cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Diagnosis of Legionnaires' Disease by Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Legionella pneumophila has, in recent years, emerged as a common pulmonary pathogen in the normal and immuno-compromised patient (ICP). Making a specific etiologic diagnosis of pneumonia in the latter group is a common clinical dilemma often complicated by poor specimen availability and risks of invasive procedures. Improved staining and isolation techniques for L pneumophila would suggest that early diagnosis could be possible if adequate specimens were available. This report summarizes our experience with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with which we have diagnosed L pneumophila in eight immunocompromised patients, well in advance of more traditional methods. On the basis of this experience, we would advocate early BAL in the ICP as a rapid, safe, moderately sensitive and specific diagnostic test to aid in the identification of L pneumophila.
On principles and rules in complex adaptive systems: A financial system case study

Systems engineers have always been concerned with the problems surrounding complex systems. An evolutionary class of complex systems called Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) is even more relevant today as we struggle to understand and cope with the often undesirable emergence effects of some of these systems, evidenced by recurring financial and sociopolitical crises. A key characteristic of CAS is a large, diverse, and sometimes unknown set of interactions both internally and across the system boundary. For the purpose of managing this complexity we present in this paper the concept that a principles orientation as compared to rules orientation of a complex system is an important and useful characteristic in need of further study. The US financial system is used as a CAS exemplar in support of this inquiry. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 15 © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing world class organization: Investing in organizational capital

Abstract On the basis of recent experiences of companies making dramatic organizational changes, it is very clear that the key to superior productivity lies in the quality of a company's management system, not the quality of their labor or tangible capital or technological knowledge. It is useful to view these changes as investments in a kind of human capital known as organizational capital in which the attribute is embodied in either the organizational relationship, particular organization members, or the organization's files of information. Governmental policies supporting organizational investment are needed, and these must be founded on sound economic theory. This is why use of the concept of organizational capital as a unifying link between behavioral and economic theories relating to organizational productivity is essential.
The Need for Sociocultural Awareness to Maximize Treatment Acceptance and Adherence in Individuals Initiating HIV Therapy

Despite major advances in the long-term treatment of patients with HIV infection, there still exist sociocultural barriers to care. This article will focus on recognizing and understanding the cultural factors that affect treatment in patients starting antiretroviral therapy, most important the factors that can contribute to poor, as well as favorable, treatment adherence in diverse individuals. These factors include cultural and religious stigma; domestic violence; socioeconomic constraints, including literacy, living conditions, presence or absence of family, and social support networks; psychiatric disorders; and pregnancy. The authors also discuss ways in which clinicians can prepare patients for treatment initiation and improve their ongoing adherence by incorporating knowledge of these sociocultural differences into and modifying plans for patient care accordingly.
A neuro-ophthalmologist's perspective on neuroradiology

The practice of neuro-ophthalmology includes evaluating patients for visual signs and symptoms for neurological causes. Responsible lesions are often small and in places not well imaged on routinely ordered brain imaging studies. To achieve a proper diagnosis, the clinician must have a close working relationship with the radiologist to choose the appropriate imaging study and to correctly focus the study based on clinical findings.
Loss of calpain 10 causes mitochondrial dysfunction during chronic hyperglycemia.

We showed that renal calpain 10, a mitochondrial and cytosolic Ca2+-regulated cysteine protease, is specifically decreased in kidneys of diabetic rats and mice, and is associated with diabetic nephropathy. The goals of this study were to examine renal calpain 10 and mitochondrial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats and determine the effects of siRNA-mediated knock down of renal calpain 10 on mitochondrial function. Four weeks after streptozotocin injection, calpain 10 protein and mRNA were decreased and calpain 10 substrates accumulated. We detected increased state 2 respiration in isolated renal mitochondria and increased markers of mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. All changes were prevented by daily insulin injection. Compared to scrambled siRNA, calpain 10 siRNA resulted in a marked decrease in renal calpain 10 at 2, 5 and 7 days. In concert with the loss of renal calpain 10, calpain 10 substrates accumulated, mitochondrial fusion decreased, mitochondrial fission and mitophagy increased. In summary, insulin-sensitive hyperglycemia induced loss of renal calpain 10 is correlated with renal mitochondrial dysfunction, fission and mitophagy, and specific depletion of renal calpain 10 produces similar mitochondrial defects. These results provide evidence that diabetes-induced renal mitochondrial dysfunction and renal injury may directly result from the loss of renal calpain 10.
The three-dimensional distribution of atmospheric heating during the GWE

The three-dimensional global distributions of time-averaged atmospheric heating for January, April, July and October 1979 are estimated from the ECMWF GWE Level IIIb data set. Heating rates are calculated through a vertical integration of the isentropic equation of mass continuity. Estimates of the vertical variation of heating are presented in isobaric coordinates through interpolation of the vertical profiles of heating from isentropic to isobaric coordinates. The horizontal distributions of heating and vertical profiles from various climatological regimes of the planetary circulation provide insight into the four-dimensional structure of the thermal forcing of the atmosphere. The large-scale structure of the heating distributions appears spatially and temporally consistent with known features of the global circulation and the seasonal evolution. Major features of the global distributions include the heating in regions of deep moist convection over South America, equatorial Africa, the ITCZ, the Asian monsoon circulation and the oceanic cyclone tracks of the Northern Hemisphere. The primary centres of heating migrate meridionally and zonally with changing seasons. The meridional migration is linked directly with the annual variation of the latitude of maximum incoming solar radiation. The zonal migration is linked with the planetary scale distribution of continents and oceans and the land-sea surface temperature distribution as determined by the surface energy balance and energy transport within the atmosphere itself. Throughout the tropical-subtropical regions, the strongest heating occurs above 600 mb in association with deep convection. Within the primary centres of heating associated with the Asian monsoon circulation, the maximum heating in the vertical profile is near 400 mb. Over the oceanic storm tracks of the Northern Hemisphere, heating occurs through most of the troposphere. The lower tropospheric heating is maximized in January and in that month is significantly stronger than the heating in the middle troposphere. In July there is negligible heating in the lower troposphere. Profiles from the high latitude continental regions such as central Asia and Canada are in close agreement showing cooling through most of the troposphere in winter and modest heating in summer. Profiles from desert regions over the Sahara and western Australia are also in close agreement showing a transition from low level heating to middle and upper level cooling. Cooling occurs throughout the free troposphere in regions of subtropical anticyclonic circulations over the eastern North and South Pacific Oceans. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1990.t01-1-00001.x
Portfolio Management for the Commercialization of Advanced Technologies

AbstractInvestment in research and development (R&D) is undergoing close scrutiny, and firms are unable to respond effectively. Decision support systems are often utilized by R&D managers seeking to optimize management of research-driven innovation projects for the benefit of the enterprise. To date, no portfolio decision support system has undergone content and empirical validation. To address this concern, I review the content and empirical validity of a new decision support model developed by the Advanced Technology Division of Lucent Technologies' Bell Laboratories to measure and manage the technology commercialization process.
Cooling flows in ellipticals and the nature of radio galaxies

Analytical arguments are presented to demonstrate that the morphology of the host galaxy will influence the type of radio signature emitted by the nucleus, which is in many cases presumed to a black hole. The types of matter inflows and consequent shapes of the accretion disks around the nuclei of spiral and elliptical galaxies are discussed. If the inflowing matter is predominantly cold and clumpy, then stars will tend to form and only the available hot gas will descend into the center. Collimated radio jets will appear only in the presence of hot interstellar gas in elliptical galaxies and not in spiral galaxies. The implications of the predictions for the interpretation of observational data on, e.g., BL Lac objects and N galaxies are discussed.
Understanding the decision to take the predictive test for Huntington disease

The predictive test for Huntington disease (HD) has allowed those at risk to determine gene status prior to symptoms. The purpose of this research was to understand the motivation and the anticipated reactions of those requesting the test. Forty persons at 50% risk for HD and 31 companions participated in a structured personal interview as part of the predictive test protocol. Reasons for taking the test centered on the reduction of anxiety and uncertainty associated with being at risk and enhanced planning and decision making. Participants also believed that taking the test would produce more positive than negative outcomes. With a favorable result, most anticipated a reduction of anxiety, a more normal future, and relief knowing their children would be at a very low risk. Most also cited benefits as more likely than consequences with an unfavorable result. Making the most of life, easier planning, and reduced uncertainty were rated as more likely than any of the adverse impacts, including short-term depression and becoming frightened. Almost all participants (95%) said they would rather learn that they have the HD gene than remain at 50% risk. The uncertainty, anxiety, and chronic stress associated with being at risk appears to underlie the motivation of many seeking the predictive test for HD.
Conflicting research on the demography, ecology, and social behavior of Gunnison's prairie dogs ( Cynomys gunnisoni )

Abstract Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) are rare, diurnal, colonial, burrowing, ground-dwelling squirrels. Studies of marked individuals living under natural conditions in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s showed that males are heavier than females throughout the year; that adult females living in the same territory are consistently close kin; and that females usually mate with the sexually mature male(s) living in the home territory. Research from 2007 through 2010 challenges all 3 of these findings. Here we discuss how different methods might have led to the discrepancies.
Badly approximable systems of linear forms

Abstract A number α is called badly approximable if there is a constant c = c(α)>0 such that |q|αq − p| > c(α) for any integers p, q ≠ 0. The existence of continuum—many badly approximable numbers follows easily from the theory of continued fractions. In the present paper the notion of a badly approximable number is generalized to badly approximable systems of m linear forms in n variables. Among other results we prove for every given m and n the existence of continuum many badly approximable systems of linear forms.
Equivalent Pasteurization Temperatures to Kill Salmonellae in Liquid Egg White at Various pH Levels

Abstract THE pH of the medium has a major influence on the susceptibility of bacteria to heat. Hansen and Riemann (1963), in a review of factors affecting the heat resistance of nonsporing organisms, indicated that maximum resistance usually occurs near neutrality. Most pasteurization studies either have not considered or have given little attention to pH as a variable in altering the time and/or temperature required to kill bacteria in liquid egg white (EW). A review of the literature revealed the following information on the pH of EW during pasteurization. Ayres and Slosberg (1949) readjusted the pH of fermented EW to 9.0 before flash pasteurization at 59.4°C. A patent by van Olphen (1953) claimed that pathogenic bacteria in EW could be destroyed by increasing the pH to 9–12, then pasteurizing at 40–55°C. Elleman (1955) referred to a similar process which called for adjusting the pH of EW to 10.5 with NH4OH, holding . . .
T helper cell-induced CD23 (BLAST-2) expression: an activation marker for the high density fraction of human B cells.

Abstract We previously reported that the coculture of cloned, allospecific human T helper (T h ) cells with allogeneic B cells bearing the relevant major histocompatibility complex class II antigen induces expression of the B cell activation antigen CD23 (BLAST-2) on a fraction of the B cells. To determine if T h cell-induced CD23 expression defines a distinct subset of human B cells, allospecific T h cells were cultured with B cell fractions isolated on discontinuous Percoll gradients. Our results show that the majority of high density resting B cells, those bearing surface IgD and little of the 4F2 activation antigen, express high intensity CD23 after culture with relevant allospecific T h cells. Essentially all of the low density, presumably in vivo -activated, B cell subpopulation and a fraction of the high density B cell pool remain CD23 negative after repeated culture with relevant allospecific T h cells. We utilized the CD23 induction assay to investigate a potential synergistic effect in B cell activation mediated by T h cell signaling and antigen analog-induced cross-linking of B cell surface Ig receptors. These studies show that phorbols known to result in PKC activation, one of the biochemical consequences of sIg-mediated B cell signaling, enhance both the intensity of CD23 expression and the percentage of cells expressing CD23 after allospecific T h cell or IL-4 interaction with high density, but not low density B-cells. Finally, we show that while T h -induced B cell activation, as measured by CD23 expression, is a property of high density B cells, induction of T h cell proliferation is a property of the low density B cell population. These results suggest that the antigen-specific interaction between T h cells and resting B cells may serve to activate the B cell in preference to the T cell.
Branch-circuit overcurrent protection for appliance loads

Three typical branch circuits and their protective devices are examined. These are the general-purpose lighting and appliance branch circuits, the special branch circuits supplying a single fixed appliance, and motor branch circuits.
Temperature lowering after iced water. Enhanced effects in the elderly.

Oral temperature has long been used as a basis for clinical decisions. The ingestion of cold liquids such as iced water, which are frequently found at patients' bedsides or in clinic waiting areas, has been believed to potentially lower oral temperature readings. The degree and duration of this effect, however, has not been well established. This study examined the effect of iced water on oral temperature as measured with a standard electronic thermometer. Ninety-two afebrile adults were stratified into three age groups. Their temperatures were measured every two minutes for ten minutes to establish a baseline. Subjects then drank 9 oz of iced water over two minutes and their temperatures were again taken every two minutes for the next half hour. The overall mean initial change was -2.4F (P less than .001; range, +0.1 to -8.2 degrees). Although no differences existed at baseline, temperature decreases and recovery time were strongly related to age. Mean decreases were -3.1F for persons 60 years or older, -2.4F for those between 40 and 59 years, and -1.6F for those less than 40 years of age (P = .0001). Median times for return to baseline temperature were 26, 18, and 14 minutes, respectively. On the basis of these findings it is recommended that oral temperature not be measured immediately after iced water ingestion. It is further recommended that oral temperature readings be delayed at least 15 minutes in people under the age of 40 years, 20 minutes in those who are 40 to 59 years, and 30 minutes in persons aged 60 and older.
Approximating Farm-Level Returns to Incremental Advertising Expenditure: Methods and an Application to the Australian Meat Industry

Equilibrium displacement modeling is used to analyze the effects of incremental advertising expenditure by the Australian beef, lamb, and pork industries in domestic and export markets. The effects on prices, quantities traded, revenues, producer surpluses, and profits net of advertising expenditure are reported. Cross-commodity impacts of advertising are highlighted, including how one industry has to adjust its advertising expenditure to preserve profit levels in the face of increased advertising by another industry. The procedures used are useful when decisions about advertising expenditure need to be made quickly.
Acute, chronic and sublethal effects of synthetic pyrethroids on freshwater zooplankton

A review of the acute, subacute and chronic effects of four synthetic pyrethroids —permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fenvalerate —on freshwater zooplankton is presented. Acute toxicities in the laboratory were found to range from 0.12 to 5.0 μg/L for cladocerans and copepods. Lower concentrations of pyrethroids (≤0.01 μg/L) reduced reproduction and rates of filtration of food by daphnids. Similar results were observed in field experiments. Simulation of direct overspray of aquatic ecosystems resulted in subsurface concentrations of pyrethroids greater than the levels known to be toxic in the laboratory (>1 μg/L). At these concentrations, populations of cladocerans were reduced. At concentrations of 0.05 μg/L or greater, rates of filtration by cladocerans were depressed. Indirect effects on communities included increases in populations of rotifers and green algae (Chlorophyta). Higher levels of contamination (>10 μg/L) caused reductions in copepods, rotifers and ostracods. Levels of pyrethroids of 0.01 μg/L or less were found to have no detectable effects on zooplankton in the field.
Repeated stimulation of CD4 effector T cells can limit their protective function

Chronic infections often result in CD8 T-cell deletion or functional nonresponsiveness. However, to date no definitive studies have attempted to determine the impact of repeated T cell receptor stimulation on CD4 effector T cell generation. We have determined that when antigen presentation is limited to 2 d, optimum in vitro CD4 effector generation is achieved. Alternatively, repeated stimulation results in decreased CD4 effector expansion, decreased cytokine production, and altered migration. Similarly, functionally impaired effectors develop in vivo when antigen-pulsed antigen-presenting cells are replenished every 24 h during a primary immune response. CD4 effectors that are generated with repeated stimulation provide no protection during influenza infection, and have an impaired ability to provide cognate help to B cells. These results suggest that duration of antigen presentation dictates CD4 effector function, and repeated T cell receptor stimulation in vitro and in vivo that exceeds an optimal threshold results in effectors with impaired function.
Memory and Violence

Perilous Memories: The Asia-Pacific War(s). T. Fujitani. Geoffrey M. White. and Lisa Yoneyama. eds. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2002. 472 pp. Disturbing Remains: Memory, History and Crisis in the Twentieth Century. Michael S. Roth and Charles G. Salas. eds. Los Angeles: Getty Trust Publications, 2001. 300 pp.
Intravenous pentoxifylline does not enhance the pulmonary haemodynamic efficacy of frusemide in strenuously exercising thoroughbred horses.

Summary The present study was carried out to examine whether pentoxifylline administration to horses premedicated with frusemide would attenuate the exercise-induced pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension to a greater extent than frusemide alone, thereby affecting the occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Using established techniques, we determined right heart and pulmonary vascular pressures in 6 healthy, sound Thoroughbred horses at rest and during exercise performed at maximal heart rate at a workload of 14 m/s on 3.5% uphill grade in the control (no medications), frusemide (250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise)-control, and the frusemide (250 mg i.v., 4 h pre-exercise) + pentoxifylline (8.5 mg/kg bwt i.v., 15 min pre-exercise) treatments. Sequence of the 3 treatments was randomised forevery horse and 7 days were allowed between them. In the control study, galloping at 14 m/s on 3.5% uphill grade elicited significant right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension and all horses experienced EIPH as detected by the presence of fresh blood in the trachea on endoscopic examination. Frusemide administration was not attended by changes in heart rate at rest or during exercise. Although in the frusemide-control experiments, a significant reduction in mean pulmonary arterial, capillary and wedge pressures was observed both at rest and during galloping at 14 m/s on 3.5% uphill grade, all horses still experienced EIPH. Pentoxifylline administration to standing horses premedicated with frusemide caused nervousness, muscular fasciculations, sweating and tachycardia. Although these symptoms had largely abated within 15 min, there were no significant changes in the right atrial or pulmonary vascular pressures. Exercise in the frusemide + pentoxifylline experiments also caused significant right atrial as well as pulmonary arterial, capillary and venous hypertension, but these data were not found to be significantly different from the frusemide-control experiments. All horses in the frusemide + pentoxifylline experiments also experienced EIPH. In conclusion, our data indicate that pentoxifylline (8.5 mg/kg bwt i.v., 15 min pre-exercise) is ineffective in modifying the pulmonary haemodynamic effects of frusemide in exercising horses. It should be noted, however, that we did not examine whether erythrocyte plasticity was altered by the administration of pentoxifylline. Since the intravascular force exerted onto the blood-gas barrier of exercising horses premedicated with frusemide remained unaffected by pentoxifylline administration, it is concluded that concomitant pentoxifylline administration is unlikely to offer additional benefit to horses experiencing EIPH.
Timing of tracheoesophageal puncture for voice restoration: Primary vs. secondary

A retrospective census of 106 cases with tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) compared success and complications in speech restoration between TEP coincidental with or subsequent to la-ryngectomy. The complications of those patients with primary TEP (68) were largely the effects of cancer and its treatment. When controlling for recurrent disease and patients still in speech therapy, approximately 90% of both groups achieved surgically restored speech. With this parity in TE speech success and occurrences of complications, puncture at the time of the laryngectomy appears to be an effective, expeditious procedure for vocal rehabilitation.
Reduction in the breakdown voltage of a high-pressure discharge with an array of 200-400-/spl mu/m-diameter microdischarges: application to arc lamp ignition

The breakdown voltage (Vs) for a discharge in Ar at pressures between 35 and 300 torr has been reduced significantly with an array of cylindrical microdischarge devices mounted behind the tungsten cathode. For P/sub Ar/ = 50 torr, V/sub S/ drops by approximately a factor of two, relative to that for a conventional discharge, when the microdischarge array is in operation. The injection of electron-ion pairs into the anode-cathode gap region by the array also decreases the formative and statistical time lags associated with the startup of a cold lamp.
A matrix converter fed sinusoidal input output three winding high frequency transformer with zero common mode voltage

This paper proposes a matrix converter fed, sinusoidal input output high frequency transformer. A single phase three winding transformer is used in the proposed topology. The primary side of the transformer is connected to a low pass filter, and a three phase to single phase matrix converter. The two secondary windings of the transformer are connected to two low pass filters, and a three phase to three phase matrix converter. Because of the low pass filters, the transformer sees high frequency sinusoidal voltages and currents. A novel pulse density modulation scheme is proposed for matrix converters. The modulation scheme is used in the matrix converter connected to secondary of the transformer. Zero common mode voltage is achieved with the proposed power electronic transformer. The switching frequency of power electronic transformer, proposed in this paper, is independent of the value of leakage inductance. A mathematical model is developed to design the two low pass filters. The proposed power electronic transformer has been simulated in MATLAB/SEVTULINK and results have been presented.
What are you talking about

While services are widely regarded as an important new concept in IT architecture, so far there is no consolidated concept about the exact meaning of the term "service orientation". While there are many problems which are simply problems of certain technical decisions, other areas are more fundamental and lead to different perspectives and eventually implementations of service oriented systems. We argue that the current emphasis of service orientation as a collection of interface descriptions misses the critical point of services, which is that they revolve around resources. With a more resource-centered approach, the investment into a service oriented architecture can be made much more promising, because the resource-centered approach is better suited for the design of loosely coupled systems than the current interface-based approach.
An Open Extensible Multi-Target Application Generation Tool for Simple Rapid Deployment of Multi-Scale Scientific Codes

Combining modules wrapping a diversity of executable codes derived from various scientific research labs with a range of computational and data scales into a sustainable framework requires careful considerations. In the described framework, we have separated the module's executable codes from the user-interface and created an application generation tool which produces all the code necessary to create a web based science gateway simultaneously with a local GUI based application. This work was driven by requirements related to an international collaborative grant. This ongoing development is producing applications and will be in the hands of beta testers at the time of this publication.
Comparing Mutual Fund Governance and Corporate Governance

Governance of public corporations in the United States has operated under the agency model with regulatory strengthening since the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. With this foundation in place, boards are empowered to utilise their power and influence and can effectively monitor the actions of management, intervening where necessary. In effect, the rules of engagement embodied in the structure and the law guide interactions and empowerment. The governance model of the mutual funds industry, representing over 8 trillion dollars, is often viewed as a mirror of the corporate world, but upon closer analysis is found to have significant structural differences that dilute the authority of directors. The two models are compared and analysed with recommendations made to strengthen the oversight of mutual funds.
More Questions Than Answers: Assessing the Impact of Online Social Networking on a Service-Learning Project

This article details the evolution and results of a service-learning project designed to extend cross-cultural relationships via online social networking between students at a U.S. Bureau of Indian Education boarding school and teacher candidates in a required diversity course. The goals for the partnership included helping Native American students identify personal strengths through mentoring relationships, and encouraging teacher education candidates to develop their intercultural communication skills. We assessed the project using qualitative and quantitative measures: identification of significant themes emerging from teacher candidates’ reflections; comparison of recurring reflection themes to stages of Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity; and statistical analysis of candidate responses on Cushner’s Inventory of Cross-Cultural Sensitivity. The analysis reveals challenges and opportunities for student and candidate learning and stimulates questions that shape future directions for service-learning in an increasingly digitized world.
Uptake of ascorbic acid by human neutrophils.

Human neutrophils produce bacterial oxidants that could have a damaging effect on the neutrophils themselves. For protection, neutrophils acquire a high (10–20 mmol/L) level of intracellular ascorbic acid by oxidizing extracellular ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic acid, rapidly taking up the dehydroascorbic acid and re-reducing it to ascorbic acid.
Superficial Cultures in Neonatal Sepsis Evaluations: Impact on Antibiotic Decision Making

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of neonatal superficial cultures and their effect on antimicrobial decision making during a nine-month period at Nashville General Hospital. They obtained and reviewed charts of infants (n = 66) having paired superficial (skin and/or gastric aspirate) and deep (blood and cerebrospinal fluid) cultures for the evaluation of early-onset sepsis. Superficial cultures were positive for pathogens (any streptococcus or enteric gram-negative) in 15% (10/66) of cases. Antimicrobial decision making was affected in only one of these cases, and in a seemingly inappropriate manner. In summary, there was no evidence or review that superficial cultures used in sepsis evaluation influenced physician antimicrobial decision making; in one case they may have led to unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
8.4 - A 3.39-micron infrared optical heterodyne communication system

An optical heterodyne communication system is described which employs a separate stable laser local oscillator at the receiver. The theoretical advantage of quantum-limited reception has been realized, demonstrating an improvement in receiver sensitivity of more than 40 dB over that of a conventional photodetector receiver. The fundamental sources of noise in the system are identified as laser oscillator frequency noise, atmospheric phase noise, atmospheric amplitude noise, and quantum noise. The quantitative characteristics of these noise sources are analyzed as they influence the operation of AM and FM laser communications.
Unions and Job Satisfaction: An Alternative View

The dominant theoretical perspective on the effect of unions on job satisfaction suggests that unions reduce job satisfaction by making workers more critical toward the workplace and more willing to complain about problems. However, there are important reasons why unions might be expected to increase satisfaction: Unions reduce wage inequality, increase worker control over jobs, and increase worker commitment to the work and the workplace. Furthermore, the empirical work which found a negative relationship between unionization and satisfaction omitted important variables. Specifically, past work failed to control for the possibility that jobs with undesirable attributes are more likely to be unionized than desirable jobs. We show that when job attributes are controlled, unionization has a significant positive effect on satisfaction. This positive effect is most likely to occur when unions have been able to give workers control over their jobs and involve them in union activities.
Social Functioning and Facial Expression Recognition in Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors

Objective To assess social functioning and facial expression recognition skill in survivors of pediatric brain tumors (BT) as compared to children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods The social functioning of 51 survivors of BT and 31 children with JRA was assessed using a facial expression recognition task, questionnaire ratings of social functioning, and an IQ screener. Results After controlling for estimated IQ, survivors of BT made significantly more errors interpreting adult facial expressions as compared to children with JRA. Additionally, history of therapy and diagnosis age predicted performance on the child portion of the facial recognition task. Finally, survivors of BT demonstrated significantly impaired social functioning across multiple measures when compared to children with JRA. Conclusions Survivors of pediatric BT showed significant deficits in social functioning as compared to an illness comparison group. Errors in facial expression recognition represent another method for evaluating deficits that contribute to social outcomes.
Fiber distributed data interface: throughput evaluation with multiple classes of traffic

The fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) standard supports synchronous and asynchronous data transmissions. It allows each station to have multiple classes of asynchronous data, and meets the requirements of different classes by means of a timer-based priority scheme. The performance of a FDDI network carrying multiple classes of traffic is considered. An analytical model is presented to evaluate the throughput of synchronous traffic and asynchronous traffic. The model can be used to evaluate the throughput of individual priority classes and the mean token-cycle time of the network, when the network offered load varies from very low values to high values. The governing equations for the throughput characteristics and mean token-cycle time are strictly functions of network parameters. Simulations are used to verify the analytical model. Simulation results are also used to examine the variation of the mean access delay characteristics of various classes and the token-cycle time distribution of the priority scheme. Limitations of the model are outlined. >
Lymph node ratio is an important and independent prognostic factor for patients with stage III melanoma

Introduction The incidence of melanoma is dramatically increasing worldwide. We hypothesized that the ratio of metastatic to examined lymph node ratio (LNR) would be the most important prognostic factor for stage III patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database of melanoma patients and identified 168 patients who underwent lymph node dissection (LND) for stage III disease between 1993 and 2007. Patients were divided into three groups based on LNR (≤10%, n = 93; 10–≤25%, n = 45; and >25%, n = 30). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards model. Results The median survival time of the entire group of patients was 34 months. The median number of positive nodes was 2 (range = 1, 55), and the median number of examined nodes was 22 (range = 5–123). Tumor characteristics of the primary melanoma (such as thickness, ulceration, and primary site) were not significant predictors of survival in this analysis. By univariate analysis, LNR was an important prognostic factor. Patients with LNR 10–25% and >25% had decreased survival compared to those patients with LNR ≤10% (HR = hazard ratio = 2.0 and 3.1, respectively; P ≤ 0.005). The number of positive lymph nodes also impacted on survival (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, LNR of 10–25% and >25% predicted survival (HR = 2.5 and 4.0, respectively). Conclusion LNR is an important prognostic factor in patients undergoing LND for stage III melanoma. It can be used to stratify patients being considered for adjuvant therapy trials and should be evaluated using a larger prospective database. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:15–20. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Natriuretic peptides suppress vascular endothelial cell growth factor signaling to angiogenesis.

Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is essential for angiogenesis. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) inhibits the production of VEGF, but whether this important vascular peptide also inter- rupts VEGF signaling to angiogenesis is unknown. In cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells, VEGF significantly stimulated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase activity and phosphorylation, which was inhibited 60% by coincubation with ANP or a natriuretic peptide clearance receptor specific ligand (NPRC), C-type NAP-(4–23)[ C-ANP-(4–23)]. VEGF also stimulated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 activities/phosphorylation that were prevented by the two natriuretic peptides (NP). A specific NP guanylate cyclase (GC) receptor antagonist, HS-142–1, blocked the actions of ANP [but not those of C-ANP-(4–23)], supporting the involvement of both GC and NPRC receptors. VEGF and expression of constituitively active JNK each stimulated the synthesis of cyclin D1 and increased the activity of the cyclin-depen...
On the Three-Dimensional Cerruti Problem for an Elastic Nonlocal Half-Space

The classical Cerruti problem of a half-infinite elastic space acted upon by a tangential surface load is examined in its nonlocal context taking the constitutive equations in the Kroener-Eringen form. After a brief discussion of the values of the nonlocal moduli, a summary of the nonlocal Kelvin problem serving as a basis for the solution of the Cerruti problem is given. By appeal to Westegaard's twinned gradient procedure (determining the effects of a change of poisson's ratio) mapped into a Fourier exponential transform space, a transition from the Kelvin to the Cerruti problem via the Boussinesq problem is achieved. An example illustrating in some detail the calculation of stress is added. Das klassische Cerruti-Problem fur einen halbunendlichen elastischen Raum, auf den eine tangentiale Oberflachenlast einwirkt, wird durch seine nichtlokale Umgebung untersucht, indem die Konstitutivgleichungen in der Kroner-Eringen-Form verwendet werden. Nach einer kurzen Diskussion der Werte der nichtlokalen Moduli wird eine Zusammenfassung des nichtlokalen Kelvinproblems, das als eine Basis fur die Losung des Cerruti-Problems dient, gegeben, Bei Berufung auf Westergaards Zwillings-Gradienten-Verfahren (Bestimmung der Wirkungen bei Veranderung der Poissonschen Zahl), abgebildet in einen Fourier-Exponential-Transformationsraum, wird ein Ubergang vom Kelvin zum Cerruti-problem uber das Bossinesq-Problem ausgefuhrt. Ein Beispiel illustriert im einzelnen die Spannungsberechnung.
Expatriate managers: Reasons for failure and implications for training

Abstract The high incidence of expatriate U.S. managers' being unable or unwilling to complete their overseas assignments suggests that more needs to be done to prepare those managers and their families.
Kidney Transplantation as Primary Therapy for End-Stage Renal Disease: A National Kidney Foundation/Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF/KDOQI™) Conference

Background and objectives: Kidney transplantation is the most desired and cost-effective modality of renal replacement therapy for patients with irreversible chronic kidney failure (end-stage renal disease, stage 5 chronic kidney disease). Despite emerging evidence that the best outcomes accrue to patients who receive a transplant early in the course of renal replacement therapy, only 2.5% of incident patients with end-stage renal disease undergo transplantation as their initial modality of treatment, a figure largely unchanged for at least a decade. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: The National Kidney Foundation convened a Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) conference in Washington, DC, March 19 through 20, 2007, to examine the issue. Fifty-two participants representing transplant centers, dialysis providers, and payers were divided into three work groups to address the impact of early transplantation on the chronic kidney disease paradigm, educational needs of patients and professionals, and finances of renal replacement therapy. Results: Participants explored the benefits of early transplantation on costs and outcomes, identified current barriers (at multiple levels) that impede access to early transplantation, and recommended specific interventions to overcome those barriers. Conclusions: With implementation of early education, referral to a transplant center coincident with creation of vascular access, timely transplant evaluation, and identification of potential living donors, early transplantation can be an option for substantially more patients with chronic kidney disease.
Genotype Directed Therapy in Murine Mismatch Repair Deficient Tumors

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has frequently been found activated in human tumors. We show that in addition to Wnt signaling dysfunction, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is often upregulated in mouse Msh2−/− initiated intestinal tumors. NVP-BEZ235 is a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor toxic to many cancer cell lines and currently involved in clinical trials. We have treated two mouse models involving Msh2 that develop small intestinal and/or colonic tumors with NVP-BEZ235, and a subset of animals with NVP-BEZ235 and MEK inhibitor ADZ4266. The disease phenotype has been followed with pathology, 18F FDG PET imaging, and endoscopy. Intestinal adenocarcinomas are significantly decreased in multiplicity by both drug regimens. The majority of tumors treated with combined therapy regress significantly, while a small number of highly progressed tumors persist. We have examined PTEN, AKT, MEK 1&2, MAPK, S6K, mTOR, PDPK1, and Cyclin D1 and find variable alterations that include downregulation of PTEN, upregulation of AKT and changes in its phosphorylated forms, upregulation of pMEK 1&2, p42p44MAPK, pS6K, and Cyclin D1. Apoptosis has been found intact in some tumors and not in others. Our data indicate that NVP-BEZ235 alone and in combination with ADZ4266 are effective in treating a proportion of colorectal cancers, but that highly progressed resistant tumors grow in the presence of the drugs. Pathways upregulated in some resistant tumors also include PDPK1, suggesting that metabolic inhibitors may also be useful in treating these tumors.
In-vitro activity of ciprofioxacin and other antibacterial agents against Pseudonwnas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas cepacia from cystic fibrosis patients

The in-vitro activities of ciprofloxacin, a new oxyquinoline derivative, norfloxacin and six anti-pseudomal beta-lactam antibiotics were tested against pulmonary isolates of smooth and mucoid colony forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Ps. cepacia from children with cystic fibrosis. Ciprofloxacin was the most effective of the agents tested against either species. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin were 0.5, and 16 mg/l, for 90% of the Ps. aeruginosa and Ps. cepacia strains tested, respectively. No effect of inoculum size or discordance between inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations was observed. Ciprofloxacin is a potentially useful agent for the treatment of acute pseudomonal pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis.
A randomized comparison of oral and intravaginal misoprostol for labor induction.

Abstract Objective: To compare oral misoprostol (100 μg) to vaginal misoprostol (25 μg) for cervical ripening and labor induction. Methods: Two hundred thirty-six women with medical or obstetric indications for labor induction and undilated, uneffaced cervices were assigned randomly to receive 100 μg of oral or 25 μg of vaginal misoprostol every 4 hours for 24 hours. Intravenous oxytocin was then given using a standardized protocol. We anticipated that 31% of women treated orally and 50% of women treated vaginally would deliver vaginally within 24 hours of starting labor induction. Results: Among 234 subjects, 121 received oral and 113 received vaginal misoprostol. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) interval from start of induction to delivery was 1240 ± 845 minutes for orally treated women and 1381 ± 802 minutes for vaginally treated women (P = .06, log-transformed data). More orally treated women delivered vaginally in 24 hours than vaginally treated women (74 versus 54, P = .14, relative risk [RR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92, 1.40). One hundred six women (87.6%) who received oral misoprostol delivered vaginally, compared with 88 women (77.9%) who received vaginal misoprostol (P = .07). Oxytocin was given to 60 (49.6%) orally treated and 59 (52.2%) vaginally treated subjects (P = .69). More women in the oral group had tachysystole, nine compared with two (P = .06), hypertonus, and hyperstimulation. Frequencies of intrapartum complications and birth outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusion: Oral misoprostol 100 μg and vaginal misoprostol 25 μg were similarly effective for cervical ripening and labor induction. Oral administration was associated with trends toward higher likelihood of vaginal delivery and more uterine tachysystole.
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LIMESTONE QUARRIES: A PETROLOGICAL SURVEY*

Ancient Egyptian limestone quarries in the Nile Valley occur in six geological formations of Palaeogene age. Samples were collected from 23 of the 48 known quarries, and analysed by thin-section petrography and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results of the analyses show that the geological formations can be identified from rock texture and allochem types, and a plot of SiO2/Al2O3 versus CaO/[CaO + MgO]. The application of these petrographic and geochemical parameters make it possible to determine the geographic provenance of limestone used in ancient Egyptian sculptures and monuments.
FEL SPECTRAL MEASUREMENTS AT LCLS

We report measurements made at LCLS of average and single shot spectra of x-ray FEL radiation, including correlations with chirp and bunch current. And, for normaland over-compressed beams, we show the relationship between the electron energy distributions before the undulator and FEL spectra. We find the bandwidth of normally compressed beams can approach the theoretical minimum SASE bandwidth, though only for relative weak beams. Over-compressed beams can have large bandwidth with fwhm of 2% or more and pulse energy comparable to normally compressed beams. In this case the bandwidth is dominated by electron energy spread and the FEL radiation is probably chirped.