cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for urinary bladder carcinoma in postmenopausal women. The Iowa Women's Health Study.

BACKGROUND We evaluated prospectively the association of smoking and other potential risk factors with bladder carcinoma incidence in postmenopausal women. METHODS A total of 37,459 women participating in the Iowa Women's Health Study completed baseline questionnaires in 1986 and were followed 13 years for bladder carcinoma incidence (n = 112). RESULTS Adjusted for potential confounders, the relative risk (RR) of bladder carcinoma in women who were current smokers compared with those who had never smoked was 3.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.86–6.88). The RR declined as years since quitting increased. Currently, married women, compared with unmarried women, had a RR of 0.66 (95% CI = 0.44–0.99). A 2.46-fold (95% CI = 1.32–4.59) increase in bladder carcinoma risk was identified for women who reported, versus did not report, diabetes. Regular versus no physical activity (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.43–1.01) and body mass index were inversely associated (P = 0.06) with bladder carcinoma incidence. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for bladder carcinoma in women; women who had quit smoking had a reduction of risk. We also identified diabetes as a potential risk factor, which may invite more research on its role in the development of urinary bladder carcinoma. Cancer 2002;95:2316–23. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10975
Emerging Epidemiological Trends of Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in Connecticut (P6.100)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate recent epidemiological trends of AI MG in Connecticut. BACKGROUND: Myasthenia Gravis is an acquired autoimmune disease affecting signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction. As a result, patients develop severe and fluctuating muscle weakness leading to severe morbidity and potentially to mortality. Available treatments have been directed towards symptom management and immune suppression. Recent literature suggests that the epidemiology of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (AI MG) is changing with an increase in the prevalence and incidence of late-onset MG. According to the US Census bureau data (2010-2011) in Connecticut about 28% of the population is above 64 years of age. DESIGN/METHODS: The study consists of a retrospective chart review of patients with myasthenia gravis seen at the University of Connecticut Health Center between 2003 to 2012. It investigates the epidemiology of our patient cohort and reviews the treatment preferences in order to correlate any trends based on the patient’s age and gender. Based on our preliminary review about 160 myasthenia gravis patients seen in our practice between 2003 and 2012 were stratified into 2 age groups; younger and older than 55 years. RESULTS: The gender distribution below 55 years age (Group 1) was 8/23 M:F and 45/61 over 55 (Group2) showing an increase in both female and male patient numbers. Per patient hospitalization were equal in Group 2 while the female patients had more hospitalizations in the first group. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing AI MG as a disease of the elderly is important for early treatment and reducing the health care burden associated with disability. The usual treatment options have higher risks in older age groups and physicians need to be aware of the growing prevalence of MG with aging in women. Medical decision making should be adjusted to reflect the unique problems of this age group and gender. Disclosure: Dr. Imperioli has nothing to disclose. Dr. Acsadi has received personal compensation for activities with Talecris.
HSV-1 vector-mediated gene transfer of the human nerve growth factor receptor p75hNGFR defines high-affinity NGF binding

A series of recombinant herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) vectors have been constructed that encode either the full-length cDNA of the human p75 NGF receptor (p75hNGFR) or truncated forms of the receptor. Infection of cultured fibroblast cells with viral stocks results in abundant expression of all three cDNAs, as detected by affinity cross-linking, immunoblot analysis, and equilibrium binding. Furthermore, viral infection of primary neuronal cultures gives easily detectable p75 expression by immunofluorescence and affinity cross-linking. When p75 was introduced by viral infection into fibroblast cells expressing the trk proto-oncogene, a new binding site was created, consistent with high-affinity NGF binding. This site is not created by the coexpression of truncated forms of p75 that lack either the extracellular ligand binding domain or the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor, suggesting that both of these regions of the receptor are required for the formation of the high-affinity NGF binding site. Hence, these HSV-1 vectors give rise to appropriate NGF receptor binding after viral infection. The application of these HSV-1 constructs to primary neuronal culture and in vivo models of p75NGFR function is discussed.
The zymogen of the protease that degrades small, acid-soluble proteins of spores of Bacillus species can rapidly autoprocess to the active enzyme in vitro.

Abstract The zymogen of the protease (GPR) that initiates protein degradation during spore germination in Bacillus species is not activated in vitro under normal physiological conditions. However, there is rapid, acid-pH-dependent, zero-order, proteolytic activation of the purified zymogen in high concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide. These findings provide further evidence that GPR activates itself during sporulation.
Carotid stent deformation: Sonographic findings and CT correlation

Carotid artery dissection is a rare but potentially serious complication of endovascular procedures in the carotid arteries. Stent deformation or incomplete expansion may occur following endovascular repair of an iatrogenic carotid artery dissection and may mimic stent fracture. We report an unusual case of deformation of a common carotid artery open cell design stent following endovascular repair of an iatrogenic dissection, which resulted in persistent blood flow between the stent and the wall of the common carotid artery. Sonographic features are described and correlation with intravascular ultrasound and CT is provided.
Trajectory Design for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Based on Ocean Model Predictions for Feature Tracking

Trajectory design for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) is of great importance to the oceanographic research community. Intelligent planning is required to maneuver a vehicle to high-valued locations for data collection.We consider the use of ocean model predictions to determine the locations to be visited by an AUV, which then provides near-real time, in situ measurements back to themodel to increase the skill of future predictions. The motion planning problem of steering the vehicle between the computed waypoints is not considered here. Our focus is on the algorithm to determine relevant points of interest for a chosen oceanographic feature. This represents a first approach to an end to end autonomous prediction and tasking system for aquatic, mobile sensor networks.We design a sampling plan and present experimental results with AUV retasking in the Southern California Bight (SCB) off the coast of Los Angeles.
When should a patient receive an arteriovenous graft rather than a fistula

There has been a dramatic increase in the placement and use of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) in US patients with chronic kidney disease over the past few years, in accordance with strong recommendations by Fistula First Initiative and KDOQI guidelines. However, AVF nonmaturation remains a substantial obstacle to achieving functional AVFs in a subset of patients, despite the widespread use of preoperative vascular mapping to assist surgeons in planning access surgery, and the growing use of interventions to salvage nonmaturing AVFs. In the right patient, aggressive efforts result in a functioning AVF, which provides adequate dialysis with relatively few interventions required to maintain its long-term patency for dialysis. In the wrong patient, aggressive efforts to achieve a mature AVF may result in numerous failed surgical and percutaneous procedures and prolonged catheter dependence, with all its associated complications. Thus, strict recommendations to place an AVF in all dialysis patients might not benefit every patient, and may actually harm some patients. There are no randomized clinical trials to address which patients are more suitable for placement of an arteriovenous graft (AVG), rather than an AVF. However, there is a wealth of observational studies, which taken cumulatively, may assist clinicians in identifying those patients who should receive an AVG. In this article, we review the relevant published literature regarding this topic and provide suggestions for stratifying patients who should receive each type of vascular access.
Event-based neural network approximation and control of uncertain nonlinear continuous-time systems

This paper presents a novel event-based adaptive control of uncertain nonlinear continuous-time systems. An adaptive model by using two linearly parameterized neural networks (NNs) is designed to approximate the unknown internal dynamics of the nonlinear system with event sampled state vector. The estimated state vector and the dynamics from the adaptive model are subsequently used to design the control law. Novel NN weight update laws are proposed in the context of event-based availability of state vector wherein the NN weights are updated once at every aperiodic sampling instant unlike the traditional periodically sampled adaptive NN based control. A positive lower bound on the inter-sample times is shown. The boundedness of the NN weight estimation errors and system state vector are demonstrated by representing the event sampled closed-loop system as a nonlinear impulsive dynamical system and by using an adaptive trigger condition. Finally, simulation results are included to show the performance of the proposed approach.
Freight transportation carrier selection criteria: Identification of service dimensions for competitive positioning

Abstract Deregulation has seriously impacted the competitive climate of the transportation industry. Competition for customers has manifested itself in a recognition by transportation providers that they must understand the needs of different types of customers in order to create service attribute bundles tailored to specific customer segments. The research reported here is based on a study of a Midwest freight transportation market. A methodology for segmenting transportation markets on the salient transportation service dimensions utilized in the selection of specific providers of transportation is presented. The findings suggest that six natural groups of transportation service users exist, with the differences among the segments largely explained by five service dimensions.
Examining the Earnings Trajectories of Community College Students Using a Piecewise Growth Curve Modeling Approach.

ABSTRACTPolicymakers have become increasingly concerned with measuring—and holding colleges accountable for—students’ labor market outcomes. In this article we introduce a piecewise growth curve approach to analyzing community college students’ labor market outcomes, and we discuss how this approach differs from two popular econometric approaches: Mincerian and individual fixed-effects models. Our results suggest that three assumptions underpinning econometric approaches—that across-student variation is constant across time, that the model specifies a counterfactual that is appropriate for all members of the sample, and that the impacts of a given award are fixed across time—may not be well founded. We then highlight how insights gained from the growth curve approach can be used to strengthen evolving econometric analyses of labor market returns.
Stability aware routing: exploiting transient route availability in MANETs

The highly dynamic character of a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) poses significant challenges on network communications and resource management. Previous work on routing in MANETs has resulted in numerous routing protocols that aim at satisfying constraints such as minimum hop/distance or low energy. Existing routing protocols often fail to discover stable routes between source and sink when route availability is transient, e.g., due to mobile devices switching their network cards into low-power sleep modes whenever no communication is taking place. In this paper, we introduce a stability aware dynamic source routing protocol (SA-DSR) that is capable of predicting the stability (i.e., expiration time) of multiple routes. SA-DSR then selects the route that minimizes hop count while staying available for the expected duration of packet transmission. Comparisons of SA-DSR to the original DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) protocol indicate a significant (up to 31%) increase in successful packet transmissions with comparable route establishment and maintenance overheads.
Parental Relationships and Behavioral Approach System Dysregulation in Young Adults With Bipolar Disorder

Objectives Expressed emotion (EE), or the presence of criticism/hostility/emotional overinvolvement in a family relationship, predicts poorer outcomes in bipolar disorder; however, the mechanism of this is unclear. The present study investigated whether, in a sample of young adults (aged 18–40 years) with bipolar disorder, parental criticism was associated with Behavioral Approach System (BAS) dysregulation, including emotional reactivity to negative feedback and cognitive schemas of self-criticism/perfectionism. Method Twenty-two young adults with bipolar I disorder and 22 matched control participants completed an interview, questionnaires, and a computer-based task with false negative feedback; emotional reactivity to this feedback was assessed. Results Compared to control participants, clinical participants exhibited higher levels (p = 0.001) of self-criticism, and a trend towards a greater decrease in positive affect after negative feedback (p = 0.053), even when controlling for mood symptoms. Among clinical participants, perceived criticism from paternal caregivers was associated with self-criticism and perfectionism, and low perceived paternal care was associated with decrease in positive affect. Conclusion Strain in parental relationships may be associated with BAS dysregulation for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Global Spacetime Structure

Here, we outline the basic structure of relativistic spacetime and record a number of facts. We then consider a distinction between local and global spacetime properties and provide important examples of each. We also examine two clusters of global properties and question which of them should be regarded as physically reasonable. The properties concern "singularities" and "time travel" and are therefore of some philosophical interest.
Spatial analysis of grasshopper density and ecological disturbance on southern Idaho rangeland

Abstract Historical grasshopper survey data were used to relate grasshopper densities to ecological condition classes on the Bureau of Land Management's Shoshone District in Idaho as part of an effort to identify areas prone to high grasshopper densities and to understand the effects of range management practices on grasshopper populations. A MOSS-based Geographic Information System was used to overlay maps of ecological condition, elevation, and grasshopper density to test the hypothesis that grasshopper density was the same for all ecological condition classes. Areas that had been severely disturbed by wildfires and invasion of exotic annual vegetation had significantly higher grasshopper densities over the 3 years examined than less severely disturbed area that retained some sagebrush cover. This suggests that shrub loss due to wildfires or other causes may lead to greater grasshopper densities. The techniques and applicability of geostatistical spatial analysis to these questions is also discussed.
Outcome after autogenous brachial-basilic upper arm transpositions in the post-National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative era

Background The Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI)-inspired push to create autogenous fistulas has led to a resurgence of interest in basilic vein transposition as an autogenous access conduit. We reviewed our experience with autogenous brachial-basilic upper arm transpositions (BTX) to clarify current maturation and patency rates and provide realistic expectations for a tertiary referral vascular practice. Methods We follow an aggressive "all-autogenous" policy with regard to dialysis access and recommend BTX when all cephalic options are exhausted. Prosthetic grafts are not attempted unless all upper extremity veins are unusable. The records of all patients undergoing autogenous basilic and brachial vein upper arm transpositions for hemodialysis access between April 2001 and December 2004 were retrospectively evaluated. Mean follow-up was 10 months (range, 0 to 38 months). Results Eighty-seven patients underwent 100 basilic and 3 brachial vein transpositions. Most of the patients were already receiving hemodialysis (83%), with a mean of 1.1 (range, 0 to 4) previous access attempts. Perioperative complications included 1 death secondary to a myocardial infarction, 7 hematomas (4 requiring reoperation), and 6 infections (2 requiring reoperation). Steal syndrome developed in five patients. Maturation rate was 79%. Functional primary and secondary patency rates were 23% ± 5% and 47% ± 6% at 1 year and 11% ± 5% and 40% ± 10% at 2 years, respectively (mean ± SE). The most common causes of failure for a matured fistula were stenosis within the body of the basilic vein (44%) followed by central venous outflow stenosis (20%). No preoperative variable, including gender, age, diabetes mellitus, presence of ipsilateral hemodialysis catheter, number of previous access attempts, maximal or minimal vein diameter, or obesity, had a significant impact on rate of maturation or long term patency. Conclusions In our experience, autogenous brachial-basilic upper arm transposition fistulas have initial maturation rates that exceed DOQI guidelines, but disappointing short- to medium-term patency rates. Although these outcomes were obtained within the context of an aggressive all-autogenous policy, the poor durability of these transpositions should prompt further investigation of current access algorithms.
The oxidation of phenol and its reaction product by horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Phenol and its oxidized products are shown to be substrates in the HRP, H2O2 enzyme system. The homogeneous nature of the product of phenol oxidation suggests that the radical generated remains enzyme-bound until coupling occurs. Kinetics of the reaction was investigated and was suggestive of a three substrate ping-pong mechanism.
The squeeze method for generating gamma variates

Abstract This paper describes an exact method for computer generation of random variables with a gamma distribution. The method is based on the Wilson-Hilferty transformation and an improvement on the rejection technique. The idea is to “squeeze” a target density between two functions, the top one easy to sample from, the bottom one easy to evaluate.
TU-B-204B-04: Ventilation from Four Dimensional Computed Tomography: Density versus Jacobian Methods

Purpose: Two calculation methods to produce ventilation images from four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) acquired without added contrast have been reported in the literature. In previous work, we demonstrated a method to obtain ventilation images using deformable image registration and the underlying CT density information. A second method performs the ventilation image calculation from the DIR result alone, using the Jacobian determinant of the deformation field to estimate local volume changes resulting from ventilation. Two implementations of the Jacobian‐based methodology are evaluated, as well as a density change‐based model for calculating the physiologic specific ventilation from 4D CT.Materials and Methods: 99mTc‐labeled aerosolsingle photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) is the standard clinical method used to obtain ventilation images in patients. The distributions of ventilation obtained from the CT‐based ventilation image calculations are compared with those obtained from the clinical SPECT ventilation. The standard method is prone to airway deposition artifacts, which are further characterized. Seven patients with 4D CTimaging and standard 99mTc‐labeled aerosol SPECT/CT ventilation imaging obtained as part of a prospective validation study were selected. Results: Results demonstrate the equivalence of the Jacobian‐based implementations for quantifying the specific ventilation on a voxel scale. Additionally, both Jacobian‐ and density change‐based methods correlated well with global measurements of the resting tidal volume. Finally, correlation with the clinical SPECT was assessed using the Dice Similarity Coefficient, which showed significantly higher (p‐value < 10−4) correlation with density change‐based specific ventilation than with either Jacobian‐based implementation. Conclusion: Both 4D CT ventilation methods performed well globally, showing good correlation with image segmentation‐based measures of the resting tidal volume. However, CT density change‐based calculations achieved better spatial correlation with clinically acquired SPECTimages. Future work will directly address the impact of spatial registration errors on degradation of both density change‐and Jacobian‐based ventilation methods.
Immunoelectronmicroscopic Localization Of Iga In Skin Of Patients With Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Ultrastructural localization of in vivo-bound IgA in the skin of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis was determined by using a modified peroxidase-antiperoxidase multistep method. Three types of reaction product deposition are seen. The most common type of reaction product deposition, that which is identified by direct immunofluorescence as the speckled type of IgA deposit, shows up as clumps and yarnlike fibrils. The second type of IgA deposition, which is a linear band by direct immunofluorescence, appears to be associated with anchoring fibrils. The third type of IgA deposition, which is also linear by immuno- fluorescence, is confined to the lamina lucida.
Cryopreservation of canine trachea: Functional and histological changes

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate tracheal viability and to document histological changes in an autograft implanted in the abdominal wall after a 1-week period of cryopreservation. A 5-cm segment of cervical trachea was resected in 6 dogs. One-half of the segment was cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen at −196 °C for 1 week. The other half was immediately implanted in an abdominal pouch fashioned from the rectus abdominis muscle (control). One week later, the cryopreserved segment was thawed and then implanted in a similar contralateral muscular pouch. Five weeks later, the control and cryopreserved autografts were removed and compared with the in situ trachea. Ciliary beat frequency was assessed by transmitted light technique. Histology was evaluated by light microscopy. Gross anatomy and mucus production were maintained after cryopreservation. Histologically the cryopreserved segment displayed both normal epithelium and smooth muscle cells, but the cartilage was abnormal as characterized by empty lacunae. Mean ciliary beat frequency of in situ, control, and cryopreserved segments was 13.3 ± 1.8, 13.5 ± 1.5, and 13.3 ± 1.1 beats per second (± the standard deviation), respectively. We conclude that smooth muscle, epithelium with mucus production, and ciliary function were retained after cryopreservation and reimplantation. Histological changes, however, were suggestive of early cartilage ischemia. These findings support further evaluation of cryopreserved canine tracheal grafts.
Rhodococcus equi infection

Rhodococcus equi is a veterinary pathogen that can cause substantial morbidity in patients that are immunocompromised and are occupationally and recreationally exposed to farming, livestock, and dry soil environments. Although the clinical spectrum of disease associated with R equi is broad, pulmonary involvement is a predominant feature in most cases. We present a case of occupationally acquired R equi pneumonia and mediastinal lymphadenitis in a patient that has had a renal transplant and is in receipt of a stable immunosuppression regimen. We review the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of infections with Rhodococcus spp, and discuss approaches to treatment of this disease entity in populations of patients who are immunocompromised.
Refined use of scintigraphy in the evaluation of nodular thyroid disease.

Background: Scintigraphy has been advocated in patients with a thyroid nodule when fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is not definitive. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of hyperfunctioning nodules in patients without a definitive FNAB, the correlation of serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels with the functional status of a nodule, and whether a sensitive TSH assay can be used in lieu of scintigraphy. Methods: From 1990 to 1996, patients with a thyroid nodule were evaluated with FNAB and serum TSH measurement. Iodine-123 scintigraphy was reserved for patients without a definitive FNAB and was correlated with TSH levels. Results: Of 356 patients with a thyroid nodule, 102 did not have a definitive FNAB. A hyperfunctioning nodule was diagnosed in 14 of the 102 patients. A low TSH level was detected in 12 (86%) of 14 patients with a hyperfunctioning nodule (mean = 0.04 ± 0.38 μIU/mL) and only 20 (23%) of 88 patients with a hypofunctioning nodule (mean = 0.87 ± 4.11 μIU/mL) (P <.05). Only 2 of 70 (2.8%) patients with a normal or increased TSH level had a hyperfunctioning nodule. Conclusions: A 14% incidence of hyperfunctioning nodules in patients without a definitive FNAB warrants the use of scintigraphy but only when serum TSH levels are low, thus avoiding unnecessary scans in 91% of patients with a thyroid nodule. (Surgery 1998;124:656-62.)
Why it appears that objective ethical claims are subjective

Soulevant la question de la verite des normes ou principes du comportement tant du point de vue de l'ethique, que de la philosophie, des sciences sociales ou de l'economie, l'A. se propose d'expliquer pourquoi les affirmations ethiques objectives semblent subjectives, en fonction de la dimension individuelle et de l'universabilite de leur contenu. Definissant les notions d'objectivite, subjectivite et desaccord ethique dans le contexte moral, et mesurant le role de l'identite personnelle dans la determination des devoirs, l'A. montre que l'apparence de subjectivite releve d'une mauvaise comprehension de ce que l'objectivite exige
Computing the Similarity of Sequential Behavior

Current technology provides researchers' the capability to collect high-density/high-definition data. However, the potential of such capabilities is diminished without the availability of objective analyses. For example, techniques to objectively compare two complete behavioral routines, two subsections within the same routine, or two subsections between two different routines have been elusive. The capability to objectively compare interactive routines of behavior will enable researchers to study the adoption and evolution of such routines. In this paper a technique is proposed to objectively compare behavioral routines, whether the data are obtained from a human or embodied computational model. This technique offers the promise of solving what Anderson (2002) regarded as the non-determinism problem of modeling behavior at the 100-ms level of behavior. The technique is housed within a software tool for integrating and analyzing fixed-location and movement data collected from eyes and cursors, simultaneou...
Cardiac rehabilitation in older coronary patients

The majority of patients presenting with acute coronary disease or undergoing coronary revascularization procedures are older than age 65. Disability rates are very high in these patient populations, particularly in women, the older-old, and patients with clinical manifestations of angina pectoris or chronic heart failure. The presence of mental depression is also an important determinant of poor physical functioning. Cardiac rehabilitation has been demonstrated to safely increase aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and endurance in older coronary populations.
Uniquely colorable perfect graphs

This paper defines the concept of sequential coloring. If G or its complement is one of four major types of perfect graphs, G is shown to be uniquely k-colorable it and only if it is sequentially k-colorable. It is conjectured that this equivalence is true for all perfect graphs. A potential role for sequential coloring in verifying the Strong Perfect Graph Conjecture is discussed. This conjecture is shown to be true for strongly sequentially colorable graphs.
Sequential Phosphorylation by Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Represses Transcriptional Activation by Heat Shock Factor-1

Mammalian heat shock genes are regulated at the transcriptional level by heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1), a sequence-specific transcription factor. We have examined the role of serine phosphorylation of HSF-1 in the regulation of heat shock gene transcription. Our experiments show that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) of the ERK-1 family phosphorylate HSF-1 on serine residues and repress the transcriptional activation of the heat shock protein 70B (HSP70B) promoter by HSF-1 in vivo. These effects of MAPK are transmitted through a specific serine residue (Ser-303) located in a proline-rich sequence within the transcriptional regulatory domain of human HSF-1. However, despite the importance of Ser-303 in transmitting the signal from the MAPK cascade to HSP70 transcription, there was no evidence that Ser-303 could be phosphorylated by MAPK in vitro, although an adjacent residue (Ser-307) was avidly phosphorylated by MAPK. Further studies revealed that Ser-303 is phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) through a mechanism dependent on primary phosphorylation of Ser-307 by MAPK. Secondary phosphorylation of Ser-303 by GSK3 may thus repress the activity of HSF-1, and its requirement for priming by MAPK phosphorylation of Ser-307 provides a potential link between the MAPK cascade and HSF-1. Our experiments thus indicate that MAPK is a potent inhibitor of HSF-1 function and may be involved in repressing the heat shock response during normal growth and development and deactivating the heat shock response during recovery from stress.
PERSISTENT ACTIVATION OF MIN K CHANNELS BY CHEMICAL CROSS-LINKING

Expression of the structurally and functionally distinct min K channel in Xenopus oocytes results in voltage-dependent potassium currents that activate with a characteristic slow time course. Application of a membrane-impermeable chemical cross-linking agent to oocytes expressing min K decreased the time-dependent current, increased its rate of activation, and induced persistently activated inward and outward potassium currents. These effects required membrane depolarization, demonstrating use dependence. Persistently activated channels retained potassium selectivity and sensitivity to block by clofilium and barium. These results suggest that a major conformational change occurs during min K channel gating, which can be stabilized by chemical cross-linking, and are consistent with a model in which min K channels activate by voltage-dependent subunit aggregation.
Advanced Travel Time Information and Drivers' Route Choice: Stated Preference Data

The effects of travel time information on drivers' route choice were investigated using a stated preference approach. Two experiments were run in which the average travel time and travel time variability (in the form of a range of travel times) along two routes were varied systematically. In the first experiment the travel time information was displayed on a sheet of paper to a participant seated on a desk. The results were consistent with previous findings that drivers choose the route that minimizes their average travel while attempting to keep travel time variability at a minimum. The second experiment utilized essentially the same experimental design but now travel time information was displayed in a virtual environment through which a participant had to drive. In this experiment, the results were consistent with the notion that drivers used the cognitively more efficient strategy of choosing the route that simply minimized their average travel time without always attempting to process travel time var...
Brain glycogen of the recovering asphyxiated monkey newborn.

Abstract Monkey fetuses were subjected at term to 14–16 min of total asphyxia immediately on surgical delivery. They were then resuscitated by intermittent positive-pressure oxygen ventilation. Brain glycogen levels were determined at delivery, after asphyxia and at various time intervals after resuscitation and were compared with controls. The episodes of asphyxia themselves produced an average of 74% depletion of the levels of glycogen in the brain at their termination. The brain glycogen levels in the asphyxiated animals thereafter rapidly recovered and reached almost twice the control levels at 12 hours following resuscitation. The brain glycogen in these animals returned to control levels only by 48 hours. The episodes of asphyxia induced a reversible disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism in the central nervous system, reflected by the temporary accumulation of glycogen. The glycogen levels in the brains of control animals showed only slight increases during the first 6 hours after birth. These increases, exhibited by all the animals, may be attributed either to the effects of barbiturates, to the birth process itself, or to both.
The Effect of Minimum Nurse Staffing Legislation on Uncompensated Care Provided by California Hospitals

This study assesses whether California’s minimum nurse staffing legislation affected the amount of uncompensated care provided by California hospitals. Using data from California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, the American Hospital Association Annual Survey and InterStudy, we divide hospitals into quartiles based on pre-regulation staffing levels. Controlling for other factors, we estimate changes in the growth rate of uncompensated care in the three lowest staffing quartiles relative to the quartile of hospitals with the highest staffing level. Our sample includes short-term general hospitals over the period 1999 to 2006. We find that growth rates in uncompensated care are lower in the first three staffing quartiles as compared to the highest quartile; however, results are statistically significant only for county and for-profit hospitals in quartiles one and three. We conclude that minimum nurse staffing ratios may lead some hospitals to limit uncompensated care, likely due to increased financial pressure.
Specific Association of Thiamine-Coated Gadolinium Nanoparticles with Human Breast Cancer Cells Expressing Thiamine Transporters

Thiamine (vitamin B1) was investigated as a tumor-specific ligand for gadolinium nanoparticles. Solid nanoparticles containing gadolinium hexanedione (1.5 mg/mL) were engineered from oil-in-water microemulsion templates and coated with thiamine ligands. Thiamine ligands were synthesized by conjugating thiamine to either distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) or fluorescein via a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacer (Mw 3350). The efficiency of thiamine ligand attachment to nanoparticles was evaluated using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Cell association studies were carried using a methotrexate-resistant breast cancer cell line, MTXRZR75, transfected with thiamine transporter genes (THTR1 and THTR2). Thiamine-coated nanoparticle association with THTR1 and THTR2 cells was significantly greater than that with control breast cancer cells (MTXRZR75 transfected with the empty expression vector pREP4) (p < 0.01; t-test). The nanoparticle cell association was significantly dependent on the extent of thiam...
Helicobacter (campylobacter) pylori in gastric brushing cytology

Helicobacter ( formerly Campylobacter) pylori is frequently associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer and has been implicated as an etiologic agent. Identification of H. pylori is important for specific treatment with antibiotics and bismuth compounds. We studied 27 patients who presented with symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcer on whom paired gastric biopsies and gastric brushings for cytology had been performed. Biopsies were stained with H & E and Warthin-Starry or Giemsa for H. pylori. Previously, Papanicolaou-stained brushings were restained with Giemsa and reviewed blindly by two cytologists. Cytologic examination revealed the characteristic 1-3 μ curved or spiral gram-negative bacilli embedded in mucus in 12 of 27 (44%) of cases. Biopsies showed H. pylori in 13 of 27 (48%) of cases. Cytology and histology were concordant in 22 of 27 (81%) of cases. Three cases were positive on biopsy, negative on cytology; two of these were unsatisfactory cytology specimens. Two cases were positive on cytology, negative on biopsy, apparently sampling artifacts. Papanicolaoustained slides were scored for several morphologic parameters; numbers of acute and chronic inflammatory cells and degree of cytologic atypia. None of these were predictive of the presence of H. pylori. We conclude that Giemsa-stained gastric brushings are a useful complement to gastric biopsies in establishing the diagnosis of H. pylori. Diagn Cytopathol 1992;8:563-566. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Analysis of mathematical models for pollutant transport and dissipation

Abstract Four nonlinear models for pollutant transport, reaction and turbulent diffusion in rivers and streams are studied. Exact solutions are obtained for all kinetic models (stirred tank reactors) and for all kinetic models plus transport (plug flow models). For the full systems travelling wave solutions exist and these are studied by means of upper and lower bounds found by using the maximum (minimum) principle. Bounds are also found for the steady state solutions by maximum principle analysis. Models are compared and the more appropriate ones suggested for application to real systems.
Logistic regression analysis of small round cell neoplasms: A cytologic study

The diagnosis of small round cell neoplasms (SRCN) in children is difficult by both histologic and cytologic methods. These neoplasms are unified morphologically by the scanty cytoplasm surrounding relatively round nuclei containing a primitive chromatin pattern. Further categorization is achieved histologically by the recognition of architectural differentiation and cytoplasmic features. Numerous series and case reports documenting the cytologic features of SRCN have been published in the English-language literature, but relatively few studies have statistically analyzed the diagnostic utility of these features. Our logistic regression analysis of 59 cases of SRCN indicates that the presence of an extremely scanty cytoplasm favors the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma (P = 0.004), as does the positive expression of cytoplasmic vacuoles (P = 0.02). Strap or tadpole cells closely correlate with the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma (P < 0.001). The positive expression of rosettes strongly supports the presence of a neuroblastoma (P < 0.001). The diagnosis of Wilms' tumor is confirmed by the expression of tubules (P < 0.001). The presence of lymphoglandular bodies strongly favors the diagnosis of lymphoma (P < 0.001). While some cytologic features are highly correlated with specific SRCN, these features are not invariably present, and definitive diagnosis may require immunohistochemical or ultrastructural analysis performed on cell block material.
The process of acculturation: Theoretical perspectives and an empirical investigation in Peru

World-wide migratory patterns have led to an increasing interest in acculturation processes and their psychosocial and psychiatric sequelae. This paper reviews alternative theoretical approaches to the study of acculturation and identifies gaps in the current knowledge base. We then present empirical research on acculturation processes experienced by both Indian rural to urban migrants and White-Mestizo non-migrants in Lima, Peru. The study examined overall acculturation and five sub-dimensions: language use, customs, sociability, perceived discrimination and ethnic identity. The data show that second generation migrants are more highly acculturated across sub-areas and perceive less ethnic discrimination than first generation migrants. The first generation varied in acculturative level across sub-dimensions as a function of their age at the time of migration. Contrasts between the migrant and dominant group depicted a two-way process of culture change, but a process characterized by an inequality in the content exchanged in each direction. Socio-demographic correlates of acculturation were also found. These results are discussed in terms of the potential psychological consequences of alternative acculturative adaptations within the Peruvian social-structural context.
Investigation of the lead indium niobate–lead magnesium niobate solid solution

Abstract This paper describes the first study on processing and electrical properties of ceramics in the ( x )Pb(In 1/2 Nb 1/2 )O 3 :(1− x )Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 [PIMN( x /100− x )] solid solution system with x =50 mol%. Pellets were sintered at 1100°C resulting in phase-pure perovskite ceramics with 98% theoretical density. These ceramics displayed typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior with a maximum dielectric constant of 8056 at 26°C. A slight polarization hysteresis was observed at 25°C. A maximum induced polarization of 23.95 μC/cm 2 and remanent polarization of 1.2 μC/cm 2 at the peak field level of 48 kV/cm was measured. The strain and electrostriction coefficient were measured, the values were in the range of x 33 =8.12×10 −4 and Q 33 =1.42×10 −2 m 4 /C 2 , respectively. The low hysteresis in x 33 and low values of P r make this solid solution attractive for further study.
Family-Centered Intervention to Resolve Problem Behaviors in a Fast-Food Restaurant

Problem behaviors in public contexts can be a significant problem for families attempting to carry out normal daily routines. In this study, functional assessments and assessment-based intervention...
Heat transfer mechanisms in solidification

Abstract Solidification as a heat transfer process accompanying a phase transition plays a major role in manufacturing processes and material evolution processes. However, the complex combinations of solidification mechanisms at interfacial boundaries prevent us from its full understanding. A statistical thermodynamic transport theory for heat transfer has been proposed. We here demonstrate the validity of the heat transfer theory for internal convection and external conduction by examining the solidification processes at the interface of two different phase materials. Three variable separation constants designate particle number constants and play the major roles in exploring the distinct solidification mechanisms. In solidification, the four regimes of convection, nucleation, transient, and film solidification are illustrated and their heat flux curves are explored as a function of temperature difference between electrode and saturation temperature. Three limiting heat fluxes and four activation temperatures are implemented as input parameters. The heat transfer theory pictures that the formation mechanism of dendrites takes place under the control of nucleation solidification, and the relevant parameters in the control mechanism are predicted. Theoretical heat flux profiles in solidification agree with experimental heat flux data, and the theory is capable of predicting the heat flux mechanisms in full temperature regimes of solidification as well as in the spatial and temporal regimes.
Design and Evaluation of a Neutron Access Tube Extractor

The labor and material costs associated with extracting neutron access tubes used for neutron probe soil water determinations can be substantial. Present commercially available access tube extractors are clumsy to use, and can ruin tubes that are being extracted from high clay content soils. To remedy these problems, a nex access tube extractor was designed. The extractor slips over the tube to be removed and is secured in place by a threaded collar that provides the initial pressure to hold it in place until the extraction force is applied (...)
Designing and evaluating online communities: research speaks to emerging practice

What makes online communities successful? There are many indicators of success. Some are easily observed and measured, such as the number of people registered in the community, or the number who participate, or the number of messages posted, replied to or read over a certain period. How community members judge their community is also important. What do they like or dislike and how committed are they to the community? In this paper, we describe participatory community-centred development an approach that relies heavily on iterative evaluation. We then point out that standard evaluation techniques are inadequate for evaluating online communities because they do not address sociability. Finally, we propose two approaches from research that can be tailed for evaluating online communities. Both attempt to draw directly on what community users want. The first is rooted in ethnography and the second is a form of heuristic evaluation. The paper ends with an agenda for developing these approaches to make them practical yet robust.
The laser heterodyne spectrometer - New sensor for the 80's

The paper deals with the basic concepts in optical heterodyne receivers with tunable diode lasers, operating in the thermal infrared. Simulation retrievals of vertical profiles of trace atmospheric gas species are carried out on the basis of heterodyne receiver performance parameters. Operational tests show a high signal-to-noise ratio in measuring gas absorption features. The results demonstrate the potential power of optical heterodyne receivers, and it is concluded that during the eighties they will become the major tool for measuring the earth's atmosphere and other planetary atmospheres.
Electron Scattering Effects in Typical Cosmic Ray Telescopes

Laboratory measurements have been made of the response of two typical cosmic ray detector systems to electrons between 0.2 and 2.0 MeV. The detector systems investigated were included in the Caltech Solar and Galactic Cosmic Ray Experiment aboard NASA's OGO-VI spacecraft and the Chicago/ Caltech Low Energy Cosmic Ray Experiment aboard OGO-IV. Working laboratory versions of each of these particle telescopes were exposed to the monoenergetic electron beam from a magnetic spectrometer. The results of pulse height and counting rate measurements indicate that electrons scattered from the anti-coincidence cup comprise about 25% of the total number arriving at the top of the detector stack. In certain cases, the contribution of these scattered particles to the total number of electrons detected can reach 65%. Suggestions are made for applying these results to other detector systems.
Microvascular Aspects of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Retinopathy

Twelve of 13 patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome exhibited ophthalmoscopically detectable retinal findings, including cotton-wool spots, hemorrhages, Roth spots, and microvascular changes. When we used fluorescein angiography, we detected focal nonperfusion and microvascular changes in all 13 of our patients. Most patients had no visual complaints unless they had cytomegalovirus involvement of the optic papilla or the central retina. One patient lost central visual acuity from loss of perfusion in a portion of his perifoveal capillary net. Histopathologic studies demonstrated the loss of retinal capillary cells and focal occlusions of small vessels. Retinal vessel walls were also thickened with PAS-positive material.