cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paclitaxel and Cisplatin Combination Chemotherapy in Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of chemotherapy in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer using the sequential combination of 24-hr paclitaxel followed by cisplatin. All patients presenting to the Department of Gynecologic Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute between April 1993 and May 1995 with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer were offered enrollment in a prospective trial utilizing paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 administered in a continuous 24-hr intravenous infusion, followed by intravenous cisplatin 50 mg/m2. Forty-nine patients were entered into the study. Of 38 patients evaluable for response, there were 14 complete responders and 6 partial responders for an overall response rate of 53%. Median survival was >23 months for responders and 12 months for the entire study group. All complete responders were still alive with a median follow-up of 23 months. Of 12 evaluable patients whose tumors had progressed on single-agent paclitaxel, 4 achieved an objective response with the addition of cisplatin. Response rates and survival were similar in patients with platinum-resistant tumors compared to patients with platinum-sensitive tumors, and in patients who had received one, two, or multiple prior chemotherapy regimens. The combination of paclitaxel administered in a 24-hr infusion followed by cisplatin is highly active in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, even in patients who have previously failed single-agent paclitaxel or cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Anorexia Nervosa: Treatment in the Family Context

The prevalence of eating disorders is on the rise, and many treatment modalities are being developed and investigated to demonstrate their efficacy. One form of treatment for anorexia nervosa that ...
Pessary reduction and postoperative cure of retention in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

This study aimed to determine whether preoperative pessary reduction of anterior vaginal wall prolapse in patients with elevated postvoid residual (PVR) volumes relieves urinary retention, and if reconstructive pelvic surgery in these patients cures urinary retention. The records of all women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall and urinary retention (PVR ≥100 cc) who underwent evaluation and surgical repair of the anterior vaginal wall at our institution between 1996 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent a detailed urogynecologic and urodynamic evaluation and had a pessary trial prior to surgery. Cure of urinary retention was defined as PVR <100 cc at 3 months postoperatively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for pessary reduction testing were calculated. Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Two patients (8%) had stage 2, eleven (46%) stage 3, and eleven (46%) stage 4 anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Preoperatively, the use of pessary was associated with relief of urinary retention in 75% patients. In predicting postoperative cure of urinary retention, pessary testing had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 94%, and negative predictive value of 67%. Nineteen of 24 patients had a PVR <100 cc postoperatively, indicating a 79% cure rate for urinary retention. In women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall prolapse and urinary retention, use of a pessary is associated with relief of retention in the majority of patients. Furthermore, pessary reduction testing has good sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for postoperative voiding function.
On the Selection of the Particle to Be Perturbed in the Monte Carlo Method

Abstract A new method is proposed for the selection of the particle to be perturbed in the single-particle move Metropolis Monte Carlo method which combines many advantages of the previously used random and cyclic methods. Ergodicity and relative efficiency are discussed. A numerical comparison is presented on a system of 45 Lennard-Jones particles.
Long-term culture of Muller cells from adult rats in the presence of activated lymphocytes/monocytes products.

A method for the culture of retinal Muller cells from adult rats is described. Whereas isolated Muller elements did not grow in a medium composed of MEM ++ 10%% FBS, the addition of supernatant from mitogen activated spleen cells induced a strong proliferative response. The factor(s) responsible for that growth were not species specific, as mouse spleen cells conditioned medium was also an effective stimulant. The highly significant degree of DNA synthesis induced by the supernatant from an S-antigen specific T-helper cell line (reacting to the retinal antigen presented on APC) indicates that the growth promoting activity is not restricted to mitogen driven spleen cells. It is suggested that products of inflammatory cells secreted in the course of intraocular immune processes may contribute to the formation of epiretinal membranes. These products also induced the expression of Ia surface antigens by Muller cells, supporting the hypothesis of a possible involvement in local immune reactions.
Propagation of quarks in the spatial direction in hot QCD.

The dynamics of light fermions propagating in a spatial direction at high temperatures can be described effectively by a two-dimensional Schroedinger equation with a heavy effective mass {ital m}{sub eff}={pi}{ital T}. Starting from QED, we discuss the transition from three- to two-dimensional positronium discussing the latter in detail including relativistic effects. In the case of QCD the problem is similar to that of heavy quarkonium. Our effective potential contains the usual Coulomb and confining parts as well as a perturbative spin-spin interaction. The resulting {ital {bar q}q} wave functions'' reproduce recent lattice data for the {rho} and {pi} channels. The physical meaning of such confinement'' is related to the nontrivial magnetic interaction of color currents in the quark-gluon plasma. Our results do not contradict the idea that the normal electric interaction of color charges is screened and produces no bound states in the usual sense.
Optimally controlled five‐laser infrared multiphoton dissociation of HF

Simulations of the quantum dynamics of the HF molecule immersed in a field of five overlapping, intense, linearly polarized, infrared laser pulses of subpicosecond duration are performed. The HF molecule, initially in its ground state, is modeled as a rotating oscillator interacting with a classical laser field via electric dipole interaction. Realistic potential and dipole functions are used. Optimal overlaps of the five laser pulses, as well as the optimal carrier frequencies of the laser pulses, are found which maximize the HF dissociation yield. A maximal yield of 45% in a single combined pulse is achieved using the best available potential and dipole moment functions. The optimal infrared multiphoton dissociation pathway for the HF molecule includes a series of the Δv=1 vibrational‐rotational transitions followed by a series of Δv≥2 vibrational‐rotational transitions. The latter is necessary as a consequence of the vanishing Δv=1 transition moment around v=12. In the Δv=1 regime, both P and R branch ...
WE-A-BRB-03: A Fiber Optic Dosimeter to Calibrate P-32 Conformal Brachytherapy Sources

Purpose: Conformal brachytherapy plaques are used to irradiate the dura for paraspinal tumors. The plaques consist of Phosphorus‐32 chemically bonded to a flexible polymeric film. Radiochromic film has been successfully used to calibrate P‐32 plaques, but this method is time consuming due to the film characteristics. We investigate using a commercial fiber opticdosimetrysystem as a more efficient calibration method. Methods: A calibration curve for the radiochromic film was determined using an ADCL calibrated Strontium‐90 source, and this film is used to measure the dose rate of a P‐32 plaque. The Orbital Therapy system consists of a small cylindrical plastic scintillator coupled to a fiber optic cable. The dosimeter, controlled by a LabView‐based user interface, counts scintillation photons during a set time period and provides an immediate readout. Custom plastic phantoms hold the dosimeter probe in contact with a P‐32 plaque. The counts from the fiber opticdosimeter are plotted against the expected surface dose and modeled with a linear function to extract the dose deposited per count. Different measurement designs are considered to select a measurement time with accurate and reproducible results. Results: The fiber opticdosimeter is observed to have a linear dose response curve to both P‐32 and Sr‐90 sources. For a P‐32 plaque each count corresponds to 1.5 microGy, while for a Sr‐90 source each count corresponds to 1.16 microGy. We average 10 consecutive 6‐second measurements of the P‐32 plaque for a standard deviation of 0.1% and precision within 1%. Conclusions: The Orbital Therapy fiber opticdosimeter is acceptable for calibrating P‐32 conformal brachytherapy plaques. Initial calibration of the dosimeter requires a calibrated source of the same isotope, as the dose response depends on the beta energy spectrum. Once calibrated, the dosimeter is faster, simpler, and less error‐prone than using film for P‐32 plaque calibration.
A mini-line approach for pull production

Abstract In high volume manufacturing, the just-in-time (JIT) system using pull production is often successfully applied to achieve good performance in cost, time, and quality. However, its recent application to printed circuit board manufacturing is hampered by three conditions: Product variety proliferation, short product life cycle, and significant machine setup time. The mini-line approach (MLA) proposed in this paper is designed to implement pull production in such manufacturing environments without losing its benefits. MLA is hierarchical in addressing the production planning and control problem, consisting of multiple layers of optimization problems. These problems involve questions such as how many mini-lines should be formed, which product families should be grouped into mini-lines, how many machines should be allocated to each mini-line at each production stage, how much and when each product family should be produced, and how loading and flow of materials should be controlled. We first present the hierarchical framework of MLA, and introduce the static mini-line problem (SMP) that is valid under the condition that the product volume mix does not change. Then, from the SMP, we derive a set of optimization problems that constitute MLA: Similarity index problem, product grouping problem (PGP), and modified line segmentation problem (LSP). Next, we develop solution procedures for these three problems. The overall approach is evaluated by computational experiments where the characteristics of data sets were obtained from a large-scale manufacturer. We demonstrate that MLA performs well under both stable and gradually shifting product volume mix.
Reproductive history in relation to breast cancer risk among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women

Objective To evaluate reproductive history risk factors in breast cancer among Hispanic (HISP) women in the U.S. southwest, a population with approximately 33% lower breast cancer incidence than non-Hispanic whites (NHW).
Holography with Evanescent Waves

Information contained in evanescent wave fields was recorded by holographic techniques. Internal reflection within a highly refractive liquid was used to create evanescent surface waves in the emulsion of immersed high-resolution photographic plates. The holograms have unique properties. When reconstructed by an evanescent wave, two mirror images of the same kind were formed; however, two conjugate images were obtained by reversing the direction of the surface wave. Although the holograms are very thin with fringes confined to the surface of the emulsion, they reconstruct in white light and exhibit frequency-selection properties similar to thick holograms.
Group judgment processes and outcomes in video-conferencing versus face-to-face groups

Two hundred and eighty-two participants formed 94 groups of size three and completed an estimation task by interacting either face-to-face or via a video-conferencing system. Results showed significant differences across conditions with regard to the confidence attached by groups to their decisions, the degree to which groups were able to improve upon the best individually arrived at decision, and the self-reported enjoyment of group members. Compared to face-to-face groups, video-conferencing groups showed lower levels of confidence in their decisions, especially if they were instructed to discuss their beliefs and assumptions underlying their estimates and not the estimates themselves. However, this lower level of confidence was more appropriate than that of the face-to-face groups. Groups interacting face-to-face were more likely to improve upon the best individual solution, and, on average, improved to a greater degree. Further, video-conferencing groups reported modifying more of their beliefs during discussion. However, there were no significant differences between the two interaction media on the following outcome dimensions: accuracy; overconfidence; commitment to the group decision; size of credible intervals; improvement over average initial individual estimates; and the number of beliefs discussed or learned. Implications for the design and application of advanced systems for decision-making support and research are discussed.
The possible role of one-carbon moieties in 2-methoxyethanol and 2-methoxyacetic acid-induced developmental toxicity.

The ethylene glycol ether, 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), is rapidly (<1 hr) oxidized to 2-methoxyacetic acid (2-MAA). Both agents are selectively embryotoxic and equipotent in causing digit malformations when given to CD-1 mice on gestation Day 11. Previous observations have shown that simple physiological compounds such as formate, acetate, glycine, and glucose ameliorate the embryotoxicity of 2-ME. A common link for all of the attenuating agents may be oxidation pathways involving tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) as a catalyst for one-carbon transfer into purine and pyrimidine bases. In the present study serine at 16.5 mmol/kg, which reacts directly with THF, was as effective as formate in almost completely eliminating digit malformations resulting from treatment with 2-ME. Unlike formate, serine was equally effective against 2-MAA-induced dysmorphogenesis and the attenuating efficacy remained unchanged when serine administration was delayed for up to 8 hr after 2-ME or 2-MAA exposure. The protective effect of sarcosine, which is an intermediate in a pathway leading from choline to glycine and a structural analog of 2-MAA, was also determined. Both concomitant (43, 16.5, or 3.3 mmol/kg) and delayed (16.5 mmol/kg at 6 hr) sarcosine administration resulted in significantly less 2-ME-induced paw dysmorphogenesis. In addition, acetate administration was delayed for increasing intervals after 2-ME to determine the time at which attenuation would no longer occur, and acetate was effective for as long as 12 hr after 2-ME. These results support our hypothesis that 2-MAA, which has a long biological half-life, may interfere with the availability of one-carbon units for incorporation into purine and pyrimidine bases. Alterations in availability of these precursors might be expected to affect DNA and/or RNA synthesis and thereby influence normal cellular proliferation and differentiation in the developing embryo.
HALOPEROXIDASE ACTIVITY OF MANGANESE PEROXIDASE FROM PHANEROCHAETE CHRYSOSPORIUM

Abstract Manganese peroxidase (MnP) from Phanerochaete chrysosporium exhibits haloperoxidase activity at low pH. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, MnP oxidizes bromide and iodide as measured by the formation of tribromide and triiodide complexes and the halogenation of various organic substrates. The optimum pHs for bromide and iodide oxidation are 2.5 and 3.0, respectively. Transient-state kinetic studies show that the reaction between MnP compound I and bromide or iodide occurs via a single two-electron step process, obeying second-order kinetics. The second-order rate constants for MnP compound I reduction by bromide and iodide are (4.1 ± 0.2) × 10 3 and (1.1 ± 0.1) × 10 5 m −1 s −1 , respectively, at pH 3.0. MnP brominates a variety of aromatic substrates, including veratryl (3,4-di-methoxybenzyl) alcohol (I) to produce of 2-bromo-4, 5-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol (II). MnP also hydrobrominates cinnamic acid (VI) to produce 2-bromo-3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (VII). With 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid (III) as the substrate, two bromination products are identified: trans -2-bromo-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) ethylene (IV) and 2-bromo-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid (V). MnP also brominates 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds such as monochlorodimedone and malonic acid. Incubation of MnP with bromide and H 2 O 2 in the absence of organic substrates results in enzyme inactivation. MnP binds halides to produce characteristic optical difference spectra. From these spectra, apparent dissociation constants at pH 3.0 are determined to be 0.13, 20, and 45 m m for fluoride, chloride, and bromide, respectively.
ALGEBRAIC CLOSE COUPLING CALCULATION OF ELECTRON--HYDROGEN SCATTERING.

Abstract A variational procedure described by Nesbet has been applied to a calculation of s wave phase shifts in electron hydrogen scattering, using the 1s-2s-2p close coupling approach, for energies below the first excitation threshold.
Optical and electrical stimulation of the rat prostate cavernous nerves: priming and fatigue studies

Optical nerve stimulation (ONS) is being explored as an alternative to electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) for use as an intra-operative diagnostic method for identification and preservation of prostate cavernous nerves (CNs) during radical prostatectomy. Nerve priming and fatigue studies were performed to further characterize CNs and provide insight into the different ONS and ENS mechanisms. ONS studies were conducted using a 1455-nm diode laser, coupled to fiber optic probe, and delivering a collimated, 1-mm-diameter laser spot on CNs. For nerve priming studies, laser power was escalated in 5 mW increments (15 - 60 mW) with each stimulation lasting 15 s, until a strong ICP response was observed, and then power was similarly de-escalated. For ONS fatigue studies, a constant laser power was delivered for a period of 10 min. ENS studies were conducted for comparison, with standard parameters (4 V, 5 ms, 16 Hz) for fatigue studies (10 min. duration), but incrementally increasing/decreasing voltage (0.1 - 4.0 V) for priming studies with 15 s stimulations. ONS threshold was approximately 20% higher during initial escalating laser power steps (6.4 W/cm2) than in subsequently de-escalating laser power steps (5.1 W/cm2), demonstrating a nerve priming effect. Evidence of nerve priming during ENS was not observed. For nerve fatigue studies, ONS of CNs showed a peak ICP response at about 60 s, followed by a gradual decay in ICP, while ENS maintained a strong, but cyclical ICP. Nerve priming may allow repetitive ONS of CNs at lower and hence safer laser power settings. Both nerve priming and fatigue studies revealed different mechanisms for ONS and ENS.
Characterizing the process window of a double exposure dark field alternating phase shift mask

After reviewing the normal approach to process window characterization and analysis used for a standard single exposure process, the applicability of that approach to a double exposure process is investigated. By properly designing the binary trim mask for a double exposure dark field alternating phase shift mask process, the influence of the trim exposure step on the final gate CD can be minimized. Flare during the rim exposure, however, is found to cause an undesired coupling of the two exposure steps. A method of accounting for this coupling effect for the gate CD process window is given.
SAFETY IN THE OPERATION OF RADIATION SOURCES AND USE OF IRRADIATED FOODS

The utilization of ionizing radiation for the preservation of foods represents an important advance in the field of food processing. Careful evaluation of the wholesomeness of irradiated foods has been made, and work is continuing; but, thus far, these foods have not been found io be toxic to experimental animals or man. In animal feeding experiments, with a broad spectrum of foods tested, longevity, reproduction, and lactation performance in general are the same as for animals maintained on diets of unirradiated food. Investigations conducted io the present time with mice and rats have not revealed any evidence as to radiation induced carcinogens. While some radiation damage to the macronutrients and micronutrients has been noted, the nutritive value for these foods is equivalent to, or in some cases better than, that for heat processed foods. Ionizing radiation has been shown to be quite effective in alteration of proteins, with the result that certain foods exhibit reduced allergenic properties. Of clinical significance, also, is the fact that low radiation doses of 14,000 rads effectively interrupt the reproductive cycle of the trichinae present in pork, and thereby eliminate the public health problem of trichinosis. Under present methods of processing, none of the irradiatedmore » foods has induced radioactivity. High energy radiation in the area of 24 Mev has been shown to produce transient and short lived radioactive isotopes. In the event that accelerated electrons with high energies are utilized in radiation treatment of food, the potential hazard of these radioactive isotopes, which are induced, will then be explored. An excellent safety program in the operation of radiation sources has been achieved. Radioactive contamination of food cans, by gamma - irradiation with mixed fission products in the canal water, has been eliminated. Health physics procedures guarantee the safety of the product as to both contamination and induced radioactivity. Careful monitoring of personnel and equipment at the radiation sourre has resulted in an excellent record for safety. (auth)« less
Ototoxicity: The Hidden Menace

Otolaryngology, although considered a surgical specialty, also covers many diseases that are not cured by surgery. These are treated medically and thus the otolaryngologist should have a good knowledge of drug treatments. It also entails ability to recognize, when an ENT symptom may be caused by one of the patient’s medications, particularly as this is easily remedied by changing the drug. Although most of us know the common drugs that can cause otological side effects, there are many others that we may not be aware of. Here we have tried to consolidate a list of some commonly used drugs having otological side effects.
Design of Harmonic Motion Generating RSSR Four Bar Mechanisms for High Speed Application

Consideration of a mechanism for high-speed application inevitably poses certain kinematic design requirements that can be cast as a function generation synthesis problem involving the entire motion cycle of the mechanism. This paper addresses such application of RSSR four bar mechanisms for high-speed application. It employs a perturbational kinematic analysis of the mechanism to obtain approximate equations relating the follower and input angular displacements. The follower angular motion is derived, approximately, as a linear combination of two simple harmonic functions, in terms of the first and second harmonics of the crank angle. Albeit the exact mathematical description relating the input and output links exists it is not conductive to a kinematic design for dynamic performance. In contrast the approximate equations derived in this paper enable function generation of RSSR four bar mechanisms in which the higher harmonics of the input link are minimized. This utility of the approximate equations are demonstrated through several mechanism design examples.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
MECHANICS OF COASTAL LANDSLIDES AND THE INFLUENCE OF SLOPE PARAMETERS

Abstract Shoreline erosion results in landslides and complex slope processes, under appropriate conditions, in unconsolidated materials forming the coastal bluffs. Shoreline erosion and bluff recession along most of the Great Lakes shoreline results in losses in millions of dollars annually. An understanding of bluff recession and the trends in the evolution of coastal bluffs is required for an evaluation of engineering and management solutions for the problems created. The factors effecting changes in bluff geometry include wave action, frost action, seepage effects, sheet wash, and weathering. An overview of the physical processes as they affect slope evolution, the available mechanical models, and the influence of slope parameters on the stability of the coastal bluffs are presented. The response of coastal slopes to the action of these factors is viewed as shallow failures and downslope transport as well as deep rotational slips. A distinction between the stability against deep slips which is termed as quasi-stability and the ultimate stability is made. The progress of slope evolution in coastal bluffs can be predicted with successive applications of the two-dimensional circular slip limit equilibrium analysis of slope stability using the effective stress method. The influence of slope parameters, namely, geometry (slope height and inclination), material properties (strength parameters and unit weight), and the relative position of the groundwater table on the limiting stability conditions of uniform slopes is presented based on such a limit equilibrium analysis. The relative influence of some of these parameters varies with slope height and the slopes can be viewed as low and high slopes with a height of 25 m as an approximate demarcation between the two groups.
Attitudes on Animal Research Predict Acceptance of Genetic Modification Technologies by University Undergraduates

Abstract Public acceptance of genetic modification (GM) technologies may be essential to their continued development, yet few studies have investigated the manner in which demographic and educational factors predict support for GM research. The current study examined attitudes toward animal research and GM in ~400 university undergraduates enrolled in introductory or upper-level psychology courses with material on animal experimentation. Results revealed that men were more accepting of animal and GM research than were women. Enrollment in upper-level psychology classes that addressed specific topics in animal research did not directly predict support for GM research, but such enrollment was associated with increased endorsement of the validity of animal research, which then contributed to acceptance of GM scenarios. The current findings highlight the impact of educational variables on support for animal research, which may then influence attitudes toward GM research.
Management of heart failure patients through integrative medical group visits.

Heart failure is a serious medical condition affecting around 5.1 million people in the United States, with total direct and indirect costs projected to increase from $31 billion in 2012 to $70 billion in 2030.[1][1] As of October 2012, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has required the
A note on the conditioning of a class of generalized finite element methods

We study the asymptotic behavior of the condition number of the linear system from the discretization of a class of generalized finite element methods for solving second-order elliptic boundary value problems. Allowing local approximation spaces with polynomials of different degrees and different local patch sizes (local refinements), we give bounds on the condition number in relation to the patch size and the dimension of the global approximation space in which the shape functions are in general not polynomials. Numerical tests verify the theorems.
On correlating the frequency of the 7F0 → 5D0 transition in Eu3+ complexes with the sum of ‘nephelauxetic parameters’ for all of the coordinating atoms

Abstract The frequency of the 7F0→5D0 transition of Eu3+ is found to correlate with the sum of derived nephelauxetic parameters of the ligating atoms in Eu3+ complexes. Parameters for nine distinct coordinating atom types are obtained via a multiple linear regression method applied to experimental 7F0→5D0 transition frequencies of twenty-seven 9-coordinate Eu3+ complexes with known ligand constituents. The linear correlation coefficient is 0.99. Addition of data from 7-, 8-, 10-, and 11-coordinate complexes and use of a multiplicative constant, characteristic of each coordination number, produces a second linear correlation covering thirty-seven systems with a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The present approach seeks to understand the factors which influence the 7F0→5D0 transition frequency and to make predictions of this quantity for particular ligand environments. It is completely empirical in nature; however, the results may be understood in terms of an underlying theoretical cause. The parameters obtained here correlate roughly with the nephelauxetic h-values of Jorgensen for the few cases where appropriate ligand matches are available. The 7F0→5D0 term separation will decrease from its free-ion value of 17 374 cm−1 with increasing Eu3+ -ligand covalency, and the presently derived parameters are consistent with this idea. The correlation presented here is clearly superior to our earlier attempt to identify a relationship between the 7F0→5D0 transition frequency and the total formal charge on the ligands in a complex.
Does the racial composition of the school environment influence children's body mass index?

Abstract Purpose This study investigates the degree to which the racial composition of the school environment may influence the body mass index (BMI) of children aged 10 to 18 years. This research may be viewed as extending prior work that has found that the prevalence of risk behaviors among nonwhite adolescents is influenced by exposure to white adolescents. Methods This research used data from the Survey of Adults and Youth, which was conducted as part of the evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative. The study population for this analysis is comprised of parent and child respondents in the 2004 to 2005 survey wave who lived in one of the five program cities: Baltimore, Detroit, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Richmond. We constructed two-level school random effects models and added school and census tract-level variables that describe the racial composition of the residential community and the school attended. Results Black and Hispanic adolescent girls who attend schools with a mostly nonwhite student body have higher BMIs than do their white counterparts. However, black girls in predominately white schools do not have higher BMIs than white girls. Further, black and Hispanic girls whose schoolmates are predominately white have significantly lower BMIs than black and Hispanic girls in schools where fewer than half the students are white. These associations are not found among boys, and are net of a broad variety of individual, household, and group level characteristics. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the BMI of minority adolescent girls is influenced by the norms of the social environment.
The role of colonoscopy in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.

Definitive colonoscopic criteria have been developed for the differential diagnosis of ulcerative and granulomatous colitis. Colonoscopy should not be performed in all patients with inflammatory bowel disease but may be quite useful in certain situations, such as strictures, filling defects seen on barium enema, and in preoperative evaluation.
Activity of the MAP kinase ERK2 is controlled by a flexible surface loop

Abstract Background: The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, ERK2, is a tightly regulated enzyme in the ubiquitous Ras-activated protein kinase cascade. ERK2 is activated by phosphorylation at two sites, Y185 and T183, that lie in the phosphorylation lip at the mouth of the catalytic site. To ascertain the role of these two residues in securing the low-activity conformation of the enzymes we have carried out crystallographic analyses and assays of phosphorylation-site mutants of ERK2. Results The crystal structures of four mutants, T183E (threonine at residue 183 is replaced by glutamate), Y185E, Y185F and the double mutant T183E/Y185E, were determined. When T183 is replaced by glutamate, few conformational changes are observed. By contrast, when Y185 is replaced by glutamate, 19 residues become disordered, including the entire phosphorylation lip and an adjacent loop. The conservative substitution of phenylalanine for Y185 also induces relatively large conformational changes. A binding site for phosphotyrosine in the active enzyme is putatively identified on the basis of the high-resolution refinement of the structure of wild-type ERK2. Conclusion The remarkable disorder observed throughout the phosphorylation lip when Y185 is mutated shows that the stability of the phosphorylation lip is rather low. Therefore, only modest amounts of binding energy will be required to dislodge the lip for phosphorylation, and it is likely that these residues will be involved in conformational changes associated both with binding to kinases and phosphatases and with activation. Furthermore, the low-activity structure is specifically dependent on Y185, whereas there is no such dependency on T183. Both residues, however, participate in forming the active enzyme, contributing to its tight control.
Primary and familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia

Our specific aim was to assess within-family clustering of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels in kindreds identified through probands with primary hypoalphalipoproteinemia, and to determine whether, and to what degree, familial aggregation of HDLC less than or equal to the tenth percentile represents a heritable trait, familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia. Our probands were selected arbitrarily by virtue of HDLC less than or equal to the age-sex-race-specific tenth percentile as the sole dyslipoproteinemia, with an additional requirement that they be normotriglyceridemic (triglyceride levels less than the 90th percentile). The probands were also required to have primary hypoalphalipoproteinemia, not secondary to diseases and/or drugs. Fifteen of the 16 probands were men; 12 were referred because of premature myocardial infarction, angina, or stroke, 2 because of family history of premature myocardial infarction or stroke, and 2 because of low HDLC observed on routine health examinations. Two of the 16 kindreds exhibited three-generation vertical transmission of bottom decile HDLC. In three kindreds, there was also three-generation vertical transmission of bottom decile HDLC, but top decile triglycerides accompanied bottom decile HDLC in one or more generations. Eight kindreds displayed two-generation vertical transmission of bottom decile HDLC. After excluding probands, there were 11 critical matings (bottom decile HDLC by normal), with 30 living offspring, all of whom were sampled. Of these 30 offspring, 13 had bottom decile HDLC, 17 had HDLC greater than tenth percentile. The ratio of offspring with bottom decile HDLC to those of HDLC greater than tenth percentile was 13:17 (0.76/1), not significantly different from the ratio of 1/1, the ratio predictive of a dominant trait, X2(1) = 0.53, P greater than 0.4. The nearly 1:1 segregation ratio for the group of offspring was not due to the aggregation of sibships with, in general, most of the sibs, or none of the sibs affected; within-family expression of low HDLC was also not sex-linked. The 13 hypoalphalipoproteinemic offspring of 11 critical matings included only two subjects whose bottom decile HDLC was accompanied by top decile triglyceride. Our data suggests that not only (by selection) was low HDLC in the probands the sole dyslipoproteinemia, but that the segregation of low HDLC in offspring of critical matings was primarily accounted for by isolated low HDLC, not by hypoalphalipoproteinemia secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. Familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia is a heritable disorder with a pattern of transmission not significantly different from that expected by a hypothesis of mendel
Quantum theory of spontaneous and stimulated resonant transition radiation

Resonant transition radiation generated by high-energy electron beams traversing a periodic medium has been considered by many researchers as a potential source of both spontaneous and stimulated emission at short wavelengths. To our knowledge, this problem has only been treated classically. This paper presents a quantum-mechanical theory that leads to a unified description of both spontaneous and stimulated emission and agrees closely with the classical results.
Atypicality and the Natural Vacancy Rate Hypothesis

This paper formulates and tests a model of rent change based on the natural vacancy rate hypothesis. It incorporates the Haurin [6] hypothesis in which the natural rate for particular units is determined by their atypicality. Estimates of the model indicate a natural rate of 6.5%. However, the rate is shown to vary systematically across individual units: the more atypical an apartment unit, the higher the natural rate.
Runway performance following shifts in drive and reward magnitude

Rats were trained in a runway under food deprivation with either one or 10 food pellets as reward. All Ss were then tested under relative food satiation and reward magnitude was reversed for half the Ss in both groups. No D by K interaction was observed. During satiation, Ss for which rewards were reversed showed large reductions in running speed, while nonreversed Ss much smaller decrements, although all Ss showed some reduction in both running and eating behavior. These data were interpreted as consistent with Spence’s interpretation of incentive motivation.
Fit of unit-cast fixed partial dentures related to casting ring size and shape

Abstract Four types of casting rings were tested for producing accurate-fitting fixed partial dentures. None of the casting rings tested produced ideal results, but the larger oval and round rings produced fixed partial dentures cast as a single unit with more complete seating than those produced in smaller round casting rings when phosphate bonded investment and Type III gold were used. Fixed partial denture seating was affected by the casting ring size but not because of its shape. While distortion of the wax and dimensional change in the gold alloy do affect the seating qualities of castings, this was not statistically significant in this study.
Elective hypothermic circulatory arrest to address aortic pathology is safe for the elderly.

BACKGROUND Due to assumptions of excessive risk, hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) has been considered prohibitive in elderly patients. However, as more elderly patients are referred for assessment of difficult aortic valve, ascending aorta, and aortic arch pathology, the risk of HCA in these patients needs to be addressed. We hypothesized that the use of HCA would not increase mortality or complications in elderly patients compared to younger counterparts. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of adult patients who underwent elective HCA between January 1995 and June 2007. Of 147 procedures, 45 patients were >or=75 years old. These patients were compared to their younger counterparts in terms of comorbidities, operations, and complications. RESULTS Comparing patients >or=75 years old to their younger counterparts revealed no significant differences in outcomes including nearly identical rates of confusion (>or=75 15% vs 0.5) and stroke (>or=75 11% vs 0.2). There was also no difference in 30-day mortality (>or=75 7% vs <75 7%, p = 0.9). Lengths of hospital stays and intensive care unit stays were longer in the older patients, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION In this study, elderly patients faired well with HCA compared to younger patients. These data suggest that the use of HCA is safe in selected elderly patients. Elderly patients should be considered for indicated procedures of the aortic valve, ascending aorta, and aortic arch regardless of age.
Withdrawal from methadone maintenance: Impact of a tapering network support program

This study assessed the impact of providing tapering and aftercare assistance to individuals addicted to heroin maintained on methadone. Participants were clients in six outpatient methadone maintenance clinics who expressed a motivation to withdraw from methadone and who met criteria predictive of success. Fifty-eight clients in three clinics had an enriched program available, whereas 56 clients in three matched comparison clinics received written materials only. No significant differences were found in the proportion of study participants who reached 0 mg or who reduced their dose during study participation. Discussion focuses on ways to improve the quality of methadone treatment in preparation for eventual withdrawal.
Sunny Days, Healthy Ways: Evaluation of a skin cancer prevention curriculum for elementary school-aged children

Abstract Background: Primary prevention of skin cancer must start early in life to reduce total lifetime sun exposure and severe overexposure in childhood. Childhood is an excellent time to form life-long prevention habits. A school-based curriculum can be an effective prevention strategy. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the effectiveness of a skin cancer prevention curriculum at increasing knowledge and attitudes supporting prevention and decreasing sun exposure by children in grades four, five, and six. Methods: Twenty-four classes ( N = 447 students) from four public elementary schools in southern Arizona participated. Half received a pretest, half were tested at the conclusion of the 5-week curriculum in early spring, and half were tested 8 weeks later in late spring. Objective measures of suntanning were obtained. Results: The curriculum increased knowledge about skin cancer prevention and attitudes supporting prevention and decreased suntanning. Self-reported preventive behavior was inconsistent and only weakly associated with measures of suntanning. Conclusion: The curriculum was effective at increasing skin cancer prevention. Resulting reduction in sun exposure was superior to that achieved with previous prevention curricula. Change in attitude needed time to emerge, appearing after 8 weeks. Self-reported preventive behavior by children in elementary school may lack validity. Pretesting did not alter effectiveness. Sixth-graders may be ready for more advanced content, but the curriculum is probably too advanced for kindergarten through third grade.
β‐N‐Oxalylamino‐l‐Alanine: Action on High‐Affinity Transport of Neurotransmitters in Rat Brain and Spinal Cord Synaptosomes

beta-N-Oxalylamino-L-alanine (BOAA) is a dicarboxylic diamino acid present in Lathyrus sativus (chickling pea). Excessive oral intake of this legume in remote areas of the world causes humans and animals to develop a type of spastic paraparesis known as lathyrism. BOAA is one of several neuroactive glutamate analogs reported to stimulate excitatory receptors and, in high concentrations, cause neuronal vacuolation and necrosis. The present study investigates the action of BOAA in vitro on CNS high-affinity transport systems for glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), aspartate, glycine, and choline and in the activity of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the rate-limiting enzyme in the decarboxylation of glutamate to GABA. Crude synaptosomal fractions (P2) from rat brain and spinal cord were used for all studies. [3H]Aspartate transport in brain and spinal cord synaptosomes was reduced as a function of BOAA concentration, with reductions to 40 and 30% of control values, respectively, after 15-min preincubation with 1 mM BOAA. Under similar conditions, transport of [3H]glutamate was reduced to 74% (brain) and 60% (spinal cord) of control values. High-affinity transport of [3H]GABA, [3H]glycine, and [3H]choline, and the enzyme activity of GAD, were unaffected by 1 mM BOAA. While these data are consistent with the excitotoxic (convulsant) activity of BOAA, their relationship to the pathogenesis of lathyrism is unknown.
Drosophila neuromuscular synapse assembly and function require the TGF-β type I receptor saxophone and the transcription factor Mad

Transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-β) comprise a superfamily of secreted proteins with diverse functions in patterning and cell division control. TGF-β signaling has been implicated in synapse assembly and plasticity in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Recently, wishful thinking, a Drosophila gene that encodes a protein related to BMP type II receptors, has been shown to be required for the normal function and development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). These findings suggest that a TGF-β-related ligand activates a signaling cascade involving type I and II receptors and the Smad family of transcription factors to orchestrate the assembly of the NMJ. Here we demonstrate that the TGF-β type I receptor Saxophone and the downstream transcription factor Mothers against dpp (Mad) are essential for the normal structural and functional development of the Drosophila NMJ, a synapse that displays activity-dependent plasticity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 134–150, 2003
Size and Shape Analysis of Mineral Resources in Arroyo Willow and Their Relation to Sawfly Densities

The association between host-plant mineral nutrients and insect herbivory is complex, idiosyncratic, and dynamic. Because of this we employed an unusual statistical method to evaluate the relationship between tenthredinid sawfly herbivory and concentrations of foliar nutrients in arroyo willow,Salix lasiolepis. We discovered that among 20 willow clones and between two years arroyo willow varied in the size (absolute concentrations) and shape (relative concentrations) of five mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, N, P, and K). Similarly, the densities of five sawfly species varied in size and shape among clones and between years. In 1984, relative densities, or shape, of the sawfly community was associated with relative concentrations, or shape, of foliar nutrients in 20 willow clones. In contrast, in 1985 absolute densities, or size, was associated with absolute concentrations, or size, of foliar nutrients. This shift from a shape to a size association between herbivory and foliar mineral nutrients may reflect the large difference in winter precipitation and sawfly densities between years: precipitation and sawfly densities were much greater in 1985 than in 1984.
Artemisinin‐based combination therapy for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in children with HIV

Reason for withdrawal from publication The protocol has not progressed since it was published in 2010. It has now been withdrawn from the Cochrane Library.