cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plus Maze experiments and the boundary conditions of the dynamic field model

In the dynamic field model, parametric variations of the same general processes predict how infants reach for a goal. Animal learning investigators argue that locating a goal is the product of qualitatively different mechanisms (response learning and place learning) Response versus place learning experiments suggest limitations to the dynamic field model hut where those limitations begin or end is unclear.
User interface design from a real time perspective

Using a data flow diagram (DFD) to represent the functional requirements of a system to be developed, an analysis of a real-time perspective is augmented to generate user interface specifications. By applying a set of heuristics, these specifications facilitate the design of three user interface styles: question/answer, menu/form, and command language.
Numerical study of sulfur trioxide decomposition in bayonet type heat exchanger and chemical decomposer with porous media zone and different packed bed designs

Abstract The Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative was investigating thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production using high temperature heat exchangers. The present work was concerned with use of bayonet type heat exchanger as silicon carbide integrated decomposer (SID) which produces sulfuric acid decomposition product – sulfur dioxide. The product can be used within the sulfur–iodine thermochemical cycle and hybrid sulfur process. A two-dimensional axis-symmetric geometry of the bayonet heat exchanger has been created using GAMBIT software. Fluid, thermal and chemical reaction analyses were performed using FLUENT software. The working fluids in the model were sulfur trioxide, sulfur dioxide, oxygen and water vapor. Silicon carbide with 1 wt% of platinum was used as a catalyst for the chemical reaction. The form of pellets packing was simple cubical packing and porous media approach was used. The chemical reaction for the two-dimensional model was carried out in two cases (ways): (1) constant outer wall temperature and (2) by applying the measured values obtained from the thermocouples placed along the outer wall of the lab scale model of the bayonet heat exchanger in Sandia National Lab (SNL). The decomposition of sulfur trioxide for the two-dimensional model was calculated and the obtained results were compared with the experimental results. But, practically the flow of fluid between the pellets in the decomposer region of the bayonet heat exchanger may have many swirling and recirculation. Hence a further study on three-dimensional model of the decomposer with different arrangement of the pellets in the packed bed region was carried out. The chemical decomposition that occurred in packed bed was of the decomposer. The engineering design of the packed bed was very much influenced by the structure of the packing matrix, which was governed by the shape, dimension and the loading of the constituent particles. The investigations of different types of catalyst in the packed bed region and the decomposition of sulfur trioxide were calculated and the results obtained were consistent with the experimental results.
The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire: Construct Equivalence and Mean Differences across Gender

Abstract Research on achievement goal orientation in sport has relied. primarily on traditional statistical methodology to examine group mean differences. Unfortunately, examination of the measurement model is generally ignored prior to means testing. This study reports an application of structural equation modeling (SEIM) in testing measurement invariance and latent mean structure of the Task and Ego Orientation in sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ; Duda & Nicholls, 1989) using male and female college students. A confirmatory factor analysis for testing invariance revealed invariant measurement properties and factor structures across gender, indicating that task and ego orientation an similarly conceptualized by male and female students. Subsequent testing of latent mean structures, however, showed significant gender differences with respect to ego orientation, but no difference in task orientation. The SEM procedures used in the present study demonstrate additional construct validity and internal consistency r...
Dielectric breakdown and space charge effects in molecular crystal stark spectroscopy

Abstract Stark splittings of guest molecules in host crystals are used as a probe of the internal electric field and by Gauss' law the space and polarization charge in molecular crystal dielectric. It was possible with this technique to study both the static problem of charge distribution and to some extent the dynamic problem of charge formation and dissipation. Information also was obtained abouth the mechanism that cause dielectric breakdown in these experiments.
The Metabolism of Floctafenin in Man and Rodents

Floctafenin (FFn), 2,3-dihydroxypropyl--N--(8--trifluoromethyl--4--quinolyl) anthranilate, a new nonnarcotic analgesic drug, was studied in man, mice, and the isolated perfused rat liver. In all species the drug is rapidly hydrolyzed to floctafenic acid (FFa). In seven volunteer subjects who each received a single oral dose of 400 mg floctafenin on an empty stomach, the blood concentration of FFa usually reached a maximum between 1 and 2 hours (mean 1.57 +/- 1.28 microgram/ml at 1.5 hours) and declined over the next 6 hours. Eight hours after drug administration the mean concentration of FFa in the blood of the volunteers was 0.1 +/- .05 microgram/ml. Approximately 25 per cent of the administered dose of floctafenin was recovered as FFa and hydroxy-FFa in the urine collected from each subject for 48 hours after drug administration. In mice each having received a single intraperitoneal dose of floctafenin (2 mg), the concentration of floctafenin declined by about 50 per cent in 15 minutes, and this decline was accompanied by a rise in the concentration of FFa that remained constant for 3 hours. The analgesic effect observed after administration of floctafenin to humans is likely to be mediated by its major metabolite, FFa. In these volunteers no free floctafenin was detected in the blood.
Concurrent validity of single-item measures of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization in burnout assessment.

BACKGROUND Burnout is a common problem among physicians and physicians-in-training. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is the gold standard for burnout assessment, but the length of this well-validated 22-item instrument can limit its feasibility for survey research.
Optimal assay and subcellular location of phosphatidylglycerol synthesis in lung

Abstract Synthesis of phosphatidylglycerol from CDPdiacylglycerol and glycerol 3-phosphate by membranous subcellular fractions of rat lung and liver was optimal when assayed in the presence of bovine serum albumin and Triton X-100. Specific activities of glycerolphosphate phosphatidyltransferase in all membranous subcellular fractions of lung were several times higher than the corresponding fractions from liver. Distribution of this enzyme in subcellular fractions of lung or liver closely paralleled the activity of the mitochondrial enzymes monoamine oxidase and succinate cytochrome c reductase. The phosphatidylglycerol-synthesizing activity in microsomes of both lung and liver was a minor fraction of total tissue activity and could be interpreted as due either to contamination with outer mitochondrial membrane or to a small amount of activity innate to microsomes. These results suggest that phosphatidylglycerol, which is believed to be a component of pulmonary surfactant, is synthesized by lung at a rapid rate relative to liver and that the subcellular distribution of its synthesis is similar in both tissues, with mitochondria as the major site.
Food availability controls seasonal cycle of growth in Macoma balthica (L.) in San Francisco Bay, California

Abstract A 2-yr field study of growth in the bivalve Macoma balthica (L.) at four locations in San Francisco Bay, California, U.S., showed that the timing and rate of growth (increase in shell length) were related to food supply. This clam feeds on both planktonic and benthic microalgae, depending on availability. Growth was apparently food-limited during some months, during one year more than the other, and at some locations more than others. Tissue-weight changes were also related to food availability. The heaviest animals were found in that year and at those locations with the highest chl a concentrations. Tissue-weight gains usually coincided with increased shell-growth rate or with reproductive development, although some large animals showed weight gain independent of both of these factors during periods with mid-range chl a levels. Weight losses coincided with spawning or periods of low growth rate, except at one station where, during a period when most animals were reproductively ripe, food concentrations were high, and shell growth was rapid, animals lost weight. This study failed to show a relation between salinity and the timing or rate of change of either shell length or tissue weight. The mild temperatures (10–23 °C water temperature) of the area studied resulted in no growth inhibition due to low temperature, but there was some indication that the high air temperatures found in these intertidal areas limited growth rates.
Building Trust Through Culturally Reciprocal Home-School-Community Collaboration from the Perspective of African-American Parents

This article presents findings of an instrumental case study that examined the perceptions held by African-American parents on the efficacy of schools in meeting the needs of African-American learners in a North Carolina community. A theme of distrust emerged and evidenced the need for teachers, administrators, and teacher educators to reconsider approaches used with African-American parents, particularly where building culturally reciprocal home-school-community relationships is concerned.
Soybean Cyst Nematode Population Development and Associated Soybean Yields of Resistant and Susceptible Cultivars in Minnesota.

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, is a major soybean yield-limiting factor, and the use of resistant cultivars is one of the most effective means to manage the nematode. During the past decade, a number of resistant cultivars in maturity groups I and II have been developed and made available to growers. A total of 47 resistant cultivars and nine susceptible cultivars were evaluated at 15 SCN-infested field sites and two noninfested sites during 1996 to 1998 in Minnesota. As expected, more nematodes developed on susceptible cultivars than on resistant cultivars. Egg density on susceptible cultivars increased by 1.9- to 10.6-fold during the growing season at 12 sites and did not change at the other three sites. Average egg density decreased over time for resistant cultivars at all sites, except where the initial egg density was low (≤455 eggs per 100 cm3 soil). Nematode reproduction factors (Rf = egg density at harvest/egg density at planting) for individual resistant and susceptible cultivars were highly consistent across the eight sites where initial SCN density was more than 1,000 eggs per 100 cm3 soil. Resistance, however, varied among the cultivars, with the average Rf of individual resistant cultivars across the sites ranging from 0.3 to 1.7. Resistant cultivars produced an average yield of 3,082 kg/ha compared with 2,497 kg/ha by susceptible cultivars at eight of 10 sites where egg density at planting was greater than 700 eggs per 100 cm3 soil. In contrast, no difference in yield was observed between resistant and susceptible cultivars at sites where egg density at planting was lower than 500 eggs per 100 cm3 soil. Yield differences between resistant and susceptible cultivars increased with increasing initial SCN egg density. In six fields infested with initial densities of more than 5,000 eggs per 100 cm3 soil, resistant cultivars produced 28.4% (676 kg/ha) more yield on average than susceptible cultivars. Soybean yield increased when cultivars with increasing resistance to the SCN (lower Rf or females formed on roots) were grown in fields infested with SCN. Average relative yield (yield of a cultivar/average yield of all resistant cultivars at a site) of individual resistant cultivars across all SCN-infested sites ranged from 0.76 to 1.10. Yield consistency of soybean cultivars was low among the different sites, indicating that many other factors affected yield. Our results suggest growing resistant cultivars is an effective method to manage SCN in Minnesota while minimizing yield loss due to SCN.
Commitment to one’s spouse as a predictor of marital quality among older couples

The present study examined the relationships between several independent variables (ego development, commitment to the spouse, length of marriage, church attendance, and sex of subject) and three marital quality variables (marriage problems, expression of love, and dyadic adjustment) in a community sample of 72 married couples age 50 and up. Commitment to the spouse was the strongest and most consistent predictor of marital quality; commitment was negatively related to marriage problems and positively related to expression of love and dyadic adjustment. The other independent variables were generally unrelated to marital quality.
Glucose transport and metabolism in rat renal proximal tubules: multicomponent effects of insulin

Glucose transport and metabolism, and the effect of insulin thereon, was studied using suspensions of rat renal tubules enriched in the proximal component. (1) [U-14C]Glucose oxidation is a saturable process (Km 3.1 ± 0.2 mM; Vmax 14 ± 0.2 μmole 14CO2 formed/g tissue protein per h.) Glucose oxidation and [14C]lactate formation from glucose are inhibited in part by phlorizin and phloretin: the data suggest that the rate-limiting entry of glucose into the cell metabolic pool occurs by both the Na-glucose cotransport system (at the brush border) and the equilibrating, phloretin-sensitive system (at the basal-lateral membrane). Raising external glucose from 5 to 30 mM markedly increases aerobic and anaerobic lactate formation. Gluconeogenesis from lactate is not affected by variations of glucose concentrations. (2) 24 h after streptozotocin administration, aerobic lactate formation is enhanced, as is the uptake of methyl α-d-glucoside by the tubules, while anaerobic glycolysis is depressed. Streptozotocin treatment (ST) increases both the Km and Vmax of glucose oxidation; gluconeogenesis and lactate oxidation are not affected. The effect of streptozotocin treatment on lactate formation are abolished by 1 mU/ml insulin. (3) Streptozotocin treatment increases tissue hexokinase activity, decreases glucose-6-phosphatase, but has no significant effect on fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. The data demonstrate fast streptozotocin-induced changes in cellular enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism. (4) The enhancing effect of streptozotocin on methyl α-glucoside uptake is transient: 8 days after administration of the agent, no significant difference from controls is found. (5) It is concluded that under the given experimental conditions insulin enhances the equilibrating glucose entry by the phloretin-sensitive pathway at the basal-lateral membrane, and transiently inhibits the Na-glucose cotransport system.
Microcatheterization of the cervical epidural space via lumbar puncture: technical note.

OBJECTIVE: Deposition of opiates, corticosteroids, or local anesthetics into the epidural space is useful for the management of painful maladies of the cervical and thoracic spine. We describe a novel technique for epidural medication delivery via an angiographic microcatheter inserted at or below the conus and advanced cephalad under fluoroscopic guidance. Unlike commercial kits used by anesthesiologists, this method uses a radiopaque catheter that can be precisely targeted to the levels of interest. The hazards of direct puncture, such as wet tap or injury to the cervical cord, are minimized. METHODS: An 18-gauge Tuohy needle is inserted into the lumbar epidural space. A 2.3-French microcatheter and a 0.018-inch steerable guidewire are then introduced through the lumen of the needle. The catheter is fluoroscopically advanced to the cervical epidural space, where Depo-Medrol (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MI) is administered. As the catheter is withdrawn, additional corticosteroid can be delivered to the thoracic epidural space, together with long-acting morphine compounds or local anesthetics. Regional pressures within the epidural space and other physiological parameters can be measured, and the local microenvironment can be sampled. RESULTS: To date, we have performed 16 procedures for 13 patients. All patients reported improvement, of varying extent and duration. There have been no complications. CONCLUSION: Our system of accessing the epidural space has many advantages, compared with direct puncture and commercially available kits. It provides a safe means of delivering epidural medication to multiple spinal levels and permits measurement of physiological variables that may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical and thoracic spine disease.
Slice emittance measurements at the SLAC gun test facility

Abstract A goal of the Gun Test Facility (GTF) at SLAC is to investigate the production of high-brightness electron beams for the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray FEL. High brightness in the RF photocathode gun occurs when the time-sliced emittance is nearly the same as the cathode thermal emittance and when the slices are all lined up, i.e., their Twiss parameters are nearly identical. In collaboration with the BNL Source Development Lab (SDL), we have begun a systematic study of the slice emittance at GTF. The technique involves giving the bunch a near linear energy chirp using the booster linac and dispersing it with a magnetic spectrometer. Combined with knowledge of the longitudinal phase space, this establishes the energy–time correlation on the spectrometer screen. The slice emittances are determined by varying the strengths of the quadrupoles in front of the spectrometer. Spectrometer images for a range of quadrupole settings are then binned into small energy/time windows and analysed for the slice emittance and Twiss parameters. Results for various gun parameters are presented.
Effect of thyroid hormone analogues on the displacement of 125I-L-triiodothyronine from hepatic and heart nuclei in vivo: possible relationship to hormonal activity.

Abstract The capacity of iodotyrosines and iodothyronine analogues to displace tracer[125I] L-3,5,3′ triiodothyronine from specific nuclear binding sites in rat liver and heart was related to the displacement capacity of nonradioactive triiodothyronine. Iodotyrosines and L-3,3′,5′ triiodothyronine (“reverse T3”) were devoid of displacement activity. Analogues with 3,5 substitution in the “inner” ring and single “bulk” substitution in the 3′ position in the phenolic ring exhibited the strongest displacement activity. When the distribution, fractional removal rates and metabolic conversion of the analogues were taken into account, displacement activity appeared to correlate well with the reported thyromimetic activity. These results support the biologic relevance of the nuclear sites.
Medial Quadriceps Tendon–Femoral Ligament: Surgical Anatomy and Reconstruction Technique to Prevent Patella Instability

Detailed anatomic dissections of the deep medial knee retinaculum have shown a consistent prominent anatomic structure extending from the distal deep quadriceps tendon to the adductor tubercle region, forming a distinct medial quadriceps tendon–femoral ligament (MQTFL). Reconstruction of this anatomic structure has yielded consistent medial stabilization of the patellofemoral joint without drilling into the patella over more than 3 years in patients with recurrent patella instability and dislocation. Results are similar to those of MPFL reconstruction but with reduced risk of patella fracture, a known and serious complication of MPFL reconstruction. The reconstruction graft is secured at the anatomic femoral origin of the MQTFL and brought under the vastus medialis such that it may be woven and attached to the deep distal medial quadriceps tendon to provide a secure, reliable reproduction of the MQTFL and excellent stabilization of the patellofemoral joint without risk of patella fracture.
Magnesium sulfate inhibits the oxytocin-induced production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in cultured human myometrial cells.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of magnesium sulfate on inositol trisphosphate production and the mechanism of these effects. Study Design: Myometrium was obtained at the time of cesarean delivery from women before labor at term. Inositol trisphosphate was measured in the primary myometrial cell cultures after stimulation with oxytocin, sodium fluoride, or Bay K 8644 with or without preincubation with magnesium sulfate or nifedipine. Experiments were performed in either calcium-containing or calcium-free medium that contained egtazic acid and after preincubation with the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-acetoxymethylester. Inositol trisphosphate production was measured by radioreceptor assay. In separate experiments, changes in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca 2+ ] i ) were measured with the use of Fura-2 and spectrophotofluorometry. Results: Oxytocin, sodium fluoride, and Bay K 8644 increased inositol trisphosphate production 2- to 4-fold. Preincubation with magnesium sulfate (3 × 10 −3 mol/L) for ≥5 minutes decreased oxytocin-, sodium fluoride-, and Bay K 8644-induced inositol trisphosphate production in either calcium-containing or calcium-free media. Preincubation with BAPTA-acetoxymethylester decreased oxytocin-stimulated inositol trisphosphate production by 78% in calcium-containing media and completely prevented the oxytocin response in calcium-free media. Magnesium sulfate decreased inositol trisphosphate production in calcium-containing media but had no additional effect in calcium-free media. Oxytocin and Bay K 8644 increased [Ca 2+ ] i in either calcium-containing or calcium-free media, and magnesium sulfate reduced this in both cases. Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate appears to inhibit phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate-specific phospholipase C activity and subsequent calcium release in cultured myometrial cells by a direct effect on phospholipase C. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:419-24.)
Atmospheric Photochemical Oxidation of Benzene: Benzene + OH and the Benzene−OH Adduct (Hydroxyl-2,4-cyclohexadienyl) + O2

The addition of hydroxyl radical to benzene leading to the formation of the hydroxyl-2,4-cyclohexadienyl radical (benzene−OH adduct, BOH) initiates the atmospheric oxidation of benzene. This reaction and subsequent reactions of the BOH adduct with O2 are chemically activated reactions. Rate constants of these chemically activated bimolecular reactions and unimolecular decompositions are analyzed using a quantum version of Rice−Ramsperger−Kassel theory (QRRK) for k(E) and a modified strong collision approach for falloff. Results of QRRK analyses show that stabilization channels of energized BOH and benzene−OH−O2 (BOHO2) adducts are dominant in chemically activated reaction systems under atmospheric condition. Unimolecular reactions of stabilized adducts to products are also important. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔHf°298, S°298, and Cp(T)s) are calculated using group additivity techniques with evaluated bond energies (for ΔHf°298) and semiempirical PM3 molecular orbital calculations (for S°298 and Cp(T)s). A ...
Rotational ablation and stent placement for severe calcific coronary artery stenosis after Kawasaki disease.

We report on a 5-year-old child who had an episode of Kawasaki disease with giant coronary artery aneurysms at the age of 4 months. Surveillance coronary angiography showed severe calcific stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Balloon angioplasty failed to resolve the obstruction. Rotational ablation was therefore performed. Surveillance angiogram performed 6 months after rotational ablation showed critical restenosis. Rotational ablation was therefore repeated, followed by stent placement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest child who has undergone coronary stenting after Kawasaki disease.
Harnessing Modern Web Application Technology to Create Intuitive and Efficient Data Visualization and Sharing Tools

Neuroscientists increasingly need to work with big data in order to derive meaningful results in their field. Collecting, organizing and analyzing this data can be a major hurdle on the road to scientific discovery. This hurdle can be lowered using the same technologies that are currently revolutionizing the way that cultural and social media sites represent and share information with their users. Web application technologies and standards such as RESTful webservices, HTML5 and high-performance in-browser JavaScript engines are being utilized to vastly improve the way that the world accesses and shares information. The neuroscience community can also benefit tremendously from these technologies. We present here a web application that allows users to explore and request the complex datasets that need to be shared among the neuroimaging community. The COINS (Collaborative Informatics and Neuroimaging Suite) Data Exchange uses web application technologies to facilitate data sharing in three phases: Exploration, Request/Communication, and Download. This paper will focus on the first phase, and how intuitive exploration of large and complex datasets is achieved using a framework that centers around asynchronous client-server communication (AJAX) and also exposes a powerful API that can be utilized by other applications to explore available data. First opened to the neuroscience community in August 2012, the Data Exchange has already provided researchers with over 2500 GB of data.
Relative Ionospheric Ranging Delay in LEO GNSS Oceanic Reflections

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reflectometry leverages signals of opportunity to remotely sense the Earth's surface for a variety of science investigations. However, ionospheric refraction affects GNSS reflections detected at low Earth orbit (LEO). While multifrequency GNSS enables the elimination of most of the ionospheric error, single-frequency missions are still susceptible to this ranging delay. Motivated by the planned launch of Cyclone GNSS (CYGNSS) in 2016, a single-frequency reflectometry mission, this letter presents a simulation of the relative ionospheric delay that will shift the Delay-Doppler Map (DDM) data product. A mathematical model is presented that defines and characterizes signal propagation delay in the DDM. The model differentiates direct and reflected signals as a sum of path lengths, atmospheric refraction effects, and noise. We simulate representative ionospheric delays from the model associated with the direct and reflected ray paths as a function of satellite elevation angle, latitude, and solar activity. Simulation using the International Reference Ionosphere 2007 shows that differential ionospheric content is inversely proportional to satellite elevation angle and that low latitudes present larger ionospheric impacts on the reflected signals. Finally, high solar activity conditions lift the ionospheric density profile to and possibly above the CYGNSS orbit altitude of 500 km. The ionospheric delay will not generally affect the estimation of wind speed but may affect the CYGNSS signal acquisition and open loop tracking process. Implications of the ionospheric delay in other GNSS reflectometry applications are also discussed.
Reappraisal of β-blocker therapy in the acute and chronic post–myocardial infarction period

Abstract In patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI), the early use of intravenous β-blockade followed by short-term oral administration in the absence of reperfusion therapy has shown a modest reduction in mortality. In contrast, major reductions in mortality and reinfarction have been shown when β-blockers have been used soon after an acute MI and continued long term. These benefits were observed in trials conducted in the 1970s and 1980s, before the widespread use of reperfusion therapies, antiplatelet agents, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; those trials excluded patients with postischemic heart failure. Recently, the Carvedilol Post-Infarct Survival Control in Left Ventricular Dysfunction (CAPRICORN) trial has shown a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and reinfarction in post-MI patients with systolic dysfunction, in response to carvedilol. Despite compelling evidence supporting the use of β-blockers in the post-MI setting, data published by the National Cooperative Cardiovascular Project have shown that This article is reprinted with permission from Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine 2003;4(suppl 3):S13–S24. ©MedReviews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Mortality in HIV-Seropositive versus -Seronegative Persons in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: Implications for When to Initiate Therapy

BACKGROUND The optimal time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) remains unclear. METHODS Five hundred eighty-three human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive and 920 HIV-seronegative injection drug users (IDUs) were followed from 1997 to 2000. HIV-seropositive participants were categorized according to receipt of HAART (either initiated or switched to HAART) and initial CD4 cell count. Survival analysis that included delayed-entry and Cox proportional-hazards models was used to evaluate the effect of HAART, with adjustments for factors associated with access to HAART. RESULTS Compared with HIV-seronegative participants, overall survival was similar in HIV-seropositive participants who received HAART at >350 CD4 cells/microL, but mortality was higher both in participants with >350 CD4 cells/microL who did not receive HAART and in participants who received HAART at 200-350 CD4 cells/microL (mortality rates, 19.9, 24.0, 43.0, and 50.5/1000 person-years, respectively). In proportional-hazards models in which HIV-seronegative participants were the reference group and in which age, sex, race, frequency of drug use, substance-abuse treatment, and health-care utilization were adjusted for, hazard ratios were 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-2.45), 2.28 (95% CI, 1.38-3.78), and 2.09 (95% CI, 1.07-4.10) for the latter 3 groups. In HIV-seropositive participants, HAART significantly improved survival when initiated at CD4 cell counts 350 cells/microL. These data, restricted to IDUs, suggest initiating or switching to HAART at higher CD4 cell levels than are currently recommended.
Modulation of cluster incorporation specificity in a de novo iron‐sulfur cluster binding peptide

iron-sulfur cluster binding proteins perform an astounding variety of functions, and represent one of the most abundant classes of metalloproteins. Most often, they constitute pairs or chains and act as electron transfer modules either within complex redox enzymes or within small diffusible proteins. We have previously described the design of a three-helix bundle that can bind two clusters within its hydrophobic core. Here, we use single-point mutations to exchange one of the Cys ligands coordinating the cluster to either Leu or Ser. We show that the mutants modulate the redox potential of the clusters and stabilize the [3Fe-4S] form over the [4Fe-4S] form, supporting the use of model iron-sulfur cluster proteins as modules in the design of complex redox enzymes.
An Evaluation of Resurgence during Functional Communication Training

Three children who displayed destructive behavior maintained by negative reinforcement received functional communication training (FCT). During FCT, the children were required to complete a demand and then to mand (touch a card attached to a microswitch, sign, or vocalize) to receive brief play breaks. Prior to and 1 to 3 times following the initiation of FCT, extinction probes were conducted to evaluate the resurgence of destructive behavior when the microswitch without the mand card was present or the microswitch and the mand card were absent to determine if different patterns of resurgence occurred when the microswitch was present or absent and, for 2 of the children, if changes in resurgence occurred at different points in treatment. Results showed that FCT led to relatively rapid reductions in destructive behavior. During all extinction sessions, resurgence of destructive behavior occurred with only minimal differences across the switch/no card and no-switch conditions.
Linking needs assessment in continuing medical education to health care outcomes

There is currently a need in the health care industry to develop and implement strategies to improve both the quality and cost effectiveness of health care delivery. Continuing medical education (CME), like other components of the health care system, is being pressured for more accountability in physician education programs. Specifically, CME professionals are being asked to address quality assurance issues (either physician performance or health care outcomes) as measures of the impact of educational programs and activities. Major research studies reported in the CME literature have pointed to the importance of determination of practice or real learning needs as a prerequisite for effective education. Furthermore, it has been suggested that research in CME should focus on evaluating the effects of CME interventions on major causes of morbidity and mortality. The funded, on-going project described in this paper is a continuing medical education efsort designed to address and correct dejiciencies in clinical quality and cost effectiveness documented by a mandatory statewide hospital data collection system. The database measures quality and effectiveness of care using two specific data elements: severity of illness upon admission and patient outcome upon discharge, in terms of morbidity and mortality for selected Diagnostic Related Groups. Key clinical findings are the focus. This article provides a conceptual framework and descriptive analysis of (1) the rationale for using large administrative databases in designing, implementing, and evaluating continuing medical education programs, and (2) the replicable problem-solving process that can be used in identifying the real learning needs of physicians from large administrative databases.
Indefinite allograft survival mediated by donor bone marrow is dependent on the presence of a functional CD95 (Fas) gene in recipients.

Abstract It is well documented that donor bone marrow in combination with peri-transplant anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) administration induces transplantation tolerance in a variety of animal models. Our previous work showed that the ability of donor marrow to induce tolerance was dependent on the presence of CD95 ligand (Fas-ligand) on the donor cells. In this study we investigate whether CD95 (Fas) on the recipient cells is required. By comparing skin allograft survival times between wild-type C57BL/6 ATG-treated recipients and C57BL/6 lpr/lpr ATG-treated recipients (which do not have a functional CD95 gene), we show that donor bone marrow could induce indefinite transplant survival (median survival time >200 days) only in recipients with a functional CD95 gene. Thus, we conclude that the CD95 ligand–CD95 apoptotic pathway plays a major role in donor bone marrow–induced transplantation tolerance.
Tools for Fungal Proteomics: Multifunctional Neurospora Vectors for Gene Replacement, Protein Expression and Protein Purification

The completion of genome-sequencing projects for a number of fungi set the stage for detailed investigations of proteins. We report the generation of versatile expression vectors for detection and isolation of proteins and protein complexes in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. The vectors, which can be adapted for other fungi, contain C- or N-terminal FLAG, HA, Myc, GFP, or HAT–FLAG epitope tags with a flexible poly-glycine linker and include sequences for targeting to the his-3 locus in Neurospora. To introduce mutations at native loci, we also made a series of knock-in vectors containing epitope tags followed by the selectable marker hph (resulting in hygromycin resistance) flanked by two loxP sites. We adapted the Cre/loxP system for Neurospora, allowing the selectable marker hph to be excised by introduction of Cre recombinase into a strain containing a knock-in cassette. Additionally, a protein purification method was developed on the basis of the HAT–FLAG tandem affinity tag system, which was used to purify HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (HP1) and associated proteins from Neurospora. As expected on the basis of yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments, the Neurospora DNA methyltransferase DIM-2 was found in a complex with HP1. Features of the new vectors allowed for verification of an interaction between HP1 and DIM-2 in vivo by Co-IP assays on proteins expressed either from their native loci or from the his-3 locus.
Hepatitis C Virus Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Case Report and Literature Review

A 46 -year-old male presented with 10 days of fatigue, jaundice, and bloody sputum. Past medical history was significant for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with viral load > 10 million copies by PCR. Lab work showed severe derangements of multiple organ systems including cytopenias, renal failure, and transaminitis; a bone marrow biopsy revealed hemophagocytosis. On hospital day three he was started on definitive treatment for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) consisting of etoposide and dexamethasone, with marked improvement in condition. An exhaustive workup for infectious, rheumatologic, and malignant secondary etiologies was negative. In addition, genetic testing did not reveal a primary defect. We therefore postulate his HLH to be associated with chronic untreated HCV infection, a previously unreported clinical scenario in the literature. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/j h82w
Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalizations in Relation to Exposure to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Disaster and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Background A cohort study found that 9/11-related environmental exposures and posttraumatic stress disorder increased self-reported cardiovascular disease risk. We attempted to replicate these findings using objectively defined cardiovascular disease hospitalizations in the same cohort. Methods and Results Data for adult World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees residing in New York State on enrollment and no cardiovascular disease history (n=46 346) were linked to a New York State hospital discharge–reporting system. Follow-up began at Registry enrollment (2003–2004) and ended at the first cerebrovascular or heart disease (HD) hospitalization, death, or December 31, 2010, whichever was earliest. We used proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for HD (n=1151) and cerebrovascular disease (n=284) hospitalization during 302 742 person-years of observation (mean follow-up, 6.5 years per person), accounting for other factors including age, race/ethnicity, smoking, and diabetes. An elevated risk of HD hospitalization was observed among women (AHR 1.32, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.71) but not men (AHR 1.16, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.40) with posttraumatic stress disorder at enrollment. A high overall level of World Trade Center rescue and recovery–related exposure was associated with an elevated HD hospitalization risk in men (AHR 1.82, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.13; P for trend=0.05), but findings in women were inconclusive (AHR 3.29, 95% CI 0.85 to 12.69; P for trend=0.09). Similar associations were observed specifically with coronary artery disease hospitalization. Posttraumatic stress disorder increased the cerebrovascular disease hospitalization risk in men but not in women. Conclusions 9/11-related exposures and posttraumatic stress disorder appeared to increase the risk of subsequent hospitalization for HD and cerebrovascular disease. This is consistent with findings based on self-reported outcomes.
Dispersal and new colony formation in wild naked mole-rats: evidence against inbreeding as the system of mating

Early field work on naked mole-rats, Heterocephalus glaber, suggested that small colonies are rare and that colonies can only form by fissioning of existing colonies. Many researchers expected that this would result in extreme inbreeding and high relatedness within colonies and would thus explain the evolution of eusociality in naked mole-rats. Here I report evidence of dispersers and outbreeding in colonies of wild naked mole-rats that suggests that inbreeding is not the system of mating for this species and that outbreeding is probably frequent. Wild dispersers have the same morphology as was reported for dispersers in laboratory colonies. Low levels of genetic variation in previous molecular genetic studies of naked mole-rats probably result from the viscous population structure typical of fossorial rodents. Key words: dispersal, eusociality, Heterocephalus glaber, inbreeding, naked mole-rat. [Behav Ecol 11:7‐12 (2000)]
PowerPoint in a New Key

This essay offers an analysis of PowerPoint apart from the histrionics of the “'Tis and 'Taint” arguments about its value, and proposes a program of research to move forward our understanding of PowerPoint as an inscriptional system. To that end, the study begins with a discussion of PowerPoint as an inscriptional system that employs both discursive and presentational codes. Concepts drawn from the literature are used to analyze a sample of PowerPoint materials. A research agenda is developed from the implications of theory and the results of the analysis.
Trajectories, biographies and the evolving medical technology scene: labor and delivery and the intensive care nursery

This paper is about the complexities of understanding the medical technology scene. A variety of attacks and defences on and of this scene — largely simplistic and encapsulated in catchwords and phrases like 'dehumanization,' 'rising hospital costs,' 'quality of life' - have gained currency. There is a need to recognize the complexities stemming from medical technology, but also to find explanatory patterns. This paper uses the labor and delivery ward and the intensive care nursery (ICN) in the service of illuminating these complexities and patterns. An essential feature of medical-nursi ng work is that it is work on and with humans. Staff focus is on doing something about the course of ill- ness, but in so doing, staff have to deal with the patient as a human being who responds, has a hfe/biography, a family, etc. Bearing on the work are various structural conditions: staff have their own personal and work biographies, and in a real sense so does the hospital, the medical-specialization, the ward itself, the machines within that ward — all of these elements have histories and futures. Also affecting staff work are extemal conditions: the medical-machinery industry, con- sumer movements, etc.
A Cluster By Any Other Name

What's in a name? Over the last several years, Lotfi Zadeh has been using the definition of a cluster as an example of a very common fuzzy term that we humans use without a real definition. This paper represents an attempt to construct a degree of clusterness for a given set of points. We introduce two approaches, one based on the Possibilistic C-Means and the other on a Visual Assessment of Cluster Tendency. We compare the measures on several synthetic data sets and discuss the results.
Exploitation of bistatic doppler measurements in multistatic tracking

The exploitation of bistatic Doppler measurements for multistatic tracking is considered. It is found through simulation, that, while the velocity estimation of the standard extended Kalman filter is improved in monostotic situations and multistatic situations where measurement errors are small, a degradation in performance is observed in multistatic situations where the measurement errors are realistically large. A bistatic modification to the alternate EKF of Bizup and Brown (2003) is proposed as a means of exploiting bistatic Doppler measurements in realistic multistatic situations. Simulation results confirm that the proposed filter outperforms the standard EKF and can produce significantly improved target velocity estimates when Doppler measurements are exploited in multistatic applications.
Two imaging techniques for 3D quantification of pre-cementation space for CAD/CAM crowns

Abstract Objectives Internal three-dimensional (3D) “fit” of prostheses to prepared teeth is likely more important clinically than “fit” judged only at the level of the margin (i.e. marginal “opening”). This work evaluates two techniques for quantitatively defining 3D “fit”, both using pre-cementation space impressions: X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and quantitative optical analysis. Both techniques are of interest for comparison of CAD/CAM system capabilities and for documenting “fit” as part of clinical studies. Methods Pre-cementation space impressions were taken of a single zirconia coping on its die using a low viscosity poly(vinyl siloxane) impression material. Calibration specimens of this material were fabricated between the measuring platens of a micrometre. Both calibration curves and pre-cementation space impression data sets were obtained by examination using micro-CT and quantitative optical analysis. Regression analysis was used to compare calibration curves with calibration sets. Results Micro-CT calibration data showed tighter 95% confidence intervals and was able to measure over a wider thickness range than for the optical technique. Regions of interest (e.g., lingual, cervical) were more easily analysed with optical image analysis and this technique was more suitable for extremely thin impression walls ( Conclusions Both micro-CT and the optical method can be used to quantify the thickness of pre-cementation space impressions. Each has advantages and limitations but either technique has the potential for use as part of clinical studies or CAD/CAM protocol optimization.