cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of urease by Haemophilus influenzae during human respiratory tract infection and role in survival in an acid environment

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of otitis media in children and lower respiratory tract infection in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prior studies have shown that H. influenzae expresses abundant urease during growth in the middle ear of the chinchilla and in pooled human sputum, suggesting that expression of urease is important for colonization and infection in the hostile environments of the middle ear and in the airways in adults. Virtually nothing else is known about the urease of H. influenzae, which was characterized in the present study. Analysis by reverse transcriptase PCR revealed that the ure gene cluster is expressed as a single transcript. Knockout mutants of a urease structural gene (ureC) and of the entire ure operon demonstrated no detectable urease activity indicating that this operon is the only one encoding an active urease. The ure operon is present in all strains tested, including clinical isolates from otitis media and COPD. Urease activity decreased as nitrogen availability increased. To test the hypothesis that urease is expressed during human infection, purified recombinant urease C was used in ELISA with pre acquisition and post infection serum from adults with COPD who experienced infections caused by H. influenzae. A total of 28% of patients developed new antibodies following infection indicating that H. influenzae expresses urease during airway infection. Bacterial viability assays performed at varying pH indicate that urease mediates survival of H. influenzae in an acid environment. The H. influenzae genome contains a single urease operon that mediates urease expression and that is present in all clinical isolates tested. Nitrogen availability is a determinant of urease expression. H. influenzae expresses urease during human respiratory tract infection and urease is a target of the human antibody response. Expression of urease enhances viability in an acid environment. Taken together, these observations suggest that urease is important for survival and replication of H. influenzae in the human respiratory tract.
Evaluating cumulative risk assessment for environmental justice: a community case study

A key feature of cumulative risk assessment (CRA) is the ability to estimate differential health risks from environmental exposures within populations. Identifying populations at increased risk from environmental exposures is the first step toward mitigating such risks as required by the fair treatment mandate of environmental justice. CRA methods remain under development except for a limited application in pesticide regulations. The goals of this research were to advance CRA methods and to test their application in a community case study. We compared cumulative risk and health assessments for South and Southwest Philadelphia communities. The analysis found positive correlations between cumulative risk and mortality measurements for total mortality in Whites and non-Whites when we conducted the risk assessment using a multi-end point toxicological database developed for this project. Cumulative risk scores correlated positively with cause-specific mortality in non-Whites. Statistically significant increases in total and respiratory mortality rates were associated with incremental increases in the hazard ratio cumulative risk scores, with ranges of 2-6% for total and 8-23% for respiratory. Regression analyses controlled for percent non-White population and per capita income, indicating that risk scores represent an environmental effect on health independent of race and income. This case study demonstrated the successful application of CRA at the community level. CRA adds a health dimension to pollutant concentrations to produce a more comprehensive understanding of environmental inequities that can inform decision making. CRA is a viable tool to identify high-risk areas and to guide surveillance, research, or interventions.
Parameter Estimation for a Generalized Gamma Distribution

It is fairly commonplace in reliability analyses to encounter data which is incompatible with the exponential, Weibull, and other familiar probability models. Such data motivates research to enlarge the group of probability distributions which are useful to the reliability analyst. In this paper, we examine a three-parameter generalization of the gamma distribution and derive parameter estimation techniques for that distribution. Those techniques, in the general case, depend upon method of moments considerations which lead to simultaneous equations for which closed form solutions are not available. Graphic solution is proposed and aids to the computations are provided. Major concepts in the paper are summarized by means of a numerical example. Details are given for the special case in which only the scale parameter is unknown. Three unbiased estimators for that parameter are derived along with their variance formulas. Minimum variance considerations are discussed by application of the Cramer-Rao Theorem.
Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of transition metal tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines: 2—resonant raman spectra of aqueous solutions of cobalt and iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines

Raman spectra of the polarized and depolarized light scattered from cobalt and iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines in aqueous media at various pH values are discussed and correlated with previously obtained data. The Raman vibrational modes from pyrrole and benzene were used for a tentative band assignment in the frequency range from 200 to 1700 cm−1.
Post-Forum reflections: On becoming organizational communication

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Communication Studies, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska -Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Papers in Communication Studies by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University ofNebraska - Lincoln.
A heuristic approach to foreign bodies in the paediatric airway

Abstract Objectives This retrospective study reviews the clinical presentation and management of children with airway FBs in our centre. It suggests a safe and reliable guideline to help differentiate which patients should proceed to investigation with rigid laryngobronchoscopy. Methods A retrospective review of all case notes of laryngobronchoscopies performed for suspected FB aspiration from January 2003 to August 2013 at a tertiary paediatric institution was undertaken. Patient characteristics, history, clinical examination, radiological findings and outcomes were analysed. Results 158 patients underwent rigid laryngobronchoscopy for suspected FB aspiration between January 2003 and August 2013. The baseline population demographics, the location and type of FBs retrieved were comparable to other similar studies; however, there is a statistically significant higher proportion of Pacific, Maori and Middle Eastern/Latin American/African children compared with the baseline population. Two or more positive findings in the presence of an acute history, any examination or radiology findings is a good indicator to proceed to laryngobronchoscopy with over 99% sensitivity. Conclusion In a hospital presentation population, this retrospective study suggests that a guideline to proceed to laryngobronchoscopy in a case of suspected FB aspiration is two out of the three positive findings in the presence of an acute history, any examination or radiology findings. Patients who are stable and who do not have two of the three broad category findings can be considered for conservative management and observed on the ward, however, this is a guideline and must be combined with the clinical expertise of the paediatric airway specialist. Further studies are recommended to investigate contributing factors for the disproportionately higher incidence amongst Pacific, Maori and Middle Eastern/Latin American/African children.
On the temperature dependence of hydrogen site occupancy in rare earth dihydrides

Abstract Previous work claimed that the observed anomalous temperature dependence of octahedral(o)-site occupation in f.c.c. rare earth dihydrides could be explained by interaction effects not involving optic mode vibrations. We show that this conclusion was based on an erroneous assumption about the role of the chemical potential in determining the thermal equilibrium solution to lattice-gas-model equations. A correct derivation is given, and we conclude that such interactions cannot be the source of the anomaly. We examine some other possibilities.
Perinatal ACTH-naloxone treatment: Effects on physical and behavioral development☆

Abstract Pregnant mice were treated with either ACTH or naloxone, or both, from 2 to 5 days prior to parturition, until 5 days postpartum. Perinatal ACTH caused a retardation of growth, eye opening, and vaginal opening that was blocked by naloxone; perinatal naloxone produced a decrease in open field activity at 32 days of age that was blocked by ACTH; naloxone reduced the threshold for heat at 50 days of age with no interaction with the ACTH treatment. It is proposed that part of the role of ACTH in physical systems may be mediated via naloxone-sensitive receptors. The direct effect of naloxone on another class of receptors may mediate the changes in threshold to heat flinch. Effects of ACTH and naloxone on the mother may have indirectly produced alterations in physical and motor development of the offspring.
“Catching Flies With Honey” The Management of Conflict in Sexual Assault Response Teams

Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) are models of service delivery characterized by coordination between rape crisis, health care, and criminal justice sectors. Expanding on research documenting the extent and nature of conflict in SARTs, this study qualitatively explores the strategies used to manage conflict and variations in the use of strategies between professions. Analysis of interviews with SART members (n = 24) revealed five types of strategies: (a) preventative strategies sought to prevent conflict and build capacity for resolving conflict, (b) problem-solving strategies identified and responded directly to conflicts, (c) forcing strategies involved one person attempting to force a perspective or solution on others, (d) unobtrusive strategies covertly worked toward change, and (e) resigned strategies limited direct responses to conflict to protect the coordination. Rape crisis advocates talked the most about conflict management strategies and were almost exclusively responsible for unobtrusive ...
Butanol recovery from model solution/fermentation broth by pervaporation: evaluation of membrane performance

Abstract This is an overview of butanol separation from model solutions and fermentation broth by pervaporation. It is difficult to compare different authors’ work on butanol separation because of the number of variables involved. These variables include type of membrane, membrane thickness, feed temperature, condensation temperature, vacuum or sweep gas, feed butanol concentration, etc. For comparison we have calculated the butanol concentration in the permeate and butanol flux from the data given by various authors. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane and polypropylene (PP) membrane pass a large amount of water through the membrane. Fermentation broth was found to decrease flux and selectivity of a liquid membrane. A silicalite membrane offers high butanol flux and high butanol concentration when using fermentation broth. A thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane offers high flux and low selectivity, while a thick membrane offers high selectivity and low flux.
Diabetes mellitus and associated oral manifestations: a review

Oral research concerning diabetes mellitus has revealed a number of clinical implications. These include, among others, the need for more intense management of the diabetic patient with periodontal disease because tissue destruction may be accelerated, the need for rapid control of oral infection in these patients in order to prevent exacerbation of the existing metabolic imbalance, and the desirability of performing a screening for diabetes mellitus on all patients exhibiting asymptomatic parotid enlargement. Despite the explosion of knowledge concerning diabetes mellitus that has occurred since the discovery of insulin, its definitive etiology continues to elude the scientific community and its treatment remains in the realm of clinical management rather than in that of prevention and cure. In the past, research on diabetes has focused on the role of insulin in seeking the fundamental etiology of diabetes and its complications. With the progression of research, it has become apparent that the initiation and progression of the disease probably involve the interplay of a multiplicity of factors. Hereditary and immunologic factors, as suggested earlier, appear to be operated on by environmental factors, subsequently altering the body's metabolic milieu with widespread primary and secondary effects. Fertile areas for future oral research in diabetes mellitus will include, therefore, genetics, immunology, enzymology, and basement membrane pathology. On the cellular and molecular levels, particularly, the oral cavity and associated structures comprise a somewhat under-investigated area in diabetes mellitus research and, thus, hold great promise for increasing our knowledge of this complex disease.
In Vitro DNA Deamination by α-Nitrosaminoaldehydes Determined by GC/MS-SIM Quantitation

The deamination of DNA bases by three α-nitrosaminoaldehydes, butylethanalnitrosamine, methylethanalnitrosamine, and N-nitroso-2-hydroxymorpholine (NHMOR), the direct metabolite of potent animal carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine, was demonstrated by a set of in vitro experiments. The deamination of guanine, adenine, and cytosine bases in nucleotides, oligonucleotides, and calf thymus DNA gave xanthine, hypoxanthine, and uracil, respectively. The order of relative reactivities of the bases was as listed above. Deamination of cytosine to uracil was detected by the reaction of 32P-labeled oligonucleotide ([5‘-32P]CGAT) followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. Quantitative analysis of deamination of guanine and adenine in calf thymus DNA was performed by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring method. Both the extent and the rate of the deamination reactions which occur by transnitrosation from the α-nitrosaminoaldehyde to the base were determined for formation of xanthine and hypoxanthine. T...
Importance sampling via a simulacrum

Abstract A Monte Carlo variance reduction technique known as “importance sampling” has recently been applied to many problems in data communications. This technique holds the promise of offering vast improvements to traditional Monte Carlo methods. An overview of importance sampling applied to the calculation of tail probabilities is presented, as well as examples for which some popular approaches to importance sampling fail to work. New techniques for the calculation of the resulting variances are introduced, as well as a new approach to importance sampling which offers the promise of substantial variance reduction over previous techniques.
Chromosomes of the Nevada Ground Squirrel Spermophilus richardsonii nevadensis (Howell).

SummaryChromosomes were analyzed from the bone marrow of 4 specimens of Spermophilus richardsonii nevadensis. Comparison of chromosomal characters from the 3 geographically isolated subspecies of S. richardsonii demonstrates that S. r. nevadensis and S. r. elegans both have a diploid number of 34 and similar karyotypes whereas S. r. richardsonii has a diploid number of 36 and a different karyotype. The nevadensis and elegans karyotypes probably evolved from the chromosomally more ancestral richardsonii karyotype by means of a chromosomal polymorphism. The data also suggest that S. r. nevadensis and S. r. elegans are more closely related to one another than either is to S. r. richardsonii.The author wishes to thank Mr. Ray Alcorn for providing the specimens examined in this study.
The AAMC/CDC partnership: Linking academic medicine and public health

Last year in these pages, 1 Jeffrey Koplan, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), discussed the natural and strategic importance of the CDC’s partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). He stated: ‘‘The training and research issues that are of central interest to academic medical centers and medical schools resonate throughout the CDC.’’ For the CDC and the AAMC to move together towards their ultimate goal ‘‘to improve the lot of humankind,’’ 2 it is important not only that we create an operational mechanism for collaboration, such as the AAMC–CDC cooperative agreement, but that we become familiar with specific health challenges where our collaboration can make a difference. This is the first of three National Policy Perspectives columns that may stimulate innovative ideas for future endeavors of our two organizations. This column focuses on the CDC’s mission in strengthening public health practice at the front line and provides an update on the current AAMC–CDC cooperative agreement projects. Subsequent columns will deal with topics such as infectious and chronic diseases.
Ultrasonic determination of the elastic modulus of human cortical bone

The elastic modulus (Cii) of the cortical bones of 19 individuals (14 femurs and 16 tibias, fixed in formalin) was determined ultrasonically. Elastic moduli were measured at four anatomical positions (anterior, posterior, medial and lateral) and in all three planes of orientation (transverse, longitudinal and radial). The mean tibial Cii (34.11 GPa) was greater than that obtained for femurs (32.52 GPa). The tibial longitudinal plane Cii (34.1 GPa) was significantly greater than the femoral longitudinal plane Cii (32.5 GPa). Cii was significantly higher in the tibia than the femur in both the medial and posterior anatomical positions. The anterior tibia had a significantly lower C11 compared to other positions. Cii was significantly higher in the longitudinal plane than the transverse or radial planes in both the femur and the tibia. There was no consistent difference in modulus between left and right sides. No age effects were observed. There were no significant differences between males and females, or between African Americans and European Americans.
Combining fuel cells with fuel-fired power plants for improved exergy efficiency

Abstract The thermodynamic advantages of fuel-cell systems are studied to: 1. (i) evaluate the increase in plant exergy efficiency when incorporating fuel-cell units into electrical power generating stations and 2. (ii) identify and discuss their effect on the components of such plant systems. Topping conventional Rankine cycle power plants with a range of commercial fuel cells is shown to increase the exergetic efficiency of the plant by up to 49%, raising that efficiency from the value of 41.5% for the conventional power plant without fuel cells to about 62% for the fuel-cell-topped power plant. This improvement stems primarily from the improved exergetic efficiency of fuel oxidation in these proposed topping power plants, as contrasted with the highly dissipative combustion process in conventional fuel-fired ones.
A language experience perspective

Abstract The language experience perspective presented here includes a view of the current status of the language experience approach as well as a tracing of the evolvement of the approach. Recommendations for future directions in language experience teaching and learning are also stated.
Solubility of inorganic phosphorus in stream water as influenced by pH and calcium concentration

Abstract Solubility of inorganic phosphorus (P) in aquatic systems is regulated by physico-chemical characteristics of the water column. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the influence of pH and calcium (Ca) on inorganic P precipitation and solubility relationships in the water column. Water samples from selected streams and canals in south Florida were incubated at 25°C in 2.8 L. continuouslystirred reactors under different PCO 2 levels. Precipitation of soluble P wwas influenced by the initial Ca concentration of the water. Water samples from a drainage canal of the Everglades agricultural area (EAA)(115 mg Cal −1 ) showed the highest P precipitation rate and Otter Creek water (20 mg Ca l −1 ) the lowest. Precipitation of inorganic P increased at Ca concentrations above 100 mg l −1 and at pH > 9.0. Solubility of inorganic P in the EAA water decreased above pH 8.5. At pH 9.0 more than 60% of the soluble P at all Ca levels was precipitated. In contrast, P solubility at low Ca levels (20 and 50 mg Ca l −1 ) was not affected at pH Calcium phosphate formed in Otter Creek and Dry Lake waters rapidly dissolved as the pH decreased. Most of the soluble P in the Otter Creek (>90%) and Dry Lake (>75%) waters came back into solution; however, about 50% of the soluble P from the EAA canal water remained precipitated. Ion activity product calculations indicated that Otter Creek and Dry Lake waters were at equilibrium with octacalcium phosphate. In contrast, the EAA canal water was supersaturated with respect to beta tricalcium phosphate or with a similar mineral such as whitlockite. High Mg concentrations in the EAA water were apparently responsible for a different P behavior than for the Dry Lake and Otter Creek waters.
Wall-function treatment in pdf methods for turbulent flows

A wall-function boundary condition is developed for the pdf/Monte Carlo method. Like traditional wall functions, this reproduces the logarithmic velocity profile and shear stress in equilibrium flow conditions. A constant-stress analysis for the pdf, and a linear-stress analysis for the first two moments of the pdf are developed as the basis for this wall-function approach. Stable and accurate boundary conditions are derived and demonstrated with fully-developed channel flow.
Comparison of electromorph phenotypes obtained from water hyacinth material prepared in different grinding buffers

Abstract Two grinding media commonly used in plant electrophoresis are demonstrated to effect the expression of electromorph phenotype within clones of the water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. Despite the fact that both grinding media retain high levels of enzyme activity and allow good resolution of electromorph bands, differences in electromorph phenotype are noted among the grinding media. Only certain enzyme systems exhibit this effect (i.e., phosphoglucomutase and acid phosphatase); not all electromorphs of these enzymes are affected, and not all clones vary in the same way. These data indicate that great caution must be exercised in the use of gel electrophoretic techniques for the assessment of genetic relationships among individuals within populations of clonal plants.
Transient Left Bundle Branch Block: An Unusual Electrocardiogram in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism may result in permanent or transient electrocardiographic abnormalities. New onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) is usually associated with myocardial ischemia. However, nonischemic mechanisms are also known to account for some cases of LBBB. Tachycardia, a common finding in pulmonary embolism, is one such mechanism. This is illustrated by our case, and possible mechanisms for tachycardia-dependent LBBB are discussed. It is important to recognize and interpret the conditions that precipitate it, thereby avoiding inappropriate interventions.
Postmodification as a way to improve the lithographic performance of resist materials

Monomer components and composition of a resist polymer have large influence on its lithographic performance. Finding the right components and composition for a resist polymer involves laborious systematic synthesis of different polymers. On the other hand, post-modification offers a convenient way to incorporate desired functional groups into an existing polymer and hence improve its lithographic performance and mechanical properties. Using this method, different groups could be quickly tested and the results could direct the future design of new resist materials. Another advantage of this method is that functional groups which are sensitive to the polymerization condition could also be incorporated. In this paper, we demonstrated the feasibility of using the post-modification method. Through a simple esterification reaction in which the acid groups react with alkyl halides in the presence of 1,8- diazobicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene(DBU) or trialkylamine, three different functional groups were incorporated into the existing Ibm Version 2 (V2) methacrylate polymer. The post- modification reaction gave high yield and it is possible to control the percentage of the acid groups modified by the initial feeding ratio fo the alkyl halide and the carboxylic acid. Depending on the structures of the added groups, the post-modified resist materials demonstrated improved lithographic performances such as better compatibility towards 0.26 N developer and better etch-resistance than the precursor materials. The synthesis, characterization and lithographic performance of the modified polymers are presented.
Pancreatic β Cell Dedifferentiation in Diabetes and Redifferentiation following Insulin Therapy

Diabetes is characterized by "glucotoxic" loss of pancreatic β cell function and insulin content, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. A mouse model of insulin-secretory deficiency induced by β cell inexcitability (K(ATP) gain of function) demonstrates development of diabetes and reiterates the features of human neonatal diabetes. In the diabetic state, β cells lose their mature identity and dedifferentiate to neurogenin3-positive and insulin-negative cells. Lineage-tracing experiments show that dedifferentiated cells can subsequently redifferentiate to mature neurogenin3-negative, insulin-positive β cells after lowering of blood glucose by insulin therapy. We demonstrate here that β cell dedifferentiation, rather than apoptosis, is the main mechanism of loss of insulin-positive cells, and redifferentiation accounts for restoration of insulin content and antidiabetic drug responsivity in these animals. These results may help explain gradual decrease in β cell mass in long-standing diabetes and recovery of β cell function and drug responsivity in type 2 diabetic patients following insulin therapy, and they suggest an approach to rescuing "exhausted" β cells in diabetes.
Analysis on Practical Design of Virtual-Air-Gap Variable Reactors for Tieline Reclosing in Microgrid

In this paper, a systematic analysis is done on practical design of virtual-air-gap variable reactor (VAG-VR) devices. VAG-VR device is capable of reclosing tieline smoothly and improving power quality in microgrid during transient. Based on the theoretical fundamental of virtual-air- gap technology and experimental baseline tests, the characteristics and constraints of VAG-VR in practical design are analyzed and addressed to satisfy specified requirements in target system. The power dissipations in VAG-VR are analyzed as well, including the power loss in dc choppers made from SiC and GaN devices. The effectiveness of VAG-VR in tieline reclosing is demonstrated by simulation tests in a telecommunication power plant.
Standardized childhood fitness percentiles derived from school-based testing.

Objective To develop a statewide school-based program of measuring and reporting cardiovascular fitness levels in children, and to create age- and sex-specific cardiovascular fitness percentile-based distribution curves. Study design A pilot study validated cardiovascular fitness assessment with Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) testing as an accurate predictor of cardiovascular fitness measured by maximal oxygen consumption treadmill testing. Schools throughout the state were then recruited to perform PACER and body mass index (BMI) measurement and report de-identified data to a centralized database. Results Data on 20 631 individual students with a mean age 12.1 ± 2.0 years, BMI of 21.4 ± 5.1, and a cardiovascular fitness measured with PACER of 29.7 ± 18.2 laps (estimated maximal oxygen consumption of 36.5 mL/kg/min) were submitted for analysis. Standardized fitness percentiles were calculated for age and sex. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of performing, reporting, and recording annual school-based assessments of cardiovascular fitness to develop standardized childhood fitness percentiles on the basis of age and sex. Such data can be useful in comparing populations and assessing initiatives that aim to improve childhood fitness. Because health consequences of obesity result from both adiposity and physical inactivity, supplementation of BMI measurement with tracking of cardiovascular fitness adds a valuable tool for large-scale health assessment.
Laboratory simulation of infrared astrophysical features

Intermediate resolution emission spectroscopy was used to study a group of 9 terrestrial silicates, 1 synthetic silicate, 6 meteorites and 2 lunar soils; comparisons were made with the intermediate resolution spectra of Comet Kohoutek in order to determine which materials best simulate the 10um astrophysical feature. Mixtures of silicates which would yield spectra matching the spectrum of the comet in the 10um region include: (1) A hydrous layer lattice silicate in combination with a high temperature condensate; (2) an amorphous magnesium silicate in combination with a high temperature condensate and (3) glassy olivine and glassy anorthite in approximately equal proportions.
Stroke rehabilitation management in the department of Veterans affairs : Impact of patient referral source on outcomes

Abstract Objective: To assess the relation between the source of stroke patients' referral to the rehabilitation unit and rehabilitation outcome. Design: Multivariate analysis of rehabilitation outcomes prospectively collected and supplemented by data from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative records. Setting: Fifty-three hospital-based VA rehabilitation units located nationwide. Patients: A total of 2,031 first-admission stroke patients discharged from VA rehabilitation units in fiscal years 1993–1994. Interventions: Observational study. Outcome Measures: Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at admission, gains in motor and cognitive function, rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), and the probability of discharge to home. Results: Controlling for clinical, demographic, and unit characteristics, referral source predicted admission function, LOS, and home discharge ( p ≤ .0001), but did not predict motor or cognitive gain ( p > .05). Patients referred from long-term care and other acute hospitals (Acute Other) had significantly lower adjusted admission FIM scores than patients referred directly from home (respectively, 12.9 and 17.0 FIM units lower), and from the acute care services of the VA hospital providing rehabilitation (4.8 and 8.9 units lower). Acute Other referrals had longer risk-adjusted LOS than referrals from any other source (4.6 to 6.4 days longer), and patients from both Acute Other and long-term care had a lower probability of home discharge than the remaining two referral groups (reduction in probability range: .06 to .27). Conclusion: VA administrators and clinicians need to consider referral source when evaluating and comparing unit performance in stroke rehabilitation. Patients referred from Acute Other and long-term care settings may require more intensive management to offset their functional and social deficits, and to reduce LOS and increase home discharge rates. Referral source also identified highly functional patients who possibly could be cared for appropriately in less costly rehabilitation settings. These issues warrant further research especially as the VA seeks to achieve cost savings in this era of reduced funding.
Guinea Current upwelling

THE historical record of maritime observations are summarised here to indicate the dominant seasonal variations in upwelling, and in certain associated processes, within the Guinea Current region. The region is similar to other eastern ocean boundary upwelling areas in the appearance of cool sea temperatures near the coast, productive coastal fisheries, and a zone of low rainfall on the adjacent coast (Fig. 1). It differs from some of the more studied regions in several important respects. These include the zonal rather than meridional trend of the coast, the influence of a rather narrow intense coastwise current, and an unusual lack of correspondence on the seasonal time scale between sea-temperature features attributable to upwelling, and features in the overlying wind stress field1. There seems to be a link between interyear variations in upwelling intensity and corresponding variations in both coastal rainfall and local fishery success.
RNA-Seq Reveals Novel Mutation Selection and Gene Expression Changes in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis

Abstract The mutation landscape of cancer is known to evolve as different metastasis develop. As the cancer spreads, certain mutations are selected for and gene expression changes are needed to adapt to the new environment. We have begun to document the changes that occur as cancer metastasizes using Next- Generation Sequencing of mRNA from Ovarian primary tumor and its peritoneal and lymph node metastases. We used data generated using deep-sequencing to evaluate the clonal relationships among primary and metastatic cancers to uncover the natural history of ovarian cancer progression. Using this approach, we have documented numerous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) changes including changes in SNP frequency as the cancer spreads. In combination with gene expression changes these will serve as a powerful tool to begin understanding the continual evolution of cancer in response to new environments.
Risk to the Lateral Geniculate Artery During Arthroscopic Lateral Meniscal Suture Passage

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of lateral geniculate artery injury during suture passage through the lateral meniscus. Methods: Sutures were passed via inside-out and outside-in techniques in 11 embalmed cadaveric knees. The number of punctures of the lateral geniculate artery and quantitative distances of needle penetrations were measured. Results: The lateral geniculate artery was punctured 7 times during inside-out passes through the junction of the middle and anterior third of the meniscus and 8 times during passes through the body of the middle third of the meniscus. During outside-in passes, there were 5 punctures when passing anterior to the lateral collateral ligament and 4 punctures when posterior to the ligament. Conclusions: The lateral geniculate artery is in close proximity to the lateral meniscus and is punctured often during in vitro inside-out meniscal repair in the embalmed cadaver model. Clinical Relevance: Methods of meniscal repair that do not violate the lateral geniculate artery may offer improved rates of healing and should be further evaluated.
Cannabinoid receptor down-regulation without alteration of the inhibitory effect of CP 55,940 on adenylyl cyclase in the cerebellum of CP 55,940-tolerant mice

The objective of this study was to determine whether the development of tolerance to CP 55,940, a potent cannabinoid agonist, was due to changes in the receptor or second messenger system. ICR mice treated with CP 55,940 (2 mg/kg) twice a day for 6 and one-half days developed a high degree of tolerance to the pharmacological effects of CP 55,940. The ability of CP 55,940 to produce motor hypoactivity, hypothermia and immobility was reduced 163-, 97- and 19-fold, respectively. Evaluation of 3H-CP 55,940 binding to rat brain membranes indicated no difference in receptor affinity between the vehicle- and CP 55,940-treated animals. However, these binding studies revealed a 50% decrease in receptor number in the cerebellum of the CP 55,940-tolerant mice. Although cAMP is generally considered to be the second messenger for cannabinoid receptors, little difference was observed in the inhibitory effects of CP 55,940 on adenylyl cyclase activity in cerebellum between vehicle and drug-treated mice. However, there was an increase in receptor mRNA which suggests a compensation for receptor loss. There are several possible explanations for these results. There may be sufficient spare receptors such that CP 55,940-tolerant mice are capable of producing a maximal effect on the second messenger system. On the other hand, one could conclude that cannabinoid receptor down-regulation does not account for the development of tolerance to all of the effects of CP 55,940 in mice.
Exercise training and cardiac rehabilitation in primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease

Substantial data have established a sedentary lifestyle as a major modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Increased levels of physical activity, exercise training, and overall cardiorespiratory fitness have provided protection in the primary and secondary prevention of CHD. This review surveys data from observational studies supporting the benefits of physical activity, exercise training, and overall cardiorespiratory fitness in primary prevention. Clearly, cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention (CRSP) programs have been greatly underused by patients with CHD. We review the benefits of CRSP programs on CHD risk factors, psychological factors, and overall CHD morbidity and mortality. These data support the routine referral of patients with CHD to CRSP programs. Patients should be vigorously encouraged to attend these programs.
Statistical decay of fragments from C + 12C, 2.1 GeV/nucleon.

A statistical decay model has been used to calculate inclusive and coincidence cross sections for the formation of projectile fragments from the collision of /sup 12/C (2.1 GeV/nucleon) with a carbon target. The model predicts fragment momenta parallel and perpendicular to the projectile direction. Good agreement with experimental results is obtained for the inclusive yields of fragments and for the momenta, and fairly good agreement for coincidence yields.
Interdisciplinary Research and Globalization

This essay examines the implications of conducting interdisciplinary research in globalization. It emphasizes the need for transnational interdisciplinary practices that ethically remain aware of the inequalities of globalization that continually inform intellectual practices, especially in the West/North. The overall goal of the essay is to invite communication scholars to reflect on, and rethink, the (U.S.)-centered orientations that often inform interdisciplinary research in the field, especially when considered in the context of inequalities of globalization. Parts of this article were presented at the 2004 Conference of National Communication Association. The author thanks the anonymous reviewer for her/his useful suggestions and editors of The Communication Review for publishing this.
Pathway Analysis and the Search for Causal Mechanisms

The study of causal mechanisms interests scholars across the social sciences. Case studies can be a valuable tool in developing knowledge and hypotheses about how causal mechanisms function. The usefulness of case studies in the search for causal mechanisms depends on effective case selection, and there are few existing guidelines for selecting cases to study causal mechanisms. We outline a general approach for selecting cases for pathway analysis: a mode of qualitative research that is part of a mixed-method research agenda, which seeks to (1) understand the mechanisms or links underlying an association between some explanatory variable, X1, and an outcome, Y, in particular cases and (2) generate insights from these cases about mechanisms in the unstudied population of cases featuring the X1/Y relationship. The gist of our approach is that researchers should choose cases for comparison in light of two criteria. The first criterion is the expected relationship between X1/Y, which is the degree to which ca...
Obsidian Procurement and Distribution in the Tikal-Yaxha Intersite Area of the Central Maya Lowlands

Obsidian from known outcrops in the Mesoamerican highlands has been recovered from lowland Maya sites, providing significant evidence for long-distance procurement and local redistribution of obsidian by the ancient Maya. Prior chemical-characterization studies of obsidian from the lowland Maya area provide a foundation for the study of Tikal-Yaxha obsidian presented here. The samples used in this analysis came from middens associated with 12 residential units located between Tikal and Yaxha and dating from the Preclassic through Terminal Classic periods. The results of chemical sourcing of the Tikal-Yaxha samples generally lend support to current interpretations of changes in obsidian distribution and procurement in the central Maya lowlands. During the Preclassic period, most obsidian was imported from the San Martin Jilotepeque-Rio Pixcaya source area. Obsidian from the El Chayal source predominated throughout the Classic period, although some Mexican Pachuca obsidian appeared in Early Classic contexts, and Ixtepepque obsidian was apparently restricted to the Terminal Classic period.
Energy transfer between slowly moving atoms-the case of no crossing point

The classical path treatment of a collision between an excited atom and another atom with a nearly resonant energy level leads to coupled differential equations which have been discussed previously by many workers. Here we present an elementary procedure for solving this system of equations in the case of no crossing point and in the limit where $\ensuremath{\Delta}E\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\gg}\ensuremath{\hbar}$, with $\ensuremath{\Delta}E$ being the energy discrepancy and $\ensuremath{\tau}=\frac{b}{v}$ being a measure of the time of collision. Even though the method is designed to take advantage of the slowness of the collision, it is also shown to be exact if $\ensuremath{\Delta}E=0$. The form of the solution is very similar to that of Vainshtein et al., but the present derivation avoids several of their approximations which individually are not as accurate as their final result. It is also pointed out that the coupled equations which arise for the energy-transfer problem also arise in connection with the interaction of laser pulses with atoms. Hence, the method has application to a wide class of multistate problems. A simple laser-interaction problem is discussed as a second example of the method.
Productive Bodies, Performative Spaces: Everyday Life in Christopher Park:

Christopher Park at Sheridan Square, a small public park geographically located at the heart of the bohemian Greenwich Village neighborhood, is often presented as the nexus of New York’s gay scene ...
Early hepatic microvascular injury in response to acetaminophen toxicity

Objective:The hepatic toxic response to acetaminophen (APAP) is characterized by centrilobular (CL) necrosis preceded by hepatic microvascular injury and congestion. The present study was conducted to examine changes in liver microcirculation after APAP dosing. Methods:Male C57Bl/6 mice were treated with APAP (600 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage. The livers of anesthetized mice were examined using established in vivomicroscopic methods at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 hours after APAP. Results:The levels of hepatic transaminases (i.e., alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase) increased minimally for up to 2 hours. Thereafter, their levels were significantly and progressively increased. The numbers of swollen sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) in periportal regions were increased (3.5-fold) from 0.5 to 6 hours, and those in CL regions were increased (4.0-fold) at 0.5 and 1 hour. The intensity of in vivostaining for formaldehyde-treated serum albumin, which is a specific ligand for SECs, was r...
The Effects of Low-Dose Growth Hormone in HIV-Infected Men with Fat Accumulation: A Pilot Study

Pharmacologic doses of growth hormone (GH) reduce HIV-associated fat accumulation but may worsen glucose metabolism. We investigated the effects of a low dose of GH (1 mg per day) in HIV-infected men with fat accumulation and found that such treatment reduced total fat and increased lean body mass without significant changes in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) levels did not change significantly for the group as a whole, although a reduction in the VAT level was seen in patients with a greater VAT level at baseline.
Anxiety and inattention as predictors of achievement in early elementary school children

The objective of this study was to examine the relations among anxiety, inattention, and math/reading achievement, as well as the mediating/moderating role of inattention in the anxiety-achievement association both concurrently and longitudinally. Participants included 161 ethnically diverse children (aged 6-8) and their teachers. At the middle and end of first grade (approximately 5 months apart), students completed measures of anxiety and achievement while their teachers completed a measure of inattention. For the concurrent analyses, greater harm avoidance anxiety was associated with better attention, which was in turn related to better achievement. For the longitudinal analyses, mid-year inattention interacted with harm avoidance and separation anxiety to predict end of year reading fluency. For those rated as more attentive, greater separation anxiety symptoms were associated with decreased fluency performance while greater harm avoidance symptoms were associated with increased performance. Findings were discussed in terms of the importance of considering socioemotional variables in the study of children's academic achievement and the potential utility of early anxiety prevention/intervention programs, especially for children experiencing academic difficulties who also show internalizing behaviors.
086 Guidelines adaptation in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC): Results and lessons learnt from an 8-year-capacity building (CB) experience in Argentina (2005–2012)

Background Capacity building (CB) is an essential element for guideline adaptation in the context of LMIC. Objectives To describe the approach and results from a CB process for guidelines adaptation implemented by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in Argentina between 2005 and 2012. Methods The CB process is described on the basis of the matrix of capacity-building strategies. Duration, objectives, entities targeted and results through the different stages of the CB process are provided. Results The CB process has been supported on a “learning by doing” approach, and comprised 2 stages: a local capacity development stage (2005–2008) and a knowledge transfer (KT) stage (2008–2012). As a result of the 1st stage, 120 health professionals were involved during the adaptation process; 3 guidelines were produced and a guide to adapt guidelines was published. KT started in 2008 and was initially performed through e-learning courses targeted to individuals. In 2009, a strategy based on continuous online support through a virtual campus and workshops and targeted to institutions was adopted. Four institutions were involved: 1 did not progress; 1 completed the whole process and published an evidence-based guideline and 2 are on-going. Implications for Guideline Developers/Users In the context of LMIC, CB processes based on the “learning by doing” approach and focused to institutions seem to be more appropriate although challenging: not only technical capacities have to be built, but also those related to human resources management, group-working and use of Internet resources. Different level of achievement of these capacities could explain the results observed alongside the CB process implemented by NAM.