cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHAPTER 9 – MEASURING INFORMATION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of information and communication in organizations by creating measures of the amount and quality of information implicit in a communication system. Studying information is particularly useful when a unique scalar measure of the usefulness of any information system exists, but the complex multiple attributes of most communication networks makes simple measures misleading. Shannon's measure of information, based upon the entropy of the random environment, provides a well-defined, scalar measure of information content and can be justified with a few restrictions on the decision-maker's surprise at learning the state of nature. Blackwell's theorem identifies several identical ways of defining the relative usefulness of communication systems. The limitations of the Shannon measure is that it sometimes rate one communication network as more informative than another when there are decision-makers who would rationally choose the latter even if it was more costly.
Early intervention programs in improving development outcome of premature infants

Preterm birth is the main factor affecting the lives and quality of life for premature infants,which is also the main cause for a large economic burden on family,society and medical system.It has been confirmed that the bad neurodevelopment outcome can be effectively prevented by early intervention programs,which are including therapeutic developmental interventions targeting the infants,as well as psychosocial support and education for parents.This review summarizes early intervention programs for improving developmenr outcome in recent years. Key words: Early intervention; Premature infants; Neurodevelopment; Development Outcome
MOLTEN SALT FUEL CELLS: Diversity and convergence, cycles and recycling

Abstract The development of the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell, now 65 years old in its pure molten-salt cell embodiment, has spawned a remarkable variety of designs and technologies (gas-fed fuel cells, direct carbon fuel cells, solid oxide FC hybrids, CO2 concentrating/capture and hydrogen generating systems). Sometimes these new subsets are recycling ideas from earlier stages of fuel cell exploration - which extend quite far back. Since Grove's discovery in 1840, diversification of the fuel has been a persistent lure and challenge – which led to exploration of ionic melts. Much later, after the isolation and identification of solid-oxide conductors, the path to a purely carbonate cell became conceptually clear. Its history since then has had several critical points, of diversification and convergence. Like all energy technologies, it is forever at the mercy of the economics, and politics, of primary energy resources – the balance between fossil and renewable. Is MCFC a technology whose time has come … and gone? Such a view would ignore its strong chemical fundamentals, intrinsic to a future including biofuels. But controlling and stabilizing the morphology and wetting properties of MCFC materials is vital for another cycle of re-birth and flowering.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension enrolled in Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation.

Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) employs evidenced-based interventions to modify the risk of cardiac morbidity in its participants. The prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) among CR participants is unknown. A retrospective analysis of a longitudinal cohort of patients who completed CR between 2012 and 2017 was undertaken. The prevalence of hypertension was 62% (n = 311). 11% of participants with hypertension had aTRH (n = 35). Participants with aTRH exhibited lower exercise capacity (EC) before starting CR and after its completion compared to normotensive counterparts (P < .001). aTRH participants were more likely to experience a decrease in EC, even after participating in cardiac rehabilitation, compared to normotensive participants (P = .02). aTRH participants were more likely to be hospitalized or seen in the emergency department after cardiac rehabilitation completion compared to normotensive counterparts (OR: 2.85, P < .01). CR presents an opportunity to identify and appropriately care for patients with aTRH.
Integrating Measurement-Based Care into Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from a Community Clinic.

Measurement-based care (MBC), an evidence-based approach that has demonstrated efficacy for improving treatment outcomes, has yet to be investigated in clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The current paper investigates the use of MBC in autistic (n = 20) and non-autistic (n = 20) clients matched on age, sex, and presenting problem. Results of change score analysis indicated that utilizing routine symptom monitoring can enhance treatment evaluation. Autistic clients participated in significantly more sessions, made significantly less progress, and were less compliant with MBC than non-autistic clients. Though hierarchical linear modeling demonstrated no significant differences in treatment slope, results indicated moderate effect size. These results inform the use of MBC in community clinics, highlighting policy implications and need for targeted measurement.
Effects of Parenting and Perceived Stress on BMI in African American Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE This study set out to examine the role of parenting practices in protecting or exacerbating the negative effects of parent and adolescent stress on adolescent body mass index (BMI) over time. Separate longitudinal models were conducted to evaluate how parenting practices interacted with parental perceived stress and adolescent perceived stress in predicting adolescent BMI. METHODS Baseline data were collected from 148 African American adolescents (Mage = 12.93, SD = 1.75; Mz-BMI = 0.78, SD = 0.50; MBMI%-ile = 96.7, SD = 3.90) and their caregivers (Mage = 44.45, SD = 8.65; MBMI = 37.63, SD = 8.21) enrolled in the Families Improving Together for Weight Loss trial. Adolescents self-reported their perceptions of caregiver parenting style and feeding practices. Both caregivers and adolescents self-reported their perceptions of chronic stress. BMI for parents and adolescents was assessed objectively at baseline and 16 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS Hierarchical regression models predicting adolescent BMI z-score (z-BMI) indicated a significant interaction between parental perceived stress and parental pressure to eat. Simple slopes analyses demonstrated that for those parents that exhibit higher pressure to eat, parent stress was positively associated with adolescent z-BMI. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide preliminary support suggesting that certain parenting practices interact with chronic stress on adolescent weight-related outcomes and that future interventions may consider integrating these factors.
Underwater Docking Approach and Homing to Enable Persistent Operation.

One of the main limiting factors in deployment of marine robots is the issue of energy sustainability. This is particularly challenging for traditional propeller-driven autonomous underwater vehicles which operate using energy intensive thrusters. One emerging technology to enable persistent performance is the use of autonomous recharging and retasking through underwater docking stations. This paper presents an integrated navigational algorithm to facilitate reliable underwater docking of autonomous underwater vehicles. Specifically, the algorithm dynamically re-plans Dubins paths to create an efficient trajectory from the current vehicle position through approach into terminal homing. The path is followed using integral line of sight control until handoff to the terminal homing method. A light tracking algorithm drives the vehicle from the handoff location into the dock. In experimental testing using an Oceanserver Iver3 and Bluefin SandShark, the approach phase reached the target handoff within two meters in 48 of 48 tests. The terminal homing phase was capable of handling up to five meter offsets with approximately 70% accuracy (12 of 17 tests). In the event of failed docking, a Dubins path is generated to efficiently drive the vehicle to re-attempt docking. The vehicle should be able to successfully dock in the majority of foreseeable scenarios when re-attempts are considered. This method, when combined with recent work on docking station design, intelligent cooperative path planning, underwater communication, and underwater power transfer, will enable true persistent undersea operation in the extremely dynamic ocean environment.
Dynamic Management of Lung Cancer Care During Surging COVID-19

Management of patients with lung cancer continues to be challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the increased risk of complications in this subset of patients. During the COVID-19 surge in New York City, New York University Langone Health adopted triage strategies to help with care for lung cancer patients, with good surgical outcomes and no transmission of COVID-19 to patients or healthcare workers. Here, we will review current recommendations regarding screening and management of lung cancer patients during both a non-surge phase and surge phase of COVID-19.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery encompasses so much more than just extractions. This chapter outlines the basic principles of atraumatic extractions, bone preservation, pre-prosthetic surgery, and basic oral pathology procedures. It would be prudent for a general dentist to also be familiar with the basic management of acute facial swellings and abscesses.
What is “Queer Asia?”: a struggling pathway to globalizing Queer Studies in Communication

This essay exemplifies the author’s struggle with the concept of “queer Asia” as a case of the many pathways to globalize Queer Studies in Communication. During the demonstration, this essay pays a...
Strong Ferromagnetic Exchange Coupling and Single-Molecule Magnetism in MoS43--Bridged Dilanthanide Complexes.

We report the synthesis and characterization of the trinuclear 4d-4f compounds [Co(C5Me5)2][(C5Me5)2Ln(μ-S)2Mo(μ-S)2Ln(C5Me5)2], 1-Ln (Ln = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy), containing the highly polarizable MoS43- bridging unit. UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectra and DFT calculations of 1-Ln reveal a low-energy metal-to-metal charge transfer transition assigned to charge transfer from the singly occupied 4dz2 orbital of MoV to the empty 5d orbitals of the lanthanides (4d in the case of 1-Y), mediated by sulfur-based 3p orbitals. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra collected for 1-Y in a tetrahydrofuran solution show large 89Y hyperfine coupling constants of A⊥ = 23 MHz and A|| = 26 MHz, indicating the presence of significant yttrium-localized unpaired electron density. Magnetic susceptibility data support similar electron delocalization and ferromagnetic Ln-Mo exchange for 1-Gd, 1-Tb, and 1-Dy. This ferromagnetic exchange gives rise to an S = 15/2 ground state for 1-Gd and one of the largest magnetic exchange constants involving GdIII observed to date, with JGd-Mo = +16.1(2) cm-1. Additional characterization of 1-Tb and 1-Dy by ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveals that both compounds exhibit slow magnetic relaxation. Although a Raman magnetic relaxation process is dominant for both 1-Tb and 1-Dy, an extracted thermal relaxation barrier of Ueff = 68 cm-1 for 1-Dy is the largest yet reported for a complex containing a paramagnetic 4d metal center. Together, these results provide a potentially generalizable route to enhanced nd-4f magnetic exchange, revealing opportunities for the design of new nd-4f single-molecule magnets and bulk magnetic materials.
Hemodynamic modeling of the circle of Willis reveals unanticipated functions during cardiovascular stress.

Hemodynamic modeling reveals potential evolutionary benefits of the intact circle of Willis (CW) during fear and aerobic exercise. The CW equalizes pulse waveforms due to bidirectional shunting of ...
Case 87: Hospital Administrator. You Have Been Warned

You are in an unnamed low-resource country and have been there for over 2 years. You are the only doctor and do emergency work, anesthesia, deliveries, and surgery 24/7. The hospital has 20 beds and one hospital administrator, who deals with the buying of all the hospital inventory and also pays salaries. She is a bookkeeper by training and has been working there for many years. All the cleaning and upkeep of the hospital is done by volunteers.
Potent Cell-Intrinsic Immune Responses in Dendritic Cells Facilitate HIV-1-Specific T Cell Immunity in HIV-1 Elite Controllers

The majority of HIV-1 elite controllers (EC) restrict HIV-1 replication through highly functional HIV-1-specific T cell responses, but mechanisms supporting the evolution of effective HIV-1-specific T cell immunity in these patients remain undefined. Cytosolic immune recognition of HIV-1 in conventional dendritic cells (cDC) can facilitate priming and expansion of HIV-1-specific T cells; however, HIV-1 seems to be able to avoid intracellular immune recognition in cDCs in most infected individuals. Here, we show that exposure of cDCs from EC to HIV-1 leads to a rapid and sustained production of type I interferons and upregulation of several interferon-stimulated effector genes. Emergence of these cell-intrinsic immune responses was associated with a reduced induction of SAMHD1 and LEDGF/p75, and an accumulation of viral reverse transcripts, but inhibited by pharmacological blockade of viral reverse transcription or siRNA-mediated silencing of the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS. Importantly, improved cell-intrinsic immune recognition of HIV-1 in cDCs from elite controllers translated into stronger abilities to stimulate and expand HIV-1-specific CD8 T cell responses. These data suggest an important role of cell-intrinsic type I interferon secretion in dendritic cells for the induction of effective HIV-1-specific CD8 T cells, and may be helpful for eliciting functional T cell immunity against HIV-1 for preventative or therapeutic clinical purposes.
Baseline characteristics predict risk of progression and response to combined medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Objective To better risk stratify patients, using baseline characteristics, to help optimise decision-making for men with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through a secondary analysis of the Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) trial. Patients and Methods After review of the literature, we identified potential baseline risk factors for BPH progression. Using bivariate tests in a secondary analysis of MTOPS data, we determined which variables retained prognostic significance. We then used these factors in Cox proportional hazard modelling to: i) more comprehensively risk stratify the study population based on pre-treatment parameters and ii) to determine which risk strata stood to benefit most from medical intervention. Results In all, 3047 men were followed in MTOPS for a mean of 4.5 years. We found varying risks of progression across quartiles. Baseline BPH Impact Index score, post-void residual urine volume, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, age, American Urological Association Symptom Index score, and maximum urinary flow rate were found to significantly correlate with overall BPH progression in multivariable analysis. Conclusions Using baseline factors permits estimation of individual patient risk for clinical progression and the benefits of medical therapy. A novel clinical decision tool based on these analyses will allow clinicians to weigh patient-specific benefits against possible risks of adverse effects for a given patient.
3-phase converter model for unbalanced radial distribution power flow studies-thyristor rectifier and pulse-width-modulated inverter

This paper proposes an extended three-phase converter model for unbalanced power flow studies [Stoicescu, R et al., 2002]. The actual three-phase converters presented in this paper consist of a thyristor rectifier, a dc system, and a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) voltage source inverter. The converter is modeled with three single-phase, grounded, Y-connected converters. It is equivalent to the actual converters with respect to the average dc current on the dc link. The converter model is integrated into an unbalanced sequential power flow solver. The solution algorithm is tested in a 16-bus test system. Simulation results are presented.
Fabrication of integrated THz sources

Fabrication methods for integrated, GaAs-on-Quartz, Schottky based sideband generators and frequency multipliers operating at 200 GHz and 600 GHz are discussed. Important attributes include sub-micron anodes, air-bridged Schottky contacts, epitaxial layer bonding, low temperature (<200/spl deg/C) processing, and quasi-ohmic contacts. Photos of completed circuits and test results are presented.
Revealing the Mechanisms of Protein Disorder and N-Glycosylation in CD44-Hyaluronan Binding Using Molecular Simulation

The extracellular N-terminal hyaluronan binding domain (HABD) of CD44 is a small globular domain that confers hyaluronan (HA) binding functionality to this large transmembrane glycoprotein. When recombinantly expressed by itself, HABD exists as a globular water-soluble protein that retains the capacity to bind HA. This has enabled atomic-resolution structural biology experiments that have revealed the structure of HABD and its binding mode with oligomeric HA. Such experiments have also pointed to an order-to-disorder transition in HABD that is associated with HA binding. However, it had remained unclear how this structural transition was involved in binding since it occurs in a region of HABD distant from the HA-binding site. Furthermore, HABD is known to be N-glycosylated, and such glycosylation can diminish HA binding when the associated N-glycans are capped with sialic acid residues. The intrinsic flexibility of disordered proteins and of N-glycans makes it difficult to apply experimental structural biology approaches to probe the molecular mechanisms of how the order-to-disorder transition and N-glycosylation can modulate HA binding by HABD. We review recent results from molecular dynamics simulations that provide atomic-resolution mechanistic understanding of such modulation to help bridge gaps between existing experimental binding and structural biology data. Findings from these simulations include: Tyr42 may function as a molecular switch that converts the HA-binding site from a low affinity to a high affinity state; in the partially disordered form of HABD, basic amino acids in the C-terminal region can gain sufficient mobility to form direct contacts with bound HA to further stabilize binding; and terminal sialic acids on covalently attached N-glycans can form charge-paired hydrogen bonding interactions with basic amino acids that could otherwise bind to HA, thereby blocking HA binding to glycosylated CD44 HABD.
Low-power /spl mu/ wave plasma source for microsystems

Summary form only given, as follows. Microplasma sources can be integrated within portable devices for applications such as bio-MEMs sterilization, small-scale materials processing, and micro chemical analysis systems. Portable operation of microplasma sources, however, places a limit on the amount of power and the vacuum levels that can be employed in the plasma source. A low-power microwave plasma source based on a microstrip split-ring resonator has been fabricated and characterized. The microstrip is formed in the shape of a 16-mm i d ring with a 500-/spl mu/m gap in which the discharge is formed The plasma source operates at 900 MHz and presents a quality factor of Q = 335. This quality factor is an order of magnitude greater than in microfabricated inductively coupled plasma sources operating in the same frequency range. The high Q value of the plasma source allows low-power (high-efficiency) operation up to atmospheric pressure. Argon and air discharges can be self-started with less than 3 W in a relatively wide pressure range. At low pressure, the discharge forms a diffuse plasma that extends beyond the discharge gap in the split-ring resonator.
Word Recall: Cognitive Performance Within Internet Surveys.

Background: The use of online surveys for data collection has increased exponentially, yet it is often unclear whether interview-based cognitive assessments (such as face-to-face or telephonic word recall tasks) can be adapted for use in application-based research settings. Objective: The objective of the current study was to compare and characterize the results of online word recall tasks to those of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and determine the feasibility and reliability of incorporating word recall tasks into application-based cognitive assessments. Methods: The results of the online immediate and delayed word recall assessment, included within the Women’s Health and Valuation (WHV) study, were compared to the results of the immediate and delayed recall tasks of Waves 5-11 (2000-2012) of the HRS. Results: Performance on the WHV immediate and delayed tasks demonstrated strong concordance with performance on the HRS tasks (ρc=.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.91), despite significant differences between study populations ( P <.001) and study design. Sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported memory demonstrated similar relationships with performance on both the HRS and WHV tasks. Conclusions: The key finding of this study is that the HRS word recall tasks performed similarly when used as an online cognitive assessment in the WHV. Online administration of cognitive tests, which has the potential to significantly reduce participant and administrative burden, should be considered in future research studies and health assessments. [JMIR Ment Health 2015;2(2):e20]
Three-dimensional de Sitter gravity and the dS/CFT correspondence

Certain aspects of three-dimensional asymptotically de Sitter spaces are studied, with emphasis on the mapping between gravity observables and the representation of the conformal symmetry of the boundary. In particular, we show that the nonreal conformal weights for the boundary theory correspond to space-times that have a nonzero angular momentum. Some miscellaneous results on the role of the holonomies and isometry groups are also presented.
Book Layout Analysis: TOC Structure Extraction Engine

Scanned then OCRed documents usually lack detailed layout and structural information. We present a book specific layout analysis system used to extract TOC structure information from the scanned and OCRed books. This system was used for navigation purposes by the live books search project. We provide labeling scheme for the TOC sections of the books, high level overview for the book layout analysis system, as well as TOC Structure Extraction Engine. In the end we present accuracy measurements of this system on a representative test set.
The use of dilute Dakin's solution for the treatment of angioinvasive fungal infection in the combat wounded: a case series.

ABSTRACTDisseminated fungal infections are normally opportunistic infections in the immunocompromised population. Current literature has documented a high mortality rate with these infections in civilian trauma or as complications of severe burns. There is only one published case of fungal infection in a combat-injured individual to date, which resulted in mortality despite aggressive debridement and appropriate antifungal agents. We present here three patients in whom aggressive debridement, antifungals, and the addition of dilute Dakin's solution with negative pressure wound therapy was used to treat angioinvasive mold. Angioinvasive fungal infection continue to be one of the most aggressive and devastating infections that our combat-injured patients face. With the addition of dilute Dakin's solution, we successfully managed three critically ill patients. Previous literature had shown close to 30% mortality associated with cutaneous mucormycosis and the mortality rate approaches 100% with disseminated a...
RESPONSIVENESS AND SENSITIVITY TO INHALED NITRIC OXIDE CHANGES WITH AGE IN ISOLATED LUNGS OF DEVELOPING NEWBORN LAMBS. † 2059

In a recent study, we found that sodium nitroprusside (SNP) attenuated hypoxic vasoconstriction more in 2 day (d) than 1 month (m) old lamb lungs (J Appl Physiol 79: 824, 1995), suggesting that pulmonary vascular responsiveness to endothelium-derived nitric oxide decreases with age. However, SNP may have different effects than nitric oxide (NO) on vascular smooth muscle. Therefore, in this study we compared pulmonary artery dose-responses to inhaled NO (2.5 - 100 ppm) in indomethacin-treated 1d and 1m lamb lungs ventilated with 4% O2 (hypox). All lungs were perfused with autologous blood at a constant flow of 100 ml/kg.min. Data are expressed as mean pulmonary artery pressure(Ppa in mmHg) ± SEM. Groups were compared by ANOVA (* different at p< 0.05). Inhaled NO caused a significantly greater decrease in hypox Ppa in 1d compared to 1m lungs. Maximal dilation occurred at 100 ppm NO at both ages. 5 ppm NO caused a 49±8.2% decrease in Ppa relative to maximal dilation in 1d lungs, but only a 25.1±13% decrease in 1m lungs. Over 10 ppm NO were required to cause a 50% decrease in Ppa in 1m lungs. Thus, 1d lungs appeared more responsive and sensitive to NO. Whether this was due to higher baseline Ppa in 1d lungs or to age-dependent differences in metabolism of cGMP(or other steps in signal transduction) remains to be determined. Support: American Heart Assoc, MD Affiliate, Inc. Table
Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reactions of Imido Manganese(V) Corrole: One Reaction with Two Mechanistic Pathways

Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions of (tpfc)MnNTs have been investigated (tpfc = 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole and Ts = p-toluenesulfonate). 9,10-Dihydroanthracene and 1,4-dihydrobenzene reduce (tpfc)MnNTs via HAT with second-order rate constants 0.16 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.01 M-1 s-1, respectively, at 22 °C. The products are the respective arenes, TsNH2 and (tpfc)MnIII. Conversion of (tpfc)MnNTs to (tpfc)Mn by reaction with dihydroanthracene exhibits isosbestic behavior, and formation of 9,9‘,10,10‘-tetrahydrobianthracene is not observed, suggesting that the intermediate anthracene radical rebounds in a second fast step without accumulation of a MnIV intermediate. The imido complex (tpfc)MnVNTs abstracts a hydrogen atom from phenols as well. For example, 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol is oxidized to the corresponding phenoxyl radical with a second-order rate constant of 0.32 ± 0.02 M-1 s-1 at 22 °C. The other products from imido manganese(V) are TsNH2 and the trivalent manganese corrole. Unlike react...
A clinical evaluation of a headless, titanium, variable-pitched, tapered, compression screw for repair of nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures in thoroughbred racehorses.

Objective— To report clinical evaluation of headless compression screws for repair of metacarpal/metatarsal (MC/MT3) condylar fractures in horses. Study Design— Retrospective case study. Sample Population— Racing Thoroughbreds (n=16) with nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures of MC/MT 3. Methods— Medical records (1999–2004) of horses with nondisplaced longitudinal fractures of the lateral condyle of MC/MT3 were reviewed. Pre-operative variables retrieved were: patient age, gender, limb involvement, injury occurrence, fracture length, and width, evidence of palmar comminution and degenerative joint disease, number of pre-injury starts, and pre-injury earnings. Post-operative variables retrieved were: surgical complications, surgical time, number of race starts, and post-operative earnings. Results— MC3 (n=11) and MT3 (5) nondisplaced longitudinal fractures of the lateral condyle were repaired with Acutrak® Equine (AE) screws. Left front limb fractures were most common (8) followed by left hind (5) and right front (3). Nine fractures occurred during training and 7 during racing; 4 fractures had palmar comminution. No surgical complications occurred. Of 15 horses that returned to training, 11 (73%) raced 306±67 days after injury and had greater mean (±SD) post-injury earnings/start ($5290.00±$8124.00) than pre-injury ($4971.00±$2842.00). Screw removal was not required in any horse. Conclusion— The AE screw is a viable option for repair of nondisplaced lateral condylar MC/MT3 fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses. Clinical Relevance— Adequate stability of nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures can be achieved with a headless tapered compression screw while avoiding impingement on the collateral ligaments and joint capsule of the fetlock joint.
Survival of Pathogenic and Indicator Organisms in Ground Water

A comparative study was undertaken on the decay rates of three bacterial types (S. typhimurium, E. coli and S. faecalis), an enterovirus (poliovirus type 1) and a bacterial phage (f2) in ground water maintained under laboratory conditions. Except for f2 phage, all the microorganisms tested were relatively stable in ground water. S. faecalis survived best among all the bacteria tested and its decay rate was similar to that of poliovirus type 1. Under field conditions, bacterial indicators were also found to be stable in the ground-water environment. The decay rate for fecal streptococci was lower than for fecal or total coliforms in the shallow wells.
Hierarchical Approximate Bayesian Computation

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is a powerful technique for estimating the posterior distribution of a model’s parameters. It is especially important when the model to be fit has no explicit likelihood function, which happens for computational (or simulation-based) models such as those that are popular in cognitive neuroscience and other areas in psychology. However, ABC is usually applied only to models with few parameters. Extending ABC to hierarchical models has been difficult because high-dimensional hierarchical models add computational complexity that conventional ABC cannot accommodate. In this paper, we summarize some current approaches for performing hierarchical ABC and introduce a new algorithm called Gibbs ABC. This new algorithm incorporates well-known Bayesian techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the ABC approach for estimation of hierarchical models. We then use the Gibbs ABC algorithm to estimate the parameters of two models of signal detection, one with and one without a tractable likelihood function.
Purified rat acid-labile subunit and recombinant human insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-3 can form a 150-kilodalton binary complex in vitro in the absence of IGFs.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) circulate in plasma mainly as part of a 150-kilodalton (kDa) complex with 40- to 45-kDa IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and an approximately 85-kDa acid-labile subunit (ALS) that does not bind IGFs directly. This complex sequesters IGFs in plasma, thereby providing a potential reservoir of the growth factors for tissues while constraining their potential hypoglycemic effects. Although it has been thought that IGFBP-3 must first bind IGF-I or IGF-II before it can complex with ALS to form the 150-kDa complex, we recently showed that unoccupied 150-kDa binary complexes of IGFBP-3 and ALS are abundant in adult rat serum. We now demonstrate that IGFBP-3 and rat (r)ALS can form 150-kDa complexes in the absence of IGFs. ALS was purified from rat serum by anion exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography on an IGF-I-Sepharose column to which human (h) IGFBP-3 had been noncovalently bound. The preparation contained less than 0.1 ng IGF-I/microgram(s) purified ALS. In the ...
A diophantine definition of integers in the rings of rational numbers

The author considers rings of rational numbers which are integral at all the primes except, possibly, primes contained in a finite set. In such rings a Diophantine definition of ℤ is constructed to show that all the recursively enumerable subsets of the ring are Diophantine.
Revisiting upper eyelid anatomy: introduction of the septal extension.

Background: The current trend in plastic surgery of the eyelid has taken on increased dependence on anatomical considerations in the marriage of aesthetic and functional ideals. Often, the plastic surgeon performs ptosis and/or septal surgery in conjunction with blepharoplasty. The relationship between eyelid adnexal structures and upper eyelic function is a delicate but critical one. Current anatomical description states that the septum does not reach the superior tarsal border and inserts at a variable level on the levator aponeurosis. Conflicting observations in clinical practice stimulated this study to delineate the septal relationship to surrounding structures. In addtion, this study may help to explain the increased rate of recurrence in ptosis repairs that incorporate plication techniques. Methods: Dissection of four fresh cadaveric upper lid specimens in situ along with hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome stains of harvested eyelid tissue were used to redefine septal anatomy... Clinical case correlations are made to illustrate the significance of the histologic findings. Results: A distinct septal extension was demonstrated arising from the orbital septum and covering preaponeurotic fat and tarsus completely. Histology of the anterior lamellae confirmed the presence of this this fibrous sheet. In vivo assessment of this structure verifies its dynamic role in upper lid function. The clinical ramifications of this anatomical nuance are realized. Conclusions: A septal extension to the ciliary margin of the upper eyelid is established. Suture plication of the septal extension can induce lid elevation, with potential postoperative lid retraction. Intraoperative failure to recognize and distinguish this extension from the aponeurosis proper may lead to the high reported rates of unsuccessful ptosis correction. This refinement of septal anatomy should increase precision and help surgeons avoid complications in advanced blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery.
Genetic investigation of a negatively phototactic strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Two laboratory strains of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii137c differ in their pattern of phototactic aggregation. One is positively phototactic under conditions where the other is negatively phototactic. The trait segregates 2:2 in tetrads and maps to a single locus. Heterozygous diploids are positively phototactic, showing that this allele is dominant. The aggregation pattern caused by either allele is not altered by the introduction of an unlinked gene that suppresses development of the eyespot. Probably the strains already differed in phototactic behaviour at the time they were first isolated. They may therefore reflect a genetic polymorphism common among soil algae. The genetic data allowed another significant observation not specifically related to phototaxis. Anomalous products from some crosses suggest that four nuclei sometimes fuse into a tetraploid zygote that then undergoes meiosis. The meiotic products that result are diploid. This represents a previously undescribed mechanism of diploid formation in Chlamydomonas.
Organizational Career Stage as a Moderator of the Satisfaction-Performance Relationship

The relationship between performance and dimensions of job satisfaction is studied among 132 employees of a public agency located in a large southwestern city. The results of this study indicate th...
RING-MODIFIED CARBON FIBER MICROELECTRODES AND MULTI-MICROELECTRODE DEVICES

Abstract Two new types of modified microelectrodes were used alone and in multi-microelectrode devices. Carbon fibers with diameters of 7.2 μm were modified either by electropolymerization, or by thermal polymerization of a mixture of monomers to give a thick coating of modifier around the cylindrical fiber. The modified fibers were then coated with an insulating layer. The tips of the electrodes were polished perpendicular to the axis of the fiber to give ring-modified disk electrodes. Copolymers of poly(vinylferrocene) and poly(vinylpyridine) with crosslinked polystyrene were used, and demonstrated behavior similar to that for surface modified electrodes, except that the electrodes could be polished to renew the surface. Multi-microelectrode devices were prepared. For example, a ring-modified working electrode, a silver/silver chloride coated practical reference electrode, and a platinum auxiliary electrode were used in a molded epoxy probe in electrolyte solution to give cyclic voltammograms that were similar to those expected for a ring-modified working electrode using traditional reference and auxiliary electrodes.
Role of protective gloves in the causation and treatment of occupational irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis of the hands is a significant occupational problem. Management primarily involves cessation of exposure to hazardous substances. Protective gloves can reduce or eliminate exposure of the hands to hazardous substances if used correctly, but if not selected and used correctly, protective gloves can actually cause or worsen irritant contact dermatitis of the hands by increasing exposure of the hands to hazardous chemicals. We present two cases of occupational irritant contact dermatitis of the hands caused by incorrect use of protective gloves. Glove failure can occur by penetration, permeation, or contamination, and all 3 mechanisms were operative in these cases. These cases demonstrate that correct use of gloves is at least as important as selection of gloves made of the appropriate material. By understanding mechanisms of glove failure, clinicians can make more appropriate recommendations for the selection and use of protective gloves in the workplace.
Applicability of Capillary Electrophoresis with Amperometric Detection to Study Degradation of Chlorophenols in Contaminated Soil

Details are presented for assembling an amperometric detector compatible with commercial capillary electrophoresis (CE) instruments. The detector assembled with a gold electrode achieves a sufficient sensitivity in analyzing liquid extracts to enable determination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in soils at 35 mg/kg (PCP/soil). The CE system equipped with amperometric detection is used to study the oxidation of chlorophenols with ceric sulfate. The selected chlorophenols are completely oxidized by ceric sulfate in 5 min and the ceric sulfate can be recovered and reused. The same CE system is also applied for monitoring the photodegradation of PCP in contaminated soil, in the presence of titanium dioxide. Complete degradation of PCP, with no trace of electroactive products, is achieved in 7 h. This study demonstrates that capillary electrophoresis can be an important technique for monitoring processes of degradation and bioremediation.
Azido and amido derivatives of aluminium(III)

Abstract The piperidinyl-substituted aluminium azide, [(pip)2AlN3]2 (5) (pip = piperidinyl, has been synthesised via the reaction between [(pip)2AlCl]2 and one equivalent of NaN3. A related pyrrolyl derivative, [(Me2N(H))Al(pyr)3] (7) (pyr = pyrrolyl, was prepared via the dimethylamine elimination reaction between [Al2(NMe2)6] and six equivalents of pyrrole. A third aluminium amido complex, [Li(Al(NHtBu)4)]2 (9), has been isolated from the salt elimination reaction between AlCl3 and an excess of LiNHtBu. all three compounds have been characterised by X-ray crystallography; compounds 5 and 9 are dimeric in the solid state, whereas 7 is monomeric.
Scales of sulfur concentrations and deposition from the perspective of the receptor

Abstract Median source-receptor separation distances and atmospheric transport times for atmospheric [SO2] and [SO4[2−] and wet and dry deposition of S are calculated from the perspective of the receptor. The temporal and spatial separations are weighted according to the relative contribution of the source to the total atmospheric concentration or deposition at the receptor as calculated with the Advanced Statistical Trajectory Regional Air Pollution (ASTRAP) model; thus, the scales are functions not just of climatological conditions and processes of atmospheric chemistry (as resolved and treated by the regional model) but also of the emission distribution. Calculations are made for a grid of receptor points covering the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. The minimum spatial and temporal scale lengths occur in the principal emission region, the Ohio Valley, and near isolated western sources; maximum scale lengths occur in remote regions without significant local emissions. The spatial scale of [SO42−] is typically almost twice as large as that of [SO2] or dry deposition of S in the eastern United States, and the spatial scale of wet deposition of S is slightly greater than that for [SO42−]. The temporal scales of [SO42−] and wet deposition of S are two to three times those of [SO2] and dry deposition of S in the eastern United States. Weighted-mean spatial separations are larger than median separations by roughly 25% except in areas remote from sources where they are about equal. Over most of the region scales for wet deposition of S are shortest in summer and longest in winter.
Solving over-determined systems by the subresultant method (with an appendix by Marc Chardin)

A general subresultant method is introduced to compute elements of a given ideal with few terms and bounded coefficients. This subresultant method is applied to solve over-determined polynomial systems by either finding a triangular representation of the solution set or by reducing the problem to eigenvalue computation. One of the ingredients of the subresultant method is the computation of a matrix that satisfies certain requirements, called the subresultant properties. Our general framework allows us to use matrices of significantly smaller size than previous methods. We prove that certain previously known matrix constructions, in particular, Macaulay's, Chardin's and Jouanolou's resultant and subresultant matrices possess the subresultant properties. However, these results rely on some assumptions about the regularity of the over-determined system to be solved. The appendix, written by Marc Chardin, contains relevant results on the regularity of n homogeneous forms in n variables.
Domain organization and polarity of tail needle GP26 in the portal vertex structure of bacteriophage P22.

Abstract The attachment of tailed bacteriophages to the host cell wall as well as the penetration and injection of the viral genome into the host is mediated by the virion tail complex. In phage P22, a member of the Podoviridae family that infects Salmonella enterica, the tail contains an ∼ 220 A elongated protein needle, previously identified as tail accessory factor gp26. Together with tail factors gp4 and gp10, gp26 is critical to close the portal protein channel and retain the viral DNA inside the capsid. By virtue of its topology and position in the virion, the tail needle gp26 is thought to function as a penetrating device to perforate the Salmonella cell wall. Here, we define the domain organization of gp26, characterize the structural determinants for its stability, and define the polarity of the gp26 assembly into the phage portal vertex structure. We have found that the N-terminal 27 residues of gp26 form a functional domain that, although not required for gp26 trimerization and overall stability, is essential for the correct attachment to gp10, which is thought to plug the portal vertex structure. The region downstream of domain I, domain II, folds into helical core, which exhibits four trimerization octad repeats with consensus Ile-xx-Leu-xxx-Val/Tyr. We demonstrate that in vitro, domain II represents the main self-assembling, highly stable trimerization core of gp26, which retains a folded conformation both in an anhydrous environment and in the presence of 10% SDS. The C terminus of gp26, immediately downstream of domain II, contains a β-sheet-rich region, domain III, and a short coiled coil, domain IV, which, although not required for gp26 trimerization, enhance its thermodynamic stability. We propose that domains III and IV of the tail needle form the tip utilized by the phage to penetrate the host cell wall.
Modification of shear modulus and creep compliance of fibrin clots by fibronectin

Abstract Shear moduli and creep compliances have been measured for four types of clots of human fibrin (about 7 mg ml ) clotted with and without human plasma fibronectin (usually 1.2 mg ml ). Fine clots (with little lateral aggregation of the fibrin protofibrils) were formed at pH 8.5, ionic strength 0.45 ; coarse clots (with substantial lateral aggregation) were formed at pH 7.5, ionic strength 0.15; in both cases with and without ligation by fibrinougase. In fine clots, the addition of fibronectin without ligation scarcely affected the shear modulus; with ligation, the modulus was decreased by a factor of 0.48. In coarse clots, the shear modulus was increased by addition of fibronectin. The increase was by a factor of 2.0 without ligation and by a factor of 2.4 with ligation. Creep and creep recovery in clots formed with and without fibronectin were similar except for the scale factor represented by the change in modulus.
Structural biology: Anthrax hijacks host receptor

An atomic picture of how anthrax toxin binds to its host's cells reveals that the toxin commandeers a host receptor protein and tricks it into helping the toxin enter the cell.
Ultracataclasis, sintering, and frictional melting in pseudotachylytes from East Greenland

Abstract Large volumes of pseudotachylyte (an intrusive, fault-related rock interpreted to form by a combination of cataclasis and melting) occur in Tertiary normal faults and accommodation zones along ∼400 km of the East Greenland volcanic rifted margin. Analysis of representative pseudotachylyte samples reveals a wide range of mesoscopic and microscopic textures, mineralogies, and chemistries in the aphanitic pseudotachylyte matrix. Three distinct types of pseudotachylyte (referred to as angular, rounded and glassy) are identified based on these characteristics. Angular pseudotachylyte (found primarily in dike-like reservoir zones) is characterized by angular grains visible on all scales, with micron-scale fragments of mica and amphibole. Its matrix is enriched in Fe2O3, MgO, and TiO2 relative to the host rock, with minor increases in CaO, K2O, and small decreases in Na2O. Rounded pseudotachylyte is found in reservoir zones, injection veins (pseudotachylyte-filled extension fractures), and fault veins (small faults with pseudotachylyte along their surfaces). It is characterized by smooth-surfaced, compacted grains on microscopic scales, and encloses rounded, interpenetrative lithic clasts on outcrop scale. Its matrix is enriched in Fe2O3, MgO, TiO2, and Al2O3 relative to the host rock, with minor depletion in Na2O and K2O. Glassy pseudotachylyte is found primarily along fault surfaces. Its matrix is characterized by isotropic, conchoidally fractured material containing microscopic, strain-free amphibole phenocrysts, and is enriched in TiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, and Na2O relative to the host rock. These observations suggest that angular pseudotachylyte was produced by cataclasis, with enrichment in metallic oxides resulting from preferential crushing of mechanically weak amphibole and mica minerals found in the gneissic host rock. Cataclasis and concomitant frictional heating resulted in the textural and chemical modification of angular pseudotachylyte by sintering or melting, producing rounded and glassy pseudotachylyte, respectively. Compositional and textural observations constrain the temperatures reached during frictional heating (700–900°C) which in turn delimit the amount of frictional heat imparted to the pseudotachylytes during slip. Our results suggest that the East Greenland pseudotachylytes formed during small seismic events along faults at shallow crustal levels. Consistent relative ages and widespread occurrence of pseudotachylyte-bearing faults in East Greenland suggest that widespread microseismicity accompanied the early development of this volcanic rifted margin.