cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic algorithm for unilateral sinus disease: a 15-year retrospective review

Background Patients presenting with unilateral sinus symptoms or nasal polyps raise concerns about sinister pathology. Yet despite the relatively common occurrence of this presentation, and its potential severity, an organized diagnostic approach to unilateral sinus disease (USD) has never been defined. The purpose of this work was to propose a diagnostic algorithm for managing patients with USD based on prior experience. Methods We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of all patients with USD who underwent surgical intervention and had pathological specimens during a 15-year period at an urban academic center. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan findings, demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, medical histories, and previous treatments were analyzed. Results A total of 191 patients met the inclusion criteria, 153 of whom were initially diagnosed at our center. Among the latter group, 51 (33%) presented with a nasal mass or polyp observed by endoscopy. Inverted papilloma was present in 16% of those cases, and malignant tumors comprised 14%. In contrast, of patients without an obvious nasal polyp (n = 102), 2% had inverted papilloma and 3% had malignancies. Overall, chronic rhinosinusitis was the most common diagnosis both in patients with polyps (67%) and those without nasal polyps (69%). Conclusion Although USD is most likely to represent chronic inflammation, there exists a fair likelihood of finding malignant pathology, particularly in cases where patients have a unilateral polyp. Based on this review, we propose a strategy for the management of new presentations of USD.
College students' attitudes about lesbians: what difference does 16 years make?

Abstract The article reviews empirical studies on trends in attitudes toward lesbians and gay men and compares data from a 1985 survey of 297 students living in a college residence hall with data collected in 2001 when 152 students living in the same residence hall responded to a similar questionnaire. College students in 2001 expressed more accepting attitudes toward lesbians, reported more contact with lesbians, and assessed their parents' attitudes as more positive when compared with the 1985 sample. Consistent trends in the importance of these variables to the development of attitudes toward lesbians were shown, with gender role attitudes, parental attitudes, and exposure to education and media about gays and lesbians remaining the most important predictors. This suggests that strategies that discourage gender role stereotypes and provide educational and media experiences could increase acceptance of sexual minorities. Although gender was significant in 1985, there were no effects of gender in the 200...
Security in SOA and Web Services

Security is today a relevant requirement for any distributed application, and in particular for these enabled by the Web such as e-health, e-commerce, and e-learning. It is thus crucial that the use of Web services, stand-alone or composed, provide strong security guarantees. Web services security encompasses several requirements that can be described along the well known security dimensions, that is: integrity, whereby a message must remain unaltered during transmission; confidentiality, whereby the contents of a message cannot be viewed while in transit, except by authorized services; availability, whereby a message is promptly delivered to the intended recipient, thus ensuring that legitimate users receive the services they are entitled to. Moreover, each Web service must protect its own resources against unauthorized access. This in turn requires suitable means for: identification, whereby the recipient of a message must be able to identify the sender; authentication, whereby the recipient of a message needs to verify the claimed identity of the sender; authorization, whereby the recipient of a message needs to apply access control policies to determine whether the sender has the right to use the required resources.
Contrast on T2-weighted images of the lumbar spine using fast spin-echo and gated conventional spin-echo sequences.

A prospective study in 31 patients was designed to compare contrast quantitatively using axial conventional, gated spin-echo T2-weighted (T2W) (SE) (asymmetrical echo TE 30 and 80 ms) and axial dual-echo fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences (TEeff20 and 120 ms) to image lumbar discs, nerve roots, and cerebrospinal fluid CSF. We used two quantitative measures, percent (%) contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), to compare the sequences. The FSE sequence had greater % contrast and CNR on the first and second echo images for both disc and nerve root detection using these scan parameters. An axial FSE sequence, therefore, provided contrast characteristics similar to those of gated axial T2W SE sequence in the lumbar spine, with a 60% saving in acquisition time. The FSE sequence is now our standard axial T2W study for the lumbar spine.
MENTAL CAUSATION IN A PHYSICAL WORLD

It is generally accepted that the most serious threat to the possibility of mental causation is posed by the causal self-sufficiency of physical causal processes. I argue, however, that this feature of the world, which I articulate in principle I call Completeness, in fact poses no genuine threat to mental causation. Some find Completeness threatening to mental causation because they confuse it with a stronger principle, which I call Closure. Others do not simply conflate Completeness and Closure, but hold that Completeness, together with certain plausible assumptions, entails Closure. I refute the most fully worked-out version of such an argument. Finally, some find Completeness all by itself threatening to mental causation. I argue that one will only find Completeness threatening if one operates with a philosophically distorted conception of mental causation. I thereby defend what I call naive realism about mental causation.
Independence of progesterone-induced facilitation and inhibition of lordosis behavior in ovariectomized guinea pigs.

Abstract In ovariectomized Hartley guinea pigs, 15 μg progesterone was shown to facilitate lordosis in 48% of animals when administered 36 hr after a 3.3 μg injection of estradiol benzoate. This dose of progesterone also inhibited lordosis behavior in 65% of animals administered an additional 0.6 mg progesterone at 60 hr. Significant inhibition of lordosis response to the 0.6 mg progesterone existed among animals in which lordosis was not facilitated by the initial 15 μg dose of progesterone. These results show that progesterone-induced inhibition can occur without prior facilitation of lordosis as tested by the manual stimulation technique.
A complex twintron is excised as four individual introns

Abstract Twintrons are introns-within-introns excised by sequential splicing reactions. A new type of complex twintron comprised of four individual group III introns has been characterized. The external intron is interrupted by an internal intron containing two additional introns. This 434 nt complex twintron within a Euglena gracilis chloroplast ribosomal protein gene is excised by four sequential splicing reactions. Two of the splicing reactions utilize multiple 5'- and/or 3'-splice sites. These findings are evidence that introns with multiple active splice sites can be formed by the repeated insertion of introns into existing introns.
Accuracy and reproducibility of image derived relaxation times on a clinical 1.5 T magnetic resonance scanner.

A methodology for evaluating the accuracy and reproducibility of calculated T 1’s and T 2’s has been developed and applied to a General Electric 1.5 T Signa System. Specifically studied were absolute accuracy and temporal stability of image derived T 1’s and T 2’s as well as the dependence of calculated relaxation times on position in the scan plane, position along the axis of the magnet bore, the scan plane orientation (axial, sagittal, coronal), and the center frequency. The results of this study of the accuracy and reproducibility of imagerelaxation times have direct bearing on the design of clinical investigations assessing the diagnostic usefulness of these values.
Induction of hyperglycaemia in zebrafish (Danio rerio) leads to morphological changes in the retina

Diabetes affects over 16 million Americans yearly, resulting in hyperglycaemia and microvascular complications, including retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. Animal models have been developed to examine the immunological aspects of type 1 diabetes and the pathogenic mechanisms associated with diabetic retinopathy, but the methods of diabetes induction raise concerns regarding these models. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been used extensively to study developmental processes and mutant zebrafish strains have been used to examine vision disease present in humans. In this paper, we have induced hyperglycaemia in zebrafish by alternately immersing the fish in glucose solution or water. Eyes from untreated fish or fish exposed to alternating glucose/water solutions for 28 days were dissected, sectioned and stained to visualise cell bodies in the retina. In untreated fish retinas, the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) were approximately the same thickness, whereas in fish repeatedly exposed to glucose solutions the IPL was approximately 55% the thickness of the INL. Both the IPL and INL were significantly reduced in retinas of treated fish, compared to untreated fish, similar to that seen in other animal models of diabetes and in diabetic patients. These results suggest that zebrafish may be used as an animal model in which to study diabetic retinopathy.
A combined biceps and semitendinosus muscle flap in the repair of ischial sores

Abstract In large or recurrent ischial pressure sores with extensive bony involvement, scarring and absence of surrounding soft tissue, radical excision of all involved bone and soft tissue leaves a large space which Conway and Griffith (1956) recommended should be filled by a biceps femoris muscle flap before being covered with a large medially based posterior thigh rotation flap. We have occasionally found the biceps so atrophied in paraplegics that it was inadequate to fill the hole. Additional bulk may be obtained by rotating the semitendinosus together with the biceps.
Design criteria for Amplifying Gates on triode thyristors

Amplifying Gate Thyristors are thyristors with an auxiliary thyristor integrated between the gate and main thyristor in order to enhance uniformity of turn-on and, hence, di/dt capability. In order to obtain the full benefits of enhanced di/dt capability, thyristors should be designed to turn on at the auxiliary thyristor, rather than the main thyristor in all the following conditions: 1) gate turn-on, 2) dv/dt triggering, and 3) forward blocking voltage breakover. Further, proper turn-on for the latter two conditions should occur for an external gate to cathode impedance that may be experienced in application. We have established models for calculating the maximum potential of both the auxiliary and main thyristors as a function of device design parameters, including topological geometries, resistivities of the various regions, junction depths and basewidths. A computer program was designed for determining the current distributions and potentials as a function of external gate to cathode impedance.
The Legacy of the Russian-American Company and the Implementation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in the Kodiak Island Area of Alaska

A Creole social group or estate, primarily the offspring of Russian men and Native women, was established in Alaska by the 1821 Russian-American Company charter. The Creoles enjoyed special rights and privileges in Russian America until the United States took over the jurisdiction of Alaska from Russia in the 1867 Treaty of Cession. Creoles then lost their privileged status and were positioned at the bottom of the American socioeconomic ladder. Many Creoles then began to deny their Native heritage and identify as Russians in attempts to avoid discrimination. Under the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, anyone with one-quarter Native blood quantum could participate. Most descendants of Creoles met this requirement and enrolled, angering many Natives who had not identified as Russians. This paper examines the history of the Creoles on Kodiak Island through the eyes of the author, a descendant of Creoles, Natives, and Russians of the Russian America era.
The molecular basis of neurotrophic keratitis

Endogenous proliferation of corneal epithelial cells is regulated by a bidirectional control process characterized by an adrenergic, cAMP-dependent 'off', and a cholinergic, muscarinic cGMP-dependent 'on' response. The adrenergic receptor(s) are located in the plasma membrane (microsomal fraction), whereas the novel feature of the system is a cholinergic receptor specific for acetylcholine (ACH) located in the nuclear membrane. Exogenous substances which raise intracellular cAMP levels such as isoproterenol or PGE1, shut off epithelial mitosis: and, carbamylcholine or ACH raise intranuclear cGMP levels and increase mitosis by specific, regulatory stimulation of RNA-polymerase II activity. We believe that this regulatory system explains the transitory mitotic suppression induced by superficial corneal wounding (interruption of adrenergic fibres, chalone-effect); and the marked, permanent depression of epithelial mitosis associated with decreased intracellular ACH levels which are produced by total corneal denervation, and which results in neurotrophic keratitis.
Early Change in Patient-Reported Health During Lung Cancer Chemotherapy Predicts Clinical Outcomes Beyond Those Predicted by Baseline Report: Results From Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study 5592

Purpose: To determine the ability of longitudinal patient-reported health (PRH) scores to enhance prediction of clinical outcomes beyond baseline scores. Patients and Methods: In 573 advanced non–small-cell lung cancer patients enrolled in a phase III clinical trial, we used baseline and 6-week follow-up PRH scores to predict best response to treatment, disease progression, and survival. Using regression analyses, we tested the predictive ability of the five subscales of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung (physical, functional, social/family, emotional well-being, and the lung cancer subscale) as well as the trial outcome index (TOI) aggregate score. Results: After clinical factors were controlled for, baseline physical well-being (PWB) and TOI scores predicted all three clinical outcomes. A higher baseline PWB score was associated with a better response to treatment (odds ratio, 1.09; P < .001) and lower risk of death (risk ratio, 0.95; P < .001). Higher baseline TOI score was associated wi...
Transversality and cone maps

Let X be a real Banach space and let K be a cone in X. We will be concerned in this paper with characteristic value problems for nonlinear operators which map K (or a subset thereof) into K. In general we can allow the operator to depend on the characteristic value parameter so that we examine an equation of the type x = 2 F(2, x), where F is a continuous map from [0, ~ ) x K into K. We will always assume that F takes bounded sets into precompact sets. For the main theorem we further assume that F(2, 0 )=0 for 2 > 0 and that F has an " x " derivative at x = 0, in the direction of the cone. The derivative is assumed independent of 2 and is denoted by DF(O). Since DF(O) is a compact, linear map of K into itself the results of KREIN 8~; RUTMAN [1] show that if DF(O) has positive spectral radius r, then there is a vector veK{0} such that v = 2 x DF(O)v, where 2 x = r k Theorem2.3 is an extension of this result. To describe Theorem2.3 we let 5 e' denote the set of solutions of x = 2 F(2, x) having 2 > 0 and xeK-{0}, and let 6* be the closure of 5 p' in [0, ~ ) x K. If we suppose that DF(O) has positive spectral radius 2~ -1, then Theorem 2.3 asserts that 5 e contains a continuum (i.e. a closed, connected set) of solutions C~SP such that C is unbounded and (,t 1, 0) is in C. In Theorem 2.33 we assume in addition that F has a derivative at " x = Go" with a corresponding lowest characteristic value 2~. In this case there exist continua in 6e emanating from each of the points (A1,0) and (2~ ~ oo). If R > max(X 1, 2~~ and R is not a characteristic value of DF(O) or "DF(oo)", then either each continuum meets the set {R} • (K -{ 0 } ) or the two continua join to form a single continuum in 5 e containing (21,0) and "(2~ ~ ~ ) " . The question of " large" solutions for nonlinear eigenvalue problems was discussed by KRASNOSELSKn ([5], p. 207) and, recently, in the papers [6]-[11], though under different hypotheses from those used here. TOLAND [7] and RAmNOWn'Z [8] observe that "inversion" of vectors in the unit sphere of the Banach space enables one to treat solutions at ov using known results for solutions near x = 0 (cf. [12], [2]). In Theorem2.33 we also use a "change of variable" to treat 0 and ~ at the same time. An essential ingredient in the proofs of Theorems 2.3 and 2.33 is the transversality density theorem [3] together with elementary facts from differential
Acute bronchitis and volcanic air pollution: a community-based cohort study at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i, USA

Eruption at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i, has continued since 1983, emitting sulfurous air pollution into nearby communities. The purpose of this cohort study was to estimate the relative risk (RR) of acute bronchitis over a period from January 2004 to December 2006 in communities exposed to the volcanic air pollution. A community-based case review was conducted using medical records from clinics and emergency rooms in exposed and unexposed study areas. Initial visits by local residents for diagnosed acute bronchitis were clinically reviewed. The cumulative incidence rate for the 3-yr period was 117.74 per 1000 in unexposed communities and 184.63 per 1000 in exposed communities. RR estimates were standardized for age and gender, revealing an elevated cumulative incidence ratio (CIR) of 1.57 (95% CI = 1.36-1.81) for acute bronchitis in the exposed communities. Highest risk [CIR: 6.56 (95% CI = 3.16-13.6)] was observed in children aged 0-14 yr who resided in the exposed communities. Exposed middle-aged females aged 45-64 yr had double the risk for acute bronchitis than their unexposed counterparts. These findings suggest that communities continuously exposed to sulfurous volcanic air pollution may have a higher risk of acute bronchitis across the life span.
Reversible activation of diblock copolymer monolayers at the interface by pH modulation, 1: Lateral chain density and conformation

This study focuses on the design of chemically regulated surfaces that allow for reversible control of the interactions between biological matter (cells and proteins) and planar substrates. As a tunable interlayer, we use a monolayer of a near-monodisperse poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-block-methyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA-PMMA) diblock copolymer. Owing to the relatively large fraction (50%) of the hydrophobic PMMA block, this copolymer forms a stable Langmuir monolayer at the air/water interface. Both in situ and ex situ film balance experiments suggest that the hydrophilic PDMAEMA block adsorbs to the air/water interface in its uncharged state (pH 8.5), but stretches into the subphase in its charged state (pH 5.5). Optimization of the preparation protocols enables us to fabricate stable, homogeneous diblock copolymer films on hydrophobized substrates via Langmuir-Schaefer transfer at well-defined lateral chain densities. Ellipsometry and X-ray reflectivity studies of the transferred films confirm that the film thickness can be systematically regulated by the lateral chain densities. The transferred copolymer films remain stable in water for about a week, suggesting that they are promising materials for the creation of pH-controlled solid substrates for the support of biological matter such as proteins and cells.
Are hippocampal size differences in posttraumatic stress disorder mediated by sleep pathology

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with smaller volumes of the hippocampus, as has been demonstrated by meta-analyses. Proposed mechanistic relationships are reviewed briefly, including the hypothesis that sleep disturbances mediate the effects of PTSD on hippocampal volume. Evidence for this includes findings that insomnia and restricted sleep are associated with changes in hippocampal cell regulation and impairments in cognition. We present results of a new study of 187 subjects in whom neither PTSD nor poor sleep was associated with lower hippocampal volume. We outline a broad research agenda centered on the hypothesis that sleep changes mediate the relationship between PTSD and hippocampal volume.
Reversal of iron-induced dilated cardiomyopathy during therapy with deferasirox in beta-thalassemia†

A 15-year-old male with β-thalassemia major developed dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to iron-overload (Z-scores of left ventricle (LV) dimensions >3, ejection fraction (EF) 33%). Treatment with deferoxamine was unsuccessful, presumably due to poor compliance. After 15 months of using deferasirox (DFX), LV end-diastolic dimension normalized (Z-scores <2), and EF improved to 58%. We conclude that treatment with DFX resulted in a reversal of iron-induced cardiomyopathy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:426–428. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Kinship, social networks, social support and health.

Abstract Urbanization and mobility have not destroyed the extended family but have greatly decreased its utility for continuous and reliable support. The loss or absence of familiar networks of social support has been linked to coronary disease, disorders of pregnancy, accidents, suicides, mental hospital commitment, school truancy, ulcers and recovery from certain types of cancer. Such findings suggest the general immunological value that may be obtained from the nurturance of social support networks. To accomplish this in an informed manner, the tools and concepts of network analysis should be seriously examined. Such examination can prove of value in understanding just what is meant by reliable social support and how it may be related to health maintenance and to the delivery of health services.
Psychosocial risk factors of HIV morbidity and mortality: findings from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS).

Despite the use of laboratory markers in estimating HIV prognosis, significant variation in the natural history of HIV-1 infection remains unexplained. Recent studies suggest psychosocial risk factors have important prognostic significance in HIV disease. The objective of the present study was to examine the prognostic influence of age, general intellectual functioning, and emotional distress across the spectrum of HIV disease progression. The study sample was drawn from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), a 13-year, prospective study of HIV-seropositive men recruited from four study centers across the country. The participants were 1,231 HIV-seropositive MACS participants, followed from baseline (median 8/15/87) to the end of the observation period (12/15/98). HIV disease progression was evaluated with respect to three outcome measures: (1) number of years from baseline testing to the first AIDS defining illness (progression to AIDS), (2) years from baseline to HIV-dementia (progression to dementia...
Some further evaluations of the International Safety Rating System

Abstract Guastello, S.J., 1991. Some further evaluations of the International Safety Rating System. Safety Science , 14: 253–259. Secondary analysis was performed on three sets of data that were originally collected to assess the effectiveness of the International Safety Rating System (ISRS), also known as the “Five Star” program. The analyses, which were based on South African and Australian mining experience and North American industrial experience, showed that the ISRS program has no discernible effect on accident rates.
From Intercity Competition to Collaborative Planning The Case of the Yangtze River Delta Region of China

By reviewing changes in relationships during the past 50 years among cities in the Yangtze River Delta region of China, the author explores underlying forces affecting the relationship between a service center (Shanghai) and manufacturing bases (cities in the region surrounding Shanghai). Key internal factors, such as the development stage of cities and the government's promotion policies, together with external factors, including national politics and policy shifts and the strategy of foreign direct investment, are found to be influential in the dynamic relationship. Suggestions based on the Chinese case are offered for a regional alliance.
Mathematical modeling of capillary density

Capillary density is important as a determinant for total oxygen transport to tissue. Because both capillary morphology and fiber composition vary considerably from muscle to muscle, measurement of capillary morphology and fiber composition vary considerably from muscle to muscle, measurement of capillary density alone cannot provide the detailed information necessary for analyzing physical phenomena. In this report we consider the capillary:fiber ratio, fiber types, fiber diameters, and fiber composition as components of a unit to express capillary density. We have applied the hexagonal fiber array model to calculate capillary density in cat and dog striated muscle and compared this with experimental data in the literature. The results indicate that this model may be useful for predicting capillary densities from simple biopsy procedures.
Integrated System Identification and Control Design for an IC Engine Variable Valve Timing System

This paper applies integrated system modeling and control design process to a continuously variable valve timing (VVT) actuator system that has different control input and cam position feedback sample rates. Due to high cam shaft torque disturbance and high actuator open-loop gain, it is fairly difficult to maintain the cam phase at the desired constant level with an open-loop controller. As a result, multirate closed-loop system identification is a necessity. For this study, multirate closed-loop system identification, PRBS q-Markov Cover, was used for obtaining linearized system models at different engine operational conditions; and the output covariance constraint (OCC) controller, an H2 controller, was designed based upon the identified model and evaluated on the VVT test bench. Performances of the designed OCC controller was compared with those of the baseline PI controller on the test bench. Results show that the OCC controller uses less control effort and has less overshoot than those of PI ones.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Automated liquid chromatographic analysis of drugs in urine by on-line sample cleanup and isocratic multi-column separation.

A multi-column system has been developed for automated analysis of basic drugs in urine. Two polymeric pre-columns, containing PRP-1 and Aminex A-28, were used to isolate the drugs. A short reversed-phase column, coupled to a 150 x 4.6 mm I.D. silica column, produced the analytical separation. Sample preparation consisted of dilution and centrifugation. The entire procedure required less than 30 min. Careful optimization of mobile phase conditions led to retention of benzoylecgonine and barbiturates. For most drugs, levels of 0.3 mg/l were sufficient to produce peaks that could be matched against stored spectra with a computerized library search program.
Acclaiming, attacking, and defending in presidential nominating acceptance addresses, 1960–1996

Political campaign discourse is instrumental, designed to persuade voters to perceive the candidate as preferable to the opponent. To appear preferable, candidates may acclaim (engage in self‐praise) to make themselves appear better, they may attack the opposition to make opponents seem worse, or they may defend against attacks from the opposition to restore lost desirability. We analyze these three basic functions in presidential nomination acceptance addresses from 1960–1996. Nominees primarily produce acclaiming (72%) and attacking (27%). Defenses were relatively rare (1% of the discourse). Democrats acclaim more than Republicans, while Republicans attack more than Democrats. Challengers attack more than incumbents, while incumbents acclaim more than challengers. Recent nominees (1980–1996) are more likely than earlier speakers (1960–1976) to direct utterances toward the candidates instead of the parties, signaling the decline in the importance of political parties and the rise of candidate‐centered po...
Neurotoxicity in a phase I trial of continuous infusion cisplatin with hyperfractionated radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Background Both twice daily fractionated radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin with once-daily radiotherapy have been shown to improve local disease control in patients with head and neck cancer. The objective of this phase I trial was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of cisplatin which could be given as a continuous infusion concurrent with twice-daily radiotherapy to patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. Methods Patients were treated with radiotherapy at doses of 110 cGy twice daily for 5 days per week to a total dose of 7040–7590 cGy. Concurrent with radiotherapy, patients received continuous-infusion cisplatin for 5 days per week. Groups of 3–6 patients were treated with doses of 1–3 mg/m2/day. Results Central nervous system toxicity became dose-limiting. At 1 mg/m2, 2 mg/m2, and 3 mg/m2 confusion was observed and one patient had a seizure. At 3 mg/m2, another patient suffered severe sensory and motor neuropathy. Despite bulky tumors, 12 of the 14 patients had an objective response and 3 achieved a complete response. Conclusions The combination of twice-daily fractionated radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin by continuous infusion is severely toxic and achieves results similar to less toxic programs. It is not recommended for further investigation or therapy. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Alters the Responsiveness of the Rat Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis to Nitric Oxide

Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure is known to cause hyperactivity of the mature offspring's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We have recently shown that hypothalamic neurons that produce corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the peptide that represents the major adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) secretagogue, display increased responses to various stimuli in prenatal alcohol-exposed (E), compared to control (C) rats. CRF-producing perikarya are regulated, in part, by nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule whose function is also modified by prenatal alcohol exposure. The present investigation was therefore undertaken to test the hypothesis that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with alterations in NO-stimulated ACTH secretion. Methods: Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to alcohol in utero were injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) with the vehicle or the NO donor 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1; 20 or 50 μg). ACTH levels were measured in blood samples collected from indwelling jugular cannulae at 15, 30 and 45 min following injection. Brains were obtained 45 and 90 min after SIN-1 injection and processed for in situ hybridization. Results: Compared to males, both C and E females exhibited a significantly (p < 0.01) larger ACTH response to SIN-1 (20 μg). Prenatal alcohol treatment enhanced SIN-1-induced ACTH release in all E animals, but this difference only reached statistical significance (p < 0.01) in males. This prenatal influence was also observed in the significantly (p < 0.01) larger SIN-1-induced increase in transcripts for the immediate early gene nerve growth factor induced protein B (NGFI-B) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the males', but not females' hypothalamus. Conclusions: The ability of increased brain NO levels to release ACTH and stimulate PVN neuronal activity is enhanced in adult male rats exposed to alcohol prenatally. These data support the hypothesis that alterations in HPA axis activity in adult offspring of alcohol-exposed dams may be related to changes in hypothalamic responsiveness to NO.
Evaluation of application methods for control of Aspergillus fumigatus proliferation on the air cell membrane of in ovo injected broiler eggs

Abstract Three different techniques of applying fungicides and mold inhibitors were evaluated as control methods for Aspergillus fumigatus proliferation on the air cell membrane of eggs that were infertile or contained early dead embryos following in ovo egg injection. A controlled Aspergillus challenge model was utilized that simulates the natural occurrence of fungal growth following in ovo egg injection. Methods of application examined were egg shell spray, direct air cell application prior to Aspergillus challenge, and micro-aerosol fogging in the incubation compartment during Aspergillus challenge. Fungicides and mold inhibitors used included propionic acid, propionic acid plus ammonia, phenol, quaternary ammonium plus organic tin, hydrogen peroxide, enilconazole, and an aromatase inhibitor. When applied as egg shell spray treatments or micro-aerosol fog treatments, none of the products that were tested significantly reduced the incidence of mold proliferation on the air cell membrane when compared with untreated, but otherwise challenged, controls. When applied directly to the air cell membrane prior to fungal challenge, only enilconazole and the aromatase inhibitor significantly reduced the incidence of fungal proliferation when compared with appropriate controls.
Rural areas face the economic crisis: Analyzing the determinants of successful territorial dynamics

Abstract This paper aims to identify the factors that have determined successful territorial dynamics (STD) in rural areas of Andalusia during economic expansion periods, and analyzes their stability in the current context of economic crisis. In order to do so, we have designed a methodology that, on the one hand, identifies STD using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and on the other, determines the impact of a wide range of territorial variables that define the aforementioned dynamics. The results highlight how different aspects of economic, human, natural, and social capital such as economic diversification (rural tourism), agriculture (CAP funding, young farmers, organic production), access to services (infrastructures and facilities), demographics (foreign population), natural resources (Natura 2000), and governance (rural development funding management) can drive STD in rural areas. While the stability of some of these factors is being threatened by the impacts of the crisis, the stability of others turned out to be less affected and even enhanced. Rural territories, that have based their development on these latter stable factors, are better prepared to face the consequences of the crisis. These territories could be a priori considered as pre-resilient territories, able to develop and deploy new resources and capacities, which enable them to prepare favorably to the dynamics of change driven by the aforementioned crisis. This study is especially valuable since the results obtained could provide useful information for policymakers in the design of public policies, allowing rural areas to respond more favorably to the current economic crisis.
Suppression of allergic encephalomyelitis in rats by means of antibrain serum.

Rats regularly develop evidence of allergic encephalomyelitis (AE) 2 to 3 weeks following sensitization to nervous tissue plus adjuvant. Independent of the severity of AE which occurs, gradual recovery is the rule and by the 6th to 9th week after sensitization rats appear clinically well and microscopic lesions of AE have virtually disappeared. Pooled serum collected from rats 3 or 6 weeks after sensitization contains complement-fixing (CF) antibrain antibodies. Such pooled serum exerts a striking suppressive influence on development of AE when passively administered to rats actively sensitized to nervous tissue. Serum pools which contain CF antibrain antibody suppress the disease. Serum pools lacking CF antibody do not suppress the disease. Serum containing CF antibrain antibody after treatment with 2-mercaptoethanol no longer fixes complement with brain antigen in vitro and no longer suppresses AE in vivo . The data suggest that transfer of protection against AE by passively administered antibrain rat serum is due to an antibrain antibody, possibly the CF antibodies. The meaning of these findings is discussed in terms of the role(s) of circulating antibrain antibody in the pathogenesis of AE.
Distribution of developmentally regulated hemoglobins in embryonic erythroid populations.

Abstract Both cellular and molecular mechanisms regulate the expression of globin genes during development and differentiation.When a change occurs in the type of hemoglobin synthesized, it may be the result of a substitution of erythroid stem cell lineages or may arise through a modulation of globin gene expression after cells become committed to erythroid differentiation. We have investigated the relationship between the early to late embryonic hemoglobin switch and the primary to definitive erythrocyte change in chick embryos. Using double-label fluorescent antibody technique, we find the simultaneous presence of early and late hemoglobins in single erythrocytes of the definitive cell type. Synthesis of early embryonic hemoglobin is not restricted to the primary cell lineage. This evidence is most compatible with the hypothesis that erythroid cells become committed to the synthesis of specific globins after they have become committed to hemoglobin synthesis in general.
Mammy–memory: Staging Joice Heth, or the curious phenomenon of the “ancient negress”

This essay examines the theatrical spectacle – and vexed legacy – of Joice Heth, an elderly and severely disabled black female performer whose role play as a putative ancient negress garnered her brief acclaim. Specifically, in 1835, P.T. Barnum fraudulently staged Heth as George Washington's 161-year-old nursemaid in New York (and elsewhere) until her death in 1836. I discuss these elusive somatic acts through, first, the careful scripting of Heth within freak-show dramaturgy and a uniquely fictionalized national past. I argue that through Heth's mythic impersonation as a black female surrogate for a collective American memory, we come to see how the latter was as much a tenuous and rehearsed fiction as her corporeal stagings. In the second half of this article, I approach the quagmire of Heth's free will vis-a-vis her brute objectification through the emergence in the archive of her vocal resistance, a disruptive sound I call a “sonic of dissent.” Ultimately, the spectral traces of Joice Heth's performa...
Ablative Limbic System Surgery: Review and Future Directions

The limbic system is a network of interconnected brain regions regulating emotion, memory, and behavior. Pathology of the limbic system can manifest as psychiatric disease, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. For patients with these disorders who have not responded to standard pharmacological and cognitive behavioral therapy, ablative surgery is a neurosurgical treatment option. The major ablative limbic system procedures currently used are anterior capsulotomy, dorsal anterior cingulotomy, subcaudate tractotomy, and limbic leucotomy. In this review, we include a brief history of ablative limbic system surgery leading up to its current form. Mechanistic justification for these procedures is considered in a discussion of the pathophysiology of psychiatric disease. We then discuss therapeutic efficacy as demonstrated by recent trials. Finally, we consider future directions, including the search for predictors of treatment response, the development of more precise targeting methods, and the use of advances in neuroimaging to track treatment response.
Asymmetric adjustment in the prime lending–deposit rate spread

Abstract The hypothesis that bank lending rates adjust differently to rising versus declining market rates is empirically examined. This study applies threshold autoregressive and momentum threshold autoregressive models developed by Enders & Granger [Enders, W. & Granger, C. (1998). Unit root tests and asymmetric adjustment with an example using the term structure of interest rates. Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 16, 304–311] and Enders and Siklos [Enders, W. & Siklos, P. (2001). Cointegration and threshold adjustment. Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 19, 166–176] to the prime lending–deposit rate spread. Within the context of these models, this paper provides evidence of asymmetric adjustment in the spread.
Mining incomplete survey data through classification

Data mining with incomplete survey data is an immature subject area. Mining a database with incomplete data, the patterns of missing data as well as the potential implication of these missing data constitute valuable knowledge. This paper presents the conceptual foundations of data mining with incomplete data through classification which is relevant to a specific decision making problem. The proposed technique generally supposes that incomplete data and complete data may come from different sub-populations. The major objective of the proposed technique is to detect the interesting patterns of data missing behavior that are relevant to a specific decision making, instead of estimation of individual missing value. Using this technique, a set of complete data is used to acquire a near-optimal classifier. This classifier provides the prediction reference information for analyzing the incomplete data. The data missing behavior concealed in the missing data is then revealed. Using a real-world survey data set, the paper demonstrates the usefulness of this technique.
Dronabinol and marijuana in HIV(+) marijuana smokers: acute effects on caloric intake and mood.

No studies to date have directly compared the tolerability and efficacy of smoked marijuana and oral dronabinol in HIV+ marijuana smokers. The aim of this study was to compare dronabinol (0, 10, 20, 30 mg p.o.) and marijuana [0.0, 1.8, 2.8, 3.9% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] in two samples of HIV+ marijuana smokers: those with (n=15) and those without (n=15) a clinically significant loss of muscle mass (<90% body cell mass/height), which is one component of AIDS wasting. Mood, physical symptoms, self-selected food intake, cardiovascular data, and cognitive task performance were measured before and repeatedly after dronabinol and marijuana administration in eight 7-h sessions. Marijuana and dronabinol were administered in randomized order using a within-subject, staggered, double-dummy design. As compared to placebo, (1) marijuana (1.8, 2.8, 3.9% THC) and the lower dronabinol doses (10, 20 mg) were well tolerated (e.g., few physical symptoms, significant increases in ratings of “good drug effect”) in both groups of participants; the highest dose of dronabinol (30 mg) was poorly tolerated in a subset of participants; (2) marijuana and dronabinol significantly increased caloric intake in the low bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) group but not in the normal BIA group; and (3) drug effects on cognitive performance were minor. These data suggest that for experienced marijuana smokers with clinically significant muscle mass loss, both dronabinol (at acute doses at least four to eight times the current recommendation) and marijuana produce substantial and comparable increases in food intake without producing adverse effects.
Studies on lectin-induced agglutination of Drosophila embryonic cell lines

Abstract The agglutination responses of three Drosophila cell lines to concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin have been examined. Although the cell lines were originally derived from late embryonic stages of the Ore-R strain of Drosophila melanogaster , they show quantitative differences in lectin-induced agglutination. Line 1 cells were least agglutinable with both lectins. All three cell lines reached maximum agglutination with concanavalin A concentrations at 25 μg/ml, but the agglutination response to wheat germ agglutinin was biphasic such that an initial rapid increase in agglutination with concentrations up to 25 μg/ml was followed by slower agglutination above this concentration. Cells of lines 1 and 2 from ten-day old cultures exhibited greater lectin-induced agglutination than cells from three-day old cultures. Age-dependent differences were not found for line 3 cells which gave maximum agglutination responses in both young and old cultures. Cell agglutination by concanavalin A was almost completely inhibited by pretreatment of the lectin with methyl-α- d -mannopyranoside, but preincubation of wheat germ agglutinin with N -acetyl- d -glucosamine caused only partial blockage. Lectin-induced agglutination was not reversible by treatment with the monosaccharide inhibitors. These observations have been discussed with reference to the origin of the three cell lines and their cell surface properties.
On geometric properties of stochastic flows related to the Lyapunov spectrum

We study the geometric properties of two stochastic flows on spheres in Euclidean space. The underlying one-point motion in both cases is Brownian. Both flows arise from the action of a Lie group valued Brownian motion on a quotient. For both flows the curvature of a curve moving under the flow is shown to be a diffusion, null recurrent in one case and transient in the other.
Lipoperoxidation of rat liver microsomal lipids induced by carbon tetrachloride.

IT has been known for 17 years1 that d-α-tocopherol can protect rats from the lethal effects of carbon tetrachloride. Anti-oxidant protection implies that the reaction of the liver to the toxin involves destructive lipoperoxidation. Under certain circumstances, lipoperoxidation can be detected by following the evolution of malonaldehyde by means of the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reaction. We have monitored malonaldehyde evolution in in vitro experiments utilizing the microsome-supernatant fraction of rat liver, and have found that carbon tetrachloride can act as a pro-oxidant in this system. Diethyl ether and heptane were inert. These in vitro findings support the hypothesis that the hepatotoxic chloroalkanes have as one of their vectors of toxicity the initiation of destructive lipoperoxidation. If carbon tetrachloride acts similarly in vivo, it should be possible to find supportive evidence. We have found that malonaldehyde is readily metabolized by rat liver mitochondria, hence the TBA reaction cannot be used as a tool in the search for evidence of lipoperoxidation in vivo. However, the appearance of malonaldehyde is only one index of destructive lipoperoxidation. It has been known for 20 years, from the work of Bolland and Koch2, that during the course of autoxidation of ethyl linoleate there occurs a rearrangement of double bonds into diene conjugation. The spectra of normal conjugated dienes, that is, molecules such as butadiene, are characterized by a very intense absorption, the so-called K-band3, at 215 to 250 mµ. (ref. 4). The spectra of peroxidized lipids are characterized by an intense K-band at 233 mµ, with a shoulder, due to ketone dienes, in the region from 260 to 280 mµ (ref. 2). The appearance of diene conjugation in peroxidized, unsaturated fatty acids, or their derivatives, is due to resonance following free radical attack on methylene bridges separating the double bonds in these compounds5. It should be borne in mind that microsomal lipid is largely phospholipid.
On the theory of tax reform

Abstract This paper focuses on the difference between de novo tax design and the reform of existing tax laws. Issues of efficiency and equity in optimal tax reform are discussed. Principles for balancing horizontal equity and efficiency are discussed. The paper also examines critically the utilitarian criterion of social choice that has been the basis of recent theoretical studies of optimal tax design. The Haig-Simons standard, as a principle of either design or reform, is criticized as both inefficient and inequitable in the light of optimal tax theory and the theory of tax incidence.