cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Trials in Bladder and Upper Tract Cancer – Bladder Cancer Disease States

One of the many challenges in clinical trial design is identifying the target patient population for a particular intervention and designing a set of inclusion criteria that are accurate and verifiable. Randomized trials stratified by progression risk and presence or absence of papillary disease or carcinoma in situ (CIS) can include heterogeneous patient populations whereas single-arm trials require CIS at entry in order to determine efficacy of an experimental treatment. In muscle invasive cancer, there are multiple challenges in defining endpoints for approval for trials testing neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies. Recent approvals of five checkpoint inhibitors and the recent approval of an FGFR inhibitor for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease have segmented this patient population into multiple disease states depending on prior treatment and whether or not they are eligible to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Measures of the Value of Information

This chapter investigates the measurement of the changes in the DM’s wellbeing that result from making a prior decision, processing a message, or incorporating an information source. To do this it is convenient to view a decision as a commodity, making it meaningful to consider the buying and selling prices for decisions with and without the incorporation of information.
Perioperative Caregiver Burden in the Geriatric Urogynecologic Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Currently, there is a paucity of literature on caregiver burden among postoperative geriatric patients. This is of particular interest to the field of urogynecology, as many of these patients are 65 or older. Objective: Given the growing volume of geriatric patients and their utilization of health care resources, this study was conducted to characterize the burden of geriatric urogynecologic surgery patients on their caregivers. Materials and Methods: Using a prospective double cohort design for the study, researchers enrolled female patients (≥65 years) undergoing pelvic surgery and their caregivers. Patients were administered questionnaires, including the Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12) consisting of physical (PCS) and mental composites (MCS) at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Caregivers received the SF-12, Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI), and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) at the same intervals. Results: Forty-eight pairs were analyzed. The majority of caregivers w...
Maturation of the head of bacteriophage T4: IV. The proteins of the core of the tubular polyheads and in vitro cleavage of the head proteins

Abstract The structural proteins of the tubular, aberrant polyheads of bacteriophage T4 have been analyzed. The major structural constituents of polyheads are the precursor proteins P23, P22, and the internal proteins IPIII and IPII. Addition of chloroform to a polyhead preparation extracts three of these proteins (P22, IPIII, and IPII). Such treatment removes the inside material (core) seen in polyheads prior to the chloroform extraction as judged by electron microscopy. We conclude that P22. IPIII, and IPII (and supposedly IPI) are the major structural constituents of the core of polyheads, while P23 is the major constituent of the outer coat. Cleavage of the various head proteins occurs when partially purified polyheads are incubated at 37°. In a 100-min incubation, about 60%–70% of P23 (MW = 56,000) is converted to P23∗ (MW = 46,000) and a significant conversion of IPIII (MW = 23,500) to IPIII∗ (MW = 21,000) is seen. The protein P22 (MW = 31,000) disappears during this incubation and is supposedly cleaved to small fragments. The in vitro products, P23∗ and IPIII∗, have the same molecular weight as their in vivo product, suggesting that the cleavage is specific. However, several other protein fragments are generated during the in vitro cleavage reaction, which have not been observed in vivo . Appropriate studies with mutants reveal that the products of genes 21 and 22 are required for these in vitro cleavage reactions. The cleavage reaction is strongly inhibited by the addition of chloroform to the reaction mixture and is partially inhibited by the addition of TPCK (tosyl-phenylamine-chloromethylketone).
The Autonomy of Biology as a Natural Science

The goal of science is the systematic organization of knowledge about the material universe on the basis of explanatory principles that are genuinely testable. The starting point of science is the formulation of statements about objectively observable phenomena. Common-sense knowledge also provides information about the material world. The distinction between science and common-sense knowledge is based upon the joint presence in science of at least three distinctive characteristics. First, science seeks to organize knowledge in a systematic way by exhibiting patterns of relations among statements concerning facts which may not obviously appear as mutually related.
Interaction of 9-Peptidylaminoacridines with Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Abstract Several 9-peptidylaminoacridines have been synthesized, their spectroscopic properties have been examined, and studies have been performed by means of absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry on their interaction with proteins (especially pepsin) and with DNA preparations. At pH 5, pepsin binds 9-(Phe-Phe-amino) acridine largely by virtue of the interaction of the Phe-Phe unit of the compound with the extended active site of the enzyme, the acridine portion being drawn into a region of lower polarity than that of the aqueous medium. The results obtained with pepsin are compared with those given by bovine serum albumin, α-chymotrypsin, and lysozyme. Although, at pH 5, 9-(Phe-Phe-amino)acridine appears to be bound by DNA preparations somewhat more tightly than is 9-acetylaminoacridine, the absorption and emission spectra of these acyl-aminoacridines are not altered by interaction with DNA to the extent seen with the 9-aminoacridinium cation under comparable experimental conditions.
The Relationship of Dipicolinate and Lysine Biosynthesis in Bacillus megaterium

Abstract A mutant of Bacillus megaterium has been obtained which lacks the enzyme that condenses pyruvate and aspartic semialdehyde to form dihydrodipicolinate. The effect of the mutation is pleiotropic. In addition to manifesting a requirement for diaminopimelate and lysine, the organism is unable to make dipicolinate and cannot sporulate. Dipicolinate added to cultures of the mutant restores the ability to produce heat-stable refractile spores. It is concluded that the same isomer of dihydrodipicolinate participates in both dipicolinate and lysine biosynthesis. Further, the enzyme that produces dihydrodipicolinate during vegetative growth also functions as the source of this compound for dipicolinate synthesis during sporulation.
Determinants of Real Estate Licensee Income

This paper examines the factors that influence the income of real estate licensees. An empirical human capital earnings model is developed from a 1995 survey of Florida real estate brokers and sale...
Poly(acrylic acid) modified PEG hydrogels

Poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG] hydrogels were synthesized using UV photopolymerization of PEG 575 diacrylate. The swelling of these gels can be controlled by varying the ratio of PEG 575 DA to water in the precursor solution. In the range of 1-10% PEG we observed swelling ratios ranging from 11 down to approximately 5 with the gel brittleness increasing dramatically over this range. We observed that at low pH, 5100 Mw poly(acrylic acid) [PAA] can rapidly infiltrate the PEG gels affecting both their total mass and their swell properties. When immersed in high pH water where PAA deprotonates, the PAA is released over a period of several weeks.
The Spread of the Sooro

The Sooro, the pillared entrance hall to the majority of palaces now existing in northern Cameroon, is an important index of political change in this region. The Spread of the Sooro: Symbols of Power in the Sokoto Caliphate traces the proliferation of sooroji from the time that Fulbe conquerors incorporated this region within the Sokoto caliphate in the early nineteenth century until Cameroon’s independence in 1960. The status of Fulbe rulers who conquered the region was not high enough to employ the political symbolism of the sooro, but the use of this building type spread quickly after German colonial borders separated northern Cameroon from the rest of the caliphate in 1901. Eventually the form expanded beyond the boundaries of the Fulbe and spread among non-Fulbe rulers. By explaining the changes in the form and political symbolism of the sooro, Mark DeLancey argues that it was a symbol of power spread in direct relation to the loss of real political power of rulers in colonial northern Cameroon.
The notochord of hagfish Myxine glutinosa: visco-elastic properties and mechanical functions during steady swimming.

To determine the possible locomotor functions of the hagfish notochord, we measured its flexural stiffness EI (N m(-2)) and flexural damping C (kg m(3) s(-1)), under in vitro conditions that mimicked the body curvature and bending frequency measured during steady undulatory swimming. To assess the notochord's contribution to the mechanical behavior of the whole body, we also measured EI and C of the whole body, the body with skin removed, and the notochord with the outer fibrous sheath removed. When subjected to dynamic bending at angular frequencies from pi to 6pi rad s(-1) and midline curvatures from 11 to 40 m(-1), 1 cm in situ body segments (N=4), located at an axial position of 37% of the body length, showed significant changes in EI, C, the Young's modulus or material stiffness (E, MPa), the net work to bend the body over a cycle (W, J) and resilience (R, % energy return). When skin, muscles and the outer fibrous sheath of the notochord were removed sequentially, each structural reduction yielded significant changes in mechanical properties: C decreased when the skin was removed, E increased when the muscles were removed, and EI and R decreased when the outer fibrous sheath was removed. Although occupying only a small portion of the cross-sectional area, the notochord provides the body with 75% of its total EI and 80% of total C, by virtue of its high E, ranging from 4 to 8 MPa, which is an order of magnitude greater than that of the whole body. Thus, as the body's primary source of EI and C, the notochord determines the passive (i.e. internal, non-muscular) mechanical behavior of the swimming hagfish. EI and C covary inversely and non-linearly such that as C increases, EI decreases. However, the bending moments M (Nm) produced by each property increase proportionally, and the ratio of stiffness to damping moments, also known as the amplification ratio at resonance, is nearly invariant (approximately 7) with changes in driving frequency. If the body operates in life at or near resonance, the variables EI and C interact over a range of swimming speeds to produce passive mechanical stability.
Carnap’s Logical Structure of the World

This article aims to give an overview of Carnap’s 1928 book Logical Structure of the World or Aufbau and the most influential interpretations of its significance. After giving an outline of the book in Section 2, I turn to the first sustained interpretations of the book offered by Goodman and Quine in Section 3. Section 4 explains how this empirical reductionist interpretation was largely displaced by its main competitor. This is the line of interpretation offered by Friedman and Richardson which focuses on issues of objectivity. In Section 5, I turn to two more recent interpretations that can be thought of as emphasizing Carnap’s concern with rational reconstruction. Finally, the article concludes by noting some current work by Leitgeb that aims to develop and update some aspects of the Aufbau project for contemporary epistemology.
Predicting THM concentration in treated water with highly correlated data

Chlorine is an effective disinfectant in killing bacteria and viruses; however, trihalomethanes (THM) and several chlorination by-products of the drinking water treatment process are suspected carcinogens. In order to develop treatment strategies to minimize THM production, mathematical models containing appropriate raw water quality and control predictor variables are needed. Some of these predictor variables are known to be highly correlated; therefore, when collectively introduced into a regression model, questions about the validity of the model arise. Condition indexes and variance decompositions, as well as ridge regression, are used to identify the degree and causes of ill-conditioning. Path analysis is used to support the inclusion of predictor variables in the final model.
The effects of monocular deprivation on the development of the rat trochlear nerve

The effects of monocular deprivation on developing extraocular motor units was studied in rats whose right eyelid was was saturated at 12 days postnatal. The mean fiber diameter of the trochlear nerve to the deprived eye was significantly reduced at 45 days postnatal by 15% as compared to controls. These findings suggest a retardation in the postnatal development of the extraocular motoneurons due to either peripheral disuse or an alteration in the central connections.
Succinic dehydrogenase and anaerobic glycolysis in livers of diabetic rats.

In the diabetic animal carbohydrate metabolism is markedly altered so that protein and fat storage are decreased (Mirsky, Swadesh and Ransohoff, 1937; Stetten and Boxer, 1944) and a large part of the glucose is lost in the urine, with concomitant loss of depot fat, loss of nitrogen, and failure of growth (Soskin and Levine, 1946; Mackler and Guest, 1949; Young, 1944). In view of the modern concept that enzymes play a fundamental role in cellular metabolism, one can postulate that insulin is interacting with, or in some way affecting the action of enzymes. The results to be described in this report are concerned with the succinic dehydrogenase activity of liver, and with anaerobic glycolysis of liver and brain tissues of alloxan-diabetic lactating rats. Lactating female rats three to four months of age, which were primarily used to study the effect of diabetes on lactation and on the enzymes of the corpora lutea were used in the studies.
Photoconductivity and photocatalytic activity of ZnO thin films grown via thermal oxidation

We have investigated the photoconductivity and photocatalytic properties of polycrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) films grown on c-plane sapphire substrates. Zinc-metal films where grown on sapphire substrates via dc-sputter deposition at room temperature with subsequent thermal annealing in air at 300°C, 600°C, 900°C, and 1200°C. Photoluminescence spectra indicate four emission bands: excitonic ultraviolet, blue, and deep-level green and yellow emission. The ratio of deep-level green emission to UV excitonic emission was observed to decrease with decreasing annealing temperature from 1200°C to 300°C. Metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) Al:ZnO:Al planar UV photodetectors where fabricated via sputter deposition of aluminum ohmic contacts on the resulting ZnO films. Decreasing photocurrent is seen for increasing annealing temperature, which is consistent with PL studies. A responsivity of ~0.1 A/W was observed. Photocatalytic activity follows half-order reaction kinetics as determined by photodegradation of Rhodamine B.
Seizures and their outcome in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Seizures are not expected in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a condition considered to be restricted to the white matter. Review of medical records of 89 patients with possible or proven PML showed an 18% prevalence of seizures. Seizures usually responded well to treatment and did not affect survival. The presence of PML lesions immediately adjacent to the hemispheric cortex was the only risk factor associated with seizures in this population.
Rapid selection of accessible and cleavable sites in RNA by Escherichia coli RNase P and random external guide sequences

A method of inhibiting the expression of particular genes by using external guide sequences (EGSs) has been improved in its rapidity and specificity. Random EGSs that have 14-nt random sequences are used in the selection procedure for an EGS that attacks the mRNA for a gene in a particular location. A mixture of the random EGSs, the particular target RNA, and RNase P is used in the diagnostic procedure, which, after completion, is analyzed in a gel with suitable control lanes. Within a few hours, the procedure is complete. The action of EGSs designed by an older method is compared with EGSs designed by the random EGS method on mRNAs from two bacterial pathogens.
Properties of phase conjugate adaptive optical systems

The phase conjugate COAT (coherent optical adaptive technique) is investigated for thin, nonlinear lenses, simulating thermal blooming. The iteration scheme applied has convergent and divergent regimes.
Coherent control of photofragment separation in the dissociative ionization of IBr

We have investigated coherent control of the dissociative ionization of IBr using phase-controlled two-color $\ensuremath{\omega}+2\ensuremath{\omega}$ laser pulses with an intensity of $1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}\text{ }\mathrm{W}/\mathrm{cm}$ and a pulse duration of 130 fs. The directional asymmetries of the photofragment angular distributions showed oscillation behavior dependent on the relative phase difference between the $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and $2\ensuremath{\omega}$ pulses. The phase dependencies of the directional asymmetries observed for iodine ions and bromine ions were out of phase with each other. This result shows that a phase-controlled $\ensuremath{\omega}+2\ensuremath{\omega}$ optical field can produce molecular orientation in which the optical field discriminates between parallel and antiparallel configuration of molecules that have a permanent dipole.
Comparative studies of the respiratory functions of mammalian blood. IX. Ring-tailed lemur(Lemur catta)and black lemur (Lemur macaco).

Abstract Respiratory characteristics of blood from 12 ring-tailed and 10 black lemurs were studied. The animals were adults of both sexes. The blood oxygen capacities for ring-tailed and black lemurs were 21.2 ± 1.7 and 21.7 ± 2.2 vol.%, respectively. Oxygen dissociation curves of whole blood were constructed at 38°C and were corrected to a plasma pH of 7.40 by using the Bohr factor determined in this study. The blood of ring-tailed lemurs has a significantly lower (P
Development of a universal modeling tool for rechargeable lithium batteries

An interesting universal modeling tool for rechargeable lithium batteries is presented in this paper. The generic model is based on an equivalent circuit technique commonly used in electrochemical impedance characterization. Therefore, the parameters used in the model can be easily parameterized from the electrochemical impedance derivations, which provide a convenient integration with experimental cell characterizations. Such integration offers the universality in this modeling approach.
Long term aspirin in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders : recent developments and variations on a theme

Aspirin should be considered to have established efficacy as treatment for the long term prevention of cardiovascular events. However, no controlled studies of aspirin administration were extended beyond 5 years, and its use for a longer period is consequently empiric. Presently, its risk-benefit profile supports its indefinite use in high risk patients, but not in the healthy population. Alternative formulations of aspirin, drug combination strategies as well as new, more potent antithrombotic agents, such as orally bioavailable thrombin inhibitors and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists, are under investigation. These strategies will probably widen the indications for long term platelet inhibition. Results achieved with the intravenously administered monoclonal antibody abciximab, have demonstrated that the efficacy of IIb/IIIa antagonists is additive to that of aspirin.[15] Oral IIb/III antagonists have already been shown to induce dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation for an extended period of time[53] and are currently in clinical development. Long term treatment with these compounds might be beneficial in indications which aspirin lacks efficacy, such as in the prevention of late thrombotic events and/or restenosis following coronary angioplasty.
Molybdenum-Pterin Chemistry. 1. The Five-Electron Oxidation of an Oxo Molybdenum Dithiolate Complex of a Reduced Pterin

The synthesis and structure of a new molybdenum complex coordinated by a reduced pterin is reported. [MoOCl(detc)(H3dmp)]Cl (1) (where detc is diethyldithiocarbamate and H3dmp is 6,7-dimethyl-6,7,8-trihydropterin) is prepared from MoOCl2(detc)2 and H4dmp (6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin). The X-ray structure determination of [MoOCl(detc)(H3dmp)]Cl·MeOH reveals an octahedral complex where the reduced pterin ligand coordinates through the carbonyl oxygen and pyrazine ring nitrogen atoms. An extensive hydrogen bonding network in the crystal lattice connects adjacent complexes, the chloride counterion, and the molecule of methanol. This hydrogen bonding persists in solution where it is identified by characteristic absorptions in the electronic spectrum. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) oxidizes [MoOCl(detc)(H3dmp)]Cl, producing 1 equiv of dimethylpterin and 1/2 equiv of oxidized dithiocarbamate, tetraethylthiuramdisulfide (TETDS), a reaction that constitutes a net five-electron oxidation of the molybdenum comp...
Antigiardial activity of guanine arabinoside. Mechanism studies.

Abstract Guanine arabinoside (araG) inhibited the in vitro growth of Giardia lamblia WB with an ED 50 value of 4 μM. The inhibition was prevented completely by 2'-deoxyguanosine, prevented partially by guanine and guanosine, and not prevented by adenine, adenosine or 2'-deoxyadenosine. Extracts of G. lamblia grown in the presence of [8- 3 H]araG contained radiolabeled araGMP, araGDP and araGTP. The formation of araGTP during the exponential phase of cell growth increased with time and was dependent upon the araG concentration. AraG was incorporated into G. lamblia DNA in a time-dependent manner at a ratio of 1 araG for each 27 2'-deoxyguanosine residues. Short-term exposure of growing cultures to araG was inhibitory to DNA synthesis but not to RNA or protein synthesis. Over an extended period, synthesis of all three macromolecules was depressed. Attempts to measure araG phosphorylation by cell-free extracts of G. lamblia under a variety of nucleoside kinase and nucleoside phosphotransferase assay conditions were unsuccessful. In an attempt to understand further the action of araG, the metabolic pathways of guanine, guanosine and 2'-deoxyguanosine were delineated in detail. The presence of araG did not appear to cause any major alterations in the metabolism of these compounds; however, it was accompanied by a 3- to 4-fold increase in the endogenous pools of ATP and GTP.
Contaminant-induced feminization and demasculinization of nonmammalian vertebrate males in aquatic environments

Many chemicals introduced into the environment by humans adversely affect embryonic development and the functioning of the male reproductive system. It has been hypothesized that these developmental alterations are due to the endocrine-disruptive effects of various environmental contaminants. The endocrine system exhibits an organizational effect on the developing embryo. Thus, a disruption of the normal hormonal signals can permanently modify the organization and future function of the male reproductive system. A wide range of studies examining wildlife either in laboratories or in natural settings have documented alterations in the development of males. These studies have begun to provide the causal relationships between embryonic contaminant exposure and reproductive abnormalities that have been lacking in pure field studies of wild populations. An understanding of the developmental consequences of endocrine disruption in wildlife can lead to new indicators of exposure and a better understanding of the most sensitive life stages as well as the consequences of exposure during these periods.
Field-induced guide/antiguide modulators on InGaAsP/InP

The authors demonstrate the first field-induced guide/antiguide modulators (FIGAMs) on InP-based materials. Good electrical isolation between electrodes was obtained by implanting through the quaternary waveguide and 15 dB on/off ratio has been achieved. Bit error rate measurements for system applications are also reported.
Personality Profiles as a Guide to Selecting the Accounting Major

This research considers the issue of personality profiles as related to academic performance in the principles of accounting sequence within the context of declared major area of study, either accounting or business administration. If personality characteristics discriminate between these groups, this information may be productive in guiding students as they select an appropriate major area of undergraduate study. The Predictive Index, a practical, cost-effective, proven system for gathering objective information respecting personality characteristics, is utilized to obtain empirical measurements of four personality traits from a group of undergraduate accounting and business administration majors at a Midwestern university in the United States. Contemporary recruiters increasingly use personality profiles as a means to assess an application pool. The findings of this study provide empirical support for an assertion that declared accounting and business administration majors exhibit different personality profiles respecting two of the four personality traits subjected to analysis after controlling for important demographic differences. This research utilized a cost-effective personality profiling instrument to model a previously untested group of undergraduate students in an effort directed at providing useful academic advising information surrounding accounting majors. For university administration cost containment is always an issue; effective advising and retention of students are core to their missions; and for undergraduate students, proven information sources are extraordinarily useful and highly valuable in supporting successful progression in their studies and timely migration to a career.
Comparison of performance of three commercial platforms for warfarin sensitivity genotyping.

Abstract Background We performed a 3-way comparison on the Osmetech eSensor®, AutoGenomics INFINITI™, and a real-time PCR method (Paragonx™ reagents/Stratagene® RT-PCR platform) for their FDA-cleared warfarin panels, and additional polymorphisms (CYP2C9 ⁎5, ⁎6, and ⁎11 and extended VKORC1 panels) where available. Methods One hundred de-identified DNA samples were used in this IRB-approved study. Accuracy was determined by comparison of genotyping results across three platforms. Any discrepancy was resolved by bi-directional sequencing. The CYP4F2 on Osmetech was validated by bi-directional sequencing. Results Accuracies for CYP2C9 ⁎2 and ⁎3 were 100% for all 3 platforms. VKORC1 3673 genotyping accuracies were 100% on eSensor and 97% on Infiniti. CYP2C9 ⁎5, ⁎6 and ⁎11 showed 100% concordance between eSensor and Infiniti. VKORC1 6484 and 9041 variants compared between ParagonDx and Infiniti analyzer were 100% (6484) and 99% (9041) concordant. CYP4F2 was 100% concordant with sequencing results. The time required to generate the results from automated DNA extraction-to-result was approximately 8 h on Infiniti, and 4 h on eSensor and ParagonDx, respectively. Conclusions Overall, we observed excellent CYP2C9 ⁎2 and ⁎3 genotyping accuracy for all three platforms. For VKORC1 3673 genotyping, eSensor demonstrated a slightly higher accuracy than the Infiniti, and CYP4F2 on Osmetech was 100% accurate.
Changes in sub-nuclear structures and functional perturbations: implications for radiotherapy.

The eukaryotic cell nucleus is required to accomplish its functions (e.g., replicating transcription, DNA repair, hmRNA processing, etc.) within the context of a highly organized structure [Wei X, Samarabandu J, Devdhar RS, Siegel AJ, Acharya R, Berezney R. 1998. Science 281:1502–1506.], since many cancer-therapeutic modalities utilize the nucleus as target for a cytotoxic outcome. A better understanding of the organizational disruption of sub-nuclear structures and subsequent loss of nuclear function is the key to knowing both the mechanism of action of, and the basis of cellular sensitivity to, therapeutic agents such as ionizing radiation. With this prospect, we examine four examples in which changes in specific nuclear structures or functions lead to significant therapeutic end points, e.g. cell death, radiosensitization, or the intrinsic radioresistance of tumor cells. The inter-relationships delineated in these examples provide a paradigm that delineates a relationship between disruption of nuclear organization, loss of function and a point of intervention that affects a therapeutic outcome. The examples specifically address issues related to radiation and thermal therapy. However, the concepts that result from these studies are translatable to other cancer therapeutic modalities. In addition, the results echo a basic principle that proper nuclear organization is critical to the maintenance of cellular viability and genomic stability. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 35:142–150, 2000. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Documentation and Evaluation of Fevers in Hospital-Based and Community-Based Nursing Homes

We reviewed clinical evaluation practices and documentation of fever (greater than or equal to 100.2 degrees F) in all febrile patients over a two-month period in a hospital-based nursing home (HBNH) compared with a community-based nursing home (CBNH). Results showed 38 febrile (mean 101.9 degrees F) HBNH patients and 26 febrile (mean 101.5 degrees F) CBNH patients. Median time from fever onset to physician contact was 4 hours in HBNH and 12.5 hours in CBNH episodes (P less than 0.01). Laboratory studies were initially performed in 68% of HBNH and 31% of CBNH episodes (P less than 0.005), and diagnosis of fever source was documented in 76% of HBNH and 16% of CBNH episodes (P less than 0.005). Overall assessment stratification showed 81% febrile HBNH patients had both evaluation and therapy performed compared with 38% in CBNH (P less than 0.0001); 39% of febrile CBNH patients had no evaluation or therapy performed. Results indicate lack of documentation, and fever evaluation in CBNHs may preclude complete detection of nursing home-acquired infections and thereby hamper preventive responses to potential infection problems.
Primary care arrangements and access to care among African-American women in three Chicago communities.

African-American women of child-bearing age residing in three high-risk communities in Chicago were surveyed regarding their primary care arrangements and access to care (n = 552). This study examined factors which differentiated women who used office-based practices from those who used institutional settings (community clinics, health department clinics, hospital-based clinics) for primary care. Results of multivariate analysis indicate that women who used office-based practices were more likely than those who used institutional settings to see the same provider, to walk to their provider, to have less travel time and to walk in without an appointment. They were less likely to be hospitalized in the past year and less likely to report the availability of family planning at their usual source of care. Satisfaction with care, insurance status and sociodemographic characteristics were not associated with use of a particular facility type. Implications for organizing comprehensive health services for this po...
The respiration of flocculent detrital organic matter (floc) is driven by phosphorus limitation and substrate quality in a subtropical wetland

The aerobic respiration of flocculent detrital organic material (floc) from Everglades National Park was found to be dependent on phosphorus limitation and carbon quality and is likely influenced by substrate age, hydrology, and local biomass productivity. Floc was collected at four sites along the Shark River and Taylor Sloughs of Everglades National Park and incubated for up to one week at room temperature in the dark. Floc respiration was determined by measuring the total amount of CO2 evolved and CO2 generation rates. To investigate the effect of hydrological conditions, samples were collected in a typical dry (April) and wet (October) season and from short- and long-hydroperiod sites. Floc from the short-hydroperiod freshwater site generated more CO2 compared to the long-hydroperiod site due to the labile nature of the periphyton-derived organic matter at the former and the presence of more degraded and aged material at the latter. The tidally-influenced Shark River Slough mangrove site generated more CO2 compared to the Taylor Slough mangrove site, likely as a result of phosphorus inputs from the adjacent Gulf of Mexico at the former and reduced phosphorus inputs and prolonged inundation at the latter. Generally, more CO2 was generated during the dry season. Floc respiration rates were faster in the wet season, suggesting that fresh vegetation inputs to the floc can influence this process. Phosphorus and glucose additions enhanced CO2 generation suggesting that phosphorus limitation and carbon quality are important factors regulating floc decomposition.
Effect of gestational and lactational 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin exposure on the level and catalytic activities of hepatic microsomal CYP1A in prepubertal and adult rats

Abstract We determined the inducibility, as well as the persistence of the induction, of hepatic microsomal CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 (by western blot analysis), and their catalytic activities (as measured by resorufin ether O -dealkylation) in prepubertal (25-day-old) and adult (120-day-old) offspring of timed-pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). TCDD treatment was subcutaneous, at a low dose of 0.1 μg/kg, on gestational days 7, 14, and 20, and on lactational days 7 and 14. CYP1A1 protein was induced significantly (23-fold) in prepubertal but not in adult offspring of TCDD-exposed dams, whereas ethoxyresorufin O -deethylase (EROD) activity, which is CYP1A1-preferential, was induced less extensively (5-fold) and slightly (1.7-fold) in the prepubertal and adult offspring, respectively. Benzyloxyresorufin O -debenzylase (BROD) activity, which is CYP2B-preferential but has been reported to be catalyzed by CYP1A1, was also induced 5- and 6-fold in prepubertal and adult offspring, respectively, of TCDD-exposed dams. However, the induced BROD activity was neither inhibited by antibody against CYP1A1 nor accompanied by an elevated level of microsomal CYP2B. CYP1A2 was induced slightly only in prepubertal offspring of TCDD-treated dams. There was suggestive evidence of enhanced lipid peroxidation in hepatic microsomes from prepubertal but not adult offspring of TCDD-treated dams. These data showed that in utero plus lactational TCDD exposure effected transient induction of hepatic microsomal CYP1A1 but sustained induction of BROD activity, which may be catalyzed by enzymes other than CYP1A or CYP2B.
Phanerozoic continental accretion and the metamorphic evolution of northern and central california

Abstract The late Paleozoic and younger tectonic fabric of California north of the Transverse Ranges consists of accreted exotic and parautochthonous lithic belts which extend north-south and northwest-southeast, separated from one another by subvertical strike-slip faults and gently to steeply east-dipping thrust faults. Where recognizable, folds in general verge to the west and stratigraphic tops face east, a rough but systematic westward decrease in geologic age and metamorphic intensity may also be recognized. Exotic terranes of uncertain provenance include the central metamorphic belt of the Klamath Mountains, and the Salina-Sur-Obispo composite block of the central Coast Ranges. Pre-Permian sections of the eastern Klamath terrane and portions of the Sierran Calaveras-Melones complex may also represent far-traveled crustal entities. Allochthonous oceanic basement, seamounts, and pelagic sediments are additional transported materials widespread in most of the parautochthonous lithotectonic belts that make up much of the rest of northern and central California, ophiolitic assemblages are especially abundant along the fault zones which mark boundaries between these units. The parautochthonous lithotectonic belts appear to have been constructed in the vicinity of the continental margin and/or an offshore arc, judging from the nature and provenance of their constituent igneous and sedimentary rocks, intimately associated tholeiitic-calc-alkaline complexes indicate that, at least locally, ophiolite generation occurred nearby. The Salinia-Sur-Obispo amalgamated terrane exhibits the effects of fragmentation and removal of crust—now represented by the suture juxtaposing the two blocks. Other areas may have been subjected to similar truncations, but relationships are not as clear. Far-traveled terranes are characterized by ages of formation and recrystallization foreign to surrounding units, the nature of the protoliths and grades of metamorphism developed within them contrast with those of juxtaposed lithotectonic belts. On the other hand, essentially in situ growth of many Californian lithotectonic belts is suggested by a gradually decreasing age of formation and both monotonically decreasing times and grades of metamorphism proceeding towards the Pacific basin. Some parautochthonous units as well as exotic terranes are locally bounded by discontinuous blueschist belts, the latter attesting to at least episodic preservation of the effects of subduction, metamorphism and offloading into the accreting continental margin. Phanerozoic evolution of northern and central California thus apparently consisted of a more or less in situ seaward encroachment of the continental margin relative to the craton involving occasional truncation and loss of section, with a concomitant semi-continuous or episodic incorporation of allochthonous seamounts, oceanic crust, and deep-sea sediments and the less frequent arrival and juxtaposition of exotic microcontinental fragments of problematic but distant source.
Problem decomposition for adaptive hp finite element methods

Problem decomposition strategies for load balancing parallel computations on adaptive hp finite element discretizations are discussed in this work. The special difficulties that arise in partitioning these discretizations are highlighted. Three classes of algorithms—mesh traversal based on orderings, interface based decompositions and recursive bisection of orderings are discussed. A new ordering scheme for efficient recursive bisection of orderings is introduced. Details of the algorithms and examples along with discussions of their merits and demerits are presented. Recursive bisection on the new ordering introduced here outperforms several known algorithms on test cases.
Self-assessment in educational programs for adults

The point of self-assessment is to have a clearer sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to live an effective and satisfying life.
Microstructure designing of silicon nitride

A new concept of materials design that allows simultaneous control of the morphologies and distribution of the structural elements at plural scale levels to create a new family of advanced ceramics was proposed. The validity of the concept was experimentally demonstrated using silicon nitride ceramics as model materials. Controlling anisotropic grain growth by seeding of small amounts of morphologically regulated, β-silicon nitride single crystals (micro-scale level control), combined with alignment of the seed particles by tape casting followed by stacking of laminates (macro-scale level control) allows compatibility of high strength and high fracture toughness in this material, with a high degree of reliability for the mechanical strength.
Dart formation in Helix aspersa (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

Dart formation in Helix aspersa has been investigated by SEM of isolated darts at progressive stages in their development, and by histology of dart sacs at the same times. Dart formation begins at the tip of a tubercle where a small group of epithelial cells secrete an organic material filling a small CaCO3 cone that is the first mineralized part of the shaft. Subsequent secretory activity by an increasing area of the tubercle epithelium results in an increase in the diameter and anterior lengthening of the shaft. Continued secretion by the tubercle and dart sac epithelium produces the flare and finally the corona. A pattern of deposition is also evident in the fine structure of the mineral. In the shaft and vanes there is an inner layer of spherulitic prismatic structure which is covered by a layer of irregular patches of simple prismatic structure. The outermost layer of the shaft and vanes has a continuous simple prismatic structure. Two layers are present in the flare, an inner granular amorphous layer and an outer spherulitic prismatic layer. The corona consists of a single rarefied prismatic layer. A mechanism of dart formation is suggested that involves two types of organic matrix, calcifying and non-calcifying. Measurements of the calcium content of darts, dart sacs, and collars indicate that the hemolymph is the probable source of calcium for the dart.
Description and evaluation of a preventive mental health program for preschoolers.

A school-based model of preventive intervention is described which identified and significantly overcame school maladaptation among preschool children enrolled in a Detroit Public School Title I Program. Children were screened by teachers for learning and behavioral difficulties using the AML Scale, the Classroom Adjustment Rating Scale, and the Caldwell Preschool Inventory. Sixtyfour children were identified on the basis of these instruments as exhibiting some form of school maladaptation. These children were randomly assigned to an experimental condition (N=32)or placebo control (N=32).Individually designed prescriptive techniques were developed for high-risk children in the experimental group and were implemented by college student aides after training by the project staff. A multivariate analysis of variance and follow-up univariate analyses, testing differences between experimental and control groups on the posttests, were performed. The difference between the groups on all three criteria measures was significant and favored the experimental children.
Pneumocystis carinii mutations associated with sulfa and sulfone prophylaxis failures in AIDS patients

Background Failures of prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS patients do occur, but no evidence for drug resistance has yet been presented. Objective To determine whether mutations in the sulfa and sulfone drug target are associated with failure of prophylaxis using a sulfa-containing agent. Methods Portions of the gene for P. carinii dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), the sulfa and sulfone target, from 27 patients (20 of whom had AIDS) diagnosed with PCP between 1976 and 1997 were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Seven of the 27 patients (all of whom had AIDS) were receiving sulfa or sulfone drugs as prophylaxis for PCP. Results Mutations were found at only two amino-acid positions and were significantly more common in patients who received sulfa/sulfone prophylaxis. Mutations were observed in five (71%) out of seven isolates from AIDS patients receiving sulfa/sulfone as prophylaxis compared with only two (15%) out of 13 specimens from AIDS patients who did not (P = 0.022). No mutations were seen in isolates from seven non-HIV-infected patients, none of whom were on prophylaxis. Mutations were only observed in specimens obtained in 1995-1997. Conclusions Mutations in two amino-acid positions were significantly more common in AIDS patients with PCP who failed sulfa/sulfone prophylaxis. These amino acids appeared to be directly involved in both substrate and sulfa binding, based on homology to the Escherichia coli DHPS crystal structure. Thus, the results were consistent with the possibility that mutations in the P. carinii DHPS are responsible for some of the failures of sulfa/sulfone prophylaxis in AIDS patients.
A new approach to the summarization of data

Abstract We introduce a new approach to the summarization of data based upon the theory of fuzzy subsets. This new summarization allows for a linguistic summary of the data and is useful for both numeric and nonnumeric data. It summarizes the data in terms of three values: a summarizer, a quantity in agreement, and a truth value. We also discuss a procedure for investigating the informativeness of a summary.
BACTERIAL RESISTANCE AND ANTIBIOTIC USE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Since the discovery of the sulfonamides and penicillin in the 1920s and 1930s, physicians around the world have had a seemingly ever-increasing armamentarium of antimicrobial agents with which to do battle against the infectious diseases that threaten the health of humankind. Although antibiotics have undoubtedly saved millions of lives, their widespread and often indiscriminate use has generated its own set of problems. Increasing antibiotic resistance among bacteria presents a renewed challenge for physicians. This article reviews the history of antibiotic resistance, its causes, and its role in infectious processes faced in the pediatric emergency setting. In addition, strategies for the judicious use of antibiotics in the emergency department are discussed.
BARYON ANNIHILATION AND EXOTIC EXCHANGE.

Within the framework of duality and quark diagrams, we suggest the importance of connecting the annihilation processes in $B\overline{B}$ collisions to the exchange of an ($\ensuremath{\epsilon}$) trajectory with $\mathrm{qq}\overline{q}\overline{q}$ quark content. It is argued that this $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ should be an exchange-degenerate pair with natural parity and $I=0$. It is coupled strongly to the $B\overline{B}$ system at $t=0$. For the positive $t$ region, it is expected to be manifest as a physical vector meson with $G=\ensuremath{-}1$ at around 1 GeV. Available data do not rule out its existence.