cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imiprmaine vs. Sertraline in Panic Disorder: 24-Week Treatment Completers

Despite the acknowledged favorable side effects profile of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), comparative studies have not found significant differences in efficacy between tricyclics (TCAs) such as imipramine and clomipramine, and SSRIs in the treatment of panic disorder. The present study focuses on treatment completers to inform patients who adhere to a recommended course of treatment on the possible differential patterns of improvement and of change in side effects between sertraline and imipramine. From an intent to treat consecutive sample of patients participating in the 24-week open phase protocolized treatment of a long-term controlled maintenance/discontinuation study, 20 imipramine completers and 16 sertraline completers with moderate to severe baseline symptomatology were compared using primarily repeated measures analysis of variance on measures of symptom severity, on 15 side effects systematically elicited using an inventory and on heart rate and weight. The results revealed greater early improvement with imipramine compared to sertraline but no enduring differences beyond week 8 of treatments. Side effects, in particular dry mouth, constipation, tremors, sweating, and cardiovascular complaints increased more in severity and were more frequent and persistent during imipramine than sertraline but, except for the 10 beats/min increase in heart rate, side effects were clinically insignificant at the end of both treatments. Change in sexual complaints and weight did not differ between the treatments. The more favorable side effect profile of SSRIs versus TCAs was demonstrated even in the best case scenario of treatment completers. The more rapid improvement with imipramine needs replication but, tentatively, it may be attributed to the greater motivational effects toward action observed with noradrenergic or dual action antidepressants compared to SSRIs.
Every breath you take: hyperventilation and intracranial pressure

Hyperventilation can rapidly lower ICP, but because it induces a consistent reduction in CBF and because the effects on ICP are transient, the only role that hyperventilation plays in the management of intracranial hypertension is in the management of acute elevations in ICP. In these circumstances, hyperventilation can be life-saving and can temporize until more definitive treatment of the intracranial hypertension can be undertaken.
Effects of lidocaine on refractory periods in man.

Abstract The effect of lidocaine on the refractory periods of the atrium, A-V node, and His-Purkinje system were studied using His bundle recordings and the extrastimulus method. This method provides a safe and systematic approach to the evaluation of electrophysiological properties of drugs in man. In usual therapeutic doses, the present study demonstrated no consistent effect of lidocaine on the ERP of the atrium or the A-V node. However, in these doses it shortened the ERP and the RRP of the His-Purkinje system. These results explain the effectiveness of lidocaine in the management of ventricular arrhythmias and its inconsistency in the treatment of supraventricular rhythm disturbances. The potential for lidocaine toxicity in the presence of heart failure and/or liver disease is noted.
Relationships between oxygenate and hydrocarbon formation during CO hydrogenation on Rh/SiO2: Use of multiproduct SSITKA

Abstract In the present research, the mechanism of C1 and C2 hydrocarbon and oxygenate formation during CO hydrogenation on Rh/SiO2 were for the first time investigated in detail using multiproduct SSITKA (steady-state isotopic transient kinetic analysis). This was also the first effort to explore at the site level the relationship between similar products [e.g., EtOH (ethanol) vs. AcH (acetaldehyde)] on Rh/SiO2. A fixed-bed differential reactor was used for CO hydrogenation and SSITKA at 250 °C and 1.8 atm. The selectivity to CH4 was higher than any other product, but the surface reaction residence time for CH4 formation was not the shortest among all the products. The surface reaction residence time for C2 hydrocarbons was longer than that for any other product (C1–C2). Even though the selectivities to AcH and EtOH were similar, their surface reaction residence times differed significantly. Based on the SSITKA results, MeOH and CH4 appear to be produced on completely different active sites. Moreover, C2 hydrocarbons do not appear to be formed from adsorbed AcH. It is likely, however, that all C2 products share at least one intermediate with CH4, but none with MeOH. Several recently proposed pathways for EtOH and AcH formation are presented and compared to our results. The secondary reaction of AcH to form EtOH on the same sites does not appear to be a dominant pathway for EtOH formation. However, the precise mechanism for EtOH formation still needs further investigation.
An Acoustic Bridge for Measuring the Static and Dynamic Impedance of the Eardrum

An acoustic impedance bridge is described that is capable of measuring the input impedance of the human ear in the frequency range of 250 to 1250 Hz, with an accuracy of 3 degrees and 5 percent in phase and magnitude, respectively. In addition to static impedance, the bridge measures and records both in-phase and quadrature components (re an arbitrary reference) of changes in the ear's impedance due to the acoustic reflex. Assumptions upon which the use of the bridge is based are stated, the calibration procedure is described, and an example of the use of the bridge is given.
Flux penetration in a thin superconducting disk

Pearl's description of a quantized flux line in an infinite thin superconducting film with an effective penetration depth ..lambda.. is generalized to a thin finite disk of radius R. The presence of the boundary precludes an exact analytic solution; instead, the problem is reduced to an integral equation. An approximate solution provides a convenient interpolation between a neutral superfluid film (R > ..lambda..). The lower critical field H/sub c/1 and the interaction function between two flux lines are evaluated as functions of R/..lambda... In the limit of many flux lines with nonoverlapping cores, the flux density is shown to be uniform for arbitrary R/..lambda...
Bubble attachment time and FTIR analysis of water structure in the flotation of sylvite, bischofite and carnallite

Abstract Water structure is the most important parameter that influences the flotation of soluble salts. In this paper bubble attachment time measurements and FTIR analyses were performed to investigate the effect of water structure on the flotation behavior of sylvite (KCl), bischofite (MgCl2·6H2O) and carnallite (KMgCl3·6H2O). The results from bubble attachment time measurements suggest that collector adsorption at the surface of KCl induces flotation with either the cationic collector, ODA, or anionic collector, SDS. In contrast bubble attachment did not occur for bischofite (MgCl2·6H2O) or carnallite (KMgCl3·6H2O). Results show that the surface charge is not a determining factor in the flotation of soluble salts. Further, the interaction between water molecules and the three chloride salts dissolved in aqueous solution were studied by measuring the shift in the hydrogen-bonding of water molecules. The results indicate that KCl is a structure breaker salt, while MgCl2·6H2O and KMgCl3·6H2O are structure maker salts. Viscosities for the brines of these three salts were determined. The results give additional evidence of differences in water structure and are in good agreement with the FTIR and bubble attachment results. The findings provide further evidence that water structure plays an important role in the flotation of soluble salts.
An adequate model of photosynthesis — II. Dependence of parameters on environmental factors

Abstract Models of photosynthesis are commonly written as functions of light, temperature and CO 2 concentration ([CO 2 ]). In an ideal model, the parameter values would be independent of these environmental factors. However, there is no ideal photosynthesis model, so it is necessary to know how the parameters vary in response to the environment. Three of the most popular models of photosynthesis were fitted to experimental data for tomato plants, including light response curves measured at temperatures of 18, 25 and 32°C and [CO 2 ] of 100, 350, 700 and 1000 vpm. Statistical analysis of parameter values allowed us to find their dependencies on environmental factors. Light utilization efficiency α proved to be constant at ambient and elevated [CO 2 ]. Values of α at 100 μl l −1 [CO 2 ] were approximately half of those at 350, 700 and 1000 μl l −1 [CO 2 ]. Leaf conductance for CO 2 transfer τ depended on temperature as well as on [CO 2 ]. Two other parameters, one connected with respiration, R and Farquhar's ‘curvature factor’ θ, were both linearly dependent on temperature.
Inhibition of proteolysis of cytosol proteins by lysosomal proteases and of mitochondria of rat liver by antibiotics.

Summary Chloramphenicol and cycloheximide inhibit the proteolysis of cytosol proteins by lysosomal preparations and of mitochondria from rat liver; streptomycin has no effect. The % inhibition of proteolysis by chloramphenicol is the same at pH 5.0, at neutral pH or at pH 8.5. The findings presented show for the first time a marked inhibition of proteolysis by lysosomal enzymes and of mitochondrial preparations. The need for caution in interpreting inhibition experiments by antibiotics as solely due to inhibition of protein synthesis is pointed out.
Computed current control method for maximum power point tracking of a grid-connected photovoltaic system

This paper proposes a new Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) topology for a single phase, grid-connected PV system considering the sudden changes in environmental conditions. The MPPT takes into account the nonlinearity of photovoltaic (PV) array, the oscillation of PV voltage around the MPP, and the inverter filter design. The MPPT is designed so that current reference is computed directly from the PV voltage and PV current to assure the system's stability with simple control algorithm. Convergence to the MPP is obtained very fast without need of perturbation or predefined constant. Its performance in term of tracking speed is compared with the conventional Ripple Correlation Control (RCC) method under step changes in irradiation.
The association of educational attainment and SBP among older community-living adults: the Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect and Zest in the Elderly (MOBILIZE) Boston Study.

ObjectiveEducational attainment is inversely associated with SBP level in young adulthood. This association has not been studied in an older cohort, and confounding and mediating factors are not well known.MethodsThe authors hypothesized that higher education is associated with lower levels of SBP i
Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Tricuspid Insufficiency: Experience in 13 Cases

Background Traumatic tricuspid insufficiency (TTI) is uncommon and surgical experience is limited. We report our surgical experience with TTI in 13 patients. Methods From January 2000 through March 2008, we operated on 13 patients with TTI (10 men 3 women; mean age, 39.8 ± 10.5 years). The intervals from trauma to diagnosis and from trauma to surgery averaged 37.4 and 54.4 months, respectively. At operation, the mechanism of TTI was due to anterior chordal rupture in 8, anterior papillary muscle rupture in 3, rupture of anterior papillary muscle and chordae in 1, and anterior leaflet defect in 1. In 7 patients the annulus was dilated. Valve repair was successful in 13 patients. Results No early or late deaths occurred. Severe hemolysis occurred in 1 patient after tricuspid and mitral valve repairs. At follow-up extending to 9.5 years, 9 patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I, and 4 were in class II. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated no or trivial residual regurgitation in 7 patients, mild regurgitation in 4, and mild-to-moderate regurgitation in 2. A significant decrease of the right ventricular end-diastolic dimension (37.7 ± 9.7 vs 20.7 ± 4.6 mm; p Conclusions Satisfactory early and midterm outcomes can be achieved for TTI by tricuspid valve repair. Early surgical intervention should be emphasized to achieve good functional results and preserve the right ventricular function.
Mapping Out the Details: Supporting Struggling Writers’ Written Expression With Concept Mapping

Written expression is a key component of the secondary curriculum, but many students struggle to produce effective written expression passages. However, written expression can be supported through prewriting strategies such as concept mapping. Using a counterbalanced group design, 19 secondary students alternated between using paper- or computer-based concept mapping to write compare-and-contrast essays. Students’ written expression was significantly supported by concept mapping, regardless of the method. Essays were more cohesive, included relevant ideas and structure, and had an overall higher quality. Although no statistical differences existed on essay scores between each method, students expressed an overwhelming preference for computer-based concept mapping.
The Effect of Corporate Philanthropy on Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Employee Performance

This paper provides causal empirical support of the effect of corporate philanthropy on organizational citizenship behavior and employee performance. Workers were hired for short-term jobs where in...
Environmental impact assessment of regional switchgrass feedstock production comparing nitrogen input scenarios and legume-intercropping systems

Abstract As the use of second-generation biofuel crops increases, so do questions about sustainability, particularly their potential to affect fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This study used a life-cycle approach to compare environmental impacts associated with three switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) production scenarios: i) regional production from a pool of Tennessee farmers based on in-field inputs and biomass yield; ii) varying nitrogen (N)-input levels from a replicated field study for 8-yrs i.e., a 100% and 9% decrease, and an 81% and 172% increase from 'baseline levels' of N inputs used under objective i; and, iii) a legume-intercrop system compared to baseline levels in order to determine effects of displacing synthetic-N with legumes. When compared across all agricultural inputs, nitrogen fertilizer production and breakdown resulted in the greatest environmental impacts. Although fertilization increased lignocellulosic yields, a 100% reduction in N-inputs from baseline levels reduced the formation of carbon, methane, and nitrous oxides per unit of production, (or dry tonne of biomass over 10-yrs) compared to a 172% increase. Switchgrass yield response indicated a 'less is more' scenario, as inputs beyond the current recommended input level (67 kg N ha−1) are not environmentally remunerating. During switchgrass biomass production, inputs with lesser impacts included phosphorus, herbicides, pesticides, and diesel fuel. Legume-intercropping reduced greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater acidification (5% and 27% reduction in global warming potential and formation of acidifying species, respectively) compared with the 67 kg N ha−1rate. Although N-fertilizers impact environmental sustainability of regional switchgrass feedstock production, environmental consequences can be reduced under proper N-management i.e., ≤67 kg N ha−1 or legume intercropping. However, given that the aim of second-generation feedstocks is to reduce the current reliance on fossil fuels, their production still requires fossil energy-based inputs. Consequently, greenhouse gas reductions and the extent of cleaner feedstock production during the agricultural biofuel supply chain is contingent upon input management and optimizing synthetic fertilizer usage.
Statistical downscaling of climate change impacts on ozone concentrations in California

[1] The statistical relationship between the daily 1-hour maximum ozone (O3) concentrations and the daily maximum upper air temperature was explored for California's two most heavily polluted air basins: the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAB). A coarse-scale analysis of the temperature at an elevation of 850-mbar pressure (T850) for the period 1980–2004 was obtained from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Reanalysis data set for grid points near Upland (SoCAB) and Parlier (SJVAB). Daily 1-hour maximum ozone concentrations were obtained from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for these locations over the same time period. The ozone concentrations measured at any given value of the Reanalysis T850 were approximately normally distributed. The 25%, 50%, and 75% quartile ozone concentrations increased linearly with T850, reflecting the effect of temperature on emissions and chemical reaction rates. A 2D Lagrangian (trajectory) form of the UCD/CIT photochemical air quality model was used in a perturbation study to explain the variability of the ozone concentrations at each value of T850. Wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity, mixing height, initial concentrations for VOC concentrations, background ozone concentrations, time of year, and overall emissions were perturbed in a realistic fashion during this study. A total of 62 model simulations were performed, and the results were analyzed to show that long-term changes to emissions inventories were the largest sources of ozone variability at a fixed value of T850. Projections of future T850 values in California were obtained from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) model under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A2 and B1 emissions scenarios for the years 2001 to 2100. The future temperature trends combined with the historical statistical relationships suggest that an additional 22–30 days year−1 in California would experience O3 ≥90 ppb under the A2 global emissions scenario, and an additional 6–13 days year−1 would experience O3 ≥ 90 ppb under the B1 global emissions scenario by the year 2050 (assuming the NOx and VOC emissions remained at 1990–2004 levels). These calculations help to quantify the climate “penalty” that must be overcome to improve air quality in California.
Diet of migratory grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in a California native grassland and the effect of prescribed spring burning

Crop contents of the lesser migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes F., were identified from specimens collected in a California native grassland, an increasingly rare habitat. Samples were taken of late immature stages (early summer 1994 and 1995) and adults (late summer 1994 and 1995) from areas burned in 1992 and 1993. Overall, forbs were the most common vegetation type found in grasshopper diets for late summer 1994 and 1995, and early summer 1995. For all sample dates, native grasses were significantly more abundant in grasshopper diets than exotic grasses. Percentage of cover of forbs (an index of food availability) was lower than cover of both native and exotic grasses in the field; however, forbs were the most abundant vegetation type in grasshopper diets for 3 of 4 samples, indicating a feeding preference for forbs. Time since rangeland burning (1992 versus 1993) had a significant effect on grasshopper diets in both early and late summer 1994, but not in 1995. The proportion of forbs found in grasshopper crops from recently burned areas (1993) in the late summer 1994 sampling period was higher than in areas burned earlier (1992); the burning treatment had the opposite effect on the proportion of native grasses in grasshopper diets. No effects of time since burning treatment were found in 1995. These data support the hypothesis that grasshopper herbivory has a stronger impact on native grasses than exotic grasses in California native grasslands; however, this impact is diluted, because forbs are preferred over both native grasses and exotic grasses. Furthermore, fire alters grasshopper diets 1 yr after a fire, and this effect is undetectable two years after a fire.
Differential Profiles of Students Identified by Their Teacher as Having Avoidant, Appropriate, or Dependent Help-Seeking Tendencies in the Classroom.

In Study 1, teachers identified 6th-grade students (N = 844) as having 1 of 3 help-seeking behavioral tendencies in the classroom: avoidant, appropriate, or dependent. More students were identified as having appropriate (65%) than avoidant (22%) or dependent (13%) help-seeking tendencies. Student self-reports of help avoidance were in line with teacher reports. In Study 2, students displaying different help-seeking tendencies in math class differed from each other in self-reported motivational, affective, relational, and achievement-related ways. In general, avoidant help seekers had a more maladaptive profile compared with appropriate help seekers. In general, dependent help seekers had an adaptive profile regarding social relationships (similar to appropriate help seekers) but a maladaptive profile regarding anxiety, academic efficacy, and achievement (similar to avoidant help seekers).
THE INTRINSIC RHYTHM OF THE TURTLE'S HEART STUDIED WITH A NEW TYPE OF CHRONOGRAPH, TOGETHER WITH THE EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS AND HORMONES

A chronograph is described for recording continuously the rates of many different kinds of rhythmic processes over long time periods. The rate is read directly from the length of a line of ink, drawn by a moving pen. Rates of beat of excised turtle's hearts in Ringer's solution have been recorded at 25°C. under constant conditions of temperature, pH, and oxygen supply for periods of 36 hours. Regular periodic variations in the fundamental rhythm are figured, as well as rates of extraordinary constancy. The effects of adrenalin, ephedrin, thyroxin, α and β pituitary hormone insulin, nicotin, and atropin are described in the text.
53BP1, a Mediator of the DNA Damage Checkpoint

53BP1 binds to the tumor suppressor protein p53 and has a potential role in DNA damage responses. We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against 53BP1 in mammalian cells to demonstrate that 53BP1 is a key transducer of the DNA damage checkpoint signal. 53BP1 was required for p53 accumulation, G2-M checkpoint arrest, and the intra-S-phase checkpoint in response to ionizing radiation. 53BP1 played a partially redundant role in phosphorylation of the downstream checkpoint effector proteins Brca1 and Chk2 but was required for the formation of Brca1 foci in a hierarchical branched pathway for the recruitment of repair and signaling proteins to sites of DNA damage.
Fracture toughness of thermoset composites reinforced by perfectly bonded impenetrable short fibers

Abstract The fracture toughness of brittle thermoset resins could be improved significantly by perfectly bonded tough, short fibers through both crack trapping and bridging effects. In this paper, the crack trapping effect was studied through the analysis of the change of strain energy associated with the crack propagation across a regular array of fibers, and the bridging effect was discussed based on the Andersson–Bergkvist model. The fracture resistance increases with the fiber volume fraction, and is independent of the elastic properties of the matrix, the crack length, and the cross-sectional diameter of the fibers.
The Lysostaphin Endopeptidase Resistance Gene (epr) Specifies Modification of Peptidoglycan Cross Bridges in Staphylococcus simulans and Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus produces an extracellular glycylglycine endopeptidase (lysostaphin) that lyses other staphylococci by hydrolyzing the cross bridges in their cell wall peptidoglycans. The genes for endopeptidase (end) and endopeptidase resistance (epr) reside on plasmid pACK1. An 8.4-kb fragment containing end was cloned into shuttle vector pL150 and was then introduced into Staphylococcus aureus RN4220. The recombinant S. aureus cells produced endopeptidase and were resistant to lysis by the enzyme, which indicated that the cloned fragment also contained epr. Treatments to remove accessory wall polymers (proteins, teichoic acids, and lipoteichoic acids) did not change the endopeptidase sensitivity of walls from strains of S. simulans biovar staphylolyticus or of S. aureus with and without epr. Immunological analyses of various wall fractions showed that there were epitopes associated with endopeptidase resistance and that these epitopes were found only on the peptidoglycans of epr+ strains of both species. Treatment of purified peptidoglycans with endopeptidase confirmed that resistance or susceptibility of both species was a property of the peptidoglycan itself. A comparison of the chemical compositions of these peptidoglycans revealed that cross bridges in the epr+ cells contained more serine and fewer glycine residues than those of cells without epr. The presence of the 8.4-kb fragment from pACK1 also increased the susceptibility of both species to methicillin.
Impact of Air-Sea Coupling on the Madden-Julian Oscillation in a General Circulation Model

Abstract The impact of air–sea coupling on the dynamics of the tropical Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is investigated with an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) coupled to an ocean mixed layer model. In the uncoupled GCM, where climatological sea surface temperature (SST) is specified, realistic space–time spectra of near-equatorial zonal wind and precipitation are produced, with power concentrated at eastward wavenumbers 1–3 with periods of 35–90 days. However, the simulated MJO is roughly 50% stronger than observed, largely resulting from enormous activity during northern summer. Furthermore, during southern summer, when the observed MJO is most dominant across the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, intraseasonal variance in the uncoupled model is overly concentrated to the north and east of Australia with little activity extending into the equatorial Indian Ocean. Contrary to other recent modeling studies, coupling did not alleviate either of these problems nor did it have any other apprecia...
Third Party Characteristics, Territory and the Mediation of Militarized Interstate Disputes:

In an effort to contribute to our knowledge of managing territorial disputes, I demonstrate the effects of territory on third party initiated mediation. My findings suggest that previous arguments regarding territorial disputes and mediation are too simplistic. Explaining the effects of territory without consideration of third party characteristics and interaction terms leads to a completely different set of conclusions about the nature of territorial disputes than when these two sets of variables are considered. An analysis of the two different empirical models suggests strong linkages between third party interests and territorial disputes compared to disputes over other issues.
Application of normalized pseudo-Laplacian to elastic wave modeling on staggered grids

We extended the pseudo-Laplacian to staggered grids based on the concept of normalized pseudo-Laplacian and applied it to constructing the pseudoanalytical formulations for the variable-density acoustic wave equation and the elastic wave equation. Acoustic wavefields only contain P-waves and therefore only P-wave pseudo-Laplacians are required for acoustic wave propagation. In comparison, two sets of staggered grid pseudo-Laplacians are needed in the elastic case in order to properly compensate for time stepping errors for both P-waves and S-waves. We gave a thorough derivation of the pseudoanalytical method for the elastic wave equation, based on normalized pseudo-Laplacians implemented on staggered grids, and presented the resulting complete discretized formulas. We proved that the staggered grid pseudo-Laplacian reduces to the pseudo-Laplacian for the scalar wave equation on standard grids. When using zero compensation velocities for normalized pseudo-Laplacians, the pseudoanalytical formulas simply re...
The mucocutaneous and systemic phenotype of dermatomyositis patients with antibodies to MDA5 (CADM-140): A retrospective study

Background Dermatomyositis (DM) is a multisystem autoimmune disease, in which serologic evidence of immune responses to disease-specific antigenic targets is found in approximately 50% to 70% of patients. Recently, melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) has been identified as a DM-specific autoantigen that appears to be targeted in patients with DM and mild or absent muscle inflammation and with an increased risk of interstitial lung disease. Objective We wished to understand the role of MDA5 in DM skin inflammation by testing it to determine if a specific cutaneous phenotype is associated with MDA5 reactivity. Methods We retrospectively screened plasma from 77 patients with DM in the outpatient clinics at the Stanford University Department of Dermatology in California. Results We found that 10 (13%) patients had circulating anti-MDA5 antibodies, and had a characteristic cutaneous phenotype consisting of skin ulceration, tender palmar papules, or both. Typical areas of skin ulceration included the lateral nailfolds, Gottron papules, and elbows. Biopsy specimens of the palmar papules showed a vasculopathy characterized by vascular fibrin deposition with variable perivascular inflammation. Patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies also had an increased risk of oral pain and/or ulceration, hand swelling, arthritis/arthralgia, and diffuse hair loss. Consistent with previous reports, these patients had little or no myositis and had increased risk of interstitial lung disease. Limitations This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. Multiple associations with MDA5 antibodies were tested retrospectively on a relatively small cohort of 10 anti-MDA5-positive patients. Conclusion We suggest that MDA5 reactivity in DM characterizes a patient population with severe vasculopathy.
Mode of substrate carboxyl binding to the [4Fe-4S]+ cluster of reduced aconitase as studied by 17O and 13C electron-nuclear double resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract The active form of aconitase has a diamagnetic [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster. A specific iron ion (Fea, which is lost during inactivation) is the binding site for substrate, as shown by Mossbauer spectroscopy. We have studied the mode of substrate and analogue binding at equilibrium to the paramagnetic [4Fe-4S]+ cluster of the reduced active form by 17O and 13C electron-nuclear double resonance spectroscopy with specifically labeled substrates. The data show that with substrate, only the carboxyl at C-2 of the propane backbone is strongly bound in addition to H2O or OH- (HxO) from the solvent, whereas in an isocitrate analogue that has a nitro group at C-2, the carboxyl and hydroxyl at C-1 are bound along with solvent HxO. We conclude from these data that, on addition of any one of the three substrates, cis-aconitate is the predominant species bound to Fea of the cluster along with solvent HxO and that cis-aconitate is bound in the citrate mode (carboxyl at C-2). The results with the nitro analogue show that the enzyme can also bind a substrate-like ligand to the cluster in the alternative isocitrate mode (carboxyl at C-1), as is implicit in models proposed for the aconitase reaction.
Wavelet Based Detection of Shadow Fading in Wireless Networks

In wireless communications, shadow fading can cause at least 6 dB power loss for 10% of the time [1]. Early detection of shadow fading plays an important part in facilitating the design of adaptive data transmission schemes. We propose an accurate, on-line detection mechanism to detect a receiver entering or leaving shadow regions using simply signal strength measurements. The method is based on wavelet decomposition of signal strength time series into independent fading components. Our measurements indicate that fast fading signals have a scale invariant nature. This scale invariance of fading signals is destroyed when shadow fading, which is log-normal distributed and is independent of fast fading components, is added to the signal. An online detection mechanism is then proposed which exploits this phenomenon. Real measurements of signal strength traces are used to validate the detection mechanism.
A circuit level implementation of an adaptive issue queue for power-aware microprocessors

Increasing power dissipation has become a major constraint for future performance gains in the design of microproces sors In this paper we present the circuit design of an issue queue for a superscalar processor that leverages transmis sion gate insertion to provide dynamic low cost con gura bility of size and speed A novel circuit structure dynami cally gathers statistics of issue queue activity over intervals of instruction execution These statistics are then used to change the size of an issue queue organization on the y to improve issue queue energy and performance When applied to a xed full size issue queue structure the result is up to a reduction in energy dissipation The complexity of the additional circuitry to achieve this result is almost neg ligible Furthermore self timed techniques embedded in the adaptive scheme can provide a decrease in cycle time of the CAM array read of the issue queue when we change the adaptive issue queue size from entries largest possible to entries smallest possible in our design
Cultivation studies of the solanaceous drugs. III. Alkaloidal content of mature and immature belladonna leaves.

In an attempt to clarify a diversity of opinion in the literature concerning the alkaloidal quality of young, small leaves, and old, large ones from solanaceous plants, an initial study was made of these leaf types taken from belladonna plants. After collection, drying and assaying, the results were subjected to statistical interpretation.
Compressive coded aperture superresolution image reconstruction

Recent work in the emerging field of compressive sensing indicates that, when feasible, judicious selection of the type of distortion induced by measurement systems may dramatically improve our ability to perform reconstruction. The basic idea of this theory is that when the signal of interest is very sparse (i.e., zero-valued at most locations) or compressible, relatively few incoherent observations are necessary to reconstruct the most significant non-zero signal components. However, applying this theory to practical imaging systems is challenging in the face of several measurement system constraints. This paper describes the design of coded aperture masks for super- resolution image reconstruction from a single, low-resolution, noisy observation image. Based upon recent theoretical work on Toeplitz- structured matrices for compressive sensing, the proposed masks are fast and memory-efficient to compute. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of these masks in several different settings.
Host Range Testing of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) Sourced From the Punjab of Pakistan for Classical Biological Control of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae: Euphyllurinae: Diaphorinini) in California

Tests evaluating the host range of Tamarixia radiata (Waterson) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a parasitoid of the pestiferous Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), sourced from the Punjab of Pakistan, were conducted in quarantine at the University of California, Riverside, CA. Seven nontarget psyllid species (Þve native and two self- introduced species) representing Þve families were exposed to T. radiata under the following three different exposure scenarios: 1) sequential no-choice tests, 2) static no-choice tests, and 3) choice tests. Nontarget species were selected for testing based on the following criteria: 1) taxonomic relatedness to the target, D. citri; 2) native psyllids inhabiting native host plants related to citrus that could release volatiles attractive to T. radiata; 3) native psyllids with a high probability of occurrence in native vegetation surrounding commercial citrus groves that could be encountered by T. radiata emigrating from D. citri-infested citrus orchards; 4) a common native pest psyllid species; and 5) a beneÞcial psyllid attacking a noxious weed. The results of host range testing were unambiguous; T. radiata exhibited a narrow host range and high host speciÞcity, with just one species of nontarget psyllid, the abundant native pest Bactericera cockerelli Sulc, being parasitized at low levels (5%). These results suggest that the likelihood of signiÞcant nontarget impacts is low, and the establishment of T. radiata in southern California for the classical biological control of D. citri poses negligible environmental risk.
Clinically significant drug interactions in dermatology

Abstract Access to information on clinically significant drug interactions is not readily available. This can be a source of uncertainty, and locating this information can be tedious and time-consuming. The pharmacology of drug interactions is briefly discussed. The most common drug interactions involve altered hepatic metabolism. At least 26 drugs are such frequent offenders that they can be considered "red flag" drugs. In addition, an extensive list of current significant and less significant drug interactions of particular importance to the dermatologist is presented. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:599-612.)
Reproductive Physiology and Development of Artificial Insemination Technology in Killer Whales (Orcinus orca)

Research was conducted to define the basic reproductive physiology of killer whales (Orcinus orca) and to use this knowledge to facilitate the development of artificial insemination procedures. The specific objectives were 1) to determine the excretory dynamics of urinary LH and ovarian steroid metabolites during the estrous cycle; 2) to evaluate the effect of an exogenously administered, synthetic progesterone analog on reproductive hormone excretion; 3) to validate the use of transabdominal ultrasound for ovarian evaluation and timing of ovulation; 4) to examine the quality of semen after liquid storage and cryopreservation; and 5) to develop an intrauterine insemination technique. Based on urinary endocrine monitoring of 41 follicular phases and 26 complete cycles from five females, estrous cycles were 41 days long and comprised a 17-day follicular phase and a 21-day luteal phase. A consistent temporal relationship was observed between peak estrogen conjugates and the LH surge, the latter of which occurred approximately 0.5 days later. Two animals placed on oral altrenogest (three separate occasions for 30, 17, and 31 days, respectively) excreted peak urinary estrogen concentrations 25 days after withdrawal that were followed by sustained elevations in urinary pregnanediol-3a-glucuronide excretion. Mean preovulatory follicle diameter was 3.9 cm (n 5 6), and ovulation occurred 38 h (n 5 5) after the peak of the LH surge. Based on visual estimates of motility, liquidstored semen maintained 92% of its raw ejaculate sperm motility index (total progressive motility 3 kinetic rating [0‐5 scale, where 0 5 no movement and 5 5 rapid progressive movement]) when held at 48C for 3 days postcollection. Semen cryopreserved using a medium freezing rate demonstrated good postthaw total motility (50%), progressive motility (94%), and kinetic rating (3.5). Insemination during eight estrous cycles resulted in three pregnancies (38%), two from liquid-stored and one from cryopreserved semen. Two calves were delivered after gestation lengths of 552 and 554 days, respectively. These data demonstrate the potential of noninvasive endocrine monitoring combined with serial ultrasonography to improve our understanding of the reproductive biology of cetaceans. This fundamental knowledge was essential for ensuring the first successful 1This project was funded by SeaWorld Corporation and is a SeaWorld
Saudi Arabia, OPEC, and the price of crude oil

Abstract In his recent The Myth of the OPEC Cartel , Ali D. Johany argues forcefully that OPEC is not a cartel, and that higher oil prices derive from changes in property rights. This paper examines the incentives facing Saudi Arabia, as compared to those facing OPEC as a whole, to restrict production. We conclude that, acting in its own self-interest, Saudi Arabia would adopt a posture of pricing moderation.
Isolation and characterization of an extracellular proteinase of Coccidioides immitis.

A proteinase isolated from the respiratory pathogen, Coccidioides immitis, was shown to have collagenolytic and elastinolytic activity, as well as the ability to cleave human serum immunoglobulin G and secretory immunoglobulin A. Proteolytic activity was demonstrated with a bovine casein digestion assay in conidial culture exudates, mycelial and spherule culture filtrates, conidial and spherule wall material, and Sephacryl S-300 fractions of the isolated soluble conidial wall material described previously. One of the latter fractions (fraction 2) demonstrated high proteolytic activity. The proteinase was purified from this chromatographic fraction by cold acetone extraction followed by Sephadex G-50 gel filtration and was identified as a polypeptide band of 36,000 Mr by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By means of tandem two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis, the proteinase was identified as antigen 11 on the basis of its reaction in the coccidioidin/anticoccidioidin reference system. The proteinase is characterized by a broad substrate specificity, optimal activity at 35 to 40 degrees C (pH 8.0) in the presence of human collagen, elastin, or hemoglobin, an isoelectric point of pH 4.5, and inhibition by organofluorides, N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, chymostatin, and alpha-1-antitrypsin. These features of the enzyme are comparable to those of chymotrypsinlike serine proteinases. Demonstration that the proteinase can cleave human immunoglobulins and digest ubiquitous tissue structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin) suggests that it may play a role in the virulence of the fungal pathogen. Images
Next-Generation Sequencing and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Have Comparable Performance Characteristics in the Analysis of Pancreaticobiliary Brushings for Malignancy.

Cytological evaluation of pancreatic or biliary duct brushings is a specific, but insensitive, test for malignancy. We compared adjunctive molecular testing with next-generation sequencing (NGS) relative to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for detection of high-risk neoplasia or malignancy. Bile duct brushings from 81 specimens were subjected to cytological analysis, FISH using the UroVysion probe set, and targeted NGS. Specimens were placed into negative/atypical (negative) or suspicious/positive (positive) categories depending on cytology and negative or positive categories on the basis of FISH and NGS results. Performance characteristics for each diagnostic modality were calculated on the basis of clinicopathologic follow-up and compared in a receiver operating characteristic analysis. There were 33 high-risk neoplasia/malignant strictures (41%) and 48 benign (59%). NGS revealed driver mutations in 24 cases (30%), including KRAS (21 of 24 cases), TP53 (14 of 24 cases), SMAD4 (6 of 24 cases), and CDKN2A (4 of 24 cases). Cytology had a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 48%–82%) and a specificity of 98% (95% CI, 89%–100%). When added to cytology, NGS increased the sensitivity to 85% (95% CI, 68%–95%), leading to a significant increase in the area under the curve in a receiver operating characteristic analysis (P = 0.03). FISH increased the sensitivity to 76% (95% CI, 58%–89%), without significantly increasing the area under the curve. These results suggest that ancillary NGS testing offers advantages over FISH, although studies with larger cohorts are needed to verify these findings.
Linguistic factors in conditional reasoning

An experiment is reported which demonstrates the influence of three cognitive variables on adults' abilities to reason with conditional arguments embedded in either causal-temporal or class inclusion content. The three variables are the linguistic form of the conditional rule, the principle of conditional reasoning, and the order of the components in the conditional rule. The results showed considerable similarity in the effects of these factors for the two types of concrete content, but some interesting differences were found. The findings are discussed in relation to the results of recent investigations which involved abstract content and/or other deductive reasoning paradigms.
Analyzing Change: Demand, Organizational Structures and Supplier Relationships

COMPANIES THAT ARE SUCCESSFUL WILL HAVE CULTURES THAT THRIVE ON CHANGE...IN THE END, YOU MIGHT JUST HAVE SPEED, TALENT, AND BRANDING....THERE WILL BE NOTHING IN THE 10-YEAR WINDOW EXCEPT E-COMPANIES...CLICK-AND-MORTAR WILL BECOME THE ONLY MEANS TO SURVIVAL.
La Racionalidad En La Formación De Expectativas. Crítica De La Hipótesis De Expectativas Racionales (A Review of Rational Expectations Hypothesis)

Spanish Abstract: La hipotesis de expectativas racionales domina los programas de investigacion macroeconomica desde su surgimiento en los anos setenta. Este marco metodologico dio a la macroeconomia fundamentos dinamicos consistentes con la teoria de la eleccion racional. Sin embargo, el costo ha sido muy alto: desaparecio la posibilidad de concebir desequilibrios a nivel agregado y, con ella, la utilidad de la politica economica. Este articulo revisa diversas criticas a la hipotesis de expectativas racionales y expone otra forma de microfundamentacion que permite explicar los fenomenos de desequilibrio.English Abstract: The rational expectations hypothesis has dominated research programs in macroeconomics since the seventies. This methodological framework provided a dynamic foundation for macroeconomics that is completely consistent with the rational choice theory. However, this strategy has come at a high cost: it is no longer possible to conceive disequilibria processes at the aggregate level, and consequently, economic policy has become irrelevant. The aim of this work is to review the critical arguments aimed at the rational expectations hypothesis and to present another microfoundation strategy that can indeed explain disequilibria phenomena.