cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health locus of control changes during a workshop in behavioral medicine.

While measures of health locus of control have been employed to predict the responses of patients to various medical interventions, the beliefs of mental health professionals have been neglected. If t h s construct is a stable personality characteristic as Lau (1) suggests, it may be a selection variable for interest in behavioral medicine. If health locus of control is more statedependent, it may be a variable that changes with training in behavioral medicine. The Health Locus of Control Scale (2) was administered to 40 participants, before and after a >-day behavioral medicine workshop. Subjects were 16 men and 24 women (age = 38.9 yr.) who were practicing therapists (26 MSW, 11 Marriage, Family and Child Counselors, 2 Ph.D. and 1 M.D.). Prior to the workshop, subjects scored 33.66 versus 30.29 afterward ( t19 = 7.98, p<.001), indicating a significant shift toward an internal orientation. A factor analysis (Systat commercial package, varimax rotation) indicated the health locus of control scores were best explained by a single factor, accounting for 56.6% of the variance. After the workshop, an identical factor analysis indicated the scores were best explained by a 3-factor model which explained 65.5% of the variance. Factor 1 (26.0%), loaded by Questions 2, 8, 10, involved past personal responsibility for health. Factor 2 (21.5%), loaded by Questions 1, 4, 6, 11, involved present ~ersonal responsibility for health. Factor 3 (18.0%), loaded negatively by Questions 3, 5, 9, indicated health was a question of luck, fortune, and accidental happenings. The preworkshop score of 33.66 was not more internal than the original normative data from nonill persons, indicating participants interested in behavioral medicine were not a selfselected sample of internal scorers. The final score was significantly more internal than those of any of the original samples, suggesting that the training increases an internal orientation consistent with the attitudes of behavioral medicine. Previous factor analytic studies of responses to the Health Locus of Control Scale have also produced three factors, but not as a function of intervention, i.e., after training. Education in behavioral medicine stresses treatment techniques, but also changes health attitudes and the clustering of these atticudes as well. At least within mental health professionals, health atticudes may not be as intractable as has been previously believed. A measure of their behavioral expression as well should be sought.
Initial clinical experience with allopurinol-thiopurine combination therapy in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Thiopurines are a mainstay of immunomodulator therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite their efficacy, some patients may have a poor response due to inability to achieve adequate levels of the active metabolite, 6-thioguanine (6-TGN). Others experience hepatotoxicity, which correlates with excessive 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) levels. Two adult studies have demonstrated successful manipulation of thiopurine metabolism with allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, to achieve more optimal thiopurine levels. The aim was to retrospectively characterize the utility of allopurinol to optimize thiopurine metabolite levels in pediatric IBD patients. Methods: Thirteen patients received allopurinol daily (100 mg in patients ≥30 kg and 50 mg <30 kg), and their thiopurine dose was simultaneously reduced to 25%–50% of the previous maintenance dose. Metabolite levels and other screening labs were checked 2–4 weeks later. Results: The mean azathioprine dose was decreased from 148.1 to 59.6 mg daily (60% of the mean original dose). The mean 6-TGN level increased from 173 to 303 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cell count (RBC) (P = 0.03), and the mean 6-MMP level decreased from 7888 to 2315 pmol/8 × 108 RBC (P < 0.001). Elevated transaminase levels improved or resolved in all patients. Two patients experienced reversible neutropenia. At the conclusion of the study 9 patients (69%) remained on combination therapy with a mean duration of follow-up of 162.8 ± 119.2 days. Conclusions: Combination therapy successfully shunted thiopurine metabolites to a more favorable pattern. Reversible neutropenia was the most common side effect (2 patients). Long-term prospective studies are needed in this patient population. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Three-dimensional Analysis of Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope Sections Reveals an Array of Microtubules in the Cleavage Furrow of Sea Urchin Eggs

Our recent observation that microtubules (MTs) are required for completion of division (abscission) led us to analyze MT organization during cytokinesis. Although many studies of MTs in sea urchin eggs have been done, computer-aided analysis of optical sections described herein reveals a new MT assemblage, which we call furrow MTs. This assemblage comprises bundles of MTs that lie in the cleavage furrow. Furrow MTs become apparent when the furrow has progressed approximately one-third of the way through the egg and persist to abscission. Furrow MTs are 8–24-µm long and arc across the base of the cleavage furrow. Acetylated tubulin is localized primarily in the furrow suggesting a distinct MT population. Three-dimensional analysis of optical sections suggests that furrow MTs are spatially distinct from midbody and astral MTs.
Awake epidural anesthesia is associated with improved natural killer cell cytotoxicity and a reduced stress response

Background Laparotomy under general anesthesia is associated with depressed natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) and compromised clearance of tumor cells. We tested the hypothesis that awake epidural anesthesia (AEA) improves NKCC compared to conventional general endotracheal anesthesia (GEA). Patients and methods Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative (day 3) NKCC, plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, Cortisol levels, and 24-hour urinary cortisol levels were measured in 20 patients undergoing open colectomy under either AEA or GEA. Results Preoperative and postoperative measurements were not significantly different in the two groups. Patients receiving GEA had a significant reduction in NKCC from 36% ± 4% preoperatively to 22% ± 4% perioperatively (P = 0.02). Patients receiving AEA had no significant change in NKCC. Perioperative plasma epinephrine and cortisol levels were higher with GEA than AEA. The perioperative 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion values were significantly higher in the group receiving GEA, suggesting a greater stress hormone response in this group compared to AEA patients. Conclusions Compared to GEA, AEA appears to preserve perioperative NKCC. This effect may be related to an attenuated stress hormone response associated with AEA. Cancer patients may have improved killing of embolized tumor cells during surgery performed under AEA.
Mouse pigpen encodes a nuclear protein whose expression is developmentally regulated during craniofacial morphogenesis

Pigpen, a nuclear protein with RNA-binding motifs and a putative transcriptional activation domain (TAD), is expressed at high levels in proliferating endothelial cells and expression is down-regulated when cells adopt a quiescent or differentiated phenotype. We cloned the mouse homolog of pigpen and investigated the regulation of its expression during embryogenesis. In situ hybridization demonstrated that a broad pattern of pigpen expression became restricted during tooth formation in the mandible. In the eye, pigpen showed a spatial restriction to the more proliferating and less differentiated regions of the lens and neural retina. Expression was also restricted in the developing vibrissae, lung, and kidney, all sites where epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are vital for morphogenesis. In vitro assays, that focused on the mandible and tooth development, indicated that epithelial signals, mediated by fibroblast growth factor-8, were required to maintain pigpen expression in the mandibular mesenchyme, whereas bone morphogenetic protein-4 negatively regulated expression in that tissue during early odontogenesis. At the protein level, immunocytochemistry demonstrated that Pigpen was expressed diffusely in the cytoplasm and more concentratedly in focal granules within the nuclei of mouse embryonic cells. Lastly, CAT reporter assays showed that the N-terminus of mouse pigpen encodes an active TAD. These data suggest that mouse Pigpen may activate transcription in vivo in response to specific growth factor signals and regulate proliferation and/or differentiation events during mouse organogenesis.
Diffraction of Electric Waves on a Cone Formed of Perfectly Magnetically and Electrically Conducting Surfaces

We solve the problem of diffraction of the field of radial electric dipole on a cone whose surface is formed by finite perfectly magnetically conducting and truncated semiinfinite perfectly electrically conducting conical surfaces. The problem is solved by the Wiener–Hopf technique with the use of the Kontorovich–Lebedev integral transformation. We obtain the exact solution of the problem in the static limit and its approximate solution in the low-frequency case. We deduce an expression for the directional pattern of a cone with perfectly absorbing vertex (within the framework of the Macdonald model). We also clarify the effect of the edge of absorbing fragment of the cone surface on its scattering properties.
A simultaneous equation model of spousal time allocation

Abstract Given the complexity of spousal arrangements regarding market work and housework that have emerged during the last decade, time allocation by an individual within a family unit can no longer be treated as independent; albeit joint spousal decision making has not been properly modeled in the time-allocation literature. Accordingly, we develop a theoretical model which explains optimal time allocation of a typical dual-earner household which accounts for both interindividual and interactivity simultaneity. The model is estimated using a full information maximum likelihood technique with data from the 1983 wave of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. While this study improves on prior work in the area of time allocation by taking interdependency and interactivity simultaneity into account, many of the findings are consistent with those of previous studies where allocation decisions have been assumed to be independent. Modeling spousal decisions jointly and correctly, however, should serve to narrow the gap between theory and actual time-allocation behavior.
The devil is in the details: community based participatory research.

Community based participatory research (CBPR) has gained prominence in the last few years, particularly when the National Institutes of Health issued a program announcement in 2006 and established a special emphasis study section. Traditionally foundations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation were the primary funders for CBPR. The literature is filled with information about the principles of CBPR [1] and/or establishing collaborations with the community [2]. It is not unusual to hear the discourse of oldtimers and newcomers debating the implementation of a CBPR project. However, what is missing in the literature and in the discourse is attention to the administration of CBPR projects. The administration must be different and those who administer must be mindful of this. The very nature of CBPR elevates the research administration stakes. One of the things that makes community based research a little different from traditional research approaches is the number of entities including stakeholders, both the public and private sectors, influential community based organizations, and academic centers, to name a few, that might all be involved in the research at various points along the continuum. When all the partners are playing by the established rules of engagement, life is grand. Partners affirm that they are not doing research just for research’s sake and everyone involved sees and hears how the research is making a difference.
Posttransplant recoarctation of the aorta: a twelve year experience

Abstract Objectives. This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence of posttransplant recoarctation of the aorta, delineate the mode of presentation, identify risk factors that predict recoarctation and examine the results of intervention for posttransplant recoarctation. Background. Patients with aortic arch hypoplasia require extended arch reconstruction at transplant, with an inherent possibility of subsequent recoarctation of the aorta. Methods. This was a retrospective review of all children (age Results. Two hundred eighty-eight transplants were performed on 279 children (follow-up = 1,075 patient-years; range 0 to 133 months, median 43.7). Thirty-two of 152 patients (21%) who underwent extended aortic arch reconstruction subsequently developed recoarctation. All but one patient developed recoarctation within 2 years after transplant; 87% were hypertensive at presentation. Of 30 patients who underwent intervention for recoarctation (balloon angioplasty [n = 26] and surgical repair of recoarctation [n = 4]), 26 (87%) have remained recurrence-free (follow-up = 133 patient-years; range 8 to 106 months, median 47). Conclusions. The high frequency of recoarctation after cardiac transplantation with extended aortic arch reconstruction mandates serial echocardiographic evaluation of the aortic arch. Patients typically present with systemic hypertension within the first two years after transplantation. Balloon angioplasty is a safe, effective and durable method of treatment.
Assessment Literacy for Teachers: Faddish or Fundamental?

In recent years, increasing numbers of professional development programs have dealt with assessment literacy for teachers and/or administrators. Is assessment literacy merely a fashionable focus for today's professional developers or, in contrast, should it be regarded as a significant area of professional development interest for many years to come? After dividing educators' measurement-related concerns into either classroom assessments or accountability assessments, it is argued that educators' inadequate knowledge in either of these arenas can cripple the quality of education. Assessment literacy is seen, therefore, as a sine qua non for today's competent educator. As such, assessment literacy must be a pivotal content area for current and future staff development endeavors. Thirteen must-understand topics are set forth for consideration by those who design and deliver assessment literacy programs. Until preservice teacher education programs begin producing assessment literate teachers, professional de...
Measurement of absolute CH3 concentration in a hot-filament reactor using cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Abstract Methyl radicals were generated in a hot-filament diamond synthesis reactor using a resistively heated tungsten filament (length, 20 mm) in a slowly flowing mixture of 0.5% CH 4 in H 2 . The UV absorbance of CH 3 was measured during deposition using a new line-of-sight optical technique called cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). Measurements were carried out at 213.9 nm, a wavelength at which the CH 3 absorption cross-section has been shown by others to be independent of the temperature over a large range. We observed that the CH 3 absolute concentration varied strongly as a function of the position between the substrate and the filament, and its value was strongly influenced by the substrate temperature.
The effects of loaded, unloaded, dynamic, and static activities on foot volumetrics

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare loaded activities (standing and walking) versus unloaded activities (stationary biking and sitting), and dynamic activities (stationary biking and treadmill walking) versus static activities (sitting and standing) on foot volumetrics. Design: This study was a single-group, repeated measures design. Methods: Thirty-four subjects participated in four different sessions (sitting, standing, stationary biking, and walking) over 3 weeks. Each randomly assigned activity was performed for 12min. Pre- and post- foot volumes were measured. Results: A 2 (within subject − pre and post)×4 (between subject – condition) ANOVA was significant for an interaction ( p =0.041). Post-hoc testing revealed significantly greater increases for the two loaded conditions, standing ( p p =0.003), whereas no differences were observed for the two unloaded conditions, sitting ( p =0.086) and biking ( p =0.338). Loaded conditions produced a significantly greater increase in foot volume compared to unloaded conditions ( p =0.015). Static conditions produced a significantly greater increase in foot volume compared to dynamic conditions ( p =0.005). Conclusions: The results suggest that unloaded positioning resulted in less foot volume increase than loaded positioning. Additionally, dynamic activities resulted in less foot volume increase than static activities. Of the four positions tested, biking resulted in the least amount of volume increase. Therefore, it may be the most appropriate activity when an increase in foot volume may be a concern.
A Prediction Interval on the Difference Between Two Future Sample Means and its Application to a Claim of Product Superiority

This paper provides procedures for constructing a prediction interval to contain the difference between single future observations from each of two previously sampled normal populations, or, more generally, to contain the difference between two future sample means. An application is the situation where a producer has sampled the performance of both his product and that of a competitor, and wishes to obtain intervals to contain: i. The difference in future performance to be observed by a consumer who will purchase one item of each product. ii. The difference in future mean performance to be obtained by a regulating agency which will sample a number of items from each of the two products. This paper describes the problem, gives solutions for both the situation where the two populations have the same standard deviation and where they do not, provides a numerical example, and references related work. The mathematical justification is given in an Appendix.
JAK2 inhibitors: What's the true therapeutic potential?

Physicians treating patients with the classic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph-negative MPNs) (polycythemia vera [PV], essential thrombocythemia [ET] and primary myelofibrosis [PMF]) traditionally had few therapeutic drugs available. Spurred by the discovery of activating mutation of the JAK2 tyrosine kinase (JAK2 V617F mutation) in patients with Ph-negative MPNs several years ago, several JAK2 inhibitors were synthesized and are currently undergoing clinical trials in patients with PMF, PV and ET. Initial results from these studies have shown that these drugs can markedly reduce spleen size and alleviate constitutional symptoms, increase weight and improve exercise capacity in MF patients, thus improve quality of their life, which is significant clinical benefit. In ET and PV JAK2 inhibitor therapy may efficiently control blood cell count, as well as improve splenomegaly and control disease related symptoms. JAK2 inhibitors are a novel class of agents with promising results for treating patients with MF, PV and ET. In this article we will review the current evidence regarding the role of JAK2 mutations in the pathogenesis of Ph-negative MPNs and summarize results from the most recent clinical trials with JAK2 inhibitors in these disorders. JAK2 inhibitors are a novel class of agents with promising results for treating patients with MF, PV and ET.
Motions and mass changes of a persistent coronal streamer

A coronal streamer was observed by the white light coronagraph on Skylab during 5 successive limb passages between 1 June, 1973 and 6 August, 1973. The Skylab data give independent measures of coronal brightness and polarization, as functions of time. These permit the distinction between changes in the coronal streamer's appearance due to solar rotation and actual structural changes. The streamer's visual appearance changed slightly between successive limb passages indicating that it was not a steady state feature. Measurements of the streamer's latitude, brightness, and polarization during 3 east limb passages show that: (1) the streamer's axis migrated southward from 25° N at first east limb passage to 11° N at second east limb passage to 8° N latitude at third east limb passage; (2) the streamer's mass (and mass gradient with height), varied by between 20 and 50% from one east limb passage to the next; (3) the streamer's longitudinal extent was also observed to be less on successive east limb passages; and (4) mass changes (distinct from coronal transients) occurring over hours were detected during at least two limb passages. Comparison of the outer coronal observations with observations from lower in the solar atmosphere indicate that the streamer was associated with a complex of solar activity consisting of active regions and filaments. This complex of activity shifted southward by the same amount as the streamer. The variations detected in the streamer preclude the detailed determination of its three-dimensional structure.
The ethics of lottery advertising: Issues and evidence

After a discussion of the evolution and criticisms of state run lotteries, this article examines the ethics of lottery advertising. A discussion of the appeals used by lottery advertisers is followed by evidence concerning the impact of expected value information on lottery purchase intentions. Findings point toward less emphasis on the lottery as a solution to financial and job problems and more emphasis on information about the actual value of a lottery bet. Using accepted standards from the marketing literature, lottery advertising is found to be deceptive.
The Acid Degree, Free Volatile Fatty Acids, and the Flavor Score of Salted Commercial Butters

Summary The existence of a possible relationship between butter quality and free fatty acid concentration, including those of a volatile nature, was investigated. Methods involved included the Knaysi-Guthrie method on butterfat, a titration method for acid degree, and a modified ether-extraction direct-distillation technic for free volatile fatty acid concentration in butter and butterfat. Free volatile fatty acid concentration of butter determined either as total or water-soluble acidity was found, in general, to be inversely related to the flavor score of 69 lots of salted commercial butter. Individual samples varied appreciably from the averages. The relationship between the acid degree and the butter score was not well defined. An inverse relationship was discernible but individual samples varied greatly. It was not possible to observe the existence of a close relationship between the flavor score of commercial butter and the Knaysi-Guthrie number of butterfat, even in average values, except that very high-scoring butters generally gave low values. On the basis of the data obtained, it would not be advisable to recommend using either the free total acidity or the free volatile fatty acid values of butter as an index for determining flavor scores of salted commercial butters, due chiefly to variation of individual samples from the averages. For a rough classification of commercial butter as excellent, good, fair, or poor, the use of free volatile acid values might have merit. However, the accumulation of much more data would be required before even this rough classification could be established.
Holographic properties of Triton X-100-treated bacteriorhodopsin embedded in gelatin films.

Abstract Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) thin films have been fabricated with varying amounts of the detergent Triton X-100 to measure the effect of this additive on the holographic performance of these thin films. Holographic spectroscopy is used to measure the effect of these detergents on the overall diffraction efficiency as well as on the phase and amplitude components of the overall signal. The diffracted rise and decay kinetics of these materials will also be presented as a function of varying detergent concentration. This research also studied the effect of this additive on the absorptive properties of bR-based thin films. Comparisons of the two complimentary sets of data are drawn.
An ICU ethics consultation: a second look.

Discontinuation of life-sustaining therapy occurs daily in the intensive care unit (ICU). Guidelines can assist ICU physicians with end-of-life decision making and optimal palliative treatment [1]. Nevertheless, ICU physicians and hospital ethics committees continue to encounter cases in which guidelines do not clarify the best course of action. One such example concerns whether physicians must discontinue sedation and neuromuscular blockade in an intubated patient before initiating withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. We encountered a case in which ethics consultants recommended delaying cessation of life-sustaining treatment because of therapeutic sedation and paralysis but later concluded that not delaying it would have been preferable.
Effect of several androgens, cyproterone acetate or estrogen-progesterone on the prolactin-releasing activity of arginine vasotocin in castrated male rats

Abstract Intravenous (iv) administration of 5 μg of arginine vasotocin (AVT) into urethane-anesthetized, castrated male rats had no effect on plasma prolactin titers as compared to the rise in prolactin levels observed in intact AVT-treated rats. However, when castrated rats were first treated for two days with 2.5 mg/day of testosterone propionate and then challenged with a 5-μg dose of AVT, the prolactin surge values obtained were comparable to those seen in intact AVT-treated rats. Conversely, treatment of intact rats for two days with 25 mg/day of the antiandrogen, cyproterone acetate, blocked the prolactin-releasing activity of AVT. In a separate experiment, treatment of castrated rats for two days with 2.5 mg/day of testosterone androsterone or 50 μg of estradiol benzoate and 25 mg progesterone, completely restored the prolactin-releasing activity of AVT. Similar treatment with 2.5 mg/day of androstenedione or dihydrotestosterone was without effect in restoring this response to AVT. It is concluded that the presence of gonadal steroids is essential to the action of AVT in provoking the release of prolactin in urethane-anesthetized male rats.
Evaluation of the xenon-133 renal blood flow method.

SUMMARY The features of the 133Xe renal blood flow profile in the normal kidney have been described. It is suggested that the xenogram may be particularly useful in: 1 The assessment of renal trauma cases. 2 The evaluation of the non-functioning kidney. 3 The preoperative definition of renal vein thrombosis in renal carcinoma cases. 4 The quantitation of renal ischaemia. 5 The diagnosis of transplant rejection. The technique is recommended for the evaluation of difficult diagnosis renal problems in the hope that it may shed some light and in the knowledge that it will do no harm.
33 EFFECTS OF EARLY MALNUTRITION ON SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AT SCHOOL-AGE

Prenatally malnourished infants show impaired social responsiveness, state control, and attentional capacity. Does undernutrition continue to distort social-affective development in later childhood? This study explores the effects of early nutritional deprivation on later behavior in 2 populations: one in Guatemala, the other in San Diego, California. Subjects in Guatemala were 138 children, age 6-8. All had participated in the INCAP Longitudinal Study which provided ad libitum calorie supplements to pregnant women and later to their children. Pre and postnatal intakes of calorie supplements were the primary independent variables in the present analysis. Dependent measures were assessments of social interaction and affect, obtained by observing children in small-group activities with peers, and cognitive tests. In San Diego, subjects were 65 white, low SES children, age 6-7. For these children, indices of nutritional risk were constructed from maternal questionnaires and medical records. Dependent measures were identical to those in Guatemala. Results were: a) in Guatemala, children who received the highest levels of calorie supplement prenatally and before the age of 2 showed the highest social responsiveness, activity level, and positive affect at school-age; b) in San Diego, prenatal undernutrition was related to social withdrawal, adult dependency, and diminished affect; c) cognitive measures did not correlate with measures of early undernutrition in either study; d) nutritional effects on behavior remained significant when SES was controlled.
Activator-Specific Recruitment of TFIID and Regulation of Ribosomal Protein Genes in Yeast

In yeast, TFIID strongly associates with nearly all ribosomal protein (RP) promoters, but a TAF-independent form of TBP preferentially associates with other active promoters. RP promoters are regulated in response to growth stimuli, in most cases by a Rap1-containing activator. This Rap1-dependent activator is necessary and sufficient for TFIID recruitment, whereas other activators do not efficiently recruit TFIID. TAFs are recruited to RP promoters even when TBP and other general transcription factors are not associated, suggesting that TFIID recruitment involves a direct activator-TAF interaction. Most RP promoters lack canonical TATA elements, and they are preferentially activated by the Rap1-containing activator. These results demonstrate activator-specific recruitment of TFIID in vivo, and they suggest that TFIID recruitment is important for coordinate expression of RP genes.
Molecular biology and biochemistry of ammonia oxidation by Nitrosomonas europaea.

Nitrosomonas europaea uses only NH3, CO2 and mineral salts for growth and as such it is an obligate chemo-lithoautotroph. The oxidation of NH3 is a two-step process catalyzed by ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO). AMO catalyzes the oxidation of NH3 to NH2OH and HAO catalyzes the oxidation of NH2OH to NO2–. AMO is a membrane-bound enzyme composed of three subunits. HAO is located in the periplasm and is a homotrimer with each subunit containing eight c-type hemes. The electron flow from HAO is channeled through cytochrome c554 to cytochrome cm552, where it is partitioned for further utilization. Among the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, the genes for AMO, these cytochromes, and HAO are present in up to three highly similar copies. Mutants with mutations in the copies of amoCAB and hao in N. europaea have been isolated. All of the amoCAB and hao gene copies are functional. N. europaea was selected by the United States Department of Energy for a whole-genome sequencing project. In this article, we review recent research on the molecular biology and biochemistry of NH3 oxidation in nitrifiers.
Discussion of “A note on the Manning formula”

Several statements with regard to the Manning formula that have appeared in this journal in recent months warrant further comment in order that the record may not be misunderstood. To amplify Chow's admittedly second-hand account of the origin of the formula, the writer submits the following quotation [Rouse and Ince, 1954–5] based upon the paper itself and upon biographical information supplied by the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland
The relationship between vascular differentiation and the distribution of ice within Forsythia flower buds

The relationship between vascular development and the distribution of ice within overwintering forsythia flower buds was examined. Previous experiments demonstrated that ice formed in dormant buds within the bud scales, sepals, and in the peduncle and lower portions of the developing flower. The current study demonstrated that these tissues contained columns of primary xylem forming a continuous network with the subtending stem tissues. The vascular traces within the developing petals, anther filaments and pistil were not fully differentiated. Xylem vessels were not present and only procambial cells were observed. Large ice crystals did not accumulate in these tissues. When vascular development resumed in the spring, coincident changes in the distribution of ice within buds were noted. Observations were consistent with the hypothesis that ice propagates into buds via the vascular system, and that the segregation of ice within bud tissues reflects the distribution of xylem.
Expression of parathyroid hormone-related peptide and its receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in human amnion and chorion-decidua: Implications for secretion and function

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to define the location and packaging of parathyroid hormone-related peptide in amnion-chorion and the potential target tissues for its action in fetal membranes. STUDY DESIGN: We studied fetal membranes by use of light microscopic immunocytochemistry with three monoclonal antibodies against distinct regions of the parathyroid hormone-related peptide molecule. For electron microscopy immunogoldanalysis with a monoclonal antibody specific to the 109–141 fragment was used to observe parathyroid hormone-related peptide intracellularly in amnion membrane and in the chorion layers. Multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction with Southern blotting was used to identify parathroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor and control messenger ribonucleic acids in amnion and chorion-decidua. RESULTS: All monoclonal antibodies revealed immunoreacive parathyroid hormone-related peptide in the amniotic epithelial cells and in some fibroblast-like cells embedded in the extracellular matrix of the amnion. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide was also found in the chorion in fibroblast and trophoblast layers and in decidua. Ultrastructurally immunogold particles were evenly distributed throughout the amniotic epithelial cells and were present in apical microvilli and near the basal membranes. Electron microscopy studies of the chorion cytotrophoblast also showed freely dispersed immunogold particles of parathyroid hormone-related peptide with no packaging in secretory granules. Low to undetectable levels of parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor messenger ribonucleic acid were found in amnion tissue, whereas abundant receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was found in chorion-decidua. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the presence of a parathyroid hormone-related peptide paracrine system within the human fetal membranes.
Nasal Microenvironments and Interspecific Interactions Influence Nasal Microbiota Complexity and S. aureus Carriage

The indigenous microbiota of the nasal cavity plays important roles in human health and disease. Patterns of spatial variation in microbiota composition may help explain Staphylococcus aureus colonization and reveal interspecies and species-host interactions. To assess the biogeography of the nasal microbiota, we sampled healthy subjects, representing both S. aureus carriers and noncarriers at three nasal sites (anterior naris, middle meatus, and sphenoethmoidal recess). Phylogenetic compositional and sparse linear discriminant analyses revealed communities that differed according to site epithelium type and S. aureus culture-based carriage status. Corynebacterium accolens and C. pseudodiphtheriticum were identified as the most important microbial community determinants of S. aureus carriage, and competitive interactions were only evident at sites with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium. In vitro cocultivation experiments provided supporting evidence of interactions among these species. These results highlight spatial variation in nasal microbial communities and differences in community composition between S. aureus carriers and noncarriers.
Immunonutrition in High-Risk Surgical Patients A Systematic Review and Analysis of the Literature

Background: Immunomodulating diets (IMDs) have been demonstrated to improve immune function and modulate inflammation. However, the clinical benefit of these diets in patients undergoing elective surgery is controversial. The goal of this meta-analysis was to determine the impact of IMDs on the clinical outcomes of high-risk patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: The review included prospective, controlled, clinical trials that compared the clinical outcome of elective surgical patients who were randomized to receive an IMD or a control enteral diet. Studies were stratified according to the type of IMD and the timing of the initiation of the IMD. Data were abstracted on study design, study size, patient population, and IMD used. The outcomes of interest were the acquisition of new infections, wound complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality. Meta-analytic techniques were used to analyze the data. Results: Twenty-one relevant studies were identified, which included a total of 1918 ...
The Architecture, Design, and Operation of a Virtual Network Hardware Emulation (VNHE) System

This paper presents an overview of the architecture, design, and operation of a virtual network hardware emulation system. The primary motivation for creating the system was to allow operating system development engineers to create virtual network based hardware devices, which allows the developers to create support software for the devices. The system also allows test engineers to test the devices virtually before the devices are physically manufactured and available. The virtual network hardware emulation system consists of seven primary software components, such as a WLan Virtual Miniport component, which simulate the behavior of their physical counterparts. The system is designed in a modular way which allows a wide range of network based hardware devices to be virtualized and tested.
Results from a new die-to-database reticle inspection platform

A new die-to-database high-resolution reticle defect inspection system has been developed for the 45nm logic node and extendable to the 32nm node (also the comparable memory nodes). These nodes will use predominantly 193nm immersion lithography although EUV may also be used. According to recent surveys, the predominant reticle types for the 45nm node are 6% simple tri-tone and COG. Other advanced reticle types may also be used for these nodes including: dark field alternating, Mask Enhancer, complex tri-tone, high transmission, CPL, EUV, etc. Finally, aggressive model based OPC will typically be used which will include many small structures such as jogs, serifs, and SRAF (sub-resolution assist features) with accompanying very small gaps between adjacent structures. The current generation of inspection systems is inadequate to meet these requirements. The architecture and performance of a new die-to-database inspection system is described. This new system is designed to inspect the aforementioned reticle types in die-to-database and die-to-die modes. Recent results from internal testing of the prototype systems are shown. The results include standard programmed defect test reticles and advanced 45nm and 32nm node reticles from industry sources. The results show high sensitivity and low false detections being achieved.
Pleistocene connection between the Nearctic Mediterranean and desert regions in the Sphaeropthalma unicolor species-complex (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)

. 1. While a growing number of studies have been published investigating the history of diversification of desert-adapted taxa, little work has been done on the history of diversification of Mediterranean-adapted and related desert-adapted species. Here, we investigate the historical biogeographical patterns within and among species of the Sphaeropthalma unicolor species-complex (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) to determine if the diversification leading to the close relationship between the desert-adapted and Mediterranean-adapted species resulted from late Neogene uplift events or Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. 2. Phylogenetic reconstructions showed each of the three species in the S. unicolor species-complex forming a distinct, well-supported clade with little population-level structuring within the Mediterranean-adapted S. unicolor (Cresson) and more structuring among desert-adapted Sphaeropthalma mendica (Blake) populations. Molecular dating analyses indicated the split between Sphaeropthalma angulifera and the other two species occurring in the late Neogene and the split between S. unicolor and S. mendica occurring in the early Pleistocene. Ecological Niche Models projected onto Pleistocene climate surfaces indicated that the glacial and interglacial periods caused expansion and contraction of suitable habitat for each species. 3. Both late Neogene and early Pleistocene events were influential in the diversification of the S. unicolor species-complex, but Pleistocene climatic fluctuations seem to have been responsible for the split between the Mediterranean-adapted species and the desert-adapted species. While the majority of species-level diversification events in arid-adapted taxa seem to have been driven by Neogene vicariant events, Pleistocene climatic changes apparently did drive diversification in some taxa.
On the Berlekamp/Massey algorithm and counting singular Hankel matrices over a finite field

We derive an explicit count for the number of singular nxn Hankel (Toeplitz) matrices whose entries range over a finite field with q elements by observing the execution of the Berlekamp/Massey algorithm on its elements. Our method yields explicit counts also when some entries above or on the anti-diagonal (diagonal) are fixed. For example, the number of singular nxn Toeplitz matrices with 0's on the diagonal is q^2^n^-^3+q^n^-^1-q^n^-^2. We also derive the count for all nxn Hankel matrices of rank r with generic rank profile, i.e., whose first r leading principal submatrices are non-singular and the rest are singular, namely q^r(q-1)^r in the case r
Activation of Foxo1 by Insulin Resistance Promotes Cardiac Dysfunction and β–Myosin Heavy Chain Gene Expression

Background— Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA and is closely associated with diabetes mellitus. The molecular link between diabetes mellitus and heart failure is incompletely understood. We recently demonstrated that insulin receptor substrates 1, 2 (IRS1, 2) are key components of insulin signaling and loss of IRS1 and IRS2 mediates insulin resistance, resulting in metabolic dysregulation and heart failure, which is associated with downstream Akt inactivation and in turn activation of the forkhead transcription factor Foxo1. Methods and Results— To determine the role of Foxo1 in control of heart failure in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, we generated mice lacking Foxo1 gene specifically in the heart. Mice lacking both IRS1 and IRS2 in adult hearts exhibited severe heart failure and a remarkable increase in the β-isoform of myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) gene expression, whereas deletion of cardiac Foxo1 gene largely prevented the heart failure and resulted in a decrease in β-MHC expression. The effect of Foxo1 deficiency on rescuing cardiac dysfunction was also observed in db/db mice and high-fat diet mice. Using cultures of primary ventricular cardiomyocytes, we found that Foxo1 interacts with the promoter region of β-MHC and stimulates gene expression, mediating an effect of insulin that suppresses β-MHC expression. Conclusions— Our study suggests that Foxo1 has important roles in promoting diabetic cardiomyopathy and controls β-MHC expression in the development of cardiac dysfunction. Targeting Foxo1 and its regulation will provide novel strategies in preventing metabolic and myocardial dysfunction and influencing MHC plasticity in diabetes mellitus.
Anger and Irritability Symptoms among Youth with ODD: Cross-Informant Versus Source-Exclusive Syndromes

We examined differences in co-occurring psychological symptoms and background characteristics among clinically referred youth with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) with and without anger/irritability symptoms (AIS) according to either parent or teacher (source-exclusive) and both informants (cross-informant), youth with noncompliant symptoms (NS) of ODD, and non-ODD clinic controls. Parents and teachers evaluated 1127 youth (ages 6–18) with a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale to assess ODD and co-occurring psychological symptoms. Parents also completed a background questionnaire (demographic, developmental, treatment, relationship, and academic characteristics) and teachers rated school functioning. Source-exclusive AIS groups were associated with different clinical features, and there was some evidence that cross-informant youth had more mental health concerns than source-exclusive groups. Findings varied to some extent among older (12–18 years) versus younger (6–11 years) youth. In general, the NS group (youth without AIS) was the most similar to clinic controls. AIS and NS are likely candidates for component phenotypes in ODD and continued research into their pathogenesis may have important implications for nosology, etiology, and intervention.
Predictors of Intussusception in Young Children

Objective To identify predictors of intussusception in young children. Design A retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting and Patients A consecutive sample of children younger than 5 years on whom contrast enemas were performed because of suspected intussusception seen at an urban children's hospital from 1990 to 1995. Methods We evaluated historical, clinical, and radiographic variables. Variables documented in 75% or more of the medical records and associated with intussusception ( P ≤.20) in the univariate analysis were evaluated in a multiple logistic regression analysis. Variables retaining significance ( P ≤.05) in the multivariate analysis were considered independent predictors of intussusception. We used bootstrap resampling techniques to validate the multivariate model. Results Sixty-eight (59%) of the 115 patients had intussusception. Univariate predictors of intussusception included male sex, age younger than 2 years, history of emesis, rectal bleeding, lethargy, abdominal mass, and a highly suggestive abdominal radiograph. In the multivariate analysis, we identified only 4 independent predictors (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval): a highly suggestive abdominal radiograph (18.3; 4.0-83.1), rectal bleeding (17.3; 2.9-104.0), male sex (6.2; 1.2-32.3), and a history of emesis (13.4; 1.4-126.0). We identified 3 of these 4 variables (all but emesis) as independent predictors in more than 50% of 1000 bootstrap data samples. Conclusions Rectal bleeding, a highly suggestive abdominal radiograph, and male sex are variables independently associated with intussusception in a cohort of children suspected of having this diagnosis. Knowledge of these variables may assist in clinical decision making regarding diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Edwards FloTrac™ sensor and Vigileo™ monitor: easy, accurate, reliable cardiac output assessment using the arterial pulse wave

Edwards Lifesciences has recently introduced the FloTrac™ sensor and Vigileo™ monitor system for monitoring cardiac output continuously. It does not require thermodilution or dye dilution, but rather bases its calculations on arterial waveform characteristics in conjunction with patient demographic data. It is unique among arterial waveform cardiac output systems in that it does not require calibration with another method. Studies thus far indicate that it is robust and accurate over a wide range of cardiac output and clinical conditions. It will be valuable in the care of many patients, such as those with critical illness, cardiovascular dysfunction, trauma or undergoing major surgery.