cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte and Bacterial Counts Do Not Correlate With Severity of Symptoms in Men With Chronic Prostatitis: The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Cohort Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: We examine whether leukocytes and bacteria correlate with symptom severity in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Materials and Methods: All 488 men screened into the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Cohort Study before close of recruitment on August 22, 2001 were selected for analysis. The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, including subscores, were used to measure symptoms. Urethral inflammation was defined as white blood cell (WBC) counts of 1 or more (1+) in the first voided urine. Participants were classified as category IIIa based on WBC counts of 5 or more, or 10 or more (5+, 10+) in the expressed prostatic secretion, or 1+ or 5+ either in the post-expressed prostatic secretion urine (voided urine 3) or semen. Uropathogens were classified as localizing if the designated bacterial species were absent in voided urine 1 and voided urine 2 but present in expressed prostatic secretion, voided urine 3 or semen, or prese...
Submissions and Reviews in the Journal of Planning Education and Research: 1991-1992

Author characteristics, manuscript characteristics, review processes, and manuscript review outcomes were examined for submissions to the Journal of Planning Education and Research (JPER) over a two-year period. Findings suggest that JPER is, to a high degree, an outlet for research for faculty of urban and regional planning programs only and that, within this catchment, authors represent a wide range of faculty and submissions concern a wide range of topics. Confidence is found in the merit-based nature of manuscript review processes. Problems are identified concerning limited methodological sophistication of submissions, insularity of the planning academy, and limited systematic growth of our discipline.
Neuromuscular Disease of the Gastrointestinal Tract

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal motility is the function of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. It is controlled by both the intrinsic and extrinsic nerves of the gastrointestinal tract and, to a lesser degree, the gastrointestinal hormones. Therefore, any abnormality of the above factors, theoretically, can cause gastrointestinal dysmotility. In a clinical situation, commonly seen is gastrointestinal dysmotility caused by either smooth muscle or intrinsic and extrinsic nerves dysfunction. Diseases that cause smooth muscle dysfunction include familial visceral myopathies, nonfamilial visceral myopathies, collagen disease, muscular dystrophies, amyloidosis, thyroid disease, and so on. Diseases that cause enteric nerve dysfunction include familial visceral neuropathies, nonfamilial visceral neuropathies, diabetes mellitus, Chagas’ disease, ganglioneuromatosis of the intestine, visceral neuropathy of carcinomatosis, Parkinson’s disease, and so on. The patients with neuromuscular disease of the gastrointestinal tract have a wide range of clinical manifestations regardless of the underlying cause. At one end of the spectrum, the patients may be asymptomatic, and at the other end of the spectrum, the patients may have functional obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Plain abdominal x-rays, upper gastrointestinal (UGI) and small bowel x-rays, enteroclysis, barium enema, and manometric studies are useful for the work-up of these patients. Enteroclysis is especially helpful in ruling out mechanical obstruction of the small intestine in patients with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive. There is no effective drug to improve gastrointestinal motility. Surgery may be helpful in selected cases of severe gastrointestinal dysmotility.
Flame retardant exposures in California early childhood education environments.

Infants and young children spend as much as 50h per week in child care and preschool. Although approximately 13 million children, or 65% of all U.S. children, spend some time each day in early childhood education (ECE) facilities, little information is available about environmental exposures in these environments. We measured flame retardants in air and dust collected from 40 California ECE facilities between May 2010 and May 2011. Low levels of six polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners and four non-PBDE flame retardants were present in air, including two constituents of Firemaster 550 and two tris phosphate compounds [tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP)]. Tris phosphate, Firemaster 550 and PBDE compounds were detected in 100% of the dust samples. BDE47, BDE99, and BDE209 comprised the majority of the PBDE mass measured in dust. The median concentrations of TCEP (319ngg(-1)) and TDCIPP (2265ngg(-1)) were similar to or higher than any PBDE congener. Levels of TCEP and TDCIPP in dust were significantly higher in facilities with napping equipment made out of foam (Mann-Whitney p-values Language: en
Pseudo-Rephasing and Pseudo-Free-Induction-Decay Mechanism in Two-Color Three-Pulse Photon Echo of a Binary System

We investigate the two-color three-pulse photon echo peak shift in a (left–right) binary system, where each component consists of a heterodimer. On the basis of the model, we find that the effect of the excitonic asymmetry between two components leads to an additional factor in the peak shift. A pseudo-rephasing and pseudo-free-induction-decay mechanism is proposed to explain the resultant negative peak shift, when the differences between the two left/right components have the opposite sign. In such a case, estimates of the electronic coupling strength via two- and one-color peak shift experiments lead to an underestimate of the coupling magnitude.
Power series with i.i.d. coefficients

Abstract In this work we consider a power series of the form X = ∑ j = 0 ∞ δ j Z j where 0 δ 1 and { Z j } j ≥ 0 is an i.i.d. sequence of random variables. We show that X is well-defined iff E [ ( log | Z 0 | ) + ] ∞ and establish a number of properties of the distribution of X , such as continuity and closure under convolution and weak convergence.
Effects of media composition on submerged culture spores of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum Part 2: Effects of media osmolality on cell wall characteristics, carbohydrate concentrations, drying stability, and pathogenicity

Abstract This study evaluates osmolality of a submerged conidia-producing medium in relation to the following spore characteristics: yield, morphology (dimensions and cell wall structure), chemical properties of cell wall surfaces (charge, hydrophobicity, and lectin binding), cytoplasmic polyols and trehalose, and performance (drying stability and pathogenicity). Spore production was increased by the addition of up to 150 g l−1 polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG). Spores from high osmolality medium (HOM spores) containing 100 g l−1 PEG had thin cell walls and dimensions more similar to blastospores than submerged conidia or aerial conidia. However, a faint electron-dense layer separating primary and secondary HOM spores’ cell walls was discernable by transmission electron microscopy as found in aerial and submerged conidia but not found in blastospores. HOM spores also appeared to have an outer rodlet layer, unlike blastospores, although it was thinner than those observed in submerged conidia. HOM spores’ surfa...
The Vertebrate Ndc80 Complex Contains Spc24 and Spc25 Homologs, which Are Required to Establish and Maintain Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachment

Abstract How kinetochores bind to microtubules and move on the mitotic spindle remain unanswered questions. Multiple systems have implicated the Ndc80/Hec1 (Ndc80) kinetochore complex in kinetochore-microtubule interaction and spindle checkpoint activity [1–12]. In budding yeast, Ndc80 copurifies with three additional interacting proteins: Nuf2, Spc24, and Spc25 [4, 5]. Although functional vertebrate homologs of Ndc80 and Nuf2 exist, extensive sequence similarity searches have not uncovered homologs of Spc24 and Spc25. We have purified the xNdc80 complex to homogeneity from Xenopus egg extracts and identified two novel interacting proteins. Although the sequences have greatly diverged, we have concluded that these are the functional homologs of the yeast Spc24 and Spc25 proteins based on limited sequence similarity, common coiled-coil domains, kinetochore localization, similar phenotypes, and copurification with xNdc80 and xNuf2. Using both RNAi and antibody injection experiments, we have extended previous characterization of the complex and found that Spc24 and Spc25 are required not only to establish, but also to maintain kinetochore-microtubule attachments and metaphase alignment. In addition, we show that Spc24 and Spc25 are required for chromosomal movement to the spindle poles in anaphase.
Dendritic cells pulsed with keyhole limpet hemocyanin and cryopreserved maintain anti-tumor activity in a murine melanoma model

We compared viability, phenotype, in vitro function and therapeutic efficacy of murine unpulsed-dendritic cells (-DC), DC pulsed with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH-DC) and cryopreserved KLH-DC (C-KLH-DC). Mean viability (%+/-SE) of unpulsed-DC, KLH-DC and C-KLH-DC was 93.6+/-0.9, 93.9+/-0.8 and 87.4+/-1.6, respectively. Pulsing DC with KLH did not induce maturation or affect in vitro function. Cryopreservation of KLH-DC reduced MHC I, CD80 and CD86 expression, endocytic capacity and allogeneic splenocyte stimulatory capacity. Intratumoral (i.t.) vaccination of mice bearing s.c. D5 melanoma with unpulsed-DC, KLH-DC or C-KLH-DC elicited comparable anti-tumor immune responses and inhibited tumor growth to the same extent. Combining radiotherapy with i.t. unpulsed-DC, KLH-DC or C-KLH-DC administration enhanced induction of anti-tumor immune responses and inhibition of tumor growth to a similar degree. Cryopreservation of KLH-DC slightly reduces viability, expression of co-stimulatory cell surface markers and in vitro function; however, in vivo anti-tumor activity is fully maintained with or without radiotherapy.
Side by side treadmill walking reduces gait asymmetry induced by unilateral ankle weight

Asymmetric gait is a hallmark of many neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. This behavior is often the result of a decrease in the stability of interlimb coordination, and synchronization to external signals such as auditory cuing or another walking individual may be helpful for altering abnormal movement patterns. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between interlimb coordination and unintentional, interpersonal synchronization of gait in healthy individuals in response to unilateral ankle loading. Fifty participants completed four trials while walking on a motorized treadmill: (1) by themselves, (2) with a partner on an adjacent treadmill, (3) by themselves with additional weight applied unilaterally to their right ankle, and (4) with both a partner and unilateral weight. As expected, the addition of unilateral weight increased asymmetry according to several spatiotemporal measures of gait, but the presence of a partner on an adjacent treadmill significantly reduced this effect. Further, the amount of unintentional, interpersonal synchronization among pairings was relatively unaffected by the addition of ankle weight to one of the partners. All pairings realized a beneficial effect on asymmetrical gait but this effect was greater for pairings that consistently synchronized unintentionally. These results suggest that side by side walking might be an effective approach for influencing bilateral coordination of gait and may hold insight for understanding gait asymmetry and interlimb movement variability.
Cloning of a Novel Putative Protein Kinase Having a Leucine Zipper Domain from Human Brain

Abstract We report a novel putative serine/threonine protein kinase containing a leucine-zipper domain, isolated from an human neuronal cell line. The teratocarcinoma cell line NT2 was differentiated to postmitotic NT2-N neurons by treatment with retinoic acid, and degenerate oligonucleotide primers to the catalytic domains of protein kinases were employed to PCR amplify subtractive cDNAs. We identified a clone, represented at higher abundance in NT2-N neurons than in the parental cell line, which encodes a putative serine/threonine kinase of 668 aminoacids, the leucine- z ipper p rotein k inase (zpk). Zpk protein contains a leucine-zipper domain, found in many DNA-binding proteins, but few protein kinases. Steady-state mRNA levels for zpk are high in human brain and kidney. Further studies are required to evaluate the role of zpk in neuronal differentiation.
Simplicial quantum gravity in more than two-dimensions

The dynamical triangulation (DT) model of two-dimensional quantum gravity is generalized to higher dimensions. In three dimensions two updates are described which appear to allow for ergodic sampling of states, and an updating procedure which obeys detailed balance is given. The tensor-model generalization of the matrix-model formulation of higher-dimensional gravity is discussed and the relations between DT-, continuum-, and tensor-model couplings are given.
Multi-Channel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder electromagnetic interference on-board NASA DC-8

The Multi-Channel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder (MCoRDS) system was developed by the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) in 2009 for measuring the thickness of ice sheets in polar regions. This radar system was first used on-board the NASA DC-8 aircraft as one of the primary sensors for Operation Ice Bridge (OIB). The radar is a highly sensitive system operated in an environment of unknown electromagnetic interference (EMI) conditions. Therefore, various precautions were taken to mitigate the effects of EMI to ensure successful radar measurements and sufficient electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). This paper provides an overview of MCoRDS focusing on its EMC and performance.
Survival Beyond 10 Years Following Heart Transplantation: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Experience

Abstract Background Long-term survival after heart transplantation is a desirable although challenging goal. Methods We analyzed clinical outcomes in the cohort of 170 patients who have undergone heart transplantation at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and survived >10 years. Results We found 10-year and 15-year survival rates of 54% and 41%, respectively, in these patients, but there was also a high incidence of complications, such as hypertension, renal dysfunction, transplant vasculopathy, and malignancy. Conclusions Long-term survival following cardiac transplantation is possible although complications are frequent. Beyond 10 years, malignancy is a major cause of death.
Elasto-plastic analysis of thin shells under thermal transients

Abstract The objective of this paper is to use a thermal-elasto-plastic algorithm developed by the authors in order to find the temperatures and thermal stresses that are produced by time-dependent thermal loads, such as the ambient temperatures and prescribed surface heat fluxes. These loads must be given as functions of time. With the thermal conductivities and surface film coefficients given for heat conduction, and the elastic and plastic material properties for stress analysis, the outcome is the temperature, displacement, and stress distributions that are produced by the thermal transients. We apply the analysis to thin shells; that is, objects that have one dimension, wall thickness, smaller than any other length. Even though the ideas given here appy to shells of general shape, we limit the analysis in this paper to cylindrical shells and consider axisymmetric thermal loads only. For verification, the results of a simple problem are compared with those of an established finite element code, and the agreement is noted. The algorithm presented here is well suited for the calculation of residual stresses that are produced by cyclic thermal loads. It is applied to the induction heating stress improvement (IHSI) in pipes. The general features of the IHSI are reproduced.
Palaeozoic oolitic ironstones on the North American Craton

Abstract More than 40 mostly minor Palaeozoic oolitic ironstones (OI) accumulated on low-latitude cratonic North America, almost entirely in USA. A few Middle Cambrian OI, among the oldest anywhere, were deposited on the western cratonic shelf of USA. Widely scattered Late Cambrian ones developed on the southwestern, southeastern and northeastern flanks of the Transcontinental Arch. Middle Ordovician OI were deposited on the cratonic interior and on the southern and southeastern cratonic margins. In latest Ordovician time Neda OI spread across north-central USA east of the Arch and south of the Laurentian upland. Minor ones developed in the southern part of the Taconian foreland basin after major orogeny. Early and Middle Silurian Clinton OI flourished throughout the foreland basin in eastern USA, producing the largest OI deposit on the North American craton. Minor early Late Silurian OI accumulated in the central part of the basin. Middle and Late Devonian OI in the Acadian foreland basin in northeastern cratonic USA developed progressively westward of the encroaching Catskill delta. An isolated Middle Devonian one accumulated in southwestern cratonic USA, and latest Devonian ones in north-central USA east of the Arch. During this Palaeozoic episode sites of OI deposition shifted eastward across the craton. Most of the OI were deposited during a hiatus in normal sedimentation, accumulating in the upper part of shoaling-upward sequences. Some early Palaeozoic ones occur in glauconitic siliciclastic-carbonate facies and contain mostly spherical hematitic ooids. These suggest derivation from iron-rich soils developed on glauconitic deposits. OI in wholly siliciclastic facies, containing distorted chamositic ooids with cores of mud peloids, were common in later Palaeozoic time. These OI, like many other Phanerozoic ones, suggest a synsedimentary to early diagenetic origin.
Eimeria tenella: Immunogenicity of arrested sporozoites in chickens

Abstract Groups of chickens were medicated with the anticoccidial drug, decoquinate, and starting 1 day after this medication they were given daily inoculations of either 1 × 104 (Experiment 1) or 1 × 105 (Experiment 2) oocysts of a decoquinate-sensitive strain of Eimeria tenella. This assured the presence of large numbers of drug-inhibited sporozoites in the cecal tissues. The immunity arising from the presence of these inhibited sporozoites was assessed by challenging the medicated chickens with a 2.5 x 105 oocysts of a decoquinate-resistant strain of E. tenella. The response to challenge was assessed by weight gain, the severity of cecal lesions, hematocrits, and cecal oocyst numbers. The inhibited sporozoites promoted little (if any) immunity judged by clinical signs of disease. However, judged by body weight changes after challenge, the presence of inhibited sporozoites provided substantial protection against the bodyweight-depressing effects of the challenge dose. These findings emphasize the importance of stage-specific antigen expression in Eimeria spp. infections and support the notion that immunogenicity is associated with tropic stages of the parasite.
Use of the Anderson Sling Suspension System for Recovery of Horses from General Anesthesia

Objective— To describe a sling recovery system (Anderson Sling) for horses and to evaluate outcome of high-risk horses recovered from general anesthesia by a sling. Study Design— Retrospective study. Sample Population— Horses (n=24) recovered from general anesthesia. Methods— Complete medical and anesthetic records (1996–2003) for horses recovered from general anesthesia using the Anderson Sling system were evaluated retrospectively. Information retrieved included anesthetic protocol, surgical procedure, recovery protocol, recovery time, and quality of the recovery. Horses were recovered from anesthesia supported by the Anderson Sling in a standing position within a traditional padded equine recovery stall. Results— Twenty-four horses had 32 assisted recoveries; 31 events were successful. No complications associated with the sling or recovery system protocol occurred. One horse was intolerant of the sling's support and was reanesthetized and recovered successfully using head and tail ropes. Conclusion— The Anderson Sling recovery system is an effective and safe way to recover horses that are at increased risk for injury associated with adverse events during recovery from general anesthesia. Clinical Relevance— The Anderson Sling system should be considered for assisted recovery of equine patients from general anesthesia.
Biweekly paclitaxel, cisplatin, tegafur, and leucovorin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND The goal of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel, cisplatin (P), tegafur (T), and leucovorin (L) as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for patients with advanced, unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. METHODS From November 1999 to January 2001, 21 consecutive patients (Stage IV, 100%; T4, 86%; and N3, 41%) were treated with paclitaxel-PTL (Day 1: paclitaxel, 120 mg/m2 intravenous infusion for 3 hours; Day 1: P, 50 mg/m2; T, 800 mg; and L, 60 mg orally daily over a 14-day cycle). Evaluation after three cycles led to CT termination if primary tumor responses were less than partial responses. Otherwise, paclitaxel-PTL was continued for up to six cycles before commencement of locoregional therapy. RESULTS CT responses were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis. Response rates (RR) for the primary tumors were 81% (17 of 21), with 28.6% (6 of 21) showing a complete response (CR). RR and CR rates for the neck lymph nodes were 85.3% (15 of 18) and 22% (4 of 18), respectively. The combined RR for primary tumors and neck lymph nodes was 81% (95% confidence interval, 62.9–99.3%) with a CR rate of 19%. Grade 3/4 toxicities according to World Health Organization criteria included leukopenia, 19.0%; emesis, 9.5%; asthenia, 9.5%; mucositis, 4.8%; and neuropathy, 4.8%. Both the overall and disease-free survival rates were 14.3% (3 of 21), with a median follow-up of 41 months. CONCLUSIONS The relatively low toxicities and encouraging response rates demonstrated in the current study suggested that paclitaxel-PTL merits future trials in the setting of resectable tumors with more favorable characteristics. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Envenomation Following the Bite of a Wandering Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans)

Following a prolonged bite by a large specimen of the wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans), symptoms of envenomation rapidly developed. Swelling, edema, pain, and localized hemorrhaging occurred but without the subsequent onset of systemic manifestations. The bite recipient was carefully examined and the evolution of poisoning monitored. Depending upon duration of the bite and inclination of the snake, members of this species are capable of occasionally causing mild envenomation in humans, inducing localized poisoning not unlike that seen following bites by small Crotalidae (pit vipers). Language: en
Effects of Diet and Physical Activity Interventions on Weight Loss and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Severely Obese Adults: A Randomized Trial

Context The prevalence of severe obesity is increasing markedly, as is prevalence of comorbid conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, apart from bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy, few clinical trials have evaluated the treatment of severe obesity. Objective To determine the efficacy of a weight loss and physical activity intervention on the adverse health risks of severe obesity. Design, Setting, and Participants Single-blind randomized trial conducted from February 2007 through April 2010 at the University of Pittsburgh. Participants were 130 (37% African American) severely obese (class II or III) adult participants without diabetes recruited from the community. Interventions One-year intensive lifestyle intervention consisting of diet and physical activity. One group (initial physical activity) was randomized to diet and physical activity for the entire 12 months; the other group (delayed physical activity) had the identical dietary intervention but with physical activity delayed for 6 months. Main Outcome Measures Changes in weight. Secondary outcomes were additional components comprising cardiometabolic risk, including waist circumference, abdominal adipose tissue, and hepatic fat content. Results Of 130 participants randomized, 101 (78%) completed the 12-month follow-up assessments. Although both intervention groups lost a significant amount of weight at 6 months, the initial-activity group lost significantly more weight in the first 6 months compared with the delayed-activity group (10.9 kg [95% confidence interval {CI}, 9.1-12.7] vs 8.2 kg [95% CI, 6.4-9.9], P = .02 for group × time interaction). Weight loss at 12 months, however, was similar in the 2 groups (12.1 kg [95% CI, 10.0-14.2] vs 9.9 kg [95% CI, 8.0-11.7], P = .25 for group × time interaction). Waist circumference, visceral abdominal fat, hepatic fat content, blood pressure, and insulin resistance were all reduced in both groups. The addition of physical activity promoted greater reductions in waist circumference and hepatic fat content. Conclusion Among patients with severe obesity, a lifestyle intervention involving diet combined with initial or delayed initiation of physical activity resulted in clinically significant weight loss and favorable changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00712127
SU(3) symmetry breaking in lower fp-shell nuclei

Results of shell-model calculations for lower fp-shell nuclei show that SU(3) symmetry breaking in this region is driven by the single-particle spin-orbit splitting. However, even though states of the yrast band exhibit SU(3) symmetry breaking, the results also show that the yrast band B(E2) values are insensitive to this fragmentation of the SU(3) symmetry; specifically, the quadrupole collectivity as measured by B(E2) transition strengths between low lying members of the yrast band remain high even though SU(3) appears to be broken. Results for {sup 44,46,48}Ti and {sup 48}Cr using the Kuo-Brown-3 two-body interaction are given to illustrate these observations.
The steady-state process with periodic perturbations

Abstract To analyze the feasibility of periodic operation, a generalized Π-criterion is developed in this paper. Using averaging, it is shown that the criterion can be used to describe not only the effect of perturbations around the optimum steady state, but it can also be used to analyze the effect of periodic perturbations around any given stable steady state. Expressions reflecting the relative change in averaged steady state performance are developed for a few sample systems and the results are applied to periodically forced CSTRs and polymerization reactions. The approximate expressions are used to determine the optimal shape of the periodic inputs. This paper also includes an analysis of a periodic feedback control law using relay controllers with hysteresis and integral action. With single-input periodic control, the controller can be paired with a suitable output so that the effects due to measurement errors and disturbances can be minimized
Determination of the amount of leg length inequality that induces scoliotic spinal posture changes in healthy subjects using video rasterstereography

zBackground Leg length inequalities (LLIs) can result in a functional scoliosis, increased energy consumption, abnormal gait or osteoarthritis of the hip[1]. In a previous study we simulated different LLIs of up to 15 mm and evaluated their effects on the pelvic position and spinal posture [2]. We found a correlation between LLIs and resulting changes of the pelvic position. Despite suggestions in the literature, we were not able to detect significant changes of the spinal posture.
A “One-Two Punch” Leading to Hepatitis C Seroconversion

We report a case of acute hepatitis C virus infection that occurred after a traumatic altercation among prison inmates. This report has significant implications for infection control policies and procedures in prisons and jails, where the estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection is ∼20 times that of the general population.
Does social deprivation during gestation and early life predispose to later schizophrenia

We employed a case-control study design to investigate whether schizophrenic patients differed from non-psychotic psychiatric patients in terms of place of birth and paternal occupation. “Cases” were first-contact schizophrenic patients ascertained from the Camberwell Cumulative Psychiatric Case Register. “Controls” were the next (non-psychotic) patient on the Register matched for age and sex. In comparison with controls, cases were more likely to have: (1) been born in the deprived innercity Camberwell catchment area (odds ratio 2.3), and (2) had fathers who had “manual” as opposed to “non-manual” occupations (odds ratio 2.1). The results were compatible with the notion that socio-economic deprivation during gestation and early life predisposes to later schizophrenia.
Adaptive goal prioritization by agents in dynamic environments

We present a model for an agent architecture that supports adaptive goal prioritization. Goal prioritization is the ability of the agent to adjust the relative priorities of a goal set in response to changes in a dynamic environment. This architecture allows an agent to act pro-actively to achieve goals, and to dynamically determine which goals should be pursued at any time. We discuss a dynamic domain in which the architecture will be situated, and outline the techniques needed to support goal re-prioritization.
84: Effect of tocolytic medications on synthesis and secretion of surfactant in an in-vitro human lung cell model

84 Effect of tocolytic medications on synthesis and secretion of surfactant in an in-vitro human lung cell model Ziad Haidar, Shamili Sammohi, David Cool, David Mckenna UT HealthUniversity of Texas Medical School at Houston, OB/GYN, Houston, TX, Wright State University, OB/GYN, Dayton, OH OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, and indomethacin on surfactant synthesis and secretion in adult human lung cells STUDY DESIGN: Human adult lung cells (NCI-H441) were grown to confluence in Waymouth’s MB571/5 medium containing 2% Hyclone and 1.5% Cellgro, containing 10,000 unit/ml penicillin G sodium, 10,000 ug/ml streptomycin sulfate, and 25 ug/ml amphotericin B. The plates were then divided into 4 groups, consisting of three tocolytics and a control. Tissue-equivalent doses of the tocolytics were used to mimic the steady state in-vivo levels of the following doses and routes of administration: indomethacin: 25mg po q6h, nifedipine 10mg po q6h, and magnesium sulfate 2 g/h IV. Betamethasone (BMZ) was added to each group to achieve a comparable tissue concentration to what is achieved clinically when 12 mg IM is given, and then repeated twenty four hours later. Lipids were extracted from the supernatant and separated on anHP-TLC plate in an organic solvent system. The lipids were primuline stained and examined for relative density under a DyLight 488 nmwith a ChemDocMP imaging camera (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA) from 1 to 10 seconds, and the best image was saved for evaluation. RESULTS: The primuline stained cells showed an increased amount of surfactant B synthesis in each of the combinations: BMZ+nifedipine, BMZ+magnesium, BMZ+indomethacin. Compared to cells containing BMZ alone, the lipid extraction, which is indicative of the cells’ secretion phase, showed a significant increase with BMZ+magnesium and BMZ+indomethacin and decrease with BMZ+nifedipine CONCLUSION: This in-vitro human adult lung cell model demonstrated significant effects on surfactant synthesis and secretion when different tocolytic agents were given along with betamethasone. It is speculated this may be due to intracellular calcium-dependent interactions with the specific tocolytic agents in the type II pneumocytes. Further work is required to illicit the exactmechanism responsible for thesefindings.
High Quality Performance of High-throughput GeneChip&#174; Probe Array System

A high-throughput GeneChipreg probe array platform was established. This system offers automated processing of 96 samples in the industry standard 96-well plate format. We demonstrate that this new technology can deliver the same performance as the standard cartridge probe arrays
Null Object and Sloppy Identity in Japanese

I demonstrate that the null object construction (NOC) in Japanese cannot be analyzed on a par with VP-ellipsis (VPE) in English, contrary to the suggestion made in Huang 1988, 1991 and Otani and Whitman 1991. I argue that what are considered to be “sloppy identity readings” in these works are not genuine sloppy identity readings, and I argue that such readings arise quite independently of the alleged VPE status of the NOC.
Variation in DISC1 affects hippocampal structure and function and increases risk for schizophrenia

Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a promising schizophrenia candidate gene expressed predominantly within the hippocampus. We typed 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that covered the DISC1 gene. A three-SNP haplotype [hCV219779 (C)-rs821597 (G)-rs821616 (A)] spanning 83 kb of the gene was associated with schizophrenia in a family-based sample (P = 0.002). A common nonconservative SNP (Ser704Cys) (rs821616) within this haplotype was associated with schizophrenia (P = 0.004). Based on primary expression of DISC1 in hippocampus, we hypothesized that allelic variation at Ser704Cys would have a measurable impact on hippocampal structure and function as assayed via specific hippocampus-related intermediate phenotypes. In addition to overtransmission in schizophrenia, the Ser allele was associated with altered hippocampal structure and function in healthy subjects, including reduced hippocampal gray matter volume and altered engagement of the hippocampus during several cognitive tasks assayed with functional magnetic resonance imaging. These convergent data suggest that allelic variation within DISC1, either at Ser704Cys or haplotypes monitored by it, increases the risk for schizophrenia and that the mechanism of this effect involves structural and functional alterations in the hippocampal formation.
Southern Chinese dialects as a medium for reconciliation within Greater China

Southern Chinese dialects – Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Hakka – have received little official support from the governments of the nations where Chinese is spoken; they are not mutually intelligible with Mandarin, and are often deeply stigmatized. Although China's language wars have paralleled cold war hostilities, unofficial forces in the 1990s are rapidly enhancing dialect prestige, as an economic boom increasingly links the “Greater China” of the People's Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. (Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Cantonese, Min, Hakka, bilingualism, Hong Kong, Taiwan, official language)
Blinded to science: gender differences in the effects of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on academic and science attitudes among sixth graders

Little research has examined whether the effects of race or socioeconomic status (SES) on educational attitudes differ by gender, limiting knowledge of unique vulnerabilities occurring at the intersection of multiple social statuses. Using data from 182 sixth-graders, interactions between gender, race/ethnicity, and SES in predicting educational aspirations, persistence, views of science, and educational self-efficacy are examined. African American and Latino boys express more negative attitudes relative to (1) higher-SES boys, (2) White boys, and (3) girls of any race/ethnicity or level of SES. The intersection of multiple inequalities in education across the early life course is discussed.
Impact of socioeconomic status and distance from treatment center on survival in patients receiving remission induction therapy for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Background While socioeconomic status (SES) and the distance patients travel to a treatment center (DTC) impact survival of certain solid tumors, little is known of their influence in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients receiving remission induction therapy for AML at the Cleveland Clinic between January 1997 and December 2005. Demographic data were obtained from medical records. Income and DTC were determined using online databases . Known prognostic factors (age, WBC count at diagnosis, cytogenetics, AML etiology) were collected and controlled for in Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results Induction chemotherapy was administered to 281 patients; 91% were Caucasian (C), 8% were African American (AA), and 1% were neither (non-AA non-C). The median DTC was 24 miles (range, 0.9–2058), and median annual household income was $38,972 (range, $17,496–143,220). With a median follow up of 22.6 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 11.3 months. In multivariable analyses, age ≥60 years, unfavorable cytogenetics, initial WBC count and secondary AML significantly influenced survival ( p p p = 0.035, and p = 0.010, respectively). OS was similar for AAs and non-AA non-Cs compared to Cs (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = .61–2.07, p = .71, and HR = 0.87, CI = 0.21–3.62, p = .84, respectively). Neither DTC (HR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.98–1.01, p = .96 per 20 mile increment) nor SES (HR = 1.02, 95%CI = 0.92–1.13, p = .77 per $10000 annual income increase) had an impact on OS. Conclusion Unlike with many solid tumors, SES and DTC are not predictive of outcome in AML patients.
Eukaryotic Y-family polymerases bypass a 3-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine analog in vitro and methyl methanesulfonate-induced DNA damage in vivo

N3-methyl-adenine (3MeA) is the major cytotoxic lesion formed in DNA by S(N)2 methylating agents. The lesion presumably blocks progression of cellular replicases because the N3-methyl group hinders interactions between the polymerase and the minor groove of DNA. However, this hypothesis has yet to be rigorously proven, as 3MeA is intrinsically unstable and is converted to an abasic site, which itself is a blocking lesion. To circumvent these problems, we have chemically synthesized a 3-deaza analog of 3MeA (3dMeA) as a stable phosphoramidite and have incorporated the analog into synthetic oligonucleotides that have been used in vitro as templates for DNA replication. As expected, the 3dMeA lesion blocked both human DNA polymerases alpha and delta. In contrast, human polymerases eta, iota and kappa, as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae poleta were able to bypass the lesion, albeit with varying efficiencies and accuracy. To confirm the physiological relevance of our findings, we show that in S. cerevisiae lacking Mag1-dependent 3MeA repair, poleta (Rad30) contributes to the survival of cells exposed to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and in the absence of Mag1, Rad30 and Rev3, human polymerases eta, iota and kappa are capable of restoring MMS-resistance to the normally MMS-sensitive strain.
Normoglycemia May Encompass Two Subpopulations With Respect to Vascular Risk in Non-Obese Caucasian Women

Metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance syndrome, refers tothe presence of a cluster of characteristics, and is defined by thepresence of 3 or more of the following: FPG >110 mg/dL, ab-dominal obesity, triglycerides >150 mg/dL, or HDL <40 mg/dLfor a man or <50 mg/dL for a woman, and hypertension.
Intra-urban Location of Manufacturing Employment in Colombia

This paper describes the spatial distribution of manufacturing employment in Bogota and analyzes the changes in the location patterns over the 1970-1975 period using industrial directory data. The analysis shows strong evidence of the spatial decentralization of manufacturing employment owing to a steady movement of firms outward from central areas; new large firms with more than 100 employees tend to locate near the periphery while the births of small firms tend to take place near the center. Measures of concentration indicate an increasing dispersion of manufacturing establishments during the period. This trend is similar to what has occurred in the U.S. during the past several decades due to changes in production technology and revolutions in transportation and communication; these same factors might prevail in Bogota.
Numerical Modeling to Assess DNAPL Movement and Removal at the Scenic Site Operable Unit Near Baton Rouge, Louisiana: A Case Study.

Detailed three-dimensional multifluid flow modeling was conducted to assess movement and removal of dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) movement at a waste site in Louisiana. The site's subsurface consists of several permeable zones separated by (semi) confining clays. In the upper subsurface, the two major permeable zones are, starting with the uppermost zone, the +40- and +20-MSL (mean sea level) zones. At the site, a total of 23,000 m3 of DNAPL was emplaced in an open waste pit between 1962 and 1974. In this period, considerable amounts of DNAPL moved into the subsurface. By 1974 a portion of the DNAPL was removed and the waste site was filled with low-permeability materials and closed. During this process, some of the DNAPL was mixed with the fill material and remained at the site. Between 1974 and 2000, no additional DNAPL recovery activities were implemented. In an effort to reduce the DNAPL source, organic liquid has been pumped through a timed-pumping scheme from a total of 7 wells starting in c...
Mapas conceptuales y diagramas v

MOREIRA, Marco Antonio (2006). Mapas conceituais ediagramas V [Mapas conceptuales y diagramas V], PortoAlegre: Ed. do autor. ISBN 85-904420-8-X. 103 pags.Por Marcelo Prado Amaral Rosa - UCS - Brasil
Contactless electroluminescence imaging for cell and module characterization

Module performance can be characterized by imaging using baseline and periodic images to track defects and degradation. Both thermal images, which can be acquired during sunny operating conditions, and photoluminescence images, which could be acquired at night, can be collected without electrical connection. Electroluminescence (EL) images, which are useful to detect many types of defects such as cracks, interconnect and solder faults, and resistances, have typically required electrical connection to drive current in the cells and modules. Here, a contactless EL imaging technique is proposed, which provides an EL image without the need for electrical connection to drive current through the module. Such EL imaging has the capability to be collected at night without disruption to daytime power generation.
The perilous frontier: Nomadic empires and China

Editor's Preface. Preface. Acknowledgements. Notes on Transliterations. 1. Introduction: The Steppe Nomadic World. 2. The Steppe Tribes United: The Hsiung-nu Empire. 3. The Collapse of Central Order: The Rise of Foreign Dynasties. 4. The Turkish Empires and T'ang China. 5. The Manchurian Candidates. 6. The Mongol Empire. 7. Steppe Wolves and Forest Tigers: The Ming, Mongols and Manchus. 8. The Last of the Nomad Empires: The Ch'ing Incorporation of Mongolia and Zungharia. 9. Epilogue: On the Decline of the Mongols. Bibliography. Index.
Palliative pharmacologic sedation for terminally ill adults

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 11), MEDLINE (1946 to November 2014), and EMBASE (1974 to December 2014) were searched using search terms representing the sedative drug names and classes, disease stage, and study designs. Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-RCTs, and observational studies (e.g., before-and-after, interrupted-time-series) with quantitative outcomes were included. Studies with only qualitative outcomes or with no comparison (i.e., no control group or no within-group comparison [e.g., singlearm case series]) were excluded.
Production for Exchange in the Mid-Holocene Southeast: A Savannah River Valley Example

ABSTRACTAt various places across the American Southeast during the mid-Holocene, bifaces were produced for nonsubsistence purposes, including mortuary offerings and exchange. Examples of biface caches and oversized forms are not uncommon at sites in the Midsouth, and locations of biface production have been noted at numerous sites near sources of high-quality chert. Unfortunately, analyses of production debris have not been conducted, so there exists no information on the scale and intensity of production for exchange. In contrast, discrete concentrations of debitage and production failures at sites in the middle Savannah River Valley lend themselves to analysis of scale of production. At the Pen Point site, for instance, 200–300 preforms were manufactured and transported from the site in what appears to be a single production event. Alternative explanations for this scale of production are examined. Given emerging evidence for nonsubsistence uses of bifaces in the Savannah River Valley and its probable h...
First Paper: Plant Aspects of Turbine Generator Foundations

The paper begins with a description of the various types of turbine generator foundations that have been installed and those that are intended for use in the near future.Then follows a section detailing the requisite characteristics of machine foundations and the factors that must be considered in order to obtain satisfactory operation.As the foundations support rotating machinery, the subject of vibration is discussed, including fundamental equations and their practical applications to the problem of calculating frequencies in the structures.Among the many factors that have to be considered when selecting the type of foundation are the size of machine and the station arrangement. The various factors are presented with comments.Important characteristics relating to the material properties and to the erection and behaviour of steel and concrete foundations are described.The topic of alignment is considered, including methods of maintaining machine alignment relative to the foundation structure. The causes ...
Hematopoietic lineage- and stage-restricted expression of the ETS oncogene family member PU.1

The ETS oncogene family member PU.1 is a transcriptional activator that is dysregulated by Friend erythroleukemia virus insertion. Northern analysis found that PU.1 is highly expressed in cells of myeloid and B- lymphoid origin, but not expressed at all in a number of nonhematopoietic tissues. Interferon-gamma and retinoic acid downregulated PU.1 expression in marrow macrophages. In situ immunohistochemistry found that PU.1 is expressed only in early granulocytic and erythroid cells and megakaryocytes, but not in mature erythroid cells, mature granulocytes, endothelial cells, or osteocytes. Thus, its expression pattern makes PU.1 a candidate for a genetic determinant of lineage commitment and stage progression in blood cell development. It also lends insight into how PU.1 might play a role in Friend virus erythroleukemia.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Civil Rights: A Public Policy Agenda for Uniting a Divided America

Tapping into a sprawling network of colleagues, associates, and friends, Wallace Swan has compiled a timeless book that will remain relevant to practitioners and scholars for decades. The importanc...
Racial/ethnic identity, community-oriented media initiatives, and transmedia storytelling

This study focuses on how racial minorities are actively adapting, resisting, and challenging the practices of mainstream media in a convergence era. Through collaborative, community-based, transmedia storytelling initiatives, racial minority groups are fostering new critical media literacies and active digital citizenship. This article focuses on two such initiatives: a fictional Web-based drama series East Los High and a transmedia participatory art initiative Question Bridge. The analysis shows how racial minorities use transmedia projects to create alternative forms of mediated storytelling that are more inclusive and participatory.