cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of activated charcoal in 70% sorbitol in healthy individuals.

AbstractActivated charcoal in 70% sorbitol enjoys wide use in the management of acute poisonings but the effects of the activated charcoal-sorbitol mixture in healthy individuals have not been characterized. We were concerned about the possibility of sorbitol causing changes in the routinely monitored serum chemistry and hematological parameters, either directly due to the absorbed polyol or due to the diarrhea induced by it, thus complicating the diagnosis and management in an overdose setting. We assessed the action of a single dose of 30g of activated charcoal in 150 ml of 70$ sorbitol and its effects on serum osmolality, electrolytes, metabolic profile (SMAC), magnesium, hepatic enzymes, and complete blood count in healthy adult individuals. The only significant change in the laboratory parameters tested was the consistent rise in serum sodium and phosphorus concentrations four hours after drinking the charcoal-sorbitol mixture. However, a similarly consistent rise in the concentrations at the same ho...
A Nonparametric Approach to Credit Screening

Abstract Most commonly used credit screening methods are based on Fisher's linear discriminant function for quantitative variates. The variables actually used in credit scoring are usually, however, qualitative occurring as high/low, or present/ absent. We present a nonparametric approach to the credit screening problem. In our method we do not assume multivariate normality nor do we apply any arbitrary scaling procedures to the qualitative variables. We classify an observation to that group with which it has most in common, this being done so as to minimize expected loss from misclassification. It is a variant of the “closest neighbor” rule. The misclassification probabilities of our screening rule are obtained by a jack-knife method. An empirical method for the selection of variates for screening is also given. The possibilities for adopting the method to an on-line computer system is discussed with an illustrative example.
The Logic of Equality

(1977). The Logic of Equality. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 84, No. 8, pp. 597-612.
An improved synthesis of N-acetoxy-N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene-9-14C using an extractive acylation technique

A rapid, high yield (90–100%) method for the preparation of N-acetoxy-N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene-9-14C (N-AcO-AAF-9-14C) from N-hydroxy-N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene-9-14C (N-OH-AAF-9-14C) is described. The procedure consists of the in situ formation of a quaternary ammonium salt of N-OH-AAF-9-14C in a two-phase system and subsequent acetylation of this salt with acetic anhydride. The specific activity of the product was 40.6 mCi/mmole.
E-BIAS: A Pervasive EEG-Based Identification and Authentication System

Security systems using brain signals or Electroencephalography (EEG), is an emerging field of research. Brain signal characteristics such as chaotic nature and uniqueness, make it an appropriate information source to be used in security systems. In this paper, E-BIAS, a pervasive EEG-based security system with both identification and authentication functionalities is developed. The main challenges are: 1) accuracy, 2) timeliness, 3) energy efficiency, 4) usability, and 5) robustness. Therefore, we apply machine learning algorithms with low training times, multi-tier distributed computing architecture, and commercial single channel dry electrode wireless EEG headsets to respectively overcome the first four challenges. With only two minutes of training time and a simple rest task, the authentication and identification performance reaches 95% and 80%, respectively on 10 subjects. We finally test the robustness of our EEG-based seamless security system against three types of attacks: a) brain impersonation, b) database hacking, and c) communication snooping and discuss the system configurations which can avoid data leakage.
Robust and Expanded Norms for the Dementia Rating Scale

The Dementia Rating Scale (DRS) is a widely used measure of global cognition, with age- and education-corrected norms derived from a cross-sectional sample of adults participating in Mayo's Older Americans Normative Studies (MOANS). In recent years, however, studies have indicated that cross-sectional normative samples of older adults represent an admixture of individuals who are indeed cognitively normal (i.e., disease-free) and individuals with incipient neurodegenerative disease. Theoretically, the “contamination” of cross-sectional normative samples with cases of preclinical dementia can lead to underestimation of the test mean and overestimation of the variance, thus reducing the clinical utility of the norms. Robust norming, in which dementia cases are removed from the normative cohort through longitudinal follow-up, is an alternative approach to norm development. The current study presents a reappraisal of the original MOANS DRS norms, provides robust and expanded norms based on a sample of 894 adults age 55 and over, and critically evaluates the benefits of robust norming.
Temporal and spatial dissection of Shh signaling in genital tubercle development

Genital tubercle (GT) initiation and outgrowth involve coordinated morphogenesis of surface ectoderm, cloacal mesoderm and hindgut endoderm. GT development appears to mirror that of the limb. Although Shh is essential for the development of both appendages, its role in GT development is much less clear than in the limb. Here, by removing Shh at different stages during GT development in mice, we demonstrate a continuous requirement for Shh in GT initiation and subsequent androgen-independent GT growth. Moreover, we investigated the Hh responsiveness of different tissue layers by removing or activating its signal transducer Smo with tissue-specific Cre lines, and established GT mesenchyme as the primary target tissue of Shh signaling. Lastly, we showed that Shh is required for the maintenance of the GT signaling center distal urethral epithelium (dUE). By restoring Wnt-Fgf8 signaling in Shh-/- cloacal endoderm genetically, we revealed that Shh relays its signal partly through the dUE, but regulates Hoxa13 and Hoxd13 expression independently of dUE signaling. Altogether, we propose that Shh plays a central role in GT development by simultaneously regulating patterning of the cloacal field and supporting an outgrowth signal.
The influence of General Perceptions of the Training Environment on Pretraining Motivation and Perceived Training Transfer

The present study was conducted to determine whether trainees’ general beliefs about training affect pretraining motivation and transfer of training in a large-scale training curriculum. In addition, the influence of social support for training from four organizational constituents (top management, supervisors, peers, and subordinates) and task constraints in the work environment on pretraining motivation and training transfer were evaluated. Nine hundred sixty-seven managers and supervisors completed a questionnaire that assessed 14 constructs. Structural equations analysis with LISREL VII indicated that the overall reputation of training, intrinsic and compliance incentives, organizational commitment, and three social support variables (subordinate, supervisor, and top management support) were predictive of pretraining motivation. In addition, pretraining motivation and subordinate, peer, and supervisor support were predictive of managers’ perceived training transfer. These findings suggests that previo...
Does TNF-alpha blockade play any role in cardiovascular risk among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients?

The aims of this study were to determine the association and potential mechanisms between TNF-antagonists and increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Three groups of RA patients were studied; ten treated with TNF-antagonists, 13 with methotrexate, and 14 were naive to treatment. Mean age: 47.2 (SD 11.3), 52.3 (SD 16.6), and 51.2 (SD 13.3) years; mean disease duration 102 (SD 90.4), 72.9 (SD 67.3), and 71.3 (SD 87.1) months, and treatment duration 24.2 (SD 18.5), 34.7 (SD 32.2), and 0 months for each group. Clinical data: systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index were assessed. Disease activity was determined by DAS-28 index. An ELISA assay for IL-6, sIL-6 R, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, sTNFRI, sTNFRII, IGF I, and adiponectin were performed. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, CRP, and ESR were also done. HOMA-IR and QUICKI indexes were calculated. Statistically significant differences observed between the TNF group and the other two groups were: TNF-alpha levels (p, 0.0014), soluble TNF RII (p, 0.0432), IFN-gamma (p, 0.008), and DAS-28 <2.6 (p, 0.033). Finding of elevated levels of sTNFRII and IFN-gamma in patients with RA on anti-TNF suggests that this therapy does not completely suppress the inflammatory process and may promote atherogenesis.
The complete nucleotide sequence of parvovirus LuIII and localization of a unique sequence possibly responsible for its encapsidation pattern

Abstract Parvovirus LuIII encapsidates single-stranded DNA of either plus or minus polarity with equal frequency, whereas the rodent parvoviruses MVMp and H-1 encapsidate minus strand DNA only. A full-length, infectious clone of LuIII was constructed and the complete nucleotide sequence of the genome was determined. Comparison of the LuIII sequence with those of MVMp and H-1 revealed that these viruses are virtually identical with respect to the genomic organization, location of regulatory signals, mRNA splicing patterns, and amino acid sequences of viral proteins. However, two regions of the LuIII sequence differ significantly from those of the rodent parvoviruses. At mu 92, LuIII has only one copy of a sequence found as a direct repeat in MVMp and H-1. Upsteam of this sequence, at mu 89, there is an A—T-rich region, 47 nucleotides in length, unique to the LuIII genome. This A—T-rich region could represent a signal responsible for the totally different encapsidation patterns observed for these viruses.
Fast food and obesity in children.

In July 2003, the US National Chamber of Commerce released a report on fast food and obesity, saying: “This study finds that fast food restaurants are not a chief culprit in the fattening of America.”1 Fast-food companies, of course, are involved in chambers of commerce across the country. The National Chamber of Commerce has on its board of directors executives from CocaCola and PepsiCo.2 With billions of dollars at stake, the food industry may find it difficult to take an objective position on their products. Typical is fare issued by the National Soft Drink Association: “… soft drinks do not cause pediatric obesity, do not reduce nutrient intake, and … Address correspondence to Kelly D. Brownell, PhD, Department of Psychology, Yale University, Box 208205, New Haven, CT 06520-8205. E-mail: kelly.brownell{at}yale.edu
Rheological behavior of clay-nanoparticle hybrid-added bentonite suspensions: Specific role of hybrid additives on the gelation of clay-based fluids

Two different types of clay nanoparticle hybrid, iron oxide nanoparticle clay hybrid (ICH) and Al(2)O(3)-SiO(2) nanoparticle clay hybrid (ASCH), were synthesized and their effects on the rheological properties of aqueous bentonite fluids in steady state and dynamic state were explored. When ICH particles were added, bentonite particles in the fluid cross-link to form relatively well-oriented porous structure. This is attributed to the development of positively charged edge surfaces in ICH that leads to strengthening of the gel structure of the bentonite susensions. The role of ASCH particles on the interparticle association of the bentonite fluids is different from that of ICH and sensitive to pH. As pH of ASCH-added bentonite suspensions increased, the viscosity, yield stress, storage modulus, and flow stress decreased. In contrast, at low pH, the clay suspensions containing ASCH additives were coagulated and their rheological properties become close to those of ICH added bentonite fluids. A correlation between the net surface charge of the hybrid additives and the rheological properties of the fluids indicates that the embedded nanoparticles within the interlayer space control the variable charge of the edge surfaces of the platelets and determine the particles association behavior of the clay fluids.
Effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on left atrial electromechanical function

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is effective in improving cardiac function and symptoms in patients (pts) with advanced heart failure (HF) and ventricular conduction abnormalities. These results are thought to be secondary to reduction in ventricular dyssynchrony and mitral regurgitation (MR). However, effects of CRT on left atrial (LA) function and interatrial conduction (IAC) are unknown. LA dysfunction and prolonged IAC are associated with decreased left ventricular (LV) filling and atrial fibrillation (AF). Accordingly, we studied the effects of CRT on LA function and IAC. Methods: Fifty-six pts (39m, 17f, 67 10 yr) with NYHA III-IV CHF, LV ejection fraction 35%, a QRS interval 130 msec on optimal medical therapy for HF underwent CRT (Medtronic InSync or Guidant Contak CD). P max (maximum P wave duration on any lead) and P disp (difference between P max and minimum P wave duration) were measured on a 12-lead ECG at baseline and at 6 months post CRT. Echocardiograms were recorded in a subset of 27 pts at baseline and at 6 months post CRT. Using the biplane area-length method, LA volumes at mitral opening, onset of P wave and mitral closure were determined. Based on Simpson’s formula, LA stroke volume (LASV), ejection fraction (LAEF) and kinetic energy (LAKE) were calculated. Peak A wave velocity (Avel) and A wave acceleration time (At) were also measured. Results: While LA volumes, At and Avel were similar at baseline and post CRT, there was a marked reduction in P max (143 23 msec vs. 132 27 msec, p 0.01)) and P disp (35 13 msec vs. 22 13 msec, p 0.01) 6 months post CRT. There was also a significant improvement in LASV (7.5 4 ml vs. 20 15 ml, p 0.01), LAEF (19 6% vs. 29 20%, p 0.01) and LAKE (28 20 Kdyne/cm/s vs. 70 40 Kdyne/cm/s, p 0.01) at 6 months. Conclusions: CRT results in marked reduction in IAC delay and significant improvement in LA systolic function. Although LA volumes did not change, LASV, LAEF, and LAKE improved at 6 months. Enhanced LA electromechanical function may result in improved LV filling and contribute to the hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement observed with CRT and has implications for reduction in the propensity for AF.
Anisotropic nuclear spin relaxation of 13C in solid benzene

Abstract The resolved chemical shielding anisotropy of 13C in solid benzene allows a study of nuclear spin relaxation for benzene molecules with different orientations. As expected from a simple theory, the relaxation is strongly orientation dependent due to the strongly anisotropic motion of the benzene molecule (which consists of reorientation about the hexad axis). Preliminary data are presented which exhibit quantitative agreement between theory and results for the 13C anisotropic nuclear spin-lattice relaxation and for the 13C anisotropic nuclear Overhauser enhancement on saturation of the proton resonance.
Xylenol Orange as a Vital Stain to Determine the Viability of Skin Flaps in Dogs

Intravenous injection of xylenol orange results in generalized violet staining of vascularized skin. The precision of xylenol orange vital staining was compared to fluorescein sodium vital staining and to assessment of skin flap viability by visual observation (color). Skin flaps in the experimental dogs were evaluated by each method at 0, 24, 72, and 120 hours after surgery and subsequently compared to the length of skin flap that remained viable at 216 hours. No significant differences between methods were found at any time interval; however, assessment of skin flap viability was significantly more precise at 24,72, and 120 hours in comparison to the 0 hour assessments. The use of xylenol orange to assess vascular integrity of skin is precise, but no advantage over fluorescein sodium vital staining or assessment by visual observation was noted.
A new enzyme-linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay is virtually free from interference of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone.

Spironolactone and potassium canrenoate (aldosterone antagonist diuretics) are sometimes used in conjunction with digoxin for patient management. Spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone interfere with serum digoxin measurement using various immunoassays. Recently a new enzyme-linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay (ECLIA-Digoxin) became commercially available for application on the ADVIA IMS 800i modular system (Bayer HealthCare, Tarrytown, NY). We investigated the potential interference of spironolactone and related compounds in this assay by comparing the results with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), which is known to have significant cross-reactivity with these compounds as well as a turbidimetric assay for digoxin with no known cross-reactivity with spironolactone and related compounds. Aliquots of drug free serum were supplemented with therapeutic and above therapeutic concentrations of spironolactone, canrenone, and potassium canrenoate, and apparent digoxin concentrations were measured. No apparent digoxin concentration was observed using the ECLIA-Digoxin or turbidimetric assay. When serum pools prepared from patients receiving digoxin were further supplemented with these compounds, we observed no significant change in digoxin concentrations in the presence of these compounds with the ECLIA-Digoxin. We conclude that this assay is virtually free from interferences from spironolactone, potassium canrenoate and their common metabolite canrenone. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:204–208, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immunoreactive forms of erythrocyte spectrin and ankyrin in brain

Polypeptides immunologically related to erythrocyte spectrin and ankyrin have been detected in brain. The cross-reacting proteins include soluble as well as membrane-associated forms. A class of soluble cross-reacting polypeptides have been identified as high molecular mass microtubule-associated proteins (MAPS). MAP1, a group of polypeptides of molecular mass ca. 370 kDa contains a component that cross-reacts with anti-ankyrin IgG. MAP2, a polypeptide of molecular mass 300 kDa cross-reacts with anti-spectrin IgG, with the shared antigenic sites localized to the a chain of spectrin. The functional basis for structural homology between MAP1 and ankyrin may involve association with tubulin, since erythrocyte ankyrin binds to microtubules polymerized from pure brain tubulin. Spectrin did not associate with microtubules, but does have in common with MAP2 the ability to bind to actin (Brenner & Korn 1979; Sattilaro et al. 1981) and the shape of a flexible rod as visualized by rotary shadowing (Shotton et al. 1979; Voter & Erickson 1981). Immunoreactive forms of spectrin and ankyrin are also present in membrane fractions. A homologue of spectrin which constitutes 3% of the total membrane protein has been purified from low ionic strength extracts of membranes. This protein contains two non-identical polypeptide chains of molecular masses of 260 and 265 kDa, binds to F-actin, and displaces binding of erythrocyte spectrin to erythrocyte membranes. The brain protein has been visualized by rotary shadowing as an extended rod-like molecule 195 nm in length. These studies indicate that the organization of proteins in the membrane-cytoskeleton complex of erythrocytes has direct relevance to other types of cells, and suggest the existence of families of proteins related to spectrin and ankyrin.
El derecho de gentes

El objeto de este ensayo es la extension al ambito de las relaciones internacionales de la teoria de la justicia como equidad formulada por el autor en sus anteriores escritos. Asi, el Derecho de Genteses concebido como una familia de conceptos politicos ligada a principios de derecho, justicia y bien comun, todo lo cual especifica el contenido de una concepcion liberal de la justicia formulada para abarcar y ser aplicada al derecho internacional. Los derechos humanos constituyen un elemento central de esta construccion en la medida en que establecen los limites morales al pluralismo entre los pueblos.
Polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule modulates photic signaling in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus

Polysialic acid (PSA), a sialic acid polymer that regulates plasticity and cell-cell interactions in neural tissues, is expressed in the mammalian circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In vivo enzymatic removal of PSA from the mouse SCN significantly impaired both the photic induction of Fos protein in SCN cells and light-induced phase-resetting of the circadian locomotor activity rhythm. Genetic deletion of PSA and it's neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) carrier correspondingly attenuated light-induced circadian phase-shifting. Comparison of PSA levels between young and old mice revealed a large aging-related reduction in SCN PSA content that accompanies the diminished capacity for circadian photic response reported in old rodents. Collectively these data support the contention that PSA modulates photic signaling in the SCN, and that normal reductions in the cell surface molecule contribute to aging-related deficits in SCN circadian clock function.
Importance of Appraising Responses of Subgroups in Program Evaluations: The Youth Conservation Corps

Abstract A sample of applicants to the 1979 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program were surveyed twenty-six months after camp to assess possible long-term perceived benefits to program participants. Successful applicants (enrollees) served as the experimental group, unsuccessful applicants as the control group. Mean score differences on ten scales used for testing showed a consistent pattern of small benefits for the experimental group. When the treatment and control groups were categorized into increasingly definitive subgroups based on socioeconomic and demographic background variables, the magnitude of mean score differences increased greatly for certain subgroups of enrollees. Particular subgroups of enrollees showed sizable benefits not realized by other subgroups, especially when two classifying variables were used to define subgroups.
Ixodes dammini as a Potential Vector of Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis

Little is known about the epidemiology and mode of transmission of the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE). Analyses of an engorged female Ixodes dammini tick removed from an HGE patient and 101 field-collected I. dammini and Dermacentor variabilis from three Wisconsin counties for Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia phagocytophila/Ehrlichia equi DNA revealed that the patient tick and 7 of 68 I. dammini ticks from Washburn County collected in 1982 and 1991 were positive for ehrlichial DNA; 10 ticks from the same collections were positive for B. burgdorferi. Two specimens (2.2%) were positive for both organisms. Serologic evidence for exposure to the agent of HGE or its relatives was detected in 3 of 25 Lyme disease patients from the upper Midwest. These data argue that I. dammini is a common vector for transmission of both Lyme disease and HGE.
Heavy Quarks and Strong Binding: A Field Theory of Hadron Structure

We investigate in canonical field theory the possibility that quarks may exist in isolation as very heavy particles, ${M}_{\mathrm{quark}}gg1$ GeV, yet form strongly bound hadronic states, ${M}_{\mathrm{hadron}}\ensuremath{\sim}1$ GeV. In a model with spin-\textonehalf{} quarks coupled to scalar gluons we find that a mechanism exists for the formation of bound states which are much lighter than the free constituents. Following Nambu, we introduce a color interaction mediated by gauge vector mesons to quarantee that all states with nonvanishing triality have masses much larger than 1 GeV. The possibility of such a solution to a strongly coupled field theory is exhibited by a calculation employing the variational principle in tree approximation. This procedure reduces the field-theoretical problem to a set of coupled differential equations for classical fields which are just the free parameters of the variational state. A striking property of the solution is that the quark wave function is confined to a thin shell at the surface of the hadronic bound state. Though the quantum corrections to this procedure remain to be investigated systematically, we explore some of the phenomenological implications of the trial wave functions so obtained. In particular, we exhibit the low-lying meson and baryon multiplets of SU(6); their magnetic moments, charge radii, and radiative decays, and the axial charge of the baryons. States of nonvanishing momenta are constructed and the softness of the hadron shell to deformations in scattering processes is discussed qualitatively along with the implications for deep-inelastic electron scattering and dual resonance models.
Coding the principal character formula for affine Kac-Moody Lie algebras

In this paper, an algorithm for computing the principal character for affine Lie algebras is discussed and presented. The principal characters discovered using this program are given and/or proven. Results include level 2 and 3 character formulas in A2n-1(2) and the sole existence of the Rogers-Ramanujan products in A1(1), A2(1), A2(2), C3(1), F4(1), G2(1), A7(2).
Locomotor recovery in spinal-transected lamprey: regenerated spinal coordinating neurons and mechanosensory inputs couple locomotor activity across a spinal lesion.

Abstract Larval lampreys recover locomotor function several weeks after receiving complete spinal transections. In behaviorally recovered whole-animals, the phase-coupling of locomotor activity across a lesion was similar to that observed along the body in normal, unlesioned lampreys. Two factors were found to contribute to recovery of locomotor coupling above and below a spinal transection. Firstly, under in vitro conditions regenerated spinal coordinating neurons could couple brainstem-evoked locomotor activity above and below a lesion in the absence of mechanosensory inputs. Secondly, in whole-animals mechanosensory inputs were capable of coupling locomotor activity across an acute, mid-body spinal transection in the absence of direct neural coupling through spinal coordinating neurons. Since neither regenerated coordinating neurons nor mechanosensory inputs resulted in phase-lags that were as stable as those observed in recovered whole-animals, presumably both mechanisms contribute significantly to the restoration of locomotor coupling across a healed spinal lesion.
Linearization of homogeneous Riccati equations

Abstract An autonomous system of n coupled homogeneous Riccati equations of the projective type linearizes to its linear part by means of a map which is analytic for almost all initial data. The explicit form of the map is presented.
Immunochemical investigation of a biologically active core obtained from chymotryptic digestion of bovine growth hormone

Abstract The differences in antigenicity between bovine growth hormone and a biologically active core obtained from a chymotryptic digest of bovine growth hormone have been investigated in the rabbit and the guinea pig. A decrease in the antigenic potency of bovine growth hormone has been shown to result from chymotryptic digestion. Under essentially the same conditions of immunization, a greater amount of an active core than of untreated hormone is required to immunize both the rabbit and the guinea pig. The quantitative aspects of the cross reaction between the parent molecule and the active core have been investigated in detail and the results discussed. The active core has been shown to contain at least three antigenic components.
Microbiological studies on the formation of gramicidin S synthetases

Rapid and extensive growth of Bacillus brevis ATCC 9999 was obtained in a complex medium containing yeast extract and peptone. Gramicidin S (GS) production in this medium reached 2.5 g/liter and 0.25 g/g dry cell weight. GS synthetase I production was also high in this complex medium. Chemically defined media were also developed for this strain. In a glycerol-ammonium sulfate-Tris-salts medium, the culture grew about 40% as well (rate and extent) as in complex medium. Although GS production was low (0.23 g GS/liter), peak specific activity of GS synthetase I was as high as on complex medium. Nutritional experiments showed that growth was stimulated by glutamine, methionine, proline, arginine, and histidine. Addition of these amino acids almost doubled the rate and extent of growth and GS production on a volumetric basis. However the increase in GS was due merely to the increased cell density; GS synthetase I specific activity was in fact decreased by the supplement. Complex medium is better than defined medium for GS and GS synthetase production due to increased cell density and a slower rate of synthetase disappearance.
Solar ultraviolet radiation exclusion increases soybean internode lengths and plant height.

Abstract Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars Williams-82 and Maverick were grown in a polycarbonate greenhouse (P-GH), a glass greenhouse (G-GH), and outdoors during daytime (control) to investigate the effect of (i) exclusion of both ultraviolet B (UV-B, 280–320 nm) and ultraviolet A (UV-A, 320–400 nm), (ii) exclusion of UV-B only, and (iii) exposure to daytime solar UV radiation (09:00–17:00 h local time daily). Both the P-GH and the G-GH were maintained at day/night air temperatures of 30/22 °C. The purpose was to quantify the growth differences due to partial and total UV exclusion compared with the control. Exclusion of both UV-B and UV-A radiation caused elongated internodes on the plants, which resulted in greater plant height. Mean mainstem length of Williams-82 was 50.2 cm for the control, but they were 45% and 237% greater for excluded UV-B radiation only and both excluded UV-B and UV-A radiation, respectively. Similarly, mean mainstem length of Maverick was 55.2 cm for the control, but they were 52% and 198% greater for excluded UV-B only and both excluded UV-B and UV-A, respectively. There also was a slight increase in the number of nodes with increasing extent of UV radiation exclusion. The mean final V-stage of Williams-82 was 14.2 for the control, but they were 11% and 18% greater for excluded UV-B only and both excluded UV-B and UV-A, respectively. Likewise, the mean final V-stage of Maverick was 14.5 for the control, but they were 12% and 22% greater for excluded UV-B only and both excluded UV-B and UV-A, respectively. With exclusion of both UV-B and UV-A, pod yield for the Maverick cultivar was greater but this effect was not as clear for the Williams-82 cultivar. In summary, most of the total UV-exclusion effects were due to the exclusion of the UV-A radiation component. Finally, UV spectral transmission of greenhouse or controlled environment covering material should be considered before conducting research on plants, or producing plants commercially, that are sensitive to UV exclusion, such as certain grain legumes or horticultural crops.
TEMPORAL FLUCTUATION IN EXCITABILITY OF SPINAL MOTONEURONS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON MONOSYNAPTIC REFLEX RESPONSE

In the acutely decapitate, unanesthetized cat repeated testing of a monosynaptic reflex response to standard afferent volleys reveals considerable variation in response amplitude, indicating that motoneurons are subject to fluctuation in excitability. This temporal variation in response amplitude has led to the use of the mean of successively determined response amplitudes in analysis of pool monosynaptic reflex responses. Successive application of test volleys has been employed to measure the response of individual motoneurons as well. Thus, Lloyd and McIntyre (8) have used firing index as a measure of individual motoneuron response, this index being determined by the number of times a motoneuron responds with monosynaptic latency to a given number of repeated test volleys. They have studied the distribution of firing indices, at fixed levels of synaptic drive, in individual motoneurons comprising a synthetic pool and have suggested that the distribution of firing indices of units in the intermediate firing range (between zero and 100) results from the distribution of fluctuating excitability levels. Although it is clear from the foregoing considerations that the usual measures of motoneuron response, both of individuals and of pools, will be influenced by temporal fluctuation in excitability, no systematic investigation has previously been made of the nature and sources of excitability fluctuation. The present study has this aim and the results obtained provide information essential to the interpretation of observations, presented in the following paper (4), on the responses of motoneurons to graded afferent volleys. Monosynaptic reflex response to afferent test volleys repeated once per 2 seconds has been recorded, in the acutely decapitate cat, after establishment of steady state conditions. Response has been recorded in distally severed ventral roots following stimulation of selected muscle nerves or, alternatively, in muscle nerves following stimulation of distally cut dorsal roots. The latter method has the advantage that spike potential amplitude of a volley in all the large motor fibers may be recorded in the muscle nerve following stimulation of the ventral root outflow. With this datum available, amplitude of reflex response may he expressed relative to amplitude of response that would be
Trait anger expressiveness and pain-induced beta-endorphin release: Support for the opioid dysfunction hypothesis

The anger management styles of anger-in (inhibition) and anger-out (direct expression) are positively associated with pain responsiveness. Opioid blockade studies suggest that hyperalgesic effects of trait anger-out, but not those of trait anger-in, are mediated in part by opioid analgesic system dysfunction. The current study tested the opioid dysfunction hypothesis of anger-out using an alternative index of opioid function: pain-induced changes in plasma endogenous opioids. Plasma beta-endorphin (BE) was assessed at rest and again following exposure to three laboratory acute pain tasks (finger pressure, ischemic, and thermal) in 14 healthy controls and 13 chronic low back pain (LBP) subjects. As expected, acute pain ratings correlated positively with measures of anger-in (both groups) and anger-out (LBP group; p's .10). Anger-in did not display significant main or interaction effects on pain-induced BE changes (p's>.10). The significant association between anger-out and BE release partially mediated the hyperalgesic effects of anger-out on pain unpleasantness, and was not attenuated by statistical control of general negative affect. This suggests unique associations with expressive anger regulation. Elevated trait anger-out therefore appears to be associated with opioid analgesic system dysfunction, whether it is indexed by responses to opioid blockade or by examining circulating endogenous opioid levels. Possible "statextrait" interactions on these anger-related opioid system differences are discussed.
Effects of Spherical Targets on Capacitive Displacement Measurements

Capacitive displacement sensors are widely used in precision manufacturing and metrology because they measure displacements with nanometer resolution. Prior literature usually treats capacitive sensors consisting of electrodes arranged as parallel plates. In this work, the target electrode is spherical, which is common in machine tool metrology, spindle metrology, and the measurement of sphericity. The capacitance due to a gap between flat and spherical electrodes is less than that of two flat electrodes, which causes four effects. As the diameter of the target electrode is reduced, the sensitivity increases, the sensing range decreases, the sensing range shifts toward the target, and the sensor becomes nonlinear. This paper demonstrates and quantifies these effects for a representative capacitive sensor, using finite element analysis and experimental testing. For larger spheres, the effects are correctible with apparent sensitivities, but measurements with the smallest spheres become increasingly nonlinear and inaccurate.
Object-oriented techniques in hardware design

We focus on using object-oriented techniques to improve the hardware design process. The advantages of these techniques for hardware design include: improved modifiability and maintainability of models; easy component instantiation with different parameters; quick composition of new components; the ability to identify and reuse common components; the ability to tailor general-purpose components to more specialized components; support of dynamic object creation and destruction; and the possibility of employing existing software synthesis and verification techniques. We illustrate the application of object-oriented techniques using a load-store, reduced instruction-set processor that contains a local memory. The instruction set consists of 22 instructions, which require one or two 16-bit words. Arithmetic is performed in two's complement. We use C++ to demonstrate the usefulness of object-oriented techniques, not to provide arguments for or against its use in hardware modeling and design. >
Soluble receptor-mediated selective inhibition of VEGFR and PDGFRβ signaling during physiologic and tumor angiogenesis

The simultaneous targeting of both endothelial cells and pericytes via inhibition of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and PDGFβ receptor (PDGFRβ) signaling, respectively, has been proposed to enhance the efficacy of antiangiogenic tumor therapy. Clinical and preclinical modeling of combined VEGFR and PDGFRβ signaling inhibition, however, has used small molecule kinase inhibitors with inherently broad substrate specificities, precluding detailed examination of this hypothesis. Here, adenoviral expression of a soluble VEGFR2/Flk1 ectodomain (Ad Flk1-Fc) in combination with a soluble ectodomain of PDGFRβ (Ad sPDGFRβ) allowed highly selective inhibition of these pathways. The activity of Ad sPDGFRβ was validated in vitro against PDGF-BB and in vivo with near-complete blockade of pericyte recruitment in the angiogenic corpus luteum, resulting in prominent hemorrhage, thus demonstrating an essential function for PDGF signaling during ovarian angiogenesis. Combination therapy with Ad PDGFRβ and submaximal doses of Ad Flk1-Fc produced modest additive antitumor effects; however, no additivity was observed with maximal VEGF inhibition in numerous s.c. models. Notably, VEGF inhibition via Ad Flk1-Fc was sufficient to strongly suppress tumor endothelial and pericyte content as well as intratumoral PDGF-B mRNA, obscuring additive Ad sPDGFRβ effects on pericytes or tumor volume. These studies using highly specific soluble receptors suggest that additivity between VEGFR and PDGFRβ inhibition depends on the strength of VEGF blockade and appears minimal under conditions of maximal VEGF antagonism.
Immune Response of Healthy Women to 2 Different Group B Streptococcal Type V Capsular Polysaccharide-Protein Conjugate Vaccines

Background Infections caused by group B streptococcal (GBS) type V are increasingly common. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-protein conjugate GBS vaccines are immunogenic in healthy adults, but type V vaccines have not previously been tested. Methods Thirty-five healthy, nonpregnant women were randomized to receive an intramuscular dose of GBS type V CPS-tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine (n=15), GBS type V CPS-cross-reactive material (CRM(197)) conjugate vaccine (n=15), or placebo (n=5) (double-masked design). Levels of serum antibodies to type V CPS were measured by ELISA, and functional activity was measured by opsonophagocytosis. Results The vaccines were well tolerated. Significant increases in type V CPS-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) were elicited by both vaccines, peaking at 4-8 weeks and persisting for 26 weeks. Four-fold or greater increases in type V CPS-specific IgG concentrations were noted in postimmunization serum samples obtained from 93% of subjects in each vaccine group. These concentrations persisted in > or =85% of conjugate-vaccine recipients 104 weeks later. Type V CPS-specific immunoglobulin M was a dominant isotype of immune response to each conjugate. Postimmunization serum samples promoted opsonophagocytic killing of GBS type V in vitro, whereas those from placebo recipients did not. Conclusion GBS type V conjugate vaccines are safe and immunogenic and would be appropriate for inclusion in a candidate multivalent GBS vaccine.
Classification-algorithm evaluation: five performance measures based on confusion matrices.

Objective. The objective of this paper is to introduce, explain, and extend methods for comparing the performance of classification algorithms using error tallies obtained on properly sized, populated, and labeled data sets.Methods. Two distinct contexts of classification are defined, involving “objects-by-inspection” and “objects-by-segmentation.” In the former context, the total number of objects to be classified is unambiguously and self-evidently defined. In the latter, there is troublesome ambiguity. All five of the measures of performance here considered are based on confusion matrices, tables of counts revealing the extent of an algorithm's “confusion” regarding the true classifications. A proper measure of classification-algorithm performancemust meet four requirements. A proper measureshould obey six additional constraints.Results. Four traditional measures of performance are critiqued in terms of the requirements and constraints. Each measure meets the requirements, but fails to obey at least one of the constraints. A nontraditional measure of algorithm performance, the normalized mutual information (NMI), is therefore introduced. Based on the NMI, methods for comparing algorithm performance using confusion matrices are devised.Conclusions. The five performance measures lead to similar inferences when comparing a trio of QRS-detection algorithms using a large data set. The modified NMI is preferred, however, because it obeys each of the constraints and is the most conservative measure of performance.
Understanding the Young Gifted Child: Guidelines for Parents, Families, and Educators

Young children who are gifted or talented share special characteristics that impact on the way they learn and develop. Teachers and parents need to consider the unique needs of each child as they plan ways to nurture and educate these youngsters. Concerns such as uneven development, the need for acceleration and/or enrichment, appropriate socialization and peer interactions, and modification of the curriculum are some of the topics discussed. Suggestions for teachers and parents are included along with a variety of resources.
ICAM-1 (CD54) expression on T lymphocytes and natural killer cells from umbilical cord blood: regulation with interleukin-12 and interleukin-15.

We investigated the effect of two immunoregulatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-15, alone or in combination, on intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1, CD54) expression on mononuclear cells (MNC) obtained from umbilical cord blood (CB) and adult peripheral blood (APB). We established that (1) ICAM-1 expression was deficient on freshly isolated CB T and natural killer (NK) cells compared with that on adult cells; (2) ICAM-1 expression on T cells (CD3 + /CD54 +) , but not on NK cells (CD16 + /CD54 +) , was spontaneously upregulated after 7 days' culture in RPMI with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in the absence of cytokines, for CB and APB MNC alike; (3) removal of 10% FCS from the medium did not affect the spontaneous CD3 + /CD54 + upregulation on APB MNC; (3) CB NK cells responded more readily to IL-12 and IL-15 than did APB NK cells in terms of ICAM-1 expression, while ICAM-1 expression on APB T cells, but not on CB T cells, could be enhanced with IL-12 plus IL-15; (4) the combination of IL-12 an...
Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile Infection: an Ongoing Conundrum for Clinicians and for Clinical Laboratories

Clostridium difficile is a formidable nosocomial and community-acquired pathogen, causing clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic colonization to self-limiting diarrhea to toxic megacolon and fulminant colitis. Since the early 2000s, the incidence of C. difficile disease has increased dramatically, and this is thought to be due to the emergence of new strain types. For many years, the mainstay of C. difficile disease diagnosis was enzyme immunoassays for detection of the C. difficile toxin(s), although it is now generally accepted that these assays lack sensitivity. A number of molecular assays are commercially available for the detection of C. difficile. This review covers the history and biology of C. difficile and provides an in-depth discussion of the laboratory methods used for the diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI). In addition, strain typing methods for C. difficile and the evolving epidemiology of colonization and infection with this organism are discussed. Finally, considerations for diagnosing C. difficile disease in special patient populations, such as children, oncology patients, transplant patients, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease, are described. As detection of C. difficile in clinical specimens does not always equate with disease, the diagnosis of C. difficile infection continues to be a challenge for both laboratories and clinicians.
The pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Reflux disease is a complex process in which different factors may contribute to the final common pathway of esophageal mucosal injury. Individual patients are heterogeneous with respect to the main determinants that contribute to the development of their symptomatic condition. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs by means of several different mechanisms that vary among patients. In many patients, resting LES tone is normal and reflux occurs via transient LES relaxations. In others with a hypotensive LES, acid reflux occurs mainly as stress of free reflux. Only this latter group is likely to exhibit barium reflux during fluoroscopy. Total esophageal exposure to acid material depends on a number of factors, including the rate of reflux, volume and potency of the refluxate, and efficacy of esophageal acid clearance. Abnormal esophageal exposure to acid refluxate depends on increased gastroesophageal reflux, delayed esophageal clearance, or both. Impaired esophageal acid clearance is generally caused by abnormal e...
Elastic wave-mode separation for VTI media

Elastic wave propagation in anisotropic media is well represented by elastic wave equations. Modeling based on elasticwaveequationscharacterizesbothkinematicsanddynamics correctly. However, because P- and S-modes are both propagated using elastic wave equations, there is a need to separate P- and S-modes to efficiently apply single-mode processing tools. In isotropic media, wave modes are usually separated using Helmholtz decomposition. However, Helmholtz decomposition using conventional divergence and curl operators in anisotropic media does not give satisfactory resultsandleavesthedifferentwavemodesonlypartiallyseparated.Theseparationofanisotropicwavefieldsrequiresmore sophisticated operators that depend on local material parameters. Anisotropic wavefield-separation operators are constructedusingthepolarizationvectorsevaluatedateachpoint of the medium by solving the Christoffel equation for local mediumparameters.Thesepolarizationvectorscanberepresented in the space domain as localized filtering operators, which resemble conventional derivative operators. The spatially variable pseudo-derivative operators perform well in heterogeneous VTI media even at places of rapid velocity/ densityvariation.Syntheticresultsindicatethattheoperators can be used to separate wavefields for VTI media with an arbitrarydegreeofanisotropy.