cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EVOLUTION OF THE ARALIA–PANAX COMPLEX ( ARALIACEAE ) AS INFERRED FROM NUCLEAR RIBOSOMAL ITS SEQUENCES

The Aralia–Panax complex consists of three closely related genera of Araliaceae (Aralia L., Panax L. and Sciadodendron Griseb.), widely distributed in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of Asia and the Americas. Three major lineages (Panax, Aralia sect. Aralia, and Aralia sect. Dimorphanthus Miq.) are disjunctly distributed in eastern Asia and North America. Comparative sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA was carried out in order to examine the phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships of this complex. Results suggest Aralia is paraphyletic, with Panax and the Central American monotypic Sciadodendron nested within. The monophyly of Panax (P. trifolius L. maybe excepted), Aralia sect. Aralia (except A. henryi Harms), and Aralia sect. Humiles Harms is supported. The morphologically isolated A. hispida Vent. is embedded within Aralia sect. Dimorphanthus. The phylogenetic data suggest the need to re-examine the generic delimitation of Aralia. None of the presumed intercontinental species pairs between eastern Asia and eastern North America (e.g. Aralia cordata Thunb. and A. racemosa L., A. spinosa L. and A. stipulata Franch., and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. and P. quinquefolius L.) have been supported as sister species, and the floristic similarity between eastern Asia and eastern North America seems to have been exaggerated by previous workers. Within Aralia sect. Dimorphanthus, the north temperate series Dimorphanthus was paraphyletic, with the subtropical and tropical series Chinensis J. Wen and series Foliolosae J. Wen nested within. This pattern of differentiation is consistent with the hypothesis of morphological stasis among the closely related disjunct taxa between eastern Asia and eastern North America in series Dimorphanthus. Subtropical/tropical Sciadodendron, and Aralia sect. Pentapanax (Seem.) J. Wen are suggested to have derived from temperate elements, although Araliaceae have a generally subtropical and tropical distribution.
Fluoride salt effects on the decomposition of dolomite

Abstract A great deal of variability in decomposition temperature(s), activation energy and rate of decomposition exists in the literature on the decomposition of dolomite. Although differences may be due to experimental factors such as sample size, grain size, heating rate and atmospheric conditions, it has been found that the presence of small concentrations of alkali or alkaline earth salts in the naturally occurring minerals has a strong effect on their decomposition. From DTA and isothermal studies, it is illustrated that the temperature of decomposition of dolomite is reduced and that the rate of decomposition is enhanced relative to pure dolomite when small amounts of chloride salts such as LiCl, NaCl, MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 are added. From X-ray analysis, pure dolomite is seen to decompose directly into CaO and MgO, but when chlorides are present it initially decomposes into MgO and CaCO 3 . The decomposition reaction for both pure dolomite and dolomite containing chlorides follows the contracting-area model 1 − (l − α) 1 2 = kt Activation energies for pure and doped dolomites have been evaluated and are similar to those reported in literature.
REACTIONS OF RABBITS TO NON-HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI : I. GENERAL TUBERCULIN-LIKE HYPERSENSITIVENESS, ALLERGY, OR HYPERERGY FOLLOWING THE SECONDARY REACTION.

1. Accompanying and following the evolution of a secondary reaction in the skin of rabbits after inoculation with suitable doses of certain non-hemolytic streptococci there quickly develops a general state of hypersensitiveness or allergy towards these streptococci. 2. This state is made evident by ophthalmic reactions following corneal inoculations, by much increased reactivity of the skin following intracutaneous reinoculations, and by lethal reactions, resembling tuberculin shock, following intravenous inoculations. 3. In a given hypersensitive rabbit there is a rough parallelism in the intensities of these different kinds of reactions. 4. This type of hypersensitiveness or bacterial allergy does not follow primary intravenous inoculation of rabbits with comparable doses of the streptococci employed. 5. As the development of this type of hypersensitiveness or bacterial allergy seems to accompany the production of focal lesions of a certain intensity, it is probable that in these foci are produced the substances or conditions which lead to this type of bacterial allergy.
Central venous access: A new task for interventional radiologists.

Selected issues regarding radiological placement of CVA devices have been reviewed with emphasis on those aspects that place an interventional radiologist in the unique position of being able to offer an all-inclusive VAS, the quality of which equals or exceeds that of other specialists providing venous access, and may offer it at a lower cost.
Fodor and the naturalist's problem: A response to Garrett and Graham☆

Garrett and Graham (1986) take up the defense of naturalistic psychology against the peculiar claim of Fodor that naturalistic psychology is a practical impossibility. On the face of it, Fodor’s claim is remarkable to say the least, especially to those who have been under the impression that naturalistic psychology is not only possible but already well under way as a viable enterprise (perhaps even dating back as far as Aristotle). To understand why such a debate should be taking place at all, it will be helpful to get clear on what the naturalist’s problem is, as well as on what Fodor thinks it is. As naturalistic psychology is usually understood, the core problem is to give some systematic account of the interactions between organisms and their environments. This problem can be construed in a number of ways, and attacked accordingly. One can investigate stimuli and responses without explanatory recourse to mental events or constructs, as the behaviorist does. Or if one is disinclined toward strict behaviorism, one can attempt to retain mentalism by somehow identifying mind with the organism-environment interactions themselves (James, Dewey). Or one can even remain a naturalist while going on to posit mental events underlying those interactions. In any case, as long as the focus is on organism+nvironment interactions, the naturalist will aim to provide general statements relating aspects or dimensions of the organism (whether construed as an emitter of responses or as a possessor of mental states) to those of the environment. The whole trick from the naturalist’s perspective is to find those particular aspects or dimensions that yield systematic relationships-in other words, to parse organism and environment in such a way that reliable relationships are revealed. As Skinner has put it, the problem is to find the “natural lines of fracture” along which organism and environment break (1961, p. 347). Generations of naturalistic psychologists have devoted themselves to some version of this task. Being a thoroughly modern mentalist, Fodor poses his own version of the naturalist’s problem. Psychology, for him, is first and foremost a computational psychology of mental states or processes, and any naturalistic psychology will have to shape itself in accordance with this conception. In particular, naturalistic psychology will have to deal with relations between thoughts (construed as propositional attitudes ranging over mental representations) and the objects of
Intraduodenal Administration of Biocarrier-Insulin Systems

AbstractSuccessful oral administration of insulin for systemic therapeutic effects has long been a major pharmaceutical challenge. Intraduodenal administration of insulin to rats, free or in a form of carrier-insulin, was the subject of this study. Several erythrocyte-membrane carrier systems (ghosts, vesicles, liposomes-ghosts, and liposomes-vesicles) were tested. Insulin (100 U) was incubated with each of the carriers at 37°C for 24 hr. The carrier-insulin system, insulin solution, sodium chloride solution, or carrier-free insulin was then introduced into the duodenum of anesthetized male Wistar diabetic rats. Blood samples were collected from the tail at different time intervals and then analyzed for glucose content using an o-toluidine method. There was no significant difference in blood glucose concentrations among the control groups. However, ghosts-insulin, vesicles-insulin, and liposomes-vesicles-insulin all showed a statistically significant difference in lowering blood glucose levels when compar...
Environmental lead exposure during early childhood.

Objective: To determine the relative contribution of residential lead hazards to children's blood lead concentrations during early childhood. Methods: We enrolled children 6 months of age and followed them until 24 months of age. Blood and samples of dust, soil, water and paint were analyzed for lead at 6-month intervals, and interviews were conducted to estimate nutritional, behavioral, and demographic factors linked with lead exposure. Results: Of the 276 children enrolled, 249 (90%) were followed until 24 months of age. The geometric mean blood lead concentration of children at 6 months of age was 2.9 μg/dL (95% CI, 2.7-3.1). At 24 months of age, children's mean blood lead was 7.5 μg/dL; 82 (33%) had a blood lead level of ≥10 μg/dL. In adjusted analyses, lead-contaminated floor dust, soil, and water contributed to children's lead intake throughout the first 2 years of life (P < .05). Lead-contaminated dust from window troughs was a source of lead exposure, especially in the second year of life. Dietary iron intake, but not calcium intake, was inversely associated with blood lead levels (P < .05). Blood lead concentration was over 50% higher in black than in white children (P = .0001). Conclusion: Lead-contaminated house dust is the major source of lead intake during early childhood. Black children remain at increased risk for higher blood lead concentration after adjusting for environmental lead exposures and dietary intake. (J Pediatr 2002;140:40-7)
Cell sorting analysis of geographically separated hypersaline environments

Biogeography of microbial populations remains to be poorly understood, and a novel technique of single cell sorting promises a new level of resolution for microbial diversity studies. Using single cell sorting, we compared saturated NaCl brine environments (32–35 %) of the South Bay Salt Works in Chula Vista in California (USA) and Santa Pola saltern near Alicante (Spain). Although some overlap in community composition was detected, both samples were significantly different and included previously undiscovered 16S rRNA sequences. The community from Chula Vista saltern had a large bacterial fraction, which consisted of diverse Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. In contrast, Archaea dominated Santa Pola’s community and its bacterial fraction consisted of the previously known Salinibacter lineages. The recently reported group of halophilic Archaea, Nanohaloarchaea, was detected at both sites. We demonstrate that cell sorting is a useful technique for analysis of halophilic microbial communities, and is capable of identifying yet unknown or divergent lineages. Furthermore, we argue that observed differences in community composition reflect restricted dispersal between sites, a likely mechanism for diversification of halophilic microorganisms.
Boundary element crack closure calculation of three-dimensional stress intensity factors

A general method for boundary element-crack closure integral calculation of three-dimensional stress intensity factors is presented. An equation for the strain energy release rate in terms of products of nodal values of tractions and displacements is obtained. Embedded and surface cracks of modes I, II, and III are analyzed using the proposed method. The multidomain boundary element technique is introduced so that the crack surface geometry is correctly modeled and the unsymmetrical boundary conditions for mode's II and III crack analysis are handled conveniently. Conventional quadrilateral elements are sufficient for this method and the selection of the size of the crack front elements is independent of the crack mode and geometry. For all of the examples demonstrated in this paper, 54 boundary elements are used, and the most suitable ratio of the width of the crack front elements to the crack depth is 1/10 and the calculation error is kept within ±1.5 percent. Compared to existing analytical and finite element solutions the boundary element-crack closure integral method is very efficient and accurate and it can be easily applied to general three-dimensional crack problems.
Nicotine and alcohol abuse in African American women who smoke crack cocaine

Abstract The purpose of this descriptive study was to characterize the nicotine and alcohol use of African American women who smoke crack. Particular attention was paid to treatment status and whether treatment influenced perceptions of alcohol addiction and nicotine consumption. Two hundred and eight African American women who smoke crack comprised the convenience sample. One hundred and fifty-two women were in drug treatment, and the rest were “on the streets” still using crack cocaine. In a 3-hr interview, women were asked about their drug and alcohol use, family, and social, health, and drug-related behaviors. All women were administered the CAGE and asked questions about their nicotine use. There were no statistical differences between treatment and nontreatment groups on the CAGE or on smoking. As expected, women in treatment were significantly more likely to report that their behaviors were indicative of an alcohol addiction, although they did not differ from the nontreatment group in potential problems identified by the CAGE.
Web-based technology and the changing landscape of HRD

Web-based technology has been revolutionizing the world of learning and working (Thomas 2010). A fixture of today's learning environment, rapid advancement of web-based technology that offers a wid...
Efficacy of sirolimus compared with azathioprine for reduction of acute renal allograft rejection: a randomised multicentre study

Summary Background Acute rejection episodes after renal transplantation are an important clinical challenge, despite use of multidrug immunosuppressive regimens. We did a prospective, multicentre, randomised, double-blind trial to investigate the impact of the addition of sirolimus, compared with azathioprine, to a ciclosporin and prednisone regimen. Methods 719 recipients of primary HLA-mismatched cadaveric or living-donor renal allografts who displayed initial graft function were randomly assigned, after transplantation, sirolimus 2 mg daily (n=284) or 5 mg daily (n=274), or azathioprine (n=161). We assessed the primary composite endpoint of efficacy failure, occurrence of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes, graft loss, or death, and various secondary endpoints that characterise these episodes at 6 months and 12 months. Analyses were done by intention to treat. Findings The rate of efficacy failure at 6 months was lower in the two sirolimus groups (2 mg 18·7%, p=0·002; 5 mg 16·8%, p Interpretation Use of sirolimus reduced occurrence and severity of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes with no increase in complications. Further studies are needed to establish the optimum doses for the combined regimen.
Enforced expression of nuclear factor kappa B in p53 deficient keratinocytes induces cell cycle, angiogenic potential and tumorigenesis

Multiple genetic mutations with subsequent molecular events are required for progression of normal epithelial cells to cancer, with p53 mutations being a very common event in squamous carcinogenesis. Upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is an associated feature of malignancy, however studies have not examined purposeful overexpression of the NF-κB p65 subunit in in vitro models of oral carcinogenesis. Our objective is to demonstrate that NF-κB p65 transfection into p53 deficient Rhek keratinocytes produces carcinogenic progression. We constitutively over-expressed NF-κB p65 in Rhek keratinocytes, previously immortalized by SV 40 thus inactivating p53, and studied NF-κB dependent events. NF-κB p65 overexpression provided functional upregulation of NF-κB and produced cyclin D1-mediated proliferation and interleukin 8 transcription and secretion. Consequently, we demonstrated tumorigenesis in athymic mice with NF-κB p65 overexpressing cells. We conclude NF-κB p65 overexpression in p53 inactivated immortalized keratinocytes produces tumorigenesis, and that this single alteration in NF-κB expression on a p53 inactivated background is sufficient for squamous carcinogenesis features, thus providing evidence that p65 may act as a gain of function oncogene in this setting.
Presidential address medical governance: Are we ready to prescribe?

Federal and state governments in the United States play substantial and complex roles in promoting, subsidizing, regulating, and even providing health care in the United States. Financial pressures on Medicare and Medicaid, concerns about the translation of evidence-based findings into medical practice, and efforts to reduce the number of people without any health insurance are likely to expand governments' roles even further in the future. Although a large body of research seeks ways to improve the delivery of medical services, relatively little research addresses the advantages and disadvantages of the various governance arrangements that are or could be used to make better collective decisions about the allocation of medical resources. Assessments of the many types of governance arrangements already employed—advisory committees such as those employed by the Food and Drug Administration, menu-creating commissions with narrow mandates such as the Oregon Health Plan, and stakeholders trusteeships such as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network—should be an important topic for health policy research pursued by public policy and management scholars. Absent these efforts, the policy community may not be able to offer good advice about medical governance. © 2007 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
Quantitative photoabsorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of benzene, naphthalene, and some derivatives at 106–295 nm

Photoabsorption and fluorescence cross sections of benzene, (o-, m-, p-) xylenes, naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, and 2-ethylnaphthalene in the gas phase are measured at 106-295 nm using synchrotron radiation as a light source. Fluorescences are observed from the photoexcitation of benzene and xylenes at 230-280 nm and from naphthalene and its derivatives at 190-295 nm. The absolute fluorescence cross section is determined by calibration with respect to the emission intensity of the NO(A-X) system, for which the fluorescence quantum yield is equal to 1. To cross-check the current calibration method, the quantum yield of the SO2(C-X) system at 220-230 nm was measured since it is about equal to 1. The current quantum-yield data are compared with previously published values measured by different methods.
Fossil Pollen Mophology of Hemiptelea (Ulmaceae) Obtained from Pleistocene Deposits

現生ハリゲヤキ属の花粉形態は,彫紋が円頭疣状紋で,ニレ属-ケヤキ属がしわ状紋ないし網状紋である.したがって,ハリゲヤキ属はニレ属-ケヤキ属とは区別できる.上部更新統古谷泥層および中部更新統御殿峠礫層上部から記録された,円頭状疣状紋を呈するcf.Ulmus-Zelkova花粉化石は,現生花粉との比較に基づき,ハリゲヤキ属に同定された.
Focal brain atrophy in gastric bypass patients with cognitive complaints

Recently, we have identified a series of patients presenting with cognitive complaints after gastric bypass, without any identifiable etiology. We aimed to determine if focal brain atrophy could account for the complaints. A retrospective case series was performed to identify patients with cognitive complaints following gastric bypass who had a volumetric MRI. Voxel-based morphometry was used to assess patterns of grey matter loss in all 10 patients identified, compared to 10 age and gender-matched controls. All patients had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at a median age of 54 (range: 46–64). Cognitive complaints developed at a median age of 57 (52–69). Formal neuropsychometric testing revealed only minor deficits. No nutritional abnormalities were identified. Voxel-based morphometry demonstrated focal thalamic atrophy in the gastric bypass patients when compared to controls. Patients with cognitive complaints after gastric bypass surgery may have focal thalamic brain atrophy that could result in cognitive impairment.
How tumor stage affects surgeons' surveillance strategies after surgery for carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract

BACKGROUND The factors that influence decision-making among surgeons are not well understood. The authors evaluated how tumor stage in otherwise healthy patients subjected to potentially curative surgery for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) epidermoid carcinoma affects the self-reported follow-up strategies employed by practicing surgeons. METHODS Hypothetical patient profiles and a detailed questionnaire based on these profiles were mailed to the 824 members of the Society of Head and Neck Surgeons (SHNS) and the 522 members of the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery who were not members of SHNS. The effect of TNM stage on the surveillance strategies chosen by the respondents was analyzed. RESULTS Ten of the 14 most commonly employed surveillance modalities were ordered significantly more frequently with increasing TNM stage. This effect persisted through 5 years of follow-up, but the differences across stages were small. Only 30% of respondents modified their strategies according to the patient's TNM stage. CONCLUSIONS Most surgeons performing surveillance after potentially curative surgery in otherwise healthy patients with UADT carcinoma use the same follow-up strategy irrespective of TNM stage. These data permit rational design of a randomized clinical trial of two alternate follow-up plans. Cancer 1998;82: 1932-7. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Response to Letter Regarding Article “Treatment of Acute and Recurrent Pericarditis”

I appreciate the comments of Drs Chhabra and Spodick regarding the April 23, 2013 clinician update Treatment of Acute and Recurrent Idiopathic Pericarditis .1 The focus of that article is the contemporary therapy of postviral/idiopathic pericarditis, the foundation of which is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy and colchicine while reserving …
Adapting an effective primary care provider STD/HIV prevention training programme

Sexually acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to be the major source of HIV infection in the USA. Preventing sexual transmission of HIV can be accomplished through patient behaviour change. Such behaviour change can also decrease risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies, both far more common problems than HIV infection. Primary care physicians and other providers can increase patients' safe sex practices by conducting effective sexual risk assessment (RA) and risk reduction (RR) counselling, but physicians both infrequently and incompletely do sexual RA and RR. A programme was developed to improve primary care physicians' prevention practice using Simulated Patient Instructors (SPIs) and mailed educational materials. Programme evaluations showed improved sexual RA and RR practice both by self-report as well as by observation by Simulated Patient Evaluators (SPEs). This paper briefly reviews these findings and then presents adaptations made to improve the programme's content, decrease its cost and increase its availability for training many other care providers. Evaluation of the adapted programme indicates that content and training methods are highly regarded by a diverse array of trainees. To disseminate the modified programme beyond the local area, a Train-the-Trainer programme and manual have been developed, including discussion of recruiting, training and using SPIs for sexual risk reduction. Wider use of this training, as well as more effective and more readily available STD/HIV prevention training, are needed to attain national goals of provider clinical prevention practice.
Preserved MHC Class II Antigen Processing in Monocytes from HIV-Infected Individuals

Background MHC-II restricted CD4+ T cells are dependent on antigen presenting cells (APC) for their activation. APC dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals could accelerate or exacerbate CD4+ T cell dysfunction and may contribute to increased levels of immunodeficiency seen in some patients regardless of their CD4+ T cell numbers. Here we test the hypothesis that APC from HIV-infected individuals have diminished antigen processing and presentation capacity.
Quantitative analyses of hydroxystearate isomers from hydroperoxides by high pressure liquid chromatography of autoxidized and photosensitized‐oxidized fatty esters

A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is described for the determination of the isomeric hydroxysterates from hydroperoxides of oxidized fatty esters. The samples are hydrogenated and the mixtures of hydroxystearates are concentrated by partial removal of unoxidized esters and complete removal of polar materials. Isomeric hydroxystearates are then separated on a porous microparticulate adsorption (10 μ) column and elution with 0.25% isopropyl alcohol inn-hexane is monitored at 212 nm. The 8-OH, 9-OH, 10-OH, 11-OH and 16-OH isomers were completely separated, but the 12-OH, 13-OH and 15-OH were only partly resolved by HPLC. The relative percentages of isomeric hydroxy esters were analyzed quantitatively by a computer integration method. Accuracy of the method was checked with known mixtures of synthetic hydroxystearates. The isomeric hydroperoxide composition of oxidized methyl oleate, linoleate, linolenate and soybean methyl esters determined by HPLC were in good agreement with previous analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Al-Ir Compounds and the Problem of Light Element-Heavy Element Matrix Corrections in EPMA: Application of PENEPMA Monte Carlo Modeling

Little has been published regarding difficulties in correcting matrix effects in materials where there was a wide disparity in atomic number (Z) between 2 elements in a compound. Here we discuss difficulties in compounds of Al-Ir (Z of 13-77). The first indication of a problem appeared as a low total (e.g., 96 wt%). Missing element? (nothing obvious) Oxide coating? (no) Charging sample? (no). John Armstrong [1] and Paul Carpenter [2] have mentioned a similar issue at CalTech years ago, for a Si-Ir sample where, using pure Si and pure Ir standards, significantly different results were possible depending upon which correction scheme was used. Their solution was for the researchers to synthesize an intermediate compound that was then used as a standard – then the matrix corrections were less extreme. This approach is a good one, and can “save your bacon” where it is feasible, but is not always possible. Additional considerations include inaccuracies with the MACs: in the case here, there are significant differences (26%) for the MACs for Al Ka in Ir: from 2351 (Heinrich 1966) to the “modern” 1738 (FFAST: Chandler 2005). MACs for Ir Ma in Al are quite similar (<4% difference). Another complication could be determination of the mean atomic number particularly where the backscatter correction is explicitly used [3].
Methods for the Analysis of High Precision Differential Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange Data

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry has been widely applied to the characterization of protein dynamics. More recently, differential HDX has been shown to be effective for the characterization of ligand binding. Previously we have described a fully automated HDX system for use as a ligand screening platform. Here we describe and validate the required data analysis workflow to facilitate the use of HDX as a robust approach for ligand screening. Following acquisition of HDX data at a single on-exchange time point (n ≥ 3), one way analysis of variance in conjunction with the Tukey multiple comparison procedure is used to establish the significance of any measured difference. Analysis results are graphed with respect to a single peptide, ligand or group of ligands, or displayed as an overview within a heat map. For the heat map display, only Δ%D values with a Tukey-adjusted P value less than 0.05 are colored. Hierarchical clustering is used to bin compounds with highly similar HDX signatures. The workflow is evaluated with a small data set showing the ligand binding domain (LDB) of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) screened against 10 functionally selective ligands. More significantly, data for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in complex with 87 ligands are presented. To highlight the robustness and precision of our automated HDX platform we analyzed the data from 4191 replicate HDX measurements acquired over an eight month timeframe. Ninety six percent of these measurements were within 10 percent of the mean value. Work has begun to integrate these analysis and graphing components within our HDX software suite.
Club Car competitive cost analysis

There are major differences between the commercial and consumer markets. Commercial markets cater to industry while consumer markets focus on everyday customers who are interested in satisfying their own needs. Contrast to the John Deere Gator CX, the Club Car Carryall 1 focuses on the industrial market and is designed for a robust environment. Club Car's key goal is to enter the consumer market, and this article aims at defining how teardown analysis, cost analysis, and value engineering were used to implement an innovative and cost effective design that will yield a tangible product that Club Car can incorporate in its future production line. A culmination of 650 man-hours, and an estimated budget of $12,800, have resulted in a redesigned vehicle that satisfies the scope. The Club Car Carryall 1 now caters directly to the consumer market, while maintaining a competitive edge with the current market leader John Deere.
Progression of the proportion of hepatitis B virus precore stop mutant following acute superinfection of hepatitis C

To examine the progression of the proportion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) precore stop mutant (codon 28 of precore sequence; TGG to TAG) in the viral population of patients with dual hepatitis virus (B and C) infection, a series of serum samples obtained from six cases with chronic hepatitis B with acute hepatitis C superinfection were analysed by the method of amplification-created restriction site. At the time of superinfection, all patients included in the study were negative for hepatitis B e antigen and positive for its antibody. During the follow up of 30-90 months, in five of the six patients, three different patterns were observed: (i) the proportion of precore stop mutant increased in the first 20 months after acute hepatitis C virus superinfection and then decreased progressively thereafter (two cases); (ii) the proportion of precore stop mutant decreased progressively after superinfection (two cases); and (iii) no precore stop mutant was found during the course (one case). The remaining patient showed a progressive increase in the proportion of precore stop mutant over a period of 9 months after superinfection. Rather than the progressive increase in the proportion of precore stop mutants during the natural course of chronic HBV infection alone, the results of the present study showed a reverse course of progression following acute hepatitis C virus superinfection. This observation raised the possibility of a preferential or accumulative suppression on precore stop mutant by hepatitis C virus in the later stage of dual infection.
Combining Digital Video Technology and Narrative Methods for Understanding Infant Development

As technology improves, the possibilities for new ways of conducting research emerge. This article focuses on the use of Adobe Premiere video editing software in qualitative research. Examples from our studies of mother-infant relationships will be used to highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of this new tool in observational, qualitative research. The major benefits of using computer film editing software are that it makes it possible to rearrange, present, and navigate through video in ways never possible before. By capturing segments of video with the types of behavior most relevant for the study, then chronologically ordering the segments into a computer file or a new video, it is possible to create a condense and digestible film to study. This provides a new way to visualize and analyze developmental change. The article also briefly discusses the potential benefits and ethical issues for using digital video in online journals.
Substituent effects on the pairing and polymerase recognition of simple unnatural base pairs

As part of an effort to develop stable and replicable unnatural base pairs, we have evaluated a large number of unnatural nucleotides with predominantly hydrophobic nucleobases. Despite its limited aromatic surface area, a nucleobase analog scaffold that has emerged as being especially promising is the simple phenyl ring. Modifications of this scaffold with methyl and fluoro groups have been shown to impact base pair stability and polymerase recognition, suggesting that nucleobase shape, hydrophobicity and electrostatics are important. To further explore the impact of heteroatom substitution within this nucleobase scaffold, we report the synthesis, stability and polymerase recognition of nucleoside analogs bearing single bromo- or cyano-derivatized phenyl rings. Both modifications are found to generally stabilize base pair formation to a greater extent than methyl or fluoro substitution. Moreover, polymerase recognition of the unnatural base pairs is found to be very sensitive to both the position and nature of the heteroatom substituent. The results help identify the determinants of base pair stability and efficient replication and should contribute to the effort to develop stable and replicable unnatural base pairs.
Bayesian process control for attributes

We consider a process control procedure with fixed sample sizes and sampling intervals, where the fraction defective is the quality variable of interest, a standard attributes control chart methodology. We show that relatively standard cost assumptions lead to formulation of the process control problem as a partially observed Markov decision process, where the posterior probability of a process shift is a sufficient statistic for decision making. We characterize features of the optimal solution and show that the optimal policy has a simple control limit structure. Numerical results are provided which indicate that the procedure may provide significant savings over non-Bayesian techniques.
Physical considerations in the treatment of advanced carcinomas of the larynx and pyriform sinuses using 10 MV X rays.

Abstract A technique for treating patients who have advanced tumors of the larynx and pyriform sinus was developed using isocentric anterior and posterior opposed fields with 10 MV X rays. These fields are weighted 4:1 anterior to posterior; the posterior field included a central spinal cord block. This technique can be used to deliver a tumor dose of 45 Gray to the primary site and regional nodes and approximately 40 Gray to the spinal cord. The method eliminates problems of multi-field junctures and lowers the daily spinal cord dose when compared to the standard parallel opposed lateral portals and anterior neck fields. If the patient requires a course of radical radiation therapy, additional treatment is given to small opposed lateral cobalt-60 fields which avoid further treatment of the spinal cord.
Tear meniscus dimensions in tear dysfunction and their correlation with clinical parameters.

Purpose To evaluate relationships between tear meniscus dimensions and parameters of ocular surface disease in a variety of tear dysfunction conditions. Design Single-institution prospective observational study. Methods This study from the Baylor College of Medicine included 128 eyes of 64 subjects. Cross-sectional lower tear meniscus height and tear meniscus area were measured using optical coherence tomography and were compared with tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal staining, conjunctival staining, and an irritation symptom questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index). Study groups included meibomian gland disease (MGD), aqueous tear deficiency (ATD), Sjogren syndrome, non–Sjogren syndrome ATD, and control subjects. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson correlation and Student's t test. Results When compared with mean tear meniscus height in controls (345 μm), mean tear meniscus height was lower in all tear dysfunction (234 μm; P = .0057), ATD (210 μm; P = .0016), and Sjogren syndrome groups (171 μm; P = .0054). For tear meniscus height ≤210 μm, relative risk ratio for developing corneal staining ≥10 was 4.65. Tear meniscus height correlated with corneal staining for all subjects ( R = −0.32; P = .0008), MGD ( R = +0.40; P = .059), and ATD ( R = −0.36; P = .04). Tear meniscus area showed similar trends in MGD ( R = +0.55; P = .006) and ATD ( R = −0.40; P = .018). Tear meniscus height correlated with TBUT for all subjects ( R = +0.39; P R = +0.37; P = .018). Conclusions In tear dysfunction conditions, lower tear volume correlates with worse corneal epithelial disease in ATD and Sjogren syndrome, conditions with lacrimal gland dysfunction. In contrast, higher tear volume is associated with corneal epithelial disease in MGD. These findings may improve the ability to identify patients at risk for corneal epithelial disease.
Positive solutions of systems of nonlinear eigenvalue problems

the real-valued functions a:’ = a$), a$, rz,) 2 0, 1 5 i, j 5 N, 1 I k 5 r are Lipschitz continuous on 0 and the matrix (a?‘), 1 I k 5 r, is positive definite on a. The operators Lk are uniformly elliptic. In the case of a single equation, r = 1, Ambrosetti and Hess, [2], have proved that the bifurcation from infinity occurs when the nonlinearity, f, is asymptotically linear and its asymptotic derivative positive. Peitgen and Schmitt, [8, 91, have obtained similar results for nonlinearities that satisfy more general asymptotic boundedness conditions. We extend these results to the system (1. l), r L 1. In Section 3 we prove that the bifurcation from infinity occurs at some A*, when f is asymptotically linear and its asymptotic derivative, M(x) = (m,(X)), satisfies the following conditions: mij 2 0, i # j, and for at least one i E [ 1, . . . , r), rn: # 0. (If we look at the linearized system (at co), these are the conditions that guarantee the existence of a positive eigenvalue with a positive eigenfunction, a result due to Hess, [5].) Our result is analogous to that of Hess, [5, theorem 21, treating the case of bifurcation from the trivial solution, and we obtain the same kind of estimates for A *. We use global perturbation techniques, employed by Peitgen and Schmitt, [8, 91, for the case of a single equation. This method enables us to also trace these bifurcations via global continua of solutions of a perturbed problem.
Water-Jet Waveguide for Fluorescence Spectroscopy

An optofluidic sensor based on a liquid-jet waveguide is presented. The waveguide consists of a high-speed water jet produced by means of a microchannel coupled with a multimode optical fibre collecting the fluorescence opportunely excited. The liquid jet acts, at the same time, as the solution to analyse and as an optical waveguide. This configuration allows a strong reduction of the scattering and fluorescence of non-analyte substances enabling a very low limit of detection (LOD). The integrated device is fabricated by PMMA micro-machining allowing a self-alignment between the liquid-jet waveguide and the optical fibre used to deliver the fluorescence to the detector. The performance of the system has been tested on Cy5 water solutions and LOD of 2.56 nM has been obtained. A proof-of-concept of filter-free measurements has been performed demonstrating that fluorescence measurements can be performed also by using a photodiode with an LOD of 6.11 nM.
A framework for developing a CSCW environment to improve concept-based decision making

Despite advances in computer technology, bringing products to market remains a complex activity. In particular, it is within the concept phase of product development where information used for decision making is at its most nebulous. This paper describes research to investigate how computer technologies can be applied to optimise decision making in concept development activities. The study results form a framework of features necessary within a computer system to improve the effectiveness of information systems for concept-based decision making. Along with a description of core recommendations, outcomes and analysis of a case study where the framework was applied to a concept development activity program will be discussed.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate modulates human airway smooth muscle cell functions that promote inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma

SPECIFIC AIMSOur central hypothesis states that sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) is an important inflammatory mediator implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. We found that SPP levels were elevated in the airways of asthmatic (but not control) subjects after segmental antigen challenge and that, in vitro, SPP modulates human airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction, cell growth, and proinflammatory cytokine production that promote bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and remodeling in asthma.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. SPP is increased after segmental allergen challenge (SAC) in asthmatic subjectsBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid collected from asthmatic subjects (n=7) 1 day after SAC possessed a significantly greater (P<0.05) number of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils than that collected prechallenge. Protein levels were also markedly elevated in the asthmatic group 1 day after SAC (P < 0.05). In comparison, BAL fluid obtained after SAC from control subjects (n=7) showed no significant increases in ...
When the Patient Reports Atrocities: Specific Treatment Considerations of the Vietnam Veteran

All wars are "hell." Certain aspects of the Vietnam War, however, differentiated it from World War II and the Korean Conflict: guerrilla tactics predominated; this war was undeclared and became increasingly unpopular; and for the first time the exposure of war atrocities committed by Americans became a national issue. Many Vietnam veterans reflect the impact of these differences in their conflictual attitudes toward their combat experiences and in their psychopathology. The Vietnam combat veteran who reports atrocities presents a special therapeutic challenge. The therapist's countertransference and real, natural response to the realities of the patient's experience must be continually monitored and confronted. If the therapist is honest with him/herself, a therapeutic relationship becomes possible for men whom many therapists are, or would be, repulsed and frightened by and would never treat.
Generalized modulus power transformations

Several power transformations proposed in the past are examined to find out the type of distributions that they can normalize, and a general family of transformations "the Generalized Modulus Power Transformation- (GEMPT), is proposed, The GEMPT will remove skewness and kurtosis and induce normality from a broad class of distributions, which we investigate, implying certain limitations for all power transformations. The use of GEMPT is illustrated and shown to iead to a better approximation to a normal distribution in an example in which the response is expected to follow a rectangular hyperbola.
Induced hypertension during ischemia reduces infarct area after temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats

BACKGROUND Induced hypertension is one of the few interventions available to reverse acute ischemic neurologic deficit. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of hypertension during prolonged temporary focal ischemia. METHODS Anesthetized rats underwent 2 hours of endovascular middle cerebral artery occlusion. Angiotensin was given to increase mean arterial blood pressure to 40%-60% above baseline during ischemia. Neurologic deficit and infarct size in hypertensive rats were assessed at 72 hours. RESULTS Hypertensive rats had smaller infarcts than normotensive controls (mean, 12.40 +/- 3.71% versus 24.19 +/- 2.89; p < 0.05) without hemorrhage. Neuroscores were comparable. CONCLUSION Hypertension safely reduces infarction after 2 hours of focal ischemia in rats.
New frontiers in meningococcal vaccines

Challenges remain in developing effective meningococcal vaccines and vaccination programs in both the industrialized and developing worlds. Vaccination programs should ideally provide broad coverage of disease-causing strains to prevent disease and also promote the herd immunity important for extending protection to the at-risk unvaccinated population. The success of meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccination programs during the last 10 years demonstrates the tremendous positive impact on human health that may be attainable; however, significant challenges remain to implement effective use of serogroup A vaccines for the developing world and to develop broadly protective vaccines against serogroup B disease. The effectiveness of vaccination programs, and shifts in disease epidemiology, must be monitored continuously to evaluate protection levels and to identify gaps in disease coverage. As these challenges are met, the possibility for removing the fear of meningococcal disease from all societies is now becoming a reality.
Role of integrins in melanocyte attachment and dendricity

Integrins are a family of proteins known to mediate attachment of cells to extracellular matrix materials. The substratum specificity and cation dependence of specific integrin heterodimers have been extensively characterized, and to a lesser degree specialized roles in cell attachment versus dendricity have been defined in some cell types. In the past decade, melanocyte attachment rate and morphology have been found to have strong substratum dependence, suggesting a major role for integrins in these processes. In order to investigate this aspect of pigment cell biology, human newborn melanocytes were subjected to flow cytometry analysis and plated on a variety of substrata under conditions known to promote or block the binding of specific integrin pairs. Melanocyte attachment to laminin and type IV collagen was promoted by Mg2+ and Mn2+ but not by Ca2+, in the range of concentrations examined. However, dendrite outgrowth from melanocytes already attached on laminin or type IV collagen was promoted by Ca2+ to a far greater degree than by Mg2+, and Mn2+ had no effect on dendrite outgrowth. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that melanocytes expressed beta 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6 and alpha v integrin subunits as well as the alpha v beta 3 heterodimer. The influence of substratum on the profile of integrin expression was minimal, but alpha 6 and beta 1 integrins were observed by confocal microscopy to be expressed over the entire cell surface, while alpha 2, alpha 5 and alpha v beta 3 integrins localized along dendritic processes or at their tips. In accordance with the implications of these distribution patterns, anti-beta 1 and anti-alpha 6 integrin monoclonal antibodies blocked melanocyte attachment to laminin, while anti-alpha 2, anti-alpha 5 and anti-alpha v beta 3 inhibited dendrite outgrowth but did not block substratum attachment on either laminin or type IV collagen. On the basis of these data and the known characteristics of integrin molecules, we conclude that melanocyte attachment to laminin is mediated primarily by alpha 6 beta 1 integrin in a Ca(2+)-independent, Mg(2+)- and/or Mn(2+)-dependent manner, while dendrite outgrowth on laminin and type IV collagen requires extracellular Ca2+ and is mediated by alpha v beta 3 as well as alpha 2 and alpha 5 integrins.