cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Informal social status among coworkers and risk of work-related injury among nurse aides in long-term care.

BACKGROUND: A social network measure was used to explore whether one's rank in an informal social hierarchy of nurse aides employed in a single long-term care facility was associated with risk of work-related injury. METHODS: Six months of administrative staff schedule data and self-reported injury records were examined. Using survey data, social status rank in the informal hierarchy for each aide was operationalized as the number of coworkers who would approach the aide for advice about work-related matters. Conditional logistic regression was used to model the effect of social status on injury risk; cases were matched to controls consisting of coworkers present on the floor, shift, and date of the injury event. This allowed for a comparison of social status rank within social groups among workers with the same job title. RESULTS: Injury incidence rates decreased across tertiles of social status rank scores. A non-significant drop in injury risk in the highest tertile of social status was observed (adjusted OR = 0.24 95% CI [0.05, 1.32]). CONCLUSION: Findings of this exploratory study were internally consistent and support a theoretical framework suggesting that patterns of social relations between individuals based on informal social status in the workplace may contribute to differences in work-related injury risk among individuals with the same job title. Am. J. Ind. Med. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Evaluation of tensile static, dynamic, and cyclic fatigue behavior for a HIPed silicon nitride at elevated temperatures

Tensile fatigue behavior of a hot-isostatically-pressed (HIPed) silicon nitride was investigated over ranges of constant stresses, constant stressing rates, and cyclic loading at 1150--1370{degrees}C. At 1150{degrees}C, static and dynamic fatigue failures were governed by slow crack growth mechanism. Creep rupture was the dominant failure mechanism in static fatigue at 1260 and 1370{degrees}C. A transition of failure mechanism from slow crack growth to creep rupture appeared at stressing rates {le}10{sup {minus}2} MPa/s for dynamic fatigue at 1260 and 1370{degrees}C. At 1150--1370{degrees}C, cyclic loading appeared to be less damaging than static loading as cyclic fatigue specimens last longer than static fatigue specimens under the same maximum stresses.
A murine model for sarin exposure using the carboxylesterase inhibitor CBDP.

Abstract Sub-lethal exposure to sarin (GB), a potent chemical warfare agent, produces long-term neurological deficits in both humans and rodents. However, rodents express much higher levels of carboxylesterase (CaE) than humans and require a much higher dose of GB in rodents to produce neurotoxicity. In mice, the combination of the carboxylesterase inhibitor 2-(o-cresyl)-4H-1:3:2-benzodioxaphosphorin-2-oxide (CBDP) with the organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent GB renders mice more sensitive to OP poisoning. After the reduction in CaE, GB inhibits acetylcholinesterase at doses similar to those in human toxicity. A dose–response curve for GB was determined in male C57BL/6 mice after 1.5 mg/kg CBDP. A functional observational battery (FOB) for behavior was used to determine the dose needed to elicit seizure activity but maintain a mortality of less than 50%. Neuronal cell death was evaluated at 4, 7, 10 and 14 days post-GB exposure. Multiple brain areas were examined using cresyl violet: CA1 and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, amygdala and piriform cortex. GFAP staining was then measured as an index of cell death in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The dentate gyrus and CA1 exhibited significant neuronal death indicated by both cresyl violet and GFAP staining. The treated animals also had a significant decrease in tissue and blood acetylcholinesterase, in addition to decreases in plasma CaE. CBDP renders mice more sensitive to the effects of GB exposure and mirrors a human symptomatic exposure dose.
Influence of natural and synthetic inhibitors on the crystallization of calcium oxalate hydrates

The kinetics of crystallization of calcium oxalate monohydrate was studied in the presence of polyacrylate, and the growth of both this salt and the trihydrate was investigated in the presence of polyasparatic acid, polyglutamic acid, and heparin. We monitored the crystallization reactions either by following the change in lattice-ion concentrations as a function of time or by maintaining constant supersaturation via the replacement of lattice ions during the experiments. In addition, the crystallization reactions of calcium oxalate monohydrate, dihydrate, and trihydrate were studied in the presence of urine fractions (5%, v/v) separated by molecular weight in the range of 1 000–50 000 Da from whole urine.
Quantitative Relationship Between Transforming Growth Factor-Alpha and Hepatic Focal Phenotype and Progression in Female Mouse Liver

Modulations in the positive hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) and its receptor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), occur in rat and human liver tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine if TGF-α and EGFR are altered in basophilic and acidophilic preneoplastic and neoplastic liver lesions generated in DEN-initiated mice exposed to a variety of hepatocarcinogens. Female B6C3F1 mice were initiated with N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) and treated with hepatocarcinogenic concentrations of unleaded gasoline vapor (2,000 ppm), methyl tertiary butyl ether vapor (7,814 ppm), phenobarbital (500 ppm, diet), or chlordane (25 ppm, diet). Hepatic foci and tumors were identified and evaluated immunohistochemically with antibodies for TGF-α and EGFR. In all treatment groups, basophilic hepatic foci were negative for TGF-α immunoreactivity (554/564, 98%). In contrast, regardless of treatment, acidophilic hepatic foci were immunoreactive for TGF-α (107/108, 99%). There was no sign...
Events of parental divorce: Stressfulness ratings by children, parents, and clinicians

The stressfulness, for the "typical" child, of 62 events that occur to children of divorce was rated by children of divorce (n = 58), their custodial parents (n = 58), and clinicians (n = 50). In addition, a larger group of children (n = 123) rated the goodness or badness of the events that had happened to them. The rank orderings of the mean stress ratings for the typical child made by children, parents, and clinicians were highly correlated. However, when the absolute stress value of the events was compared across raters, children rated 10 events as significantly less stressful than did parents (p less than .05); parents' and clinicians' ratings differed for 9 events, parents rating 7 as less stressful (p less than .05). Children rated 19 events as less stressful than did clinicians (p less than .05). The rank ordering of the children's mean ratings of events actually experienced correlated highly with the rank orderings of the children's mean ratings of the negative events for the typical child.
1276 MEDIUM CHAIN ACYL CoA DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY: EVIDENCE FOR AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE INHERITANCE AND A URINARY MARKER FOR SCREENING

A 3 1/2 year old white male presented with a history of recurrent severe nonketotic hypoglycemia. Evaluation revealed C6-C10 dicarboxylic aciduria and low serum levels of total carnitine (16.2 n moles/ml), free carnitine (6.2 n moles/ml), and short chain acyl carnitine (5.9 n moles/ml). Urinary carnitine was also low (919 n moles/24hr) but showed markedly increased acyl carnitine to free carnitine ratio (10.9 to 1; normal approx. 0.65 to 1). These findings are indicative of medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Family history revealed that a female sibling died at age 10 mos after a sudden collapse during a minor illness. Her autopsy revealed an intraocular glucose of 0 mg/dl (indicating severe hypoglycemia at the time of death) and increased vacuolated fat was observed in the liver and skeletal muscle. These findings are also consistent with medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Previous reports in the literation include a pair of fraternal twins with a similar defect in medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenation and a patient with short chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency with an elevated urinary acyl carnitine to free carnitine ration of 3.48 to 1. We conclude that, 1) medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency may be inherited as an autosomal recessive; and 2) the urinary acyl carnitine to free carnitine ratio may be a useful non-invasive screen for these conditions.
Homeowner Associations and California Politics: An Exploratory Analysis

The author examines the rapid spread of common interest housing developments (CIDs) throughout much of California in recent years and the potential consequences of that phenomenon for electoral politics. Covering 34 counties, the analysis includes census data, construction industry data, and results from the statewide general election of 1994. The study supports the view that considerations of land economics that affect developers and fiscal constraints that affect local governments are the dominant forces behind the spread of CID housing. The study also suggests that this form of privatization may have underappreciated implications for electoral and interest group politics at the state and local levels.
Five models for using the experiential group in the preparation of group counselors

Abstract The results of a national survey of counseling programs reveal how counselor educators are currently using the experiential group in the training of group counselors.
Use of a Second Fiberoptic Bronchoscope to Guide Oral Fiberoptic Intubation in 2 Patients With Existing Vocal Cord Injury

1 v s iberoptic intubation (FOI) has become a standard ethod in the difficult airway algorithm and can be an mportant adjunct for oral and maxillofacial surgeons ho manage patients with difficult airways due to rauma or neck pathology. Although the technique is enerally safe and effective, it involves the “blind” assage of a tube through the larynx, which has been ssociated with airway injuries, particularly vocal ord trauma, that can lead to longstanding dysphoia. In most patients, the risk of injury with signifiant sequelae is low; however, if the patient has re-existing laryngeal disease or injury, then the risk f additional laryngeal trauma from a conventional OI may be unacceptably high. In a study investigatng the mechanisms of FOI failure, Johnson et al escribed a technique using a nasally inserted fiberptic endoscope to observe oral FOI. We describe the linical use of this technique in the management of 2 atients who presented with a predicted difficult inubation and pre-existing vocal cord pathology. In the rst case, 2 orally inserted fiberoptic scopes were sed. One was inserted orally as a guiding scope and he other was positioned to visualize the passage of
Effects of Nematode Extraction Method, Soil Mixture, and Nematode Numbers On the Transmission of Tobacco Ringspot Virus By Xiphinema Americanum

Extraction of Xiphinema americanum from soil by the Baermann funnel technique reduced the activity and efficiency of the nematode as a vector of tobacco ringspot virus, but extraction by the funnel-mist technique apparently did not. Single nematodes could transmit the virus, but consistent transmission occurred only with 100 nematodes. The plant growth media favoring most consistent transmission were mixtures of sand, peat moss, and commercial fertilizer.
Reduced ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion and conditioned place preference in GIRK2 null mutant mice

Previous studies have shown that GIRK2 channel function is enhanced by ethanol and that GIRK2 null mutant mice are less sensitive to some of ethanol's effects, including anxiolysis, habituated locomotor stimulation, and acute handling-induced convulsions than wild types. Under some conditions, GIRK2 knockout mice consume more ethanol than wild types, but it is unclear whether they do so because they are more sensitive to ethanol's rewarding effects or less sensitive to its aversive effects. To further assess the role of GIRK2 in ethanol action, GIRK2 null mutant and wild type mice were tested in conditioning models that measure the motivational effects of ethanol. In a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) procedure, knockout and wild type mice were given ethanol (0.0, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.5 g/kg, IP) following 1-h access to saccharin every 48 h over a 10 day period. In a conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure, knockout and wild type mice were given ethanol (2.0 or 3.0 g/kg, IP) paired with one stimulus (grid or hole floor) and saline paired with the other. After four 5-min trials with each stimulus, a 60-min choice test was done. The results demonstrated a genotypic difference in both paradigms. In CTA, there was no difference between genotypes at 0.0 or 3.5 g/kg ethanol, but at the 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg doses, wild types developed a stronger aversion to saccharin than knockouts. In CPP, wild types developed place preference, but knockouts did not. These studies show that GIRK2 deletion reduced ethanol's impact in tasks that are commonly used to index the drug's rewarding and aversive effects. These findings could reflect either a learning/memory deficit or decreased sensitivity to ethanol's motivational effects in null mutant mice. The latter interpretation is more consistent with previous data showing that knockout mice consume higher doses of ethanol than wild type mice.
Correcting biases in estimates of mortality attributable to obesity.

Objective: To assess whether a recent study that found a relatively small number of excess deaths attributable to obesity may have underestimated by not correcting for statistical biases. Research Methods and Procedures: This prospective cohort study used data from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study. Survival analyses were conducted using 9690 individuals 32 to 87 years of age and 1886 all-cause deaths during a 9.1-year follow-up. Corrections were made for the reputed regression-dilution bias by using the average BMI during the decade before follow-up as predictor. Corrections for the reputed reverse-causation bias were made by excluding participants with a history of serious illness. Attributable fractions were calculated and used to estimate excess deaths. Results: The uncorrected estimate of excess deaths attributable to obesity (BMI ≥30) was 41.9, using 18.5 to 25 kg/m2 as ideal-weight category. Using average BMI as predictor increased the estimate to 93.3. Correcting for reverse-causation effects increased the estimate further to 131.1 (range, 93.3 to 169.0). The uncorrected hazard ratio, 1.25, was increased to 1.41 by using average BMI as predictor, and then to 2.40 by correcting for reverse causation. Using BMI 21 to 25 kg/m2 and 23 to 25 kg/m2 as ideal-weight categories increased the corrected estimates to 144.6 (range, 80.5 to 177.2) and 164.1 (range, 103.8 to 194.9), respectively. Larger increases were found for overweight and Grade 2 to 4 obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2). For overweight, the uncorrected estimate using 18.5 to 25 kg/m2 as ideal-weight category was −88.3 and the corrected estimate using 23 to 25 kg/m2 as ideal-weight category was 205.4 (range, 114.5 to 296.3). Discussion: Correcting for statistical biases and using higher ideal-weight categories increased the estimate of excess deaths attributable to obesity by ∼400% and changed the negative estimate for overweight to a large positive estimate.
Sensitivity of Milk Lipase to Antibiotics

Summary A study was made to determine the effect of various concentrations (0.5–50.0ppm) of antibiotics upon milk lipase. Aureomycin, penicillin, streptomycin, and terramycin inhibited the lipase activity by 9.5 to 42.4, 7.9 to 49.8, 9.2 to 39.6, and 7.6 to 44.2%, respectively. Up to 10.0ppm, there was a direct relationship between the concentrations of the antibiotics and the per cent lipase inhibition, but with higher concentration the increase in lipase inhibition became disproportional to the antibiotic concentration. Fractional determinations of the fatty acids released showed that antibiotics did not possess any selectivity in inhibiting the release of short-, medium- or long-chain fatty acids by the enzyme. An increase in the fat content of milk lipase systems containing antibiotics nullified the inhibitory effect of antibiotics. Evidence is presented which indicates that the antibiotics apparently work as competitive inhibitors of milk lipase.
The association of algicidal bacteria and raphidophyte blooms in South Carolina brackish detention ponds

Abstract Over the past 5 years, raphidophyte blooms have been frequently observed along the South Carolina coastal zone. During the 2002, 2003, and 2004 sampling seasons, we investigated temporal fluctuations of algicidal bacteria abundance against raphidophycean flagellates (Heterosigma akashiwo, Chattonella subsalsa, and Fibrocapsa japonica) using the microplate most probable number (MPN) method in three Kiawah Island brackish stormwater detention ponds (K1, K2, and K75). Local axenic isolates of H. akashiwo, C. subsalsa, and F. japonica were obtained and their susceptibility to algicidal bacteria tested. A total of 195 algicidal bacterial strains were isolated from raphidophyte blooms in the study ponds, and 6 of them were identified at the genus level, and the taxonomic specificity of their algicidal activity was tested against local (pond) and nonlocal isolates of raphidophytes (3 species, 10 total strains). In the ponds, a consistent association was found between raphidophyte bloom development and an increase in bacteria algicidal to the bloom species. In 12 of 15 cases, bloom decline followed the increase in algicidal bacteria to maximum abundances. Although variability was found in the taxonomic specificity of the algicidal bacteria effect (i.e. the number of raphidophyte species affected by a particular bacteria strain) and raphidophyte susceptibility (i.e. the number bacteria strains affecting a particular raphidophyte species), a toxic effect was always found when strains of a raphidophyte species were exposed to algicidal bacteria isolated from a bloom caused by that same species. The results suggest that algicidal bacteria may be an important limiting factor in raphidophyte bloom sustenance and can promote bloom decline in brackish lagoonal eutrophic estuaries.
Fourier transform spectroscopy of the A1Π-X1Σ+ transition of BH and BD

Abstract The A 1 Π- X 1 Σ + transitions of BH and BD were recorded in emission near 4330 A by Fourier transform spectroscopy. For BH improved line positions and molecular constants were determined from the analysis of the data. New bands of BD were found in our spectra.
Hypnotic Relaxation Therapy: Principles and Applications by Gary Elkins

Gary Elkins does just about everything right in this book introducing Hypnotic Relaxation Therapy (HRT). It is not the other HRT (hormone replacement therapy), but can be applied to reduce post-men...
Structural and Functional Characterization of CC Chemokine CCL14

CC chemokine ligand 14, CCL14, is a human CC chemokine that is of recent interest because of its natural ability, upon proteolytic processing of the first eight NH{sub 2}-terminal residues, to bind to and signal through the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) co-receptor, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5). We report X-ray crystallographic structures of both full-length CCL14 and signaling-active, truncated CCL14 [9-74] determined at 2.23 and 1.8 {angstrom}, respectively. Although CCL14 and CCL14 [9-74] differ in their ability to bind CCR5 for biological signaling, we find that the NH{sub 2}-terminal eight amino acids (residues 1 through 8) are completely disordered in CCL14 and both show the identical mode of the dimeric assembly characteristic of the CC type chemokine structures. However, analytical ultracentrifugation studies reveal that the CCL14 is stable as a dimer at a concentration as low as 100 nM, whereas CCL14 [9-74] is fully monomeric at the same concentration. By the same method, the equilibrium between monomers of CCL14 [9-74] and higher order oligomers is estimated to be of EC{sub 1,4} = 4.98 {mu}M for monomer-tetramer conversion. The relative instability of CCL14 [9-74] oligomers as compared to CCL14 is also reflected in the K{sub d}'s that are estimated bymore » the surface plasmon resonance method to be {approx}9.84 and 667 nM for CCL14 and CCL14 [9-74], respectively. This {approx}60-fold difference in stability at a physiologically relevant concentration can potentially account for their different signaling ability. Functional data from the activity assays by intracellular calcium flux and inhibition of CCR5-mediated HIV-1 entry show that only CCL14 [9-74] is fully active at these near-physiological concentrations where CCL14 [9-74] is monomeric and CCL14 is dimeric. These results together suggest that the ability of CCL14 [9-74] to monomerize can play a role for cellular activation.« less
On Colours of the Same Appearance

Grassmann's third law dealing with metameric colours is restated in a set-theoretical language. This leads to an exact formulation of this law and an explicit definition of the objects dealt with in colour space. As an application, the principle known as persistence of colour match is restated, and some consequences from it are derived.
UK-37,248, A novel, selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor with platelet anti-aggregatory and anti-thrombotic activity

Abstract UK-37,248, 4-[-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethoxy] benzoic acid hydrochloride, in a human platelet microsomal preparation of thromboxane (Tx) synthetase, potently inhibited TxB2 production, IC50 = 3×10−9M. In contrast, prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxide synthesis from ram seminal vesicle microsomes was unaffected by concentrations of UK-37,248 up to 1×10−4M. Similarly UK-37,248 had minimal effects upon prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis by pig aortic microsomes. Evidence for a re-direction of arachidonate (AA) metabolism from Tx-synthesis towards PGI2 synthesis was obtained using a rabbit isolated perfused lung preparation. Concentrations of UK-37,248 from 10−7 − 10−6M infused into the pulmonary artery selectively reduced TxA2 production from AA but increased the release of PGI2 and other PGs. In anaesthetised rabbits, fifteen minutes after injection of 0.3mg/kg i.v. UK-37,248, TxB2 production was reduced by 75%. In dogs the compound was similarly effective, lmg/kg p.o. inhibiting TxB2 production by 79% two hours after dosing. Aggregation of human platelet-rich plasma in vitro , initiated by threshold collagen, was inhibited by UK-37,248 (IC50 = 4.8×10−6M). UK-37,248, 2mg/kg p.o. prevented AA-induced mortality in rabbits and reduced the associated thrombosis, vasospasm and elevation of plasma TxB2.
Immunodeficiency and runting syndrome in rats from congenital pyridoxine deficiency.

CONGENITAL pyridoxine deficiency is teratogenic in the rat, producing digital defects, cleft palate, omphalocoele, micrognathia, exencephaly and hypoplasia of the spleen and thymus1. Surviving offspring may develop convulsions2–4, presumably because of a delay in the development of the γ-aminobutyrate shunt in the brain5. Congenital pyridoxine deficiency also causes cleft palate in the mouse6. I have now found that congenital pyridoxine deficiency has an adverse effect on the immunological function of surviving pups.
Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of trisubstituted indole N-nucleosides as analogues of 2,5,6-trichloro-1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (TCRB)

2,5,6-Trichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (TCRB) and 2-bromo-5,6-dichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (BDCRB) are nucleosides that exhibit strong and selective activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Selected polyhalogenated indole nucleosides have now been synthesized as 3-deaza analogues of the benzimidazole nucleosides using the sodium salt glycosylation method. 2-Benzylthio-1-?2-deoxy-3, 5-bis-O-(4-methylbenzoyl)-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl-5, 6-dichloroindole (8) was prepared stereoselectively via the coupling of a 2-deoxyribofuranosyl alpha-chloride derivative with the sodium salt of 2-benzylthio-5,6-dichloroindole (5). Compound 8 was then elaborated into the targeted 2-benzylthio-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-5, 6-dichloroindole (18) in five steps. 2,5, 6-Trichloro-(1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)indole (19) was prepared using the same synthetic route with 2,5,6-trichloroindole (6) as the starting material. We were subsequently able to prepare 19 in three steps using a modification of the sodium salt glycosylation method. 2-Bromo-5,6-dichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)indole (25) was also prepared using the same procedures. Target compounds were tested for activity against HCMV, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and human herpes virus six (HHV-6) and for cytotoxicity. All of the compounds were less active against HCMV than TCRB and weakly active or inactive against HSV-1 and HHV-6.
Effects of cone adaptation on variability in S-cone increment thresholds.

Purpose Short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) has gained popularity as a clinical tool for the assessment of short-wavelength-sensitive (S)-cone visual function, but has also been shown to have higher threshold variability than conventional achromatic perimetry, possibly due to an imbalance between S-cone adaptation and long (L)- and medium (M)-wavelength-sensitive cone adaptation. To investigate potential causes for this relatively high variability, we studied the effects of luminance and S-cone adaptation on variability in S-cone increment thresholds. Methods Foveal S-cone increment thresholds were measured on adapting backgrounds ranging from 1.17 to 4.17 log troland (Td) and from -0.16 to 3.66 log S-cone trolands (Td(S)). Within-session variability (slope of the psychometric function) was evaluated in 2 trained and 15 inexperienced normal observers. Test-retest variability was evaluated in the 2 trained observers, and interobserver variability in the group of 15 observers. Multiple linear regression was used to model the effects of log luminance, log S-cone adaptation, and second-site polarization (ratio of luminance and S-cone adaptation; log [Td/Td(S)]). Results Test-retest variability was lower for conditions with higher levels of S-cone adaptation (F = 9.04, P = 0.013, for the trained observers). Adaptation conditions with lower levels of polarization were associated with lower within-session variability (F = 6.9, P = 0.011; trained observers) and interobserver variability (F = 33.7, P = 0.004; group of 15 observers). Conclusions Variability of S-cone increment thresholds can be reduced by using adaptation conditions with a higher level of S-cone adaptation and/or a more balanced ratio between luminance and S-cone adaptation than is used for SWAP.
Small-signal analysis of the gate-controlled diode

Abstract This paper describes the small signal behavior of MOS gate-controlled diodes. An expression for the capacitance of this device is developed from basic device physics equations. Computer calculations are compared with measured data and the model is seen to predict both the frequency and voltage dependence of the capacitance. The development of this model was made possible through the careful decomposition of teh basic MOS equations into time dependent and static parts.
Prevalence of Burkholderia sp. nodule symbionts on four mimosoid legumes from Barro Colorado Island, Panama

Abstract Sequences of 16S rRNA and partial 23S rRNA genes and PCR assays with genotype-specific primers indicated that bacteria in the genus Burkholderia were the predominant root nodule symbionts for four mimosoid legumes ( Mimosa pigra , M. casta , M. pudica , and Abarema macradenia ) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Among 51 isolates from these and a fifth mimosoid host ( Pithecellobium hymenaeafolium ), 44 were Burkholderia strains while the rest were placed in Rhizobium , Mesorhizobium , or Bradyrhizobium . The Burkholderia strains displayed four distinct rRNA sequence types, ranging from 89% to 97% similarity for 23S rRNA and 96.5–98.4% for 16S rRNA. The most common genotype comprised 53% of all isolates sampled and was associated with three legume host species. All Burkholderia genotypes formed nodules on Macroptilium atropurpureum or Mimosa pigra , and sequencing of rRNA genes in strains re-isolated from nodules verified identity with inoculant strains. Sequence analysis of the nitrogenase α -subunit gene ( nifD ) in two of the Burkholderia genotypes indicated that they were most similar to a partial sequence from the nodule-forming strain Burkholderia tuberum STM 678 from South Africa. In addition, a PCR screen with primers specific to Burkholderia nodB genes yielded the expected amplification product in most strains. Comparison of 16S rRNA and partial 23S rRNA phylogenies indicated that tree topologies were significantly incongruent. This implies that relationships across the rRNA region may have been altered by lateral gene transfer events in this Burkholderia population.
Electrode-based enzyme immunoassays using urease conjugates

Urease conjugates are employed for competitive-binding enzyme immunoassays (EIA) of a model antigen, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and of cyclic AMP (cAMP). Urease activity bound to a double-antibody solid phase is determined with an ammonia gassensing electrode, after appropriate washing steps. Cyclic AMP analogs coupled to urease are used to determine their effect on the overall response characteristics of the cAMP assay. The use of urease as a label for EIA purposes is shown to yield sensitive assays for both proteins (BSA < 10 ng/ml) and haptens (cAMP < 10−8m) with good day-to-day reproducibility.
X-Ray Induction of Persistent Hypersensitivity to Mutation

The progeny of x-irradiated V79 cells are hypersensitive to PUVA-(8-methoxypsoralen plus longwave ultraviolet light) induced mutation at the locus for hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase. This hypersensitivity is most evident at low doses of pUVA that do not induce mutation in non-x-irradiated cells. The hypersensitivity is evoked by x-irradiation delivered as a single dose or as multiple fractions over a long period and persists for at least 108 days of exponential growth. This radiation-induced hypersensitivity to subsequent mutation is a new phenomenon that may be relevant to multistage carcinogenesis.
Child's play: the creativity of older adults.

In this article, I discuss Paul W. Pruyser’s view presented in his article “An Essay on Creativity” (Pruyser in Bull Menninger Clin 43:294–353, 1979) that creative persons manifest early childhood qualities of playfulness, curiosity, and pleasure seeking and that adaptation is itself a form of creativity. I then discuss his article “Creativity in Aging Persons” (Pruyser in Bull Menninger Clin 51:425-435, 1987) in which he presents his view that aging itself is a potentially creative process, that creativity among older adults is not limited to the talented few, and that older adulthood has several specific features that are conducive to creativity. Significant among these features are object loss (especially involving human relationships) and functional loss (due to the vicissitudes of aging). Noting his particular emphasis on object loss and its role in late-life creativity, I focus on functional loss, and I emphasize the importance of adaptation in sustaining the creativity of older adults who experience such loss. I illustrate this adaptation by considering well-known painters who in late life suffered visual problems common to older adults. I suggest that in adapting to their visual problems these artists drew on the early childhood qualities (playfulness, curiosity and pleasure seeking) that all creative persons possess and that they are therefore illustrative for other older adults who are experiencing functional losses. I conclude with Erik H. Erikson’s (Toys and reasons: stages in the ritualization of experience, W. W. Norton, New York, 1977) and Paul W. Pruyser’s (Pastor Psychol 35:120–131, 1986) reflections on the relationship between seeing and hoping.
A noncausal framework for model-based feedback control of spatially developing perturbations in boundary-layer flow systems. Part I: formulation

We present a noncausal framework for model-based feedback stabilization of a large class of spatially developing boundary-layer flow systems. The systems considered are (approximately) parabolic in the spatial coordinate x. This facilitates the application of a range of established feedback control theories which are based on the solution of differential Riccati equations which march over a finite horizon in x (rather than marching in t, as customary). However, unlike systems which are parabolic in time, there is no causality constraint for the feedback control of systems which are parabolic in space; that is, downstream information may be used to update the controls upstream. Thus, a particular actuator may be used to neutralize the effects of a disturbance which actually enters the system downstream of the actuator location. In the present paper (Part I), a numerically tractable feedback control strategy is formulated which takes advantage of this special capability of feedback control rules in the spatially parabolic setting in order to minimize a globally defined cost function in an effort to maintain laminar boundary-layer flow. A companion paper (Part II) presents numerical simulations which verify the effectiveness of the present approach.
A note on the measurement of racial integration of schools by means of informational concepts

This note is concerned with the measurement of racial integration of schools in a way that permits a simple aggregation of the measure to sets of schools such as school districts. [The procedure can be applied to institutions other than schools, but we prefer a more specific terminology.] There are several standard procedures for measuring integration, but the dissimilarity index appears to be more popular than any other index.2 This index is based on a comparison of the number of white students in each school, measured as a fraction of the total number of white students in the city, and the analogous nonwhite proportion of the same school. The index is defined as one-half of the sum over all schools of the absolute differences of these proportions. The value of the index is zero when the racial compositions of all schools are identical and it takes larger and larger positive values (up to a maximum of 1) when the racial compositions are more different; also, it has a simple interpretation in terms of minimum shifts which are needed in order to obtain identical racial compositions in all schools. However, the use of absolute differences makes the dissimilarity index less suitable when one wants to aggregate schools to school districts.3 The objective of this note is to show that there are some simple measures derived from information theory which are superior in this respect, and to illustrate their use by means of data on the elementary schools of the Chicago public school system for the years 1963–1969.
Sectioned pelvic fin ray ageing of muskellunge Esox masquinongy from a Virginia river: comparisons among readers, with cleithrum estimates, and with tag–recapture growth data

The potential utility of pelvic fin rays as ageing structures was evaluated for southern US muskellunge Esox masquinongy Mitchill populations by comparing age estimates among three readers and against cleithrum estimates, and by comparing observed length changes of tagged fish with changes predicted from growth equations based on pelvic fin ray age estimates. Mean coefficient of variation in age estimates among all readers and between the two readers with prior ageing experience was 17.8% and 5.6%, respectively. Exact and within 1-year agree- ment rates between pelvic fin rays and cleithra were 76% and 100%, respectively. Mean (± 2 SE) estimated absolute error between observed and predicted length changes for 13 tagged muskellunge was 30 ± 14 mm. This evaluation indicated that pelvic fin rays may prove to be a useful, non-lethal method for ageing muskellunge in southern US waters. Validation studies are still needed to ensure that growth rings form consistently throughout fish's life span.
Evaluation of juvenile stature and body mass prediction

This investigation evaluates the performance of juvenile stature (from tibia and radius lengths) and body mass (from breadth of the femoral distal metaphysis) prediction equations based on the Denver Growth Study sample (Ruff C. 2007. Am J Phys Anthropol 133 698-716). The sample used here for evaluation is an independent sample of juveniles brought to the Franklin County (Ohio) Coroner in 1990-1991. The Ohio sample differs somewhat from the Denver reference sample: it includes approximately 25% African-Americans (rather than all European-Americans), a significant number of right limb bones were measured (rather than all left side), it includes a wider range of economic statuses and it includes individuals who died from disease and trauma. As such the composition and measures of the Ohio sample correspond more generally to that seen in skeletal samples so that the accuracy of the estimates from the present sample should approach those found in practical applications of these methods. Results indicate that both juvenile body mass and stature are estimated relatively accurately. Accuracy of body mass estimates for 1-13-year-old juveniles is similar for African-American and European-American males and females. The least accurate estimates are for individuals in the 8-13 years age class (excluding individuals with body mass indices greater than the age specific 95th percentile): n = 9, +/- 2.9 kg, 95% confidence interval 1.4-4.4 kg. Accuracy of stature estimates for 1-17-year-old juveniles is comparable for the tibia and radius and, as with body mass estimates, are similar for African-American and European-American males and females. For combined age, sex, and ancestry groups average accuracies are in the +/-3.5 to +/-6.5 cm range. Some limitations of the methods are discussed.
Jitter sensitivity in photoinjectors

Photoinjectors are becoming the electron source of choice for high brightness, high current applications such as very-short wavelength free-electron lasers and electron linear colliders. In both of these applications the electron beam will be bunched to a multi-kiloampere current from its initial value of a few hundred amperes. The performance of such aggressive bunchers is very sensitive to the correlations in the longitudinal phase space. One of the major performance-determining factors is the timing of the injection of the electrons in the gun relative to the rf field. Of particular concern is the jitter of the drive-laser timing and amplitude, We develop a model of the system and use it to study the implications for photoinjector design.
Where do resources come from? The role of idiosyncratic situations

In this paper, we examine the emergence of resources. Our analysis of technological capability acquisition by global U.S.-based chemical firms shows that the emergence of resources is inherently evolutionary. We find that path-creating search that generates resource heterogeneity is a response to idiosyncratic situations faced by firms in their local searches. Two such idiosyncratic situations—technology exhaustion and expansion beyond national markets—trigger firms in our sample to create unique innovation search paths. We also find that along a given path firms experiment in order to find the correct investment—in fact, some organizations seem to take a step backward for two steps forward—further demonstrating the evolutionary nature of the resource creation process. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating systemic agents into multimodality treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer

Abstract Although highly debated in the 1980s, randomized clinical trials have provided undeniable evidence that systemic chemotherapy, as part of a multimodality treatment collaboration, is effective in improving survival, organ preservation and local–regional control in locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC). We are entering an exciting period in which new chemotherapy agents, new paradigms of treatment, new surgical and radiation technology, and new prognostic factors are rapidly becoming available. Information on how to integrate these new tools and on how they affect long-term outcomes are lacking, making decision making and treatment planning more difficult. With unprecedented survival and the changing demographics of HNC we must now consider long-term consequences in addition to survival and local and regional control as important factors in therapeutic decision making. The availability of different treatment plans that incorporate systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery give us many tools with which to craft a treatment for each individual patient. Today, in this exciting and chaotic period, a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach for each HNC patient at the start of decision making and planning is a necessity and the absolute standard of medical treatment for excellent patient care.
Axial Field of A TEM-fed UWB Reflector Antenna: PO/PTD Construction

Recent interests in utilizing antenna systems for radar applications are being focused on the antenna’s ultra wide band (UWB) operation capabilities. One possible configuration for realizing UWB antenna is to employ a spherical TEM launcher as the feed to illuminate a paraboloidal reflector1. An example of the TEM-fed reflector antenna is depicted in Figure 1, in which the TEM-launcher is assumed to have four blades although in practice other numbers of the blades may be used. Proper characterization of the radiated field along the axial direction is important for assessing the impulse responses of such TEM-fed reflector antennas. The challenging issues in this task include the evaluation of the diffracted fields from the edge of the reflector, and the scattered field caused by the spherical TEM-launcher’s blades.
Symmetric hash functions for secure fingerprint biometric systems

Securing biometrics databases from being compromised is an important research challenge that must be overcome in order to support widespread use of biometrics based authentication. In this paper we present a novel method for securing fingerprints by hashing the fingerprint minutia and performing matching in the hash space. Our approach uses a family of symmetric hash functions and does not depend on the location of the (usually unstable) singular points (core and delta) as is the case with other methods described in the literature. It also does not assume a pre-alignment between the test and the stored fingerprint templates. We argue that these assumptions, which are often made, are unrealistic given that fingerprints are very often only partially captured by the commercially available sensors. The Equal Error Rate (EER) achieved by our system is 3%. We also present the performance analysis of a hybrid system that has an EER of 1.96% which reflects almost no drop in performance when compared to straight matching with no security enhancements. The hybrid system involves matching using our secure algorithm but the final scoring reverts to that used by a straight matching system.
Algebraic structure of the families of compatible frames of discernment

One of the major ideas of Shafer's mathematical theory of evidence is the introduction of uncertainty descriptions on different representation domains of phenomena, called families of compatible frames of discernment. Here we are going to analyze these families of frames from an algebraic point of view, study the properties of minimal refinements of collections of domains and introduce the internal operation of maximal coarsening to establish the structure of semimodular lattice. Motivated by the search for a solution of the conflict problem that arises in sensor fusion applications, we will show the connection between classical independence of frames as Boolean subalgebras and independence of frames as elements of a locally finite Birkhoff lattice. This will eventually suggest a potential algebraic solution of the conflict problem.
Finite element electromagnetic field computation on the Sequent Symmetry 81 parallel computer

The fact that finite-element field analysis algorithms lend themselves ideally to parallelization is exploited to implement a finite-element analysis program for electromagnetic field computation on the Sequence Symmetry 81 parallel computer with three processors. Since in terms of waiting time, the maximum gains are to be made in matrix solution, special attention was given to parallelizing the solution part of the finite-element analysis. An outline of how parallelization could be exploited in most finite element operations is given, although the actual implementation of parallelism on the Sequent Symmetry 81 computer was in sparsity computation, matrix assembly, and the matrix solution areas. In all cases, the algorithms were modified to suit the parallel programming application rather than allowing the compiler to parallelize an existing algorithm. >
The Use of Selective Bronchography in Predicting Reversal of Neoplastic Obstructive Atelectasis

Objectives: To assess the ability of selective bronchography to predict which patients with neoplastic postobstructive atelectasis will respond to interventional therapies directed at the reexpansion of the affected lung. Furthermore, to compare the utility of selective bronchography with the current predictive standard that reversal of postobstructive atelectasis is unlikely when it is > 4 weeks in duration (ie, the 4-week rule). Design: A prospective observational study. Setting: A tertiary care referral center/medical school. Patients: Twenty-seven consecutive patients with advanced lung cancer or other malignancy, with documented neoplastic postobstructive atelectasis involving a total of 44 lobes. Interventions: Lobar collapse was documented radiographically. The duration of atelectasis was investigated and quantified as accurately as possible. Prior to the use of interventional therapies, selective bronchography was performed on each collapsed lobe, and the results were documented. Bronchography results did not influence the decision to proceed with interventional therapies. Patients had each of their collapsed lobes manipulated by interventional techniques that were directed at reexpansion of the lung. One week after the patient underwent the intervention, the degree of reexpansion was assessed radiographically. Results: Interventional therapies leading to significant reversal of airway narrowing were completed in all 44 lobes. These were successful in reexpanding 28 of 44 collapsed lobes (64%). Selective bronchography demonstrated the following two distinct patterns: an intact bronchial tree (ie, tree pattern); or the absence of a distinguishable, distal bronchial tree (ie, blush pattern). The sensitivity of selective bronchography to predict reexpansion is 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 1.00), and its specificity is 0.56 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.80). There were no complications attributable to selective bronchography. The sensitivity of the 4-week rule to predict reexpansion is 0.61 (95% CI, 0.41 to 0.78), and its specificity is 0.75 (95% CI, 0.48 to 0.93). The results of selective bronchography and use of the 4-week rule were significantly different in predicting which lobes would reexpand and which would not (p 0.0026). Using selective bronchography to predict the reversal of lobar atelectasis, the positive predictive value of the tree pattern was 0.80 and the negative predictive value of the blush pattern was 1.00. The values for the 4-week rule are 0.81 and 0.52, respectively. Conclusions: Selective bronchography is a useful tool for predicting whether patients with neoplastic postobstructive atelectasis would benefit from interventional techniques that are directed at lobar reexpansion. Selective bronchography appears to be superior to the 4-week rule in this regard. (CHEST 2003; 123:828–834)