cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strength of Recommendation and Quality of Evidence for Recommendations in Current Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines.

Background Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) is a systematic approach to grading strength of recommendation (SOR) and quality of evidence (QOE) for guideline recommendations. We aimed to assess the relationship between SOR and QOE in current Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines. Methods In this cross-sectional analysis, we analyzed the frequency of SOR-QOE pairings, including discordance (defined as strong SOR based on expert opinion, very low, or low QOE) for GRADEd recommendations in IDSA guidelines published since 2010. Data for each recommendation were extracted on SOR, QOE, the domain of disease management (one or more of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and other categories), and relevance to drug or nondrug treatment. Results Seventeen eligible guidelines provided 1042 unique GRADEd recommendations (n = 237, 711, 76, and 73 pertaining to diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and other domains, respectively; n = 574 and 137 pertaining to drug and nondrug treatment). Overall, the most common SOR was strong (71.8%; n = 748) and the most common QOE was low (48.6%; n = 506). Among all strong recommendations, 47.1% (n = 352) demonstrated discordance with QOE. By domain, strong recommendations were discordant in 36.6%, 51.4%, 29.3%, and 58.1% of recommendations pertaining to diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and other domains, respectively. Similarly, 50.7% and 54.0% of strong recommendations related to drug and nondrug treatment were discordant, respectively. We identified 39.6% of discordant recommendations to be consistent with good practice statements, which are recommended to be labeled as such without formal GRADEd designations of SOR or QOE. Conclusions Among all IDSA guideline recommendations with strong SOR, approximately half were discordant with QOE, and this frequency varied across strata of domains of disease management.
Thermo-hydrodynamische Grundlagen

Fur die Zwecke der dynamischen Meteorologie kann bis zu dcr vorlaufig interessierenden Vertikalerstreckung von etwa 20 km* die atmospharische Luft als ein nahezu homogenes Gasgemisch von folgender Zusammensetzung angesehen werden8: Stickstoff (N2) 78,09 Vol.- %, Sauerstoff (O2) 20,95 %, Argon (Ar) 0,93 % mit Spuren von Wasserstoff (H2), Neon (Ne), Xenon (X), Krypton (Kr) und Helium (He); zu diesen sich nahezu im Zustand volliger Durchmischung befindlichen Komponenten tritt ein um etwa 0,03 % schwankender Kohlendioxydgehalt (CO2) und als thermodynamisch wichtigster Anteil ein stark raumzeitlich variabler Wasserdampfgehalt (H2O), schwankend zwischen 0 und etwa 4 Vol.-%, der infolge seines auf der Existenz eines permanenten elektrischen Dipolmoments der dissymmetrisch gebauten H2O- Molekel beruhenden ultraroten Bandenspektrums auch fur den gesamten atmospharischen Strahlungshaushalt auserordentliche Bedeutung besitzt.
Evaluation of the Genetic Systems Corp. Integra HIV-1 Pageblot system.

The Genetic Systems Corp. Integra HIV-1 Pageblot system was evaluated as a supplementary assay to confirm the presence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in 57 specimens from individuals at high risk of infection with the virus. Forty-one specimens identified as reactive in the Genetic Systems Integra HIV-1 Pageblot system were likewise identified as reactive in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-licensed (Biotech/Dupont) Western blot (immunoblot). Six specimens identified as indeterminate in either or both immunoblot assays were all identified as nonreactive in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-licensed enzyme immunoassay with recombinant antigens.
Extensions of Deterministic and Stochastic Variable Structure Observers with Applications to Disturbance Minimization

We present a design methodology for state estimation of nonlinear stochastic systems and measurements models with colored noise processes. The method is based on extension of deterministic variable structure observer schemes. The proposed estimator is used in the design of a dynamic feedback controller to minimize the effect of colored noises. The deterministic versions of these results are also included.
Student nurses' perceived challenges of nursing in India.

Background A profound nursing shortage exists in India. Increasingly nursing students in India are opting to migrate to practise nursing abroad upon graduation. Perceptions and attitudes about nursing are shaped during student experiences. Purpose The purpose in conducting this research was to illuminate student nurses' perceived challenges of nursing in India. Setting and Sample This study took place at a hospital-based, private mission non-profit school of nursing in Bengaluru, India. Purposive sampling of nursing students yielded 14 participants. Methods Photovoice, a qualitative participatory action research methodology, was used. Data were collected between August 2013 and January 2014. A strong international collaboration between researchers resulted in qualitative thematic interpretation of photographs, critical group dialogue transcripts, individual journal entries and detailed field notes. Results Two main themes were identified including the perceived challenges of a hierarchal system and challenges related to limited nursing workforce capacity. Subcategories of a hierarchal system included challenges related to image, safety, salary and balance. Subcategories of limited workforce capacity were migration, work overload, physical demand, incongruence between theory and practice, and knowledge. Discussion Nursing as a profession in India is still in its infancy when measured against standard criteria. Implications for Health Policy Change in health policy is needed to improve salary, safety for nurses, and nurse to patient ratios to address hierarchal and workforce capacity challenges in India.
Justice and/or Peace: Post-Conflict Justice and Conflict Reoccurrence

Does the implementation of post-conflict justice reduce the likelihood of conflict reoccurrence? While the existing literature disagrees on the relationship between justice implementation and intrastate conflict reoccurrence, scholars working in this field have failed to adequately assess the relationship between justice and peace in a systematic way. In this paper we overcome the theoretical and empirical limitations by addressing the relationship between the implementation of justice institutions and the likelihood that conflict will reoccur. In so doing, we argue that only certain types of justice processes increase the durability of peace in post-conflict states. Specifically, we distinguish between grievance processes (i.e. truth commissions, reparations programs and amnesties) and opportunity processes (i.e. trials, purges and exiles). In a series of statistical tests accounting for the non-random nature of these institutions using data on post-conflict justice institutions implemented following intrastate conflicts from 1946-2006, we find strong statistical and substantive support for our theoretical expectation that grievance addressing processes can reduce the likelihood of conflict reoccurrence, however we find no evidence that opportunity processes have the same effect.
A Review of “Norman Podhoretz: A Biography”: Jeffers, Thomas L. New York: Cambridge University 418 pp., $37.00, ISBN 978-0521198141 Publication Date: June 2010

This is the first biography of the controversial Jewish-American intellectual Norman Podhoretz, best known for his longtime editorial leadership of the influential periodical Commentary. Podhoretz ...
Molecular Effects of Genistein on Male Urethral Development

Purpose: The increasing incidence of hypospadias is partly attributed to increased gestational exposure to endocrine disruptors. We investigated the effects of genistein, the primary phytoestrogen in soy, on the molecular program of male urethral development.Materials and Methods: Female mice were fed diets supplemented with genistein (500 mg/kg diet) or control diets before breeding and throughout gestation. Urethras from embryonic day 17.5 male fetuses were harvested, and RNA was prepared, amplified, labeled and hybridized on whole genome microarrays. Data were analyzed using packages from the R/Bioconductor project. Immunohistochemical analysis and immunoblotting were used to confirm the activity of MAPK and the presence of Ntrk1 and Ntrk2 during urethral development.Results: Gestational exposure to genistein altered the urethral expression of 277 genes (p <0.008). Among the most affected were hormonally regulated genes, including IGFBP-1, Kap and Rhox5. Differentially expressed genes were grouped into...
Transformations during Sintering of Small (Dcore < 2 nm) Ligand-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles: Influence of Ligand Functionality and Core Size

Ligand-stabilized gold nanoparticles have been investigated as both discrete entities with size-dependent properties and as precursor inks for low-temperature deposition of thin films and patterns. In the first instance it is important to preserve the nanoparticle core, whereas for thin film applications it is desirable for the nanoparticles to sinter at relatively low temperatures. In each case, a detailed understanding of the factors that govern nanoparticle sintering will lead to improved nanomaterial design. An investigation of the sintering behavior of ∼1.4 and ∼0.9 nm gold nanoparticle cores, each passivated with two different ligands, by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) illustrates a clear size and ligand dependency on the sintering process. TGA reveals that free ligand volatilizes at lower temperatures than when bound to the nanoparticle core. Ligands of the same chain length with different terminal functionality show distinctly different volatilities an...
Consumed With the Past: Nostalgia, Memory, and Ghostly Encounters at the Picture Palace

A preserved movie theater in Tampa, Florida, provides an interpretive site for investigating and untangling the meanings of popular memory, nostal gia, and ghosts. By making sense of interviews wit...
Longitudinal Links between Older Sibling Features and Younger Siblings’ Academic Adjustment during Early Adolescence

This study investigated prospective relations between older siblings' support and academic engagement and younger siblings' academic adjustment from 7th to post-8th grade. The study was unique in that it incorporated a sample of both African American and European American adolescents. Also investigated was the extent to which the gender constellation (same sex vs. mixed sex) of sibling dyads moderated prospective associations. Findings revealed that, in mixed-sex dyads only, younger siblings' perceptions of support received from the older sibling and their positive image of the older sibling predicted declines in the younger siblings' academic self-perceptions and performance over time, even after controlling for younger siblings' background characteristics and support from parents. Older siblings' reported support to younger siblings also predicted declines in younger siblings' academic adjustment, whereas the older siblings' own level of academic engagement predicted an increase in younger siblings' academic adjustment over time. Overall, findings did not differ substantially for African and European American adolescents.
Spatial resolution in three-dimensional photo-acoustic reconstruction

We present an analytic explanation of the spatial resolution in three-dimensional photo-acoustic (also called opto-acoustic or thermo-acoustic) reconstruction. Based on rigorous reconstruction formulas, we analytically derive the point-spread functions (PSFs) for three types of specific recording geometries, including spherical, planar, and cylindrical surfaces. The PSFs as a function of the bandwidth of the measurement system and the finite size of the detector aperture, as well as the discrete sampling effect on the reconstruction, are investigated. The analyses clearly reveal that the dependence of the PSFs on the bandwidth of all of the recording geometries shares the same space-invariant expression while the dependence on the aperture size of the detector differs. The bandwidth affects both axial and lateral resolution; in contrast, the detector aperture blurs the lateral resolution greatly but the axial resolution only slightly. Under-sampling in the measurement causes significant aliasing artifacts in the reconstruction. A general sampling strategy to avoid aliasing is proposed
Massive pulmonary embolism in a young patient on clozapine therapy

Clozapine-associated induction of venous thromboembolism has potentially catastrophic consequences. We report a case of sudden death caused by bilateral main pulmonary trunk thrombosis in a 31-year-old man receiving clozapine therapy. The patient presented with general weakness and exertional dyspnea. Bilateral main pulmonary trunk thrombosis was clearly demonstrated by helical chest computed tomography.
On approximating the longest path in a graph

We consider the problem of approximating the longest path in undirected graphs. In an attempt to pin down the best achievable performance ratio of an approximation algorithm for this problem, we present both positive and negative results. First, a simple greedy algorithm is shown to find long paths in dense graphs. We then consider the problem of finding paths in graphs that are guaranteed to have extremely long paths. We devise an algorithm that finds paths of a logarithmic length in Hamiltonian graphs. This algorithm works for a much larger class of graphs (weakly Hamiltonian), where the result is the best possible. Since the hard case appears to be that of sparse graphs, we also consider sparse random graphs. Here we show that a relatively long path can be obtained, thereby partially answering an open problem of Broderet al. To explain the difficulty of obtaining better approximations, we also prove hardness results. We show that, for any ź 0, finding an approximation of rationź is alsoNP-hard. As evidence toward this conjecture, we show that if any polynomial-time algorithm can approximate the longest path to a ratio of $$2^{O(\log ^{1 - \varepsilon } n)} $$ , for any ź>0, thenNP has a quasi-polynomial deterministic time simulation. The hardness results apply even to the special case where the input consists of bounded degree graphs.
The TFTR Neutral Beam Control and Data Acquisition System

This paper describes the compater control and data acquisition system for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) Neutral Beam injectors. The system provides hardware and software to permit remote operation of the four beamlines on TFTR, each containing up to three ion sources, and for a single-source beamline for the TFTR test stand.
Effects of sample collection and storage conditions on DNA damage in buccal cells from agricultural workers

Buccal cells are becoming a widely used tissue source for monitoring human exposure to occupational and environmental genotoxicants. A variety of methods exist for collecting buccal cells from the oral cavity, including rinsing with saline, mouthwash, or scraping the oral cavity. Buccal cells are also routinely cryopreserved with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), then examined later for DNA damage by the comet assay. The effects of these different sampling procedures on the integrity of buccal cells for measuring DNA damage are unknown. This study examined the influence of the collection and cryopreservation of buccal cells on cell survival and DNA integrity. In individuals who rinsed with Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), the viability of leukocytes (90%) was significantly (p<0.01) greater than that of epithelial cells (12%). Similar survival rates were found for leukocytes (88%) and epithelial cells (10%) after rinsing with Listerine(®) mouthwash. However, the viability of leukocytes after cryopreservation varied significantly (p<0.01) with DMSO concentration. Cell survival was greatest at 5% DMSO. Cryopreservation also influenced the integrity of DNA in the comet assay. Although tail length and tail moment were comparable in fresh or cryopreserved samples, the average head intensity for cryopreserved samples was ∼6 units lower (95% CI: 0.8-12 units lower) than for fresh samples (t(25)=-2.36, p=0.026). These studies suggest that the collection and storage of buccal samples are critical factors for the assessment of DNA damage. Moreover, leukocytes appear to be a more reliable source of human tissue for assessing DNA damage and possibly other biochemical changes.
Holotranscobalamins in B12 and non B12 requiring prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Transcobalamins, vitamin B12 binding proteins, deliver B12 to cell surface receptors which then permit B12 to cross cell membranes for metabolic use. There is little documentation concerning B12 binding proteins in bacteria and protists. We found that prokaryotes and eukaryotes requiring B12, as well as those protists synthesizing B12, also produce several transcobalamins for functionally transporting B12 similar to humans.
Impact of IQ, Age, SES, Gender, and Race on Autistic Symptoms.

Abstract The purpose of our study was to determine differences in autism severity and symptoms as a function of IQ, age, SES, gender, and race while simultaneously controlling these variables in 777 children with autism using a comprehensive measure evaluating 30 core and associated symptoms of autism. The children were 1–17 years of age with IQs from 9 to 146. Results showed that autism severity (total score on the Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder) and the 30 CASD item scores were not related to gender or race. However, the two CASD items reflecting mood and behavior problems were significantly more common in the lower than higher SES group. Our findings revealed significant, though modest, IQ and age effects. Autism severity increased with decreasing IQ and age, as did the frequency of 14 of the 30 CASD symptoms. The direction of IQ and age effects was the opposite for five symptoms and was nonsignificant for 11. Though IQ was associated with autistic symptoms, the majority of children with both high functioning and low functioning autism had most CASD symptoms and their symptom profiles were overwhelmingly similar. This supports the DSM-V Work Group's position that autism is a single spectrum disorder.
Anatomical variability predicts individual differences in transcranial electric stimulation motor threshold

We have proposed that the current amplitude in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) be lowered to produce stimulation closer to the neural activation threshold and individualized to account for anatomical variability across patients. A novel approach to individualize the ECT current amplitude could be via motor threshold (MT) determination with transcranial electric stimulation (TES) applied through the ECT electrodes instead of the fixed high current approach. This study derives an estimate of the electric field (E-field) neural activation threshold and tests whether individual differences in TES MT are explained by anatomical variability measurements and simulations in individual head models. The E-field distribution induced by a right unilateral (RUL) ECT electrode configuration was computed in subject-specific finite element head models of four nonhuman primates (NHPs) for whom MT was measured. By combining the measured MTs and the computed E-field maps, the neural activation threshold is estimated to be 0.45 ± 0.07 V/cm for 0.2 ms stimulus pulse width. The individual MT was correlated with the electrode-to-cortex distance under the superior electrode (R2=.96, p=.022) as well as with the simulated electrode-current/induced-E-field ratio (R2=.95, p=.026), indicating that both anatomical measurements and computational models could predict the individual current requirements for transcranial stimulation. These findings could be used with realistic human head models and in clinical studies to explore novel ECT dosing paradigms, and as a new noninvasive means to determine individual dosage requirement with ECT.
Educación permanente: los programas universitarios para mayores en España como respuesta a una nueva realidad social

Senior education is one of the key roles that Spanish university must play today within the framework of lifelong learning in the current demographic context. Lifelong learning generates many benefits and opportunities for the elderly, while representing a great individual and social challenge as a sociological phenomenon. This essay reflects the expansion of University education programs for adults in Spain, the reasons and benefits of returning to university classrooms, describing one of the benchmark programs in this kind of educational offer.
Spinal cord distribution of the somatic innervation of the external urethral sphincter of the cat

Abstract Using retrograde degeneration, the motor neurons of the urethral branch of the pudendal nerve, which supplies the external urethral sphincter, were located in the ventral part of the ventral horn in the sacral spinal cord of the cat. Two cell groups, partially fused into one column could be delineated. The more rostral and lateral group was usually in the S1 segment, while the more caudal and medial group was usually in the S2 segment. Chromatolysis in dorsal root ganglia indicated that afferents were distributed in approximately the same way as efferents. Recording evoked responses from dorsal and ventral rootlets disclosed some variation with the column occasionally extending into the L7 or S3 segments. The center of the column was usually near the junction of S1 and S2, extending for approximately 2 segments. The separation which sometimes occurred in the middle of the column should be considered if microelectrode studies of these cells are attempted. The origin in the spinal cord of the urethral branch of the pudendal nerve overlaps the origin of the pelvic nerve to the detrusor in the S2 segment in the cat.
Effects of fluorescent dyes, quenchers, and dangling ends on DNA duplex stability.

Abstract Single and dual-labeled fluorescent oligodeoxynucleotides are used in many molecular biology applications. We investigated the effects of commonly used fluorescent dyes and quenchers on the thermodynamic stability of a model probe–target DNA duplex. We demonstrate that those effects can be significant. Fluorescent dyes and quenchers were attached to the probe ends. In certain combinations, these groups stabilized the duplex up to 1.8 kcal/mol and increased Tm up to 4.3 °C. None of the groups tested significantly destabilized the duplex. Rank order of potency was, starting with the most stabilizing group: Iowa Black RQ ∼ Black Hole 2 > Cy5 ∼ Cy3 > Black Hole 1 > QSY7 ∼ Iowa Black FQ > Texas Red ∼ TAMRA > FAM ∼ HEX ∼ Dabcyl > TET. Longer linkers decreased stabilizing effects. Hybridizations to targets with various dangling ends were also studied and were found to have only minor effects on thermodynamic stability. Depending on the dye/quencher combination employed, it can be important to include thermodynamic contributions from fluorophore and quencher when designing oligonucleotide probe assays.
Cyclic response and dislocation structures of AISI 316L stainless steel. Part 1: single crystals fatigued at intermediate strain amplitude

Abstract Polycrystalline AISI 316L stainless steel has been cycled at intermediate strain amplitudes. Cyclic response was analyzed in terms of the cyclic stress-strain curve (CSSC), softening behavior, the friction stress and the back stress. Dislocation structures were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that cyclic softening behavior occurred and this has a significant influence on the dislocation structures by stimulating the activity of cross slip. The cross slip system becomes the second most important slip system, and causes the development of dislocation wall structure. Compared with the cyclic response of 316L single crystals, which are planar in slip character, polycrystals show a tendency towards wavy slip, despite the low stacking fault energy and high friction stress. It is concluded that grain boundaries, together with dislocation “starvation”, have a major influence on the fatigue behavior of polycrystals by increasing the tendency to multi-slip, decreasing the capacity of strain transfer from grain to grain and from band to band, and changing the limit of stress or strain sustainable by a given dislocation structure in the sequence that occurs.
Effect of penicillin on growth and toxin production of enterotoxigenic staphylococci.

SummaryThe natural resistance of 15 enterotoxic strains of staphylococci to penicillin was found to range from 0.05 to 500 units per ml. Production of staphylococcal hemolysins, lethal factor and dermonecrotoxin, but not of enterotoxin, was inhibited by growing selected naturally and artificially resistant strains in Amigen liquid medium containing sublethal concentrations of penicillin. Inhibition was not observed in similar experiments using semisolid Amigen and veal infusion media.
Fibrosis under arrest

Approximately 5% of people that are hospitalized for any reason develop acute kidney failure, which, in some cases, progresses to a chronic condition resulting in fibrosis of the kidney and permanent changes in the organ’s function. Two new studies suggest that cell cycle arrest of epithelial cells and epigenetic modifications have key roles in the switch to chronic disease (pages 535–543 and 544–550).
Cadence control of stationary cycling induced by switched functional electrical stimulation control

Cycling induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an effective means for exercise and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. To achieve FES-cycling, potential fields are alternately applied across muscle groups in the lower extremities. Alternating stimulation of various muscle groups according to the crank position makes the FES-cycling system a switched system with autonomous state-dependent switching. This paper examines FES-cycling from a switched systems analysis perspective. Specifically, a switched sliding mode controller is developed to yield approximate tracking of a desired cadence despite an uncertain, nonlinear cycle-rider model. Cadence tracking is proven via a common Lyapunov-like function and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the switched controller.
Operating Multiple Semi-Autonomous Robots: Monitoring, Responding, Detecting:

The concept of one operator controlling multiple unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) robots is examined in a simulation of a multiple UGV search task. Semi-autonomous robotic UGVs were simulated searching for radioactive targets while operators performed various sub-tasks including monitoring status, responding to prompted target decision events, and detecting contextual errors. Participants executed a series of scenarios using 1, 2, or 4 UGVs simultaneously. The detection of contextual errors is particularly difficult when multiple vehicles are being supported. Specific interface features designed to assist with multiple vehicle operations are discussed including a quick video playback (QVP) function.
Ultimate biochemical oxygen demand in semi-intensively managed shrimp pond waters

Abstract Three independent studies were conducted to quantify ultimate biochemical oxygen demand (UBOD) and the corresponding decomposition rate constant for production pond (average 21.5 ha each) waters and effluents on six semi-intensively managed marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farms in Honduras. Samples were collected during the rainy season in studies 1–3 and during the dry season only in Study 1 . Pond water samples were collected during the culture period and/or at harvest. The dry season 30-d biochemical oxygen demand (BOD30) of pond waters across all farms was 26% lower and UBOD was 54% lower, but the decomposition rate constant was more than twice as great as during the rainy season. During the dry season, biochemical oxygen demand was nearly completely expressed after 30 d of incubation whereas during the rainy season BOD was about 65% expressed after 31 d of incubation and the correlation between BOD31 and UBOD was less strong compared to the dry season. Water quality variables were correlated with measures of BOD during rainy and dry seasons, but only the correlation between chlorophyll a and BOD measures was predictive. In studies 2 and 3, BOD after 88–94 d of incubation was expressed almost completely and corresponded closely with computed UBOD. No significant differences in UBOD were detected in pond samples taken after 30, 61, or 71 (harvest) d of grow out in study 3. Mean decomposition rate constant ranged from 0.054 to 0.071 d−1 in studies 1–3 (rainy season), compared to 0.123 d−1 in Study 1 (dry season).
Distribution of FMRF-NH2-like immunoreactivity in rat and cat area postrema

Abstract The distribution of FMRF-NH2-like immunoreactivity, visualized with immunohistochemical techniques, was plotted in a range from very dense to none. The rat area postrema had differential immunostaining with the greatest amounts occurring at its ventral and ventrolateral borders by the nucleus of the solitary tract. Immunoreactive cell bodies were located mainly in this region. Throughout die central region of the rat area postrema scattered immunostaining was consistently observed. The cat area postrema had a different, greater, and more complex pattern of immunostaining than the rat. Very dense to dense accumulations of immunostaining occurred in the ventromedial region of the area postrema bordering the solitary tract and dorsal vagal nuclei, while the central region possessed scattered amounts of immunoreactivity. Following colchicine treatment, no visible FMRF-NH2-like immunoreactive cell bodies were observed in the cat area postrema.
Photographic print defects attributable to point source enlargers

Point source enlargers may cause unusual types of printing defects. One type is a large spot in the center of the enlarged picture field that sometimes appears when the edges of negatives are not adequately masked during printing. Another type is a blurry image caused by a defect in the polycontrast filter. The defect appears in the filter as a small spot of about 1/8-inch diameter, formed, presumably, by heat from the focused beam of the point source light. A spot defect of this type is difficult to see by a cursory visual examination of the filter and may develop unnoticed and persist for months before it is finally recognized.
Quantum‐chemical modeling of boron and noble gas dopants in silicon

The electron effects of the presence of boron and noble gas dopants in a model silicon lattice were investigated using a self-consistent charge extended Hueckel program. The extent of electronic interaction of the noble gas with the lattice is given by: Kr greater than Ar greater than Ne. Theoretically, boron diffusion in the presence of neon, argon or krypton was examined using a self-consistent charge extended Hueckel program. The net energy of interaction between boron and neon is strongly repulsive while argon-boron exhibits a region of relative stability; krypton exhibits behavior similar to argon though no region of stability was found for the range of separations used in the calculations. Finally, it is noted, from the relative energy of the topmost filled molecular orbital associated with boron (in an interstitial position), that activation of the boron does not require boron movement but can be accomplished by indirect transitions.
Adrenal Hemorrhage: A 25-Year Experience at the Mayo Clinic

Objective To characterize the clinical course of adrenal hemorrhage (AH) by using a systematic review of the presentation, associated conditions, and outcomes in patients with AH seen at our institution between 1972 and 1997 (a 25-year period). Patients and Methods A computer search of recorded dismissal diagnoses identified 204 patients with a diagnosis of AH, but only 141 fulfilled our study criteria. Their records were analyzed systematically by presentation, bilateral or unilateral hemorrhage, corticosteroid treatment, and survival. Results AH is a heterogeneous entity that occurs in the postoperative period, in the antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome, in heparin-associated thrombocytopenia, or in the setting of severe physical stress and multiorgan failure. Standard laboratory evaluation is not helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Of the 141 cases of AH, 78 were bilateral, and 63 were unilateral. Corticosteroid treatment in situations of severe stress or sepsis had little effect on outcome (9% vs 6% survival with and without corticosteroid treatment, respectively). This is in sharp contrast to AH occurring postoperatively (100% vs 17% survival with or without treatment, respectively) or in the antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome (73% vs 0% survival, respectively). Conclusions A high index of suspicion is required to make a timely diagnosis of AH. Fever and hypotension in the appropriate clinical setting necessitate further investigation. Although the diagnosis of AH is infrequently made while the patient is alive, appropriate imaging techniques are useful for establishing a timely diagnosis. In severe physical stress or sepsis, AH may be a marker of severe, preterminal physiologic stress and poor outcome.
CPG treatment selectively prevents Treg-mediated suppression of adaptive immunity and improves outcome from sepsis post-injury

CONCLUSIONS: 1) MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling is required for polarization of macrophages from early sterile wounds towards a classically activated phenotype, as evidenced by the preferential expression of CCL5 in control animals. 2) TLR4 deficiency polarizes wound macrophages toward an alternatively activated state. 3) Cell recruitment into early wounds requires MyD88, but not TLR4. Results suggest that MyD88-coupled receptors different from TLR4 are required for the normal cellular response to tissue injury.
A typology of chemically dependent adolescents

Abstract The article makes the point that chemically dependent adolescents are a heterogeneous population. Such adolescents are classified into four subtypes and described in terms of differences of both their drinking or drug use pattern as well as the desired goal; their behavior when drug affected; psychological features; characteristic pattern of social interaction; school performance; family dynamics, survivor role if a child of an alcoholic; previous psychiatric diagnoses if applicable; and finally appropriate treatment strategies for each type of adolescent.
Microphysical modeling of cirrus: 1. Comparison with 1986 FIRE IFO measurements

We have used a one-dimensional model of cirrus formation to study the development of cirrus clouds during the 1986 First ISCCP (International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project) Regional Experiment (FIRE) intensive field observations (IFO). The cirrus model includes microphysical, dynamical, and radiative processes. Sulfate aerosols, solution drops, ice crystals, and water vapor are all treated as interactive elements in the model. Ice crystal size distributions are fully resolved based on calculations of homogeneous freezing nucleation, growth by water vapor deposition, evaporation, coagulation, and vertical transport. We have focused on the cirrus observed on November 1, 1986. Vertical wind speed for the one-dimensional simulation is taken from a mesoscale model simulation for the appropriate time period. The mesoscale model simulation suggested that strong upward motions over Wyoming and subsequent horizontal transport of upper level moisture were responsible for the cirrus observed over Wisconsin on this date. We assumed that our one-dimensional model could be used to represent a vertical column moving from Wyoming to Wisconsin over a period of several hours. Ice crystal nucleation occurs in our model in the 8 to 10-km region as a result of the strong updrafts (and cooling) early in the simulation. Growth, coagulation, and sedimentation of these ice crystals result in a broad cloud region (5-10 km thick) with an optical depth of 1-2 after a few hours, in agreement with the FIRE measurements. Comparison with aircraft microphysical measurements made over Wisconsin indicates that the simulation generated reasonable ice water content, but the predicted ice number densities are too low, especially for radii less than about 50 microns. Sensitivity tests suggest that better agreement between simulated and observed microphysical properties is achieved if the nucleation rate is higher or stronger vertical mixing (perhaps associated with multidimensional motions) is present.
A method for determing probabilities for correct use of Bayes's theorem in medical diagnosis

An empirical procedure is presented for determining the number and configurations of sign-symptom subsets in a given disease set for a patient population and deriving from these subsets the correct probabilities necessary for use of Bayes's theorem in determining posterior probabilities of disease. A discussion is also presented of some of the difficulties arising from the improper assumption of independence of symptoms in sign-symptom configurations.
Viability of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground and formed beef jerky prepared at levels of 5 and 20% fat and dried at 52, 57, 63, or 68°C in a home-style dehydrator

Abstract Beef jerky batter was prepared to fat contents of about 5 and 20% and inoculated with about 10 8 cfu g −1 of a five-strain inoculum of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Pathogen numbers were determined in the raw batter and in the strips formed from it after drying at 52, 57, 63, and 68°C for times that ranged from 2 to 20 h. For both the high and low fat products, pathogen numbers were reduced by about 5 log 10 cfu g −1 within 4 h drying at 68°C and within 8 h drying at 63°C. At 57°C, a 5-log 10 -unit reduction was achieved within 10 h drying for the 5% fat product and within 16 h drying for the 20% fat product. At 52°C, a 5-log 10 -unit reduction was achieved within 10 h drying for the 5% fat product and within 20 h drying for the 20% fat product. In at least one of the three trials for all four drying temperatures tested, the pathogen was present following enrichment of the samples in synthetic media. The calculated D values decreased from 2.59, 2.48, 1.23, and 1.17 as the temperature increased from 52, 57, 63, and 68°C and as the fat content decreased from 20 to 5%. However, there was no direct correlation between the moisture-to-protein ratio and either the doneness of the strips or the viability of the pathogen. These data indicate that the fat content and the time and temperature at which strips are dried directly impact the viability of E. coli O157:H7 in ground and formed beef jerky.
The MCNP6 Delayed-Particle Feature

The interaction of radiation with matter can cause activation or fission reactions producing unstable residuals that decay with the emission of delayed-neutron and/or delayed-gamma radiation. This ...
Goldmann applanation tonometry after Intacs corneal ring segments

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the change of intraocular pressure (IOP) after implantation of Intacs (KeraVision) corneal ring segments using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Setting Multicenter clinical trial for U.S. Food and Drug Administration application conducted at 10 U.S. sites. Methods One-year follow-up data from a phase III clinical trial (n = 359) were reviewed. Intraocular pressure was measured by GAT preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after Intacs implantation. The untreated fellow eyes were controls. Change from baseline (preoperative) IOP was calculated and tested for correlation with age and change from baseline in mean keratometry, manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), and pachymetry (central corneal thickness). Mean IOP in treated and control groups was compared through month 6. Results At all postoperative examinations, mean IOP in the Intacs eyes was significantly lower (−0.39 to −1.75 mm Hg; all P ≤ .02) than at baseline. Change from baseline in mean IOP of treated eyes did not correlate with age or change from baseline in mean keratometry values, MRSE, or central corneal thickness. At 1, 3, and 6 months, mean IOP was significantly less (−0.38 to −0.53 mm Hg; all P ≤ .002) in Intacs eyes than in control eyes. Conclusion Implantation of Intacs slightly lowered IOP measurements by GAT, without correlation to other tested parameters. Postoperative IOP differences between Intacs and control eyes were statistically but not clinically significant. Goldmann applanation tonometry accurately measured IOP at the center of the cornea in eyes with Intacs.
T2 radiculopathy: A differential screen for upper extremity radicular pain

Radicular pain in the upper extremity can have a cervical origin terminating at the cervicothoracic junction (C8, T1). Review of the literature suggests cutaneous representations of T2 nerve root to the axilla, posteromedial arm, and lateral forearm, suggesting yet another source of upper extremity radicular pain. A 53-year-old female experienced insidious right upper thoracic pain radiating into the right axilla, upper arm, and lateral forearm (10/10 numerical pain rating scale (NPRS)) of 1-week duration. Medical referral suggested cervical radiculopathy, however, cervical spine examination was unremarkable. She presented with mechanical dysfunction of C8, T1; T1, T2; and T2, T3 vertebral segments with restricted cervical extension. Firm compression over the right lateral aspect of the second and third thoracic vertebrae reproduced her symptoms markedly. There was a predominance of right axillary pain. Cervical extension reproduced local upper thoracic pain. Nine treatment visits for a period of 3 weeks addressed mechanical dysfunction at the cervicothoracic junction and upper thoracic region, comprising manual therapy, corrective exercise, and pain modalities. Reduction of local tenderness, and radiating axillary and right arm pain was observed (2/10 NPRS), with improved cervical extension. The second thoracic intercostal nerve and the adjoining intercostobrachial nerve, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, and the posterior brachial cutaneous branch of the radial nerve are speculated to be potential symptom mediators. They have a representation to the axilla, medial and posterior arm, and lateral forearm - a representation supporting the speculation of upper extremity radicular symptoms following mechanical dysfunction of the upper thoracic vertebrae.
Quantifying the impact of chimera MS/MS spectra on peptide identification in large scale proteomics studies

A complicating factor for protein identification within complex mixtures by LC/MS/MS is the problem of “chimera” spectra, where two or more precursor ions with similar mass and retention time are co-sequenced by MS/MS. Chimera spectra show reduced scores due to unidentifiable fragment ions derived from contaminating parents. However, the extent of chimeras in LC/MS/MS data sets and their impact on protein identification workflows are incompletely understood. We report ChimeraCounter, a software program which detects chimeras in data sets collected on an Orbitrap/LTQ instrument. Evaluation of synthetic chimeras created from pairs of well-defined peptide MS/MS spectra reveal that chimeras reduce database search scores most significantly when contaminating fragment ion intensities exceed 20% of the targeted fragment ion intensities. In large-scale data sets, the identification rate for chimera MS/MS is 2-fold lower compared to nonchimera spectra. Importantly, this occurs in a manner which depends not on abso...
A simulation model of estuarine subsystem coupling and carbon exchange with the sea. II. North Inlet model structure, output and validation.

Abstract A first-stage verified model of carbon/energy flux through the North Inlet (South Carolina) marsh—estuarine ecosystem is presented. The time series output for model compartments and overall septem carbon flow are compared with observed data collected over the past five to ten years. Results indicate that the model is stable and can broadly reproduce some of the major trends of a salt marsh—estuarine system. Further avenues of research are suggested.
Magnetic moment of the first excited state of /sup 99/Mo

We have measured the g factor of the 5/2/sup +/ first-excited state of /sup 99/Mo. We obtained for this state, which has an excitation energy of 98 keV and a mean life of 24.5 ..mu..s, a value g = - 0.310 +- 0.002. This result is consistent with the g factor observed for the d/sub 5/2/ level in neighboring odd neutron nuclei, and in approximate agreement with theoretical calculations.
Effect of cranberry juice on bacteriuria in children with neurogenic bladder receiving intermittent catheterization.

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of cranberry prophylaxis on rates of bacteriuria and symptomatic urinary tract infection in children with neurogenic bladder receiving clean intermittent catheterization. Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of 15 children receiving cranberry concentrate or placebo concentrate for 6 months (3 months receiving one concentrate, followed by 3 months of the other). Weekly home visits were made. During each visit, a sample of bladder urine was obtained by intermittent catheterization. Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection and all medications were recorded, and juice containers were counted. Results: During consumption of cranberry concentrate, the frequency of bacteriuria remained high. Cultures of 75% (114 of 151) of the 151 samples obtained during consumption of placebo were positive for a pathogen (≥10 4 colony-forming units/mL) compared with 75% (120 of 160) of the 160 samples obtained during consumption of cranberry concentrate. Escherichia coli remained the most common pathogen during placebo and cranberry periods. Three symptomatic infections each occurred during the placebo and cranberry periods. No significant difference was observed in the acidification of urine in the placebo group versus the cranberry group (median, 5.5 and 6.0, respectively). Conclusion: The frequency of bacteriuria in patients with neurogenic bladder receiving intermittent catheterization is 70%; cranberry concentrate had no effect on bacteriuria in this population. (J Pediatr 1999;135:698-702)
Melting and adiabats of the alkali metals at high compressions

Abstract The melting temperatures of Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs were measured to 32 kbar (3.2 GPa) in a piston cylinder apparatus. Hydrostatic pressure medium and in situ pressure and temperature measurement yield accuracies in pressure of ± 0.4 percent and in temperature of ± 0.25°C. Our results strongly differ from measurements using solid, non hydrostatic pressure media. The adiabatic pressure derivative of temperature, (∂T/∂P)s, was measured in the same pressure cell to 32 kbar and 500°C. We find a systematic linear decrease of ln (∂T/∂P)s versus volume to compressions of over 50 percent. Our experimental results are compared with theoretical calculations of the adiabatic gradients at high pressure. The pressure and temperature dependence of the Gruneisen parameter was calculated from γ = Bs/T (∂T/∂P)s, where Bs is the adiabatic bulk modulus. γ decreases with pressure in the liquid and in the solid state and increases by several percent at the liquid-solid transition. At constant pressure, γ decreases with temperature for Li, Na, and K.