cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical and economic outcomes for term infants associated with increasing administration of antibiotics to their mothers

Summary Implementation of national guidelines for the prevention of group B streptococcal (GBS) infections has led to an increase in intrapartum antibiotic use and reduction in early-onset GBS infections in newborns. Other outcomes, including the clinical diagnosis of sepsis in term infants, treatment with antibiotics, length of stay, and cost have not been described. To examine these outcomes, we performed an analysis of maternal and newborn data collected between 1998 and 2002 of 130 447 in-hospital births of newborns ≥37 weeks gestation and their mothers from a large vertically integrated healthcare organisation in Utah. The main outcome measures included: (i) the number of women delivering at term who received intravenous antibiotics; (ii) the number of newborns treated for ‘clinical sepsis’, which was defined as receiving antibiotics for >72 h and the number of newborns who received antibiotics for ≤48 h, i.e. a ‘rule-out-sepsis’ course. We also compared the lengths of stay and variable costs of infants whose mothers received antibiotics with those whose mothers did not. We found that the proportion of mothers who received intravenous antibiotics rose from 26.8% in 1998 to 40.6% in 2002 (P < 0.0001). The proportion of newborns treated for clinical sepsis ranged from 1.2% to 1.4% over the 5-year period. (P for trend = 0.04). After controlling for maternal chorioamnionitis, delivery by caesarean section and maternal GBS status, newborns of mothers who received antibiotics were significantly more likely to be treated for clinical sepsis than were newborns of mothers who had not received them [adjusted OR = 3.3; 95% CI 2.9, 3.8]. The average length of stay for newborns whose mothers were treated with antibiotics was 55.8 h compared with 41.6 h for those not treated (P < 0.0001). The cost of caring for newborns whose mothers received antibiotics was $740 compared with $638 for those whose mothers had not received them (P < 0.001).
RAFT-synthesized graft copolymers that enhance pH-dependent membrane destabilization and protein circulation times.

Abstract Here we describe a new graft copolymer architecture of poly(propylacrylic acid) (polyPAA) that displays potent pH-dependent, membrane-destabilizing activity and in addition is shown to enhance protein blood circulation kinetics. PolyPAA containing a single telechelic alkyne functionality was prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with an alkyne–functional chain transfer agent (CTA) and coupled to RAFT polymerized poly(azidopropyl methacrylate) (polyAPMA) through azide-alkyne [3 + 2] Huisgen cycloaddition. The graft copolymers become membrane destabilizing at endosomal pH values and are active at significantly lower concentrations than the linear polyPAA. A biotin terminated polyPAA graft copolymer was prepared by grafting PAA onto polyAPMA polymerized with a biotin functional RAFT CTA. The blood circulation time and biodistribution of tritium labeled avidin conjugated to the polyPAA graft copolymer was characterized along with a clinically utilized 40 kDa branched polyethylene glycol (PEG) also possessing biotin functionalization. The linear and graft polyPAA increase the area under the curve (AUC) over avidin alone by 9 and 12 times, respectively. Furthermore, polyPAA graft copolymer conjugates accumulated in tumor tissue significantly more than the linear polyPAA and the branched PEG conjugates. The collective data presented in this report indicate that the polyPAA graft copolymers exhibit robust pH-dependent membrane-destabilizing activity, low cytotoxicity, significantly enhanced blood circulation time, and increased tumor accumulation.
New High-Pressure Phase and Pressure-Induced Amorphization of Ca(OH)2: Grain Size Effect

Abstract In situhigh-pressure Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the phase stability of powder and single crystal portlandite, Ca(OH)2, up to 22 GPa. Our results show that the room temperature, high-pressure behavior of this compound is strongly influenced by grain size. Compression of fine grained powder Ca(OH)2(
WATER BINDING OF FOOD CONSTITUENTS AS, DETERMINED BY NMR, FREEZING, SORPTION AND DEHYDRATION

The water binding properties of some common food constituents were determined by water sorption, dehydration, freezing and NMR methods. The sorption isotherms of sodium alginate, pectin, corn starch, casein and cellulose were obtained and the heats of adsorption and monolayer values were calculated. The unfreezable water contents of these five materials were determined and the values corresponded to the equilibrium moisture contents at a water activity of about 0.90. The bound water capacities of 14 food materials were determined using wide-line NMR. These values correlated closely with the tertiary moisture contents determined by a drying rate study and the equilibrium moisture contents at 100% relative humidity. The different NMR properties of free and bound water were discussed in terms of nuclear relaxation times and molecular mobilities.
Attenuation of the morphine EEG continuum following a repeat dose within 16 days: delayed tolerance in the rat.

Abstract A continuum of EEG changes featuring 5 distinct EEG phases were seen after the administration of 40 mg/kg of morphine. The EEG changes were interpreted to represent a continuum of excitatory CNS states. The results also confirm the phenomenon of single dose tolerance to morphine by using EEG changes in the rat as the criteria and indicate that tolerance appears after 8–16 days have elapsed. The EEG changes indicative of tolerance were: (1) a significant increased latency to onset of the later EEG phases, 1. (2) an attenuation of the maximal EEG effect, 2. (3) a reduced latency to onset of the EEG signs of recovery with the return to the earlier phases.
The Future of High Energy Accelerators

This paper begins with a review of those high energy accelerators which are now in operation. Accelerators under construction are discussed and very high energy machines, still far in the future, are listed and described. Possible uses of cryogenic and superconducting magnets are mentioned. Colliding beam projects in operation and planned are presented. High energy physics has become very expensive. The total investment in Brookhaven's 33-GeV accelerator complex is now over $60 million and is still rising. Merely to operate the accelerator and its experimental areas requires the services of over 400 people. Our power bill is about $1 million per year. All of this is to produce new knowledge, very fundamental in nature but without evident immediate application. With the budget of the United States in a state of unbalance and with growing sentiment that money spent should show immediate results, is it wise or even sensible to think of new and more expensive steps along the route to the solution of the many mysteries of the nucleus and its components? I think that it is wise and that frontier fields like that of high energy physics must be pursued vigorously if we are to maintain our intellectual and technical position in the world. Sooner or later our experimental results will have important impacts on our life, probably in quite unforeseeable fashions. Nuclear physics began its history before the turn of the century; only in the last two decades has it resulted in a new power industry.
Novel Fluoropolymers for Use in 157nm Lithography

Unexpectedly good UV transmittance at 157nm of poly(norbornene sulfone) bearing a pendant hexafluoroisopropanol functionality has prompted us to employ this fluoroalcohol as an acid group for the design of chemical amplification resists for use in 157nm lithography. The backbone structures to which the hexafluoroalcohol group is attached are polynorbornene and polystyrene. Furthermore, our discovery that poly(methyl α-trifluoromethylacrylate) is adequately transparent at 157nm has led us to incorporate the α-trifluoromethylacrylic unit in the polymer backbone by radical copolymerization with styrenes and norbornenes. Thus, four platforms are currently available to us in preparation of 157nm resist polymers; 1) all-acrylic, 2) all-norbornene, 3) acrylic-norbornene, and 4) acrylic-styrenic systems.
Does coronary artery bypass surgery restore normal maximal coronary flow reserve? The effect of diffuse atherosclerosis and focal obstructive lesions.

Aortocoronary vein bypass surgery might not restore normal maximal coronary flow reserve to bypassed coronary vessels because residual diffuse coronary atherosclerosis might limit maximal hyperemia. To investigate the effect of diffuse atherosclerosis and a focal stenosis at the graft-coronary anastomosis, we measured coronary flow reserve with an extensively validated subselective Doppler catheter in 24 patients with 35 bypass grafts perfusing angiographically normal coronary vessels. The Doppler catheter was positioned in the midportion of the graft, and coronary flow reserve was measured as the peak/resting velocity ratio after selective graft injection of a maximally vasodilating dose of papaverine. Luminal dimensions of the bypass graft, graft-coronary insertion, and bypassed coronary vessel were measured by quantitative coronary angiography (Brown/Dodge method). Measurements of coronary flow reserve and coronary dimensions of vein bypass grafts were compared with similar measurements obtained from 13 patients with normal coronary vessels and normal myocardium. Seventeen of the 35 bypass grafts perfused unobstructed coronary-vein graft anastomoses (less than 50% area stenosis) and normal myocardium. The coronary flow reserve of these 17 bypass grafts was normal (5.0 +/- 0.4, mean +/- SEM) and not significantly different from that measured in normal arteries (5.1 +/- 0.6), even though the cross-sectional area of the native coronary artery just distal to the bypass insertion was 40% smaller than in matched normal vessels. Bypass grafts perfusing hypertrophied (n = 2) or infarcted (n = 6) myocardium had significantly reduced coronary flow reserve compared with normal vessels (2.7 +/- 0.3; p less than .01), even when the infarcted wall had only minimal hypokinesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A prospective study of the length of stay of 150 children following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy

This is a prospective study of the length of stay in 150 children who underwent adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy with and without grommets. Seventeen children were unsuitable for same-day discharge because of coexisting medical conditions and 39 because of social factors, which meant that 94 children were potentially suitable for same-day discharge. All patients received a standardized surgical and anaesthetic technique. Twenty-eight of the 94 children were kept in for postoperative complications thus 66 (70%) were treated as day cases. Haemorrhage occurred in one (1%); nausea and vomiting prevented discharge of 11 cases; and a further seven were kept overnight since the children were reluctant to eat and drink. Pain control was a problem with nine children (two had nausea and vomiting as well). Two patients had other complications. These results are compared to those found in the literature. Children who have adenoidectomy without tonsillectomy are more suitable for day surgery (P < 0.001). Because of the high risk of minor complications, the authors recommend that children who have tonsillectomy as part of the procedure should be treated from inpatient beds even when discharged on the same day.
Limits on variation of G from clusters of galaxies

IF G decreases by a sufficient amount a cluster of particles will expand. In some cases the particles may have sufficient velocity to escape from the cluster as the gravitational binding decreases. Since it is known that clusters of galaxies and globular clusters currently exist with finite dimensions, limits can be set on the magnitude of the variation of G. In order to set a limit on the rate of change of the gravitational constant (Ġ/G), the dynamical effects on an isolated cluster of galaxies caused by non zero values of Ġ/G were studied numerically. For a range of initial conditions, the maximum rate of change in G was determined which would still allow the existence of clusters of galaxies at the current epoch. A similar study was made for globular clusters and the results were found to be comparable.
Collision Avoidance Under Uncertainty

Reasoning with uncertainty has increasingly become an important issue in robot path planning. The injection of doubt into the knowledge of obstacle location calls for capabilities not available in the conventional path planners. This work redefines the concept of optimality within the context of an uncertainty grid and proposes a class of cost functions capable of incorporating such human-like attitudes of conservative and aggressive behavior.
EMBRYONIC LETHALS INDUCED BY X-IRRADIATION OF FIRST MEIOTIC METAPHASE OOCYTES OF HABROBRACON

Two metheds were used to study the frequency of various kinds of lethals induced by x irradiation of Habrobracon oocytes on first meiotic metaphase. The methods are described and results are reported. (C.H.)
Measurements Of Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Beam Combination Efficiency

ABSTRACT The phase difference between two beams generated by stimulated Brillouin scattering of two partially overlapped laser beams is measured. The measured phase difference is compared with predictions of computer simulations. Both theory and experiment show that the phase difference is a random process whose probability distribution depends on pulse-width, phonon lifetime and the degree of the overlap between the pumping lasers. 1. INTRODUCTION The effects of the statistical nature of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) on beam combination are reported. SBS is narrow-band, amplified noise and thus has a statistical character and is not properly described deterministically.If two SBS pump beams are well overlapped in their focal regions then theyproduce SBS signals which appear to have nearly zero phase difference.1-3 We showthat £he phase difference must be described by a distribution function.4» 5 Thl* s function depends on the correlation between the noise sources driving the twoStokes outputs which in turn depends on the overlap between the two pumping beams. For incomplete overlap of the pumping beams, there is a sizeable probability that phase locking will not occur.For our experiments the laser pulse width T is comparable to the phonon lifetime TP and cos varies during the pulse. We measure a probability distribu­ tion of S=(l/T)/cos4>(t) dt, i.e. a distribution of the time average of cos (t). A computer simulation of the time varying SBS output was performed and a deterimina- tion of the distribution of S was made. The distribution of S is well described by the correlation coefficient p between the two noise sources which drive the SBS process. For our experimental arrangement, even with the pump beams crossing at their focal planes where p=0.97, there is a significant probability of finding a phase difference not near zero degrees.
Titration of aspartate-85 in bacteriorhodopsin: what it says about chromophore isomerization and proton release

Titration of Asp-85, the proton acceptor and part of the counterion in bacteriorhodopsin, over a wide pH range (2-11) leads us to the following conclusions: 1) Asp-85 has a complex titration curve with two values of pKa; in addition to a main transition with pKa = 2.6 it shows a second inflection point at high pH (pKa = 9.7 in 150-mM KCl). This complex titration behavior of Asp-85 is explained by interaction of Asp-85 with an ionizable residue X'. As follows from the fit of the titration curve of Asp-85, deprotonation of X' increases the proton affinity of Asp-85 by shifting its pKa from 2.6 to 7.5. Conversely, protonation of Asp-85 decreases the pKa of X' by 4.9 units, from 9.7 to 4.8. The interaction between Asp-85 and X' has important implications for the mechanism of proton transfer. In the photocycle after the formation of M intermediate (and protonation of Asp-85) the group X' should release a proton. This deprotonated state of X' would stabilize the protonated state of Asp-85.2) Thermal isomerization of the chromophore (dark adaptation) occurs on transient protonation of Asp-85 and formation of the blue membrane. The latter conclusion is based on the observation that the rate constant of dark adaptation is directly proportional to the fraction of blue membrane (in which Asp-85 is protonated) between pH 2 and 11. The rate constant of isomerization is at least 10(4) times faster in the blue membrane than in the purple membrane. The protonated state of Asp-85 probably is important for the catalysis not only of all-trans 13-cis thermal isomerization during dark adaptation but also of the reisomerization of the chromophore from 13-cis to all-trans configuration during N-->O-->bR transition in the photocycle. This would explain why Asp-85 stays protonated in the N and O intermediates.
Slavery, Race, and Gender at Princeton Seminary: The Pre-Civil War Era

The pre-Civil War leaders of Princeton Seminary desired social reform and progress, but these had to come gradually and non-disruptively. Thus while Charles Hodge and his colleagues looked for an end to slavery at some indefinite time in the future, they supported in the meantime the colonization of free blacks in Africa and fought immediate emancipation. They likewise opposed full equality for women. A properly ordered society, they believed, involved “social subordination”—of humanity to God, woman to man, children to parents, slaves to masters, and the morally unfit and uneducated to the best and brightest.
Oviposition preference and larval performance of Nematus oligospilus (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) in relation to host plant vigor

We investigated the relationships among oviposition preference and larval performance of Nematus oligospilus Foerster, a solitary, free-feeding sawfly, and the vigor (shoot length) of its host plant, arroyo willow, Salix lasiolepis Bentham. In the 3 populations studied, the number of eggs laid by N. oligospilus increased 20- to 170-fold from shoots ≤100 mm to shoots >800 mm, even though shoots >800 mm accounted for only 0.20–3.17% of the available shoots. The distributions of leaves and leaf area did not account for greater attack on longer shoots, nor did the size (target area) of leaves. N. oligospilus had strong and relatively inflexible oviposition preferences for rapidly growing shoots of S. lasiolepis . In multiple choice oviposition experiments, females laid 4.0–6.2 times more eggs on vigorous shoots than on medium and short shoots. In no choice oviposition tests, females laid 83.5% of their available eggs on vigorous shoots, but only 54.4% on medium shoots and 31.0% on short shoots. The performance of larvae corresponded to the oviposition preference of females because short shoots were poor quality resources for developing larvae. In the field and laboratory, larval mortality on vigorously growing shoots averaged 26% less at establishment and 33.5% less after establishment compared with mortality on short shoots. Development time was 2.3 d less on average for larvae reared on vigorous shoots compared to those reared on short shoots. The fecundity of females reared from larvae developing on vigorous shoots averaged 4.8 eggs more than that of females reared from larvae developing on short shoots, although this difference was only nearly statistically significant ( P = 0.06). Natural enemies (egg parasites) did not playa role in the correlation between larval survival and oviposition preference. A life table analysis suggests that the influence of variation in plant quality (vigor) of S. lasiolepis on natality and larval performance significantly influences the demography of N. oligospilus .
Factors regulating abundance and distribution of the shrimp Neomysis mercedis in the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary

Abstract The mysid shrimp Neomysis mercedis is a major prey of striped bass Morone saxatilis in the inland delta and estuary of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, California. Its abundance during 1968–1981 was highest between 1.2 and 4.6‰ surface salinity. Cross-delta flow of water to large pumping plants and shallow river channels with high current velocities limited the upstream extent of the shrimp. The population shifted spatially in response to salinity changes caused by variations in river outflow. Annual July to October abundance indexes were highest from 1968 to 1975, and lowest during the drought years 1976 and 1977. Regression analysis showed that population size was negatively related to salinity intrusion and positively related to the abundance of the copepod Eurytemora affinis, an important food item of the shrimp. High N. mercedis populations appear dependent on adequate food supply and minimal salinity intrusion into the western delta. Received August 27, 1982 Accepted April 22, 1983
Alcohol dehydrogenase 2 genotypes, maternal alcohol use, and infant outcome.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether different alleles of the ADH2 gene (ADH2-1, ADH2-2 and ADH2-3) with differing levels of enzymatic activity can alter the risk of fetal alcohol effects. Study design: ADH2 genotypes were performed on 404 pregnant high-risk women and 139 infants as part of a larger study of alcohol use in pregnancy. Mothers were interviewed about alcohol use during pregnancy, and their infants were examined for alcohol-related features without knowledge of the exposure status. Results: The ADH2-1/3 genotype was more prevalent among black women (46%) than expected (33%); the rate among white women was low as expected (2%). More black women who reported high alcohol use during the pregnancy had the ADH2-1/3 genotype compared with those who reported no alcohol use (70% vs 44%). Sixty percent of the affected black infants had the ADH2-1/3 genotype compared with 29% of the unaffected infants (P
Excited electronic states of a hydrogen bond: Bifluoride ion

We report here a summary of a limited CI calculation carried out on the C∞v and D∞h electronically excited states of bifluoride ion. This species is interesting as the prototype of a hydrogen-bonded system. It is determined that the lowest-lying excited states of the system are dissociative and/or autoionizing.
New working paradigms in research laboratories

Work in research laboratories, especially within centralised functions in larger organisations, is changing fast. With easier access to external providers and Contract Research Organisations, and a focus on budgets and benchmarking, scientific expertise has to be complemented with operational excellence. New concepts, globally shared projects and restricted resources highlight the constraints of traditional operating models working from Monday to Friday and nine to five. Whilst many of our scientists welcome this new challenge, organisations have to enable and foster a more business-like mindset. Organisational structures, remuneration, as well as systems in finance need to be adapted to build operations that are best-in-class rather than merely minimising negative impacts of current organisational structures.
Enabling collaborative engineering and science at JPL

Abstract We examine the issue of distributed collaboration at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). With the goals of “faster, better, cheaper” missions, an efficient, seamless collaboration capability is critical to future JPL space exploration missions. We assert that the current capabilities for distributed collaboration internal to JPL, as well as external, are unsatisfactory. This paper provides a vision of greatly enhanced distributed collaboration capabilities in the near future and into the far future. Our vision focuses primarily on distributed collaborative engineering and science. We believe enhanced capabilities are necessary in two collaborative paradigms: the virtual conference and the shared virtual workspace. We describe these collaborative paradigms, and discuss the tools that exist and the additional capability necessary to achieve the collaborative vision with respect to the types of data we typically work with at JPL. We identify the following types of data frequently exchanged in collaborative activities: project planning data, design data, notes/documentation, communication data, analysis/performance data, verification data and scientific data. Our analysis shows that at present there is good GroupWare support for project planning data and notes/documentation data. Support is improving for design data. Other data types have no or sporadic support at best.
A weighted least squares study of robustness in interior point linear programming

This paper studies the robustness of interior point linear programming algorthims with respect to initial iterates that are too close to the boundary. Weighted least squares analysis is used in studying the near-boundary behavior of the affine scaling and Newton centering directions, which are often combined by interior point methods. This analysis leads to the develoment of a modified Newton centering direction exhibiting better near-boundary behavior than the two directions. Theoretical and computational results from the NETLIB test set are presented indicating that an approach which uses the modified newton direction is more robust than both the pure affine scaling approach and one which uses the Newton direction as the centering direction.
End Depth¿Discharge Relation at Free Overfall of Trapezoidal Channels

For steady flow near the free overfall (end section) of a horizontal trapezoidal channel, the velocity distribution is nonuniform and the streamlines are curved. An accurate relation between discharge rate and end depth was formulated including these effects. To determine these effects, the streamline pattern in the vertical plane of channel symmetry was determined using measured velocity components and the water surface profile. At the end section, the streamline pattern yielded the streamline curvature, which in turn provided the curvature correction required to predict the true static pressure head profile. The measured static pressure head distribution agreed well with the predicted static pressure head distribution for the end section. The pressure force at the end section was obtained on the basis of the measured static pressure distribution at the end section, and this information yielded a reliable relation between the end depth and the channel discharge rate. Analysis of present and past experimental data indicated that, the pressure head coefficient was the dominant parameter that influences the relationship between discharge rate and end depth in trapezoidal channels. Near the end depth, in the region above the maximum velocity point, the total energy determined from the measured velocity and pressure fields was essentially constant.
Effect of sphingomyelinase from Clostridium perfringens on the metabolic activity and phospholipid composition of thyroid slices

Abstract Sphingomyelinase, like thyroid-stimulating hormone, increases the oxidation of [1- 14 C]glucose to 14 CO 2 and the incorporation of 32 P i into phospholipid in dog and bovine thyroid slices. The increase in glucose oxidation is inhibited by 3- O -methyl-glucose, indicating that the glucose oxidized enters the cell via a stereospecific transport system. In sphingomyelinase-treated beef thyroids, there is a 65–90% fall in sphingomyelin content and a 10–30% fall in lecithin. Thus most of the sphingomyelin appears to be in the plasma membrane. Lecithinase C produced a small increase in glucose oxidation and phospholipid synthesis in only 7 of 15 experiments. In lecithinase C-treated tissue, the levels of all phospholipids fell about equally. Sphingomyelinase and lecithinase C, unlike thyroid-stimulating hormone, failed to induce the formation of intracellular colloid droplets in vitro , and Sphingomyelinase failed to produce a fall in the radioiodine content of chick thyroids.
Integration by parts for heat kernel measures revisited

Abstract Stochastic calculus proofs of the integration by parts formula for cylinder functions of parallel translation on the Wiener space of a compact Riemannian manifold (M) are given. These formulas are used to prove a new probabilistic formula for the logarithmic derivative of the heart kernel on M. This new formula is well suited for generalizations to infinite dimensional manifolds.
Optical dipole traps for cold atoms using diffracted laser light

We theoretically investigate the feasibility of using intensity distributions of light of a single laser beam diffracted by a circular aperture as optical dipole traps for cold neutral atoms. Localized and cylindrically symmetric traps on the central axis of the circular aperture exist for both blue- and red-detuned laser light. Experimental mapping of the spots of interest using ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ laser light demonstrates the existence of these light distributions for laboratory conditions and their agreement with theoretical predictions.
Ascorbic acid in the pituitary of the rat.

The recent work of Long (1947a, b) and Sayers and Sayers (1948) has demonstrated that exposure to stress or injection of ACTH results in the depletion of approximately 40–50% of the ascorbic acid normally present in the adrenal cortex. While the specific role of this substance in the formation and release of the adrenal corticoids is not yet known, it has been generally accepted that the loss of this vitamin is associated with the release of the cortical steroids. Thus it has been postulated that the changes in the concentration of ascorbic acid in the adrenal cortex may be used as an index of adrenal cortical activity (Long, 1947b). It has also been reported that the hypophysis contains a high concentration of ascorbic acid (Giroud, 1938; King, 1939) and that a decrease in ascorbic acid content occurs in the pituitary of the female rabbit following copulation (Pincus, 1947).
Anti-erythrocyte antibodies and disease associations in anemic and nonanemic dogs.

Background: Flow cytometry has been used to detect anti-red blood cell (RBC) antibodies in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), but the prevalence of anti-RBC antibodies in anemic and nonanemic dogs with a variety of different diseases has not been assessed previously. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that anti-RBC antibodies would be more common in anemic dogs and in dogs with immune-mediated disorders and cancer. Animals: Blood samples from 292 dogs were analyzed prospectively by flow cytometry for anti-RBC antibodies. Methods: Blood samples from 147 anemic and 145 nonanemic dogs were evaluated by flow cytometry to detect surface-bound immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies on RBC. Disease associations with RBC antibodies were determined, as was the correlation between disease status and the percentage of Ig+ RBC. The specificity and sensitivity of flow cytometry and clinical variables for the diagnosis of IMHA were compared by Bayesian analysis. Results: Anemic dogs were significantly more likely to be positive for anti-RBC antibodies (IgG, IgM, or both) than nonanemic dogs. Anemic dogs also had significantly higher percentages of Ig+ RBC than nonanemic dogs, whereas dogs with IMHA had significantly higher percentages of Ig+ RBC than dogs with all other diseases. Dogs with IMHA, infectious diseases, and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia were significantly more likely to have anti-RBC antibodies than dogs with other medical or surgical diseases. Conclusions: Anemic dogs with immune-mediated diseases and infectious diseases were at the highest risk for the development of anti-RBC antibodies, and flow cytometry for the detection of IgG on RBC was highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of IMHA.
Rock on reel: The rise and fall of the rock culture in America reflected in a decade of ?rockumentaries?

This article analyzes the filmic representation of the rise and demise of the American rock/youth culture of the 1960s through several popular “rockumentaries.” This article explores the ways in which popular film and music both reflect and define political and cultural movements in advanced industrial societies by comparing and contrasting the plots and narrative techniques of films such asMonterey Pop (1968),Woodstock (1970),Gimme Shelter (1971) andThe Last Waltz (1978). We all remember that time. It was so different for me than for others. Yet we all do tell each other over and over again the peculiarity of the events we shared, and the repetition, the listening, is as if we are saying, “It was like that for you, too? Then that confirms it, yes, it was so, it must have been, I wasn't imagining things.” Doris Lessing,The Memoirs of A Survivor (1974)
AMBRODISCUS, A NEW GENUS OF INOPERCULATE DISCOMYCETES FROM AMBROSIA BEETLE GALLERIES

The discomycete genus Ambrodiscus is described from Ambrosia beetle galleries in the sapwood of a recently fallen 130-year-old tree of Pseudotsuga menziesii. The features of this fungus are extremely reduced, apparently from adaptations to insect dispersal. The placement ofAmbrodiscus in the Leotiales is discussed.
Electrothermal micromirror with dual-reflective surfaces for circumferential scanning endoscopic imaging

We report the design, fabrication, and measurements of a dual-reflective, single-crystal silicon-based micromirror that can perform circumferential scanning for endoscopic optical coherence tomography (EOCT). Full 360-deg optical scan angle (OSA) can be achieved by using a dual-reflective mirror with ±45-deg (or 90-deg) mechanical scan angle (MSA), where each reflective mirror surface contributes a 180-deg optical scanning. A novel surface- and bulk-combined micromachining process based on silicon on insulator (SOI) wafers is developed for fabricating the dual-reflective micromirror. The mirror flatness is maintained by the single-crystal-silicon device layer of SOI wafers, and aluminum is coated on both sides for reflection. A fabricated device demonstrated about half circumferential scanning range at resonance of 425 Hz. Other measured data include the radii of curvature, −129 mm (front surface) and 132 mm (back surface), and the reflectance, 86.3% (front surface) and 84.2% (back surface). This micromirror has the potential to realize full-circumferential-scanning EOCT imaging.
Estimation of polymerization efficiency in the formation of polyacrylamide gel, using continuous optical scanning during polymerization.

The Ferguson plot and 'quantitative' gel electrophoresis (based on the Ferguson plot) depend on a knowledge of accurate gel concentrations. The easiest way to estimate accuracy of gel concentrations, in terms of the degree of completion of the polymerization reaction which gives rise to a gel, is by spectrophometry. Making use of the apparatus for continuous optical scanning of polyacrylamide gels, the extent and rate of polymerization of cross-linked polyacrylamide were estimated by measuring the absorbance at 275 nm of the reaction mixture subsequent to free radical initiation of polymerization. Under appropriate conditions of monomer concentration, initiator levels and temperature, absorbance decreased monotonically after a lag period of 10 min, and after 20--30 min of reaction the absorbance reached a plateau value which provided a measure of polymerization efficiency. Application of a standard curve of absorbance vs. monomer concentration allowed one to quantitate concentrations of residual monomer throughout the course of polymerization. Under a set of arbitrary polymerization conditions (e.g. 6--20% total gel concentration), the reaction went to 63--96% completion. The rate of polymerization was approximately proportional to the square of the monomer concentration (2nd-order reaction kinetics). Absorbance decrease subsequent to the initiation of the polymerization reaction appeared suitable as a measure of efficiency of polymerization since: (a) absorbance spectra of monomers at 0.5 %T and residual monomers in a 10 %T gel, at a time when polymerization seemed terminated, coincided; (b) values of residual monomer obtained were reasonable (10--30%); (c) bimolecular reaction kinetics were found, in agreement with expectation; and (d) absorbance of incomplete polymerization mixtures, deficient in either initiators or monomers, was constant with time.
Semiempirical double-hybrid density functional with improved description of long-range correlation.

The recently proposed new family of "double-hybrid" density functionals [Grimme, S. J. Chem. Phys. 2006, 124, 34108] replaces a fraction of the semi-local correlation energy by a non-local correlation energy expression that employs the Kohn-Sham orbitals in second-order many-body perturbation theory. These functionals have provided results of high accuracy over a wide range of properties but fail to accurately describe long-range van der Waals interactions. In this work, a distance-dependent scaling factor for the non-local correlation energy is introduced to address this problem, and two new double-hybrid density functionals are proposed. The new functionals are optimized with the finite cc-pVTZ basis on training sets of atomization energies and intermolecular interaction energies. They are compared against (scaled) second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theories and popular density functionals including the hybrid-GGA functional B3-LYP and the first double-hybrid functional (B2-PLYP). Tests are performed on an extensive set including reaction energies, barrier heights, weakly interacting complexes, transition-metal systems, molecular geometries, and harmonic vibrational frequencies. Within the cc-pVTZ atomic orbital basis, we have demonstrated the ability to find a parametrization scheme which is simultaneously able to describe thermochemistry and weakly bound systems with a satisfactory degree of accuracy.
Breaking with the self: Can continuity in immunology succeed?

The fiftieth anniversary of the publication of The structure of scientific revolutions has likely spurred many references to Thomas Kuhn and paradigm shifts in recent writings and this review is about to jump on that bandwagon. But the invocation seems particularly apt and justified in this case because what Thomas Pradeu is attempting with The limits of the self is nothing less than a Kuhnian coup in immunology: to overthrow a governing paradigm and replace it with a new one. In Kuhn’s scheme, there is one prerequisite and two necessary conditions for a scientific discipline—in a phase that he called ‘‘normal science’’—to experience a revolution or paradigm shift. The prerequisite is, naturally, the existence of a paradigm, an umbrella theory, that is nearly universally accepted by those who work in that science. Without such a governing paradigm, there would be no normal science, Kuhn claims. Working under a paradigm, scientists gather facts through experiments, refine and extend their theories, thus ‘‘mopping up’’ rather than looking for novelties. The first requirement for a paradigm shift to occur is the appearance of sufficient novelties or anomalies that cannot be explained adequately by the reigning paradigm, and the second condition, a new, workable paradigm to replace the old one. As Kuhn stressed, anomalies could appear ‘‘only against the background provided by the paradigm,’’ (Kuhn, 2012, p. 65) and that,
Finite element analysis and neural network model for electronic hidden solder joint geometry prediction

This paper investigates an active thermography approach to probing hidden solder joint geometry. Ten boards were fabricated with the same number of solder joints and amount of solder paste (0.061 g), but using three solder joint geometries (60°, 90°, and 120°). The 90° angle solder pin represented a normal joint, and the 60° and 120° angle pins represented abnormal solder joints. Each board was covered with another board that had three openings just big enough to allow the pin terminals to protrude. A semi-automated system was built to heat and then transfer each board set to a chamber where an infrared camera was used to scan the board as it was cooling down. Each board set underwent the heating, cooling, and scanning process for five trials. Two-thirds of the data set was used for model development and one-third for model evaluation. An artificial neural network (ANN) was constructed to predict abnormal joints given thermal data. Results suggest that solder joints with more surface area cool much faster than those with less surface area. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the heating up and cooling down process consistently predicted solder geometry using the ANN with 86% accuracy. This approach can be used not only to inspect bad solder joints (i.e., low reliability) but also to mass screen for cold solder joints during BGA assembly, since the air gaps in cold solder joints may cause them to cool more slowly than normal joints.
The Long And Winding Road: Reflections On California’s ‘Year Of Health Reform’

California's recent failed attempt to expand health coverage broadly offers lessons for future coverage expansion efforts. Policy efforts are most likely to advance if they are bipartisan; address the needs of both insured and uninsured residents; deliver short-term progress within the context of long-term goals; rely on broad and sustainable financing; strike a balance between specificity and flexibility; and occur within a clearer framework of state and federal responsibilities.
Route of administration and drug metabolism

Abstract Studies with ‘first-pass’ pharmacokinetic models have revealed a number of interesting characteristics in regard to the influence of route of administration on drug and metabolite levels in the tissue, the % of dose excreted in the urine as unchanged drug and the composition of total metabolites in the urine. Such characteristics have, in fact, been observed in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies in animals and man. Drugs which demonstrate some of the described pharmacokinetic properties include imipramine, guanethidine, pentazocine, chlorpheniramine, progesterone and chlorpromazine.
A Note on the Stability of Flow in Loaded Journal Bearings

If two nonconcentric cylinders are rotating, a circumferential pressure gradient is created. The effect of this pressure gradient flow on the stability of the local velocity profiles is discussed. It is concluded that in the most critical region the flow due to the pressure gradient has a stabilizing effect. Contributed to the American Society of Lubrication Engineers by the author.
Protein crystallization by design: chymotrypsinogen without precipitants.

Protein crystals are usually obtained by an empirical approach based on extensive screening to identify suitable crystallization conditions. In contrast, we have used a systematic predictive procedure to produce data-quality crystals of bovine chymotrypsinogen A and used them to obtain a refined X-ray structure to 3 A resolution. Measurements of the osmotic second virial coefficient of chymotrypsinogen solutions were used to identify suitable solvent conditions, following which crystals were grown for approximately 30 hours by ultracentrifugal crystallization, without the use of any precipitants. Existing structures of chymotrypsinogen were obtained in solutions including 10–30 % ethanol, whereas simple buffered NaCl solutions were used here. The protein crystallized in the tetragonal space group P41212, with one molecule per asymmetric unit. The quality of the refined map was very high throughout, with the main-chain atoms of all but four residues clearly defined and with nearly all side-chains also defined. Although only minor differences are seen compared to the structures previously reported, they indicate the possibility of structural changes due to the crystallization conditions used in those studies. Our results show that more systematic crystallization of proteins is possible, and that the procedure can expand the range of conditions under which crystals can be grown successfully and can make new crystal forms available.
Surgical reduction of ileal impactions in the horse: 28 cases

Objective—To evaluate the seasonal influence, signalment, type of hay consumed, clinical examination findings, and outcome after surgery for horses with ileal impaction. Study Design—A retrospective study. Results—Between 1988 and 1993, 28 horses had surgical correction of ileal impaction. There was a significantly higher rate of ileal impaction during the Fall (September-November, P= .0041). Mean duration of clinical signs of abdominal pain before referral was 15 hours. Transrectal palpation was used to localize the impaction in 11 horses. The ileal impaction was reduced by extraluminal massage aided by admixing of intestinal fluid oral to the impaction or injection of fluids intraluminally and then movement of the ingesta into the cecum alone in 24 horses. A total of 26 horses recovered from surgery; 24 horses were discharged from the hospital and eventually returned to previous use. Two horses had fatal postoperative complications: jejunocec-ostomy dehiscence and development of extensive small intestine adhesions after manual reduction of the impaction. One horse initially treated by manual reduction required jejunocecostomy twice for management of recurrent ileal impaction. Follow-up information was obtained for 21 horses, of which 20 were alive 1 year or longer after surgery. A total of 27 of 28 horses were fed Coastal Bermudagrass hay as the primary type of hay consumed. A total of 9 horses continued to be fed Coastal Bermudagrass hay as the only roughage source, whereas 6 horses were fed Coastal Bermudagrass with at least 50% other hay, and in 6 horses, Coastal Bermudagrass hay was entirely eliminated from the diet. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Ileal impactions can be successfully reduced by celiotomy and extraluminal massage and injection techniques to soften the ingesta for passage into the cecum without enterotomy or bypass techniques in most horses. Changes in weather and feeding practices in the Fall may account for an increased risk of ileal impaction in horses in the southeastern United States at that time of year.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of the drug interaction between intravenous itraconazole and intravenous tacrolimus or intravenous cyclosporin A in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Abstract A single-institution, open-label prospective pharmacokinetic evaluation of the interaction between intravenous itraconazole and intravenous cyclosporin A and tacrolimus was conducted in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The study was conducted in 2 phases, with patients acting as their own controls. In phase 1, steady-state concentrations and clearance of cyclosporin A and tacrolimus administered alone were evaluated. Phase 2 evaluated serum concentrations and clearance of cyclosporin A and tacrolimus under the influence of itraconazole therapy. Among 17 patients who completed both phases of the study, the mean increase in the serum tacrolimus concentration was 83% (P
Deformational brachycephaly in supine-sleeping infants.

Objectives Medical dictionaries and anthropologic sources define brachycephaly as a cranial index (CI = width divided by length × 100%) greater than 81%. We examine the impact of supine sleeping on CI and compare orthotic treatment with repositioning. Study design We compared the effect of repositioning versus helmet therapy on CI in 193 infants referred for abnormal head shape. Results Eighty percent of the infants had a pretreatment CI > 81%. Their initial mean CI at mean age 5.3 months was 89%, and after treatment, their mean CI was 87% (±2 SE = 0.9%) at mean age 9.0 months. For 92 infants with an initial CI at or above 90%, their initial mean CI of 96.1% was reduced to a mean of 91.9%. Conclusions Post-treatment CI was 86% to 88%, CI in neonates delivered by cesarean section was 80%, and CI in supine-sleeping Asian children was 85% to 91%, versus 78% to 83% for prone-sleeping American children. Repositioning was less effective than cranial orthotic therapy in correcting severe brachycephaly. We recommend varying the head position when putting infants to sleep.