive search of a computerized database for articles appearing in peer-reviewed journals was conducted. The integrative review included 10 articles from medical and nursing journals. Smoking cessation rates ranged from 6%-50% across studies employing pharmacologic and behavioral approaches. Samples sizes were frequently small and the effect was often not sustained over time. Emotional distress was related to smoking behaviors and may have been a barrier to successful smoking cessation. Adherence to pharmacologic therapy often declined over time and may have contributed to low cessation rates. Nicotine replacement therapy combined with a cell phone-delivered intensive counseling intervention showed promising results. Given the high prevalence of smoking among adults infected with HIV, this review supports the need for the development and implementation of innovative and effective interventions tailored to this population that will ultimately result in lower smoking prevalence and improved overall health.
Water column dissolution of aragonite in the Pacific Ocean

Pelagic pteropods are an important component of the oceanic CO2 system. Their shells appear to be a principal source of excess alkalinity in the upper water column of the North Pacific Ocean. Dissolution of aragonite must therefore be taken account of in generating models of the oceanic CO2 system and is also an important cause of sample loss from long-term sediment traps deployed in undersaturated seawater.
Identifying and Referring Troubled Students: A Primer for Academic Advisors

Although few academic advisors have had extensive training in counseling, we can nonetheless function as an early warning system to mobilize institutional resources on behalf of troubled students. ...
P-glycoprotein Interactions of Nefazodone and Trazodone in Cell Culture

This study investigated the effects of nefazodone (NFZ) and trazodone (TZD) on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity and expression in cell culture. NFZ and TZD showed no differential transport between the basolateral to apical and apical to basolateral direction across Caco-2 cell monolayers. Transport in either direction was not affected by verapamil. NFZ was a potent inhibitor (IC50 = 4.7 microM) of rhodamine123 (Rh123) B to A transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers, while TZD had minimal effect. Following 72-hour exposure of LS180V cells to NFZ and TZD (10 microM), a twofold increase in immunoreactive P-gp was observed. Rh123 accumulation into these cells was reduced to 65% and 74% of control by NFZ and TZD (10 microM), respectively. It was concluded that differential rates of transport of NFZ and TZD in Caco-2 cells were not evident. However, NFZ is an inhibitor of P-gp activity at clinically relevant in vivo concentrations and may have the potential to increase bioavailability of coadministered compounds that are substrates for transport. Concentrations of NFZ and TZD achieved in the intestine after chronic oral dosing may induce P-gp expression and reduce absorption of coadministered drugs.
A Study of the Endoparasitic Trematodes from Marine Fishes of Departure Bay, B.C.

In this paper fifteen species of endoparasitic trematodes of marine fishes of Departure bay, B.C., are described. Eight of the fifteen species described are new. The fish examined were the more common shallow water fishes that could be obtained with a seine. The fishes belonged to the following families: Syngnathidae, Pleuronectidae, Scorpaenidae, Hexagrammidae, Ophiodontidae, Scorpaenichthyidae, Cottidae, Embiotocidae, and Pholidae. The parasites recorded are Prosorhynchus scalpellus n.sp., Prosorhynchus apertus n.sp., Rhipidocotyle elongatum n.sp., Pharyngora bacillaris (Molin 1859), Podocotyle abitionis n.sp., Podocotyle atomon Odhner 1905, Podocotyle reflexa Odhner 1905, Aporocotyle simplex Odhner 1900, Stephanostomum casum (Linton 1910), Stephanostomum tristephanum n.sp., Deretrema cholaeum n.sp., Telolecithus pugetensis Lloyd and Guberlet 1932, Dinurus nanaimoensis n.sp., Lecithochirium exodicum n.sp., and Genolinea laticauda Manter 1925.
A Robed Revolution: The Contemporary Buddhist Nun's (Bhikṣuṇ?) Movement

Women's access to full ordination as Buddhist nuns (bhikṣuṇ?) is one of the most hotly contested issues in the Buddhist world today. Focusing on Sri Lanka and the Tibetan exile community in India, this article outlines the central issues of the debate, which range from the minutiae of Buddhist monastic regulations to the politics of national and ethnic identity. Topics addressed include Sakyadhita, ordination lineage (vinaya), alternative forms of female renunciation (e.g., maechee), feminism, and tensions between local and international visions of the Buddhist monastic community, which lie at the heart of the current debate.
Acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream for the early treatment of recurrent cold sores

Current antiviral therapies for herpes simplex labialis primarily reduce healing time. Since the host immune response also plays a role in both controlling recurrent infection as well as producing clinical symptoms, new studies are showing efficacy using topical corticosteroids. This review will evaluate the safety and efficacy of 5% acyclovir-1% hydrocortisone cream (Xerese ™ (US), Xerclear ® (Europe)) for treatment of patients with herpes simplex labialis. A large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study recently demonstrated that treatment with 5% acyclovir-1% hydrocortisone cream significantly decreased the percentage of ulcerative lesions, reduced lesion healing time, and decreased mean lesion area compared with both topical acyclovir alone and vehicle.
Alkali Metal Salts of Dianions: A Theoretical and Experimental Study of (C6H4)2-M+ (M = Li and Na)

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been carried out on the lithium and sodium salts of doubly deprotonated benzene. Full geometry optimizations of the three isomeric bare dianions and their corresponding lithium and sodium adducts were performed at the HF/6-31+G(d) and MP2/6-311+G(d,p) levels. The resulting structures are discussed. Deprotonation energies for phenyllithium and phenylsodium are reported. Phenyllithium is more acidic than benzene, while phenylsodium is only 3 kcal/mol less acidic. Alkali metal bridging and the formation of ion triplets can be extremely stabilizing and can lead to enhanced second deprotonations. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of terephthalic acid (p-C6H4(CO2H)2) followed by collision-induced dissociation of the resulting alkali metal salts of the dicarboxylate (I) affords C6H42-Li+ and C6H42-Na+. Formation of these species corroborates the theoretical prediction that alkali metal salts of dianions should be stable in the gas phase.
Intensity measurements and rotational intensity distribution for the oxygen A-band

Atmospheric oxygen A band individual rotational lines intensities and half widths measurements
Notes on the Pharmacology of Sodium Fluoroacetate—Compound 1080

Results of extensive lethal dose studies on rats, mice, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, cats, bobcats, dogs, coyotes, badgers, guinea pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, chickens, hawks, eagles, and other forms of life are presented. Descriptions of physiological reactions shown by the various species to the poison are given. Comparative toxicities of baits made with sodium fluoroacetate, thallium sulfate, white arsenic, zinc phosphide, and barium carbonate, as well as strychnine alkaloid, are shown. Secondary poisoning hazards to the predatory animals most susceptible to this poison are described. The utility of sodium fluoroacetate as an economic poison is discussed.
The iterative law of expectation and non-additive probability measure

Abstract I show in this paper that the iterative law of expectation holds if and only if a probability measure is additive. This indicates that a market price of an uncertain asset may not reflect the market's information about the asset.
Delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage in knee osteoarthritis: Findings at different radiographic stages of disease and relationship to malalignment

Objective Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC) is used to examine the distribution of glycosaminoglycan in cartilage. This study sought to characterize dGEMRIC in the evaluation of knee osteoarthritis (OA) according to various radiographically determined disease parameters, and to examine the relationship between alignment of the knee joint and the lateral:medial dGEMRIC ratio. Methods Thirty-one patients with knee OA underwent MRI with a dGEMRIC protocol at 1.5T. Semiflexed knee radiographs and full-limb radiographs were also obtained for assessment of alignment. Results Compartments of the knee joint without joint space narrowing had a higher dGEMRIC index than those with any level of narrowing (mean 408 msec versus 365 msec; P = 0.001). In knees with 1 unnarrowed (spared) and 1 narrowed (diseased) compartment, the dGEMRIC index was greater in the spared versus the diseased compartment (mean 395 msec versus 369 msec; P = 0.001). In spared compartments, there was a trend toward a lower dGEMRIC index with increasing Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) radiographic severity grade; the spared compartments of knees with a K/L grade 2 had a higher dGEMRIC index than those of knees with a K/L grade 4 (mean 425 msec versus 371 msec; P < 0.05). There was a range of dGEMRIC values in the spared compartments within a given K/L grade, demonstrating biochemical differentiation of disease in radiographically comparable compartments. Almost all compartments with narrowing had dGEMRIC indices of <400 msec. Valgus-aligned knees tended to have lower dGEMRIC values laterally, and varus-aligned knees tended to have lower dGEMRIC values medially; as a continuous variable, alignment correlated with the lateral:medial dGEMRIC ratio (Pearson's R = 0.43, P = 0.02). Conclusion The biochemical information provided by dGEMRIC scans may augment radiography by improving the differentiation of disease status within a given radiographic grade, especially in early OA.
Regularized Integral Equation Based Inversion of Tensor Induction Logging Data In Three-dimensional Formations

There is growing interest in developing a three-dimensional (3-D) inversion and imaging technique from a single borehole. This problem can be solved by using tensor (multi-component) induction welllogging – TIWL. This method was originally introduced to resolve formation anisotropy. However, it was demonstrated in several publications that the TIWL instrument has sensitivity to 3-D conductivity distribution in the borehole vicinity. In previous works we introduced a method of fast 3-D imaging from a single borehole based on the localized quasi-linear (LQL) approximation. In the current paper we introduce a combined method of iterative LQL inversion of the TIWL data and rigorous integral equation (IE)-based inversion. Addition of the rigorous inversion stage improves the LQL inversion result significantly, and provides more accurate inversion error estimation. A new algorithm of 3-D TIWL data interpretation is tested for several models of typical 3-D structures located in the vicinity of the borehole.
Invariant ankle moment patterns when walking with and without a robotic ankle exoskeleton

Abstract To guide development of robotic lower limb exoskeletons, it is necessary to understand how humans adapt to powered assistance. The purposes of this study were to quantify joint moments while healthy subjects adapted to a robotic ankle exoskeleton and to determine if the period of motor adaptation is dependent on the magnitude of robotic assistance. The pneumatically powered ankle exoskeleton provided plantar flexor torque controlled by the wearer's soleus electromyography (EMG). Eleven naive individuals completed two 30-min sessions walking on a split-belt instrumented treadmill at 1.25 m/s while wearing the ankle exoskeleton. After two sessions of practice, subjects reduced their soleus EMG activation by ∼36% and walked with total ankle moment patterns similar to their unassisted gait ( r 2 =0.98±0.02, THSD, p >0.05). They had substantially different ankle kinematic patterns compared to their unassisted gait ( r 2 =0.79±0.12, THSD, p Gordon and Ferris, 2007 ). Our results strongly suggest that humans aim for similar joint moment patterns when walking with robotic assistance rather than similar kinematic patterns. In addition, greater robotic assistance provided during initial use results in a longer adaptation process than lesser robotic assistance.
Backscattering from capillary waves with application to sea clutter

The results of measurements at X -band of backscattering from water waves of amplitude less than about 0.01 wavelength and with wavelengths of the order of the microwave length are presented and compared with theory. The measurements have been made for both vertical and horizontal polarizations for grazing angles between 4\deg and 80\deg . The results both as to angular dependence and absolute magnitude are in agreement with the theory. The ratio of vertical to horizontal backscattering cross section calculated from the theory is compared with that measured on the open sea.
Expression of genes for interleukins, neuropeptides, growth hormone receptor, and leptin receptor in adipose tissue from growing broiler chickens

In this study, total RNA was collected from abdominal adipose tissue samples obtained from 10 broiler chickens at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk of age and prepared for quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to examine the influence of age on the expression of the adipose tissue genes for IL-1β, -6, -10, -15, -18; brain-derived neurotropic factor; ciliary neurotropic factor; interferon γ, neuropeptide Y receptor Y1; neuropeptide Y; nucleobindin 2; growth hormone receptor; leptin receptor; and visfatin. Between 3 and 6 wk of age, leptin receptor expression decreased (P=0.013) with age, whereas expression of IL-15 (P=0.015) and growth hormone receptor (P=0.002) increased. Furthermore, IL-18 (P<0.001) and visfatin (P=0.007) expression increased between 4 and 6 wk of age. This is a unique exhibition of age-related changes in cytokine gene expression in chicken adipose tissue. Future studies are needed to elucidate the role of adipose tissue cytokines in growth and, possibly, disease resistance.
Effects of Communication Environment, Immediacy, and Communication Apprehension on Cognitive and Affective Learning.

This study explores relationships among immediacy, communication apprehension, and learning outcomes between two class formats: mixed-size sections (i.e., large-lecture/break-out sections) versus self-contained sections. The results indicated that students' cognitive learning outcomes were slightly greater in the mixed-size sections versus self-contained sections. In addition, affective learning decreased for all students from the first day of class, though it decreased slightly more for students in the large-lecture/break-out sections. When the teacher was perceived as highly immediate, however, there was no difference in affective learning due to format.
Comments on a Weakened Principle of Conditionality

Abstract Continuity suggests that the conditioning variable not be required to depend only on the values of the minimal sufficient statistic.
Synthesis of bis(indole)-1,2,4-triazinones

A facile method for the synthesis of para- and meta-substituted bis(indole)-1,2,4-triazinones is presented. Our approach to access these triazinones involves a cyclocondensation reaction between amidrazone and ketoester functionalities. The structures of these interesting compounds were established unambiguously by X-ray crystallography.
Avatar CAPTCHA: Telling computers and humans apart via face classification

This paper introduces Avatar CAPTCHA, an image based approach to distinguish human users from computer programs (bots). The proposed CAPTCHA asks users to identify avatar faces from a set of 12 grayscale images comprised of a mix of human and avatar faces. Experimental results indicate that it can be solved 62% of the time by human users with an average success time of 24 seconds and a positive user rating of 90%. It is designed to be secure against computer programs (bots). Using brute force attack the success rate for a bot to solve it is 1/4096.
The Gold and the Garbage in Management Theories and Prescriptions

The article reviews the book “The Gold and the Garbage in Management Theories and Prescriptions,” by James E. Lee.
Perceptual Coding In The Cosine Transform Domain

Source encoding for digital image transmission is revisited with an energy distribution approach in the perceptual domain. Past investigations have utilized power spectral density in conjunction with the Frei eye model and full image Fourier transform coding. In this investigation, the cosine transform is utilized on a partitioned image. A cosine energy function is defined and weighted by the eye model. This results in a circular symmetric form of a bit map which simplifies source coding. This approach outperforms a standard bit allocation procedure allowing graceful degradation at 1, .75, and .5 bits/pixel. Analysis includes the perceptual mean square error and peak signal-to-noise ratio as metrics of performance. This procedure suggests a more rapid hardware implementation.
A nonlinear macromodel for operational amplifiers

A general-purpose nonlinear macromodel of an operational amplifier is presented. All element values can be derived directly from typical specification sheets eliminating any testing to determine model parameters. The model simulates the following characteristics: voltage and current offsets, input impedance, nonlinear input bias currents, gain, multiple poles, nonlinear slew, common-mode gain, voltage and current limiting and output impedance.
A category-free neural population supports evolving demands during decision-making

The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) receives diverse inputs and is involved in a dizzying array of behaviors. These many behaviors could rely on distinct categories of neurons specialized to represent particular variables or could rely on a single population of PPC neurons that is leveraged in different ways. To distinguish these possibilities, we evaluated rat PPC neurons recorded during multisensory decisions. Newly designed tests revealed that task parameters and temporal response features were distributed randomly across neurons, without evidence of categories. This suggests that PPC neurons constitute a dynamic network that is decoded according to the animal's present needs. To test for an additional signature of a dynamic network, we compared moments when behavioral demands differed: decision and movement. Our new state-space analysis revealed that the network explored different dimensions during decision and movement. These observations suggest that a single network of neurons can support the evolving behavioral demands of decision-making.
Website Experience Analysis: A New Research Protocol for Studying Relationship Building on Corporate Websites

ABSTRACT This article introduces a new research protocol for studying organization-public relationship building on organizational websites. The research protocol, Website Experience Analysis (WEA), and the experience-centered perspective it has emerged from are explained. Data from a study grounded in the experience-centered perspective is presented to illustrate this novel approach to the study of online relationship building. Nine corporate websites were examined by 45 students who then answered questions about their website experience addressing key dimensions of organization-public relationships. The data illustrate the implications and utility of WEA for online public relations research and practice.
Differences in Nuclear Signaling by Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Interferon‐γ: The Role of STAT Proteins in Regulating Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Gene Expression

To investigate the importance of STAT protein activation in leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-mediated induction of neuropeptide gene transcription, we compared signaling to the 180-bp cytokine response element (CyRE) in the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) promoter by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and LIF. We show that LIF and IFN-gamma activate STAT proteins but only LIF activates VIP gene transcription. Thus STAT activation is not sufficient for VIP transcriptional activation. In a CyRE reporter plasmid, in which the STAT site has been deleted, LIF, but not IFN-gamma, activates transcription, indicating that sequences within the CyRE distinct from the STAT site are important to LIF-mediated transcriptional activation. The CyRE does not mediate transcriptional activation to LIF in a non-VIPergic cell line, suggesting that cell-specific factors exist which are permissive for cytokine-dependent regulation of gene expression. Human and mouse sequences are highly conserved in the region of the CyRE, consistent with the functional importance of multiple regions of the CyRE. These findings show that regions within the CyRE distinct from the STAT site are important to the LIF-dependent regulation of VIP gene expression and enable the CyRE to respond in a cell-specific and cytokine-specific manner.
Thrombocytopenic purpura secondary to quinidine hypersensitivity

Abstract This case report demonstrates the classic distribution of purpura due to quinidine-induced hypersensitivity.
Effect of CO2 on a brain extracellular space marker and evidence of its neuronal modulation

Abstract Increases in inspired CO 2 consistently altered the local concentration of the brain extracellular space marker α-naphthalene sulfonate (α-NS) as measured with ion-selective micropipettes in the rat thalamus. Stereotaxic injection of lidocaine in the region of the loccus coeruleus attenuated this effect of CO 2 , and amittriptyline, a tricyclic anti-depressant and amine reuptake inhibitor, potentiated the effect. These results suggest that metabolic demand, as mimicked here by the addition of CO 2 , alters the fluid environment of the brain and central noradrenergic mechanisms may modulate this response.
Magnetic properties of electrodeposited Co–Pt thin films with very high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Co 80 Pt 20 thin films (0.125 1.0 μm) were galvanostatically (10 - 50 mA/cm 2 ) electrodeposited onto Cu( 1 1 1) oriented seed layers. Coercivity (3 - 6.1 kOe), saturation magnetization (778 832 emu/cm 3 ) and uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (0.82 × 10 7 -1.02 x 10 7 erg/cm 3 ) in the perpendicular direction increase both with current density and film thickness due to a combined effect of decrease in the porosity and increase in the crystallinity of the films.
A modification of the quininium resin test for assessing gastric acidity.

Background: Gastric acid is an important defence against enteric infection. Studies investigating the relationship between hypochlorhydria and enteric infections or gastric malignancy have been limited by difficulties in the non-invasive measurement of gastric acidity. Aim: To develop a blood test for hypochlorhydria based on the quininium resin test. Methods: Quininium resin dissociates to liberate free quinine at pH ≤ 3.5. Ten fasting adult volunteers ingested 100 mg/kg of quininium resin twice: once before (control) and once after acid suppression with rabeprazole (10 mg b.d. for 3 days). Blood and serum samples were collected at baseline and 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 min after ingestion. Quinine levels were measured fluorometrically from 100 μL samples after simple extraction. Results obtained by the quininium resin test were compared with gastric juice pH measurements. Results: After quininium resin ingestion, mean quinine levels were lower in the acid-suppressed than in the control condition at all times (P < 0.001). Optimized cut-off values at 90 min post-ingestion yielded 95% accuracy rates in both serum and blood. Quininium resin was well tolerated. Conclusions: Using blood or serum, the quininium resin test identifies hypochlorhydria accurately and non-invasively. This test may be useful in screening for gastric atrophy and in studies investigating hypochlorhydria.
Designing airport checked-baggage-screening strategies considering system capability and reliability

Emerging image-based technologies are critical components of airport security for screening checked baggage. Since these new technologies differ widely in cost and accuracy, a comprehensive mathematical framework should be developed for selecting technology or combination of technologies for efficient 100% baggage screening. This paper addresses the problem of setting threshold values of these screening technologies and determining the optimal combination of technologies in a two-level screening system by considering system capability and human reliability. Probability and optimization techniques are used to quantify and evaluate the cost- and risk-effectiveness of various deployment configurations, which is captured by using a system life-cycle cost model that incorporates the deployment cost, operating cost, and costs associated with system decisions. Two system decision rules are studied for a two-level screening system. For each decision rule, two different optimization approaches are formulated and investigated from practitioner's perspective. Numerical examples for different decision rules, optimization approaches and system arrangements are demonstrated.
Reality and Representation in the Cultural Psychology of Childcare: Incorporating a Critical Perspective

Cultural relativism and multiculturalism are very useful analytic frameworks. But when the cultural insider’s view becomes the entire story of the analysis, we are in danger of covering up or even legitimizing existing cultural dysfunction or oppressive inequality in the name of cultural relativism. The result is a significantly incomplete representation of social contexts of childcare. This commentary explores several possible areas of cultural dysfunction mentioned in DeLoache and Gottlieb’s (2000) book AWorld of Babies: Imagined Childcare Guides for Seven Societies, though not elaborated and explored for their possible impact on childcare. This is done in an effort to include some of the problematic aspects of childcare in cultural context that may have been left out of the DeLoache and Gottlieb volume. It is argued that a truly open-minded approach assumes that particular social practices or cultural ideas may be right or wrong, freely adopted or coerced, beneficial or detrimental. Not only does the e...
Hycanthone: A Frameshift Mutagen

Rapid spot-test screening of antischistosomal agents reveals that hycanthone is a potent frameshift mutagen while the closely related compound, miracil D, is nonmutagenic in Salmonella. Both hycanthone and miracil D are frameshift mutagens for T4 bacteriophage during growth in Escherichia coli.
Pancreaticoduodenectomies in patients without periampullary neoplasms: lesions that masquerade as cancer.

Abstract Background Most pancreaticoduodenectomies (PDs) are performed to treat periampullary malignancies (PMs). Final pathologic analysis on these specimens does not always contain PMs. Our aim was to classify diseases that preoperatively mimic PMs. Methods A prospective database of PDs performed at a single institution was reviewed. Clinicopathologic data on patients without PM on pathologic review with preoperative suspicion of PM were studied. Results Of the 461 PDs performed at our institution, 45 (10%) had no PM; of these cases, 35 (78%) were performed for a clinical suspicion of malignancy. The final pathologic review showed chronic pancreatitis (CP) in 23 (66%) patients, biliary tract disease in 10 (28%) patients, duodenal ulcer in 1 (3%) patient, and distal common bile duct stricture with localized pancreatic fibrosis in 1 (3%) patient. Conclusion Most patients undergoing PD have evidence of a PM. A subset of patients may have lesions that mimic a PM. In these patients, when PM cannot be ruled out, if possible, they should be offered PD.
High-resolution optical fiber reflectometry techniques

This paper reviews optical reflectometry techniques that are capable of achieving spatial resolutions of less than 1 cm. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed. A white light interferometry technique known as optical low-coherence reflectometry is emphasized. This technique has been used to obtain spatial resolutions on the order of tens of microns and reflection sensitivities as low as -148 dB.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Drug development in advanced colorectal cancer: challenges and opportunities.

Despite recent advances in treatment options, advanced colorectal cancer (ACC) remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and new therapies are needed to improve the grim prognosis of this disease. Drug development in ACC faces the challenges of a constrained pipeline, a paucity of patients enrolled in clinical trials, and an outdated “one drug fits all” model of clinical research. This article discusses potential innovations in clinical trial design—including enrichment strategies, novel patient populations, and the use of randomization in the phase 2 setting—to optimize the testing of new therapies. It concludes with a selection of promising agents and pathways under investigation in ACC.
Mass tree mortality leads to mangrove peat collapse at Bay Islands, Honduras after Hurricane Mitch

Summary 1 We measured sediment elevation and accretion dynamics in mangrove forests on the islands of Guanaja and Roatan, Honduras, impacted by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 to determine if collapse of underlying peat was occurring as a result of mass tree mortality. Little is known about the balance between production and decomposition of soil organic matter in the maintenance of sediment elevation of mangrove forests with biogenic soils. 2 Sediment elevation change measured with the rod surface elevation table from 18 months to 33 months after the storm differed significantly among low, medium and high wind impact sites. Mangrove forests suffering minimal to partial mortality gained elevation at a rate (5 mm year−1) greater than vertical accretion (2 mm year−1) measured from artificial soil marker horizons, suggesting that root production contributed to sediment elevation. Basin forests that suffered mass tree mortality experienced peat collapse of about 11 mm year−1 as a result of decomposition of dead root material and sediment compaction. Low soil shear strength and lack of root growth accompanied elevation decreases. 3 Model simulations using the Relative Elevation Model indicate that peat collapse in the high impact basin mangrove forest would be 37 mm year−1 for the 2 years immediately after the storm, as root material decomposed. In the absence of renewed root growth, the model predicts that peat collapse will continue for at least 8 more years at a rate (7 mm year−1) similar to that measured (11 mm year−1). 4 Mass tree mortality caused rapid elevation loss. Few trees survived and recovery of the high impact forest will thus depend primarily on seedling recruitment. Because seedling establishment is controlled in large part by sediment elevation in relation to tide height, continued peat collapse could further impair recovery rates.
Functional failure of fascia lata allografts

Abstract Objectives: Fascia lata allografts are commonly used in urogynecologic procedures. Functional failure of several grafts has occurred, and such failure has been recognized as a materials problem in 12 patients. Study Design: Twelve patients with failure of an initial urogynecologic procedure performed with irradiated and freeze-dried donor fascia lata grafts underwent reoperation. Portions of the implanted fascia lata grafts could be retrieved in 7 cases. Graft specimens underwent histologic processing followed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Histopathologic analyses of the retrieved material demonstrated several ongoing processes in the failed grafts. A few grafts showed areas of ideal remodeling. Most grafts, however, showed areas of disorganized remodeling and areas of graft degeneration. Evidence of immune reaction to the graft was observed in some cases. Conclusion: The high materials failure rate associated with the use of irradiated and freeze-dried donor fascia lata grafts suggests that such tissue should not be used for urogynecologic procedures. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1339-46.)
Negotiating International Food Standards: The World Trade Organization's Impact on the Codex Alimentarius Commission

The article presents an empirical account of how the role, position, and perception of the intergovernmental food standardization body, Codex Alimentarius Commission, has changed after being referred to by the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the “central reference point for the elaboration of international food standards.” Both the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement and the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement include provisions that encourage WTO members to base their national regulations on international standards. The article focuses on key issues in the Codex that may have a significant impact on international food trade. The overall conclusion is that the WTO has contributed to constraining the activity and shaping the expectations of Codex members. Governments participating in Codex activities have changed their behavior after 1995 due to increased uncertainty with respect to how decisions in Codex may be binding for them under the WTO Agreements.
MECHANISM OF GLYCOGENIN SELF-GLUCOSYLATION

Abstract Glycogenin, the proposed initiator of mammalian glycogen biosynthesis, transfers glucose residues from UDP-glucose to an oligosaccharide chain attached to Tyr-194 in a self-glucosylation reaction. Mutation of Tyr-194 to either Phe or Thr residues results in the loss of this self-glucosylating activity since the site of oligosaccharide attachment has been lost (Y. Cao, A. M. Mahrenholz, A. A. DePaoli-Roach, and P. J. Roach (1993) J. Biol. Chem . 268, 14687-14693). We describe here that Phe-194 and Thr-194 mutants of glycogenin, as well as wild-type protein, were active in transferring glucose to an exogenous acceptor, maltose, a known inhibitor of the self-glucosylation reaction. The reaction product was exclusively maltotriose with no evidence for further elongation to maltotetraose or maltopentaose. The values of V max / K m for maltotriose synthesis for the mutant proteins were 1.5-3.5 times greater than that of the wild type, Analysis of crystals of wild-type glycogenin by X-ray diffraction gives a tetragonal unit cell of a = b = 130 A and c = 174 A in space group I 4 with four glycogenin molecules in one asymmetric unit, Considerations of the symmetry and the crystal packing indicate the existence of dimers of glycogenin which may further associate to form a tetramer. The existence of oligomeric forms of glycogenin, together with the idea that glucose transfer to an exogenous acceptor is possible, raises the possibility that the intramolecular self-glucosylation of glycogenin could involve an intersubunit transfer of glucose.
Awareness of Sex-Trait Stereotypes among Korean Children

Summary Assumptions regarding children's awareness of sex-trait stereotypes, derived from previous studies with American children, were tested by using 120 8-year-old Ss (60 boys and 60 girls) residing in rural or urban Korea. The urban sample included Ss from families in which mothers were employed or nonemployed. As in findings obtained with American children, Korean Ss were aware of the sex-trait stereotypes. Moreover, while boys were more aware of the male- than female-trait stereotypes, girls were equally aware of both. However, unlike findings obtained with American children, mothers' employment did not contribute significantly to Korean Ss' awareness of the sex-trait stereotypes. Furthermore, the finding that urban Korean Ss were more aware of the sex-trait stereotypes than their rural counterparts was contrary to those expected among American children.
The use, abuse and omertà on the “noise” in the data: African democratisation, development and growth

Abstract This article explores how “noisy” data are used by political scientists researching and publishing on Africa. It posits that the overwhelming evidence that most data on sub-Saharan Africa are “noisy” requires that the use of such data should always take account of this fact. The key analytical question addresses the nature and source, often unknown, of the “noise”, and whether or not the errors are randomly distributed such that they do not lead to biased inferences. This critical assessment is done with a survey of several articles and their use of various international and national datasets concerning Africa.
Scanning electrochemical microscope characterization of thin film combinatorial libraries for fuel cell electrode applications

Pt–Ru combinatorial libraries of potential fuel cell anode catalysts are formed by sequential sputter deposition through masks onto Si wafers. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is employed for characterization of electrocatalytic activity. Aspects of using a scanning electrochemical microscope for characterization of an array of thin film fuel cell electrode materials are discussed. It is shown that in applying SECM to library characterization, careful attention must be paid to thin film annealing, specimen topography and tip degradation in order to realize meaningful results. Results from a Pt–Ru thin film library reveal the most active members near the 50 Pt/50 Ru composition.
Design of Microstructure Response Using a Complex Step Plasticity Approach

Microstructure-sensitive design is performed using a newly developed Multiscale Complex Step Method. Algorithmic implementation of the complex-step method is based on conventional multiscale Taylor or FE2 direct model, with the difference being that the microstructural deformation gradient is modeled as a complex number with a small imaginary component. We introduce methods to calculate derivatives of microstructural fields with respect to loading parameters. The sensitivities are used to identify optimal microstructures with desired elastic and plastic properties.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Chitosan-zinc-insulin complex incorporated thermosensitive polymer for controlled delivery of basal insulin in vivo.

Abstract Thermosensitive polymeric delivery system (PLA-PEG-PLA) loaded with chitosan–zinc–insulin complex was designed for continuous in vivo insulin delivery at basal level for prolonged period after a single subcutaneous injection. Chitosan–zinc–insulin complex was optimized to restrict the diffusion of insulin from the delivery system by forming large complexes and thereby reducing the initial burst release. The in vivo absorption and bioactivity of insulin released from the delivery systems were studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The amount of insulin released in vivo was quantified using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and its bioactivity was determined by its ability to reduce the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. An indirect ELISA was performed to determine the immunogenic potential of insulin released from the formulations. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the delivery system was studied using an MTT assay, and by studying the histology of skin samples, respectively. Chitosan–zinc–insulin complex significantly (P
Circadian phase-dependent stimulatory effects of epidermal growth factor on deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in the tongue, esophagus, and stomach of the adult male mouse.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) previously isolated from the submandibular gland of mice was injected ip at different circadian phases into separate subgroups of adult male CD2Fi mice. Subsequent to each of the five time points of injection (0900, 1500, 1800, 2100, and 0300 h for animals standardized to 12 h of light alternating with 12 h of darkness), five animals were killed 4, 8, and 12 h after the injection of EGF; comparable control groups were injected only with the carrier substance. Thirty minutes before sacrifice, each mouse was injected ip with 24 /iCi [3H]thymidine. Incorporation of [3H]- thymidine into the DNA of the tongue, esophagus, and stomach was determined. The results demonstrate for the first time that EGF has a strong in vivo stimulatory effect on DNA synthesis in the tongue, esophagus, and stomach (studies on other areas of the gut have not yet been completed). Under the conditions of this study, stimulatory effects occurred as soon as 4 h subsequent to injection; however, maximal stim...
Problems in the Measurement of Consumer Cost-of-Living Indexes

Three empirical issues in the use of cost-of-living indexes are examined: (a) substitution bias, (b) differences across demographic groups, and (c) the importance of the reference indifference curve for true indexes when preferences are nonhomothetic. Using the estimated parameters of a demand system for food commodities from two microdata cross-sections, both true (parametric) and Laspeyres price indexes for food are compared across both demographic groups and cross-sectional “cohorts.”
Cytochemical evidence for the existence of norepinephrine-containing glomus cells in the rat carotid body.

Some investigators have postulated that glomus cells of the rat carotid body contain only dopamine (DA), and that the norepinephrine (NE) measured in the carotid body resides only in sympathetic nerve endings and ganglion cells. To investigate this hypothesis, we employed a pharmacologic drug sequence which depleted all carotid body catecholamines and then selectively restored DA levels while keeping NE levels significantly lowered. Analysis of carotid body catecholamines by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) validated this drug regimen. Employing this drug treatment, we examined glomus cells after potassium dichromate cytochemical staining in an effort to distinguish those glomus cell vesicles which still contained appreciable amounts of catecholamine, presumably DA. Glomus cells from rats receiving vehicle orl-dopa (100 mg kg−1 ip) alone had 83 and 97% of their cells stained, respectively. However, glomus cells from reserpinized (5 mg kg−1 ip) animals were largely unstained (89%). Carotid bodies from animals treated with reserpine and then, 24 h later, withl-dopa 90 min prior to sacrifice had about 46% of their glomus cells stained while 54% of the cells were unstained. The results of this last group, coupled with our biochemical data which demonstrated that DA levels were comparable to control values but that NE was 80% depleted, suggest that a significant number of glomus cells did not contain enough catecholamine to react with the dichromate. We believe that these unstained cells may normally contain NE and that glomus cells may be of several types, some containing predominantly DA and others NE.
Molecular staging of head and neck squamous carcinoma

The staging system of head and neck cancer is a Tumor-Node-Metastases system that was developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The stage of the head and neck cancer defines the extent of the lesion and is determined by physical examination, radiologic studies, and pathologic examination. Accurate staging of head and neck cancer is critical since it will determine the treatment modalities used to cure the disease. Recent advances in the field of molecular genetics have allowed clinicians to detect occult cancer cells previously missed by physical examination and standard histopathologic techniques. Molecular assays are 500 times more sensitive in identifying cancer cells than standard techniques and provide more objective analyses with fewer sampling errors. Consequently, these techniques are currently being used to perform molecular staging of head and neck cancer patients. Preliminary results show that molecular staging will accurately identify those patients at significantly increased risk for recurrence of their head and neck cancer.
Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes for Accelerated Bridge Construction

Concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs), which are steel tubes with concrete infill, have increased strength, stiffness, and deformability relative to comparably sized reinforced concrete columns. The steel is at its optimal location and thus maximizes strength and stiffness while minimizing weight and material requirements and providing confinement to the concrete infill. In turn, the infill delays local and global buckling of the tube. In addition to their high resistance and stiffness properties, CFSTs are easily and rapidly constructed and eliminate the need for formwork and reinforcement. In bridge design, CFSTs may be used for bridge piers, shafts, caissons, and columns. However, the use of these tubes is limited in part because AASHTO design specifications for CFSTs are dated and in part because few validated, constructible connections exist. The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) includes more recent updates to CFST design provisions than does AASHTO. This paper compares current CFST desi...
Immunochemistry of sperm whale myoglobin—V. Specific modification of the methionine residues with β-propiolactone

Abstract Apomyoglobin was modified specifically at the two methionine residues by reaction with β-propiolactone. The myoglobin derivative prepared by recombination of modified apomyoglobin with ferriheme possessed spectral and sedimentation properties that were similar to those of the native protein. Also the conformational parameters were identical. With antisera to the native protein modified, recombined myoglobin and recombined controls showed equal antigenic reactivities. Similarly equal antigenic reactivities were obtained with antisera to the modified, recombined protein. The latter reaction could not inhibited with an excess of the carboxyethyl sulfonium salt of methionine. The results confirm that the methionine residues (at positions 55 and 131) are not located in antigenic reactive regions in myoglobin.
Provisioning QoS features for input-queued ATM switches

A new scheduling algorithm is proposed to improve on existing algorithms designed for input-queued ATM switches. By assigning a session weight according to its queue length normalised by its rate and using maximum weight matching to obtain a match, the proposed algorithm can avoid starvation of slow sessions, thus providing good delay properties as well as fair services, and at the same time reducing traffic burstiness.