cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A rapid method to quantify neurons in mixed cultures based on the specific binding of [3H]ouabain to neuronal Na+,K(+)-ATPase.

Abstract The high-affinity binding of [ 3 H]ouabain to Na + ,K + -ATPase was characterized in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons grown on feeder layers of astrocytes. The specific binding of [ 3 H]ouabain was found to be time-dependent, high-affinity (apparent K d = 8.5nM), saturable ( B max = 20.6pmol/mg protein), dependent upon the presence of ATP, inhibited by K + , and directly proportional to neuronal, but not glial, cell number. Similar results were obtained using either sonicated cell suspensions or intact whole cells in culture. At the concentration of neurons routinely used, the specific binding of [ 3 H]ouabain to the astrocyte feeder layer constituted less than 10% of total specific binding. Agents that selectively kill neurons rather than glia, such as the excitotoxins N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) and kainate, reduced the amount of [ 3 H]ouabain specifically bound in mixed cultures in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Measurement of high-affinity [ 3 H]ouabain binding to the neuronal form of Na + ,K + -ATPase provides a simple, rapid, and reproducible method to quantify neurons in mixed culture.
Nitric Oxide: A Mediator of Endotoxin‐Induced Middle Ear Effusions

Using a rat model, the authors investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in endotoxin-induced middle ear effusion (MEE). After the eustachian tube was obstructed, the middle ear was transtympanically injected with 35 microL of either 1 mg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS and 1 mmol/L N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a competitive inhibitor of NO synthase. Over the next 6 hours, the fluid within the middle ear was collected every 2 hours, and the quantity of albumin in the fluid, an index of vascular leakage, was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. L-NAME significantly reduced LPS-induced vascular extravasation into the middle ear. Inoculation of the ear with L-arginine, the substrate for NO synthase, reversed the effects of L-NAME. These results indicate that NO is a mediator of LPS-induced MEE. Therefore, inhibition of NO synthase may represent a novel approach to the treatment of otitis media with effusion.
The Satellite Geoid may have a Westward Drift

SOME time ago in a communication, I presented a model which speculated on the origin of the D″ layer between the mantle and the core of the Earth1. This layer is believed to be predominantly a molten sludge of mantle material but is richer in silica and lighter in density than the mantle because some iron has been lost to the core. At the core–mantle boundary, the electric currents generate Peltier heating; mantle material will be melted, gradually become a molten sludge and produce undulations at the boundary.
Health systems and services: the role of acute care

As populations continue to grow and age, there will be increasing demand for acute curative services responsive to life-threatening emergencies, acute exacerbation of chronic illnesses and many routine health problems that nevertheless require prompt action. Emergency interventions and services should be integrated with primary care and public health measures to complete and strengthen health systems. This paper focuses on acute care within that context. First, we draw on standard World Health Organization (WHO) terminology to propose working terms to define “acute care”. Second, we highlight the fragmentation of service delivery that results from not adopting the proposed definition. Third, we show the potential contribution of acute care to integrated health systems designed to reduce all-cause morbidity and mortality. Finally, we propose key steps to further the development of acute care that leaders, researchers and health workers, who are the people responsible for maintaining strong national health systems, should consider taking.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AN ANSWER TO THE DILEMMAS OF COMMUNITY NURSING

Some issues that are salient to contemporary community nursing practice, including goals, levels of practice, roles, and settings are presented. Different positions on each issue are discussed. The opportunities offered for resolution of these issues by the construct of primary health care, as defined by the World Health Organization (Director-General's Report, 1975), are emphasized.
Extending the life of a chromatography data system by mixing computer platforms

Abstract The data system in the Robert L. Mitchell Technical Center chromatography laboratory was upgraded for improved file management capabilities by incorporating a PC file server to the existing computer hardware in the laboratory. A Tektronix 4105 terminal currently used as the system console was replaced with a Dell 486u50 PC with large SCSI disk and tape drives. This alternative provides for extended years of use of the current system (Concurrent 3203; P.E. Nelson, LIMS-2000 ‘CLAS only’). By using good communications between the two systems, limited disk space on the Concurrent system is freed for additional software. Improved file organization and storage is obtained for all of the files generated in the laboratory, by capitalizing on software benefits of the PC operating system. This file organization provides more access to older files than does simple archiving to tape, which makes the files relatively inaccessible. This upgrade also benefits from much lower pricing for the PC hardware rather than a comparable larger Concurrent computer. A file nomenclature system is described to naturally manage files relative to work flow in the laboratory.
Bilateral symmetry in finer lines of increased density.

Radiogrammetric comparisons of the left and right femora of adult archaic Indian Knoll specimens from Kentucky show bilateral correspondence in more than 50% of “key” lines of increased radiographic density, indicating the symmetrical nature of the original developmental events.
In obesity with type 2 diabetes, duodenal-jejunal bypass liners improved weight loss and HbA1c during treatment

Source Citation Koehestanie P, de Jonge C, Berends FJ, et al. The effect of the endoscopic duodenal-jejunal bypass liner on obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, a multicenter randomized controlled...
Design of Waveguide E-Plane Filters with All-Metal Inserts

Waveguide E-plane filters with all-metal inserts are designed by a procedure based on the reflection coefficients of axial inductive strips. The scattering matrix, representing the junction in a bifurcated waveguide, is calculated by a mode-matching method. The reflection coefficient for an inductive strip is then obtained by cascading two scattering matrices separated by a distance equal to the stripwidth. The design is valid up to moderate bandwidths, except for the narrowband design at the higher waveguide frequency range, where both the center frequency and the bandwidth are inaccurate. Possible sources of error are studied and a method minimizing the error is proposed.
Enhanced decomposition of selenium hyperaccumulator litter in a seleniferous habitat—evidence for specialist decomposers?

Selenium (Se) hyperaccumulation, when plant species accumulate upwards of 1,000 mg Se kg �1 dry weight (DW), protects plants from a variety of herbivores and pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant Se concentration on the rate of litter decomposition by invertebrates and microbes in a seleniferous habitat. Decomposition, Se loss, the decomposer community and soil Se concentration beneath leaf litter were compared between litter from two populations of the Se hyperaccumulator Astragalus bisulcatus (one population with 350 and the other with 550 mg Se kg �1 DW) and from the related non-accumulator species Astragalus drummondii and Medicago sativa containing 1- 2m g Se kg �1 DW using a litterbag method. High-Se litter decomposed faster than low- Se litter and supported more microbes and arthro- pods than low-Se leaf litter after 8 and 12 months, respectively. Soil collected from under high-Se litter had higher Se concentration than soil from beneath low-Se litter after 8 months. The higher decompo- sition rate and abundance of decomposers in high- Se litter indicates the presence of Se-tolerant decomposers in this seleniferous habitat that may have contributed to increased decomposition rates of high-Se litter.
Finite Element Analysis of the Random Response Suppression of Composite Panels at Elevated Temperatures using Shape Memory Alloy Fibers

A feasibility study on the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for suppression of the random response of composite panels due to acoustic loads at elevated temperatures is presented. The constitutive relations for a composite lamina with embedded SMA fibers are developed. The finite element governing equations and the solution procedures for a composite plate subjected to combined acoustic and thermal loads are presented. Solutions include: 1) Critical buckling temperature; 2) Flat panel random response; 3) Thermal postbuckling deflection; 4) Random response of a thermally buckled panel. The preliminary results demonstrate that the SMA fibers can completely eliminate the thermal postbuckling deflection and significantly reduce the random response at elevated temperatures.
Alterations of Testicular Histology and Chromosomes in Patients with Constitutional Sexual Precocity Treated with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

Alterations of testicular histology and meiotic chromosomes are presented from four patients with constitutional sexual precocity, who had received medroxyprogesterone acetate for 1 1/2 to 6 3/12 years. Biopsies were obtained on three patients while receiving the drug. On the fourth patient, who was treated for 6 3/12 years, it was obtained one year after discontinuing therapy. In those receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate, spermatogenesis was arrested near the end of first meiotic prophase and alterations in histology were similar. Chromosomes showed the common characteristics of stickiness and condensation associated with degeneration. Aneuploidy and polyploidy were present. Spermatogonial mitoses as well as meiotic spreads were affected. Changes in tissue sections correlated with these findings, showing pyknosis, sloughing, and some polyploidy with sparse meiotic cells. Other common findings were increased tubular wall thickness including the basement membrane, closing of lumina, missing cells near tu...
A comparison of sequential and nonsequential specification searches in testing factorial invariance.

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of modification indices (MIs) in finding correct partial invariance models when testing factorial invariance across groups of interest. In the present study, we examined the two commonly used approaches in this area—namely, nonsequential search and sequential search. Using the nonsequential search procedure, partial invariance models can be found by relaxing at once all the MIs larger than a certain cutoff value (usually, 3.84) at the first place, whereas in the sequential search method, the models are modified by relaxing one constrained parameter (usually the parameter with the largest MI) at a time and reanalyzing the models after each parameter has been relaxed. Our simulation results showed that the nonsequential search can lead to extremely high false positive rates and that it is highly likely that some invariant items will be incorrectly identified as noninvariant. In consequence, the nonsequential search method will likely lead to inadequately modifying scales. However, the sequential search method using MIs performed well and produced good true positive and false positive rates across all simulation conditions. Recommendations based on the findings are provided, and limitations of the study are discussed.
A fast color constancy scheme for automobile video cameras

Color constancy (CC) is an important requirement for all digital imaging and many computer vision systems. Video photography applications such as automobile video cameras required to have the CC schemes that exhibit quick and accurate response to rapidly changing scene illuminant. This paper presents a fast and effective CC scheme specifically suited for automobile video cameras. The proposed CC scheme uses combination of a static method for illuminant estimation called White Patch Retinex (WPR) and a computationally efficient linear transformation model for WB correction of the images. The scheme also introduces novel temporal filtering of the WB parameters to avoid the field flicker noise. Exhaustive testing of the scheme in laboratory and real life test conditions have shown the it to be effective under various lighting conditions. The paper also presents details of its implementation on an embedded processing platform to achieve HD video processing at the frame rate of 60 frames per second.
Mitochondria-Targeted Nitroxide, Mito-CP, Suppresses Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Survival In Vitro and In Vivo

Context: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor mainly caused by mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. For MTC therapy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved vandetanib and cabozantinib, multikinase inhibitors targeting RET and other tyrosine kinase receptors of vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, or hepatocyte growth factor. Nevertheless, not all patients with the progressive MTC respond to these drugs, requiring the development of additional therapeutic modalities that have distinct activity. Objective: We aimed to evaluate mitochondria-targeted carboxy-proxyl (Mito-CP), a mitochondria-targeted redox-sensitive agent, for its tumor-suppressive efficacy against MTC. Design: In vitro cultures of 2 human MTC cell lines, TT and MZ-CRC-1, and TT xenografts in mice were treated with Mito-CP in comparison with vandetanib. The effects on cell survival/death, RET expression, mitochondrial integrity, and oxidative stress were determined. Results: Contr...
Dependency Plots Suggest the Kinetic Structure of Ion Channels

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that regulate ionic flux through cell membranes by opening and closing (gating) their pores. The gating can be monitored by observing step changes in the current flowing through single channels, and analysis of the observed open and closed interval durations has provided a window to develop kinetic models for the gating process. One difficulty in developing such models has been to determine the connections (transition pathways) among the various kinetic states involved in the gating. To help overcome this difficulty we present a transform (dependency plot) of the single-channel data that can give immediate insight into the connections. A dependency plot is derived by calculating a contingency table from a two-dimensional (joint density) dwell-time distribution of adjacent open and closed intervals by assuming that the two classified criteria are the open and closed durations of each pair of adjacent intervals. A three-dimensional surface plot of the fractional difference between the numbers of observed interval pairs and the numbers expected if the durations of adjacent intervals are independent then gives the dependency plot. An excess of interval pairs in the dependency plot suggests that the open and closed states (or compound states) that give rise to the interval pairs in excess are directly connected. A deficit of interval pairs suggests that the open and closed states (or compound states) that give rise to the interval pairs in deficit are either not directly connected or that there are additional open-closed transition pathways arising from the directly connected states.
Programmed population control by cell-cell communication and regulated killing.

De novo engineering of gene circuits inside cells is extremely difficult, and efforts to realize predictable and robust performance must deal with noise in gene expression and variation in phenotypes between cells. Here we demonstrate that by coupling gene expression to cell survival and death using cell–cell communication, we can programme the dynamics of a population despite variability in the behaviour of individual cells. Specifically, we have built and characterized a ‘population control’ circuit that autonomously regulates the density of an Escherichia coli population. The cell density is broadcasted and detected by elements from a bacterial quorum-sensing system, which in turn regulate the death rate. As predicted by a simple mathematical model, the circuit can set a stable steady state in terms of cell density and gene expression that is easily tunable by varying the stability of the cell–cell communication signal. This circuit incorporates a mechanism for programmed death in response to changes in the environment, and allows us to probe the design principles of its more complex natural counterparts.
BOB-router: A new buffering-aware global router with over-the-block routing resources optimization

In this paper, we propose a new global router, BOB-Router, endowed with the ability to use over-the-block routing resources to the greatest extent in addition to traditional routing concepts of minimizing wirelength, via count and overflow. In previous global routing formulations, the routing resources over the IP blocks were either dealt as routing blockages leading to a significant waste, or simply treated in the same way as outside-the-block routing resources, which violates the slew constraints and thus fail buffering. Utilizing over-the-block routing resources could dramatically improve the routing solution, yet requires special attention, since the slew, affected by different RC on different metal layers, must be constrained by buffering and is easily violated. Moreover, even all nets are slew-legalized, the routing solution could still suffer from heavy congestion problem. For the first time, BOB-Router tries to solve the over-the-block global routing problem through minimizing overflows, wirelength and via count simultaneously without violating slew constraints. BOB-Router generates a slew-legalized initial solution followed by a Lagrangian-multiplier-based pricing phase and RC-constrained A* search to help explore new buffering-aware topologies on all metal layers. Our experimental results show that BOB-Router completely satisfies the slew constraints and significantly outperforms the obstacle-avoiding global routers in terms of wirelength, via count and overflows.
Correlating metastable-atom density, reduced electric field, and electron energy distribution in a 1-torr argon discharge

Direct measurement of the intensities of the Ar 420.1nm and 419.8nm spectral lines, independent measurement of meta-stable-atom density, electron density, and electron temperature, inferred measurement of reduced electric field, and assumptions of the shape of the electron energy distribution in a 1-torr argon discharge are correlated within the extended-corona-model framework applied to the late stage of a pulsed discharge-tube plasma to determine the reaction rate constants k ij 1 that are used to predict the 420.1nm to 419.8nm line ratio1. The model predicts post-transient metastable density. The diagnostic use of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to follow experimental conditions from start to end of the transient phase of the pulsed discharge is discussed.
Bovine lens γ-glutamyl transpeptidase

Abstract An enzyme, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, capable of using glutathione as a substrate, was demonstrated in the bovine lens. The capsule-epithelium fraction contained the highest concentration of enzyme activity, but a substantial proportion of the total was contained in the cortical fraction at a low level. The enzyme, purified from the capsule-epithelium fraction with the aid of a spectrophotometric assay based upon γ-glutamyl- p -nitroanilide cleavage, was solubilized by sodium deoxycholate and further purified by butanol extraction and gel exclusion chromatography. The enzymic synthesis of a transpeptidation product, γ-glutamylmethionine, from glutathione or γ-glutamyl- p -nitroanilide and l -methionine was demonstrated. A possible role of the enzyme in amino acid transport is discussed.
POULTRY PRODUCT QUALITY. 2. Storage Time‐Temperature Effects on Carbonyl Composition of Cooked Turkey and Chicken Skin Fractions

SUMMARY: The carbonyl compounds in cooked turkey and chicken skin fractions after storage were isolated as their 2,4-dinitrophenylhdrazones. The monocarbonyl class was separated into methyl ketones, 2-enals and 2,4-dienals and measured spectrophotometrically. The turkey skin residue fraction contained higher concentrations of carbonyls than did the chicken samples. The oil extract from the skin of both groups was similar in carbonyl concentration. Lower storage temperature dramatically lowered the development of carbonyls. Phospholipid phosphorus determinations indicated the residue contained high levels of polar lipid; whereas, negligible amounts were in the oil. Thin-layer chromatography of the carbonyl classes from the skin residue indicated mainly C7-C9 2-enals and C8, C9 2, 4-dienals in the unsaturated aldehyde fractions. Changes in fatty acid composition of the residue polar lipids during storage suggested linoleic and arachidonic acids as the probable substrates in autoxidative deterioration.
The anti-tumor activity of anti-CTLA-4 is mediated through its induction of IFNγ

The T-cell-specific receptor, CTLA-4, has been demonstrated to be a potent negative regulator of lymphocyte activation, the functional significance of which has been demonstrated in murine tumor models using blocking antibodies. However, the mechanism(s) involved in enhancing tumor regression has not been identified. In this study, we determined whether IFNγ was playing a role in this activity. In vitro, anti-CTLA-4 enhanced IFNγ production by lymph node cells obtained from tumor-bearing mice (351 pg/ml vs 77 pg/ml). Additionally, fibrosarcoma-challenged animals treated with anti-CTLA-4 had elevated levels of the IFN-inducible enzyme 2-5-OAS in draining lymph nodes (850 pM vs 260 pM for controls) and an increased amount of IFNγ in tumor lysates (at day 7, 620 pg/100 μg vs 160 pg/100 μg in controls). The importance of IFNγ was demonstrated by the ability of neutralizing antibodies to completely abrogate the anti-tumor effects of anti-CTLA-4. Moreover, fibrosarcoma cells were shown to be exquisitely sensitive to IFNγ-mediated class I upregulation and histological examination of tumors from anti-CTLA-4-treated mice revealed a trend toward increased tumor cell apoptosis and decreased angiogenesis. These studies have demonstrated that one mechanism for the anti-tumor effects of anti-CTLA-4 relates to its ability to augment IFNγ production, resulting in an increased expression of class I on the tumor, enhanced apoptosis, and a decrease in blood vessel growth.
Nondestructive imaging of fragile sea-floor vent deposit samples

X-ray computed tomography was used to detail the internal structure of sea-floor hydrothermal vent samples. A third-generation industrial computed tomography (CT) scanner with a microfocus tube was used to scan a black smoker chimney and cores taken from a white smoker chimney and a block of Fe-rich sulfide. Images of the black smoker chimney clearly show sulfide- versus anhydrite-dominated areas. Display of pore space in three dimensions shows the complex geometry of the main flow conduit, and also much smaller (2–3 mm diameter) conduits within the chimney wall that parallel the main flow conduit. Images of the white smoker sample document the continuity of an anastomosing ∼1-mm-diameter flow conduit, and the pronounced anisotropy of porosity. Tube structures presumed to be casts of worm tubes are clearly evident in images of the Fe-rich sulfide sample. X-ray CT is an excellent technique for rapidly identifying the internal structure of porosity and mineralogy of fragile hydrothermal precipitates on scales of tens of microns to hundreds of millimeters, and data can be used to deduce styles of fluid flow and other processes involved in vent deposit formation.
Data from kinships of monozygotic twins indicate maternal effects on verbal intelligence

Familial resemblance in intellectual skills is well documented, but its interpretation is a source of continuing controversy. The critical problem is that a family's shared genes are confounded with its shared experiences, and controls possible in animal research (selective mating, cross-fostering, and uniform or randomised environments) do not directly apply to human subjects. Conventional twin and family methods reveal substantial genetic variance in intelligence quotient (IQ) test scores, but the same methods also document significant environmental influences. Research designs which can identify the nature of these environmental factors may effect progress in the 'IQ debate' (ref. 1). The families of monozygotic (MZ) twins provide a new research design which permits a unique assessment of maternal influences in quantitative traits. We describe here initial applications of the design to verbal IQ, with results suggesting that maternal effects significantly contribute to familial similarity in verbal intelligence.
A continuous method of monitoring water quality by chlorine consumption under ultraviolet radiation

Abstract Aiming at application to the monitoring of polluted waters an apparatus for the measurement of chlorine consumption under ultraviolet radiation has been constructed: examinations have been made on aqueous solutions of 51 compounds and on raw waters at a water purification plant. Compounds examined are roughly divided into three groups based on the effect of ultraviolet radiation. Combination of chlorine and ultraviolet light permits far more rapid consumption of chlorine for various organic compounds than in the case of mere contact of chlorine and organic compounds in the dark. However, it may be a defect of this method that acetic acid, a biochemically important substance, does not consume chlorine even under irradiation. Values obtained were rather complicated as compared with COD: the differences between the compounds in Group I and those in Group II were great. However, rough differentiation between these two groups of compounds would be possible especially when the concentrations of the compounds in Group II were low. This method seems to have the possibility of application to the feed-forward control of chlorination such as in water purification process. The proportionality and additivity of chlorine consumption data in mixed solutions were obtained only in low substrate concentrations. As the catalysts (or photosensitizers) in this method mercury (II) and lead (II) salts were found effective. In order to eliminate possible interferences both by the fouling due to pollutants and by the coexistence of electroactive components, a gaseous-chlorine detector has been constructed and successfully applied to the measurement with some special substrates and river waters.
Evidence of resilience in families of children with autism

Background Family resilience is a growing field of inquiry, investigating factors that contribute to a family’s becoming stronger in spite of dealing with adversity. Despite the growing interest in studying family resilience, the topic has not been explored in families with children who have disabilities.This report, a part of a larger study ‐ using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies ‐ is an examination of factors of family resilience in the families of children with autism. Evidence of family resilience such as family connectedness and closeness, positive meaning-making of the disability, and spiritual and personal growth were identified and examined in this part of the study. Method The study uses a survey methodology, analysing responses to several rating scales and written responses to three open-ended questions. Survey respondents consisted of !"# parents and other primary caregivers of a child with autism ‐ ages between $ and !% years. Results Results suggest identification of specific resilience processes, such as: making positive meaning of disability, mobilization of resources, and becoming united and closer as a family; finding greater appreciation of life in general, and other people in specific; and gaining spiritual strength. Conclusions This study presents evidence that a considerable number of families of children with autism display factors of resilience ‐ reporting having become stronger as a result of disability in the family.
Parametric methods for anomaly detection in aggregate traffic

This paper develops parametric methods to detect network anomalies using only aggregate traffic statistics, in contrast to other works requiring flow separation, even when the anomaly is a small fraction of the total traffic. By adopting simple statistical models for anomalous and background traffic in the time domain, one can estimate model parameters in real time, thus obviating the need for a long training phase or manual parameter tuning. The proposed bivariate parametric detection mechanism (bPDM) uses a sequential probability ratio test, allowing for control over the false positive rate while examining the tradeoff between detection time and the strength of an anomaly. Additionally, it uses both traffic-rate and packet-size statistics, yielding a bivariate model that eliminates most false positives. The method is analyzed using the bit-rate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) metric, which is shown to be an effective metric for anomaly detection. The performance of the bPDM is evaluated in three ways. First, synthetically generated traffic provides for a controlled comparison of detection time as a function of the anomalous level of traffic. Second, the approach is shown to be able to detect controlled artificial attacks over the University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, campus network in varying real traffic mixes. Third, the proposed algorithm achieves rapid detection of real denial-of-service attacks as determined by the replay of previously captured network traces. The method developed in this paper is able to detect all attacks in these scenarios in a few seconds or less.
Outcomes and prediction of hospital readmission after intestinal surgery

BACKGROUND: Clinical care pathways reduce postoperative stay after major bowel operations. Concerns about unexpected early readmissions and delays in diagnosis of complications remain unanswered. The objectives of this study were determination of readmission rate and outcomes for patients undergoing intestinal operations. STUDY DESIGN: Patients readmitted (PR) within 30 days of discharge after intestinal operations were compared with patients who were not readmitted (NR). Variables that might predict readmission were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 553 patients, 56 (10.1%) were readmitted after 10 days (interquartile range [IQR] 4.5 to 15.5 days). PR and NR groups had similar age, gender, diagnosis, preoperative comorbidities, and index operations. Discharge hemoglobin level, white cell count, antibiotic use, or presence of stoma did not affect readmission. PR had a greater frequency of steroid use (p = 0.03) during index admission. Median length of stay for the index hospitalization was 5 days (IQR 4 to 8 days) for the NR and 6 days (IQR 4.8 to 9 days) for the PR group (p = 0.049). Duration of readmission was 4 days (IQR 2 to 9 days) in the PR group, with equal total median length of stay identical for PR and NR patients with complications (median 12 days). Clinical outcomes for PR patients and NR patients with complications were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Early readmission is an unpredictable sequel of major bowel operations; it does not correlate with shorter hospital stay. Identification of unpredictable complications after discharge that require later invasive intervention does not adversely affect clinical outcomes. Readmission within 30 days of a patient who has attained standardized discharge criteria may not be a valid indicator of poor quality of care.
skWiki: a multimedia sketching system for collaborative creativity

We present skWiki, a web application framework for collaborative creativity in digital multimedia projects, including text, hand-drawn sketches, and photographs. skWiki overcomes common drawbacks of existing wiki software by providing a rich viewer/editor architecture for all media types that is integrated into the web browser itself, thus avoiding dependence on client-side editors. Instead of files, skWiki uses the concept of paths as trajectories of persistent state over time. This model has intrinsic support for collaborative editing, including cloning, branching, and merging paths edited by multiple contributors. We demonstrate skWiki's utility using a qualitative, sketching-based user study.
T.W. Schultz and the Human-Capital Approach to Entrepreneurship ∗

This paper was presented at the Principal Paper session, “AAEA Invited Paper Session in Memory of T.W. Schultz,” Allied Social Sciences Association annual meeting, Boston, January 6-8, 2006.
A new set of invariants for linear systems--Application to reduced order compensator design

A new set of invariants for linear systems, weighting the contribution of each state component to the inherent closed-loop LQG behavior of the system is presented, together with applications to model order reduction and reduced order compensator design.
Improbability filtering for rejecting false positives

We describe an approach, called improbability filtering, to rejecting false-positive observations from degrading the tracking performance of an extended Kalman-Bucy filter. Improbability filtering removes false-positives by rejecting low likelihood observations as determined by the model estimates. It offers a computationally fast and robust method for removing this form of white noise without the need for a more advanced filter. We describe an application of the improbability filter approach to extended Kalman-Bucy filters for tracking ten robots and a ball moving at speeds approaching 5 m s/sup -1/ both accurately and reliably in real-time based on the observations of a single color camera. The environment is highly dynamic and non-linear, as exemplified by the motion of the ball which varies from free rolling under friction, to roiling up 45/spl deg/ inclined walls at the boundary, to being manipulated in unpredictable ways by a mechanical apparatus on each robot. The sensing apparatus, a camera and color blob tracking algorithms, suffers from the usual noise, latency, intermittency, as well as from false-positives caused by the misidentification of an observed object with a nonnegligible likelihood.
Nightside thermospheric FUV emissions due to energetic neutral atom precipitation during magnetic superstorms

[1] TIMED/GUVI detected anomalous FUV emissions from the nightside thermosphere over a wide latitude range, from the subauroral latitudes to the equatorial regions during each of three magnetic superstorms (29–31 October 2003, 20 November 2003, and 7–10 November 2004). We note that during the one case (7–10 November 2004) where there were coincident measurements of the flux of energetic particles as observed by IMAGE HENA, the FUV intensity (as seen in five bandpasses or “colors”: 121.6 nm, 130.4 nm, 135.6 nm, LBHS (140–150 nm) and LBHL (165–180 nm)) showed qualitative agreement with the behavior of the energetic neutral atoms (ENA). This suggests that the source of the FUV emissions is the ENA originating from the ring current. We also found that for all three storms we studied that the FUV intensities are well correlated with Dst. The intensity in all colors is observed to increase with latitude up to the auroral oval. Except for 121.6 nm, the observed intensities exhibit a sharp decrease near the magnetic equator region. The origin, location, and spatial extent of the FUV emissions is quite different from that of the traditional aurora, we find that this phenomena is consistent with neutral particle precipitation. We call this signature of the coupling of the ring current and the thermosphere the neutral particle aurora.
Hematologic values of the yucatan miniature pig.

Summary Mean values and ranges for 16 hematological parameters for healthy, young, sexually-mature Yucatan miniature swine are presented. No significant differences were observed between sexes with regard to hemograms. Comparison of observed values with those published in the literature for standard domestic and other breeds of miniature swine reveals no major differences.
Characterization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins in the thermogenic muscles of fish

Marlins, sailfish, spearfishes, and swordfish have extraocular muscles that are modified into thermogenic organs beneath the brain. The modified muscle cells, called heater cells, lack organized myofibrils and are densely packed with sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), transverse (T) tubules, and mitochondria. Thermogenesis in the modified extraocular muscle fibers is hypothesized to be associated with increased energy turnover due to Ca2+ cycling at the SR. In this study, the proteins associated with sequestering and releasing Ca2+ from the SR (ryanodine receptor, Ca2+ ATPase, calsequestrin) of striated muscle cells were characterized in the heater SR using immunoblot and immunofluorescent techniques. Immunoblot analysis with a monoclonal antibody that recognizes both isoforms of nonmammalian RYRs indicates that the fish heater cells express only the alpha RYR isoform. The calcium dependency of [3H]ryanodine binding to the RYR isoform expressed in heater indicates functional identity with the non-mammalian alpha RYR isoform. Fluorescent labeling demonstrates that the RYR is localized in an anastomosing network throughout the heater cell cytoplasm. Measurements of oxalate supported 45Ca2+ uptake, Ca2+ ATPase activity, and [32P]phosphoenzyme formation demonstrate that the SR contains a high capacity for Ca2+ uptake via an ATP dependent enzyme. Immunoblot analysis of calsequestrin revealed a significant amount of the Ca2+ binding protein in the heater cell SR. The present study provides the first direct evidence that the heater SR system contains the proteins necessary for Ca2+ release, re-uptake and sequestration, thus supporting the hypothesis that thermogenesis in the modified muscle cells is achieved via an ATP-dependent cycling of Ca2+ between the SR and cytosolic compartments.
Basic Models for Disease Occurrence in Epidemiology

Background One of the epidemiologist's most basic tasks is estimation of disease occurrence. To perform this task, the epidemiologist frequently models variability in disease occurrence using one of three distributions--the binomial, the Poisson or the exponential distribution. Although epidemiologists often use them and their properties appear in standard texts, we know of no text or review that compares and contrasts epidemiological application of these distributions. Methods In this commentary, we discuss these three basic distributions. We note key assumptions as well as limitations, and compare results from analyses based on each distribution. Results and conclusions We illustrate that the three distributions, although superficially different, often lead to similar results. We argue that epidemiologists should often obtain similar results regardless of which distribution they use. We also point out that application of all three distributions can be inappropriate if assumptions of independence or homogeneity of risks fail to hold. Finally, we briefly review how these basic distributions can be used to justify use of other distributions, such as the Gaussian distribution, for studying disease-exposure associations.
Cusco: Urbanism and Archaeology in the Inka World. By Ian Farrington. (Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2013. Pp. xx, 409. $79.95.)

The city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, remains one of the most understudied cities of the ancient Americas. Located at 3,400-m (11,155 ft) in the South Central Andes of Peru, Cusco form...
Multiple-implementation testing for XACML implementations

Many Web applications enhance their security via access-control systems. XACML is a standardized policy language, which has been widely used in access-control systems. In an XACML-based access-control system, policies, requests, and responses are written in XACML. An XACML implementation implements XACML functionalities to validate XACML requests against XACML policies. To ensure the quality of an XACML-based access-control system, we need an effective means to test whether the XACML implementation correctly implements XACML functionalities. The test inputs of an XACML implementation are XACML policies and requests. The test outputs are XACML responses. This paper proposes an approach to detect defects in XACML implementations via observing the behaviors of different XACML implementations for the same test inputs. As XACML has been widely used, we can collect different XACML implementations, and test them with the same XACML polices and requests to observe whether the different implementations produce different responses. Based on the analysis of different responses, we can detect defects in different XACML implementations. We show the feasibility of the proposed approach with a preliminary study on three XACML implementations.
Oxygen isotopic composition of Neogene molluscan fossils from the Eel River Basin of California

Temporal changes in the oxygen isotopic composition of specimens of fossils (mainly the bivalves Macoma and Pecten ) from four sections of Neogene rocks exposed in the Eel River Basin of northern California resulted from changes in temperature and global glacier volume. The temperature was higher (probably 10–15 °C) during the early history of the basin than later. The temperature was probably 5–10 °C during much of the Plio-Pleistocene and showed no well-defined trends, even though the depth of deposition decreased considerably during that time interval. This uniformity was due to strong upwelling of deep water that kept the shallow-water temperatures low. Samples from shallow-water and relatively inland settings at Holmes and Garberville have lower 18 O/ 16 O ratios than do samples from the other two sections. This is because of either higher temperature of these shallow waters or dilution of the sea water by isotopically light fresh water. The difference in fractionation of oxygen isotopes between calcite ( Pecten ) and aragonite ( Macoma ) fossils potentially provides a means of determining oxygen isotope–based paleotemperatures that is independent of the isotopic composition of the water in which the animals lived. The carbon isotopic composition shows a vital effect and is more variable in the nearshore samples.
Fluid shear influences binding magnitude of S. aureus suspended in blood to collagen

S. aureus is responsible for many blood-born infections and has demonstrated increasing antibiotic resistance. S. aureus-collagen binding interactions have been shown important in infections such as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. However, their role in blood-born infections has not been determined. In infective endocarditis, bacteria and platelets combine forming thrombi on the traumatized vasculature surface. In this process collagen serves as a potential binding surface for S. aureus. Platelets and S. aureus both bind collagen under shear conditions, with platelets being much more reactive. We examined the ability of S. aureus cells suspended in whole blood to bind a collagen surface under physiologically low (100 s/sup -1/) and high (1000 s/sup -1/) fluid shear conditions. A parallel plate flow chamber was used to create a defined shear environment. The location (at the collagen surface or in the platelet aggregate above the collagen surface) and number of bacteria cells were quantified under fluorescence using confocal laser microscopy. Despite the highly reactive platelet/collagen interactions, results demonstrate that under both shear conditions the S. aureus cells bind the collagen surface in significant number. However, there are more S. aureus-collagen interactions under low shear conditions than high, where the S. aureus-platelet interactions are more abundant.
Temporal Implications of Information Technology for Work Practices: Organizing in and for Time in an Emergency Department

We investigate the temporal implications of information technology by examining its use in the work practices of physicians and nurses in an emergency department. We conceptualize that the temporality in work practices is constituted by temporal enactment (e.g., linearity), temporal construal (e.g., autonomy), and temporal spatiality (e.g., regionalization). By using this categorization we found that information technology impinges on temporal organizing by imposing its specific temporal logics and by being location dependent. Distinct information technologies have different impacts on temporality in work, and temporal effects of the same information technology vary across work groups. This highlights the need for alternative technological configurations to support varying temporal practices. The findings underscore the potential of information technology as a temporal boundary object that reconciles differences in temporal organizing of work groups.
Paternal, maternal, and biparental inheritance of the chloroplast genome in Passiflora (Passifloraceae): implications for phylogenetic studies

Patterns of inheritance of the chloroplast genome in Passiflora were analyzed by examining the progeny from both interspecific and intraspecific crosses. Artificial crosses of field-collected material were performed in greenhouses at The University of Texas at Austin. DNA from fresh leaf material was analyzed by Southern blot techniques to identify the donor of the chloroplast genome. Initially, single progeny were analyzed for 11 crosses; two intraspecific crosses demonstrated maternal inheritance, whereas the nine interspecific crosses had paternal inheritance. Subsequently, the donor of the chloroplast genome was determined for multiple progeny in seven crosses. Passiflora oerstedii × P. retipetala showed strict paternal inheritance in all of 17 progeny. A series of five crosses and backcrosses between P. oerstedii and P. menispermifolia demonstrated strictly paternal inheritance. Finally, when 15 progeny were analyzed for the P. costaricensis × P. costaricensis cross, 12 of the 15 showed maternal inheritance, whereas the remaining three were biparental. Interestingly, all interspecific crosses had primarily paternal inheritance, whereas all intraspecific crosses had primarily maternal inheritance. The implications of heteroplasmy on phylogenetic analyses of chloroplast DNA are discussed.
Validation of Evoked-Response Audiometry (Era) in Deaf Children

(1966). Validation of Evoked-Response Audiometry (Era) in Deaf Children. International Audiology: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 77-81.
mRNA regulation: A patch for a splice

The spliceosome is an immensely complex molecular machine tasked with stitching together coding regions of genes. New work reveals how a small molecule can affect this machinery in a model of spinal muscular atrophy, a disease linked to aberrant splicing.
The intrauterine contraceptive device and acute salpingitis: A multifactor analysis

From an indigent population hospitalized with acute salpingitis, 163 patients were compared with 222 control patients from the minor trauma section of the emergency room. Four factors were significantly different between cases and controls: race, type of contraception, number of sex partners, and previous history of salpingitis. A discriminate analysis based on a linear logistic equation demonstrated that each risk factor was independent rather than a reflection of another risk factor. Thus factors associated with race, IUD use, multiple sexual partners, and previous salpingitis increase the risk of salpingitis in the population studied.