cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Correlation between Results of Testing In Vitro and Therapeutic Outcome In Vivo for Fluconazole by Testing Critical Isolates in a Murine Model of Invasive Candidiasis

The trailing growth phenomenon seen when determining the susceptibilities of Candida isolates to the azole antifungal agents makes consistent endpoint determination difficult, and the M27-A method of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards addresses this problem by requiring an 80% reduction in growth after 48 h of incubation. For some isolates, however, minor variations of this endpoint criterion can produce up to 128-fold variations in the resulting MIC. To investigate the significance of this effect, isolates of Candida that exhibited various forms of trailing growth when tested against fluconazole were identified. The isolates were examined in a murine model of invasive candidiasis and were ranked by their relative response to fluconazole by using both improvement in survival and reduction in fungal burden in the kidney. The resulting rank order of in vivo response did not match the MICs obtained by using the M27-A criterion, and these MICs significantly overestimated the resistance of three of the six isolates tested. However, if the MIC was determined after 24 h of incubation and the endpoint required a less restrictive 50% reduction in growth, MICs which better matched the in vivo response pattern could be obtained. Minor variations in the M27-A endpoint criterion are thus required to optimize the in vitro-in vivo correlation for isolates that demonstrate significant trailing growth when tested against fluconazole.
Responses of early, mid and late season apple cultivars to postharvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) under air and controlled atmosphere storage conditions

The potential for commercial application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to maintain quality of ‘McIntosh’, ‘Empire’, ‘Delicious’ and ‘Law Rome’ apples under air and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage conditions was investigated. These cultivars represent early, mid and late season apples with ripening rates ranging from fast to slow. 1-MCP gas concentrations used were 0.5, 1 and 2 m ll 1 , generated from measured amounts of Ethylbloc™ powder. Fruit of each cultivar were removed from storage at 6 week intervals during 30 weeks in air, or at 8 week intervals during 32 weeks in CA, and evaluated after 1 and 7 days at 20°C. Effects of 1-MCP were greater in CA than air storage. A dose response of internal ethylene concentrations and flesh firmness to 1-MCP was found in ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Law Rome’, but ‘Delicious’ and ‘Empire’ ripening was generally prevented by all 1-MCP concentrations. 1-MCP reduced superficial scald incidence, and accumulations of a-farnesene and conjugated trienols during air storage. The results indicate that the efficacy of 1-MCP is affected by cultivar and storage conditions, and that successful commercial utilization of the chemical will require understanding of these relationships. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Cysteine challenge testing: a powerful tool for examining oral malodour processes and treatments in vivo

Gram-negative oral bacteria rapidly produce the odorant hydrogen sulphide from cysteine. It provides a major part of the oral malodour bouquet while causing a corresponding decrease in the oxidation-reduction potential (Eh). A low Eh favours oral putrefaction and malodour occurrence. Challenge testing with cysteine (5ml of 6mM for 30 seconds) enabled evaluation of: the contribution of tongue and teeth bacteria to overall oral malodour; the effectiveness of tongue and tooth brushing, tooth scraping, gum chewing and mouthrinsing with different agents in reducing oral malodour. Successive cysteine challenge tests for 20 minute periods at selected times in a seven hour experiment were effective for assessing the magnitude and duration of an agent's effectiveness. Brushing the teeth reduced malodour modestly. So did tongue scraping and gum chewing. In contrast, brushing the tongue dorsum, especially the posterior half was remarkably effective, which confirmed it as a major site of oral malodour contribution. Rinses containing various actives showed wide variation in effectiveness. The experiments demonstrated that cysteine challenge testing is potentially a aluable tool for assessing the ability of the oral bacteria to produce malodour and for assessing agents designed to inhibit such production.
Thermal heterogeneity mediates the effects of pulsed subsidies across a landscape

Spatial and temporal heterogeneity interact to make the foraging rates of individuals more variable than expected from models assuming that spatial and temporal dimensions of habitat conditions operate independently. For example, trophic resource pulses produce temporal patches of prey superabundance, yet little is known about how spatial heterogeneity in habitat conditions mediates the ability of consumers to exploit these high-quality foraging opportunities. We studied how spatial variation in water temperature regulates the potential for juvenile coho salmon to exploit a seasonal pulsed subsidy of eggs produced by anadromous sockeye salmon. Streams within the Wood River watershed, southwestern Alaska, USA, ranged in mean summer temperature from 3.6° to 14.5°C. Growth of juvenile coho prior to the arrival of the seasonal egg subsidy was positively related to water temperature among streams. An in situ experiment combined with field samples of diets revealed a size threshold for egg consumption; only ind...
The expression and function of cystatin C and cathepsin B and cathepsin L during mouse embryo implantation and placentation

The implantation of the mouse embryo requires the controlled invasion of the uterine stroma by the embryonic trophoblast. This event is dependent, in part, on the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases and serine proteinases for the extracellular degradation of the uterine matrix. Proteinase activity is controlled by stromal decidualization and specific proteinase inhibitors. This work adds to our understanding of implantation and placentation by reporting the expression and function of another class of proteinases/inhibitors closely related to invasive cell behavior. We focused on the cysteine proteinases, cathepsins B and L, and their inhibitor cystatin C. Northern blots showed that trophoblast expressed cathepsin B throughout the invasive period (days 5.5-10.5). Both cathepsin B message and cathepsin L protein were localized to the mature, invasive trophoblast giant cells. Substrate gel electrophoresis showed an increase in giant cell cathepsin activity with enzyme profiles changing at the end of the invasive period. Northern and western blotting showed that cystatin C, the main inhibitor of cathepsins, was a major product of the decidualizing stroma. Message levels first increased in peripheral decidualizing cells, with the protein localizing close to the embryo during implantation (days 5.5-8.5). With the regression of the decidua beginning on day 9.5, a coordinated upregulation of both cathepsin B and cystatin C was observed implying a role for controlled cathepsin expression during apoptosis. E-64, a synthetic inhibitor of cathepsins B and L, was injected into pregnant females at the stage of blastocyst attachment (days 4.5-5.5). High doses resulted in the complete failure of implantation while lower doses resulted in stunted embryos and a reduced decidual reaction. These results suggested that cathepsins B and L are necessary for normal embryo development and uterine decidualization, and that decidua contributes to their control by a coordinated expression of cystatin C within the implantation site.
Activity patterns of Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) in the staging area of the Pascagoula River during fall outmigration

Environmental cues that are associated with individual movement of threatened Gulf Sturgeon from upriver areas to nearshore and offshore winter feeding areas have been described throughout much of their range in the Gulf of Mexico. In this study, we focus on small-scale movement of Gulf Sturgeon between summer 'holding' areas and the fall staging area in the Pascagoula River system (Mississippi, USA). We evaluated a set of logistic regression models using Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc) and found that relative changes in barometric pressure, time of day, and water temperature were cues for small-scale Gulf Sturgeon movements during fall outmigration. Numerous environmental cues appear to drive the activity of Gulf Sturgeon in staging areas, indicating the complexity of abiotic factors affecting the observed staging patterns during emigration. The identification of the environmental drivers that are associated with Gulf Sturgeon movement is particularly important if these known saline transition zones change spatially annually with variable rainfall or due to water withdrawals and are used by Gulf Sturgeon making osmotic adjustments while moving downriver.
Value Socialization and Peer Group Affiliation among Early Adolescents

This study examined parental influence on the values of early adolescents and the influence of adolescents' values on their choice of friends. The degree to which early adolescents identified with ...
Pass-efficient unsupervised feature selection

The goal of unsupervised feature selection is to identify a small number of important features that can represent the data. We propose a new algorithm, a modification of the classical pivoted QR algorithm of Businger and Golub, that requires a small number of passes over the data. The improvements are based on two ideas: keeping track of multiple features in each pass, and skipping calculations that can be shown not to affect the final selection. Our algorithm selects the exact same features as the classical pivoted QR algorithm, and has the same favorable numerical stability. We describe experiments on real-world datasets which sometimes show improvements of several orders of magnitude over the classical algorithm. These results appear to be competitive with recently proposed randomized algorithms in terms of pass efficiency and run time. On the other hand, the randomized algorithms may produce more accurate features, at the cost of small probability of failure.
Gastrointestinal syndromes associated with food allergies.

The relationship between food and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is not new. From diarrhea due to food contamination to hives and vomiting from egg—a link has been made.
Class-wide projects: fostering collaboration and creativity in computer science courses

This poster reports on the introduction of class-wide projects in computer science courses at different levels in the curriculum, as a means to fostering collaborative teamwork and creativity.
Better glycemic control is associated with maintenance of lower-extremity function over time in Mexican American and European American older adults with diabetes

OBJECTIVE Diabetes is a major cause of functional decline among older adults, but the role of glycemic control remains unclear. This article assesses whether better glycemic control is associated with better maintenance of lower-extremity function over time in older adults with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants ( n = 119) in the San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging, ages 71–85, who met American Diabetes Association diabetes criteria were followed over a 36-month period. Seven measures of A1C (HbA 1c ) were obtained at 6-month intervals; three measures of lower-extremity function were obtained at 18-month intervals using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). A two-step analytic approach was used, first, to identify distinct glycemic control classes using latent growth mixture modeling and, second, to examine trajectories of lower-extremity function based on these classes using path analysis. RESULTS Two glycemic control classes were identified: a poorer control class with higher means (all >7%) and higher within-subject variability in HbA 1c and a better control class with lower means (all CONCLUSIONS Among older adults with diabetes, better glycemic control may improve both short-term and long-term maintenance of lower-extremity function.
A Comprehensive Approach to Elimination of Highly-Enriched-Uranium From All Nuclear-Reactor Fuel Cycles

Over a period of about a decade after President Eisenhower's “Atoms for Peace” speech, the U.S. and Soviet Union exported research reactors to about 40 countries. By the mid-1970s, most of these reactors were fueled with weapon-useable highly-enriched uranium (HEU), and most of those with weapon-grade uranium. In 1978, because of heightened concern about nuclear proliferation, both countries launched programs to develop low-enriched uranium (LEU) replacement fuel containing less than 20 percent 235U for foreign research reactors that they were supplying with HEU fuel. By the time the Soviet Union collapsed, most of the Soviet-supplied research reactors outside the USSR had been converted to 36% enriched uranium but the program then stalled because of lack of funding. By the end of 2003, the U.S. program had converted 31 reactors to LEU, including 11 within the U.S. If the development of very high density LEU fuel is successful, it appears that conversion of virtually all remaining research reactors with s...
An 'extreme point' sufficient condition for checking interior instability of interval matrices in the march towards a necessary and sufficient result

This paper addresses a current research topic of high interest, namely the issue of developing a finitely computable necessary and sufficient test for checking the robust stability of an interval matrix. In this paper, errors in two previous papers by the author on this difficult problem (Proceedings of IEEE CDC, p.3284, 1997; Proceedings of IEEE ACC, p.2309, 1998) are identified and those errors are corrected leading to interesting new paths to possible solution to the problem. The logic revolves around the fact that the robust stability problem can be converted to a robust nonsingularity problem involving the original matrix and the associated bialternate sum matrix (which we label as the 'tilde' matrix). The special nature of the 'tilde' matrix is exploited with the introduction of concepts labeled 'real axis nonsingularity', 'virtual matrix family' and 'weighted real axis determinant' and 'real axis nonsingularity scalar'. As a prelude to a necessary and sufficient condition, in this paper an 'extreme point' sufficient condition for checking instability in the interior of interval matrices is provided. The proposed methodology is illustrated with a variety of examples. The possibility of obtaining a necessary and sufficient extreme point result using the proposed concepts is explored.
Craniocervical arterial dissections as sequelae of chiropractic manipulation: patterns of injury and management

Object Chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine is a known cause of craniocervical arterial dissections. In this paper, the authors describe the patterns of arterial injury after chiropractic manipulation and their management in the modern endovascular era. Methods A prospectively maintained endovascular database was reviewed to identify patients presenting with craniocervical arterial dissections after chiropractic manipulation. Factors assessed included time to symptomatic presentation, location of the injured arterial segment, neurological symptoms, endovascular treatment, surgical treatment, clinical outcome, and radiographic follow-up. Results Thirteen patients (8 women and 5 men, mean age 44 years, range 30–73 years) presented with neurological deficits, head and neck pain, or both, typically within hours or days of chiropractic manipulation. Arterial dissections were identified along the entire course of the vertebral artery, including the origin through the V4 segment. Three patients had ve...
Quadriceps load aggravates and roofplasty mitigates active impingement of anterior cruciate ligament grafts against the intercondylar roof

Because of the complications of impingement of anterior cruciate ligament grafts on the intercondylar roof and because current surgical procedures locate the tibial tunnel such that impingement is avoided during passive but not active extension, the objectives of this study were to determine if (a) active extension precipitates and aggravates roof impingement, and (b) a roofplasty mitigates the effects of impingement. The tibial translation, flexion angle defining the onset of roof impingement, graft-roof contact pressure, and graft tension were measured for six cadaveric specimens. In each specimen, two tibial tunnel positions were studied: one customized for the slope of the intercondylar roof, and the other translated 6 mm anteriorly from the customized position. For a quadriceps load of 1,500 N, the flexion angle defining the onset of impingement, the peak contact pressure, and the graft tension increased significantly for both tunnel positions. The increases occurred because of the anterior tibial translation caused by the active load. Although a roofplasty decreased the onset of the angle of impingement, the graft tension remained unaffected. Thus, to mitigate the effect of impingement during active rehabilitative knee extension exercises, the position of the tibial tunnel must be customized to the angle of the intercondylar roof and a roofplasty must be performed. The extent of bone removed must be customized as well and can be determined by removing bone from the intercondylar roof in excess of that required to freely pass a rod, the same diameter of the graft, through the tibial tunnel into the intercondylar notch with the knee in full passive extension.
Mixtures of metals and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons elicit complex, nonadditive toxicological interactions in meiobenthic copepods.

The acute toxicity of metal–polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) mixtures (i.e., Cd, Hg, Pb, fluoranthene, and phenanthrene) associated with sediments was assessed in two benthic copepods. Schizopera knabeni was exposed to sediment amended with single contaminants and mixtures. Adult S. knabeni were highly tolerant of single-contaminant exposures to phenanthrene, Cd, Hg, and Pb as well as a mixture of Cd, Hg, and Pb. Binary experiments revealed that although phenanthrene was synergistic with Cd and Hg, the phenanthrene-Cd synergism was much stronger (2.8 times more lethal than predicted). When a mixture of Cd, Hg, and Pb was combined with phenanthrene, a synergistic response was observed, eliciting 1.5 times greater lethality than predicted. A Cd-phenanthrene synergism in S. knabeni was also observed in aqueous exposures, suggesting that the interaction was related to a pharmacological insult rather than a sediment-related exposure effect. An antagonism between Cd, Hg, and Pb was indicated, and this antagonism may have moderated the Cd-phenanthrene synergism in mixtures containing Cd, Hg, Pb, and phenanthrene. Experiments with Amphiascoides atopus revealed that phenanthrene and fluoranthene were each synergistic with Cd in aqueous exposures. Our studies suggest that interactive toxicity among metal-PAH mixtures may be common among benthic copepods and that strong synergistic effects observed in binary mixtures may be moderated in more diverse contaminant mixtures. However, the strength of the observed synergisms raises concerns that established sediment quality criteria may not be protective for organisms jointly exposed to PAH and metals, especially Cd-PAH mixtures.
The Nature of Immunogenic RNA-Antigen Complexes in Immune and Tolerant Mice

There is currently widespread interest concerning the role of subcellular fractions and nucleic acids in antibody-formation. During the late 1950’s it was reported that nucleoprotein-rich extracts from donor rabbits immunized with bacterial antigens produced specific agglutinins in nonimmune individuals (Sterzl and Hrubesova, 1956; Friedman, 1959). More recent studies concerning molecular aspects of antibody formation have been concerned with the apparent conversion of “normal” nonimmune lymphoid tissues or cells in vitro to specific immunologic competence following treatment with RNA-rich substances extracted from lymphoid cells or macrophages exposed to a specific antigen, either in vitro or in vivo. For example, RNA-rich extracts from rat macrophages exposed to bacteriophage antigen in vitro appear to stimulate specific antibody formation by normal lymph node cultures (Fishman, 1961; Fishman and Adler, 1963). The nature and mode of action of such nucleic acid-rich extracts is under investigation by a number of groups.
Neuron-to-Glia Signaling Mediated by Excitatory Amino Acid Receptors Regulates ErbB Receptor Function in Astroglial Cells of the Neuroendocrine Brain

Hypothalamic astroglial erbB tyrosine kinase receptors are required for the timely initiation of mammalian puberty. Ligand-dependent activation of these receptors sets in motion a glia-to-neuron signaling pathway that prompts the secretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), the neuropeptide controlling sexual development, from hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurons. The neuronal systems that may regulate this growth factor-mediated back signaling to neuroendocrine neurons have not been identified. Here we demonstrate that hypothalamic astrocytes contain metabotropic receptors of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 subtype and the AMPA receptor subunits glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) and GluR3. As in excitatory synapses, these receptors are in physical association with their respective interacting/clustering proteins Homer and PICK1. In addition, they are associated with erbB-1 and erbB-4 receptors. Concomitant activation of astroglial metabotropic and AMPA receptors results in the recruitment of erbB tyrosine kinase receptors and their respective ligands to the glial cell membrane, transactivation of erbB receptors via a mechanism requiring metalloproteinase activity, and increased erbB receptor gene expression. By facilitating erbB-dependent signaling and promoting erbB receptor gene expression in astrocytes, a neuron-to-glia glutamatergic pathway may represent a basic cell-cell communication mechanism used by the neuroendocrine brain to coordinate the facilitatory transsynaptic and astroglial input to LHRH neurons during sexual development.
Nursing assessment of childhood chronic conditions.

The population of families in which a child has a chronic condition is steadily increasing due to technological advances and reduction of residential institutions. These families face a potentially disruptive situation without established support systems. Nurses frequently interact with this population and must assess their needs and plan interventions that support family functioning. A framework for nursing assessment from a generic rather than medical diagnostic perspective is offered in this article. Assessment and intervention strategies for working with these families are proposed.
A unified fast recursive algorithm for data shuffling in various orders

Data shuffling in a particular order is frequently required in signal processing applications. The authors present fast recursive algorithms, of order O(N), for shuffling a data sequence in various orders, e.g. bit reversed, Gray code, and other related orders, under a unified framework. These algorithms are computationally efficient in that every permutation index is essentially computed by a single logical or arithmetic operation between a previous index and a proper offset. The proposed algorithms can be used for the fast Fourier transform, fast Hartley transform, and mutual conversion among three typical forms of the Walsh transform. >
Trace contamination measurements using heavy ion backscattering spectrometry

Heavy Ion Backscattering Spectrometry (HIBS) is a tool for measuring surface contamination at levels much lower than previously achievable with ion beam analyses. Many areas of materials research and development require very low levels of impurities, with advanced microelectronics as the best example. HIBS uses low-energy, heavy ions for analysis, taking advantage of the increased backscattering yield which can be obtained from high Z ion beams at low energy. Background due to increased yield from the substrate is eliminated by a thin carbon foil as part of the detector, with a thickness chosen to range out ions scattered from the substrate and allow only ions scattered from impurities heavier than the substrate to reach the detector. The authors research system, using 150-200 keV N{sup +} beams and a single time-of-flight detector optimized for large solid angle, has achieved a sensitivity ranging from {approximately}5{times}l0{sup 10} atoms/cm{sup 2} for Fe to {approximately}1{times}10{sup 9} atoms/cm{sup 2} for Au on Si, without preconcentration. A stand-alone HIBS prototype which the authors have developed for SEMATECH is expected to reach detection limits of {approximately}5{times}10{sup 9} atoms/cm{sup 2} for Fe and {approximately}1{times}10{sup 8} atoms/cm{sup 2} for Au on Si. In this paper they discuss in detail themore » factors which affect sensitivity for HIBS.« less
In Vivo and in Vitro Functions of Two Types of Mao

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B have selective substrate and inhibitor specificity. MAO A and B knock-out mice exhibit distinct neurotransmitter metabolism and behavior, suggesting that these two isoenzymes have distinct functions in vivo. These two isoenzymes are coded by different cDNAs with 70% amino acid identity. Interestingly, Isoleucine 335 in MAO A and the corresponding amino acid in MAO B, tyrosine 326, determine the substrate and inhibitor selectivity in vitro.
Knowledge Markets for Competitive Information

Drawing on the research of Gans & Stern, Roth and Van Alstyne, we attempted to create an experimental knowledge market for information that is easily reproducible and highly value rivalrous, and is typically rarely shared. We tested the assumption that best price for information is free, by setting and comparing the performance of algorithmic traders in two different scenarios: (1) where they could exchange algorithms with each other for free and (2) where they could set an asking price for their algorithms and bid on each other's algorithms. While we did not find any statistically significant difference in performance or levels of information exchange between the two groups, we did find that those who elected to buy algorithms in group 2 were able to, on average, generate performance gains in excess of the cost of the algorithm.
Milk Price Differentials in the Southeast

T HAS been generally understood that the fluid milk markets in the South are more isolated from each other than in most parts of the North and have much of the character of local markets. The imposition of the General Maximum Price Regulation in May 1942, which set the price of milk in all markets at the highest prices that had prevailed in the preceding March, had the effect of freezing all the local differences in prices in these markets, thus giving the public administrators a chance to observe them at rest or at least in slow motion. The purpose of this article is to describe the structure of prices that was thus revealed in the Southeastern States from Virginia to Mississippi, excluding Florida, and to account for this structure. I
Economic Viability Assessment of Active Building Envelope Systems

Active Building Envelope (ABE) systems represent a new thermal control technology that actively uses solar energy to compensate for passive heat losses or gains in buildings or other enclosures. As a result, these systems are expected to eliminate the need to supply electricity to operate conventional air-conditioning systems and/or non-renewable energy sources to thermally condition buildings or other enclosures. This paper presents new findings pertinent to the development of ABE systems. Specifically, in this paper, we investigate the economic viability of ABE systems. A preliminary cost model of the ABE system is developed that combines individual cost models of its components. Different configurations of ABE systems, each comprising different heat absorbing component, are examined. The configuration that requires the least power unfortunately also results in the highest cost. A multi-objective optimization tool is used to resolve the trade-off between the power and the cost of ABE systems. Based on these optimization results, direction for future work is suggested. This paper represents an important step forward in obtaining a cost-effective ABE system that will provide an attractive alternative to current approaches.
Seasonal Specialization and Selectivity of the Eastern Mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, Toward Planktonic Prey

Abstract Gambusia holbrooki (Eastern Mosquitofish) are often characterized as opportunistic surface feeders. We examined seasonal shifts in prey use, feeding specialization, and prey electivity to determine whether a feeding bias existed toward small planktonic prey. We sampled invertebrates (from the water column and from near plant surfaces) and Eastern Mosquitofish over 4 seasons in a wetland (Cobb County, GA). Gut analysis indicated seasonal shifts from large to small prey, particularly toward cladocerans, even when larger prey remained abundant. Small planktonic prey were consumed by all sizes of Eastern Mosquitofish. Electivities for cladocerans tended to be positive, whereas electivities for other prey, and especially copepods, were negative. Prey that would be expected to aggregate at the air—water interface were consumed in much greater proportions than those sampled elsewhere in the environment, suggesting that Eastern Mosquitofish are able to consume cladocerans caught in the surface tension.
We do language: English language variation in the secondary English classroom, by Anne H. Charity Hudley and Christine Mallinson

Since William Labov (1969) published his highly influential article “The Logic of Non-Standard English” in 1969, a growing number of sociolinguists have promoted the importance of teaching about la...
Responses of Mongoloid children to colored block presentation.

In an earlier study, Gramza and Witt (1969) examined choices of colored blocks in the play of 4- and 5-yr.-old normal children. The present study investigated the responses of a group of Mongoloid children presented with the same colored blocks. Only limited behavioral research has been done with Mongoloids and apparently no investigation has focused upon color preferences or block play in Mongolo~d children. The objectives of this study were to provide comparative data concerning the effects of color on block choices of Mongoloids and to examine block play itself in Mongoloid children. The test group consisted of 5 males and G females with a CA range of 66 to 95 mo. (144 = 81.5 mo.), an MA range of 23 to 53 mo. (M = 33.5 mo.) and an IQ (StanfordBinet Scale) range of < 30 to 56. Each was given Trials I, 11, and IV (limited availability of Ss prompted arbitrary exclusion of Trial 111) using red, blue, green and gray blocks exactly as described by Gramza and Witt (1969); as in the earlier study, blocks were presented in single color piles in Trials I and I1 while one multicolor block pile was presented in Trial IV. The only modifications of the earlier experimental method were verbal instructions were given at the imitative as well as the receptive language level and a passive instructor remained in the room with S during each session. No significant indications of preference for any one color or position were detected in Ss' use of blocks. In Trials I and I1 when single color piles were presented, in 7 of 17 cases where Ss made block choices, only a single color was used in each case; in the multicolor pile presentation of Trial IV, in all 9 cases where Ss chose blocks, more than one color was used. No clear trend was present in the number of blocks used per S/per trial. The following two major patterns were observed in the use Ss made of the blocks: G Ss (MA range 26 to 38 mo.) used blocks in a nonstructured fashion and in this group 2 Ss vigorously threw and scattered blocks about the test room while 4 SS simply relocated blocks in a manner thar lacked any discernable order; 5 Ss (MA range 23 to 53 mo.) used blocks in an ordered way which resulted in linear, square and vertically stacked groupings.
Multiple myeloma and macrogammaglobulinemia. I. Urinary protein excretions and serum interrelationships.

Protein studies measuring selected serum and urinary biopolymers, representing activities of different organ systems, e.g. , IgG, IgA, and C′3 complement (reticuloendothelial system), and albumin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, and alpha-2 macroglobulin (liver) are compared and discussed. Mean normal excretions were 2.91 mg. per 24 hr. for IgG, 2.00 mg. per 24 hr. for IgA, and 20.39 mg. per 24 hr. for albumin. Renal function was estimated using creatinine clearance. The data suggest that concentration variations in certain of the proteins of the plasma pool are related to altered renal function. Such differences strayed below the normal but little, yet significant quantities of these proteins were found in urine. The identification and quantitation of abnormal urinary protein components in urine of patients who have myelomatosis and macrogammaglobulinemia may eventually be useful in medical management.
When discriminative K-means meets Grassmann manifold: Disease gene identification via a general multi-view clustering method

Understanding the role of genetics in diseases is a challenging process that has multiple applications within functional genomics and precision medicine. In this paper, we present a general clustering method to identify disease genes under a multi-view setting. First, by incorporating the graph Laplacian of spectral clustering (SC) into the discriminative K-means, we obtain a single-view subspace representation, which is endowed with both discriminant power and geometrical structure information of that data layer. Then, integrating these individual subspaces together on the Grassmann manifold, we can further find a unified low-dimensional representation under the multi-view SC framework. The proposed two-stage method generalizes the single-view discriminative K-means and the multi-view Grassmann clustering, and can directly handle the case where both attribute-based data and interaction-based networks are available, which is extremely useful in biological research. As a case study of disease gene identification, we apply this method to a benchmark dataset that contains nine gene-by-term text profiles. Experimental results show that our method provides competitive results compared to the state-of-art clustering methods, including a similar one that fuses multiple kernels and Laplacians.
267 ACCURACY OF PERINEAL LACERATION REPORTING IN ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLINICAL DATA AT AN ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER.

Objective Perineal lacerations are a cause of significant morbidity following vaginal deliveries. Indeed, the rates of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations are now reported to national hospital auditing bodies, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), as a quality control measure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rates of third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) and to determine the accuracy of their reporting. Methods This study was constructed as a retrospective chart review. We included in our study all women who delivered at the UWMC between 7/1/99 and 6/30/05. Calculations of the total number of births included all women who delivered via spontaneous vaginal, cesarean, operative, or breech routes. Diagnoses of third- and fourth-degree vaginal lacerations were confirmed for individual patients by comparing the diagnosis in the clinical postpartum electronic medical record summary with the administrative ICD-9 billing code recorded for the patient. If discrepancies were found, the patient9s entire clinical chart was examined and data were reconciled if possible. Results Third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations were reported accurately overall, with a total of 488 of 10,511 total births (4.3%) flagged as resulting in third- or fourth-degree lacerations in either the clinical or the administrative databases. Of these, 165 appeared in only one of the databases, and this discrepancy was evaluated further by examining the patient9s primary clinical chart. From this disputed pool, 94 cases could be resolved and 71 remained unresolved. Of the 71 unresolved cases, 29 appeared in the administrative database only and 45 appeared in the clinical database only. After all the data were cleaned in this way, it was determined that 406 (3.9%) of the deliveries were reported to JCAHO, whereas 422 (4.0%) of the deliveries resulted in significant lacerations in the actual clinical setting. Conclusion Preliminary data suggest that third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations at the University of Washington are adequately reported to JCAHO, validating this measurement as a form of quality control.
The Economic Analysis of College Human Resource Loss in the New Period

With the entry of 21th century,the competition for human resource is becoming very intense.The flow of the human resource has become a phenomenon in the present society.The same thing appears among college faculty.The loss of a group of backbone techers,because the flow is the main reason that affects college faculty team construction, is the foremost problem that colleges and universities should deal with.
Effects of nano-sized and micro-sized silicon dioxide on expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in HaCaT cells

Objective To explore the effects of 15 nm and 100 nm SiO2 on expression levels of 3 oxidative-stress-related proteins including Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase-1(SOD-1),catalase(CAT) and glutathione reductase(GSR) in HaCaT cells. Methods HaCaT cells were treated with 15 nm and 100 nm SiO2 at the concentrations of 5.0,10.0,15.0 mg/L for 24 hours,respectively.The protein levels of SOD-1,CAT and GSR were analyzed by the method of Western blotting. Results Compared with those of the control,the treatment with 15 nm and 100 nm SiO2 could significantly alter the expression levels of SOD-1,CAT and GSR.When treated with 15 nm SiO2,the changes of SOD-1,CAT and GSH were down-regulated along with the SiO2 concentration increased.On the other hand,these 3 antioxidant enzymes were up-regulated along with 100 nm SiO2 concentration increased. Conclusion The data indicated that alternation of protein levels of antioxidant enzymes could be involved in cytotoxicity of HaCaT cells induced by 15 nm and 100 nm SiO2.The biological effects were related closely with particle size in HaCaT cells.
Urinary tract infections.

Acute, chronic, and recurrent urinary tract infections can be best dealt with once it is recognized that the nature of the problem often depends on the source of the bacteriuria. Is infection confi...
The Swollen Optic Disc in Children

Because of its potentially ominous implications, the discovery of optic disc elevation in a child is a cause for urgent neuro-ophthalmologic referral. The nature of the underlying disorder can often be predicted from the wording of the referring physician’s telephone call. Bilateral optic disc elevation without visual loss in a child with headaches, nausea, and vomiting, of several months duration creates a high index of suspicion for papilledema (i.e., swelling of the optic discs secondary to elevated intracranial pressure). Blurring of the nasal disc margins that is noted as an incidental finding in an otherwise healthy child is usually found to be pseudopapilledema (i.e., real or apparent elevation of the optic discs due to local structural factors). Optic disc swelling in the setting of acute visual loss usually signifies optic neuritis.
A preliminary controlled trial of divalproex in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Background Case reports and open trials have reported beneficial effects of divalproex in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The objective of this study was to conduct a placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and tolerability of divalproex in chronic PTSD patients. Methods Patients were randomized to receive placebo or divalproex. The primary outcome measure was the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Results Of 29 patients randomized, 16 received divalproex and 13 placebo. There were no significant differences between groups in mean change from baseline to end point (last observation carried forward) on the CAPS total score or subscales except for a significant decrease in avoidance/numbing scores with placebo. The only significant difference in secondary outcomes was a greater improvement in Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity favoring placebo. Conclusions Divalproex was not superior to placebo in this study. This could be due to lack of efficacy of divalproex in this population, inadequate sample size to detect differences, or other factors. Further study of divalproex is needed to better clarify the role of this agent in PTSD.
Effect of structural carbohydrates and lignin content on the anaerobic digestion of paper and paper board materials by anaerobic granular sludge

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of lignocellulosic materials is commonly limited by the hydrolysis step. Unlike unprocessed lignocellulosic materials, paper and paper board (PPB) are processed for their fabrication. Such modifications may affect their methane yields and methane production rates. Previous studies have investigated the correlation between lignin and biomethane yields of unprocessed lignocellulosic materials; nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the relationship between the AD kinetic parameters and composition of PPB. This study evaluated correlations of methane yields and Monod and Gompertz kinetic parameters with structural carbohydrates, lignin, and ash concentration of five types of PPBs. All components were used as single and combined independent variables in linear regressions to predict methane yield, maximum specific methanogenic activity (SMAmax), saturation constant (Ks), and lag phase (λ). Additionally, microbial community profiles were obtained for each PPB assay. Results showed methane yields ranging from 69.2 ± 8.61 to 97.2 ± 2.29% of PPB substrates provided. The highest correlation coefficients were obtained for SMAmax as function of hemicellulose / (lignin + ash) (R2 = 0.86) and for λ as a function of lignin + cellulose (R2 = 0.85). All other parameters exhibited weaker correlations (R2 ≤ 0.77). Relative abundance analyses revealed no major changes in the community profile for each of the substrates evaluated. The overall findings of this study are 1) combinations of structural carbohydrates, lignin, and ash used as ratios of degradable to either non-degradable or slowly degradable fractions predict AD kinetic parameters of PPB materials better than single independent variables, and 2) other components added during their fabrication may also influence both methane yield and kinetic parameters. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Complications, Risk Factors, and Staffing Patterns for Noncardiac Surgery in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Background:Patients with left ventricular assist devices presenting for noncardiac surgery are increasingly commonplace; however, little is known about their outcomes. Accordingly, the authors sought to determine the frequency of complications, risk factors, and staffing patterns.Methods:The authors
Digitizing Specimens in a Small Herbarium: A Viable Workflow for Collections Working with Limited Resources

Premise of the study: Small herbaria represent a significant portion of herbaria in the United States, but many are not digitizing their collections. Methods: At the Arkansas State University Herbarium (STAR), we have created a viable workflow to help small herbaria begin the digitization process, including suggestions for publishing data on the Internet. We calculated hourly rates of each phase of the digitization process. We also mapped accessions at the county level to determine geographic strengths in the collection. Results: All 17,678 accessioned flowering plant specimens at STAR are imaged, databased in Specify, and available electronically on the herbarium's website. Students imaged the specimens at a mean rate of 145/h. We found differences in databasing rates between the graduate student leading the project (47/h) and undergraduate assistants (25/h). The majority of specimens at STAR were collected within the counties neighboring the institution. Discussion: With this workflow, we estimate that ...
Review: In children and adults, vitamin D3 supplementation reduces risk for acute respiratory tract infection.

Source Citation Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant d...
Modeling Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport and Exchange Using a Closed Loop Circulatory System

The binding and buffering of O2 and CO2 in the blood influence their exchange in lung and tissues and their transport through the circulation. To investigate the binding and buffering effects, a model of blood-tissue gas exchange is used. The model accounts for hemoglobin saturation, the simultaneous binding of O2, CO2 , H+, 2,3-DPG to hemoglobin, and temperature effects [1,2]. Invertible Hill-type saturation equations facilitate rapid calculation of respiratory gas redistribution among the plasma, red blood cell and tissue that occur along the concentration gradients in the lung and in the capillary-tissue exchange regions. These equations are well-suited to analysis of transients in tissue metabolism and partial pressures of inhaled gas. The modeling illustrates that because red blood cell velocities in the flowing blood are higher than plasma velocities after a transient there can be prolonged differences between RBC and plasma oxygen partial pressures. The bloodtissue gas exchange model has been incorporated into a higher level model of the circulatory system plus pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange using the RBC and plasma equations to account for pH and CO2 buffering in the blood.
Ion Channel Localization in Axons

Axonal voltage-gated ion channels mediate diverse electrical events, the most fundamental being the propagation of anterograde action potentials from the soma to the presynaptic terminal. This and other axonal electrical events depend on the appropriate expression, localization, and function of a repertoire of axonal ion channels that together allow for efficient transmission of electrical signals. This article discusses the ion channels found on axons and the complex molecular interactions that generate and maintain their densities and activities at precise sites in axons. Disruption of ion channel localization by disease, injury, or genetic defect leads to conduction failures and neuropathological symptoms that, depending on the type of neuron affected, can include pain, blindness, ataxia, or epilepsy.
Ten Things You Might Not Know about Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

Since ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIOs) are not associated with a risk of nephrogenic sclerosis, they can serve as a safer contrast agents compared with gadolinium chelates for MR angiography, tissue perfusion studies, and atherosclerotic plaque and tumor imaging; USPIOs are especially beneficial for patients with renal insufficiency or patients with uncertain creatinine laboratory values.
Pirimiphos-Methyl Residues and Control of Greenhouse Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on Seven Vegetables

A gas chromatographic analysis of pirimiphos-methyl, Actellic®, residues on four leafy vegetables (celery, radicchio, cabbage and kohlrabi) and three fruity vegetables (green beans, pepper and cucu...