cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hla and Invasive H. Flu Disease

We have studied HLA phenotypes of 20 Caucasian children who recovered from invasive H. flu disease. Fifteen of the children had meningitis, four had epiglottitis, and one had septicemia. HLA typing was done on lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood by ficoll-isopaque gradient centrifugation. A two-stage microcytotoxicity test (NIH technique) was performed, using 350 different mono and multispecific sera. Sera were obtained (a) locally, (b) from the serum bank of NIH and (c) from the 1975 American Workshop. Sixteen specificities could be detected at the A locus, 19 at the B locus and five at the C locus. The results were compared with those of 450 Caucasians from the New York Blood Bank data. HLA B12 was present in 45% of patients with H. flu disease compared with 23% of controls. X2 = 5.47 p <.025. Altered frequencies were also noted with HLA2 and HLA BW22 amongst the patient population, but these were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that susceptibility to invasive H. flu disease may be genetically determined. If these findings are confirmed, then a vaccine program for prevention of H. flu disease should give special emphasis to such genetically identifiable children.
Maternal Depressive Symptoms Following Autism Spectrum Diagnosis

The current study examined depressive symptoms, concerning the week following autism spectrum diagnosis and an average of 1.4 years later, in mothers (n = 75) of young children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Over three-quarters of mothers (78.7%) provided retrospective reports of clinically significant depressive symptoms regarding the week following their child’s ASD diagnosis, with some 37.3% continuing to report clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms at follow-up. Depressive symptoms immediately following diagnosis were not related to initial global characteristics of child functioning, but were related to reported child problem behaviors and financial barriers at follow-up. Results of this study underscore the importance of attention to caregiver distress and depression within models of autism detection and intervention.
An appraisal of the microinjection technique used in investigating sodium efflux in barnacle muscle fibers.

Die dargestellten Experimente zeigen, dass die Methode, welche durch Microinjection die Muskelfasern von Barnakel mit Na-22 beladt, keinen Schaden bewirkt, was die Efflux-Verhaltnisse fur Na anbelangt; zudem wird mit dieser Methode keine besonders durchlassige Muskelmembran erzeugt.
Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) as adjunctive treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report the use of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) as an adjunctive treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). DESIGN: Retrospective case review. METHODS: Institutional review board approval to review patient data was obtained for this retrospective study. Three patients underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as part of their treatment for PDR after informed consent was signed. Each patient also underwent fundus photographs before the bevacizumab injection and then one to three weeks after. RESULTS: All three patients showed complete regression of their neovascularization elsewhere (NVE) and neovascularization of the disk (NVD) between one and three weeks after injection. CONCLUSIONS: The speed and degree of neovascular regression after the injection of intravitreal bevacizumab may make this procedure an important adjunctive treatment in the management of selected cases with severe PDR.
Somatic and skeletally fixed carotenoids of t he purple hydrocoral, Allopora californica

1. 1. Of the copius carotenoids int he soft tissues of the purple coral, Allopora californica, nearly 70percent os astaxanthin, mainly unesterified. 2. 2. There are minor proportions of two other diketones, including free phoenicoxanthin, and some 15 pe cent of a polyhydroxy-β-carotene. 3. 3. The alakali-cleaned, purple aragonitic skelton, yielding, even when pulverized, no pigment to hot organic solvents, owes its colour tot he presence of astaxanthin firmly bonded to the calcareous deposit. 4. 4. This carotenoid was recoverable (1) by dissolving the carbonate in dilute acids, or (2) in violet, aqueous colloidal solution by metathesis of the calcium with oxalate or with di-sodium ethylenedinitrilotetraacetate.
Impact of Low-Intensity Hurricanes on Regional Economic Activity

Although low-intensity hurricanes cause far less structural damage than high-intensity hurricanes, these weaker hurricanes do impact regional economic activity through “business interruption.” Because the strike frequencies of low-intensity hurricanes are orders of magnitude greater than those of stronger storms, the cumulative impact of frequent “business interruption” may be significant. Using Chamber of Commerce survey data, we estimate industry-specific business interruption losses for three low-intensity hurricanes striking the Wilmington, N.C., region. The average, per-storm regional impacts of business interruption, including direct, indirect, and induced impacts, are equivalent to between 0.8 and 1.23% of annual regional output, between 1.11 and 1.63% of regional employment, and between 1.21 and 1.81% of annual indirect business taxes. While these per-storm losses may appear small, the high strike frequencies of low-intensity hurricanes produce a cumulative (in expectation) impact equivalent to a ...
Treating medieval manuscripts as fossils.

In treating vellum manuscripts as fossils, J. L. Cisne concludes that we possess a large portion of significant manuscripts that circulated in early medieval times (“How science survived: Medieval manuscripts' 'demography' and classic texts' extinction,” Reports, 25 Feb., p. [1305][1]). The
Developmental plasticity in the queen-polymorphic ant Temnothorax longispinosus

Females of social Hymenoptera show developmental plasticity in response to varying social and environmental conditions, though some species have strong genetic influences on the form of the female reproductives. In ants, a queen polymorphism can occur in which large queens initiate new colonies on their own, while small queens enter established nests. Most queen polymorphisms studied to date originate due to genetic differences between individuals of differing form. Here, we report on the development of female form in response to social factors within the nest in the queen-polymorphic ant Temnothorax longispinosus. Three queen size morphs occur: a rare large queen with higher fat stores that can found new colonies independently, a large queen that has low fat stores and is behaviorally flexible, and a small queen that rejoins the natal nest. Both in nesting units collected from the field and those reared in the lab, queen presence during larval development led to fewer larvae developing as gynes (virgin, winged queens), and most of those gynes were the small morph. This queen effect is transferred to developing gyne larvae by close, physical interaction between queens and workers, and causes slower larval development. We conclude that gyne size, and therefore reproductive behavior, in T. longispinosus is developmentally plastic in response to queen presence. Plasticity in reproductive behavior may be an adaptive response to the nest sites utilized by this species. T. longispinosus nests predominantly in acorns and hickory nuts, which can vary dramatically from 1 year to the next. Since queens are more likely to be present in each nesting unit when fewer nest sites are available, the queen effect that results in more small gynes produced links the expression of colony-founding traits to ecological conditions across habitat patches.
Sketching Child and Youth in the Seventh Moment

Over the last 20 years I have developed a process of inquiry that is consistent with the seventh moment, a term used in the early 2000s to describe qualitative research. I use the process, called sketching, to help understand child and youth care. I draw (write), juxtapose, and interpret sketches (short vignettes) that are based on my experiences. This article provides a personal account of how and why I developed the process, a few sketches, and some of the discoveries from my ongoing inquiry.
19F nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of some benzotrifluoride derivatives

Abstract 19F NMR chemical shifts for a number of para-substituted and meta-substituted benzotrifluoride derivatives are reported. The study includes results of the chemical shift dependence on solvent and electronic factors. These results are examined in terms of possible negative hyperconjugation and p−π interactions. The contribution of the paramagnetic term in the explanation of the 19F chemical shifts of the benzotrifluoride derivatives is discussed.
Cowgirls of the Rodeo: Pioneer Professional Athletes

They've earned standing ovations at Madison Square Garden, defeated men in head-to-head competition, and sometimes earned more money than their male counterparts. Cowgirls of the rodeo were America's first successful professional women athletes. Mary Lou LeCompte explores their lives, travails, and triumphs in this detailed study, explaining the cowgirls' struggle for inclusion, their success competing with men, and their appearances before presidents and royalty. She also writes - as the women spoke - candidly about the roles of marriage, divorce, education, and geography in shaping their careers. The early rodeo cowgirls were a unique group of independent western women who strove for careers as professional athletes during the late Victorian period and who achieved international stardom during the "Golden Age of Sport." LeCompte analyzes the factors that led to the near demise of women's rodeo events during World War II and the phenomenal success of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association in returning cowgirls to the top of the money lists during the past decade. The only book devoted exclusively to cowgirls who earned money as professional athletes, Cowgirls of the Rodeo recalls an extraordinary chapter in women's history as well as the history of American sport. It will enhance understanding of the larger issues of women in the American West and women in American sport.
Familial aggregation of hyperopia in an elderly population of siblings in Salisbury, Maryland

Purpose To determine whether hyperopia aggregates in families in an older mixed-race population. Design Cross-sectional familial aggregation study using sibships. Methods We recruited 759 subjects (mean age, 73.4 years) in 241 families through the population-based Salisbury Eye Evaluation study. Subjects underwent noncycloplegic refraction if best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was ≤20/40, had lensometry to measure their currently worn spectacles if BCVA was >20/40 with spectacles, or were considered to be plano (refraction of zero) if the BCVA was >20/40 without spectacles. Preoperative refraction from medical records was used for bilaterally pseudophakic subjects. Results Utilizing hyperopia cutoffs from 1.00 to 2.50 diopters, age-, race-, and gender-adjusted odds ratios for hyperopia with an affected sibling ranged from 2.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84–4.01) to 4.87 (95% CI, 2.54–9.30). The odds of hyperopia increased with age until 75 years, after which they remained relatively constant. Black men were significantly less likely to be hyperopic than white men, white women, or black women. Conclusions Hyperopia appears to be under strong genetic control in this older population.
Enthalpies of a binary alloy during solidification

The purpose of the paper is to present a method of calculating the enthalpy of a dendritic alloy during solidification. The enthalpies of the dendritic solid and interdendritic liquid of alloys of the Pb-Sn system are evaluated, but the method could be applied to other binaries, as well. The enthalpies are consistent with a recent evaluation of the thermodynamics of Pb-Sn alloys and with the redistribution of solute in the same during dendritic solidification. Because of the heat of mixing in Pb-Sn alloys, the interdendritic liquid of hypoeutectic alloys (Pb-rich) of less than 50 wt pct Sn has enthalpies that increase as temperature decreases during solidification.
Fine Structure of the Mesothelia and Extracellular Materials in the Coelomic Fluid of the Fin Boxes, Myocoels and Sclerocoels of a Lancelet, Branchiostoma floridae (Cephalochordata = Acrania)

Three ontogenetically related coeloms of a lancelet are described by transmission electron microscopy. The fin box coeloms are lined dorsally and laterally by smooth myomesothelial cells of uncertain function. In contrast, there are no myofilaments in the mesothelial cells of the ventral parts of the fin boxes. Similarly, myofilaments are absent from the mesothelia lining all parts of the sclerocoels and the lateral parts of the myocoels (the medial side of the myocoel is a myomesothelium comprising the striated muscles of the body wall). Lancelet coeloms differ from those of other deuterostomes in containing several kinds of formed extracellular materials. All three kinds of coeloms contain distinctive spherules with ramifying processes; dense strands are limited to the myocoels and sclerocoels; and a finely granular secretion is found only at the coelomic surface of the mesothelium lining the sclerocoels. These extracellular materials, which appear to originate from exocytosis of secretory granules from the mesothelial cells, may function biomechanically and for energy storage. The discussion includes a consideration of the so-called fin rays of lancelets and concludes that none of these structures is homologous with the fin rays of fish.
40Ar/39Ar dating of Late Permian evaporites, southeastern New Mexico, USA

40Ar/39Ar dating of the potassium–magnesium sulfate mineral langbeinite from Permian evaporites of the Salado formation near Carlsbad, New Mexico, provides quantitative evidence that some salts in these deposits have not recrystallized for 251 Myr since deposition. Survival of Permian salts supports the possibility that Bacillus bacteria recovered from nearby halite was isolated in a closed system and represents a sample of uncontaminated Permian life. Local recrystallization of langbeinite and other nearby minerals is also indicated by the dating, suggesting both the need and the opportunity to document closed system behavior more rigorously. The shoaling and desiccation event recorded by the Salado formation began at least 1 Myr before the Permian–Triassic boundary. Temporal correlation of the Salado with the Zechstein evaporites of north-central Europe supports previously inferred regression models for the origin of these deposits. Significant paleoenvironmental change at the Permian–Triassic boundary thus occurred on a time scale more protracted than that implied by geologically instantaneous events such as bolide impacts.
The vanishing firefly project: engaging citizen scientists with a mobile technology and real-time reporting framework

Fireflies are a unique part of the natural landscape at a global scale. Urban development and changes in the landscape can negatively affect firefly distribution and abundance. Assessment of firefly abundance through counts of bioluminescence flashes provides an environmental quality indicator that can be easily observed and quantified by citizen scientists. Researchers at Clemson University, collaborating with resources managers, educators and teachers initiated the Vanishing Firefly Project to engage citizen scientists with the following goals: (1) Science Inquiry-Engage citizens in scientific practices to understand the impacts of urbanization on environmental quality; (2) Service Learning-Increase the skill of citizens in making critical, scientific and informed decisions through community and service activities; (3) Sustainability-Protect natural habitats through effective land and resource management practices and (4) Stewardship-Provide opportunities for citizens to participate in environmental and sustainability studies and activities. The project began in 2010, and was initially a Field Day located in Georgetown, South Carolina, USA. Since then, the project has grown from a single day event, to a statewide field survey, and now a global event in 2014. The 2010 efforts were local and to realize our goals would require increasing citizen science participation from one location in South Carolina to a regional scale. Several issues were to be addressed that varied from technology development, data quality and management, citizen scientist training and motivation for volunteers. Our initial technology framework consisted of a single Google Docs webform that allowed users to submit their firefly counts, but we had no ability to engage volunteers during and after the initial submission. The technology framework at this time (2014) now consists of an iOS app, Android app and a webform that submit firefly counts, firefly behavior, ambient light measurements (iOS and Android app only) and habitat type to a real-time reporting and geospatial data management system. Our efforts have leveraged social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to support training, education and engagement. This paper describes project activities focusing on how our technology framework has developed and matured to increase the scope, reach and capability of citizen scientists participating in the Vanishing Firefly Project.
Heuristiques et biais décisionnels en marketing

La theorie economique classique offre une perspective principalement normative de la prise de decision. La psychologie cognitive et sociale en offre une perspective essentiellement descriptive. Cet article presente une synthese structuree d'un troisieme courant de recherches, situe au croisement des deux courants precedents, et connu sous le nom de ‘ Theorie du comportement decisionnel ’. (Behavioral Decision Theory). Ces recherches montrent que les preneurs de decisions s'ecartent souvent des normes prescrites par la theorie economique. Cet article en explique les raisons et explore ce que ces recherches impliquent pour la prise de decision en marketing.
Life-threatening dog attacks: A devastating combination of penetrating and blunt injuries

Abstract Background/Purpose: Children often are the victims of dog attacks. Although bite injuries sustained in an attack characteristically are attributed to the penetrating component of the bite, the blunt nature of a bite may represent the most serious and devastating component of injury. The purpose of this study was to characterize a group of children suffering life-threatening dog bites and examine the predominant aspect of injury. Methods: Thirty-nine children were admitted to the trauma service at a regional pediatric trauma center with the diagnosis of dog bite injury over a 6-year period (1994 through 1999). Patient demographics, site and description of injury, and surgical procedures performed were recorded from a chart review. Results: Mean age of the 35 children included for analysis was 5.4 years (range, 0.8 to 17 years). Twenty-five (71%) injuries occurred in the head and neck region. Eight (23%) children sustained life-threatening injuries. Of these, blunt force was the predominant injury in 6. This resulted in 1 (20%) arterial occlusion requiring vascular reconstruction, 2 (40%) permanent neurologic injuries (stroke, spinal cord transection), and 1 (20%) death (exsanguination). Conclusions: On evaluation of a dog attack, the focus generally is on the obvious penetrating aspect of the bite. Yet, we found the blunt component of injury can have devastating consequences reflected in acute arterial, brain, and spinal cord injury. Even in the absence of significant penetrating trauma, further evaluation should be considered to exclude occult blunt arterial or neurologic injury. J Pediatr Surg 36:1115-1117. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Electroactive metallomacromolecules via tetrabis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes: Dendritic nanonetworks toward constitutional isomers and neutral species without external counterions

The concept of dendritic networks via four bis(2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridine)ruthenium(II) connectivities was utilized to create “dendritic methane”-type metallomacromolecules. In addition, two structurally isomeric metallodendrimers (16 and 17) were designed, synthesized, and characterized. These two isomers were spectrally alike and displayed very similar physical and chemical properties; however, the internal density and void regions of these molecules were differentiated by cyclic voltammetry. The effects of the bulkiness of internal and external dendritic branches on the terpyridine−ruthenium complexes are described. A similar synthetic strategy allowed the preparation of two generations of neutral metallomacromolecules (33 and 36) possessing no external counterions. The benefits of these internally charge-balanced, neutral species are described, and the effects of increasing dendritic branching on their electrochemical behavior are detailed.
Why Not Non-native Varieties of English as Listening Comprehension Test Input?

The existence of different varieties of English in target language use (TLU) domains calls into question the usefulness of listening comprehension tests whose input is limited only to a native spea...
Performance and optimization of direct implicit particle simulation

Performance characteristics obtained from particle simulations using the direct implicit method are presented. Parameter studies of simulation behavior for an expanding plasma slab have been made determining code performance as functions of ..omega../sub p//sub e/..delta..t and ..delta..x/lambda/sub D//sub e/, where ..omega../sub p//sub e/ is the plasma frequency, lambda/sub D//sub e/ is the electron Debye length, ..delta..t is the time step, and ..delta..x is the grid spacing. A range of time steps ..omega../sub p//sub e/..delta..tless than or equal to200 and mesh sizes ..delta..x/lambda/sub D//sub e/less than or equal to100 were explored. Accurate results for low-frequency phenomena resolved by the time step can be obtained without limit on ..omega../sub p//sub e/..delta..t in this range (and higher) with a careful choice of algorithms. This choice of algorithms defeats a potential nonlinear instability that occurs when (..omega../sub p//sub e/..delta..t)/sup 2/ exceeds the number of particles per cell. copyright 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Brain-plasma distribution of free and total benzodiazepines in dogs physically dependent on different doses of diazepa

Steady-state levels of oxazepam (OX), nordiazepam (ND), and diazepam (DZ) in plasma, brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and intracranial microdialysis perfusate were determined in dogs dependent on 0.56, 4.5, 9, and 36 mg/kg per day of DZ. There was a linear relationship between the total plasma and brain levels of DZ, ND, and OX and the chronic dose of DZ. Levels of free benzodiazepines in plasma and CSF and levels in microdialysis perfusates from plasma and brain were significantly correlated. With increasing dependence on DZ there was progressively more free ND and OX and less free DZ in plasma, CSF, and brain. There was a correlation between several signs of precipitated abstinence and free ND in the brain interstitial fluid, whereas convulsions emerged only when free metabolites exceeded free DZ. The changes in contribution of free DZ, ND, and OX to the overall levels of benzodiazepines present in the CNS may explain differences in signs of abstinence for different levels of dependence on DZ.
A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and lymphoid malignancies

Abstract Purpose Establishing a causal relationship between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and risk of specific lymphoid cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and multiple myeloma (MM), would be useful for risk assessment. Methods This article systematically and critically reviews epidemiologic studies of the association between exposure to TCDD or TCDD-contaminated herbicides and risk of lymphoid malignancies. These include studies of military, industrial, accidental environmental, and general environmental exposure to Agent Orange or TCDD. Results Collectively, the epidemiologic evidence from industrial cohorts suggests a positive association with NHL mortality, but results are not consistent across other studies, a clear exposure-response gradient is not evident, and data are insufficient to conclude that the association is causal. Furthermore, available studies provide little information on NHL incidence or specific NHL subtypes. Epidemiologic studies do not show an association of TCDD exposure with HL, whereas the indication of a positive association with MM in a limited number of studies, but not others, remains to be confirmed in additional research. Exposure classification error and small numbers are important limitations of the available epidemiologic studies. Conclusions Overall, a causal effect of TCDD on NHL, HL, MM, or subtypes of these lymphoid malignancies has not been established.
Antiferromagnetic Structure of CrN

Chromium nitride, crystallizing with the rock salt structure, has been found to be antiferromagnetic with a N\'eel point of 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The magnetic ordering scheme, as determined by neutron diffraction, is that of the fourth kind, with moments arranged in double ferromagnetic sheets which alternate along a line parallel to a face-diagonal. The structure is orthorhombic below the transition and the space group Pnma has been tentatively assigned. The atomic displacements accompanying the distortion have been partially determined from the diffraction data and are discussed in relation to the magnetic structure. A value of 2.4 \ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\beta} has been assigned to the Cr moment; the moment direction is parallel to the $b$ axis of the orthorhombic cell (face-diagonal of the cube).
Broadwall slot coupling into butt-ended waveguide

We present an analysis of a slot cut in a broadwall of a rectangular waveguide, coupling into a semiinfinite rectangular waveguide capped by a conducting transverse plate containing the slot. Slots coupling into butt-ended waveguides are employed in test fixtures in slot array applications. Pertinent integral equations for the slot-aperture electric field are solved by the method of moments, and scattering characteristics of slot couplers for butt-ended guides are deduced. Numerical results indicate limitations of these couplers for applications involving reduced-height guides. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Parallel hydrolysis paths for nucleophilic displacement on a phosphonofluoridate

Abstract Organophosphonofluoridates [CH 3 (OR)P(O)F] are potent neurotoxins. In aqueous solutions these compounds hydrolyze to release fluoride and form the corresponding O -alkyl methylphosphonic acid. Recently we examined the hydrolysis of O -isopropyl t -butylphosphonofluoridate ( I ) which was reputed to be relatively nontoxic relative to O -isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (sarin). The hydrolysis of I was measured with 31 P NMR at 20°C in buffered solutions with pH values of 4.0, 7.2, 9.2, and 10.0, respectively. At pH 10, I hydrolyzed approximately 4000 times slower than sarin. In addition I hydrolyzed by parallel reaction paths producing both O -isopropyl t -butylphosphonic acid and t -butylphosphonofluoridic acid. Below pH 9, the latter product predominates. To our knowledge this is the first example of parallel hydrolysis paths above pH 7 for a phosphonofluoridate.
Polarimetric radar imaging of the atmosphere

This paper deals with a new scheme of mapping the atmosphere using a wide band radar system where broad band noise is transmitted instead of single frequency. This type of radar system makes it possible to map the atmosphere with a single pulse and to observe fast changing features of atmosphere like lightning discharge and associated features. Three dimensional range-time plots and polarization signal statistics are presented to illustrate the advantages of this technique.
The triplet state of matrix isolated thiazole

Abstract The phosphorescence of thiazole, C 3 H 3 NS, in the 3800–5000 A region was studied in Ne, Ar, Xe, SF 6 and CH 4 matrices at 4°K. Lifetimes ranged from 70 msec in Xe to 2 sec in neon. The phosphorescence intensity of thiazole in Xe and SF 6 was measured as a function of temperature. In both cases, up to 0.4 of the matrix melting point, a reversible intensity decrease was observed with increasing temperature. The effect of a 28 kG magnetic field on the lifetimes was studied in all matrices.
Inspiratory-phase short time scale synchrony in the brainstem slice is generated downstream of the pre-Bötzinger complex.

Respiratory neurons are synchronized on a long time scale to generate inspiratory and expiratory-phase activities that are critical for respiration. Long time scale synchrony within the respiratory network occurs on a time scale of more than hundreds of milliseconds to seconds. During inspiration, neurons are synchronized on a short time scale to produce synchronous oscillations, which shape the pattern of inspiratory motor output. This latter form of synchrony within the respiratory network spans a shorter time range of tens of milliseconds. In the neonatal mouse rhythmically active medullary slice preparation, we recorded bilateral inspiratory activity from hypoglossal (XII) rootlets to study where in the slice synchronous oscillations are generated. Based on previous work that proposed the origin of these oscillations, we tested the pre-Botzinger complex (PreBotC) and the XII motor nucleus. Unilateral excitation of the PreBotC, via local application of a perfusate containing high K+, increased mean inspiratory burst frequency bilaterally (296±66%; n=10, P<0.01), but had no effect on the relative power of oscillations. In contrast, unilateral excitation of the XII nucleus increased both mean peak integrated activity bilaterally (ipsilateral: 41±10%, P<0.01; contralateral: 17±7%; P<0.05, n=10) and oscillation power in the ipsilateral (50±17%, n=7, P<0.05), but not in the contralateral rootlet. Cross-correlation analysis of control inspiratory activity recorded from the left and right XII rootlets produced cross-correlation histograms with significant peaks centered around a time lag of zero and showed no subsidiary harmonic peaks. Coherence analysis of left and right XII rootlet recordings demonstrated that oscillations are only weakly coherent. Together, the findings from local application experiments and cross-correlation and coherence analyses indicate that short time scale synchronous oscillations recorded in the slice are likely generated in or immediately upstream of the XII motor nucleus.
Simultaneous Corneal Laceration Repair, Cataract Removal, and Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation

Frequently, patients with lens laceration or traumatic cataract coincident with corneal laceration, or both, must undergo two separate procedures—primary repair of the corneal laceration and secondary lens removal with or without intraocular lens implantation. We performed simultaneous corneal laceration repair, extracapsular cataract extraction, and posterior chamber lens implantation in seven patients with lacerating ocular injuries who met inclusion criteria for this procedure. With average follow-up of 10½ months, all seven patients achieved visual acuity of 20/40 or better with spectacle correction. YAG posterior capsulotomy was the only additional procedure. One patient had macular pigmentation consistent with either traumatic or photic maculopathy. There were no other complications attributable to the surgical procedures. We believe that certain lacerating injuries of the anterior segment are particularly amenable to cataract extraction and lens implantation at the time of primary laceration repair. This approach obviates additional operative and anesthetic risks, while affording more timely visual rehabilitation.
Synapsin I bundles F-actin in a phosphorylation-dependent manner

Synapsin I is a neuron-specific phosphoprotein localized to the cytoplasmic surface of synaptic vesicles. This phosphoprotein is a major substrate for cyclic AMP-dependent and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. Its state of phosphorylation can be altered both in vivo and in vitro by a variety of physiological and pharmacological manipulations known to affect synaptic function. Recent direct evidence suggests that it may be involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release from the nerve terminal. In the nerve terminal, synaptic vesicles are embedded in a cytoskeletal network, consisting in part of actin. We report here the ability of the dephospho-form of synapsin I to bundle F-actin. This bundling activity is reduced when synapsin I is phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and virtually abolished when it is phosphorylated by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II or by both kinases. These results, demonstrating an interaction of synapsin I with actin in vitro, support the possibility that synapsin I is involved in clustering of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminal and that the phosphorylation of synapsin I may be involved in regulating the translocation of synaptic vesicles to their sites of release.
Application of Isotope Dilution to Ion Trap Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Isotope dilution has been applied to an approach recently developed to quantify inorganic mercury compounds by ion trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In this approach, a chemical al...
Two-dimensional simulations of biofilm development: effects of external environmental conditions

A new approach to biofilm modeling based on cellular automata was described. Simple, local rules governing cell growth and erosion generated self-organized biofilm structures. In numerical experiments, the morphologies of simulated biofilms depended primarily on the thickness of the concentration boundary layer that controlled the external mass transfer. The bulk nutrient concentration had a weaker influence. For thin boundary layers, compact, dense base biofilms were generated. Thick boundary layers produced ramified, dendritic structures with higher porosities. For the same value of a critical bulk nutrient concentration, biofilm structures, generated in individual simulations, varied randomly between two very different outcomes: a dense, thick layer or almost complete erosion.
Kinetic studies in mass spectrometry—V: Evaluation of wide range electron energy kinetics and metastable ion relative abundance techniques, and the structures of [XC6H4CH2]+ ions generated from substituted benzyl phenyl ethers and toluenes

The problem of ion structure and energy is discussed briefly and attention directed to the existence of two types of structural information. Studies of ion formation reactions bear on the initial structure of the ion, whereas decomposition reactions relate to the ion at a later time, after structural rearrangement has had chance to occur. The desirability of conducting both types of investigation concurrently is emphasized. Of the available experimental methods at this time, kinetic measurements for formation studies and metastablel ion relative abundances for decomposition studies have been utilized, although other techniques may eventually prove preferable in the future. The [M – Y] reaction of a series of substituted benzyl substrates XC6H4CH2Y, where Y = OC6H5 and H, has been examined, and the present results are compared with previous work on ion structure and energy in this area, with the aim of evaluating the potential of the newer techniques.
Nonphysiological Left Heart AV Intervals as a Result of DDD and AAI “Physiological” Pacing

DDD and AAI pacemakers are considered physiological, since they preserve atrioventricular (AV) synchrony. Artificial pacing, however, is performed largely from right heart chambers, causing aberrant depolarization pathways. Pacing at the right atrial appendage (RAP) is known to delay left atrial contraction due to interatrial conduction time (IACT), and right ventricular (RV) apical pacing (RVP) delays left ventricular (LV) contraction due to interventricular conduction time (IVCT). These delays may render the left heart AV intervals (LAV) either too short or too long, thus affecting LV systolic function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the actual LAV intervals during conventional, right heart AAI and DDD pacing. Resulting LAV intervals were compared to programmed AV values during all DDD pacing modalities. Ten patients with DDD and six patients with AAI pacemakers were studied. IACT was measured from the atrial spike to the onset of left P wave, as recorded by an esophageal lead. Systolic time intervals were measured using either a carotid pulse tracing or a densitogram (photoplethysmography). LV function was appraised by measuring rate-corrected LV ejection time (LVETc). IVCT was measured indirectly as the lengthening of LV preejection period (PEP) caused by RV pacing, as compared to normal depolarization pathway. Intrinsic IACT and IVCT were considered zero. Right heart AV intervals (RAV) were measured from surface ECG and LAVs were calculated according to the following equations: Sinus Rhythm: LAV = RAV; Atrial Pace + Ventricular Sense: LAV = RAV - IACT; Atrial Sense + Ventricular Pace: LAV = RAV + IVCT; Sequential AV Pace: LAV = RAV - IACT + IVCT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sentencing Versus Prosecutorial Discretion: the Application of a New Disparity Measure

While the term disparity arises naturally and is used frequently in discussions of discretion and fairness in criminal processing, little attention has been given to formulating precise quantitative indicators of it.This article illustrates the application of a recently developed technique for measuring disparity. Prosecutorial and sentencing decisions governing the dispositions of 2,234 convicted felons in a single jurisdiction were used to esti mate the amount of variability in sanction severity attributable to (1) "legit imate" factors of offense seriousness and prior record, (2) sentencing discre tion, and (3) prosecutorial discretion.Approximately one-half of the total variability in sanctions was at tributable to offense seriousness and prior record. Under the assumption that all of the remaining, unexplained variation could be attributed to sentencing and plea bargaining discretion, it was found that sentencing decisions ac counted for a substantially greater proportion of variability than did plea...
Carbon monoxide restructuring of palladium crystallite surfaces

Six palladium on alumina catalysts were prepared with dispersions between 3 and 86%. Over several cycles of carbon monoxide exposure at 25°C and reduction at 300°C, the carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrogen adsorption capacities decreased by 20 to 50%. The loss of surface sites was higher on the small crystallites. The adsorption capacity recovered with oxidation at 550°C and reduction at 300°C. The carbon monoxide and oxygen treatments did not affect the hydrogen solubility in the palladium particles. However, infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed carbon monoxide revealed that the surface structure changed with the gas treatments. When the catalyst was converted from the carbon monoxide-exposed state to the oxidized state, the band at 1970 cm−1 for bridge-bonded carbon monoxide on (100) facets decreased, while the band at 2095 cm−1 for linearly bonded carbon monoxide on low-coordination sites increased. In some instances, the bands at 1995 and 1885 cm−1 increased after oxidation. These latter features are tentatively assigned to bridged and threefold-bridged bonded carbon monoxide adjacent to linearly bonded carbon monoxide on low coordination sites. A model is presented to explain these results: cycles of carbon monoxide exposure and reduction smooth the crystallite surfaces into well-ordered facets, whereas cycles of oxidation and reduction roughen the surfaces.
Localization of superantigen virulence factors in kidney tissue of animals with Staphylococcus aureus-infected burn wounds.

Gram-positive organisms are often found in association with burn wounds. A paucity of information exists regarding the accumulation and fate of virulence factors from these bacteria. The superantigenic exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus are potent immunomodulating proteins and have also been described to localize in the kidney. The aim of this work was to demonstrate renal accumulation of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in a methicillin-resistant S. aureus burn wound infection. Twelve Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to partial-thickness burns (2 × 2 cm) using an aluminum billet. On postburn day 1, the wounds were inoculated with a toxin-producing strain of methicillin-resistant Skin biopsies and serum were obtained on postburn days 3, 6, and 10 along with necropsies for three animals each day. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify amounts of TSST-1 and SEB. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize SEB, TSST-1, and cleaved caspase-3 in renal tissue, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess erythropoietin and endothelin-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in renal tissue. Baseline skin and plasma levels of TSST-1 and SEB were not detectable. Skin biopsy TSST-1 levels were detected on all postburn days and peaked at a mean value of 39.35 ng/ml on day 6; SEB was found in the skin and kidney only on postburn days 6 and 10. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of renal tissue for TSST-1 and SEB demonstrated significantly higher (P < .05) mean toxin concentrations on postburn day 10: 10.87 ng/ml for TSST-1 and 0.67 ng/ml for SEB. Immunohistochemistry of renal tissue demonstrated increased stain intensity for SEB, TSST-1, and cleaved caspase-3 over time. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated decreased expression erythropoietin mRNA and increased expression of endothelin-1 mRNA relative to negative controls (P < .01). In a burn wound infection model that is nonlethal and lacks bacteremia, TSST-1 and SEB traverse cutaneous wounds and localize to the kidney. These potent virulence factors may contribute to the induction of apoptosis, and may alter homeostasis via renal pathophysiology.
Nesiritide Improves Hemodynamics in Children with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study

Background This study aimed to obtain hemodynamic measurements of nesiritide in children with dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit at the University of California, Los Angeles. All subjects younger than 21 years admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and submitted to cardiac catheterization were randomized to receive either nesiritide or placebo. Right heart catheterization with Swan-Ganz catheter placement was performed. Nesiritide was infused over 24 h. Hemodynamic data were obtained before, during, and after the 24-h nesiritide infusion. The measures obtained included pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), central venous pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP), cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance. Results The study included 20 children: 9 randomized to nesiritide and 11 to placebo. At 24 h, the mean decreases in PCWP, MPAP, and SBP were significantly greater for nesiritide than for placebo: PCWP (–5.3 vs. 1.2 mmHg; p = 0.02), MPAP (–8.0 vs. 0.4 mmHg; p = 0.006), SBP (–7.9 vs. 2.6 mmHg; p = 0.04). Conclusions Nesiritide significantly decreases PCWP, MPAP, and SBP in children with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Barriers and facilitators of colon cancer screening among patients at faith-based neighborhood health centers.

We determined the barriers to and facilitators of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among two faith-based, inner city neighborhood health centers in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Data from a random sample of patients 50 years and older (n=375) were used to estimate logistic regression equations to compare and contrast the predictors of four different CRC screening protocols: (1) fecal occult blood test (FOBT) ≤ 2 years ago, (2) colonoscopy ≤ 10 years ago, (3) lower endoscopy (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) ≤ 10 years ago, and (4) any of these screening measures. Racial differences (between African Americans or Caucasians) in type of colon cancer screening were not found. Controlling for covariates, logistic regression equations showed that a physician’s support of colon cancer screening was positively associated with the receipt of colonoscopy (OR: 19.47, 95 CI: 5.45–69.54), lower endoscopy (OR: 10.96, 95 CI: 3.77–31.88) and any colon cancer screening (OR: 10.12, 95 CI: 3.36–30.46). Patients who see their physicians more frequently were also more likely to be screened for CRC. Unlike other studies, the faith-based environment in which these patients are treated may explain the lack of racial disparity specific to our measures of CRC screening.
Saturating syntax: Linkers and modification in Tagalog

Abstract Not all instances of composition are saturating in the sense of functional application (McNally, in press). For example, intersective modification with adjectives or relative clauses requires a non-saturating mode of composition (cf., e.g., Chung and Ladusaw, 2004). To account for such semantic configurations, composition rules like Predicate Modification (Heim and Kratzer, 1998) or Restrict (Chung and Ladusaw, 2004) have been posited. In Tagalog, wherever we find instances of non-saturating composition, we also find the element na /- ng , known in the Austronesian literature as linker . Sabbagh (2009, fn.31) points out that linker may be analyzed either as a semantically vacuous element serving as a “morphological flag” for non-saturating composition (in the style of Chung and Ladusaw, 2004, or as an operator of type 〈 et , et 〉 that composes with a predicate and adds the “instruction” to compose its output with another predicate via a non-saturating composition rule. Both options leave us with the need for a specialized composition rule in addition to functional application so that two properties may compose in the semantics. Alternatively, Rubin (1994) proposes that the grammar supplies a functional head of type 〈 et , 〈 et , et 〉〉 that composes with two predicates and returns a single predicate denoting the intersection of both – a head that does the work of modification. Following Rubin, we argue that in Tagalog this element is realized overtly as linker . Adopting this latter proposal allows us to simplify the compositional mechanism so that it need not rely on specific processes for modification in addition to functional application. It also makes strong predictions, consistent with the data, about the environments in which we expect linker to appear. We explore the possibility of expanding the predictive power of our account of linker such that modification is implicated wherever it surfaces.
Evidence that the ATP binding site of sarcoplasmic reticulum CaATPase has a Mg(2+) ion binding sub-site.

Abstract The CaATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum was specifically labeled in the ATP binding site with fluorescein isothiocyanate under gentle conditions (pH 7·5). Fluorescence energy transfer from the attached fluorescein to Nd 3+ indicated that a cation binding site was about 1·0 nm away from the fluorescein. Thus it appears that the ATP site includes a cation binding site. At 25°C in 0·5 M KCl, the association constants for Nd 3+ , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ were 3·3×10 5 M −1 , 84 M −1 and 35 M −1 , respectively, making it possible that, in vivo , the site binds Mg 2+ .