cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is it time to reassess the risk for the growth-retarded fetus with normal Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery?

Objective : Previous studies demonstrate an association between abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry and the birth of a small-for-gestational-age infant and between abnormal result and adverse neonatal outcome. The hypothesis is that preterm growth-retarded infants with normal antenatal velocimetry have outcomes similar to other preterm infants, whereas preterm small-for-gestational-age infants with abnormal Doppler results define a subgroup with increased morbidity. Study Design : For 100 live-born infants, at risk for fetal growth retardation and undergoing antenatal Doppler and targeted ultrasonographic examinations, we assessed a number of complete neonatal outcome parameters. Results : Ten neonatal deaths occurred in the study population, seven with abnormal Doppler results and three with normal Doppler results. Of the 90 surviving infants, gestational age at delivery was not different between the Doppler normal and abnormal neonates, whereas birth weight (1714 gm vs 1379 gm) was higher in the Doppler normal group ( p = 0.006). The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (20% vs 6%) was higher in the abnormal group ( p = 0.05). Abnormal Doppler results defined an infant group destined for prolonged hospitalization, mean intensive care days (21 vs 9), and special care nursery days (25 vs 9). Thirty-eight percent of small-for-gestational-age babies had a normal Doppler result. Analysis of variance indicated small-for-gestational-age infants with abnormal Doppler results ( n = 20) had a mean intensive care unit stay of 31 days, significantly different ( p = 0.005) from small-for-gestational-age infants with normal Doppler results ( n = 14), non-small-for-gestational-age infants with abnormal results ( n = 21), and non-small-for-gestational-age infants with normal results ( n = 35) whose mean intensive care unit stays were 14, 12, and 7 days, respectively. Gestational age at delivery (33.0 weeks) was not different among these groupings, not accounting for the observed differences. Conclusion : Normal antenatal velocimetry defines a distinct subgroup of preterm small-for-gestational-age infants at less risk for prolonged hospitalization compared with those with abnormal velocimetry.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia: improving the diagnostic approach

Purpose of reviewThe diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has relied on analysis of ciliary motility and ultrastructure; however, these tests are not readily available and have not been standardized. Consequently, the diagnosis of PCD may be delayed or missed or made incorrectly. This revie
Climatic evolution of the Southern Ocean during the Pliocene epoch from 4.8 to 2.6 million years ago

Abstract We studied the paleoclimatic history of the Southern Ocean during the Pliocene, before the intensification of northern hemisphere glaciation at 2.4 Ma, from isotopic and sedimentologic data from ODP Leg 114 sites (subantarctic South Atlantic). Relatively warm climatic conditions prevailed in the Southern Ocean during the early early Pliocene (between ∼4.6 and 4.2 Ma) as evidenced by benthic and planktonic δ 18 O values that were generally less than the Holocene. Despite this warmth, significant ice-rafting episodes are recorded at several drill sites and piston-core locations throughout the Southern Ocean. This interval correlates with a eustatic highstand and represents a climatic optimum for the Southern Ocean when low- and mid-latitude species migrated into the Antarctic and surface waters were warmer than at present. Although it is generally agreed that this interval was warm in the southern hemisphere, divergent opinions exist as to whether this warming led to the partial decay or growth of the Antarctic ice-sheet. A distinct mid-Pliocene cooling occurred between ∼3.5 and 3.2 Ma, as evidenced by an increase in δ 18 O values of planktonic and benthic foraminifers in Hole 704A, and by faunal changes indicative of progressive cooling of Antarctic surface waters and development of biotic provinciality in the Southern Ocean. During the late Pliocene (3.25-2.6 Ma), planktonic and benthic δ 18 O values commonly exceeded those of the Holocene and several distinct cooling and/or ice volume events occurred during the late Gauss Chron (most notably at 2.9 and 2.63 Ma). Faunal studies suggest several northward advances of the Polar Front Zone and expansion of sea ice in the Antarctic during this period. These events preceded the major climatic transition at ∼2.4 Ma when the PFZ moved to the north, sea ice expanded in the Antarctic, and glaciation intensified in both hemispheres.
Interrelation of pyroelectric and nonlinear optical coefficients in ferroelectric crystals

An experimental relation is found between the pyroelectric and electrooptic coefficients of several ferroelectric materials. The physical basis of this relation is explained using Garrett's anharmonic oscillator model, and the pyroelectric coefficients of Sr 0.25 Ba 0.75 Nb 2 O 6 , Sr 2 NaNb 5 O 15 ,Ba 2 NaNb 5 O 15 , KSr 2 Nb 5 O 15 , K 3 Li 2 - Nb 5 O 15 , and Ag 3 AsS 3 are predicted from the known electrooptic coefficients.
Regulation of photorepair in growing and arrested frog cells in response to ultraviolet light

The constitutive and inducible levels of enzymatic photorepair (EPR) in growing and arrested ICR 2A frog cells were studied using clonogenic assays. Both arrested and growing cells exhibited an equal level of constitutive EPR following ultraviolet irradiation. However, only arrested, but not growing, cells treated with a low fluence of UV (90% survival) developed an enhanced EPR. The induced process developed transiently with a peak 3 days after pre-irradiation, and was totally blocked by a nontoxic concentration of cycloheximide. In addition, the induced EPR is unique to low fluences of UV.
Toward a biology of personality and emotion.

: For most of this past century, scholarship on the topics of personality and emotion has emerged from the humanities and social sciences. In the past decade, a remarkable change has occurred in the influence of neuroscience on the conceptualization and study of these phenomena. This article argues that the categories that have emerged from psychiatric nosology and descriptive personality theory may be inadequate, and that new categories and dimensions derived from neuroscience research may produce a more tractable parsing of this complex domain. The article concludes by noting that the discovery of these biological differences among individuals does not imply that the origins of these differences lie in heritable influences. Experiential shaping of the brain circuitry underlying emotion is powerful. The neural architecture provides the final common pathway through which culture, social factors, and genetics all operate together.
Synthesis of YBa2Cu3O7−γ and YBa2Cu4O8 by aerosol decomposition

Abstract The synthesis of submicron YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−γ (1-2-3) and composite 1-2-3/CuO powders using aerosol decomposition of nitrate solutions and the behavior of those powders during subsequent processing were investigated. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed that 1-2-3 and 1-2-3/CuO particles produced at 800°C (residence time of 15 s) were polycrystalline and hollow, while solid particles were produced at temperatures greater than 900°C. Solvent evaporation led to a hollow particle morphology which was retained unless the reactor temperature exceeded 900°C, where densification was rapid enough to result in collapse of the hollow particles within the reactor residence time. Single-phase 1-2-3 powder with a critical temperature ( T c ) of 92K was produced using reactor temperatures of 900–1000°C. Dry-pressed 1-2-3 pellets densified rapidly at 800–900°C to 89% of theoretical density, which is considerably below the temperatures required for coarser powders produced by other techniques. 1-2-3/CuO particles produced at 800°C consisted of 25–50 nm crystallites of 1-2-3 and CuO, and pellets formed from that powder could be converted to single-phase YBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 (1-2-4) by heating in atmospheric-pressure oxygen at 750°C for 24 h, followed by 800°C for 24 h. Larger grained 1-2-3/CuO powder (100–250 nm) produced at 900 and 1000°C showed no conversion to 1-2-4 with the same treatment, demonstrating the critical importance of the small grain sizes obtained by aerosol decomposition for rapid conversion of 1-2-3/CuO to 1-2-4.
Use of a Fourier transform spectrometer on a balloon-borne telescope and at the multiple mirror telescope (MMT)

The design and use of an infrared Fourier transform spectrometer which has been used for observations of laboratory, stratospheric, and astronomical spectra are described. The spectrometer has a spectral resolution of 0.032/cm and has operated in the mid-infrared (12 to 13 microns) as well as the far-infrared (40 to 140 microns), using both bolometer and photoconductor cryogenic detectors. The spectrometer is optically sized to accept an f/9 beam from the multi-mirror telescope (MMT). The optical and electronic design are discussed, including remote operation of the spectrometer on a balloon-borne 102-cm telescope. The performance of the laser-controlled, screw-driven moving cat's-eye mirror is discussed. Segments of typical far-infrared balloon flight spectra, lab spectra, and mid-infrared MMT spectra are presented. Data reduction, interferogram processing, artifact removal, wavelength calibration, and intensity calibration methods are discussed. Future use of the spectrometer is outlined.
Gas-Phase Reactions of U+ and U2+ with O2 and H2O in a Quadrupole Ion Trap

Reaction pathways and rate constants of gas-phase uranium and uranium oxide ions with O2 and H2O have been investigated using a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QIT-MS). A new reaction pathway is identified for the reaction between U2+ and H2O, which leads to the formation of UO+ via the intermediate UOH2+. Reaction rate constants are determined for several reactions by measuring the reaction rate at different partial pressures of the reagent gas and are found to be in reasonable agreement with the literature. These rate constants include the first known measurement for the reaction of U2+ with H2O (∼0.4 kADO). New limits on thermochemical values are also provided for certain species. These include ΔHf (UO2+) ≤ 1742 kJ mol-1 and 1614 ≤ ΔHf (UOH2+) ≤ 1818 kJ mol-1 and are based on the assumption that only exothermic or thermoneutral reactions are possible under the conditions used. This assumption is supported by simulations of the root-mean-square (RMS) ion kinetic energy of stored uranium ions in t...
Infrastructure, Regional Integration and Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Dealing with the disadvantages of Geography and Sovereign Fragmentation

The main message of this paper is that public action by making the choice to invest in infrastructure, has to be taken to alleviate the plight of African economies which are endowed with adverse, natural or geographical aspects like landlockedness and tropical climate. Drawing from the existing literature of the various channels or means through which infrastructure affects growth, this paper argues for the big push in promoting infrastructure, that is necessary not only to break out of underdevelopment but, more importantly to be on the path to sustained growth. The latter being realized since infrastructure facilitates equitable, economic growth; by improving basic services to the poor; e.g. access to electricity, clean water and roads to connect the rural and urban areas i.e. the internal, vast stretches of sparsely populated, predominantly poor population with the coastal, more developed areas. Focusing on infrastructure is now seen in the purview of complementing public investment in social services, which are geared towards attainment of the Millenium Development Goals rather than competing for the governments' scarce resources. Second, the importance of structural changes in public investment in infrastructure encompassing setting up of autonomous regulatory bodies, joint management with users of these services, and adoption of user pay principles to circumvent the externality problems associated with provision of public goods, are highlighted; in order to reduce the problem of lack of financing of recurrent costs for these projects, improve transparency and selectivity. Exploiting the pre-existing capacity of the private sector is emphasized in the management and project implementation stages, which also contributes towards enhancing the profitability of these ventures. Finally, apart from increasing public investment, the most important role to be played by the public sector in this changing scenario, will be to specifically engage in underwriting risks; to encourage private sector involvement in the face of additional problems related to poor integration in the region, fueled by deep sovereign and ethno-linguistic fragmentation. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.
A study of the distribution of boron sites in glassy B2O3 using 11B NMR

Abstract A study has been made of the 11 B NMR spectrum of glassy B 2 O 3 with the aid of computer-simulated NMR spectra. It is shown that the glass contains a distribution of boron sites centered on an average or most probable site characterized by a quadrupole coupling constant of 2.66 MHz and an electric field gradient asymmetry parameter of 0.11. It is concluded that 11 B NMR alone cannot determine the exact nature of the distribution. The implications of the NMR data with respect to the suggested existence in the glass of distorted BO 4 “tetrahedra” is discussed.
Energy Drink–Induced Near-Fatal Ventricular Arrhythmia Prevented by an Intracardiac Defibrillator Decades After Operative “Repair” of Tetralogy of Fallot

We describe a 45-year old man who experienced a potentially fatal arrhythmia after consumption of multiple energy drinks. At 5 years old, he underwent "repair" of tetralogy of Fallot using a patch in the right ventricular outflow tract, and at age 40 had an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD) placed. His first AICD shock occurred within 30 minutes after he finished the third energy drink and was preceded by feelings of lightheadedness and severe dizziness. Without the AICD, he likely would have died. The risk of consuming energy drinks in those with underlying structural heart disease and the general population should be determined. Warning labels should be required to inform consumers of the risks posed by these drinks and of appropriate limits for consumption.
The Glutathione Synthesis Gene Gclm Modulates Amphiphilic Polymer-Coated CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dot–Induced Lung Inflammation in Mice

Quantum dots (QDs) are unique semi-conductor fluorescent nanoparticles with potential uses in a variety of biomedical applications. However, concerns exist regarding their potential toxicity, specifically their capacity to induce oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study we synthesized CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs with a tri-n-octylphosphine oxide, poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-tetradecene) (TOPO-PMAT) coating and assessed their effects on lung inflammation in mice. Previously published in vitro data demonstrated these TOPO-PMAT QDs cause oxidative stress resulting in increased expression of antioxidant proteins, including heme oxygenase, and the glutathione (GSH) synthesis enzyme glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL). We therefore investigated the effects of these QDs in vivo in mice deficient in GSH synthesis (Gclm +/− and Gclm −/− mice). When mice were exposed via nasal instillation to a TOPO-PMAT QD dose of 6 µg cadmium (Cd) equivalents/kg body weight, neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased in both Gclm wild-type (+/+) and Gclm heterozygous (+/−) mice, whereas Gclm null (−/−) mice exhibited no such increase. Levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines KC and TNFα increased in BALF from Gclm +/+ and +/− mice, but not from Gclm −/− mice. Analysis of lung Cd levels suggested that QDs were cleared more readily from the lungs of Gclm −/− mice. There was no change in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in any of the mice. However, there was a decrease in whole lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) content in Gclm −/− mice, regardless of treatment, relative to untreated Gclm +/+ mice. We conclude that in mice TOPO-PMAT QDs have in vivo pro-inflammatory properties, and the inflammatory response is dependent on GSH synthesis status. Because there is a common polymorphism in humans that influences GCLM expression, these findings imply that humans with reduced GSH synthesis capabilities may be more susceptible to the pro-inflammatory effects of QDs.
High efficiency, high average power intracavity harmonic generation in a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser oscillator

Stable, high beam quality intracavity second harmonic generation to average power ≥ 200 W at 532 nm and ≥ 14% diode-to-output efficiency has been demonstrated in a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser oscillator using lithium triborate.
Megakaryocytes survive without survivin.

Survivin has been described as an important regulator of late mitosis and as antiapoptotic in various cells. In this issue of Blood , Wen and colleagues describe a megakaryocyte-specific knockout of survivin, with no influence on megakaryocyte survival, and a stimulating effect on polyploidy.[1][1] [1]: #ref-1
Toward a Whole-Cell Model of Ribosome Biogenesis: Kinetic Modeling of SSU Assembly

Central to all life is the assembly of the ribosome: a coordinated process involving the hierarchical association of ribosomal proteins to the RNAs forming the small and large ribosomal subunits. The process is further complicated by effects arising from the intracellular heterogeneous environment and the location of ribosomal operons within the cell. We provide a simplified model of ribosome biogenesis in slow-growing Escherichia coli. Kinetic models of in vitro small-subunit reconstitution at the level of individual protein/ribosomal RNA interactions are developed for two temperature regimes. The model at low temperatures predicts the existence of a novel 5′→3′→central assembly pathway, which we investigate further using molecular dynamics. The high-temperature assembly network is incorporated into a model of in vivo ribosome biogenesis in slow-growing E. coli. The model, described in terms of reaction-diffusion master equations, contains 1336 reactions and 251 species that dynamically couple transcription and translation to ribosome assembly. We use the Lattice Microbes software package to simulate the stochastic production of mRNA, proteins, and ribosome intermediates over a full cell cycle of 120 min. The whole-cell model captures the correct growth rate of ribosomes, predicts the localization of early assembly intermediates to the nucleoid region, and reproduces the known assembly timescales for the small subunit with no modifications made to the embedded in vitro assembly network.
Policies, procedures, and people: Sources of support for government?

Objective. Many have written about the public's low opinion of the federal government; however, the theoretical sources and consequences of political trust have been empirically elusive. Drawing on the procedural justice framework, this study investigates the structure and consequences of people's mistrust of the federal government. Methods. Using data from various years of the National Election Study (NES), this research investigates the relationship between policy, procedural, and personal concerns and support of government. Results. Judgments about policy outputs, the process by which these policies develop, and the people involved in this process are shown to be sources of governmental trust, and certain aspects of trust are shown to have important behavioral consequences. Conclusions. These findings help to explain the failure of previous research into the causes and consequences of political trust. The various policy and process judgments that the NES Index combines play important independent roles in explaining political trust itself and its relationship with political behaviors and other attitudes.
Differential regulation of superoxide dismutase in copper-deficient rat organs

The effects of dietary copper deprivation on the activities, immunoreactive protein concentrations, and mRNA abundance of copper/zinc- and manganese-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn- and Mn-SOD) were examined in liver, heart, and brain of weanling rats fed a Cu-deficient diet for 4 weeks. Hepatic Cu/Zn-SOD activity, enzyme content, and mRNA abundance were significantly reduced, and, conversely, the activity, protein, and mRNA levels of Mn-SOD were significantly elevated in Cu-deficient rats. In Cu-deficient heart, the activity and protein content for Cu/Zn-SOD were reduced, whereas those for Mn-SOD were increased; the levels of mRNAs for these two enzymes was unaffected. Dietary Cu deficiency was without effect on the activities, enzyme contents, and mRNA abundance of brain Cu/Zn- and Mn-SOD. These results indicate that SODs from liver, heart, and brain exhibit differential sensitivities to dietary Cu deprivation, and that different mechanisms (transcriptional, posttranscriptional, or posttranslational) may be involved in their regulation.
Diversity among the tailed-bacteriophages that infect the Enterobacteriaceae

Complete genome sequences have been determined for 73 tailed-phages that infect members of the bacterial Enterobacteriaceae family. Biological criteria such as genome size, gene organization and gene orientation were used to place these phages into categories. There are 13 such categories, some of which are themselves extremely diverse. The relationships between and within these categories are discussed with an emphasis on the head assembly genes. Although some of them are clearly homologues, suggesting a very ancient origin, there is little evidence for exchange of individual head genes between these phage categories. More recent horizontal exchange of phage tail fiber and early proteins between the categories occurs, but is probably not extremely rapid.
Modeling and fusion of radar and imaging sensor data for target tracking

This paper presents a technique for fusing radar and imaging sensor data for target tracking. First, it is shown how angular position measurements can be computed from the two-dimensional intensity pattern provided by the imaging sensor. Then a model for the angular measurements is developed and accurate noise statistics are given. The measurement model that is derived differs from the one usually used in data fusion applications involving imaging sensors. In particular, it is shown that the noise is signal dependent and this affects the filtering equations which form the basis of the fusion operation. It is also shown that the two angular coordinates should not be decoupled because of the noise cross-correlation. The relationship between the imaging sensor’s angular measurements and the radar’s angular measurements is then explored by considering a simple example of a two-point target. It is shown that we cannot assume in general that the two sensors are measuring the same target point and that it is necessary to accommodate the difference between the two angular measurements within the data fusion process. A simple technique for accommodating this difference is developed and the equations necessary for fusing such measurements within the filtering framework are then presented. Finally, at the end of the paper it is pointed out that the same techniques can be applied to data fusion when tracking targets at very long ranges. The techniques developed in this paper are evaluated using a computer simulation with simulated data.
BETHE-Hydro: An Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian Multidimensional Hydrodynamics Code for Astrophysical Simulations

In this paper, we describe a new hydrodynamics code for one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) astrophysical simulations, BETHE-hydro, that uses time-dependent, arbitrary, unstructured grids. The core of the hydrodynamics algorithm is an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) approach, in which the gradient and divergence operators are made compatible using the support-operator method. We present 1D and 2D gravity solvers that are finite differenced using the support-operator technique, and the resulting system of linear equations are solved using the tridiagonal method for 1D simulations and an iterative multigrid-preconditioned conjugate-gradient method for 2D simulations. Rotational terms are included for 2D calculations using cylindrical coordinates. We document an incompatibility between a subcell pressure algorithm to suppress hourglass motions, and the subcell remapping algorithm and present a modified subcell pressure scheme that avoids this problem. Strengths of this code include a straightforward structure, enabling simple inclusion of additional physics packages, the ability to use a general equation of state, and most importantly, the ability to solve self-gravitating hydrodynamic flows on time-dependent, arbitrary grids. In what follows, we describe in detail the numerical techniques employed and, with a large suite of tests, demonstrate that BETHE-hydro finds accurate solutions with second-order convergence.
Very fast estimation for result and accuracy of big data analytics: The EARL system

Approximate results based on samples often provide the only way in which advanced analytical applications on very massive data sets (a.k.a. `big data') can satisfy their time and resource constraints. Unfortunately, methods and tools for the computation of accurate early results are currently not supported in big data systems (e.g., Hadoop). Therefore, we propose a nonparametric accuracy estimation method and system to speedup big data analytics. Our framework is called EARL (Early Accurate Result Library) and it works by predicting the learning curve and choosing the appropriate sample size for achieving the desired error bound specified by the user. The error estimates are based on a technique called bootstrapping that has been widely used and validated by statisticians, and can be applied to arbitrary functions and data distributions. Therefore, this demo will elucidate (a) the functionality of EARL and its intuitive GUI interface whereby first-time users can appreciate the accuracy obtainable from increasing sample sizes by simply viewing the learning curve displayed by EARL, (b) the usability of EARL, whereby conference participants can interact with the system to quickly estimate the sample sizes needed to obtain the desired accuracies or response times, and then compare them against the accuracies and response times obtained in the actual computations.
Dynamic voltage instability

Several researchers have dealt with the problem of voltage collapse as a loss of equilibria or by noting the singularity of the Jacobian at the onset of the phenomenon. In these cases the problem is characterized as a quasi-static bifurcation occuring in response to a slowly varying increase or decrease in load. However, dynamic load characteristics have long been known to have an effect on system stability and in fact, assumptions about the load model will significantly affect any predictions. In this paper, we discuss voltage stabilities as a function of loads. We investigate the stability characteristics of a basic configuration consisting of a generator, an induction motor load, and a static load. Using an aggregated steady-state equivalent circuit representation for the induction motor, we derive a motor torque-slip differential equation. We show that when induction motor charactestics are incorporated the voltage stability region is smaller than that defined by Venikov's steady-state stability limits [1]. We also present an example of a voltage collapse using the induction motor torque-slip differential equation that is different from those described before.
Facilitation of lordosis in guinea pigs by an α-noradrenergic agonist is independent of progestin receptor stimulation

Because manipulations of the noradrenergic system affect both lordosis behavior and progestin receptor levels in female guinea pigs, the present study attempted to determine if the noradrenergic (NE) system affects lordosis solely because of its impact on progestin receptors. Although the progestin receptor antagonist RU486 significantly reduced progesterone-facilitated lordosis, it had no effect on lordosis induced by the alpha-NE agonist clonidine in estrogen-primed female guinea pigs. This indicates that although progesterone may facilitate lordosis in female guinea pigs via activation of progestin receptors, the alpha-noradrenergic agonist clonidine does not mediate lordosis through the same mechanism.
China's Way of Naval War: Mahan's Logic, Mao's Grammar

This article posits that Alfred Thayer Mahan supplies the “logic” of Chinese maritime strategy, urging Beijing to amass commercial and naval fleets, international commerce, and forward naval stations—the trappings of sea power. Mao Zedong provides the “grammar” by which the People's Liberation Army will prosecute naval operations offshore. The article ranks Wayne Hughes's three generic models of fleet tactics according to Chinese strategic preferences, concluding that Chinese commanders incline to dispersed attack, sequential attack, and massed attack, in that order. By acquainting themselves with Chinese preferences, U.S. naval commanders can glimpse how this prospective naval adversary will wage war.
Survey of National Consortium of Torture Treatment Program Therapists About the Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of the Psychological Sequelae of Torture

This study used qualitative methods to examine present practices in psychologically assessing and treating torture survivors in National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs (NCTTP) across the United States. Twenty-five NCTTP Center Directors were contacted and 21 agreed to participate. Seventeen therapists from 10 different centers ultimately completed a survey and eight participated in a follow-up phone interview. Unstructured interviews, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire were employed by the majority of therapists to assess functioning. Psychoeducation, supportive counseling, cognitive-behavior therapy, and family counseling/therapy were the most common treatment approaches employed. Therapists identified treatment outcome research and population-specific outcome research as significant needs. Therapists identified barriers to treatment including clinic funding, lack of interpreters, and client transportation, legal, financial, and cultural/linguistic barriers.
A model of training needs in health information science.

In 1980 it was estimated that there were over 1000 clinical information systems and by 1983 this has become a billion-dollar industry. Considering that health care is now costing over $300 billion, and that information processing represents 40% of this cost, the need for developers and implementors trained in health information science is readily apparent. The discipline of medical informatics has developed to be responsive to the service, educational and research needs of computing in the health care field.
Progesterone and 6α-Methyl-17α-hydroxyprogesterone Acetate as Inhibitors of Spermatogenesis and Accessory Gland Function in the Ram

The effects of progesterone and 6alpha-methyl-17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) on spermatogenesis and accessory gland function were studied in 6 rams. Weekly semen collections were started 3 weeks prior to the injection of 50 mg progesterone every other day for 60 days in 3 of the rams and 100 mg of MAP/day for 60 days in the other 3 rams. Testicular biopsies were obtained 6 days after treatment. No protoplasmic droplets were observed pretreatment however sperm in both groups contained a protoplasmic droplet 3 weeks after beginning treatment. Semen volume in the progesterone- and MAP-treated rams decreased significantly (p less than .01) and (p less than .05) respectively from the 4th through the 18th week when compared with pretreatment volume. Semen fructose levels were significantly (p less than .01) lower by the 4th week in the progesterone-treated and 6th week in the MAP-treated rams. Total sperm output was significantly (p less than .01) lower from the 8th through the 19th week in the progesterone-treated and from the 9th through the 18th week in the MAP-treated rams while the percentage of abnormal sperm was significantly (p less than .01) greater for both treated groups from the 4th through the 21st week. The biopsies revealed Leydig cell atrophy and seminiferous tubules with sloughing and disorganization of germinal elements.
IFN-γ-Inducible Protein-10 (CXCL10) Is Hepatoprotective During Acute Liver Injury Through the Induction of CXCR2 on Hepatocytes

IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10/CXCL10) is a non-ELR-CXC chemokine that is present during various forms of acute and chronic liver injury. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of IP-10 during acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen (APAP). After a 400 mg/kg APAP challenge in fasted CD-1 mice, immunoreactive levels of IP-10 were dramatically elevated in the serum within 8 h. CXCR3, the receptor for IP-10, was up-regulated in the liver. Mice that received an i.v. injection of rIP-10 10 h after APAP challenge exhibited a dramatic reduction in alanine aminotransferase 8 h later. Histologic analysis confirmed that the delayed IP-10 therapy dramatically improved the appearance of the liver when examined 48 h after APAP. The therapeutic effect of IP-10 was associated with a marked increase in CXCR2 expression on hepatocytes. Neutralization of CXCR2 during IP-10 therapy resulted in an abrogation of the hepatoprotective effect of IP-10. Furthermore, IP-10 treatment of cultured hepatocytes stimulated a CXCR2-dependent proliferative response. In conclusion, IP-10 has a hepatoregenerative effect in a murine model of acute liver injury that is dependent on its up-regulation of CXCR2 on hepatocytes.
Quantitative Study of Chelates of Pyridine-2-aldoxime

Acid dissociation constants of pyridine-2-aldoxime and its affinity for various metal ions were determined by means of potentiometric titrations. Stable chelates were formed with the following metal ions, listed in order of stability: ferric > cupric > cobaltous > ferrous > nickelous > mercuric > zinc > cadmium > manganous. Calcium and magnesium ions showed no evidence of chelate formation. The unusually high stabilities of the cobaltous and ferrous chelates suggest that the oxime exhibits a specific affinity for these ions. All of the 1:1 chelates showed a strong tendency to hydrolyze, as indicated by results obtained from titrations of solutions containing the reactants in a 1:1 ratio. Colored species were formed in the ferrous, ferric, cobaltous, nickelous, and cupric systems. In particular, the ferrous chelate formed an intense red solution, suggesting possible application of the oxime as an analytical reagent for ferrous ion.
Mortality of horn fly larvae (Diptera: Muscidae) in bovine dung supplemented with ergotamine and N-formyl loline.

Dung-dwelling larvae of ectoparasites of livestock such as the horn fly, Hematobia irritans (L.), may be exposed to ≥1 different alkaloid species in dung from animals ingesting herbage of the tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)—endophyte association ( Neotyphodium coenophialum (Morgan-Jones & W. Gams) Glenn, Bacon & Hanlin comb. nov.). First-instar horn flies were exposed to bovine dung supplemented with up to 50 μM each of N -formyl loline and ergotamine tartrate in factorial combination. In the absence of ergotamine tartrate, N -formyl loline caused a linear decline in the number of pupae recovered, and probit analysis indicated an LC50 of 36 μ M. In the absence of N -formyl loline, significant quadratic responses of larvae to ergotamine tartrate were established, and probit analysis indicated a LC50 of 34 μ M. An interaction ( P < 0.001) was found between the 2 alkaloids for larval survival. This interaction showed that ergotamine tartrate moderated the toxicity of N -formyl loline and indicates that a membrane-bound receptor may be involved. There was no evidence of carryover of effects of alkaloids on subsequent stages of development or expressed as abnormalities of pupae or adults. Interactions between alkaloids probably are involved in other plant-herbivore relationships of endophyte-infected grasses.
Surrogate Motherhood as Prenatal Adoption

The recent case of Baby M has brought surrogate motherhood to the forefront of American attention. ultimately, whether we permit or prohibit surrogacy depends on what we take to be good reasons for preventing people from acting as they wish. A growing number of people want to be, or hire, surrogates; are there legitimate reasons to prevent them? Apart from its intrinsic interest, the issue of surrogate motherhood provides us with an opportunity to examine different justifications for limiting individual freedom. In the first section of this article, I examine the Baby M case and the lessons it offers. In the second section, I examine claims that surrogacy is ethically unacceptable because it is exploitive, inconsistent with human dignity, or harmful to the children born of such arrangements. I conclude that these reasons justify restrictions on surrogate contracts, rather than an outright ban.
Genetic variation exists for telomeric array organization within and among the genomes of normal, immortalized, and transformed chicken systems

This study investigated telomeric array organization of diverse chicken genotypes utilizing in vivo and in vitro cells having phenotypes with different proliferation potencies. Our experimental objective was to characterize the extent and nature of array variation present to explore the hypothesis that mega-telomeres are a universal and fixed feature of chicken genotypes. Four different genotypes were studied including normal (UCD 001, USDA-ADOL Line 0), immortalized (DF-1), and transformed (DT40) cells. Both cytogenetic and molecular approaches were utilized to develop an integrated view of telomeric array organization. It was determined that significant variation exists within and among chicken genotypes for chromosome-specific telomeric array organization and total genomic-telomeric sequence content. Although there was variation for mega-telomere number and distribution, two mega-telomere loci were in common among chicken genetic lines (GGA 9 and GGA W). The DF-1 cell line was discovered to maintain a complex derivative karyotype involving chromosome fusions in the homozygous and heterozygous condition. Also, the DF-1 cell line was found to contain the greatest amount of telomeric sequence per genome (17%) as compared to UCD 001 (5%) and DT40 (1.2%). The chicken is an excellent model for studying unique and universal features of vertebrate telomere biology, and characterization of the telomere length variation among genotypes will be useful in the exploration of mechanisms controlling telomere length maintenance in different cell types having unique phenotypes.
Enantioselective total synthesis of callipeltoside A: two approaches to the macrolactone fragment

The enantioselective total synthesis of callipeltoside A is described. Two syntheses of the macrolactone subunit are included: the first relies upon an Ireland–Claisen rearrangement to generate the trisubstituted olefin geometry and the second utilizes an enantioselective vinylogous aldol reaction for this purpose. Enantioselective syntheses of the sugar and chlorocyclopropane side chain fragments are also disclosed. The relative and absolute stereochemistry of this natural product was determined by fragment coupling with the two enantiomers of the side chain fragment.
Sonochemistry in non-aqueous liquids

The chemical effects of high-intensity ultrasound on organic liquids are reported. In order to probe the factors which affect sonochemistry in non-aqueous solvents, two very different chemical dosimeters have been used: radical trapping by diphenylpicrylhydrazyl and decomposition of Fe(C0)5. In both cases, good correlation is found between the logarithm of the sonochemical rate and the solvent vapour pressure. This result is justifiable in terms of the cavitation ‘hot-spot’ mechanism of sonochemistry. Thus, decreasing solvent vapour pressure increases the intensity of cavitational collapse, the peak temperature reached during such collapse, and, consequently, the rates of sonochemical reactions.
Glial Growth Factor Rescues Schwann Cells of Mechanoreceptors from Denervation-Induced Apoptosis

Golgi tendon organs and Pacinian corpuscles are peripheral mechanoreceptors that disappear after denervation during a critical period in early postnatal development. Even if regeneration is allowed to occur, Golgi tendon organs do not reform, and the reformation of Pacinian corpuscles is greatly impaired. The sensory nerve terminals of both types of mechanoreceptors are closely associated with Schwann cells. Here we investigate the changes in the Schwann cells found in Golgi tendon organs and Pacinian corpuscles after nerve resection in the early neonatal period. We report that denervation induces the apoptotic death of these Schwann cells and that this apoptosis can be prevented by administration of a soluble form of neuregulin, glial growth factor 2. Schwann cells associated with these mechanoreceptors are immunoreactive for the neuregulin receptors erbB2, erbB3, and erbB4, and the sensory nerve terminals are immunoreactive for neuregulin. Our results suggest that Schwann cells in developing sensory end organs are trophically dependent on sensory axon terminals and that an axon-derived neuregulin mediates this trophic interaction. The denervation-induced death of mechanoreceptor Schwann cells is correlated with deficiencies in the re-establishment of these sensory end organs by regenerating axons.
Severe respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia associated with primary Epstein‐Barr virus infection

This is a case report of a child with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia and concurrent infection with Epstein-Barr virus. We hypothesize that immunosuppression due to EBV may have contributed to the severity of his RSV infection. The diagnosis of RSV infection was facilitated by bronchoalveolar lavage.
Phosphorylation of Transcription Factor Sp1 during Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection

The expression of most herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate-early (IE) and early (E) genes decreases late in productive infection. IE and E promoters contain various binding sites for cellular activators, including sites for Sp1, upstream of the TATA box, while late gene promoters generally lack such sites. To address the possibility that Sp1 function may be altered during the course of infection, the modification state and activity of Sp1 were investigated as a function of infection. Sp1 was quantitatively phosphorylated in HSV-1-infected cells without a significant change in abundance. The kinetics of accumulation of phosphorylated Sp1 immediately preceded the decline in E gene (thymidine kinase gene [tk]) mRNA abundance. Phosphorylation of Sp1 required ICP4; however, the proportion of phosphorylated Sp1 was reduced during infection in the presence of phosphonoacetic acid or in the absence of ICP27. While the DNA binding activity of Sp1 was not greatly affected by phosphorylation, the ability of phosphorylated Sp1 isolated from HSV-infected cells to activate transcription in vitro was decreased. These studies suggest that modification of Sp1 may contribute to the decrease of IE and E gene expression late in infection.
Metal Ion Involvement in the Allosteric Mechanism of Escherichia coli Aspartate Transcarbamoylase.

Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) allosterically regulates pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis. The enzyme is inhibited by CTP and can be further inhibited by UTP, although UTP alone has little or no influence on activity; however, the mechanism for the synergistic inhibition is still unknown. To determine how UTP is able to synergistically inhibit ATCase in the presence of CTP, we determined a series of X-ray structures of ATCase·nucleotide complexes. Analysis of the X-ray structures revealed that (1) CTP and dCTP bind in a very similar fashion, (2) UTP, in the presence of dCTP or CTP, binds at a site that does not overlap the CTP/dCTP site, and (3) the triphosphates of the two nucleotides are parallel to each other with a metal ion, in this case Mg(2+), coordinated between the β- and γ-phosphates of the two nucleotides. Kinetic experiments showed that the presence of a metal ion such as Mg(2+) is required for synergistic inhibition. Together, these results explain how the binding of UTP can enhance the binding of CTP and why UTP binds more tightly in the presence of CTP. A mechanism for the synergistic inhibition of ATCase is proposed in which the presence of UTP stabilizes the T state even more than CTP alone. These results also call into question many of the past kinetic and binding experiments with ATCase with nucleotides as the presence of metal contamination was not considered important.
Tom Williams Wins TTTC Award

Former IEEE Computer Society Board of Governors member Thomas W. Williams recently received the IEEE Computer Society Test Technology Technical Council’s Lifetime Contribution Award.
Loss in oxidative stress tolerance with aging linked to reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt kinase activities

Oxidative stress is believed to be an important factor in the development of age-related diseases, and studies in lower organisms have established links between oxidative stress tolerance and longevity. We have hypothesized that aging is associated with a reduced ability to mount acute host defenses to oxidant injury, which increases the vulnerability of aged cells to stress. We tested this hypothesis by using primary hepatocytes from young (4-6 months) and aged (24-26 months) rats. Old hepatocytes were more sensitive to H2O2-induced apoptosis than were young cells. Lower survival is associated with reduced activations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt kinase, both of which protect against oxidant injury. That reduced ERK and Akt activities contribute to lower survival of aged cells was supported by additional findings. First, pharmacologic inhibition of ERK and Akt activation in young cells markedly increased their sensitivity to H2O2. Second, caloric restriction, which increases rodent life span and delays the onset of many age-related declines in physiologic function, prevented loss in ERK and Akt activation by H2O2 and enhanced survival of old hepatocytes to levels similar to those of young cells. Strategies aimed at boosting these host responses to acute oxidant injury could have significant anti-aging benefits.
Generation of attributes for learning algorithms

Inductive algorithms rely strongly on their representational biases. Constructive induction can mitigate representational inadequacies. This paper introduces the notion of a relative gain measure and describes a new constructive induction algorithm (GALA) which is independent of the learning algorithm. Unlike most previous research on constructive induction, our methods are designed as preprocessing step before standard machine learning algorithms are applied. We present the results which demonstrate the effectiveness of GALA on artificial and real domains for several learners: C4.5, CN2, percept ron and backpropagation.