cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN GALVEZIA (SCROPHULARIACEAE): EVOLUTIONARY AND BIOGEOGRAPHIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG SOUTH AMERICAN AND GALÁPAGOS SPECIES

Nineteen populations representing all species of Galvezia were examined for electrophoretic differentiation at 23 loci. Allozyme variation within G. leucantha is minimal, suggesting that a genetic bottleneck, possibly resulting from a single colonization event, accompanied establishment of Galvezia in the Galapagos Islands less than 1.5 million years ago. South American species have higher levels of genetic polymorphism. Interspecific divergence patterns in Galvezia are characterized by many qualitative allelic differences, including one to six marker alleles for each species. Isozyme data support delimitation of four species. Geographic modes of speciation predominate. Allozyme data indicate that the Galapagos endemic is not a recent derivative from a continental progenitor; rather, it is most likely the sister species to G. fruticosa or to a lineage of G. fruticosa and an undescribed species from southern Peru. It is hypothesized that the presence of six fixed, unique alleles in G. leucantha identifies a relictual genotype from an extinct South American progenitor. Biogeographic patterns and the presence of an allele shared between G. leucantha and two populations from the Sechura Desert indicate that northern Peru is the probable source region for the Galapagos introduction. Estimates of elapsed divergence times and paleoecological data suggest that continental species diverged in the late Pliocene or during the Pleistocene as a result of geographic isolation caused by climatic and vegetational change.
Formation of partially and fully elaborated generalized equivalence classes.

Most complex categories observed in real-world settings consist of perceptually disparate stimuli, such as a picture of a person's face, the person's name as written, and the same name as heard, as well as dimensional variants of some or all of these stimuli. The stimuli function as members of a single partially or fully elaborated generalized equivalence class when they occasion the mutual selection of each other after the establishment of some subset of relations among the stimuli. Indeed, it is these generalized relations among stimuli that enable an individual to respond appropriately to the inevitable flux of natural environments. The present experiments involved procedures for producing both types of generalized equivalence class and for evaluating their retention. Granting the formal and functional similarities that exist between generalized equivalence classes and natural categories, natural kinds, and fuzzy superordinate classes, the variables responsible for the emergence of the former might also account for the emergence of the latter three phenomena. In Experiment 1, After forming an A′–B′ class, a B′–C relation was trained and generalization tests were conducted with B′–C, C–B′, A′–C, and C′–A. Two of 5 participants passed the tests documenting the formation of A′–B′–C classes. Failures occurred in the A′–C and C–A′ tests but not the B′–C and C–B′ tests. Failures were also correlated with time between A′–B′ class formation and C-based testing and with the absence of baseline confirmation when training and testing were separated by about one week. Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1 but presented baseline confirmation probes immediatley prior to testing when training and testing were separated by one week; all participants then formed partially elaborated generalized equivalence classes. In Experiment 3, 5 of 6 participants formed fully elaborated generalized equivalence classes, represented as A′ = B′ = C′ .
Engorged nymphs act as a conditioning stage to protect adult American dog ticks and lone star ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) against heat stress

To correlate proper development and survival with moulting in hot summers for adults of the American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis and the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum, the maximum heat shock response was determined for engorged nymphs. An impressive ability to moult successfully with near complete adult survival occurred with 1-hour heat shock as high as 46°C for both species. Heat shock exposures at and above 48°C were detrimental, disrupting regular life history pattern by extending the crawling phase and severely reducing the number of adults that emerged. Amblyomma americanum was characterized by completion of adult development from engorged nymphs, greater adult yield, and enhanced adult survival in response to short-term heat exposure up to 50°C for engorged nymphs and 54°C for adult females. Both species featured the improved ability to recover from heat-induced injury as adults following prior exposure to heat at an ecologically relevant temperature (32oC) as an engorged nymph. Capacity ...
Body mass index and short-term weight change in relation to treatment outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproduction

Objective To assess the relation between body mass index (BMI) and short-term weight change with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Fertility center. Patient(s) A total of 170 women undergoing 233 ART cycles. Intervention(s) Baseline BMI and short-term weight change were related to ART outcomes. Regression models accounting for repeated observations were used to adjust data for potential confounders. Main Outcome Measure(s) Peak E2 levels, oocyte yield, MII yield, fertilization rate, embryo quality, postive [beta]-hCH, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Result(s) Overweight and obesity were associated with lower live birth rates. The adjusted live birth rate (95% confidence interval) was 42% (28%–58%) among women with a BMI between 20 and 22.4 kg/m 2 and 23% (14%–36%) among overweight or obese women. Short-term weight loss was associated with a higher proportion of metaphase II (MII) oocytes retrieved. The adjusted proportion of MII eggs was 91% (87%–94%) for women who lost 3 kg or more and 86% (81%–89%) for women whose weight remained stable. This association was stronger among women who were overweight or obese at baseline. Short-term weight loss was unrelated to positive β-hCG, clinical pregnancy, or live birth rates. Conclusion(s) Overweight and obesity were related to lower live birth rates in women undergoing ART. Short-term weight loss was related to higher MII yield, particularly among overweight and obese women, but unrelated to clinical outcomes.
Designing Medical Devices for the Developing World: Best Practices and Hands-on Approaches in D-Lab Health

The design of medical technologies for developing countries is a multidisciplinary process. We describe a model process for an appropriate medical device design. D-Lab Health combines real world projects and partners with a diverse student team to provide experiential educational opportunities in a developing country health care setting; in turn, the partners benefit from student medical device designs. In order to effectively communicate practical design strategies toward an appropriate design for medical technology, a series of accelerated technology learning modules was developed using commercially available and customized medical devices. Each module included a formal framework for the students to think about the competing priorities of the user, chooser, payer, and approver of such global health technologies, christened the “global health innovation compass.” These modules provided a hands-on laboratory experience that demystified the design process. This was particularly useful for nonengineering students who were able to add value to the project through their life-sciences background. An essential component of the course was a week-long visit to our field partners in Nicaragua to enable the students to get first hand experience and to identify a health need they could address with a technology solution. Subsequently, the students utilized their hands-on training to develop medical device prototypes within an abbreviated production schedule of 3 weeks. We describe the design process for one such prototype “a low cost glucometer.”
External control technique for current limit in LDOs

This paper presents an external control technique for the current limit in LDOs. Using an external resistor, the user can change the current limit within wide domain. This is possible by using a special block which generates the current reference for the current protection block. The block consumes between 5 and 25μA, and uses the 1.25V voltage reference. This technique was implemented within an adjustable soft-start LDO, built in a 16V CMOS technology.
Surface glycoconjugates of cynomolgus monkey trabecular cells

Abstract Non-ionic detergent-soluble and detergent-resistant cynomolgus monkey trabecular cell surface glycoconjugates have been identified using three radiolabeling procedures and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The cell surface glycoconjugates were radiolabeled with tritiated sodium borohydride after treatment with: (1) neuraminidase/galactose oxidase; (2) galactose oxidase; or (3) sodium metaperiodate. The non-ionic detergent soluble components were removed by treatment of the monolayer cell culture with 1% Triton X-100 in hypotonic buffer. The radiolabeled trabecular cell surface glycoconjugates in the Triton X-100 soluble and insoluble fractions were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulface polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions and visualized by fluorography. Treatment of the monkey trabecular cells with neuraminidase/galactose oxidase/tritiated sodium borohydride resulted in the radiolabeling of five components ranging in apparent molecular weight from 128 000 to 39 000 in the Triton X-100 soluble fractions, while 12 radiolabeled glycoconjugates with apparent molecular weights ranging from 240 000 to 26 000 were resolved in the Triton X-100 resistant fraction.
Pseudospin formulation of kinetic Ising models

It is shown that Glauber's kinetic Ising model is equivalent to an Ising model with multispin interactions in a transverse field. In one dimension, certain of Glauber's results are recovered by using the well-known fermion representation for spin-$\frac{1}{2}$.
Increased Exposure to Cryptosporidia among Dairy Farmers in Wisconsin

Cryptosporidium infection is an important cause of diarrhea in humans and livestock; no effective therapy is known. A self-administered questionnaire and an ELISA were used to assess the risk of exposure to cryptosporidia among 70 dairy farmers and 50 who were not dairy farmers in Wisconsin. Dairy farmers (44.3%) were more likely to be seropositive for cryptosporidia than were other persons (24.0%; relative risk = 1.9). Among dairy farmers, age > or = 50 and use of a canister method of milking were associated with seropositive status. Among persons who were not dairy farmers, feeding or milking cows was associated with being seropositive. These findings suggest that dairy farmers and other persons who have contact with cattle are at greater risk of Cryptosporidium infection than are persons who do not have such contact. Identification and avoidance of farming practices associated with Cryptosporidium infection may reduce the risk of infection among dairy farmers.
Cyclometallation of Alkylphosphines

Catalytic activation of alkane C-H bonds is of great technological importance in the efficient utilization of petrochemical feedstocks.1 Phosphines are widely used in many catalysts as co-ligands to control a wide variety of operational variables such as solubility in different solvents, stereospecificity, and regiospecificity.2 A very large number of chiral and achiral phosphines, of differing denticity, have been synthesized and employed by organometallic chemists. A major obstacle to more widespread use of phosphine complexes in industrial catalysis arises from their degradation by oxidative addition pathways resulting from P-C bond cleavage and cyclometallation.3
Surgical Videos Online: A Survey of Prominent Sources and Future Trends

This article determines the extent of the online availability and quality of surgical videos for the educational benefit of the surgical community. A comprehensive survey was performed that compared a number of online sites providing surgical videos according to their content, production quality, authority, audience, navigability, and other features. Methods for evaluating video content are discussed as well as possible future directions and emerging trends. Surgical videos are a valuable tool for demonstrating and teaching surgical technique and, despite room for growth in this area, advances in streaming video technology have made providing and accessing these resources easier than ever before.
Single-shot, high-resolution, THz field reconstruction using phase-retrieval

We show that single-shot, high-resolution reconstruction of ultrafast THz fields is possible when using a characterized chirped probe pulse in an electro-optic mixing measurement. Here, we identify the field reconstruction as a phase-retrieval problem and present an alternative iterative reconstruction technique.
Analysis of putative RNase P RNA from orthopoxviruses.

A putative RNase P RNA gene in camelpox virus, one of the orthopoxviruses, was cloned and transcribed in vitro . No RNase P activity could be detected in vitro from camelpox virus RNase P RNA alone, or by addition of the Escherichia coli RNase P protein subunit to reaction mixtures. Camelpox virus RNase P RNA reconstituted in vitro with camel or HeLa cell extracts, which were pre-treated with micrococcal nuclease to degrade the endogenous RNase P RNA, showed no RNase P activity. Vaccinia virus, another orthopoxvirus, showed no RNase P activity in vaccinia-infected HeLa cells, even though transcription of the vaccinia RNase P RNA could be identified in the cells by both Northern blot and RNase protection assay. Camelpox virus RNase P RNA inhibited an endogenous HeLa RNase P activity by 20% in our assays. The 5 S RNA showed no significant inhibition in this assay.
Reduction of nosocomial infections in the surgical intensive-care unit by strict glycemic control.

Objective: To investigate whether hyperglycemia in glucose-intolerant patients without diabetes could lead to increased nosocomial infections in the surgical intensivecare unit (ICU). Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in the surgical ICU of a large teaching hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. Adult patients admitted to a 12-bed surgical ICU requiring treatment of hyperglycemia (glucose values ≥140 mg/dL) were randomly assigned to receive standard insulin therapy (target glucose range, 180 to 220 mg/dL) or strict insulin therapy (target glucose range, 80 to 120 mg/dL) throughout their ICU stay. Demographic data, comorbidities, and confounding variables were analyzed. Outcome measures included mean daily serum glucose values, mean daily insulin doses, and number of nosocomial infections during the ICU stay. Results: The study was completed by 61 critically ill surgical patients (27 in the standard glucose control group and 34 in the strict glucose control group). A significant reduction (P<0.001) in mean daily glucose level was achieved in the strict glycemic control group (125 ± 36 mg/dL) in comparison with the standard glycemic control group (179 ± 61 mg/dL). Furthermore, a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the incidence of total nosocomial infections, including intravascular device, bloodstream, intravascular device-related bloodstream, and surgical site infections, was observed in the strict glucose control group in comparison with the standard glucose control group. The incidence of hypoglycemia (glucose levels <60 mg/dL) was significantly increased (P<0.001) in the strict glycemic control group in comparison with the standard glycemic control group (32% versus 7.4% of patients or 0.8% versus 0.1% of total serum glucose values, respectively). Conclusion: Strict glycemic control is a safe and effective method for reducing the incidence of nosocomial infections in a predominantly nondiabetic, general surgical ICU patient population. (Endocr Pract. 2004; 10[Suppl 2]:46-52)
Do the Static-99 and Static-99R Perform Similarly for White, Black, and Latino Sexual Offenders?

The Static-99 is the most widely used sex offender risk assessment measure in the world, but predictive effects for the Static-99 have been relatively low in several U.S. samples, particularly in states with high levels of racial or ethnic diversity. The current study uses data from one of the largest predictive validity studies of Static-99 in the U.S. to examine whether Static-99 and Static-99R scores predict recidivism similarly for White (n = 912), Black (n = 411), and Latino (n = 588) offenders. Although predictive effects with both measures were, at times, large enough to reach statistical significance for White and Black offenders, they were never large enough to reach significance for Latino offenders. On the Static-99R, the measure recommended for use in practice, AUC values ranged from .62 to .69 (d = .43 to .71) for Black offenders, .59 to .65 (d = .33 to .56) for White offenders, but only .56 to .58 (d = .17 to .33) for Latino offenders. Findings have implications for fairness in testing and h...
Managed care competition and the adoption of hospital technology: The case of cardiac catheterization ☆

The diffusion of health care technology is influenced by both the total market share of managed care organizations as well as the level of competition among them. This paper differentiates between HMO penetration and competition and examines their relationship to the adoption of cardiac catheterization laboratories in all non-federal, short-term general community hospitals in the U.S. between 1985 and 1995. Results show that a hospital is less likely to adopt the technology if HMO market penetration increases but more likely to adopt if HMO competition increases. Further, the latter effect is non-linear in the number of adopters. In markets where fewer than a critical number of neighboring hospitals have already adopted, the probability of adoption increases with the number of HMOs, but in markets where more than the critical number of neighbors have already adopted, the probability of adoption decreases with the number of HMOs. Thus, in markets where technology is rare, HMO penetration and competition have countervailing effects on the diffusion of technology such that the net effect could be small.
Chemical reactions involving anodic processes on a single-crystal zinc oxide catalyst

Abstract The anodic oxidation of substances on a single-crystal zinc oxide electrode was investigated as part of our studies of elementary reactions which are important in catalytic processes. Electrical methods for detecting three types of processes are described. The first type is the oxidation of substances by holes, the second is the chemical oxidation of anodically generated sorbed chemical intermediates, and the third is the oxidation of substances by electron injection. The evaluation of the quantitative characteristics of the first two types is based on the use of “current-doubling” substances. A “current-doubling” substance is a multiequivalent reducing agent that is oxidized by hole capture followed by electron injection, i.e., the photocurrent is doubled by the electron injection. The method for the determination of the relative hole reactivities of reducing substances and the quantitative characteristics of the chemical oxidation of sorbed intermediates by one oxidizing agent are given. Examples of different classes of inorganic and organic substances which exhibit the above three types of processes are given. The role of these processes in catalytic reactions is discussed.
Stigmatization and prisoners' wives' feelings of shame

Abstract This paper examines the extent to which incarcerated husbands' stigma extends to their wives. A combination of sources of data were used to construct an ethnographic account of the experiences of thirty women married to men incarcerated in two prisons. At the time of their husbands' arrest and initial incarceration, wives are likely to report feelings of shame. Findings also show that they are more likely to worry about the possibility of stigmatization within their communities than actually experience it. Although shame and stigmatization are not central issues in wives' everyday lives, these issues are of consequence whenever they visited their husbands at various prisons.
Development on Experimental System of Kinematic Performance of 3-TPS Hybrid Robot

Hybrid robot combines the advantages of serial and parallel structure and has the characteristics of large workspace, agile kinesis, good stiffness, compact structure, good kinematic performance and so on. To conduct the research on the performance of hybrid robot, this dissertation develop an experimental system based on the new 3-TPS hybrid robot which is develop by the research institute of advance manufacturing technology and automation in Northeast University to drive the robot and examine the operational position, and it is also applied in the demarcate experimental of 3-TPS hybrid robot. Through the application, it draws a conclusion that the experimental system has the characteristics of simple structure, good function, good compliance, simply to operate, high reliability and low cost. Consequently, it has high value of popularization and application to conduct the experiment and research on hybrid robot.
Controlled Transpiration Cooling of the Anode in a High Intensity Arc

A high intensity arc plasma torch with controlled transpiration cooling of the anode has been developed. The plenum chamber surrounding the porous anode is subdivided into several independent compartments which allow for individual control of the pressure and of the ensuing mass flow rates through the corresponding anode segments. In this way, the inherent instabilities of transpiration cooling may be alleviated. Arc performance characteristics are determined utilizing a porous carbon anode and argon at atmospheric pressure as working fluid. It is shown that the temperature distribution of the porous anode segments depends only on the transpiring mass flow rate and on the pressure drop through the porous material. Theoretical predictions compare favorably with experimental results. By using a two-step temperature model, the arc attachment size on a particular anode segment may be estimated. The torch efficiency which is a measure of the effectiveness of transpiration cooling on net anode losses and the mean enthalpy of the emanating plasma jet are measured as a function of mass flow rate and power input.
Inhibition of synaptosomal uptake of amino acid transmitters by diamines

Abstract Reports of the inhibitory effects of diaminocarboxylic acids on the uptake of amino acid transmitters led the present authors to examine the effects of simple aliphatic diamines on the synaptosomal uptake of glutamate, aspartate, GABA and glycine. The diamines studied were the series from ethylenediamine through to 1,7-diaminoheptane; dl -2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DABA) was also tested for comparative purposes. The greatest inhibition seen was on the uptake of glycine and GABA. Weaker effects on uptake were seen with glutamate, while aspartate was unaffected. The patterns of inhibition for glycine and GABA were similar and the effects were dose-dependent. 1,2-Diaminopropane was the most inhibitory, followed by ethylenediamine and 1,7-diaminoheptane. The reported inhibitory effects of dl -2,4-diaminobutyric acid on the uptake of GABA and glutamate were confirmed; comparable inhibition of the uptake of glycine and aspartate was seen but the effects on GABA were most potent. Inhibition of the uptake of GABA by 1,2-diaminopropane was approximately one fifteenth that reported for dl -2,4-diaminobutyric acid. The inhibition by diamine of the uptake of glycine and GABA can provide an explanation of the depressant effects of diamines, seen after ventricular administration; however, the excitotoxic effects of the diamines 1,3-diaminopropane through to 1,7-diaminoheptane could not be explained by the present results.
Marketing's Interaction with Other Functional Units: A Conceptual Framework and Empirical Evidence:

The authors develop a framework for examining how and why marketing personnel interact with personnel in other functional areas in planning, implementing, and evaluating marketing activities. Build...
Specifics of viral entry in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

Cellular entry pathways for viruses dictate the types of immune responses elicited upon infection. Human adenovirus species D type 37 (HAdV-D37) causes epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), associated with severe ocular surface inflammation. However, viral entry is known to be cell type and virus specific. To examine basic mechanisms of HAdV-D37 pathogenesis in EKC, we studied entry of HAdV-D37 in vivo in our mouse corneal adenovirus keratitis model, and in vitro in cultured human corneal cells. In the mouse model at 1 hour post infection, viruses appeared to be entering cells by macropinocytosis. By 8 hours post infection, viruses formed regular packed intracytoplasmic arrays adjacent to cell nuclei, with minimal capsid uncoating. Therefore, viral entry occurred, but transport of virus to the cell nucleus appeared abortive, possibly explaining the failure of HAdV-D37 replication in the mouse cornea. In vitro, inhibition of PKCα reduced viral entry and phosphorylation of both Src and caveolin-1 in lipid raft fractions, suggesting that PKCα activity occurs upstream of both molecules. Phosphorylated PKCα and Src were found in same endosomal fractions and may be physically associated. These results suggest a central role for PKC in HAdV-D37 entry and regulation of downstream molecules in corneal cells, including caveolin-1. Interestingly, the small GTPase dynamin II, did not appear necessary for HAdV-D37 entry into corneal epithelial cells, but was critical for viral entry in corneal fibroblasts.
Adherence to HAART: Perspectives from clients in treatment support programs

The development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in dramatic decreases in morbidity and mortality for HIV-infected individuals. Because the long-term efficacy of HAART is dependent on near perfect adherence, many providers offer services to support adherence, including education, regimen review, counseling, and reminder tools. Little is known regarding the utilization or efficacy of these services. In this paper, we report on data collected during 32 open-ended interviews conducted with individuals receiving services through the New York State Treatment Adherence Demonstration Project. Participants in the project reported deriving benefits from a broad range of project activities. Educational efforts helped clients to recognize HIV as a manageable, rather than terminal, illness. Information and tools focused on specific regimens provided clients with concrete knowledge and skills. Effective communication with medical providers and pharmacists was facilitated by adherence staff who proactively advocated for client needs. Program-based social support was particularly valuable for many participants, helping them to retain needed motivation and strength. Educational, practical, and supportive services were all considered valuable to clients participating in adherence support programs. A mix of services may best meet the range of needs found among persons taking HAART.
Promoting Women's Health Via the World Wide Web

Women, as a segment of society at risk for chronic illnesses and complications from normal life events, such as pregnancy and menopause, are seeking information to improve their health status. One tool on the World Wide Web provided by a team of Ohio health care providers, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians, is the Ask an Expert feature of NetWellness®. Designed as a consumer health information resource, NetWellness (www.netwellness.org) also is a valuable tool to health care professionals.
Tracheostomy in the critically ill: indications, timing and techniques.

Purpose of reviewTracheostomy is one of the most common procedures performed in the intensive care unit. Indications, risks, benefits, timing and technique of the procedure, however, remain controversial. The decision of when and how to perform a tracheostomy is often subjective, but must be individ
Diversity among bacteria isolated from the deep subsurface

Culturable bacteria from the deep subsurface (179 m) at Cerro Negro, New Mexico were isolated and characterized. The average number of viable aerobic bacteria was estimated to be 5×105g−1 of sediment, but only about 0.1% of these could be recovered on agar medium when incubated under aerobic conditions. Of 158 strains isolated from this depth, 92 were characterized by cellular fatty acid profiles (FAME), 36 by analysis of partial 16S rDNA sequences, and 44 by rep-PCR genome fingerprint analysis using three different sets of oligonucleotide primers (REP, BOX, or ERIC). These analyses showed the majority of isolates (67%) were Gram-positive bacteria and primarily members of genera with a high %G+C DNA. The remaining isolates were α-subdivisionProteobacteria (19%) and members of the flavobacteria group (14%). The diversity indices based on these different methods of characterization were very high suggesting this subsurface habitat harbors a highly diverse microbial community.
Mix-and-match overlay performance of the NSR-S622D immersion scanner

Current technology nodes, as well as subsequent generations necessitate ongoing improvements to the mix-and-match overlay (MMO) capabilities of lithography scanners. This work will introduce newly developed scanner solutions to address this requirement, and performance data from the latest generation immersion scanner, the NSR-S622D, will be introduced. Enhanced MMO accuracy is imperative for the 22 nm half-pitch and future technology nodes. In order for the matched overlay accuracy to approach single machine overlay (SMO) capabilities, MMO errors must be reduced further. The dominant MMO error sources can be divided into three main areas: SMO, lens distortion matching and wafer grid matching. Nikon continues to decrease these matching error contributors over time, and the latest generation NSRS622D immersion scanner provides a number of innovative solutions to satisfy the most demanding overlay matching requirements ; as a result MMO performance within 3nm is achieved on S622D. Moreover, overlay master system is developed for further product overlay accuracy and stability improvement.
PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AND THEIR SENSITIVITY PATTERNS IN A HOSPITAL POPULATION OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE

: In a hospital population of geriatric patients with chronic disease, 1,584 patients were tested and the pathogens most commonly involved in their infections were identified. The antibiograms of these bacteria (in vitro) were established. The leading pathogens were Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Providence group (Proteus inconstans), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus fecalis, in descending order of frequency. Of significance was the emergence of the Providence group (Proteus inconstans), and its high degree of resistance to most antibiotics tested. It is conceivable that the Providence group might become a major pathogen in the future, because its resistance to antibiotics favors its survival. A new, more effective drug is desired for this group.
A hell of a life: addiction and marginality in post-industrial Detroit.

Drawing on concepts from Foucault and Agamben, we maintain that the lives of daily heroin users provide a prime illustration of bare life in the zone of indistinction that is contemporary Detroit. First, we consider the case of Detroit as a stigmatized and racially segregated city, with concrete consequences for its residents. We then present evidence from in-depth ethnographic and economic interviews to illustrate the various spaces of confinement—that of addiction, that of economic marginality, and that of gender—occupied by these men and women, as well as the indeterminacy of their daily lives, captured through their descriptions of daily routines and interactions. We examine their expressions of worth as expressed in economic, emotional and moral terms. Finally, we draw connections between the sustained marginality of these individuals, as a contemporary category of homo sacer, and the policies and powers that both despise and depend upon them. Heroin, we contend, helps to fill and numb this social vo...
Improving Smear Technics by the Use of Enzymes

A method for securing spreading of large meiotic chromosomes is described. It consists in treating a piece of fixed anther in a 1% solution of Clarase, a proprietary enzyme complex, or in an extract prepared by grinding the contents of flask cultures of certain fungi (Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, Metarrhizium sp.) with quartz sand in a mortar containing 10 ml. of a sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.0. The fixed anthers are thoroughly washed in H2O prior to the enzyme treatment. Length of treatment may vary from as little as 10 minutes to several hours. The usual aceto-carmine or propionic-carmine smear technic may then be used. The treatment destroys some of the elasticity of the cytoplasm so that the chromosomes remain spread out when light pressure is exerted on the cover slip.
Learning biochemistry at the mastery level — Introductory biochemistry at the University of Michigan

Introduction Two introductory Biochemistry courses are offered at The University of Michigan, one by the Department of Biology, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, and another by the Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine. The course in the Department of Biology (Biology 411), with emphasis on metabolic pathways and their control, was first offered by the author in the fall of 1965 as an alternative to the other course which emphasized the structural aspects of biochemistry. As are most undergraduate courses, Biology 411 was originally taught by the lecture method in which information considered important is presented verbally in a 50 minute lecture thrice weekly. In 1971, a group of University of Michigan undergraduate students interested in alternative teaching methods introduced the author to the Keller Plan, 1 a self-paced, personalized system of instruction (PSI). Shortly after attending a meeting on the PSI at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and learning of their experiences using PSI at that institution, I decided that this was exactly the kind of learning experience that I wished I could have had as an undergraduate and began to transform the Biology Department's Introductory Biochemistry course to the PSI format. What follows is a description of the many benefits, and some of the pitfalls, which we have experienced whlie employing the Keller Plan to teach Introductory Biochemistry at the mastery level.
EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES-INDUCED REGRESSION OF THE RAT PROSTATE IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED EXPRESSION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β

Purpose: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a potent inhibitor of cell growth, plays an important role in the androgen-dependent processes of the prostate through a complex network of growth factors. TGF-β expression in the prostate is under negative regulatory control of androgen. As experimental diabetes causes a regression of the prostate and decrease in serum testosterone levels in rats, we examined TGF-β alterations at the mRNA and protein levels in the diabetic rat prostate.Materials and Methods: The expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 and their respective mRNAs in prostates from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic and age-matched control rats were investigated, using relative multiplex RT-PCR, semi-quantitative Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.Results: Induction of diabetes caused a significant reduction in prostatic weight and in serum testosterone levels in rats. Both mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, and mRNA level of TGF-β2 were up-regulated in the diabetic...
The Hele-Shaw problem and area-preserving curve-shortening motions

We prove existence, locally in time, of a solution of the following Hele-Shaw problem: Given a simply connected curve contained in a smooth bounded domainΩ, find the motion of the curve such that its normal velocity equals the jump of the normal derivatives of a function which is harmonic in the complement of the curve inΩ and whose boundary value on the curve equals its curvature. We show that this motion is a curve-shortening motion which does not change the area of the region enclosed by the curve. In caseΩ is the whole plane ℛ2, we also show that if the initial curve is close to an equilibrium curve, i.e., to a circle, then there exists a global solution and the global solution tends to some circle exponentially fast as time tends to infinity.
Alteration of serum protein patterns following adrenalectomy in rabbits.

SummaryBilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 26 rabbits. In most of the 18 survivors, significant alterations in the concentrations of the various serum protein fractions were demonstrated by paper electrophoresis. Acutely, alpha-2 and beta globulin fractions increased sharply. By the end of the second week, gamma globulin had increased significantly and alpha-2 and beta globulins had returned to normal. Associated with these serum protein pattern alterations were suggestive evidences of hemoconcentration, as revealed by increased total serum protein and hematocrit values.
Trauma and Delayed Memory: A Review of the “Repressed Memories” Literature

This review aims to draw balanced conclusions about trauma and memory from the intensely polarized debate currently raging over "repressed" memories, or better, delayed memories (hereafter DM). Research suggests that: emotion impacts memory; psychogenic amnesia can be a reaction to unusual levels of trauma; memory is malleable and delayed memories are prone to errors; however, inaccuracies in traumatic memories are more likely to be in peripheral details than central details. Also reviewed are infantile amnesia, clinical surveys on DM, and two psychoanalytic perspectives on DM. Treatment recommendations are culled from the literature. In order that the debate over adult DM not divert attention from the reality of child abuse and its damage, child abuse issues begin and end the review.
“Strangers are Flocking Here”: Identity and Anonymity in New Orleans, 1810–1860

When the population of New Orleans increased dramatically during the nineteenth century, it became a place of strangers. While historians have documented the experiences of different groups in the city, the nineteenth‐century urban world was defined largely by those unknown, by the strangers one passed in the streets. The present study explores how residents of the city coped with this change by analyzing the meanings they ascribed to strangers. It also illustrates why the ability of a stranger to legitimize his/her identity became a crucial means of escaping scrutiny and obtaining acceptance by society. The essay examines the reception of two groups of strangers: elite travelers who sought to read and interpret the city and its subjects and new residents who sought opportunity and adventure, but instead became alienated from society and castigated as vagrants and suspicious people. Although city residents largely came to terms with the anonymity of city life by the 1850s, this essay explores the precedin...
The birational geometry of moduli spaces of sheaves on the projective plane

We describe a close relation between wall crossings in the birational geometry of modulispaceofGiesekerstablesheaves MH (v)on P 2 andmini-wallcrossingsinthestability manifold Stab(D b (P 2 )). The general philosophy is that the birational geometry of MH (v) is closely related to the birational geometry of X.S o if−K X is ample, we hope −K MH (v) is ample as well. This turns out to be not quite right but is close. We first show that if v is a primitive topological type such that MH (v) is non-empty and irreducible, then MH (v) is smooth and −K MH (v) is big and nef. In particular, MH (v) is a Mori dream space. Therefore MH (v) provide a rich class of examples of the so called weak Fano varieties, whose classification theory is highly interesting in its own right. We achieve the statement by showing that the first Chern class
Direct Observation of Structural Evolution in Palmitic Acid Monolayers following Langmuir−Blodgett Deposition

Confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and near-field scanning optical microscopy are utilized to study the evolution in structure of palmitic acid monolayers transferred onto mica using the Langmuir−Blodgett technique. Monolayers transferred at a surface pressure of 1.5 mN/m contain condensed islands surrounded by expanded regions of the film. The densed-branch morphology of the condensed domains indicates a nonequilibrium growth mechanism driven by diffusion limited aggregation. Immediately following film transfer, significant evolution in the film structure is observed as palmitic acid in the expanded regions of the film diffuses toward and combines with the condensed domains. The data from the complementary high-resolution techniques suggest a mechanism for domain growth dominated by dewetting following film transfer.
Newcastle disease virus fusion and haemagglutinin-neuraminidase proteins contribute to its macrophage host range

The fusion (F) and haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) proteins of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are multifunctional proteins that play critical roles during infection. Here, we assessed the ability of NDV to replicate in macrophages and investigated the contribution of the F and HN proteins to NDV infection/replication in these cells. Results of our study revealed that, while presenting similar replication kinetics in a fibroblast cell line (DF1) or in primary non-adherent splenocytes, the NDV strain CA02 replicates better in macrophages (HD11 and primary adherent splenocytes) than the NDV strain Anhinga/93. Notably, exchange of the HN or both F and HN genes of NDV Anhinga/93 by the corresponding genes from NDV CA02 markedly improved the ability of the chimeric viruses to replicate in macrophages. These results indicate that the F and HN proteins are determinants of NDV macrophage host range. This represents the first description of productive NDV infection in macrophages.
Integrated pest management techniques in thistle suppression in pastures of North America

Summary Thistles in the genera Carduus, Cirsium, Onopordum, and Silybum of the subtribe Carduinae have been the subjects of considerable research designed for chemical, biological, cultural, and integrated control in the United States. Problems and costs associated with chemical and cultural control techniques stimulated the introduction of biological control agents from many locations in Europe and the Middle East. Although some natural enemies have successfully suppressed thistle infestations, economic losses during the time lags between introduction and effective suppression prompted investigations into integrated control procedures. The rationale, history, and potential direction for thistle suppression has been documented in this manuscript. Resume Techniques de lutte integree contre le chardon dans les paturages d'Amerique du Nord Les chardons du genre Carduus, Cirsium, Onopordum et Silybum de la sous-tribu Carduinae ont ete l'objet aux Etats-Unis de recherches importantes concernant la lutte chimique, biologique, culturale et integree. Les problemes et les couts relatifs aux techniques de lutte chimique et culturale ont entraine l'introduction d'agents de lutte bio- logique dans de nombreuses localites d'Europe et du Moyen Orient. Malgre le succes obtenu dans la lutte a l'aide d'ennemis naturels du chardon, les pertes economiques dues au decalage entre l'introduction du parasite et son action ont rapidement entraine l'etude de procedes de lutte integree. Les diverses methodes sont decrites dans ce document tant du point de vue chronologique que du point de vue technique. Zusammenfassung Integrierte Verfahren zur Unterdruckung von Disteln auf Weideflachen in Nordamerika Disteln der Gattungen Carduus, Cirsium, Onopordum und Silybum des Subtribus Carduinae, waren in den USA hinsichtlich ihrer Bekampfung mit chemischen, biologischen, Kultur- und integrierten Verfahren, Gegenstand betrachtlicher Forschungsaktivitaten. Die mit der chemischen Bekampfung und den Kulturmasnahmen verbundenen Kosten und Schwierigkeiten, stimulierte die Einfuhrung von Organismen aus vielen Teilen Europas und des Mittleren Ostens fur die biologische Bekampfung. Wenngleich durch einige naturliche Feinde die Distelverseuchung erfolgreich unterdruckt wurde, zwangen die Wirtschaft liehen Schaden, die in der Zeit zwischen der Einfuhrung und dem Wirksamwerden zu verzeichnen waren, zu Untersuchungen auf dem Gebiet der integrierten Bekampfung. Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit den Ursprungen, der Geschichte und den moglichen Entwicklungen in der Unterdruckung der Disteln.
Identification of cloud ice crystals using a 95 GHz polarimetric radar

The identification of various ice crystal types within a cloud, as well as the estimation of their ice water content are important goals with applications to cloud microphysical studies and to understanding the effect of clouds on the Earth's radiation budget. Millimetre wave polarimetric radars have the potential for accomplishing both of these goals. There are several millimetre wave radars operating at 95 GHz for the remote sensing of ice clouds from ground-based and airborne platforms. This paper brings together observations from experiments and modeling studies, and focuses on 95 GHz polarimetric radar signatures of ice crystals including pristine crystals such as columns, plates, and stellar crystals, as well as dendrites, ice crystal aggregates, and graupel. Results from simulations and from experimental data for several polarimetric radar observables are combined to generate different ranges of values for each observable corresponding to different crystal types. A simple fuzzy logic classification scheme is presented for identifying crystal types based on these ranges. Suggestions for further development and refinement of this scheme are given.
Nonnucleoside inhibitor of measles virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex activity

Paramyxoviruses comprise several major human pathogens. Although a live-attenuated vaccine protects against measles virus (MV), a member of the paramyxovirus family, the virus remains a principal cause of worldwide mortality and accounts for approximately 21 million cases and 300,000 to 400,000 deaths annually. The development of novel antivirals that allow improved case management of severe measles and silence viral outbreaks is thus highly desirable. We have previously described the development of novel MV fusion inhibitors. The potential for preexisting or emerging resistance in the field constitutes the rationale for the identification of additional MV inhibitors with a diverse target spectrum. Here, we report the development and implementation of a cell-based assay for high-throughput screening of MV antivirals, which has yielded several hit candidates. Following confirmation by secondary assays and chemical synthesis, the most potent hit was found to act as a target-specific inhibitor of MV replication with desirable drug-like properties. The compound proved highly active against multiple primary isolates of diverse MV genotypes currently circulating worldwide, showing active concentrations of 35 to 145 nM. Significantly, it does not interfere with viral entry and lacks cross-resistance with the MV fusion inhibitor class. Mechanistic characterization on a subinfection level revealed that the compound represents a first-in-class nonnucleoside inhibitor of MV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex activity. Singly or in combination with the fusion inhibitors, this novel compound class has high developmental potential as a potent therapeutic against MV and will likely further the mechanistic characterization of the viral polymerase complex.