cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of hummocks and hollows by trees in tidal freshwater forested wetlands along the Savannah River

Tidal freshwater forested wetlands occupy a relatively narrow range, occurring where wind and lunar tides interact with coastal river systems, causing freshwater flooding onto the floodplain. A prominent component of this wetland type is hummock and hollow microtopography. Tidal freshwater forested wetlands along the Savannah River were differentiated into backswamp and streamside areas, and the degree to which trees occupied hummocks and hollows were compared at three scales: landscape (backswamp vs. streamside), tree community, and species (within community). The community- and species-level analyses were extended to determine whether trees were using either hummocks or hollows in a nonrandom manner. Trees in the backswamp setting were found to use hummocks more than trees in the streamside setting. At the community scale, three of the five treatment groups investigated differed based on the degree to which trees on hummocks outnumber trees in hollows. Further examination of microtopography usage confirmed that hummocks are used significantly more than hollows in two communities, both of which are located in the backswamp setting. Though no tree community used hollows significantly more than hummocks, species-level analyses confirmed that, within a specific tree community in the streamside setting, alder (Alnus serrulata [Ait.] Willd.) is found more in hollows than on hummocks. Fourteen different species between the two communities in the backswamp setting are found on hummocks more than in hollows, and only one species, sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), is found more on hummocks than in hollows in the tree community in the streamside setting.
Response of isolated structures equipped with controllable fluid dampers

Energy dissipation devices have been accepted as a promising alternative to dissipate the energy that earthquakes induce in structures; therefore, reducing displacement demands. A large number of new or retrofitted buildings are equipped with fluid dampers or other energy dissipation devices which are expected to suppress earthquake induced shaking. They can be incorporated in the isolation system of a building 2 . or within the skeleton of a structure. When structures are built near a potential fault, the expected displacement demands in the structure are large and there is a tendency to equip structures with supplement damping - in most cases of nearly viscous type 2 .. On the other hand, near source ground motions usually contain one or more distinct and coherent pulses; and it is known that for pulse motions the efficiency of viscous damping in reducing displacement demands is limited when the system is highly damped 1.4 . In a recent paper, the senior author showed that plastic damping is more efficient than viscous damping in reducing the response of a SDOF structure when subjected to pulse motion represented by cycloidal fronts with duration close to the natural period of the structure 5 . Recent developments on controllable fluid dampers showed that both electrorheological (ER) and magnetrorheological (MR) dampers are capable of delivering the desirable plastic or viscoplastic behavior. In this paper an analytical study on the response of a 2 DOF isolated structure equipped with controllable fluid damper subjected to a variety of near source earthquakes is presented in order to understand the difference between viscous and friction damping, and to investigate possible advantages of controllable fluid dampers. The isolated structure is considered to be supported either on elastomeric bearings or sliding bearings.
Modelling by a planar map: Lyapunov-type numbers in the presence of spiral points

Lyapunov-type numbers are usually defined for diffeomorphisms with a smooth invariant manifold. We consider here the case of a planar diffeomorphism with an invariant curve that contains spiral points. The limits defining the Lyapunov-type numbers are shown to exist. Numerical results for the delayed logistic map illustrate the analysis.
Note: Dual sourcing with nonidentical suppliers

We analyze a dual-sourcing inventory model with exponential lead times and constant unit demand in which the order quantity is split in some proportion between two sources of supply. Unlike earlier studies, we do not require that the two sources be identical in terms of the lead-time parameters or the supply prices. We compare the expected total annual costs for the two-source and the traditional single-source models over a wide range of parameter values. We confirm the findings of earlier studies that, under stochastic lead times, dual sourcing yields savings in holding and shortage costs that could outweigh the incremental ordering costs. With this more general model, we demonstrate that savings from dual sourcing are possible even where the mean or the variability of the second source is higher. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optical coherence tomography of chronic solar retinopathy.

Abstract Purpose To describe the optical coherence tomographic findings in eight eyes of four patients with chronic solar retinopathy. All patients had a history of sun gazing months to years prior to presentation. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Patients were examined using biomicroscopy performed by two or more experienced vitreoretinal specialists. All eight eyes had optical coherence tomography performed at the time of initial examination. Results All patients had a history of sun gazing and decreased vision in both eyes. On biomicroscopy, all eyes had a small, irregularly-shaped lamellar defect in the foveal center. No posterior vitreous detachment was present in any eye. Optical coherence tomography revealed a hyporeflective space at the level of the outer neurosensory retina and retinal pigment epithelium in all eyes. Conclusion Optical coherence tomography demonstrates a characteristic hyporeflective space in the outer retina in patients with chronic solar retinopathy. These findings correlate with the histopathology of this condition and may be a useful clinical tool in confirming its diagnosis.
Ca2(+)-dependent amylase secretion from pancreatic acinar cells occurs without activation of phospholipase C linked G-proteins.

Abstract We have examined the influence of guanine nucleotides on Ca2+-dependent amylase secretion from SLO permeabilized rat pancreatic acini. GTPγS (100μM) stimulated Ca2+-dependent amylase release, decreasing the EC50 for Ca2+ from 1.4 to 0.8μM. By contrast, GDP (1mM) and dGDP (1mM) inhibited the maximal Ca2+-dependent secretory response. Measurement of IP3 liberation showed that Ca2+ stimulation did not increase the activity of phospholipase C (PLC) postulated to be linked to a G-protein termed Gp; GDP and dGDP must therefore be exerting their inhibitory action via a GTP-binding protein distinct from the PLC-linked Gp.
Pliocene diversification within the South American Forest falcons (Falconidae: Micrastur).

The Neotropics are one of the most species rich regions on Earth, with over 3150 species of birds. This unrivaled biodiversity has been attributed to higher proportions of mountain ranges, tropical rain forest or rain fall in the forest than in any other major biogeographic regions. Five primary hypotheses aim to explain processes of diversification within the Neotropics; (1) the Pleistocene refuge hypothesis, (2) the riverine barrier hypothesis, (3) the Miocene marine incursions hypothesis, (4) the ecological gradient hypothesis, and (5) the impact of the last Andean uplift serving as a barrier between eastern and western population Andean populations. We assessed these hypotheses to see which best explained the species richness of the forest-falcons (Micrastur), a poorly known lineage of birds that inhabit lowland and mid-elevation humid forest. Our analyses suggest all speciation events within the genus Micrastur probably occurred in the last 2.5–3.6 myrs, at or before the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary, with the basal split within the genus being 7 myrs old. Hence our data allow us to formerly reject the classical Pleistocene refuge for Micrastur, Our divergence time estimates are younger that dates for the Miocene marine incursions, the riverine barrier and the Andean uplift hypotheses.
The 20th International Reid Bioanalytical Forum

The 20th International Reid Bioanalytical Forum University of Surrey, Guildford, UK, 9-12 September 2013The 20th International Reid Bioanalytical Forum was attended by a little over 100 participants from pharma, contract research, instrument vendors and academia. The Forum was divided into six broad themes, which included collaborative partnerships between CROs and pharmaceutical companies, technology developments, problem solving, the bioanalytical toolbox, biomarker analysis and regulations in bioanalysis.
Survey on Imaging Management and Handling of Breast Surgical Specimens by Radiologists

Purpose Imaging management of surgically removed breast biopsy specimens is a common, perhaps daily, procedure for radiologists and breast imagers. At many institutions throughout the United States, excised specimens are radiographically analyzed for verification of lesion removal. However, the exact process by which this is performed differs substantially among institutions, with wide variability of practice and lack of a uniform protocol. Methods An anonymous survey consisting of 13 multiple-choice questions was sent to 2,428 members of the Society of Breast Imaging. Results were subsequently categorized and tabulated in the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Biostatistics. Results There was a total of 354 responses to the survey, for a response rate of 14.6% (354 of 2,428). A clear majority of respondents (85%) reported the presence of department-wide standards for excisional (surgical) biopsy specimen processing. In 31% of cases, specimens were transferred two or more times between separate containers. This resulted in an increased concern for spills and leakage of biohazardous materials for 17% of the surveyed population. In addition, increased concern for sharps, or “needlestick” injuries, was also reported. Conclusions There exist within many breast imaging departments standardized methods for processing breast biopsy specimens arriving from the operating room. However, the protocols and methods of analysis differ substantially from institution to institution. These survey results demonstrate a clear desire among radiologists for a more widespread, uniform standard, taking into account the accuracy of the procedure, cost, and the health and safety of staff members within the department.
The use of wind profilers in a mesoscale experiment.

Abstract During May and June of 1985, an experiment to study mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) was carried out in central Kansas and Oklahoma, using many of the latest measurement technologies in the atmospheric sciences. Among these were three 50-MHz radar wind profilers. Two cases of mesoscale squall-line systems are used to describe profiler performance in the highly convective environment of the United States High Plains in early summer. The 10–11 June squall-line system was intense and well organized, and passed over the profiler sites near Liberal and McPherson, Kansas; the 26–27 June system was less coherent and was studied when it passed over the Norman, Oklahoma profiler. For the stronger event, both profilers supplied good time-height coverage of the horizontal winds during the pre- and post-squall-line periods, but could not resolve them well while the strongly convective line was overhead. In contrast, the Norman profiler supplied good horizontal-wind information throughout the weaker system...
Prevalence of Clostridium difficile colonization at admission to rehabilitation.

Abstract Marciniak C, Chen D, Stein AC, Semik PE. Prevalence of Clostridium difficile colonization at admission to rehabilitation. Objectives To assess the prevalence of intestinal colonization with Clostridium difficile ( C. difficile ) at admission to acute rehabilitation and to identify risk factors associated with colonization. Design Case-control study. Participants Consecutive admissions to 2 rehabilitation units (spinal cord injury, brain injury and stroke). Setting Free-standing acute rehabilitation facility. Interventions Rectal swabs for culture for C. difficile were obtained at admission and cytotoxin assay performed on all culture positive specimens. Rates of colonization with cytotoxic C. difficile were calculated. Charts were reviewed for medical and demographic factors that may have predisposed patients to colonization, and for possible symptoms at the time of admission. Main Outcome Measures Percentage of patients with culture and cytotoxin assay positive for C. difficile . Frequency of specific patient characteristics that could predispose to C. difficile colonization. Results Of admission stool samples, 16.4% tested positive for C. difficile ; none of these patients had been identified as colonized before admission. No patients were discordant for C. difficile positivity on culture and presence of a toxigenic strain. No medical or demographic factors were associated with increased risk of colonization, including age ( t 52 =−.748, P =.458, not significant [NS]), diarrhea within 24 hours of admission (χ 1 2 test=.001, P =.973 [NS]), or use of oral or intravenous antibiotics at admission (χ 1 2 test=.044, P =.834 [NS]). Conclusions Patients admitted to acute rehabilitation may have an elevated rate of intestinal colonization with C. difficile without having clinical symptoms. No medical or demographic characteristics were found to be predictive of colonization, however, most of the patients admitted had more than 1 factor that may have increased their susceptibility to infection with this organism. Inadvertent transfer of this organism within the rehabilitation setting may occur because asymptomatic colonization is not recognized.
Impact-parameter structure of two-component absorptive models

The impact-parameter structure of several two-component multihadronic production models is studied in the framework of elastic initial-state absorption. Models in which both the diffractive and the nondiffractive mechanisms lead to increasing cross sections are used to exemplify the nonlinear nature of absorption. It is found that absorptive effects may result in a large range of impact-parameter structures. On the one hand, diffractive components barely distinguishable from nondiffractive components are encountered and, on the other hand, absorption may lead to a "splitting" of the Pomeron into peripheral diffractive processes and central nondiffractive processes.
The notion of dynamic unit: Conceptual developments in cognitive science

We suggest a common ground for alternative proposals in different domains of cognitive science which have previously seemed to have little in common. The underlying common theme is associated with a redefinition of the basic unit of analysis in each domain of thought. Our framework suggests a definition of unity which is based not on inherent properties of the elements constituting the unit, but rather on dynamic patterns of correlation across the elements. We introduce a set of features that characterize the new dynamic units, and distinguish them from traditional units of analysis. A conceptual connection is made with the identification of elementary units in modern physics theories, as well as with concepts and structures in the study of complex dynamical systems and connectionism. The paper analyses the evolution of the concept of unit in different domains of thought in cognitive science, and examines the proposed framework of “dynamic unity” with regard to various theoretical problems within each domain. The particular cognitive science issues discussed in the paper include: (1) the binding problem in the brain; (2) the mental unit of conceptual organization; (3) defining ‘wordhood’ in linguistics; and (4) identifying the unit of cognition in the natural environment.
Periodic modes of the phenomenological spin combustion equation

We consider a scalar equation in the class of semilinear parabolic equations on a circle of radius r. The problem studied here is a model of gas-free combustion on a cylindrical surface of radius r. For each r > 0, the periodic problem has a spatially inhomogeneous limit cycle, which is asymptotically orbitally stable for r < r1. We show that, as r grows and passes through r1, an asymptotically orbitally stable 2-torus of spatially inhomogeneous periodic solutions bifurcates from the limit cycle. The dynamics of the 2-torus of self-similar periodic solutions is studied to the range (0, l) of the parameter r − r1, where l ∼ 1.
A statistical description of the occurrence of premature ventricular contractions based on the Poisson process.

Abstract A stochastic model characterizing the occurrence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is described and tested for consistency with clinical data. Single-lead EKG signals from 21 patients hospitalized in the CCU were recorded and the intervals between ectopic beats were stored in the computer for a subsequent time series analysis. The PVC occurrence could be adequately described by locally stationary renewal processes for 86% of the patients, and for 52% consistency with the more specific Poisson process was established. Adopting the Poisson process as a pertinent model, a statistically efficient procedure for the on-line detection of PVC rate changes was developed. The proposed detection scheme performed without significant degradation for the much wider class of data consistent with nonspecific renewal processes. The detection procedure provides for the partition of the record of PVC occurrence into a sequence of segments with constant rates, thereby greatly reducing the amount of data for monitoring.
Can ζ (8.3 GeV) be one of two Higgs bosons

Abstract The ζ (8.3 GeV) is interpreted as the lighter of two Higgs bosons. Experiments are suggested to confirm this hypothesis.
Division polynomials for Jacobi quartic curves

In this paper we find division polynomials for Jacobi quartics. These curves are an alternate model for elliptic curves to the more common Weierstrass equation. Division polynomials for Weierstrass curves are well known, and the division polynomials we find are analogues for Jacobi quartics. Using the division polynomials, we show recursive formulas for the n-th multiple of a point on the quartic curve. As an application, we prove a type of mean-value theorem for Jacobi quartics. These results can be extended to other models of elliptic curves, namely, Jacobi intersections and Huff curves.
The plurality of philosophical ends: episteme, praxis, poiesis

Description des differents courants philosophiques du XX e siecle -pragmatique, phenomenologique et analytique- qui laissent ouverte la question des soi-disantes fins de la philosophie. L'A. definit un systeme tripartite des fins de la philosophie articulees autour des notions d'episteme (pragmatisme), de poiesis (phenomenologie) et de praxis (analytique)
Ultrasound Tissue Characterization of Breast Biopsy Specimens: Expanded Study

Tissue classification by examining sets of ultrasound parameters is an elusive goal. We report analysis of measurements of ultrasound speed, attenuation and backscatter in the range 3 to 8 MHz in breast tissues at 37 C. Statistical discriminant analysis and neural net analysis were employed. Data were acquired from 24 biopsy and 7 mastectomy specimens. Best separation of the classes normal, benign, and malignant occurred in the 18 cases where two tissue classes were present in the same specimen and parameters were corrected for within-patient mean; then 85-90% of cases in test sets were correctly classified. Most errors comprised misclassified benign cases. The neural net was comparable to discriminant analysis and slightly superior in separating normal and malignant classes.
Comparison of magnesium sulfate with opioid and NSAIDs on postoperative pain management after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objective: This study measured the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate during and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on postoperative pain and respiratory functions, and compared it with 2 other well-known and widely used analgesic agents: codeine and diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Design: Prospective unblinded study. Setting: Single institution. Participants: Patients undergoing CABG. Interventions: Patients were divided into 3 groups. In group A (n = 50), intraoperative magnesium sulfate, 2 g/70 kg, was infused intravenously and was continued during the first 3 days postoperatively. In group B (n = 50), codeine, 60 mg/70 kg, was given orally 4 times a day for 3 days. In group C (n = 50), diclofenac sodium, 75 mg, was given orally twice a day for 3 days. Main Results: On the first postoperative day the visual analog scale (VAS) score was greater than 5 in all groups. On the second day the VAS score was greater than 5 in groups B and C, and was less than 5 in group A. On the third day the VAS score was less than 5 in all groups. During the first 2 postoperative days the need for morphine was significantly less in group A than in the other 2 groups. Preoperative respiratory function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC) were similar in each group. The FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC values on the postoperative first, second, and third days were significantly higher in group A. Conclusions: Magnesium sulfate can be a beneficial adjuvant therapy for pain after CABG. In this respect, especially in patients with respiratory problems or intolerance to NSAIDs, magnesium sulfate can be a better choice than NSAIDs and opioids.
Broadcasting multiple messages in a grid

Abstract The problem of broadcasting in grid graphs is discussed. Two algorithms for broadcasting m messages in an n × n grid are given. These algorithms require time max (n+ 5 2 m−1 , 2 n +2 m −4) and time 2 n + 5 2 m − 4. An algorithm for broadcasting m messages in an n × n × n grid which requires time 3 n + 10 3 m + 2 is presented. It is conjectured that similar algorithms exist for d -dimensional grids which require time dn + ( d 2 + 1)/ dm + constant.
Adult diastematomyelia: A complex dysrhaphic state

It is rare for patients with diastematomyelia to manifest initial symptoms in adult life. Clinical, radiological, and surgical features of a patient with symptomatic adult diastematomyelia are presented. Pathogenetic mechanisms are considered to include a variety of congenital spinal anomalies, distinct from the spur, as well as mechanical factors.
Language model for IR using collection information

Information retrieval using meta data can be traced back to the early age of IR where documents are represented by the controlled vocabulary. In this paper, we explore the usage of meta-data information under the framework of language model. We present a new language model that is able to take advantage of the category information for documents to improve the retrieval accuracy. We compare the new language model with the traditional language model over the TREC4 dataset where the collection information for documents is obtained using the k-means clustering method. The new language model outperforms the traditional language model, which verifies our statement.
Use of a rectal spacer with low-dose-rate brachytherapy for treatment of prostate cancer in previously irradiated patients: Initial experience and short-term results

Abstract Background Salvage brachytherapy in patients with prior pelvic radiation carries a risk of rectal injury. Herein, we report our initial experience using a hydrogel spacer between the prostate and the rectum during salvage brachytherapy. Methods and Materials A total of 11 patients with prostate cancer and prior radiotherapy (5 prostate brachytherapy, 2 prostate external beam radiation therapy [EBRT], and 4 rectal cancer EBRT) received 125I brachytherapy after attempted placement of 10 cc of a diluted hydrogel spacer between the prostate and rectum. Results Spacing was achieved in 8 of the 11 (73%) patients but was not possible in 3 (1 prior brachytherapy and 2 prior EBRT) owing to fibrosis and adhesions. For the 8 patients in whom spacing was accomplished, the median space between the prostate and rectum was 10.9 mm (prior EBRT) vs. 7.7 mm (prior brachytherapy), p = 0.048. Median followup was 15.7 months. One patient developed a prostato-rectal fistula requiring a diverting colostomy. The 16-month estimate of late Grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity was 26%. One patient developed lymph node–positive recurrence. The 16-month prostate-specific antigen failure-free survival rate was 89%. Compared with baseline, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice urinary quality of life (QoL) was significantly worse at 3 and 6 months but not significantly worse by 1 year. There were no significant changes throughout the study period in bowel or sexual QoL. Conclusion Hydrogel spacer placements may be feasible in most patients with prior pelvic radiation. Further followup is needed to determine whether spacer placement will produce long-term improvements in toxicity or QoL.
Low-grade glial neoplasms and intractable partial epilepsy: Efficacy of surgical treatment

We performed a retrospective study of 51 consecutive patients who underwent operation for intractable partial epilepsy related to low-grade intracerebral neoplasms between 1984 and 1990. All patients had medically refractory partial seizures and a mass lesion identified on neuroimaging studies. Lesionectomy was performed on 17 patients, and 34 had lesion resection and corticectomy. Mean postoperative follow-up was 4.4 years (range 2-8 years). Sixty-six percent of patients were seizure-free, and 88% experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency. In 16 patients (31%), antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were successfully discontinued. Twenty-five of 31 (81%) eligible patients obtained a driver's license after successful operation. Patients with complete tumor resection and no interictal epileptiform activity on postoperative EEG studies had the best operative outcome. Epilepsy surgery can result in long-term improvement in seizure control and quality of life (QOL) in selected patients with intractable tumor-related epilepsy. Our results should be useful to clinicians considering treatment options for patients with intractable seizures related to low-grade intracerebral neoplasms.
THE [O II] λ3727 LUMINOSITY FUNCTION AT z ∼ 1

We measure the evolution of the [O II] λ3727 luminosity function (LF) at 0.75 < z < 1.45 using high-resolution spectroscopy of ~14,000 galaxies observed by the Deep Extragalactic Evolutionary Probe 2 galaxy redshift survey. We find that brighter than the LF is well represented by a power law dN/dL L α with slope α ~ –3. The number density of [O II]-emitting galaxies above this luminosity declines by a factor of 2.5 between z ~ 1.35 and z ~ 0.84. In the limit of no number-density evolution, the characteristic [O II] luminosity, , defined as the luminosity where the space density equals 10–3.5 dex-1 Mpc–3, declines by a factor of ~1.8 over the same redshift interval. Assuming that is proportional to the star formation rate (SFR), and negligible change in the typical dust attenuation in galaxies at fixed [O II] luminosity, the measured decline in implies a ~25% per Gyr decrease in the amount of star formation in galaxies during this epoch. Adopting a faint-end power-law slope of –1.3 ± 0.2, we derive the comoving SFR density in four redshift bins centered around z ~ 1 by integrating the observed [O II] LF using a local, empirical calibration between and SFR, which statistically accounts for variations in dust attenuation and metallicity among galaxies. We find that our estimate of the SFR density at z ~ 1 is consistent with previous measurements based on a variety of independent SFR indicators.
The renormalization group method in statistical hydrodynamics

This paper gives a first principles formulation of a renormalization group (RG) method appropriate to study of turbulence in incompressible fluids governed by Navier–Stokes equations. The present method is a momentum‐shell RG of Kadanoff–Wilson type based upon the Martin–Siggia–Rose (MSR) field‐theory formulation of stochastic dynamics. A simple set of diagrammatic rules are developed which are exact within perturbation theory (unlike the well‐known Ma–Mazenko prescriptions). It is also shown that the claim of Yakhot and Orszag (1986) is false that higher‐order terms are irrelevant in the e expansion RG for randomly forced Navier–Stokes (RFNS) with power‐law force spectrum F(k)=D0k−d+(4−e). In fact, as a consequence of Galilei covariance, there are an infinite number of higher‐order nonlinear terms marginal by power counting in the RG analysis of the power‐law RFNS, even when e≪4. The difficulty does not occur in the Forster–Nelson–Stephen (FNS) RG analysis of thermal fluctuations in an equilibrium NS fl...
Genetic Modification of Human Trabecular Meshwork with Lentiviral Vectors

Glaucoma, a group of optic neuropathies, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Neuronal apoptosis in glaucoma is primarily associated with high intraocular pressure caused by chronically impaired outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, a reticulum of mitotically inactive endothelial-like cells located in the angle of the anterior chamber. Anatomic, genetic, and expression profiling data suggest the possibility of using gene transfer to treat glaucomatous intraocular pressure dysregulation, but this approach will require stable genetic modification of the differentiated aqueous outflow tract. We injected transducing unit-normalized preparations of either of two lentiviral vectors or an oncoretroviral vector as a single bolus into the aqueous circulation of cultured human donor eyes, under perfusion conditions that mimicked natural anterior chamber flow and maintained viability ex vivo. Reporter gene expression was assessed in trabecular meshwork from 3 to 16 days after infusion of 1.0 x 10(8) transducing units of each vector. The oncoretroviral vector failed to transduce the trabecular meshwork. In contrast, feline immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus vectors produced efficient, localized transduction of the trabecular meshwork in situ. The results demonstrate that lentiviral vectors permit efficient genetic modification of the human trabecular meshwork when delivered via the afferent aqueous circulation, a clinically accessible route. In addition, controlled comparisons in this study establish that feline and human immunodeficiency virus vectors are equivalently efficacious in delivering genes to this terminally differentiated human tissue.
Oxygen-stimulated cytochrome oxidase assembly in hepatocyte monolayer cultures.

Isolated rat liver hepatocytes exhibited a twofold to threefold increase in both specific cytochrome oxidase activity and heme a concentration during their first 24 h in monolayer culture. Other mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activity did not increase over this same period. Decreasing the oxygen content of the gas phase to 5% of ambient eliminated the stimulation in heme a content without having an effect on cell protein synthesis or viability. These results indicate that oxygen concentration can effect the level of cytochrome oxidase (heme a) in these differentiated cells. The effect of oxygen may be on the translation or assembly of subunits, synthesis of heme, or incorporation of heme into holoenzyme. Oxygen stimulation of cytochrome oxidase content was not accompanied by increased incorporation of pulsed radiolabelled methionine into immunoprecipitated holoenzyme subunits. Moreover, chloramphenicol, a translation inhibitor of three mitochondrially synthesized cytochrome oxidase subunits, did not diminish the increase in heme a seen over the first 24 h of culture. These latter results suggest that the increasing enzyme content is not due to stimulated translation.
A prospect for adoption of grouper mariculture in Indonesia

Abstract While grouper mariculture program has been widely advocated to provide alternative incomes for grouper fishermen and to manage the wild grouper, no empirical studies to examine its adoption have been employed. This study was conducted to evaluate grouper fishermen and middlemen perceptions toward the adoption/nonadoption of a mariculture program. The study shows that a significant percentage of fishermen and middlemen are willing to adopt a mariculture program. The implications of these results for project managers and policy makers are also discussed.
Suicidal Behavior in Latency-Age Children: An Outpatient Population

Abstract Thirty-nine children, ages 6 to 12 years, were evaluated for suicidal behavior in a municipal hospital psychiatric outpatient clinic. Thirty-three percent of the children displayed suicidal ideas, threats, or attempts. Variables that significantly differentiated suicidal from nonsuicidal children were increased psychomotor activity, intense preoccupations with death, and parental suicidal ideation. A comparison between this outpatient population and a previously studied inpatient population revealed that the inpatients had a higher incidence of ego deficits and more serious suicidal behavior. This study demonstrated a higher incidence of childhood suicidal behavior in psychiatric outpatient care than reported previously.
The tetrahedral digital waveguide mesh

The 2D digital waveguide mesh has proven to be effective and efficient in the modeling of musical membranes and plates, particularly in combination with recent simplifications in modeling stiffness, nonlinearities, and felt mallet excitations. The rectilinear 3D extension to the mesh had been suggested, and has been applied to the case of room acoustics. However, it requires the use of 6-port scattering junctions, which make a multiply-free implementation impossible in the isotropic case. The 4-port scattering junctions of the 2D mesh required only an internal divide by 2, which could be implemented as a right shift in binary arithmetic. However, the 6-port junction requires a divide by 3. The multiply-free cases occur for N-port junctions in which N is a power of two. We propose here a tetrahedral distribution of multiply-free 4-port scattering junctions filling space much like the molecular structure of the diamond crystal, where the placement of the scattering junctions corresponds to the placement of the carbon nuclei, and the bi-directional delay units correspond to the four tetrahedrally spaced single bonds between each pair of nuclei. We show that the tetrahedral mesh is mathematically equivalent to a finite difference scheme (FDS) which approximates the 3D lossless wave equation. We further compute the frequency- and direction-dependent plane wave propagation speed dispersion error.
Cell Proliferation in Adult Hippocampus is Decreased by Inescapable Stress: Reversal by Fluoxetine Treatment

Cell Proliferation in Adult Hippocampus is Decreased by Inescapable Stress: Reversal by Fluoxetine Treatment
GaAs/AlGaAs based multiquantum-well infrared detector arrays for low-background applications

A long-wavelength large format Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array has been successfully used in a ground based astronomy experiment. QWIP arrays afford greater flexibility than the usual extrinsically doped semiconductor infrared (IR) arrays. Recently, we operated an infrared camera with a 256x256 QWIP array sensitive at 8.5 μm at the prime focus of the 5-m Hale telescope, obtaining the images. The remarkable noise stability - and low 1/f noise - of QWIP focal plane arrays enable camera to operate by modulating the optical signal with a nod period up to 100 s. A 500 s observation on dark sky renders a flat image with little indication of the low spatial frequency structures associated with imperfect sky substration or detector drifts. At low operating temperatures for low-background irradiance levels, high resistivity of thick barriers in the active region of QWIPs impeded electrons from entering the detector from the opposite electrode. This could lead to a delay in refilling the space-charge buildup, and result in a lower responsitivity at high optical modulation frequencies. In order to overcome this problem we have designed a new detector structure, the blocked intersubband detector (BID) with separate active quantum well region and blocking barrier.
Mechanisms of selective killing of neuroblastoma cells by natural killer cells and lymphokine activated killer cells. Potential for residual disease eradication

Widely disseminated neuroblastoma in children older than infancy remains a very poor prognosis disease. Even the introduction of marrow ablative chemotherapy with autologous rescue has not significantly improved the outlook for these children, presumably because of a failure to eradicate minimal residual disease. One additional approach which may hold promise is the use of immunomodulation with cytokines such as IL2 in the setting of minimal residual disease (MDR), for example after intensive chemotherapy and ABMT. However, considerable variability in the susceptibility of neuroblastoma cells to natural killer (NK) and lymphokine-activated (LAK) killing has been observed, and it is presently unclear how NK and LAK cells recognise neuroblastoma cells. In this paper we examine expression of cell adhesion molecules on neuroblastoma to determine which of these modify interaction with NK and LAK cells. We find that LFA-3 (CD58), the ligand for CD2 is of predominant importance in predicting susceptibility of neuroblastoma to the cytotoxic actions of NK and LAK cells, while expression of ICAM-1 (CD54) may also modify susceptibility. These findings were confirmed by blocking experiments in which co-culture of target cells with ICAM-1 and LFA-3 reduced LAK and NK cytotoxicity. Study of the immunophenotypic features of each patient's neuroblastoma cells before induction of MRD may be valuable in determining the likely effect of IL2 in predicting disease reactivation.
Benzodiazepine analysis by negative chemical ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The application of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the simultaneous quantitation of seven commonly encountered urinary benzodiazepine metabolites is described. After comparison of the signal-to-noise ratios of high mass ions of benzodiazepines using electron impact (EI), positive chemical ionization (PCI), and negative chemical ionization (NCI), NCI was chosen because of its increased sensitivity, which ranged from four to several thousand times that of either PCI or EI. This method is novel because NCI spectra for many of these compounds have not been described. For quantitation of benzodiazepines in urine, sample preparation consisted of enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid-liquid extraction, and reaction with a silylating reagent to form trimethylsilyl derivatives. The extraction efficiency of the method was greater than 70% (range, 73-89%) for nordiazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, lorazepam, N-1-hydroxyethylflurazepam, alpha-hydroxyal-prazolam, and alpha-hydroxytriazolam; the linear range for these compounds was from 50 to 2000 ng/mL. Within-run precision was less than 6% for all analytes in the range 50-2000 ng/mL; however, run-to-run precision ranged from 3 to 21%, depending on the analyte and concentration. Quantitation was based on area ratio of high mass ions relative to deuterated internal standards, acquired by scanning the mass range from m/z 250 to 450. Because these studies were performed in the scan mode, if desired, the sensitivity could be increased by using selected ion monitoring.
Prospective validation of a low-back disorder risk model and assessment of ergonomic interventions associated with manual materials handling tasks

The evaluation of low-back disorder risk associated with materials handling tasks can be performed using a variety of assessment tools. Most of these tools vary greatly in their underlying logic, yet few have been assessed for their predictive ability. It is important to document how well an assessment tool realistically reflects the job's injury risk, since only valid and accurate tools can reliably determine whether a given ergonomic intervention will result in a future reduction in back injuries. The goal of this study was to evaluate how well a previously reported low-back disorder (LBD) risk assessment model (Marras et al. 1993) could predict changes in LBD injury rates as the physical conditions to which employees are exposed were changed. Thirty-six repetitive materials handling jobs from 16 different companies were included in this prospective cohort study. Of these 36 jobs, 32 underwent an ergonomic intervention during the observation period, and four jobs in which no intervention occurred served as a comparison group. The trunk motions and workplace features of 142 employees performing these jobs were observed both before and after workplace interventions were incorporated. In addition, the jobs' LBD rates were documented for these pre- and post-intervention periods. The results indicated that a statistically significant correlation existed between changes in the jobs' estimated LBD risk values and changes in their actual low-back incidence rates over the observation period. Linear and Poisson regression models also were developed to predict a change in a job's incidence rate and the number of LBD on ajob respectively, as a function of the job's risk change using this assessment model. Finally, this prospective study showed which ergonomic interventions consistently reduced the jobs' mean low-back incidence rates. These results support use of the LBD risk model to assess accurately a job's potential to lead to low-back injuries among its employees.
Influence of cholangiography on biliary sphincter of Oddi manometric parameters

BACKGROUND: When sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) and ERCP are performed at the same session, SOM is usually performed immediately prior to ductography because of concern about the accuracy of the manometric recording following dye injection. However it would be preferable to inject dye first to identify other causes for the patients symptoms, allowing selective use of SOM. AIM: Evaluate the effect of cholangiography on basal biliary sphincter pressure(BSP). METHODS: 25 patients with suspected SO dysfunction were prospectively studied. Conventional station pullthrough manometry of the biliary part of the sphincter was performed before and after cholangiography. In 10 patients adequate phasic wave activity was present for evaluation. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (52%) had abnormal BSP prior to dye injection. In 6 patients (24%), the BSP measured between 30 and 50 mmHg ie. close to the upper limit of normal. The mean BSP for the study group was not significantly altered by contrast injection (before, 52.9 mmHg ± 42.1 versus after, 55.1 mmHg ± 38.1; p = 0.52). After contrast injection the BSP increased in 14 patients (mean 13.2 mmHg ± 10.8), decreased in 9 patients (mean 14.2 mmHg ± 13.8) and did not change in 2 patients. Concordance (normal vs. abnormal) between the BSP before and after ductography was seen in 24 of 25 patients (96%). The mean intraductal pressure was 8 mmHg ± 5.5 prior to and 13.3 mmHg ± 6.8 after contrast media injection (p
Orangutans' color preference for food items

The effects of the addition of color to a dry primate diet on the feeding behavior of orangutans were studied. Purina Monkey Chow was dipped in food coloring (red, green, blue, orange). Colored and plain chow was offered to the subjects, three adults, and two juveniles. Time to eat or lose interest in feeding, quantity, and color of pieces of chow handled and eaten were recorded for each group. The juveniles' consumption of chow increased when offered colored chow, and adults required less time to consume their food. One juvenile showed a significant preference for red monkey chow.
Effects of a multicentre teamwork and communication programme on patient outcomes: results from the Triad for Optimal Patient Safety (TOPS) project

Background Improving communication between caregivers is an important approach to improving safety. Objective To implement teamwork and communication interventions and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes. Design A prospective, interrupted time series of a three-phase intervention: a run-in period (phase 1), during which a training programme was given to providers and staff on each unit; phase 2, which focused on unit-based safety teams to identify and address care problems using skills from phase 1; and phase 3, which focused on engaging patients in communication efforts. Setting General medical inpatient units at three northern California hospitals. Patients Administrative data were collected from all adults admitted to the target units, and a convenience sample of patients interviewed during and after hospitalisation. Measurements Readmission, length of stay and patient reports of teamwork, problems with care, and overall satisfaction. Results 10 977 patients were admitted; 581 patients (5.3% of total sample) were interviewed in hospital, and 313 (2.9% overall, 53.8% of interviewed patients) completed 1-month surveys. No phase of the study was associated with adjusted differences in readmission or length of stay. The phase 2 intervention appeared to be associated with improvement in reports of whether physicians treated them with respect, whether nurses treated them with respect or understood their needs (p<0.05 for all). Interestingly, patients were more likely to perceive that an error took place with their care and agreed less that their caregivers worked well together as a team. No phase had a consistent impact on patient reports of care processes or overall satisfaction. Limitations The study lacks direct measures of patient safety. Conclusions Efforts to simultaneously improve caregivers' ability to troubleshoot care and enhance communication may improve patients' perception of team functions, but may also increase patients' perception of safety gaps.
Role of PdxR in the activation of vitamin B6 biosynthesis in Listeria monocytogenes

Summary Listeria monocytogenes PdxR is a member of the poorly characterized but widespread group of MocR/GabR-type chimeric bacterial proteins that have DNA-binding and aminotransferase-like domains. Using mutational analysis, real-time RT-PCR, transcriptional fusions, gel-shift assays, DNase I footprinting, and in vitro transcription, it was shown that PdxR is a direct activator of the pdxST operon, transcribed divergently from pdxR and responsible for the de novo synthesis of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), the major active form of vitamin B6. PLP acts as an anti-activator of PdxR and is the only effector required to reduce the activity of PdxR. PdxR is also a negative autoregulator, and its ability to repress is increased by PLP. A dyad-symmetry sequence, which overlaps the −35 region of the pdxS promoter and lies downstream of the pdxR transcription start point, serves as an important element of the PdxR binding site. Unexpectedly, some mutations in this activator binding site, disrupting the dyad-symmetry element, caused constitutive, B6-independent expression from the pdxS promoter. The data suggest that PdxR-like proteins, for which PLP plays just a signalling role, form a separate functional group among the MocR/GabR-type proteins.