cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of rotavirus among older children and adults with diarrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Older children and adults are susceptible to rotavirus, but the extent to which rotavirus affects this population is not fully understood, hindering accuracy of global rotavirus estimations. OBJECTIVE To determine what proportion of diarrhea cases are due to rotavirus among persons ≥ 5 years old and to estimate this proportion by age strata. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA guidelines. We included studies that reported on conditional rotavirus prevalence (i.e., percent of diarrhea due to rotavirus) in persons ≥ 5 years old who were symptomatic with diarrhea/gastroenteritis and had laboratory confirmation for rotavirus infection. Studies on nosocomial infections and outbreak investigations were excluded. We collected age group-specific conditional rotavirus prevalence and other variables, such as study geography, study setting, and study type. We calculated pooled conditional rotavirus prevalence, corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), heterogeneity (I2) estimates, and prediction intervals (PI). RESULTS Sixty-six studies from 32 countries met the inclusion criteria. Conditional rotavirus prevalence ranged from 0% to 30% across the studies. The total pooled prevalence of rotavirus among persons ≥ 5 years old with diarrhea was 7.6% (95% CI: 6.2-9.2%, I2 = 99.6%, PI: 0-24%). The pooled prevalence of rotavirus among older children and adolescents was 8.7% (95% CI: 6.2-11.7%, I2 = 96%, PI:0-27%), among younger adults was 5.4% (95% CI: 1.4-11.8%, I2 = 96%, PI:0-31%), and among older adults was 4.7% (95% CI: 2.8-7.0%, I2 = 96%, PI:0-16%). Pooled conditional rotavirus prevalences did not differ by other variables. CONCLUSION In this systematic review and meta-analysis of rotavirus among persons ≥ 5 years old with diarrhea, we found relatively low pooled conditional rotavirus prevalence compared to what is typically reported for children < 5 years; however, results should be interpreted with caution as the wide prediction intervals suggest large heterogeneity.
Central place foraging and shellfish processing on California's Northern Channel Islands

Abstract We use a central place forager model for shellfish processing to understand Middle Holocene (7550–3600 cal BP) human settlement patterns on California’s Northern Channel Islands. This period was associated with increasing sedentism and special purpose sites. We examine the processing and transport costs of two high-ranked shellfish species collected during the Middle Holocene, red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ) and California mussel ( Mytilus californianus ), and how these costs influence archaeological assemblages at coastal and interior settlements. Experimental data and the biology of these species suggest that red abalones are less likely than mussels to be transported long distances (∼2 km) without field processing. Consistent with these expectations, coastal red abalone midden sites (CA-SRI-109 and -338) are dominated by large red abalone shells and California mussels are most abundant at contemporaneous inland sites (e.g., CA-SRI-50). Large coastal settlement sites (CA-SRI-5, -19, -116, and -821) had the highest overall shellfish diversity. A stable oxygen isotope study suggests that special purpose sites were occupied seasonally and large coastal settlements were more likely to be inhabited year-round. Our study suggests that transportation and processing costs of food resources were important variables in the development of early hunter–gatherer settlement patterns.
SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY OF SalanH2-METAL COMPLEXES

Abstract The present work is an exploration into synthesis of complexes of general formula LH2M (where M = Mn, Fe, Cu, and Al). The results obtained for L = Salophan (M = Fe (1), Cu (2)); Salomphan (M = Mn (3), Fe(4), Cu(5); Salpan (M = Fe(6), Cu(7)) and L = Salean (M = AlCl) (8) are reported. When 8 is dissolved in MeOH, [SaleanH2AlOMe]2 (9) is formed. In MeOH, and in the presence of air, 1 and 4 undergo oxidation of both the ligand and metal (Fe(II) to Fe(III) to form the “half” Schiff base complexes, [SalophanHFeOMe]2 (10) and [SalomphanHFeOMe]2 (11). Compounds 9–11 were structurally characterized. Crystal Data: (9) C36H46Al2N4O7, Space Group P-1 (no. 2) with a = 7.536(1) A, b = 10.513(2)A, c = 11.997(2) A, α = 97.72(1), β = 94.040(10)°, γ = 102.73(1), V = 914.8(3) A3 and Z = 2. With 226 parameters refined on 1226 reflections having F>6.0[sgrave](F), the final R values were R = 0.0540 and Rw = 0.0565; (10), C46H46Fe2N4O8, Space Group P-1 (no. 2) with a = 9.400(2) A, b = 10.718(4) A, c = 12.354(3) A, α ...
Pneumatic Compression Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Lower-Extremity Lymphedema

Background Lymphedema is an incurable and disfiguring disease secondary to excessive fluid and protein in the interstitium as a result of lymphatic obstruction. Pneumatic compression (PC) offers a novel modality for treatment of lymphatic obstruction through targeting lymphatic beds and mimicking a functional drainage system. The objective of this study is to demonstrate improved quality of life in patients with lower-extremity lymphedema. Methods Consecutive patients presenting to a single institution for treatment of lymphedema were all treated with PC for at least 3 months. All patients underwent a pre- and post-PC assessment of episodes of cellulitis, number of ulcers, and venous insufficiency. Post-PC symptom questionnaires were administered. Symptom improvement was the primary outcome for analysis. Results A total of 100 patients met inclusion criteria. At presentation, 70% were female with a mean age of 57.5 years. Secondary lymphedema was present in 78%. Mean length of PC use was 12.7 months with a mean of 5.3 treatments per week. Ankle and calf limb girth decreased after PC use, (28.3 vs. 27.5 cm, P = 0.01) and (44.7 vs. 43.8 cm, P = 0.018), respectively. The number of episodes of cellulitis and ulcers pre- and post-PC decreased from mean of 0.26–0.05 episodes (P = 0.002) and 0.12–0.02 ulcers (P = 0.007), respectively. Fourteen percent had concomitant superficial venous insufficiency, all of whom underwent venous ablation. Overall 100% of patients reported symptomatic improvement post-PC with 54% greatly improved. 90% would recommend the treatment to others. Conclusions PC improves symptom relief and reduces episodes of cellulitis and ulceration in lower-extremity lymphedema. It is well tolerated by patients and should be recommended as an adjunct to standard lymphedema therapy. Screening for venous insufficiency is recommended.
Tax structure in Latin America: its impact on the real economy and compliance

In this paper we review the structure of tax systems in Latin America and analyze their impact on the real economy-- economic growth, macro-economic stability, income redistribution and foreign direct investment--, and on the extent of informality –the size of the shadow economy—and ‘tax morale.’
Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices – By David Crystal

Impressive in the comprehensive range of its illustrations and the clarity of its commentary, Evolving English presents a fascinating array of materials from the British Library that illustrate the...
“P-R” differences in intact cockroaches as a function of testing interval

One group of intact cockroaches was trained to keep a leg flexed in order to avoid a shock (P group) while a yoked control group (R) received shock independent of leg position. During retesting sessions where both P and R were trained, P received less shock than R on same-day and 24 h retests but after 48 h, R was avoiding better than P.
Determination of striatal extracellular γ-aminobutyric acid in non-hibernating and hibernating Arctic ground squirrels using quantitative microdialysis

This study determined extracellular concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid ([GABA](ecf)) in striatum of non-hibernating and hibernating arctic ground squirrels to test the hypothesis that an increase in [GABA](ecf) was associated with profound CNS depression during hibernation. Quantitative microdialysis procedures were employed to circumvent the effects of low temperature on the relative recovery of the analyte across the dialysis membrane and yielded for the first time quantitative in vivo estimates of [GABA](ecf) in any brain region or any species. Laboratory housed, wild caught Arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) were implanted intraperitoneally with radio transmitters that enabled the telemetric monitoring of activity and core body temperature (T(b)) and bilaterally implanted with cranial guide tubes that enabled the implantation of microdialysis probes into the striatum. Striatal [GABA](ecf) was determined in unrestrained, non-hibernating ground squirrels (T(b) range 34.7-38.9 degrees C) and hibernating ground squirrels (T(b) range 2.9-3.9 degrees C) using extrapolation to zero flow and very slow flow microdialysis techniques. The results show that [GABA](ecf) in non-hibernating squirrels was 73 nM and this level was decreased by approximately 50% during hibernation thereby suggesting that an increase in [GABA](ecf) does not play a major role in CNS depression during hibernation. The reduction of [GABA](ecf) parallels a decrease in plasma and CSF [glucose] and may be related to a decrease in GABA synthesis or reduced voltage dependent release. This paper demonstrates that measurement of extracellular concentrations of neurotransmitters in animals with vastly different body temperatures is possible using microdialysis techniques of extrapolation to zero flow or very slow flow rates that enable 100% recovery. Such quantitative techniques may prove valuable in the study of the neurochemistry of the cerebral mechanisms of hibernation and tolerance to cerebral ischemia exhibited by hibernating animals.
Reducing patient identification errors related to glucose point-of-care testing

Background: Patient identification (ID) errors in point-of-care testing (POCT) can cause test results to be transferred to the wrong patient's chart or prevent results from being transmitted and reported. Despite the implementation of patient barcoding and ongoing operator training at our institution, patient ID errors still occur with glucose POCT. The aim of this study was to develop a solution to reduce identification errors with POCT. Materials and Methods: Glucose POCT was performed by approximately 2,400 clinical operators throughout our health system. Patients are identified by scanning in wristband barcodes or by manual data entry using portable glucose meters. Meters are docked to upload data to a database server which then transmits data to any medical record matching the financial number of the test result. With a new model, meters connect to an interface manager where the patient ID (a nine-digit account number) is checked against patient registration data from admission, discharge, and transfer (ADT) feeds and only matched results are transferred to the patient's electronic medical record. With the new process, the patient ID is checked prior to testing, and testing is prevented until ID errors are resolved. Results: When averaged over a period of a month, ID errors were reduced to 3 errors/month (0.015%) in comparison with 61.5 errors/month (0.319%) before implementing the new meters. Conclusion: Patient ID errors may occur with glucose POCT despite patient barcoding. The verification of patient identification should ideally take place at the bedside before testing occurs so that the errors can be addressed in real time. The introduction of an ADT feed directly to glucose meters reduced patient ID errors in POCT.
Reconstruction Following the Pylorus Preserving Whipple Resection: PJ, HJ, and DJ

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is one of the most challenging procedures performed by general surgeons. Many studies have been performed looking at the technical aspects of reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenal resection. Multiple randomized trials have failed to convincingly demonstrate the superiority of any single approach or technique. Here, we illustrate our approach to reconstruction, with an emphasis on technical aspects and details. The fine points can help avoid technical errors that result in anastomotic failure.
A Comparative Analysis of Statistical Process Control, Theory D, and Behavior Analytic Approaches to Quality Control

This paper describes Statistical Process Control (SPC) in general terms and describes a well-known management strategy (Theory D) that elaborates on the basic SPC model (Deming, 1982). Theory D and Behavior Analytic aproaches to the management of quality control are contrasted and research related to these methods is described and discussed. Examples of management problems are presented and solutions based on these contrasting views are described to illustrate differences and similarities. It is concluded that Theory D and Behavior Analysis utilize similar measurement systems and that both place responsibility for change on management. However, it is also emphasized that Theory D focuses on antecedent or system variables as the sole source of important causal variation in organizations, while Behavior Analysis focuses on system variables as well as the consequences of individual worker behaviors. Use of both of these approaches as part of an integrated strategy is suggested.
Fourth-order quantum-chromodynamic contributions to the e + − e − annihilation cross section

We compute analytically the logarithmic corrections to the photon propagator to order ${g}^{4}$ in massless quantum chromodynamics. With ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}=\frac{{g}^{2}}{4{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}}$ defined by momentum-space subtraction, we find that $\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}({e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{hadrons})}{\ensuremath{\sigma}({e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}})}={\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{q}{{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{q}}^{2}(1+{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}+K{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}}^{2}+\ensuremath{\cdots})$, where $K=\frac{463}{48}+(\frac{85}{36}\sqrt{3}){\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}(\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{3})\ensuremath{-}11\ensuremath{\zeta}(3)+[(\frac{2}{3})\ensuremath{\zeta}(3)\ensuremath{-}\frac{23}{36}]{n}_{f}=\ensuremath{-}2.193+0.162{n}_{f}$ for ${n}_{f}$ flavors of quark. The computation is done in momentum space using a novel generalization to $4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions of the usual Chebyshev-polynomial expansion of Feynman propagators.
Chromogranin A: Its Role in Endocrine Function and as an Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumor Marker

CgA is a 49 kilodalton protein that is present in the secretory granules of most endocrine and many neuroendocrine cells. Detection of CgA in cells by immunocytochemistry and measurement of CgA in serum by immunoassay can serve as tissue and serum markers for CgA-producing tumors. CgA is of diagnostic value in classical endocrine tumors, in hormone-negative tumors, and in endocrine tumors in which other diagnostic procedures have their limitations. Although the biological function of CgA is yet unknown, it may serve as a precursor molecule, like POMC, for a family of biologically active peptides. CgA is an important new tool for the endocrinologist in the diagnosis and management of patients with endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors.
Apatite formation on TiO2 photocatalyst film in a pseudo body solution

Abstract TiO2 photocatalysts film supported on glass plate was soaked in a pseudo body solution (PBS) containing excess phosphate ions. The surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, thin-film X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transformed infrared methods. After soaking in the pseudo body solution for 1 day, a bone-like apatite layer was formed on the surface of the TiO2. The apatite layer was approximately 0.7 mm thick and made up of thin plate-like crystals. The haze values of dry and wet specimens were 28.47 and 9.51%, respectively. The apatite-coated TiO2 thin film could be used for antibacterial and environmental purification purposes.
Track Initiation of Occasionally Unresolved Radar Targets

In a dense detection environment track-while-scan algorithms will introduce many false tracks when processing is performed on a scan-by-scan basis. The maximum likelihood solution involving all detections on all scans is formulated and evaluated for the initiation problem consisting of false alarms, missed detections, and unresolved detections. A comparison is made between the maximum likelihood solutions including and not including the resolution likelihood and it is shown that the resolution likelihood must be included if the data contain unresolved detections. While the maximum likelihood method (with unresolved detections) does not appear to be implementable in real time without very high speed integrated circuit (VHSIC) technology, it can be used as a standard to which more implementable methods can be compared.
Investigating Learning Styles on Different Hypertext Environments: Hierarchical-like and Network-like Structures.

This article examines the effect of learning style on learner performance within two different hypertext structures. Each instructional environment is modeled by a Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) on the Shortest Path Algorithm. Both CBI applications have the same information but different structures for accessing the information. One CBI application with a hierarchical structure provides access to a concept only when all the subordinated concepts have been accessed. The other CBI application with a network structure provides access to any related concept with no limitations. Learning style was categorized using Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI). An experimental study conducted with forty students revealed that both applications were equally effective, and were able to accommodate learners with different learning styles. The study also found that learners using network structures completed the instruction sooner than learners using hierarchical structures, and there was no significant difference in th...
Structure and thermal decomposition of para- and ortho-xylene on Pt(111): a HREELS, LEED and TPD study

Abstract High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), thermal desorption spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) were used to investigate the low temperature adsorption structure and subsequent thermal decomposition of p- and o-xylene on Pt(111). Both xylenes adsorb intact on Pt(111) at 245 K with the aromatic ring oriented parallel to the surface. At about 350 K, both p- and o-xylene begin thermal decomposition by partial dehydrogenation of the methyl groups. Further decomposition pathways are markedly different for the two xylenes. For p-xylene, the remaining aliphatic and aromatic CH bonds break at about 550 K, leaving CH and C2H species on the surface. In contrast, the aliphatic groups of o-xylene completely dehydrogenate at about 440 K, leaving a fragment with the aromatic ring oriented nearly perpendicular to the surface.
Histologic Observation of Continuity of Transmural Microvessels Between the Perigraft Vessels and Flow Surface Microostia in a Porous Vascular Prosthesis

To ascertain the histologic relationship between flow surface microostia and perigraft vessels in the healing of a porous vascular prosthesis, a series of careful histologic examinations were carried out on a preclotted, knitted Dacron graft, 8 mm in diameter and 7 cm long, after implantation in the canine infrarenal abdominal aorta for 3 months. Four adjacent longitudinal tissue blocks were taken from the middle for evaluation by means of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunocytochemical staining, and the remainder of the specimen was stained with silver nitrate to allow visualization of microostia and cell borders on the flow surface. Following identification of two microostia adjacent to the area where samples had been taken for general healing evaluation, a 3 × 8 mm full-thickness block containing the microostia was embedded in glycol methacrylate and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Of 240 serial sections cut from this block, 80 were, prepared and examined. Silver staining revealed 42 microostia on the flow surface. Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy with endothelial factor VIII/von Willebrand factor stain confirmed a single layer of endothelial cells on the flow surface, and beneath was a well-organized neointima containing fusiform cells confirmed as smooth muscle by α-actin stain. Light microscopy of the serial sections revealed transmural microvessels, lined with endothelium, extending continuously between the flow surface ostia and the perigraft vessels in this porous vascular prosthesis.
Reproducibility of the measurement of sweet taste preferences

Developing interventions to prevent and treat obesity are medical and public health imperatives. Taste is a major determinant of food intake and reliable methods to measure taste preferences need to be established. This study aimed to establish the short-term reproducibility of sweet taste preference measurements using 5-level sucrose concentrations in healthy adult volunteers. We defined sweet taste preference as the geometric mean of the preferred sucrose concentration determined from two series of two-alternative, forced-choice staircase procedures administered 10 min apart on a single day. We repeated the same procedures at a second visit 3–7 days later. Twenty-six adults (13 men and 13 women, age 33.2 ± 12.2 years) completed the measurements. The median number of pairs presented for each series was three (25th and 75th percentiles: 3, 4). The intraclass correlation coefficients between the measurements was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–0.92) within a few days. This study showed high short-term reproducibility of a simple, 5-level procedure for measuring sweet taste preferences. This method may be useful for assessing sweet taste preferences and the risks resulting from those preferences.
Lanthanides in Metallic Nuclear Fuels: Their Behavior and Methods for Their Control

Abstract The thermodynamic and experimental basis is given for using dopant additives to bind lanthanides as intermetallic compounds in metallic nuclear fuels. Lanthanide fission products are a major factor in limiting the lifetime of the fuel, because they migrate to the fuel slug peripheral surface where they participate in fuel-cladding chemical interactions (FCCI) with the D9 or HT9 steel cladding. Lanthanide carryover in recycled metal fuels can accelerate FCCI, as recycled lanthanides would likely segregate from the fuel phase, putting the lanthanides in prompt contact with the cladding. In out-of-pile tests, the use of palladium was examined for binding the lanthanides, with palladium selected because of its known metallurgical properties in fuel-related systems and because of its known behavior in irradiated Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) fuels. Initial results confirmed that palladium may be expected to mitigate FCCI arising from lanthanides, and it has been recommended for in-pile tests. Transport phenomena responsible for lanthanide migration were also evaluated, and liquid-like behaviors were identified as being dominant. Liquid-like behaviors include transport with liquid metals, liquid metal solutions, and rapid surface transport of alloys/metals near their melting temperatures. The analysis led to establishing general criteria for selecting dopant additives and identifying tin, antimony, and tellurium as alternates for further testing.
Health Care and the Technological Project

Abstract For all of its political drama, the health care debate appears consumed with bureaucratic minutiae quite distant from political philosophy. Yet in important respects that debate is intimately connected with the founding premises of the modern technological project of the mastery of nature for the relief of man's estate as envisioned by Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon. This essay uses a recent discussion of the health care debate by bioethicist Daniel Callahan to raise some fundamental questions about the role of technology in our medical culture. It argues that modern health care is the Cartesian project come of age, and it uses Descartes' Discourse on Method to reflect on the possibility of a sensible politics of technology in our time.
URINARY LDH ISOENZYMES IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF KIDNEY AND BLADDER INFECTIONS

Urinary LDH isoenzyme assays were performed in patients with proven kidney(N-15) and bladder(N-15) infections as well as normal controls(N-24). Documentation of bladder and kidney infection was accomplished by means of the Bladder Washout Test, culture of ureteric urine(urinary diversion), maximal urine concentration test, clinical symptomatology and radiologic appearance of the urinary tract. U-LDH in normal children(10.8±1.0uU/ml) was significantly lower than in patients with bladder (23.1 ± 4.4uU/ml), or kidney(231.2±72.2uU/ml) infections (p<0.05). In the normal population most of the enzyme activity was comprised among isoenzymes I and II (fast zone pattern). In patients with bladder infection both fast and slow zone patterns were observed, but the actual level of isoenzyme V(4±3.8) was significantly lower than in patients with kidney infections (116±165) where a slow zone pattern was invariably seen(p<0.05). Since overlap occured in only one patient, a correct differential diagnosis of kidney and bladder infections would have been possible in 96.6% of the cases.
Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization and Stubble Burning on the Downy Brome Seedbank in a Winter Wheat‐Fallow Rotation

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of N fertilization, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stubble burning, and organic amendments on the density of downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) seed in soil of a winter wheat-fallow crop rotation. The site was part of a long-term study that has been conducted since 1931 near Pendleton, OR. The study consists of a winter wheat-fallow crop rotation with both a fallow and cropped portion of each treatment present each year. The objective of the original long-term study was to document changes over time in soil physical and chemical properties due to the addition of inorganic and organic sources of N fertilizer, and repeated burning of crop residues. A weed seedbank component was added to this study in 1992. To measure effects on the weed seedbank, soil samples were taken in the fall after winter wheat harvest and after winter wheat planting in the fallow and cropped portions, respectively, from 1992 through 1994. From these samples downy brome seed content was analyzed using a sieving-flotation seed extraction technique. Long-term use of inorganic N fertilizer increased the downy brome seedbank compared with an unfertilized control. Crop residue burning reduced the downy brome seedbank and downy brome plants in the wheat crop. Addition of steer manure or green pea [Pisum sativum (L.) subsp. sativum] vines as an N source did not increase downy brome in the seedbank compared with use of inorganic N fertilizer. This was, perhaps, due to factors such as improved soil health resulting from use of organic soil amendments, or differences in application timing or source of inorganic and organic N fertilizer. The organic form of N from manure may have been applied at a more opportune time for winter wheat than for downy brome. In addition, plots receiving steer manure produced a higher yielding wheat crop that was likely to be more competitive against downy brome, thereby limiting seed production.
Determination of transgenic loci by expression FISH.

DNA targeting by homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells has become a widely used method for manipulating the mouse genome and for studying the role of specific genes in mammalian development. For certain studies, it is necessary to target two or more DNA sequences residing on a particular chromosome. In these situations, it would be important to distinguish whether two sequential gene targeting events in the ES cells have occurred in cis or in trans. We report here a new application of fluorescence in situ hybridization to RNA molecules present at sites of transcription that allows the identification of cis and trans gene targeting events in ES cells. The method is based on detection of transcripts from commonly used selectable marker genes inserted during homologous recombination. Transcripts are detected in interphase nuclei, making the preparation of mitotic cells unnecessary and obviating the necessity for the more technically demanding DNA detection of genes. The method is applicable to any chromosomal locus, and compared with other methods (e.g., genetic linkage testing in chimeric mice), it will greatly shorten the time required for distinguishing cis and trans gene targeting events in ES cells. The method also may be useful for detecting changes in ploidy of individual chromosomes and loss of heterozygosity of genes in single cells in culture and also in animals, for example, during processes such as tumorigenesis.
Optical Mode Gammas, Pressure Derivatives of Elastic and Dielectric Constants, and Stability of Rutile-Structure Fluorides in the Rigid Ion Approximation

The microscopic Grueneisen parameters of all optical modes at zero wave vector, and the pressure derivatives of the elastic and dielectric constants of the difluorides XF, (X = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) have been calculated from a rigid ion model with an effective ionic charge and with first and second nearest neighbor Born-Mayer-type central force short range interaction. The parameters of the model were previously determined from zero pressure values of the optical frequencies and elastic constants. The calculated values agree quite well with the few available experimental data. Several optical mode frequencies and elastic constant eigenvalues have negative pressure coefficients, which reflects and is related to the presence of several high pressure phases. Die mikroskopischen Gruneisenparameter der optischen Schwingungen im Zentrum der B.Z. und die Druckkoeffizienten der elastischen und dielektrischen Konstanten der Difluoride XF2 (X = Mg, Mn, Be, Co, Ni, Zn) wurden fur das Modell starrer Ionen mit einer effektiven Ladung und mit kurzreichweitigem Born-Mayer-Potential berechnet. Die Parameter des Modells wurden aus den optischen Frequenzen und elastischen Konstanten bei verschwindendem Druck bestimmt. Die berechneten Werte stimmen ziemlich gut mit den wenigen vorhandenen experimentellen Daten uberein. Mehrere optische Frequenzen und Eigenwerte der Matrix der elastischen Konstanten weisen negative Druckkoeffizienten auf, was dem Auftreten mehrerer Hochdruckmodifikationen entspricht.
Èjìwàpò: The Dialectics of Twoness in Yoruba Art and Culture

Babatunde Lawal The notion that reality has two aspects (i.e., spirit/matter, visible/invisible, male/female, good/evil, essence/ existence) is a universal and ancient phenomenon. However, its implications vary from one culture to another. In some, the two aspects are thought to be interdependent, as in the duality of twins or the primordial couple whose union gave birth to humankind. In others, the two may be viewed as complementary, as in Hinduism; mutually independent and sometimes antagonistic, as in the eschatological dualism of the Zoroastrian, Manichaean, and Christian Gnostic doctrines of good and evil, in which one is expected to overcome the other in the end; or eternally coexistent as in the Cartesian epistemological distinction between mind and body (see Eliade 1969, Bianchi 1978, Lovejoy 1996). This paper examines how the Yoruba of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin perceive and visualize this phenomenon. The Yoruba regard the number two as sacred apparently because of the duality or “twoness” (ejiwapo) apparent in nature, such as day/night, sun/moon, life/death, hot/cold, wet/dry, right/left, and male/female. Apart from associating the number with balance, they expect it (especially in a ritual context) to influence the supernatural and bring about a desired result:
Eroticizing Creates Safer Sex: A Research Synthesis

This meta-analytic review examined the effectiveness of sexual risk reduction interventions in 21 studies (N=5,015) that integrated a safer sex eroticization component. Compared to controls, intervention participants exhibited lower sexual risk on 6 dimensions: HIV-related knowledge, attitudes toward condoms, condom use, overall behavioral risk, communication with sexual partners, and sexual frequency. Additional analyses examined pre- to post-test outcomes and showed significant improvement in condom use in the intervention compared to the control groups. Overall, findings suggest that eroticizing safer sex leads to more risk-preventive attitudes, which in turn facilitates less risky sexual behavior.
Transient coronary occlusion with mental stress

2. Aadreotti F, Davies GJ, Hackett DR, Khan MI, De-Bart ACW, Aber VR, et al. Major circadian fluctuations in fibrinolytic factors and possible relevance to time of onset of myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke. Am J Cardiol 1988;62:635-7. 3. Abinader EG, Sharif D, Goldhammer E. Attenuation of the circadian ST depression with propranolol in mitral valve prolapse. Am J Cardiol 1994;73:914-6. 4. Simson MB. Use of signals in the terminal QRS complex to identify patients with ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction. Circulation 1981;64:235-42. 5. Breithardt G, Borggrefe M. Recent advances in identification of patients at risk ofventricular tachyarrhythmias; role ofventricular late potentials. Circulation 1987;75:1091-6. 6. Turitto G, Fontaine JM, Ursell SW, Caref EB, Henkin R, E1-Sharif N. Value of signal averaged electrocardiogram as a predictor of the results of programmed stimulation in non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Am J Cardiol 1988;61:1272-8,
Mechanism of alkylation of nucleic acids by nitrosodimethylamine.

SINCE it was discovered1 that nitrosodimethylamine givdes rise to alkylated nucleic acids in the liver when injected into rats, and that an alkylated base, 7-methylguanine, can be isolated from these nucleic acids, there has been much evidence of a correlation between carcinogenicity of N-nitrosamines and their transformation in vivo into an alkylating agent2–4. There was evidence that the initial step in the conversion of the nitrosamine to an alkylating agent was an enzymatic oxidative dealkylation to a hypothetical monoalkylnitrosamine which was then converted to a diazoalkane or, by some other route, to a carbonium ion. No evidence of the production of a diazoalkane in this way has been presented, although this possibility has been widely postulated5–8.
Effects of Instructional Set and Personality Variables on the Use of Touching

The effects of demand characteristics and relevant personality variables on the use of touching were explored. Half of the 32 male and 32 female subjects received instructions discussing touching as one method of expressing emotions. All subjects pretended that an assistant was a friend with whom they roleplayed six emotional feelings. Subjects completed the Mosher Sex-guilt Scale and the Body Accessibility Questionnaire. Those subjects given additional instructions touched more but felt less comfortable with the assistant. Sex of the subject, sex of the assistant, amount of sex guilt, and degree of body accessibility did not have significant effects on touching. However, differential touching was produced by different emotional cues. The results contradict previous suggestions that touching is a function of a stable personality characteristic. Also, unlike clinical literature which suggests that touching produces intimacy and comfort, these findings suggested that instructional set can increase touching ...
Surface reaction kinetics of metal β-diketonate precursors with O radicals in radical-enhanced atomic layer deposition of metal oxides

Abstract The surface reaction kinetics of Er(TMHD)3 and Y(TMHD)3 with O radicals in radical-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Er2O3 and Y2O3 was investigated in situ using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The adsorption isotherms were fitted with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood adsorption model and the extracted adsorption rate coefficient was found to decrease with increasing temperature, exhibiting a negative apparent activation energy of −0.24 ± 0.09 eV for Er(TMHD)3 and −0.14 ± 0.05 eV for Y(TMHD)3. The corresponding activation energies for desorption were determined to be 0.29 ± 0.03 and 0.16 ± 0.03 eV. Exposing the adsorbed Er(TMHD)3 precursors to O radicals at 533 K resulted in a rapid mass decrease followed by saturation, indicating that the reactions proceeded in a self-limiting manner. The critical O radical exposure needed to reach this saturation increased with increasing adsorbed mass and approached approximately 2 minutes as the adsorbed mass increased towards the saturation level. The net mass change ratio per cycle decreased with increasing temperature and reached 0.27 at 603 K for deposition of pure Er2O3. In addition to effectively removing the β-diketonate ligands, the O radicals were found to create reactive sites for precursor adsorption. Specifically, when the O radical pulse time was shorter than the critical oxygen radical exposure, the removal of β-diketonate ligands by the O radicals was incomplete, and consequently, less reactive sites were created. This ultimately led to a decrease in adsorption during the subsequent precursor pulse. Finally, radical-enhanced ALD of Er2O3 thin films was achieved at temperatures ranging from 473 to 573 K, using alternating pulses of metal β-diketonate precursors and O radicals.
Direct determination of red cell bound antibody specificity.

Summary. A new method is described for direct determination of specificity of red cell-bound antibodies without the need for antibody elution. This method employs Polybrene in an Auto Analyzer continuous flow system. Washed antibody-coated cells are mixed, in different proportions, with uncoated indicator cells of known blood type. If the indicator cells possess appropriate receptor sites for the cell-bound antibody, ‘coagglutination’ occurs between the antibody-coated and indicator cells. In contrast, in the absence of specific receptor sites, indicator cells not only fail to coagglutinate but physically interfere with the expected agglutination of antibodycarrying cells. Quantitative data are provided which appear to be related to the amount of cell-bound antibody. The technique has been used to identify antibodies with Rh and penicillin specificities and antibodies associated with acquired haemolytic anaemia.
Direct Observation of Size-Dependent Optical Enhancement in Single Metal Nanoparticles

Steven R. Emory, William E. Haskins, and Shuming Nie*Department of Chemistry, Indiana UniVersityBloomington, Indiana 47405ReceiVed May 5, 1998Metal and semiconductor particles on the nanometer scale haveunique optical, electronic, and structural properties that are notavailable in either isolated molecules or bulk solids.
Visual Culture and American Religions

Scholarship on the visual culture in American religions has flourished in the past three decades. Scholars from myriad disciplines have generated essays, monographs, and edited volumes that examine everything from fine art paintings to popular prints, church architecture to yard shrines, and folk art to graphic novels. In this essay, I provide an abbreviated explanation for the explosion of scholarship on visual culture and American religions in the 1980s and 1990s to highlight prominent approaches to the subject in contemporary scholarship. Then, I outline a few of the major themes that stimulate the scholarly field, including popular religion, consumption, cross-cultural encounters, sacred space, modern and postmodern art, and dress. Finally, I consider challenges faced by contemporary scholars in developing and strengthening this interdisciplinary area of inquiry.
Putative Active States of a Prototypic G-Protein-Coupled Receptor from Biased Molecular Dynamics

A major current focus of structural work on G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) pertains to the investigation of their active states. However, for virtually all GPCRs, active agonist-bound intermediate states have been difficult to characterize experimentally owing to their higher conformational flexibility, and thus intrinsic instability, as compared to inactive inverse agonist-bound states. In this work, we explored possible activation pathways of the prototypic GPCR bovine rhodopsin by means of biased molecular dynamics simulations. Specifically, we used an explicit atomistic representation of the receptor and its environment, and sampled the conformational transition from the crystal structure of a photoactivated deprotonated state of rhodopsin to the low pH crystal structure of opsin in the presence of 11-trans-retinal, using adiabatic biased molecular dynamics simulations. We then reconstructed the system free-energy landscape along the predetermined transition trajectories using a path collective variable approach based on metadynamics. Our results suggest that the two experimental endpoints of rhodopsin/opsin are connected by at least two different pathways, and that the conformational transition is populated by at least four metastable states of the receptor, characterized by a different amplitude of the outward movement of transmembrane helix 6.
A Survey of Charge-Balance Errors on Published Analyses of Potable Ground and Surface Waters

Although the charge balance for a single chemical analysis of a water's electrolytes is not a reliable gauge for the accuracy of that analysis, the percent charge-balance error (%CBE) becomes more credible as a means for evaluating analytical technique when applied to groups of analyses. Just how good are charge balances for chemical analyses of potable ground and stream waters in mainline geological journals? Starting with each journal's first volume, a search found 68 articles in six journals (Appl. Geochem., Chem. Geol, Geochim. Cos. Acta., Ground Water, J. Hydrol, and Water Resources Res.) that had what was deemed to be “complete” analyses of individual samples' major ions. Analyses of brines and hydrothermal solutions were excluded as were “composite” averages. A total of 1,062 %CBEs were computed and tabulated, and the average was 3.99%$ 6.56 (1σ). The average %CBE (by journals) ranges from 1.55% to 9.34%. Quality of %CBE is slightly better for articles published after 1970. Not surprisingly, low ionic strength samples are prone to charge-balance errors > 10%. Of the 1,062 charge balances calculated, 612 were positive and 450 were negative. Eight of the 68 articles had analyses that were evenly balanced between positive and negative CB errors. There are 21 articles in which the majority of analyses had negative charge-balance errors. Thus a clear majority (39) of articles had analyses in which there were more positive than negative charge-balance errors. Systematic error is likely for situations where the analyses in an article are predominantly positive or predominantly negative. The likely reason for the former occurrence is lab determination of alkalinity from the nonacidified field aliquot. Failure to filter samples may cause the latter situation—especially in carbonate terranes. Systematic laboratory errors involving salt standards and dilutions can also yield charge-balance errors for a suite of analyses that are skewed to either positive or negative errors. The care with which the analyst did his/her job may also impact charge-balance errors.
Undergrowth vegetation effects on the nutrient content of litterfall and soils in red pine and birch stands in Northern Minnesota.

The role of hazel shrub and herbaceous undergrowth layers in nutrient cycling was studied in two red pine (Pinus r esinosa Ait.) and two paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) stands on similar soil types in northern Minnesota. The annual litterfall produced by these undergrowths and by the overstory was sampled at 15 points in each stand as was the forest floor; the top 3 cm of mineral soil was sampled at 7 of the points. In the pine stands both undergrowth layers significantly added to the total dry weight of litterfall. Under hazel there was significantly more N, Ca, and Mn, and under herbs there was more than twice the amount of K in the litterfall than where these undergrowth layers were absent. In the birch stands the differences in the nutrient content of the litterfall beneath these undergrowth layers were not great, and undergrowth layers had less effect on the nutrient cycle. Although greater amounts of nutrients occurred in the litterfall under hazel and herbaceous layers, the amounts of total nutrients in the forest floor under each undergrowth type were not significantly different nor were total N, available P, or exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, and Mn in the top 3 cm of mineral soil. Turnover rates were different under each type of undergrowth and in red pine stands the forest floor under hazel and herbs appeared to decompose more rapidly than the forest floor of pure pine, but not as rapidly as the forest floor under either hazel or herbs in the birch stands.
Calsequestrin Mutations and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Cardiac calsequestrin (Casq2) is the major Ca2+ binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is the principle Ca2+ storage organelle of cardiac muscle. During the last decade, experimental studies have provided new concepts on the role of Casq2 in the regulation of cardiac muscle Ca2+ handling. Furthermore, mutations in the gene encoding for cardiac calsequestrin, CASQ2, cause a rare but severe form of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Here, we review the physiology of Casq2 in cardiac Ca2+ handling and discuss pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to CPVT caused by CASQ2 mutations. We also describe the clinical aspects of CPVT and provide an update of its contemporary clinical management.
Finite Perturbation Theory in Quantum Electrodynamics

It is proved that no infinities appear in the power series expansion of the $S$ matrix in quantum electro-dynamics if one uses an improved perturbation procedure which is based on the following property of all renormalizable field theories. The dependence of solutions on the coupling constant has a singular part, nonanalytic at $g=0$. This singular dependence must be treated exactly, whereas the remaining, nonsingular, dependence can be expanded into a power series. This power series coincides with the standard renormalized expansion. All renormalization constants in every order remain finite, provided their singular dependence on the coupling constant is treated exactly. The problem of convergence of the whole series has not been investigated.
Scrotal and Perineal Reconstruction

The scrotal and perineal area serves a special function. It is the pelvic outlet for the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, and sexual function. In the male, the scrotum allows testicular mobility to reduce trauma and allow optimal thermal regulation for spermatogenesis. Trauma, infection, and cancer resection create defects that require reconstruction. The reconstructive goal here is to obtain durable coverage, function, and lastly aesthetic outcome. Pedicled local and regional flaps are the mainstay for this area. Due to the special function and appearance of the scrotum, reconstructive options for total scrotal defect always fall far short of the native scrotum. On the other hand, perineal reconstruction is overall satisfactory.