cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell cycle regulation of induced mutagenesis in yeast

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC7 gene encodes a protein kinase that functions in three aspects of DNA metabolism: replication, repair, and meiotic recombination. It is likely that these functions overlap and share common elements. The cell cycle dependence of Cdc7 associated DNA repair was examined by UV irradiating a wild type and hypomutable cdc7-7 strain throughout the cell cycle. Both the wild type strain and the cdc7-7 mutant stain delay entry into S phase by 40-60 min when exposed to UV mutagenesis. Cells in G1 are the most sensitive to lethal UV damage while cells in S phase sustain fewer lethal hits. The yield of mutants is greatest for the CDC7 wild type strain when S phase cells are mutagenized. This peak of induced mutagenesis is absent in the cdc7-7 strain. Cdc7 protein may be required for error-prone DNA repair or for translesion error-prone DNA replication and not for the checkpoints in G1 phase. Because Cdc28 protein kinase and Dbf4 protein, a Cdc7 kinase regulator, are also important for induced mutagenesis and the CDC7 promoter is not induced in response to DNA damage, Cdc7 protein kinase may be regulated post-translationally following DNA damage, in the same manner as it is regulated during the cell cycle.
Daily exercise facilitates phase delays of circadian melatonin rhythm in very dim light

Shift workers and transmeridian travelers are exposed to abnormal work-rest cycles, inducing a change in the phase relationship between the sleep-wake cycle and the endogenous circadian timing syst...
Rotational dynamics with geometric algebra

A new spinor formulation of rotational dynamics is developed. A general theorem is established reducing the theory of the symmetric top to that of the spherical top. The classical problems of Lagrange and Poinsot are treated in detail, along with a modern application to the theory of magnetic resonance.
Comparison of enalapril and captopril in the management of self-induced water intoxication.

A case of severe water intoxication was recently treated with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, enalapril and captopril. The results of this open drug trial are being reported here
A high-efficiency auto-reconfigurable SITIDO boost/buck regulator with input power conditioning for energy-harvesting applications

This paper demonstrates an auto-reconfigurable single-inductor triple-input dual-output (SITIDO) regulator that can obtain power from three independent sources (two energy harvesters and an internal battery) and provide dual output regulations. An input power conditioning scheme is developed to configure the converter automatically to either the energy-harvesting mode (SIDIDO/SISIDO boost configuration) or the battery-powered mode (SISISO buck configuration) based on the available power from different sources. A sub-threshold dualmode controller is also adopted to optimize the converter power efficiency over a wide load range, minimize cross regulation between different outputs, and provide the predictable output noise spectrum. Implemented in a standard 0.35-µm CMOS process, the proposed converter achieves a power efficiency of > 66% over an output range from 0.3 mW to 33 mW with the peak power efficiency of 88%.
Gemstar russet : A potato variety with high yield, good culinary quality, excellent fresh market appearance, and resistance to common scab

GemStar Russet, derived from the cross Gem Russet x A8341-5, was released in 2004 by the USDA/ARS and the agricultural experiment stations of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The foliage of GemStar Russet is dark yellowish-green, spreading, with large leaves and abundant white flowers. The tubers are brown, medium to heavily russeted, oblong, with a slightly prominent eyebrow, white flesh, and indistinct pith. GemStar Russet was compared with Russet Burbank and Russet Norkotah in trials across the Pacific Northwest for yield, quality, and disease response. Except for locations in southern Idaho, in general, GemStar Russet produced slightly lower total yield than Russet Burbank, but much higher U.S. No. 1 yield. When compared with Russet Norkotah, GemStar Russet produced similar total and U.S. No. 1 yields in early harvest trials but higher total and U.S. No. 1 yields in late-harvest trials. When observed for defect problems, GemStar Russet exhibited resistance to second growth, growth cracks, and stemend discoloration, moderate resistance to blackspot and shatter bruising, but a high level of susceptibility to hollow heart. In product quality tests, GemStar Russet was rated superior to Russet Burbank for french fry quality and comparable for baked potato quality. GemStar Russet was found to be immune to PVX, resistant to common scab and powdery scab, moderately resistant to Verticillium wilt, tuber net necrosis caused by PLRV, and corky ringspot. It demonstrated susceptibility to late blight, PLRV, dry rot, soft rot, and ringrot and extreme susceptibility to PVYo. Biochemical analysis of GemStar Russet tubers showed them to be higher in protein and much higher in vitamin C than those of Russet Burbank or Russet Norkotah. Three-year average for tuber glycoalkaloid concentration was 1.5 mg 100 g−1.
Pemetrexed (Alimta): a new antifolate for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Pemetrexed (Alimta®) is a novel multitargeted antifolate that has activity against non—small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As a single agent, the response rate is 16%–23%. As second-line therapy, it has a 5% and 14% response rate with pemetrexed in NSCLC patients who have had prior cisplatin or nonplatinum chemotherapy, respectively. Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin has a response rate of 38.9%–44.8%, with a median survival of 8.9–10.9 months. Pemetrexed plus gemcitabine in NSCLC has a response rate of less than 25%. The major toxicity associated with pemetrexed is neutropenia, which may be reduced with vitamin B 12 and folate nutritional supplement. Additional studies with pemetrexed in combination with other agents are needed for the treatment of NSCLC patients.
Genetics of progressive renal failure in diabetic kidney disease.

Genetics of progressive renal failure in diabetic kidney disease Diabetic kidney disease is a microvascular complication that is observed in a minority of patients with long-standing hyperglycemia. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with shortened patient survival, severe morbidity, and increased health care costs. Unfortunately, the incidence rates of DN continue to increase in Western societies, and DN is now the most common reported cause of end-stage renal disease in developed nations. DN results from a complex interplay between inherited and environmental factors. This article reviews the data that support an inherited basis for susceptibility to DN by summarizing familial aggregation studies, genome-wide linkage, and population-based association analyses in diabetic and nondiabetic kidney disease. Recent evidence linking genes involved in the regulation of endothelial function with genetic predisposition to albuminuria is presented. The integration of carefully designed genetic linkage and association studies with gene expression experiments in human and animal models of diabetic kidney disease appear to offer great promise for detecting the molecular mechanisms underlying susceptibility to DN.
Linear programming for sizing, Vth and Vdd assignment

Most circuit sizing tools calculate the tradeoff between each gate's delay and power or area, and then greedily change the gate with the best tradeoff. We show this is suboptimal. Instead we use a linear program to minimize circuit power. The linear program provides a fast and simultaneous analysis of how each gate affects gates it has a path to. Our approach reduces power by up to 30% compared to commercial software, with a 0.13um library. The runtime for posing and solving the linear program scales linearly with circuit size
Complainant Characteristics and Reported Behaviors and Consequences Associated with Formal Sexual Harassment Charges.

Eighty-one formal sexual harassment charges were examined in an attempt to identify the characteristics of individuals who file formal sexual harassment charges and describe the behaviors and employment-related consequences associated with such charges. The sex, age, marital status, educational level, occupation, and salary distributions of complainants differed significantly from the expected distributions based upon labor force statistics. As regards reported behaviors and consequences, the most compelling finding was that over 65% of the charges involved job discharge.
Intracellular mechanisms mediating the anti-apoptotic action of gastrin

We previously reported that gastrin (G17) inhibits apoptosis of AR4-2J pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells, through the activation of Akt. We dissected the mechanisms responsible for this effect. D2, a CCKB receptor antagonist, inhibited G17 induction of Akt phosphorylation, measured by Western blots with anti-phospho-Akt antibodies. The intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, but not the PKC inhibitor GF109203X, blocked G17 induction of Akt. G17 stimulated BAD phosphorylation, measured by both Western blots with anti-phospho-BAD antibodies and by in vitro Akt kinase assays using recombinant BAD as substrate. G17 also induced FOXO3 phosphorylation assessed by Western blots with anti-phospho-FOXO3 antibodies, and BAPTA-AM inhibited this effect. Gastrin inhibited luciferase activity in cells transfected with FOXO1 together with a vector containing insulin-responsive sequences upstream of the luciferase reporter gene. In conclusion, G17 induces Akt through activation of CCKB receptors and of intracellular calcium-dependent, PKC-independent, pathways. This effect leads to BAD phosphorylation and to forkhead transcription factors inactivation.
System theory formulation of ecological disturbance

Abstract Ecological disturbance is defined in context of a dictionary definition and state-space system theory. Disturbance can be partitioned into cause and effect. The cause is the exogenous disturbance, and its effect is unusual behavior of system state or output, referenced to nominal behavior. A disturbance can act on input, state, or the coupling parameters (processes) of a system, and is observed by changes in state or output. Two other attributes of the system model, the response function, which determines output and the transition function, which determines state, can also be changed indirectly as a result of disturbance. Both timing and magnitude of phenomena are important in determining nominal behavior and deviations from nominal. Systems and behavior are hierarchical such that disturbances at any given level are not necessarily disturbances at higher or lower levels of organization. For an event or extended phenomenon to be considered a disturbance, it must have three properties, two of timing and one of magnitude, relevant to the level at which disturbance is manifested: (a) low frequency of recurence with respect to the temporal scale of the focal level; (b) low temporal predictability with respect to the level's time scale; and (c) production of a significant deviation from nominal outputs or state. Simple models of well known ecological phenomena illustrate different classes of disturbance: (a) change of state; (b) change of state followed by change of transition function; (c) change of input; and (d) change of input followed by change of state and transition function.
Comparative Effectiveness of Topical Drugs in Dermatologic Priority Diseases: Geometry of Randomized Trial Networks

This commentary explores the fundamentals of network theory, a branch of applied mathematics that has numerous applications in many fields. Maruani et al. (2014) used network theory to analyze the geometry of the evidence base for dermatologic treatments. This is a prime example of the innovative nature of network theory: the mapping of a complex system into an abstract geometry for easier analysis. The interpretation rests upon the two concepts of diversity and co-occurrence. The mathematical foundation of these concepts is briefly reviewed. In addition, examples of the application of network geometry in other dermatologic settings as well as in science and technology are presented.
Laboratory simulation of Mg-rich ferromagnesiosilica dust: The first building blocks of comet dust

Abstract We will focus on Mg-rich ferromagnesiosilica principal components (PCs) in the matrix of collected interplanetary dust particles to address the question: “Are these components the original presolar and nebular dust or are they made from precursor dust(s)?” Non-equilibrium condensation experiments show they are fused agglomerates of amorphous MgSiO and FeSiO silicate condensates with unique metastable eutectic compositions. While the dust condensates were not preserved, the PCs survived secondary processing comet nuclei and primitive asteroids wherein they were stored for the last 4.5 billion years.
Influence of template primary structure on 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine triphosphate incorporation into DNA☆

Abstract In the present study, templates containing a specific segment of the Gγ-globin gene were constructed and incorporation of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine 5′-triphosphate (AZT-TP) or 2′,3′-dideoxythymidine 5′-triphosphate (ddTTP) into these templates was compared to that observed in M13 bacteriophage DNA. Investigations on the intrinsic fidelity of T7 DNA polymerase in reactions with AZT-TP and without deoxythymidine 5′-triphosphate, resulted in DNA synthesis beyond the first T site, suggesting that other normal deoxynucleotides misincorporated at these T sites. Modified T7 DNA polymerase incorporated AZT-TP into T sites of elongating DNA strands. Chain termination at noncomplementary sites was also observed with AZT-TP when a genomic DNA template was used and interestingly, this phenomenon was not detected in the presence of a M13 DNA template. These DNA template-dependent effects were not detected with either ddTTP, 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine 5′-triphosphate, or 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine 5′-triphosphate (D4T-TP). A variation in the extent of chain termination at T sites was observed with D4T-TP suggesting that each 2′,3′-dideoxynucleoside may exhibit unique chain termination patterns along with the template sequence.
Younger, premenopausal women with major depressive disorder have more abdominal fat and increased serum levels of prothrombotic factors: implications for greater cardiovascular risk

Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses in the adult population. It is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We measured body fat distribution as well as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) concentration and factor VIII (fVIII) activity at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm in 45 premenopausal women with MDD vs 28 healthy controls (age, 37 ± 6.8 vs 35 ± 6.5; weight [kg], 75.3 ± 17.2 vs 67.9 ± 10.2; mean ± SD] participating in a prospective study of bone turnover, the POWER Study. At the time of evaluation, women with MDD were mildly depressed and mostly in clinical remission on antidepressants. After adjusting for body weight, women with MDD had greater waist circumference and abdominal fat as well as significantly higher evening (8:00 pm) PAI-1 and fVIII levels than controls. Even when age-, race-, and body mass index–matched subsets were compared, the MDD group continued to exhibit statistically higher PAI-1 and fVIII levels. The observed alterations in body fat distribution (increased abdominal fat) and prothrombotic factors (increased PAI-1 and fVIII) may be in part responsible for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease reported in association with major depression.
Assumptions in Statistical Analysis

(1977). Assumptions in Statistical Analysis. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 106, No. 6, pp. 646-648.
Origin of photolabile methyl groups in methionine biosynthesis.

Abstract The data clearly show that both methyl tetrahydrofolate and S-adenosyl methionine can serve as methyl group donors for the enzyme-dependent synthesis of a photolabile methyl group, almost certainly methyl-B 12 . These experimental results support the concept that, in the biosynthesis of methionine from methyl tetrahydrofolate, the path of carbon is through the methyl group of methyl-B 12 .
Recombinant PAS-heme domains of oxygen sensing proteins: high level production and physical characterization.

Abstract Details of a high-level recombinant production method for the heme-PAS domains of heme oxygen sensing proteins from Sinorhizobium meliloti ( Sm ) (formerly Rhizobium meliloti , Rm ), Bradyrhizobium japonicum ( Bj ), and Escherichia coli ( Ec ) are described. Using a newly proposed, concise, and unambiguous naming system (also described here) these proteins are: Sm FixLH 128–264 , Bj FixLH 140–270 , and Ec DosH 1–147 . In addition, high-level production of Bj FixL 140–505 , the soluble full-length protein containing both heme (oxygen sensing) and kinase (catalytic) domains is described. Using an IPTG-inducible pET/BL21 expression system and a rapid, two-column purification has resulted in increased yields of 3- to 17-fold over literature values. The recombinant proteins are highly pure as judged by SDS–PAGE, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and a UV–visible purity index. To our knowledge, this work includes the first mass spectrometry analysis of any PAS-heme protein and provides high-resolution confirmation of each protein’s identity. These production and characterization improvements make possible future spectroscopic and dynamics studies designed to elucidate the intramolecular/interdomain signal that follows heme-domain oxygen dissociation.
Optimum logical topology routing in an IP-over-WDM optical network and physical link failure localization: An integrated approach

The survivable logical topology routing problem for a given IP-over-WDM network is to map each logical link into a lightpath in the physical network which guarantees connectivity of the IP network after any physical link failure. Such a survivable routing is said to protect the logical network against all single physical link failures. But, it is possible that a logical topology may not admit a survivable routing. In view of this, we define a logical topology routing to be optimum if this routing maximizes the number of single physical link failures that do not disconnect the logical topology. First, we give a mixed integer linear programming formulation to determine an optimum logical topology routing. The failure localization problem is to localize the single physical link failures which disconnect the logical network under a given optimum routing. Given a set of monitoring trails and the lightpath routings in an optimum routing, we give a mixed integer linear programming formulation to determine an optimum routing and the corresponding failure localization. We also propose a heuristic approach for these problems to handle large scale IP-over-WDM networks.
Synapse Specificity and Long-Term Information Storage

Many studies have shown that long-term changes in synaptic transmission and behavior require gene transcription and mRNA translation. This review has highlighted several potential mechanisms by which a synapse or a group of synapses might selectively receive or stabilize the mRNA or protein products that result from long-term information storage. Any one or a combination of these mechanisms can account for synaptic changes that last for the lifetime of the newly synthesized proteins. And yet, we know that true memories and even LTP studied in vivo likely lasts beyond the lifetime of most proteins, raising the issue of whether synaptic changes are ever permanent. Is there a reactivation of the synaptic circuitry that stimulates protein synthesis and respecifies the potentiated synapses destined to receive new proteins? Is there an autocatalytic mechanism at the synapse or in the nucleus that maintains synaptic strength in a given plasticity state? Understanding more about the molecular control of synaptic plasticity and the nature of coding will hopefully begin to provide answers to these questions.
Mechanism design for fair division: allocating divisible items without payments

We revisit the classic problem of fair division from a mechanism design perspective and provide an elegant truthful mechanism that yields surprisingly good approximation guarantees for the widely used solution of Proportional Fairness. This solution, which is closely related to Nash bargaining and the competitive equilibrium, is known to be not implementable in a truthful fashion, which has been its main drawback. To alleviate this issue, we propose a new mechanism, which we call the Partial Allocation mechanism, that discards a carefully chosen fraction of the allocated resources in order to incentivize the agents to be truthful in reporting their valuations. This mechanism introduces a way to implement interesting truthful outcomes in settings where monetary payments are not an option.For a multi-dimensional domain with an arbitrary number of agents and items, and for the very large class of homogeneous valuation functions, we prove that our mechanism provides every agent with at least a 1/e ≈ 0.368 fraction of her Proportionally Fair valuation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first result that gives a constant factor approximation to every agent for the Proportionally Fair solution. To complement this result, we show that no truthful mechanism can guarantee more than 0.5 approximation, even for the restricted class of additive linear valuations. In addition to this, we uncover a connection between the Partial Allocation mechanism and VCG-based mechanism design.We also ask whether better approximation ratios are possible in more restricted settings. In particular, motivated by the massive privatization auction in the Czech republic in the early 90s we provide another mechanism for additive linear valuations that works really well when all the items are highly demanded.
Interactive surface representation system using a B-spline formulation with interpolation capability

Abstract An interactive surface representation system is described which uses a parametric uniform bicubic B-spline formulation which can describe a surface initially defined to interpolate a specified network of points.
Free-space quantum key distribution at GHz repetition rates

Quantum key distribution (QKD) can produce secure cryptographic key for use in symmetric cryptosystems. By adopting clock-recovery techniques from modern telecommunications practice we have demonstrated a free-space quantum key distribution system operating at a transmission rate of 625 MHz at 850 nm. The transmission rate of this system is ultimately limited by the timing resolution of the single-photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs), and we present a solution to take advantage of SPADs with higher timing resolution that can enable repetition rates up to 2.5 GHz. We also show that with high-repetition-rate sub-clock gating these higher-resolution SPADs can reduce the system's exposure to solar background photons, thus reducing the quantum-bit error rate (QBER) and improving system performance.
Synthesis and properties of poly(oxyethylene)s containing thioether, sulfoxide, or sulfone groups

Poly(oxy(ethylthiomethyl)ethylene] (ETE) was prepared from poly [oxy (chloromethyl)ethylene] (CE) by reaction with sodium ethanethiolate. Sulfoxide and sulfone analogues were synthesized by oxidation of the poly[oxy(ethylthiomethyl) ethylene]. By changing the chloromethyl/sodium ethanethiolate ratio, poly [oxy (chloromethyl) ethylene-co-oxy (ethylthiomethyl ethylene] (CE-ETEs) were easily made. Poly[oxy(ethylsulfinylmethyl)ethylene] (ESXE), poly[oxy(chloromethyl)ethylene-co-oxy(ethylsulfinylmethyl)ethylene] (CE-ESXEs), poly[oxy(ethylsulfonylmethyl)ethylene] (ESE), and poly [oxy(chloromethyl )ethylene-co-oxy(ethylsulfonylmethyl)ethylene] (CE-ESEs) were obtained by oxidation of ETE or CE-ETEs. There was little if any chain degradation. The (co)polymer structures were confirmed by FTIR and 1 H-NMR spectroscopic studies. Their thermal properties were studied by DSC and TGA. T g s of ETE, ESXE, and ESE were -57, 36, and 57°C, respectively, and T d,o s (initial decomposition temperature, TGA) were 331, 198, and 308°C, respectively.
Changes in mass and chemistry of plant roots during long-term decomposition on a Chihuahuan Desert watershed

We studied the spatial and temporal patterns of decomposition of roots of a desert sub-shrub, a herbaceous annual, and four species of perennial grasses at several locations on nitrogen fertilized and unfertilized transects on a Chihuahuan Desert watershed for 3.5 years. There were few significant differences between the decomposition rates of roots on the NH4NO3 fertilized and unfertilized transects. Decomposition of all roots followed a two-phase pattern: early rapid mass loss followed by a long period of low mass loss. Rates of decomposition were negatively correlated with the initial lignin content of the roots (r=0.90). Mass loss rates of the roots of the herbaceous annual, Baileya multiradiata, were significantly higher than those of the grasses and the shrub, probably as a result of subterranean termites feeding on B. multiradiata root material. The only location where mass loss rates were significantly different was the dry lake bed, where mass loss rates were lower than those recorded on the upper watershed. The spatial differences in mass loss rates in the dry lake were attributable to the high clay content of the soils, which reduced water availability, and to the absence of termites. Non-polar substances in decomposing roots decreased rapidly during the first year, then decreased at a low but fairly constant rate. Water-soluble compounds decreased rapidly (50–60% of initial concentration) during the first 3–6 months. Lignin concentrations of roots of perennial grasses were higher than those of herbaceous annual plants and woody shrubs. Lignin concentrations increased in all species during decomposition. The chemical changes in decomposing roots followed the patterns described for decomposing litter in mesic environments.
An Authentic 3′ Noncoding Region Is Necessary for Efficient Poliovirus Replication

Picornavirus RNA replication involves the specific synthesis of negative-strand intermediates followed by an accumulation of positive-strand viral RNA in the presence of a multitude of cellular mRNAs. Previously, in an effort to identify cis-acting elements required for initiation of negative-strand RNA synthesis, we deleted the entire 3' noncoding regions from human rhinovirus and poliovirus genomic RNAs. These deletion mutation transcripts displayed a severe delay in RNA accumulation following transfection of HeLa cells. Interestingly, in subsequent infection of HeLa cells, the deletion-mutant poliovirus displayed only a moderate deficiency in RNA synthesis. These data suggested that the delay in the production of cytopathic effects after transfection may have been due to an RNA replication defect overcome by the accumulation of a compensatory mutation(s) generated during initial rounds of RNA synthesis. In this study, we have sequenced the entire genome of the deletion-mutant virus and found only two nucleotide changes from the parental clone. Transfection analysis of these sequence variants revealed that the sequence changes did not provide compensatory functions for the 3' noncoding region deletion mutation replication defect. Further examination of the deletion mutant phenotype revealed that the severe replication defect following RNA transfection is due, in part, to nonviral terminal sequences present in the in vitro-derived deletion mutation transcripts. Our data suggest that poliovirus RNA harboring a complete 3' noncoding region deletion mutation is infectious (not merely quasi-infectious).
Pregnancy, epilepsy, and women's issues.

Purpose of Review: Optimal treatment of women with epilepsy includes consideration of the complex interactions of sex steroid hormones with epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs, and of the potential risks of any antiepileptic drug prescribed during a pregnancy. Recent Findings: Clinical studies in women with epilepsy have provided a better foundation of knowledge about the complex relationships between cycling sex steroid hormones, seizure frequency, antiepileptic drugs, contraception, and neuroendocrine abnormalities. Pregnancy registries and observational studies have provided key data that allow for a better estimation of risks to the developing fetus. Summary: Understanding these key factors should enable informed treatment recommendations that can reduce adverse health effects in women with epilepsy and improve both seizure control and maternal and fetal outcomes.
Safety of Clinical and Non-Clinical Decision Makers in Telephone Triage: A Narrative Review:

Patient safety is a persistent problem in telephone triage research; however, studies have not differentiated between clinicians' and non-clinicians' respective safety. Currently, four groups of decision makers perform aspects of telephone triage: clinicians (physicians, nurses), and non-clinicians (emergency medical dispatchers (EMD) and clerical staff). Using studies published between 2002-2012, we applied Donabedian's structure-process-outcome model to examine groups' systems for evidence of system completeness (a minimum measure of structure and quality). We defined system completeness as the presence of a decision maker and four additional components: guidelines, documentation, training, and standards. Defining safety as appropriate referrals (AR) - (right time, right place with the right person), we measured each groups' corresponding AR rate percentages (outcomes). We analyzed each group's respective decision-making process as a safe match to the telephone triage task, based on each group's system structure completeness, process and AR rates (outcome). Studies uniformly noted system component presence: nurses (2-4), physicians (1), EMDs (2), clerical staff (1). Nurses had the highest average appropriate referral (AR) rates (91%), physicians' AR (82% average). Clerical staff had no system and did not perform telephone triage by standard definitions; EMDs may represent the use of the wrong system. Telephone triage appears least safe after hours when decision makers with the least complete systems (physicians, clerical staff) typically manage calls. At minimum, telephone triage decision makers should be clinicians; however, clinicians' safety calls for improvement. With improved training, standards and CDSS quality, the 24/7 clinical call center has potential to represent the national standard.
Influence of a Community College Developmental Education Writing Course on Academic Performance

This study examined the relationships between first semester participation in a community college developmental writing course and shortand longterm academic performance. The study examined whether...
Histological and Electrical Properties of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Innervating the Lower Urinary Tract

We investigated whether primary afferent neurons innervating different regions of the lower urinary tract have different histochemical and electrophysiological properties. Neurons in rat L6–S1 DRG were identified by axonal transport of a fluorescent dye. Neurofilament-negative C-fiber cells comprise ∼70% of bladder and proximal urethral afferent neurons that send axons through the pelvic nerves, but comprise a smaller proportion (51%) of distal urethral neurons that send axons through the pudendal nerves. Isolectin-B4 (IB4) binding was detected in a higher percentage (49%) of C-fiber neurons innervating the distal urethra than in those innervating the bladder or proximal urethra (18–22%). Neurofilament-positive A-fiber neurons innervating the distal urethra had a larger average somal size than neurons innervating the bladder or proximal urethra. In patch-clamp recordings, the majority (70%) of bladder and proximal urethral neurons were sensitive to capsaicin and exhibited TTX-resistant, high-threshold action potentials, whereas a smaller proportion (53%) of distal urethral neurons exhibited TTX-resistant spikes. T-type Ca2+ currents were observed in 47% of distal urethral neurons with TTX-sensitive spikes, but not in TTX-sensitive bladder or proximal urethral neurons. In summary, afferent neurons innervating bladder or proximal urethra differ from those innervating distal urethra. The latter, which more closely resemble cutaneous afferent neurons, consist of a smaller number of C-fiber neurons containing a higher percentage of IB4-positive cells and a more diverse population of A-fiber neurons, some of which exhibit T-type Ca2+ channels. These differences may be related to different functions of respective target organs in the lower urinary tract.
Nonphosphorus catalysts for formaldehyde-free DP finishing of cotton with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid. I. Aromatic N-heterocyclic compounds.

In place of the phosphorus-containing catalysts normally required in 1,2,3,4-bu tanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) treatment of cotton, aromatic N-heterocyclic com pounds were used to accelerate forma...
Strongly unforgeable signatures based on computational diffie-hellman

A signature system is said to be strongly unforgeable if the signature is existentially unforgeable and, given signatures on some message m, the adversary cannot produce a new signature on m. Strongly unforgeable signatures are used for constructing chosen-ciphertext secure systems and group signatures. Current efficient constructions in the standard model (i.e. without random oracles) depend on relatively strong assumptions such as Strong-RSA or Strong-Diffie-Hellman. We construct an efficient strongly unforgeable signature system based on the standard Computational Diffie-Hellman problem in bilinear groups.
Sample Path Analysis of Busy Periods and Related First Passages of a Correlated MEP/MEP/1 System

In this paper we study the busy period of an MEP/MEP/1 system, where both the arrival and the service processes can be serially correlated Matrix Exponential Processes. A dynamic programming algorithm is given to compute the probabilities for serving n customers in a busy period and expressions for the first two moments are derived. We study both the effect of correlation in the arrival and service processes and the squared coefficient of variation on these probabilities. The solutions give us qualitative insights into the nature of the busy period of the MEP/MEP/1 system. The resulting algorithms are easily programmable and efficient.
Integrating GIS with hydrological modeling: practices, problems, and prospects

Abstract This paper reviews the practices, the problems, and the prospects of hydrological modeling based on geographic information systems (GIS). The authors argue that current stand-alone and various loose/tight coupling approaches for integrating GIS with hydrological modeling are essentially technology-driven without adequately addressing the conceptual problems involved in the integration. The conceptualizations of space and time embedded in the current generation of GIS are not conceptually compatible with those in the hydrological models. This incompatibility implicitly imposes constraints on the type of hydrological models that can be developed. By reframing the future research agenda from the emerging geographic information science (GIScience) perspective, the authors contend that the integration of hydrological modeling with GIS should proceed with the development of a high-level common ontology that is compatible with both GIS and hydrological models. The new ontological scheme should incorporate alternative conceptualizations of space and time capable of handling cross-scale linkages of hydrological processes. The emerging interoperable paradigm should be the core strategy for the implementation of the new framework. This paper also calls for more research to better handle and communicate the uncertainties in the process of GIScience-based hydrological modeling. GIScience-based hydrological modeling will not only espouse new computational models and implementation strategies that are computing-platform-independent but also liberate us from the constraints of existing hydrological models and the rigid spatial–temporal framework embedded in the current generation of GIS, and enable us to advance hydrological sciences, develop more versatile GIS technologies, and seek innovative applications relevant to societal concerns. ©
Loneliness of Chronically Ill Adults and their Spouses

This comparative descriptive study was designed to determine if there was a significant difference in loneliness between 80 chronically ill adults and their spouses [N = 160] and to determine whether a significant relationship existed between loneliness and selected characteristics in the two groups. Chronically ill adults were purposively selected from several sources and represented a variety of illnesses. Loneliness of both groups was assessed using a single dichotomous item from the Oars Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (1975). Data on selected characteristics were collected through four instruments: subscales from the Oars, Disability Classification Index, Social Role Rating Scale, and Life Satisfaction Index-Z Scale. Wilcoxon 2-Sample Test revealed no significant difference in loneliness between groups. For both groups, women were more lonely than men and this difference was significant for the ill group (p less than .001). The highest correlation between loneliness and sociodemographic characteristics was need for financial assistance for ill respondents and inability to afford luxuries for spouses; between lonely and disease-related characteristics, it was the number of chronic illnesses for ill and disability of the ill partner for spouses; between lonely and sociological characteristics, it was decrease in the homemaker role for ill and decrease in the leisure role for spouses. For both groups, loneliness was significantly related to lower life satisfaction and unrelated to mental health. Findings indicate that chronically ill adults and spouses are similar in frequency of self-reported loneliness. Differences in characteristics associated with loneliness found between the two groups suggest a need for different approaches in nursing interventions for ill adults and spouses.
Evolving, Not Extinct: Music Reference in the 21st Century

As reference work changes dramatically due to computer technology, tangible reference collections are disappearing from academic libraries in many fields. Such is not the case in music research libraries, however. While many important online music reference resources exist, many print resources remain vitally important, and because of limited funding, they are unlikely to be digitized soon. Music libraries and music reference collections are currently a combination of traditional and online resources, enhanced by human expertise. This beneficial combination should be maintained.
A low noise amplifier-shaper with tail correction for the STAR detector

A 16 channel low noise amplifier shaper has been designed for the STAR particle detector of the RHIC accelerator. The STAR Amplifier-Shaper (SAS) includes a pole/zero network which cancels the long tail of the Time Projection Chamber (TPC) signal. The tail correction can be adjusted depending on the type of gas used in the TPC. The SAS equivalent noise charge is 900 e/sub RMS//sup -/,, with 25 pf detector capacitance (the test board having 7.7 pF of parasitic capacitance), and with 80 ns shaping time (step response). The measured noise slope is 13.7 e/sub RMS//sup -//pF. The shaper pulse FWHM is adjusted at 180 ns (detector response) with /spl plusmn/4% variation over the entire dynamic range. The shaping time and the tail correction are adjusted with external voltages using MOS resistors. The gain is 16 mV/fC with a linearity of 4%. The crosstalk is about 0.36% which have a negligible effect on the position resolution. The circuit also includes an on-chip calibration system in which the test input charge is controlled by a DC voltage. The output buffer drives a 2 V swing on 50 pF output load for a total power consumption of less than 750 mW (/spl plusmn/5 Volt supply). On-chip protection diodes have also been integrated. The full custom chip has been integrated in the CMOS ORBIT 1.2 /spl mu/m technology with double polysilicon capacitors.
The effect of streptomycin on well-established experimental tuberculosis of mice.

ConclusionStreptomycin to the amount of 3000 fig per day had a favorable effect upon the course of experimental tuberculosis in mice when treatment was initiated 7, 14 and 21 days following infection.
Estimation of chemical and physical characteristics of analyte vapors through analysis of the response data of arrays of polymer-carbon black composite vapor detectors

Analysis of the signals produced by a collection of organic polymer-carbon black composite vapor detectors has been performed to assess the ability to estimate various chemical and physical properties of analyte vapors based on information contained in the response patterns of the detector array. A diverse array of composite chemiresistive vapor detectors was exposed to a series of 75 test analytes that had been selected from among five different chemical classes: alcohols, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatics, unsubstituted hydrocarbons, and esters. The algorithmic task of interest was to use the resulting array of response data to assign one of the five chemical class labels to a test analyte, despite having left that analyte out of the model used to generate the class labels. Algorithms evaluated for this purpose included principal components analysis (PCA) and k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) analysis employing either Euclidean or Mahalanobis distance calculations. Each data cluster that was produced by replicate exposures to an individual analyte was well resolved from all of the other 74 analyte clusters. Furthermore, with the exception of the halide cluster, the analyte response clusters could be robustly grouped into supersets such that each of the five individual chemical classes was well-separated from every other class of analytes in principal component space. Accordingly, using either of the k-nearest neighbor algorithms, in excess of 85% of the non-halide test analyte exposures were correctly assigned to their chemical classes, and halides were only routinely confused with aromatics or esters but not with alcohols or hydrocarbons. The detector array response data also was found to contain semi-quantitative information regarding physicochemical properties of the members of the test analyte series, such as the degree of unsaturation of the carbon chain, the dipole moment, the molecular weight, the number of halogen atoms, and type of aromatic ring in the test analytes. The performance in these types of tasks is relevant for applications of a semi-selective array of vapor detectors in situations when no prior knowledge of the analyte identity is available and when there is no assurance that the test analyte will have been contained in the training set database produced by a compiling a library of responses from the detector array.
Isotopic evidence for the trade and production of exotic marine mammal bone artifacts at Chavín de Huántar, Peru

This study uses stable isotope analysis to identify the possible origin and taxon of unusually large worked bone artifacts recovered from the site of Chavin de Huantar in the central highland of Peru (3200–2200 BP). The site was traditionally considered to be an ideal trading point halfway between the Pacific coast and the Amazon jungle. The archaeological specimens were discovered in a workshop area located in the La Banda sector across from the main temple, and they were analyzed for the stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Results indicate that the worked bone artifacts are marine in origin and are likely from a cetacean or large pinniped. Their exotic origin and elaborate work have implications about ancient production practices and exchange, and they provide benchmark data and a comparative approach for future analysis of exotic bone artifacts.
BAX Translocation Is a Critical Event in Neuronal Apoptosis: Regulation by Neuroprotectants, BCL-2, and Caspases

Members of the BCL-2 family of proteins either promote or repress programmed cell death. Here we report that neonatal sympathetic neurons undergoing apoptosis after nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation exhibited a protein synthesis-dependent, caspase-independent subcellular redistribution of BAX from cytosol to mitochondria, followed by a loss of mitochondrial cytochrome c and cell death. Treatment with elevated concentrations of the neuroprotectants KCl or cAMP at the time of deprivation prevented BAX translocation and cytochrome c release. However, administration of KCl or cAMP 12 hr after NGF withdrawal acutely prevented loss of mitochondrial cytochrome c, but not redistribution of BAX; rescue with NGF acutely prevented both events. Overexpression of Bcl-2 neither altered the normal subcellular localization of BAX nor prevented its redistribution with deprivation but did inhibit the subsequent release of cytochrome c, caspase activation, and cell death. Bcl-2 overexpression did not prevent cell death induced by cytoplasmic microinjection of cytochrome c into NGF-deprived competent-to-die neurons. These observations suggest that the subcellular redistribution of BAX is a critical event in neuronal apoptosis induced by trophic factor deprivation. BCL-2 acts primarily, if not exclusively, at the level of mitochondria to prevent BAX-mediated cytochrome c release, whereas NGF, KCl, or cAMP may abort the apoptotic program at multiple checkpoints.
How does a reviewer make a difference

This PDF file contains the editorial “How does a reviewer make a difference?” for JM3 Vol. 8 Issue 03
Helicobacter Species other than Helicobacter pylori: Emerging Pathogens in Humans and Animals

Many novel Helicobacter species are now known to play a role in naturally occurring gastrointestinal diseases in humans and several species of animals. This chapter provides an overview of the enterohepatic and gastric helicobacters (other than H. pylori) and their emerging role as important gastrointestinal pathogens with zoonotic potential. Enterohepatic helicobacters such as H. cinaedi, H. fennellwe and H. westmeadii have been discussed in the chapter. H. cinaedi, previously classified as C. cinaedi(CLO-IA), was first isolated from the lower bowel of homosexual men with proctitis and colitis. In a retrospective study of 23 patients with H. cinaedi-associated illness, 22 had the organism isolated from blood using an automated blood culture system where a slightly elevated growth index was noted. This study also described a new H. cinaedi-associated syndrome, consisting of bacteremia and fever accompanied by leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Non-H. pylori gastric helicobacters including H. heilmannii and H. felis are discussed. The various Helicobacter spp. and their associated diseases in numerous hosts allow us the means to assess pathogenic mechanisms, as well as the utility of these in vivo models to develop various therapeutic and prophylactic strategies to eradicate or prevent Helicobacter-induced gastrointestinal disease in humans. The ultimate goal of these studies will be to eliminate afflictions causing significant human morbidity and mortality in both the developed and the developing worlds.
O conflito industrial: seu objetivo e sua solução

Um dos fatores determinantes para o desenvolvimento deuma sociedade e a sua capacidade administrativa ou orga-nizacional, quer dizer, a precisao, o rigor e a eficacia dasadministracoes publicas e privadas, e a possibilidade decoordenar as complexas atividades modernas sem corrup-cao, sem opressao e sem desordem.Certamente, essa capacidade administrativa nao e, em simesma, mais do que um resultado. Ela nos conduz a nu-merosos' outros problemas culturais, economicos e politi-cosque devem ser amplamente estudados. Por outro lado,a analise dessa capacidade administrativa se reflete, tam-bem, em problemas especificos cuja importância nem sem-pre e avaliada na medida das necessidades. (1) O cres-cimento das "burocracias" e a hostilidade que lhes e geral-