cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus fractionation and distribution in sediments from wetlands and canals of a water conservation area in the Florida Everglades

[1] Phosphorus (P) fractionation and distribution in sediments are of great concern in the Florida Everglades ecosystem because potential eutrophication of surface waters usually results from P external loading and stability. Intact core sediment samples were collected to a depth of 35 cm from wetlands and canals across Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) of the Florida Everglades. These sediment cores were sliced into 5 cm increments and analyzed for P contents in different fractions by sequential extraction. These fractions mainly included total P (TP), readily available P (Pi-KCl), Fe/Al-bound P (Pi-NaOH), Ca/Mg-bound P (Pi-HCl), organic P (Po-NaOH), and residual P (PoResidue). Results showed that the canal sediments had the highest concentrations of TP, with about 87% in the form of Ca/Mg-bound fraction, and the concentrations of TP in these sediments increased with depth. In contrast, the wetland sediments contained the lowest concentrations of TP (predominantly in the organic fraction), with 43% residual P and 27% Po-NaOH, and the concentrations of TP in these sediments decreased with depth. In addition, a large amount of the readily available P (up to 1500 mg kg−1) in the canal sediments was accumulated at the top layer of 0–5 cm. This study suggests that any disturbance and/or environmental alterations, such as high canal flow and dredging in canal sediments, could pose a potential risk of a P increase in the water column and, consequently, in the wetlands because of the release of readily available P despite the relatively stable nature of such P fractions in these sediments.
Original Contribution: The “off line learning approximation” in continuous time neural networks: An adiabatic theorem

In this paper we consider the justification of the ''Off Line Approximation'' in continuous time neural networks from a rigorous mathematical point of view. In real time models, the behavior of a network is characterized by two distinct dynamics evolving according different time scales, the weight dynamics which are the ''slow'' and the activation dynamics which are the ''fast.'' The ''off-line approximation'' assumes that during the learning process, neural activities are in their steady states. Such an approximation is a common dogma often used to provide an analysis of network behavior. In this paper we consider convergent networks and prove that this approximation is valid on the time scale 1/@e where @e is the learning rate parameter which controls the learning velocity. We apply these results to prove the stability of Hebbian learning in a two-layered neural network which can be seen as a continuous time version of the self-organizing Kohonen's model.
The perfect story: Anecdote and exemplarity in Linnaeus and Blumenberg:

Hans Blumenberg’s work is characterized by a seemingly insatiable predilection for anecdotes — about Thales and Pyrrhus, Goethe and Fontane, Husserl and Wittgenstein, Polgar and Junger. This essay ...
A constraint-based approach for qualitative matrix structural analysis

Qualitative physics, a subfield of artificial intelligence, adapts intuitive and non-numerical reasoning for descriptive analysis of physical systems. The application of a set-based qualitative algebra to matrix analysis (QMA) allows for the development of a qualitative matrix stiffness methodology for linear elastic structural analysis. The unavoidable introduction of arithmetic ambiguity requires the reinforcement of physical constraints complementary to standard matrix operations. The overall analysis technique incorporates such constraints within the set-based framework with logic programming. Truss, beam, and frame structures demonstrate constraint relationships, which prune spurious solutions resulting from qualitative arithmetic relations. Though QMA is not a panacea for all structural applications, it provides greater insight into new notions of physical analysis.
Fractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy in the treatment of primary, recurrent, and metastatic lung tumors: the role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography-based treatment planning.

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with primary, recurrent, or metastatic lung lesions, with a focus on positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)–based management. Patients and Methods Fifty-one patients with primary stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n = 26), recurrent lung cancer after definitive treatment (n = 12), or solitary lung metastases (n = 13) were treated with SBRT between 2005 and 2007. Patients were treated with the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System with Synchrony™ respiratory tracking. A dose of 60 Gy was delivered in 3 fractions. All patients had CT or PET/CT performed at approximately 3-month intervals after treatment. Results: The median follow-up was 12 months. Local control at median follow-up was 85% in patients with stage I NSCLC, 92% in patients with recurrent lung cancer, and 62% in the patients with solitary lung metastasis. Analysis of the 28 patients with pre- and post-treatment PET/CT scans demonstrated that those with stable disease (n = 4) had a mean standardized uptake value (SUV) decrease of 28%, partial responders (n = 11) had a decrease of 48%, and patients with a complete response (n = 11) had a decrease of 94%. Patients with progressive disease (n = 2) had an SUV decrease of only 0.4%. Only 2 patients (7%) who had reduced fluorodeoxyglucose avidity later progressed locally. No correlations were found between pretreatment SUV and tumor response, disease progression, or survival. Overall 1-year survival rates were 81%, 67%, and 85% among the patients with primary NSCLC, recurrent lung cancer, and solitary lung metastases, respectively. Conclusion Stereotactic body radiation therapy with CyberKnife® is an effective treatment for patients with medically inoperable recurrent or metastatic lung cancer. Positron emission tomography/CT is valuable in staging, planning, and evaluating treatment response and might predict long-term outcome.
CONDUCTIVITY AND FORCE BETWEEN PARTICLES IN A MODEL ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUID : II : INTERACTION FORCE

The interaction force between humidified glass spheres forming a single-row chain in silicone oil was determined in shear as a function of the number of particles in the chain, the electric field and the shear strain (separation of the particles). The measured values of the interaction force vs the average distance of separation of the particles and the electric field exponent were in accord with the conductivity model for ER response. With increase in shear strain the separation of the particles soon became localized and one or both of the particles next to the gap began oscillating back-and-forth leading ultimately to rupture of the chain with increased shear.
ADA interpretative system for image algebra

An important research problem in image processing is to find appropriate tools to support algorithm development. There have been efforts to build algorithm development support systems for image algebra in several languages, but these systems still have the disadvantage of the time consuming algorithm development style associated with compilation-oriented programming. This paper starts with a description of the Run-Time Support Library (RTSL), which serves as the base for executing programs on both the Image Algebra Ada Translator (IAAT) and Image Algebra Ada Interpreter (IAAI). A presentation on the current status of IAAT and its capabilities is followed by a brief introduction to the utilization of the Image Display Manager (IDM) for image manipulation and analysis. We then discuss in detail the current development stage of IAAI and its relation with RTSL and IDM. The last section describes the design of a syntax-directed graphical user interface for IAAI. We close with an analysis of the current performance of IAAI, and future trends are discussed. Appendix A gives a brief introduction to Image Algebra (IA), and in Appendix B the reader is presented to the Image Algebra Ada (IAA) grammar.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Toward the turn of the century

Families approaching the turn of the century are faced with a variety of economic forces that confront their very existence. This thematic issue of the Journal of Family and Economic Issues explores some of these critical factors and the types of adaptive strategies that families have or can incorporate. This article addresses how qualitative microanalysis, especially as informed through symbolic interaction theory, might help us better investigate, describe, analyze, understand, build theory about, and provide appropriate interventions for all families, especially those at risk. This article also highlights the contribution made by each author in this thematic issue.
Nanoknife treatment of residual or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma post locoregional therapy

Learning Objectives 1. Define principles of NanoKnife treatment. 2. Describe the role of NanoKnife treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 3. Determine feasibility of NanoKnife treatment after prior transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). 4. Describe gross pathology findings post NanoKnife treatment. Background NanoKnife is a form of irreversible electroporation currently being utilized as an alternative treatment for various malignancies. Its use of non-thermal electrical energy gives it an advantage over more traditional RFA and cryoabalation techniques in the treatment of lesions adjacent to blood vessels. In the treatment of perivascular HCC, NanoKnife has recently been shown to have a low vascular complication rate with good short terms results. Recurrent or residual central HCC lesions are difficult to treat with repeat TACE or RFA. NanoKnife may have a role in treating such lesions. Clinical Findings/Procedure Details Patients who undergo locoregional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with TACE or radiofrequency ablation are routinely followed with cross sectioning imaging every 3- 6 months. Recurrent or residual HCC lesions that are difficult to treat secondary to central location and/or close proximity to vasculature are treated with NanoKnife at our institution. The lesions are commonly crescentic in shape and are treated with the NanoKnife probes placed parallel to the long access of the lesion. “Pull-back” ablation is frequently needed to treat the entire length of the lesion. Follow up cross sectional imaging is obtained to assure treatment response and confirm lack of tumor enhancement. Gross pathology examination of explanted livers has shown complete necrosis with preservation of adjacent vasculature. Conclusion and/or Teaching Points 1. NanoKnife is a promising non-thermal treatment option for HCC among other malignancies. 2. NanoKnife is a feasible treatment option for recurrent tumor following TACE and RFA. 3. Complete necrosis is seen on pathology post NanoKnife treatment.
Squamous cell carcinoma arising from the pleura after pneumonectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Abstract Background A 67-year-old Caucasian man had a right pneumonectomy for primary bronchogenic carcinoma in 1998. He developed a bronchopleural fistula that was managed with an Eloesser procedure. His appearance 6 years later has been published previously. Methods We performed a case report and literature search. Results In 2008, the patient still had a bronchopleural fistula and reported a new symptom: constant right chest pain. He had experienced extensive asbestos exposure and mesothelioma was suspected. Endoscopy via the Eloesser aperture revealed innumerable tumor nodules. Biopsies of the pleura revealed multifocal, well-differentiated, squamous cell carcinoma with histology that was distinctly different from that of the original lung cancer. The tumor progressed rapidly during work-up and invaded the spine. He received palliative treatment but died 4 months after the onset of chest pain. We conducted a literature search and found 9 previous reports of epidermoid carcinoma arising from the pleura in patients with a chronically draining empyema; 5 patients had a prior pneumonectomy. Conclusions Cancer can arise in areas of chronic inflammation such as osteomyelitis with a draining sinus, Crohn's disease, or chronic gastritis. Cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising from the pleura in patients with a chronically draining empyema cavity are extremely rare. We believe this is the sixth report in the literature of squamous cell carcinoma arising from the pleura in a patient with a chronic postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula. In vivo video footage of the involved pleura is available ( http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7638947955392235731 ).
Calcium displacement by lanthanum in subcellular compartments of rat ventricular myocytes: characterisation by electron probe microanalysis

Objective: Much of the calcium in cardiac myocytes resides in a kinetic compartment defined by rapid exchange and rapid displacement by La3+. The aim of this study was to ascertain the subcellular location of this calcium pool. Methods: Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) was used to measure redistribution of total calcium in rat cardiac myocytes after 30 s in 1 mM lanthanum. “Cells”, mitochondria, and myofibrils were separately analysed. The data permitted calculating a third (difference) compartment, containing primarily sarcoplasmic reticulum, sarcolemma, and T tubule lumen. Total calcium levels in junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum and T tubule lumen were also measured directly. Results: Lanthanum decreased total “cell” calcium from 1.4 (SEM 0.3) to 0.5(0.4) mmol·kg−1 dry weight (p<0.05); loss from the third (difference) compartment was primarily responsible. Simultaneously, junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum increased from 5.1(0.6) to 8.2(0.9) mmol·kg−1 dry weight (p < 0.05). while the T tubule lumen was unchanged. Conclusions: These results suggest that lanthanum displaced calcium primarily from sarcolemmal sites and that calcium redistributed to sarcoplasmic reticulum from an intracellular source. Cardiovascular Research 1993; 27 : 2106-2112
Social, political, and economic contexts: Keys in educating true public relations professionals

Abstract Contemporary public relations often focuses on strategic counseling as opposed to message production. Counseling requires careful study of clients' social, political and economic contexts. This article provides a systematic framework for contextual analysis. Core concepts for study of the social context include cultural and subcultural beliefs, the quality and frequency of social contacts within and among publics, and frames of reference. With the political context, the focus is on activities and strategies of political actors as well as their role and power relationships. Economic analysis deals with resource availability and opportunity costs.
Photocaged Agonist for an Analogue‐Specific form of the Vitamin D Receptor

Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) represent a diverse class of ligand-dependent transcriptional regulators. NHRs that have been rendered functionally inactive due to mutations that abrogate proper ligand binding can often be rescued by appropriately designed hormone analogues. The analogue-specific receptor-ligand pairs provide an ideal platform from which to develop new chemogenomic tools for the spatial and temporal control of gene expression. Here, we describe the synthesis and in vitro assessment of a photocaged VDR agonist specific to a mutant NHR that is associated with vitamin D-resistant rickets. The results provide insight into the utility of the agonist as a potential tool for photoinduced gene patterning.
VIRAL ONCOLYSIS: INCREASED IMMUNOGENICITY OF HOST CELL ANTIGEN ASSOCIATED WITH INFLUENZA VIRUS

A2G mice could be solidly immunized against the Ehrlich ascites tumor by single intraperitoneal injections of homogenized and lyophilized tumor cells which had been infected with oncolytic strains of influenza A virus. Similar homogenates from noninfected tumor cells were not immunogenic, even when mixed with egg-grown virus. The immunizing principle in viral oncolysates could not be separated from the oncolytic virus by differential centrifugation or adsorption to and elution from red cells. It could be inhibited by antibody raised in rabbits against the egg-grown oncolytic virus. This reaction showed serologic specificity. Thus, the immunogenicity of an oncolysate produced with the WSA strain of neurotropic influenza virus could be inhibited by rabbit anti-WSA, but not by rabbit antibody to the TUR strain of fowl plague virus. Conversely, the immunogenicity of an oncolysate prepared with the TUR strain could be inhibited by rabbit anti-TUR, but not by anti-WSA. When mice were preimmunized (primed) with egg-grown WSA virus, their antitumor response to a later injection of WSA oncolysate was of the anamnestic type. Priming with egg-grown influenza B virus had no such effect. It was concluded that the immunogenicity of certain host cell components was greatly increased by incorporation into the makeup of the oncolytic virus.
Effect of salt stress on germination and seedling growth in serially harvested aubergine ( Solanum melongena L.) seeds during development

Serially harvested aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) seed lots of 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 42, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, and 80 days after anthesis (daa) in 1999 and 2000, respectively, were incubated and germinated in 0, 35, 70, and 140 mM NaCl in order to assess the effect of salt stress on germination and seedling growth in relation to seed development. Germination percentage, total and normal emergence, and seedling fresh and dry weight were all inhibited by NaCl treatment. The strongest inhibition of germination occurred in earlier (40, 42, 45 daa) and later (70, 80 daa) harvests and at 140 mM NaCl. Seedling growth was more sensitive to salt stress than was germination. Seedling abnormalities, (chlorosis, cotyledon unfolding, necrotic areas) increased at higher NaCl concentrations. Results indicated that the developmental stage of seeds affected sensitivity to salt stress. In order to get the maximum germination, and rapid and well-developed transplant production, aubergine seeds should be harvested between ...
Prehospital identification of acute coronary ischemia using a troponin T rapid assay.

Objective. To evaluate the performance of a rapid assay for cardiac troponin T (cTn-T) in patients with chest pain in the prehospital setting. Methods. A prospective, observational clinical trial in a rural county served by a single emergency medical services system and two emergency departments. Patients fulfilling prehospital criteria to identify acute coronary ischemia (ACI) had a blood sample applied to the cTn-T rapid-assay device. Quantitative analysis of cTn-T was also performed on each sample at a later time. Medical records were reviewed to determine ultimate diagnoses. Non-admitted patients were followed by telephone at one week. Main outcome measures included the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the rapid cTn-T assay for detecting ACI defined as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or unstable angina (UA) within one week of presentation. Results. Of 87 patients enrolled, 29 were identified with ACI. This included 15 patients diagnosed as having ...
Treating diabetic foot osteomyelitis primarily with surgery or antibiotics: have we answered the question?

Foot infections are among the most frequent diabetes-related causes for hospitalization and the usual immediate predecessor to lower-extremity amputation in these patients (1). Infection usually starts in ulcerated soft tissues, but can spread contiguously to underlying bone (2). Overall, about 20% of patients with a diabetic foot infection (and over 60% of those with severe infections [3]) have underlying osteomyelitis, which dramatically increases the risk of lower-extremity amputation (4). Indeed, optimally managing diabetic foot osteomyelitis is widely considered the most difficult and controversial aspect of dealing with diabetic foot infections (5–7). In the preantibiotic era, the only option for treating osteomyelitis was surgical resection of all necrotic and infected bone. Because surgeons feared further spread of infection up the limb in what was then called “diabetic gangrene,” most procedures were major (often above the knee) amputations (8). The advent of antibiotic therapy led to a marked reduction in both mortality (9–11) and need for major amputations (10,11) in patients with diabetic foot infections. Antibiotic therapy was largely considered adjunctive to surgery, but in the past two decades reports appeared of patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis apparently cured by antibiotic therapy with little or no surgical resection (12), leading some to reexamine the belief that surgery was almost always needed for this form of chronic osteomyelitis (13). There are potential advantages, as well as disadvantages, to both medical and surgical treatment of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (Table 1). In some clinical situations, it is clear that one or the other approach is most appropriate (Table 2), but in most cases the …
The Converging Squares Algorithm: An Efficient Method for Locating Peaks in Multidimensions

The converging squares algorithm is a method for locating peaks in sampled data of two dimensions or higher. There are two primary advantages of this algorithm over conventional methods. First, it is robust with respect to noise and data type. There are no empirical parameters to permit adjustment of the process, so results are completely objective. Second, the method is computationally efficient. The inherent structure of the algorithm is that of a resolution pyramid. This enhances computational efficiency as well as contributing to the quality of noise immunity of the method. The algorithm is detailed for two-dimensional data, and is described for three-dimensional data. Quantitative comparisons of computation are made with two conventional peak picking methods. Applications to biomedical image analysis, and for industrial inspection tasks are discussed.
The uptake of divalent manganese ion by mature normal human red blood cells.

At physiological pH and concentrations of Mn++ in excess of 5 x 10-4 M, study of the Mn++ ion movement into human red cells is complicated by physicochemical alterations of the ion itself. At concentrations below 5 x 10x4 M, the rate of uptake bears a linear relationship to the Mn++ concentration. The permeability constant for inward movement of Mn++ is 2.87 ± 0.13 (S.E.) x 10-9 cm./sec. The rate is not influenced by the addition of metabolic substrates such as glucose or adenosine or the metabolic inhibitors iodoacetate or fluoride. Co++, Ca++, and Mg++ do not appear to compete with Mn++ for entry, but at high concentrations relative to Mn++, they reduce the rate of entry. Ca++ is far more effective than Co++ or Mg++ in this regard. The permeability constant for outward Mn++ movement is 1.38 ± 0.21 (S.E.) x 10-9 cm./sec., about half of that for entry. This slower rate of outward movement is consistent with the finding that 40 to 60 per cent of the Mn++ taken up by the red cells is non-ultrafilterable. Less than 5 to 10 per cent of the Mn++ appears to be bound to the stroma. It is concluded that entry and exit of Mn++ is a process of passive diffusion involving no carriers, transport, or metabolic linkage.
Genomics, systems biology and drug development for infectious diseases

Although a variety of drugs are available for many infectious diseases that predominantly affect the developing world reasons remain for continuing to search for new chemotherapeutics. First, the development of microbial resistance has made some of the most effective and inexpensive drug regimes unreliable and dangerous to use on severely ill patients. Second, many existing antimicrobial drugs show toxicity or are too expensive for countries where the per capita income is in the order of hundreds of dollars per year. In recognition of this, new publicly and privately financed drug discovery efforts have been established to identify and develop new therapies for diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS. This in turn, has intensified the need for tools to facilitate drug identification for those microbes whose molecular biology is poorly understood, or which are difficult to grow in the laboratory. While much has been written about how functional genomics can be used to find novel protein targets for chemotherapeutics this review will concentrate on how genome-wide, systems biology approaches may be used following whole organism, cell-based screening to understand the mechanism of drug action or to identify biological targets of small molecules. Here we focus on protozoan parasites, however, many of the approaches can be applied to pathogenic bacteria or parasitic helminths, insects or disease-causing fungi.
Ethnography and Cognitive Psychology: Shared Dilemmas of the Local and Unlocatable

Is there a productive intersection between ethnographic knowledge practices and the search for perduring structures of cognition within psychological inquiry? This article employs a brief ethnography of cognitive psychological experimentation to reveal that like ethnographers, experimental psychologists engage in a complex relationship between local particulars and generalized processes. In particular, I focus on the relationship between notions of “local” space and time and “unlocatable,” abstract cognitive processes to explore how psychological inquiry, like critical ethnography, is at once concerned with identifying abstract processes and intimately tied to the particulars of the research context.
Study of tolerance to the ABO blood group antigens.

Summary The antibody titers of 94 type 0 persons of college age were determined from blood taken during a single three-day period and the A or O blood types of the mothers of these donors were determined. The titers of the offspring of the type O mothers were almost exactly the same as that of the offspring of the type A mothers. It must be concluded from the data obtained, that the self-marker concept does not explain the variations which are characteristic of the titers of the naturally occurring antibodies in the ABO blood group system. Resume Le titre d'anticorps de 94 personnes de groupe O âgees entre 18 et 24 ans a ete determine a partir de sang preleve dans une periode de 3 jours; les sangs de groupe A ou O provenant des meres de ces donneurs ont egalement ete determines. Les titres des descendants des meres de type O etaient, pour la plupart, exactement les memes que celui des descendants des meres de type A. On peut conclure de ces resultats que le concept auto-marqueur (self-marker concept de Burnet) ne permet pas d'expliquer les variations de titre qui sont une des caracteristiques des anticorps naturels du systeme de groupe sanguin ABO. Zusammenfassung Bei 94 Individuen im Studentenalter wurde an Blutproben, die bei dieser Gruppe innert drei Tagen abgenommen worden waren, der Isoagglutinintiter bestimmt. Auserdem wurden die ABO-Blutgruppen der Mutter dieser Gruppe bestimmt. Der Isoagglutinintiter bei Kindern von O-Muttern wich in keiner Weise von demjenigen von A-Muttern ab. Aus diesen Untersuchungsergebnissen geht hervor, das das Burnetsche «Self-Marker»-Konzept die Variationen im Titer der naturlichen Isoagglutinine nicht zu erklaren vermag.
The Theory of Agency: The Policing 'Paradox' and Regulatory Behavior

This was the first article explicitly on the theory of agency published in a regular, i.e., nonproceedings, issue of a journal in social science. The paper presents a fiduciary function model of policing in agency, with an application to attempts to influence regulatory performance by policing the behavior of regulators. Four types of agents - the pure fiduciary, lexical fiduciary, lexical self-interest agent, and pure self-interest agents - are identified. The paper notes that the rational principal would not police his agent if he did not expect a net gain from the attempt; this is one of the key logics of agency theory. The paper notes the effects of the fiduciary norm in economizing on specification and policing (agency) costs. An apparent paradox can occur when policing the agent appears to lower rather than increase the return to the principal. In other words, agent fidelity does not necessarily correlate with the level of principal return. In the context of public regulation, this can take the form of producing a more honest or better-behaved regulatory agent in a government that produces a poorer return to the public interest. The posted version of this article contains some corrections of errors/omissions introduced by the journal's publisher in the publication process.
The unpredictable stem cell

How individual hematopoietic stem cells contribute to blood cell formation throughout a lifetime has remained a subject of debate. A new analysis suggests there is substantial variation in hematopoietic stem cell fate and self-renewal activity.
Munchausen’s syndrome revisited

Abstract The author reviews the history of Munchausen's syndrome and describes its characteristic presentation. While the syndrome has similarities to other compulsive behavior problems, it is a distinct phenomenon, distinguishable by careful diagnosis from malingering, hysteria, and related conditions. Sympathetic treatment of the basic underlying masochism of the patient is the appropriate response to the syndrome despite the temptation to react with hostility or indifference.
Inductive creation of an annotation schema for manually indexing clinical conditions from emergency department reports

Evaluating automated indexing applications requires comparing automatically indexed terms against manual reference standard annotations. However, there are no standard guidelines for determining which words from a textual document to include in manual annotations, and the vague task can result in substantial variation among manual indexers. We applied grounded theory to emergency department reports to create an annotation schema representing syntactic and semantic variables that could be annotated when indexing clinical conditions. We describe the annotation schema, which includes variables representing medical concepts (e.g., symptom, demographics), linguistic form (e.g., noun, adjective), and modifier types (e.g., anatomic location, severity). We measured the schema's quality and found: (1) the schema was comprehensive enough to be applied to 20 unseen reports without changes to the schema; (2) agreement between author annotators applying the schema was high, with an F measure of 93%; and (3) the authors made complementary errors when applying the schema, demonstrating that the schema incorporates both linguistic and medical expertise.
Advances in hybrid optics physical sensors for extreme environments

Highlighted are novel innovations in hybrid optical design physical sensors for extreme environments. Various hybrid design compositions are proposed that are suited for a particular sensor application. Examples includes combining freespace (wireless) and fiber-optics (wired) for gas turbine sensing and combining single crystal and sintered Silicon Carbide (SiC) materials for robust extreme environment Coefficent of Thermal Expansion (CTE) matched frontend probe design. Sensor signal processing also includes the hybrid theme where for example Black-Body radiation thermometry (pyrometry) is combined with laser interferometry to provide extreme temperature measurements. The hybrid theme also operates on the optical device level where a digital optical device such as a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) is combined with an analog optical device such as an Electronically Controlled Variable Focal Length Lens (ECVFL) to deliver a smart and compressive Three Dimensional (3-D) imaging sensor for remote scene and object shape capture including both ambient light (passive) mode and active laser targeting and receive processing. Within a device level, the hybrid theme also operates via combined analog and digital control such as within a wavelength-coded variable optical delay line. These powerful hybrid design optical sensors have numerous applications in engineering and science applications from the military to the commercial/industrial sectors.
Periodic Left Temporal Sharp Waves During Acute Psychosis

Abstract This 29-year-old woman with a history of major depression and poorly controlled complex partial and secondarily generalized seizures presented with disorientation, agitation, and hyperreligiosity after six generalized convulsive seizures. During psychosis, electroencephalography revealed waxing and waning periodic sharp waves over the left temporal region, which disappeared after the resolution of psychosis. Prior to and after psychosis, synchronous frontal spike and waves and sharp waves, and intermittent, synchronous high voltage rhythmic and polymorphic frontal slowing were present. This case demonstrates periodic temporal sharp waves that are associated with acute psychosis and topographically distinct from the patient's interictal abnormalities.
Changing DNA polymerase activities during the development of the testis in the mouse.

Abstract DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities from the nucleus and cytosol have been measured during development of the testis in the mouse. Analysis of soluble testicular extracts of mice between 5 days of age and sexual maturity (38–42 days) showed a six- to sevenfold decrease in the specific activity of the cytosol DNA polymerase fraction. No further decline in specific activity was observed between sexual maturity and 300 days of age. Control experiments have indicated that this reduction in DNA polymerase activity is not easily explained by: (i) a dilution of enzyme activity due to an increase in soluble proteins in the cytosol, (ii) a differential solubilization of enzymes during development, or (iii) the presence of activators or inhibitors at specific stages of development. Partial purification of the testicular DNA polymerases by chromatography on phosphocellulose suggests that the decrease in specific activity of the cytosol is due to a diminution of activity during development of the DNA polymerase α. In contrast to the decline of specific activity observed in the cytosol, the specific activity of the nuclear fraction increased two- to threefold during development.
Risk identification of abused women participating in a women, infants, and children program

Demographic characteristics, social and health risk factors, and responses to open-ended questions regarding health and abuse experiences were analyzed in a study of women participants in a Women, Infants, and Children supplemental food program at a mid-western county health department. Of the 400 respondents, 124 had experienced physical abuse according to the Partner Abuse Scale: Physical (PASPH) for determining physical abuse (Hudson, 1990). Quantitative and qualitative procedures were applied to the data. A trimmed model indicated that the best predictors of PASPH score were self-perceived abuse and number of medical/health conditions. Implications for service and program development include strategies for ongoing assessment, intervention, and evaluation to detect and to address physical and nonphysical assault. Epidemiological investigation and follow-up are recommended for health conditions discovered as prevalent in this population.
Ultraviolet radiation, thiol reagents, and solubilization enhance AMPA receptor binding affinity via a common mechanism.

The binding properties of membrane-bound or solubilized AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid)-type glutamate receptors from rat brain were tested following exposure to ultraviolet (UV)_radiation or incubation with the thiol reagent p-chloromercuriphenyl-sulfonic acid (PCMBS). Brief exposure to UV radiation (254 nm) increased [3H]AMPA binding to brain membranes, while binding to soluble fractions decreased. The increase in brain membrane binding was caused by an apparent interconversion of low-affinity [3H]AMPA binding sites into a higher-affinity state. Incubation with PCMBS caused a significant increase in [3H]AMPA binding to brain membranes but had no significant effect on [3HAMPA binding to solubilized receptors. There was an interaction between the PCMBS and UV effects in the brain membranes such that prior exposure to one of the treatments reduced the relative magnitude of the other's effects. The present results suggest that ultraviolet radiation, PCMBS and solubilization all increase AMPA receptor binding affinity via a common mechanism.
Transcription of a gene cluster coding for two aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and an initiation factor in Escherichia coli☆

Abstract The α and β subunits of phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase are encoded by the pheS and pheT genes, respectively. These genes are clustered closely together with the genes for threonyl-tRNA synthetase ( thrS ) and translation initiation factor IF3 ( infC ); the gene order is thrS infC pheS pheT . We have used two methods to study the transcription pattern within this cluster. The first was the in vitro transcription of DNA restriction fragments with purified RNA polymerase, followed by fractionation of the RNA products by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The second method was the mapping of promoters by means of the “abortive initiation” reaction of McClure and co-workers. This procedure consists of the incubation of RNA polymerase with DNA restriction fragments plus one nucleoside monophosphate and one [α- 32 P]nucleoside triphosphate; the polymerase synthesizes dinucleotide products of known sequence at promoter sites in the DNA. We found that transcription initiated at an internal site within infC (designated P 1 , and at two promoter sites between infC and pheS (designated P 2 and P 3 ). Transcription terminated at two sites about 200 nucleotides apart, located just before pheS . The initiation and termination signals were arranged so as to yield a nested set of overlapping transcripts. At the P 1 promoter, transcription initiated with G-C, at P 2 with A-C and sometimes A-G, and at P 3 with G-U. Promoter activity was also found in a 3000-base interval that includes the start of the thrS gene; eight or nine transcripts (not mapped in detail) were observed, which started with at least four different dinucleotides. All major initiation sites in the gene cluster represented purine starts, although some pyrimidine initiation was observed in trace amounts. No promoter activity was found between pheS and pheT with either of the two techniques; this observation supports the conclusion that these genes are co-transcribed. No evidence was found for any promoter between the termination sites and the beginning of the pheS gene. It is suggested that one of the terminators is an attenuation site controlling the extension of transcription into pheS and pheT . Attenuation may explain the observed regulation of phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase by the amino acid supply.
Trends Over Time in the Risk of Driver Death: What If Vehicle Designs Had Not Improved?

Objectives. Passenger vehicle driver death rates per million vehicle registrations declined steadily during calendar years 1985–2004. The present study sought to separate the effect of vehicle design changes from this trend. Methods. Restricting the trend to a fixed set of model years removed the vehicle design effects, but there were still effects due to vehicle aging. Risk of driver death was found to increase each year vehicles aged, probably due to changes in vehicle use patterns. Results. After separating out the vehicle design effects and making adjustments for the vehicle age effects, a different picture emerged of trends in death rates over time. Absent the vehicle design changes, the historical decline in driver fatality risk would have ended in 1993, with risk climbing ever since. This underlying trend has been obscured by changes in the vehicle fleet. Conclusions. The push for vehicle improvements has been worthwhile and can be credited with saving thousands of lives. However, the analysis show...
A Stiff, Lightweight Machinery Baseplate on Three Spherical Supports

A study was carried out to develop a lightweight machinery baseplate for offshore applications. To prevent platform movement from affecting the machinery alignment, the baseplate was mounted on three bearings. Inherent stiffness, with significant weight saving over a conventional baseplate, was achieved by the use of a torque tube as the primary structural component.Copyright © 1983 by ASME
Use of Brassicaceous seed meals to improve seedling emergence of tomato and pepper in Pythium ultimum infested soils

Growth room studies were conducted to determine the impact of Brassicaceae seed meals on the emergence of tomato and pepper seedlings in Pythium ultimum infested soils. Pasteurised Burch sandy loam soils were amended with intact and denatured seed meal of rape seed and mustard. Brassica juncea or Brassica napus intact seed meal increased the tomato and pepper seedling emergence. Interestingly, B. napus amended soils resulted in the same seedling emergence with B. juncea regardless of their relatively lower glucosinolate content compared to mustard-based seed meals. Seedling emergence in soils amended with intact Sinapis alba seed meal was significantly the lowest for both tomato and pepper seedlings. In contrast, seedling emergence was higher in soils amended with denatured than intact S. alba seed meals suggesting some glucosinolate-related inhibitory effect on seedling emergence of both crops. Glycine max seed meal amendment improved the seedling emergence better than the control but to a lower-level wh...
Is there a genetic susceptibility to idiopathic parkinsonism

The search for the etiology of idiopathic parkinsonism (IP) has been difficult and largely unsuccessful. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the possibility that there are genetic susceptibility loci for IP. Part of this interest has been spurred by recent advances in molecular genetics. This review analyzes the available genetic epidemiology and family study data (clinical and molecular genetic) as they relate to IP and parkinsonism plus syndromes (PPS). Analysis of data from families with several members having IP or PPS suggests that this approach may not identify susceptibility genes for IP. When the genes responsible for the syndromes affecting multiplex families are identified, they are likely to provide insight into the pathogenesis of IP and may be the basis for developing a more useful nosology. The molecular genetic study of PPS and the mapping of the wld locus may herald rapid advances in understanding these syndromes.
SU-FF-T-446: Using Mini-Verification Films in Clinical Practice

Purpose: To present a clinical example of finding field matching errors in a supine three‐field cranial‐spinal irradiation technique utilizing miniverification films. Method and Materials: A three‐field Cranial‐Spinal Irradiation technique uses right and left lateral head fields and one or more PA spinal fields. The table and collimator are rotated in order to match the three fields at the three‐field junction. Verification simulation films are taken to verify adequate block design and field localization. Lead markers are placed on the patient's immobilization mask at the field junction. Portal images are taken and reviewed. In a darkroom, EDR2 (Kodak) film is cut into a 10cm × 20 cm rectangle, placed in an opaque paper jacket and sealed with black tape. This “mini‐verification film” is taped onto the patient's headrest and the patient is placed supine with the C2–5 vertebral‐body level over the film. An immobilization mask is then placed over the patient's head. The mini‐film is exposed by all three fields during dose delivery. The film is developed and reviewed immediately. Results: Using miniverification film, a field overlap was immediately detected on a patient. Under closer review of the port film, the spinal field was superior to the lead markers at the junction. This mismatch was subtle and not immediately obvious. However, the overlap was striking on the mini‐verification film. Conclusion: Field matching in three‐field Cranial‐Spinal irradiation is critical to avoid underdosing or overdosing the spinal cord. Numerous checks and balance systems should be in place to avoid such field mismatching. The example presented illustrates the effectiveness of the mini‐verification film to discover the overlap. The use of the mini‐film provided immediate and conclusive evidence of patient mistreatment.
Piecewise linear integral-preserving approximations of functions

This paper considers the problem of approximating an integrable function by piecewise linear functions that keep the integral and positivity of the original function.
The formation of calcium fluoride on the surface of hydroxylapatite after treatment with acidic fluoride-phosphate solutions

Abstract The release of calcium, phosphate and fluoride from synthetic hydroxylapatite samples previously treated with acidic fluoride-phosphate solutions was evaluated in water slurries. As the fluoride concentration increased in the treating solution, the subsequent release of phosphate in water slurry was depressed, the release of calcium went through a minimum returning to normal at higher fluoride concentrations, and the release of fluoride gradually increased. With a fluoride ion concentration in the treating solution of about 20 × 10 −3 M (pH 3, 0.1 M H 3 PO 4 ) fluorapatite was formed and with fluoride concentrations above 30 × 10 −3 M gradually increasing amounts of CaF 2 were observed. It appeared that CaF 2 was the predominent surface phase especially after treatment with the higher concentrations of fluoride. Presumably this accounted for the depressed phosphate release under similar conditions.
Fostering Futures: A Preventive Intervention Program for School-age Children in Foster Care

Children in foster care have social and emotional problems at rates three to ten times higher than those found in the general population. During the elementary school years (i.e. 5-12 years), research indicates that disruptive behavior in children in care can negatively impact social, emotional and academic development, as well as placement stability. Evidenced-based interventions to improve children's behavior and reduce parenting stress are necessary. This pilot study augmented an existing evidenced-based intervention (i.e. the Incredible Years) developed for birth families for use with foster caregivers. Results from 18 families indicate that foster caregiver-reported conduct symptoms were significantly lower for children whose families participated in the treatment group. A similar trend was found for the overall externalizing behavior. No significant changes were identified in parenting attitudes and stress. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and acceptability with the program and outcomes. These findings indicate that foster caregiver training should be examined in larger, randomized control trials.
Strong-field nonlinear response of quantum dots

Summary form only given. Recent studies have been carried out on the resonant response from single interface fluctuation quantum dots. Such a discrete-level model yields unique signatures under strong resonant driving, including Rabi oscillations. To date, Rabi oscillations (excluding microcavity studies) have only been reported for two-dimensional excitonic systems. We present data showing the nonlinear response from an ensemble of interface fluctuation quantum dots. This data is consistent with Rabi oscillations for moderate driving fields (that is, for /spl Theta//spl sim/2/spl pi/, where /spl Theta/ is the pulse area). The sample under investigation is a single thin (62 /spl Aring/) GaAs/Al/sub 0.3/Ga/sub 0.7/As quantum well grown with growth interruptions and is studied at 5 K. The laser is tuned to the lower energy excitonic resonance, corresponding to an inhomogeneously broadened distribution of excitons localized due to well width fluctuations. The time-integrated PL is collected with a spectrometer tuned 2.5 meV below the excitonic resonance.