cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EPIDEMIC MEASLES IN CHICAGO IN 1983: SUSTAINED TRANSMISSION IN THE PRESCHOOL POPULATION

Two suspect cases of measles seen in our emergency room (ER) the first week of 1983 prompted active ER-based surveillance for other cases. Between 1/4/83 and 8/12/83, 107 suspect cases were identified, and 85 had diagnostic tests for measles. Measles was proven in 54 cases by ≥4-fold rise in CF or HI titers in paired serum specimens or by virus isolation from nasopharyngeal secretions. Fever, rash, and cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis were present in 84% of cases and 57% of patients with negative measles diagnostic tests. All 54 measles patients were native born, and 52 were black. 23 (43%) were <16 months old, and 41 (76%) were <5 years old. Attack rates in household contacts were 38% (8/21) for children <5 years old and 3% (4/116) for persons 5 to 25 years old (p<.001). Only 7 patients were in a day care or school. The case incidence before school exclusion of children lacking proof of measles immunization (1.9/wk) did not differ significantly from that following school exclusion (1.4/wk) or end of the school year (2.0/wk). Measles antibodies were measured by ELISA in serum specimens collected in the ER about 1 year earlier from 170 patients aged 16 months to 4 years: 62 (36%) were seronegative. With current immunization policies and practices a pool of susceptibles can develop in pre-school children of the inner city that is capable of supporting a sustained measles epidemic. Measles eradication will require improved strategies for immunization of this group.
Structural relaxation in the glass: Evidence for a path dependence of the relaxation time

Using a recently developed novel temperature perturbation experiment, one of the primary assumptions underlying the phenomenological models of structural recovery, i.e., that the relaxation time depends on the instantaneous state of the material and not on its temperature history, is tested. The results of our experiments show that as the material gets close to equilibrium, this assumption is valid, but far from equilibrium, it is not.
Association between dopaminergic medications and nocturnal sleep in early-stage Parkinson's disease

Abstract Background Poor nocturnal sleep is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and negatively impacts quality of life. There is little data on how dopaminergic drugs influence nocturnal sleep in PD, particularly in relation to medication timing. We examined the association between dopaminergic medications and subjective and objective nocturnal sleep in PD. Methods Individuals with PD were recruited from the outpatient clinic. Demographics and disease information were collected. Patients underwent one-night polysomnography and responded to SCOPA-SLEEP, a self-administered questionnaire which includes a section on nighttime sleep and an overall measure of sleep quality; higher scores indicate worse sleep. Medication intake, including medication timing in relation to bedtime, was obtained and converted to levodopa equivalents. Results 41 Males and 21 females, median age 63.9 years, participated. Median disease duration was 5 years. After adjusting for age, sex, disease severity, and disease duration, greater total levodopa equivalent intake within 4 h of sleep was associated with higher total SCOPA-nighttime score (p = 0.009) and greater wake time after sleep onset (p = 0.049). Greater dopaminergic medication intake prior to sleep was also associated with less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as a percent of total sleep time (p = 0.004). Conclusions Higher amounts of dopaminergic medications taken prior to sleep were associated with poor sleep quality and less REM sleep. Although poor nocturnal sleep in PD is likely multi-factorial in etiology, our findings suggest that timing and dose of medications prior to sleep need to be considered in its management.
1026 Predicting Organ Space Surgical Site Infection with a Nomogram

Purpose We hypothesized that organ space surgical site infections (organ space SSI) are a unique type of surgical site infection and therefore are associated with a unique set of risk factors. The aim of this study was to create a predictive model for organ space SSI after small bowel, colon, or rectal operations.
Modest serum creatinine elevation affects adverse outcome after general surgery

Results. Thirty day mortality and several cardiac, respiratory, infectious and hemorrhagic morbidities were significantly plication risk [5‐12]. Analyses of several widely used (P 0.001) higher in patients with a serum creatinine1.5 mg/dL. existing methods to predict postoperative cardiac risk With multivariable analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for mortal- suggest a need for improved risk prediction models ity for patients with a serum creatinine of 1.5 to 3.0 mg/dL was [10, 11]. For example, modest serum creatinine elevation 1.44 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.22 to 1.71] and for creatinine 3.0 mg/dL was 1.93 (95% CI 1.51 to 2.46). The ad- (1.5 to 3.0 mg/dL) has been recently shown to be indejusted odds ratio for morbidity (one or more postoperative pendently associated with cardiac complication risk, as complications) for patients with a serum creatinine of 1.5 to well as other postoperative complications and mortality 3.0 mg/dL was 1.18 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.32) and for creatinine after cardiac surgery [13, 14]. Currently, at least 3 million 3.0 mg/dL was 1.19 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.43). Further stratifica- Americans are estimated to have a serum creatinine of tion and recursive partitioning of creatinine levels revealed that a serum creatinine level 1.5 mg/dL was the approximate 1.7 mg/dL or higher [15, 16]. The association between threshold for both increased morbidity and mortality. modest creatinine elevations and poor outcomes from Conclusions. Modest preoperative serum creatinine eleva- cardiac surgery may be related to the intensity of the tion (1.5 mg/dL) is a significant predictor of risk-adjusted operation. The present analysis was done to determine morbidity and mortality after general surgery. A preoperative whether the findings that modest serum creatinine elevaserum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL or higher is a readily available marker for potential adverse outcomes after general surgery. tion is a predictor of adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery can be applied more broadly to general surgery. To test this hypothesis, we examined operative outcomes More than 30 million patients undergo non-cardiac of 49,081 patients undergoing major general surgical prosurgery annually in the United States. In patients under- cedures at 100 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) going general surgery, preoperative assessment seeks to medical centers across the United States. determine if both inherent and modifiable risk factors for adverse operative outcomes are present. Preopera- METHODS Study population
Marijuana use and alienation: a multivariate analysis.

Research investigating the relationship between marijuana use and alienation is characterized by conflicting findings and a relative lack of multivariate designs. Although a number of potential explanations for this lack of consensus are assessed, the primary focus of this study is on the type of analysis employed. Using bivariate analysis, significant positive associations were found between marijuana use and anomia, political alienation, and social isolation. However, when these same relationships were investigated in a multivariate design, controlling for other relevant factors, they failed to remain significant. These results indicate that there is no direct relationship between marijuana use and alienation. Furthermore, the results question studies that have not taken into consideration relevant control variables in their analyses.
Xenopus transcription factor IIIA forms a complex of covalent character with 5S DNA.

Abstract The 5S gene-specific transcription factor TFIIIA forms an exceptionally stable complex with the internal promoter of the 5S RNA gene. Approximately 1 to 5% of TFIIIA-DNA or deoxyoligonucleotide complexes are stable to harsh denaturation conditions and can be resolved by electrophoresis in the presence of SDS. These complexes are resistant to acidic conditions (0.1 N HCl, 55 degrees C, 2h) suggesting that the interaction may be through a covalent bond. Complex formation does not result in DNA strand scission and studies of the chemical sensitivity of the complex suggest that the TFIIIA-DNA linkage may be through a phosphoramidate bond. Covalent complexes are formed with both the noncoding (RNA-like) and coding strands of the internal control region. The predominant sites of TFIIIA-DNA adducts have been mapped to the 3' end of the 5S gene internal control region, the region previously shown to exhibit essential guanine and phosphate contacts with TFIIIA.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER LIVING

Abstract Physical infrastructure — pipelines, roads, treatment plants, and a variety of other facilities — provides services essential to virtually all economic and social activity. The facilities of infrastructure are long lived, and evolving technologies offer enhanced performance for aging systems. At the same time, new discoveries in electronics, biotechnology, materials sciences, and other fields offer radically different and potentially valuable ways of providing infrastructure services. Substantial opportunities exist for improving the various functional modes of infrastructure. Also, common problems and opportunities among these modes make infrastructure, taken as a whole, a meaningful target for research and development of new technologies. However, substantial institutional and economic barriers to infrastructure innovation must be lowered if the potentials of newer technologies are to be realized. International cooperation is a means to lowering these barriers. As an initial step toward broad international cooperation, Japan and the United States could undertake a program of joint research and demonstration of technologies to serve domestic and international markets. Working together, these two leading industrial nations can achieve more than they can separately, for themselves and for all the world's people.
Mechanical circulatory assist techniques in the treatment of cardiogenic shock

Abstract Five techniques of mechanical cardiovascular assistance have been evaluated as therapeutic adjuncts in the treatment of cardiogenic shock. Cardiac support by mechanical direct ventricular assistance may be useful when defibrillation in open-chest resuscitation cannot be accomplished in order that defibrillation be later attempted under more corrected conditions. This technique has the advantage of exposing blood only to natural endothelium but has the disadvantage of requiring thoracotomy. Complete diversion of the cardiac output from the left ventricle by left ventricular bypass should be beneficial in the treatment of left ventricular failure. However, any degree of partial left ventricular bypass is probably detrimental. Venoarterial bypass is best applied in the treatment of acute right heart failure in the presence of a normal left ventricle. Its use in right heart failure after acute pulmonary embolism is strongly recommended. Synchronous arterioarterial pumping should be beneficial in the treatment of cardiogenic shock secondary to left ventricular failure in the absence of aortic insufficiency. The intraaortic balloon and extramural pressure techniques hold promise as simple and reliable methods. Venoarterial phased pulsatile partial bypass seems indicated for catastrophic conditions when total circulatory collapse is unresponsive to resuscitative measures.
Sympathoinhibitory responses to 2-methylserotonin during changes in sodium intake.

The vagal-mediated reflex responses elicited by the selective serotonin type 3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-serotonin were examined by administration (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 micrograms/kg i.v.) of 2-methylserotonin to sinoaortic-denervated rats with either intact or sectioned vagi. To study the influence of dietary sodium intake on 2-methylserotonin-induced vagal reflex responses, we performed experiments in rats fed either a high or low sodium diet. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly higher in animals on high than low salt diet. However, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were similar in high and low salt groups. In rats with intact vagi, 2-methylserotonin produced a dose-dependent increase in afferent vagal nerve activity and a dose-dependent decrease in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. The sympathoinhibitory responses of decreased efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were abolished by vagotomy and were not affected by changes in dietary sodium intake. We conclude that the sympathoinhibitory effect of 2-methylserotonin is due to stimulation of vagal afferents with inhibitory action on peripheral sympathetic nerve activity and that the sympathoinhibitory responses are unaffected by changes in dietary sodium intake.
Validation of a Discrete Vortex Method for Low Reynolds Number Unsteady Flows

An in-house discrete vortex method code based on steady and unsteady thin airfoil theory is used to rapidly resolve the flowfield and force coefficients for low Reynolds number unsteady aerodynamic applications. The Uhlman method is incorporated due to its ability to incorporate vortex motion, and surface effects in the volume and surface integrals make it ideal to calculate the pressure and the associated forces on the airfoil surface. The code is then used to study both low and high angle of attack impulsive motions, the AIAA Fluid Dynamics Technical Committee Low Reynolds Number Working Group 0–45 deg Pitch–Ramp–Hold Canonical cases, a similar 0–85 deg Pitch–Ramp–Hold to closer simulate perching, a 0–40–0 deg Pitch–Ramp–Hold–Return, and high reduced frequency pure plunge. In all cases, the flowfield and accompanying lift-and-drag results compared well with experimental and computational fluid dymanics results given the extent of the assumptions underlying the discrete vortex method.
A Study of the Impact of Influenza on the Functional Status of Frail Older People

Background Excess hospitalization and death are well-known impacts of influenza on older people; however, little is known regarding the impact of influenza on functional status. We hypothesized that frail older people are at risk of functional decline as an outcome of influenza. Objective To measure the effect of acute influenza on the physical and mental status of older patients residing in nursing homes. Methods Our study was conducted in 6 nursing homes that participated in the Medicare Influenza Vaccine Demonstration and experienced laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of influenza in 1991 and 1992. A case-comparison design was used. One hundred sixteen of 131 residents who developed influenza-like illness and survived at least 4 months served as the case subjects; 127 of 132 residents without influenza-like illness who survived served as the comparison subjects. Measures of functional status 1 to 2 months before outbreak and 1 to 2 months and 3 to 4 months after outbreak were collected from medical records. Matched pairs analyses were conducted to ascertain changes in selected measures of functional status within each of the study groups. Wilcoxon signed rank tests for statistical significance were used. Results Among surviving case subjects and comparison subjects, 25% and 15.7%, respectively, experienced decline in at least 1 major function ( P =.04). Case subjects experienced significant decline in independence in bathing, dressing, and mobility while comparison subjects experienced decline in mental status. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, influenza is observed to cause decline in major physical functions in more than 9% of survivors. Such disabling outcomes constitute an important new measure of impact of influenza on the frail elderly.
Correlations between biodynamic characteristics of human hand–arm system and the isolation effectiveness of anti-vibration gloves

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify major individual factors that are directly associated with the effectiveness of anti-vibration gloves. Two series of experiments were performed. The first experiment measured the apparent mass of hand–arm system. The second one measured the transmissibility of a typical anti-vibration glove using a palm adapter method recommended in ISO 10819 (International Organisation for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland, 1996). Six volunteers participated in the experiments. Nine test combinations consisting of three hand–tool coupling actions (grip-only, push-only, and combined grip and push) and three coupling forces (50, 75, and 100 N) were used. This study found that the vibration transmissibility of the glove was reliably correlated with the apparent mass in the frequency range of 40–200 Hz; and that the glove became more effective when the apparent mass was increased. This study further identified the effective stiffness of the hand–arm system at frequencies from 63 to 100 Hz as the key factor that influenced the biodynamic response and the glove transmissibility measured at the palm of the hand. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend that the anti-vibration glove was less effective in the middle frequency range (50–100 Hz) for people with larger hand sizes. Relevance to industry Correlations between glove transmissibility and the biodynamic response of hand–arm system provide a theoretical basis for understanding the effects of various factors that may influence the effectiveness of anti-vibration gloves. This information can also be used to help resolve practical problems with current glove testing standards and to aid in the design, appropriate selection, and effective use of anti-vibration gloves and devices.
Submacroscopically stable equilibria of elastic bodies undergoing disarrangements and dissipation

Elasticity is viewed here as a starting point in the description of inelastic behavior. Structured defor- mations and af ield theory of elasticbodies undergoing disarrangements (non-smooth geometrical changes) and dissipation are used to formulate and illustrate a concept of "submacroscopically stable equilibrium configuration". A body in a submacroscopically stable equilibrium configuration resists additional sub- macroscopic geometrical changes such as the occurrence of microslips, the formation of microvoids, and the appearance of localized distortions that, together, leave the macroscopic configuration of the body un- changed. Submacroscopically stable configurations represent energetically preferred phases for bodies in equilibrium, and a procedure is described here for determining the submacroscopically stable equilibria of a body. The procedure is carried out in detail here for two classes of bodies that may undergo disarrangements and experience internal dissipation. One class is characterized by its bi-quadratic free energy response func- tion, and the requirement of submacroscopic stability reduces from five to one the number of phases available to a body that is in equilibrium under mixed boundary conditions. Boundary-value problems for the macro- scopic deformation corresponding to a submacroscopically stable equilibrium configuration in a body of this class are formulated. A second class of bodies, the "near-sighted fluids", has both a prolate and a spherical phase that may occur in equilibrium the submacroscopically stable equilibria of a near-sighted fluid must be stress-free, without regard to the particular phase that appears. In all considerations in this article, the term "equilibrium" is synonymous with satisfaction of balance of forces and moments in a given environment.
Application of ceramic thermal spray coatings for molten metal handling tools and moulds

This paper discusses the application of ceramic thermal spray coatings on tools such as cast iron ladles, heat element protectors, and steel moulds to replace pure ceramic and ceramic slurry coated tools for extended life and lower light metal casting operation cost. Numerous ceramic coating materials were tested based on thermodynamic and mechanical properties, as well as commercial availability and cost. The work involved thermodynamic modelling, coating microstructure optimisation of ceramic/metallic and bond layers on different substrates, as well as the thermal spray processes. Two coating materials offered much better corrosion resistance to molten aluminium than the rest. The optimised coating microstructures showed much better thermal shock resistance. The ceramic thermal spray coated tools had much longer life than ceramic slurry coated tools. Issues associated with the application of ceramic thermal spray coatings were also addressed.
THREE NEW CHLOROPHYCEAN ALGA

DURING the past six years the writer has collected, isolated into culture and studied three chlorophycean algae which have not been described previously, namely, Neochloris alveolaris sp. nov., Ulothrix firmbriata sp. nov. and Hazenia minrabilis gen. et sp. nov. Cultures of these organisms have been deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae, Department of Botany, Indiana University, and herbarium specimens have been placed in the Chicago Natural History Museum. A brief summary of their morphology is presented herewith. NEOCHLORIS alveolaris sp. nov.,2 illustrated in fig. 1-16 and 31-38, a member of the family Chlorococcaceae, order Chlorococcales (Smith, 1950; Herndon, 1958a, b), was isolated from a spring-fed calcareous pool in the city of Nashville, Tennesse, in 1952. It has been maintained in culture continuously since. The organisms grow luxuriantly on inorganic salt agar (Bold, 1949). Mature cells of N. alveolaris attain diameters of 25 t but, as is characteristic of chlorococcacean algae, cell size is variable up to this maximum in any population because of differences in the age of the component cells. The chromatophore or chloroplast is clearly parietal and bowl-like (fig. 1, 11) and often is lobed (fig. 2). It is thickest in that region where the pyrenoid is embedded, this at a point usually opposite the opening of the chromatophore. The pyrenoid typically is covered with a mass of spindleshaped starch grains (fig. 2, 4). In addition to the chromatophore, the cell lumen contains hyaline, often frothy and alveolar cytoplasm in which a single prominent nucleus is suspended (fig. 2, 3, 5,
On the optimal environmental liability limit for marine oil transport

Recent changes in the US liability regime for oil pollution damage have intensified a policy debate about environmental liability limits. Economic theory suggests that some type of limit may be needed under certain conditions, and that such a limit should be set so that the marginal social benefit and cost are equal. However, it is unclear how a liability limit may be determined specifically for tanker shipping in US waters. We first examine conditions under which corner solutions (no liability or unlimited liability) are desirable. We then formulate a model to determine a socially optimal liability limit for oil pollution damage in US waters when a non-zero, finite liability limit is desirable. The model captures the tradeoA between less expensive energy supply and more stringent protection of the marine environment. Numerical simulations illustrate the properties of the model and major factors aAecting the public policy decision regarding a liability limit. ” 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Prominent Thermally Stimulated Current Trap in Low-Temperature-Grown Molecular-Beam Epitaxial GaAs

By far, the largest thermally stimulated current trap in molecular beam epitaxial GaAs grown at 200–250 °C is T5, with an activation energy of 0.27 eV and most likely related to VGa. After an anneal at 300–350 °C, another trap T6■ appears, with an activation energy of 0.14 eV and closely identified with VAs or the complex, VAs‐AsGa. Proposed defect reactions in this As‐rich material include VGa+AsAs→VAs‐AsGa, and VGa+AsGa→VGa‐AsGa.
Trajectories of Substance Use Among Young American Indian Adolescents: Patterns and Predictors

Substance use often begins earlier among American Indians compared to the rest of the United States, a troubling reality that puts Native youth at risk for escalating and problematic use. We need to understand more fully patterns of emergent substance use among young American Indian adolescents, risk factors associated with escalating use trajectories, and protective factors that can be parlayed into robust prevention strategies. We used growth mixture modeling with longitudinal data from middle-school students on a Northern Plains reservation (Wave 1 N = 381, M age at baseline = 12.77, 45.6 % female) to identify subgroups exhibiting different trajectories of cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use. We explored how both risk (e.g., exposure to stressful events, deviant peers) and protective (e.g., positive parent–child relationships, cultural identity) factors were related to these trajectories. For all substances, most youth showed trajectories characterized by low rates of substance use (nonuser classes), but many also showed patterns characterized by high and/or escalating use. Across substances, exposure to stress, early puberty, and deviant peer relationships were associated with the more problematic patterns, while strong relationships with parents and prosocial peers were associated with nonuser classes. Our measures of emergent cultural identity were generally unrelated to substance use trajectory classes among these young adolescents. The findings point to the importance of early substance use prevention programs for American Indian youth that attenuate the impact of exposure to stressful events, redirect peer relationships, and foster positive parent influences. They also point to the need to explore more fully how cultural influences can be captured.
Functionally Graded Cathodes for Honeycomb Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Functionally graded cathodes were fabricated by slurry coating process for honeycomb solid oxide fuel cells with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes. The cathodes are composed of strontium-doped lanthanum manganate (LSM), gadolinia-doped ceria, and La 0 . 6 Sr 0 . 4 Co 0 . 2 Fe 0 . 8 O 3 (LSCF). The LSM content was gradually decreased, while the LSCF content was gradually increased with the increasing distance away from the electolyte-electrode interface. Scanning electron microscopy investigation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed that the electrochemical performance of the graded cathodes depends sensitively on the microstructures that were primarily determined by firing temperatures. The cathodes graded in composition show interfacial resistances about 10 times lower than traditional LSM-YSZ cathodes that have similar microstructures and thickness. The graded cathode fired at low temperature has an interfacial resistance as low as 0.47 Ω cm 2 at 750°C, which is very encouraging for developing honeycomb fuel cells operated below 800°C.
Antenatal Steroid Treatment Differentially Affects Cerebral and Renal Cortical Na + -K + -ATPase Activity in Ovine Fetuses ♦ 347

Antenatal Steroid Treatment Differentially Affects Cerebral and Renal Cortical Na + -K + -ATPase Activity in Ovine Fetuses ♦ 347
Investigating English reading comprehension growth in adolescent language minority learners: some insights from the simple view

The development of reading skills in language minority (LM) learners, particularly during the middle school years, remains unclear despite the increasing need for educators to serve this rapidly growing population. In this study, the English reading comprehension growth of middle school LM learners was investigated using a longitudinal design and the simple view of reading as a theoretical framework. Students were assessed at four time points between fifth and seventh grades on standardized measures of listening comprehension, word reading, and reading comprehension. Individual growth modeling revealed that both listening comprehension and word reading assessed in fifth grade predicted the elevation of students’ developmental trajectories in reading comprehension. However, neither skill predicted students’ growth in reading comprehension, and there was no significant variation across children in growth rates, indicating that students in seventh grade remained on a trajectory established in fifth grade. The implications of the slowing rate of reading comprehension development during the middle school years are discussed.
Calibration of diode laser spectra using a confocal etalon

The dual-beam diode laser spectrometer described by Jennings (1980) is adapted to use a 50-cm confocal etalon for frequency calibration. The collimated radiation from the laser is split at a wedged ZnSe window, and the reference beam is then focused at the midpoint of the etalon length. After the etalon, the reference beam is recollimated and continues its regular path to the monochromator and detectors. An aperture is placed before the etalon in order to limit the entrance beam diameter to approximately 5 mm. Both ends of the etalon are furnished with two-axis adjustments. Initial alignment is achieved using an He-Ne laser, and final optimization involves adjustment of the cavity length as well as the etalon pitch and yaw. The 50-cm confocal etalon produces fringes separated by 150 MHz (0.005/cm). With the aid of a CO2 laser, it is found to have fringe widths (FWHM) of 2 MHz. The confocal etalon makes it possible to improve the accuracy of relative frequency measurements in diode laser spectra and to check the spectral purity and stability of the laser during the recording of spectra.
The Agrobacterium DNA Transfer Complex

Abstract Agrobacterium tumefaciens elicits tumorous growths on plants by transforming plant cells with a segment of its own DNA. This trait led to development of Agrobacterium as a vector for genetic transformation of flowering plants. The transformation process is a unique mixture of several distinct steps, some of which are evolutionarily and functionally related to bacterial conjugation, and some of which converge with eukaryotic cellular processes. Recent work has advanced our understanding of each of these steps. The early reactions in the production of an ssDNA transfer intermediate (T-strand), mediated by the VirD1/D2 proteins, are chemically similar to formation of a relaxosome in bacterial conjugation. The T-strand is coated by the ssDNA binding protein VirE2; however, whether this binding occurs in the bacterium or in planta is disputed. VirB proteins, related to proteins for the conjugal transfer of DNA between bacteria, most likely form the transfer apparatus. VirD2, which remains covalently b...
E2F1 Regulates the Base Excision Repair Gene XRCC1 and Promotes DNA Repair

The E2F1 transcription factor activates S-phase-promoting genes, mediates apoptosis, and stimulates DNA repair through incompletely understood mechanisms. XRCC1 (x-ray repair cross-complementing group 1) protein is important for efficient single strand break/base excision repair. Although both damage and proliferative signals increase XRCC1 levels, the mechanisms regulating XRCC1 transcription remain unclear. To study these upstream mechanisms, the XRCC1 promoter was cloned into a luciferase reporter. Ectopic expression of wild-type E2F1, but not an inactive mutant E2F1(132E), activated the XRCC1 promoter-luciferase reporter, and deletion of predicted E2F1 binding sites in the promoter attenuated E2F1-induced activation. Endogenous XRCC1 expression increased in cells conditionally expressing wild-type, but not mutant E2F1, and methyl methanesulfonate-induced DNA damage stimulated XRCC1 expression in E2F1+/+ but not E2F1-/- mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). Additionally, E2F1-/- MEFs displayed attenuated DNA repair after methyl methanesulfonate-induced damage compared with E2F1+/+ MEFs. Moreover, Chinese hamster ovary cells with mutant XRCC1 (EM9) were more sensitive to E2F1-induced apoptosis compared with Chinese hamster ovary cells with wild-type XRCC1 (AA8). These results provide new mechanistic insight into the role of the E2F pathway in maintaining genomic stability.
Allocation of multiple wireless access points in mobile networks

A methodology for the optimal allocation of wireless access points (WAPs) in mobile networks is presented. The proposed procedure clusters wireless nodes based on a network-specific measure of "connectivity" and then optimally determines the location of the WAP that is to serve each cluster.
Using Learner-centered Education to Improve Fruit and Vegetable Intake in California WIC Participants

Abstract Objective To examine the effectiveness of learner-centered education in conveying the message to change participants' fruit and vegetable consumption. Design Focus groups were conducted with sites participating in the Finding the Teacher Within (FTW) program and comparison sites 4-6 months after participants attended the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) fruit and vegetable class. Setting Six California WIC agencies. Participants Sixty predominantly Latina mothers with young children, 30 from 3 participating intervention agencies and 30 from 3 comparison agencies, participated in focus groups. Each agency independently recruited mothers for participation. Apart from selecting only mothers, no other exclusion criteria were applied. Intervention An FTW learner-centered fruit and vegetable class. Analysis An analytic team independently reviewed transcripts and coded themes. The long-table analytic approach was used to categorize results. Results from intervention and comparison groups were compared and ranked to create a textual summary. Results The most significant difference between the intervention and comparison groups' reports was that intervention participants identified more value, importance, and relevance of the fruit and vegetable information and adopting new fruit and vegetable practices after attending the class. Conclusions and Implications California WIC demonstrated that messages delivered through this process can be retained and integrated into family life practices.
Novel Anionic Photoacid Generators (PAGs) and Corresponding PAG Bound Polymers

Summary: A new series of functionalized anionic photoacid generators (PAGs), and corresponding polymers were prepared in moderate to good yield and characterized. The thermostability of PAG bound polymers was superior to PAG blend polymers. The fluorine-free PAG bound or blend polymers exhibited higher stability than fluorine-substituted PAG bound or blend polymers. Although the acid generating efficiency of PAG blend polymers was higher than that of PAG bound polymers, yet it is anticipated that PAG incorporated into the polymer main chain may improve acid diffusion compared with the PAG blend polymers. This was demonstrated by preliminary electron beam lithography (EBL) results: the fluorine PAG bound polymer resist HE-F4-MBS-TPS gave 35 nm 1:1 L/S and showed better resolution than the blend sample HE Blend F4-IBBS-TPS. The PAG bound resist showed the capability for higher resolution, since 30 nm 2:1 L/S patterned. Based on these preliminary EBL results, the PAG bound polymer samples are anticipated to have a resolution capability for the 32 nm node for EUVL. Design of microstructures for EUV lithography.
Automatic endpoint detection to support the systematic review process

Display Omitted Manual processes used in systematic reviews and comparative effectiveness studies are slow.We built a system to extract 3 facets (agent, object and endpoints) from comparative sentences.The system achieved 73%, 93%, and 73% accuracy for agents, objects, and endpoints respectively.The situated case-study of Metformin shows how the system results can inform a systematic review.The gaps shown in the tabular summary can help to focus where future work should be directed. Preparing a systematic review can take hundreds of hours to complete, but the process of reconciling different results from multiple studies is the bedrock of evidence-based medicine. We introduce a two-step approach to automatically extract three facets - two entities (the agent and object) and the way in which the entities are compared (the endpoint) - from direct comparative sentences in full-text articles. The system does not require a user to predefine entities in advance and thus can be used in domains where entity recognition is difficult or unavailable. As with a systematic review, the tabular summary produced using the automatically extracted facets shows how experimental results differ between studies. Experiments were conducted using a collection of more than 2million sentences from three journals Diabetes, Carcinogenesis and Endocrinology and two machine learning algorithms, support vector machines (SVM) and a general linear model (GLM). F1 and accuracy measures for the SVM and GLM differed by only 0.01 across all three comparison facets in a randomly selected set of test sentences. The system achieved the best performance of 92% for objects, whereas the accuracy for both agent and endpoints was 73%. F1 scores were higher for objects (0.77) than for endpoints (0.51) or agents (0.47). A situated evaluation of Metformin, a drug to treat diabetes, showed system accuracy of 95%, 83% and 79% for the object, endpoint and agent respectively. The situated evaluation had higher F1 scores of 0.88, 0.64 and 0.62 for object, endpoint, and agent respectively. On average, only 5.31% of the sentences in a full-text article are direct comparisons, but the tabular summaries suggest that these sentences provide a rich source of currently underutilized information that can be used to accelerate the systematic review process and identify gaps where future research should be focused.
Parental attitudes about teenage pregnancy: impact on sexual risk behaviour of African-American youth

African-American youth suffer disproportionately from sexual risk consequences including unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Parents educating young people about sex may be one approach to reduce sexual risk behaviour among this population. The purpose of this study was to determine young people's perceptions of parents' attitudes about sex and assess whether these perceptions affect sexual risk. Data were collected from 560 African-Americans, aged 9–19 years. Most (73.4%) thought their parents would be unhappy if they got someone pregnant/got pregnant, with more girls feeling this way than boys (p = 0.013). Sexually active boys who thought their parents would be unhappy if they got someone pregnant reported fewer sexual partners within the past year (p < 0.01) and fewer sexual encounters in the past 3 months (p = 0.01) compared to those whose parents would think otherwise. Our research illustrates that parents' explicit and unstated attitudes are apparent to their offspring, and you...
The Influence of Traveltime Operators On Spatial Resolution In Migrated Images

The spatial resolution of a seismic image depends on a number of different factors, such as signal-to-noise ratio and the accuracy of the velocity model. For the purposes of survey design, however, the most important issue is the influence of the acquisition geometry on image resolution. Given a hypothetical earth model and a proposed source/receiver distribution, the spatial resolution can be calculated from the geometry of the rays propagating from source and receiver to an image point in the subsurface (Beylkin et al., 1985). The best resolution will be obtained with the largest possible range of incidence angles of rays arriving at the image point.
Cone Deformation Study of a Portion of the System SrO–Al2O3–SiO2

The results of a study of deformation temperatures and rates within the composition area 25 to 45% SrO, 5 to 25% Al2O3, 50 to 70% SiO2 are presented. A eutectic of the composition 30% SrO, 10% Al2O3, 60% SiO2 is indicated with “1 o'clock” deformation at 1155°C. and “6 o'clock” deformation at 1165°C. A low-temperature area surrounding this eutectic includes 27.5 to 32.5% SrO, 10 to 12.5% Al2O3, 57.5 to 62.5% SiO2. Compositions within this range reach “6 o'clock” deformation at approximately 1180°C.
Reagan's Ambiguous Economic Legacy

The introductory piece attempts to set forth as objectively as possible the economic legacy of the Reagan Administration, with emphasis on its international aspects, and thereby to provide the background for the other articles. Gilpin charts the shift in the 1980s from a supply-side, laissez-faire style policy to one that acknowledges a need for cooperation between the United States and its economic partners. While this has been a responsible and productive change, it has also generated ambiguity as to what the U.S. stance on economic international activity should be.
Antithrombin levels are unaffected by warfarin use.

Context.—The results of studies among patients with antithrombin deficiency have suggested that the use of warfarin will increase the level of antithrombin. Objective.—To reevaluate the effect of warfarin on antithrombin levels using an automated amidolytic method in current use. Design.—Antithrombin levels were measured in patients who were receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation and were compared with antithrombin levels in preoperative patients who had not received warfarin. Results.—Patients receiving warfarin had a mean antithrombin level of 100.40% (range, 81%–153%). Patients not receiving warfarin had a mean antithrombin level of 99.97% (range, 79%–120%). The Student t test was not significant for a difference between the mean antithrombin levels of the 2 populations. Conclusions.—The use of warfarin does not increase the level of antithrombin in patients receiving the drug.
Pulse broadening and shaping by parametric amplification of short laser pulses in transverse-pumping geometry

We have made a feasibility study on how to use transversely pumped counterpropagating optical parametric amplification to amplify short laser pulses. To achieve a large amplification factor, one should use long laser pulses for pumping. Because of its counterpropagating nature, our geometry can lead to much larger broadening for the parametric pulses. We have studied the temporal behaviors of amplified pulses and output pulses at difference frequency as a function of the pump power and the pulse width of the input beam. One can see that the temporal behaviors are quite sensitive to the pump power close to the threshold for cw parametric oscillation.
Competency Management for Group Formation on the AulaNet Learning Environment

The IMS Project uses the notion of competency to model educational objectives. In the AulaNet learning environment competency management is used to form subgroups that, in the case of this article, are assigned to generate new educational content for the Information Technologies Applied to Education course. The purpose of this course is to get learners to learn to work with information technology as a group, turning them into Web-based educators.
THE ROLE OF TESTICULAR BIOPSY IN THE MODERN MANAGEMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY

Purpose: We evaluate the traditional role of isolated testicular biopsy as a diagnostic tool, as opposed to the value as a therapeutic procedure for azoospermic men.Materials and Methods: The medical records of azoospermic patients who were evaluated, and treated between 1995 and 2000 were retrospectively analyzed for history, physical examination findings, endocrine profiles, testicular histology and sperm retrieval rates. Based on these parameters, cases were placed into diagnostic categories that included obstructive or nonobstructive azoospermia. Diagnostic parameters used to distinguish obstructive from nonobstructive azoospermia were subjected to statistical analysis with the t-test, analysis of variance and receiver operating characteristics curve.Results: A total of 153 azoospermic men were included in our analysis. Of men with obstructive azoospermia 96% had follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) 7.6 mIU/ml. or less, or testicular long axis greater than 4.6 cm. Conversely, 89% of men with nonobstruct...
Uniform Shear Buildings under the Effect of Gravity Loads

Gravity loads play an important role in the linear and nonlinear behavior of buildings during earthquakes. They can also be the cause of ultimate collapse of the structures. In this study, the governing equation of continuous uniform shear buildings under the effects gravity loads is derived and eigenfrequencies, displacement, and drift mode shapes are obtained by eigenanalysis. It is shown that how the geometric properties of the structure affect the fundamental oscillation period and response of the building. Inclusion of the effects of the gravity loads makes the solution of the governing differential equation dependent on the Bessel functions of the first and second kind. The modal load and mass equations are solved using the orthogonality relations of Bessel functions. Effects of gravity on displacement and drift behavior of shear buildings on soft soils and rock subjected to limited near-fault earthquake excitations are shown.
Examination of the Impact of Airbags on Renal Injury Using a National Database

Background Little is known about preventative measures to lessen solid organ injury in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). To evaluate the efficacy of airbags in reducing renal injuries in MVC, we analyzed renal injury rates in vehicles with and without airbags using the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) database. Study Design The CIREN database was queried for MVC and renal injury from 1996 to September 2008. CIREN is weighted toward late model vehicles and selects more severely injured patients. Search fields were primary direction of force (PDOF), presence of airbags, and location of airbags (steering wheel, instrument panel, seat back, door panel, and roof-side curtain). Abdominal Abbreviated Injury Score was converted to AAST renal injury grade. Renal injury rates were compared between vehicles with and without frontal and side airbags. Results We reviewed 2,864 records and identified 139 renal injuries (28.9% AAST grade III to V). In MVCs with renal injuries, frontal impact was 54.7% of total (n = 76) and side impact was 45.3% of total (n = 63). Most occupants in frontal impact MVCs had exposure to a steering wheel airbag (74.9%); 16.6% had an instrument panel (passenger) airbags. In side impact MVCs, 32.2% of occupants had a side airbag. Compared with the non-airbags cohort, frontal airbags and side airbags were associated with a 45.3% and 52.8% reduction in renal injury, respectively. Conclusions Passengers in automobiles with frontal and side airbags have a reduced rate of renal injury compared with those without airbags. Our data support further study of the role of airbags in reducing renal injury after MVC.