cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrate Biosensor Based on the Ultrathin-Film Composite Membrane Concept

This paper describes the construction and characterization of an electrochemical nitrate biosensor based on the ultrathin-film composite membrane concept. The composite membrane is prepared by electropolymerization of a thin anion-permselective coating of 1-methyl-3-(pyrrol-1-ylmethyl)pyridinium across the surface of a microporous support membrane. This film separates the analyte solution from an internal sensing solution which contains the enzyme nitrate reductase and an electrocatalyst (methyl viologen). The ultrathin anion-permselective film prevents loss of these components from the internal sensing solution, yet allows the analyte, NO3-, to enter the internal solution. A glassy carbon working electrode is immersed into the internal solution. The nitrate is reduced enzymatically, yielding the oxidized form of the enzyme, which is reduced again by electrogenerated methyl viologen radical cation. The nitrate concentration in the analyte solution is proportional to the catalytic methyl viologen reduction...
Sequencing and analysis of the Edwardsiella ictaluri plasmids.

To determine possible functions of the Edwardsiella ictaluri plasmids, pEI1 and pEI2, we analyzed the sequence of both plasmids. Plasmid pEI1 is 4807 bp, with 51% G + C, and 23 possible open reading frames of 40 amino acids or greater. Plasmid pEI2 is 5643 bp, with 51% G + C, and 24 possible reading frames. Database searches indicated that pEI1 contains an insertion element and a ROM analog. In addition, pEI1 possesses an open reading frame with strong homology to SlrP, SspH1, and SspH2 of Salmonella typhimurium and IpaH of Shigella flexnari, which have leucine-rich repeat regions and are components of type III secretory systems. pEI2 has a frame with weak homology to Spa15 of S. flexnari 5 and InvB of S. sonnei and S. typhimurium, which are also type III secretory system components, three origins of replication, a Rep analog, and a multimer resolution site.
THE RENAL SPECTRUM OF PATIENTS WITH WILLIAMS SYNDROME

We assessed the prevalence of renal abnormalities in children with Williams syndrome and heart disease. Of 32 patients (pts) followed by the Cardiology Service, 17 were male. Median age was 19 years (range 1.5-48 years). In 9 pts, limited information was available from chart review; in the remaining 23, renal structure and function were evaluated by urinalysis, BUN, creatinine and ultrasound or intravenous pyelography (IVP). Systemic arterial hypertension was present in 19 (59%) of the 32 pts. Among the 13 pts whose hypertension was severe enough to warrant renal arteriography, 8 (25% of all pts)were demonstrated to have renal artery stenosis. Albuminuria was present in 33% (8/24) of the pts in whom urinalysis was performed. Among the 23 pts who were studied with either IVP or renal ultrasound, 8 had structural abnormalities; 3 had a single kidney, 2 unusually small kidneys, 2 calcium-related nephrocalcinosis and end-stage renal disease, and 1 scarred kidneys secondary to reflux nephropathy. Pts with Williams syndrome had a relative risk of single kidney, which was at least 47 times that of the general population (p<.0001). In toto, 16 pts had known renal abnormalities, constituting 70% of those who underwent renal study and 50% of all 32 pts (presumed lower limit of prevalence). Our data suggest that the prevalence of significant renal abnormalities in pts with Williams syndrome is high; screening and prospective follow-up for renal abnormalities should be performed in all pts with Williams syndrome.
Modifying food spillage behavior in an institutionalized retarded client.

Abstract The high rate of food spillage behavior in a severely retarded, choreoathetoid, female client was studied. The rate of food spillage was dramatically reduced with the implementation of successively faded reinforcement schedules combined with brief time-outs. The effects were maintained during a three-month follow-up period with a maintenance program implemented by cottage direct-care staff. The clinical significance of the behavior change was demonstrated by: 1. significant changes in ratings of photographs of the client after the meal of baseline and treatment sessions, and 2. the subject's rate of food spillage after treatment approximated two criterion groups' mean rate of spillage. The cottage staff implementing the program indicated their satisfaction with the behavior change and the ease and feasibility of implementing the maintenance contingency. Future applied research directions in institutional settings are offered.
Potential application of high hydrostatic pressure to eliminate Escherichia coli O157:H7 on alfalfa sprouted seeds.

Sprouts eaten raw are increasingly being perceived as hazardous foods as they have been implicated in Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreaks where the seeds were found to be the likely source of contamination. The objective of our study was to evaluate the potential of using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technology for alfalfa seed decontamination. Alfalfa seeds inoculated with a cocktail of five strains of E. coli O157:H7 were subjected to pressures of 500 and 600 MPa for 2 min at 20 degrees C in a dry or wet (immersed in water) state. Immersing seeds in water during pressurization considerably enhanced inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 achieving reductions of 3.5 log and 5.7 log at 500 and 600 MPa, respectively. When dry seeds were pressurized, both pressure levels reduced the counts by 5 log reduction in the population was achieved when 600 MPa was applied for durations of > or =6 min although survivors were still detected by enrichment. When the pressure was stepped up to 650 MPa, the threshold time required to achieve complete elimination was 15 min. Un-inoculated seeds pressure-treated at 650 MPa for 15 min at 20 degrees C successfully sprouted achieving a germination rate identical to untreated seeds after eight days of sprouting. These results therefore demonstrate the promising application of HHP on alfalfa seeds to eliminate the risk of E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts.
How simple can it be? — A look at the models for batch distillation

Abstract Reduced order models provide an efficient alternative to the rigorous models and are based on simplifying assumptions. In general, the accuracy of a model increases with increasing level of model complexity. However, the improved accuracy is often at the expense of the computational efficiency. The rigor of the models used in practice is therefore governed by a compromise between accuracy and computational efficiency. This paper introduces a novel concept of “Optimal Model Reduction” where the trade-offs between accuracy and efficiency are decided using nonlinear optimization techniques. The effectiveness of this new approach is presented in the context of batch distillation, for which a hierarchy of models exist in the literature.
Evaluation of image-placement distortion contributors of the EL-3+ electron-beam lithography system in x-ray mask fabrication

An in-depth study of image-placement distortion contributors has been completed using the IBM EL-3+ electron-beam lithography system for fabricating x-ray masks. The EL- 3+ is an IBM-designed system which has been described in previous papers. System features include: 50-kV accelerating voltage, variable-shaped spot, variable-axis immersion lens (VAIL) for normal incidence of the beam to the target plane, and 20 A/cm2 current density. Image-placement performance of the system is measured with respect to an absolute grid as defined by a National Institute for Standards Technology magnification standard. Although repeatable image-placement errors can be corrected by the use of novel techniques, the correction methods can be very time-consuming and labor-intensive. The purpose of this study was to determine error sources so that they could be minimized, eliminating the need for complex correction methods. The results showed that the primary errors were pattern- dependent and caused by the electron-beam system (e.g., beam drift) and substrate/resist charging; they also indicated that resist stress could be a significant factor in x-ray mask- making because the substrate is a very thin membrane. The experimental procedure and results are presented in detail.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Whole genome exon arrays identify differential expression of alternatively spliced, cancer-related genes in lung cancer

Alternative processing of pre-mRNA transcripts is a major source of protein diversity in eukaryotes and has been implicated in several disease processes including cancer. In this study we have performed a genome wide analysis of alternative splicing events in lung adenocarcinoma. We found that 2369 of the 17 800 core Refseq genes appear to have alternative transcripts that are differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinoma versus normal. According to their known functions the largest subset of these genes (30.8%) is believed to be cancer related. Detailed analysis was performed for several genes using PCR, quantitative RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. We found overexpression of ERG variant 2 but not variant 1 in lung tumors and overexpression of CEACAM1 variant 1 but not variant 2 in lung tumors but not in breast or colon tumors. We also identified a novel, overexpressed variant of CDH3 and verified the existence and overexpression of a novel variant of P16 transcribed from the CDKN2A locus. These findings demonstrate how analysis of alternative pre-mRNA processing can shed additional light on differences between tumors and normal tissues as well as between different tumor types. Such studies may lead to the development of additional tools for tumor diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
Vulnerability factors among children at risk for anxiety disorders

Abstract Background: The high-risk strategy is one of the most powerful approaches for identifying premorbid risk factors and reducing etiologic and phenotypic heterogeneity characteristic of the major psychiatric disorders. Methods: This paper reviews the methods of high-risk research and findings from previous high-risk studies of anxiety. The preliminary results of the 6–8 year follow-up of a high-risk study of 192 offspring of probands with anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and unaffected controls are presented. The key study measures include comprehensive diagnostic interviews, symptom ratings, indirect measures of brain functioning (neuropsychologic, neurologic and psychophysiologic function), developmental measures, and family functioning measures. Results: The major findings reveal that there is specificity of familial aggregation of anxiety disorders among parents and children; children at high risk for anxiety have increased startle reflex, autonomic reactivity, and stress reactivity, higher verbal IQ, and deficits in paired associative learning as compared to other children. Conclusions: The finding that family environment and parenting do not differ between children at risk for anxiety disorders and other children, when taken together with the strong degree of specificity of transmission of anxiety disorders, suggests that there may be temperamental vulnerability factors for anxiety disorders in general that may already manifest in children prior to puberty.
Zidovudine administered to women infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and to their neonates reduces pediatric infection independent of an effect on levels of maternal virus

Abstract Objective: To determine whether zidovudine, administered to reduce vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), impacts the level of maternal viral DNA within the lymphocytes of infected pregnant women. Study design: A prospective, nonrandomized study of 42 HIV-1 infected pregnant women. Nineteen women received zidovudine therapy to reduce HIV-1 perinatal transmission, and 23 were untreated. HIV-1 DNA was determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of lymphocyte DNA from maternal blood samples obtained at the time of delivery. Treated and untreated, transmitting and nontransmitting groups were compared for clinical, virologic, and immunologic parameters with a t test or a Fisher Exact Test, and for copies of HIV-1 DNA per 10 6 CD4 + T cells with a Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Results: Untreated pregnant women who transmitted HIV-1 to their infants had lower CD4 + T-cell counts and a greater degree of immune complex dissociated p24 antigenemia than did the untreated nontransmitting group ( p p = 0.003). Zidovudine treatment resulted in a 78% decrease in maternal transmission ( p = 0.017). However, there was not a significant difference in DNA copy numbers in CD4 + T cells in the treated compared with the untreated groups. Conclusion: Zidovudine reduces HIV-1 maternal transmission independent of its effect on the level of the maternal peripheral blood proviral load (J Pediatr 1997;130:906-14).
Endocrine EflFects on Leukocytopoiesis in the Rat. I. Evidence for Growth Hormone Secretion as the Leukocytopoietic Stimulus Following Acute Cortisol-Induced Lymphopenia

Endocrine hormones were found to mediate the rapid leukocyte repopulation of peripheral blood that occurs within 6 hr of an intraperitoneal injection of cortisol. The thymus and lymph nodes both participate in the proliferative response; the degree of leukopenia and the rate of leukocyte repopulation were both decreased after removal of thymus or lymph nodes. Splenectomy, however, did not alter the rate of leukoycte repopulation. The leukocyte count decreased more rapidly in adrenal—demedullated than in intact or adrenalectomized rats, but the time course of leukocyte repopulation was the same in each group. Hypophysectomy, but not thyroidectomy, prevented leukocyte repopulation within the 6–hr period. 3H—thymidine incorporation into DNA of lymph nodes and thymus, but not spleen, was significantly less in hypophysectomized than intact rats. Evidence for an increased concentration of a hormone that promotes leukocytic proliferation was found in plasma of intact cortisol—treated rats; the uptake of 3H—thymi...
Toilet training a child with spina bifida

Abstract The Foxx & Azrin method of toilet training was used with a 4 1 2 -yr-old male who had spina bifida meningomyelocele. With the parents acting as mediators in the natural environment, this child was able to gain substantial control over his bladder functions. A reinforcement program enabled him to take responsibility for bowel accidents. These changes in toileting behavior were maintained over a seven month follow-up period.
Action-based discovery of satisfying subsets: A distributed method for model correction

Context: Understanding and resolving counterexamples in model checking is a difficult task that often takes a significant amount of resources and many rounds of regression model checking after any fix. As such, it is desirable to have algorithmic methods that correct finite-state models when their model checking for a specific property fails without undermining the correctness of the rest of the properties, called the model correction problem. Objective: The objective of this paper is to mitigate time and space complexity of correction. Method: To achieve the objective, this paper presents a distributed method that solves the model correction problem using the concept of satisfying subsets, where a satisfying subset is a subset of model computations that meets a new property while preserving existing properties. The proposed method automates the elimination of superfluous non-determinism in models of concurrent computing systems, thereby generating models that are correct by construction. Results: We have implemented the proposed method in a distributed software tool, called the Model Corrector (ModCor). Due to the distributed nature of the correction algorithms, ModCor exploits the processing power of computer clusters to mitigate the space and time complexity of correction. Our experimental results are promising as we have used a small cluster of five regular PCs to automatically correct large models (with about 3^1^5^9 reachable states) in a few hours. Such corrections would have been impossible without using ModCor. Conclusions: The results of this paper illustrate that partitioning finite-state models based on their transition relations and distributing them across a computer cluster facilitates the automated correction of models when their model checking fails.
On a characterization of irreducibility of a non-negative matrix

Abstract Let A denote an n × n matrix with all its elements real and non-negative, and let r i be the sum of the elements in the i th row of A , i =1,…, n . Let B = A − D ( r 1 ,…, r n ), where D ( r 1 ,…, r n ) is the diagonal matrix with r i at the position ( i , i ). Then it is proved that A is irreducible if and only if rank B = n −1 and the null space of B T contains a vector d whose entries are all non-null.
Worksite smoking modification programs: A state-of-the-art review and directions for future research

This article reviews the worksite smoking cessation literature. The evidence linking smoking and disease is outlined and reasons to quit smoking are presented. An overview of barriers to quitting smoking, or reasons why people continue to smoke, is also briefly presented. Worksite programs that have been evaluated to date are reviewed and summarized under the categories of self-help/bibliotherapy, multicomponent behavioral group approaches, physician advice, and competition/incentive programs. Methodological issues involved in conducting and evaluating worksite smoking modification programs are discussed in detail. It is concluded that worksite smoking cessation programs hold great promise for attracting and successfully treating smokers who otherwise might not seek treatment, but that there are several threats to successful program implementation and evaluation that need to be considered.
Emerin caps the pointed end of actin filaments: evidence for an actin cortical network at the nuclear inner membrane.

X-linked Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is caused by loss of emerin, a LEM-domain protein of the nuclear inner membrane. To better understand emerin function, we used affinity chromatography to purify emerin-binding proteins from nuclear extracts of HeLa cells. Complexes that included actin, αII-spectrin and additional proteins, bound specifically to emerin. Actin polymerization assays in the presence or absence of gelsolin or capping protein showed that emerin binds and stabilizes the pointed end of actin filaments, increasing the actin polymerization rate 4- to 12-fold. We propose that emerin contributes to the formation of an actin-based cortical network at the nuclear inner membrane, conceptually analogous to the actin cortical network at the plasma membrane. Thus, in addition to disrupting transcription factors that bind emerin, loss of emerin may destabilize nuclear envelope architecture by weakening a nuclear actin network.
Collagen-Based Drug Delivery and Artificial Tears

ABSTRACT For patients with conditions requiring chronic rather than acute therapy, the advantages of collagen shields in providing high and sustained levels of drugs and/or lubricants to the cornea are outweighed by the difficulty of insertion of the shield and the problem of blurred vision. We have developed a delivery system in which collagen pieces suspended in a viscous vehicle can be instilled into the lower forniceal space, thereby simplifying application and reducing blurring of vision. The collagen pieces (Collasomes) can be formulated with various constituents such as antibiotics or cyclosporine, or with chemical alterations such as the inclusion of a lipid (Lacrisomes) for the treatment of dry eyes. In the normal eyes of volunteers, Collasomes hydrated in a solution of sodium fluorescein and suspended in a methylcellulose vehicle as a model for delivery of water-soluble drugs produced fluorescein concentrations 17 to 42 times higher in the cornea and 6 to 8 times higher in the aqueous humor, com...
Bispectral Index Monitoring for Nurse-Administered Propofol Sedation During Upper Endoscopic Ultrasound: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Bispectral index monitoring (BIS) is a quantitative assessment of brain cortical activity. The aim of this study was to determine if BIS-guided nurse-administered propofol sedation would decrease by > or = 20% both recovery time and propofol dose compared to standard propofol sedation for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Prospectively, eligible outpatients were randomized to BIS-guided or standard propofol sedation during EUS. Propofol was given by nurses in intermittent boluses with sedation targeted at a BIS score of < 65-75. For the control group, the nurse was blinded to BIS scores and sedation was titrated to a modified observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scale (MOAA/S) score < or = 3. Of 50 patients enrolled, data for 44 randomized to BIS-guidance (n = 24) and the control group (n = 20) were evaluated. Between the BIS-guided and control group there was no difference between the mean procedure duration, total propofol dose, recovery time, mean intraoperative MOAA/S, and mean BIS score. Compared to standard propofol sedation for EUS, BIS-guided propofol sedation offers no significant decrease in postprocedure recovery times or propofol doses.
Systems and technologies for enhanced coastal maritime security

This paper describes a design for an innovative command and control system for an intelligent coastal maritime security system. The architecture for this intelligent coastal maritime security system is derived from the forth generation real-time control (RCS) system architecture1 developed by the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) over the past twenty years. This command and control system is a decision support system for real-time monitoring, response and training for security scenarios that can be hosted at various locations along the coast of the United States where homeland security surveillance and response activities are required. Additionally, this paper describes the design for a derivative real-time simulation based environment that can be used as a state-of-art test bed for developing new hardware and software components to be integrated into previous versions of deployed real-time control systems.
Epitopes of the G1 glycoprotein of La Crosse virus form overlapping clusters within a single antigenic site

Abstract Antigenic sites on the G1 glycoprotein of La Crosse bunyavirus were defined by constructing a panel of neutralizing and nonneutralizing monoclonal antibodies ( F. Gonzalez-Scarano, R. E. Shope, C. H. Calisher, and N. Nathanson (1982) , Virology120, 42–53). To analyze the relationship between the individual epitopes delineated by monoclonal antibodies, 11 neutralizing antibodies were used to select variant viruses. These variant viruses were tested against the panel of anti-G1 protein monoclonal antibodies by neutralization and by ELISA. The neutralization tests assigned the 11 epitopes to five groups, consisting of 6, 2, 1, 1, and 1 epitopes. ELISA tests gave a similar pattern, but also demonstrated interrelationships between four of the five epitope groups, suggesting that there may be a single immunodominant antigenic site on the G1 protein. When eight nonneutralizing anti-G1 monoclonal antibodies were tested in ELISA, they fell into three of the five epitope groups defined by neutralization; there was no evidence of a separate nonneutralizing antigenic site on the G1 protein.
Certain aspects of engineering geology in permafrost

Abstract Permafrost distribution reaches one-fifth of the dry land surface of the world and the need for more knowledge on it is derived from the necessity of opening new frontier areas. The occurrence is complex and is connected with many phenomena not found in other parts of the world. Patterned ground, ice wedges, pingoes and icings are described in general terms. The mechanical properties of soil improve drastically by freezing. Strength of frozen ground is discussed. Since frozen ground is close to its melting point and displays creep, its rheology is discussed. Foundation construction, roads, highways and airfields could not be successful without the engineering geologist. Excavation tunneling and mining are different in permafrost than elsewhere. The thermal regime of artificial subsurface openings may be regulated successfully and inexpensively. Besides permafrost, there is artificial frost. Freezing ground by artificial means has colossal advantages and is widely used. The paper reviews principal topics in engineering geology in permafrost. Case histories and detailed treatment are omitted due to space considerations. Mechanisms, forces and energies are emphasized and only pertinent literature is quoted.
Homogeneity Properties of Some ℓ1-Spaces

Let M be a family of subspaces of a metric space X. The space X is M-homogeneous if any isometry between two subspaces in M can be extended to an isometry of X. In the case when M is the family of all subspaces of X, the space X is said to be fully homogeneous. We show that the space Ln, where L is a fully homogeneous subspace of ź, is R-homogeneous where R is the family of subspaces that are products of subsets of L.
Yima: real-time multimedia storage and retrieval

Yima is a scalable, real-time streaming architecture that enables applications such as video-on-demand and distance learning on a large scale. While Yima incorporates lessons learned from first generation research prototypes, it also complies with industry standards in content format (MPEG-4) and communication protocols (RTP/RTSP). Yima improves upon both research and commercial approaches by using a bipartite design and alternative approaches to handling variable-bit-rate (VBR) video. We also integrated a selective retransmission protocol into Yima's RTP server to recover from packet loss. Lastly, we tweaked available hardware and software to achieve certain objectives (e.g., playback of HDTV streams on an HDTV monitor). Yima is operational and supports a variety of display bandwidths.
Beta-2 transferrin : limitations of use as a clinical marker for perilymph

Beta-2 transferrin is a protein marker that can be used in the clinical setting to reliably identify the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recent literature has suggested that beta-2 transferrin can also be used as a clinical marker for perilymph. This study investigates the use of a beta-2 transferrin assay as a method to identify the presence of perilymph. Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the study. Fluid samples were obtained intraoperatively and tested for the presence of beta-2 transferrin. As expected, four CSF samples collected were positive for beta-2 transferrin; however, four known perilymph samples collected from patients undergoing cochlear implantation were negative for beta-2 transferrin, seven of nine known perilymph samples obtained during stapedectomies were negative for beta-2 transferrin, and four of five samples collected during middle ear explorations for fistula were negative for beta-2 transferrin. With current methodology beta-2 transferrin does not appear to be a reliable clinical marker for perilymph in the operative setting.
Maternal mortality and morbidity in the developing world: personal reflections and a profession's commitment.

The realities of maternal mortality and morbidity in the developing world and possible roles for intervention by American physicians are discussed.
A Portable Multi-Range NO2 Gas Monitor

Abstract A portable monitor for recording concentrations of NO2 during environmental and stack sampling is described. The sample flows concurrently with the reagent, N-l naphthylethylenediamine dihydro-chloride, through a beaded column. Di-azotization of the reagent produces a colored solution which is measured by a flow-through colorimeter. Concentrations ranging from 0.5 ppm to 15,000 ppm can be measured.
Pain and infertility – a rationale for different treatment approaches

Endometriosis may result in pain and/or infertility in some patients, while others may remain asymptomatic. The disease appears to progress and regress somewhat unpredictably, making it difficult to determine the appropriate treatment. Progression of the disease can be altered by medical and surgical treatments used according to general guidelines but selected for the individual. Coagulation, medical suppression and observation are frequently the first approaches to infertility or pain resulting from endometriosis. Deep dissection and excision may be indicated with deep disease, persistent pain or persistent tenderness.
An analysis of least restrictive environment placement variables in physical education.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the variables related to the successful least restrictive placement of students with disabilities into physical education classes. Subjects were 470 school building representatives and 62 adapted physical education professors throughout the nation. Confidence interval estimates (95%) of school building data correlated highest on relative importance with university census data on 8 of 37 total variables: motor ability test scores, developmental scale scores, reaching individualized education program instructional objectives, special education teacher recommendation, regular physical educator recommendation, activity offerings, classroom physical accessibility, and safety considerations. These represent those variables that should be used in some “best practices” combination by school personnel in making decisions regarding relevant students' class placement within physical education least restrictive environment alternatives. In addition, staff recommenda...
738–1 Five Year Trends in the Treatment of Angiographically Documented Coronary Artery Disease: Experience of a Tertiary Care Center

To determine the impact of new technology on the management of patients with significant ( g 70% stenosis) coronary artery disease (CAD), we compared treatment strategies in patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization during the years 1987 – 1989 (group 1) and 1992 – 1994 (group 2). Patients with significant congenital and valvular disease, left main disease, and insignificant coronary artery disease were excluded from analysis. Although there was a higher prevalance of hypertension (60.6% vs 66.6%, P = 0.024), hypercholesterolemia (32.5% vs 51.5%, P = 0.001), and female gender (27% vs 33%, P l 0.001), and a lower prevalance of unstable angina at the time of the procedure (26.8% vs 17.9%. P = 0.001) in group 2, there were no differences between the two groups in mean age (61.0 yrs vs 62.5 yrs), incidence of diabetes (26.5% vs 25.2%), tobacco use (58.4% vs 56.1%), peripheral vascular disease (16.3% vs 17.3%) or cerebrovascular disease (7.8% vs 6.8%). Although there were more female patients in group 2, the percent of women and men undergoing revascularization was similar. Treatment strategies were classified as either medical therapy; percutaneous revascularization; or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Group 1 (1987–1989) n (%) Group 2 (1992–1994) n (%) p value Medical Therapy 573 (38%) 808 (49%) 0.001 Percutaneous Revascularization 453 (30%) 472(29%) NS CABG 490 (32%) 370 (22%) 0.001 Despite technologic advances in percutaneous revascularization, the percentage of patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization has not increased. There has been a significant reduction in the percentage of patients referred for CABG, which may be due to an increasing number of patients being treated medically. This change in treatment strategy may reflect better medical therapy and/or increased concern about the risks of revascularization.
Does Organizational Commitment Fully Mediate Constituent Commitment Effects? A Reassessment and Clarification

Research suggests that employees can be committed to constituents of an organization, distinct from commitment to the organization itself. However, 2 key studies came to different conclusions on whether constituent commitments have independent effects on outcomes. This study improves on earlier methodology to clarify this contradiction. Specifically, nested-model comparisons test a partially mediated model versus a fully mediated model (through organizational commitment). The results refute the main conclusion of Hunt & Morgan (1994), supporting a partially mediated model with direct constituent commitment effects on turnover intentions and citizenship behaviors (i.e., Becker, 1992). Effects of commitment to work group on turnover intentions and non-idleness were in the opposite direction from those of organizational commitment. Implications for commitment research are discussed.
Spectral hole burning and optical dephasing in disordered crystals Pr3+:LiNbO3 and Pr3+:Sr.6Ba.4Nb2O6 (SBN)

Abstract We have measured the homogeneous line widths of the 3 H 4 (1) to 1 D 2 (1) transition of Pr3+ ions in the ferroelectric, photorefractive crystals, strontium barium niobate and lithium niobate in the range 1.3–3 K using spectral hole burning and photon echoes. Both crystals show substitutional disorder and the presence of vacancies. A near-linear temperature dependence of the homogeneous line width is observed in both materials showing the presence of disorder modes or two-level systems (TLS). In the case of lithium niobate the density of states of the TLS is three orders of magnitude lower than in SBN and has not been detected in heat capacity measurements.
Estimation of the period prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease among nine health plans using computerized diagnoses and outpatient pharmacy dispensings.

Background: There are few contemporary estimates of prevalence rates for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in diverse North American communities. Methods: We estimated the period prevalence of IBD for January 1, 1999, through June 30, 2001, among 1.8 million randomly sampled members of nine integrated healthcare organizations in the US using computerized diagnoses and outpatient pharmaceutical dispensing. We also assessed the positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivities of 1) the case-finding algorithm, and 2) the 30-month sampling period using medical chart review and linkage to a 78-month dataset, respectively. Results: The PPV of the case-finding algorithm was 81% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78–87) and 84% (95% CI, 79–89) in two different organizations. In both, the sensitivity of the optimal algorithm, compared with the most inclusive, exceeded 90%. The sensitivity of the 30-month sampling period compared with 78 months was 61% (95% CI, 57–64) in one organization. Applying a slightly more sensitive case-finding algorithm, the average period prevalence of IBD across the nine organizations, standardized to the age- and gender-distribution of the US population, 2000 census, was 388 cases (95% CI, 378–397) per 100,000 persons (range 209–784 per 100,000; average follow-up 26 months). The prevalence of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and unspecified IBD was 129, 191, and 69 per 100,000, respectively. Conclusions: The observed average prevalence was similar to prevalence proportions reported for other North American populations (369–408 per 100,000). Additional research is needed to understand differences in the occurrence of IBD among diverse populations as well as practice variation in diagnosis and treatment of IBD. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007)
Lightweight material detection for placement-aware mobile computing

Numerous methods have been proposed that allow mobile devices to determine where they are located (e.g., home or office) and in some cases, predict what activity the user is currently engaged in (e.g., walking, sitting, or driving). While useful, this sensing currently only tells part of a much richer story. To allow devices to act most appropriately to the situation they are in, it would also be very helpful to know about their placement - for example whether they are sitting on a desk, hidden in a drawer, placed in a pocket, or held in one's hand - as different device behaviors may be called for in each of these situations. In this paper, we describe a simple, small, and inexpensive multispectral optical sensor for identifying materials in proximity to a device. This information can be used in concert with e.g., location information, to estimate, for example, that the device is "sitting on the desk at home", or "in the pocket at work". This paper discusses several potential uses of this technology, as well as results from a two-part study, which indicates that this technique can detect placement at 94.4% accuracy with real-world placement sets.
Phase retrieval camera for testing NGST optics

The NGST Phase Retrieval Camera (PRC) is a portable wavefront sensor useful for optical testing in high-vibration environments. The PRC uses focus-diverse phase retrieval to measure the wavefront propagating from the optical component or system under test. Phase retrieval from focal plane images is less sensitive to jitter than standard pupil plane interferometric measurements; the PRC's performance is further enhanced by using a high-speed shutter to freeze out seeing and jitter along with a reference camera to maintain the correct boresight in defocused images. The PRC hardware was developed using components similar to those in NGST's Wavefront Control Testbed (WCT), while the PRC software was derived from WCT's extensive software infrastructure. Primary applications of the PRC are testing and experimenting with NGST technology demonstrator mirrors, along with exploring other wavefront sensing and control problems not easily studied using WCT. An overview of the hardware and testing results will be presented.
High resolution state of charge estimation in electrochemical batteries

Accurate estimation of state-of-the-charge (SOC) in electrochemical batteries and ultra-capacitors forms an integral part of any effective energy management systems in mobile and stationary energy storage systems. Of particular interest is high resolution estimates of SOC when undercharging or overcharging may occur. The present paper provides an online detection technique based on impulse response technique and equivalent circuit techniques for estimation of SOC with high resolution. This will result in a more effective usage of the battery packages by high fidelity opportunity charging.
Soil microbial community function, structure, and glomalin in response to tall fescue endophyte infection

Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire] is naturally infected with a fungal endophyte, Neotyphodium coenophialum, which produces toxic ergot alkaloids that negatively affect herbivores and may alter soil microbial communities. A 60-week mesocosm study with a factorial arrangement of soil type (clay loam and loamy sand) and endophyte infection (with and without) was conducted to determine changes in soil microbial community function (substrate utilization using Biolog), structure (phospholipid fatty acid profile), and glomalin concentration. Microbial utilization of carbohydrate, carboxylic acid, and miscellaneous substrate groups was lower in soil planted to endophyte-infected tall fescue than in soil planted to endophyte-free tall fescue. Gram-positive bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizae, and glomalin in small (0.25–1.0 mm) and large (>1 mm) water-stable macro-aggregates were also negatively affected by endophyte infection. Although microbial changes due to endophyte infection were not ubiquitous and overwhelming, they were consistent with previous observations of reduced decomposition of endophyte-infected tall fescue plant litter, which may lead to greater soil C sequestration.
Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma Five Cases With lmmuno- and Lectin Histochemistry Supporting Proximal Tubular Origin

Histologically, the sarcomatoid variant of renal cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a pleomorphic spindle or giant cell malignancy resembling a sarcoma. Clinically, SRCC is associated with a worse prognosis than common renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) of clear or granular cell types. The authors reviewed the clinical and pathologic findings in five cases of SRCC and performed avidin-biotin peroxidase staining with Leu-M1 and biotinylated lotus tetragonolobus lectin, which react with proximal tubules, biotinylated soybean and dolichos biflorus agglutinins, which react with distal tubules, cytokeratin AE 1, epithelial membrane antigen, and vimentin. Five of five SRCCs reacted with at least one marker of proximal tubular differentiation. No case reacted with distal tubular differentiation markers. Three of five cases were cytokeratin positive, one of five was epithelial membrane antigen positive, and zero of five were vimentin positive. Since most cases of CRCC react with proximal tubular markers, these findings suggest th...
Bounds for the expected value of information

Information evaluation in the scope of statistical decision theory by the expected value of information presupposes the knowledge of a series of basic data. This is one of the main crucial points for this evaluation concept. In the paper bounds for the expected value of information for the case of not completely known basic data are stated. This renders possible a rough evaluation of the information activity, dependent on the degree of uncertainty.
Groundwater contamination by trace elements

Abstract Trace element contamination of groundwaters by agricultural activities is addressed. Accumulation o of trace elements in groundwaters from natural sources is differentiated from agriculture-induced contamination. An analysis of reactivity and mobility of trace elements indicates that cationic trace elements (mainly heavy metals) tend to be strongly retained by earth materials owing to ion exchange, sorption and mineral solubility, and do not typically accumulate in groundwaters to very high concentration levels, the exception being shallow soil profiles with coarse-textured soils and large water fluxes. In contrast, anionic trace elements (mainly oxyanions), although retained by earth materials (clays and sesquioxides) to some extent, are subject to greater mobility and may accumulate to high concentrations in groundwaters. A case study on application of sewage sludges to cropped soils indicates that heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zr) accumulated almost entirely on the surface 15 cm soil depth owing to sorption by clays and hydrous oxides of Fe and Mn, complexation by soil organic matter, and precipitation as inorganic minerals. A second case study is presented on trace element accumulation in shallow groundwaters under irrigated lands in the San Joaquin Valley, California, where Se toxicosis to fish and waterfowl was recently discovered resulting from the disposal of saline agricultural drainage waters containing naturally occurring toxic elements. The shallow-groundwater problem is described, with extensive data on trace element contamination but with a principal focus on Se, As, Mo and B. A study of the processes affecting the distribution and mobility of Se indicates that it is highly correlated to salinity levels in the groundwater, and its accumulation of up to 4200 μg l−1 is the result of leaching of soil Se derived from the Coast Range mountains. These mountains are composed of marine sedimentary rocks and subsequent evaporative salinization of shallow groundwaters, as is documented by delta 18O2 data. The practice of irrigation in this arid climate is shown to have escalated the toxic element problem by mobilizing soil Se, and the particular design of artificial subsurface drainage used in this area appears to collect high concentrations of Se from deeper portions of the shallow groundwater.
Influence of pulse sequence, polarity and amplitude on magnetic stimulation of human and porcine peripheral nerve

1 Mammalian phrenic nerve, in a trough filled with saline, was excited by magnetic coil (MC)-induced stimuli at defined stimulation sites, including the negative-going first spatial derivative of the induced electric field along a straight nerve, at a bend in the nerve, and at a cut nerve ending. At all such sites, the largest amplitude response for a given stimulator output setting was elicited by an induced damped polyphasic pulse consisting of an initial quarter-cycle hyperpolarization followed by a half-cycle depolarization compared with a predominantly ‘monophasic’ quarter-cycle depolarization. 2 Simulation studies demonstrated that the increased efficacy of the induced quarter-cycle hyperpolarizing-half-cycle depolarizing polyphasic pulse was mainly attributed to the greater duration of the outward membrane current phase, resulting in a greater outward charge transfer afforded by the half-cycle (i.e. quarter-cycles 2 and 3). The advantage of a fast rising initial quarter-cycle depolarization was more than offset by the slower rising, but longer duration depolarizing half-cycle. 3 Simulation further revealed that the quarter-cycle hyperpolarization-half-cycle depolarization showed only a 2.6 % lowering of peak outward current and a 3.5 % lowering of outward charge transfer at threshold, compared with a half-cycle depolarization alone. Presumably, this slight increase in efficacy reflects modest reversal of Na+ inactivation by the very brief initial hyperpolarization. 4 In vitro, at low bath temperature, the nerve response to an initial quarter-cycle depolarization declined in amplitude as the second hyperpolarizing phase progressively increased in amplitude and duration. This ‘pull-down’ phenomenon nearly disappeared as the bath temperature approached 37 °C. Possibly, at the reduced temperature, delay in generation of the action potential permitted the hyperpolarization phase to reduce excitation. 5 Pull-down was not observed in the thenar muscle responses to median nerve stimulation in a normal human at normal temperature. However, pull-down emerged when the median nerve was cooled by placing ice over the forearm. 6 In a nerve at subnormal temperature straddled with non-conducting inhomogeneities, polyphasic pulses of either polarity elicited the largest responses. This was also seen when stimulating distal median nerve at normal temperature. These results imply excitation by hyperpolarizing-depolarizing pulse sequences at two separate sites. Similarly, polyphasic pulses elicited the largest responses from nerve roots and motor cortex. 7 The pull-down phenomenon has a possible clinical application in detecting pathologically slowed activation of Na+ channels. The current direction of the polyphasic waveform may become a significant factor with the increasing use of repetitive magnetic stimulators which, for technical reasons, induce a cosine-shaped half-cycle, preceded and followed by quarter-cycles of opposite polarity.