cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient and clinician experiences of uncertainty in the diagnostic process: Current understanding and future directions.

Abstract Objective Uncertainty occurs throughout the diagnostic process and must be managed to facilitate accurate and timely diagnoses and treatments. Better characterization of uncertainty can inform strategies to manage it more effectively in clinical practice. We provide a comprehensive overview of current literature on diagnosis-related uncertainty describing (1) where patients and clinicians experience uncertainty within the diagnostic process, (2) how uncertainty affects the diagnostic process, (3) roots of uncertainty related to probability/risk, ambiguity, or complexity, and (4) strategies to manage uncertainty. Discussion Each diagnostic process step involves uncertainty, including patient engagement with the healthcare system; information gathering, interpretation, and integration; formulating working diagnoses; and communicating diagnoses to patients. General management strategies include acknowledging uncertainty, obtaining more contextual information from patients (e.g., gathering occupations and family histories), creating diagnostic safety nets (e.g., informing patients what red flags to look for), engaging in worst case/best case scenario planning, and communicating diagnostic uncertainty to patients, families, and colleagues. Potential strategies tailored to various aspects of diagnostic uncertainty are also outlined. Conclusion Scientific knowledge on diagnostic uncertainty, while previously elusive, is now becoming more clearly defined. Next steps include research to evaluate relationships between management and communication of diagnostic uncertainty and improved patient outcomes.
Evaluation of febrile neutropenia and myelosuppression in patients receiving FOLFOX/FOLFIRI in gastrointestinal cancer treated with same-day (SD) pegfilgrastim/pegfilgrastim-CBQV (PFG)

311Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and the manufacturers of PFG recommend administration at least 24 hours after chemotherapy (CTX). Administering SD PFG car...
Limited cheese intake reduces HPA axis and behavioral stress responses in male rats.

Abstract Eating palatable foods reduces behavioral and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis responses to stress – an idea referred to by the colloquial term “comfort” food. To study the underlying stress-relieving mechanisms of palatable foods, we previously developed a paradigm of limited sucrose feeding in which male rats are given twice-daily access to a small amount of sucrose drink and subsequently have reduced stress responses. Prior research in humans and rodents implicates high dietary sugars/carbohydrates with reduced stress responsivity. However, it is not clear whether the stress-relieving effects of the limited sucrose paradigm depend upon its macronutrient content. To test this idea, the current work measures stress responses in male rats following the limited intermittent intake of cheese – a highly palatable food that is low in sugar and other carbohydrates. The data show that a history of limited cheese intake (LCI) reduced HPA axis responses to acute psychological (restraint) and physiological (hypoxia) stressors. LCI also reduced behavioral struggling during restraint, increased sociability during a social interaction test, and increased open arm activity in the elevated plus-maze test. Z-score analyses evaluated the extent to which these behavioral effects extended within and across assays, and indicated that there was an overall reduction in stress-related behaviors following LCI. Finally, LCI increased immunolabeling for FosB/deltaFosB (a protein associated with repeated or chronic neuronal activation) in the nucleus accumbens. These results indicate that palatable foods can provide stress blunting regardless of their sugar/carbohydrate composition, and support the idea that food reward per se contributes to stress relief.
Astrocyte-secreted glypican-4 drives APOE4-dependent tau pathology

The aggregation of tau proteins into insoluble filaments and the spread of these filaments across brain regions are the major drivers of neurodegeneration in tauopathies, including in Alzheimers disease (AD). Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), a crucial genetic risk factor for late-onset AD, has been shown to exacerbate tau pathology in mouse models. However, the exact mechanisms through which APOE4 induces tau pathology remains unknown. Here, we report that the astrocyte-secreted protein glypican-4 (GPC-4), which we identify as a novel binding partner of APOE4, drives tau pathology. We discovered that GPC-4 preferentially interacts with APOE4 in comparison to APOE2, considered to be a protective allele to AD, and post-mortem APOE4-carrying AD brains highly express GPC-4 in neurotoxic astrocytes. The astrocyte-secreted GPC-4 induced both tau accumulation and propagation in vitro. CRISPR/dCas9 mediated activation of GPC-4 in a tauopathy mouse model robustly induced tau pathology. Using in vitro Tau FRET-biosensor cells, human iPSCs-derived astrocytes and an in vivo mouse model, we found that APOE4-induced tau pathology was greatly diminished in the absence of GPC-4. We further show that APOE4-mediated surface trafficking of APOE receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) through GPC-4 can be a gateway to tau spreading. Together, our data comprehensively demonstrate that APOE4-induced tau pathologies are directly mediated by GPC-4.
Stopping the Revolving Door: An Empirical and Textual Study of Crowdfunding and Teacher Turnover

The public K-12 education system has been plagued by high teacher turnover and poor retention rates, a problem that traditional school systems have not been able to cost-effectively address using top-down, one-size-fits-all resource allocation models. This study provides the first empirical evidence that new technology platforms such as education crowdfunding could effectively reduce teacher turnover, despite the much smaller funding amounts on these platforms. Combining (1) identified data on the characteristics and employment record for all teachers in the Pennsylvania public education system, (2) crowdfunding data on DonorsChoose---the largest online education crowdfunding portal, and (3) unstructured data on individual project essays and need statements, we demonstrate that funded projects on DonorsChoose, averaging only about $400 in value, significantly reduces turnover rates of funded teachers by 2.66 percentage points (pp)---a 22% reduction against a mean turnover rate of 12 percent. Moreover, crowdfunding achieves this turnover reduction effect by alleviating two key root causes of turnover: inadequacy of working environment and lack of teacher autonomy. Integrating the outputs from our textual analysis with our empirical model, we show that the turnover reduction effect is concentrated in projects requesting resources that directly impact the teachers' working environment, such as furniture projects, and in projects proposed by more innovative teachers who might desire more autonomy in their teaching process. Our results thus indicate that crowdfunding platforms could effectively reduce teacher turnover, as they are designed to deliver more targeted solutions that address inefficiencies in individual teachers’ classroom operations.
Recent Developments in Population Genetics

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a review of several divergent areas of recent research activity in population genetics to illustrate the span of contemporary research activity in this field. The major goal of experimental population genetics is the description and analysis of genetic variation. Genetic variation is central to evolutionary theory because it governs the rate of population improvement under selection. This new approach to the study of genetic variation has advantages over all previous methods in permitting the detection of genetic differences at the level of primary DNA sequences, unconfounded by gene expression. Applied to the study of individual genes, this approach allows the construction of fine physical maps of sequence variants directly from the primary data. Consequently, genetic variants can be associated with various functional regions of a gene and statistical associations between different polymorphic sites can be investigated. On a broader scale, DNA sequence variation can be used to investigate the evolution of gene families, as well as the evolution of entire genomes, such as those of eukaryotic cell organelles.
The mathematical foundation of plasticity theory

Abstract Supporting the mathematical theory of plasticity, two pillars constituting the modeling of yield behavior are the convexity and normality conditions on a yield function. The models so established have been time tested to hold for a wide class of ductile materials in many practical applications of the theory. Their logical basis was the belief that a material does not release energy during plastic defor- mation (nonnegative dissipation). Even though the theory is sound, the lack of a mathematical proof on normality still causes some researchers to call it a pos- tulate. In this paper, we shall dismiss this notion of assumption by introducing a generalized Holder inequality. The normality relation becomes a requirement for the inequality to be sharp (equality inclusive). This inequality also reveals the primal-dual relation of stress and strain rate. Even before this connection of the mathematical and physical implications, different duality relations were used in many known minimax theorems in plasticity. We shall claim that convexity, nor- mality, and duality, all properties of the generalized Holder inequality, complete the foundation for the constitutive modeling of the mathematical theory of plasticity. By using these models, the minimax formulations of plasticity problems can be derived in a systematic and unified approach.
Cardiovascular safety profile of currently available diabetic drugs.

ABSTRACT Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes, underscoring the importance of choosing drugs that do not increase cardiovascular risk and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Since 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration has recommended that new drugs for type 2 diabetes undergo clinical trials to demonstrate cardiovascular safety in addition to glycemic benefit. In 2012, the European Medicines Agency issued a similar recommendation. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases from inception through August 2013 and compiled and reviewed the existing data on the cardiovascular safety profiles of currently available diabetic drugs. Results: While intensive glycemic control in diabetics has been consistently shown to reduce the risk of microvascular complications, the data on macrovascular risk reduction have not been as clear, and questions have been raised about possible increases in cardio...
Characterization of Extracellular β-d-Galactosidase from Fusarium moniliforme Grown in Whey

Extracellular lactase (β-d-galactosidase, EC 3.2.1.23) was prepared as an ethanol precipitate from a culture of Fusarium moniliforme grown on whey. The enzyme functioned optimally at pH 3.8 to 5.0 and at 50 to 60°C on both o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside (ONPG) and lactose. The activation energy of the enzymic hydrolysis of ONPG and lactose in the range of 20 to 55°C was 8,500 and 7,200 cal (ca. 3.57 × 104 and 3.02 × 104 J)/mol, respectively. The Km values were 4.4 and 12.4 mM for ONPG and lactose, respectively. At optimum pH, the enzyme lost half of its activity when it was heated at 50°C for 6 h; at the same pH, the loss was only 5% when the enzyme was heated at 37°C for 6 h. At optimum conditions, 50% of the lactose in whey was hydrolyzed by 10 U of this enzyme in 50 h.
The Nonobvious Basis of Ownership: Preschool Children Trace the History and Value of Owned Objects

For adults, ownership is nonobvious: (a) determining ownership depends more on an object’s history than on perceptual cues, and (b) ownership confers special value on an object (“endowment effect”). This study examined these concepts in preschoolers (2.0–4.4) and adults (n = 112). Participants saw toy sets in which 1 toy was designated as the participant’s and 1 as the researcher’s. Toys were then scrambled and participants were asked to identify their toy and the researcher’s toy. By 3 years of age, participants used object history to determine ownership and identified even undesirable toys as their own. Furthermore, participants at all ages showed an endowment effect (greater liking of items designated as their own). Thus, even 2-year-olds appreciate the nonobvious basis of ownership.
A retrovirus in human breast cancer: Isolation and characterization of human mammary tumor virus (HMTV)

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4444 We have previously reported sequences homologous to the env gene of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV) but not to human endogenous retroviruses in 38% of the human breast cancers studied, yet they were absent from others human tissues (Wang et al, Cancer Research 1995, 55: 5173). We have also found that normal breast tissue from env positive breast cancer patients was negative, suggesting that the sequences are of exogenous origin (Melana et al, Cl. Cancer Research 2001, 7:283). The sequences were also expressed in most of the positive breast cancer specimens as detected by RT PCR (Wang et al, Cl. Cancer Research 1998, 4:2565).Finally, the complete 9.9 Kb proviral sequence of an MMTV-like agent has been amplified and sequenced in two breast cancers (Liu, B. et al, Cancer Res 2001, 61:1754). Structural features of this provirus suggest that it is functional. We have now looked for the presence of viral particles in primary cultures (MSSM cells) of env sequence positive tumors. The cells expressed Env proteins as shown by immunofluorescence and western blot. FACS analysis indicated that between 10 to 20 % of the cells expressed the surface protein. Retroviral particles budding from cells as well as in particulate fractions from culture media were observed by electron microscopy. Particulate fractions also display reverse transcriptase (RT) activity and the presence of all viral genes as detected by RT-PCR. The RT activity peaked at densities characteristic of retroviruses in sucrose gradients. None of these properties were observed in similar studies with normal Human Mammary Epithelial Cells (HMEC) primary cultures or established normal breast cell line (MCF10F). Co-culture of MSSM virus-producing cells with HMEC, MCF10F, and B cells (Ramos) demonstrated transfer of viral sequences, as detected by PCR, and expression of Env proteins by western blot and FACS analysis in the recipient cells. Taken together, these findings support the identification of a human mammary tumor virus (HMTV) similar to MMTV in human breast cancer, which is able to infect human cells. Morphological cell transformation and tumorigenesis experiments are being performed.
Effects of intralipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia on plasma high-density lipoprotein metabolism in the cynomolgus monkey

Abstract Low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I often accompany human hypertriglyceridemia. In an animal model of hypertriglyceridemia, the lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-inhibited cynomolgus monkey, we reported that plasma levels of apo A-I were decreased and the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of HDL apo was increased. To explore whether hypertriglyceridemia alone would alter plasma apo A-I levels and catabolism, hypertriglyceridemia was produced by intravenous (IV) infusion of 20% Intralipid into female cynomolgus monkeys. Baseline plasma triglyceride (TG) levels averaged 106 mg/dL. With infusion of 200 mg/kg/h intralipid TG, plasma TG levels peaked at 967 mg/dL (range, 413 to 1,069; n = 6). More prolonged or more severe hypertriglyceridemia caused serious complications in several monkeys. Despite the severe hypertriglyceridemia, HDL TG content, HDL apoproteins, and plasma apo A-I levels did not markedly change, suggesting that very little HDL remodeling had occurred. Kinetic studies of HDL protein and apo A-I were performed in four pairs of monkeys. The two tracers were removed from the plasma at identical rates. In five pairs of animals, apo A-I turnover during control and intralipid-induced hypertriglyceridemia was not significantly different. We hypothesize that apo A-I FCR is a function of HDL composition. Because Intralipid infusion did not alter HDL composition to the same degree as did LPL inhibition, its effects on HDL apo catabolism were not apparent.
ABSORPTION AND EMISSION SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF SOME 2‐PHENYLQUINOLINES AND RELATED FUSED SYSTEMS

— A series of modified 2-phenylquinolines were synthesized and their absorption and emission spectral properties measured in order to determine the effect of structural modifications on excited states. It was hoped that modifications would sufficiently change excited-state properties so that similar structural modifications in 2-phenylquinolinemethanols would negate the phototoxicity of these compounds. The excited states of 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)quinoline, 11 H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoline, and l,4-dimethyl-5,6-dihydrobenz[c]acridine proved to have properties different from those of normal 2-phenylquinolines, and this effect was shown to be reflected in simple photochemistry of the dihydrobenzacridine. Absorption spectra provided information on conformational preferences for several of the derivatives.
Design and analysis of an ARQ based symmetric key generation algorithm

The main idea in this paper is to design and analyze a symmetric key generation algorithm whereby we can strengthen wireless network security. Our main goal is generating a sequence of highly secure secret keys based on an ARQ based transmission mechanism that relies on the statistical independence of channel errors between the attacker and legitimate users. This leads to some information loss for the adversary which allows us to constantly extract keys by using universal Hashing techniques from communication process, about which we can make sure that adversarys knowledge remains negligible. More specifically, the key generation algorithm is analyzed and designed in a way that targeted security as well as the required throughput and synchronization goals for the transmission are achieved. Simulation results show that the designed algorithm achieves the desired requirements for both system security and throughput.
An animal model for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. II. Fetal effects in New Zealand rabbits

OBJECTIVE: The addition of ultrasonography and ultrasonographically directed fetal blood sampling was attempted in an effort to study the fetal effects of red blood cell alloimmunization in a rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen New Zealand does were alloimmunized to incompatible red blood cells. Sensitized does were bred twice, once with a homozygous buck of incompatible blood type and once with a homozygous buck of compatible blood type. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on days 20 and 27 of gestation (term 28 to 31 days). Fetal blood sampling was undertaken on day 27 of gestation, and hematologic data were compared between compatible and incompatible litters. RESULTS: A total of 41 pregnancies occurred in 19 does. Fetal hemoglobin was higher in the compatible litters (9.7 gm/dl vs 5.8 gm/dl, p < 0.001), whereas no difference could be detected between the respective reticulocyte counts (31.9 vs 36.0100 red blood cells, p = 0.2). Hydrops fetalis was noted in none of 18 compatible litters versus 12 of 19 incompatible litters (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A disease analogous to human hemolytic disease of the newborn can be induced in the rabbit fetus.
Nitrogen contamination of surficial aquifers--a growing legacy.

The virtual ubiquity of fertilizer-fed agriculture, increasing over several decades, has become necessary to support the global human population. Ironically, widespread use of nitrogen (N) has cont...
An Example of Information and Computation Resource Trade-Off

This paper is concerned with establishing the existence of a recursive sequence x which exhibits a "continuous" trade-off between the length of programs (information) which compute the finite initial segments of x and the computation resources (e.g. computation time) required by these programs for such computations.
Peripheral arterial disease: epidemiology and drug therapy.

Lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is common among older men and women, affecting 20%-30% of older men and women in general medicine practices. History and physical examination are insensitive measures of PAD. However, PAD can be noninvasively and reliably diagnosed in the office with the ankle-brachial index, a ratio of Doppler-recorded systolic pressures in the lower and upper extremities. An ankle-brachial index less than 0.90, consistent with PAD, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in addition to functional impairment. Drug therapy in PAD is directed at reducing the increased risk of cardiovascular events and improving walking impairment. Intensive atherosclerotic risk factor intervention and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are recommended for reducing cardiovascular event rates in persons with PAD. Components of an effective exercise intervention and drug therapy to reduce claudication-related walking impairment in PAD are also reviewed.
The active site of pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructo-1-kinase based on site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling.

Abstract Despite a low level of overall sequence identity between PPi-dependent and ATP-dependent phosphofructo-1-kinases (PFKs), similarities in active-site residues permit a convincing amino acid alignment of these two groups of kinases. Employing recent protein sequence and site-directed mutagenesis data along with the known three-dimensional coordinates ofEscherichia coliATP-dependent PFK, a model of the active site of PPi-dependent PFK was proposed. In addition to providing compatible placement of residues shown to be important by earlier mutagenesis studies, the model predicted an important role for two arginyl residues that are conserved in all known PPi-PFK sequences. Replacement by site-directed mutagenesis of these two residues with neutral amino acids in the PPi-PFK ofNaegleria fowleriresulted in a substantial reduction inkcatwhile not altering the global structure of the enzyme. While the data indicate many similarities in the active-site structures and mechanisms of ATP-dependent and PPi-dependent PFKs, subtle differences, such as the relative roles of Arg residues in the active sites, have evolved in the development of these two subgroups of the PFK family.
Respiratory tract illness in young children

The transmission of many diseases occurs via respiratory spread. Recent studies have documented a high incidence rate for respiratory tract infections in young children, particularly those attending child care centers. This article reviews the current research on upper and lower respiratory tract illness. The most common respiratory conditions in young children (i.e. asthma, allergies, colds, influenza) are discussed as to signs, symptoms and treatment. Child care personnel can diminish or prevent these infections through personal hygiene, e.g. handwash‐ing, and environmental sanitation practices, i.e. disposal of contaminated materials, cleaning/sanitizing.
Attenuated Total Reflectance of Infrared Energy by Dairy Products

Abstract When infrared energy was reflected from the internal face of a prism in contact with some dairy products, or model systems, an attenuation was observed which related to the infrared absorption properties of the sample in contact with the reflecting face. Even though the amount of attenuation of infrared radiation of characteristic wave-length was found directly related to the concentration of butteroil dissolved in benzene, no similar effect was observed on studying infrared radiation attenuated by a variety of cheeses and by milks containing graded levels of fat. However, a significant linear relationship was found between the attenuation of infrared radiation having a wave number of 1,035cm −1 and the total solids content of concentrated milk.
Effect of an antagonistic analog of gonadotropin releasing hormone upon ovarian granulosa cell function

Abstract We have recently demonstrated that gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) acts directly on ovarian granulosa cells to inhibit the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced increase in granulosa cell steroidogenesis in vitro . A GnRH antagonist, [D-pGlu1, D-Phe2, D-Trp3,6] GnRH (A), which is known to antagonize GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin release by cultured pituitary cells, was tested in the granulosa cell system. GnRH (10−8M) inhibited estrogen and progesterone production by FSH-treated granulosa cells in vitro , whereas the antagonist A (10−6M) did not affect FSH stimulation of steroidogenesis. Antagonist A, when added together with GnRH and FSH, blocked the GnRH inhibition of FSH-induced steroidogenesis. Estrogen and progesterone production by granulosa cells was increased by 50% at a molar ratio (IDR50) of 20 1 and 12 1 ([antagonist]/[GnRH]), respectively. At 10−6M, antagonist A completely prevented the GnRH (10−8M) inhibition. A similar effect of antagonist A was seen in FSH-induced increase of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor content. FSH treatment for 2 days in vitro induced an 8-fold increase in LH receptor content in cultured granulosa cells; concomitant treatment with 10−8M GnRH completely inhibited the FSH effect. Antagonist A (10−6M), by itself, had no effect on the FSH action. However, when added together with FSH and GnRH, antagonist A completely abolished the inhibitory effect of GnRH. These results demonstrate that the direct inhibitory effect of GnRH on granulosa cell function can be prevented by a GnRH antagonist and that the GnRH action at the ovarian level may require stringent stereospecific interactions of these peptides with putative GnRH recognition sites.
TDP-43 functions and pathogenic mechanisms implicated in TDP-43 proteinopathies

Given the critical role for TDP-43 in diverse neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), there has been a recent surge in efforts to understand the normal functions of TDP-43 and the molecular basis of dysregulation that occurs in TDP-43 proteinopathies. Here, we highlight recent findings examining TDP-43 molecular functions with particular emphasis on stress-mediated regulation of TDP-43 localization, putative downstream TDP-43 target genes and RNAs, as well as TDP-43 interacting proteins, all of which represent viable points of therapeutic intervention for ALS, FTLD-TDP and related proteinopathies. Finally, we review current mouse models of TDP-43 and discuss their similarities and potential relevance to human TDP-43 proteinopathies including ALS and FTLD-TDP.
Pulmonary infection in splenectomized mice: Protection by splenic remnant☆☆☆

Our model of aerosol-induced pneumococcal pneumonia results in lung consolidation, sepsis, and death in mice depending upon the dose of organisms delivered; previous work has shown increased susceptibility in asplenic animals. These studies detailed the protection afforded groups of mice which retained half of their spleen. Male Swiss white mice were divided into three groups of splenectomized, sham-operated, and hemisplenectomized animals. Two weeks later they were exposed for 30 min to an aerosol producing a uniform challenge of 1010 Type III Streptococcus pneumoniae within a confined chamber. A second study was performed in which similar groups of animals were exposed to 109 organisms. At both bacterial dosage levels the splenectomized groups had significantly increased mortality (P < 0.001, P < 0.005) from pneumococcal disease; importantly, in both studies, each hemisplenectomized group did not differ from its control (sham-operated) group. We conclude that normal rates of protection from pneumococcal pneumonia are afforded animals which retain half of their splenic mass.
Infiltration and Soil Properties as Affected by Annual Cropping in the Northern Great Plains

Fallow-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems may be responsible for declines in soil organic matter and degradation of soil physical properties. A change to annual cropping may improve or at least maintain soil properties. Tillage and crop sequence effects on soil properties and water infiltration were tested after 9 yr of cropping on a Dooley sandy loam (fine-loamy, mixed Typic Argiborolls) derived in glacial till. Annual cropping tillage of fall sweep and spring disk (AWFST), and no tillage (AWNT) were compared with conventional tillage in wheat-fallow (FWCT) as the control. Statistical design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Soil samples were taken at 0.03-m increments to a depth of 0.3 m and were used to measure organic carbon (OC), pH, bulk density (BD), and particle size. Point resistance was measured in 0.02-m increments. Water infiltration into dry and wet soil was measured using a rainfall simulator. Maximum soil BD was 1.61 Mg m-3 on FWCT and 1.56 Mg m-3 on AWNT. Soil BD was not changed by one winter of freezing and thawing. Maximum point resistance was 2.2 MPa on FWCT and 1.7 MPa on AWNT. Cumulative 3-h infiltration into dry soil was 52 mm for FWCT and 69 mm for AWNT. Final infiltration rate into wet soil was 5 mm h-1 for FWCT and 6 mm h-1 for AWNT. There was a significant difference in the depth distribution of OC between annual crop and FWCT treatments. Mass of OC in the top 0.09 m of soil was 1.65 kg m-2 on annual crop treatments and 1.45 kg m-2 on FWCT. Greater amounts of OC on the annual crop treatments compared with the FWCT attest to the beneficial aspect of annual cropping in maintaining a level of soil quality that is greater than FWCT. From a soil conservation perspective, no-tillage has an additional advantage because surface cover is maintained throughout the year, thereby reducing the potential for soil erosion.
Sonography of abdominal posttransplant lymphoma.

Five patients developed abdominal lymphoma an average of 89 months after successful renal transplantation. Sonographically, the lymphomas presented as bulky intraperitoneal masses or focal deposits in the liver. These lesions exhibited good sound transmission and intrinsic pattern ranging from sparse, soft echoes to coarse trabeculations. Prompt diagnosis of this serious late complication of renal transplantation is crucial. Indexing Words: Posttransplant lymphoma Abdominal lymphoma · Renal transplantation · Sonography.
Molecular biological approaches to genetic cardiac diseases

Abstract Medical genetics has been revolutionized by the ability to analyze and manipulate DNA, the raw material of genes. Because of the importance and volume of the medically important advances being made in this arena every physician needs to have a firm grasp of the concepts and methods involved in these studies. As the accompanying articles in this issue demonstrate, pediatric cardiologists are no exception. In this review we will describe some of the important and current methods used to analyze DNA in a genetic context and outline the techniques used to characterize the products of genes identified as abnormal by genetic analysis.
Anaerobic thyroid abscess from a thyroid cyst after fine‐needle aspiration

Background Anaerobic abscess formation within a thyroid cyst is rare but still possible, although aerobic thyroid abscess formation in the thyroid gland after fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has been observed in immunocompromised patients. Methods This study describes the clinical manifestations, thyroid echography, cytologic finding, culture outcome, and treatment course of an anaerobic abscess formation within a thyroid cyst after FNA in a healthy subject. Results A 53-year-old male subject had rapid enlargement of a left thyroid cyst develop after second FNA. Frank pus was obtained through third FNA. The culture outcome was Propionibacterium acnes, which was rich in saliva and one of the pathogens causing periodontitis and gingivitis. After adequate antimicrobial therapy, the abscess gradually diminished. Conclusions This article reported, for the first time, on the formation of an anaerobic thyroid abscess after FNA in a healthy subject. We recommended careful aseptic procedure and adequate isolation processes, such as wearing a mask to avoid an unfavorable outcome as a result of a bacterial infection. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 24: 84–86, 2002.
Measurement of the electron capture branching ratio of 7Be using internal bremsstrahlung

Abstract The branching ratio in the electron capture of 7 Be to the 478 keV excited state of 7 Li has been measured using the internal bremsstrahlung from decays to the ground state. Comparison of the intensity of this bremsstrahlung in the region from 515–862 keV with the intensity of the 478 keV γ-ray yields a value of (10.9 ± 1.1)% for the branching ratio. This result is consistent with the accepted value of (10.38 ± 0.06)% but not with a recent measurement of (15.4 ± 0.8)%.
Differential Prediction of Success in Graduate School

MOST STUDIES of prediction of success in graduate school have used a complex criterion of success such as average grades, over-all fac ulty ratings and completion or failure to complete the degree for which enrolled. Excepting the investigations of Chauncey and Dyer (1), Pet erson (3), and Watters and Paterson (4), little effort seems to have been directed toward studying prediction of success in regard to various aspects of this complex criterion such as academic achievement, intel lectual competence, ability to perform research, ability to express one's ideas clearly,ability to synthesize across course boundaries, de velopment of professional attitude, development of technical skills, and so on.
Selective Fertilization of Ova by Sperm from Different Varieties of Turkeys

Abstract INTRODUCTION SELECTIVE fertilization was observed by Dunn (1927) who allowed Leghorn females to mate with their brothers and with Hamburg males. Jull (1928) studied hatchability in relation to antecedent egg production, fertility and chick mortality. He concluded there was no correlation between fertility and hatchability. However, Cook et al. (1962), in studies with turkeys, concluded there was a negative correlation between fertility and hatchability. Warren and Kilpatrick (1929), working with chickens, discovered that in general the replacing of one male with another caused the offspring of the second male to replace those of the first within 3 to 5 days. They found, however, that some hens would not produce chicks from the second male if the first male was closely related to the hen. There were still other hens which produced only a few offspring from the second male. Allen and Champion (1955) reported that an affinity of spermatozoa from …
Ductile fracture before localized necking in a strip under tension

Unexpected cracking with a 22° opening angle grew out of a rough-sheared edge before appreciable necking in an 0.79 by 37 mm mild steel strip, which normally fractures after diffuse and then localized oblique necking. From the crack tip, two shear bands formed at 55° to the load direction, consistent with isotropic plane stress characteristics (53° was predicted from anisotropy, but necking in thin strips occurred at 67°). Photomicrographs showed that the 22° crack growth occurred by first tunnelling at mid-thickness, and then spreading along through-thickness shear planes. Springback on unloading caused a 0.038 mm crack closure and local buckling. This form of cracking illustrates a size effect in fracture under macroscopically plane stress. It also gives an example of a local mechanism triggering a fracture mode that can require more total work than an alternative.
Personality Dimensions of Drug Abusers Who Enter a Drug-Free Therapeutic Community

The MMPI was administered to 160 drug abusers (40 white males, 40 white females, 40 black males, and 40 black females) who entered a residential drug-free therapeutic community. Results indicated that (1) the composite three-point MMPI code for the total sample was 489, (2) the males scored higher than the females on the K, D, Hy, Pt, Do, and Re scales, and lower on the Si scale, (3) the white subjects scored higher than the black subjects on the D, Hy, Pt, and Si scales, and lower on the L scale, and (4) there was no interaction between sex and race in the MMPI scores of the subjects. These data were discussed with respect to previous research and the background characteristics of the subjects.
Ectopic ossification in hip arthroplasty: A retrospective study of predisposing factors in 637 cases

We investigated predisposing factors for the development of heterotopic ossification in a retrospective study of 637 hip arthroplasties, of which 484 were unilateral, 62 bilateral and 29 revision operations. The frequency of heterotopic ossification after a primary hip arthroplasty was 57 percent. In a univariate analysis, men, patients with hypertrophic arthrosis, and cemented arthroplasty were all at risk of developing heterotopic ossification. After a multivariate analysis, the male sex and the cemented arthroplasty remained as significant factors.In bilateral operations, the contralateral side developed heterotopic ossification in 82 percent when the primary hip operation had already caused ossification. There was no increase in ossifications after the contralateral operation. Half of the revision operations had an increase of heterotopic ossification from 1 to 4 Brooker classes.
Transition between flux liquid and flux solid in high-Tc superconductors.

We have studied flux melting near the {ital H}{sub {ital c}1} line in T-Ba-Cu-O using a variational Monte Carlo method. The existence of a flux-liquid phase has been observed and the transition line between flux liquid and flux solid in the {ital H}-{ital T} phase diagram has been determined. The width of the liquid phase increases with temperature as {ital T}{sup 2} at low temperatures, as predicted by Nelson, and faster than {ital T}{sup 2} at higher temperatures, eventually crossing over to the high-field melting curve.
Monitoring chemotherapeutic response in RIF-1 tumors by single-quantum and triple-quantum-filtered 23Na MRI, 1H diffusion-weighted MRI and PET imaging

The effects of 5-fluorouracil (5FU, 150 mg/kg, ip) on subcutaneously implanted radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF-1) tumors were monitored by in vivo (1)H MRI to evaluate the water apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), by single-quantum (SQ) and triple-quantum-filtered (TQF) (23)Na MRI to evaluate compartmental Na(+) content and by positron emission tomography (PET) to evaluate 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake in the tumor. The MRI experiments were performed on untreated control and treated mice once before and then daily for 3 days after treatment. The PET experiments were performed on separate groups of age- and tumor-volume-matched animals once before and then 3 days after treatment. Tumor volumes significantly decreased in treated animals 2 and 3 days posttreatment. At the same time points, in vivo MRI measurements showed an increase in both total tissue SQ (23)Na signal intensity (SI) and water ADC in treated tumors while control tumors showed no change in these parameters. TQF (23)Na SI and FDG uptake were significantly lower in treated tumors compared with control tumors 3 days after 5FU treatment. The correlated increases in total tissue (23)Na SI and water ADC following chemotherapy reflect an increase in extracellular space, while the lower TQF (23)Na SI and FDG uptake in treated tumors compared with control tumors suggest a shift in tumor metabolism from glycolysis to oxidation and/or a decrease in cell density.
A STUDY OF WOMEN PRISONERS' USE OF CO-PAYMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE Issues of Access

Objectives. We sought to analyze women prisoners’ use of co-payments for health care; how co-payments affect their access to health care; and how they view the impact of co-payments on their health. Methods. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted six focus groups with 31 previously incarcerated women. Data were analyzed using qualitative field research methods, grounded theory, and consensual qualitative research strategies to construct a shared understanding of the data. Results. Co-payments hindered women prisoners’ access to health care. Women reported inequitable implementation of the policy and foregoing care because of the financial burden of the co-payment. Co-payments contributed to delays in treatment, avoidance of health care professionals, unnecessary suffering, and poor health outcomes. In response, women used self-advocacy skills to manage their health care needs and deal with the prison health care system. Conclusion. Co-payments place an unfair burden on prisoners who are poor, limit access to health care, and contribute to needless suffering and potentially to preventable deaths.
Using comparison to develop flexibility for teaching algebra

In this paper, we describe a one-day professional development activity for mathematics teachers that promoted the use of comparison as an instructional tool to develop students’ flexibility in algebra. Effective use of comparison in mathematics instruction involves using side-by-side presentation of problems and solution methods and subsequent student discussion of these multiple solution methods to highlight the similarities and differences among problem-solving techniques. The goals of the professional development activity were to make teachers aware of how to use comparison effectively in their instruction, as well as to impact teachers’ own flexibility in algebra by using comparison instructionally during the professional development. Our analysis of teachers’ experiences in the professional development activity suggests that when teachers were presented with techniques for effective use of comparison, their own understanding of multiple solution methods was reinforced. In addition, teachers began to question why they relied exclusively on one familiar method over others that are equally effective and perhaps more efficient and started to draw new connections between problem-solving methods. Finally, as a result of experiencing instructional use of comparison, teachers began to see value in teaching for flexibility and reported changing their own teaching practices.
Synthesis of ligand monomers derived from 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one☆

This report describes a convenient two-step synthesis of free radical polymerizable ligand monomers starting from 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one.
Effect of glycerol-induced DNA conformational change on the separation of DNA fragments by capillary electrophoresis

The effect on DNA separation of adding glycerol to the running buffer was studied using linear polyacrylamide (LPA) or poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as separation medium. For both LPA and PEO, it was found that the addition of 25% (v/v) glycerol to the running buffer enhanced the separation of large double-stranded DNA fragments and increased the migration time. The two buffers used, 1 x TBE (Tris-boric acid-EDTA) and 1 x TTE (Tris-N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS)-EDTA), showed similar improvement, but the effect on the 1 x TBE buffer was more amplified. The difference in buffer properties, such as viscosity, conductance, and pH, had little effect on the separation. We attribute the improvements made in the separation to the ability of glycerol to induce a conformational change in DNA as demonstrated by dynamic light scattering results. The presence of glycerol can increase the electrostatic interactions between the phosphate groups, decrease the hydration sphere of the polynucleotides, and compete with water to form hydrogen bonds with the side group of bases. These interactions increase the DNA contour length and reduce the effective charge over weight ratio, which can explain the experimental data. The complex formed by boric acid and glycerol had a stronger effect on the DNA conformation change than glycerol itself. This enhancement was also observed in DNA sequencing analysis.
Effect of malnutrition on susceptibility of mice to Trypanosoma musculi: vitamin A-deficiency.

Vitamin A-deficiency was studied in mice infected with Trypanosoma musculi. Irrespective of diet, trypomastigotes (trypanosomes) appeared in peripheral tail blood of all inoculated mice after 6-day incubation periods. On the average, vitamin A-deficient mice had parasitemias about 10 times greater than animals fed a complete diet and 8 times pair-fed controls. Parasitemias lasted longer in vitamin-deficient hosts, and reached a maximum five days later than those from control hosts. The action of the antibody which inhibits reproduction of the trypomastigotes was delayed five days in vitamin-deficient mice; in pair-fed animals ablastic action occurred slightly earlier than in normal control animals. The action of the terminal lytic antibody was delayed by 6 days in metabolically deficient mice than in normal controls and by 4 days in pair-fed controls. Body weight gains in mice on complete, vitamin A-deficient or pair-fed control diets and given living cells or homogenate of T. musculi showed significant increases over uninoculated controls. Irrespective of dietary group, animals receiving living cells or homogenate of T. musculi ate more food than the control animals beginning 10 days after inoculation. Regardless of diet, no differences in weight gain or food consumption were seen in animals inoculated with physiological saline or metabolic products of T. musculi when compared with uninoculated controls.
Indications for surgical treatment of iliofemoral vein thrombosis.

The goals of treatment of acute iliofemoral DVT should be prevention of fatal PE, reduction of pain and swelling of the involved leg, trying to stop the development of phlegmasia cerulea dolens and venous gangrene, prevention of disabling PTS by early removal of the blood clot, avoiding proximal venous obstruction, preserving normal, functioning valves in the leg veins, and preventing reflux. The authors recommend an aggressive approach with rapid removal of the occluding thrombus in the leg veins extending up into the iliac veins in active patients with a short history of symptomatic DVT, usually less than 7 days. This approach is not justified in chronically ill, bedridden, high-risk, or aged patients, or those with serious intercurrent disease or limited life expectancy. In these patients, such interventions can only be indicated for limb salvage in phlegmasia cerulea dolens when conservative treatment does not prevent the development of an acute compartment syndrome with venous gangrene. The preferred means of accomplishing early and quick removal of the thrombus is CDITT. Most of the authors' positive experience with thrombolysis is based on the use of urokinase. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put this drug on temporary hold for almost 1 year. The alternative drugs (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) have not been tested for CDITT of DVT, and tPA is not FDA-approved for this indication. When there are contraindications or failure of thrombolysis, TE with a temporary AVF is a valid alternative.