cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dating Middle Palaeolithic red beds in southern Greece

Late Quaternary red beds with associated Mousterian tools are widely distributed in Greece but have not been previously dated by direct methods. Here we extend the findings of a geological and archaeological study of the interaction between human settlement and landscape in the southern Argolid (Fig. 1) during the late Quaternary1,3. Uranium-series dates were obtained from groundwater carbonate crusts, formed on Mousterian tools found in the southern Argolid, and from pedogenic carbonates found in the red beds that contain them. These dates indicate an age of ∼50,000 yr BP for the Mousterian tools and identify three episodes of red bed formation, beginning in the mid-Pleistocene and ending before the last glacial maximum. The radiometric dates are the first for the Mousterian in southern Greece and the first for alluvial red beds in the Mediterranean region.
Foreshadowing Montana's winter precipitation (verfication)

(1) It was generally but vaguely held at one time that the modest but real success of the official predictions of the summer monsoon-rainfall in India was due to the peculiar nature of the monsoon. However, it appears from Walker's studies and from the fact that seasonal foreshadowing has been adopted by the official services of several other countries that, as far as it can be shown, the principles on which the predictions of monsoons are based evolve from the apparent fact that the rainfall of India during monsoon, like the winter precipitation of northwest central North America, for example, is but one of a substantial number of elements which have the property of being components of several interconnected relationships which go by the name of Oscillations [see 1 of “References” at end of paper[. (The term “foreshadowing” as applied to predictions of the seasonal weather was introduced by Walker to denote the difference between the rather detailed daily forecast and the seasonal forecast, which is given in more general terms; the term refers to forecasting the “weather-trend,” and is thus akin to the term “witterungsvorhersage” adopted by Baur.)
Exploring Chemical Equilibrium with Poker Chips: A General Chemistry Laboratory Exercise

A hands-on laboratory exercise at the general chemistry level introduces students to chemical equilibrium through a simulation that uses poker chips and rate equations. More specifically, the exercise allows students to explore reaction tables, dynamic chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constant expressions, and the equilibrium constant based on rate constants. Poker chips are used to simulate the reactants and products of two reversible elementary reactions.
A randomized, double-masked trial of topical ketorolac versus artificial tears for treatment of viral conjunctivitis.

Abstract Objective To determine if topical ketorolac 0.5% relieves the symptoms and signs of viral conjunctivitis better than artificial tears. Design Randomized, controlled trial. Participants One hundred seventeen patients with a clinical diagnosis of viral conjunctivitis were randomized to the treatment group or control group. Methods Physicians and patients were masked to treatment. Patients in the treatment group received topical ketorolac 0.5% four times daily. Patients in the control group received artificial tears four times daily. Symptom and sign scores were recorded on the day of recruitment and at the time of a follow-up examination 3 to 4 days later. Main outcome measures Change in six symptoms of conjunctivitis (overall discomfort, itching, foreign body sensation, tearing, redness, and lid swelling) and four signs of conjunctivitis (conjunctival injection, conjunctival chemosis, conjunctival mucus, and lid edema). Adverse effects were also studied. Results A total of 105 patients returned for their 3- to 4-day follow-up. Both the artificial tear and ketorolac groups showed improvement in all symptom scores at their 3- to 4-day follow-up visit. There was no statistically significant difference between the change in symptom scores between the treatment group and control group in any symptom category except redness. Patients in the control group were more likely to report improvement in redness than those in the treatment group, P = 0.012. There was no statistically significant difference between the change in sign scores between the treatment and control groups. Ketorolac 0.5% was more likely to produce stinging than artificial tears, 59.2% versus 18.8%, P Conclusions Topical ketorolac 0.5% used four times daily is no better than artificial tears at relieving the symptoms or signs of viral conjunctivitis and produces more stinging than artificial tears.
Plants interact with microbial polysaccharides.

Plants are resistant to almost all of the microorganisms with which they come in contact. In response to invasion by a fungus, bacterium, or a virus, many plants produce low molecular weight compounds, phytoalexins, which inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Phytoalexins are produced whether or not the invading microorganism is a pathogen. The production of phytoalexins appears to be a widespread mechanism by which plants attempt to defend themselves against pests. Molecules of microbial origin which trigger phytoalexin accumulation in plants are called elicitors. Structural polysaccharides from the mycelial walls of several fungi elicit phytoalexin accumlation in plants. Approximately 10 ng of the polysaccharide elicits the accumulation in plants of more than sufficient amounts of phytoalexin to stop the growth of microorganisms in vitro. The best characterized elicitors have been demonstrated to be β-1,3-glucans with branches to the 6 position of some of the glucosyl residues. Oligosaccharides, produced by partial acid hydrolysis of the mycelial wall glucans, are exceptionally active elicitors. The smallest oligosaccharide which is still an effective elicitor is composed of about 8 sugar residues. Bacteria also elicit phytoalexin accumulation in plants, but the Rhizobium symbionts of legumes presumably have a mechanism which allows them to avoid either eliciting phytoalexin accumulation or the effects of the phytoalexins if they are accumulated. The lectins of legumes bind to the lipopolysaccharides of their symbiont, but not of their non-symbiont, Rhizobium. It is not known whether the lectin-lipopolysaccharide interaction is involved with the establishment of symbiosis. However, evidence will be presented that suggests that lectins are, in fact, enzymes capable of modifying the structurs of the lipopolysaccharides of their symbiont, but not of their non-symbiont, Rhizobium. It will also be shown that the lipopolysaccharides isolated from different Rhizobium species and from different strains of individual Rhizobium species have different sugar compositions. Thus, the different strains of a single Rhizobium species are as different from one another as the different species of Salmonella and other gram-negative bacteria. This conclusion is substantiated by experiments demonstrating that antibodies to the lipopolysaccharide from a single Rhizobium strain can differentiate that strain from other strains of the same species as well as from other Rhizobium species. The role in symbiosis of the strain-specific O-antigens is unknown.
Factors Influencing Individual Creativity in the Workplace: An Examination of Quantitative Empirical Research:

Research on individual creativity within human resource development (HRD) has emerged as a body of research fairly recently. This article explores individual employee creativity by detailing identi...
On the Uniqueness and Transformation of the Coleman‐Noll Approximation Theorem for Functionals

It is shown that if a change of the argument function is made in a functional the value of the n-th order Coleman-Noll approximation is unaltered. The result means, for example, that any suitably invariant measure of strain may be used in developing an approximation to a functional constitutive equation in continuum mechanics. Also, the transformation of an approximation from one strain measure to another is developed. Es wird gezeigt, das beim Wechsel der Argumentfunktion im Funktional der Wert der Coleman-Nollschen Approximation n-ter Ordnung ungeandert bleibt. Auf Grund dieser Tatsache kann man z. B. in der Kontinuumsmechanik jedes passende invariante Spannungsmas bei der Berechnung einer Approximation fur eine charakteristische Funktionalgleichung (functional constitutive equation) verwenden. Auserdem wird gezeigt, wie sich eine Approximation beim Ubergang von einem Spannungsmas zu einem anderen transformiert.
Price Discrimination in the World Trade of Agricultural Commodities: A Reply

make possible the use of more labor eventually be possible; but, for a long per acre so that these millions of landtime to come, small farms will prove less families may be effectively abbest for augmenting agricultural prosorbed in agriculture. With the growth duction. of the economy and the easing of BELA MUKHOTI pressure on land in the distant future, Lakehead University increase in farm size will of course Ontario, Canada
Effects of simulations on the learning of pharmacokinetic concepts

Abstract Objectives Although the use of computer simulations in pharmacokinetics courses is not new, the data on the effects of simulation on student learning are scarce. The objective of this study was to design and evaluate the use of web-based simulations on the learning of pharmacokinetic concepts by doctor of pharmacy students. Methods Six online modules were designed to allow the instructor and students to use ‘what-if' scenarios for understanding the effects of various dosage regimens and/or pharmacokinetic parameters on the plasma concentration time courses of drugs. The designed modules were intravenous and oral pharmacokinetic concepts, bioavailability, intravenous infusion, multiple dosing, nonlinear pharmacokinetics, and hepatic clearance. The effects of simulation modules on student learning were tested in pre- and post-tests for the multiple dosing module and in midterm assessments for the hepatic clearance concepts. Additionally, the students' perceptions of the effectiveness of the modules were determined using a survey. Results Compared with a pre-test, a 10-minute use of the multiple dosing module in class by students resulted in a 21% improvement in the performance of the students in a post-test. Additionally, the use of the hepatic clearance module outside the classroom was associated with a 16% improvement in their performance in a midterm assessment. Finally, the students' responses to an attitudinal survey indicated that students believe the use of modules improves their learning of pharmacokinetic concepts. Conclusions Online simulation modules dealing with pharmacokinetic concepts improve student learning of pharmacokinetics.
Determination of means by invariance

Abstract If M is a mean on R + n and M ( f ( x 1 ) , f ( x 2 ) , … , f ( x n ) ) = f ( M ( x 1 , x 2 , … , x n ) ) then we say that M is invariant under f. The problem is to find a class of functions that by invariance determines a mean uniquely. We focus on the geometric mean, which can be transformed to obtain results for other means.
Reliability of clinicians versus radiologists for detecting abnormalities on hysterosalpingogram films.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the consistency of the identification of abnormal findings on hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and compare the reliability of clinicians to that of radiologists. Design: Evaluation of reliability of diagnostic test. Patient(s): Women undergoing evaluation for infertility. Intevention(s): Retrospective review of 50 HSG films by three reproductive endocrinologists and three radiologists. Each film was reread 30 days later in a blinded fashion. Main Outcome Measure(s): The consistency of each individual reader, the reliability of detecting specific abnormalities, and the consistency of clinicians compared with radiologists was evaluated with a kappa ( K ) statistic and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Result(s): Average intrareader reliability was high for the detection of normal uterus, normal tubes, and tubal obstruction and low for the detection of hydrosalpinx, uterine adhesions, and pelvic adhesions. Inter-reader reliability was high in the detection of normal uterine contour, normal tubal patency, and uterine filling defect and lower for the detection of a hydrosalpinx. The reliability of detecting pelvic adhesion or salpingitis isthmica nodosa was poor. Conclusion(s): Intrareader reliability was generally good, especially for the detection of normal findings. Agreement among different readers is lower in detecting rare outcomes such as hydrosalpinx and pelvic adhesion and salpingitis isthmica nodosa. Clinicians more reliably diagnose hydrosalpinx and tubal obstruction, while radiologists more reliably detect the more subtle findings of salpingitis isthmica nodosa or uterine adhesions.
Theorem about the existence and uniqueness of a solution of a nonlocal abstract Cauchy problem in a Banach space

The aim of the paper is to give a theorem about the existence and uniqueness of a solution of a nonlocal Cauchy problem for an ordinary differential equation in a Banach space. The Banach theorem about the fixed point is used to prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution of the problem considered. The result obtained in this paper can be applied among other things to the description of motion phenomena with better effect than the classical Cauchy problem.
Structural change in the U.S. economy: 1850–1900

Abstract Structural change models are potentially ideal for abstracting from a “watershed” event like the U.S. Civil War, in that they seek to explain the transformation of economies from agricultural to industrial on the basis of labor movement and incentives rather than on technical changes. We define the Civil War as a regime shift that necessitated a structural movement of labor from Southern agriculture to Northern manufacturing, and design empirical tests to determine whether this formulation fits the empirical data better than theories, such as the Beard–Hacker thesis, that characterize the U.S. transformation as an abrupt adjustment to technical shocks. We conclude that the data indicate just such a structural movement.
Prediction Skill of the NAO and PNA from Daily to Seasonal Time Scales

Abstract The skill of state-of-the-art operational dynamical models in predicting the two most important modes of variability in the Northern Hemisphere extratropical atmosphere, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection patterns, is investigated at time scales ranging from daily to seasonal. Two uncoupled atmospheric models used for deterministic forecasting in the short to medium range as well as eight fully coupled atmosphere–land–ocean forecast models used for monthly and seasonal forecasting are examined and compared. For the short to medium range, the level of forecast skill for the two indices is higher than that for the entire Northern Hemisphere extratropical flow. The forecast skill of the PNA is higher than that of the NAO. The forecast skill increases with the magnitude of the NAO and PNA indices, but the relationship is not pronounced. The probability density function (PDF) of the NAO and PNA indices is negatively skewed, in agreement with the distri...
A mitochondrial DNA mutation in a patient with an extensive family history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

One challenge in the molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorders is detection of a low percentage of mutant heteroplasmy. We report a patient who had a delayed molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome due to the complication of an extensive family history of another neuromuscular disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the failure to detect a low proportion of mutant A3243G mtDNA with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)/ethidium bromide detection method. Using an improved, more sensitive allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) radioactive dot-blot hybridization method, a low degree of A3243G heteroplasmy was detected in several tissues from this patient. This case underscores the importance of a sensitive mutation detection method and the need for a search for mtDNA mutations if the patient's clinical symptoms suggest a mitochondrial disorder despite the family background of another neuromuscular disease. Muscle Nerve 30: 118–122, 2004
Some practical aspects of allergy

T HE practical aspects of allergy are quite different for physician, parent, and patient. The physician is primarily interested in diagnosis and treatment. The parent and patient are concerned with immediate results of treatment, its execution, cost, and inconvenience, as well as the prognosis and possible complications of the disease. The emphasis in this presentation will be on respiratory allergy, and some aspects of eczema and urticaria, since our experience with nearly three thousand allergic children seen in the Duke Hospital Pediatric Allergy Clinic in the past ten years shows these to b.e the most common problems. M. ajor allergy is present in at ,least 10 per cent of the general population, and an additional estimated 50 per cent may have minor allergy. 1 Asthma began before 10 years of age in at least one-third of adult asthmatics reported by Derbes and Engelhardt. 2 A tabulation of some of our personal experience with allergic children stresses even more the early age of onset (Table I). These observations emphasize the importance of major allergy as a pediatric problem. If time permitted a discussion of minor allergic symptoms in children we would find that allergy often accounts for much other illness as well. The pediatrician has a unique advantage over a consulting allergist, in that he already knows the family history, the details of environment, the emotional factors, activities, infection, diet, and medication which the child has had since birth. He knows which children are unsupervised or overprotected, which households are chaotic and which ones run smoothly (Table II) . This knowledge of nonspeeific and possible allergic factors is considered vital information by the allergist, who acquires it only by laborious cross examination. The only thing the pediatrician lacks to become a good practical allergist is a little more information about the common allergens, and a reminder that allergic diseases vary greatly in severity. In mild allergy the onset of symptoms following exposure to an allergen is more delayed than in marked sensitivity and may require reinforcement by nonspecific factors.
Characterization of Two Outer Membrane Proteins, FlgO and FlgP, That Influence Vibrio cholerae Motility

Vibrio cholerae is highly motile by the action of a single polar flagellum. The loss of motility reduces the infectivity of V. cholerae, demonstrating that motility is an important virulence factor. FlrC is the sigma-54-dependent positive regulator of flagellar genes. Recently, the genes VC2206 (flgP) and VC2207 (flgO) were identified as being regulated by FlrC via a microarray analysis of an flrC mutant (D. C. Morris, F. Peng, J. R. Barker, and K. E. Klose, J. Bacteriol. 190:231-239, 2008). FlgP is reported to be an outer membrane lipoprotein required for motility that functions as a colonization factor. The study reported here focuses on the characterization of flgO, the first gene in the flgOP operon. We show that FlgO and FlgP are important for motility, as strains with mutations in the flgOP genes have reduced motility phenotypes. The flgO and flgP mutant populations display fewer motile cells as well as reduced numbers of flagellated cells. The flagella produced by the flgO and flgP mutant strains are shorter in length than the wild-type flagella, which can be restored by inhibiting rotation of the flagellum. FlgO is an outer membrane protein that localizes throughout the membrane and not at the flagellar pole. Although FlgO and FlgP do not specifically localize to the flagellum, they are required for flagellar stability. Due to the nature of these motility defects, we established that the flagellum is not sufficient for adherence; rather, motility is the essential factor required for attachment and thus colonization by V. cholerae O1 of the classical biotype. This study reveals a novel mechanism for which the outer membrane proteins FlgO and FlgP function in motility to mediate flagellar stability and influence attachment and colonization.
GILQUIN, GAËTANALLE, SYLVIE DE COCK, & SYLVIANE GRANGER. (Eds.). LINDSEI: Louvain International Database of Spoken English Interlanguage. Louvain, Belgium: UCL Presses, 2010. Pp. ix, 111. $257.75, paper and CD–ROM (single site license). ISBN 978–2–87463–245–7.

A review of the book "LINDSEI: Louvain International Database of Spoken English Inter-Language," with a CD-ROM, edited by Gaētenelle Gilquin, Sylvie De Cock, and Sylviane Granger, is presented.
Transmissivity Estimates from Well Hydrographs in Karst and Fractured Aquifers

Hydrograph recessions from rainfall events have been previously analyzed for discharge at springs and streams; however, relatively little quantitative research has been conducted with regard to hydrograph analysis of recessions from monitoring wells screened in karst aquifers. In previous work, a quantitative hydrograph analysis technique has been proposed from which matrix transmissivity (i.e., transmissivity of intergranular porosity) and specific yields of matrix, fracture, and conduit components of the aquifer may be determined from well hydrographs. The technique has yielded realistic results at three sites tested by the authors (Y-12, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Crane, Indiana; and Fort Campbell, Kentucky). Observed field data, as well as theoretical considerations, show that karst well hydrographs are valid indicators of hydraulic properties of the associated karst aquifers. Results show matrix transmissivity (T) values to be in good agreement with values calculated using more traditional parameter estimation techniques, such as aquifer pumping tests and slug tests in matrix dominated wells. While the hydrograph analysis technique shows promise for obtaining reliable estimates of karst aquifer T with a simple, relatively inexpensive and passive method, the utility of the technique is limited in its application depending on site-specific hydrologic conditions, which include shallow, submerged conduit systems located in areas with sufficient rainfall for water levels to respond to precipitation events.
Tumour volume is an independent predictor of prostate‐specific antigen recurrence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Authors from the USA sought to establish the relationship between tumour volume, pathological stage and outcomes after radical prostatectomy. In a large series of patients they found that tumour volume was correlated directly with pathological stage, and that it was independently correlated with PSA recurrence. The authors suggested that tumour volume had a potential use for prognostication in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Two papers, one from the USA and one from Germany, advise a re-staging TUR in patients with superficial bladder cancer who are at high risk of early tumour progression. In a large series of patients they found that residual tumour after initial resection was commoner than might be expected, and that the second resection indicated the way to earlier radical treatment and a better prognosis. OBJECTIVE To establish the relationship between tumour volume (TV), pathological stage and outcome after radical prostatectomy (RP), as TV is theoretically an important variable in prostate cancer pathology, but to date it has not been routinely reported and its independent prognostic significance is not well defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 431 consecutive patients undergoing RP for clinically localized cancer, from January 2000 to January 2002, who had a pathological examination of totally submitted whole-mount processed RP specimens. In addition to Gleason grade, tumour stage and margin assessment by standard techniques, TV was determined by digital planimetry. The total TV or index TV, for cases with obvious discrete separate tumours, were correlated with pathological stage and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence. RESULTS The mean (range) follow-up was 25.4 (6–51) months, and the mean TV for all patients was 3.28 (0.4–38.8) mL. There was a direct correlation between TV and pathological stage (P < 0.001). The TV for organ-confined and extraprostatic disease was 2.09 and 6.02 mL, respectively (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, TV was an independent predictor of PSA recurrence (P = 0.04). The mean TV for patients with PSA recurrence vs no recurrence was 6.8 and 2.6 mL, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION TV correlates directly with pathological stage in RP specimens; furthermore, it is independently correlated with PSA recurrence. TV has potential use for prognostication in patients undergoing RP, and may be combined with other well established clinical variables to aid in predicting outcomes.
Studies on Mesothrips (Thysanoptera : Tubulifera)

Abstract The genus Mesothrips is redefined on the basis of revisionary studies involving 31 species for which a detailed key is provided. The species Mesothrips bianchli, elaeocarpi, fulmeki, mcmecylonicus, momdi, orientalis, and vitis are described as new.
Voting Patterns on Hungarian Parliamentary Elections in 2002–2006

In the post–communist transitional era, Hungarian elections show diverse results among various areas, raising the question if there are firmly embedded differences between some parts of the country. In the light of the election returns between 1985–2006, it appears that there is a more or less definite pattern. This study will examine the 2006 legislative returns and compare the results with the previous trends and especially the 2002 data, testing the validity of the findings indicating the presence of some fairly constant regional standards of voting. As a main indicator of past trends we use mostly the territorial (party) lists which provide more accurate picture of voting preferences that individual districts which in runoffs carry an indirect distortion of voters’ primary preferences by other considerations.2 For a deeper analysis of the recent 2002 and 2006 elections, we will compare the first run individual district voting outcomes, as they give the more accurate picture of the voters’ real preferences.
A Brief Review of Vaccination Coverage in Immunization Registries

Immunization registries are effective electronic tools for assessing vaccination coverage, but are only as good as the information reported to them. This review summarizes studies through August 2010 on vaccination coverage in registries and identifies key characteristics of successful registries. Based on the current state of registries, paper-based charts combined with electronic registry reporting provide the most cohesive picture of coverage. To ultimately supplant paper charts, registries must exhibit increased coverage and participation.
Underwater optical communications systems part 1: variability of water optical parameters

In this paper, we examine the fundamental physics and natural variability of underwater (u/w) optical attenuation. Using data collected recently in the Yellow Sea, Arabian Gulf, and East China Sea, we describe the persistent features of the near-surface and near-seafloor optical conditions. Depth profiles are shown for optical parameters relevant to u/w communications studies: the diffuse attenuation coefficient (K) and the beam attenuation coefficient (c). Profiles of K and c demonstrate how these coefficients can vary with depth. Sediment-laden nepheloid layers occur at the bottom of many littoral waters; the largest effect is usually in the shallowest water profiles. There can be a significant difference in the communications range at the top and bottom of the water column. This paper shows that satellite data can only be used to estimate optical attenuation coefficients in the top layers of the water column; they does describe the water clarity in littoral waters of any significant depth because this type of remote sensing misses the subsurface variability. Therefore, in-situ profiles are needed to accurately describe the vertical variability in optical clarity that is needed to evaluate u/w optical communication performance
Steroidal sapogenins. LVIII. Steroidal sapogenins from the Joshua tree

The Joshua tree,Yucca brevifolia, is distributed over parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. A study of its steroidal sapogenins showed that the leaves contain practically none; the wood, small amounts of smilagenin; the seeds high amounts of hecogenin and tigogenin.
AMPLICOR™ MTB polymerase chain reaction test for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in positive difco ESP II broth cultures

The reliability of the Roche AMPLICOR polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) test for identification of M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in Difco ESP II broth cultures was evaluated by testing aliquots from all cultures, regardless of specimen type, that were signaled positive by the ESP instrument. Polymerase chain reaction results were compared to those obtained by usual laboratory protocol, whereby MTBC was identified by DNA probe (Gen Probe, Inc., San Diego, California, USA), testing sediment from broth samples or colonies on a solid medium. Of the 242 signal-positive ESP II cultures (from 182 patients) evaluated, 98 (40.5%) contained mycobacteria, including 26 MTBC. On initial testing, 27 samples were positive by PCR; 22 of these were MTBC culture positive, and 5 were culture negative for mycobacteria. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PCR were 84.6, 97.7, 81.5, and 98.1%, respectively. Based on review of the medical records of the patients for whom PCR and culture results were discrepant, one PCR-positive culture negative was a true PCR positive; thus the actual sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PCR were 85.2, 98.1, 85.2, and 98.1%. Two of the PCR-negative, MTBC culture-positive samples were blood specimens collected in an Isolator tube; and these tubes contain sodium polyanetholsulfonate, which seems to inhibit PCR. If blood specimens are excluded from analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for PCR are 92.0, 97.6, 85.2, and 98.8%, respectively. The mean times from specimen receipt to identification of MTBC were 19 (+/- 2) days (range, 6 to 39 days) for ESP II plus AMPLICOR MTB PCR and 25 (+/- 2) days (range, 8 to 42 days) for DNA probe testing of sediment from broth or colonies on solid media (p < .05). These data indicate that the AMPLICOR MTB PCR test is a rapid, reliable method for identification of MTBC in positive ESP II cultures, excluding blood specimens collected in Isolator tubes.
EVALUATION OF THE WAGNER IRREVERSIBLE CONSTITUTIVE EQUATION

A constitutive equation based on the concept of the irreversibility of the rupture of a polymer network has been previously proposed as an improvement to the K-BKZ model. This Wagner irreversible constitutive equation is evaluated here using data from double-step shear strain experiments. It is shown that the Wagner irreversible model does not in general provide good predictions when a comprehensive set of deformation histories is considered.
Placental transfer and fetal tissue uptake of Mg28 in the rabbit.

SummaryMg28 was injected intravenously into 11 pregnant rabbits between 28 and 30 days of gestation. Fetuses and placentas were removed at intervals ranging from 7 minutes to 26 hours. Maternal tissue uptake of Mg28 resembled that previously found in nonpregnant young adult rabbits, except that uptake in bone and muscle was slower. Concentration of Mg28 in the placenta rapidly rose above the maternal plasma level. Specific activity of magnesium in all fetal tissues studied reached a fairly constant value by 26 hours. Magnesium turnover in tissues of the fetus in utero, especially in bone and muscle, is considerably more rapid than that in the respective tissues of the mother.Mg28 was supplied by Brookhaven Laboratory on allccation from U. S. Atomic Energy Comm.
Eplerenone Cardiovascular Protection

Data from animal studies and clinical trials indicate that aldosterone causes cardiovascular and renal injury through mineralocorticoid receptor-dependent mechanisms. However, although aldosterone receptor antagonism reduces mortality in patients with congestive heart failure, the progestational and antiandrogenic side effects of the nonspecific aldosterone receptor antagonist, spironolactone, have limited its usefulness in the treatment of hypertension. This review provides an overview of the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of a new, more selective aldosterone receptor antagonist, eplerenone, in the context of emerging concepts of the role of aldosterone in cardiovascular toxicity.
Bayesian predictive approach to interim monitoring in clinical trials

This paper reviews Bayesian strategies for monitoring clinical trial data. It focuses on a Bayesian stochastic curtailment method based on the predictive probability of observing a clinically significant outcome at the scheduled end of the study given the observed data. The proposed method is applied to derive efficacy and futility stopping rules in clinical trials with continuous, normally distributed and binary endpoints. The sensitivity of the resulting stopping rules to the choice of prior distributions is examined and guidelines for choosing a prior distribution of the treatment effect are discussed. The Bayesian predictive approach is compared to the frequentist (conditional power) and mixed Bayesian-frequentist (predictive power) approaches. The interim monitoring strategies discussed in the paper are illustrated using examples from a small proof-of-concept study and a large mortality trial.
Mutual information rate, distortion, and quantization in metric spaces

Several new properties as well as simplified proofs of known properties are developed for the mutual information rate between discrete-time random processes whose alphabets are Borel subsets of complete separable metric spaces. In particular, the asymptotic properties of quantizers for such spaces provide a fink with finite-alphabet processes and yield the ergodic decomposition of mutual information rate. This result is used to prove the equality of stationary and ergodic process distortion-rate functions with the usual distortion-rate function. An unusual definition of mutual information rate for continuous-alphabet processes is used, but it is shown to be operationally appropriate and more useful mathematically; it provides an intuitive link between continuous-alphabet and finite-alphabet processes, and it allows generalizations of some fundamental results of ergodic theory that are useful for information theory.
A Diphtheria Epidemic in a Religious Sect: An Anthropological Assessment of a Public Health Intervention

In this report I evaluate the outcome of an educational program initiated by public health officials and targeted at members of a small religious sect. The program focused specifically on teaching sect members scientific facts about diphtheria and other communicable diseases. The sect does not believe in immunizations or other medical interventions, and health officials assumed that members would accept medical care for diphtheria if they understood communicable diseases from a scientific perspective. The research revealed that although members who attended educational sessions had more scientific knowledge about communicable diseases than did members who did not attend the classes, none of them intended to change religiously based beliefs or behaviors about diphtheria either now or in the future.
Bayesian multiple imputation for missing multivariate longitudinal data from a Parkinson’s disease clinical trial

In Parkinson's disease (PD) clinical trials, Parkinson's disease is studied using multiple outcomes of various types (e.g. binary, ordinal, continuous) collected repeatedly over time. The overall treatment effects across all outcomes can be evaluated based on a global test statistic. However, missing data occur in outcomes for many reasons, e.g. dropout, death, etc., and need to be imputed in order to conduct an intent-to-treat analysis. We propose a Bayesian method based on item response theory to perform multiple imputation while accounting for multiple sources of correlation. Sensitivity analysis is performed under various scenarios. Our simulation results indicate that the proposed method outperforms standard methods such as last observation carried forward and separate random effects model for each outcome. Our method is motivated by and applied to a Parkinson's disease clinical trial. The proposed method can be broadly applied to longitudinal studies with multiple outcomes subject to missingness.
Oral absorption of 21-Corticosteroid Esters: A Function of Aqueous Stability and Intestinal Enzyme Activity and Distribution

The intestinal absorption of hydrocortisone and prednisolone are compared with three water-soluble derivatives (succinate, phosphate, and lysinate) in experiments at two levels of biological system complexity. Rates of absorption are compared by measuring permeabilities from rat intestinal perfusions of drugs and derivatives in solution. Extents of absorption are compared over a 10-fold dose range of parent steroid and with the steroid derivatives by measuring plasma levels from solid oral dosage in dogs. While the parent steroids are well absorbed over the entire length of the intestinal tract, variability in plasma levels is observed at higher doses. Limited solubility and resultant dissolution rate variability are likely to be playing a role in the early erratic blood level profiles found at higher doses. While the soluble prodrugs have a dissolution rate advantage which results in a greater concentration gradient, their absorption is limited by their aqueous luminal stability, their polarity and resultant passive membrane permeability, and the distribution and activity of enzyme reconversion sites in the intestinal tract. The unstable lysinate ester, targeted for aminopeptidase, has an absorption profile and permeability similar to that of the parent steroid. The absorption of the moderately stable succinate ester is limited by its polarity and the activity of intestinal esterases. The stable phosphate derivative is well absorbed in the upper intestine, where high levels of alkaline phosphatase exist, while the prodrug polarity and dropoff of enzyme activity limit its absorption from the lower gastrointestinal (Gl) tract.
Meniscus-Assisted High-Efficiency Magnetic Collection and Separation for EWOD Droplet Microfluidics

This paper describes a technique to increase the efficiency of magnetic concentration on an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD)-based droplet (digital) microfluidic platform operated in air, i.e., on dry surface. Key differences in the force scenario for droplet microfluidics vis-a-vis the conventional continuous microfluidic systems are identified to explain the rationale behind the proposed idea. In particular, the weakness of the magnetic force relative to the bead-substrate adhesion and the liquid-air interfacial tension is highlighted, and a new technique to achieve high-efficiency magnetic collection with the assistance of the interfacial force is proposed. An improvement in collection efficiency (e.g., from ~ 73% to ~ 99%) is observed with the new technique of ldquomeniscus-assisted magnetic bead collectionrdquo. In addition, isolation of the magnetic species from a mixed sample of magnetic and nonmagnetic beads is demonstrated. Comparison with other related reports is also presented.
Forward Inertial Sensor Package for the Compact Kinetic Energy Missile

This paper provides an overview of the Forward ISP, an integral component of the US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command's (RDECOM) in-house Compact Kinetic Energy Missile (CKEM) missile, which was first flight-tested in October 2001. The Forward Inertial Sensor Package (ISP) was introduced on the third flight test in May 2003, and complements an inertial sensor suite in the aft portion of the missile. This paper will focus on the forward sensor suite (the Forward ISP). In addition to providing inertial information to the CKEM's telemetry and flight computer systems, this unit performs two additional functions. First, it functions as an inertial component technology test bed. Secondly, it provides environmental shock and vibration information for the forward nosecone section that houses the wrap around Attitude Control System (ACS), present in Government and industry designs. The US Army's pursuit of a missile design parallel to that of industry allows for faster maturation of technology and faster transition of that technology to industry. Further, this sustains a highly technical work force critical to the rapid development and deployment of defense products to the US Army.
Exercise for the Patient with Upper Quadrant Osteoarthritis

Although aging does not cause osteoarthritis, it is strongly associated with the disease. Osteoarthritis is very common after the age of 40 years, and it has been described as widespread in adults over the age of 60 years.1.2 Osteoarthritis is most commonly found in the weight-bearing joihts of the lower extremities, particularly the hips and knees. In the upper extrem­ ity, the interphalangeal joints of the fingers and the basal joint of the thumb are most often affected. The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine are also common sites of involvement. Traumatic osteoarthritis can occur in any previous­ ly injured joint. The trauma may be an injury, such as a fracture, which alters the joint mechanics, thus pro­ ducing a "wear-and-tear" type of arthritis over time. However, the role of repetitive micro trauma in the etiology of osteoarthritis has also been discussed. 3 For example, traumatic arthritis of the shoulder can result from chronic instability associated with degen­ eration of the rotator cuff. Osteoarthritis can occur in one or more than one joint. When it occurs in multiple joints, one joint is often more involved, produces the most pain, or causes the most functional limitation for the patient. For example, a patient may complain of pain and lim­ itation primarily in the hip, knee, or hand. Studies have shown, however, that osteoarthritis in one joint is actually a multi-joint problem, with impairments occurring in more than just the arthritic joint. Studies of patients with lower extremity osteoarthritis have consistently shown that range of motion and strength are impaired not only in the arthritic joint but also in the adjacent joint of the involved extremity.4 Although no similar studies have evaluated the occurrence of osteoarthritis in the upper extremity
The role of numerical tools in maintaining reliability during economic transfers An illustration using the NPCC equivalent system model

In this paper we are concerned with the increased complexity facing operators when monitoring and scheduling available resources needed to serve customers without interruptions and at the reasonable costs. Historically, this task has been met by combining human expert knowledge about the specifics of the system with the results obtained by approximate numerical tools for near real-time analysis and assessment of system conditions. The emphasis in this paper is on demonstrating fundamental limits to relying on human decision making due to a highly combinatorial nature and complexity of managing reliability and economics of electricity services in today's nonlinear electric power network systems. This complexity calls for development of more accurate and quantifiable numerical methods for decision making in such systems. We illustrate the type of near-real time numerical tools essential for implementing such decisions. A comparison of the NPCC system utilization by means of current and future numerical tools is presented.
Statistical mechanics of “dual-mode” sorption in polyimides

A statistical mechanical description of the gas takeup or sorption in polyimides below their glass transition temperature is proposed. The model treated is formally similar to Fowler's early model of monolayer adsorption of gases on solid surfaces. It is expected to be appropriate for polymers exhibiting a significant degree of crystallization, e.g., the aromatic polyimides at temperatures well below their glass transition temperature. The model assumes that the penetrant gas molecules bind to a spectrum of states characterized by a distribution of binding energies. If it is assumed that the penetrant molecules bind to the polymer with only two well-defined interaction energies, namely, zero as well as some particular finite value, a “dual-mode” expression for sorption is obtained. It is pointed out that this “dual-mode” or “two-state” model is not consistent with some recent data obtained on carbon dioxide sorption in a polyimide. Two other simplified models are examined, a “uniform-density-of-states” model and a “three-state” model. The present treatment yields explicit expressions for the temperature dependence of the sorption parameters. This dependence reflects the thermodynamic redistribution of penetrant molecules among the available fixed density-of-states as the temperature is varied. It is pointed out that the temperature dependence of the Langmuir capacity constant obtained from nonlinear least squares fitting the standard “dual-mode” sorption expression to the polyimide sorption data may lead to an erroneous inference concerning the decrease in “unrelaxed volume” as the temperature is increased from well below the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The “three-state” model yields sorption isotherms that parallel the data of Sada et al. closely. This suggests the presence of multiple carbon dioxide binding sites in the polyimide. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Are children and adolescents with food allergies at increased risk for psychopathology

Objective Living with food allergy is a unique and potentially life-threatening stressor that requires constant vigilance to food-related stimuli, but little is known about whether adolescents with food allergies are at increased risk for psychopathology—concurrently and over time.
Optical Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-Based Optical Access/Metro Ring Networks

A novel unidirectional path switched ring (UPSR) based on optical orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technologies is introduced. Two types of reservation-based and token-based multiple access control (MAC) protocols are proposed and compared.
Claremont: A Solar-Powered Near-Threshold Voltage IA-32 Processor

Aggressive power supply scaling into the near-threshold voltage (NTV) region holds great promise for applications with strict energy budgets. In the NTV region, the supply voltage is at or near the switching voltage (VT) of the transistors. In this region, energy savings on the order of 5X–10X can be realized [1]. This work summarizes results from application of NTV techniques to a 32-bit Intel Architecture (IA) core in an effort to quantify and overcome the barriers that have historically relegated ultralow-voltage operation to niche markets.