Showing papers by "University of Illinois at Chicago published in 1981"

Preliminary criteria for clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract: A study was conducted to develop criteria for clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data were provided by 35 rheumatologists on 175 RA patients considered to be in complete remission (with or without antirheumatic therapy) and 169 RA patients in partial remission or with active disease. Six criteria yielded optimal discrimination: morning stiffness absent or not exceeding 15 minutes, no fatigue, no joint pain by history, no joint tenderness, no joint or tendon sheath swelling, and no elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In this study sample, the presence of five or more of these criteria in an individual patient yielded 72% sensitivity for clinical remission and 100% specificity in discriminating RA patients with active disease. In a population sample, it is estimated that the overall accuracy of these criteria would be more than 90% in RA patients.

Socio-psychological Environments and Learning: a quantitative synthesis

Abstract: To estimate the sign and size of correlations between student perceptions of social‐psychological environments of their classes and learning outcomes, 734 correlations from 12 studies on 823 classes in eight subject areas were analyzed. These represented a total of 17,805 students in four nations. A total of 31 of 36 hypotheses, theoretically‐derived in 1969 were supported. Learning outcomes and gains are positively associated with Cohesiveness, Satisfaction, Task Difficulty, Formality, Goal Direction, Democracy, and the Material Environment and negatively associated with Friction, Cliqueness, Apathy, and Disorganization. Jack‐knifed regression equations show that the magnitudes of the correlations depend on specific scales, level of aggregation, and nation but not on sample size, subject matter, domain of learning outcome (cognitive, affective, or behavioral), or statistical adjustments for ability and pretests.

Lysosomal glycogen storage disease with normal acid maltase.

Abstract: Two unrelated 16-year-old boys had mental retardation, cardiomegaly, and proximal myopathy. One also had hepatomegaly. Histochemistry and electronmicroscopy of muscle biopsies showed lysosomal glycogen storage resembling acid maltase deficiency. Biochemical studies of skeletal muscle showed increased content of glycogen of normal structure; acid a-glucosidase activity in both urine and muscle was normal. Other enzymes of glycogen metabolism were also normal. The cause of this apparently generalized glycogenosis with no demonstrable enzyme defect is unknown.

Efforts to explain spontaneous regression of cancer

Abstract: After a study of the 176 cases (Everson and Cole) of spontaneous regression of cancer and recent progress in immunology, the author is convinced stimulation of the immune process is the most important factor in S.R. of cancer. Stimulating factors are numerous including bacterial products, enzymes, infections, hormones, trauma, etc. Of the 176 cases reported by Everson and Cole, 71 (40%) were associated with some type of operative trauma. Since the effective anticancer agent interferon is an important protective agent (especially antiviral) in the human body, this product could readily play an important role. Immunoglobulins appear to be possible factors. The blocking and unblocking agents of the Hellstroms and associates support this supposition. Elimination of carcinogens appears important, considering the remarkable disappearance of cancer of the bladder in 12 of 13 patients having diversion of the urine from the bladder to the colon by transplantation of the ureters from the bladder to the colon. Innumerable antigens unknown to us at the present time could act as stimulants to our immune system, and thus cause regression of cancer. Hormonal factors must obviously be considered, but the author is doubtful that they exert an important role.

An elementary proof of the strong law of large numbers

Abstract: In the following note we present a proof for the strong law of large numbers which is not only elementary, in the sense that it does not use Kolmogorov's inequality, but it is also more applicable because we only require the random variables to be pairwise independent. An extension to separable Banach space-valuedr-dimensional arrays of random vectors is also discussed. For the weak law of large numbers concerning pairwise independent random variables, which follows from our result, see Theorem 5.2.2 in Chung [1].

Dangerous Places: Crime and Residential Environment

Abstract: This research investigates how the characteristics of residential areas in the city affect where crimes occur. Using data for city blocks in Cleveland and San Diego, the analysis tests three major hypotheses relating crime to (1) household composition, (2) features of the residential environment, and (3) the interaction of the social composition and the features of the residential environment. The results support the major hypotheses and show that a substantial portion of the variance in crime depends on the opportunities provided by the social and physical differentiation of the city.

Microwear polishes on early stone tools from Koobi Fora, Kenya

Abstract: The functions of the stone artefacts made and used by early hominids has been a matter for speculation. However, recent experimental work has demonstrated that microscopically distinct wear-polishes form on tools of cryptocrystalline silica when used on different materials, and that these microwear polishes survive on ancient implements1–3. We have now examined 54 artefacts from five early Pleistocene archaeological sites, dated to 1.5 Myr ago, in the Koobi Fora region of Kenya for microwear polishes and other traces of use. Wear traces were found on nine artefacts, variously resembling traces induced experimentally by cutting soft animal tissue and soft plant material and by scraping and sawing wood. These results greatly extend the time range for which microwear polish analysis is applicable and increase the evidence of early hominid adaptation.

Serotonin Uptake in Blood Platelets of Psychiatric Patients

Abstract: • Platelet serotonin (5-HT) uptake was determined in 72 newly admitted, unmedicated psychiatric patients. Decreased maximum velocity (V max ) of 5-HT uptake was present in unipolar and bipolar depressed patients as well as schizoaffective depressed patients. The apparent Michaelis constant (k m ) of 5-HT uptake was normal in these groups, as was V max and K m in manicdepressive and chronic schizophrenic patients. Treatment of depressed patients with notriptyline hydrochloride or imipramine hydrochloride increased K m significantly. There was a trend for the increase in K m in the nortriptyline-treated patients to correlate with clinical improvement. Decreased 5-HT uptake in platelets provides additional evidence for the role of 5-HT in the pathophysiologic process of some forms of depression.

An empirical quantile function for linear models with iid errors

Abstract: The regression quantile statistics of Koenker and Bassett (1978) are employed to construct an estimate of the error quantile function in linear models with iid errors. Some finite sample properties and the asymptotic behavior of the proposed estimator are derived. Comparisons with procedures based on residuals are made. The stackloss data of Brownlee (1965) is reanalyzed to illustrate the technique

Hyperkalemic Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis Associated with Obstructive Uropathy

Abstract: We studied renal function in 13 patients with obstructive uropathy and hyperkalemic metabolic acidosis to characterize the pathogenesis of this disorder. Base-line fractional potassium excretion was lower in all patients than in controls with similar glomerular filtration rates. Acetazolamide was given to 11 patients but failed to increase fractional potassium excretion to normal. In five patients, impaired potassium excretion was associated with decreased ammonium excretion, a urinary pH below 5.5 (5.18 +/- 0.07, mean +/- S.E.M.), and aldosterone deficiency. In the remaining eight patients, the urinary pH did not fall below 5.5 (6.4 +/- 0.2) with acidosis, and we failed to lower the urinary pH and increase fractional potassium excretion to normal by administering a mineralocorticoid and sodium sulfate. A syndrome of hyperkalemic distal renal tubular acidosis may occur in patients with obstructive uropathy. In some patients, this syndrome results from a defect in hydrogen and potassium secretion in the distal nephron rather than from aldosterone deficiency. Obstructive uropathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of hyperkalemic acidosis and renal insufficiency.

Genetic mapping of chromosomal determinants for the production of the exopolysaccharide alginate in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis isolate.

Abstract: Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain FRD, a sputum isolate from a cystic fibrosis patient, was used to develop a genetic system. The mucoid appearance is due to the biosynthesis of the exopolysaccharide alginate and is a potential virulence factor of the organism. The sex factor plasmid FP2 was used for uninterrupted genetic exchange to investigate the nature of spontaneous mutations which produce frequent alginate-negative (Alg-) derivatives. Crosses between Alg+ donors and Alg- recipients demonstrated linkage between alginate genes and chromosomal markers. Crosses between an Alg- donor and Alg- recipients produced Alg+ recombinants at frequencies that varied, depending on the recipient strains used. This indicated that more than one genetic locus was associated with spontaneous mutation leading to loss of the mucoid character. Three classes of Alg- mutants were identified. Genetic exchange experiments showed that the loci of the alginate (alg) mutations of the three mutant classes are in the same region of the chromosome. The sex factor plasmid R68.45 was used for nonpolarized chromosome transfer and demonstrated close linkage between chromosomal markers (his-1, met-1) and alg markers. This was consistent with the data obtained in FP2-mediated crosses. Thus, the evidence obtained indicated that the alg genes which undergo frequent mutation are chromosomal, that several loci are involved, and that these alg loci are apparently clustered on the chromosome.

PREDICTING FRESHMAN PERSISTENCE AND VOLUNTARY DROPOUT DECISIONS" A Replication

Abstract: This paper describes the results of a replication of a study testing the predictive validity of a 34-item instrument designed to assess the fundamental constructs of Tinto's model of college student attrition. A design, variables, and analytical procedures virtually identical to those of the original study (done at a large independent university) were used, and this research was conducted at a large public university. The five-factor structure, found in the original study to underlie the 34 items, was replicated almost exactly. As in the earlier work, the Institutional and Goal Commitment Scale was a significant predictor of attendance behavior even after controlling for a variety of students' precollege characteristics. Potential institutional differences in faculty members' influence on retention were identified. A cross-validation classification procedure suggests the five factors are reasonably stable predictors of attrition.

Diaphragmatic and genioglossal electromyogram responses to CO2 rebreathing in humans

Abstract: To assess the relationship between central control of upper airway and respiratory muscle, simultaneously recorded diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMGdi) and genioglossal EMG (EMG ge) responses to CO2 rebreathing were compared in five supine volunteers. Both EMGs were quantitated in terms of inspiratory peak moving time-average activity. In all subjects both EMGdi and EMGge increased linearly with increasing alveolar CO2 pressure (r = 0.93 +/- 0.04 and 0.87 +/- 0.07, respectively), resulting in a significantly linear EMGge vs. EMGdi relationship (r = 0.91 +/- 0.04). CO2 response slopes of both EMGs were similar and linearly related (r = 0.96, P less than 0.001) such that subjects with low EMGdi response also had a low EMGge response and vice versa. Although the onset of EMGge activity preceded that of EMGdi, and the pattern of both EMGs were different, inspiration duration of both EMGs were similar. These data indicate that in humans both diaphragm and genioglossus muscle share similar control mechanisms and suggest that upper airway function is intimately related to the regulation of breathing.

A computer system for the analysis of dental casts.

Abstract: Photographs of Dental casts provide the basis for digitization of major dental landmarks, enabling computerization of such descriptive parameters of occlusion as symmetry, mesiodistal relationships, overbite, overjet, curve of Spee, tooth/arch discrepancies, Bolton ratios, and rotations. Computing services used in this research were provided by the Computer Center, University of Illinois Chicago Circle Campus.

Increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Abstract: Review of the histology of 219 lung cancers initially diagnosed at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1963-1967 and 1974-1976, confirms the increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma This is due to an increase of adenocarcinoma in men In women, the incidence of adenocarcinoma was higher than squamous carcinoma in the earliest period (44% adeno, 18% squamous) The percentage of women with lung cancer has also significantly increased from 19% to 31%, which increases the overall incidence of adenocarcinoma of the lung As the number of women with lung carcinoma has increased, there has been no change in the percentage of adenocarcinoma in women

Fuzzy Sets: Theory of Applications to Policy Analysis and Information Systems

Abstract: In this volume, we present a spectrum of original research works ranging from the very basic properties and characteristics of fuzzy sets to specific areas of applications in the fields of policy analysis and information systems. The first part, theory, presents some fine added contributions toward a deeper basic understanding of fuzzy set theory and serves to enrich set theory in the direction of maturity and completeness of its theoretical development.

Sustained intracerebroventricular infusion of brain fuels reduces body weight and food intake in rats.

Abstract: Long-term infusion of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and glycerol into the third ventricle of the rat brain caused a stabilization of body weight at a lower than normal level. Among the glucose- and glycerol-treated animals this weight loss was caused in part by temporary hypophagia. Among the animals treated with beta-hydroxybutyrate the weight loss was unaccompanied by a reduction in food intake. The results are consistent with the view that the systems controlling food intake and body weight are sensitive to the availability of brain fuels. They are not consistent however, with the view that these control systems monitor calories independently of their source.

The Conflict Process: A Formal Model

Abstract: This article proposes and tests a self-generative theory of conflict processes within nations. We dissect the "conflict breeds conflict" truism into three hypotheses: (1) the present extent of conf...

Plasmid specifying total degradation of 3-chlorobenzoate by a modified ortho pathway.

Abstract: A plasmid, termed pAC25, specifying biodegradation of 3-chlorobenzoate in a strain of Pseudomonas putida has been characterized. During growth of the plasmid-harboring cells with 3-chlorobenzoate, there was an accumulation of 3-chlorocatechol and beta-chloromuconic acid as intermediates and release of more than 80% of the chlorine in the form of inorganic chloride. The plasmid had a mean molecular mass of 68 x 10(6) daltons and was transmissible to a number of Pseudomonas species such as P. aeruginosa, P. putida strain PpG1, and P. putida strain PRS1. Transfer of pAC25 to various catechol-negative mutants of P. putida strain PRS1 showed that the chromosomally coded pyrocatechase was not complemented by the plasmid-specified pyrocatechase, which appeared to be specific for the chlorinated catechols. In contrast to benzoate, which was metabolized by the ortho pathway through beta-ketoadipate as an intermediate, the plasmid specified ortho cleavage of the chlorocatechols through maleylacetate as an intermediate.

Polarization dependence in electromagnetic inverse problems

Abstract: The complete description of electromagnetic scattering processes implies polarization since an electromagnetic scatterer acts like a polarization transformer. The main objective is to show that due to the vector nature of electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic remote sensing and inverse scattering techniques, if applied rigorously, require incorporation of polarization information into their formulation. By applying this approach to existing and some novel theories, remarkable improvements in quality and fidelity of the reconstructed profiles and/or images can be obtained. Thus there is ample justification for continuing efforts in developing methods and theories of vector inverse scattering for the electromagnetic polarization-dependent case or in the even more complicated seismic case of p - and s -wave interaction in elastic media as for example encountered in vertical seismic profiling.

Relationships of Mammalian Sperm Motility and Morphology to Hydrodynamic Aspects of Cell Function

Abstract: This study investigated the relationships of sperm body morphology and flagellar beat frequency and shape with the swimming velocity, power output, and stirring of nearby fluid by the spermatozoa of several mammals. Hamster spermatozoa were studied before and after the motility activation which is associated with capacitation and the acrosome reaction in that species. Human spermatozoa were assessed while swimming progressively in semen, and also while exhibiting the figure-of-eight beat pattern seen in cervical mucus and other media of high viscosity. Ram spermatozoa were studied while swimming in diluted semen. Data obtained from high-speed cinemicrography were applied to a computerized mathematical model of the hydrodynamics of sperm movement. The results demonstrate the relationships between sperm hydrodynamics and morphology, flagellar beat frequency, and shape. Many of these relationships are highly nonlinear, so that small differences in geometrical parameters of morphology and movement can produce large differences in hydrodynamic characteristics. Thus, hamster spermatozoa (preactivated) swim faster and expend more energy than ram spermatozoa which, in turn, exceed human spermatozoa in these measures. However, there is sufficient geometrical similarity in the morphologies and movement characteristics of these spermatozoa that appropriate grouping of various parameters results in dimensionless expressions with general applicability. Thus, the conclusions resulting from the present work can be used in studying the spermatozoa of other mammals as well. It was also shown that fluid stirring by spermatozoa, as opposed to smaller microorganisms, is an important mechanism of transfer of dissolved ions, molecules, and gases to and from the cell surface. In this regard, activated hamster sperm stir substantially more fluid than do preactivated hamster sperm, even though their power outputs are not significantly different.

Modification of Na and Cl transport in canine tracheal mucosa by prostaglandins.

Abstract: We tested the effect of prostaglandins PGF2 alpha and PGE1 on the transport of 36Cl and 22Na by canine tracheal epithelium. Sheets of epithelium were mounted in Ussing chambers and short-circuited. Addition of PGF2 alpha to the mucosal side resulted in an increase of net Cl secretion from 0.71 +/- 0.41 to 2.40 +/- 0.67 mu eq . cm-2 . h-1 without significant effect on net Na absorption. Prostaglandin E1 on the mucosal side increased net Cl secretion from 1.36 +/- 0.31 to 2.69 +/- 0.35 and decreased Na absorption from 0.87 +/- 0.16 to 0.49 +/- 0.09. Indomethacin significantly depressed net Cl secretion from 1.36 +/- 0.36 to 0.57 +/- 0.22. Subsequent addition of PGE1 augmented net Cl secretion to 3.88 +/- 0.75. PGE1 did not enhance [14C]mannitol fluxes across this epithelium. Cellular levels of cAMP increased in response to PGE1 from 130 +/- 12.7 to 642 +/- 33.4 pmol . mg prot-1 . 10 min-1, whereas PGF2 alpha had no effect. These data suggest that although effects of PGF2 alpha and PGE1 are similar as pertains to net Cl secretion, they differ in their effects on Na transport and their capacity to increase cAMP levels. Alterations in Cl and Na transport in response to PGE1 are likely to be mediated, at least in part, by the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system. Furthermore, endogenous prostaglandins may have an important regulatory role in ion transport by airways epithelium.