cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-controlled Lidocaine Infusion for the Evaluation of Neuropathic Pain After Peripheral Nerve Injury

Abstract Background: Systemic lidocaine has been reported to be effective in treating several neuropathic pain syndromes. Few reports relate plasma lidocaine concentration to analgesia and the available studies have been complicated by labile plasma lidocaine concentrations. We used a computer-controlled infusion pump (CCIP) to target and maintain stable plasma lidocaine concentrations and study the effect of intravenous lidocaine on (1) pain scores, (2) current perception thresholds, (3) side effects, and (4) pain distribution in patients suffering from peripheral nerve injury pain. Methods: This study used a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design. Eleven patients suffering from neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury received both a lidocaine and saline infusion in separate study sessions. The order of the study sessions was randomized and separated from each other by 1 week. The CCIP was programmed to target plasma lidocaine concentrations of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 μg/ml, each held for 10 min. Pain scores and pain distribution were assessed in the painful area, and electrical current perception thresholds (CPT) of the ring finger were measured using a cutaneous perception threshold neurometer (Neurometer CPT, Neurotron, Baltimore, MD). Side effects were recorded at fixed intervals. Plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured at 4 and 9 min after each step increase in infusion and correlated with the observed effects. Results: Saline infusion had no effect. However, with lidocaine there was a significant plasma concentration-dependent decrease in pain scores starting at 1.5 μg/ml. This effect typically corresponded with a decrease in the size of the receptive field to which the pain was referred. For the electrical stimulus, there was no significant effect on cutaneous perception at 2000-Hz stimulation at the highest concentration examined; however, there was a significant increase in thresholds at 250-Hz (starting at 1.5 μg/ml) and 5-Hz (starting at 1.0 μg/ml) stimulation. There were no serious side effects. In all, 54.5% of patients reported lightheadedness (average plasma lidocaine concentration: 1.5 μg/ml) and one patient reported nausea (2.3 μg/ml). Discussion: The computer-controlled delivery of intravenous lidocaine results in relatively stable plasma concentrations which allows a more thorough evaluation of the relationship between plasma concentration and patient response. This administration methodology for intravenous lidocaine may prove to be a valuable clinical and research tool.
A controlled investigation of current and premorbid personality: Characteristics of Parkinson's disease patients

It has been suggested that before development of motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with idiopathic display a specific cluster of personality traits consisting of increased rigidity, conscientiousness, industriousness, orderliness, and cautiousness. The idea of such a distinctive premorbid personality profile remains controversial. This hypothesis was reexamined using a methodology that expands on previous studies. Patients with idiopathic PD, probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and medical controls with nonneurological chronic progressive motor disorders were rated by a close relative on the NEO-Personality Inventory (PI) to compare current and premorbid personality profiles. For PD and control subjects, current and past self-ratings were also obtained. Results do not support the postulated distinctive PD personality either premorbidly or following onset of symptoms. Both in terms of the premorbid personality profile and perceived changes in personality postdating the onset of illness, PD patients are similar to AD patients. Though not differing from medical controls premorbidly, after developing symptoms, PD patients were described as less extroverted; less exploratory and curious; and less organized, goal directed, and disciplined.
Neurotensin—regulated miR-133α is involved in proinflammatory signalling in human colonic epithelial cells and in experimental colitis

Objective Neurotensin (NT) mediates colonic inflammation through its receptor neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1). NT stimulates miR-133α expression in colonic epithelial cells. We investigated the role of miR-133α in NT-associated colonic inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Design miR-133α and aftiphilin (AFTPH) levels were measured by quantitative PCR. Antisense (as)-miR-133α was administrated intracolonicaly prior to induction of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. The effect of AFTPH was examined by gene silencing in vitro. Results NT increased miR-133α levels in NCM-460 overexpressing NTR1 (NCM460-NTR1) and HCT-116 cells. NT-induced p38, ERK1/2, c-Jun, and NF-κB activation, as well as IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in NCM-460-NTR1 cells were reduced in miR-133α-silenced cells, while overexpression of miR-133α reversed these effects. MiR-133α levels were increased in TNBS (2 day) and DSS (5 day) colitis, while NTR1 deficient DSS-exposed mice had reduced miR-133α levels, compared to wild-type colitic mice. Intracolonic as-miR-133α attenuated several parameters of colitis as well expression of proinflammatory mediators in the colonic mucosa. In silico search coupled with qPCR identified AFTPH as a downstream target of miR-133α, while NT decreased AFTPH expression in NCM-460-NTR1 colonocytes. Gene silencing of AFTPH enhanced NT-induced proinflammatory responses and AFTPH levels were downregulated in experimental colitis. Levels of miR-133α were significantly upregulated, while AFTPH levels were downregulated in colonic biopsies of patients with ulcerative colitis compared to controls. Conclusions NT-associated colitis and inflammatory signalling are regulated by miR-133α-AFTPH interactions. Targeting of miR-133α or AFTPH may represent a novel therapeutic approach in inflammatory bowel disease.
Studies on Preserving Quality in Market Eggs

Abstract INTRODUCTION OVERWRAPPING and shell treatment by spraying have been investigated in recent years as means of preserving the initial quality of market eggs. Oil dipping and thermostabilization, the latter advocated by Funk (1950) and others, were used extensively earlier, the general recommendtion for thermostabilization being 15 minute immersion in 130°F. water. Bornstein, Lipstein and Nahari (1962) found that stabilization of albumen quality was best accomplished by 15 minute immersion in 131°F. water or 8–10 minutes in 136.4°F. water but that such treatment had little or no effect on pH, yolk index, nor weight loss during storage. Recently published work on oil treatment and overwrapping substantiates earlier work regarding the effectiveness of these procedures in maintaining interior quality and reducing weight loss. Oil spraying and oil dipping were found by Schwall, Gardner and Parnell (1961) not to differ significantly in preserving Haugh units and avoiding weight loss. Both were of…
Effects of Medicare Part D on Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hospital Utilization Among Seniors

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether Medicare Part D reduced racial/ethnic disparities in hospital utilization among Medicare seniors, based on the Institute of Medicine’s definition of a disparity. Method: Using data on 43,098 adult respondents to the 2002-2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we derive a difference-in-difference-in-differences estimator using a multivariate regression framework, and measure Part D’s effects on disparities in any hospitalization, the number of nights hospitalized, and inpatient expenses. Results: Part D narrowed racial/ethnic disparities in hospital utilization. For African Americans, it reduced the disparity in any hospitalization by 2.94% (p < .001) but had no effect on disparities in nights hospitalized or inpatient expenses. For Hispanics, Part D reduced disparities in nights hospitalized by 1.58 nights (p = .009) and in inpatient expenses by US$3,453 (p < .001). Discussion: Following Medicare Part D, disparities in hospital utilization narrowed s...
The effects of dietary fat and caloric content on the body-size estimates of Anorexic Profile and normal college students.

Anorexic-Profile (AP) and Normal-Profile (NP) college-women's body-size estimates of a fictitious female student (target) consuming a regular diet of high- vs low-fat/calorie foods were compared. Participants initially were divided into four groups based on scores from the Eating-Disorders Inventory (AP and NP) and Body-Mass Index Scores (Low and High Body Mass) and then randomly assigned to one of four dietary conditions. Participants then rated the estimated body size of the target using the Figure-Rating Scale. Significant main effects were found for profile status (AP vs NP), caloric content, and fat content. The significant two-way interaction of profile status and dietary fat revealed a greater increase in body-size estimates for AP vs NP participants as the diet of the target changed from low to high fat. Results highlight the importance given to dietary fat, especially among AP women, when predicting likely effects on body size.
Noncanonical Role of the PDZ4 Domain of the Adaptor Protein PDZK1 in the Regulation of the Hepatic High Density Lipoprotein Receptor Scavenger Receptor Class B, Type I (SR-BI)

The four PDZ (PDZ1 to PDZ4) domain-containing adaptor protein PDZK1 controls the expression, localization, and function of the HDL receptor scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI), in hepatocytes in vivo. This control depends on both the PDZ4 domain and the binding of SR-BI's cytoplasmic C terminus to the canonical peptide-binding sites of either the PDZ1 or PDZ3 domain (no binding to PDZ2 or PDZ4). Using transgenic mice expressing in the liver domain deletion (ΔPDZ2 or ΔPDZ3), domain replacement (PDZ2→1), or target peptide binding-negative (PDZ4(G389P)) mutants of PDZK1, we found that neither PDZ2 nor PDZ3 nor the canonical target peptide binding activity of PDZ4 were necessary for hepatic SR-BI regulatory activity. Immunohistochemical studies established that the localization of PDZK1 on hepatocyte cell surface membranes in vivo is dependent on its PDZ4 domain and the presence of SR-BI. Analytical ultracentrifugation and hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry suggested that the requirement of PDZ4 for localization and SR-BI regulation is not due to PDZ4-mediated oligomerization or induction of conformational changes in the PDZ123 portion of PDZK1. However, surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that PDZ4, but not the other PDZ domains, can bind vesicles that mimic the plasma membrane. Thus, PDZ4 may potentiate PDZK1's regulation of SR-BI by promoting its lipid-mediated attachment to the cytoplasmic membrane. Our results show that not all of the PDZ domains of a multi-PDZ domain-containing adaptor protein are required for its biological activities and that both canonical target peptide binding and noncanonical (peptide binding-independent) capacities of PDZ domains may be employed by a single such adaptor for optimal in vivo activity. Background: PDZK1 (four PDZ domains) regulates the hepatic HDL receptor SR-BI. Results: PDZK1's PDZ2 and PDZ3 domains are not required, whereas PDZ4 is, possibly because PDZ4 mediates membrane binding. Conclusion: Regulation of SR-BI via PDZK1's PDZ domains is complex. Significance: Combined canonical (target peptide binding) and noncanonical (peptide binding-independent) PDZ domain functions can result in optimal activity of a PDZ domain-containing adaptor protein.
Simulation and model validation of a horizontal shallow basin solar concentrator

Abstract Salt removal from drainage water is becoming increasingly important for sustainable irrigated arid land agriculture, where inadequate drainage infrastructure exists. Solar evaporation and concentration systems are currently in development in California for this purpose. The thermal behavior and evaporation rates of a horizontal shallow basin solar concentrator were modeled for design purposes and investigated experimentally in order to validate the model. Three different evaporation rate models were evaluated and compared. Measured and predicted peak brine temperatures differed by as much as 5 °C when using prescribed literature coefficients without calibration. Model prediction was improved by calibration so that peak brine temperature deviated less than 3 °C when tested against independent data sets. Minimum root mean square error was used to calibrate the mass transfer coefficient and absorptance of the collector surface for solar radiation, which are the main factors affecting the heat transfer associated with the solar concentrator. Calibrated collector surface absorptance for solar radiation declined while mass transfer coefficients were increased from reported literature values. Under calibration, the absorptance of the collector surface was adjusted from 0.8 to 0.61, and mass transfer coefficients estimated by Newell et al. [Newell, T.A., Smith, M.K., Cowie, R.G., Upper, J.M., Cler, C.L., 1994. Characteristics of a solar pond brine reconcentration system. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering 116 (2), 69–73] from 1.36 × 10−6(1.9 + 1.065V) to 1.70 × 10−6(1.84 + 1.0V) kg m−2 s−1 mm Hg−1, by Manganaro and Schwartz [Manganaro, J.L., Schwartz, J.C., 1985. Simulation of an evaporative solar salt pond. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Process Design and Development 24, 1245–1251] from 0.0208(1 + 0.224V) to 0.0233(1 + 0.214V) kg m−2 h−1 mm Hg−1, and by Alagao et al. [Alagao, F.B., Akbarzadeh, A., Johnson, P.W., 1994. The design, construction, and initial operation of a closed-cycle, salt-gradient solar pond. Solar Energy 53 (4), 343–351] from 2.8 + 3.0V to 3.0 + 3.33V W m−2 °C−1. The calibrated models were tested using an independent data set. Maximum deviation between measured and predicted brine temperatures differed by less than 3 °C. The measured and predicted peak evaporation rates were between 1.2 and 1.4 kg m−2 h−1. The calibrated Newell model was used to predict the monthly productivity and daily maximum evaporation rates at Five Points, California for the year 2004. The productivity from April to September and from March to October was 80.7% and 94.3% of the total annual productivity, respectively.
Adoption of social networks marketing by SMEs: exploring the role of social influences and experience in technology acceptance

As social media increasingly penetrate the business world, it is important to understand the underlying reasons for companies to adopt social networks marketing (SNM). This study extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore the role of social influences in the context of SNM technology adoption by small and medium companies, and considers how the temporal aspect of new technology adoption affects this relationship. Our findings show that adoption of SNM is strongly influenced by social influences from experts, competitors, and customers. These social influences affect intention to adopt this new technology both directly, and by affecting the perceptions of the technology usefulness. For SMEs already using SNM, social influence is the only strong determinant of the intention to continue employing this marketing technology, with the amount of experience with SNM strengthening this relationship.
Sunflower Moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Overwintering and Dynamics of Spring Emergence in the Southern Great Plains

Diapausing prepupae of the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Hulst), did not survive >7 consecutive days at −5°C in the laboratory. However, chilling diapausing prepupae in darkness at 0°C for up to 14 days resulted in significantly quicker pupal development and a greater survival than either chilling them for a longer period of time in darkness or holding them at a higher temperature or longer photophase. Prepupae survived winter field conditions at Bushland, Tex., to pupate successfully and produce emerging adults. Mean initial emergence for 1981–1983 occurred on Julian day 137, compared with a predicted mean initial emergence on Julian day 134 ± 12 based on 7 years of soil temperature data and a developmental threshold of 15.24°C. Computation of degree-day accumulations from soil temperature data from a depth of 10 cm from 51 locations throughout the Great Plains enabled development of a simple model for predicting mean initial emergence of the sunflower moth in areas where it survives. Data from independent field studies on sunflower moth overwintering closely fit the predictions of our model for the southern Great Plains.
A test of the null of integer integration against the alternative of fractional integration

Abstract This paper proposes a test of the null of integer integration against the alternative of fractional integration. The null of integer integration is satisfied if the series is either I ( 0 ) or I ( 1 ) . We reject the null if the KPSS test rejects I ( 0 ) and a unit root test rejects I ( 1 ) . We suggest a new unit root test (a lower-tail KPSS test applied to the differenced data) to use in this procedure. We provide critical values under standard asymptotics and fixed- b asymptotics. We prove the consistency of this testing procedure against I ( d ) alternatives with 0 d 1 , and simulation evidence on the size and power of the test in finite samples is provided.
Challenges of the 1990s: Clothing and Textiles Enrollment Trends and Program Issues

Major changes are occurring in higher education. Clothing and textiles programs with origins in home economics face many challenges as they move into the 21st century. The three purposes of this study were (1) to examine enrollment patterns, staffing and department configurations; (2) to ascertain the extent of departments' involvement in recruitment and enrichment or improvement activities, and perception of environmental conditions affecting programs; and (3) to test hypotheses concerning potential differences between large and small programs for recruitment, enrichment or improvement and environmental conditions. One questionnaire was mailed to the administrator of every department (234) with faculty who were members of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) in the United States, 160 administrators provided usable responses. Seventy percent of the administrators indicated their departments were multidisciplinary. Small programs, fewer than six faculty, constituted seventy percent of t...
Some Thoughts on Opportunities for Collection Development Librarians

New and emerging roles are transforming the landscape of academic librarianship. This paper focuses on the changes facing academic librarians whose activities and responsibilities in collections are shifting, particularly in the face of greater emphasis on user-driven collection development. Librarians’ reduced role in routine collection development translates into gaining more time and support to move in other directions. Among many exciting and interesting opportunities, librarians apply their subject expertise in such strategic initiatives as information literacy, research, e-science, digital humanities projects, and collaborative print retention efforts. They can also participate more in campus affairs.
COMPARISON OF THE K-ABC ACHIEVEMENT SCALE AND WPPSI IQs OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Summary.-The correlauons of individual subtest with scale scores of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) and the three IQs yielded by the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelliaence (WPPSI) were examined. .. This study was undertaken as an initial investigation designed to determine the utihty of the K-ABC Achievement Scale as an independent measure of achievement in preschool children. Achievement scale scores and WPPSI IQs were obtained from a sample of 34 preschool children ages 48 to 60 mo. Strong, positive relations between the K-ABC Vocabulary and Total Achievement Scale score and WPPSI Verbal and Full Scale IQs were noted. Moderate correlations were obtained between the scores of the Riddles and Faces and Places subtests and the WPPSI Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs. Low correlations were found between the Arithmetic subtest and WPPSI Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs. The utility of the K-ABC achievement subtests as a standardized measure of preschool achievement was discussed.
Chronotropic Incompetence Causes, Consequences, and Management

Chronotropic incompetence (CI), broadly defined as the inability of the heart to increase its rate commensurate with increased activity or demand, is common in patients with cardiovascular disease, produces exercise intolerance which impairs quality-of-life, and is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events and overall mortality. However, the importance of CI is under-appreciated and CI is often overlooked in clinical practice. This may be due partly due to multiple definitions, the confounding effects of aging, medications, and the need for formal exercise testing for definitive diagnosis. This review discusses the definition, mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of CI, with particular emphasis on its prominent role in HF. CI is common, can be diagnosed by objective, widely available, inexpensive methods, is potentially treatable, and its management can lead to significant improvements in exercise tolerance and quality-of-life.
Testing Mendelian inheritance from field-collected parasites: Revealing duplicated loci enables correct inference of reproductive mode and mating system.

Abstract Cryptic aspects of parasite population biology, e.g., mating systems, are increasingly being inferred from polymorphic and co-dominant genetic markers such as microsatellite loci. Underlying the use of such co-dominant markers is the assumption of Mendelian inheritance. The failure to meet this assumption can lead to artifactual statistics and erroneous population inferences. Here, we illustrate the importance of testing the Mendelian segregation and assortment of genetic markers and demonstrate how field-collected samples can be utilised for this purpose. To examine the reproductive mode and mating system of hermaphroditic parasites, we developed microsatellites for the cestode, Oochoristica javaensis . Among loci, we found a bimodal distribution of F IS (a fixation index that quantifies the deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium within subpopulations) values where loci were either highly negative (close to −1) or highly positive (∼0.8). By conducting tests of Mendelian segregation from natural crosses, we determined that loci with negative F IS values were in fact duplicated loci that were amplified by a single primer pair. Genetic crosses also provided linkage data and indicated that the duplicated loci most likely arose via tandem duplications rather than whole genome/chromosome duplications. By correcting for the duplicated loci, we were able to correctly infer that O. javaensis has sexual reproduction, but the mating system is highly inbred. To assist others in testing Mendelian segregation and independent assortment from natural samples, we discuss the benefits and limitations, and provide guidelines for particular parasite systems amenable to the methods employed here.
Contracaeciasis in pelicaniform birds.

The ascaroid nematodes Contracaecum spiculigerum and C. multipapillatum were recovered in large numbers from the proventriculus of four species and 66 individuals of pelicaniform birds collected in Connecticut, Florida and South Dakota. Both species of nematodes were commonly observed to penetrate the mucosal wall of the proventriculus where they caused gross hemorrhages and ulcerations. Microscopic lesions consisted of compression atrophy of the glandular mucosa with generalized inflammatory infiltrations. Contracaecum may serve a beneficial role in the digestive physiology of cormorants by crawling through and breaking up ingested fish which facilitates the entrance of digestive enzymes. Wild-captured nestling cormorants held in captivity until maturity lost their nematode infections in three months suggesting that Contracaecum has a short life span.
Alkaline deoxyribonuclease induced by herpes simplex virus type 1: composition and properties of the purified enzyme.

Abstract The alkaline DNase induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 was purified 520-fold, including chromatography in the presence of high salt concentrations. The purest preparation exhibits three components after electrophoresis under denaturing conditions: a doublet of 90,000 daltons, a polypeptide of 85,000 daltons—most likely a breakdown product-and small amounts of a 70,000-dalton protein. [ 35 S]Methionine added to infected cells labels exclusively the 90,000-dalton component, suggesting this as the molecular weight of the denatured nuclease. During sedimentation in 50 m M salt the purified enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of 40,000, as compared to globular marker proteins, indicating that the native protein is rod shaped. The response of the enzyme to mono- and divalent ions is similar to that reported by others (Hoffman and Cheng, 1977) . The effect of pH appears to be rather on the enzyme than on the conformation of the substrate. The purest fraction exhibits endonuclease activity for supercoiled DNA under standard conditions (10-fold less than exonuclease) and appears to degrade the endonucleolytically cleaved substrate processively.
Surgery for Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Retrospective analyses have shown that, following surgical resection, patients with early-stage small cell lung cancer have a survival rate comparable to that seen with non-small cell lung cancer, especially if combined modality therapy is used. Surgery has been employed in three specific instances: primary surgery followed by postoperative chemotherapy and, when indicated, mediastinal irradiation for tumors presenting as peripheral nodules; multimodality therapy including induction chemotherapy followed by surgery; and radiotherapy in "resectable", very limited disease and "salvage surgery" for patients with limited disease previously treated, recurring at the primary site. The results of such surgery in very selected patients yields the best reported results in the treatment of small cell lung cancer. These approaches are worthy of further study.
Competition, predation and nest niche shifts among tropical cavity nesters: phylogeny and natural history evolution of parrots (Psittaciformes) and trogons (Trogoniformes)

Nest site selection by birds is a critically important life history trait as competition for suitable sites can be intense, and because birds are at their most vulnerable to predators during nesting. Previous studies show that the clutch size and nestling period evolve in response to competition for nest sites and nest predation, respectively. This provides the opportunity to study the relative contribution of competition and predation to the evolution of nesting niche. Using previously published phylogenies for parrots and trogons, I found evidence for at least 13 independent evolutionary transitions from tree cavities to alternative nesting niches (including termitaria, cliffs, and burrows). I analyzed variations in clutch size, incubation period and nestling period for 16 phylogenetically controlled pairs of species to test the relative roles of competition for tree cavities and nest predation, in favoring evolutionary switches to alternative nest sites. Tree cavity nesting species did not have larger clutch sizes as predicted if competition for tree cavities leads birds to invest heavily in nesting once they obtain a nest site (the limited breeding opportunities hypothesis). Instead I found that shifts to alternative nesting niches were accompanied by an increase in nestling period. As nestling period is a surrogate measure for long-term nest predation rates, this finding suggests that nest predation has been more important than competition in niche diversification among cavity nesting parrots and trogons. The timing of events in South America suggests that the explosive radiation of mammalian nest predators during the Upper-Oligocene, Lower-Miocene (20–30 million years ago) corresponded with the radiation of parrot and trogon taxa that exploit novel nesting niches.
Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Glomus spp. Inoculation on Alfalfa Growth in Soils with Copper

Soils near mining centers usually have high heavy metal (HM) levels. It has been found that some plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve growth and tolerance to HM in soils. This symbiosis is a biological resource for degraded soil recovery. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of inoculating AMF (Glomus spp.) on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth in agricultural soils with different copper (Cu) levels for degraded soil recovery. To this effect, alfalfa seeds were grown in soils from the Catemu and Casablanca valleys and inoculated with AMF. Plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves were measured weekly. Dry matter, mycorrhizal colonization, and Cu concentration in alfalfa plant tissues were measured after 81 days. Inoculation increased plant height by 24%, stem diameter by 11%, and number of leaves by 34%. Inoculation had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on alfalfa plants that were grown in soil with the highest Cu concentration, but had no effect on Cu accumulation in alfalfa plant tissues. A direct relationship was observed between Cu accumulation in alfalfa and Cu concentration in soils. It was concluded that alfalfa inoculated with Glomus spp. is applicable to the soil recovery process whenever soil properties can ensure inoculum effectiveness on alfalfa growth, and avoid toxicity by excessive Cu in alfalfa plant tissues.
RENAL DETERIORATION IN MYELODYSPLASTIC CHILDREN: URODYNAMIC EVALUATION AND CLINICAL CORRELATES

AbstractPurpose: We determined which factors portend a higher risk of renal deterioration in the myelodysplastic child, and evaluated the sensitivity and predictive value.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical history, imaging studies and urodynamics of 90 children with spinal dysraphism. Median patient age at initial evaluation was 3 months and average followup ranged between 2 and 25 years (average 11). We evaluated the relation of urodynamic parameters and sex to upper tract changes and the resolution of these changes.Results: Statistically significant relationships were identified between the urodynamic parameters of leak point pressure, compliance and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, and renal deterioration but not with resolution of deterioration. Boys and girls did not demonstrate a significant difference among urodynamic parameters. Female patients had a higher incidence of reflux and parenchymal loss.Conclusions: With knowledge of the inherent sensitivity, specificity and p...
On k-graceful, locally finite graphs

Abstract While a finite, bipartite graph G can be k -graceful for every k ≥ 1, a finite nonbipartite G can be k -graceful for only finitely many values of k . An improved bound on such possible values of k is presented. Definitions are extended to infinite graphs, and it is shown that if G is locally finite and vertex set V ( G ) and edge set E ( G ) are countably infinite, then for each k ≥ 1 the graph G has a k -graceful numbering h mapping V ( G ) onto the set of nonnegative integers.
Risk of suicide attempt and suicide death in patients treated for bipolar disorder

Objectives: To evaluate demographic and clinical predictors of suicide attempt and suicide death in a population-based sample of people treated for bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: Computerized records were used to identify 32,360 individuals treated for BD at two large prepaid health plans. Suicide attempts were identified using computerized records of outpatient visit diagnoses and hospital discharge diagnoses. Suicide deaths were identified using state death certificate data. Results: Overall event rates were 1.06 per 1,000 person-years for suicide death, 5.6 per 1,000 person-years for suicide attempt leading to hospitalization, and 13.9 per 1,000 person-years for suicide attempt not leading to hospitalization. Men had a significantly lower rate of suicide attempt [hazard ratio (HR) 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.83] but a higher rate of suicide death (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.69-4.31). Suicide attempts were significantly more frequent among younger patients, but suicide deaths did not vary significantly by age. Substance use comorbidity was significantly related to risk of suicide attempt (HR 2.53, 95% CI 2.07-3.09) but not to risk of suicide death (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.54-1.93). Comorbid anxiety disorder was associated with significantly higher risk of both suicide attempt (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14-1.72) and suicide death (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.09-2.99). Conclusions: Among people treated for BD, risk of suicide death is significantly related to male sex and comorbid anxiety disorder. The predictors of suicide death differ markedly from predictors of suicide attempt. Language: en
c-Abl is required for oxidative stress-induced phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on tyrosine 14.

Abstract Caveolin-1 is phosphorylated at tyrosine 14 in response to cellular stress. Tyrosine 14 is a consensus Abl phosphorylation site suggesting that caveolin-1 may be an Abl substrate. We report here that expression of c-Abl is required for oxidative stress-induced caveolin-1 phosphorylation. In contrast, c-Src expression is not required. Phosphocaveolin is one of only two phosphotyrosine signals missing in lysates from the Abl−/− cells, indicating that these cells still respond to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 occurs only at the Abl site, tyrosine 14. Caveolin-1 is also a major phosphotyrosine signal detected in cells over-expressing c-Abl. Our results show that Abl activation leads to phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on tyrosine 14. Both Abl and caveolin have been linked to the actin cytoskeleton, and oxidative stress-induced phosphocaveolin is enriched at focal contacts. This suggests that phosphocaveolin regulates these structures, perhaps through recruiting and activating SH2-domain proteins such as Csk.
Saturation in small-x and heavy-ion physics

The idea of parton saturation is reviewed. The use of saturation in describing HERA data is discussed in the context of the McLerran-Venugopalan and Golec-Biernat Wusthoff models. Applications of saturation ideas to RHIC data are reviewed and a comparison between applications at HERA and at RHIC is given.
Archives in Niger

C. Cataloging. There are four sets of catalogues for the German materials, none of which is complete in itself, nor does the whole cover the entire collection. 1. General catalogue, according to the original German system. This exists as a card file, a typed list, and a mimeographed (roneotyped) book published, under the authorship of Eldridge Mohamadou, by the Cameroon Historical Society and the Goethe Institute (Catalogue des Archives allemandes du Cameroun [Yaoundf, 1972]). It is the most useful overview of the type of documentation available, but it is extremely faulty in detail and difficult either to use or to check. About fifty percent of the files actually held (most land and court records and all private records) do not appear in the catalogue at all. Many other files listed in the catalogue do not exist in the archives. For the files which are listed, many of the shelf numbers (which do not correspond to the order in which the catalogue is presented) are incorrect. At some point it will be necessary for an archivist to reorganize all the files but the court records and make up an entirely new general catalogue. 2. Supplement to general catalogue, according to shelf order. This is a typed list, held in the archivist's catalogue file, which tabulates accurately the last one hundred files in the shelf series supposedly covered by the general catalogue; i.e., files belonging to categories 1-4 in section A above. 3. Land (Domainale) files, in various orderings. Because of their importance to the functioning of post-German Cameroon governments, the Land Office files have been fairly carefully catalogued both as a typed list and as several card files arranged by regions and major landholders. Useful as this listing is, it does not cover all the land files actually held.
RhoH modulates pre-TCR and TCR signalling by regulating LCK

Pre-T-cell receptor (pre-TCR) and TCR signals govern the development of T-lymphocytes. RhoH, a hematopoietic-specific and GTPase-deficient member of the RhoGTPase family, is required in the development of T-lymphocytes. Here we found that RhoH binds and modulates LCK, the non-receptor tyrosine kinase crucial in initiating pre-TCR and TCR signallings. In both pre-TCR and TCR signalling transduction, LCK is phosphorylated by CSK to maintain the inactive state of LCK at rest. Upon being activated, CSK phosphorylation is removed and LCK autophosphorylation leads to LCK activation and further phosphorylates ZAP70 to initiate further downstream signalling. At rest, LCK may be recruited to the plasma membrane by RhoH, which also binds CSK, resulting in LCK inactivation. Additionally, the presence of RhoH enhances the inactivation phosphorylation of LCK by CSK. RhoH was found to bind preferentially inactive LCK, indicating that, upon ligand-mediated TCR activation, LCK is dephosphorylated resulting in LCK autoactivation and its release from RhoH. Thus RhoH is a critical part of the microenvironment for maintaining the inactive state of LCK. Furthermore, we found that the reduction of RhoH levels results in LCK autoactivation and constitutive activation of the TCR pathway. Our findings indicate that RhoH is a key adapter protein that maintains LCK in the inactive state, contributing to the regulation of both pre-TCR and TCR signalling during T-cell development. The data also supports a model for ligand-independent signal transduction by pre-TCR.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN COGNITIVE STRATEGIC PREFERENCE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

The cognitive strategic preferences of first-year medical students (42 men and 31 women) were assessed using the Word-Shape Sorting Test, on which subjects may adopt a verbal or visuospatial approach to problem-solving. 24 (77%) women, but only 25 (60%) men, exhibited a clear preference for a particular information-processing strategy. Some factors contributing to confusion in the literature on cognitive style are discussed.
Trypanosoma lewisi: stage-specific surface antigens and exoantigens recognized by monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract The stage-specific expression of surface antigens by Trypanosoma lewisi was investigated using monoclonal antibodies directed against this parasite. Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies were produced by the fusion of SP 2 0- Ag 14 mouse plasmacytomas with spleen cells from rats infected previously with the Taliaferro strain of T. lewisi. Additivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and indirect immunofluorescent antibody tests indicated the determinant recognized by monoclonal antibody TL40.3 (IgM) was different from those recognized by monoclonal antibodies TL40.1 (IgA), TL40.2 (IgM), and TL40.6 (IgG2a). Monoclonal antibody TL40.3 agglutinated trypanosomes collected 3 days after parasite inoculation while monoclonal antibodies TL40.1, TL40.2, and TL40.6 agglutinated trypanosomes collected 6 days after inoculation. Since agglutinin titers against trypanosomes from irradiated (700 rad from a 60Co source) and nonirradiated rats were similar, expression of the antigens recognized by the monoclonal antibodies appeared to be independent of the immunological state of the host and the morphology of the parasite. The reproduction of T. lewisi in in vitro trypanostatic assays was inhibited only when the monoclonal antibodies were present in concentrations greater than or equal to those needed to agglutinate the trypanosomes. Monoclonal antibodies TL40.1 and TL40.3, but not TL40.2 and TL40.6, agglutinated erythrocytes collected later in the infection from irradiated, infected rats. None of the monoclonal antibodies agglutinated erythrocytes from nonirradiated, infected rats, from irradiated, noninfected rats or from nonirradiated, noninfected rats. This suggests that immunocompetent rats may make blocking antibodies against the exoantigens recognized by monoclonal antibodies TL40.1 and TL40.3.
The influence of lexical and conceptual constraints on reading mixed-language sentences: Evidence from eye fixations and naming times

In two experiments, we explored the degree to which sentence context effects operate at a lexical or conceptual level by examining the processing of mixed-language sentences by fluent Spanish-English bilinguals. In Experiment 1, subjects’ eye movements were monitored while they read English sentences in which sentence constraint, word frequency, and language of target word were manipulated. A frequency × constraint interaction was found when target words appeared in Spanish, but not in English. First fixation durations were longer for high-frequency Spanish words when these were embedded in high-constraint sentences than in low-constraint sentences. This result suggests that the conceptual restrictions produced by the sentence context were met, but that the lexical restrictions were not. The same result did not occur for low-frequency Spanish words, presumably because the slower access of low-frequency words provided more processing time for the resolution of this conflict. Similar results were found in Experiment 2 using rapid serial visual presentation when subjects named the target words aloud. It appears that sentence context effects are influenced by both semantic/conceptual and lexical information.
Indicaciones para la reparación endovascular de accesos para hemodiálisis a la luz de las guías DOQI

La National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes and Quality Initiative (DOQI) recomienda las fistulas autologas como acceso preferido para los nuevos procedimientos de dialisis. Desgraciadamente, a pesar de tener unos indices de permeabilidad superiores a los de los implantes protesicos, la durabilidad del acceso autologo suele verse minada por la hiperplasia de la intima de la vena eferente o por la estenosis de las venas centrales, debido a la larga permanencia de los cateteres venosos centrales. Las intervenciones de salvamento, en forma de tratamientos endovasculares, como la angioplastia transluminal percutanea (ATP) y/o la colocacion de stent, se utilizan cada vez mas para el salvamento y el mantenimiento del acceso. El objetivo de este estudio consistio en evaluar la eficacia de las intervenciones endovasculares para dialisis segun las indicaciones de la DOQI. Se realizo una revision retrospectiva de una base de datos sobre intervenciones endovasculares para el acceso de dialisis durante 36 meses en un centro medico docente. En el analisis se incluyeron las lesiones venosas centrales y las lesiones de las venas eferentes del acceso. Se utilizaron las curvas de Kaplan-Meier y los analisis del rango logaritmico para evaluar y comparar las variables dependientes del tiempo. Cuarenta y cinco pacientes con acceso para dialisis fueron sometidos a 72 intervenciones endovasculares para el mantenimiento del acceso. Se realizaron 27 procedimientos sobre venas centrales y 32 en las venas eferentes con un seguimiento del 98%. Los indices de permeabilidad primaria y asistida de la ATP con balon de los vasos eferentes fueron del 50 y el 72% a los 12 meses, respectivamente. Fueron necesarias 1,1 reintervenciones por cada ATP de los vasos eferentes. Los indices de permeabilidad primaria postintervencion de la ATP en venas centrales fueron del 30 y el 9% a los 6 y 12 meses, respectivamente. La permeabilidad asistida de la ATP postintervencion en venas centrales fue del 100% a los 12 meses, requiriendo 1,8 reintervenciones por cada ATP. Las intervenciones de venas centrales y de venas eferentes ampliaron la permeabilidad global del acceso en 38,5 y 33 meses, respectivamente (p
The Influence of Price Subsidies on Within-Year Persistence by Graduate Students.

The 1987 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study was used to compare four alternative approaches for assessing the influence of price subsidies on within-year persistence by graduate students. The conclusions drawn from the research include: 1) tuition charges has a substantial negative influence on persistence; and 2) comprehensive packages-grants, loans, plus assistantships-were the most effective means of subsidizing graduate student costs.
A Miniaturized Elliptic-Card UWB Antenna With WLAN Band Rejection for Wireless Communications

An elliptic-card ultra-wideband (UWB) (3-11 GHz) planar antenna is designed and miniaturized. It consists of an elliptic radiating element and a rectangular ground plane. A novel feeding mechanism is proposed to feed the antenna by using a microstrip line on the other side of the substrate and connecting the line to the elliptic element by a via. The structure of the antenna is miniaturized by optimizing its elliptic profile and the required ground plane to obtain only 22 times 40 mm dimension. The antenna is then modified to possess band rejection at the wireless local area network (5.1-5.8 GHz) band by adding two slits within the elliptic element. Critical antenna characteristics are verified by measurements including the antenna transfer function. Housing effects on the antenna performance are also studied. The satisfactory overall performance with such a simple structure and small size makes this antenna a viable candidate for UWB wireless communications applications.
THE NATURE OF AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT Many problems as to the origins of, and differences in, agricultural practice around the earth are still unsolved. A persistent question concerns the number of different kinds of agriculture. Varied approaches and conceptual formulations have been employed, but these often mix together the bases for categorization, whereas there are marked differences between concepts aimed at grouping by regions, typologies, and systems. Differences in the concepts are clarified, and nine primary criteria having second-order elements are set up to distinguish thirteen agricultural systems that have evolved since the beginning of primary production late in the Mesolithic Era.
HCTrie: A structure for indexing hundreds of dimensions for use in file systems search

Data management in large-scale storage systems involves indexing and search for data objects (e.g., files). There are hundreds of types of metadata attributed to the data objects: examples include environmental settings of photograph files and simulation configurations for simulation output files. To provide intelligent file search that uses file metadata, we introduce a novel search structure called Hyper-Cube Trie (HCTrie), that can handle a few hundred dimensions of data attributes. HCTrie can utilize the differences in many dimensions effectively: candidates can be pruned based on differences in all dimensions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach to restrain the memory growth to a linear scale against the number of dimensions, when multiple dimensions are indexed at the same time. Our prototype has successfully indexed five million data entries with one hundred attributes in a single data structure. We show that HCTrie can outperform MySQL in range search where ranges for less than 100 dimensions are specified in the search query.