cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ethnographic approach to understanding service use among ethnically diverse low income families

Poverty is linked to disparity in families access to basic human services and an incapacity to fulfill basic needs. The study described in this paper uses a qualitative research design to address the ecology of service use in the family within the broader social and physical environment. While the focus of this paper relates to the methodology of the study, some substantive results are used for illustrative purposes. Through an in-depth study of families in the contexts of their neighborhoods, our task is to search for patterns and their meanings. This process may uncover the motives and beliefs underlying service use and access among the families in our study.
p16INK4a downregulation is involved in immortalization of primary human prostate epithelial cells induced by telomerase

Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer death among male population. Therefore, development of appropriate model systems is critical for understanding the molecular basis of prostate cancer progression. In this study, introduction of human telomerase (hTERT) into normal human prostate epithelial cells (PrECs) renders them higher telomerase activity, elongated telomere length and an extended proliferative lifespan. The immortal mass culture of PrEC–hTERT cell line with stabilized telomere length has been established using hTERT transfection. However, activation of hTERT alone appears to be insufficient for immortalization of PrEC cells because methylation of p16INK4a promoter has been found to be involved in the immortalization process. p53 was functionally intact and no mutations of p53 gene were identified in the immortalized PrECs. In addition, the immortal PrECs show a near diploid complement of chromosomes albeit a few reciprocal and non-reciprocal translocations are identified. They are anchorage dependent and do not form tumors in immunosuppressed host animals. Therefore, premalignantly transformed human PrECs provide a valuable model for prostate cancer research. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Efficient Polymer Solar Cells Based on the Copolymers of Benzodithiophene and Thienopyrroledione

A low band gap polymer based on the copolymerization between benzodithiophene and thieno-pyrroledione units has been investigated in both conventional and inverted polymer bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic cells. High power conversion efficiencies of more than 4% in both device structures were demonstrated.
Integrated phenomenological analysis of containment response to severe core damage accidents

Abstract Analysis of physical and radiological conditions inside the containment building during a severe (coremelt) nuclear reactor accident requires quantitative evaluation of numerous highly disparate yet coupled phenomenologies. These include two-phase thermodynamics and thermal-hydraulics, aerosol physics, fission product phenomena, core-concrete interactions, the formation and combustion of flammable gases, and performance of engineered safety features. In the past, this complexity has meant that a complete containment analysis would require application of suites of separate computer codes each of which would treat only a narrower subset of these phenomena, e.g. a thermal-hydraulics code, an aerosol code, a core-concrete interaction code, etc. In this paper, we describe the development and some recent applications of the CONTAIN code, which offers an integrated treatment of the dominant containment phenomena and the interactions among them. We describe the results of a series of containment phenomenology studies, based upon realistic accident sequence analyses in actual plants, which highlight various phenomenological effects that have potentially important implications for source term and/or containment loading issues, and which are difficult or impossible to treat using a less integrated code suite. Results are also presented for applications of CONTAIN to the quantitative estimation of uncertainties in the source term which arise because of uncertainties in containment phenomenology. Taken together, the results described here show that analyses with nonintegrated, separate-effects codes can neglect interactions that are important to the source term and, furthermore, it is impossible to generalize whether the errors in such treatments would be ‘conservative’ or ‘nonconservative’. In many cases, it was not possible to predict in advance whether the phenomenological couplings would prove important or what the nature of their effects would be; the integrated treatment was required in order to obtain even qualitative answers to these questions. It is concluded, therefore, that integrated phenomenological analysis will play an increasingly important role as the technology for severe accident analysis matures.
Dissonance prevention program decreases thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dieting, negative affect, and bulimic symptoms: A preliminary experiment.

Objective Because psychoeducational primary prevention programs for eating disorders have met with little success, this preliminary experiment tested a dissonance-based targeted preventive intervention. Method Female undergraduates (N = 30) with elevated body image concerns were assigned to a three-session intervention, wherein they voluntarily argued against the thin ideal, or a delayed-intervention control condition. Participants completed a baseline, termination, and a 1-month follow-up survey. Results The intervention resulted in a subsequent decrease in thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dieting, negative affect, and bulimic symptomatology, with most changes remaining at the 1-month follow-up. Discussion These preliminary results suggest that this dissonance-based targeted prevention intervention reduces bulimic pathology and known risk factors for eating disturbances, and provide experimental support for the claim that thin-ideal internalization contributes to body dissatisfaction, dieting, negative affect, and bulimic symptoms. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 27: 206–217, 2000.
Perspective on the development of nuclear physics in the past 100 years.

Abstract The course of nuclear physics is reviewed in the period from just before Hideki Yukawa's birth through the middle of the 20th century. Some information on Yukawa's first paper is presented. Then some general observations about the present state of the field of nuclear physics and of science are given.
Structure and development of viruses observed in the electron microscope. II. Vaccinia and fowl pox viruses.

Vaccinia and fowl pox viruses were visualized by the electron microscope in sections of infected chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryos. The viruses were of similar structure and size, averaging 200 x 300 mµ with considerable individual variation. Intracytoplasmic viral particles contained a dense, nucleus-like body (nucleoid) separated from granular material (viroplasm) by a zone of lesser density. They were enclosed by a single membrane. Near the surface of the host cell and in the extracellular space the particles consisted of a central body of variable shape and density enclosed by a double membrane. The initial sites of development were confined to the cytoplasm of the host cell. Before release from the host cell the viral nucleoids appeared to enlarge and to occupy a central position within the particle, which became enclosed by a double limiting membrane. The brick-shaped forms found after removal of the embedding plastic from thick sections indicated that drying caused characteristic distortion of certain viral particles.
Annealed HAC mantles in diffuse dust clouds

Carbon grains in the diffuse cloud medium consist of HAC mantles accreted on to silicate-oxide cores. It is shown that laboratory data support a model in which the ratio of sp 3 to sp 2 hybridized carbon atoms is a function of the mantle temperature and varies from one interstellar cloud to another. Cold mantles are caracterized by a high proportion of sp 3 diamond-like carbon and a 3.4 μm absorption band in the spectrum of highly reddened field star. It is shown that the HAC model agrees with observations of the 3.4 μm absorption feature, provide that cold mantles have no more than 30% of the carbon atoms chemisorbed to hydrogen.
Electron-acoustic-phonon scattering rates in rectangular quantum wires.

Electron--acoustic-phonon scattering in a rectangular quantum wire is studied. The Hamiltonian describing the deformation-potential interaction of confined acoustic phonons with carriers is derived by quantizing the appropriate, experimentally verified approximate compressional acoustic-phonon modes in a free-standing rectangular quantum wire. The scattering rate due to the deformation-potential interaction is obtained for GaAs quantum wires with a range of cross-sectional dimensions. The results demonstrate that a proper treatment of confined acoustic phonons may be essential to correctly model electron scattering rates at low energies in nanoscale structures.
Hermitian quantile curves as statistical plots

Graphical tools such as Q-Q plots are integral parts of exploratory data analyses, and of the post-hoc analyses such as the residual analysis in regression modeling. In this note we offer some practical continuous and smooth continuous alternatives to various empirical plots. Specifically, the Hermitian quantile function estimator defined by Mudholkar et al. (1996) is employed for developing alternatives to the well known Q-Q plots, quantile-box plots, P-P plots, normal probability plots, and the plots involving the shift function and various symmetry functions.
Extracting Dirt From Water: A Strengths-Based Approach to Religion for African American Same-Gender-Loving Men

Religion is one of the most powerful and ubiquitous forces in African American same-gender-loving (SGL) men’s lives. Research indicates that it has both positive and negative influences on the health behaviors and outcomes of this population. This paper presents a review of the literature that examines religion as a risk and protective factor for African American SGL men. A strengths-based approach to religion that aims to utilize its protective qualities and weaken its relation to risk is proposed. Finally, recommendations are presented for the use of a strengths-based approach to religion in clinical work and research.
Production of Cytokines by Peripheral Blood Monocytes/Macrophages Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type I (HIV-I)

The study of monocyte/macrophage functions after human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection may help in understanding the pathogenesis of AIDS. The production of four cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), by peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages was evaluated after in vitro infection with HIV-1. HIV-1 infection of these monocytes/macrophages did not result in release of any of these cytokines. Similarly, treatment of uninfected cells with purified recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein did not result in cytokine production. After stimulation with endotoxin or endotoxin plus interferon-gamma, HIV-1-infected monocytes/macrophages produced amounts of TNF alpha, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IL-1 beta comparable to that of uninfected cells. HIV-1 infection does not appear to induce or alter cytokine production by mononuclear phagocytes, which retain the capacity to produce these cytokines after endotoxin stimulation.
How Grammatical Are 3-Year-Olds?

Purpose: This study investigated the level of grammatical accuracy in typically developing 3-year-olds and the types of errors they produce. Method: Twenty-two 3-year-olds participated in a picture description task. The percentage of grammatical utterances was computed and error types were analyzed. Results: The mean level of grammatical accuracy in typical 3-year-olds was E71%, with a wide range of variability. The current study revealed a variety of error types produced by 3-year-olds, most of which were produced by fewer than 5 children. The pattern observed for most of the children was to produce a scattering of errors with no more than a few of any 1 error type. Conclusion: The level of grammatical accuracy in 3-year-olds was skewed toward the high end. Although tense marking errors werethemost frequent errortype, theyaccountedfor only1/3of the errors produced by 3-year-olds. A more general measure of grammaticality that considers additional aspects of language might, therefore, be useful in assessing language at this age.
Flux analysis shows that hypoxia-inducible-factor-1-alpha minimally affects intracellular metabolism in tumor spheroids

Heterogeneous metabolic microenvironments in tumors affect local cell growth, survival, and overall therapeutic efficacy. Hypoxia-inducible-factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is a transcription factor that responds to low-oxygen environments by upregulating genes for cell survival and metabolism. To date, the metabolic effects of HIF-1alpha in three-dimensional tissue have not been investigated. Preliminary experiments have shown that the effects of HIF-1alpha are dependent on glucose availability. Based on this observation, we hypothesized that HIF-1alpha would not affect cell survival and metabolism in the center of spheroids, where the concentrations of oxygen and glucose are low, similar to hypoxic regions found in tumors. To test this hypothesis we used fluorescence microscopy and the tumor cylindroid model to quantify cellular viability in three-dimensional tissue. Isotope labeling and metabolic flux analysis were also used to quantity the intracellular metabolism of wild-type and HIF-1alpha-null spheroids. As hypothesized, cell survival and intracellular metabolism were not different between wild-type and HIF-1alpha-null tissues. In addition, small spheroids, which contain less quiescent cells and are less nutritionally limited, were found to have increased carbon flux through the biosynthetic pentose phosphate and pyruvate carboxylase pathways. These results show how nutrient gradients affect cell growth and metabolism in spheroids and suggest that metabolic microenvironment should be taken into account when developing HIF-1alpha-based therapies.
The spectral theory for a pencil of skewsymmetrical differential operators of the third order

We consider the linear algebra of a pair of skewsymmetrical forms in the space of periodic functions defined by differential operators. By linear transform in the space of functions we reduce this pair to the simplest possible form. In this process, we prove the theorem of reduction in rather general context. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Attitudes toward menopause among Mexican American women

An exploratory study was conducted to determine Mexican American women's attitudes toward menopause and the relationships between these attitudes and socioeconomic status, level of acculturation, meno‐pausal status, symptoms, self‐esteem, and social support. The sample included 130 Mexican American women who ranged in age from 28 to 75 years. Attitudes did not differ by socioeconomic status, menopausal status, or number and severity of symptoms. More positive attitudes were reported by less acculturated women and women with higher self‐esteem. Menopause was perceived as a potentially disturbing transition, and irritability and depressive mood were expected. Findings support the need for more accessible information to decrease uncertainty and avert negative expectations.
Restructuring the U.S. Defense Industry

The end of the Cold War produced major changes in the U.S. defense sector. More than 2 million defense workers, military personnel, and civil servants have lost their jobs. Thousands of arms have left the industry. More than one hundred military bases have closed, and the production of weapons is down considerably. As signiacant as these changes are, they do not address the key issues in restructuring the post–Cold War defense sector. The Reagan-era defense buildup led contractors to invest in huge production capacity that no longer is needed. This capacity overhang includes too many open factories, each of which produces a “legacy” system that was designed for the Cold War. Many individual defense plants are also too large to produce efaciently at post–Cold War levels of demand. Until this excess capacity is eliminated, the United States will continue to spend too much on defense. The politics of jobs and congressional districts that many analysts thought governed the Cold War have triumphed in its aftermath. Today, years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, not one Cold War weapon platform line has closed in the United States. 1 The same factories still produce the same aircraft, ships, and armored vehicles (or their incremental descendants). During the Cold War, the high level of perceived security threat increased U.S. policymakers’ respect for military advice on weapons procurement and research and development (R&D) decisions. The military services’ expert knowledge checked Congress’s pork barrel instincts, and failed or unneeded weapon systems were often canceled. Today, however, contractors and congres
Regulation of hepatic cholesterol ester hydrolase and acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase in the rat

Cholesterol exists within the hepatocyte as free cholesterol and cholesteryl ester. The proportion of intrahepatic cholesterol in the free or ester forms is governed in part by the rate of cholesteryl ester formation by acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and cholesteryl ester hydrolysis by neutral cholesterol ester (CE) hydrolase. In other cell types both ACAT and CE hydrolase activities are regulated in response to changes in the need for cellular free cholesterol. In rats, we performed a variety of experimental manipulations in order to vary the need for hepatic free cholesterol and to examine what effect, if any, this had on the enzymes that govern cholesteryl ester metabolism. Administration of a 20-mg bolus of lipoprotein cholesterol or a diet supplemented with 2% cholesterol resulted in an increase in microsomal cholesteryl ester content with little change in microsomal free cholesterol. This was accomplished by an increase in cholesteryl esterification as measured by ACAT but no change in CE hydrolase activity. An increased need for hepatic free cholesterol was experimentally induced by intravenous bile salt infusion or cholestyramine (3%) added to the diet. ACAT activity was decreased with both experimental manipulations compared to controls, while CE hydrolase activity did not change. Microsomal cholesteryl ester content decreased significantly with little change in microsomal free cholesterol content. Addition of exogenous liposomal cholesterol to liver microsomes from cholestyramine-fed and control rats resulted in a 784 +/- 38% increase in ACAT activity. Nevertheless, the decrease in ACAT activity with cholestyramine feeding was maintained. These studies allowed us to conclude that changes in hepatic free cholesterol needs are met in part by regulation of the rate of cholesterol esterification by ACAT without a change in the rate of cholesteryl ester hydrolysis by CE hydrolase.
Sedimentological and fluid-dynamic implications of the turbulent bursting phenomenon in geophysical flows

The bursting process in turbulent boundary layers provides new insight on turbulence phenomena, mechanics of sedimentation, and genesis of bedforms in natural geophysical flows. Recent visualization experiments suggest that the turbulent boundary layer can be divided into an inner zone, whose essential characteristics scale with inner (wall) variables, and an outer zone, whose properties scale with the fluid-dynamic variables of the entire flow. The inner zone is distinguished by (i) a viscous sublayer displaying spanwise alternations of high-and low-speed streaks and (ii) episodic disruption by lift-ups of low-speed streaks. Oscillatory growth and breakup stages of the Stanford model of bursting characterize the turbulent structure of the outer zone. The burst cycle exists in turbulent boundary layers of all natural flows except perhaps (i) open-channel flows in the upper part of the upper flow regime and (ii) wind-generated surface waves. Fluid motions described as kolks and boils in incompressible open-channel flows correspond to the oscillatory growth stage and the late oscillatory growth and breakup stages, respectively, of the Stanford model of bursting. Supporting evidence includes (i) close similarity of gross fluid motions, (ii) equivalent scaling of boils and bursts, and (iii) intensification of boils and bursts in adverse pressure gradients and over rough beds. McQuivey's (1973) turbulence measurements show that the Eulerian integral time scale T E scales with the same outer variables as boil periodicity and burst periodicity. It is hypothesized that T E equals the mean duration of bursts at a point in the flow. Bedforms governed by the turbulent structure of the inner zone (microforms) cannot form if the sublayer is disrupted by bed roughness. The conditions for the existence of two common microforms and their spacings scale with the inner variables. Grain roughness increases the vertical intensity of the turbulence (by enhancing lift-ups) within the inner zone, thereby explaining textural differences between the coarse ripple and fine ripple bed stages of Moss (1972). Mesoforms respond to the fluid-dynamical regime in the outer zone and scale with the outer variables. The mean spacing of dunelike large-scale ripples in equilibrium open-channel flows is proportional to the boundary-layer thickness and equals the length scale formed by the product of the free-stream velocity and the boil period. Strong upward flow in a burst provides the vertical anisotropy in the turbulence which is needed to suspend sediment. Bursting promotes the entrain-ment of more and coarser sediment than tractive forces alone can accomplish.
Oral Therapy With Sodium Estrone Sulfate. II. Induction of Hemostasis and Cycle Regulation in Functional Uterine Hemorrhage1

WE HAVE shown in a previous communication that sodium estrone sulfate2 and diethylstilbestrol, when administered orally and cyclically, compared favorably as regards the dosage in milligrams which is required to induce bleeding in functional amenorrhea (1). The present communication reports results of oral therapy with sodium estrone sulfate for the purpose of inducing hemostasis and cycle regulation in functional uterine hemorrhage. The results of a similar study with diethylstilbestrol have been published and are available for comparative purposes (2). THERAPEUTIC SCHEDULES Diagnostic studies of all women selected for therapy established the functional character of the uterine hemorrhages. For hemostasis, sodium estrone sulfate was given orally in daily doses which varied from 5.0 to 12.5 mg. As a rule, the initial daily dose was 5.0 to 7.5 mg. This was increased to 12.5 mg. daily when bleeding continued. When bleeding ceased, cyclic oral therapy with sodium estrone sulfate was initiated for regulation ...
Improved methods for magnetic purification of malaria parasites and haemozoin

Background: Malaria parasites generate free haem upon catabolism of host haemoglobin during their intraerythrocytic growth cycle. In order to minimize oxidative toxicity of the ferric iron, the free haem molecules are polymerized into the biomineral beta-haematin (commonly referred to as haemozoin). Haemozoin crystals are paramagnetic, and this property can be exploited for the purification of late stage parasites as they contain larger haemozoin crystals than early stage parasites and uninfected cells. Commercially available magnets that were originally developed for the purpose of antibody-mediated cell purification are widely used for this purpose. As these methods are not necessarily optimized for parasite purification, the relationship between magnetic field strength and the quantity and quality of yield during parasite purification was explored. Methods: Inexpensive rare-earth neodymium magnets with commercially available disposable columns were employed to explore the relationship between magnetic field strength and recovery of free haemozoin and infected erythrocytes (iRBCs). Results: Yields of free haemozoin increased nearly linearly with increasing magnetic field strength to the strongest fields tested (8,500 Gauss). Stronger magnetic fields also improved the recovery of iRBCs with no detrimental effects on parasite viability. An in-house constructed magnetic stand, built for $75 in materials, produced superior results when compared with much more expensive commercial products. Conclusions: Existing protocols for the magnetic purification of free haemozoin and iRBCs result in sub-optimal yields. Inexpensive high-strength neodymium magnets offer a better option, resulting in higher yields with no detrimental effects on parasite viability.
Bioterrorism and Electron Microscopic Differentiation of Poxviruses from Herpesviruses: Dos and Don'ts

With increased threat of terrorism, much attention is being directed toward readiness for biodefense. Smallpox virus, a deadly and much feared organism, is among possible bioterrorism agents. Herpesviruses, such as the one that causes chickenpox and shingles, produce skin lesions that may resemble those seen early in smallpox infection. Electron microscopy (EM) is a rapid and reliable method for differentiating poxviruses from herpesviruses. However, before becoming involved in the monitoring of potential smallpox cases, a laboratory must consider several issues, including expertise in virus identification, capacity for handling biohazards, and health and immune status of laboratory staff.
Adulthood weight change and risk of colorectal cancer in the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study

We investigated the association between adulthood weight change and colorectal cancer risk in a prospective study with 24 to 34 years of follow-up among 90,988 women and 46,679 men. The primary exposures included weight change from early adulthood (age = 18 years for women, 21 years for men) to baseline enrollment (median age = 43 years for women, 52 years for men), and from baseline to present. In the secondary analyses, we also assessed 4-year weight change during follow-up, and during premenopausal (from age 18 years to menopause) and postmenopausal (from menopause to present) periods in women. Compared to men maintaining their weight from age 21 to baseline, those who gained 20 kg or more were at a higher risk of colorectal cancer (relative risk [RR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.35, Ptrend < 0.001), whereas those who lost 8 kg or more had a lower risk (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.30-1.22, Ptrend = 0.003). Similar but weaker associations were found in women and the corresponding RRs were 1.38 (95% CI, 1.13-1.69, Ptrend < 0.001) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.58-1.09, Ptrend = 0.21). Weight change from baseline to present was not associated with colorectal cancer risk. Four-year weight change during follow-up was positively associated with colorectal cancer risk in men (Ptrend = 0.03) but not in women (Ptrend = 0.42). In addition, in women, weight change before, but not after, menopause was associated with colorectal cancer risk. Our findings provide further scientific rationale for recommendations to maintain a healthy body weight during adulthood. A potential differential association according to sex and timing of weight change warrants further investigation.
The impact of cancer and quality of life for long-term survivors.

This study reports on health status and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in long-term cancer survivors, and potential correlates including cancer type, age at diagnosis, health status, and key sociodemographic variables. Method: One hundred and ninety-three cancer survivors 5–10 years post-diagnosis completed a mailed survey assessing physical and mental health status, QOL, post-traumatic growth, and impact of cancer (IOC). Results: Respondents were comparable to population norms on physical and mental health status. After controlling for sociodemographic and medical status variables, older respondents reported better overall QOL (p=0.004) and mental health (p<0.001), but worse physical health (p=0.04). Survivors reporting low income (p=0.02) and comorbidities (p=0.003) indicated worse physical functioning. A higher negative IOC score was associated with worse physical functioning (p<0.0001), worse mental health (p<0.0001), and lower overall QOL (p<0.0001). A higher positive IOC score was associated with better mental health (p=0.0004) and better overall QOL (p=0.005). Conclusion: Perceptions of how cancer has affected survivors' lives in both positive and negative ways may influence, or be influenced by, their functional abilities and QOL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histochemical Analyses of Altered Fetal Lung Development Following Single vs Multiple Courses of Antenatal Steroids

A single course of antenatal steroids is widely used during preterm labor to promote fetal lung maturation. However, little is known regarding efficacy and safety of multiple courses of antenatal steroids. In animal models and clinical trials, treatment with glucocorticoids can inhibit growth. The present study of single- vs multiple-course steroids in pregnant ewes analyzes the effects of steroids vs placebo on fetal lung histopathology. Single-course groups received dexamethasone (Dex) 6 mg or normal saline every 12 hr for 48 hr at 104-106 days of gestation (term = 150 days). Multiple-course groups received the first course at 76-78 days; this was repeated weekly for 5 weeks. At 108 days, lungs were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin, a myofibroblast marker and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Cell injury/death was evaluated using TdT-mediated dUTP digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis. Although fetal growth was restricted by either single or multiple courses of Dex, alveolar development was accelerated as measured by mean linear intercepts. Alveolar walls were thinner, developing septa were longer, and septal myofibroblasts were increased for both Dex groups compared with controls. Cell proliferation increased following multiple steroid courses, especially in the distal parenchyma, with a corresponding decrease in apoptosis. These observations suggest that Dex promotes alveolarization, whether given in single or multiple courses.
First year of mandatory reporting of healthcare-associated infections, Pennsylvania: an infection control-chart abstractor collaboration.

Background.In 2004, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mandated hospitals to report healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The increased workload led our Infection Control staff to collaborate with Atlas, a group of chart abstractors.Objective.The objective of this study was to assess our first year of experience with mandatory reporting of HAIs—specifically, to assess Atlas' contribution to surveillance.Design.Cases were selected if they had 1 or more of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes designated by Pennsylvania as a possible HAI. After training by the Infection Control staff, Atlas applied National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) system case definitions for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs), and they applied NNIS chest imaging criteria to eliminate cases that were not ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). To assess Atlas' performance, Infection Control staff conducted a parallel review.Results.For discharges from the hospital during the fourth quarter of 2004, a total of 410 UTIs, 59 SSIs, and 56 VAPs were identified on the basis of state-designated ICD-9-CM codes; review by Atlas/Infection Control determined that 15%, 15%, and 16% of cases met case definitions, respectively. Of cases reviewed by both Infection Control and Atlas, 87% of the assessments made by Atlas were correct for UTI, and 96% were correct for SSI. For VAP, Infection Control concluded that 39% of cases could be ruled out on the basis of chest imaging criteria; Atlas correctly dismissed these 12 cases but incorrectly dismissed an additional 6 (error, 19%). Surveillance was not timely: 1-2 months elapsed between the time of HAI onset and the earliest case review.Conclusions.With ongoing training by Infection Control, Atlas successfully demonstrated a role in retrospective HAI surveillance. However, despite a major effort to comply with mandates, time lags and other design limitations rendered the data of low utility for Infection Control. States that are planning HAI-reporting programs should standardize an efficient surveillance methodology that yields data capable of guiding interventions to prevent HAI.
The neuropsychology of Down syndrome: evidence for hippocampal dysfunction.

This study tested prefrontal and hippocampal functions in a sample of 28 school-aged (M = 14.7 years, SD = 2.7) individuals with Down syndrome (DS) compared with 28 (M = 4.9 years, SD = .75) typically developing children individually matched on mental age (MA). Both neuropsychological domains were tested with multiple behavioral measures. Benchmark measures of verbal and spatial function demonstrated that this DS sample was similar to others in the literature. The main finding was a significant Group x Domain interaction effect indicating differential hippocampal dysfunction in the group with DS. However, there was a moderate partial correlation (r = .54, controlling for chronological age) between hippocampal and prefrontal composite scores in the DS group, and both composites contributed unique variance to the prediction of MA and adaptive behavior in that group. In sum, these results indicate a particular weakness in hippocampal functions in DS in the context of overall cognitive dysfunction. It is interesting that these results are similar to what has been found in a mouse model of DS. Such a model will make it easier to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that lead to the development of hippocampal dysfunction in DS.
Staphylococcus aureus ClpC Divergently Regulates Capsule via sae and codY in Strain Newman but Activates Capsule via codY in Strain UAMS-1 and in Strain Newman with Repaired saeS

ClpC is an ATPase chaperone found in most Gram-positive low-GC bacteria. It has been recently reported that ClpC affected virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus. Here we report that ClpC regulates transcription of the cap operon and accumulation of capsule, a major virulence factor for S. aureus. As virulence genes are regulated by a complex regulatory network in S. aureus, we have used capsule as a model to understand this regulation. By microarray analyses of strain Newman, we found that ClpC strongly activates transcription of the sae operon, whose products are known to negatively regulate capsule synthesis in this strain. Further studies indicated that ClpC repressed capsule production by activating the sae operon in strain Newman. Interestingly, the clpC gene cloned into a multiple-copy plasmid vector exhibited an activation phenotype, suggesting that ClpC overexpression has a net positive effect. In the absence of sae function, by either deletion or correction of a native mutation within saeS, we found that ClpC had a positive effect on capsule production. Indeed, in the UAMS-1 strain, which does not have the saeS mutation, ClpC functioned as an activator of capsule production. Our microarray analyses of strain Newman also revealed that CodY, a repressor of capsule production, was repressed by ClpC. Using genetic approaches, we showed that CodY functioned downstream of ClpC, leading to capsule activation both in Newman and in UAMS-1. Thus, ClpC functions in two opposite pathways in capsule regulation in strain Newman but functions as a positive activator in strain UAMS-1.
Innovations in Hibiscus and Kosteletzkya (Malvaceae, Hibisceae)

The combinations Hibiscus moscheutos L. subsp. lasiocarpos (Cavanilles) O. J. Blanchard, H. clypeatus L. subsp. cryptocarpos (A. Richard) O. J. Blanchard, and H. clypeatus subsp. membranaceus (Cavanilles) O. J. Blanchard are validated for a central North American plant taxon, a Cuban plant taxon, and a Bahamian plant taxon, respectively. The name H. grandiflorus Michaux is lectotypified. A new name, Kosteletzkya semota O. J. Blanchard, is established for the West African K. stellata Hutchinson & Dalziel, a later homonym. The neotype of the Philippine endemic K. batacensis (Blanco) Fernandez-Villar is changed. Two well-known species, K. virginica (L.) C. Presl ex A. Gray of eastern North America and K. pentacarpos (L.) Ledebour of Eurasia, are synonymized under the latter name.
The Origin of Nonlinear Signatures of Planetary Wave Dynamics: Mean Phase Space Tendencies and Contributions from Non-Gaussianity

Mean phase space tendencies are investigated to systematically identify the origin of nonlinear signatures and the dynamical significance of small deviations from Gaussianity of planetary low-frequency waves. A general framework for the systematic investigation of mean phase space tendencies in complex geophysical systems is derived. In the special case of purely Gaussian statistics, this theory predicts that the interactions among the planetary waves themselves are the source of the nonlinear signatures in phase space, whereas the unresolved waves contribute only an amplitude-independent forcing, and cannot contribute to any nonlinear signature. The predictions of the general framework are studied for a simple stochastic climate model. This toy model has statistics that are very close to being Gaussian and a strong nonlinear signature in the form of a double swirl in the mean phase space tendencies of its low-frequency variables, much like recently identified signatures of nonlinear planetary wave dynamics in prototype and comprehensive atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs). As predicted by the general framework for the Gaussian case, the double swirl results from nonlinear interactions of the low-frequency variables. Mean phase space tendencies in a reduced space of a prototype atmospheric GCM are also investigated. Analysis of the dynamics producing nonlinear signatures in these mean tendencies shows a complex interplay between waves resolved in the subspace and unresolved waves. The interactions among the resolved planetary waves themselves do not produce the nonlinear signature. It is the interaction with the unresolved waves that is responsible for the nonlinear dynamics. Comparing this result with the predictions of the general framework for the Gaussian case shows that the impact of the unresolved waves is due to their small deviations from Gaussianity. This suggests that the observed deviations from Gaussianity, even though small, are dynamically relevant.
A 900 MHz CMOS frequency-hopped spread-spectrum RF transmitter IC

This paper reports on the first monolithic CMOS RF transmitter, which is part of a complete low-power transceiver operating in the 902-928 MHz ISM frequency band. The system can transmit data at rates up to 160 kb/s by frequency-shift keying a carrier which is periodically hopped according to a pseudorandom code across 26 MHz. The key elements to accomplish this in the transmitter are: an agile baseband frequency synthesizer, a low-noise 915 MHz local oscillator, upconversion mixers, some needed RF filters, and a power amplifier. All these elements are integrated on a 1-/spl mu/m CMOS IC.
Valerie A. Earle

Valerie A. Earle, professor emeritus at Georgetown University, died at the age of 85 on August 20, 2004. Her death came unexpectedly because of heart problems.
CaSm/gemcitabine chemo-gene therapy leads to prolonged survival in a murine model of pancreatic cancer

Abstract Background. CaSm, the cancer-associated Sm-like oncogene, is overexpressed in greater than 80% of pancreatic tumors. We previously reported that an adenovirus expressing antisense RNA to CaSm (Ad-αCaSm) can decrease pancreatic tumor growth in vivo but is not curative. In the current study we investigated the mechanism of Ad-αCaSm's antitumor effect to rationally approach combinatorial therapy for improved efficacy. Methods. AsPC-1 and Panc-1 human pancreatic cancer cells were treated with Ad-αCaSm and examined by MTT assay for in vitro proliferation changes. Flow cytometry determined the effect of CaSm down-regulation on the cell cycle, and then cells treated with Ad-αCaSm in combination with cisplatin, etoposide, or gemcitabine chemotherapies were reexamined by MTT assay. SCID-Bg mice bearing subcutaneous AsPC-1 tumors were treated with Ad-αCaSm, gemcitabine, or the combination and monitored for tumor growth and survival. Results. Treatment with Ad-αCaSm reduced the proliferation of AsPC-1 and Panc-1 cells (59% and 44%, respectively; P
Monoclonal antibodies as probes of reproductive mechanisms.

Plasma cells and their splenic precursors can generate, with exquisite sensitivity and precision, an array of antibodies directed against foreign, invading substances. In this immune response, the various immunoglobulins recognize molecular determinants by which they bind to an antigen, and thereby initiate mechanisms for neutralizing and eliminating it from the body. The selectivity of this natural process, known since the beginning of the century, has enticed many investigators to utilize antibodies for studying the structure and function of biological systems. Such studies, while yielding valuable information, have not been able to capitalize fully on the extreme selectivity of these immunological probes. Several limitations are inherent to naturally produced antibodies. Immunoglobulins generated by an immunized animal are heterogeneous; they belong to different classes, recognize distinct antigenic sites, and bind with a considerable range of affinities. Antibodies also differ in their crossreactivity with related antigens and in their ability to promote antigen aggregation, immunoprecipitation, and complement fixation. Moreover, highly specific and high-titer antibodies usually are available only in restricted quantities. These various limitations provided the necessary incentive for developing alternate methods to produce these immunological reagents. The major advance for immunological and biological research came when Kohler and Milstein (1975, 1976) successfully applied somatic cell hybridization and cloning to generate hybridoma cell lines producing anti-
Effect of beta-blocker therapy on survival in patients with severe aortic regurgitation results from a cohort of 756 patients.

Objectives We sought to investigate the effect of beta-blocker (BB) therapy on survival in patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR). Background Beta-blockers are thought to be contraindicated in patients with AR because a slower heart rate increases the duration of diastole during which AR occurs. But AR also causes neuroendocrine activation similar to a heart failure state for which BBs are potentially beneficial. Methods This is an observational study. Our echocardiographic database was screened for patients with severe AR. Detailed chart reviews were performed for clinical, demographic, and therapeutic data. Mortality data were obtained from the Social Security Death Index and analyzed as a function of BB therapy. Results Three hundred fifty-five (47%) of the 756 patients with severe AR were on a BB; mean age 61 ± 18 years and ejection fraction was 54 ± 19%. Over a mean follow-up of 4.5 years, BB therapy was associated with a higher survival rate (1- and 5-year survival rates of 90% and 70%, respectively) compared with those without (1- and 5-year survival rates of 75% and 55%, respectively) (p = 0.0009). The Cox regression model showed that BB therapy was an independent predictor of better survival after adjusting for age, sex, heart rate, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, renal insufficiency, ejection fraction, and aortic valve replacement (hazard ratio: 0.74, 95% confidence interval: 0.58 to 0.93, p = 0.01). The survival benefit of BB therapy was further supported by propensity score analysis. Conclusions This observational study strongly suggests that BB therapy is associated with a survival benefit in patients with severe AR.
Amperometric Determination of Hypoxanthine and Inosine by Use of Enzyme Sensors Based on a Clark-Type Hydrogen Peroxide or Oxygen Electrode

Abstract A hypoxanthine sensor was constructed using a polarographic electrode in combination with immobilized xanthine oxidase [E.C. 1.2.3.2.]. Electrodes for the determination of both the generated hydrogen peroxide and the consumed oxygen were tested. Xanthine oxidase was immobilized via glutaraldehyde activation on a polycarbonate membrane which was subsequently mounted on the tip of the electrodes. A linear response of the sensor in the range 2.5 – 375 × 10−6 M hypoxanthine was observed. An inosine sensor containing xanthine oxidase and nucleoside phosphorylase [E.C. 2.4.2.1.] was also developed using the same principles. This sensor responded linearly to inosine concentrations in the range 2.5 – 500 × 10−6 M. The determination of hypoxanthine and inosine concentrations is of importance in fish freshness estimations.
Elastic properties of the forisome

Forisomes are elongate Ca2+-responsive contractile protein bodies and act as flow blocking gates within the phloem of legumes. Because an understanding of their mechanical properties in vitro underpins understanding of their physiology in vivo, we undertook, using a microcantilever method, microscopic tensile tests (incremental stress-relaxation measurements) on forisomes from Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC Akanata Mame and Vicia faba L. Witkiem Major. Viscoelastic properties of forisomes in their longitudinal direction were investigated before and after Ca2+-induced contraction, but in the radial direction only before contraction. Forisomes showed mechanical properties typical of a biological material with a unidirectional fibrous structure, i.e. the modulus of elasticity in the direction of their fibers is much greater than in the radial direction. Creep data were collected in all tensile tests and fit with a three parameter viscoelastic model. The pre-contraction longitudinal elastic moduli of the forisomes were not differentiable between the two species (V. faba, 660 ± 360 kPa; C. gladiata, 600 ± 360 kPa). Both species showed a direction-dependent mechanical response: the elastic modulus was dramatically smaller in the radial direction than in the longitudinal direction, suggesting a weak protein cross-linking amongst longitudinal protein fibers. Activation of forisomes decreased forisome stiffness longitudinally, as evidenced by the loss of toe-region in the stress strain curve, suggesting that the forisome may have dispersed or disordered its protein structure in a controlled fashion. Contractile forces generated by single forisomes undergoing activation were also measured for V. faba (510 ± 390 nN) and C. gladiata (570 ± 310 nN).