cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activity Levels in Survivors of the ICU

OBJECTIVE Limited data exist on the quantification of activity levels and functional status in critically ill patients as they transition from the intensive care unit (ICU) to the wards and, subsequently, back into the community. The physical activity of critically ill patients from their ICU stay until 7 days after hospital discharge was characterized, as well as correlate physical activity levels with an objective measure of physical function. METHODS This prospective observational study of previously independent adults aged 55 or older, undergoing mechanical ventilation for up to 7 days, recruited participants at the time of spontaneous breathing trials or less than 24 hours after extubation. Participants received an accelerometer at enrollment to wear until 1 week after discharge. RESULTS Twenty-two participants received accelerometers; 15 were suitable for analysis. Participants had a mean (SD) age of 68 (9.6) years; 47% were female. Mean step counts were 95 (95% CI = 15-173) in the 3 days before ICU discharge, 257 (95% CI = 114-400) before hospital discharge, 1223 (95% CI = 376-2070) in the first 3 days at home, and 1278 (95% CI = 349-2207) between day 4 and 6 post-hospital discharge. Physical activity was significantly higher post- compared with pre-hospital discharge. Short Physical Performance Battery scores were poor at ICU and hospital discharge; however, they correlated moderately with physical activity levels immediately upon return home. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity remained low as survivors of critical illness transitioned from ICU to hospital wards, but significantly increased upon return to the community. Despite poor Short Physical Performance Battery scores at both ICU and hospital discharge, participants were significantly more active immediately after discharge than in their last 3 days of hospitalization. This may represent rapid functional improvement or, conversely, constrained physical activity in hospital. IMPACT This study highlights the need for further evaluation of physical activity constraints in hospital and ways to augment physical activity and function upon discharge. LAY SUMMARY Physical activity (step counts) increased modestly as survivors of critical illness transitioned from ICU to hospital wards, but significantly increased upon return to the community. This study highlights the need for further evaluation of physical activity constraints in the hospital setting and ways to augment physical activity and function postdischarge.
An assessment of self and informant data for measuring intellectual humility

Abstract Despite recent empirical interest in intellectual humility (IH), numerous concerns exist regarding the validity of current measurement strategies. This study provides an assessment of four widely employed IH scales by comparing and contrasting self- and informant ratings. Results reveal clear differences, showing weak self-other agreement and distinct patterns of associations with the Big Five. An analysis of the dimensions of these scales, however, suggests that certain components may be better suited for informant judgments than are others. These results emphasize the need for researchers interested in this construct to pair their measurement strategy with the facet of the trait of most interest.
A randomized trial of two doses of nicardipine in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage A report of the Cooperative Aneurysm Study

High-dose intravenous nicardipine has been shown to reduce the incidence of angiographic and symptomatic vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but treatment may be complicated by side effects, including hypotension or pulmonary edema/azotemia. From August, 1989, to January, 1991, 365 patients at 21 neurosurgical centers were entered into a randomized double-blind trial comparing high-dose (0.15 mg/kg/hr) nicardipine with a 50% lower dose (0.075 mg/kg/hr) administered by continuous intravenous infusion for up to 14 days following SAH. Patients in all neurological grades were eligible for the study. During the study period, 184 patients were randomly assigned to receive high-dose nicardipine and 181 to receive the low dose. There were no significant differences in patient age, admission neurological condition, or amount and distribution of blood clot on initial computerized tomography scan. Patients in the high-dose group received a significantly smaller proportion of the planned dose than those in the low-dose group (80% +/- 0.2% vs. 86% +/- 0.2%, p < 0.05), largely because of premature treatment termination after adverse medical events. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm was 31% in both groups, and the overall 3-month outcomes were nearly identical. These data suggest that, from a clinical standpoint, the results of high-dose and low-dose nicardipine treatment are virtually equivalent, but administration of low-dose nicardipine is attended by fewer side effects.
Database Consistency via Inductive Learning

Abstract Building a large-scale system often involves creating a large knowledge store, and as these grow and are maintained by a number of individuals, errors are inevitable. Exploring databases as a specialization of knowledge stores, this paper studies the hypothesis that models may be learned to describe attribute usage; these models improve database consistency by serving as integrity constraints and definitions for computed attributes. To that end, this paper describes an implemented system called CARPER that has been applied to an engineering database. The results demonstrate the viability of the approach and establish a baseline of performance for future research. Keywords: Database consistency, integrity constraints, computed attributes, decision tree learning.
Beverage Alcohol Sales to Minors

Abstract The purpose of the study was to assess the risk environment for operators who sell beverage alcohol and the use of false identification by minors. A series of personal injury lawsuits filed between 1987 and 2002, and data from a four-semester survey of 379 students were analyzed to provide an investigative summary for a particular period of time. Descriptive statistics identified the most frequent causes of personal injury, the types of injuries sustained, the outcome and average dollar amount awarded, the gender of the injured parties, the states where lawsuits were filed, and the attempts by those who are underage to purchase beverage alcohol using false identification. Operational methods to reduce the risk environment are presented.
RF Link Budget Analysis of a 315MHz Wireless Link for Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Inclusion of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in a vehicle presents a new design challenge in terms of automotive electrical system integration. This paper examines the dynamic RF signal path characteristics of a TPMS data link operating at 315MHz as a short-range device Electromagnetic modeling results and anechoic chamber measurements provide signal path loss estimates for various system configurations. A qualitative link budget formulation is proposed that accounts for observed dynamic and quasi-static variation of the TPMS signal.
The presentation of statistical information

Gloria D. Feliciano recently received the Ph.D. degree in mass communications at the University of Wisconsin. Richard D. Powers is associate professor and Bryant E. Kearl is the chairman of the Department of Agricultural Journalism at the University of Wisconsin. [A printed summary, giving practical recommendations arising from this research, is available from the University's Agricultural Journalism Department, Madison, Wisconsin.]
Acyclovir and herpesvirus infections: A review of the literature

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a qualified success as an effective and nontoxic antiviral chemotherapeutic agent and at present is approved for the treatment of initial genital herpes and limited life-threatening cutaneous herpes simplex viral infections in the immunocompromised host. Its efficacy in Epstein-Barr, varicella-zoster, and cytomegalorvirus infections appears less promising. According to one controlled study, its efficacy in the treatment of herpes labialis (HSV-1) infections has been disappointing. The highly selective action of acyclovir against viral DNA polymerase and its inhibition of viral DNA chain elongation result in a low incidence of human (host cell) toxicity, as manifested by local irritation at injection sites and a modest incidence of adverse renal effects, which can be reduced by judicious drug use. Newer antiviral agents now under development hold substantial promise for the future of antiviral chemotherapy.
Neighbor influence on evacuation behavior in virtual and real environments

Virtual reality (VR) enables the study of visually-guided behavior in situations that are otherwise not amenable to laboratory research. An example is a fire evacuation scenario, in which building occupants have to find their way to safety through smoke and flames, identify safe egress routes, and avoid threats. First, however, it must be determined whether evacuation behavior in VR is comparable to that in a real environment. We are thus initially studying participant responses to a fire alarm in matched virtual and real environments. The present experiment investigates how the decision to evacuate is influenced by visual cues about a neighbor's behavior. In the Control group, a lone participant is exposed to a fire alarm while performing a bogus task. In the Passive group, a participant performs the same task with a confederate who ignores the fire alarm. In the Active group, the confederate immediately leaves the room when the fire alarm sounds. The gender of the participant is crossed with the gender of the confederate. 75 participants experience the scenario in a real environment (25 per group), and 75 others in a matched virtual environment presented in a wireless head mounted display (HMD), with avatars of the confederates. In the real environment, two-thirds of participants in the Control group evacuated the room. In the Active group, nearly all did so, whereas in the Passive group all but one did. More female than male participants evacuated in the Control group, but there were no other gender effects. Data collection in the virtual environment is in progress, and will be completed by spring. The findings thus far demonstrate a very strong influence of neighbor behavior on a participant's evacuation decision. The results will provide answers to the much-debated question of whether evacuation behavior is similar in virtual and real environments. Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2015. Language: en
Of Sticks and Carrots: Repression and Food Policy as a Cause and Consequence of Mass Unrest in East Germany

Mass unrest only rarely leads to regime collapse because it determines, and is simultaneously determined by, the mix of co-optation and repression chosen by authoritarian governments. Policy miscalculations which allow for uprisings to destabilize regimes are possible, but uncommon and quickly reversed, making uprisings critical junctures with long-term effects on regime durability. Analysis of data collected from unpublished archives shows that the 17 June 1953 uprising in East Germany was neither a fascist putsch nor a spontaneous workers' protest, but a direct response to government policy. Unrest was enabled by the lack of an effective repressive apparatus and sparked by severe economic policies. Protests were concentrated among citizens who were disadvantaged by these policies, and better organized. Subsequently, potential for unrest was factored into a recalibration of economic co-optation and repression which prevented a repeat of the uprising. Data show that areas with higher levels of unrest were better supplied with consumer goods and foodstuffs after the 1953 uprising. Historical evidence shows that both regular and secret police were also reformed to better address the threat of mass unrest.
Sleep problems and associated comorbidities among adults with Down syndrome.

Background Sleep problems, including sleep apnoea and behavioural sleep disturbances, are common among adults with Down syndrome (DS). Despite a preliminary understanding of potential medical and behavioural comorbidities of these sleep problems among children with DS, little is known about comorbid conditions associated with these sleep problems among adults with DS. Understanding causes and sequelae of sleep problems in this ageing population is essential to providing quality health screening and treatment. The current study examines the physical health problems, mental health conditions, functional abilities and behavioural problems associated with sleep apnoea and behavioural sleep disturbances among adults with DS. Method Family caregivers participated in clinical interviews and completed questionnaires, providing reports regarding 75 adults with DS. Caregivers reported on sleep problems, physical and mental health conditions, daily living skills and behaviours regarding their ageing family member with DS. Results Sleep apnoea was associated with more common other respiratory concerns, and more frequent visits to physicians, but not with some expected medical comorbidities (cardiac). Behavioural sleep disturbances (delayed sleep onset, night-time awakenings and morning awakenings) were associated with poorer health, more frequent overnight hospital and emergency department visits, more common cardiac conditions, less common thyroid condition, more common mental health conditions (anxiety, depression and dementia) and a higher rate of daytime behaviour problems. Conclusion The study findings suggest that there are differential correlates for the various sleep problems in adults with DS, which warrant attention when screening for medical and mental health comorbidities, assessing behavioural problems and in treatment planning for ageing adults with DS.
The Need for Enhanced Defense Contractor Cost Management Systems

Technological advances, increasing government regulations, and the structural decline in the size of U.S. defense spending are placing ever-greater requirements on the information provided by the contractor's cost accounting system. A survey of defense contractors reveals that their cost accounting systems are mainly used to provide cost estimation and, accordingly, these systems are not utilized for performance evaluation and managerial decision making. Since the traditional defense contractor's cost accounting systems do not produce the information that management requires, new cost management systems (CMS) must be designed and implemented. The CMS can assist contractors to: (1) obtain financial and operating information to evaluate and improve the performance of contracts, and (2) provide contractors with relevant information to plan, manage, control, and direct contracts. This article examines the effectiveness and efficiency of currently used cost accounting systems by government contractors, discusses the nature and characteristics of the CMS and their relevance for government contractors, and suggests step-by-step procedures for proper implementation of the CMS.
Prognostic factors for clinically localized prostate carcinoma: analysis of 938 patients irradiated in the prostate specific antigen era.

BACKGROUND Pretreatment serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is a powerful prognostic factor for clinically localized prostate carcinoma. The traditional prognostic factors, T classification and Gleason score, appear to have been relegated to a minor position. This study was conducted to evaluate the relative prognostic roles of PSA, T classification, and Gleason score in a large cohort of men irradiated in the PSA era. METHODS The authors analyzed the outcome for a group of 938 men with T1-T4, N0 or NX, M0 prostate carcinoma who received definitive external beam radiation therapy as their only initial treatment during the period 1987-1995. The T classifications were as follows: T1, 283 (30%); T2, 360 (38%); T3/T4, 295 (31%). Gleason scores were as follows: Gleason 2-6, 580 (62%); Gleason 7, 224 (24%); Gleason 8-10, 122 (13%). Pretreatment PSA levels (ng/mL) were as follows: PSA ≤ 4, 167 (18%); PSA 4 to ≤ 10, 363 (39%); PSA 10 to ≤ 20, 259 (28%); PSA > 20, 149 (16%). At a mean follow-up of 43 months (range, 6-106 months), disease outcome specified as relapse/rising PSA, local recurrence, or metastasis was analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. RESULTS The 6-year actuarial incidences of relapse/rising PSA, local recurrence, and metastases were 48%, 27%, and, 6%, respectively. In multivariate regression, pretreatment PSA level, T classification, and Gleason score were each independently highly significantly (P 20 and any Gleason, or PSA 10 to ≤ 20 and Gleason 8-10 (relapse rate, 88%). CONCLUSIONS The establishment of T classification and Gleason score as independent prognostic factors bridges an apparent gap between an older era and the current PSA era. PSA has supplemented, rather than supplanted, the utility of the traditionally established prognostic factors for clinically localized prostate carcinoma. Cancer 1997; 79:1370-80. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Friedrich Hegel and the structure of consumer response

Friedrich Hegel, building upon the foundation of Immanuel Kant, focused upon the “cultural tradition” as a structured entity that operates according to its own rules and priorities. In doing so he crafted the concept that has come down to us as “national character”, an idea that has immense value to much marketing research, especially in the international realm. Beyond this circumscribed accomplishment, Hegel’s view of society was ultimately transformed into the social structural model that has long been a dominant paradigm of social thought. Whenever marketing researchers seek to discover the recurring patterns of social life, they work in Hegel’s shadow. By being more aware of Hegel’s accomplishments and how they intersect with the priorities of marketing, we can more effectively conduct research in ways that are relevant and appropriate.
Reflections on Economic Aspects of Gorbachev's Book Perestroika: Wishful Thinking for a Make‐believe World?

Gorbachev′s book Perestroika is used to explain why the author believes the new policy of restructuring of the Soviet economy cannot and will not work. The policies of Perestroika are introduced and evaluated and the existing socio‐economic system presented. At the end of this sceptical Western analysis, it is concluded that the policy is cosmetic restructuring and Gorbachev′s downfall, like Khruschev′s, is assured.
Simultaneous fluorescence and conductance studies of planar bilayer membranes containing a highly active and fluorescent analog of gramicidin A.

Gramicidin A is a linear polypeptide antibiotic that facilitates the passive diffusion of alkali cations and hydrogen ions across lipid bilayer membranes by forming transmembrane channels. It has been proposed that the conducting channel is a dimer that is in equilibrium with non-conducting monomers in the membrane. We have directly tested this model by carrying out simultaneous fluorescence and conductance studies on planar bilayer membranes containing dansyl gramicidin C, a highly fluorescent and active analog of gramicidin A. Dansyl gramicidin C in bilayer membranes has an excitation maximum at 355 nm, an emission maximum at 530 nm, and a quantum yield of 0·4. The magnitude of the single-channel conductance of dansyl gramicidin C is 60% of that of gramicidin A. The kinetics and equilibria of channel formation are nearly the same for dansyl gramicidin C and gramicidin A. Glycerolester membranes having hydrocarbon thicknesses ranging from 26 A to 47 A were used to enable us to control the proportion of monomeric dansyl gramicidin C. Four conclusions can be drawn from these experiments. (1) A plot of the logarithm of the membrane conductance versus the logarithm of the membrane fluorescence had a slope of 2·0±0·3, over a concentration range for which nearly all the gramicidin was monomeric. Hence, the active channel is a dimer of the non-conducting species. (2) In a membrane in which nearly all of the gramicidin was dimeric, the number of channels was approximately equal to the number of dimers. Thus, most dimers are active channels and so it should be feasible to carry out spectroscopic studies of the conformation of the transmembrane channel. (3) The association constant for dimerization is more than 1000-fold larger in a 26 A than in a 47 A glycerolester membrane. The dimerization constant in a 48 A phosphatidyl choline membrane was 200 times larger than in a 47 A glycerolester membrane, showing that it depends on the type of lipid as well as on the thickness of the hydrocarbon core. (4) We were readily able to detect 10 −14 mol cm −2 of dansyl gramicidin C in a bilayer membrane, which corresponds to 60 fluorescence molecules per μ m 2 . The fluorescent techniques described here should be sufficiently sensitive for fluorescence studies of reconstituted gates and receptors in planar bilayer membranes.
GMA: A Generic Match Algorithm for Structural Homomorphism, Isomorphism, and Maximal Common Substructure Match and Its Applications

Structural homomorphism, isomorphism, and maximal common substructure match (MCSS) have been studied for many years. Traditionally, these problems are processed separately and considered as the fac...
Entailment and Bivalence

My purpose in this paper is to argue that the classical notion of entailment is not suitable for non-bivalent logics, to propose an appropriate alternative and to suggest a generalized entailment notion suitable to bivalent and non-bivalent logics alike. In classical two valued logic, one can not infer a false statement from one that is not false, any more than one can infer from a true statement a statement that is not true. In classical logic in fact preserving truth and preserving non-falsity are one and the same thing. They are not the same in non-bivalent logics however and I will argue that the classical notion of entailment that preserves only truth is not strong enough for such a logic. I will show that if we retain the classical notion of entailment in a logic that has three values, true, false and a third value in between, an inconsistency can be derived that can be resolved only by measures that seriously disable the logic. I will show this for a logic designed to allow for semantic presuppositions, then I will show that we get the same result in any three valued logic with the same value ordering. I will finally suggest how the notion of entailment should be generalized so that this problem may be avoided. The strengthened notion of entailment I am proposing is a conservative extension of the classical notion that preserves not only truth but the order of all values in a logic, so that the value of an entailed statement must alway be at least as great as the value of the sequence of statements entailing it. A notion of entailment this strong or stronger will, I believe, be found to be applicable to non-classical logics generally. In the opinion of Dana Scott, no really workable three valued logic has yet been developed. It is hard to disagree with this. A workable three valued logic however could perhaps be developed however, if we had a notion of entailment suitable to non-bivalent logics.
Modifiable factors associated with changes in postpartum depressive symptoms

Up to 50% of mothers report postpartum depressive symptoms yet providers do a poor job predicting and preventing their occurrence. Our goal was to identify modifiable factors (situational triggers and buffers) associated with postpartum depressive symptoms. Observational prospective cohort telephone study of 563 mothers interviewed at 2 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Mothers reported on demographic factors, physical and emotional symptoms, daily function, infant behaviors, social support, and skills in managing infant and household. Mothers were categorized into four groups based on the presence of depressive symptoms at 2 weeks and at 6 months postpartum: never, always, late onset, and remission groups. Fifty-two percent did not have depressive symptoms at 2 weeks or at 6 months (never group), 14% had symptoms at both time points (always group), 10% had late onset, and 24% had early onset of symptoms with remission. As compared with women in the never group, women in the always and late onset groups had high-risk characteristics (e.g., past history of depression), more situational triggers (e.g., physical symptoms), and less robust social and personal buffers (i.e., social support and self-efficacy). As compared with the never group, mothers in the remission group had more situational triggers and fewer buffers initially. Changes in situational triggers and buffers were different for the four groups and were correlated with group membership. Situational triggers such as physical symptoms and infant colic, and low levels of social support and self-efficacy in managing situational demands are associated with postpartum depressive symptoms. Further research is needed to investigate whether providing education about the physical consequences of childbirth, providing social support, and teaching skills to enhance self-efficacy will reduce the incidence of postpartum symptoms of depression.
Simulink/MATLAB dynamic induction motor model for use in undergraduate electric machines and power electronics courses

A dynamic model of the induction motor developed using Simulink/MATLAB that is beneficial for use in undergraduate electric machines and power electronics courses is presented. The model can be used to study the dynamic behavior of the induction motor, or can be used in various motor-drive topologies with minor modifications. The motor model presented is based on the T-type d-q model of the induction motor. A block model approach is used in the construction of the motor model that will allow students to resolve reference frame theory issues. The model developed is intuitive, easy to use, and allows all motor parameters to be easily accessed for monitoring and comparison purposes. The model presented is capable of being used with various inverter topologies and PWM schemes with minor modifications.
LXXIV. Limitations imposed by slip and inertia terms upon Stoke's law for the motion of spheres through liquids

It is possible to make metallic spheres sufficiently small and uniform in density and in surface texture to allow of the verification of Stokes's law in the less viscous oils. One of these spheres ...
The influence of roadway surface irregularities and vehicle deceleration on bridge dynamics using the method of lines

Abstract In this paper, an analysis of vehicle-bridge interaction problems, taking into account the dynamic effects induced by vehicle bouncing due to roadway surface irregularities and varying vehicle speeds, is presented. The problem formulation and solution methodology include the effects of vehicle suspension systems, the vehicle travelling path, and the arbitrary boundary conditions and geometry of the bridge superstructure. The kinematic coupling reflecting the dynamic interaction between the traversing vehicle and the vibrating bridge superstructure is explicitly treated in the problem. Vehicle models used in this study take into account the stiffness and damping characteristics of vehicle suspension and tires, and permit the inclusion of a variety of truck configurations. The spatial discretization of the governing differential equation of the vehicle-bridge system is based on the finite element method. The resulting matrix ordinary differential equation is then discretized with respect to time on the basis of the Newmark method. The process of reduction of a partial differential equation into a matrix ordinary differential equation through a spatial discretization procedure, and then solving this expression using a time integration technique, is referred to as the numerical method of lines. Since the consideration of the vehicle-bridge interaction introduces non-linearity into the problem formulation, a multipredictor-corrector scheme is adopted in the solution procedure to obtain accurate results. Numerical examples, illustrating the influence of roadway surface irregularities and vehicle deceleration on the dynamic response of bridge structures, are provided to illustrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed formulation and solution methodology.
Patient–Provider Communication About Sexual Health: The Relationship with Gender, Age, Gender-Stereotypical Beliefs, and Perceptions of Communication Inappropriateness

This investigation examined patient–provider communication about sexual health related to gender and age. Data were collected from 277 individuals, aged 18–60, via convenience and snowball sampling at a large university in southwestern United States. Results indicate women are more proactive about their sexual health than men and tested for STDs more frequently. Women, more than men, initiate discussions with their healthcare provider about sexual health matters and healthcare providers are more likely to initiate communication about such matters with women than men. Men hold stronger gender-stereotypical beliefs than women, are less likely to initiate conversations about sexual issues with their provider, and believe sexual discussions with their partner are inappropriate. Age relates to sexual activity initiation and perceived STD risk.
Spin-Adapted Vector Method: An Alternative to the Conventional Configuration Interaction Approach

Abstract A number of refinements have been incorporated in the vector method. The refinements include utilization of spin-adapted configurations, partitioning the steps in the calculation, and determining the connection of this spin-adapted vector method and standard configuration interaction techniques. To this end, the spin-adapted vector method can be used to generate an integral inverted formula tape commonly used by standard configuration interaction. Sample calculations on LiH are used to compare standard C1 and the spin-adapted vector method.
Adhesion of nanoparticles to polymer brushes studied with the ghost tweezers method.

Mechanisms of interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and polymer brushes (PBs) are explored using dissipative particle dynamics simulations and an original “ghost tweezers” method that emulates lab experiments performed with optical or magnetic tweezers. The ghost tweezers method is employed to calculate the free energy of adhesion. Ghost tweezers represents a virtual harmonic potential, which tethers NP with a spring to a given anchor point. The average spring force represents the effective force of NP-PB interaction as a function of the NP coordinate. The free energy landscape of NP-PB interactions is calculated as the mechanical work needed to transfer NP from the solvent bulk to a particular distance from the substrate surface. With this technique, we explore the adhesion of bare and ligand-functionalized spherical NPs to polyisoprene natural rubber brush in acetone-benzene binary solvent. We examine two basic mechanisms of NP-PB interactions, NP adhesion at PB exterior and NP immersion into PB, which are governed by interplay between entropic repulsive forces and enthalpic attractive forces caused by polymer adsorption at the NP surface and ligand adsorption at the substrate. The relative free energies of the equilibrium adhesion states and the potential barriers separating these states are calculated at varying grafting density, NP size, and solvent composition.
TEST OF NORMAL STATISTICS FOR K MESONS

A direct experimental test of the statement that $K$ mesons obey Bose statistics has not been carried out. For a certain class of reactions, we point out a purely geometrical experimental consequence of the statement that the wave function for a system of two spin zero $K$ mesons is either completely symmetric or completely antisymmetric under simultaneous interchange of the isotopic spin and spatial variables of the two particles. The test can be used to investigate the possibility of a more general kind of statistics (parastatistics) for $K$ mesons, in which case, the above experimental manifestation of complete symmetry or complete antisymmetry would not, in general, hold.
Microassay for amino acids in human liquid blood and dried blood.

Since the introduction of screening test of newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU) by the Guthrie method [l], numerous tests for different genetic disorders have been developed using dried blood specimen on filter paper. Many methods are available for the routine qu~tification of indi~du~ ammo acids, such as tr~toph~ f2], phenylalanine [1,3] together with tyrosine [3,4], and prohne [5,6]. Other methods for the analysis of the ammo acids using ion-pair chromatography [7] and gradient elution on a reversed phase column [8] have also been reported. However, the methods [7,8] vary in complexity and require long hours; thus, they are not efficient enough for rapid testing. Simultaneous determination of selected ammo acids related to some common genetic disorders is useful for clinical assay but is prone to some difficulty. The separation of more hydrophobic or less polar ammo acids, including methionine, tryptophan, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and leucine, requires time-consuming gradient elution [7,8]. A rapid method must be capable of efficiently separating the ammo acids for diagnosis purpose. In the present study, a rapid dete~nation of the six amino acids in dried blood and liquid blood specimens from a normal individual by HPLC with pre-column fluorescence derivatization is described. The results from the analysis of both dried blood and liquid blood were compared to evaluate the methodology.
Enkephalin terminals form inhibitory-type synapses on neurons in the rat nucleus locus coeruleus that project to the medial prefrontal cortex.

Abstract Norepinephrine-containing fibres in the medial prefrontal cortex derive from the locus coeruleus, a brainstem nucleus which also receives a dense innervation of enkephalin-immunoreactive axon terminals. We combined immunogold-silver labelling of retrogradely transported FluoroGold from the medial prefrontal cortex with immunoperoxidase detection of leucine5-enkephalin in the same section of tissue through the locus coeruleus of adult rats. This dual-labelling experiment was conducted to determine whether axon terminals containing leucine5-enkephalin target neurons in the locus coeruleus that project to the frontal cortex and, if so, what are their morphological characteristics. By light microscopy, enkephalin-labelled processes overlapped FluoroGold retrogradely labelled neurons in the locus coeruleus. By electron microscopy, retrogradely labelled perikarya and dendrites were commonly enveloped by astrocytic processes and received few afferents in the plane of section examined. However, at sites unoccupied by glial processes, abundant afferent input could be identified. In addition, some FluoroGold-labelled perikarya and dendrites lacked this glial ensheathment but were more frequently apposed by axon terminals. Of 163 FluoroGold-labelled perikarya and dendrites examined where enkephalin immunoreactivity was present in the neuropil, 42% were contacted by enkephalin-immunoreactive axon terminals. The peroxidase-labelled enkephalin terminals as well as the unlabelled terminals often contained both small, clear and large dense core vesicles. Both labelled and unlabelled terminals also formed primarily symmetric synapses characteristic of inhibitory transmitters with retrogradely labelled perikarya and proximal dendrites. At times, more than one enkephalin-labelled terminal was found to converge on a common retrogradely labelled perikarya or dendrite. These results demonstrate cellular sites where enkephalin-containing afferents may directly modulate and most likely inhibit the activity of cortically projecting neurons in the locus coeruleus.
Uninsured persons with disability confront substantial barriers to health care services.

Abstract Background Despite social “safety net” programs, many U.S. residents with disabilities lack insurance coverage and thus risk financial barriers to accessing care. The study objectives were to characterize working-age adults with disabilities who lack health insurance and to examine their self-reported barriers to care. Methods The authors conducted analyses of nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2000 through 2006. Results During this time period, 14.8% of working-age U.S. residents lacked health insurance, including 11.6% of persons with disabilities. Focusing only on uninsured individuals, persons with disabilities were significantly ( p = .001) more likely than those without disabilities to have a usual source of care. However, on 6 other access measures (those that comprised our composite indicator of access barriers), uninsured persons with disabilities reported barriers significantly ( p = .001) more often than did individuals without disabilities: 36.0% of uninsured persons with disabilities reported being unable to get necessary medical care, compared with 9.5% of uninsured, nondisabled persons; and 26.9% of uninsured persons with disabilities reported being unable to get necessary medications, compared with 5.3% of uninsured individuals without disabilities. Having a cognitive impairment produced the largest adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of reporting any access barrier (1.64, 95% CI 144-1.87), while having lower body functional limitations or hearing deficits also produced relatively high AORs (1.47, 1.32-1.65 and 1.48, 1.11-1.98, respectively). Conclusions Uninsured individuals with disabilities confront significantly more barriers to accessing care than do nondisabled persons without health insurance. Certain types of disabilities appear especially associated with experiencing access barriers, suggesting areas requiring particular attention.
Hemichorea-hemiballismus associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and cerebral toxoplasmosis

A young woman had hemichorea-hemiballismus subsequently found to be secondary to a cerebral toxoplasmosis infection complicating human immunodeficiency virus infection. This patient had the sixth reported case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with hemichorea-hemiballismus, and each has been secondary to cerebral toxoplasmosis. The presence of hemichorea-hemiballismus in a young patient should suggest a diagnosis of AIDS and in particular the diagnosis of secondary cerebral toxoplasmosis. Other movement disorders that occur in AIDS are discussed.
Failure of intravesical interferon-alfa-2b for the treatment of patients with superficial bladder cancer previously failing intravesical BCG Therapy.

Twelve patients with superficial bladder cancer who had failed one or two 6-week courses of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy were treated with recombinant interferon-alfa-2b (rIFN-alfa-2b). Patients received 12 weekly instillations of rIFN-alfa-2b (100 MU) in 50 cc of normal saline. Those with an initial tumor-free response at the 3-month follow-up received maintenance rIFN-alfa-2b instillations (100 MU) monthly for an additional 9 months. Prior to rIFN-alfa-2b treatment, 6 patients had carcinoma in situ (CIS) with concurrent papillary tumor (pTa or pT I), and 6 had grades I or 2 pTa tumors. Patients were monitored every 3 months with urinary cytologies, cystoscopies, and biopsies when indicated. Median follow-up was 18 months (range 12 to 26 months). At the 3-month follow-up tumor recurrence was noted in 8 (66%) of 12 patients. An additional 3 (25%) patients had tumor recurrence at the 6-month follow-up period, and 3 (25%) patients also developed upper tract tumors during follow-up. Only 1 (8%) patient has maintained a continuous tumor-free response for 24 months. We are unable to demonstrate that rIFN-alfa-2b is likely to induce a tumor-free response in superficial bladder tumor patients who have failed intravesical BCG therapy, including those with CIS.
Secondary Maximum in the Near-Infrared Light Curves of Type Ia Supernovae

We undertake a theoretical study of the near-infrared (NIR) light curves of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). In these bands, the light curves are distinguished by a secondary maximum occurring roughly 20-30 days after the initial one. Using time-dependent multigroup radiative transfer calculations, we calculate the UBVRIJHK-band light curves of model SN Ia ejecta structures. Our synthetic NIR light curves show distinct secondary maxima and provide favorable fits to observed SNe Ia. We offer a detailed explanation of the origin of the NIR secondary maximum, which is shown to relate directly to the ionization evolution of iron group elements in the ejecta. This understanding provides immediate insight into the dependence of the NIR light curves on the physical properties of the ejecta and in particular explains why brighter supernovae have a later and more prominent secondary maximum. We demonstrate the dependence of the NIR light curves on the mass of 56Ni, the degree of 56Ni mixing, the mass of electron capture elements, the progenitor metallicity, and the abundance of intermediate-mass elements (especially calcium). The secondary maximum is shown to be a valuable diagnostic of these important physical parameters. The models further confirm that SNe Ia should be excellent standard candles in the NIR, with a dispersion of 0.2 mag even when the physical properties of the ejecta are varied widely. This study emphasizes the consummate value of NIR observations in probing the structure of SNe Ia and in furthering their cosmological utility.
Evidence of Urban and Lake Influences on Precipitation in the Chicago Area

Abstract A study of summer precipitation conditions in the Chicago area sought to discern evidence of urban influences on precipitation processes and rainfall magnitude by investigating cloud, radar echo, rainfall and thunderstorm data. The rainfall studies identified an area of 15% greater rainfall in central Chicago, considered largely a result of urban influences. The degree of change is less than found at St. Louis, possibly a result of the inhibiting lake influences at Chicago. With respect to the placement of the rain change, the synoptic weather conditions when rain changes occur (squall lines and zones), and the tendency for rain changes to exist in heavier rainfall conditions, the Chicago findings reveal good agreement with those at St. Louis. Limited causative studies suggest an urban enhancement of convective clouds over Chicago and southern Lake Michigan during late afternoon, and case studies of radar echo behavior showed maximum echo intensification repeatedly occurred over the city and at h...
Suppression of a four-photon resonance by four-wave mixing near an intermediate three-photon resonance

We use resonance ionization involving two colors in single-pass and retroreflected geometries to study the suppression of excitation of a four-photon resonance by an interference involving four-wave sum-frequency generation occurring near an intermediate three-photon resonance. The 6[ital p][1/2]([ital J]=0) state of xenon is excited by three blue photons plus one infrared photon. One beam, focused to [ital I][sub 1][congruent]7[times]10[sup 9] W/cm[sup 2], is nearly three-photon resonant with the 6[ital s][3/2]([ital J]=1) resonance; the second, unfocused beam ([ital I][sub 2][congruent]2[times]10[sup 7] W/cm[sup 2]) is tuned to maintain exact four-photon resonance with the 6[ital p][1/2]([ital J]=1) state. One additional blue photon ionizes from the four-photon level. Third-harmonic light is generated by the first, nearly three-photon-resonant beam by four-wave sum-frequency mixing. One third-harmonic photon plus one photon from the second laser form a second excitation pathway to the four-photon level; destructive interference between the two pathways results in a reduction in the observed ionization. The degree of reduction depends on the xenon density and the detuning (both positive and negative) from three-photon resonance. This interference may be overcome by retroreflecting the nearly three-photon-resonant beam to provide an additional excitation pathway which generates no third harmonic.
Consistency of meal patterns in laboratory rats

Meal pattern measures (e.g., bout length and bout number) provide a detailed description of the elements of ingestion, and as a result they are theoretically more sensitive to experimental manipulation than simple measurements of total consumption over a fixed time period. For this reason, meal pattern measures are often used as a way to infer how rodents respond to tastants or how pharmacological or surgical treatments modify ingestive behavior. This approach relies on the assumption that under normal conditions, the meal patterns of individual rats are consistent across consecutive light-dark (L-D) cycles. If these patterns are inconsistent, then experimental designs involving meal patterns would have limited power, and thus require relatively large sample sizes. The present study critically evaluates the consistency assumption in Sprague-Dawley and Fisher-344 rats by monitoring meal patterns over 10 consecutive L-D cycles. For each rat, the following feeding and drinking measures were determined: total daily intake, duration of night bouts, number of night bouts, and number of licks per night bout. The analysis excluded daytime ingestive measures owing to their infrequent occurrence. Ingestive measures were highly consistent across time in all Sprague-Dawleys, but in only a minority of the Fisher-344s. The distribution of feeding and drinking activity throughout each night was also determined in the same rats. Whereas Sprague-Dawleys displayed lights-off and lights-on peaks of ingestive activity, only a minority of Fisher-344s displayed a consistent lights-on peak of ingestive activity. It is concluded that rat strains can differ with respect to the consistency of meal patterning, and that such strain differences should be considered in future comparative studies of meal patterns in rats.
Inter-Laboratory Trials of the EPR Method for the Detection of Irradiated Meats Containing Bone

Three international trials on the use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to detect irradiated meats containing bone were sponsored as part of a coordinated research programme by the International Atomic Energy Agency. In these trials, 11 laboratories used EPR to examine a total of 154 bone samples from three different meats. In one of the trials food irradiation processing conditions were simulated. the results were 100% successful for identifying both irradiated and unirradiated bones. A protocol for the EPR method is provided.
Intervention Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Transfusion- Transmitted Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in the United States

N SOME metropolitan areas of the United States, approximately 1 in 9,000 blood donations is obtained from a donor who is seropositive for specific antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi. In some areas of Los Angeles, nearly 1 in every 550 eligible blood donors is seropositive. The transfusion of seropositive blood products can lead to transfusion-transmitted Chagas disease, because at least half 6f Tcruzi-seropositive donors are parasitemic. Transfusion-associated transmission of Chagas disease has occurred on at least four occasions in the United States and once in Canada during the past 12 years. It has been suggested that the risk of transfusiontransmitted Chagas disease could be reduced if donors were questioned for a history of birth, extended stay, or transfusion in a geographic area endemic for Chagas disease, or were tested for serological evidence of antibodies to T cruzi. However, a policy to question or test donors for evidence of T cruzi infection should only be implemented if it can be shown to improve the overall safety of the US blood supply; without causing a deleterious reduction in the availability of blood.