cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An unusual presentation of laryngeal paraganglioma: the first pediatric case reported in Australia.

Laryngeal paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm of neural origin. Most commonly it arises in the supraglottis, in either the false cords or aryepiglottic folds. Generally these neoplasms cause symptoms as they enlarge and cause obstruction. We present a case of this unusual condition with no obstructive symptoms, despite the large size of the tumor. An 11-year-old boy was referred to our clinic with a several day history of recurrent minor epistaxis and three episodes of query hemoptysis or hematemesis. He had been seen in an emergency department and found to be anemic (hemoglobin 71). The child was subsequently referred for both pediatric otolaryngological and pediatric general surgical assessment. His mother had noticed recent snoring, but he had no other symptoms of airway compromise, in particular, no stridor or noisy breathing. He had no dysphagia or voice change and no discomfort. There was no family history of bleeding diathesis. He had a past history of benign Rolandic epilepsy but was otherwise well. On examination he had a normal oropharynx. Anterior rhinoscopy was unremarkable—no bleeding point was identified. Flexible fiberoptic nasendoscopy however, revealed a large spherical lesion arising from his left aryepiglottic fold, completely obscuring his larynx (Fig 1). CT scans with contrast confirmed a bulky tumor in the supraglottis that enhanced strongly, consistent with a very vascular lesion. The radiological appearance was thought to be consistent with an angiofibroma. The child proceeded to the operating theater. Endotracheal intubation was carried out by an experienced pediatric anesthetist and a tracheostomy was performed. The lesion was viewed by means of suspension microlaryngoscopy and biopsies were taken. Suction diathermy was used to achieve hemostasis. The initial histopathology report confirmed a vascular lesion, most likely a lobular capillary hemangioma. Further imaging was carried out to define a particular feeding vessel and to assess the need for embolization prior to surgical excision. MR angiogram (Fig 2) demonstrated an extremely vascular lesion, approximately 2 cm in diameter, supplied by the left superior thyroid artery. There were two draining veins inferiorly. The tumor was removed via an open approach. The superior thyroid artery was identified and ligated. A midline laryngofissure was performed and subperichondrial dissection of the tumor and overlying mucosa was carried out, from the midline to the level of the superior border of thyroid cartilage. Excision was limited posteriorly by the vocal process of the arytenoid and inferiorly by the vocal ligament, both of which were preserved. Definitive histopathology and immunohistochemistry demonstrated the classic appearance of laryngeal paraganglioma. The child had an uncomplicated postoperative course. The tracheostomy was removed on postoperative day 28 with an excellent voice result.
Thiazolidinediones and congestive heart failure in veterans with type 2 diabetes.

Aim: The thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of antihyperglycaemic agents has been shown to improve glycaemic control by improving peripheral insulin sensitivity but may worsen or precipitate congestive heart failure (CHF). Randomized controlled trials have shown an increased risk of CHF in patients treated with TZDs. The use of TZDs in clinical practice has the potential to increase morbidity and health care costs. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of CHF in TZD and non-TZD-treated patients in a clinical setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all male patients with type 2 diabetes seen in the South Central US Veterans Administration health care network between 1 October 1996 and 31 December 2004. We constructed a Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the impact of TZD therapy on time to incidence of CHF. Results: Of 3956 patients, 29% (n = 1157) developed CHF during the study period. The incidence of CHF was higher in patients who received TZD medications than in those who received TZDs. After adjustment for multiple cardiac risk factors, the hazard ratio for the development of CHF for TZD versus non-TZD-treated patients was 0.69 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.60–0.79. Conclusions: Patients in this cohort who received TZD medications had a lower incidence of heart failure than patients who did not receive TZDs.
Intravenous colistin for the treatment of multi-drug resistant, gram-negative infection in the pediatric burn population

The rising incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) continues to challenge clinicians and has resulted in reemergence of the glycopeptide antibiotic colistin. Over the past 11 years, 14 patients at a tertiary pediatric burn center were treated with colistin for gram-negative infections resistant to all tested antibiotics. This study reviews the safety of such treatment and the outcome for this cohort of patients. All hospitalized patients treated with intravenous colistin between 1990 and 2005 were identified. A retrospective chart review was performed for each patient. Demographic data, along with information regarding the type and severity of injury, were collected. Data with respect to microbiology, renal status, and neurological events were also noted. Over an 11-year period, we identified 14 children infected with pan-resistant gram-negative organisms requiring 16 courses of colistin. Two children (14.3%) developed significant rises in serum creatinine concentration; however, no child required renal replacement therapy or developed neurologic complications attributable to colistin. Favorable response rate was 78.6% (11/14), and overall mortality was 14.3% (2/14); both deaths were attributed to sepsis. In our experience with 14 children treated with intravenous colistin, two developed a significant elevation in serum creatinine concentration during the course of therapy and neurotoxicity was not reported. Colistin should be dispensed with great caution, but it appears to have an acceptable safety profile in children and may be used in select cases of infection with highly resistant gram-negative organisms.
Transparent runtime deadlock elimination

Thread based concurrent programming is hard due to the potential of concurrency bugs (e.g., data races, atomicity violations, deadlocks, and order violations). While data races and atomicity violations can be ameliorated with appropriate synchronization (a non-trivial problem in itself !), deadlocks require fairly complex avoidance techniques which may fail when the order of lock acquisition is not known apriori [2]. The goal of this research is to present an efficient and practical system that transparently detects and eliminates deadlocks in real-world multi-threaded applications.
Patterns of viral interference in the avion leukosis and sarcoma complex

Abstract Viral interference in the avian leukosis and sarcoma complex follows two main patterns which are prescribed by antigenic relationships between the envelopes of interfering and of challenge virus. Leukosis viruses belonging to the immunological subgroup A are capable of inducing resistance to challenge viruses of the same subgroup but do not interfere with challenge viruses of subgroup B. Conversely, subgroup B leukosis viruses interfere only with a subgroup B challenge. The Carr-Zilber and Prague strains of Rous sarcoma virus which do not belong to either subgroup A or B are also not subject to interference by leukosis viruses of these subgroups.
Use of the Rapid BinaxNOW Malaria Test in a 24-Hour Laboratory Associated with Accurate Detection and Decreased Malaria Testing Turnaround Times in a Pediatric Setting Where Malaria Is Not Endemic

ABSTRACT The impact of implementing the BinaxNow malaria test was evaluated. From 288 tests, 34 malaria cases were detected. Laboratory turnaround time decreased from 9.8 to 1.7 h for report of any Plasmodium spp., 10.2 to 1.6 h for P. falciparum, and 8.6 to 1.1 h for any result.
PREDICTING RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT

Over the past decade economic activity in the United States has been extremely erratic. The economy has experienced high peaks and deep troughs in the business cycle. The first few years of 1970 were typically characterized by an economic recovery. The middle 1970's have been referred to as a recessionary period. Beginning in 1976 the economy once again experienced an upswing in economic activity which began to slow in 1979.
Effectiveness of Diversity Infusion Modules on Students' Attitudes, Behavior, and Knowledge.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of diversity infusion modules provided to university students in a predominantly white homogeneous community. A mixed-method approach using a pre-post retrospective design was used to measure attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge about diversity issues, and included a comparison group (total N = 179). Although the results indicated improvement for students that received the infusion modules, the effects of past experiences with diversity appear to have limited the effectiveness of the infusion. Recommendations for infusing diversity content in higher education programs in communities where exposure to diverse groups is limited are provided.
Mid-ocean isolation and the evolution of Hawaiian reef fishes.

The Hawaiian fish fauna has close affinities with the fauna of the Indo-west Pacific from which it is derived, but is depauperate. It is characterized by a large number of endemic species (30% of inshore fishes), which are often the most abundant species in their families in Hawaii. Although there is evidence of local adaptation, there has been no radiation of species within the island chain, as occurs in the terrestrial biota of isolated islands. Three major factors have contributed to these trends: (1) the geographic isolation of the islands, and oceanographic features, especially current patterns; (2) the life history characteristics of the fishes, especially their dispersal capabilities; and (3) the extent of adaptive differentiation to environmental conditions after they reached Hawaii.
Mutual aid society

Helping and Communal Breeding in Birds: Ecology and Evolution. By Jerram L. Brown. Princeton University Press: 1987. Pp.354. Hbk $45, £28.20; pbk $16.50, £10.40.
Gender and the GeoWeb: divisions in the production of user-generated cartographic information

The GeoWeb presents an opportunity to expand the array of potential contributors describing the earth through digital geographic information. However, the adoption of user-generated geographic information has not been uniform, resulting in an uneven distribution of content and more nuanced digital divides. This paper uses a survey of Internet users to measure the gender divide in the contributions of cartographic information to the Internet and examine the impact of this divide within the context of OpenStreetMap and Google MapMaker. This paper argues that in both publicly available basemaps the gender divide results in men serving as the gatekeepers of local knowledge leading to gendered user-generated representations. As these digital basemaps are reproduced and utilized by almost every mobile application or web-based map, the gender divisions in the creators and content are endlessly reproduced.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) of size-selected crotalid venom antigens by Wyeth's polyvalent antivenom.

Abstract R. C. Schaeffer Jr , H. Randall , J. Resk and R. W. Carlson . Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) of size-selected crotalid venom antigens by Wyeth's polyvalent antivenom. Toxicon 26, 67–76, 1988. — The binding of Antivenom (Crotalidae) Polyvalent to fractions from crude venoms of eight crotalid and one viperid snake, obtained by high performance size-exclusion chromatography, was determined with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Most of the large (>30,000 mol. wt) molecular mass crotalid venom fractions were associated with high (>0.7 absorbance units) ELISA values. Similarly, the medium (13,000 – 30,000 mol. wt) and small ( Crotalus durissus terrificus ) and Mojave desert ( Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus ) rattlesnakes. The elution profile from these venoms showed a progression of low to moderate ELISA values within the large molecular mass fractions. This pattern was followed by a decline to low ELISA values throughout the remainder of the elution profile. When saw scaled viper ( Echis carinatus leucogaster ) venom fractions were tested, only background ELISA values were detected with antivenom. Similarly, background ELISA values were associated with the small molecular mass fractions of all venoms tested. In addition, the elution position for the basic peptides of southern Pacific ( Crotalus viridis helleri ) and timber ( Crotalus h. horridus ) rattlesnake venoms showed minimal ELISA values. These data support the view that except for the venom of C. durissus terrificus and C. s. scutulatus , most antivenom antibodies bind large (>30,000 mol. wt) venom fractions. Thus, antivenom contains minimal levels of antibodies to the basic peptides in these venoms.
Wavelet Methods for Spike Detection in Mouse Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity

Abnormal autonomic nerve traffic has been associated with a number of peripheral neuropathies and cardiovascular disorders prompting the development of genetically altered mice to study the genetic and molecular components of these diseases. Autonomic function in mice can be assessed by directly recording sympathetic nerve activity. However, murine sympathetic spikes are typically detected using a manually adjusted voltage threshold and no unsupervised detection methods have been developed for the mouse. Therefore, we tested the performance of several unsupervised spike detection algorithms on simulated murine renal sympathetic nerve recordings, including an automated amplitude discriminator and wavelet-based detection methods which used both the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and the stationary wavelet transform (SWT) and several wavelet threshold rules. The parameters of the wavelet methods were optimized by comparing basal sympathetic activity to postmortem recordings and recordings made during pharmacological suppression and enhancement of sympathetic activity. In general, SWT methods were found to outperform amplitude discriminators and DWT methods with similar wavelet coefficient thresholding algorithms when presented with simulations with varied mean spike rates and signal-to-noise ratios. A SWT method which estimates the noise level using a "noise-only" wavelet scale and then selectively thresholds scales containing the physiologically important signal information was found to have the most robust spike detection. The proposed noise-level estimation method was also successfully validated during pharmacological interventions
Low levels of mammalian TGF-β1 are protective against malaria parasite infection, a paradox clarified in the mosquito host

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO), derived from catalysis of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), limits malaria parasite growth in mammals. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 suppresses iNOS in cells in vitro as well as in vivo in mice, but paradoxically severe malaria in humans is associated with low levels of TGF-β1. We hypothesized that this paradox is a universal feature of infection and occurs in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi , an invertebrate host for Plasmodium that also regulates parasite development with inducible NO synthase (AsNOS). We show that exogenous human TGF-β1 dose-dependently regulates mosquito AsNOS expression and that parasite killing by low dose TGF-β1 depends on AsNOS catalysis. Furthermore, induction of AsNOS expression by TGF-β1 is regulated by NO synthesis. These results suggest that TGF-β1 plays similar roles during parasite infection in mammals and mosquitoes and that this role is linked to the effects of TGF-β1 on inducible NO synthesis.
Software development of real-time systems

Concentrating on those aspects of software development peculiar to real-time systems, this collection of development methods and tools emphasizes incremental development; the testing of tusk interfaces during integration testing, as well as unit and partial integration testing on the development system; and the development of automated tools to assist in the testing process.
Three evolution patterns of Central-Pacific El Niño.

[1] Three evolution patterns are identified for the Central-Pacific (CP) type of El Nino based on events that occurred during 1958–2007: (1) a symmetric-decaying pattern whose sea surface temperature anomalies grow and decay symmetrically with respect to a peak phase; (2) a prolonged-decaying pattern that decays slowly and is followed by a warm event in the eastern Pacific (EP); and (3) an abrupt-decaying pattern that terminates rapidly after the peak and is followed by a cold event in the EP. The depth of the equatorial thermocline is found to determine which evolution pattern occurs. If the CP El Nino occurs in a recharged thermocline state (i.e., deeper-than-normal depth), an EP warming may appear in the decaying phase of the CP event to slow down the decay, giving rise to the prolonged-decaying pattern. If the thermocline is in a discharged state (i.e., shallower-than-normal depth), an EP cooling may occur to abruptly terminate the CP El Nino. If the thermocline is in a neutral state (i.e., normal depth), the CP event may have a symmetric pattern of growth and decay. Although a few exceptions exist, these results indicate that the equatorial thermocline state at the peak phase of a CP El Nino event can be a potential predictor of the way the event may decay.
Effects of physical exertion on task performance in modern manufacturing: a taxonomy, a review, and a model.

Modern manufacturing systems have the characteristic of demanding human cognitive task performance in an environment where sudden physical demands are also possible. There is little research addressing the effects of physical work on cognitive task performance and it is not well organized for application to manufacturing systems design. This paper uses an initial three-dimensional taxonomy to review the literature. Some clear findings emerge, but many studies produced contradictory results. While part of this contradiction was due to experimental technique, some was also due to the lack of a detailed structure to guide future research. Such a model is thus proposed, using the concept of limited resources for both the cognitive and physical aspects of tasks. In addition, specific predictions of research needs for modern manufacturing systems arise.
Post-column reaction for simultaneous analysis of chromatic and leuco forms of malachite green and crystal violet by high-performance liquid chromatography with photometric detection

Abstract The chromatic and leuco forms of malachite green and crystal violet were readily separated and detected by a sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure. The chromatic and leuco forms of the dyes were separated within 11 min on a C 18 column with a mobile phase of 0.05 M sodium acetate and 0.05 M acetic acid in water (19%) and methanol (81%). A reaction chamber, containing 10% PbO 2 in Celite 545, was placed between the column and the spectrophotometric detector to oxidize the leuco forms of the dyes to their chromatic forms. Chromatic and leuco malachite green were quantified by their absorbance at 618 nm; and chromatic and leuco Crystal Violet by their absorbance at 588 nm. Detection limits for chromatic and leuco forms of both dyes ranged from 0.12 to 0.28 ng. A linear range of 1 to 100 ng was established for both forms of the dyes.
Effects of disinfectants on dimensional accuracy of impression materials

There is a continuing concern over the potential for cross-contamination of viral infections such as AIDS by means of dental impressions. This investigation compared the effects of various viricidal agents on the accuracy of irreversible hydrocolloid and silicone impressions made of single-unit and full mandibular arch models. Measurements on casts made from the treated impressions were compared with the corresponding measurements on casts made from untreated impressions. The results of this study led to the conclusions that there was no preferred disinfectant with respect to dimensional stability for the irreversible hydrocolloid, condensation silicone, or vinyl polysiloxane impression materials tested, and there was no difference in the accuracy of the casts obtained either by spraying with or immersion in any of the disinfectants tested. Therefore using the disinfectants described with either the immersion or spray techniques will not significantly affect the dimensional accuracy of cats made from treated impressions.
Consistent classification of image time series with automatic adaptive signature generalization

Abstract Long-term data archives such as Landsat offer the potential for understanding land cover dynamics over large areas, but limited progress has been made towards realizing this potential due to data availability and computational limitations. Those limitations are less relevant now, and there is renewed interest in developing reliable methods of automatically and consistently classifying time series of remotely sensed images. Our objective was to develop a method of automatically classifying temporally irregular time series (i.e., non-anniversary date images in consecutive years) of images with a minimum of parameterization and a priori information. In contrast to traditional signature extension methods, the automatic adaptive signature generalization procedure (AASG) adapts class spectral signatures to individual images and therefore requires no image correction procedure. Class signatures are derived from pixels with stable land cover through time. We tested the performance of AASG relative to traditional signature extension with various image corrections, and explored the sensitivity of AASG to a thresholding parameter ( c ) controlling stable site identification. AASG performed as well as signature extension with atmospheric correction ( κ = 0.68), and better than signature extension with relative ( κ = 0.65) and TOA reflectance ( κ = 0.56) image corrections for a summer–summer image pair. Additionally, we demonstrated the unique ability of AASG to adapt class signatures to phenological differences by classifying a summer–winter image pair with a modest reduction in overall accuracy ( κ = 0.66). Observed sensitivity to c supported the hypothesis of an optimum value yielding enough training sites to describe class spectral variability, but conservative enough to minimize contamination of signatures due to classification errors. AASG offers significant advantages over traditional signature extension, particularly for temporally irregular time series. Although we demonstrated a simple implementation, the AASG approach is flexible and we outline several refinements which stand to improve performance. This development represents significant progress towards realizing the potential of long-term data archives to gain long-term understandings of global land cover dynamics.
Drug development in schizophrenia: are glutamatergic targets still worth aiming at?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The ketamine model has dominated drug discovery in schizophrenia over the past decade, supported by genetic and postmortem evidence implicating glutamatergic transmission. This review assesses recent successes and disappointments of glutamatergic agents and identifies promising new directions. RECENT FINDINGS Strategies focused on enhancing activity of the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor via direct agonists at the glycine site or by inhibition of glycine reuptake have produced modest and often inconsistent evidence of efficacy, as have approaches to reduce excessive glutamate release by lamotrigine or by mGluR2/3 agonists. Strategies targeting α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors have also met with only limited success. Newer approaches include selective allosteric modulation of NMDA receptor subunits and of mGluR5 receptors. In addition, intracellular pathways downstream of NMDA receptors may also provide new treatment targets, as exemplified by phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. SUMMARY Targeting glutamatergic transmission remains one of the most promising strategies in schizophrenia, particularly early in the course of illness, but therapeutic approaches may require greater specificity for receptor subtype type, illness phase, and individual biology in order to enhance efficacy and overcome problems with reproducibility of clinical results.
Transient bubble domain configuration in garnet materials observed using high speed photography

The dynamic domain configurations of bubbles in garnet materials have been studied using a sampling optical microscope capable of single exposure photographs with a 10 nsec exposure time. The microscope is an integral part of a sampling system so that the transient shape of the bubble is recorded at various times after a field pulse or, for bubbles in field access devices, during a clock cycle. A triggerable flowing nitrogen gas laser pumping a low Q Rodamine 6G Dye laser is used as an illumination source giving light pulses of ∼1.5 KW for 10 nsec. This light is sufficient to expose Kodak 4 × 16 mm movie film. Standard pulse generators (HP 214A) are used to make free bubble radial velocity measurements. A modified generator allows free bubble collapse measurement to be made. For bubbles propagating at operating frequency within field access devices, a standard bubble exerciser is used, synchronized to the sampling system. In this case, special samples with an internal mirror and epi-mode illumination are used. Illustrative results of bubble domain shapes in a chevron propagating structure and a 90° chevron expander detector are included.
Surgical outcomes in childhood uveitic glaucoma.

Purpose To evaluate surgical outcomes and to describe a strategy for pediatric uveitic glaucoma. Design Retrospective case series. Methods The clinical practice of a single surgeon identified 36 patients with juvenile uveitic glaucoma (diagnosed before 18 years of age) who underwent 1 or more intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering surgical procedures. The first eye operated on was included in the analysis. The main indication for success was IOP of less than 21 mm Hg with controlled inflammation, without further IOP-lowering surgery or devastating complication. Results Patients with uveitic glaucoma associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 20), idiopathic uveitis (n = 9), other (n = 6) were included. Mean age ± standard deviation at initial glaucoma surgery was 11.1 ± 4.4 years with a follow-up of 5.6 ± 4.8 years (range, 0.2 to 16.4 years). Goniotomy was the initial surgical procedure in 31 (86%) eyes. Fifteen eyes did not require further IOP-lowering surgery. Sixteen eyes had additional IOP-lowering surgery: second goniotomy (n = 9), glaucoma drainage device (n = 6), and trabeculectomy (n = 1). By Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the first versus the first or second goniotomy were successful at 10 years in 48% (95% confidence interval, 28% to 65%) versus 69% (95% confidence interval, 47% to 84%). Goniotomy failure was noncorrelative with phakic status or presence of preoperative synechiae. Five eyes (14%) had initial glaucoma drainage device implantation because of closed angles. Visual acuity was similar between initial and final examinations (0.37 ± 0.48 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution units [Snellen 20/47] vs 0.28 ± 0.34 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution units [Snellen 20/38]). IOP was reduced (33.0 ± 8.0 mm Hg vs 12.6 ± 4.5 mm Hg; P P Conclusions Refractory juvenile uveitic glaucoma was managed successfully by goniosurgery and glaucoma drainage device implantation. Cataract removal can be accomplished successfully, provided IOP and uveitis are well controlled before surgery.
Intellectuals and Society in Nineteenth-century India

This paper describes the landmarks of Western education in India, the content of this education, the nature of social and political changes which resulted or were furthered by this education, the groups that imparted and the groups that received this education, and finally it compares the Indian with the Chinese and to some extent with the Japanese experience.
Critical Period for Effects of Infantile Experience on Maturation of Stress Response

Manipulated infant rats respond to cold with depletion of adrenal ascorbic acid (AAA) significantly earlier than nonmanipulated infants. The study discussed in this report examined the critical period for infantile manipulation on the depletion of AAA. It was found that infant rats manipulated immediately following birth exhibited significant AAA depletion, whereas infants manipulated later did not exhibit depletion.
Integrated geophysical survey in defining subsidence features on a golf course

Subsidence was observed at several places on the Salina Municipal Golf Course in areas known to be built over a landfill in Salina, Kansas. High-resolution magnetic survey (~5400 m2), multi-channel electrical resistivity profiling (three 154 m lines) and microgravity profiling (23 gravity-station values) were performed on a subsidence site (Green 16) to aid in determining boundaries and density deficiency of the landfill in the vicinity of the subsidence. Horizontal boundaries of the landfill were confidently defined by both magnetic anomalies and the pseudo-vertical gradient of total field magnetic anomalies. Furthermore, the pseudo-vertical gradient of magnetic anomalies presented a unique anomaly at Green 16, which provided a criterion for predicting other spots with subsidence potential using the same gradient property. Results of multi-channel electrical resistivity profiling (ERP) suggested the bottom limit of the landfill at Green 16 was around 21 m below the ground surface based on the vertical gradient of electric resistivity and a priori information on the depth of the landfill. ERP results also outlined several possible landfill bodies based on their low resistivity values. Microgravity results suggested a –0.14 g cm−3 density deficiency at Green 16 that could equate to future surface subsidence of as much as 1.5 m due to gradual compaction.
The β-tubulin gene family in Zea mays: two differentially expressed β-tubulin genes

Maize β-tubulin are encoded by a large multigene family with at least nine members, as determined by Southern blot analysis. Two expressed genes, represented by the β1 genomic clone and the β2 cDNA clone, were examined in this study. The two genes encode β-tubulins which show 94% sequence identity at the amino acid level. Maize β1 transcript levels were highest in seedling root tip and tissue culture cells, which are both rapidly dividing tissues. No transcripts were detected in non-dividing leaf tissue. In contrast, β2 transcripts were present at relatively high levels in tissue culture cells and at lower levels in seedling root tip and leaf tissue. The electrophoretic mobility of the β2 polypeptide was examined in relation to the constellation of β-tubulin polypeptides on two-dimensional gel western blots of a maize pollen total protein extract. No evidence for post-translational modification of the β-tubulin polypeptides was found in pollen.
SCREENING FOR HEREDITARY FRUCTOSE INTOLERANCE MUTATIONS BY REVERSE DOT-BLOT

An assay is described which is useful for genetic screening of the two most prevalent mutations that cause hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). Both mutations lie within exon 5 of the aldolase B gene. Amplification of exon 5 from genomic DNA isolated from peripheral lymphocytes using biotinylated aldolase B-specific primers yields a biotin-tagged probe. This probe is hybridized to complementary poly(dT)-tailed allele specific oligonucleotides (ASOs) that are bound to a nylon membrane. The length of the ASOs, the amount bound to the membrane and the time of hybridization are optimized for discrimination of all four alleles under the same hybridization conditions. Detection of biotinylated amplified DNA is performed by creating an avidin-alkaline phosphatase complex and visualization by chemiluminescence. This assay can rapidly detect the two mutations, A149P and A174D, which cause >70% of HFI worldwide, and offers a rapid and sensitive assay that is much less invasive for the diagnosis of this often difficult to diagnose disorder.
Comparative effects of nitric oxide inhibition on the coronary vasomotor responses to etomidate, propofol, and thiopental in anesthetized dogs

We examined the hypothesis that the coronary vasomotor responses to etomidate (ETO), propofol (PRO), and sodium thiopental (STP) are mediated through contrasting effects on the resting nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilator tone that opposes adrenergic vasoconstrictor activity in the intact dog. Circumflex flow (CxF) responses to randomized intracoronary microinjections (0.3 mL) of normal saline (NS), alkalinized saline (AS), intralipid (IL), adenosine (ADE, 17 micrograms), acetylcholine (ACh, 1.25 micrograms), ETO (6, 12, 60 micrograms), PRO (30, 60, 300 micrograms), and STP (75, 150, 750 micrograms) were quantified in eight isoflurane-anesthetized dogs with fixed ventricular rates (100 bpm). Injections were repeated during intravenous (IV) infusion (50 mg/kg + 1 mg.kg-1.min-1) of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). ADE and ACh transiently increased CxF to 305% +/- 20% (P < 0.001) and 310% +/- 29% (P < 0.001) of resting values, respectively. ETO had no effect, whereas PRO (300 micrograms) provoked small transient increases in CxF to 135% +/- 4% (P < 0.05) of control. Responses to STP (750 micrograms) were characterized by momentary decreases to 74% +/- 4% (P < 0.001), followed immediately by increases to 183% +/- 11% (P < 0.001) of resting values; NS AS, and IL had no effect. The momentary decreases with STP (750 micrograms) were significantly augmented during NO inhibition with CxF declining to 49% +/- 7% (P < 0.001) of resting values, whereas the secondary increase was unchanged. With L-NAME, CxF responses to ACh were attenuated to 32% +/- 3% (P < 0.001) of control, whereas responses to ADE, ETO, and PRO were unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Health-Seeking Behaviors of Native American Indians With Persistent Mental Illness: Completing the Circle

Nationally, disparity exists in the delivery of mental health services to minority groups, and an imperative exists that expects culturally responsive care. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to discover health-seeking practices used by Native American Indians (NAIs) with persistent mental illness (PMI). Eighteen interviews were examined using constant comparative analysis. Health-seeking practices emerged as two central categories: health engagement strategy and avoidant strategy. This research assists mental health caregivers in approaching the NAI with PMI in a culturally responsive manner by providing a NAI's perception of health and knowledge of their health-seeking behaviors/practices.
Differential equation method for design of multimirror x-ray projection lithography systems

Based on Korsch's method for design of high performance telescopes, a differential equation design method (DEDM) for soft x-ray projection lithography has been developed. This method enables one to solve numerically for the shapes of two mirrors in a system such that the entire system rigorously satisfies the conditions of aplanatism. The shape of the other mirror(s) in the system are adjusted to minimize the residual aberrations. Three-mirror and four-mirror projection systems have been designed by using DEDM. Analysis of results is presented.
Rank-biserial correlation

A formula is developed for the correlation between a ranking (possibly including ties) and a dichotomy, with limits which are always ±1. This formula is shown to be equivalent both to Kendall'sτ and Spearman'sρ.
Continuous-Time Models for Short-Term Scheduling of Multipurpose Batch Plants: A Comparative Study

During the last two decades, the problem of short-term scheduling of multiproduct and multipurpose batch plants has gained increasing attention in the academic, research, and manufacturing communities, predominantly because of the challenges and the high economic incentives. In the last 10 years, numerous formulations have been proposed in the literature based on continuous representations of time. The continuous-time formulations have proliferated because of their established advantages over discrete-time representations and in the quest to reduce the integrality gap and the resulting computational complexities. The various continuous-time models can be broadly classified into three distinct categories: slot-based, global event-based, and unit-specific event-based formulations. In this paper, we compare and evaluate the performance of six such models, based on our implementations using several benchmark example problems from the literature. Two different objective functions, maximization of profit and m...
Numerical simulations of soft and hard turbulence: Preliminary results for two-dimensional convection

Results on the transition from soft to hard turbulence in simulations of two-dimensional Boussinesq convection are reported. The computed probability densities for temperature fluctuations are exponential in form in both soft and hard turbulence, unlike what is observed in experiments. In contrast, a change is obtained in the Nusselt number scaling on Rayleigh number in good agreement with the three-dimensional experiments.
Steric proficiency of polar 2Σ molecules in congruent electric and magnetic fields

We examine the eigenenergies, spatial orientation, and alignment of polar 2Σ molecules subject to congruent static electric and magnetic fields. In the presence of a magnetic field only, certain pairs of Zeeman states with opposite parity intersect. Introducing a congruent electric field connects such states, thereby creating avoided crossings and a first-order Stark effect which can strongly orient the states. Since this effect, termed ‘‘steric proficiency, ’’ operates over a narrow range of magnetic field strength, with amplitude determined by the electric dipole interaction, it should find use both for state selection and as a diagnostic tool for assigning spectral transitions. Other aspects are illustrated by strategies suggested for some prospective applications. These include a way to test whether formation of the A 2Σ+ excited electronic state of NaO in the Na+O3 reaction results from the orientation dependence of electron transfer, and techniques to enable the ground 2Σ+ states of RbO and CsO, produced by reacting NO2 with alkali atoms, to be loaded into a magnetic trap.
Extended starvation reduced and eliminated Wolbachia, but not Cardinium, from Metaseiulus occidentalis females (Acari: Phytoseiidae): a need to reassess Wolbachia's status in this predatory mite?

Abstract The presence of Wolbachia and Cardinium bacteria has been documented in many arthropod species, including the predatory mite Metaseiulus ( =Typhlodromus or Galendomus) occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). We show that Tetranychus urticae , the prey of Metaseiulus occidentalis , contains Wolbachia and no detectable Cardinium using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Starvation for 72 h at 22 °C eliminated most, if not all, Wolbachia in M. occidentalis adult females from 7 laboratory colonies. Refeeding of M. occidentalis with T. urticae after starvation for 72 h restored the amounts of Wolbachia in M. occidentalis to those of prestarvation levels, suggesting that Wolbachia detected in M. occidentalis starved for shorter periods of time in current, and some previous, studies likely came from T. urticae. Furthermore, eggs from all M. occidentalis colonies examined were free of Wolbachia if they were surface-decontaminated with 0.3% sodium hypochlorite before DNA extraction. Cardinium was present in 6 of 14 laboratory colonies of M. occidentalis . Starvation for 3, 24, 48, and 72 h had no effect on the amounts of Cardinium in adult females from the Cardinium -positive colonies. Eggs from these colonies were positive for Cardinium but contained less than 1% of the titers found in adult females. The data suggest that Cardinium , but not Wolbachia , is an endosymbiont in certain populations of M. occidentalis . In light of our current findings, we recommend specific practices for the identification of potential symbionts in predatory arthropod species using the PCR.
Iconoclasm during the French Revolution

MY friend," wrote Diderot in 1765, "if we love truth more than thie fine arts, let us pray God for some iconoclasts."' In this oracular statement from one of the tutelary deities of the Enlightenment there is the germ of a major dilemma for the men of the French Revolution. First, they realized that France was a treasure house of Western art, and that any French government wishing to justify itself in the eyes of contemporaries or of posterity would have to respect the French artistic inheritance. Second, the men of the Revolution knew that painting, sculpture, and architecture, in the years before I789, had been used as instruments of social control, as textbooks in morals and politics. Both the philosophes and the royal art ministers had agreed that the chief function of the arts was didactic: "The governors of men have always made use of painting and sculpture in order to inspire in their subjects the religious or political sentiments they desire them to hold."2 Most of the art criticism of the late eighteenth century confirms this view, and variations upon this refrain were constantly repeated during the Revolution itself.3 Here, then, is the painful dilemma of the revolutionaries: They had to demonstrate that the fine arts would not suffer under a revolutionary regime, but many of the social, political, and religious values expressed in the art of the pre-I789 era were, in revolutionary terms, "untrue," and had to be
Embryonic object versus mature object: object-oriented style and pedagogical theme

Traditional approaches to object-oriented style emphasize classes with a basic set of constructors and a minimal set of methods that when combined permit the full potential of the instance objects to be realized. This object-oriented style is probably modeled on the style used in mathematics and logic to develop a system based on a minimal set of axioms and operations. The consequences of this style both in practice and in pedagogy are that objects enter into existence in an embryonic state and must be nurtured to maturity by a sequence of method calls that tweak behavior and/or add data. Although this minimalist approach is useful in the first stages of teaching objects and in exploratory design, we suggest that most designs should evolve towards building classes with a rich set of constructors and methods so that the instance objects may be born mature, that is, ready to use in the program without further tweaking. In particular, we believe that if students are taught to design in this manner, then they will be more effective both as students and as computing professionals.The ideas in this article have developed from our experience in designing the Java Power Tools (JPT) and in applying these tools to build many labs and demo programs. We found that using the traditional minimalist design approach hindered our ability to rapidly develop interesting applications. Gradually, we evolved both the tools and the examples to be far richer and have found that our development time has been dramatically reduced. We believe that those who teach objects may be interested in these principles even if they choose to work with entirely different tools and examples.
The state of science in the study of cancer symptom clusters

Abstract Purpose To provide an integrative review of the literature on the science of symptom clusters in patients with cancer and establish implications for future studies. Methods Sixty-one articles about cancer symptom clusters were selected for review from results of a search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts and Cochrane databases from 1950 to 2010. Results This review discusses the current research on the definitions, theoretical frameworks, measurements, outcomes, and interventions of symptom clusters in oncology. Although symptom clusters were identified as groups of several related and coexisted symptoms, researchers had different opinion on the least number of and relationships among symptoms in a cluster. Four theoretical frameworks were used, but none of them were specific to guide research in symptom clusters for general cancer population. Most-common symptom approach and all-possible symptom approach had their own characteristics and methods for cluster identification. Functional status and quality of life were major outcomes that were negatively associated with the number or severity of symptom clusters. Interventions with multiple or central symptoms in clusters were two potential ways to improve patients’ symptom experience. Conclusions Despite advances in understanding of symptom clusters, further research is needed to define clusters operationally, and to develop appropriate theoretical frameworks. Methods of cluster identification need further comparison to see which offers the best understanding of symptom clusters. More studies with cross-sectional or longitudinal designs are necessary to explore influences of symptom clusters on patient outcomes, and interventions on symptom clusters.
The distributive and educational consequences of chapter 2 block grants in Pennsylvania

Abstract The distributive and educational impact of Chapter 2 in Pennsylvania was studied using a combination of correlational and case study methodologies. Statistical results indicate that district enrollment minority enrollment wealth and poverty level were not associated with changes in funding levels resulting from the new law However districts that spent less of their taxable resources on education and had less judged capacity appear to have done better than districts with more capacity and higher tax effort Nevertheless case studies over two years show that Chapter 2 has reduced paperwork enhanced local control and promoted educational innvation in the vast majory of districts. Implication of these findings for federal and state policy are discussed.
Epigenetic Regulation by Long Noncoding RNAs

Recent studies show that transcription of the mammalian genome is not only pervasive but also enormously complex. It is estimated that an average of 10 transcription units, the vast majority of which make long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), may overlap each traditional coding gene. These lncRNAs include not only antisense, intronic, and intergenic transcripts but also pseudogenes and retrotransposons. Do they universally have function, or are they merely transcriptional by-products of conventional coding genes? A glimpse into the molecular biology of multiple emerging lncRNA systems reveals the "Wild West" landscape of their functions and mechanisms and the key problems to solve in the years ahead toward understanding these intriguing macromolecules.