cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sterility of surgical site marking.

Background Over the past decade, wrong-site surgery has been a popular topic of discussion, not only in medical and legal journals but also in the mainstream press. Marking of the surgical site according to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) Universal Protocol was implemented at our institution to help reduce the number of wrong-site operations. In this study, we determined whether marking of the site affected the sterility of the surgical field. Methods The study included twenty volunteers. The right forearm was used as the experimental (marked) arm and the left forearm, as the control arm. The experimental forearms were marked with a surgical marker as described by the protocol. Both upper extremities were then sterilized from the antecubital fossa to the phalanges with a 7.5% povidone-iodine scrub followed by the application of a 10% povidone-iodine paint. Swabs were used to obtain samples from the experimental and control arms as well as from the marker and were sent for microbiological culture and analysis. Results No growth was seen in the cultures of the swabs used on the experimental or control arms or on the marking pens. Conclusions Preoperative marking of surgical sites in accordance with the JCAHO Universal Protocol did not affect the sterility of the surgical field, a finding that provides support for the safety of surgical site marking.
Role of microRNAs in the regulation of drug metabolism and disposition.

Background: The important role of nuclear receptors in transcriptional gene regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and drug transporters (DTs) has been well documented. In contrast, there is limited understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation of DMEs and DTs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a large group of non-coding RNAs that control the post-transcriptional expression of target genes. Currently, > 800 miRNAs have been identified in human genome, which are believed to regulate thousands of human protein-coding genes. Objective: This review aims to discuss the potential role of miRNAs in drug metabolism and disposition, following an introduction of miRNA biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms, and target identification and validation. Results/conclusions: Some miRNAs have been shown to directly or indirectly control the expression of DMEs, DTs or nuclear receptors, and consequently, affect the capacity of drug metabolism and disposition, and influence the sensitivity of cells to xenobiotic agen...
Energetics of running activity in Merriam's chipmunk, Eutamias merriami☆

1. 1. Oxygen consumption, body temperature and evaporative water loss were measured at various ambient temperatures between 5–35°C while the chipmunks were running in a treadmill respirometer at 20, 30, 40 or 50 m/min. 2. 2. Body temperature increased with increasing ambient temperature but was independent of velocity of running except at an ambient temperature of 35°C. 3. 3. Oxygen consumption increased with velocity at a given TA to maximum levels which were dependent upon TA. 4. 4. Total dotVO2—resting dotVO2 (cost of running) showed that the heat produced by running partially substituted for that due to cold at high velocity, but at low velocity running the heat produced by running adds to that due to cold. 5. 5. The evaporative water loss was increased five to seven times over resting levels while the animals were running 20 m/min at ambient temperatures of 15, 30 and 35°C. 6. 6. At a given TA the thermal conductance of chipmunks was greater during activity than when at rest and increased curvilinearly with TA at a given velocity.
PROMOTING CONTINUING EDUCATION IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT

Diabetes knowledge among hospital nurses is suboptimal. Studies that measured basic diabetes knowledge among nurses in a variety of clinical settings have consistently reported poor understanding of hemoglobin A1C, medication usage and side effects, and self-care diabetes management. Although diabetes is a common diagnosis among hospitalized patients, many nurses report they have never attended an update on diabetes management. To promote advances in glycemic control within the hospital setting, the nursing staff must be better educated in the theoretical framework and clinical practice guidelines for diabetes management. The methods used to promote continuing education in diabetes among staff nurses need to be cost-effective as well as flexible to accommodate work shifts and learning needs. Because many hospitals are facing staff shortages and increased patient acuity, staff development needs may not be a high priority. To be successful, updating diabetes knowledge must be a collaborative effort involving clinical care, research, and education. Mentoring and peer support also are useful methods for improving glycemia in the hospital setting.
Patient anxiety levels related to gynecologic examinations: use of the color breathwork relaxation method.

PATIENTS OFTEN REPORT anxiety related to undergoing a variety of invasive procedures, and the gynecologic examination is one of the most common of these procedures (Domar, 1985; Hilden, Sidenius, Langhoff-Roos, Wijma, & Schei, 2003; Reddy & Wasserman, 1997). For some invasive procedures, medications may be given to reduce patient anxiety levels, but often, nonpharmacologic interventions for anxiety are overlooked (Lang et al., 2006). Research has indicated that relaxation techniques can reduce patient anxiety (Menzies, Taylor, & Bourguignon, 2006; Scherwitz, McHenry, & Herrero, 2005; Sloman, 2002), and most studies have investigated the impact of repeated instruction and/ or practice experiences (Louie, 2004; Scherwitz et al., 2005). The need for multiple sessions precludes use of the method with outpatients who only have a single opportunity to both learn and use a relaxation method to reduce anxiety during a stressful medical procedure. This exploratory pilot study investigated the feasibility of instruction in and use of a relaxation approach called the Color Breathwork Method (CBM) by women experiencing a gynecologic examination. The CBM is a holistic intervention that combines the relaxation techniques of breathing, muscle group relaxation, and visualization (Barry, 1991, 2005). It is different from other relaxation methods in that during the initial instruction, participants are guided to visualize a peaceful scene and then to identify a color associated with that scene. Once a scene-specific peaceful color is identified by the participant, “breathing in” the color of peace and exhaling stress and anxiety become the focus of the guided relaxation session. Participants are told that they can use this method during stressful or anxiety-provoking situations by simply closing their eyes, breathing in their color of peace, and exhaling any stress or tension that they may be feeling (Barry, 2005). In this study, CBM was used to decrease anxiety associated with having a gynecological examination. The primary purpose was to examine changes in anxiety after CBM instruction. A secondary purpose was to explore the feasibility of CBM use during a gynecological examination.
Ultrasound characteristics of in utero infection

In utero infection of the fetus has become recognized as an important cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Since both anatomic and functional abnormalities have been described in the fetus related to various infections, ultrasonography may be a valuable diagnostic tool in this regard. A complete review of the current literature was undertaken to report available information on this topic. Common pathogens or clinical conditions were selected. The identified data were confounded by the way in which each case originally presented for study. Although certain anomalies were frequently associated with individual organisms, their incidence could not be determined, nor were most specific to that infectious agent. Representative ultrasound images are presented for common and unusual cases.
Analysis and Characterization of Sophorolipids by Liquid Chromatography with Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization

A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method combined with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass detection (LC/APCI-MS) has been developed for the separation and analysis of sophorolipids produced byC. bombicola when grown on fatty acid mixtures. Using this method it was found that the incorporation of palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids into the sophorolipid structure was dependent on the initial fatty acid, content of these acids, whereas the incorporation of oleic acid, was independent of its initial content in the mixture. Also observed was the incorporation of esterified glycerol into the sophorolipid structure, which has not been reported previously.
Medieval Arabic Algebra as an Artificial Language

Medieval Arabic algebra is a good example of an artificial language.Yet despite its abstract, formal structure, its utility was restricted to problem solving. Geometry was the branch of mathematics used for expressing theories. While algebra was an art concerned with finding specific unknown numbers, geometry dealtwith generalmagnitudes.Algebra did possess the generosity needed to raise it to a more theoretical level—in the ninth century Abū Kāmil reinterpreted the algebraic unknown “thing” to prove a general result. But mathematicians had no motive to rework their theories in algebraic form. Because it offered no advantage over geometry, algebra remained a practical art in both the Islamic world and in Europe until the scientific uphevals of the 17th–18th centuries.
Quasi-biennial corn yield cycles in Iowa

Abstract Quasi-biennial cycles are often reported in climate studies. The interannual El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) are two phenomena containing quasi-periodicities of approximately 2.5 and 2.2 years. It is known that ENSO affects corn yield through weather patterns, NAO affects surface temperature and cloudiness, and surface temperature, rainfall, and radiation affect corn yield. However, a quasi-biennial pattern in corn yield and the combined effect of several climate signals on long-term U.S. corn yield are not known. Here we show statistically significant 2–3 year periods in long-term corn yield from one of the world's most important corn producing regions. High (low) yields are due in part to high (low) surface radiation and low (high) temperature early in the corn growing season coupled with sufficient (insufficient) rainfall later in the growing season. A statistical model we developed using three climate indices accounts for 54% of the interannual variation in Iowa corn yield. The most significant periodicities found in the model's spectrum are similar to the quasi-biennial periodicities in observed corn yield. We classify Iowa corn yield from several regional datasets (1960–2006) for ‘low yield’ and ‘high yield’ conditions as predicted by the model. The difference between observed corn yields for ‘high’ and ‘low’ yielding years was 19% (p = 0.0001). The results demonstrate a quasi-biennial pattern in long-term Iowa corn yield related to large-scale climate variability. This knowledge could lead to models that help guide springtime agricultural management decisions that improve profitability and reduce nitrate flux to groundwater, streams, rivers, and coastal oceans.
Low-temperature specific heat of the graphite intercalation compounds K C 8 , Cs C 8 , Rb C 8 , and their parent highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

The specific heat of the graphite intercalation compounds KC/sub 8/, CsC/sub 8/, and RbC/sub 8/ and their parent material, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), has been determined between 0.48 and 90 K. The results are analyzed in terms of electronic and lattice contributions. The electronic contribution to the specific heat of these compounds is enhanced by at least 29 times above that for HOPG. Comparisons are made to theoretical band-structure calculations. The lattice contribution shows deviations from a Debye model for T>5 K, which can be mathematically fitted by an Einstein specific-heat function. While our results for RbC/sub 8/ are unique, comparison with previous results for powder-based KC/sub 8/ and CsC/sub 8/ samples over a limited temperature range suggest that the type of parent graphite and/or details of preparation technique may influence the physical properties of these compounds.
The binding of clathrin triskelions to membranes from coated vesicles.

Abstract We have developed a quantitative method to study the interaction of radiolabeled clathrin triskelions with membranes from brain coated vesicles. Clathrin triskelions do not bind to coated vesicles unless these are stripped of their clathrin coat. The binding of triskelions is of high affinity (K D ≅ 2 × 10 −9 M), is saturable and depends on vesicle concentration. Triskelions bind to protein-sensitive structures of the stripped vesicles. Polypeptides of about 110,000 daltons appear to be involved in the binding structure. The association of triskelions to stripped vesicles was confirmed by electron microscopy.
Breaking new ground or just digging a hole? An evaluation of gynecologic operative laparoscopy.

ABSTRACT The gynecologic surgical procedures that may be accomplished via operative laparoscopy have dramatically increased in the past decade. Ideally, strong evidence of advantages over traditional surgical approaches should be presented for each surgical procedure before widespread use occurs. Such evidence is generally lacking. This review of recent publications concludes that laparoscopic operations for tubal ectopic pregnancy have been domonstrated generally to be preferable to laparotomy. Although evidence is very suggestive, clear superiority of laparoscopy has not been proven for endometriosis, ovarian cystectomy, oophorectomy, distal salpingostomy, or adhesiolysis for infertility. There is not adequate evidence to reach a conclusion on the use of laparoscopic myomectomy for fertility. When appropriately indicated, vaginal hysterectomy seems preferable to abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, and preliminary evidence suggests that laparoscopic hysterectomy may have some advantages over abdomina...
Protein synthesis and distribution of ribosomal elements in ovarian oocytes and early developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Protein synthesis has been investigated in cell-free preparations from mature ovarian oocytes, unfertilized and fertilized eggs, and early embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. Preparations from unfertilized eggs have a specific activity that is 5- to 6-fold higher than the activity of fractions from ovarian oocytes. There is an additional small increase in activity of preparations from fertilized eggs. The specific activity that is rapidly attained in the fertilized egg remains essentially constant for 2 to 2.5 h after fertilization, decreases sharply during blastoderm formation, and again increases during gastrulation. The activities of unfertilized eggs decline slightly during the first 2 h after oviposition, and then decrease more sharply. About 35 % of the ribosomes in preparations from both unfertilized and fertilized eggs sediment in the polyribosome region of sucrose density gradients, whereas no polyribosomes could be detected in preparations from ovarian oocytes. In both ovarian oocytes and fertilized eggs, less than 1 % of the ribosome populations were present as subunits. Additional ribonucleoprotein material of buoyant densities different from those of ribosomal subunits or ribosomes was found throughout the sucrose gradients. About 3.5 % of the ribosomes were found to be membrane-bound in preparations from both unfertilized and fertilized eggs.
Intravital imaging of a spheroid-based orthotopic model of melanoma in the mouse ear skin

Multiphoton microscopy is a powerful tool that enables the visualization of fluorescently tagged tumor cells and their stromal interactions within tissues in vivo. We have developed an orthotopic model of implanting multicellular melanoma tumor spheroids into the dermis of the mouse ear skin without the requirement for invasive surgery. Here, we demonstrate the utility of this approach to observe the primary tumor, single cell actin dynamics, and tumor-associated vasculature. These methods can be broadly applied to investigate an array of biological questions regarding tumor cell behavior in vivo.
Quantum-statistical analysis of charge correlations in multiparticle production at high energies☆

Abstract Charge correlations of multihadron distributions are investigated in an improved quantum-statistical approach, using a partially coherent stochastic field ensemble with three parameters: correlation length, chaoticity parameter, and charge coupling strength. A model is developed that describes well the factorial moments for diminishing symmetric rapidity windows for both the n_ and nch lower energy data from NA22, and the nch distributions from higher energy UA5 data.
Role of the lateral line mechanosensory system in directionality of goldfish auditory evoked escape response

SUMMARY Goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) escape responses to sudden auditory stimuli are mediated by a pair of reticulospinal neurons, the Mauthner (M-) cells, which integrate mechanosensory inputs from the inner ear and the lateral line (LL) to initiate a fast directional response away from the aversive stimulus. This behavior is context dependent; when near an obstruction the fish may rather turn towards the sound to avoid hitting the object. Mechanisms underlying this directionality remain unknown. Here we investigate the contribution of the LL system to auditory evoked escapes and provide behavioral evidence that it transmits stimulus – and environmental-dependent information that determines the initial response direction of the escape. We quantified escape latency, probability and directionality following abrupt sound stimuli before and after removal of the entire LL with 0.03 mmol l –1 cobalt chloride (CoCl 2 ), 0.002% gentamicin or selective posterior LL nerve (pLLn) transection. CoCl 2 significantly increased escape onset latency without affecting probability and reduced open field directionality from 77% to chance, 52%. This effect on directionality was also observed with gentamicin. Transection of the pLLn had no effect on directionality, indicating the anterior LL nerve (aLLn) afferents are more likely to transmit directional information to the M-cell. When the fish were near a wall, the error rate was quadrupled by both CoCl 2 and pLLn transection. Visual elimination had no influence on directionality unless combined with LL elimination.
Mothers' and Fathers' Reports of Children's Reactions to Naturalistic Marital Conflict

ABSTRACT Objective To examine how children, aged 8 to 11 years, react to observing their parents' naturally occurring marital conflict in their own homes and to compare reactions among children raised in homes characterized by different types of marital conflict. Method For 5½ weeks, mothers and fathers of 110 children used daily home diaries to record independently their children's reactions to marital conflict. Logistic regression compared the likelihood of exhibiting specific reactions to conflict among children from marriages characterized by low conflict (LOWCON; n = 37), nonphysical conflict (NOPHYCON; n = 35), and physical conflict (PHYCON; n = 38). Results Mothers' and fathers' reports indicate that children from PHYCON homes were more likely than children from LOWCON and NOPHYCON homes to leave the room, misbehave or appear angry, and appear sad or frightened. Conclusions These results support the notion that different histories of exposure to marital conflict may contribute to the way in which children react to their parents' marital conflict.
Power‐gaining communication strategies and career success

This study investigates connection and information adequacy power‐gaining communication strategies and their relationship to career success. Managers (N=258) selected by random probability procedures completed a mailed survey. Multivariate multiple regression analysis supported the relationship of connection and information adequacy power‐gaining communication variables to perceptual, attitudinal, and behavioral success indicators.
The Structure of Infrared-luminous Galaxies at 100 Microns

We have observed 22 galaxies at 100 μm with the Kuiper Airborne Observatory in order to determine the angular size of their FIR-emitting regions. This one-dimensional array data constitutes the highest spatial resolution ever achieved on luminous galaxies in the far-infrared. Most of these galaxies are very luminous far-infrared sources, with LFIR > 1011 L⊙. We clearly resolved six of these galaxies at 100 μm and have some evidence for extension in seven others. Those galaxies that we have resolved can have little of their 100 μm flux directly emitted by a pointlike active galactic nucleus. Dust heated to ~40 K by recent bursts of nonnuclear star formation provides the best explanation for their extreme FIR luminosity. In a few cases, heating of an extended region by a compact central source is also a plausible option.
Dry deposition of nitrate, ammonium and sulfate to a Ceanothus crassifolius canopy and surrogate surfaces

Deposition of nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+) and sulfate (SO42− to the foliage of Ceanothus crassifolius and surrogate surfaces was studied in the San Dimas Experimental Forest, 35 km northeast of central Los Angeles. Deposition fluxes of NO3− and NH4+ to the foliage were found to be well correlated with deposition fluxes to nylon fillers, but not the deposition fluxes to polycarbonate Petri dishes. Deposition fluxes of SO42− to the foliage correlated better with deposition fluxes to polycarbonate Petri dishes than to nylon filters. Deposition fluxes of NO3− to all the studied surfaces were higher than fluxes of NH4+ and SO42−. Comparison of NO3−:NH4+: SO42−ratios of deposition fluxes to different surfaces indicated a much higher importance of N than S species in the total load of dry deposition to the chaparral foliage canopy in the South Coast Air Basin. These ratios are quite different from those found in Tennessee and West Germany, where sulfate has been reported to be the main component of dry deposition to plant canopies. Deposition fluxes of NO3−, NH4+and SO42− to nylon filters and Petri dishes increased with height of placement above the chaparral canopy.
Elevated umbilical cord blood leukocyte cyclic adenosine monophosphate-phosphodiesterase activity in children with atopic parents

We found cyclic adenosine monophosphate-phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) activity to be significantly elevated in the umbilical cord blood mononuclear leukocytes of forty-two children with one atopic parent (3.2 ± 0.3) and in eighteen children with two atopic parents (4.2 ± 0.7) as compared to twenty-two children with two nonatopic parents (1.9 ± 0.2) (p
Complexes of dithiobenzoic acids. V. Observations on the nature of the molybdenum--Sulfur bond in tetrakis(dithiobenzoato)molybdenum(IV) complexes

Abstract Interpretations of data from infrared, visible-ultraviolet, and 13 C NMR spectra lead to the conclusion that there is extensive covalent bonding in dithiocarboxylates, 4, of eight-coordinated molybdenum(IV), [Mo(4) 4 ], and suggest the presence of metal-to-ligand π backbonding, in contrast to the bonding in analogous dithiocarbamate complexes. Some dd bands have been observed in the latter compounds, but in the dithiocarboxylates the d-d transitions are buried beneath intense low energy charge transfer bands, implying very efficient mixing of metal and ligand orbitals. The first CT band (at least) is most likely metal(xy)-to-ligand(π*).
Regional anesthesia as an alternative to general anesthesia for abdominal surgery in patients with severe pulmonary impairment

Abstract Background It is known that smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience a higher rate of pulmonary-related complications following abdominal surgery. The impact of anesthetic technique (regional [RA] versus general [GA] versus combination of both) on the complication rate has not been established. This study examined the outcomes of abdominal surgery performed using RA (epidural or continuous spinal) as the sole anesthetic technique in patients with severe pulmonary impairment (SPI). Methods We reviewed a series of 8 general surgery cases performed using RA alone (T4–T6 sensory level) in patients with SPI, as evidenced by an forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) less than 50% predicted and/or home oxygen requirement. One patient also received postoperative epidural analgesia. FEV1 ranged from 0.3 to 1.84 L; 3 patients required home oxygen therapy, and 5 of the 8 were American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 4. Operations included segmental colectomy (n = 2), open cholecystectomy (n = 1), incisional herniorrhaphy (n = 1), and laparoscopic herniorrhaphy (n = 4). Results Intraoperative conditions were adequate with RA alone for successful completion of the procedure in all cases. All patients recovered uneventfully except for 1 who developed postoperative pneumonia that resolved with standard therapy. Length of stay was less than 24 hours for 5 of 8 patients. Mortality was 0%. Conclusions Abdominal surgery can be safely performed using RA alone in selected high-risk patients, making this option an attractive alternative to GA for those with severe pulmonary impairment.
Evaluation of gyroscope-embedded mobile phones

Many mobile phone applications such as pedometers and navigation systems rely on orientation sensors that most smartphones are now equipped with. Unfortunately, these sensors rely on measured accelerometer and magnetic field data to determine the orientation. Thus, accelerations upon the phone which arise from everyday use alter orientation information. Similarly, external magnetic interferences from indoor/urban settings affect the heading calculation, resulting in inaccurate directional information. The inability to determine the orientation during everyday use inhibits many potential mobile applications development. In this work, we exploit the newly built-in gyroscope in the Nexus S smartphone to address the interference problems associated with the orientation sensor. We first perform drift error analysis and apply this to gyroscope calculations. We test simple as well as complex rotations seen in walking applications. We lastly test the gyroscope's resistance to described interferences. Experiments show angular calculations with percent error no larger than 6% from actual rotated values. Further, we are able to determine the phone's orientation at any time, in magnetically-interfered areas, with the phone accelerating. With this accurate information we can virtually orient the phone to better use mobile-acquired data. This shows that the presence of a gyroscope in smartphones will certainly aid in numerous applications.
Home Away from Home: A History of Basque Boardinghouses

An historical volume on the expansion of Basque boarding houses throughout the eleven western states and their subsequent decline in the mid-twentieth century. Original research on the over 500 Basque boarding houses found between 1860 and 1950.
Strain-confined electron--hole liquid in germanium

Previous experiments in pure germanium at low temperatures have shown that high densities of photo-produced electron-hole pairs condense into a metallic liquid phase---typically manifested as small electron-hole droplets (EHD). The energy, pair density, and lifetime of an EHD can be significantly modified by applying a stress to the crystal. Due to the lowering of the indirect band edge with strain, droplets, free excitons, and carriers are accelerated in a strain gradient approximately towards a point of maximum shear strain. We show that by appropriately stressing a crystal, it is possible to create inside the crystal a shear strain maximum, i.e., a potential well, into which droplets, excitons, and carriers are attracted, causing them to coalesce into a macroscopic mass of electron-hole liquid with diameter up to a millimeter. Using the known deformation potentials and anisotropies of germanium, we calculate numerically the stress tensor, the band-edge shift, and the electron-hole liquid energy vs position in an inhomogeneously stressed crystal. We report photographic data on large drops in Ge and compare these data to the strain theory. A two-dimensional numerical calculation is in essential agreement with the observed drop locations. Due to the anisotropy of the band-edge shift with strain, we find that it is possible to form one, two, or four electron-hole drops beneath the stress contact area by applying stress along $〈111〉$, $〈110〉$, and $〈100〉$ crystal axes, respectively. In addition we have observed birefringence patterns in these same crystals which yield strain distributions in accord with the above theory and photographic data. Theoretical calculations of the birefringence also agree with observations. Thus the macroscopic features (i.e., position, shape, and number) of the large strain-confined drops can be understood in terms of the known deformation properties of germanium.
Commensal microbes and interferon-λ determine persistence of enteric murine norovirus infection

The capacity of human norovirus (NoV), which causes >90% of global epidemic nonbacterial gastroenteritis, to infect a subset of people persistently may contribute to its spread. How such enteric viruses establish persistent infections is not well understood. We found that antibiotics prevented persistent murine norovirus (MNoV) infection, an effect that was reversed by replenishment of the bacterial microbiota. Antibiotics did not prevent tissue infection or affect systemic viral replication but acted specifically in the intestine. The receptor for the antiviral cytokine interferon-λ, Ifnlr1, as well as the transcription factors Stat1 and Irf3, were required for antibiotics to prevent viral persistence. Thus, the bacterial microbiome fosters enteric viral persistence in a manner counteracted by specific components of the innate immune system.
Does the measure of information quality influence survival bias

Examines certain issues related to application of total quality management to the information systems setting, in particular to the measurement of output quality. Data produced by a system are often transformed for decision making by end users. Although ensuring the quality of the data can be achieved, it is difficult to control for all the inferences made by end users. Using a financial reports database as an example, demonstrates how the choice of measure of information quality can sometimes bias the survival time of firms in the sample. The analysis uses the Cox proportional hazards model to demonstrate that when immaterial data errors are present after firms have incurred a loss, sometimes they increase their survival chances. Such consequences are valid in other settings as well and demonstrate that defining and measuring the quality of information systems needs more considerations than is generally assumed.
CARBON DIOXIDE FIXATION IN MARINE INVERTEBRATES: QUANTITATIVE RELATIONS.

Two main pathways of carbon dioxide fixation have been demonstrated in marine invertebrates, the carboxy-lation of propionate to form succinate in the oyster1, and the carboxylation of pyruvate to form malate in flat-worms2. The presence of enzyme systems capable of using carbon dioxide for synthetic purposes has been established in representatives of 14 phyla of animals3, and many micro-organisms4. Evidence continues to accumulate in support of the idea of Krebs5 that carbon dioxide is an essential compound in the metabolism of all cells. It has been stated often that if the citric acid cycle is to provide intermediates for biosynthetic reactions, fixation is necessary to replenish the supply of acids.
Comparative Analysis of Words and Pictures through Associations

Summary.-The investigations focused on a picture-stimulated continued associatioo approach, its information value and analytic potential. Student groups (N = SO), each composed of both sexes, were from the University of Maryland. The study involved a comparative analysis of associations produced to words and pictures. The results show that the two approaches are closely comparable but produced responses which were differently focused. While the word-stimulated responses were somewhat more generic, the picture-stimulated associations were more narrow and specific. All the measures developed previously in the context of word-stimulated associations were found to be equally applicable and informative with picture-stimulated associations as well. From a theoretical viewpoint, the investigations were informative in demonstrating the importance of perceptual semantic and affective-attitudinal factors in the association process. Corresponding words and pictures elicited closely similar response distributions with correlations in the range of .7. As the role of perceptual factors is obvious in picture-stimulated associations, the results of the study have distinct implications for association theory, underlining the importance of ceotrally mediated mechanisms in the process of elicitation. Associating to pictures represents an interesting task where the subjects respond to pictures rather than to selected stimulus words. The difference between the two tasks is quite apparent and there have been several investigations in the past aiming at comparisons. Using a method of discrete associations, Davidson and Longo (1960) pre
Mechanisms of Ion Permeation through Gramicidin a Channels

Gramicidin A (gA) channels make an ideal system to test all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) of membrane proteins and mechanisms of ion permeation. In addition to being the most studied membrane “protein”, gA channels are tiny, allowing for long MD runs and calculations of potential of mean force (PMF) in tractable time. The binding sites at either end of the gA channel can both hold a single cation. At low concentration, permeation occurs as a series of independent events in which one cation at a time moves across the pore. Ion permeation usually is described using the ion position z in the direction of the pore axis as a “reaction coordinate”. But it is not known whether z is a good reaction coordinate to describe the process. A powerful tool to characterize the mechanism of ion permeation in the gA channel is the “committor” probability: the fraction of trajectories initiated from a given position that first commit to the left or right binding site of the channel. We evaluate the committor probability distribution function to identify the physical reaction coordinates of a K+ in gA using extensive MD calculations. At high concentration, permeation is dominated by 2-ion processes where cations are bound at either ends of the small pore. To understand the impact of double ion occupancy on the mechanism of ion permeation, we calculate the 2-ion PMF. The results show that if the first ion resides in the inner binding sites at one end of the channel, then the outer and inner binding sites for the second ion at the other end of the channel become shallow. The energetics of double occupancy is explained by considering the dipole moment fluctuation of the single-file water molecules inside channel. [Supported by NIH grant GM070971].
Design and Characterization of Optical Waveguides for Gyro Applications

Polarization retaining single-mode fibers are being developed using the stress-rod approach. Design parameter values have been varied to optimize birefringence, polarization holding, and low attenuation rates. Test configurations have been developed to characterize the fibers under simulated deployment bending conditions. The results show that good polarization and attenuation properties can be maintained for long lengths of fibers wound into compact sensor configurations.
HiRes: A System for Predictable Hierarchical Resource Management

This paper presents HiRes, a system structured around predictable, hierarchical resource management (HRM). Applications and different subsystems use customized resource managers that control the allocation and usage of memory, CPU, and I/O. This increased resource management flexibility enables subsystems with different timing constraints to specialize resource management around meeting these requirements. In HiRes, subsystems delegate the management of resources to other subsystems, thus creating the resource management hierarchy. In delegating the control of resources, the subsystem focuses on providing isolation between competing subsystems. To make HRM both predictable and efficient, HiRes ensures that regardless of a subsystem's depth in the hierarchy, the overheads of resource usage and control remain constant. In doing so, HiRes encourages HRM as a fundamental system design technique. Results show that HiRes has competitive performance with existing systems, and that HRM naturally provides both strong isolation guarantees, and flexible and efficient subsystem control over resources.
Editorial: A profile of information systems research published in Information & Management

Information & Management (I&M) has been consistently regarded as one of the top academic journals in information systems (IS). In a spirit of introspection, this article profiles research published in I&M: we identified the most productive authors and universities associated with most research publications in I&M during the past 13 years (1992-2005). Based on a more detailed analysis of publications during the past 7 years, we determined the subject areas most often investigated and the research methodologies most often employed. Finally, we identified best practices by way of reporting the topics and methodologies used by the highly published authors. Our results indicate that while IS research is clearly dominated by US based universities, international researchers are beginning to make inroads. Furthermore, while the survey methodology is still dominant, interest in utilizing other methodologies is on the rise. Our findings should have implications for researchers, journal editors, universities, and research institutions.
A loss of parvalbumin-containing interneurons is associated with diminished oscillatory activity in an animal model of schizophrenia

Decreased GABAergic signaling is among the more robust pathologies observed postmortem in schizophrenia; however, the functional consequences of this deficit are still largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate, in a verified animal model of schizophrenia, that a reduced expression of parvalbumin (PV)-containing interneurons is correlated with a reduction in coordinated neuronal activity during task performance in freely moving rats. More specifically, methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM)-treated rats display a decreased density of parvalbumin-positive interneurons throughout the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral (but not dorsal) subiculum of the hippocampus. Furthermore, the reduction in interneuron functionality is correlated with a significantly reduced gamma-band response to a conditioned tone during a latent inhibition paradigm. Finally, deficits in mPFC and ventral hippocampal oscillatory activity are associated with an impaired behavioral expression of latent inhibition in MAM-treated rats. Thus, we propose that a decrease in intrinsic GABAergic signaling may be responsible, at least in part, for the prefrontal and hippocampal hypofunctionality observed during task performance, which is consistently observed in animal models as well as in schizophrenia in humans. In addition, a deficit in intrinsic GABAergic signaling may be the origin of the hippocampal hyperactivity purported to underlie the dopamine dysfunction in psychosis. Such information is central to gaining a better understanding of the disease pathophysiology and alternate pharmacotherapeutic approaches.
Modeling the GaAs MESFET's response to modulated light at radio and microwave frequencies

In recent years, the usefulness of the MESFET as an optically sensitive microwave element on MMIC's has generated much interest. A theoretical model for the device under steady illumination has been developed previously by the authors. This paper presents an extension of that model to include sinusoidally modulated illumination up to the microwave range. The dependence of the response on the bias conditions, the wavelength intensity and modulation frequency of the optical input, and the particulars of device structure are incorporated in the model. The importance of the internal photovoltaic effect, not properly accounted for in previous works, is emphasized. The theoretical model is validated by experimental results. >
A decision-making framework for acoustic echo cancellation

We present a decision-making framework for the problem of echo control. This framework enables a unified approach to detecting the changes in the echo path, adaptation, and double-talk detection. Using this framework, we provide new analytical results on consistency and convergence of the echo control algorithm. We also address a new approach, based on the generalized likelihood ratio test, toward joint detection of double-talk and echo path change.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in BACTEC 12B broth cultures by the Roche Amplicor PCR assay.

To evaluate the ability of the Amplicor MTB Assay to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) organisms in BACTEC 12B broth cultures, 249 cultures with a growth index (GI) of > or = 20 from 160 patients were tested retrospectively. Specimens were processed by standard methods, and then BACTEC 12B vials and Middlebrook 7H11/7H115 plates were inoculated, incubated, and interpreted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and laboratory protocol. From 12B vials with a GI of > or = 20, and aliquot of broth was removed and frozen at -20 degrees C until assayed by PCR. PCR results were compared to those obtained by the usual laboratory protocol, whereby MTBC organisms were identified by a DNA probe assay performed on broth from 12B vials with a GI or > or = 300 or on colonies from solid medium. Of the 249 broth cultures evaluated, 142 contained mycobacteria, including 44 that contained MTBC organisms. Of these 44 cultures, 41 were PCR positive; the 3 that were PCR negative were blood specimens collected in an Isolator tube. All 98 cultures with nontuberculous mycobacteria and the 107 that did not contain mycobacteria were PCR negative. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 93 and 100%, respectively. For those culture sin which MTBC organisms were identified by both the DNA probe and PCR assays, the mean time from specimen inoculation to detection and identification of MTBC organisms was 16 (range, 4 to 26) days for the PCR and 28 (range, 13 to 43) days for the DNA probe assay (P or = 20.
Hepatitis B virus-transfected Hep G2 cells demonstrate genetic alterations and de novo viral integration in cells replicating HBV.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major etiological factor associated with hepatocarcinogenesis, but its role in the transformation process remains unclear. We previously documented the accumulation of genetic alterations in a HBV-transfected cell line. In the present study, we addressed the effect of HBV and its replication on the genome and phenotype of the host cell. Parental HBV-free Hep G2 cells and two HBV-transfected variant lines Hep G2215 and Hep G2T14.1, which do and do not replicate HBV, respectively, were used to monitor genetic alterations in conjunction with HBV profile in vitro and in vivo. Comparison of in vitro growth rates showed that Hep G2T14.1 cells grew more rapidly, while Hep G2215 cells, replicating HBV, grew slower than parental Hep G2 cells. Molecular analysis confirmed an HBV integration site (s) in both variants, and reverse trancriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification documented expression of transcript for the HBX protein, which has recently been implicated in the compromised efficiency of cellular DNA repair. Tumorigenisity testing indicate a comparable rate of tumor formation in nude mice of both HBV-transfected variants, giving rise to tumors in 3 weeks; parental Hep G2 cells did not form tumors in nude mice. Tumor tissue from nude mice injected with Hep G2T14.1 cells showed no change in HBV status. However, a new HBV integration site was detected in tumor tissue from Hep G2215-injected mice. Two cell lines derived from the respective tumor tissue grew in vitro at rates compatible to those observe before passage in nude mice. The Hep G2215 tumor-derived line continued to replicate HBV, while HBV status remained unchanged in the Hep G2T14.1 tumor-derived line. Unique genetic alterations were detected in both transfected cell lines, and Hep G2215 cells particularly showed cellular mosaicism and clonal selection when analyzed after the passage in nude mice. Further genetic alterations were detected in tumor-derived cell lines. Interestingly, the de novo genetic alterations in the Hep G2215 cells, which maintain the ability to replicate HBV, included a new HBV integration site, several chromosome rearrangements and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of one p53 allele. Western analyses of p21/Waf1 protein indicate an upregulation of the protein in cells that replicate HBV. Based on the combined data, we hypothesize that the genetic alterations in the cellular genome could also be generated as a function in the presence of HBV and HBV replication. Possible mechanisms that could be implicated in cumulative mutagenetic events are discussed.
The tectonics of Mercury: The view after MESSENGER's first flyby

Abstract During its first flyby of Mercury, MESSENGER imaged many tectonic landforms, most of which are contractional in nature and include lobate scarps, high-relief ridges, and wrinkle ridges. Wrinkle ridges are found on the smooth plains that partially fill the interior and surround the exterior of the Caloris basin and also on smooth plains that fill the interiors of smaller impact basins and larger craters. MESSENGER revealed a radial graben complex, Pantheon Fossae, nearly co-centered with the Caloris basin. Pantheon Fossae and a network of mostly basin-concentric graben in the outer portions of the Caloris basin interior form a pattern of extension not seen elsewhere on Mercury. The first clear example of extensional faults outside of the Caloris basin has been documented on smooth plains inside the peak ring of the relatively young Raditladi basin. A map of the distribution of tectonic landforms imaged by MESSENGER and Mariner 10 shows that lobate scarps are the most widespread type of feature. Estimates of the horizontal shortening associated with lobate scarps that crosscut and overthrust small impact craters imaged by MESSENGER range from ~ 1 to 3 km. Previously unrecognized lobate scarps detected in areas imaged by Mariner 10 indicate that earlier estimates of contractional strain are low. A new estimate of the average areal contractional strain (~ 0.06%) accommodated by scarps is at least one third greater than comparable previous estimates and corresponds to a decrease in Mercury's radius of at least 0.8 km since the end of heavy impact bombardment of the inner solar system. These figures are lower bounds because of the likelihood that not all lobate scarps have been identified even in areas imaged to date. Crosscutting and embayment relations revealed by MESSENGER suggest that lobate scarps formed before the end of smooth plains emplacement and continued to be active after the emplacement of the youngest smooth plains deposits. Relatively recent activity on lobate scarps may be the expression of slow but continuous radial contraction that accompanied cooling of Mercury's interior and the growth of the planet's solid inner core.