cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract B79: Racial and socioeconomic disparities in time to treatment for breast cancer in the District of Columbia

The objective of this research was to determine if there were racial and socioeconomic disparities in time to treatment among women diagnosed with breast cancer in the District of Columbia from 1998-2006. The D.C. Cancer Registry provided a data file containing female breast cancer cases identified from 1998-2006 along with age at diagnosis, census tract, race, ethnicity, diagnosis date, stage, date of first treatment, treatment type, grade, and insurance status. Cancer registry data were linked to 2000 Census data by census tract to create a variable for socioeconomic status based on percentage of the population below the poverty level in each census tract. Analysis of covariance was utilized to determine if the time from diagnosis to first treatment was predicted by race, Hispanic ethnicity, insurance or socioeconomic status while controlling for stage, grade, and age at diagnosis. Time to treatment was also dichotomized into =2months and a multiple logistic regression model using the above variables was utilized to generate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to determine if any of the above variables predicted a treatment delay. Finally analysis was stratified by calendar year periods to determine if disparities were reduced or persisted over time. After controlling for the above variables black women were significantly more likely than white women to have a time from diagnosis of breast cancer to treatment of >=2 months (OR=2.19; 95% CI: 1.57, 3.06). Women who were diagnosed in 2001–;2003 (OR=1.72; 95% CI: 1.20,2.40) and 2004-2006 (OR=2.31; 95% CI: 1.62,3.35) were also significantly more likely to have a time to first treatment of 2 or more months compared to women diagnosed in 1998-2000. The adjusted mean times to treatment were significantly different for black versus white women (26.1 vs. 14.1 days). The mean time to treatment differed significantly by time period as well, at 14.8,19.4, and 26.1 days for 1998-2000,2001–;2003, and 2004-2006 respectively. A subgroup analysis of women with estrogen and progesterone receptor status data yielded similar results to the overall analysis. Lastly, when stratified by calendar period, black women were significantly more likely to experience longer time to treatment if diagnosed in 2001–2003 and 2004-2006 but not in 1998-2000. Overall, black women with breast cancer in the District of Columbia are more likely to experience delays in treatment regardless of insurance type, socioeconomic status, and cancer characteristics such as stage and grade. Racial disparities in time to treatment have not abated over time and may have increased. Further research should be undertaken to determine the reasons that could underlie these delays and determine if disparities are actually worsening over time. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B79.
Applications of thermal analysis to the study of inorganic materials

Abstract Three examples are selected fron the author's current work to illustrate the important role that thermoanalytical techniques play in the characterization of inorganic materials and their processing. The first example deals with the crystal growth, phase equilibria, and defect structure of lithium niobate. This is a prominent material used in electro-optical devices. The second example deals with the relatively new electrooptical material, KTiOAsO 4 . Its thermal stability and expansion will be discussed. Some information is also included on the ferroelectric transition temperature and the melting point. The final topic is an application of thermomagnetometry to study the thermal decomposition of solid solutions and physically mixed oxalates of nickel and cobalt in an inert atmosphere. The magnetic transition temperature is used to establish whether the metal initially formed is an alloy or mixture of pure metals.
Skin Integrity in Critically Ill Obese Patients

Almost one-third of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are obese. Obese patients pose a unique challenge for preventing skin breakdown, healing wounds, and preventing complications of surgery and prolonged immobility. Yet little research to date has been done to study the effects of obesity on skin integrity and wound healing in this patient population. This article discusses common skin conditions and wound complications associated with obese patients and general treatment guidelines as they pertain to the critically ill patient.
When time is on their side: determinants of outcomes in new siting and existing contamination cases in Louisiana

Which factors were most important in determining the outcomes of major environmental justice cases in Louisiana during the 1990s? In four cases studied here, local citizens mobilised and engaged in protracted struggles. In the successful cases, protestors took advantage of a combination of circumstances and strategies that served to raise their group's power to levels that could challenge the opposing growth coalition, pursuing a political strategy targeting federal agencies that were in the process of creating policy, ‘marketing’ the struggle to attract outside resources and support, using the media and outside allies to put pressure on federal agencies, and seeking non-displacing goals. Fighting the siting of new facilities is far more likely to succeed than fighting existing contamination and entrenched firms.
Estrogen receptor‐β, but not estrogen receptor‐α, is expressed in prolactin neurons of the female rat paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei: Comparison with other neuropeptides

Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) and ER-beta exhibit fine differences in their distributions in the rodent forebrain, and one such difference is observed in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. To investigate the functional significance of ER in these brain areas, we examined the neuropeptide characteristics of ER-expressing neurons in the PVN and SON of female rats by using dual-label immunocytochemistry. The distributions of ER-alpha immunoreactivity (ir) and ER-beta ir were nonoverlapping in the PVN and SON. Nuclear ER-alpha ir was found in a population of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-expressing neurons in the PVN (5.93% +/- 1.20% SEM), but not in any other identified cell phenotype of the PVN and SON. The phenotype of neurons with the highest percentage expressing ER-beta was found to be prolactin (PRL) immunoreactive in both the parvocellular (84.95% +/- 4.11%) and the magnocellular (84.76% +/- 3.40%) parts of the PVN as well as the SON (87.57% +/- 4.64%). Similarly, most vasopressin-immunoreactive neurons were also ER-beta positive in the PVN (66.14% +/- 2.47%) and SON (72.42% +/- 4.51%). In contrast, although a high percentage of oxytocin (OXY) neurons coexpressed ER-beta in the PVN (84.39% +/- 2.99%), there was very little ER-beta/OXY colocalization in the SON. Low levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons also expressed ER-beta ir in the PVN (12.57% +/- 1.99%), but there was no ER-beta colocalization with TRH. In summary, these findings further support the possibility of direct effects of estrogen on neuropeptide expression and implicate estrogen involvement in the regulation of various aspects of neuroendocrine function.
COMPARISON OF FROZEN, FOAM-SPRAY-DRIED, FREEZE-DRIED, AND SPRAY-DRIED EGGS 7. Soft Meringues Prepared With a Carrageenan Stabilizer

SUMMARY This study compared the quality characteristics of soft meringues prepared from frozen, foam-spray-dried, freeze-dried and spray-dried albumen each from a common lot. All meringues contained the same amount of carrageenan stabilizer. Ranked in order of increased average whipping times needed to obtain specific gravities of 0.24 to 0.22 were meringues prepared from frozen, freeze-, foam-spray- and spray-dried albumen. Percentages of drainage and evaporation did not differ significantly among types of albumen; however, the data suggest drainage decreased and evaporation increased during refrigerated holding. No significant differences were found in objective measurements of tenderness, color and height. Sensory evaluations showed no significant differences for color and appearance, slippage and drainage, texture, tenderness, flavor and general acceptability. However, evaluations of shrinkage varied significantly. All meringues prepared under the conditions of this study from the four types of albumen and with added stabilizer were judged acceptable. This study also compared soft meringues prepared from spray-dried albumen with and without the added carrageenan stabilizer. Meringues without added stabilizer had a significantly higher (P<0.01) percentage of drainage and were significantly tougher (P<0.05), as indicated by Allo-Kramer shear press measurements expressed as area-under-the curve, than meringues with added stabilizer. The results of this investigation suggest the quality characteristics of soft meringues prepared with spray-dried albumen may be improved with the addition of a carrageenan stabilizer.
Internal Model Control in the Shift and Delta Domains

We construct multivariable internal model controllers in the shift and delta domains. To do so, we develop a linear algebraic approach to the multivariable command following and disturbance rejection problem that facilitates a unified treatment of the differential, shift, and delta domains.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor distribution in relation to spinal neurotransmission pathways

Neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChR) are pentameric assemblies of subunits of a gene family where specified combinations of alpha and beta subunits form functional receptors. To extend our understanding of the role of spinal nAChR in the processing of sensory stimuli and regulation of autonomic and motor responses, we initiated investigations to localize nAChR subunit expression within discrete spinal regions and cell types. High-affinity epibatidine binding was present in the superficial dorsal and ventral horns, the mediolateral and central canal regions. RT-PCR identified transcripts for alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, beta2, and beta4 in both spinal cord parenchyma and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Our affinity-purified antibodies against alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, beta2, and beta4 subunits identified specific protein bands of appropriate molecular mass (preadsorbed with the respective antigens) in specific tissues and cells that express nicotinic receptors, including the spinal cord and DRG neurons. Having established the absence of crossreactivity with related subunits, specific fluorescence labeling of nerve terminals and cell bodies was achieved and correlated with the distribution of defined marker proteins and nicotinic receptor binding sites determined autoradiographically. Our findings indicate that alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, beta2, and beta4 subunits are all expressed on primary afferents (IB4-positive terminals) in the spinal cord. The predominant presynaptic (synaptophysin colocalization) labeling is in the superficial layer of the dorsal horn. These receptor subunits, except for beta4, are also present in postsynaptic autonomic (anti-bNOS-positive) and somatic motor neurons (anti-VAChT-positive). The alpha3, alpha5, and beta2 subunits showed additional staining in glial (anti-GFAP-positive) cells. These studies reveal a dense and distinguishable distribution of nAChR subunits in the spinal cord and point toward future therapeutic targeting for specific spinal actions.
Activation of channel catfish B cells by membrane immunoglobulin cross-linking

Abstract This study demonstrates for the first time that teleost, specifically channel catfish, B cells proliferate in response to membrane immunoglobulin (mIgM) cross-linking. An early activation event mediated by anti-IgM ligation involved a rapid increase in intracellular calcium levels similar to the situation seen in mammalian B cells. In addition, catfish B cells, like mammalian B cells, did not exhibit such calcium changes following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Another consequence of catfish B cell mIgM cross linking was the rapid induction of intracellular protein phosphorylation. A number of proteins were phosphorylated on tyrosine residues within minutes after anti-Ig stimulation, indicating the activation of protein tyrosine kinases similar to the situation observed in mammalian B cells. These early intracellular activation events suggest that fish B cells, like mammalian B cells, employ a conserved signal transduction system upon mIgM ligation. This ability to transduce activation signals, coupled with the fact that catfish mIgM have a very short cytoplasmic tail, implies that catfish mIgM is probably associated with accessory molecules required for signal transduction. In this regard, several of the tyrosine phosphorylated catfish proteins exhibited relative molecular weights similar to the mammalian Ig-α and Ig-β/γ accessory molecules, and may represent candidates for the putative catfish mIgM accessory molecules.
Efficient moment matrix generation for arbitrary chemical networks

As stochastic simulations become increasingly common in biological research, tools for analysis of such systems are in demand. The deterministic analogue to stochastic models, a set of probability moment equations equivalent to the Chemical Master Equation (CME), offers the possibility of a priori analysis of systems without the need for computationally costly Monte Carlo simulations. Despite the drawbacks of the method, in particular non-linearity in even the simplest of cases, the use of moment equations combined with moment-closure techniques has been used effectively in many fields. The techniques currently available to generate moment equations rely upon analytical expressions that are not efficient upon scaling. Additionally, the resulting moment-dependent matrix is lower diagonal and demands massive memory allocation in extreme cases. Here it is demonstrated that by utilizing factorial moments and the probability generating function (the Z-transform of the probability distribution) a recursive algorithm is produced. The resulting method is scalable and particularly efficient when high-order moments are required. The matrix produced is banded and often demands substantially less memory resources.
Optimism in the Management of Hip Fracture in Elderly Patients

: The present generation of those past age 70 grew up with the idea that a fractured hip meant “the beginning of the end” for the elderly. The results reported here on the treatment of 50 consecutive patients over 70 years of age who had sustained a fractured hip indicate that in this situation the orthopedic surgeon can be an important partner in geriatric medicine. He can improve the functioning and health of this special group of elderly trauma victims through reassuring them that the fracture usually can be successfully treated without undue risk to life. The present improved state of the art of anesthesiology, surgery, and pre- and postoperative medical care makes the surgical risk tolerable, and helps to prevent many of the complications that used to occur in elderly patients confined to bed for long periods following hip fracture.
Repair of anal stricture and mucosal ectropion by simple flap procedures

A technique is described that has proven most effective in correction of postoperative anal stenosis. A modification of this technique also has proven effective in the treatment of symptomatic anal mucosal ectropion—a condition marked by pruritus and perianal soilage from mucosal weeping, usually associated with the Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy. The design of the flap allows primary closure of the donor site and tension-free flap inset with a robust flap blood supply.
Preferential labeling of phosphatidylcholine during phospholipid synthesis by bovine mammary tissue.

Bovine mammary cells and tissue synthesize de novo the classes of phospholipids, found in mammary tissue and milk, from various precursor molecules. Several short term experiments were carried out in vitro, using labeled precursors, i.e., 1-14C-fatty acids; 2-14C-acetate; U-14C-glycerol; 1,2-14C-choline; 1,2-14C-ethanolamine; 2-14C-serine; and Me-14C-methionine. All the phospholipid classes were labeled. The specific activity of tissue phosphatidylcholine was consistently three to six-fold greater than that of phosphatidylethanolamine. The results indicated that stepwise methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine with labeled methyl group of methionine was occurring to a minor extent, as was a negligible amount of choline exchange. Serine was incorporated into phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin. Significant quantities of labeled phosphatidylserine were decarboxylated to phosphatidylethanolamine. Apparently phosphatidylcholine was synthesized de novo from choline via phosphorylcholine and CDP-choline. Based on the present observations and other data, it is suggested that there may be two pools of phosphatidylcholine in lactating mammary cells.
A linear scanning balloon-borne telescope for far-infrared astronomy

A low-background balloon-borne far-infrared (30-300 microns) telescope, utilizing a linear scan mode has dramatically increased the efficiency of mapping large extended areas over more conventional systems. The system consists of a 20 cm linear scanned mirror mounted as an off-axis (Herchelian) telescope designed to achieve an emissivity of 1% or less, a ten position cooled aperture-filter wheel, a cooled Pfund optical system with a composite diamond-germanium bolometer mounted in a spherical cavity, a minimum phase shift ultra-low frequency amplifier, and a 4 micron thick mylar dewar window. This system was used to produce detailed far-infrared maps of the galactic plane. The system specifications and operating parameters will be discussed and preliminary data shown.
Surgical Management of Painful Polycystic Kidneys

In patients with symptomatic PKD who have failed medical management, surgical intervention is a reasonable option, providing long-term pain relief in the majority of patients. Individuals for whom this approach is indicated are usually narcotic dependent or disabled by pain. Cyst decompression surgery does not appear to significantly retard or arrest progressive renal insufficiency. On the other hand, widespread fears that cyst decompression might hasten renal failure are clearly unfounded. The application of newer laparoscopic techniques to this problem may allow for a wider range of symptomatic patients to realize the benefits of cyst decompression.
When is differential treatment discriminatory? Legal, ethical, and professional considerations for psychology trainees with disabilities.

PURPOSE A supervisor may tell graduate trainees with obvious disabilities to disclose the disability to potential clients. Legal and ethical guidelines only partially address whether this requirement is permissible. Here we examine such disclosures from several vantage points. BACKGROUND Professional judgments guide supervisors in deciding whether to request that a trainee disclose a disability. The law provides little guidance to supervisors in making this decision. Instead, professional ethics and beliefs about disability drive decisions, and these beliefs may be prejudicial. METHOD In this article, we examine whether it is good practice for a supervisor in a practicum or internship to require a trainee with an obvious disability to disclose the disability to potential clients before the first meeting so that the client has freedom to request a different therapist. We use this situation to examine the pertinent legal standards; ethical guidelines; and clinical, professional, and social justice issues. CONCLUSION The requirement of disclosure may not be in the best interests of the client and has deleterious repercussions for trainees with disabilities, their peers, and the profession. Unless addressed without prejudice, differential treatment becomes discriminatory and is an obstacle to successful completion of professional education by trainees with obvious disabilities.
Long-Term Solar Wind Variations and Associated Data Sources

Near-Earth and deep space sources of in situ solar wind magnetic field and plasma data are reviewed, as well as the public accessibility of such data. Then the 1963-1989 multi-source hourly resolution compilation of near-Earth field and plasma parameters (the “?OMNItape”) is discussed. Finally, the variations in selected solar wind parameters over 2.5 solar cycles are presented and discussed. Variabilities among solar cycles are stressed. North-south asymmetries in the apparent rotation rate of the source of the solar wind and divergence of the solar wind flow away from the heliospheric current sheet are highlighted.
Analysis of the diffusion of bile salt/phospholipid micelles in rat intestinal mucin

The interaction of sodium taurocholate/egg phosphatidylcholine (TC/PC) micelles with mucin was determined to investigate the exclusion of lipids by mucus in the absorption process. The distribution of TC/PC was assessed at two intermicellar and three phospholipid concentrations with isolated, rat intestinal mucin (RIM) by dialysis. The diffusion coefficients were measured by NMR spectroscopy. At high [PC], RIM had lower [PC] relative to the control, while the concentration of TC was largely independent of mucin concentration. The PC diffusion coefficients were reduced in the presence of RIM. The magnetization decay of TC was compared with simulations to provide estimates of the monomeric diffusivity and exchange rate constant. The rate constants increased with increasing micelle concentration, and the free TC diffusion coefficient was reduced in the presence of mucin. Mucin has an exclusive effect on TC/PC mixed micelles that has been quantitatively determined through the use of diffusion measurements of dialyzed samples.
Knockdown of the Dnmt1s transcript using small interfering RNA in primary murine and bovine fibroblast cells.

S.L. STICE*Animal and Dairy Science Department, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, GeorgiaABSTRACT RNA interference (RNAi) hasrapidly developed into one of the most widely appliedtechnologies in molecular and cellular research, andalthough young, is now an essential experimental tool.The versatility of RNAi, especially in mammalianspecies, lends to its potential applications in a widearray of fields. Without having to genetically manip-ulate the genome, the ability to selectively reduce thelevelofaspecifictranscriptusingsmallinterferingRNA(siRNA) molecules has great appeal in studying re-programming issues in somatic cell nuclear transfer(SCNT) embryos. In such embryos, the aberrant ex-pression of the somatic isoform of Dnmt1 (Dnmt1s),the enzyme responsible for maintaining DNA methyla-tion in all somatic cells, has been implicated as onefactor in the improper reprogramming of the donorgenome. In the present study, the ability to develop amethod allowing for the knockdown, or reduction, ofDnmt1s in primary fibroblast cells, like those com-monly used as karyoplast donors in SCNT studies, wasinvestigated in primary murine and bovine fibroblastcells as well as in a compromised cell line (NIH/3T3).TwoDnmt1s-specificsiRNAcandidatesweredesignedand tested. Using optimized conditions, these siRNAswere transiently transfected into the cells with totalRNA and nuclear protein being collected. A 56.5%knockdown in Dnmt1s was achieved in the compro-mised and primary murine cells whereas Dnmt1s wasreduced by 15.4% in the primary bovine cells. Areduction in Dnmt1s mRNA did not correspond to areduction in protein as determined by immunodetec-tion of Western blots. Overall, this study demonstratedthe ability of siRNA to knockdown Dnmt1s mRNA inprimary fibroblast donor cells. In order to substantiallyincrease the efficiency while decreasing the anomaliesseeninSCNT,noveltechniques,liketheoneproposed,are needed to assist the oocyte’s ability to reprogram adifferentiated genome.
Differential toxicity and uptake of two fenvalerate formulations in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)

The influence of the commercial emulsifier on the acute toxicity and uptake of fenvalerate [(R,S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl(R,S)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutyrate], a synthetic pyre-throid insecticide, by fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) was examined. Flow-through acute toxicity testing with measured concentrations of technical-grade fenvalerate and a 30% active ingredient emulsifiable concentrate (EC) of the insecticide was conducted. Steady-state LC50 values were reached by 72 and 120 to 168 h, respectively, in tests with technical-grade and EC formulations of this insecticide. Initially, technical-grade fenvalerate was more toxic; the 96–h LC50s for technical-grade fenvalerate and the EC were 0.69 and 0.99 μg/L, respectively. By 168 h, an LC50 of 0.75 μg/L was determined for the EC, indicating that the incipient lethalities of the two formulations were similar. Fenvalerate concentration factors and residue levels in fish showed no significant differences between formulations. Residue levels associated with mortality decreased slightly with increasing fenvalerate water concentrations and ranged (mean) from approximately 1,000 to 1,500 ng/g. Levels in fish that survived testing increased with increasing exposure concentrations and ranged from about 600 to 900 ng/g. Concentration factors of 187 to 1,860 were calculated, with a mean of 1,670, as determined from fish that survived testing. The time required to accumulate residues was greater with the EC and contributed to a significantly slower uptake rate. Slower fenvalerate uptake in the presence of emulsifiers seemingly resulted in the initially lower toxicity of the EC formulation.
A nested PCR for detection of North American isolates of bluetongue virus based on NS1 genome sequence analysis of BTV-17

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay, for detection of bluetongue virus (BTV) ribonucleic acid in cell culture and tissue samples, was developed. Two pairs of oligonucleotide primers (BTV1 and BTV4 and BTV2 and BTV3), selected from non-structural protein 1 (NS1) gene of BTV-17, were used for the nested PCR in two amplification steps. First a 826-bp product was amplified using an outer primer pair BTV1 and BTV4. The second amplification, using nested or internal primer pair BTV2 and BTV3, produced a 517-bp PCR product. RNA from North American prototype serotypes 2, 10, 11, 13 and 17, propagated in cell cultures, were detected by this nested PCR-based assay. The nested primers BTV2 and BTV3 increased the sensitivity of the BTV PCR assay, and as little as 0.1 fg of BTV RNA (equivalent to 5 viral particles) could be detected. Amplification products were not detected when the PCR-based assay was applied to RNA from a closely related orbivirus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) prototype serotypes 1 and 2; total nucleic acid extracts from uninfected BHK-21 cells; or whole blood from calves and deer that were BTV-seronegative and virus isolation negative. Application of this nested BTV PCR-based assay to clinical samples resulted in detection of BTV RNA from a variety of tissues collected from calves and deer with natural and experimental BTV infections. The described BTV PCR-based assay provides a valuable tool to study the epidemiology of BTV infection in susceptible wild ruminants and domestic livestock.
Safety and Efficacy of Repeated-Dose Intravenous Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Background A single subanesthetic (intravenous) IV dose of ketamine might have rapid but transient antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Here we tested the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of repeated-dose open-label IV ketamine (six infusions over 12 days) in 10 medication-free symptomatic patients with TRD who had previously shown a meaningful antidepressant response to a single dose. Methods On day 1, patients received a 40-min IV infusion of ketamine (.5 mg/kg) in an inpatient setting with continuous vital-sign monitoring. Psychotomimetic effects and adverse events were recorded repeatedly. The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score. If patients showed a ≥50% reduction in MADRS scores on day 2, they received five additional infusions on an outpatient basis (days 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12). Follow-up visits were conducted twice-weekly for ≥4 weeks or until relapse. Results Ketamine elicited minimal positive psychotic symptoms. Three patients experienced significant but transient dissociative symptoms. Side effects during and after each ketamine infusion were generally mild. The response criterion was met by nine patients after the first infusion as well as after the sixth infusion. The mean (SD) reduction in MADRS scores after the sixth infusion was 85% (12%). Postketamine, eight of nine patients relapsed, on average, 19 days after the sixth infusion (range 6 days–45 days). One patient remained antidepressant-free with minimal depressive symptoms for >3 months. Conclusions These pilot findings suggest feasibility of repeated-dose IV ketamine for the acute treatment of TRD.
Chronic recording of EMG activity from large numbers of forelimb muscles in awake macaque monkeys

Studies of the neural control of movement often require or benefit from long-term recording of EMG activity from large numbers of muscles involved in a particular motor task. While chronic recording of EMG activity has been described in a number of previous monkey studies, the number of muscles recorded has been somewhat limited and the implantation approach has been highly invasive procedures. This paper presents two EMG implant fabrication and surgical implantation methods that are suitable for use in monkeys, relatively non-traumatic and capable of simultaneous recording from 24 or more muscles.
Maximizing Detection Performancewithwaveform Design for Sensing in Heavy Sea Clutter

In this paper, we consider a radar system capable of adaptively adjusting its transmitted waveform to mitigate the effect of the environment and improve detection performance. We thus bring the potential of waveform agility to bear on the challenging problem of target detection in heavy sea clutter. Using a two-stage procedure, we first estimate the statistics of the sea clutter in the vicinity of a predicted target. A phase-modulated waveform is then designed and transmitted so as to maximize the generalized likelihood ratio at the predicted target location, thus improving the signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR). Employing the compound-Gaussian (CG) model, we exploit a subspace-based approach to further mitigate sea clutter and deliver improved detection performance. Simulations illustrate the effectiveness of our method.
The role of gender in the socialization of emotion: Key concepts and critical issues

Given the omnipresent role of gender in children’s and adolescents’ development, it seems necessary to better understand how gender affects the process of emotion socialization. In this introductory chapter, the authors discuss the overarching themes and key concepts discussed in this volume, as well as outline the distinct contribution of each individual chapter. Each chapter within this volume underscores the important role that parents play in the socialization of emotion, and the impact gender-typed emotion socialization may have on later socioemotional adjustment. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective killing of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans by ciprofloxacin during development of a dual species biofilm with Streptococcus sanguinis

Abstract Objectives Periodontal disease is associated with a pathogen-induced transition to a chronic destructive inflammatory response. Since commensals may either passively or actively contribute to immune homeostasis, therapies aimed at selectively reducing the competitive advantage of pathogens may be effective supplements to traditional methods. We developed an in vitro system to grow biofilms composed of the pathogen ( Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ) and the commensal ( Streptococcus sanguinis ). We used the biofilm model to determine the feasibility of selectively killing the pathogen using the fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin. Design Biofilms were exposed to relevant ciprofloxacin doses during the first 24 h of development, with subsequent removal of the ciprofloxacin for a 24 h period. Biofilm growth was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, crystal violet staining and DNA abundance. Results Exposure to 0.01 mg/L or 0.5 mg/L ciprofloxacin significantly reduced the microcolony size and cell surface density of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the dual species biofilm over a 24 h period whilst allowing uninhibited S. sanguinis biofilm formation. A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilm development was insignificant over a subsequent 24 h period after removal of the ciprofloxacin indicating that A. actinomycetemcomitans cells were killed. Conclusions A. actinomycetemcomitans residing in a dual species biofilm with the commensal, S. sanguinis can be selectively killed, or at least rendered metabolically inactive, by treatment with ciprofloxacin. The dual species biofilm model will be a useful tool for designing in vivo studies to determine the efficacy of selective killing agents as an adjunct treatment of localized aggressive forms of periodontal disease.
Small business applications for microcomputers

Until now computer penetration into business has been concentrated in the top of the business pyramid. Microcomputers now promise to penetrate the largest mass of businesses and unlock a vast new market for a new generation of hardware and software. The success of this new generation of microcomputers will depend to a large extent on the software. It must be easy to use, targeted for the particular needs, characteristics, and applications of the small businessman and then provided and serviced within the constraints of this market. Software development for the small business market promises to be one of the most interesting problems challenging the computer industry today.
The 3-D shear wave structure in the mantle by overtone waveform inversion-II. Inversion of X-waves, R-waves and G-waves

SUMMARY The 3-D upper-mantle structure from the surface of the Earth to a depth of about 1000 km is obtained by inverting waveforms of fundamental and higher-mode surface waves. Minor- and major-arc waves of R-waves, G-waves and X-waves (higher-mode wave packets) are used as basic data. Two features of the solution seem fairly robust; one is the shallow structure in the upper few hundred kilometres which is strongly correlated with the age of the crust. The second feature is the deep fast-velocity anomaly near the western Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines and Mariana) region and its antipodal region of South America, both of which are subduction zones, which forms a strong l= 2 pattern. Simple slab models with 100 km thicknesses of 10 per cent faster-velocity material do not explain such large-scale fast-velocity anomalies. This may indicate large-scale deformation of the 670 km discontinuity, piling up of slabs in the upper mantle or thickening lithosphere in the lower mantle or large horizontal motions of subducted material. These results are stable whether an earth model 1066A or PREM is used as a starting model.
The vacuolating virus of monkeys. II. Virus morphology and intranuclear distribution with some histochemical observations.

Cells infected with the vacuolating virus, SV40, respond by swelling to several times their normal volume. Within enlarged nuclei, virus-containing inclusions appear which are acidophilic and Feulgen-positive. The formation of nuclear inclusions is followed by the appearance of cytoplasmic vacuoles and then shrinkage of the cell. Inclusions were found to exhibit unique double staining when a light-green counterstain was used in the Feulgen reaction. The virus is of low electron density, round, and 300 A in diameter. It occurs in large numbers, singly and in short chains, and it appears to multiply at the expense of chromatin.
Preservation of lipid hydrogen isotope ratios in Miocene lacustrine sediments and plant fossils at Clarkia, northern Idaho, USA

Abstract We measured D/H ratios of individual lipids isolated from plant fossils and water-lain sediments from the Miocene Clarkia lacustrine deposit (15–20 Ma) in northern Idaho, USA, in order to assess the preservation potential of lipid hydrogen isotope ratios. Distinct n -alkyl lipid profiles in plant fossils ( Platanus, Quercus , Salix ) and the sedimentary matrix demonstrate the high degree of lipid preservation, as previously reported. Our data suggest that original hydrogen isotope ratios of carbon-bound hydrogen in lipids may have been preserved after 15–20 million years of burial in the water-lain lacustrine sediment, because δD values of individual lipids show large variations between different fossil genera and between fossils and sediments, and hydrogen isotope values of fossil lipids differ by more than 123‰ from the associated sediment water. These data are consistent with minimal isotopic exchange between carbon-bound hydrogen in lipids and sediment water hydrogen. Our results validate the use of lipid hydrogen isotope ratios for paleoecological studies over an extended geological time period.
Virtual time window for balancing progress on parallel optimistic protocol and its effect on computation granularity

Scheduling events on parallel discrete event simulation (PDES) affects the performance of parallel optimistic simulation significantly. As an event scheduling scheme, the virtual time window (VTW) protocol is applied. The virtual time window has influences not only on balancing the progress of logical processes, but also on adjusting the computation granularity between two consecutive interprocessor communications. The author investigates various performance aspects of the virtual time window protocol for parallel optimistic logic circuit simulation on a cluster of SUN Ultra workstations interconnected by a 100 Mbps Ethernet. With the goal of designing an adaptive optimistic synchronization protocol, the author measures and interprets the influence of the control parameter, i.e., the size of time window, on the various aspects of the simulation state, such as rollback and communication costs, which are related to the dynamic state of parallel logic circuit simulation. In addition, execution activity and simulation progress are considered.
Localization in a Rayleigh Fading Environment Using RSS Based Methodologies

We investigate the quality of sensor localization achievable in a slow Rayleigh fading environment using three different localizations approaches.
Techniques for Generating Analytic Covariance Expressions for Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

One of the key problems in data fusion is the estimation of a parameter vector from a set of noisy measurements. In many cases, the optimal estimate of such a parameter vector can be solved through the least squares problem. There are, however, a number of important problems whose solution instead takes the form of an eigenvalue-eigenvector problem. Furthermore, knowledge of the uncertainty of the optimal estimate is as important as the estimate itself for many practical applications—and this uncertainty is typically captured in the form of a covariance matrix. While the covariance matrix for a least squares estimate has been well studied, there has been substantially less research on the covariance of an optimal estimate originating from an eigenvalue-eigenvector problem. In this paper, we develop general expressions that determine the uncertainty in a vector estimate obtained from an eigenvalue–eigenvector problem given the uncertainty of the matrix. This includes developing expressions for the analytic derivatives of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors with respect to the matrix from which they come. Finally, the techniques developed are numerically validated with forward finite differencing and a Monte Carlo analysis and then used to determine covariance expressions for an ellipse fitting technique and the estimation of attitude quaternions.
Role of antiferromagnetic ordering in the (1×2) surface reconstruction of Ca(Fe(1-x)Co(x))2As2.

Low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, and first-principles spin-dependent density functional theory are utilized to investigate the geometric, electronic, and magnetic structures of the stripe-ordered ($1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$) surface of $\mathrm{Ca}{({\mathrm{Fe}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Co}}_{x})}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ ($x=0$, 0.075). The surface is terminated with a 50% Ca layer. Compared to the bulk, the surface Ca layer has a large inward relaxation ($\ensuremath{\sim}0.5\text{ }\text{ }\AA{}$), and the underneath $\mathrm{As}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{As}$ layer displays a significant buckling. First-principles calculations show that the ($1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$) phase is stabilized by the bulk antiferromagnetic spin ordering through the spin-charge-lattice coupling. Strikingly, a superconducting gap ($\ensuremath{\sim}7\text{ }\text{ }\text{meV}$ at 7.4 K) is observed to spatially coexist with the ($1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2$) phase ($x=0.075$ compound). This implies the coexistence of both superconductivity and AFM ordering at the surface.
A Multi-Agent System Architecture for Distributed Air Traffic Control

The next generation of air traffic control will require automation in order to meet safety, reliability, flexibility, and robustness demands in an environment of steadily increasing air traffic density. Optimization, however, is an inadequate paradigm for the design of a cooperative distributed air traffic control system. The problem stems from a fundamental limitation of von Neumann-Morgenstern utilities, which do not account for sophisticated social behavior such as situational altruism. Social utility functions overcome this limitation by permitting decision makers to expand their spheres of interest beyond the self via conditional utilities. Satisficing game theory provides a decision strategy that permits decision makers to compromise in the interest of achieving both individual and group goals and presents a mathematical framework for the design of sophisticated cooperative multiagent societies. Simulation results in a variety of geometric scenarios show promising performance in terms of efficiency and flexibility even with high traffic densities.
Evaluation of the R-B system for the identification of enterobacteriacease.

Four hundred fifteen clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were identified by conventional methods and by the R-B system. There was complete agreement between the two methods with 412 (99%) of these isolates. There was also agreement with eleven stock cultures of Salmonella, Arizona, and Shigella. The times required to inoculate and identify the isolates with the two systems were similar. The motility reaction in the R-B system was not reliable, but false-negative reactions did not result in incorrect identification of the organisms. Occasional false-negative phenylalanine deaminase and indole tests were noted. The authors conclude that the R-B system is an acceptable alternative to the other methods employed in this study for identification of Enterobacteriaceae.
Genetic Differences between Douglas-fir Beetles (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) from Idaho and Coastal Oregon

The Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), attacks Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) var. menziesii along the Pacific coast and var. glauca in inland areas. In addition to wide geographic separation in association with these host varieties, coastal and inland Douglas-fir beetle populations appear to differ in the production of, and response to, certain pheromones and other chemicals. To assess the degree of genetic divergence between coastal and inland Douglas-fir beetles, samples from coastal Oregon and northern Idaho were subjected to genetic analysis using starch gel electrophoresis. Isozymes produced by 13 gene loci were examined in both populations. Results suggest that differentation at least to the point of race formation has occurred between the 2 groups.
Writing to inform: Making it readable

Persons who write to inform others need to consider how readable their writing will be. The issue breaks down into two sub-questions; predicting how readable an existing piece of writing will be, and producing a readable piece of writing. Exact answers to these complex questions cannot be given, but research has begun to provide some useful suggestions which can help to make writing more efficient to read, easier to understand, and more likely to be accepted.
Multimodality imaging of foreign bodies in and around the heart

Foreign objects are occasionally seen on computed tomography and could pose a diagnostic challenge to the radiologist and clinicians. It is important to recognize, characterize and localize these objects and determine their clinical significance. Most foreign objects in and around the heart are the result of direct penetrating injury or represent venous embolization to the heart. Foreign objects may cause symptoms and require prompt medical attention or maybe asymptomatic. Clinicians should be familiar with foreign objects that are encountered and understand treatment options. This paper looks at some of foreign objects that can be found and correlates with pathology where possible.
Monitoring and Analysis on Antibiotics Resistance and Biofilm Production of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci Isolated from Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVE To investigate antibiotic resistance, β-lactamase and biofilm production of coagulase negative staphylococci(CNS) from pediatric patients.METHODS The GPI and GPS cards for VITEK32 auto-microbiology analyzer were used for identifying organism, detecting antibiotic resistance, β-lactamase and methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci(MRCNS ) .The biofilm production was detected by using the Congo Red agar method.RESULTS 426 CNS were collected, MRCNS were accounted for 87.32%, and the proportion of β-lactamase and biofilm production were 95.07% and 5.63%, respectively.MRCNS were closely correlated to positive β-lactamase.The resistance rates to ampicillin/sulbactam, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, pennicillin G, cefazolin were over 99%, 86.29% for erythromycin, 47.58% to 30.56% for gentamicin,ciprofloxacin, trimeth/sulfa, clindamycin and tetracycline, 8.87% to 1.14% for moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and rifampin.No CNS with resistance to vancomycin , nitrofurantoin and linezolid was found.There were statistically significant differences of resistances to ampicillin/sulbactam, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, pennicillin G, cefazolin, gentamicin and erythromycin between MRCNS and MSCNS.CONCLUSION Most of CNS isolated from pediatric patients are β-lactamase positive and multi-drug-resistannt.MRCNS show low incidence of biofilm production in this study.
Proboscideans (Mammalia) from the late Miocene of Akkașdağı, Turkey

The proboscidean remains discovered at Akkasdag ˘ i (late Miocene of Turkey) belong to two elephantoid species: Choerolophodon pentelici (Gaudry & Lartet, 1856) and " Tetralophodon" atticus (Wagner, 1857). This association was previously known in the Turolian locality of Pikermi.