cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Labor Market Adjustment to Globalization: Long-Term Employment in the United States and Japan

The increasing globalization of production and trade in the last 25 years has required substantial adjustment of employment relationships in the United States and Japan. Worker attachment to firms has always been lower in the U.S. than in Japan, and this is reflected in a difference in institutions. As both the U.S. and Japan have been faced with similar global competitive pressures, firms in the two countries have responded in ways that are consistent with their histories, institutions, and demographics. Firms in the United States have laid off workers, even those in long-term primary jobs. Firms in Japan have taken the approach of reassigning workers to other, perhaps lesser, jobs, seconding workers to other firms, and making more use of part-time and secondary jobs. The result of this difference in strategies is that the Japanese-U.S. gap in worker attachment to firms has widened, particularly for males. Interestingly, the Japanese labor market has made increased use of part-time and other non-standard workers, particularly for females, to an extent not seen in the United States
Atlantic Southern Ocean productivity: Fertilization from above or below?

[1] Primary productivity and the associated uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the Southern Ocean (SO) is thought to be generally limited by bioavailable iron (Fe). Two sources of Fe for the surface waters of the SO have been proposed: (1) oceanic input of nutrient-rich (i.e., Fe) waters from upwelling and lateral flows from continental margins; and (2) atmospheric input from the deposition of mineral dust emanating from the arid regions of South America and Australia. In this work, analysis of weekly remotely sensed sea surface temperature (SST), ocean chlorophyll a content [Chl a] and model-derived atmospheric dust-Fe fluxes are used to identify the predominant source of Fe during phytoplankton blooms in the surface waters of the south Atlantic Ocean between 40°S and 60°S. The results of our study suggest that oceanic source through upwelling of nutrient-rich waters due to mesoscale frontal dynamics is the major source of bioavailable Fe controlling biological activity in this region. This result is consistent with the idea that acidification of aeolian dust prior to its deposition to the ocean may be required to solubilize the large fraction of mineral-iron and make it bioavailable.
Treatment, survival, and costs of laryngeal cancer care in the elderly

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To examine associations between treatment, survival, and costs in elderly patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. METHODS We evaluated 666 patients diagnosed with OPSCC from 2004 to 2007 using cross-tabulations, multivariate logistic and generalized linear regression modeling, and survival analysis. RESULTS The majority of patients were nonsmokers (79%), had advanced-stage disease (59%), and received chemoradiation (38%) or radiation (28%). Surgery with postoperative radiation (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.33 [95% CI: 0.20-0.53]) and chemoradiation (HR: 0.45 [95% CI: 0.29-0.71]) were associated with improved survival, whereas stage IV disease was associated with poorer survival (HR: 1.95 [95% CI: 1.13-3.38]). Additional cancer-directed treatment after primary treatment was more likely following chemoradiation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.44 [95% CI: 1.78-6.63]). Salvage surgery was performed in 25% of patients undergoing subsequent additional cancer-directed treatment, and was associated with high-volume hospitals (OR: 2.81 [95% CI: 1.07-7.74]). Additional radiation (HR: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.31-0.72]) and salvage surgery (HR: 0.61 [95% CI: 0.38-0.99]) were associated with improved overall survival when performed >6 months following initial treatment, whereas salvage neck dissection alone was not significantly associated with survival after controlling for time to salvage (HR: 0.38 [95% CI: 0.05-2.78]). Treatment and 5-year overall costs were highest for chemoradiation, surgery with postoperative radiation, and additional cancer-directed treatment. CONCLUSIONS Multimodality treatment in elderly OPSCC patients was associated with improved survival and increased costs. Chemoradiation was associated with an increased likelihood of additional cancer-directed treatment. Salvage surgery was centralized at high-volume hospitals, and was associated with improved survival when performed >6 months after last initial treatment date, but was performed in <20% of patients undergoing additional treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2c. Laryngoscope, 128:1103-1112, 2018.
Patterns of Change in Prayer Activity, Expectancies, and Contents During Older Adulthood

Prayer is the most common form of religious practice and a central part of religious experience, yet little is known about whether individuals’ prayer activities and beliefs tend to remain stable or develop over the life course. This study examines change during the course of older adulthood in a range of dimensions of prayer, including total frequency of private prayer, specific beliefs and expectancies regarding prayer, and the contents of prayers. Data come from four waves of an ongoing longitudinal survey of Christian older adults, covering a period of seven years. Growth curve analysis was used to model patterns of within-person change in these factors. Linear increase was observed in total prayer frequency and in beliefs about prayer emphasizing placing trust in God over expecting immediate rewards. Frequency of prayer increased for all types of prayer contents, including prayers for others, for God's will, in thanksgiving, for guidance, for health, and for material goods. Only the belief that one's prayers are answered remained stable during the course of the study. Results highlight the dynamic nature of prayer beliefs and behaviors in late life, and partially support a pattern of growing faith maturity.
Quantification of periodic breathing in premature infants

Periodic breathing (PB), regular cycles of short apneic pauses and breaths, is common in newborn infants. To characterize normal and potentially pathologic PB, we used our automated apnea detection system and developed a novel method for quantifying PB. We identified a preterm infant who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and who, on review of her breathing pattern while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), had exaggerated PB.We analyzed the chest impedance signal for short apneic pauses and developed a wavelet transform method to identify repetitive 10–40 second cycles of apnea/breathing. Clinical validation was performed to distinguish PB from apnea clusters and determine the wavelet coefficient cutoff having optimum diagnostic utility. We applied this method to analyze the chest impedance signals throughout the entire NICU stays of all 70 infants born at 32 weeks' gestation admitted over a two-and-a-half year period. This group includes an infant who died of SIDS and her twin.For infants of 32 weeks' gestation, the fraction of time spent in PB peaks 7–14 d after birth at 6.5%. During that time the infant that died of SIDS spent 40% of each day in PB and her twin spent 15% of each day in PB.This wavelet transform method allows quantification of normal and potentially pathologic PB in NICU patients.
Successful treatment of lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma with Mohs' micrographic surgery aided by rush permanent sections.

Background. Lentigo maligna (LM) is a pigmented neoplasm on sun-exposed skin of elderly patients. LM slowly increases in size and may become lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), a potentially fatal malignancy. Complete excision is the treatment of choice. Mohs' micrographic surgery (MMS) with frozen and permanent sections may be used for complete eradication of the lesion, while sparing as much normal tissue as possible. The authors studied the efficacy of MMS for the treatment of LM and LMM. Methods. Between 1985 and 1992, 45 patients with LM (26) and LMM (19) were treated with MMS. The authors' technique was to use examination of frozen sections and rush permanent sections (prepared and read within 24 hours). Positive frozen sections warranted further excision. For negative or equivocal frozen sections, surgery was interrupted until the examination of permanent sections was performed. Results. All 45 patients were free of local disease and eyidence of metastases at an average of 29.2 months (range, 4–81 months) after therapy. Conclusions. MMS aided by rush permanent sections yielded a prolonged disease free survival for all 45 patients with LM or LMM. Because the MMS technique minimizes the removal of normal tissue, and the local cure rate in this study was superior to that reported for conventional surgery, the authors recommend this technique for the treatment of LM and LMM. Cancer 1994; 73:2964–70.
Effect of food on hepatic blood flow: Implications in the “food effect” phenomenon

It has been suggested that alteration in the apparent oral bioavailability of propranolol taken with food may be due to a transient increase in QH. To investigate this hypothesis more closely, the time course of effect of a high-protein meal on QH was examined with the model compound ICG. Forty minutes postprandial, the mean increase in estimated QH was 69% above the control. QH was still elevated a mean of 36% at 100 min but by 280 min had decreased to a value that did not differ from control. Computer simulations were performed to predict the magnitude of change in the apparent oral bioavailability of propranolol that would be expected based on the observed QH changes. These simulations suggest that simple changes in QH alone cannot account for the increase in apparent oral bioavailability when propranolol is taken with food.
Shorter duration of oral N -Acetylcysteine therapy for acute acetaminophen overdose

Abstract Study objective: We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a shorter N -acetylcysteine (NAC) regimen in the treatment of acute acetaminophen overdose. Methods: We performed a retrospective case series in a large urban county hospital. Of 305 patients identified through the emergency department, 75 patients met the criteria inclusion: an acute overdose ingestion, serum acetaminophen concentration in toxic range according to the Rumack-Matthew nomogram, and oral NAC treatment initiated within 24 hours of the ingestion. The regional poison control center recommended oral treatment with NAC 140 mg/kg, followed by maintenance doses of 70 mg/kg every 4 hours until the serum acetaminophen level was no longer detectable, rather than the standard 72-hour treatment regimen. Results: The primary outcome measure was the development of hepatotoxicity. Twenty-five (33.3%) patients were treated for a period of less than 24 hours, 25 (33.3%) were treated for 24 to 36 hours, and 25 (33.3%) were treated for 37 to 64 hours; the mean and median duration of treatment was 31 hours. None of the patients treated for less than 24 hours had evidence of hepatotoxicity (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] or alanine aminotransferase [ALT] level >1,000 IU/L); hepatotoxicity developed in 2 (8%) patients treated for 24 to 36 hours and 4 (16%) patients treated for 37 to 64 hours. There were no deaths or patients who received liver transplantation. The overall incidence of hepatotoxicity in our patients was similar to that found in other protocols with administration of oral NAC for 72 hours or intravenous NAC for 20 or 48 hours. Conclusion: This observational study suggests that a shorter course of oral NAC therapy in patients who do not show evidence of hepatotoxicity within 36 hours of an acute acetaminophen overdose is safe and effective. [Woo OF, Mueller PD, Olson KR, Anderson IB, Kim SY. Shorter duration of oral N -acetylcysteine therapy for acute acetami-nophen overdose. Ann Emerg Med . April 2000;35:363-368.]
Active calcium transport in the chick chorioallantoic membrane requires interaction with the shell membranes and/or shell calcium.

Abstract Direct interaction of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) with the overlying Ca 2+ -rich shell membranes is necessary for maximal stimulation of Ca 2+ transport by the CAM. First, CAM developing in the absence of the shell and shell membranes (in shell-less culture or in artificial air space preparations), which demonstrates normal cytodifferentiation, develops significantly reduced Ca 2+ transport compared to either equatorial or air space CAM in ovo . Second, exposure of shell-less cultured CAM to isolated sections of Ca 2+ -rich shell membranes for 5–7 days, but not for 30 min or 16 hr, resulted in a significant stimulation of Ca 2+ transport in the immediately subjacent CAM but was without effect on transport function in peripheral sections of cultured CAM exposed to shell membranes. Neither elevated CO 2 levels nor a permissive humoral environment was sufficient to maximally stimulate transport. Additionally, we have demonstrated significant regional differences in Ca 2+ transport between equatorial and air space CAM in ovo . Our data directly demonstrate that stimulation of Ca 2+ transport is a time dependent, local phenomenon, requiring the presence of the shell membranes and/or shell Ca 2+ on the ectodermal side of the CAM during development.
Induction of manganese superoxide dismutase by glucocorticoids in glomerular cells

Induction of manganese superoxide dismutase by glucocorticoids in glomerular cells. Our previous in vivo study demonstrated that methylprednisolone (MP) activates glomerular antioxidant enzymes and attenuates glomerular oxidant injuries, including those in experimental nephrosis. The present study investigates the cellular mechanism of the MP-induced activation of antioxidant enzymes and their contribution to the attenuation of cellular oxidant toxicity. When bovine glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) were treated with 10 µM MP, cellular manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD, 3.95 ± 0.33 µ/mg protein, M ± SE) and catalase (1.64 ± 0.06 k/mg protein) activities were significantly (P 51 Cr release, was significantly attenuated in MP-treated cells (≈50% of MP-non-treated controls, N=6). Thus, MP-treated GECs with elevated antioxidant enzyme activities by MP were more resistant to the toxic effect of reactive oxygen metabolites. The mechanism of antioxidant enzyme induction by MP was studied for Mn-SOD. MP was shown to enhance Mn-SOD mRNA in bovine GECs and rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in dose-dependent manners. The transcriptional activation of the Mn-SOD gene by MP was studied using a luciferase reporter gene containing a 1.2 kb fragment (-806 to +406 bp of the transcription initiation site) of rat Mn-SOD genomic DNA. GMCs transfected with the fusion gene construct demonstrated a significant increase (2.6-fold) in luciferase activity when treated with 10 µM MP. Therefore, the induction of Mn-SOD by MP involves transcriptional activation. Results with the fusion gene study predict the existence of a functional glucocorticoid responsive element(s) within the 1.2 kb fragment of the Mn-SOD gene DNA.
Capacitance characterization of multipath interconnects for nanotechnology circuits

A multipath interconnect carries a signal on an electrical circuit by using the concept of parallel processing, that is, by providing two or more paths between the driver and the load. These paths are stacked vertically and isolated from one another by insulating layers between them. In this paper, we have used the Green's function method to determine the parasitic capacitances associated with a system of nanoscale multipath interconnects fabricated on a silicon-based substrate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 848–852, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21495
Inadvertent hyponatremia leading to acute cerebral edema and early evidence of herniation.

Introduction For years, the maintenance of normal or supranormal serum sodium (Na) concentrations has been believed to be beneficial in brain injuries. Recently published guidelines for cerebral trauma recommend the use of hypertonic saline to achieve hypernatremia for the management of increased intracranial pressure and these standards are generally practiced across most diseases in neurocritical care including stroke, hemorrhage and tumors. Severe hyponatremia has long been known to be detrimental, but objective evidence for the harm of mild hyponatremia as a secondary injury has been scarce.
Screening diabetic transplant candidates for coronary artery disease: Identification of a low risk subgroup

Coronary artery disease is the major cause of death in diabetic renal transplant recipients. Because one-third of diabetic transplant candidates have clinically silent coronary artery disease, many transplant centers recommend coronary angiography prior to transplantation. However, angiography is expensive and may precipitate acute renal failure. Therefore, we developed a noninvasive screening algorithm to identify patients at low risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), defined as one or more coronary stenoses > or = 50% diameter. We performed coronary angiography in 141 consecutive asymptomatic Caucasian type I diabetic renal transplant candidates. Fourteen of 16 patients age 45 or older had CAD. One hundred and twenty-five patients under age 45 were randomly divided into two groups. Ninety patients were used to identify clinical factors significantly associated with CAD which included smoking for five or more pack years, nonspecific ST-T wave changes on electrocardiogram, and diabetes duration 25 years or longer. The screening algorithm, "CAD is predicted in diabetic transplant candidates under age 45 with any of the above risk factors," was then tested in the remaining 35 patients and in 35 additional patients. In these 70 patients, the algorithm had a sensitivity of 97% and a negative predictive accuracy of 96%. We conclude that coronary angiography should be recommended to Caucasian type I diabetic renal transplant candidates age 45 or older because of the high probability of disease. In patients younger than 45 without a smoking history, ST-T wave changes on EKG, or diabetes longer than 25 years, the likelihood of CAD is low and angiography can be avoided.
Three‐Dimensional Convection Planforms With Internal Heat Generation

Thermal convection planforms in an infinite Prandtl number, isoviscous fluid layer with basal and internal heating are determined using three-dimensional finite difference calculations. With basal heating only, at Rayleigh number Ra{sub T}=1.5{times}10{sup 5} the planform consists of a weakly time-dependent spoke pattern, with connected networks of equally buoyant up- and downwellings. With volumetric heat sources the planform is strongly time variable. It consists of negatively buoyant flow concentrated in thermal trenches (discrete, arcuate sheets) and spots (cylindrical columns), separated by diffuse, nonbuoyant upwellings. Rapid planform changes occur primarily by trench propagation, as observed experimentally by Weinstein and Olson (this issue). The analogy between thermal trenches in internally heated convection and convergent plate boundaries on Earth suggests that the global pattern of subduction may evolve by propagation of Wadati-Benioff zones along the strike of the slab.
Triple-point behaviour of human haemoglobin

The recent crystallographic observation of Brzozowski et al.1 demonstrates the existence of half-oxygenated haemoglobin crystals. At first sight this seems to imply the discovery of a unique molecule, defined by exactly two bound oxygens. However, the formation of crystals with a specific degree of ligation is predicted to occur when two distinct crystalline phases coexist, namely at the triple point2. It seems likely that the crystals studied by Brzozowski et al.1 were selected from a mixture of T and R crystalline forms obtained in conditions where the triple point existed. In general, the equilibria between haemoglobin solid and liquid phases are governed by the chemical potential of a control ligand and the ligand-binding properties of each phase. We report here that a unique situation arises when there are two different crystalline phases, each with characteristic oxygen-binding properties. One can then predict the existence of a triple point, defined by a specific oxygen partial pressure, where both solid phases coexist2. At this point the degree of oxygen saturation in each solid phase is uniquely specified. These considerations could explain the specifically ligated crystals found by Brzozowski et al.1.
Self-cleaving transcripts of satellite DNA from the newt

Satellite 2 of the newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, is a 330 bp tandemly repeated sequence scattered throughout the genome. Cytoplasmic transcripts homologous to satellite 2 are found in a variety of tissues. Most of the transcripts correspond precisely in length to the DNA repeat unit or to whole multiples of that repeat. We show here that dimer-sized satellite 2 transcripts, synthesized with SP6 RNA polymerase from a plasmid clone, undergo site-specific, self-catalyzed cleavage in vitro. The reaction proceeds at neutral pH and requires Mg++ but no other cofactor or energy source. The cleavage products have 5'-hydroxyl and 3'-phosphate groups, at least some of which are in the form of 2',3'-cyclic phosphates. In this respect the reaction resembles the self-cleavage of certain small, infectious RNAs found in plants. Furthermore, the in vitro cleavage of satellite 2 transcripts occurs within a sequence that is homologous to the conserved cleavage site of the infectious RNAs. The existence of monomer and multimer transcripts in the cell suggests that the monomer may arise by site-specific cleavage of long primary transcripts. However, the 5' end of the cellular monomer is 46 or 47 bases upstream of the in vitro cleavage site, suggesting that factors in the cell may modify the cleavage reaction.
SCALING IN THE FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT ADMITTANCE OF ELECTRODEPOSITED FRACTAL ELECTRODES

We describe measurements of the complex admittance of the interface between a class of fractal electrodes and electrolytic solutions over the frequency range 100 Hz to 40 kHz. The electrodes are grown by the diffusion-limited electrodeposition of copper from aqueous solution and have fractal dimensions comparable to those obtained for computer simulations of the diffusion-limited aggregation model, Df = 2.5. The admittance measured at various stages of the electrodeposit's growth displays constant phase angle (CPA) scaling with frequency. This behavior appears to have its origins in the disordered geometry of the system, although our measurements do not agree with the scaling predictions of theories for fractal blocking electrodes.
Soluble Forms of P-Selectin and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-3 in Synovial Fluids

A number of adhesion molecules have been identified in synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of them are upregulated and may play an important role in the inflammatory processes of the diseased joint. In addition to synovial tissue cell surface expression, synovial fluids contain soluble forms of many adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin (sE-selectin), and L-selectin. In this study, we investigated the expression of soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) and intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (sICAM-3) in synovial fluids from patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and other forms of arthritis. sP-selectin and sICAM-3 levels in RA synovial fluids were significantly increased compared to those in OA. The levels of sP-selectin++ in synovial fluids correlated with sICAM-3 and sE-selectin in synovial fluids. The levels of sICAM-3 in synovial fluids correlated with synovial fluid leukocyte counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In vitro, synovial fluid mononuclear cells produced sICAM-3 spontaneously. Elevated levels of sP-selectin and sICAM-3 in RA synovial fluids compared to OA may indicate inflammatory interactions between endothelial cells, leukocytes, and other synovial cells in the diseased joint.
Gene expression of vesicular stomatitis virus genome RNA

It is just over 20 years since the landmark discovery was made by Baltimore et al. (1970) that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) packages within the mature virion the vital RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that transcribes the negative sense (anti-message sense) genome RNA into messenger RNAs. This unique observation provided the window of opportunity to study the regulation of VSV gene expression in the test tube and made VSV an early paradigm for RNA viral gene expression, a position that it has maintained ever since. In the past two decades, availability of information pertaining to the mechanism of gene expression of VSV has burgeoned, providing a better understanding of the structure and function of not only the VSV genome and its products but also those of negative-strand RNA viruses in general. The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome is now known (Rose and Schubert, 1987) and hence the sequence of the mRNAs and the deduced amino acid sequences of the viral proteins. All virus-coded proteins have been identified and their possible functions in the viral life cycle assigned. Notwithstanding this progress, the precise mechanisms by which the linear, single-strand RNA genome is transcribed into mRNAs and eventually replicated still remain a challenge to molecular virologists. VSV, a rhabdovirus, is thus a prototype model of all nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses, such as rabies, measles, mumps, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial, and Sendai, to mention a few. While rabies is a rhabdovirus, all the other examples belong to the Paramyxoviridae family. The gene order and overall mechanism of gene expression in these two families of viruses are generally expected to be very similar. Available evidence has in fact demonstrated a commonality in their modes of transcription and replication. However, there are specific differences between VSV and the paramyxoviruses (as there are among the individual members of the Paramyxoviridae family) that warrant
Dynamic isolation via momentum compensation for precision instrument pointing

The concept of a momentum-compensated inertially stabilized platform (IPPADS) for carrying scientific instruments is presented, the platform's function as a mechanical diode is explained, and the implications of momentum compensation for platform pointing and cost are discussed. The equations of motion for momentum compensation in the IPPADS five-body system are derived, and the results are used to computer simulate the system under consideration with two examples.
Physicians’ interviewing styles and medical information obtained from patients

This paper investigates the association between physicians’ interviewing styles and medical information obtained during simulated patient encounters. The sources of data are audiotapes and transcripts of two standardized patient cases presented by trained patient simulators to 43 primary care practitioners. Transcripts were scored for physician proficiency using expert-generated criteria and were content-analyzed to assess the process of communication and information content. Relevant patient disclosure was also scored from the transcripts based on expert-generated criteria. Findings were: 1) On the whole, physicians elicited only slightly more than 50% of the medical information considered important according to expert consensus, with a range from 9% to 85%. 2) Both open and closed questions were substantially related to patient disclosure of medical information to the physician, but open questions were substantially more so (Pearson correlations of 0.37 and 0.72, respectively). 3) Patient education, particularly information regarding prognosis, cause, and prevention, was substantially related to patient disclosure of medical information to the physician (Pearson correlations of 0.44, 0.36, and 0.34, respectively). 5) Finally, clinical expertise was only weakly associated with patient disclosure of medical information to the physician (Pearson correlation of 0.16).
A second generation snp-derived Escherichia coli–Streptomyces shuttle expression vector that is generally transferable by conjugation

An Escherichia coli-Streptomyces shuttle vector (pJN100) was constructed, by inserting an origin of transfer (oriT), derived from the E. coli broad host range plasmid RK2, into pANT1202, a high-copy-number vector for gene expression in Streptomyces. The resulting conjugably transferable vector contains the pANT1202-derived SnpR (LysR-like protein) activated snpA promoter that drives strong heterologous expression of proteins. We initially demonstrated that plasmid pJN100 was transferred with high frequency (10(-5-7) exconjugants per recipient) into several Streptomyces strains that were refractory to transformation by other means. Plasmid pJN100 was also shown to be stable in E. coli and Streptomyces. We confirmed functional protein expression by using a pJN100 derivative to complement a mutant of Streptomyces griseus with a disrupted chromosomal copy of the gene nonM, a gene encoding an essential reductase in the nonactin biosynthesis gene cluster. High levels of protein expression were confirmed using Western blotting to assess the production of the serine esterase NonR, an enzyme responsible for nonactin resistance in the nonactin producer S. griseus.
Slow Light Delay Predictions and Measurements in Hot Cesium Vapor

Tunable optical delays are observed in alkali vapor near resonant absorption lines. Pulses delayed across cesium D2± 20GHz are measured and compared to model predictions.
Differential fertility in rural Erie County, New York, 1855.

Erie County New York including the city of Buffalo and its surrounding hinterland provides a case study for the examination of the importance of class and ethnic differences on the fertility experience of a rural region. In sharp contrast to the city the region surrounding Buffalo consisted of rural areas and some 16 villages of varying size that acted as service centers to the thriving agricultural areas of the county. Settlement began in most parts of Erie County during the 1st decade of the 19th century and by 1855 considerable progress had been made in establishing a successful agricultural area. At midcentury the rural area of the county was a varied dynamic region that would become 1 of the leading agricultural counties of the state. The Erie Canals most dramatic impact on the demography of the region was the spectacular growth of Buffalo yet the rise of this city should not obscure the fact that the population of rural Erie County was also increasing at midcentury. Between 1840-55 the population of Buffalo more than doubled from 35000 to 72000. The population of the rural part of the county increased from 44000 to 60000 over the same period. The growth of Erie County was unevenly distributed. Rather the divisions of ethnicity were reinforced by class divisions. 3 possible classes could be present in an agricultural setting: land owners; farm workers; and tenants. According to the census approximately 1 of 5 rural household heads in the county was a tenant in 1855. The tenants were distributed throughout the age structure suggesting that from its earliest settlement Erie County in 1855 was a region with a permanent tenant population. Clear class differences were present in the fertility of the native born farmers of the county. Among the foreign born families of the county no such "class principle" existed. Fertility among the farmers of Erie County in 1855 was 10% higher than that of Buffalo. Age of marriage property and birthplace and dwelling value and total farm capital all had a significant influence on fertility; length of residence when controlled for other factors did not. German tenants continued to have fertility rates similar to German owners but the clear class differentials among native farmers remained. The class and ethnic differentials in the fertility behavior of Erie County farmers were to some extent clearer than those among urban families in Buffalo during the same period. In 1855 only 1 social stratum--the new business class of business employees and professionals--had a fertility ratio clearly lower than that of other occupation groups.
Lack of a direct nitrate-trifoliin A interaction in the Rhizobium-clover symbiosis

FRANK B. DAZZO and ESTELLE M. HRABAK Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 USA Received 22 July 1982 Key words Clover Combined nitrogen Lectin Nitrate Nitrogen-13 Rhizobium trifolii Symbiosis Trifoliin A Trifolium repens Summary Nitrate added at critical concentrations to plant growth medium inhibits the infection of legume roots by Rhizobium. The direct interaction of nitrate and trifoliin A, a Rhizobium-recognition lectin from white clover (Trifolium repens L.), was examined as a possible basis for this regulation. Selective molecular ultrafiltration studies to detect ligand-protein interactions showed that radioactive 13NO3- did not bind directly to trifoliin A when incubated at two molar ratios. Immunoprecipitation of trifoliin A by its homologous antibody was unaffected by 15 mM NO3 -. In addition, there was no apparent reduction in attachment of R. trifolii 0403 to root hairs of clover seedlings during l h of incubation in the presence of 15 mM NO 3 -. These results show that nitrate inhibition of these early steps of the infection process is not due to a direct interaction of nitrate with trifoliin A or its glycosylated receptors. Introduction Combined nitrogen is one of the many environmental factors which can suppress the development of the nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium-legume symbiosis. For instance, R. trifolii 0403 does not form root nodules on white clover grown in the presence of 16 mM NO3 - 1. The early steps of the infection process, including microsymbiont attachment to host root hairs 1,1 z and root hair deformation and infection 7,10,12, are inhibited when seedlings are grown in hydroponic culture containing critical concentrations of nitrate. If the rhizobia infect the root hairs before these levels of nitrate are added, then nodules will form and prematurely senesce 7,12 The biochemical basis for the inhibitory effect of combined nitrogen on the infection of clover root hairs by R. trifolii is just beginning to be understood. Supplying combined nitrogen (NO3 -, NH~ +) to growing roots over a period of 12 h~4 days diminishes both the immunologically detectable levels of trifoliin A, a Rhizobium-binding lectin on clover root hairs, and the selective attachment of R. trifolii 0403 to these root hairs 1. Thus, the presence of combined nitrogen during plant growth plays an important role in regulating these early recognition steps. Hypotheses to explain how nitrate supply regulates levels of trifoliin A on clover root surfaces include i) direct ligand binding of nitrate to trifoliin A resulting in its inactivation, ii) alteration of 'wall receptors' involved in accumulation of trifoliin A on the root surface and iii) inhibition of de novo 259
Towards a topological view of databases

Abstract The structure of data constraint which is a major issue to solve database design problems is formally defined as a binary relation over the topology in a finite topological space. we derived deduction procedures based on topological model to solve formally given database design problems. From this topological view, representation for keys and time complexity measure for database design problems are introduced. With a formal definition for key related database design problems which are intractable, the Borel representation for keys classifies the category of database design problems. Under this classification, we identify Borel density as a time complexity measure for formally given database design problems.
Molality-based primary standards of electrolytic conductivity (IUPAC Technical Report)

New values of electrolytic conductivity were determined for aqueous KCI solutions with molalities of 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mol/kg in the temperature range 0 to 50 °C, at 5 K intervals. Expanded uncertainties, 2u c , were alsocalculated in accordance with the presently accepted protocol for the treatment of uncertainty. The new conductivity values are recommended as primary standards of electrolytic conductivity based on molality. They replace the previous values, based on the nonstandard demal scale, which were determined only at 0, 18, and 25 °C. The accuracy of the technique used was evaluated by repeating the determination of the previously recommended demal-based IUPAC standards of electrolytic conductivity and through comparison with other absolute measurements.
Alternative Approaches to Analyzing Individual Differences in the Rate of Early Vocabulary Development.

This paper examines individual differences in the rate of early lexical development with a specific interest in gender differences. Twenty-six children were assessed monthly from either 8, 9, or 10 months of age through 14 months of age, using the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Words and Gestures. Individual differences in developmental trajectories of vocabulary comprehension and production were explored using two analytic approaches. The first involved traditional parametric statistics, while the latter utilized classification procedures. Both techniques demonstrated that the lexical development of girls outpaced that of boys. The inductive approach also revealed the presence of distinctive “fast” and “slow” trajectories for both comprehension and production that were not exclusively segregated by gender. Cases exhibiting fast trajectories were predominantly girls, but several boys also followed this developmental pattern. The opposite pattern emerged for the slow trajectories. There was strong correspondence between production and comprehension, but a few cases clustered into the fast development group on one measure and the slow group on the other. The identification of these outliers may offer an important tool for exploring mechanisms of language development. Validation of the clustering results was based on the prospective prediction of an external criterion variable, namely, lexical development at 21 months, and by replication on an independent sample.
Long-term follow-up of infants of women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and gestational diabetes (GDM): Risk factors for obesity and components of the metabolic syndrome in childhood

INFECTED AFRICAN POPULATION ROBERT GOLDENBERG, TAHA TAHA, IRVING HOFFMAN, WAFAIE FAWZI, ANTHONY MWATHA, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Birmingham, Alabama, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Statistical Center for HIV/ AIDS Research Prevention, Seattle, Washington OBJECTIVE: The use of antibiotics to prevent PTB has achieved mixed results. Our goal in this study was to determine if antibiotics given prenatally and during labor reduced the incidence of PTB and histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA). STUDY DESIGN: A double blind randomized placebo – controlled trial of antibiotics to reduce PTB and perinatal transmission of HIV was conducted in 4 African sites. Women were given antibiotics at 20-24 weeks (metronidazole 250 mg and erythromycin 250 mg t.i.d. orally for 7 days) and during labor (metronidazole 250 mg and ampicillin 500 mg q 4 hours) or identically appearing placebos. Endpoints available in 2098 HIV-infected and 335 HIVuninfected women included gestational age (GA) determined by both obstetric and pediatric criteria and birthweight (BWT). Preand post-treatment rates of various STIs were determined and placentas were evaluated for HCA. RESULTS: Comparing antibiotic versus placebo treated women, there were no differences in mean GA at delivery (38.7 vs 38.6 wks p=NS), the percent of PTB (25.3 vs 24.6 p=NS), the time between randomization and delivery (17.1 vs 17.1wks p=NS),meanBWT(2965 vs 2974gp=NS), BWT!1500g (1.6 vs 1.7% p=NS), or !2500g (12.4 vs 13.7% p=NS). Four weeks after the 24-week antibiotic/placebo course, BV was reduced from 44.5 to 23.8% in the antibiotic groups vs 43.3 to 37.5% in the placebo group for an OR of 0.50 (0.41-0.60, p!0.0001). Trichomoniasis decreased from 19.0 to 6.0% in the antibiotic group vs 16.3 to 12.3% in the placebo group for an OR of 0.41 (0.031-0.56%, p!0.0001). However, the placentas showed no difference in the rate of HCA (36.3 vs 35.8% p=NS). CONCLUSION: Despite reducing the rate of vaginal infections, the antibiotic regimen used in this study did not reduce the rate of PTB or low birthweight, increase the time to delivery, or increase mean GA or BWT. Failure of this regimen to reduce the rate of HCA likely explains the reason the antibiotics SMFM Abstracts S3
G-proteins and endothelial responses.

G-proteins are transducing proteins that couple a large number of membrane-bound receptors to a variety of intracellular effector systems. Pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylates certain G-proteins causing in
Molecular inferences suggest multiple host shifts of rabies viruses from bats to mesocarnivores in Arizona during 2001-2009.

In nature, rabies virus (RABV; genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) represents an assemblage of phylogenetic lineages, associated with specific mammalian host species. Although it is generally accepted that RABV evolved originally in bats and further shifted to carnivores, mechanisms of such host shifts are poorly understood, and examples are rarely present in surveillance data. Outbreaks in carnivores caused by a RABV variant, associated with big brown bats, occurred repeatedly during 2001–2009 in the Flagstaff area of Arizona. After each outbreak, extensive control campaigns were undertaken, with no reports of further rabies cases in carnivores for the next several years. However, questions remained whether all outbreaks were caused by a single introduction and further perpetuation of bat RABV in carnivore populations, or each outbreak was caused by an independent introduction of a bat virus. Another question of concern was related to adaptive changes in the RABV genome associated with host shifts. To address these questions, we sequenced and analyzed 66 complete and 20 nearly complete RABV genomes, including those from the Flagstaff area and other similar outbreaks in carnivores, caused by bat RABVs, and representatives of the major RABV lineages circulating in North America and worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that each Flagstaff outbreak was caused by an independent introduction of bat RABV into populations of carnivores. Positive selection analysis confirmed the absence of post-shift changes in RABV genes. In contrast, convergent evolution analysis demonstrated several amino acids in the N, P, G and L proteins, which might be significant for pre-adaptation of bat viruses to cause effective infection in carnivores. The substitution S/T242 in the viral glycoprotein is of particular merit, as a similar substitution was suggested for pathogenicity of Nishigahara RABV strain. Roles of the amino acid changes, detected in our study, require additional investigations, using reverse genetics and other approaches.
Coastal eutrophication as a driver of salt marsh loss

A nine-year whole-ecosystem experiment demonstrates that nutrient enrichment, a global problem in coastal ecosystems, can be a driver of salt-marsh loss. Salt marshes provide important ecosystem services such as storm protection for coastal cities, nutrient removal and carbon sequestration, but despite protective measures these ecosystems are in decline. Nine years of data from a whole-ecosystem nutrient-enrichment experiment now demonstrate that current levels of coastal nutrient loading can alter key salt-marsh-ecosystem properties, leading to the collapse of creek banks and, ultimately, the conversion of salt marsh into mudflat. The potential deterioration of coastal marshes owing to eutrophication adds another dimension to the challenge of managing nitrogen while meeting food-production demands in the twenty-first century. Salt marshes are highly productive coastal wetlands that provide important ecosystem services such as storm protection for coastal cities, nutrient removal and carbon sequestration. Despite protective measures, however, worldwide losses of these ecosystems have accelerated in recent decades1. Here we present data from a nine-year whole-ecosystem nutrient-enrichment experiment. Our study demonstrates that nutrient enrichment, a global problem for coastal ecosystems2,3,4, can be a driver of salt marsh loss. We show that nutrient levels commonly associated with coastal eutrophication increased above-ground leaf biomass, decreased the dense, below-ground biomass of bank-stabilizing roots, and increased microbial decomposition of organic matter. Alterations in these key ecosystem properties reduced geomorphic stability, resulting in creek-bank collapse with significant areas of creek-bank marsh converted to unvegetated mud. This pattern of marsh loss parallels observations for anthropogenically nutrient-enriched marshes worldwide, with creek-edge and bay-edge marsh evolving into mudflats and wider creeks5,6,7. Our work suggests that current nutrient loading rates to many coastal ecosystems have overwhelmed the capacity of marshes to remove nitrogen without deleterious effects. Projected increases in nitrogen flux to the coast, related to increased fertilizer use required to feed an expanding human population, may rapidly result in a coastal landscape with less marsh, which would reduce the capacity of coastal regions to provide important ecological and economic services.
Studies in calcium metabolism in infants with intrauterine growth retardation.

Serial serum Ca values in 47 infants with intrauterine growth retardation were analyzed in relation to clinicaland biochemical factors. Serum Ca concentrations in IUGR infants fell within the 95% confidence limits for serum Ca in infants whose birth weights were appropriate for gestational age. Serum Ca concentrations in IUGR infants were significantly correlated with birth asphyxia and bicarbonate therapy for acidosis. Serum Ca concentration at 24 hours of age was inversely correlated with serum P values. Thus the incidence of neonatal hypocalcemia in IUGR infants is not increased above the incidence expected from their respective gestational ages. Infants with IUGR who are well at birth do not appear to develop neonatal hypocalcemia, but IUGR infants who are asphyxiated at birth develop significant hypocalcemia.
The Ethical Environment of Tax Professionals: Partner and Non-Partner Perceptions and Experiences

This article examines perceptions of tax partners and non-partner tax practitioners regarding their CPA firms' ethical environment, as well as experiences with ethical dilemmas. Prior research emphasizes the importance of executive leadership in creating an ethical climate (e.g., Weaver et al., Acad Manage Rev 42(1):41-57, 1999; Trevino et al., Hum Relat 56(1):5-37, 2003; Schminke et al., Organ Dyn 36(2):171-186, 2007). Thus, it is important to consider whether firm partners and other employees have congruent perceptions and experiences. Based on the responses of 144 tax practitioners employed at CPA firms, the results show that tax partners rate the ethical environment of their firms as stronger than non-partner tax practitioners, particularly among those who describe a self-identified ethical dilemma. Tax partners also report having encountered more of the common examples of researcher-provided ethical dilemmas than non-partner tax practitioners, although non-partners perceive that certain ethical dilemmas occur at a higher rate than partners do. Overall, this study provides evidence of a disconnect between tax partners and non-partner tax practitioners with respect to perceptions of organizational ethics. Suggestions for potential remedies are offered.