cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated Identification of Patients With Pulmonary Nodules in an Integrated Health System Using Administrative Health Plan Data, Radiology Reports, and Natural Language Processing

Introduction: Lung nodules are commonly encountered in clinical practice, yet little is known about their management in community settings. An automated method for identifying patients with lung nodules would greatly facilitate research in this area. Methods: Using members of a large, community-based health plan from 2006 to 2010, we developed a method to identify patients with lung nodules, by combining five diagnostic codes, four procedural codes, and a natural language processing algorithm that performed free text searches of radiology transcripts. An experienced pulmonologist reviewed a random sample of 116 radiology transcripts, providing a reference standard for the natural language processing algorithm. Results: With the use of an automated method, we identified 7112 unique members as having one or more incident lung nodules. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (standard deviation 14 years). There were slightly more women (54%) than men, and Hispanics and non-whites comprised 45% of the lung nodule cohort. Thirty-six percent were never smokers whereas 11% were current smokers. Fourteen percent of the patients were subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of the natural language processing algorithm for identifying the presence of lung nodules were 96% and 86%, respectively, compared with clinician review. Among the true positive transcripts in the validation sample, only 35% were solitary and unaccompanied by one or more associated findings, and 56% measured 8 to 30 mm in diameter. Conclusions: A combination of diagnostic codes, procedural codes, and a natural language processing algorithm for free text searching of radiology reports can accurately and efficiently identify patients with incident lung nodules, many of whom are subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer.
Simulation analyses of space use: Home range estimates, variability, and sample size

Simulations of space use by animals were run to determine the relationship among home range area estimates, variability, and sample size (number of locations). As sample size increased, home range size increased asymptotically, whereas variability decreased among mean home range area estimates generated by multiple simulations for the same sample size. Our results suggest that field workers should ascertain between 100 and 200 locations in order to estimate reliably home range area. In some cases, this suggested guideline is higher than values found in the few published studies in which the relationship between home range area and number of locations is addressed. Sampling differences for small species occupying relatively small home ranges indicate that fewer locations may be sufficient to allow for a reliable estimate of home range. Intraspecific variability in social status (group member, loner, resident, transient), age, sex, reproductive condition, and food resources also have to be considered, as do season, habitat, and differences in sampling and analytical methods. Comparative data still are needed.
Noncoalescent Minimal Discrete Flows

: The purpose of the present note is to give some general method of construction of noncoalescent minimal sets.
Tryptophan-dependent biosynthesis of auxins in soil

The presence of auxins in soil may have an ecological impact affecting plant growth and development. A rapid and simple colorimetric method was used to assess California soils for their potential to produce auxins upon the addition of L-tryptophan (L-TRP). The auxin content measured by colorimetry was expressed as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-equivalents. A substrate (L-TRP) concentration of 5.3 g kg-1, glucose concentration of 6.7 g kg-1, no nitrogen, pH 7.0, 40°C, shaking (aeration) and 48 h incubation time were selected as standardized conditions to assay for auxin biosynthesis in soil. IAA was confirmed as a major microbial metabolite derived from L-TRP in soil by use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Under standardized conditions, L-TRP-derived auxins in 19 soils varied greatly ranging from 18.2 to 303.2 mg IAA equivalents (auxins) kg-1 soil. This study suggests that the phenotypic character of the soil microbiota has more of an influence on auxin production than the soil physicochemical properties (e.g., pH, organic C content, CEC, etc.).
Cyber-Warfare Threatens Corporations: Expansion into Commercial Environments

Abstract On the basis of a review of information warfare literature from 1990 to mid-2005, this article presents a framework of 12 important trends. These trends demonstrate the transformation of information warfare from primarily a military issue into a major commercial issue as well. Corporate IS managers need to understand the growing cyberwar threats and implement appropriate strategies to mitigate risk.
The construction of 1970s femininity, or why Zeenat Aman sings the same song twice

This paper examines how Zeenat Aman helped inaugurate new forms of sexuality and femininity in 1970s Bollywood. Along with redefining the rules of a screen heroine's identity, Aman also created a range of grey characters such as Sheetal in Manoj Kumar's Roti Kapada aur Makaan (1974) and Sheela in Feroz Khan's Qurbani (1980). These roles became associated with hugely popular songs of the period, lip-synched by Aman, including ‘Aap jaisa koi,’ from Qurbani, and ‘Main naa bhoolunga’, from Roti Kapada aur Makaan. This paper explores how these repeated song sequences reflect Aman's positioning within these narratives even as they allow her to reshape her role in innovative ways. In this way, this paper examines how Zeenat Aman deviated from earlier binary models imposed upon Bollywood heroines, pitting heroine against vamp and, in the process, created new modes of femininity and female agency within these films.
Effect of ELF Magnetic Fields on Enolase Activity

We previously reported frequency-dependent effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at microwave and at radio frequencies when amplitude was modulated with 16 or 60 Hz extra-low frequencies (ELF). This study was conducted primarily to test effects of magnetic fields induced by ELF ranging from 10 to 72 Hz generating a calculated magnetic flux density of 138.48 nT/rms. Escherichia coli cells, strain JM108 containing a plasmid having a neuron-specific gene, was used. Results show the most significant alteration of enzyme activities at 55 Hz and marginally significant effects at 15 and 60 Hz in exposed cells compared to control cells. Several other ELF frequencies tested did not show any difference between control and exposed cells. It is concluded that effects of magnetic fields at ELF are not linearly dependent and are effective only at specific frequencies, which are separated by wide ranges of noneffective ELF frequencies.
Transition beyond postmodernism: Pluralistic culture, incommensurable rationalities, and future objectivity

Modernist confidence in objective reason has given way to postmodern assumptions that rationality always reflects community-specific standards that can find no indisputable foundation in objectivit...
A Comparison of Exclusion Time-Out and Contingent Observation for Reducing Severe Disruptive Behavior in a 7-Year-Old Boy

This study compared the effectiveness of exclusion time-out and contingent observation for reducing the severe disruptive behavior of a child with developmental disabilities. Interventions were employed in a classroom by a special education teacher and a teacher's aide. Procedural and functional integrity measures for the two interventions indicated that the treatments were implemented in an optimal manner. The results showed that both time-out procedures reduced disruption to very low levels and were not found to be differentially effective. The theoretical and practical significance of this finding are discussed.
Exposure of professional pesticide applicators to carbaryl.

Dermal and respiratory exposure, and erythrocyte and serum acetylcholinesterase activity were monitored on two groups of professional pesticide applicators spraying trees with carbaryl. The mean dermal exposure to the first group was 128 mg hr−1 of carbaryl and the mean respiratory exposure was 0.1 mg hr−1. The maximum percent (%) toxic dose received by the applicators was 0.12% hr−1. The mean exposure to the second group of applicators was 59.4 mg hr−1 dermal and 0.1 mg hr−1 respiratory, for a total of 0.02% toxic dose per hr. It was estimated that 86.9% of the dermal exposure was to the forearms and hands. The rate of exposure to pads placed under the applicators clothing was approximately 1/20 that of pads on the outside of the clothing. Of the body areas monitored, the back received the least rate of exposure. It was determined,in vitro, that 10−3 M carbaryl would inhibit human serum (pseudocholinesterase) and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase for at least 72 hr. There was no overall inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the applicators.
Photoluminescence of pulsed ruby laser annealed crystalline and ion implanted GaAs

In an effort to understand the origin of defects earlier found to be present in p–n junctions formed by pulsed laser annealing (PLA) of ion implanted (II) semiconducting GaAs, photoluminescence (PL) studies have been carried out. PL spectra have been obtained at 4K, 77K and 300K, for both n– and p–type GaAs, for laser energy densities 0 ≤ El ≤ 0.6 J/cm2. It is found that PLA of crystalline (c−) GaAs alters the PL spectrum and decreases the PL intensity, corresponding to an increase in density of non-radiative recombination centers with increasing El. The variation of PL intensity with El is found to be different for n–and p–type material. No PL is observed from high dose (1 or 5×1015 ions/cm2) Si- or Zn-implanted GaAs, either before or after laser annealing. The results suggest that the ion implantation step is primarily responsible for formation of defects associated with the loss of radiative recombination, with pulsed annealing contributing only secondarily.
Biopharmaceutic Planning in Pediatric Drug Development

Pediatric drug development is a required consideration for all drug development programs. Age-appropriate formulations such as suspensions, chewable tablets, oral disintegrating tablets, etc., are typically developed and used in the pediatric clinical studies. However, it is not uncommon to use enabling formulations in the pivotal pediatric clinical study followed by bridging bioavailability and/or bioequivalence studies. Development of age-appropriate formulations is an essential part of pediatric drug development and adds additional biopharmaceutical considerations to an already complex problem. Careful planning of biopharmaceutic data collection during the adult and pediatric development program can contribute significantly to the biopharmaceutic risk assessment and planning of appropriate clinical studies leading to successful development of pediatric formulations.
Post-Emancipation Race Relations in the Bahamas

Post-Emancipation Race Relations in the Bahamas, by Whittington B. Johnson, Gainesville, FL, University Press of Florida, 2006, xii, 272 pp. $59.95, ISBN 0-8130-2994-5 In his second book on the Bah...
Isolation of messenger RNA for an immunoglobulin kappa chain and enumeration of the genes for the constant region of kappa chain in the mouse

Abstract The messenger RNA for an immunoglobulin light (kappa) chain was isolated from the mouse myeloma MOPC41 and shown to be almost twofold longer than necessary to code for its protein product. DNA complementary to the mRNA was synthesized with the RNA-directed DNA polymerase of Rous sarcoma virus. Although the individual chains of the cDNA † contained an average of only 270 nucleotides, the cDNA was heterogeneous in molecular weight, allowing the isolation of a fraction of the cDNA 620 nucleotides long. This large cDNA would be long enough to code for nearly all (95%) of the constant region if all the untranslated region of the mRNA were between the 3′ terminal poly(A) and the constant region. On the other hand, if all the untranslated region of the mRNA were at the 5′ terminus, this cDNA would code for 93% of the entire kappa chain. The specificity of nucleotide sequences in the cDNA was documented by molecular hybridization with both template RNA and RNA from various myelomas. The amount of hybridization obtained with myeloma RNA was approximately proportional to the amount of kappa chain protein produced by the various myeloma cells. In addition, there was no hybridization with RNA isolated from either BALB/c mouse liver or Escherichia coli . The genes for the constant region of the kappa chain were enumerated in the mouse genome by annealing cDNA to DNA from mouse liver and MOPC41 myeloma. The haploid genome of both tissues contained three to four genes for the constant region of kappa chain even when tested under conditions that would detect distantly related nucleotide sequences. The fact that there are only a few genes coding for the constant region of kappa chains implies that specialized genetic mechanisms are required for the generation of antibody diversity.
Ground state of two-dimensional liquid 4He

The ground-state energy and liquid structure function of two-dimensional liquid 4He are calculated in the density range 0.028–0.075 A−2, using the Lennard-Jones 6–12 potential. The optimal Jastrow function is first determined by a self-consistent paired-phonon calculation and then the contributions of three-body factors the wave function are calculated. Tables of values are given at several densities for the radial distribution function, Jastrow function, and liquid structure function.
Musculoskeletal imaging education and training programs: Retrospective review after 35 years at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

In the last two decades, training programs in musculoskeletal imaging in North America have flourished, increasing both in number and in quality, guaranteeing an ample supply of well-trained and motivated specialists who are populating academic medical centers and private practice venues and, in doing so, guaranteeing quality care for countless patients for years to come. This is in stark contrast to the situation not so long ago, in the 1970s, when few such programs existed, qualified applicants were difficult to find, and specific guidelines for these training programs were not in place. It was at this precise time that we, here at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), began our bone imaging fellowship program. Although we were clearly not the first with such a program, as I look back on our 35 year history, I can identify a few specific things that we did that are still in place today and, for which I think we can be proud. I have been asked by the Editors of Skeletal Radiology to put pencil to paper (yes, I still do it this way) and to detail a few of the things that I regard as essential to the success of a musculoskeletal imaging fellowship. I fully recognize that there are many fellowship directors who already know what follows and whose programs require no modifications. But being one of the more senior bone fellowship directors, perhaps my perspective will have some value. “Friendly” Environment with international flavor
Backlash in a velocity lag servomechanism

The frequency response method of analysis of servomechanisms has been extensively applied in the analysis and synthesis of linear systems, and several studies have shown that useful results can be obtained in certain nonlinear cases. The application of the sinusoidal frequency response method to nonlinear systems has been based on the assumption that the input to the nonlinear element is sinusoidal and that the behavior of the complete system can be satisfactorily represented by considering only its fundamental Fourier series component. Tustin and Goldfarb applied this method to the analysis of servomechanisms having backlash and non-viscous friction.1,2 Kochenburger has found good experimental agreement with the theoretical results of this method in several contactor servomechanisms.3 He has shown that this method serves as a useful guide in designing appropriate linear equalizing networks to improve their performance. These networks allow the system to remain stable for smaller dead zones and also give a higher range of frequency over which the contactor servomechanism's output reproduces its input with small error. He used this method to compute the over-all frequency response for various amplitudes of the sinusoidal input to the system and showed that it was possible to obtain well damped performance as evidenced by a low resonance peak. Johnson has shown how the gain phase angle transfer locus may be used to indicate the presence of sustained constant amplitude oscillation in a nonlinear system and has shown that nonlinear equalizing networks may be used to eliminate sustained oscillations and improve system performance.4 In this paper the amplitude and period of sustained oscillations computed by this method for a velocity lag servomechanism incorporating only one time constant (which will be referred to as the motor time constant) will be compared with an exact treatment of this problem given by Oldenbourg and Sartorius.5
Rupillary response/semantic differential scale relationships

Abstract Subjects of both sexes were shown a series of pictures consisting of three affective themes: Benign, Disease, and Nudes. Both the pupillary response and the two relevant dimensions yielded by the semantic differential scale (SDS), attention-interest (AI) and pleasantness-evaluation (PE), were significantly different to the three themes. Across themes, the pupil was most closely related to PE. Within themes there was a significant correspondence between pupil and the SDS indexes only to the Disease theme. The evidence supports the following conclusions: men and women respond similarly to sexually evocative materials, psychopupillary constriction can be reliably induced, and both the pupil and SDS indexes can serve to discriminate between affective themes.
Talking Back: Research as an Act of Resistance and Healing for African American Women Survivors of Intimate Male Partner Violence

The purpose of this article is to use a Black feminist/ womanist framework to: (a) explore the historical factors that discourage Black women's participation in the research process; (b) demonstrate how research can be a potential avenue of resistance and healing for African American women survivors of intimate male partner violence; and (c) suggest ways for practitioners and researchers to encourage the participation of this population. Benefits from the research process emerged as three themes: (a) healing the self, (b) helping others, and (c) envisioning new life directions.
Psychological characteristics of maltreated children: putative risk factors and consequences

Although there is considerable evidence that the maltreatment of children is widespread and that it can have significant adverse effects on the victims, specific abuse-outcome patterns are not obvious beyond the link between physical abuse and aggression, and the link between sexual abuse and poor sexual adjustment. Although concepts of invulnerability or child resilience are somewhat controversial (see Rutter 1983), some children from severely maltreating backgrounds do not evidence apparent adverse outcomes (e.g. Farber & Egeland 1987, Herrenkohl et al 1991). It is unknown whether the more favorable outcomes are the result of child resilience or the influence of environmental buffers. More research clearly is needed to fully understand the behavioral risks and consequences of maltreatment.
Control of gut retention time by secondary metabolites in ripe Solanum fruits

We tested whether compounds in ripe Solanum americanum fruits affect gut retention time of S. americanum seeds in Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum). Glycoalkaloids were of special interest because they commonly occur in ripe Solanum fruits and are associated with diarrhea in humans. Also, we determined the influence of gut retention time and the presence/absence of two glycoalkaloids, α-solasonine and α-solamargine, on germination of S. americanum seeds. In one trial, we measured seed retention times of 10 waxwings fed three types of artificial fruits, Control (containing no secondary metabolites), Low Concentration (containing low concentrations of α-solasonine and α-solamargine, matching those in ripe S. americanum fruit), and Extract (containing an ethanol extract of ripe S. americanum fruits, with many unidentified secondary metabolites). Seeds in Low Concentration fruits were not defecated more quickly than those in Control fruits, but seeds in Extract fruits were. Thus, ripe S. americanum fruits contain a chemical or chemicals with a laxative effect. Also, seeds from Control fruits were deposited in more defecations and at lower densities in each defecation than those from Extract fruits. In a second trial, we compared retention times of seeds in control fruits and in fruits with high concentrations of glycoalkaloids, typical in ripe fruits of other Solanum species. These high concentrations had a significant constipative effect on seed passage. Percentage germination and mean germination time of defecated seeds were not influenced by mean retention time in waxwing guts. However, proportionately fewer seeds germinated from Low Concentration fruits than from Control fruits. These results suggest that plants have more control over seed processing by frugivores than generally acknowledged. Secondary metabolites in ripe fruits can increase or decrease retention time and thereby influence seed deposition patterns (e.g., number of defecations with seeds, number of seeds per defecation, and presumably, dispersal distance).
Source characteristics of oxygenated volatile organic compounds and hydrogen cyanide

[1] Airborne trace gas measurements from Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE-P), Pacific Exploratory Mission (PEM)-Tropics B, and Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment-North America (INTEX-NA) experiments are analyzed to examine the major source factors contributing to the observed variabilities of oxygenated volatile organic compounds and cyanides. The positive matrix factorization method is applied to coincident measurements of 11 chemicals including CH3OH, CH3COCH3, CH3CHO, C2H2, C2H6, i-C5H12, CO, CH3Cl, and CHBr3. Measurements of HCN and CH3CN are available for TRACE-P and INTEX-NA. We identify major source contributions from the terrestrial biosphere, biomass burning, industry/urban regions, and oceans. Spatial and back trajectory characteristics of these factors are examined. On the basis of TRACE-P and PEM-Tropics B data, we find a factor that explains 80–88% of the CH3OH variability, 20–40% of CH3COCH3, 7–35% of CH3CHO, and 41% of HCN, most likely representing the emissions from terrestrial biosphere. Our analysis suggested that biogenic emissions of HCN may be significant. Cyanogenesis in plants is likely a major emission process for HCN, which was not fully accounted for previously. Larger contributions than previous global estimations to CH3COCH3 and CH3CHO by biomass burning and industry/urban sources likely reflect significant secondary production from volatile organic compound oxidation. No evidence was found for large emissions of CH3COCH3 from the ocean. The oceanic CH3CHO contribution implies large regional variations.
Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and the Risk for Dementia: The Framingham Heart Study

Importance In animal studies, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to impact neuronal survival and function and improve synaptic plasticity and long-term memory. Circulating BDNF levels increase with physical activity and caloric restriction, thus BDNF may mediate some of the observed associations between lifestyle and the risk for dementia. Some prior studies showed lower circulating BDNF in persons with Alzheimer disease (AD) compared with control participants; however, it remains uncertain whether reduced levels precede dementia onset. Objective To examine whether higher serum BDNF levels in cognitively healthy adults protect against the future risk for dementia and AD and to identify potential modifiers of this association. Design, Setting, and Participants Framingham Study original and offspring participants were followed up from 1992 and 1998, respectively, for up to 10 years. We used Cox models to relate BDNF levels to the risk for dementia and AD and adjusted for potential confounders. We also ran sensitivity analyses stratified by sex, age, and education, as well as related BDNF genetic variants to AD risk. This community-based, prospective cohort study involved 2131 dementia-free participants aged 60 years and older (mean [SD] age, 72 [7] years; 56% women). Main Outcomes and Measures Ten-year incidence of dementia and AD. Results During follow-up, 140 participants developed dementia, 117 of whom had AD. Controlling for age and sex, each standard-deviation increment in BDNF was associated with a 33% lower risk for dementia and AD ( P = .006 and P = .01, respectively) and these associations persisted after additional adjustments. Compared with the bottom quintile, BDNF levels in the top quintile were associated with less than half the risk for dementia and AD (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28-0.85; P = .01; and hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24-0.86; P = .02, respectively). These associations were apparent only among women, persons aged 80 years and older, and those with college degrees (hazard ratios for AD: 0.65, [95% CI, 0.50-0.85], P = .001; 0.63 [95% CI, 0.47-0.85], P = .002; and 0.27 [95% CI, 0.11-0.65], P = .003, respectively). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor genetic variants were not associated with AD risk. Conclusions and Relevance Higher serum BDNF levels may protect against future occurrence of dementia and AD. Our findings suggest a role for BDNF in the biology and possibly in the prevention of dementia and AD, especially in select subgroups of women and older and more highly educated persons.
Confirmatory Analyses of Reasons for Experiencing Psychoactive Drugs during Adolescence

This study established empirically defined reasons for experiences with psychoactive drugs by adolescents. By means of cross-validating procedures involving a series of principal component analyses of data obtained from three separate sample groups, three common motives or reasons for trying/taking drugs were derived: (1) a tension-reduction, or coping motive; (2) a drug-effect motive; and (3) a peer-related motive. The implications of the findings for further research and for treatment and prevention programs are reviewed.
Seasonal variation in rat blood cholesterol concentration and its responsiveness to estrone

Summary In adult rats serum cholesterol concentration was low in February and in the fall; it was high during the winter and in spring. A similar fluctuation was seen both in the absolute and relative effects of estrone.
Virus Removal from Water by a Portable Water Treatment Device

Abstract Category 1 Continuing Medical Education credit for WMS member physicians is available for this article. Go to http://wms.org/cme/cme.asp?whatarticle=1913 to access the test questions. Objective.—Few portable point-of-use (POU) devices are available for treatment of water by recreational enthusiasts who may obtain water from untreated sources (rivers, lakes, etc.). This study evaluated a POU device containing a structure matrix capable of removing viruses from water without the use of a disinfectant. Methods.—The unit was evaluated for the removal of poliovirus type 1, rotavirus SA-11, human norovirus, and a wide range of different coliphages exhibiting different isoelectric points, sizes, and shapes. Results.—The removal of all virus types tested exceeded 99.99%. Conclusion.—The tested unit complied with the criteria guidelines for virus removal under the US Environmental Protection Agency's “Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing of Microbiological Water Purifiers.”
The effect of controllable thin film crystal growth on the aggregation of a novel high panchromaticity squaraine viable for organic solar cells

A description of the synthesis procedure is provided for a new squaraine molecule, DiPSQ(OH)2. This molecule is an interesting target molecule for organic photovoltaics (OPV) because of its unusually broad panchromaticity, suggesting a tighter molecular packing than would be expected, given its bulky alkyl side groups. UV–vis–NIR absorption data provides evidence for the presence of both H- and Jaggregates. Thin film X-ray diffraction (TFXRD) data supports the presence of one dominant crystal structure. Further interpretation of TFXRD results and complementary Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterization for pure and blended samples provides a comprehensive explanation of how DiPSQ(OH)2 aggregates are affected by annealing and crystal growth. The described aggregation properties of donor–acceptor blends for solar cells are strongly dependent on annealing. Influencing phase separation, local crystallinity, and macroscopic crystallization, these physical properties are known to significantly impact charge dissociation, exciton diffusion rates, and bulk charge transport in devices. The strategy of systematically varying annealing times has resulted in improved bulk heterojunction crystallinity and regions of increased phase separation, both necessary to achieve the long term goal of morphological control for commercially viable NIR-active OPV devices.
P1A-6 A Novel Spline-Based Algorithm for Multidimensional Displacement and Strain Estimation

In medical ultrasound, motion estimation is used to align images in extended field of view applications, estimate blood or tissue motion, and estimate radiation force or mechanically induced displacements for elasticity imaging. In all of these applications the sampled nature of real-world images makes precise estimation of sub-sample displacements computationally costly at best, and impossible at worst. In this paper we describe a novel MUlti-dimensional Spline-based motion Estimator (MUSE). We performed simulations and experiments to assess the intrinsic bias and standard deviation of this algorithm for speckle kernels 4 samples wide and 16 samples deep. In 1000 noise-free simulations we found that MUSE exhibits maximum bias errors of 0.002 and 0.0003 samples (0.040 mum and 0.045 mum) in range and azimuth respectively. The maximum simulated standard deviation of estimates in both dimensions was comparable at 0.0026 samples (0.05 mum in range and 0.78 mum in azimuth). 25,600 motion estimates were also performed using experimental data acquired using an Ultrasonix Sonix RP imaging system with a L14-5/38 linear array transducer operated at 6.6 MHz. With this experimental data we found that bias errors were apparently significantly smaller than geometric errors induced by machining of the transducer mount. These simulated and experimental results significantly outperform other published algorithms. Straightforward extension to include companding and shear estimation make this algorithm particularly attractive for tissue elasticity imaging applications
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae TSC10/YBR265w Gene Encoding 3-Ketosphinganine Reductase Is Identified in a Screen for Temperature-sensitive Suppressors of the Ca2+-sensitive csg2Δ Mutant

Saccharomyces cerevisiae csg2Delta mutants accumulate the sphingolipid inositolphosphorylceramide, which renders the cells Ca2+-sensitive. Temperature-sensitive mutations that suppress the Ca2+ sensitivity of csg2Delta mutants were isolated and characterized to identify genes that encode sphingolipid synthesis enzymes. These temperature-sensitive csg2Delta suppressors (tsc) fall into 15 complementation groups. The TSC10/YBR265w gene was found to encode 3-ketosphinganine reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the second step in the synthesis of phytosphingosine, the long chain base found in yeast sphingolipids. 3-Ketosphinganine reductase (Tsc10p) is essential for growth in the absence of exogenous dihydrosphingosine or phytosphingosine. Tsc10p is a member of the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase protein family. The tsc10 mutants accumulate 3-ketosphinganine and microsomal membranes isolated from tsc10 mutants have low 3-ketosphinganine reductase activity. His6-tagged Tsc10p was expressed in Escherichia coli and isolated by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid column chromatography. The recombinant protein catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of 3-ketosphinganine. These data indicate that Tsc10p is necessary and sufficient for catalyzing the NADPH-dependent reduction of 3-ketosphinganine to dihydrosphingosine.
Dynamics in Medicaid and SCHIP eligibility among children in SCHIP's early years: implications for reauthorization.

ABSTRACT: Two-thirds of children in the United States were income-eligible for Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at some point from 1996 to 2000. One in five childre...
Evaluation of a Routine Anaerobic Subculture of Blood Cultures for Detection of Anaerobic Bacteremia

The value of a routine 48-h anaerobic subculture of blood cultures was assessed in our laboratory over a 4-month period. Excluding presumed contaminants, anaerobes represented 51 (6.9%) of the total number of 734 positive cultures. Sixteen isolates (all Bacteroides) from six patients were detected by the anaerobic subculture. All but one of these were also detected macroscopically. Excluding the one isolate, the routine anaerobic subculture hastened the identification of anaerobic organisms by only 1 day in two patients. We conclude that a routine anaerobic subculture is not indicated for the detection of anaerobic bacteremia.
Stimulation of the respiratory burst in human neutrophils by crystal phagocytosis

Exposure to monosodium urate crystals (MSU) stimulated the respiratory burst of human neutrophils as measured by increased O2 consumption and the generation of superoxide radicals (O(2)). From the comparison of data derived from nitroblue tetrazolium and cytochrome C reduction (two methods of detecting O(2) release), it appears tht O(2) production in response to MSU may be compartmentalized, i.e., occur predominantly in the intracellular space. After exposure to MSU, neutrophils from patients with chronic granulomatous disease lost viability at the normal rate; thus products of the respiratory burst are not likely to be responsible for cell death.
Human Food Safety and Environmental Assessment of the Use of 17α‐Methyltestosterone to Produce Male Tilapia in the United States

Sex reversal of early life stage tilapia (approximately 7–12 d post-hatch, total length averaging 9–11 mm, and total weight averaging 10–15 mg) is used commonly to produce populations of fish comprised of > 5% phenotypic females. The synthetic androgen, 17α-methyl testosterone (MT), is used to effect sex reversal in tilapia. This paper evaluates environmental impact and human food safety aspects of MT use for tilapia sex reversal based on a review of the scientific literature and on dilution models of farm discharge. Effect of MT treatment on human food safety was evaluated by regression analysis of radioactivity depletion data and by dilution through growth analysis. Results show that the proposed use of MT for sex reversal of early life stage tilapia presents no negative effects on human food safety. Regression analysis of available depletion data from tilapia shows that whole-body concentrations of MT and metabolites in tilapia attain levels of <100 pg/g after 8 to 40 d of withdrawal, and that achievement of <10 pg/g of MT and metabolites in carcass tissue occurs after 6 to 50 d of withdrawal. These concentrations are attained well before completion of the FDA-required 120-d withdrawal period following MT treatment. Standardized calculations were made to estimate MT concentration in effluents based on stocking rate and water exchange. Guidelines are provided for management of farms to ensure that effluent MT concentration remains < 1 μg/L. Given the expected concentration of MT in any farm effluents, the rapid dilution of effluent MT to very low levels in receiving waters, the sensitivity of MT to photo-oxidation, the expected rapid bacterial degradation of MT, and the limited total use of MT in the United States, we concluded that the use of MT-treated feed according to the proposed protocol will not cause significant adverse environmental effects.
MEMBRANE IONIC CURRENT PHOTOMODIFICATION BY ROSE BENGAL and MENADIONE: ROLE OF SINGLET OXYGEN

: Photosensitized modification of ionic leak current and potassium current was studied in frog cardiac atrial cells using whole cell patch clamp techniques. Rose bengal (RB) and menadione (MQ) were used as photosensitizers. Separate photophysical studies of the photosensitizers in deuterium oxide solution demonstrated that MQ did not produce singlet oxygen as evidenced by the lack of luminescence at 1270 nm, whereas RB was an efficient singlet oxygen generator. Both photosensitizers sensitized block of potassium current in atrial cells, and both sensitized an increase of ionic leak current. However, when photosensitizer concentrations and illumination intensities were adjusted to match the rate of block of potassium current by the two photosensitizers, there were dramatic differences in leak current increase, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Menadione sensitized a much slower increase in leak current than did RB. Further, the leak current sensitized by MQ had a more positive reversal potential than that sensitized by RB, suggesting a less potassium-selective leak current pathway. The results suggest that, while the effects of singlet oxygen and non-singlet oxygen modification of cell membranes may be similar, there may also be significant differences in the resulting membrane permeabilities. The results also demonstrate that MQ and RB may be useful agents to study the role of singlet oxygen versus non-singlet oxygen modification of biological systems.
Peritoneal exudate cells. I. Growth requirement of cells capable of forming colonies in soft agar.

Mouse peritoneal exudate cells induced by thioglycollate medium can form colonies in soft agar with a plating efficiency of about 5% (0.6%–10%). Cells from an unstimulated peritoneal cavity form no colonies or have a plating efficiency of less than 0.001 %. These colony-forming cells from the peritoneal exudate are similar to bone marrow colony-forming cells in vitro in that they both require a substance(s) present in conditioned medium from L-cells or mouse embryo fibroblasts or the serum from endotoxin-treated mice for the initiation and the continuation of their growth. However, peritoneal exudate colony-forming cells have a much longer initial lag period (10–14 days) and can survive longer in the absence of L-cell conditioned medium than bone marrow colony-forming cells. Only mononuclear cells, presumably macrophages, are observed in peritoneal exudate colonies, whereas bone marrow cell colonies contain both polymorphonuclear cells and macrophages.
Drosophila linker histone H1 coordinates STAT-dependent organization of heterochromatin and suppresses tumorigenesis caused by hyperactive JAK-STAT signaling.

Within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, chromatin is organized into compact, silent regions called heterochromatin and more loosely packaged regions of euchromatin where transcription is more active. Although the existence of heterochromatin has been known for many years, the cellular factors responsible for its formation have only recently been identified. Two key factors involved in heterochromatin formation in Drosophila are the H3 lysine 9 methyltransferase Su(var)3-9 and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). The linker histone H1 also plays a major role in heterochromatin formation in Drosophila by interacting with Su(var)3-9 and helping to recruit it to heterochromatin. Drosophila STAT (Signal transducer and activator of transcription) (STAT92E) has also been shown to be involved in the maintenance of heterochromatin, but its relationship to the H1-Su(var)3-9 heterochromatin pathway is unknown. STAT92E is also involved in tumor formation in flies. Hyperactive Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT signaling due to a mutation in Drosophila JAK (Hopscotch) causes hematopoietic tumors We show here that STAT92E is a second partner of H1 in the regulation of heterochromatin structure. H1 physically interacts with STAT92E and regulates its ectopic localization in the chromatin. Mis-localization of STAT92E due to its hyperphosphorylation or H1 depletion disrupts heterochromatin integrity. The contribution of the H1-STAT pathway to heterochromatin formation is mechanistically distinct from that of H1 and Su(var)3-9. The recruitment of STAT92E to chromatin by H1 also plays an important regulatory role in JAK-STAT induced tumors in flies. Depleting the linker histone H1 in flies carrying the oncogenic hopscotch Tum-l allele enhances tumorigenesis, and H1 overexpression suppresses tumorigenesis. Our results suggest the existence of two independent pathways for heterochromatin formation in Drosophila, one involving Su(var)3-9 and HP1 and the other involving STAT92E and HP1. The H1 linker histone directs both pathways through physical interactions with Su(var)3-9 and STAT92E, as well with HP1. The physical interaction of H1 and STAT92E confers a regulatory role on H1 in JAK-STAT signaling. H1 serves as a molecular reservoir for STAT92E in chromatin, enabling H1 to act as a tumor suppressor and oppose an oncogenic mutation in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
Estrogen and hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

During the past several years, there has been increasing interest in the effects of estrogen on neural function. This enthusiasm is driven, in part, by the results of early clinical studies suggesting that estrogen therapy given after menopause may prevent, or at least delay, the onset of Alzheimer's disease in older women. However, later clinical trials of women with probable Alzheimer's disease had contrary results. Much of the current research related to estrogen and brain function is focused in two directions. One involves clinical studies that examine the potential of estrogen in protecting against cognitive decline during normal aging and against Alzheimer's disease (neuroprotection). The other direction, which is the primary focus of this review, involves laboratory studies that examine the mechanisms by which estrogen can modify the structure of nerve cells and alter the way neurons communicate with other cells in the brain (neuroplasticity). In this review, we examine recent evidence from experimental and clinical research on the rapid effects of estrogen on several mechanisms that involve synaptic plasticity in the nervous system, including hippocampal excitability, long-term potentiation and depression related to sex and aging differences, cellular neuroprotection and probable molecular mechanisms of the action of estrogen in brain tissue.
A case of acute tarsal tunnel syndrome following lateralizing calcaneal osteotomy

Surgical correction of hindfoot varus is frequently performed with a lateral displacement calcaneal osteotomy. It has rarely been associated with iatrogenic tarsal tunnel syndrome in patients with pre-existing neurological disease. We report the first case of acute postoperative tarsal tunnel syndrome in a neurologically intact patient with post-traumatic hindfoot varus. Early diagnosis and emergent operative release afforded an excellent clinical outcome. Imaging studies can help outrule a compressive hematoma and assess for possible nerve transection; however it is paramount that a high index of suspicion is utilized with judicious operative intervention to minimize long-term sequelae.
Interdecadal Changes in the ENSO Teleconnection to the Caribbean Region and the North Atlantic Oscillation

Abstract The El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon and variability in the subtropical North Atlantic high sea level pressure (SLP) are known to affect rainfall in the Caribbean region. An El Nino event is associated with drier-than-average conditions during the boreal summer of year (0), and wetter-than-average conditions during the spring of year (+1). Dry conditions during the summer of year (0) of an El Nino are associated with the locally divergent surface circulation engendered by the eastward shift of deep convection in the Pacific Ocean. Wet conditions during the spring of year (+1) of an El Nino are associated with the lagged warming of the tropical North Atlantic Ocean. Variability in the strength of the North Atlantic high is governed mainly by the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) with a positive NAO phase implying a stronger than normal high and vice versa. The NAO is negatively correlated with Caribbean rainfall indirectly via anomalous sea surface temperatures (SST) associated with a...
Structure of the Surface of Liquid He 4 at Zero Temperature

The ground-state wave function of a finte drop of liquid He/sup 4/ is please delete the above abstract no. 22716====
Development of rollover maneuvers using optimization techniques

The continuing increase of routinely available computing power now allows optimization with objective functions based on time domain simulations of vehicle dynamics. This paper uses this technique to determine the steering controls which lead to very large transient lateral load transfer. The vehicle simulation uses a yaw plane vehicle model with a very capable tire model. The steering controls to be optimized are a function of their Fourier coefficients. Examples using a SUV model illustrate that very inexpensive computing platforms are able to implement millions of time domain runs in a reasonably short time in support of the optimization. Comparisons with simulations of the NHSTA fishhook maneuver provide context for the results, which lead to simulated load transfer slightly in excess of the simulated NHTSA test. The optimized runs exhibit maximum load transfer well within the confines of a two lane highway.
A Chronology of Pollen Collection by Honeybees

SummaryHoneybee pollen loads were trapped from hives at five sites in LaCrosse County, Wisconsin, USA, throughout one season. The percentages from different plant species were determined. The season could be divided into three parts: tree sources from early April to late May, then shrubs until mid-June, followed by herbaceous plants until the end of September. An unexpectedly large amount of the pollen came from wind-pollinated species, especially oak (Quercus sp.) and corn (Zea mays).
Unemployment and Technical Innovation; A Study of Long Waves and Economic Development

(1983). Unemployment and Technical Innovation; A Study of Long Waves and Economic Development. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 803-808.
Public Images of Protestant Ministers and Catholic Priests: An Empirical Study of Anti-Clericalism in the U.S.

Using data from a national sample of U.S. adults, we focused on differences and sources of those differences among the public images of three categories of clergymen: Catholic, Methodist, and Lutheran. The specific focus was on the issue of anti-clericalism, in particular anti-Catholic clericalism. In this connection, we raised three major questions: 1) To what extent does anti-clericalism in general exist in the United States? We found little. 2) How much residual anti-Catholic Clericalism exists? We found some. That is, our sample applied a set of negative characteristics more often to Catholic priests than to Protestant ministers. 3) What factors might be producing or encouraging the anti-Catholic clericalism that does appear to exist? Here denominational affiliation and educational level of the respondents are relevant. Of particular interest is the discovery that the little anti-Catholic clericalism that does exist seems to reside more in Catholic than Protestant respondents.
Nonverbal Dialects and Accents in Facial Expressions of Emotion

This article focuses on a theoretical account integrating classic and recent findings on the communication of emotions across cultures: a dialect theory of emotion. Dialect theory uses a linguistic...