cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unusual growth properties of a bacterial strain lacking DNA polymerase

Summary The DNA polymerase-deficient E . coli strain pol A1− exhibits a 5% plating efficiency when grown on synthetic liquid medium and plated on a nutritionally rich solid medium. This phenomenon is not seen when the composition of the liquid and solid media is identical. Accordingly in order to obtain meaningful results with this strain, the growth conditions must be controlled carefully.
Helping behaviour in brown hyenas.

The degree of relatedness between individuals is one of the primary factors influencing nonparental aid or ‘helping behaviour’1. However, in the field it is often difficult to determine precisely the familial relationships between helpers and recipients, and thus to assess the relative benefits of helping. Here we describe the results of a 7-yr study of brown hyenas in which most kinships were known, and report asymmetries in helping among clan members according to sex and relatedness. Natal males emigrate more often than females and provision cubs less frequently. Females provision young as distantly related as second cousins, while males provision half sibs, but not cousins. Such discrimination in nonparental aid between relatives has not been previously reported in large mammals other than primates2.
How eukaryotic transcriptional activators work

A specific protein, bound to DNA, can activate transcription of a wide array of genes in many eukaryotes. Further analysis suggests a general outline for how eukaryotic transcriptional activators function and are controlled.
Electro-optic holography method for determination of surface shape and deformation

Current demanding engineering analysis and design applications require effective experimental methodologies for characterization of surface shape and deformation. Such characterization is of primary importance in many applications, because these quantities are related to the functionality, performance, and integrity of the objects of interest, especially in view of advances relating to concurrent engineering. In this paper, a new approach to characterization of surface shape and deformation using a simple optical setup is described. The approach consists of a fiber optic based electro-optic holography (EOH) system based on an IR, temperature tuned laser diode, a single mode fiber optic directional coupler assembly, and a video processing computer. The EOH can be arranged in multiple configurations which include, the three-camera, three- illumination, and speckle correlation modes.In particular, the three-camera mode is described, as well as a brief description of the procedures for obtaining quantitative 3D shape and deformation information. A representative application of the three-camera EOH system demonstrates the viability of the approach as an effective engineering tool. A particular feature of this system and the procedure described in this paper is that the 3D quantitative data are written to data files which can be readily interfaced to commercial CAD/CAM environments.
New Imidazole Alkaloids from the Sponge Leucetta chagosensis

Chemical investigation of the sponge Leucetta chagosensis collected in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, has led to the isolation of two new alkaloids, 2-deoxy-2-aminokealiiquinone (3) and naamine C (5), along with the known alkaloid, pyronaamidine (1). The structures of 3 and 5 were assigned by spectroscopic and chemical methods.
Submillimeter wave spectroscopy and the search for life on planets

Absorption and emission of gases in the submillimeter wavelengths is currently exploited for laboratory spectroscopy as well as remote astronomy and limb sounding. We are developing a field-ready submillimeter spectrometer that will enable in-situ sensing with a goal for characterization of biogenic gases and life tracers.
Characterization of methane hydrate host sediments using synchrotron-computed microtomography (CMT)

Abstract The hydrate–sediment interaction is an important aspect of gas hydrate studies that needs further examination. We describe here the applicability of the computed microtomography (CMT) technique that utilizes an intense X-ray synchrotron source to characterize sediment samples, two at various depths from the Blake Ridge area (a well-known hydrate-prone region) and one from Georges Bank, that once contained methane trapped as hydrates. Detailed results of the tomographic analysis performed on the deepest sample (667 m) from Blake Ridge are presented as 2-D and 3-D images which show several mineral constituents, the internal grain/pore microstructure, and, following segmentation into pore and grain space, a visualization of the connecting pathways through the pore-space of the sediment. Various parameters obtained from the analysis of the CMT data are presented for all three sediment samples. The micro-scale porosity values showed decreasing trend with increasing depth for all three samples that is consistent with the previously reported bulk porosity data. The 3-D morphology, pore-space pathways, porosity, and permeability values are also reported for all three samples. The application of CMT is now being expanded to the laboratory-formed samples of hydrate in sediments as well as field samples of methane hydrate bearing sediments.
Can persons with schizophrenia appreciate visual art

The way schizophrenia patients perceive the world is largely mysterious. Understanding and appreciating the visual world begins with the perception of basic visual features, which is altered in this mental disorder. Yet, the roles basic visual features play in functional activities such as appreciation of art are unclear. This study examined the effects of visual feature manipulation on beauty perception of art in schizophrenia patients (n=29) and in normal controls (n=30). Three pieces of art - The Starry Night (Van Gogh), Mona Lisa (Da Vinci) and a natural landscape photograph (anonymous) - were manipulated in terms of their coloration (removal of color), spatial frequency content (low or high-frequency pass) and visual noise level (with added noise). Subjects judged the beauty of the original and visual-feature-manipulated artworks by rating each piece individually (1 to 7) and by ranking all pieces from most to least beautiful. For the three original art pieces, averaged ratings and rankings were similar in patients and controls. However, when the visual features of the original pieces were manipulated, changes in the beauty ratings were significantly smaller in patients. The reduced sensitivity to visual feature manipulations suggests that the modulation of basic visual signals, often used for vivid and dynamic expressions in art, may be under-appreciated in schizophrenia.
A proportional counter for efficient Mössbauer scattering experiments

Abstract A sealed proportional counter designed to detect efficiently scattered low energy X- and gamma rays is described.
An observer-canonical state-representation for a system of linear variable difference equations

This short paper presents a technique to convert a well-formed system of linear variable difference equations to a corresponding system of state equations. The technique applies to both causal and noncausal systems. The resulting state-representation is in the observer version of the Luenberger canonical form.
Principles and designs of the iseikonic lenses for near vision.

Purpose The purposes of this study were to find the problems of afocal iseikonic lenses as used for near vision and to elaborate the principles and designs of the ideal near iseikonic lenses. Methods By analyzing the image-object relationship and imaging processes, the formulae were derived to quantitatively and qualitatively describe two errors of afocal iseikonic lenses as used for near vision: 1) inequality of accommodative demands to both eyes and 2) the difference between the actual and the nominal magnification. Formulae were derived to calculate and design the ideal near iseikonic lenses. Results For iseikonic lenses now used for near vision, inequality of accommodative demands to both eyes and difference between the actual and nominal magnification increased as the magnification increased and the viewing distance decreased. Afocal iseikonic lenses have significant inequality of accommodative demands to both eyes with 3% magnification at a viewing distance of 25 cm or with 5% magnification at 40 cm. The ideal near iseikonic lenses were found to be flatter than the afocal ones. A series of the ideal near iseikonic lenses were designed with some practical considerations. The central thickness and the refractive index of the lenses affect magnification and lens shape. The thicker the lenses, the higher the magnification. The higher refractive index also gives higher magnification. Conclusions Iseikonic lens design is much different for distance and near vision. When the iseikonic lenses are used at a distance other than the designated distance, they will cause blurred vision and artificial aniseikonia as a result of inequality of accommodative demands to both eyes. In research as well as clinical settings, it is necessary to apply the ideal near iseikonic lenses for near vision.
Response of hepatic alpha-glycerophosphate to changes in hepatic glucose formation.

Abstract Changes in hepatic α-glycerophosphate (α-GP) concentration have been measured following a variety of metabolic stimuli in normal rats and dogs. Rapid and reproducible variations in the concentration of α-GP were documented. Situations in which the liver was forced to channel carbons into new glucose formation were associated with a decrease in hepatic α-GP concentration. This relationship was independent of both the experimental agent employed and the peripheral glucose concentration, and was thought to result from increased conversion of α-GP to glucose as well as from decreased production of α-GP secondary to the demand for increased hepatic glucose formation. In contrast, experimental conditions which inhibited formation of hepatic glucose were associated with increases in hepatic α-GP concentration, and, as before, the changes were not dependent upon the specific agent employed or the plasma glucose concentration. This rise in hepatic α-GP was interpreted as being the result of increased conversion of 3-carbon fragments into triglyceride synthesis, and the possible relevance of this observation to the phenomenon of hypertriglyceridemia in man was discussed. Finally, the relative lability of hepatic α-GP concentration lends further support to the notion that α-GP may play an important role in regulating hepatic intermediary metabolism.
Solar Impulsive Hard X-Ray Emission and Two-Stage Electron Acceleration

Heating and acceleration of electrons in solar impulsive hard X-ray (HXR) flares are studied according to the two-stage acceleration model developed by Zhang for solar 3He-rich events. It is shown that electrostatic H-cyclotron waves can be excited at a parallel phase velocity less than about the electron thermal velocity and thus can significantly heat the electrons (up to 40 MK) through Landau resonance. The preheated electrons with velocities above a threshold are further accelerated to high energies in the flare-acceleration process. The flare-produced electron spectrum is obtained and shown to be thermal at low energies and power law at high energies. In the non-thermal energy range, the spectrum can be double power law if the spectral power index is energy dependent or related. The electron energy spectrum obtained by this study agrees quantitatively with the result derived from the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) HXR observations in the flare of 2002 July 23. The total flux and energy flux of electrons accelerated in the solar flare also agree with the measurements.
Recombinant human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibody Fab is effective therapeutically when introduced directly into the lungs of RSV-infected mice.

Abstract Previously, recombinant human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) monoclonal antibody Fabs were generated by antigen selection from random combinatorial libraries displayed at the tip of filamentous phage. Two such Fabs, which exhibited high binding affinity for RSV F glycoprotein (a major protective antigen), were evaluated for therapeutic efficacy in infected mice just before or at the time of peak virus replication in the lungs. Fab 19, which neutralized RSV infectivity with high efficiency in tissue culture, was effective therapeutically when delivered directly into the lungs by intranasal instillation under anesthesia. In contrast, RSV Fab 126, which failed to neutralize virus in cell culture, did not exhibit a therapeutic effect under these conditions. The amount of Fab 19 required to effect a 5000- to 12,000-fold reduction in titer of RSV in the lungs within 24 hr was rather small. In four separate experiments, a single instillation of 12.9-50 micrograms of RSV Fab 19 was sufficient to achieve such a reduction in pulmonary virus in a 25g mouse. The use of Fabs instead of the whole immunoglobulin molecules from which they are derived reduced the protein content of a therapeutic dose. This is important because the protein load that can be delivered effectively into the lungs is limited. The therapeutic effect of a single treatment with Fab 19 was not sustained, so that a rebound in pulmonary virus titer occurred on the 2nd day after treatment. This rebound in pulmonary RSV titer could be prevented by treating infected mice with a single dose of Fab 19 daily for 3 days. These observations suggest that human monoclonal Fabs grown in Escherichia coli may prove useful in the treatment of serious RSV disease as well as diseases caused by other viruses where replication in vivo is limited primarily to the lumenal lining of the respiratory tract.
The Growth of Hydroxyapatite from Solution. A New Constant Composition Method

A new constant solution composition method is described for the study of calcium phosphate mineralization. It enables large quantities of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite to be formed by direct precipitation from solution at 37°C and pH = 7.40.
Individual differences in electrodermal response conditioning and self-report of discomfort: A phobia analogue

The present study was designed as an analogue to the acquisition and extinction of a classically conditioned phobic response. Thirty electrodermally labile and 30 electrodermally stabile non-phobic male undergraduates were assigned randomly to one of two experimental conditions, utilizing either “prepared” or “unprepared” CSs, after Seligman (1971). It was hypothesized that electrodermally labile subjects, in contrast to stabiles, would require a greater number of trials to habituate to either CS, would exhibit greater changes in log skin conductance during acquisition, would report higher verbal discomfort ratings related to the CS, and would require a greater number of trials to extinction. Differences between labiles and stabiles were also predicted for instrumental “escape” behavior during extinction. The results revealed significant differences between labile and stabile subjects on all predicted dimensions; however, no significant differences were found for the “prepared” versus “unprepared” CS contingencies. The study also reports unusual evidence for a relationship between a self-report measure of arousal and concomitant psychophysiological responsivity.
Mucosal healing and fibrosis after acute or chronic inflammation in wild type FVB-N mice and C57BL6 procollagen α1(I)-promoter-GFP reporter mice.

Background Injury and intestinal inflammation trigger wound healing responses that can restore mucosal architecture but if chronic, can promote intestinal fibrosis. Intestinal fibrosis is a major complication of Crohn’s disease. The cellular and molecular basis of mucosal healing and intestinal fibrosis are not well defined and better understanding requires well characterized mouse models. Methods FVB-N wild type mice and C57BL6 procollagen α1(I)-GFP reporter mice were given one (DSS1) or two (DSS2) cycles of 3% DSS (5 days/cycle) followed by 7 days recovery. Histological scoring of inflammation and fibrosis were performed at DSS1, DSS1+3, DSS1+7, DSS2, DSS2+3, and DSS2+7. Procollagen α1(I)-GFP activation was assessed in DSS and also TNBS models by whole colon GFP imaging and fluorescence microscopy. Colocalization of GFP with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or vimentin was examined. GFP mRNA levels were tested for correlation with endogenous collagen α1(I) mRNA. Results Males were more susceptible to DSS-induced disease and mortality than females. In FVB-N mice one DSS cycle induced transient mucosal inflammation and fibrosis that resolved by 7 days of recovery. Two DSS cycles induced transmural inflammation and fibrosis in a subset of FVB-N mice but overall, did not yield more consistent, severe or sustained fibrosis. In C57BL6 mice, procollagen α1(I)-GFP reporter was activated at the end of DSS1 and through DSS+7 with more dramatic and transmural activation at DSS2 through DSS2+7, and in TNBS treated mice. In DSS and TNBS models GFP reporter expression localized to vimentin+ cells and much fewer α-SMA+ cells. GFP mRNA strongly correlated with collagen α1(I) mRNA. Conclusions One DSS cycle in FVB-N mice provides a model to study mucosal injury and subsequent mucosal healing. The procollagen α1(I)-GFP transgenic provides a useful model to study activation of a gene encoding a major extracellular matrix protein during acute or chronic experimental intestinal inflammation and fibrosis.
Biphasic modulation of protein kinase C (PKC) activity by polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) in serum‐deprived rat aortic smooth muscle cells

Previous studies in this laboratory have shown that benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) modulates protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation of aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) proteins. This observation is consistent with the ability of other aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs), such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), to modulate kinase activities in cells of hepatic, testicular, and thymic origin. Because all these chemicals share the ability to bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), the present studies were conducted to determine if changes in PKC activity by AHs conform with established structure-activity relationships. Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of TCDD, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), and 2,8-dichlorodibenzodioxin (DCDD) on the phosphorylation of exogenous histone type-III under basal and PKC-activating conditions. These congeners exhibit both high (TCDD and TCDF) and low (DCDD) AhR agonist activities. Measurements of kinase activity were conducted in the cytosolic and particulate fractions of growth-arrested (i.e., serum-deprived) cultured rat aortic SMCs incubated with 10 nM TCDD, TCDF, and DCDD for 0.5, 12, or 24 hours. No changes in basal kinase activity were induced by these chemicals at any of the times tested. Significant decreases in cytosolic and particulate PKC activity relative to controls were observed upon exposure of SMCs for 0.5 hours to 10 nM TCDD, TCDF, and DCDD. In contrast, SMCs exposed to TCDD and TCDF for 12 hours exhibited a significant increase in PKC activity in both cytosolic and particulate fractions. The PKC activity in cells exposed to DCDD for 12 hours was not altered. Prolonged exposure of SMCs to 10 nM TCDD, TCDF, and DCDD for 24 hours decreased PKC activity in the cytosolic fraction, while only TCDD and TCDF decreased particulate PKC activity. These data show that PKC activity is modulated differentially as a function of time in SMCs exposed to TCDD and related compounds. Collectively, the patterns of histone phosphorylation induced by these chemicals in rat aortic SMCs suggest that modulation of C-kinase activity involves both receptor-independent and receptor-related events.
Attitudes of health professionals toward twelve disabilities.

A ranking of 12 disabilities, in the order they were perceived as most disturbing, was obtained from 54 health professionals. It was found that after blindness, the disabilities associated with imp...
Impact of HIPAA on the integrity of healthcare information

Although most patients' interactions with HIPAA end with signing a patient information release form when visiting their doctor, HIPAA is also intended to protect the integrity of that information as it flows among the many healthcare providers, insurers, and clearing houses that will process it. Information integrity is critically and strategically important to healthcare organisations today. Considering information integrity implications of HIPAA requirements can help healthcare administrators identify strengths and weaknesses in their stored information and in the ways in which it is shared with business partners and other healthcare providers. In this article, we describe the impact of HIPAA on information integrity as well as the information integrity challenges that still lie ahead for healthcare organisations. After a brief overview of general information integrity issues related to information sharing across multiple healthcare organisations, we discuss integrity concerns specific to the primary components of the administrative simplification provision of HIPAA, including transaction codes and standards, unique identifier codes, information privacy and information security. The articles closes with a call for additional research to document the true impacts and costs of the legislation, to produce a framework with which practitioners can make informed choices about information integrity issues.
Effects of forest management practices on the diversity of ground-occurring beetles in mixed northern hardwood forests of the Great Lakes Region

Ground-occurring Coleoptera were sampled over 2 years using pitfall traps in 23 northern hardwood or eastern hemlockdominated sites representing even-aged, uneven-aged, or old growth forests. Overall, 65,586 individuals were obtained, representing 33 families and 192 species. Carabids comprised 54% of the total catch in 1996, when all the families were tallied. There was little variation in the number and relative abundance of carabid species caught between seasons. No differences in overall species richness or abundance were observed among forest management regimes or habitat types. However, there were substantial differences in species composition. Thirteen species showed significant habitat associations among the five forest management regimes, and 21 species were associated with specific habitat features of the sites, such as dominant tree species or canopy structure. More species (16) were affected by the presence of forest management than by tree species dominance (6) or canopy structure (5). Harpalus fulvilabris, Pterostichus coracinus, Carabus nemoralis, Glischrochilus siepmanni, Nicrophorus orbicollis, and Nicrophorus sayi were more commonly caught in managed than in old growth forest sites, while Carabus sylvosus, Platynus decentis and Oiceoptoma novaboracensis were more commonly associated with old growth sites. Calosoma frigidum and Necrophila americana were associated with northern hardwood sites, while Platynus decentis was significantly associated with sites dominated by eastern hemlock. Calosoma frigidum, Necrophila americana, and Nicrophorus vespilloides were more common in even-aged sites, while a lampyrid and a leiodid morphospecies were more common in sites with an uneven-aged canopy structure. The importance of microsite features was reflected in the high variability observed among sites and among traps within sites. Results indicate that conservation of a range of forest types is required in order to maintain the diversity of ground-occurring beetles on a regional scale. This will be quite challenging, since forest types such as old growth hemlock-hardwood are rare across the landscape due to habitat fragmentation and logging. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Performance of power converters in hybrid fuel cell/ battery power sources

Hybrid fuel cell/ battery power sources have potentially widespread uses in applications wherein the power demand is impulsive rather than constant. Interposing a DC/DC converter between a fuel cell and a battery can create two configurations of actively controlled hybrid fuel cell/ battery power sources. This paper compares those two configurations using both theory and experiment with special attention to the peak power enhancement, and power losses in the converter. Both of the defined configurations were built, using a 35 W polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, an 8-cell lithium-ion battery pack, and a high-efficiency power converter. Both configurations yielded a peak power output of 135 W, about 4 times as high as the fuel cell alone could supply, with only a slight (13%) increase of weight. The converter losses were quantitatively analyzed. Which of the two configurations yields a smaller loss depends on the load power demand characteristics including peak power and load duty ratio. The study results in this paper provide guidance for the design of hybrid sources according to the particular load power requirements.
Delivery and management of a preterm infant in the burn unit: A multidisciplinary approach

Burns during pregnancy can have profound effects on both the mother and her fetus. While the mother can suffer cardiovascular collapse, infection, hemorrhage and inhalation injury with respiratory failure, the fetus is affected through the placenta by all of these changes as well as by the transfer of drugs administered to the mother. We report a case of severely burned female patient at 29 weeks gestation, who, due to deteriorating maternal condition, was delivered and managed at 32 weeks gestation by a multidisciplinary team. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of a preterm infant delivered in a burn unit.
Worlds in collision, worlds in collusion: The uneasy relationship between the counterterrorism policy community and the academic community∗

Abstract This paper explores the tension and barriers to cooperation between the government and academic communities in policy‐relevant areas. In the field of political terrorism, the time urgency of dealing with violence or the threat of violence characterizes the government professional's approach, while the academic views terrorism with a long‐range perspective. Other differences in missions, role requirements, and attitudes within the two communities contribute to the gap between them. Exchanges of personnel, ongoing programs for the exchange of information, and increasing the number of academic advisors with security clearances are among the recommendations for narrowing the gap.
The Taxonomic and Evolutionary History of Fossil and Modern Balaenopteroid Mysticetes

Balaenopteroids (Balaenopteridae + Eschrichtiidae) are a diverse lineage of living mysticetes, with seven to ten species divided between three genera (Megaptera, Balaenoptera and Eschrichtius). Extant members of the Balaenopteridae (Balaenoptera and Megaptera) are characterized by their engulfment feeding behavior, which is associated with a number of unique cranial, mandibular, and soft anatomical characters. The Eschrichtiidae employ suction feeding, which is associated with arched rostra and short, coarse baleen. The recognition of these and other characters in fossil balaenopteroids, when viewed in a phylogenetic framework, provides a means for assessing the evolutionary history of this clade, including its origin and diversification. The earliest fossil balaenopterids include incomplete crania from the early late Miocene (7‐10 Ma) of the North Pacific Ocean Basin. Our preliminary phylogenetic results indicate that the basal taxon, “Megaptera” miocaena should be reassigned to a new genus based on its possession of primitive and derived characters. The late late Miocene (5‐7 Ma) balaenopterid record, except for Parabalaenoptera baulinensis and Balaenoptera siberi, is largely undescribed and consists of fossil specimens from the North and South Pacific and North Atlantic Ocean basins. The Pliocene record (2‐5 Ma) is very diverse and consists of numerous named, but problematic, taxa from Italy and Belgium, as well as unnamed taxa from the North and South Pacific and eastern North Atlantic Ocean basins. For the most part Pliocene balaenopteroids represent extinct species and genera and reveal a greater degree of morphological diversity than at present. The Pleistocene record is very limited and, unfortunately, fails to document the evolutionary details leading to modern balaenopteroid species diversity. It is evident, however, that most extant species evolved during the Pleistocene. Morphological and molecular based phylogenies support two competing hypotheses concerning relationships within the Balaenopteroidea: (1) balaenopterids and eschrichtiids as sister taxa, and (2) eschrichtiids nested within a paraphyletic Balaenopteridae. The addition of fossil taxa (including a new Pliocene species preserving a mosaic of balaenopterid and eschrichtiid characters) in morphological and “total evidence” analyses, offers the potential to resolve the current controversy concerning the possible paraphyly of Balaenopteridae.
The enzymology of sulfur activation during thiamin and biotin biosynthesis

The thiamin and biotin biosynthetic pathways utilize elaborate strategies for the transfer of sulfur from cysteine to cofactor precursors. For thiamin, the sulfur atom of cysteine is transferred to a 66-amino-acid peptide (ThiS) to form a carboxy-terminal thiocarboxylate group. This sulfur transfer requires three enzymes and proceeds via a ThiS-acyladenylate intermediate. The biotin synthase Fe-S cluster functions as the immediate sulfur donor for biotin formation. C-S bond formation proceeds via radical intermediates that are generated by hydrogen atom transfer from dethiobiotin to the adenosyl radical. This radical is formed by the reductive cleavage of S-adenosylmethionine by the reduced Fe-S cluster of biotin synthase.
Weighted pairwise correlation and transmission disequilibrium in a common oligogenic disease.

Weighted pairwise correlation (WPC) linkage analysis and the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) for allelic association were applied to simulated family data for a common oligogenic disorder in order to localize genes that increase levels of Q1. Preliminary linear models indicated that Q1 increases with age, Q2, Q3, and the occurrence of D5G28 allele 3 (D5G28(3). WPC provided evidence for linkage of Q1 to Major Gene 1, D5G28 (p 87.5) were used to define the phenotype. D5G28 was the only locus linked to Q1 (p = 0.01) when the phenotype was defined as Q1 adjusted for age, Q2, Q3, and D5G28(3). The TDT indicated linkage disequilibirum between a gene for elevated Q1 (> 87.5) and alleles at loci adjacent to D5G28: D5G29(2) was apparently protective (p = 0.008) while allele 8 was associated with risk (p = 0.007); D5G30(7) was also apparently protective (p = 0.02). However, significant disequilibirum was not found for D5G28(3), possibly due to lack of adjustment of Q1 and small sample size. These results imply that the combined use of WPC and the TDT may be an effective strategy for genomic screens in complex disorders defined by quantitative traits, especially when the trait can be adjusted for age and other relevant factors. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Social Capital at the Top: Effects of Social Similarity and Status on CEO Compensation

This study explored the effects of social capital, measured both absolutely and relatively, on CEO compensation in a sample of 61 CEO-compensation committee chairperson dyads. We controlled for var...
Transhumanism and Enhancement

Humans have always sought to elevate the conditions of their existence. While ancient writers noted limited human contact with the divine, transhumanists believe that crossing from our ontological status to a higher plane is possible, even inevitable, through human technological ingenuity. Given their content and implications, further scrutiny of transhumanists' views is essential. Areas that should be addressed include transhumanists' own essentialism, the implications of existing brain science for transhumanists' more extravagant claims, and their constricted notions of knowledge and education. Further, not only would posthuman existence not be ours, but exuberant visions of that existence do not adequately heed the irreducible context in which humans pursue desires' fulfillment. Finally, when defending their positions, transhumanists must attend further to potentially grave risks, which, even where acknowledged, are downplayed. Key Concepts: Notwithstanding key differences, conservatives and transhumanists concur on significant points. While proponents of strong enhancement challenge conservatives' views of human nature, they too are essentialists. Transhumanists aim to shift humans' ontological status to a plane on which posthumans would be like the divine on two different ancient views. Since posthuman existence could not be ours, questions of personal identity involving that stage are moot. Current knowledge of the brain does not support extravagant claims about biotechnological boosts, whether cognitive or moral, and uploads. Transhumanists' constricted views of human knowledge and education would extend to posthumans. Our categorical incapacity to meaningfully anticipate what posthuman existence would be like deeply impacts the tenability of transhumanists' claims. Even where transhumanists acknowledge the existence, even likelihood, of serious risks, they do not adequately attend to them. Keywords: human nature; posthuman; biotechnology; artificial intelligence; knowledge; education; aspiration; information systems; genetics; neuroscience
Food priming and short-term retention in the delayed alternation task☆

Abstract The delayed alternation task, with rats as subjects, was used to assess the effects of a priming food reward on subsequent retention of a reinforced target location in a T maze. Subjects received a pretrial feeding, followed by a forced-choice rewarded entry into one goal box of the maze (the “cuing” run). Following a delay interval (5–60 s), the subjects were allowed to choose either goal, with reward available only in the one not entered on the cuing run. Priming significantly reduced such alternation after 30- and 60-s delays (Experiment 1), whereas administering the reward following the cuing run had no effect on choice behavior (Experiment 2). In the third study, prefeeding had a decremental effect when the following cuing run was reinforced, but no decrement occurred when reinforcement was omitted on the cuing run. The results suggest that food reward enhances retention of spatial information, but priming reduces this effect.
Application of the locality rule and implications for malpractice actions against physical therapists

Physical therapists are becoming involved increasingly in malpractice actions. The number of such actions will likely increase as the profession moves towards specialized practice and practice without medical referral. This article is intended to clarify some of the major principles of negligence and malpractice law as they apply to physical therapists. There are few reported cases of malpractice involving physical therapists, but an abundance of cases involving physicians. The extent to which physicians and therapists have been treated alike in these past malpractice suits is examined. This article also discusses some of the potential legal implications of specialization and practice without referral and their effect on the physical therapist in general practice and the therapist practicing without referral.
An Open-Label Trial of Rituximab Therapy in Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the B-lymphocyte antigen CD20, has shown promise in several autoimmune disorders. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by autoantibodies to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). An open-label, proof-of-concept phase II clinical trial was conducted in 10 PAP patients. The intervention consisted of two intravenous infusions of rituximab (1,000 mg) 15 days apart. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood samples were collected. The primary outcome was improvement in arterial blood oxygenation. Both arterial oxygen tension and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference in room air improved in seven out of the nine patients completing the study. Lung function and high-resolution computed tomography scans, which were secondary outcomes, also improved. Peripheral blood CD19+ B-lymphocytes decreased from mean ± sem 15 ± 2% to <0.05% (n = 10) 15 days post-therapy. This decrease persisted for 3 months in all patients; at 6 months, CD19+ B-cells were detected in four out of seven patients (5 ± 2%). Total anti-GM-CSF immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels from baseline to 6 months were decreased in BAL fluids (n = 8) but unchanged in sera (n = 9). In this PAP cohort: 1) rituximab was well-tolerated and effectively ameliorated lung disease; and 2) reduction in anti-GM-CSF IgG levels in the lung correlated with disease changes, suggesting that disease pathogenesis is related to autoantibody levels in the target organ.
Early Assessment of Anxiety and Behavioral Response to Novel Swine-Origin Influenza A(H1N1)

Since late April, 2009, a novel influenza virus A (H1N1), generally referred to as the "swine flu," has spread around the globe and infected hundreds of thousands of people. During the first few days after the initial outbreak in Mexico, extensive media coverage together with a high degree of uncertainty about the transmissibility and mortality rate associated with the virus caused widespread concern in the population. The spread of an infectious disease can be strongly influenced by behavioral changes (e.g., social distancing) during the early phase of an epidemic, but data on risk perception and behavioral response to a novel virus is usually collected with a substantial delay or after an epidemic has run its course.
Considering Efficacy and Cost, Where Does Ramucirumab Fit in the Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer?

Health care institutions, physicians, and patients can—and should—be more involved in evaluating the role of new therapies such as ramucirumab in metastatic colorectal cancer based on their value. This is especially true in the case of a treatment that adds no additional benefit in terms of efficacy or toxicity compared with the current standard of care and has a higher cost.
Distributed decision making in organizations

Problems and concepts for understanding how expert systems can be thought about, designed, and used in organized activity are discussed. Considerations and concepts from distributed artificial intelligence are explained, noting the connection with research in the computer support of organized activity. The author's recent research in two areas is outlined. They are cooperation in a vertical structure of an organizational hierarchy and horizontal cooperation among a team of agents with different specializations, solving a joint problem. >
'Uma' (MO 16) and 'Revathy' (MO 17): Two promising rice varieties with seed dormancy

To evolve rice varieties with seed dormancy, hybridisation programmes were initiated at the Rice Research Station, Moncompu in 1985 using locally adapted varieties like MO 4 (‘Bhadra’), MO 5 (‘Asha’), MO 6 (‘Pavizham’), MO 7 (‘Karthika’), ‘Pokkali’, MO 1 and ‘Kuruka’. Selection up to the F 6 generation based on general performance and seed dormancy yielded two cultures— KAU M 42-6-3 from the MO 6/‘Pokkali’ cross and KAU M 45-20-1 from the cross of culture 12814 with MO 6. These cultures performed consistently well in the yield trials and were, therefore, released by the State Seed Subcommittee in 1998 as ‘Uma’ (MO 16) and ‘Revathy’ (MO 17) respectively for use in Kerala.
Hybrid Multiplexing (HYM) for Read- and Area-Optimized MRAMs With Separate Read-Write Paths

We present a hybrid multiplexing (HYM) scheme for MRAMs with separate read-write paths, employing different bit-cell selection methods during read and write based on their suitability for data sensing and switching operations. The proposed technique allows the sharing of the read access transistor among the cells belonging to the same word, leading to area savings and enhancement in distinguishability. Furthermore, by employing dummy bits in an array and setting their values according to the process corner, the spread of the read current due to global variations can be tightened. We apply our technique on MRAM with spin Hall effect-based write and show that the HYM achieves 20% to 25% area reduction along with 2.4X improvement in cell TMR, 25% to 38% lower write power, and upto 50% increase in the read disturb margin compared to the standard multiplexing. The spread of the read current reduces by 38% to 53% by employing the dummy bits.
Post-fabrication placement of arbitrary chemical functionality on microphase-separated thin films of amine-reactive block copolymers

We report an approach to the post-fabrication placement of chemical functionality on microphase-separated thin films of a reactive block copolymer. Our approach makes use of an azlactone-containing block copolymer that microphase separates into domains of perpendicularly-oriented lamellae. These thin films present nanoscale patterns of amine-reactive groups (reactive stripes) that serve as handles for the immobilization of primary amine-containing functionality. We demonstrate that arbitrary chemical functionality can be installed by treatment with aqueous solutions under mild conditions that do not perturb underlying microphase-separated patterns dictated by the structure of the reactive block copolymer. This post-fabrication approach provides a basis for the development of modular approaches to the design of microphase-separated block copolymer thin films and access to coatings with patterned chemical domains and surface properties that would be difficult to prepare by the self-assembly and processing o...
Regeneration of the canine urinary bladder mucosa after complete surgical denudation.

AbstractTo study the site of origin of epithelial regeneration in the urinary bladder after surgical denudation, we completely obliterated the bladder mucosa in 17 dogs, using the neodymium:YAG laser. Bladder-mapping studies showed that the regenerating cells arose from the epithelium of the terminal ureters and urethra. Experimental construction of isolated bladder pouches confirmed these findings and demonstrated that urine flow was not essential for reepithelialization. These results are relevant to the treatment of patients with multifocal carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Although the entire bladder can be denuded successfully, the studies demonstrate that the procedure might fail if the sources of epithelial regrowth, the distal ureters and urethra, contain untreated carcinoma in situ.
Surgical treatment of pleural mesothelioma

From 1939 through 1981, 170 patients were seen and treated for pleural mesothelioma. Twenty-one tumors were benign, 47 were fibrosarcomatous, and 102 were epithelial mesothelioma. Resection was the main mode of treatment in benign and fibrosarcomatous mesothelioma. Treatment of diffuse epithelial mesothelioma presented the greatest challenge. Surgical therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy were used in combination in these patients. The review of our patients treated prior to 1972 had shown no benefit from including pulmonary resection in the surgical treatment of these tumors. Since then, all patients with diffuse mesothelioma were treated by pleurectomy without pulmonary resection. Both internal and external radiation therapy were also used to enhance local control. Forty-nine percent of patients with epithelial mesothelioma lived 1 year. The median survival in patients whose disease was controlled by these methods was 21 months. Despite the poor prognosis in malignant mesothelioma, better survival was achieved when the treatment included operation combined with radiation and chemotherapy.
Current usage of antimicrobial combinations in pediatrics.

The use of two or more antimicrobial agents is frequently necessary for the successful therapy of bacterial infections, but the combination may result in unanticipated effects on the host and his microbial flora. Thus it is necessary to review present considerations for the use of antimicrobials in combination, the liabilities of multiple drug use, and the clinical role of recently introduced agents. Of particular interest is the new synergistic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and use of penicillins in combination with aminoglycosides.
Epidermolysis bullosa―A review of 15 years' experience, including experience with combined general and regional anaesthetic techniques

Eight patients with epidermolysis bullosa received a total of 60 anaesthetics for 67 procedures over the fifteen-year period 1972 to 1986. On twenty-three occasions patients were intubated. On thirteen occasions general anaesthesia was supplemented by regional blockade, involving a total of thirty-four local anaesthetic blocks. Complications from intubation were minimal and none were seen related to regional blockade.
Low Frequency Filtering of Nasal Pressure Channel Causes Loss of Flow Limitation

Study objectives: The objective of this clinical vignette is to explore whether changes in low filter settings for respiratory waveforms have a clinically significant effect on patient management o...
Official Moguls: reach out and squeeze someone

Introduction: power, impunity, and the risk of kleptocracy In Influence Market societies powerful private interests threaten the integrity of public institutions, but may be checked by those institutions and by competing parties and groups. Elite Cartels stave off rising competition by building corrupt networks, but they are restrained by the need to balance off the interests of various elites and by the fundamental goal of maintaining the status quo. Oligarchs face few constraints but still must manage conflict among themselves and find ways to protect their gains. But where state elites operate in a setting of very weak institutions, little political competition, and expanding economic opportunities, the stage is set for corruption with impunity. There Official Moguls – powerful political figures and their favorites – hold all the cards. In China, Kenya, Indonesia, and countries like them, corruption is often rapacious and involves the unilateral abuse of political power rather than quid pro quo exchanges between public and private interests. Official theft of public land and resources, businesses owned by politicians and military figures, or smuggling and tax-evasion schemes organized by bureaucrats and including favored business people are not frequent in Influence Market or Elite Cartel societies. In Oligarch and Clan cases deals on such a scale are difficult to sustain in an uncertain and contentious climate, and require protection from forces in the private realm. In Official Mogul cases, however, there is little to prevent ambitious political figures or their personal clients from plundering society and the economy.