cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk of vascular access thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus on hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION Anticardiolipin antibody is associated with increased risk of vascular access thrombosis (VAT) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients have a high prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies, but it is not clear whether these patients are at high risk of developing vascular access thrombosis. METHODS Thirty six SLE patients on HD, who had either an arterio-venous (AV) graft or AV fistula as vascular access, and were not on anticoagulation treatment, were retrospectively identified at Henry Ford Hospital. A similar number of patients without SLE, matched for age, sex, race and type of vascular access were selected as a control population. Vascular access thrombosis rate at one year was compared between two groups. RESULTS Mean age at dialysis was 36+/-10 years in 36 SLE patients (28 females, 8 males) and was 38+/-6.4 years in 36 non-SLE patients (29 females, 7 males). Of all patients, 29/36 (80.5%) SLE and 27/36 (75%) non-SLE patients had AV grafts, whereas the rest had AV fistulas as vascular access (19.5% SLE and 25% non-SLE patients). Out of 36 SLE patients, 24 (66.6%) patients developed VAT at one year as compared to 14 (38.9%) patients in non-SLE group (p<0.05). The odds ratio of VAT in SLE patients was 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-8.2). CONCLUSION SLE patients on hemodialysis are more likely to develop vascular access thrombosis as compared to non-SLE patients.
Effect of age, temperature and inoculum size on non-infective vaccinia virus yields in eggs.

SummaryA relative increase in non-infective or incomplete vaccinia virus occurs during virus growth in the chorioallantoic membrane of 12-day-old eggs incubated at 26°C and 30°C. Vaccinia growth in membranes of eggs 8 and 15 days of age is reduced but no increase in non-infective vaccinia was found. Serial passage of high concentrations of vaccinia virus in 12-day-old eggs likewise failed to increase the proportion of non-infective virus.
Estimating carbon source-sink transition during secondary succession in a Virginia valley

A quantitative understanding of how carbon budgets shift throughout old-field succession is lacking and we provided estimates of annual net ecosystem production (NEP) and net primary production (NPP) for six successional sites. We utilized 4 years of field measurements of herbaceous and shrub biomass, 2 years of field measurements of tree diameters, 3 years of field measurements of soil surface CO2 flux, and allometric relations to estimate NEP (2006) and NPP (2004–2006) for six successional sites ranging from 5 years to 90 years old in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. NEP of the two late successional sites (1,366 g C/m2 and 883 g C/m2) was significantly greater than that of the two early successional fields (−209 g C/m2 and 16 g C/m2) in 2006. Net primary production (NPP) also increased from early to late succession. The results follow the proposed conceptual model that successional ecosystems are carbon sources at the beginning of secondary succession and then become carbon sinks, but the progression is not linear. This study suggests that the switching point of secondary succession from releasing carbon to sequestering carbon in a temperate, humid climate is approximately between 5 and 19 years following agricultural abandonment.
Stromal deletion of the APC tumor suppressor in mice triggers development of endometrial cancer

The contribution of the stromal microenvironment to the progression of endometrial cancer has not been well explored. We have conditionally expressed a mutant allele of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC(cKO)) in murine uterine stroma cells to study its effect on uterine development and function. In addition to metrorrhagia, the mice develop complex atypical endometrial gland hyperplasia that progresses to endometrial carcinoma in situ and endometrial adenocarcinoma as evidenced by myometrial invasion. Stromal cells subjacent to the carcinoma cells express alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) with fewer cells expressing platelet-derived growth factor α compared with normal stromal cells, suggesting that the mutant stromal cells have acquired a more myofibroblastic phenotype, which have been described as cancer-associated fibroblasts and have been shown to induce carcinogenesis in other organ systems. Analyses of human endometrial cancer specimens showed substantial αSMA expression in the stroma compared with normal endometrial stroma cells. We also show that APC(cKO) mutant uteri and human endometrial cancer have decreased stromal levels of transforming growth factor β and bone morphogenetic protein activities and that the mutant uteri failed to respond to exogenous estradiol stimulation. The mutant stroma cells also had higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal derived factor signaling components and diminished expression of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor, which is common in advanced stages of human endometrial cancer and is an indicator of poor prognosis. Our results indicate that de novo mutation or loss of heterozygosity in stromal APC is sufficient to induce endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinogenesis by mechanisms that are consistent with unopposed estrogen signaling in the endometrial epithelium.
A Portable Scatterometer For Optical Shop Use

The scattering of optical components has become a more and more critical issue in modern sensor systems. This is a result of improved performance capabilities on the part of detectors and of optical elements themselves, as well as an increased awareness of the effects of scatter on system performance. There are several programs that evaluate scatter in complicated optical trains, the best known of which are APART and GUERAP (Arizona Paraxial Analysis of Radiative Transfer and General Unwanted Energy Radiation Analysis Program). These programs require component scatter data as inputs for the analysis and even the beginning design approaches. These data have generally been generated with laboratory instruments that were essentially goniometric radiometers. The data have been difficult to obtain and usually obtained for small representative samples of the real surfaces. If, in the process of manufacture of the parts a measurement of the scatter was made, it was done with a relatively crude jerry-rigged apparatus. Sometimes the measurements made this way were quite accurate, but they were never easy.
Seasonality in SST-forced atmospheric short-term climate predictability

Abstract The seasonal dependence of atmospheric short-term climate (i.e., seasonal to interannual) predictability is studied. This is accomplished by analyzing the output from ensemble integrations of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model. The integrations use the observed evolution of sea surface temperature (SST) as prescribed boundary forcing. Forced by the interannual variation of SST, the short-term climate predictability of the atmospheric circulation is geographically and seasonally dependent. In general, the predictability is larger in the Tropics than the extratropics and is greater in the Pacific–Atlantic Ocean sector compared to the Indian Ocean–Asian monsoon region. Predictability is also higher in the winter hemisphere than in the summer hemisphere. On average, the weakest predictability in the Northern Hemisphere occurs during the northern autumn. However, it is noted that the 1982/83 strong El Nino event produced stronger atmospheric predictability than the 1988/89 st...
Meta-analysis of intravenous dipyridamole-thallium-201 imaging (1985 to 1994) and dobutamine echocardiography (1991 to 1994) for risk stratification before vascular surgery.

Abstract Objectives . This study evaluated the prognostic value of abnormal test results with pharmacologic stress with regard to perioperative and long-term outcomes in a large population of candidates for vascular surgery. Background . Although numerous studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of dipyridamole-thallium-201 myocardial perfusion and dobutamine echocardiography in vascular surgery candidates, a synopsis of predictive estimates is different because of individual study variability in pretest clinical risk, sample size and study design. Methods . A systematic review of published reports on preoperative pharmacologic stress risk stratification from the MEDLINE data base (1985 to 1994) identified 10 reports on dipyridamole-thallium-201 myocardial perfusion (1,994 patients) and 5 on dobutamine stress echocardiography (445 patients). Random effects models were used to calculate summary odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results . Summary odds ratios for death or myocardial infarction and secondary cardiac end points were greater for dobutamine echocardiographic dysynergy (14- to 27-fold) than for dipyridamole-thallium-201 redistribution (4-fold); wider confidence intervals were noted with dobutamine echocardiography. Pretest coronary disease probability was correlated with the positive predictive value of a reversible thallium-201 defect (r = 0.70). Increasing sixfold from low to high risk patients subsets. Cardiac event rates were low in patients without a history of coronary artery disease (1% in 176 patients) compared with patients with coronary disease and a normal or fixed-defect pattern (4.8% in 83 patients) and one or more thallium-201 redistribution abnormality (18.6% in 97 patients, p = 0.0001). Conclusions . Meta-analysis of 15 studies demonstrated that the prognostic value of noninvasive stress imaging abnormalities for perioperative ischemic events is comparable between available t techniques but that the accuracy varies with coronary artery disease prevalence.
Nobel Lecture: Spontaneous symmetry breaking in particle physics: A case of cross fertilization

We reproduce here the Nobel lecture of Yoichiro Nambu on the Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking In Particle Physics: A Case of Cross Fertilization. Reprinted with permission from the Nobel Foundation and Reviews Of Modern Physics, Volume 81, JulySeptember 2009. Ignazio Licata and Ammar Sakaji c © Electronic Journal of Theoretical Physics. All rights reserved.
The aftermath of the general financial crisis for the ownership society: what happened to low-income homeowners in the US?

The last half of the twentieth century was a period of unprecedented growth in homeownership in the United States and Europe. In the UK and the USA, policy and government actions were focused on increasing homeownership as part of a new ‘ownership society’. This was especially true in the 1990s and 2000s. Now, in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis and the housing market collapse, there is renewed concern with the loss of housing-wealth, affordability and even whether ownership will ever be attainable for low-income and minority populations. This paper examines the rise in home ownership as governments engaged in a policy experiment of greatly expanding ownership. The paper extends the aggregate studies of the housing crisis by examining population cohort behavior during the housing bubble and the individual outcomes as a result of the housing experiment. I use data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to evaluate the impacts of the debt burden and negative equity on ownership and conclude tha...
The expression pattern of Xenopus Mox-2 implies a role in initial mesodermal differentiation

We have isolated a Xenopus homolog of the murine Mox-2 gene. As is the case for the mouse homolog, mesoderm specific expression of Xenopus Mox-2 (X. Mox-2) expression begins during gastrulation. Using whole mount in situ hybridization, we show that X. Mox-2 is expressed in undifferentiated dorsal, lateral and ventral mesoderm in the posterior of neurula/tailbud embryos, with expression more anteriorly detected in the dermatomes. In the tailbud tadpole, X. Mox-2 is expressed in tissues of the tailbud itself that represent a site of continued gastrulation-like processes resulting in mesoderm formation. X. Mox-2 is not expressed in the marginal zone of blastula, nor in the dorsal lip of gastrula, nor midline tissues (i.e. prospective notochord). Treatments that affect mesodermal patterning during embryonic development, including LiCl and ultraviolet light, and injection of mRNAs encoding BMP-4, or dominant negative activin and FGF receptors, produce changes in X. Mox-2 expression consistent with the types of tissues affected by these manipulations. X. Mox-2 expression is induced more in animal caps treated with FGF than those treated with activin. Together with the fact that X. Mox-2 activation in animal caps requires protein synthesis, our data suggest that X. Mox-2 is involved in initial mesodermal differentiation, downstream of molecules affecting mesoderm induction and determination such as Brachyury and goosecoid, and upstream of factors controlling terminal differentiation such as MyoD and myf5. X. Mox-2, therefore, is another useful marker for understanding the formation of mesoderm in amphibian development.
Haptotropic migration from the six- to the five-membered ring of (3a,7a-Azaborindenyl)tricarbonylchromium anion

The potassium salt of (η6-3a,7a-azaborindenyl)Cr(CO)3 was prepared in a THF solution at −60 °C. Warming to −40 °C causes the Cr(CO)3 group to undergo haptotropic migration to the five-membered ring...
Racial and ethnic stereotypes in professional wrestling

Abstract Wrestling burst into the mainstream of television entertainment and sports in recent years. A distinctive feature is the obstrusive use of racial and ethnic stereotypes. Synthesizing insights from cultural anthropology, phenomenological sociology, and Marxist theory, the psychoanalytic tradition, this article proposes a theoretical explanation of why the stereotypes are so marketable.
A randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept, crossover trial of phenytoin for hydrocortisone-induced declarative memory changes.

Background Corticosteroid excess is associated with declarative memory impairment and hippocampal atrophy. These findings are clinically important because approximately 1% of the population receives prescription corticosteroids at any time, and major depressive disorder is associated with elevated cortisol levels and hippocampal atrophy. In animals, hippocampal changes with corticosteroids are blocked by phenytoin. The objective of the current study was to extend these preclinical findings to humans. We examined whether phenytoin attenuated the effects of hydrocortisone on declarative memory. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) assessed task-related hippocampal activation.
Synergism of constitutive activity in alpha 1-adrenergic receptor activation

Recently a number of mutations have been found in vitro which maintain alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in a partially activated form. We have previously identified two amino acid residue positions in the alpha 1b-adrenergic receptor (AR), Cys128 and Ala204, one in each of the third and fifth transmembrane segments, that constitutively activate the receptor when substituted for a phenylalanine or valine, respectively [Perez et al. (1996) Mol. Pharmacol. 49, 112-122; Hwa et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 7956-7964]. Another mutation analyzed previously, Ala293Glu, located in the third intracellular loop, also constitutively activates the receptor [Kjelsborg et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 1430-1433]. All three mutations displayed similar manifestations of constitutive activity such as higher binding affinity and potency for agonists as well as higher basal signal transduction as predicted by the revised ternary complex model of receptor activation. We hypothesized that the individual mutations because of their critical location alter the conformation of the transmembrane helices such that mimicry occur that partially conforms to the activated state, R*. To explore whether these potential conformations are independent, we combined these three mutations in all possible permutations. The combined triple mutation displays 700-fold higher binding affinity for (-)-epinephrine and 20-fold higher basal IP3 release than the wild-type receptor. We also observed that each mutation contributed independently and synergistically to both receptor agonist binding and activation with the combined mutations basal activity exceeding that of the fully-stimulated wild-type receptor. There was also a direct correlation between epinephrine's binding affinity and the degree of constitutive activity. Because the mutations affect different transmembrane domains, these results are consistent with a mechanism that helical movement acts in a concerted fashion in agonist-induced activation, a synergism predicted if multiple helix movement is involved in receptor activation.
Multiregressional Models for Ranged Estimates of the Petroleum Potential of Sedimentary Basins

Reliable estimates of the oil and gas potentials of frontier areas can be made by combining statistical analyses of petroleum data from well-explored basins world-wide with models of hydrocarbon-generation processes. The combined techniques, together with the data collected, have to be guided by a systematic approach in order to produce statistically-regular results.
Molecular Structure of Free Molecules of the Fullerene C70 from Gas-Phase Electron Diffraction

Electron-diffraction patterns of the fullerene C70 in the gaseous state at 810−835 °C have been recorded in experiments similar to those recently described for C60. The radial distribution curve calculated from the scattered intensity is entirely consistent with a molecule of D5h symmetry. With assumption of this symmetry, 12 parameters are required to specify the structure. Reliable values are thus much more difficult to obtain for these parameters than for C60 whose structure is completely defined by only two parameters. Six different models were found that give excellent fits to the diffraction data. The models may be divided into two types characterized either by a shorter (1.4+ A) or a longer (1.5+ A) equatorial bond. Despite this difference, however, the average length of the eight bonds is similar in all models (1.434 A; average deviation 0.006 A). Since no model could be favored on the basis of the electron-diffraction data alone, a best model was selected from considerations of theoretical energi...
Technical Assistance as a Prevention Capacity-Building Tool: A Demonstration Using the Getting To Outcomes® Framework:

Demands on community-based prevention programs for performance accountability and positive outcomes are ever increasing in the face of constrained resources. Relatively little is known about how technical assistance (TA) should be structured to benefit community-based organizations and to lead to better outcomes. In this study, data from multiple sources were used to describe an effective TA model designed to improve the capacity of community-based organizations to plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programming. This article is the first of its kind to provide detailed analyses of the TA delivered to community-based organizations to build substance abuse prevention capacity. The results of this study describe the range of TA services provided and the importance of two-way communication between the TA provider and recipient. TA recipients reported high satisfaction and an improved understanding of targeted TA activities. However, achieving these benefits requires significant program staff time, and not all skills were successfully transferred. Results from this study suggest how TA may be structured to be effective in supporting quality prevention programming in community settings.
Incidence of torus palatinus in Yugoslav skulls.

LE INCIDENTIA DE TORUS PALATIN IN CRANIOS DE YUGOSLAVOS.—In un serie de 400 cranios de yugoslavos (200 mascule e 200 feminin), 201 esseva sin torus, 182 habeva un micre torus (usque a 3 mm in elevation ab le palato) ein 17 le torus esseva grande. Le torus palatin esseva presente in 115 cranios ab femininas e in 84 ab masculos. Nulle significative differentia in le occurrentia del torus palatin esseva notate inter le varie gruppos de etate. Esseva constate un alte procentage de occurrentia de torus palatin in cranios con un basse palato ossee (59,7 pro cento) e in cranios in le quales le arco alveolar del maxilla habeva crures convergente (58,1 pro cento).
Periodontal disease and bisphosphonates induce osteonecrosis of the jaws in the rat

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are medications used commonly to treat primary and metastatic bone cancer, as well as osteoporosis. Although BPs improve bone mineral density, reduce fracture risk, and reduce hypercalcemia of malignancy, some patients develop BP-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). This devastating complication is defined as clinically exposed bone in the maxillofacial region for more than 8 weeks. Despite an increasing number of BRONJ cases since first reported, the disease pathophysiology remains largely unknown. Since published studies suggest a significant role for dental disease in the pathophysiology of BRONJ, we developed a BRONJ animal model where aggressive periodontal disease is induced by ligature placement around the crown of the right maxillary first molar in the presence of vehicle (veh) or zoledronic acid (ZA), a potent BP. Ligature placement induced significant alveolar bone loss, which was attenuated by ZA treatment. Osteonecrosis was observed associated with ligature-induced periodontitis in the ZA-treated group. This was seen as sequestration and extensive periosteal alveolar bone formation on micro-computed tomography (µCT) in the ligated site of BP-treated animals. Histologic examination confirmed these findings, seen as necrotic bone with diffuse loss of osteocytes and empty lacunae, rimming of the necrotic bone by squamous epithelium and inflammation, and exposure to the oral cavity. Importantly, the rat lesions were strikingly similar to those of BRONJ patients. Our data suggest that dental disease and potent BP therapy are sufficient for BRONJ development in the rat.
Reasoning and Piaget.

THE recently published article by Bryant and Trabasso1 gives the impression that something significantly new about children's inference has been discovered which, in turn, challenges Piaget's2 analysis of operative development. The thesis and the data on which it is based deserve critical commentary because the first claim is questionable and the latter is incorrect.
Preliminary characterization of the pituitary melanocyte stimulating hormones of several vertebrate species.

A survey of pituitaries of several vertebrate species was carried out in an effort to determine whether they contained melanocyte stimulating hormones and, if so, whether they were identical with those which have previously been structurally characterized. All ten of the species studied possessed biologic melanocyte stimulating substances. In only two species (pig and beef) was it possible to account for a majority of the biologic activity in terms of known hormones, using a combination of bioassays for MSH and ACTH and radioimmunoassays for α-MSH, β-MSH and ACTH. In eight species (flounder, frog, iguana, chicken, guinea pig, mouse, rat and rabbit) there was an excess of biologic MSH activity that could not be accounted for by a summation of ACTH, α-MSH, and β- MSH. It is concluded that, in these species, the structures of the major melanocyte stimulating hormones are different from any that have been characterized previously. (Endocrinology 90: 249, 1972)
Predicting face-to-face arene–arene binding energies

Abstract Parallel face-to-face arene–arene binding energies between benzene and multi-halo substituted aromatics and between tyrptophan and multi-halo substituted aromatics were calculated at the MP2(full)/6-311G∗∗ level of theory. A correlation was investigated between the binding energy and either the quadrupole moment (Θzz) or the sum of the Hammett substituent constant σp (∑σp) of the substituted aromatic. For both benzene and tryptophan, an excellent correlation was found between the calculated binding energy with multi-halo substituted aromatics and the sum of the ∑σp values of the substituted aromatics.
Some chemical characteristics of dimethylsuberimidate and its effect on sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles.

Abstract Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles treated with dimethylsuberimidate lose the capacity for ATP-promoted Ca2+ accumulation and show other properties indicative of leaky vesicles. As an aid to assessing whether this effect was caused by crosslinking or by hydrolysis products, characteristics of dimethylsuberimidate hydrolysis under incubation conditions used were measured. At pH 7.0, 25 °C, dimethylsuberimidate is hydrolyzed with an apparent first order rate constant of 0.016 min−1, to give dimethylsuberate as the principal product. The effect on ATP-promoted Ca2+ accumulation was shown to be caused by partially and fully hydrolyzed products of the diimido ester, and not to cross-linking of membrane components.
Extraction and carbon isotope analysis of CO2 from scapolite in deep crustal granulites and xenoliths

Abstract Carbon isotope compositions of scapolite from granulite facies gneisses and lower crustal xenoliths document the composition and constrain the source of carbon in scapolite from the lower crust. CO 2 is extracted from scapolite without fractionating carbon isotopes by reaction with phosphoric acid at 25 or 75°C. Thus, partial yields of CO 2 from scapolite are sufficient for accurate carbon isotopic analysis. Isotopic compositions of coexisting scapolite and calcite in high-grade calc-silicate gneisses and marbles, and consideration of the crystal chemical environment of CO 3 in the scapolite structure, indicate little fractionation of 13 C 12 C between scapolite and calcite (0.1 ± 1.2%.) at equilibrium conditions of 650–800°C. The carbon isotope composition of CO 2 extracted from scapolite in twenty-nine samples of regional granulite facies gneisses, amphibolites, calc-silicate gneisses, and crustal xenoliths yield values of δ 13 C that range from −10 to −1%. (PDB). High-grade marbles and graphitic paragneisses are precluded as major sources of carbon for scapolite in the high grade rocks analyzed in this study, as the former are isotopically enriched, and the latter isotopically depleted in 13 C 12 C relative to the range of isotopic compositions determined here. The δ 13 C values for mafic granulites and amphibolites in granulite terranes composed of supracrustal sequences (−10.1 to −4.0%.) may reflect the isotopic composition of diagenetic carbonate present in their basaltic protoliths. The values of δ 13 C for scapolite in mafic xenoliths and some granulite facies orthogneisses (−8.2 to −1.2%.) are consistent with crystallization of the scapolite from a mafic melt or derivation of CO 2 from mafic melts emplaced in the lower crust or upper mantle. The values of δ 13 C for scapolites from calc-silicate gneisses and calc-silicate xenoliths (−10.0 to −2.9%.) may result from depletion of 13 C 12 C as a result of decarbonation of calcite-bearing protoliths during prograde metamorphism.
A disarticulating spinal lesion

CT-guided aspiration of the spinal lesion yielded necrotic puslike material, an abscess. Tuberculous disease was considered but his risk factors for exposure were very low. The lesion destroyed the entire T10 vertebral body and resulted in a separation-distraction of the adjacent vertebrae by greater than 6 cm. The abscess and large mass-like infectious phlegmon capsule were drained and debrided and the spine stabilized and reconstructed with instrumentation. Cultures taken intra-operatively grew Corynebacterium. Blood and urine cultures taken at the time of admission did not grow any bacteria and we hypothesized that the patient’s spinal infection originated from his decubitus ulcers. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks with resolution of abdominal pain, fever and leukocytosis. Abdominal pain is an unusual presentation for spinal infection, but may be the only sign in a patient with a complete thoracic sensory level. Spinal infection remains a highly morbid diagnosis and can occur in multiple anatomic locations including the vertebral body, intervertebral disc, epidural space and in the adjacent soft tissue.
Role of heated adenovirus 2 in viral interference.

SummaryThe response of 56°;C heated adenovirus 2-protected RHF-1 cells to infection with vaccinia did not appear to depend upon the heating time of the pre-challenge virus, and this resistance was not mediated by an interferon-like substance. A completely different picture was obtained when corresponding experiments were performed with adenovirus heated at 100°;C. The 100°;C heated adenovirus not only induced the formation of an interferon-like substance in the cells but Its production also increased with the duration of heating. The difference in rate of vaccinia inhibition in the cells treated with adenovirus 2 heated at 100°;C for increasing time was reflected in the amount of interferon-like substance produced in the cells. Taken as a whole, these data suggested strongly that interferon provides perhaps most of the basis for cellular resistance in this system. The results bring out fundamental differences between the two systems which presumably have different mechanisms.
An assessment of cognitive function and mood in chronic fatigue syndrome

Data were gathered regarding the associates of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with: (1) speed of cognitive processing, (2) motor speed, (3) ability to sustain attention, and (4) mood. Patients were given a brief neuropsychological test battery before and after double-blind treatment with terfenadine or placebo and completed a daily mood rating scale (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) during the study. CFS patients exhibited slower cognitive processing and motor speed and lower positive affect, as compared to data reported from previous studies of healthy subjects and other patient groups; however, CFS patients did not exhibit deficits in sustained attention in comparison to other groups. The CFS patients' ability to attend to verbal versus figural stimuli and mood ratings were different from those reported in studies of patients with depression. Because of methodological limitations, these findings are preliminary, but they encourage further assessment of cognitive dysfunction and mood in CFS.
Correction of radiation-induced thrombocytopenia and bleeding tendency by preserved platelets.

SummaryRat platelets suspended in a glucose-sodium citrate-citric acid solution plus plasma have been introduced in polyethylene tubing of 0.125 inch in diameter and rapidly frozen by immersion of the whole container in liquid nitrogen. The material was stored in the same environment. The material was thawed by immersing the whole container in water at 45°C. Administration of these platelets to thrombocytopenic animals was associated with average increase of platelet counts from 36,900 to 205,793 in one hour. Eighteen hours after administration, 63.9% of these platelets were detectable in the circulation. Satisfactory correction of the bleeding tendency was observed in 66.6% of the recipients.The assistance of Dr. Charles H. Burns of the School of Public Health in production of thrombocytopenia in the rats and the technical assistance of Miss Lynne Ballantyne are gratefully acknowledged.
A flexible online metadata editing and management system

Abstract Our team developed a metadata editing and management system employing state of the art XML technologies initially aimed at the environmental sciences but with the potential to be useful across multiple domains. We chose a modular and distributed design for scalability, flexibility, options for customizations, and the possibility to add more functionality at a later stage. The system consists of a desktop design tool that generates code for the actual online editor, a native XML database, and an online user access management application. A Java Swing application that reads an XML schema, the design tool provides the designer with options to combine input fields into online forms with user-friendly tags and determine the flow of input forms. Based on design decisions, the tool generates XForm code for the online metadata editor which is based on the Orbeon XForms engine. The design tool fulfills two requirements: First data entry forms based on a schema are customized at design time and second the tool can generate data entry applications for any valid XML schema without relying on custom information in the schema. A configuration file in the design tool saves custom information generated at design time. Future developments will add functionality to the design tool to integrate help text, tool tips, project specific keyword lists, and thesaurus services. Cascading style sheets customize the look-and-feel of the finished editor. The editor produces XML files in compliance with the original schema, however, a user may save the input into a native XML database at any time independent of validity. The system uses the open source XML database eXist for storage and uses a MySQL relational database and a simple Java Server Faces user interface for file and access management. We chose three levels to distribute administrative responsibilities and handle the common situation of an information manager entering the bulk of the metadata but leave specifics to the actual data provider.
Complexes and configurational isomers of diacetamide with group IIB metal salts

Abstract Fifteen complexes of diacetamide and Group IIB metal salts have been isolated. It was found that HgCl 2 ·2DA, HgBr 2 ·2DA, CdBr 2 ·DA and CdBr 2 ·1·5DA contain diacetamide in the cis-trans dimeric form, whereas ZnCl 2 ·DA, ZnBr 2 ·DA, ZnI 2 ·DA, Zn(NO 3 ) 2 ·2DA, Zn(ClO 4 ) 2 ·3DA, CdI 2 ·DA, Cd(NO 3 ) 2 ·2·5DA and Cd(ClO 4 ) 2 ·3DA are bidentate complexes with diacetamide in the trans-trans configuration. The most interesting case was found for cadmium chloride which formed 3 isomers of CdCl 2 ·DA·H 2 O: with diacetamide in the trans-trans form, the cis-trans dimeric form and the unstable cis-trans monomeric form. All of the complexes involving diacetamide in the cis-trans dimeric form are probably polymeric.
William A. Rutala Research Award: Redesign of portable suction equipment cases: An economical engineering approach to a disinfection problem

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ambulatory patients with tracheotomies carry a case that contains necessary suctioning supplies. The commercially obtained cases have nylon fabric inside and outside with various materials between the nylon, from plastics (sides) to chipboard (bottom), to give shape to the case. A case that was returned to our hospital respiratory department cultured positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) even after it had been cleaned (wiped off) with an FDA-approved phenolic disinfectant. The purpose of this study was to determine 1) the source of the MRSA and 2) how to provide a microbiologically safe case for the next patient. METHODS: An epidemiologic review of patient cultures plus pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of a number of MRSA isolates were used to determine the source of the MRSA. Repeated wiping with various detergents/disinfectants still did not remove the MRSA from the case, which could not be immersed for cleaning because of the chipboard component of the case bottom. The garment fabrication department of our burn unit designed a case made of denim fabric with sides and bottom filled with a completely washable synthetic fiber to provide shape. The new cases were purposefully contaminated, washed (detergent with bleach) and dried in a regular clothes washer and dryer, then cultured using routine microbiologic technique. RESULTS: The epidemiologic and PFGE testing indicated that the MRSA was from the patient who had most recently used the case and that this patient had been colonized prior to use of the case. Contamination of the new denim case with the original MRSA, followed by washing and drying, resulted in a case that was free of the MRSA. The contamination, washing, and culturing were repeated for four other common pathogens in our hospital (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterrococcus faecium, Acinetobacter sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae) , and in each case the pathogen was removed by the routine laundering. Commercial cases cost $150 each, while our fabricated cases cost about $110. CONCLUSIONS: Commercially available cases for suctioning equipment can become contaminated with pathogens from the user and can subsequently be difficult to disinfect. Re-engineering the case, specifically making it out of totally washable materials, resulted in less expensive cases that can be readily disinfected.
An Extensible Service Development Toolkit to Support Earth Science Grids

This paper describes the development and use of an extensible service provider toolkit (ESP) for an Earth Science service-oriented architecture (SOA). Grid-enabled Earth Science applications and tools are beginning to use web services to integrate distributed resources and legacy applications. Unfortunately, each application requires substantial effort often repeated to implement base Grid functionality before addressing application-specific requirements. In an effort to help Earth Science application developers more rapidly develop these web services, we have created an extensible service provider toolkit. The toolkit provides the foundation to develop specialized services for Earth Science Grids, including legacy application and computational resource services. To demonstrate the functionality of ESP, we redeveloped several existing web services and illustrate ESP?s benefits, including reduced software development time and software reuse.
Resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and dyslipidemia in Asian Indians.

Persons from the Indian subcontinent have elevated coronary heart disease risk. We measured insulin resistance with the insulin suppression test in 22 Asian Indian men and women and an equal number of control subjects of European ancestry matched for age and body mass index. Asian men and women had increased glucose and insulin responses to oral glucose tolerance tests (P < .05 by ANOVA) and had approximately 60% higher steady-state plasma glucose levels during the insulin suppression test (P < .001 by ANOVA), consistent with insulin resistance. In response to mixed meals, Asian women had higher plasma free fatty acids and glycerol concentrations than women of European ancestry (P < .02 by ANOVA), whereas Asian Indian men had similar free fatty acid and glycerol levels compared with men of European ancestry despite higher plasma insulin levels. Thus, results in both sexes were consistent with resistance to insulin suppression of free fatty acid levels in Asian Indians. Asian Indians of both sexes had higher fasting plasma triglyceride (P < .01) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .01) concentrations than men and women of European ancestry. Resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and to insulin suppression of free fatty acid levels in Asian Indians is associated with a number of metabolic abnormalities that are demonstrated risk factors for coronary heart disease, including increased glucose, insulin, and triglyceride concentrations and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.
Two genes on A/J chromosome 18 are associated with susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus infection by combined microarray and QTL analyses.

Although it has recently been shown that A/J mice are highly susceptible to Staphylococcus aureus sepsis as compared to C57BL/6J, the specific genes responsible for this differential phenotype are unknown. Using chromosome substitution strains (CSS), we found that loci on chromosomes 8, 11, and 18 influence susceptibility to S. aureus sepsis in A/J mice. We then used two candidate gene selection strategies to identify genes on these three chromosomes associated with S. aureus susceptibility, and targeted genes identified by both gene selection strategies. First, we used whole genome transcription profiling to identify 191 (56 on chr. 8, 100 on chr. 11, and 35 on chr. 18) genes on our three chromosomes of interest that are differentially expressed between S. aureus-infected A/J and C57BL/6J. Second, we identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for survival post-infection on chr. 18 using N2 backcross mice (F1 [C18A]×C57BL/6J). Ten genes on chr. 18 (March3, Cep120, Chmp1b, Dcp2, Dtwd2, Isoc1, Lman1, Spire1, Tnfaip8, and Seh1l) mapped to the two significant QTL regions and were also identified by the expression array selection strategy. Using real-time PCR, 6 of these 10 genes (Chmp1b, Dtwd2, Isoc1, Lman1, Tnfaip8, and Seh1l) showed significantly different expression levels between S. aureus-infected A/J and C57BL/6J. For two (Tnfaip8 and Seh1l) of these 6 genes, siRNA-mediated knockdown of gene expression in S. aureus–challenged RAW264.7 macrophages induced significant changes in the cytokine response (IL-1 β and GM-CSF) compared to negative controls. These cytokine response changes were consistent with those seen in S. aureus-challenged peritoneal macrophages from CSS 18 mice (which contain A/J chromosome 18 but are otherwise C57BL/6J), but not C57BL/6J mice. These findings suggest that two genes, Tnfaip8 and Seh1l, may contribute to susceptibility to S. aureus in A/J mice, and represent promising candidates for human genetic susceptibility studies.
Fluorine Substitution Affects Decarboxylation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in Apple.

Marked differences exist in the rate at which 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is broken down by different plant species and varieties. This activity has been measured by collecting carbon dioxide from leaves treated with carboxyl-C14 labeled compounds. The substitution of fluorine for chlorine in the 4-position of 2,4-D inhibits this decarboxylation in leaves which are able to break down 2,4-D rapidly.
Supranormal electroretinogram in a 10-year-old girl with lead toxicity

Purpose To report a case of lead exposure in a 10-year-old girl which resulted in a supranormal ERG and clinical findings of decreased visual acuity, color vision, and stereopsis. Method Case report. Results A 10-year-old girl was exposed to unknown levels of lead, with peak recorded blood levels of 19 mcg/dl 5 years prior to presentation. Lead levels had since normalized. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/200-OU, improving to 20/80-OU with a refractive correction of +1.50 + 0.75 × 90° OD, +2.50 sphere OS. Color vision was tested with Ishihara plates, and appeared markedly impaired. Stereopsis was grossly impaired, as the patient could not perceive stereoscopic depth with the Titmus “fly” target. Her cognitive function appeared to be slowed and her reaction time also delayed. ERG waveforms were supranormal under photopic and scotopic conditions. Implicit times were normal. Conclusion Lead toxicity with significant visual and cognitive dysfunction, and supranormal ERG, can persist at lead levels below those recognized for lead poisoning.
Thermodynamics, structure, dynamics, and freezing of Mg2SiO4 liquid at high pressure

Abstract We perform first principles molecular dynamics simulations of Mg 2 SiO 4 liquid and crystalline forsterite. On compression by a factor of two, we find that the Gruneisen parameter of the liquid increases linearly from 0.6 to 1.2. Comparison of liquid and forsterite equations of state reveals a temperature-dependent density crossover at pressures of ∼12–17 GPa. Along the melting curve, which we calculate by integration of the Clapeyron equation, the density crossover occurs within the forsterite stability field at P = 13 GPa and T = 2550 K. The melting curve obtained from the root mean-square atomic displacement in forsterite using the Lindemann law fails to match experimental or calculated melting curves. We attribute this failure to the liquid structure that differs significantly from that of forsterite, and which changes markedly upon compression, with increases in the degree of polymerization and coordination. The mean Si coordination increases from 4 in the uncompressed system to 6 upon twofold compression. The self-diffusion coefficients increase with temperature and decrease monotonically with pressure, and are well described by the Arrhenian relation. We compare our equation of state to the available highpressure shock wave data for forsterite and wadsleyite. Our theoretical liquid Hugoniot is consistent with partial melting along the forsterite Hugoniot at pressures 150–170 GPa, and complete melting at 170 GPa. The wadsleyite Hugoniot is likely sub-liquidus at the highest experimental pressure to date (200 GPa).
Applying an evaluation framework for health information system design, development, and implementation.

Background Dramatic advances in health information technologies necessitate a comprehensive evaluation framework covering all phases of development, from conception to routine operational use. Objectives The purpose of this article was to illustrate the application of an informatics evaluation framework that provides a heuristic for matching the stage of system design and the level of evaluation. Methods An evaluation framework is illustrated in the context of five studies in different stages of system design. Results The studies discussed in this article represent the various stages of the framework. In addition, they are examples of how evaluation research studies not only contribute to the assessment of system design but also constitute distinct contributions to knowledge. Discussion The ability to engineer advanced information systems has exceeded the understanding of how to deploy them effectively in complex settings and to adapt them to a range of user populations. A systematic, continuous evaluation increases the likelihood that the conditions for success will be understood, including how to tailor a system, how to maintain the target population's use of the system, and how to innovate continually to enhance the functionality of the system and the users' experience. Without sound evaluation methodologies throughout the stages of system development, information systems have limited potential to influence healthcare processes positively.
Sex and sex‐composition differences and similarities in peer workplace friendship development

Employees reported the history of their friendships with peer coworkers, rating the importance of several developmental influences and a variety of communication changes as their friendships experienced three transitions: acquaintance‐to friend, friend‐to‐close friend, and close friend‐to very close/almost best friend. Results indicate that in same‐sex friendships, the influence of workplace contextual factors (e.g., sharing tasks and proximity) decreased and the influence of extra organizational influences increased as the friendships became closer. In cross‐sex friendships, however, workplace contextual factors retained their importance over the development of the friendship, suggesting individuals in cross‐sex friendships try to maintain the boundary between work and personal spheres by keeping their friendships defined as a “workplace” relationship.
Child conduct problems: Disorders in conduct or social continuity?

This paper outlines data and speculations relevant to a “social continuity” hypothesis regarding the development of children's conduct problems. According to the hypothesis, conduct problems arise from an absence of continuity in the child's relationship with parents. This absence constitutes an unpredictable and aversive context for the child, and because the youngster's disruptive conduct can generate short term continuity, that behavior is likely to be reinforced. A review of research concerning this hypothesis is presented and the conclusions focus on evidence of continuity in cooperative parent-child exchanges and discontinuity in non-compliant exchanges. The grounding of this hypothesis within social learning and theory is outlined and its heuristic value for future research and clinical interventions is presented.
The KP hierarchy and extended Virasoro algebras

The extended Virasoro algebra with spin-3 current is derived in the framework of the KP hierarchy. A speculative form of a further extension of the Virasoro algebra with spin-4 current is given.