cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open inguinal hernia repair outcomes in liver transplant recipients versus patients with cirrhosis.

Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) are at an increased risk for postoperative complications after open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR). It is possible that orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients may have better outcomes, given reversal of liver failure pathophysiology. Therefore, we sought to compare mortality risk, complications, length of stay (LOS), and cost associated with OIHR in OLT recipients versus LC. From the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), using ICD-9 codes, we found 83 OLT recipients and 764 patients with LC who underwent OIHR between 2002 and 2014. We used logistic, negative binomial, and multiple linear regression models to compare peri-operative mortality risk, postoperative complications, and LOS, and cost associated with OIHR in OLT recipients versus LC patients. Models were adjusted for patient demographic and clinical characteristics, and hospital factors. OLT recipients were younger (58 vs 61, p = 0.02), more likely to be privately insured (42.0% vs 24.6%, p = 0.006), less likely to have ascites at time of surgery (5.1% vs 18.9%, p = 0.003), and have surgery at large (84.3% vs 65.2%, p = 0.01) and teaching hospitals (84.2% vs 47.9%, p < 0.001). There were no mortalities among OLT recipients, but 19 (2.5%) deaths among LC patients. OLT recipients had a similar risk of overall complications (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 0.71 1.30 2.41) and hospital-associated costs (adjusted cost ratio = 0.71 0.88 1.09). However, LOS was significantly different with OLT recipients having shorter LOS (adjusted LOS ratio = 0.56 0.70 0.89). Delaying OIHR in patients with LC until after OLT decreases LOS and may carry decreased mortality.
The Critical Role of Teacher Emotional Support for Latinx Students

Background/ContextThe relationship between perceived discrimination and students’ academic outcomes is well established, showing the negative effects of experiences of discrimination. Although much...
Inventive Steps: The CRISPR Patent Dispute and Scientific Progress

Recent decisions by patent offices in the USA and Europe concerning the revolutionary gene-editing technology, CRISPR/Cas9, have shed light on the importance — and puzzles — of one particular area of patent law: “nonobviousness”, as it known in the USA, or, in Europe, the “inventive step”. Patent law does not always neatly align itself with the realities of biological research. But these competing decisions from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office have put those differences on parade. Unpacking these standards for CRISPR tell us a lot about how advances in biology are actually made — and how they are not.
Ductal stent endocarditis resulting in a large aortic pseudoaneurysm.

An infant with ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow who underwent neonatal ductal stenting and, 4 months later, developed ductal stent endocarditis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus was described. The infection was associated with a moderate aortic pseudoaneurysm and the patient was treated with antibiotics as well as surgical aortic pseudoaneurysm repair. This novel and unusual complication of ductal stent placement warrants reporting.
Effects of FUdR on gene expression in the C. elegans bacterial diet OP50.

Many C. elegans aging studies use the compound 5-fluro-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (FUdR) to produce a synchronous population of worms. However, the effects of FUdR on the bacterial gene expression of OP50 E. coli, the primary laboratory C. elegans food source, is not fully understood. This is particularly relevant as studies suggest that intestinal microbes can affect C. elegans physiology. Therefore, it is imperative that we understand how exposure to FUdR can affect gene expression changes in OP50 E. coli. An RNAseq dataset comprised of expression patterns of 2900 E. coli genes in the strain OP50, which were seeded on either nematode growth media (NGM) plates or on FUdR (50 µM) supplemented NGM plates, was analyzed. Analysis showed differential gene expression in genes involved in general transport, amino acid biosynthesis, transcription, iron transport, and antibiotic resistance. We specifically highlight metabolic enzymes in the l-histidine biosynthesis pathway as differentially expressed between NGM and FUdR exposed OP50. We conclude that OP50 exposed to FUdR results in differential expression of many genes, including those in amino acid biosynthetic pathways.
Measuring Hedge Fund Liquidity Mismatch

The authors construct a comprehensive measure of mismatch between the market liquidity of assets and the funding liquidity of liabilities of hedge funds. The measure captures the complete liquidity landscape of hedge funds by encompassing liquidity from both sides of the balance sheet. Using quarterly Form Private Fund (PF) filings, they use portfolio, investor, and financing illiquidity to construct the liquidity mismatch measure and study its dynamics from 2013–2015. They find that the market liquidity of a hedge fund’s assets is typically higher than the funding liquidity of its borrowings and investor capital (negative liquidity mismatch). However, liquidity mismatch tends to be greater (more positive) when VIX is high and among funds with higher leverage, lower managerial stake, and smaller size. TOPICS:Real assets/alternative investments/private equity, risk management, exchanges/markets/clearinghouses, financial crises and financial market history Key Findings ▪ The authors use a unique Form PF dataset with information on portfolio, investor, and financial illiquidity to construct a comprehensive measure of mismatch between the market liquidity of assets and the funding liquidity of liabilities of hedge funds. ▪ The authors find that the market liquidity of a hedge fund’s assets is typically higher than the funding illiquidity of its borrowings and investor capital (negative liquidity mismatch). ▪ However, liquidity mismatch tends to be greater (more positive) when VIX is high and among funds with higher leverage, lower managerial stake, and smaller size.
Ritual and Dramatic Performatives in History

This chapter introduces Seshat, a world history data bank established for cliodynamic analysis, and anthropologist Harvey Whitehouse, whose work on rituals, social cohesion, and cultural complexity has facilitated Turchin’s Seshat investigations. According to Whitehouse and others, all rituals engage the human abilities of projection, action, and storytelling. Depending upon several characteristics, ritual types range from dysphoric rituals, which facilitate identity fusion, to euphoric rituals, which involve participants in group identification. Whitehouse’s categories for analysis can be translated with relative ease into a methodology of analysis suitable for drama in all performance media. Drawing on Whitehouse’s insights and Smith’s notion of “thick explanation,” plus the work of Thompson, Colombetti, Grodal, and others, the chapter foregrounds the importance of empathy, emotion, and narrative for analysis and applies this methodology to Shakespeare’s Henry V. Examining both the 1599 performances at the Globe and Kenneth Branagh’s 1989 film, the thick explanation of Henry V pays special attention to the dysphoric elements of the script and the evocation of altruism in the film.
Piloting a Healthy Street Food Venture in Kenya: Lessons Learned

Abstract Approximately 2.5 billion people, majority of them in developing countries, consume street foods on a daily basis. High malnourishment rates in these low-resource settings create a need for healthy street food. The successful introduction of healthy street food could ultimately improve communities’ overall health and wellness without constraining people's budgets and eating habits. Packaging locally available ingredients into aspirational foods like pizza improves consumers’ access to micronutrients without disrupting their consumption of indigenous foods. The Zima Pizza venture was piloted in the town of Nyeri, Kenya to pilot this implementation process. This venture introduced a westernized food option into a local restaurant, and the lessons learned from this venture can inform the introduction of healthier street foods. This article outlines the basis for designing healthier meals for a simple street food business, the challenges that arose in the implementation process, and the lessons learned from this social venture.
Floating-Point computation with just enough accuracy

Most mathematical formulae are defined in terms of operations on real numbers, but computers can only operate on numeric values with finite precision and range. Using floating-point values as real numbers does not clearly identify the precision with which each value must be represented. Too little precision yields inaccurate results; too much wastes computational resources. The popularity of multimedia applications has made fast hardware support for low-precision floating-point arithmetic common in Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), SIMD Within A Register (SWAR) instruction set extensions for general purpose processors, and in Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). In this paper, we describe a simple approach by which the speed of these low-precision operations can be speculatively employed to meet user-specified accuracy constraints. Where the native precision(s) yield insufficient accuracy, a simple technique is used to efficiently synthesize enhanced precision using pairs of native values.
In vitro mutagenesis identifies a region within the envelope gene of the human immunodeficiency virus that is critical for infectivity.

Abstract Site-specific mutagenesis was used to introduce amino acid substitutions at the asparagine codons of four conserved potential N-linked glycosylation sites within the gp120 envelope protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). One of these alterations resulted in the production of noninfectious virus particles. The amino acid substitution did not interfere with the synthesis, processing, and stability of the env gene polypeptides gp120 and gp41 or the binding of gp120 to its cellular receptor, the CD4 (T4) molecule. Vaccinia virus recombinants containing wild-type or mutant HIV env genes readily induced syncytia in CD4+ HeLa cells. These results suggest that alterations involving the second conserved domain of the HIV gp120 may interfere with an essential early step in the virus replication cycle other than binding to the CD4 receptor. In long-term cocultures of a T4+ lymphocyte cell line and colon carcinoma cells producing the mutant virus, revertant infectious virions were detected. Molecular characterization of two revertant proviral clones revealed the presence of the original mutation as well as a compensatory amino acid change in another region of HIV gp120.
Urinary estriol in the management of obstetric problems

Abstract The results of 24 hour urinary estriol determinations in 47 prolonged gestations, 25 pre-eclamptic or chronically hypertensive gravidas, and 9 diabetic pregnancies are presented. The use of urinary estriol levels in determining the method and timing of delivery in these 81 complicated pregnancies is discussed. The fetal outcome, including case reports of 4 perinatal deaths, is provided. A brief critical evaluation of the usefulness of urinary estriols is included. "Serial urinary estriol determinations … offer promise of a useful laboratory aid and the only objective method thus far available to supplement clinical judgment." 1
Soliton loop mirror demultiplexer with polarization-multiplexed signal and control

Summary form only given. Future time-division multiplexed (TDM) optical communications networks operating at >0.1 Tbit/s will require all-optical demultiplexing techniques. A variety of light-by-light demultiplexers have been proposed and demonstrated, with the most successful based on the all-fiber nonlinear optical loop mirror. In this paper we report a NOLM-based demultiplexer using orthogonally polarized signal and control streams, and operating in the soliton regime.
Putting politics in its place: Baliapal, India, as a terrain of resistance

Abstract Contemporary social movement research has focused primarily on the goals, organization and success of particular struggles, paying insufficient attention to how movement character and agency are mediated by place. This article explores this theme within the context of contemporary Indian society which has seen the recent emergence of place-specific, autonomous social movements. The article also considers the interplay between processes of domination and resistance within Indian civil society.
Technology, Experimentation, and the Quality of Survey Data

Promising new research is addressing the vexing problems of survey data quality by using a combination of laptop computers and headphones. New experiments suggest that the creative use of new technology may allow researchers studying sensitive issues to at least partially overcome problems imposed by some respondents9 limited literacy and their concerns about privacy. As the best of the new techniques can only ameliorate these problems, a multidisciplinary approach will be useful in improving our ability to validate the quality of survey data.
Replication of bacteriophage M13: VII. Requirement of the gene 2 protein for the accumulation of a specific RFII species

Abstract The formation of a viral-strand specific discontinuity in M13 replicative form DNA was observed in Escherichia coli C-1704 rep − 3 , a bacterial mutant that allows replicative form DNA formation but not its replication. This species was not found in infections with an amber mutant in the gene required for replicative form DNA replication (gene 2 ) or in wild-type infections in the presence of chloramphenicol. With regard to M13 replication, nalidixic acid has an effect similar to that of the rep − 3 mutation. Parental replicative form DNA and the gene 2 specific species of RFII are formed in the presence of nalidixic acid though further replication is prevented.
Immediate start of hormonal contraceptives for contraception

BACKGROUND: Health care providers often tell women to wait until the next menses to begin hormonal contraception. The intent is to avoid contraceptive use during an undetected pregnancy. An alternative is to start hormonal contraception immediately with back-up birth control for the first seven days. Immediate initiation was introduced with combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and has expanded to other hormonal contraceptives. At the time of the initial review how immediate start compared to conventional menses-dependent start was unclear regarding effectiveness continuation and acceptability. The immediate-start approach may improve womens access to and continuation of hormonal contraception. OBJECTIVES: This review examined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of immediate-start hormonal contraception for differences in effectiveness continuation and acceptability. SEARCH METHODS: In August 2012 we searched MEDLINE CENTRAL POPLINE LILACS ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP for trials of immediate-start hormonal contraceptives. We contacted researchers to find other studies. Earlier searches also included EMBASE. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs that compared immediate start to conventional start of hormonal contraception. Also included were trials that compared immediate start of different hormonal contraceptive methods with each other. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were abstracted by two authors and entered into RevMan. The Peto odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. MAIN RESULTS: Five studies were included. No new eligible studies have been found since the review was initially conducted. Method discontinuation was similar between groups in all trials. Bleeding patterns and side effects were similar in trials that compared immediate with conventional start. In a study of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) immediate start of DMPA showed fewer pregnancies than a bridge method before DMPA (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.84). Further more women in the immediate-DMPA group were very satisfied versus those with a bridge method (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.77). A trial of two immediate-start methods showed the vaginal ring group had less prolonged bleeding (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.89) and less frequent bleeding (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.05 to 1.03) than COC users. The ring group also reported fewer side effects. Also more immediate ring users were very satisfied than immediate COC users (OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.59 to 5.22). AUTHORS CONCLUSIONS: We found limited evidence that immediate start of hormonal contraception reduces unintended pregnancies or increases method continuation. However the pregnancy rate was lower with immediate start of DMPA versus another method. Some differences were associated with contraceptive type rather than initiation method i.e. immediate ring versus immediate COC. More studies are needed of immediate versus conventional start of the same hormonal contraceptive.
TBONE: A mobile-backbone protocol for ad hoc wireless networks

We introduce an ad hoe wireless mobile network that employs a hierarchical networking architecture. The network uses high capacity and low capacity nodes. We present a topological synthesis algorithm that selects a subset of high capacity nodes to form. a backbone network. The latter consists of interconnected backbone nodes that intercommunicate across high power links, and also makes use of (airborne, ground and underwater) Unmanned Vehicles (UVs). We introduce the TBONE protocol to implement the key networking schemes for such a Mobile Backbone Network (MBN). It includes combined network layer operation, i.e. mobile backbone net-work topological synthesis, and MAC layer resource allocation schemes. The TBONE protocol serves to allocate resources across the network to ensure that user applications are granted acceptable quality-of-service (QoS) performance, while striving to ensure a highly survivable and robust backbone-oriented networking architecture. We present elements of the protocol and key involved algorithms, and illustrate the distinctive advantages offered by the TBONE based mobile backbone network.
Effect of estrogen-progestin combinations on clotting factors

Abstract A study of the effect of a combination of norethynodrel and mestranol on various clotting factors was made. Two different dosages were used, 5 mg. and 0.75 mg. and 25 mg. and 0.1 mg., respectively. The partial thromboplastin test decreased and the prothrombin consumption increased significantly while patients received 5 mg. of norethynodrel and 0.75 mg. of mestranol daily for one month. Studies of other clotting factors were unchanged. With the lower dosage schedule all studies of coagulation remained within normal range.
Thermophilic Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria Found in Copper Leaching Dumps

Rod-shaped bacteria capable of oxidizing ferrous iron at 55°C were cultured from samples of a copper mine leach dump. Yeast extract or cysteine was required by these Thiobacillus-like bacteria for growth, using ferrous iron as an energy source.
Development of a revolute-joint robot for the precision positioning of an x-ray detector

This paper profiles the initial phase in the development of a six degree-of-freedom robot, with 1 μm dynamic positioning uncertainty, for the manipulation of x-ray detectors or test specimens at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). While revolute-joint robot manipulators exhibit a smaller footprint along with increased positioning flexibility compared to Cartesian manipulators, commercially available revolute-joint manipulators do not meet our size, positioning, or environmental specifications. Currently, a robot with 20 μm dynamic positioning uncertainty is functioning at the APS for cryogenic crystallography sample pick-and-place operation. Theoretical, computational and experimental procedures are being used to (1) identify and (2) simulate the dynamics of the present robot system using a multibody approach, including the mechanics and control architecture, and eventually to (3) design an improved version with a 1 μm dynamic positioning uncertainty. We expect that the preceding experimental and theoretical techniques will be useful design and analysis tools as multi-degree-of-freedom manipulators become more prevalent on synchrotron beamlines.
African journalism studies: the first 60 years

(2015). African journalism studies: The first 60 years. African Journalism Studies: Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 22-29.
Using Electro-Magnetic Induction to Determine Soil Salinity and Sodicity in Turf Root Zones

The traditional method of determining electrical conductivity (ECₑ) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) from saturated paste is destructive and time consuming. The electromagnetic induction (EMI) method determines apparent electrical conductivity (ECₐ) and offers an alternative to traditional wet chemistry methods. This study evaluated the effects of 2 yr of subsurface-drip and sprinkler irrigation with saline water on soil salinity and sodicity using both EMI technique and wet chemistry methods. Site specific calibration equations used to estimate ECₑ and SAR from ECₐ values were derived using a multiple linear regression (MLR) model included in the ECₑ sampling assessment and prediction model developed by the U.S. Salinity Laboratory. The ECₑ and SAR values were strongly correlated with ECₐ, with R² ranging from 0.82 to 0.98. Both wet chemistry methods and EMI data indicated that salinity and sodicity values were greater in turf irrigated with saline water from a subsurface drip system compared to a sprinkler system. Salinity in the top 30 cm ranged from 7 mmol¹/² L–¹/² when saline water was applied from the drip system. Study results indicated that the EMI technique provides accurate predictions of the spatial distribution of both salinity and sodicity in turf soils watered from differing irrigation systems and water qualities.
Modeling instructor training preparation in a simulation flight training program

Abstract The current research deals with planning problems related to instructors training in simulator flight training programs. It is a part of our development work in optimal training programs to support the cost effective design of instructor/operator stations(IOS). A flight simulator is a complex device which can be used to train students and instructors, whose training requirements and methodologies are quite different. This paper deals with this complex man-machine interface planning problem, presents a model for the instructors training process, and develops a methodology for determining optimal training plans.
Measurements of kinetic processes in a self‐sustained discharge XeF laser

Measurements are presented for processes occurring in XeF self-sustained discharges including fluorescence, gain, and absorption at different wavelengths as a function of F2, Xe, and He partial pressures. Time-correlated oscillograms are given for the laser discharge current, metastable XeF small-signal gain at 351.1 nm, transient absorptions at 333.6 and 363.8 nm, metastable-XeF B-state sidelight emission at about 350 nm, metastable-F emission at 634.8 nm, and metastable-F emission at 731.1 nm. It is found that He atoms are necessary for the production of metastable-XeF in its lower vibrational levels and that radiative processes and He quenching are the primary mechanisms for metastable-XeF decay. For small-signal gains of as low as about 8%/cm, the transient absorption at the laser wavelength may be as large as about 1-2%/cm.
Radiofrequency spectral analysis of attenuated ultrasound signals in experiments with echo contrast microbubbles.

Abstract Conventional gray-scale myocardial contrast echocardiography cannot distinguish perfused but attenuated from nonperfused myocardium because both may appear similar at low image intensity. We hypothesized that with radiofrequency spectral analysis of attenuated ultrasound signals, the harmonic-to-fundamental frequency ratio of the peak power spectrum (HFR P ) could determine the presence of contrast microbubbles. We measured frequency responses of Optison microbubbles at defined degrees of ultrasound signal attenuation with different formulations of silicone (55D, 80A, and 3M); gray-scale intensities of Optison plus water compared with degassed water were analyzed at different attenuation settings (−25, −32, and −44 dB, respectively). HFR P values of Optison plus water were significantly higher than reference values of degassed water at each attenuation setting (55D, −14 ± 2 dB versus −30 ± 2 dB, P P P P analysis objectively detects microbubbles in clinically relevant conditions of attenuation. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:789-97.)
Analysis of Inconsistencies in Object Oriented Metrics

Software Metrics have been proposed for procedural and object oriented paradigms to measure various attributes like complexity, cohesion, software quality, and productivity. Among all of these, “Complexity” and “Cohesion” are considered to be the most important attributes. As object oriented analysis and design appears to be at the forefront of software engineering technologies, many different object-oriented complexity and cohesion metrics have been developed. The aim of the paper is to compare some of the complexity and cohesion metrics and to analyze these metrics and expose their inconsistencies. The paper provides a brief introduction of CK and Morris’s metrics for calculating the complexity and cohesion of a software. The inconsistencies in these methods are exposed by providing various examples. The paper concludes by proving inconsistencies in CK’s cohesion matrices and Morris’s complexity matrices.
Granulysin expression is a marker for acute rejection and steroid resistance in human renal transplantation

Differentiating etiologies of transplant dysfunction without biopsy and optimizing therapy for acute rejection by predicting steroid resistance will reduce patient morbidity. Granulysin is a cytolytic molecule released by CTL and NK cells and coexpressed with effectors of acute allograft rejection, like perforin and granzymes. Granulysin mRNA and protein expression were studied in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL; n = 61 total, n = 10 with intercurrent infections) and biopsy tissue from adult and children renal transplant recipients (n = 97) by competitive quantitative-reverse transcriptase-PCR (QC-RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Differences in cell phenotypes were studied in steroid sensitive and resistant acute rejection biopsies. Granulysin was studied in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated cell lines (donor PBL and CD45RO(+) T cells) by FACS, Western blotting, and RT-PCR after pretreating with cyclosporine A (CSA), azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, and steroids. Granulysin mRNA was significantly increased in patient PBL and transplant biopsies during acute rejection (p 2 cells/high power field) and CD45RO(+) lymphocytes, when compared with steroid sensitive (n = 28) rejecting tissue. Granulysin levels were unchanged after azathioprine and mycophenolic acid treatment, decreased after treating activated PBL with steroids and cyclosporine A (CSA), and paradoxically, increased (p < 0.05) after treating CD45RO(+) CTL with CSA. Elevated PBL granulysin is a peripheral marker for acute rejection and infection and dense granulysin staining a tissue marker for steroid resistance. Memory CTL abound in steroid resistant grafts and may have a markedly different response to CSA immunotherapy, suggesting a possible mechanism for steroid resistance.
Comments on the Risk Stratification for the In-Hospital Mortality in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The HAIR Score.

The HAIR score was published in the August 2014 issue ofNeurocritical Care as a tool to enable risk stratiﬁcation ofin-hospital mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)[1]. The scale features four variables: Hunt and Hess score,age, intraventricular hemorrhage, and re-bleeding thatcomprise a composite maximum score of 8. Several otherfactors, previously described as being associated with pooroutcome after SAH, were not considered in the HAIRscore, for example larger aneurysm size or the presence ofglobal cerebral edema on follow-up CT scan. In their ret-rospectively reviewed cohort of 400 patients, Lee et al.demonstrated increasing mortality rates with incrementalincreases in HAIR scores across the entire spectrum ofscores between 0 and 7.We sought to externally validate the HAIR score in ourcohort of SAH patients from the Columbia University SAHOutcomes Project (SHOP) registry. Data from 1,629 pa-tients were prospectively collected and adjudicated weeklyby the study team. Our ﬁndings show that the HAIR scoreadequately discriminates mortality rates between scores 0and 5, however, fails to discriminate between scores 6 and7 (Fig. 1a). The area under the ROC-curve was 0.90(Fig. 1b).Additionally, Lee et al’s study did not include any pa-tients with a HAIR score of 8, which, in our cohort,corresponded to a 100 % in-hospital mortality rate.In summary, analysis of our larger, prospectively col-lected cohort of patients with SAH conﬁrmed the authors’
Evaluation of Risk Factors in Childhood Sexual Abuse

ABSTRACT Objective This study evaluated whether the level of distress in sexually abused girls was predicted by the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim, the kind of abuse, the use of force, removal from the home, and race or ethnicity. Method Seventy-five girls, recently reported as having been sexually abused, completed measures on depression, anxiety, and self-worth, which were then trichotomized into distress levels. Results Penetration predicted higher levels of distress on depression and self-worth measures. Force predicted higher levels of distress on those measures when the perpetrator was not a father figure and lower levels of distress when the abuser was a father figure. Conclusions These differential effects may be related to issues of self-blame and responsibility that vary with the relationship of the perpetrator and may be useful in developing interventions.
Deviance probabilities: Determination of judgmental bias within Kendall's coefficient of concordance data

Kendall’s coefficient of concordance is reviewed, with particular concern for nonsignificance. A statistic is presented that allows determination of whether one judge’s rankings come from the same population as the other judges’ rankings. This is ∑/D/, the sum of absolute differences in ranks that N objects receive from any two judges. Frequency distributions of ∑/D/, computed for N = 3-10 objects, were used to obtain the probability of a given /∑/’s being greater than a certain constant under the null hypothesis. This cumulative probability density function for incremental ∑/D/s is tabled. Obtained probabilities that one judge’s ranking came from the same population as all other judges’ rankings may be calculated from Bayes’ theorem. The statistic ∑/D/, associated probabilities, and comparison of one judge’s rankings with collective rankings are based on the raw data of Kendall’s W and operationally allow identification of judgmental bias.
A rapid in vitro assay for HIV DNA integration

Retroviruses synthesize a double stranded DNA copy of their RNA genome after infection of a permissive cell and subsequent integration of this DNA copy into the host genome is necessary for normal viral replication. Integration occurs by a specialized DNA recombination reaction, mediated by the viral IN protein. Because this reaction has no known cellular counterpart, it is a particularly attractive target in the search for specific inhibitors with low toxicity that may serve as therapeutic antiviral agents. We present a simple assay system that is suitable for screening potential inhibitors of HIV DNA integration. Only short oligonucleotides matching one end of HIV DNA and purified HIV IN protein are required as substrates. Furthermore, since each step of the assay can be carried out in the wells of microtiter plates, large numbers of reactions can be processed simultaneously.
Stimulus-specific patterns of cardiovascular reactivity in type A and B subjects: evidence for enhanced vagal reactivity in type B.

Recent evidence suggests that the differences in cardiovascular reactivity between individuals exhibiting the Type A behavior pattern and those that do not are not limited to excessive betaadrenergic reactivity in Type A's. Research also suggests the possibility of a tendency for enhanced alpha-adrenergically and vagally mediated cardiovascular reactivity in Type B's. In the present study, Type A and Type B subjects were exposed to stressor stimuli known to elicit either betaadrenergic or alpha-adrenergic and vagal responses in the cardiovascular system. Heart rate, blood pressure, and forearm blood flow and vascular resistance responses were measured. The two Types did not differ in response to the beta-adrenergic stimulus (mental arithmetic). However, the alpha-adrenergic/vagal stimulus (cold face stimulus) produced more prolonged heart rate and blood flow responses in Type B subjects. Results suggest that Type B's show hyperreactivity (compared to Type A) when alpha-adrenergic or vagal cardiovascular responses are elicited. The nature of this hyperreactivity suggests possible mechanisms for reduced cardiovascular disease risk in Type B individuals.
Palliation via Hybrid Procedure of a 1.4-kg Patient with a Hypoplastic Left Heart

Despite improvements in survival of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with various palliative procedures, certain risk factors, such as weight less than 2.5 kg, continue to predict increased mortality. We report the palliation of a patient with HLHS weighing 1.4 kg via a hybrid procedure consisting of banding of the pulmonary arteries bilaterally, stenting the ductus arteriosus, and balloon atrial septostomy. We propose that this may be another alternative for palliation in this high-risk patient group.
Perceptions and Expectations of Roles and Responsibilities of Literacy Coaching

Having specialists in schools providing guidance for classroom teachers and addressing students' literacy issues is widely accepted. The roles these educators fulfill have changed over the years and the expectations of the role differ among professionals providing and receiving services. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of principals, teachers, and school-based literacy specialists on how literacy coaching can be effectively used and to consider the implications of these perceptions and expectations in terms of the potential for coaching to contribute to the development and implementation of effective literacy programs. We found few differences in responses among the professionals we surveyed; however, outcomes from interviews presented a somewhat different picture. Responses to interview questions indicate that the role of the literacy coach is currently open to much interpretation on the part of principals, teachers, and the coaches themselves. Participants consistently expressed...
Association between macrophage migration inhibitory factor promoter region polymorphism (-173 G/C) and cancer: a meta-analysis

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine upstream of many inflammatory cytokines. MIF is implicated in several acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. MIF's promoter region has functional single nucleotide polymorphisms that controls MIF expression and protein levels. Since increased plasma MIF levels are associated with cancer, studies have examined the association between Mif promoter polymorphisms and cancer. This study is a meta-analysis of the available studies on such an association. A total of 5 studies were included in this meta-analysis to include 1116 cases (cancer patients) and 1728 controls (no cancer). Carrying any C allele in the Mif -173 G/C promoter polymorphism resulted in a significantly greater risk for developing cancer [OR = 1.89 (1.15-3.11), p = 0.012)] when compared to the (G/G) genotype. Subgroup analysis revealed that this association was significant only for "solid" tumors (including gastric and prostate cancers) [OR = 2.67 (1.26-5.65), p = 0.010] but not for "non-solid" tumors (leukemia) [OR = 1.21 (0.95-1.55), p = 0.122]. Furthermore, when only prostate tumor studies were included in the analysis, the association became even stronger [OR = 3.72 (2.55-5.41), p < 0.0001]. Meta-analysis suggests there is an association between any C allele in the Mif -173 G/C promoter polymorphism and an increased risk of cancer, particularly for solid tumors. The association appeared stronger for prostate cancer, specifically. Future studies that include different types of cancers are needed to support and extend these observations.
Social psychology and sociobiology: What can we leave to evolution?

As a theory of origins, evolutionary theory is important for social psychologists because it assumes that social relations were critical to the story of differential survival and reproductive success of hunter-gatherer ancestors. However, behaviors that evolved as “solutions” to problems in ancestral environments occur, now, in a very different world, undoubtedly serving some similar functions but also playing many other roles and entailing new and perhaps less benign consequences. In the effort to understand the full range of dynamics of current social life, it is important to avoid the minimalist portrait that comes from narrowing of coverage to aspects of daily life with obvious reproductive consequences. It is also important to avoid the language of the “ultimate” that makes the existing seem inevitable and desirable. These pitfalls are not necessary features of an evolutionary analysis, but when they occur they encourage investment in what has evolved, and unnecessary resignation about intervention with, or regulation of, behavior in current or future worlds.
Changes in the haemocyte population of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella, during wound healing

Abstract Twenty-four hr after wounding there was a significant increase in the number of circulating haemocytes/mm 3 in wounded as compared to unwounded insects. This increase was accompanied by increases in round plasmatocytes, granular haemocytes, prohaemocytes, and spherule cells and a decrease in the adipohaemocytes. Mitotic activity of haemocytes was greatly increased during initial stages in wound healing. Within 120 hr after wounding, the blood picture of wounded and unwounded insects was similar. Factors governing the increase in circulating haemocytes are discussed.
Knowledge, Industry, and Environment: Institutions and Innovation in Territorial Perspective

Roger Hayter and Richard Le Heron, eds. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2002. xvii and 420 pp., maps, diags., notes, and index. $89.95 cloth (ISBN 0-75463-052-8). A more international examination of some ...
Unaltered anionic sites of glomerular basement membrane in aminonucleoside nephrosis.

Abstract Unaltered anionic sites of glomerular basement membrane in aminonucleoside nephrosis. Quantitative electron microscopic autoradiography was employed to determine the changes in the binding of 125 I-cationic ferritin (CFI, pI ∼ 7.2 to 7.4) to the anionic sites of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) of rats following the induction of nephrosis. Animals were rendered nephrotic by a single intravenous injection of puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) and sacrificed 0, 7, 14, and 21 days after its administration. CFI (10 mg/mCi/100 g body weight) was given intravenously. The kidneys were subsequently fixed by perfusion and processed for electron microscopic autoradiography. The mean grain densities over the GBMs on 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of PAN nephrosis were 1.50 ± 0.04, 1.49 ± 0.05, 1.50 ± 0.05, and 1.51 ± 0.04, respectively. These results indicate that there are no significant alterations in the anionic sites rich in heparan sulfate proteoglycan during the entire course of PAN nephrosis. Non-alteration des sites anioniques de la membrane basale glomerulaire dans la nephrose aux aminonucleosides. L'autoradiographie quantitative en microscopie electronique a ete utilisee pour determiner les modifications de la liaison de la ferritine 125 I cationique (CFI, pI ∼ 7,2–7,4) aux sites anioniques de la membrane basale glomerulaire (GBM) de rats, apres induction d'une nephrose. Les animaux ont ete rendus nephrotiques par une injection unique intraveineuse de puromycine aminonucleoside (PAN) et sacrifies 0, 7, 14, et 21 jours apres son administration. CFI (10 mg/mCi/100 g poids corporel) a ete donne par voie intraveineuse. Les reins ont ensuite ete fixes par perfusion, et prepares pour autoradiographie en microscopie electronique. Les densites granulaires moyennes sur les GBM aux jours 0, 7, 14, et 21 dans la nephrose a PAN etaient de 1,50 ± 0,04, 1,49 ± 0,05, 1,50 ± 0,05, et 1,15 ± 0,04, respectivement. Ces resultats indiquent qu'il n'y a pas d'alterations significatives des sites anioniques riches en proteoglycan heparine sulfate pendant la totalite de l'evolution de la nephrose par PAN.
Allopurinol prevents intestinal permeability changes after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract Under normal conditions the intestinal mucosa is impermeable to potentially harmful materials from the intestinal lumen. Mucosal disruption promotes bacterial translocation, which is postulated to be a fuel source for sepsis and multiorgan failure. We have previously demonstrated that mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury increases intestinal permeability (IP); however, the mechanism remains unclear. This study was designed to examine the hypothesis that changes in IP, after IR injury, are mediated by xanthine oxidase-generated, oxygen-derived free radicals. Thirty-three Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 300 to 400 g) were included in this study. Group 1 (n = 10) received enteral allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, 10 mg/kg daily for 1 week prior to mesenteric ischemia. Group 2 consisted of 11 untreated, ischemic animals. Groups 1 and 2 were subjected to superior mesenteric artery occlusion with interruption of collateral flow for 20 minutes to produce ischemic injury to the intestine. An additional 12 rats (group 3), served as nonischemic controls (sham). A loop of distal ileum was isolated and cannulated proximally and distally to allow luminal perfusion with warmed Riinger's lactase at 1 mL/min. IP was determined in all groups by quantitatively measuring the plasma-to-luminal clearance of chromium ( 51 Cr)-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) at baseline, during ischemia and 20, 40, and 60 minutes after reperfusion. Complete ischemia produced significant increases in IP over baseline values in the untreated rats (group 2, baseline: 0.49 ± 0.006, ischemia: 0.149 ± 0.039) compared with sham rats (baseline: 0.41 ± 0.006; ischemia; 0.047 ± 0.009) or allopurinol-treated rats (baseline: 0.098 ± 0.020, ischemia: 0.073 ± 0.012, P
Prolylpeptide Binding by the Prokaryotic SH3-like Domain of the Diphtheria Toxin Repressor: A Regulatory Switch †,‡

Diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) regulates the expression of iron-sensitive genes in Corynebacterium diphtheriae, including the diphtheria toxin gene. DtxR contains an N-terminal metal- and DNA-binding domain that is connected by a proline-rich flexible peptide segment (Pr) to a C-terminal src homology 3 (SH3)-like domain. We determined the solution structure of the intramolecular complex formed between the proline-rich segment and the SH3-like domain by use of NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the intramolecularly bound Pr segment differs from that seen in eukaryotic prolylpeptide-SH3 domain complexes. The prolylpeptide ligand is bound by the SH3-like domain in a deep crevice lined by aliphatic amino acid residues and passes through the binding site twice but does not adopt a polyprolyl type-II helix. NMR studies indicate that this intramolecular complex is present in the apo-state of the repressor. Isothermal equilibrium denaturation studies show that intramolecular complex formation contributes to the stability of the apo-repressor. The binding affinity of synthetic peptides to the SH3-like domain was determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. From the structure and the binding energies, we calculated the enhancement in binding energy for the intramolecular reaction and compared it to the energetics of dimerization. Together, the structural and biophysical studies suggest that the proline-rich peptide segment of DtxR functions as a switch that modulates the activation of repressor activity.
Microanalysis of the aerosol collected over south-central New Mexico during the alive field experiment, May–December 1989

Abstract Thirty-eight size-segregated aerosol samples were collected in the lower troposphere over the high desert of south-central New Mexico, using cascade impactors mounted onboard two research aircraft. Four of these samples were collected in early May, sixteen in mid-July, and the remaining ones in December 1989, during three segments of the ALIVE field initiative. Analytical electron microscope analyses of aerosol deposits and individual particles from these samples were performed to physically and chemically characterize the major particulate species present in the aerosol. Air-mass trajectories arriving at the sampling area in the May program were quite different from those calculated for the July period. In general, the May trajectories showed strong westerly winds, while the July winds were weaker and southerly, consistently passing over or very near the border cities of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Aerosol samples collected during the May period were predominantly fine (0.1–0.5 μm dia.), liquid H2SO4 droplets. Samples from the July experiment were comprised mostly of fine, solid (NH4)2SO4 or mostly neutralized sulfate particles. In both sampling periods, numerous other particle classes were observed, including many types with probable terrestrial or anthropogenic sources. The numbers of these particles, however, were small when compared with the sulfates. Composite particle types, including sulfate/crustal and sulfate/carbonaceous, were also found to be present. The major differences in aerosol composition between the May and July samples (i.e. the extensive neutralization of sulfates in the July samples) can be explained by considering the different aerosol transport pathways and the proximity of the July aerosol to the El Paso/Juarez urban plume. Winds during the December experiment were quite variable, and may have contributed to the widely varying aerosol compositions observed in these samples. When the aircraft sampled the El Paso/Juarez urban plume, high concentrations of carbonaceous particles were collected. These C-rich particles were of three distinct types, two of which showed combustion morphologies and the third an irregular morphology. Concurrent aethalometer measurements of aerosol black carbon concentration were well correlated (r = 0.83) with the total carbonaceous particle fraction in the aerosol samples. Carbonaceous particles were not observed in abundance in any of the May or July samples (even when the winds passed over El Paso), and we attribute the high concentrations in December to increased wintertime burning of wood, fossil fuels and other combustibles in the urban area.
The effect of hypertonic sorbitol solution on cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the dog.

Abstract The effect of intravenous infusion of hypertonic solution of sorbitol (3.1 g/kg) on the pressure of the CSF of six normal dogs was studied. Sorbitol tended to cause a slight initial rise in the pressure of the CSF, followed by a mean drop of 65% and a return to base line in four hours. In three of six dogs, however, there was a slight secondary rise in pressure of the CSF above the original level. Significant diuresis occurred in all animals. There were no significant changes in blood pressure. Serum sodium concentration rose slightly after the infusion in two dogs.