cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Pension Finance Literacy: A Survey of Members of Occupational Pension Schemes in Kenya

Pension finance literacy enables individuals to plan for retirement, make proper choices on pension products and contribute effectively in management of their pension schemes. This study sought to determine the pension finance literacy levels and the variables that influence it amongst members of occupational retirement schemes in Kenya. The sample consisted of 2395 (response rate 65%) individuals drawn from 648 occupational retirement schemes. A binary measure of pension finance literacy was constructed and one way ANOVA and post hoc tests using the Tukey approach were conducted to determine the bases on which pension finance literacy levels differ. The study concludes that pension finance literacy differs significantly on the basis of age, education level, gender, job experience, management level, income, pension plan design, participation in previous pension finance literacy program, area of specialization and membership in a pension plan board but does not differ on the basis of the marital status of the individuals.
Fiber Bragg grating strain sensors: Present and future applications in smart structures

Fiber Bragg gratings offer a small, robust, lightweight, and potentially low-cost solution for monitoring structural strain. Their ability to be easily attached to a wide variety of substrates makes them available for many applications.
Does anti-TNF therapy decrease the incidence of anterior uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

Does anti-TNF therapy decrease the incidence of anterior uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
The Cultivation of Blastocrithidia triatomae Cerisola et al., 19711

Blastocrithidia triatomae, a species very resistant to cultivation in conventional media, was successfully grown in association with cultured lepidopteran cells. The cultured flagellates were identical to those in the insect host, including the presence of characteristic cysts on the flagellum. Growth rate was better for cultures in the Heliothis zea medium than in IPL-45 medium or modified McConnell's medium.
Pressor–Depressor Blood Pressure Responses in the Cat after Intraventricular Injection of Drugs

CUSHING1 in 1932 injected 1 c.c. of ‘surgical pituitrin’ into the lateral ventricles of the brain of alert persons with brain tumour and noted peripheral vasodilatation, profuse sweating, salivation, fall in body temperature and a lowered basal metabolic rate. He postulated a parasympathetic region in or near the wall of the third ventricle which was activated by pituitrin. The results were criticized because of possible impurities in ‘surgical pituitrin’. In this report drug injections were made into the left lateral ventricle of the brain of the cat using surgical pituitrin (Parke-Davis), synthetic polypeptides of the posterior pituitary (PLV-2 vasopressin, and oxytocin, ‘Syntocinon’, Sandoz), synthetic angiotensin (‘Hyper-tensin’, Ciba), epinephrine, norepinephrine, the monamine oxidase inhibitors tranylcypromin (‘SKF’, Smith, Kline and French), and iproniazid (‘Marsilid’).
Optimization of a 193-nm silylation process for sub-0.25-um lithography

We have optimized a positive-tone silylation process using polyvinylphenol resist and dimethylsilyldimethylamine as the silylating agent. Imaging quality and process latitude have been evaluated at 193 nm using a 0.5-NA SVGL prototype exposure system. A low- temperature dry etch process was developed that produces vertical resist profiles resulting in large exposure and defocus latitudes, linearity of gratings down to 0.175 micrometers , and resolution of 0.15-micrometers gratings and isolated lines.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
DIFFERENCES IN HIV RISK PRACTICES SOUGHT BY SELF-IDENTIFIED GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN WHO USE INTERNET WEBSITES TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SEXUAL PARTNERS

Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the largest number of persons diagnosed with AIDS in the United States, with higher-than-average rates of drug use and unprotected sex being cited as the principal reasons underlying their high rates of HIV infection. Recent evidence has suggested that the use of Websites specifically designed to promote unsafe sexual practices (e.g., Bareback.com, BarebackRT.com, Bare4ever.com) may be particularly common among MSM, thereby fostering their risky behaviors. In light of these findings, the present study, which compares HIV risk behaviors sought by self-identified gay and bisexual men, is based on a content analysis of 1,316 ads/profiles posted on one of the most popular men who have sex with other men (MSM) Websites (namely, Bare-back.com) that specifically fosters unprotected sex. Ads/profiles were selected randomly based on the American ZIP code of residence. Data were collected between September 2006 and January 2007. Rates of advertised-for high-risk sexual behaviors were very high for gay and bisexual men alike, particularly for oral sex involving ejaculation into the mouth, anal sex involving ejaculation into the anus, multiple partner sex, and felching (i.e., eating ejaculatory fluid out of an anus into which at least one person previously ejaculated). Analytical comparisons of gay and bisexual men showed that, on various dimensions, the bisexual men in this sample had either similar or lower levels of sexual risk compared to the gay men. The HIV intervention-related implications of these findings are discussed.
Multidisciplinary Topics in Senior Capstone Design Courses: Radio Astronomy

The exciting contributions to science and education made by radio astronomy over the last three decades would not have been possible without the development of radio telescopes of increasing sensitivity and power. The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is located near Brevard, North Carolina. It was built in 1962 and was a facility for tracking the spacecraft of the NASA Mercury and Gemini missions. In the late 1970's it was used by the National Security Agency for monitoring Soviet satellite activity and was decommissioned in 1992. It was later purchased by PARI and is now used for astronomical education and research as a not for profit organization. During the spring of 2005, Mr. Don Cline, President of PARI and William Craft, began discussing ways in which engineering students could both learn about radio astronomy and contribute to the development to the educational and research programs at PARI. Since North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University is one of the closest engineering colleges, they concluded that student design projects that focused on the enhancement of radio astronomy equipment would both help PARI and provide a challenging capstone design experience to engineering students. The A&T capstone program covers two semesters and six semester credits, and among an initial listing of potential design experiences, we selected four that would enhance the operation of the two 26-meter PARI radio-telescopes. These two twenty-six meter radio-telescopes are known as 26E (East) and 26W (West). Both radio telescopes have roughly the same size and construction. The photo schematic (Figure 1) is representative of each. Note the major (lower) axis is 13 meters from the ground, and the minor (upper) axis is 20 meters from the ground. Both are at right angles to each other and parallel to the ground plane when the dish is in the upright position. The top of the instrument cage is 37 meters high.© 2006 ASME
Simulations of the Structural Switch in PKM2 Mediating the Warburg Effect in Cancer

Pyruvate kinase activity is controlled by a tightly woven regulatory network. The oncofetal isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is a master regulator of cancer metabolism. PKM2 metabolically engages in parallel, feed‑forward, positive and negative feedback control as well as non‑metabolic functions as protein kinase and transcriptional coactivator contributing to cancer progression. Metabolically active PKM2 tetramer is allosterically regulated and responds to nutritional and stress signals, including 1,6-fructose-bis-phosphate. In contrast, the constitutively active PKM1 isoform of pyruvate kinase is not allosterically regulated, despite having more than 95% sequence identity to PKM2. To determine the molecular mechanism for allosteric regulation in PKM2 and reasons for its absence in PKM1, we performed replicate 100 ns-molecular dynamics simulations of tetrameric PKM1 and PKM2 isoforms with and without allosteric activator. Structural correlations within the PKM2 tetramer structure determine possible pathways mediating allosteric regulation as far as 1.5 nm between effector and enzymatic binding sites. A combined molecular dynamics and systems biology approach to PKM2 reveals how differences in biomolecular structure translate into a global rewiring of cancer metabolism.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Social engagement in public places: a tale of one robot

In this paper, we describe a large-scale (over 4000 participants) observational field study at a public venue, designed to explore how social a robot needs to be for people to engage with it. In this study we examined a prediction of Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) framework: the more machines present human-like characteristics in a consistent manner, the more likely they are to invoke a social response. Our humanoid robot’s behavior varied in the amount of social cues, from no active social cues to increasing levels of social cues during story-telling to human-like game-playing interaction. We found several strong aspects of support for CASA: the robot that provides even minimal social cues (speech) is more engaging than a robot that does nothing, and the more human-like the robot behaved during story-telling, the more social engagement was observed. However, contrary to the prediction, the robot’s game-playing did not elicit more engagement than other, less social behaviors.
ANTHOCYANINS IN BARBERA GRAPES

The anthocyanins of Barbera grapes were extracted with methanol containing 0.1% HCl and purified by adsorption on cation-exchange resin. The individual pigments were separated by paper chromatography. The anthocyanins were identified by their Rf values, sugar moiety, alkaline degradation products and spectral characteristics. The pigments were identified as delphinidin-3-monoglucoside, cyanidin-3-monoglucoside with caffeic acid, petunidin-3-monoglucoside, cyanidin-3-monoglucoside with p-coumaric acid, malvidin-3-monoglucoside, malvidin-3-monoglucoside with p-coumaric acid, peonidin-3-monoglucoside, peonidin-3-monoglucoside (acylated) and malvidin-3-monoglucoside (acylated). Knowledge of the composition and inheritance pattern of the anthocyanin pigments in grapes is extremely valuable to the plant breeders in developing new grape varieties with the desirable characteristics. Barbera grapes may be used for blending with other varieties poor in red color to make red wines of more attractive color.
Changing trends in Asia-Pacific tourism

Abstract This report is based upon presentations given to industry executives and government officials. It examines the growth in travel to Asian and Pacific destinations, and identifies the major changes in the pattern of growth prior to the recent crisis in Asian economies. Separate forecasts were developed for travel to Asian destinations, Australia/New Zealand and Pacific-island destinations excluding Hawaii. The report also examines industry performance as reflected in hotel occupancy rates throughout the region, and assesses planned development of additional rooms, as well as changes in travel patterns. The main source of data are the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Statistical Reports. It should be noted that in most of the analysis, data on Hawaii, Canada and the United States are excluded to focus on Asian and Pacific countries. The last section evaluates the impact of the Asian economic crisis upon the trends discussed in this report.
Dexamethasone abolishes the activation by nerve growth factor of protein kinase N: effects of nerve growth factor and dexamethasone on protein kinase N

Abstract Protein kinase N (PKN) is a basic 45–47 kDa serine/threonine protein kinase activated by NGF and several other factors in PC12 cells and other cell types. It is inhibited in vitro by purine analogs. In this work, we further characterize the modulation of PKN activity following exposure of PC12 cells to dexamethasone or NGF, which respectively direct these cells towards the chromaffin- or neuron-like phenotype. We show here that the two factors elicit opposite effects on the activation of the kinase: dexamethasone inhibits while NGF stimulates the basal level of PKN activity. Simultaneous addition to the cells of the factors causes no variation from basal kinase activity. Addition of dexamethasone not to the cells, but to partially purified PKN during the kinase assay, causes no modulation of the enzyme.
Crystallographic studies of the role of Mg as a stabilizing impurity in β-Ca3(PO4)2. The crystal structure of pure β-Ca3(PO4)2

β-Ca3(PO4)2 crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group R3c with unit cell parameters a = 10.439(1), c = 37.375(6) A (hexagonal setting) and cell contents of 21 [Ca3(PO4)2]. The structure was refined to Rw = 0.026, R = 0.030 using 1143 X-ray intensities collected from a single crystal by counter methods. Corrections were made for absorption, secondary extinction, and anomalous dispersion. The structure is related to that of Ba3(VO4)2, but has lower symmetry because of the widely different ionic sizes of Ca and Ba. Seven [Ca3(PO4)2] units occupy a volume corresponding to eight [Ba3(PO4)2] units. The requirement of the c glide in β-Ca3(PO4)2 has been shown in the least squares refinements to be attained by disorder of one cation over two sites. This disorder has a far-reaching effect on the structure.
Large-scale Chromatin Structure and Dynamics: a Combined Structural and Molecular Approach

As a means of visualizing large-scale chromatin structure and dynamics our laboratory has used engineered chromosome regions tagged with lac operator repeats [1]. Recent progress in our laboratory focuses on analyzing multi-copy transgene arrays constructed from bacterial artificial chromosomes carrying 100-250 kb insertions of Drosophila or mammalian genomic DNA. These BAC transgene arrays not only recapitulate transcription of model gene loci to within several fold of the endogenous locus but also recapitulate locus specific patterns of large-scale chromatin compaction and intranuclear positioning.
The spatial average mean square motion as an objective function for optimizing damping in damped modified systems

This work considers the addition of damping to a beam system in order to limit the response due to random-in-time forcing functions. Here the optimization process for such dissipative attachments will use as an objective function the spatial average of the mean square response over the extent of the beam. It is shown here that optimal dampers and damped vibration absorbers can be found which minimize this objective function.
AAP Clinical Guidelines: Ongoing Process Improvements

* Abbreviations: AAP — : American Academy of Pediatrics AGREE — : Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Instrument CPG — : clinical practice guideline IOM — : Institute of Medicine Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have proliferated over the past 2 decades. The National Guideline Clearinghouse listed 2377 active CPGs in early January 2013, of which 1302 (54.8%) were cataloged as relevant to a pediatric age group.1 CPG production represents a response to inappropriate variation in medical practice in some instances and clinicians’ need for guidance when there is either an overwhelming volume of evidence, much of which may be of uncertain quality,2 or absence of reliable evidence, which exists for many clinical conditions.3 CPGs ideally improve health care quality and outcomes by enhancing translation of research into practice and collaborative decision-making between clinicians and patients.2 In reality, quality of many CPGs has been suspect due to limitations of evidence and, more importantly, shortcomings in processes used to develop them.4,5 National and international efforts to improve CPGs quality include publication in 2003 of an 18-item checklist by the Conference on Guideline Standardization6 and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) instrument.7 AGREE, which underwent a minor revision in 2009 (AGREE-II), delineates … Address correspondence to Charles R. Woods, MD, MS, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 571 South Floyd St, Suite 321, Louisville, KY 40202. E-mail: charles.woods{at}louisville.edu
Benefits of prolonged gradient separation for high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry quantitation of plasma total 15-series F2-isoprostanes

The F(2)-isoprostanes are products of free-radical-induced oxidation of arachidonic acid (AA) that are stereoisomers of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)). We describe a method for quantitation of several 15-series PGF isomers (15-PGFs) and AA by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS). Plasma samples were subjected to alkaline hydrolysis and acidified, and total (free + esterified) 15-PGFs and AA were extracted with organic solvents. The analytes were separated by gradient reverse-phase HPLC and detected by multiple reaction monitoring on a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer, using deuterated internal standards for quantitation. The assay had a linear range of 1-40 pg of 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) on column and can quantify as little as 40 pg/mL (0.11 nM) in plasma. Outcomes significantly correlated (p < 0.0001) with data obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry GC-MS or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All plasma 15-PGF isomers increased over time with in vitro cigarette smoke exposure and correlated (p < 0.0001) with each other. The same strong inter-15-PGF correlations were observed in plasma from healthy young adult subjects. The coefficients of variation of HPLC-MS-MS measurements (24-32%) were smaller than those obtained by GC-MS (53%). Thus, HPLC-MS-MS potentially offers greater precision and allows quantitation of more compounds with simpler sample preparation than existing methods. Ours is the first validated quantitative assay using HPLC-tandem MS applied to plasma total 15-PGFs.
Modeling temporal combination selective neurons of the songbird

Abstract Some neurons in the nucleus HVc of the songbird respond vigorously to sequences of syllables as they appear in the bird's own song (such as AB), but they respond weakly or not at all when the same syllables are played individually (A or B) or in a different order (BA). We have constructed a network model that replicates this temporal sequence selectivity. The model is based on recurrently connected networks that produce strong resonant responses when the pattern of excitation evoked by a stimulus matches the pattern of excitation generated internally within the network. In the model, syllable B does not generate such a resonant response by itself. However, if syllable A is presented to the network followed by syllable B, the activity generated by A modifies the effective connectivity of the network making it resonantly responsive to B. This produces a highly selective response to the sequence of syllables AB, but not to any other combination.
A new approach to decoupling of bacterial adhesion energies measured by AFM into specific and nonspecific components.

A new method to decoupling of bacterial interactions measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) into specific and nonspecific components is proposed. The new method is based on computing the areas under the approach and retraction curves. To test the efficacy of the new method, AFM was used to probe the repulsion and adhesion energies present between Listeria monocytogenes cells cultured at five pH values (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) and silicon nitride (Si3N4). Overall adhesion energy was then decoupled into its specific and nonspecific components using the new method as well as using Poisson statistical approach. Poisson statistical method represents the most commonly used approach to decouple bacterial interactions into their components. For all pH conditions investigated, specific energies dominated the adhesion, and a transition in adhesion and repulsion energies for cells cultured at pH 7 was observed. When compared, the differences in the specific and nonspecific energies obtained using Poisson analysis and the new method were on average 2.2 % and 6.7 %, respectively. The relatively close energies obtained using the two approaches demonstrate the efficacy of the new method as an alternative way to decouple adhesion energies into their specific and nonspecific components.
Effect of internal emitters on red cell and plasma volumes of beagle dogs.

Simultaneous red cell and plasma volumes were measured with Cr/sup 51/ and I/sup 131/ in control beagle dogs and dogs with internally deposited radioisotopes. The reliability of the method is discussed. In isotope treated anemic dogs the venous hematocrit tended to be higher than the total-body or true hematocrit but more accurately reflected red cell volume changes than in controls. Plasma volume dd not change to account for this relative increase in venous hematocrit. It is postulated that this relatively high venous hematocrit probably represents a shift of red cells into large caliber veins. (auth)
Composition of surimi-like material from beef or pork

A surimi-like material was made from finely minced beef or pork by water washing followed by screening to remove connective tissue. Changes in component proteins, amino acid composition and vitamin, mineral and cholesterol content occurring during preparation were investigated. Total amino acid nitrogen contents of water-washed beef and pork were higher than those of the respective muscle by 7% and 6.5%. Among 16 amino acids measured, histidine and glycine decreased in both water-washed beef and pork, while others increased compared to original muscle. Thiamin content decreased after washing. Surimi-like beef and pork had less cytoplasmic minerals (K, Na, Mg) but more minerals associated with proteins or subcellular organelles (Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe). Fat content decreased, although cholesterol concentration was not changed by washing.
Microalbuminuria: Risk factor and potential therapeutic target for stroke?

Microalbuminuria (MA), a microvascular irregularity of the blood-urine interface within kidney glomeruli, may reflect the renal sign of global endothelial dysfunction, and has been associated with an elevated risk of serious cardiovascular events including stroke. This relationship appears graded, with higher levels of MA being independently associated with a greater magnitude of vascular risk over time. Furthermore, the presence of MA appears to independently predict poorer clinical outcomes following acute stroke. Screening for MA is relatively easy and inexpensive and could be effective in identifying stroke patients at risk for unfavorable outcomes. Reduction of subclinical albuminuria in stroke patients could be a clinically relevant endpoint worthy of pursuit by pharmacological treatment since the antiproteinuric effects of several established therapies appear to parallel better cardiovascular prognosis including better stroke outcomes, among subjects at high vascular risk. This review depicts the compelling epidemiological and clinical evidence relating MA to stroke, and presents the rationale for conducting future studies to assess the role of MA as a potential therapeutic target in persons with, or at risk for stroke.
Plant production in pea (Pisum sativum L. cvs. Puget and Upton) from long-term callus with superficial meristems

Abstract Vigorously growing calluses were obtained in Pisum sativum L. cvs. Puget and Upton (but not in cvs. Maro, Melton and Vedette) which have continuously regenerated shoots, over a period of nearly 3 years. The calluses were induced on the bases of plumules, excised from germinated seed, cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg 1−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 4 and 8 mg 1−1 indole-butyric acid (IBA). Shoot regeneration took place 2–4 weeks after transfer to the same medium with IBA reduced to 0.25 mg 1−1 and has continued while the callus has been regularly subcultured to fresh media. Regenerated shoots could be propagated as shoot cultures and rooted on medium containing half-strength MS salts, 1.5% sucrose and 2 mg 1−1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Plants regenerated during the first year of callus growth were diploid and mostly morphologically normal. Plants regenerated after 2 years show variable morphology as shoot cultures and are more difficult to root.
Estimating Relative Potency for Receptor-Mediated Toxicity: Reevaluating the Toxicity Equivalence Factor (TEF) Model

Once considered and interim procedure for use with mixtures of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, use of the toxicity equivalence factor (TEF) model has been proposed for other groups of structurally similar chemicals. Data from polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans as well as theoretical analyses of the biological basis for receptor-mediated toxicity demonstrate the limitations of this model and indicate that estimation of equivalent doses for such chemicals is more likely to require a function than a point estimate such as a TEF. Relatively small changes in the TEFs can result in both significant changes in the estimated dose for the mixture and the percentage of the estimated risk that is attributable to the most potent or reference compound. Estimates of equivalent doses are likely to become less accurate when extrapolated to lower responses which frequently serve as the basis for regulatory decisions. Existing models allow the relative potency to be a function rather than a point estimate as well as interaction at the receptor among the chemicals.
Characterization of the extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field interactions with living tissue

Review of the empirical observations of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field effects on tissue in vivo and cells in vitro, has led us to propose that these effects occur through the action of the electric polarization forces which develop at the cell surface. Such an interaction mechanism predicts that the field effects should be time dependent response and associated with the magnitude of the induced field gradients. These predictions are investigated in two distinct experimental approaches and the results are found to be consistent with field:cell interactions occurring through polarization forces.
DFNA9 Is a Progressive Audiovestibular Dysfunction With a Microfibrillar Deposit in the Inner Ear

Objectives Several mutations in the COCH gene were recently identified in American and European families with DFNA9, an autosomal dominant progressive sensorineural hearing loss with onset in high frequencies. Our preliminary vestibular studies in one American family indicated progressive vestibular dysfunction. More complete vestibular studies in European families have shown vestibular abnormalities in the affected individuals. Our temporal bone studies on two families with DFNA9 revealed, in addition to neurosensory degeneration, a unique acidophilic deposit in the membranous labyrinths of the affected individuals. The purposes of this study were 1) to further investigate the vestibular abnormalities in members of one American family for the purposes of genotype-phenotype correlation and 2) to investigate the electron microscopic structure of the acidophilic deposit to obtain further insights into the pathogenesis of DFNA9. Study Design Prospective analysis. Methods Extensive vestibular testing was performed in some unaffected and affected members of a family with DFNA9. One temporal bone was analyzed by electron microscopy of celloidin-embedded tissue. Results and Conclusions The findings indicate progressive vestibular dysfunction in many of the patients affected with hearing loss. Thus, despite different mutations in the COCH gene , the American and European families manifest auditory and vestibular dysfunction. Electron microscopic analysis shows the spiral ligament to be enriched for a highly branched non-banded microfibrillar substance that is decorated with glycosaminoglycan granules. Additionally, the spiral ligament lacks the 67-nm-thick straight periodically banded bundles of type II collagen that are normally abundant in this structure. A speculative pathogenetic model is proposed for this unique disease and its relationship with other late-onset or adult-onset audiovestibular diseases and Meniere's disease is investigated.
Shoreward intrusion of upper‐layer warm water by prescribed shelf‐break temperature perturbation and surface wind stress

A new mechanism for mid-shelf frontogenesis in shelf waters off the Carolina Capes is proposed based on results from three numerical experiments using a three-dimensional coastal ocean model. We find that quasi-geostrophic currents induced by a density (temperature) anomaly at the shelf break may advect upper-layer waters from the shelf break to the mid shelf. This process can cause mid-shelf frontogenesis even in the absence of favorable wind forcing. However, persistent northerly winds can substantially enhance mid-shelf frontogenesis, and increase the along-shore scale of the mid-shelf fronts off the Carolina Capes.
Type III open tibia fractures: immediate antibiotic prophylaxis minimizes infection.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between antibiotic timing and deep infection of type III open tibia fractures. DESIGN Retrospective prognostic study. SETTING Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENTS The study population included 137 patients after exclusions for missing data (13), nonreconstructible limbs (9), and/or absence of 90-day outcome data (3). INTERVENTION An observational study of antibiotic timing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT Deep infection within 90 days. RESULTS Age, smoking, diabetes, injury severity score, type IIIA versus 3B/C injury, and time to surgical debridement were not associated with infection on univariate analysis. Greater than 5 days to wound coverage (P < 0.001) and greater than 66 minutes to antibiotics (P < 0.01) were univariate predictors of infection. Multivariate analysis found wound coverage beyond 5 days [odds ratio, 7.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.33-23.45; P < 0.001] and antibiotics beyond 66 minutes (odds ratio, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.16-12.31; P = 0.03) independently predicted infection. Immediate antibiotics and early coverage limited the infection rate (1 of 36, 2.8%) relative to delay in either factor (6 of 59, 10.2%) or delay in both factors (17 of 42, 40.5%). CONCLUSIONS Time from injury to antibiotics and to wound coverage independently predict infection of type III open tibia fractures. Both should be achieved as early as possible, with coverage being dependent on the condition of the wound. Given the relatively short therapeutic window for antibiotic prophylaxis (within an hour of injury), prehospital antibiotics may substantially improve outcomes for severe open fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Tranarchism: transgender embodiment and destabilization of the state

Transgender, in the simplest sense, is an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identities and/or expressions of those identities fall outside of binary sex/gender identification norms. Though some anarchists live gender-transgressive lives, and some transgender people would call themselves anarchists, literature formally connecting the two modes of being is scarce. Much existing anarchist literature discussing issues of transgender identity attempts to determine whether gender non-conformity itself is inherently anarchic. The state dictates that gender is a necessary means of categorization in order to classify and manage people. Gender transgressors, in undermining a fundamental tool of the state, must then be acting anarchically. I argue, however, that imbuing trans identification with innate anarchic meanings is problematic. As anarchism itself can be manifested and lived in a myriad of highly variant, even contradictory, ways, gender subversion acts as a tool, rather than embodiment, of anarchy....
Dual isotope F-18 FDG and Tc-99m RBC imaging for lung cancer.

Purpose: To produce fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) images with markers for normal organs and large blood vessels in patients with suspected lung cancer. Methods: Dual isotope SPECT images were made using F-18 FDG- and Tc-99m-labeled autologous red cells. Results: FDG-positive lesions are localized in relation to major structures when they are viewed in a fused rotating three-dimensional display or in cross sections. Conclusions: Tc-99m red cell and FDG fusion imaging provides relative location information for lung tumors.
1539 BIG RENIN STIMULATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE, AND THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM IN THE NEWBORN PUPPY

Renin activity increases in vitro upon exposure to acid pH 3.3 followed by alkaline pH 7.4, low temperature, the proteases trypsin and pepsin, and urinary kallikrein. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of big renin (M.W. 56,000, purified from human cord blood), on blood pressure (B.P.), the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and renal function. One ug of plasma big renin was infused as an I.V. bolus in 10 newborn puppies. Mean aortic B.P. was monitored continuously. Blood samples for plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone (pA), plasma cortisol (pC), Na, and creatinine (cr) were measured before and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min post-infusion; 30 min urine collections were measured for (cr), Na, and K. BP increased from 47.3 ± 1.0 mm Hg (M and SEM) to 57 ± 2.5 (p<.02), 30 min after the big renin infusion. PRA increased from 21.9 ± 2.4 ng/ml/hr to 63.6 ± 3.9 (p<.001), 30 min after the infusion. The pC level increased from 3.2 ± 0.6 ug/dl to 9.1 ± 2.1 (p<.05) 60 min after the infusion; pA did not increase. There was no change in (Ccr), electrolyte excretion, or plasma Na. Infusion of labeled big renin in five newborn puppies showed no chromatographic evidence of conversion to the lower-molecular-weight renin in the plasma or organ extracts. In conclusion: In the newborn puppy, 1) plasma big renin, M.W. 56,000, can raise the blood pressure, increase PRA, and pC, and 2) there is no evidence of plasma big renin conversion to renin.
Confinement of electrons in a geometrically patterned non-circular two-dimensional semiconductor quantum dot

Semiconductor quantum dots are artificial nanoscale systems in which charge carriers, such as electrons, are usually confined in a small two-dimensional (2D) region of space. In many occasions the confinement potential of the electrons is considered to be circularly symmetric with the parabolic form as the most commonly used one. Despite the variety of other confinement potentials with both infinite and finite range, all these choices share the property that the potential is circular in space. While these confinement models can be very good in many circumstances, there are situations in which the experimental setup in a semiconductor quantum dot involves application of several gate potentials which have very sharp geometric features. In these experimental instances, the area depleted of electrons, that represents the confining region is not circular and many times is better approximated as square or rectangular in shape. In this work we introduce a confinement potential that describes the confinement of electrons in a non-circular2D semiconductor quantum dot in which the domain where the electrons are confined has a square or rectangular geometric shape. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Adolescent With a Skin Lesion

An adolescent male was referred to a pediatric otolaryngologist for a suspicious skin lesion. His medical history included T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosed at age 6 years. He was initially treated with chemotherapeutic agents, including vincristine, 2 mg/m2; doxorubicin, 50 mg/m2; prednisone, 60mg/m2; methotrexate, 20 mg/d; 6-mercaptopurine, 8 mg/m2; cytoarabinoside, 75 mg/m2. Owing to a relapse of his ALL, he underwent a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. He was subsequently diagnosed as having graft-vs-host disease. Immunosuppressant medications included cyclosporin, 1 mg/kg; neupogen (filgrastin), 5 μg/kg; voriconazole, 100 mg twice a day; acyclovir, 200 mg twice a day; and intravenous immunoglobulin, 200 mg/kg. He was treated with voriconazole, 100mg twice per day, for antifungal prophylaxis. The patient had been followed by a pediatric dermatologist for photosensitivity and pigmented lesions of sun-exposed skin. He was treated for multiple actinic keratoses with cryotherapy. Four years after treatment with immunosuppressants, the patient reported a growing skin lesion on the right side of his neck (Figure, A). He was noted to have a raised, erythematous lesion measuring 5 × 12 mm with irregular borders. A shave biopsy was performed by the dermatologist, and the patient was referred to the otolaryngology department for treatment. On examination, the lesion was noted to have central ulceration and crusting. The patient was taken to the operating room for wide local excision of the skin lesion. Lowand high-power histopathologic images are shown in the Figure, B and C, respectively. Histologically, the pathologic findings show nests of cohesive cells with highly eosinophilic, dark-staining cytoplasm and pleomorphic nuclei. What is your diagnosis? A B
Force–velocity relationships in kinesin-driven motility

Kinesin is a microtubule-based motor protein that uses energy released from Mg-ATP hydrolysis to generate force for the movement of intracellular membranes towards the fast-growing (plus) ends of microtubule tracks in cells. Kinesin-driven microtubule movement can be visualized and quantified using light microscope motility assays but our understanding of how kinesin generates force and motion is incomplete. Here we report the use of a centrifuge microscope to obtain force-velocity curves for kinesin-driven motility and to estimate that the maximal isometric force generated per kinesin is 0.12 +/- 0.03 pN per molecule.
Measuring Human Macular Birefringence by Applying Mueller Calculus to Scanning Laser Polarimetry

A scanning laser polarimeter was employed to acquire birefringence images of human retinas. The corneal retardance was mathematically compensated by using Mueller calculus, and the influence of age on macular retardance was studied.
Duration of hormonal deprivation: influences on physiological and behavioral responsiveness to estradiol.

Abstract A total of 54 ovariectomized female guinea pigs were divided into three groups and tested six times at 2-week intervals for their responsiveness to exogenous ovarian hormones (3 days of 4 μg/kg estradiol benzoate plus 1 day of 0.4 mg/ kg progesterone) or control injections (0.2 ml oil vehicle). Two weeks after ovariectomy, treatment with estradiol significantly reduced food intake and body weight, and also produced vaginal membrane rupture in 98.1% of the females. When tested for sexual behavior at 4, 6, and 8 hr after the progesterone injection, 29 of the subjects (53.7%) displayed lordosis in response to manual stimulation. Twelve weeks after ovariectomy, the effects of estradiol on food intake, body weight, and vaginal membrane condition had not diminished. However, the overall proportion of females from which lordosis could be elicited declined to 27.8%. Biweekly injections of estradiol benzoate plus progesterone to one of the groups of females did not prevent this decline in the sexual response. Based on these results, it was concluded that the observed reduction in behavioral lordosis does not represent a general decline in the responsiveness of ovariectomized guinea pigs to estrogenic stimulation, but may involve changes in their responsiveness to progesterone or in other mechanisms more specifically associated with sexual behavior.
Validation of Low-Phytate QTLs and Evaluation of Seedling Emergence of Low-Phytate Soybeans

M153-1-4 is a low-phytate (LP) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] mutant derived from chemical mutagenesis, possibly from a single gene mutation. However, the inheritance of LP in CX1834, as descended from M153-1-4, has been shown to involve two independent loci which were subsequently mapped to linkage groups (LGs) L and N. The objectives of this study were to (i) validate the two previously identified LP QTLs in CX1834 using 208 F 2;5 lines of CX1834-1-6 x V99-3337, (ii) characterize associations of LP QTLs with phytate content in a set of F 2;5 and backcross (BC) lines as derived from phenotypic or genotypic selections, and (iii) evaluate the impact of LP on seedling emergence. Overall, the previously reported LP QTLs were validated in this study. However, observations of natural genetic variation and transgressive segregants suggest that additional LP QTLs could exist, potentially contributed by V99-3337, the other parent of the validation population. A perfect correlation was found between phenotypic (phytate-based) and genotypic (marker-based) selections for LP lines in this study. However, findings of LP marker genotypes in the high phytate (HP) phenotypic selections suggest a potential linkage between HP and LP genes on LG L in CX1834. LP lines did not have uniformly low emergence in this study. Under some environments, HP and LP lines had little difference in seedling emergence in the field.
Encountering items previously paired with prospective memory target events can serve to reactivate intentions

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether encountering items that were previously paired with prospective memory (PM) targets would serve as effective reminders and thereby improve PM performance. Experiment 1 showed that PM target detection was facilitated by encountering items (cues) that were paired with PM targets prior to intention formation, and that such facilitation was not dependent upon cues and PM targets being semantically related. Using a categorical intention, Experiment 2 showed that encountering cue items improved PM performance for all intention-related items, not just those previously paired with potential PM targets. However, the benefit of encountering cue items was moderated by the number of intervening trials between cues and targets. Overall, the data suggest that encountering items previously paired with target items induces reactivation of the intention but is only beneficial when the heightened level of activation can be maintained by working memory.
The Maximum-Likelihood Estimate for Contingency Tables with Zero Diagonal

Abstract Under a reasonable hypothesis about the distribution of trade shipments among a group of K countries, or of non-self-directed acts among any group of K individuals, the likelihood of obtaining a given table of observed frequencies n ij is where n i = n i 1 + ··· + n iK and m i = n 1i + ··· +n Ki are the total number of shipments made and received, respectively, by country i, N is the total number of shipments altogether, and P i and Q,i are the theoretical tendencies of country i to ship and to receive shipment respectively and satisfy ΣP i = ΣQ i = 1. In the attempt to test the correctness of the hypothesis, a critical problem is that of finding the maximum-likelihood estimates of the P's and Q's, that is, the values making L as large as possible. We give all solutions and show that, for the usual table of observations, the solution is unique and amounts to finding the value of α for which K − 2 – R 1 – … – R K is 0- where R i = - and setting
Modification of Irradiation Effects in the Pigeon, Columba livia. II. Effects of Delayed Bone Marrow Implantation.∗

Delayed bone marrow transplantation, in contrast to immediate transplantation, resulted in an increased average survival time of approximately 20 days for both homologous and heterologous marrow in lethally irradiated pigeons. Delayed homotransplantation resulted in only partial repopulation by donor derived erythrocytes. Chimera reversal occurred or the proportion of donor erythrocytes in circulation reached a maximum and then declined, while immediate homotransplantations resulted in evental total repopulation by donor erythrocytes. In the heterologously treated pigeons in vivo agglutination occurred between the 4th and 6th day after heterotrans plantation regardless of the number of days after irradiation. Delayed heterotransplantation did not result in elimination of all the host's erythrocytes, as was the case for the immediate heterotransplants. However, hostspecies-specific hemagglutinins were detectable at titers ranging from 8 to 64 with host cells, and sufficiently potent to produce in vivo agglutination. The host-species-specific hemagglutinins, which were present in the delayed heterotransplants, disappeared 15 to 20 days after the marrow implant and by the 30th day donor-species-specific hemagglutinins appeared in the circulation. In contrast, the hostspecies-specific hennagglutinins persisted until death in the immediate heterotransplants. Chimera reversal occurred in all 5 of the delayed heterotransplants which survived until the 45th day postirradiation. In contrast, themore » longest surwival time after immediate heterotramsplantation was 19 days and total repopulation by donor erythrocytes occurred in all animals which survived 10 days or longer. (auth)« less
A Principal-Agent Theory of En Banc Review

This paper adds to the existing literature on en banc rehearings in two ways. First, I incorporate theoretical results from the literature on Supreme Court certiorari decisions and argue that the ideological direction of panel decisions should influence the probability of en banc rehearing only in conjunction with the panel’s ideological predisposition. Second, I build upon existing theories of en banc review by incorporating the multiple levels of the judicial hierarchy into the context in which the circuit decides to hear a case en banc. From these insights, I develop and test three hypotheses about the determinants of en banc review. Specifically, I contend that the ideological relationship between a threejudge panel, the full circuit, and the Supreme Court should all interact with the ideological orientation of the panel’s decision when the circuit decides whether ornot toreview thepanel en banc.Original data including allen bancrehearings between 1986 and 1996 are then used to test the theoretical predictions. The empirical analysis provides considerable support for the hypotheses. The findings represent two important advances in the study of the judicial hierarchy: They highlight the strategic interaction between ideological disposition and panel composition in the en banc review process and demonstrate the incentives created by the multiple levels of the federal judiciary. More broadly, the theory and findings developed here have implications for strategic auditing in a political hierarchy. (JEL K40, D72)
Impact of inappropriate drug use on physical performance among a frail elderly population living in the community.

Objective The criteria for inappropriate drug use developed by Beers have been widely used in drug utilization reviews to assess the quality of prescribing, but there is still inconclusive evidence that these criteria can impact on patient outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the use of inappropriate drugs and measures of physical performance, muscle strength and functional status in an elderly population (80+ years).