cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunostimulatory DNA sequences and cancer therapy

The ability to induce regression of malignant tumors through the stimulation of the immune system has been a goal for decades. Indeed, the first attempts to treat cancer using nonspecific immune stimulants as well as immunization with tumor cells and tumor extracts took place soon after immunization was found to be effective for infectious diseases. Although therapeutic responses to cancer were occasionally reported, such positive results were rare, usually transient and almost always unreproducible. We now understand that most tumors fail to regress following nonspecific immunostimulation. It is also difficult to break tolerance and induce an antigen-specific immune response against self-antigens such as those expressed by tumors. Nevertheless, it is clear in animal models that enhanced innate immunity or induction of antigen-specific immunity can have significant antitumor effects. Clinical trials suggest effective cancer immunotherapy should be possible in patients as well, although we still have much to learn about inducing antitumor immunity without causing unacceptable toxicity. Immunostimulatory DNA Sequences also known as CpG DNA, are one class of compounds that have shown promise in recent years as potent immunostimulatory agents. Preclinical studies suggest they may be useful cancer immunotherapeutic agents. In this chapter the potential of this new class of immunostimulatory agents as cancer therapies with be reviewed.
Postoperative antibiotic therapy for children with perforated appendicitis: long course of intravenous antibiotics versus early conversion to an oral regimen.

Abstract Background Although treatment for nonperforated acute appendicitis is usually straightforward, the optimal treatment of patients with perforated appendicitis remains controversial. Methods Our institution performed a 2.5-year retrospective review of outcomes for postoperative treatment of perforated appendicitis. Patients were treated with either short-term intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy and conversion to PO antibiotics (PO group) or long-term antibiotic therapy by way of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (IV group). Results One-hundred forty-nine patients with a diagnosis of perforated appendicitis were reviewed. There were 47 patients in the PO group and 102 patients in the IV group. In the IV group, there were 2 intra-abdominal abscesses (2%) requiring readmission; there were also 2 intra-abdominal abscesses in the PO group (4.2%). Outpatient conversion to PO antibiotics resulted in an average savings of approximately $4,000/patient. Conclusions Inpatient IV antibiotic therapy followed by outpatient conversion to PO antibiotics is a safe and cost-effective treatment of perforated appendicitis.
The vibrational and electronic spectroscopy of trifluorothioacetyl fluoride

Abstract The spectroscopy of trifluorothioacetyl fluoride (CF 3 CSF), an unstable yellow gas, has been studied in the 50–5000 and 12 000–52 000 cm −1 regions. From gas phase FT-i.r. and Raman spectra and i.r. absorption studies in an Ar matrix, the majority of the vibrational frequencies have been assigned. Three electronic transitions were identified in the u.v.-visible.
Decentralizing the Information Systems Function: What and How Much to Take Back

Russell Ackoff, in his often cited article “Management Misinformation Systems’, discussed some problems that were associated with the highly centralized and tightly controlled data processing departments that existed during the 1960’s. Many of those problems are currently being addressed as users undertake more of the responsibility for the dissemination of information technology. However, the jury is still out on the benefits of decentralization. This article discusses many of the problems associated with the decentralization phenomenon, as well as recommending how one might deal with many of these organizational issues.
Implementing the world health organization code: Improved information for mothers

Beginning in 1977 in the United States and in 1979 internationally, Nestle S.A., a multinational corporation, became the target of a major boycott. Criticism of the company's activities focused on its attempts to influence health professionals in Third World countries to recommend the company's infant formula to mothers, and on the allegedly biased nature of the company's educational materials and product information on infant feeding. In 1981, the company accepted the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, which was passed by the World Health Assembly that same year ,(1). However, the international committee that organized the boycott contended that the company was not complying with four specific areas of the code, and insisted that the boycott would not be lifted until the company complied fully with the recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO). Among other stipulations, the committee called for the company to change its product labels and educational materials regarding the benefits, use, and preparation of infant formula. In the Joint Statement of Understanding signed in January 1984 by the company and the boycott committee, the company agreed to seek advice from health communication c.onsultants to revise its labels and educational materials, and to consult with representatives of the boycott committee, WHO, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on its progress in the four areas of contention. To fulfill its pledge to seek advice from health communication consultants, the company contracted with our organization, a U.S.-based, international private nonprofit organization (Note 1), to assist it in revising its infant-formula labels and educational materials on breastfeeding. This case study outlines a successful approach to implementing parts of the international code (Note 2). It also is an example of cooperation between private industry and the international development community to foster socially responsible marketing of infant formula. Other companies may find that this approach can help make their information conform to the code.
Reduction of Transpiration of Leaves through Stomatal Closure Induced by Alkenylsuccinic Acids

Low concentrations of long-chain alkenylsuccinic acids and certain of their derivatives inhibit stomatal opening in a tobacco-leaf disk assay, and when used as a spray. The monomethyl ester of decenylsuccinic acid is presently the most effective of this class of compounds. Stomatal closure induced with this substance is accompanied by a significant reduction in the rate of transpiration. These inhibitors probably close stomata by altering the permeability of the membranes of the guard cells.
Effects of temperature on diffusion from PNIPA-based gels in a BioMEMS device for localized chemotherapy and hyperthermia

Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of temperature on the diffusion from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA)-based gels with hydrophilic (acrylamide) or hydrophobic (butyl methacrylate) co-monomers. The elutions of rhodamine dye and cancer drug, paclitaxel ™ are studied over a range of temperatures in which localized chemotherapy can be combined with hyperthermia (37–45 °C). Dye and drug release from the gels is shown to be well described by monolithic and membrane diffusion models. The current work introduces a multi-modal device that can potentially kill cancer cells by chemotherapy and hyperthermia. A clear advantage over prior devices is the ability to combine these two therapeutic interventions in one device. The implications of the results are discussed for the development of thermosensitive drug eluting Bio-Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (BioMEMS) devices that can treat cancer locally via the combined effects of chemotherapy and hyperthermia.
Detection of Single-Base Mutations by a Competitive Mobility Shift Assay

Abstract We have developed an assay for the rapid screening of point mutations in specific genes. Our assay is based upon competitive hybridization of differentially labeled wild-type and mutant oligonucleotide probes to a PCR-generated DNA template and a subsequent analysis of the mobility of the probe–template hybrids. The assay is referred to as a competitive mobility shift assay. Generation of a hybridization stringency gradient allows perfect-matched hybrids to be formed to a greater extent at a slightly higher stringency than the corresponding mismatched hybrids. The stringency gradient is achieved by carrying out the hybridizations at a steadily decreasing temperature (from 95 to 20°C) in a thermal cycler. This step allows the assay to be competitive while avoiding the need to establish precise hybridization conditions for each gene-specific probe, a major disadvantage associated with reverse oligonucleotide hybridization. The assay is rapid and sensitive and can selectively detect mutant DNA in the presence of a large (up to one million-fold) excess of wild-type DNA.
Similarity of aortic pathology in Marfan's syndrome, copper deficiency in chicks and B-aminopropionitrile toxicity in turkeys.

Abstract The abdominal aortas of a human with Marfan's syndrome, chicks fed a copper-deficient diet and turkeys fed B-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) were studied by light- and electron microscopy. The alterations in the aortic media in all three conditions were similar. The degenerative changes included shrinkage of smooth muscle cells, swelling and fragmentation of elastic fibers, scattering of collagenous fibers, pooling of mucopolysaccharide, and dilatation of extracellular spaces. Only in Marfan's syndrome was there thickening of the basement membrane of smooth muscle cells. The microscopic lesions agree with the biochemical changes of connective tissue reported to occur in the three conditions.
Intranasal immunization of mice against Naegleria fowleri.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether mice could be protected from lethal challenge with Naegleria fowleri by prior intranasal exposure to pathogenic and nonpathogenic Naegleria. Mortality ranged from 0 to 100% for mice inoculated intranasally (i.n.) with 5 x 10(3) amebae of 13 human isolates of N. fowleri. Mice were immunized and challenged i.n. using live amebae of strains of low, medium, and high virulence. The greatest protection against lethal challenge was afforded by three immunizing doses of 10(3) amebae per dose of the strain of medium virulence. Nonpathogenic N. gruberi also was used to immunize mice i.n. against lethal challenge with N. fowleri. Protection was greater following immunization with N. gruberi than it was after immunization with N. fowleri, suggesting that nonpathogenic N. gruberi may be a better immunogen in protecting mice against lethal naeglerial challenge.
A Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Four Disclosant Dyes

Four disclosant dyes were tested for antimicrobial activity against 27 oral reference strains and five non-oral human pathogens. Erythrosine and fluorescein inhibited most gram-positive and gram-negative organisms associated with dental plaque, and were bactericidal to selected strains. Fast green and brilliant blue demonstrated little antimicrobial activity.
Ultrasonic examination during surgery for abdominal abscess.

Real-time B-mode high resolution ultrasound scanning was employed during 12 operations for abdominal abscess. These included: 5 hepatic, 2 splenic, 2 pancreatic, 2 retroperitoneal, and 1 intraperitoneal abscesses. In most instances, operative ultrasonography was considered to be helpful in operative management of abdominal abscesses. Ultrasound was valuable in: (a) localizing abscesses before tissue dissection; (b) establishing the diagnosis which had not been made preoperatively; (c) excluding the presence of abscesses suspected on preoperative studies or at operative exploration; (d) identifying adjacent structures such as blood vessels, biliary and pancreatic ducts, and intestines; and (e) guiding the needle for aspiration of abscess. Operative ultrasonography is a safe and simple technique, providing the surgeon with accurate information during surgery which may reduce the re-drainage and mortality rates of abdominal abscess.
Factor Group Analysis for Some Molecules of Interest in Planetary Atmospheres

A number of molecules have been identified in planetary atmospheres. In many cases one is concerned with the condensed state of these molecules, since at the temperatures involved most of these molecules have solidified to frosts. During the course of laboratory spectroscopic studies conducted on some of these frosts, it was necessary to develop the factor group selection rules. It became apparent that no compilation of these selection rules had been previously made and published. It was felt that such a compilation would prove very valuable to investigators involved in planetary atmosphere research.
Drift forces on vacancies and interstitials in alloys with radiation-induced segregation

Abstract Radiation-induced segregation in alloys leads to compositional gradients around point defect sinks such as voids and dislocations. These compositional gradients in turn affect the drift forces on both interstitials and vacancies and thereby modify the bias. Linear irreversible thermodynamics is employed to derive the total drift force on interstitials and vacancies in substitutional binary alloys. The obtained results are evaluated for binary Fe-Ni alloys. It is shown that radiation-induced segregation produces new drift forces which can be of the same order of magnitude as the stress-induced drift force produced by edge dislocations in an alloy with uniform composition. Hence, segregation results in a significant modification of the bias for void nucleation and swelling. The additional drift forces on interstitials and vacancies are due to the compositional dependence of the formation and migration energies; due to the dependence of the point defect's strain energy on the local elastic properties; due to a coherency strain field caused by lattice parameter variations; and finally due to the Kirkendall force produced by the difference in tracer mobilities. Estimates of these forces given for Fe-Ni alloys indicate that the Kirkendall force is small compared to the other segregation-induced forces on interstitials. In contrast, the Kirkendall force seems to be the dominant one for vacancies.
Microcrack-enhanced creep in polycrystalline material at elevated temperature

Abstract A grain size dependent rheological model is presented for high temperature creep that is capable of predicting both primary and tertiary as well as secondary creep. Primary and tertiary creep rate are shown to be strongly influenced by grain size, whereas secondary or minimum creep rate is rather insensitive to it. During the primary creep stage creep rate increases with decreasing grain size, but the reverse is true in the tertiary or accelerating range. An increase in grain size also dictates decrease in the time to reach minimum creep rate concomitant with a decrease in strain. The model is based on intragranular dislocation creep enhanced by grain-facet size cracks produced during deformation by the embrittlement process that is caused by an intergranular sliding mechanism. Incorporation of the kinetics of microcracking activity is the foundation of the theory.
The temporal dimension of marine speciation

Speciation is a process that occurs over time and, as such, can only be fully understood in an explicitly temporal context. Here we discuss three major consequences of speciation’s extended duration. First, the dynamism of environmental change indicates that nascent species may experience repeated changes in population size, genetic diversity, and geographic distribution during their evolution. The present characteristics of species therefore represents a static snapshot of a single time point in a species’ highly dynamic history, and impedes inferences about the strength of selection or the geography of speciation. Second, the process of speciation is open ended—ecological divergence may evolve in the space of a few generations while the fixation of genetic differences and traits that limit outcrossing may require thousands to millions of years to occur. As a result, speciation is only fully recognized long after it occurs, and short-lived species are difficult to discern. Third, the extinction of species or of clades provides a simple, under-appreciated, mechanism for the genetic, biogeographic, and behavioral ‘gaps’ between extant species. Extinction also leads to the systematic underestimation of the frequency of speciation and the overestimation of the duration of species formation. Hence, it is no surprise that a full understanding of speciation has been difficult to achieve. The modern synthesis—which united genetics, development, ecology, biogeography, and paleontology—greatly advanced the study of evolution. Here we argue that a similarly synthetic approach must be taken to further our understanding of the origin of species.
Reproductive factors associated with nocturia and urgency: Tikkinen et al.

The following article summarizes a roundtable discussion of a study that is published in this issue of the Journal in light of its methods, relevance to practice, and implications for future research. Article discussed: Tikkinen KAO, Auvinen A, Tiitinen A, Valpas A, Johnson TM, 2nd, Tammela TLJ. Reproductive factors associated with nocturia and urinary urgency in women: a population-based study in Finland. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;199:153.e1-153.e12. The full discussion appears at www.AJOG.org , page e1
Species variation in sensitivity of mammalian neuromuscular tissues to toxic actions of steroidal saponins.

Abstract The in vitro sensitivities of phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations from the guinea pig (P), the mongrel cat (C) and dog (D) to the toxic actions of the marine steroidal saponins Holothurin A and its desulfated derivative have been studied under isotonic and isometric twitch response conditions. In isotonic response mode, the decreasing order of sensitivity to irreversible blockade by either saponin at the 1·0 × 10-4 incubation levels follows the sequence: P >C > - D. This order in general parallels the relative incidence of red fiber content associated with the three muscle tissues. On shifting to isometric response mode, the saponin potency sequence in blockade of twitch response undergoes a partial species inversion and becomes D >C = P. Possible explanations for these findings have been sought in terms of the relative red/white fiber contents of the muscle tissues, and the possibility that uncontracted red fibers furnish the primary target for attack by the saponin toxins.
Stabilization of glucocorticoid-receptor complexes in rat thymus cytosol by a factor from WEHI-7 cells

Abstract Using a variety of physico-chemical techniques we have recently characterized three distinct forms of glucocorticoid-receptor complexes present in the cytosol from rat thymus cells incubated with glucocorticoid; the relative proportions of these complexes are dependent on the conditions to which the cells or cytosols are exposed. Two of these complexes correspond to the well established nonactivated and activated receptor forms, while the third has properties consistent with mero-receptor. Based on their differential affinities for DNA- and DEAE-cellulose we have developed a rapid mini-column chromatographie procedure for separating these three forms and have used it to examine the stability of complexes in cytosol preparations. We have found that activated glucocorticoid-receptor complexes from rat thymus cells are relatively unstable under cell-free conditions in that they undergo time-dependent losses in DNA binding and are converted to mero-receptor. In contrast, cytosolic glucocorticoid-receptor complexes prepared from WEHI-7 mouse thymoma cells are remarkably stable under similar conditions. Mixing experiments with equal portions of rat thymus and WEHI-7 cytosol revealed that the difference between the two tissues cannot be accounted for merely by differences in amounts of proteolytic enzymes, since addition of rat thymus cytosol to WEHI-7 cytosol containing activated glucocorticoid-receptor complexes does not result in their conversion to mero-receptor. However, the WEHI-7 cytosol affords considerable protection to activated glucocorticoid-receptor complexes in thymus cytosol. The stabilizing factor from WEHI-7 cytosol is heat stable (survives 100°C for 30 min), insensitive to pH over a wide range (4.0–10.0), and appears to be macromolecular. It does not inhibit activation, and thus appears distinct from the previously described endogenous glucocorticoid receptor stabilizing factor responsible for stabilization of thymocyte receptor binding capacity (Leach et al., J. Biol. Chem.257: 381–388, 1982). We propose that the factor is an endogenous inhibitor of the protease(s) responsible for mero-receptor formation.
Synthesis of boron/nitrogen substituted carbons for aqueous asymmetric capacitors

Abstract Boron/nitrogen substituted carbons were synthesized by co-pyrolysis of polyborazylene/coal tar pitch blends to yield a carbon with a boron and nitrogen content of 14 at% and 10 at%, respectively. The presence of heteroatoms in these carbons shifted the hydrogen evolution overpotential to −1.4 V vs Ag/AgCl in aqueous electrolytes, providing a large electrochemical potential window (∼2.4 V) as well as a specific capacitance of 0.6 F/m2. An asymmetric capacitor was fabricated using the as-prepared low surface area carbon as the negative electrode along with a redox active manganese dioxide as the positive electrode. The energy density of the capacitor exceeded 10 Wh/kg at a power density of 1 kW/kg and had a cycle life greater than 1000 cycles.
A comparison of two multisegment foot models in high-and low-arched athletes.

Background: Malalignment and dysfunction of the foot have been associated with an increased propensity for overuse and traumatic injury in athletes. Several multisegment foot models have been developed to investigate motions in the foot. However, it remains unknown whether the kinematics measured by different multisegment foot models are equivocal. The purpose of the present study is to examine the efficacy of two multisegment foot models in tracking aberrant foot function. Methods: Ten high-arched and ten low-arched female athletes walked and ran while ground reaction forces and three-dimensional kinematics were tracked using the Leardini and Oxford multisegment foot models. Ground reaction forces and joint angles were calculated with Visual 3D (C-Motion Inc, Germantown, MD). Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to analyze peak eversion, time to peak eversion, and eversion excursions. Results: The Leardini model was more sensitive to differences in peak eversion angles than the Oxford model. ...
Long-Term Reuse of Drainage Waters of Varying Salinities for Crop Irrigation in a Cotton-Safflower Rotation System in the San Joaquin Valley of California—A Nine Year Study: II. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Summary This paper reports the results on safflower crops grown in a nine-year study, conducted on a 8 ha site, to determine the feasibility of using drainage water for irrigation in a 2-year cotton/1-year safflow-er rotation system. The cotton crops were irrigated with waters of 400, 1,500, 3,000, 4,500, 6,000, and 9,000 ppm total dissolved salts, and safflower was grown only with a preplant irrigation with nonsaline water. The use of drainage water for crop irrigation may be a means of decreasing its volume. Even though safflower was never irrigated with saline drainage water directly, the residual effect of using saline water for cotton irrigation adversely impacted safflower growth and development. Safflower seed yields were reduced in plots previously irrigated with waters of 4,500 ppm or higher salinity and even more severe effects on crop growth were seen as the numbers of years of irrigation with the saline water increased. After irrigating six cotton crops, the safflower seed yield in plots irrig...
Skeletal changes in multiparous and nulliparous mice fed a nutrient-deficient diet containing cadmium.

Abstract Female mice were given nutrient-deficient, purified diets containing either 0.25 (environmental), 5, or 50 ppm Cd; the nutrient quality of each was patterned after deficiencies known to be present in food consumed by Japanese women who contracted Itai-Itai disease. One-half of the mice were bred for six consecutive, 42-day rounds of pregnancy/lactation (PL mice); remaining females were non-pregnant, virgin controls (NP mice). PL and NP mice were sacrificed at the end of rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6. PL mice taken during the first three rounds were successively pregnant; those taken in later rounds experienced gestation/lactation either four (round 5) or three (round 6) non-successive times. No consistent round-by-round decreases in diet consumption or body weight occurred among NP mice during the 252 days of cadmium exposure, however a significant decrease in femur calcium content (11–17%) was observed in virgin groups exposed to 50 vs. 0.25 ppm Cd. Similar femur decalcification (14–20%) was observed in PL mice, however calcium loss at 50 ppm Cd paralleled decreases in food consumption (24%) and body weight (9–17%). Significant but smaller decreases in the calcium/dry weight (Ca/DW) ratio were found for NP and PL groups consuming 50 ppm dietary Cd. Over the 6-round experiment, exposure to cadmium was found to effect smaller decreases in both femur Ca content and Ca/DW ratio than either consumption of nutrient-deficient diet or multiparous experience. Demineralization results for PL mice provide evidence that the combination of chronic ingestion of cadmium in a nutrient-deficient diet and multiparous activity likely played a role in the ethiology of Itai-Itai disease; results for NP mice additionally suggest that decalcification may have been initiated in human females at a time prior to the multiparous and menopausal stages of life.
Assessing the impacts of urban rail transit on local real estate markets using quasi-experimental comparisons

Abstract A number of studies have concluded that recent rail transit investments have impacted the form and land use character of American cities far less than their counterparts a century or so ago. This study compares a number of measures of market performance between office submarkets located at selected rail transit stations in Washington, DC and Atlanta, with otherwise similar office submarkets lacking transit service. Comparisons are made over the period between 1978 and 1989. Although there were notable exceptions, the research finds that office projects located at or near transit stations enjoyed a slight office rent premium over their freeway-oriented competitors. In addition, office projects near rail stations tended to be slightly larger, and lease up somewhat more rapidly than office projects at the nonrail control sites. Other comparisons of office market performance tended to be more equivocal. These results suggest that although rail transit service does generate some benefits for the owners of commercial properties near transit stations, such benefits tend to be quite small.
The effects of phencyclidine (PCP) on anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and the light–dark exploration test are age dependent, sexually dimorphic, and task dependent

Previous research in our laboratory revealed sexually dimorphic effects of prior exposure to phencyclidine (PCP) on elevated plus maze behavior. In an attempt to examine the developmental time course of this effect and determine the extent to which it generalizes to other anxiety paradigms, young adult (61-64 days old) and adult (96-107 days old) male and female rats were treated with PCP (15 mg/kg) or saline. Following a two week withdrawal period, animals were tested in either the elevated plus maze (EPM) or a light-dark exploration (LD) test. In adults, both tests revealed a sexually dimorphic effect driven by PCP-induced decreases in anxiety in females as indicated by increased time spent in the open arms of the EPM and in the lit compartment of the LD test and increased anxiety in males as indicated by decreased time spent in the lit compartment of the LD. In young animals, PCP pretreatment decreased open arm exploration in the elevated plus maze, indicating increased anxiety. However, PCP increased time spent in the light compartment in the light-dark exploration test, indicating decreased anxiety. Corticosterone levels measured 15 min after the onset of the EPM failed to reveal an association between the behavioral effects of PCP and corticosterone levels. The results in adults substantiate the previously observed sexually dimorphic effect of PCP on elevated plus maze behavior in adults and indicate that the effect generalizes to another anxiety paradigm. The results in the younger animals suggest an age dependent effect of PCP on anxiety in general and indicate that behaviors in the elevated plus maze and the light-dark exploration test reflect dissociable psychobiological states.
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN RATES OF AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS

Racial disparities exist in treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the only treatment for aortic stenosis (AS) shown to improve symptoms and survival. To date, no studies have evaluated the rate of AVR among different races. We propose that African Americans
Salesperson creative performance: conceptualization, measurement, and nomological validity

Abstract To succeed in an era of increasing competition requires salespeople to engage in creative problem-solving activities. However, the contemporary sales literature has not explicitly examined the creative aspects of selling. Based on social psychological research on creativity and our own qualitative study, we conceptualize salesperson creative performance as the amount of new ideas generated or behaviors exhibited by the salesperson in performing his/her job activities . Following recommended steps in scale development, we develop a seven-item scale for measuring the construct that demonstrates acceptable unidimensionality, internal consistency, and construct validity. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Renal handling of beta-2-microglobulin in the human neonate

Renal handling of beta-2-microglobulin in the human neonate. Glomerulotubular balance for beta-2-microglobulin (β 2 M) in the human kidney has been reported to occur after 34 weeks conceptional age (CA), and fractional tubular reabsorption of β 2 M (T β2M ) has been suggested as a useful index of renal tubular maturation. To confirm and extend these observations to include still less mature infants, renal handling of β 2 M was investigated during timed-urine collections with corresponding blood samples obtained from 57 infants with CA of 26 to 43 weeks and postnatal ages (PNA) 0.2 to 12 days (study 1); 18 infants were studied a second time 5 to 17 days later (study 2). GFR was measured by endogenous creatinine clearance (C Cr ). T β2M and fractional reabsorption of sodium (T Na ) were calculated. Results indicated that while both increased with CA, T β2M (r = -0.69, P Na (r = -0.79, P Cr ). Moreover, an inverse relationship between changes in T β2M and V/C cr was observed in the same infant between study 1 and study 2 (r = -0.47, P 2 M in the human neonate is influenced by physiologic variables that are independent of CA, and thus T β2M may not be a reliable predictor of renal tubular maturation in the human neonate. Elimination renale de la beta-2-microglobuline chez le nouveau-ne humain. Il a ete rapporte que la balance glomerulo-tubulaire pour la beta-2-microglobuline (β 2 M) dans le rein humain apparait au bout de 34 semaines d'âge conceptionnel (CA), et il a ete suggere que la reabsorption tubulaire fractionnelle de la β 2 M (T β2M ) est un index utile de maturation tubulaire renale. Afin de confirmer et d'etendre ces observations en incluant des nouveau-nes encore moins matures, l'elimination renale de β 2 M a ete etudiee pendant des recueils d'urines minutes, avec les echantillons sanguins correspondants chez 57 nouveau-nes avec un CA de 26 a 43 semaines et des âges postnataux (PNA) de 0.2 a 12 jours (etude 1); 18 nouveau-nes ont ete etudies dans un second temps, 5 a 17 jours plus tard (etude 2). Le debit de filtration glomerulaire a ete mesure par la clearance de la creatinine endogene (C Cr ). T β2M et la reabsorption fractionnelle du sodium (T Na ) ont ete calculees. Les resultats ont montre que tout en augmentant avec CA, T β2M (r = -0.69, P Na (r = -0.79, P Cr ). En outre, une relation inverse entre les modifications de T β2M et les modifications de V/C Cr a ete observee chez le meme nouveau-ne entre l'etude 1 et l'etude 2 (r = -0.47, P 2 M chez le nouveau-ne humain est influencee par des variables physiologiques qui sont independantes de CA, et donc T β2M pourrait ne pas etre un index predictif fiable de la maturation tubulaire renale chez le nouveau-ne humain.
Interaction spaces in data and information visualization

User interaction plays an integral part in the effective visualization of data and information. Typical interaction operations include navigation, selection, and distortion. A problem that can occur when these operations are speci£ed using direct manipulation is determining which object or space is the focus of the interaction. In some operations the user wants to indicate a region of an image, while in others the focus might be the data being projected or the surface upon which the projection is occurring. In this paper we attempt to identify a complete list of spaces within which interactive operations can occur in data and information visualization. These interaction spaces help disambiguate the focus of interactive operations, and their study can potentially reveal new and powerful methods for supporting the visual exploration process. We de£ne the distinctions between the spaces and provide examples of interactions within each space.
Text classification for assisting moderators in online health communities

Display Omitted We propose a method for improving the quality of online health communities.We present a solution to reduce the workload of the online community moderators.We explore low-cost text classification methods to a new social media domain.We uncover social, ethical, and legal issues in creating a gold standard.We discuss using precision versus recall in supporting the community moderators. ObjectivesPatients increasingly visit online health communities to get help on managing health. The large scale of these online communities makes it impossible for the moderators to engage in all conversations; yet, some conversations need their expertise. Our work explores low-cost text classification methods to this new domain of determining whether a thread in an online health forum needs moderators' help. MethodsWe employed a binary classifier on WebMD's online diabetes community data. To train the classifier, we considered three feature types: (1) word unigram, (2) sentiment analysis features, and (3) thread length. We applied feature selection methods based on ?2 statistics and under sampling to account for unbalanced data. We then performed a qualitative error analysis to investigate the appropriateness of the gold standard. ResultsUsing sentiment analysis features, feature selection methods, and balanced training data increased the AUC value up to 0.75 and the F1-score up to 0.54 compared to the baseline of using word unigrams with no feature selection methods on unbalanced data (0.65 AUC and 0.40 F1-score). The error analysis uncovered additional reasons for why moderators respond to patients' posts. DiscussionWe showed how feature selection methods and balanced training data can improve the overall classification performance. We present implications of weighing precision versus recall for assisting moderators of online health communities. Our error analysis uncovered social, legal, and ethical issues around addressing community members' needs. We also note challenges in producing a gold standard, and discuss potential solutions for addressing these challenges. ConclusionSocial media environments provide popular venues in which patients gain health-related information. Our work contributes to understanding scalable solutions for providing moderators' expertise in these large-scale, social media environments.
Susceptibility of coagulase-negative staphylococcal nosocomial bloodstream isolates to the chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine-impregnated central venous catheter

Nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality, and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are the most common pathogens. Second generation, central venous catheters impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine were recently introduced for the prevention of catheter-related infections and appear to be effective in reducing the incidence of both colonization and catheter related BSI. 1 However, the potential for emergence to biocides has been a concern. A recent study evaluating the in vitro susceptibility of epidemiologically important pathogens found a statistically significant inverse correlation between intensity of chlorhexidine use and the overall susceptibility of all organisms tested to this agent. 2 Because of an increase in the incidence of CNS BSIs in our 12-bed medical intensive care unit (MICU) from 6.6/1000 catheter days in 2000 to 12.7/1000 catheter days in 2003, we evaluated changes in the epidemiology and susceptibility of CNS following the
Time Series Analysis Using GA Optimized Neural Networks

Time series has been one of the most important data used in system analysis. However, the underlying relationship usually conceals itself deeply in large data sets and is difficult to identify using conventional tools. To deal with the inherent complexities of real world systems, this paper presents a hybrid evolutionary- neural modeling approach to model the time series and extrapolate them to the future to make prediction. In this method, a back-propagation neural network is trained to mapping the underlying relationship. To improve the training efficiency, a genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the input series of the model as well as the network topology; the genetic algorithm is also used to search the global optimal initial weights for the local gradient-descent training algorithm. The genetic-algorithm optimized neural learning algorithm is applied to a landslide dynamic system and the results show the great performance of the proposed hybrid approach, both in learning and generalization.
Myocardial function in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract Left ventricular function curves were constructed in 42 patients (18 normal, 5 with myocardial disease and 19 with coronary artery disease) by determining the responses to graded infusions of angiotensin. The curves were compared to standard methods of hemodynamic evaluation. The patients with coronary artery disease were in a wide range of functional categories with no consistent correlation between anatomic changes (determined angiographically) and left ventricular function. However, an abnormal left ventricular end-diastolic pressure or left ventricular cineangiogram always meant poor function, but abnormal reserve could be detected when these two measures were normal. The angiotensin infusion test proved to be safe and rapid in patients with coronary artery disease and is valuable in the preoperative assessment of left ventricular function, since standard objective measurements may be misleading. It can also provide an objective measurement in the patient after operation.
The influence of wages and house prices on British interregional migration decisions

This paper considers the paradox of a consistent net outflow of people from areas of high job creation and wages over the past 20 years and suggests the explanation that different individuals have different motivations for moving. The Labour Force Survey indicates that workers moving for job reasons have migrated to areas of low unemployment and high nominal wages. However, the inflow into such areas has been more than compensated for by an outflow of people moving for non-job reasons. A logit analysis of destination choice indicates that job movers are attracted to areas with high wages but are not affected by high house prices in such areas. In contrast, active non-job movers are deterred from areas of high house prices. Regional house price differences do not influence the destination choice of homemakers or the terminally sick but they do influence the destination choice of retirees. All groups prefer to travel the least distance when moving.
Vibrio cholerae Phosphoenolpyruvate Phosphotransferase System Control of Carbohydrate Transport, Biofilm Formation, and Colonization of the Germfree Mouse Intestine

The bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is a highly conserved phosphotransfer cascade whose components modulate many cellular functions in response to carbohydrate availability. Here, we further elucidate PTS control of Vibrio cholerae carbohydrate transport and activation of biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. We then define the role of the PTS in V. cholerae colonization of the adult germfree mouse intestine. We report that V. cholerae colonizes both the small and large intestines of the mouse in a distribution that does not change over the course of a month-long experiment. Because V. cholerae possesses many PTS-independent carbohydrate transporters, the PTS is not essential for bacterial growth in vitro. However, we find that the PTS is essential for colonization of the germfree adult mouse intestine and that this requirement is independent of PTS regulation of biofilm formation. Therefore, competition for PTS substrates may be a dominant force in the success of V. cholerae as an intestinal pathogen. Because the PTS plays a role in colonization of environmental surfaces and the mammalian intestine, we propose that it may be essential to successful transit of V. cholerae through its life cycle of pathogenesis and environmental persistence.
Differences Between Children With Dyslexia Who Are and Are Not Gifted in Verbal Reasoning

New findings are presented for children in grades 1 to 9 who qualified their families for a multi-generational family genetics study of dyslexia (impaired word decoding/spelling) who had either superior verbal reasoning (n=33 at or above 1 2/3 standard deviation, superior or better range; 19% of these children) or average verbal reasoning (n=31 below population mean, but above - 2/3 standard deviation, average range; 18% of these children). Evidence-based rationale and results supporting the tested hypotheses are provided: (a) twice exceptional students with superior verbal reasoning and dyslexia significantly outperformed those with average verbal reasoning and dyslexia on reading, spelling, morphological, and syntactic skills, (b) but not on verbal working-memory behavioral markers of genetically based dyslexia related to impaired phonological and orthographic word-form storage and processing, naming orthographic symbols (phonological loop), writing orthographic symbols (orthographic loop), and supervisory attention (focus, switch, sustain, or monitor attention). Superior verbal reasoning may mask dyslexia if only very low achievement is used to identify this disorder of oral word reading and written spelling. Instruction for twice exceptional students who have dyslexia, but are also verbally gifted, should focus not only on oral word reading and written spelling but also the impaired working memory components within intellectually engaging lesson sets. These findings for gifted students with dyslexia are situated within the broader context of the many kinds of twice exceptionalities related to specific learning disabilities that exist in school-age children and youth.
Sources of inoculum and management for Rhizoctonia solani damping-off on tobacco transplants under greenhouse conditions

ABSTRACT Damping-off and target spot are important diseases of tobacco transplants produced under greenhouse conditions. Identification of sources of inoculum for these diseases caused by Rhizoctonia solani is an important first step in disease management. Control strategies based on sanitation and the eradication of primary inoculum were studied. Potting mix and Styrofoam trays used in transplant production were assayed to determine if they were sources of primary inoculum. Eleven sources of potting mix were sampled over a 2-year period. None of the mixes contained viable inoculum of R. solani. R. solani was isolated from previously used trays after 1 year of storage by removing and plating pieces of Styrofoam from individual tray cells on alkaline water agar (AWA). Sclerotia and melanized hyphae of R. solani were observed in the cracks present in the cells of the trays. Dry heat (70 to 80°C for 2 h) and chemical (sodium hypochlorite and sodium chloride) treatments reduced the levels of inoculum on trays...
Composite subset measures

Measures are numeric summaries of a collection of data records produced by applying aggregation functions. Summarizing a collection of subsets of a large dataset, by computing a measure for each subset in the (typically, user-specified) collection is a fundamental problem. The multidimensional data model, which treats records as points in a space defined by dimension attributes, offers a natural space of data subsets to be considered as summarization candidates, and traditional SQL and OLAP constructs, such as GROUP BY and CUBE, allow us to compute measures for subsets drawn from this space. However, GROUP BY only allows us to summarize a limited collection of subsets, and CUBE summarizes all subsets in this space. Further, they restrict the measure used to summarize a data subset to be a one-step aggregation, using functions such as SUM, of field-values in the data records.In this paper, we introduce composite subset measures, computed by aggregating not only data records but also the measures of other related subsets. We allow summarization of naturally related regions in the multidimensional space, offering more flexibility than either GROUP BY or CUBE in the choice of what data subsets to summarize. Thus, our framework allows more meaningful summaries to be computed for a targeted collection of data subsets.We propose an algebra called AW-RA and an equivalent pictorial language called aggregation workflows. Aggregation workflows allow for intuitive expression of composite measure queries, and the underlying algebra is designed to facilitate efficient multiscan execution. We describe an evaluation framework based on multiple passes of sorting and scanning over the original dataset. In each pass, several measures are evaluated simultaneously, and dependencies between these measures and containment relationships between the underlying subsets of data are orchestrated to reduce the memory footprint of the computation. We present a performance evaluation that demonstrates the benefits of our approach.