cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictability of flood pulse driven assembly rules for restoration of a floodplain plant community

Community assembly rules were formulated to evaluate the restoration of wet prairie along the periphery of the floodplain of the Kissimmee River in central Florida. Restoration of this plant community is expected to be driven by the reestablishment of flood pulse hydrology following the ongoing dechannelization of the river. Assembly rules were assessed with plant species composition and cover data from 15 permanent plots on the restored floodplain and 6 control plots on the channelized floodplain. These sites were sampled biannually from 1998 to 2010. Mean annual hydroperiods and depths confirmed that the frequency, duration and amplitude of post-restoration flood pulses at study sites were similar to historic reference locations. Elimination of pasture grasses (primarily Paspalum notatum Flugge) following restoration of the flood pulse validated the hypothesized deletion rule for initial transformation of the wet prairie zone. Predicted increased dominance of obligate and facultative wetland species, a “community addition rule”, also was confirmed. An index of weighted averages of wetland indicator taxa showed significant short-term responses to antecedent hydroperiods and depths, and a restoration trajectory for wetland plant species. As predicted, recruitment of wet prairie indicator species from the extant seed bank correlated with reestablishment of the flood pulse, but was greatest when inundation extended from the wet season into the dry season. Restoration of a wetland plant community did not result in the predicted increase in species richness and diversity. Colonization and expansion of the exotic grass, Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & C.E. Hubb., disrupted community reassembly processes. By summer 2007, mean cover of this species and several other exotic grasses increased to 24%, and necessitated herbicide treatments. Assembly rules provided useful predictions for the initial restoration of wet prairie vegetation, but were eventually confounded by the spread of an exotic species that was new to the regional flora.
Noise control in solid-phase immunoassays by use of a matrix coat.

Abstract This paper describes the matrix coat noise control technique as applied in an ELISA to detect IgG antibody to the semen protein p30 (also known as prostate-specific antigen). Background noise due to non-specific binding of IgG in solid-phase immunoassays has recently been shown to be highly charge dependent. In this technique, the surface antigen (here, p30) is co-coated on the test surface with an anionic macromolecule, the noise reduction matrix component, to reduce non-specific IgG binding. A second matrix component, the noise balancing component, is added if necessary to balance non-specific IgG binding between a detecting well which contains matrix plus antigen and a control well which contains matrix alone. Sample noise can then be measured in the control well and subtracted to yield a noise-corrected signal. This approach both minimizes background noise and then precisely quantitates residual noise. In this study, human α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) served as the noise reduction component and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the noise balancing component. Optimal coating concentrations of AGP and BSA for the matrix were determined by a new technique, the tetrad method of signal and noise analysis. A signal probe (immune serum), a noise probe (non-immune serum) and a set of four test wells are employed to analyze the noise control properties of a given combination of matrix components. For each such tetrad of wells, three ratios are calculated: the sensitivity, signal-to-noise and noise balance ratios, along with a composite index, the matrix index. These can be used to select the combination and concentrations of matrix components which optimize assay noise control and minimize losses of assay sensitivity. When an ELISA using matrix coat noise control (MCNC-ELISA) was compared with ELISAs using standard blocking techniques, the MCNC-ELISA was superior in its ability to control for false positive results due to non-specific IgG binding and binding of the polycation poly- L -lysine. Two subjects (14%) out of a clinic population of sexually active women were found to have significant serum levels of anti-p30 IgG (P ≦ 0.001) by MCNC-ELISA.
In Situ Synchrotron X‐Ray Diffraction Study of the Rhombohedral‐to‐HT‐Cubic Phase Transformation in Ln6WO12 (Ln = Y, Ho, Er, Yb)

The high-temperature rhombohedral-to-fcc phase transformation in the Ln6WO12 (Ln = Y, Ho, Er, Yb) system was investigated by thermal analysis and in situ X-ray diffraction. The process was characterized by thermodynamic, kinetic, and mechanistic criteria, and the role of the rare-earth cation on the transformation properties trends was evaluated. An atomistic perspective on the accompanying structural change is presented, as well as a characterization of the associated shape and volume changes. A twofold comparison is performed with the similar low-temperature fcc-to-rhombohedral transformation in the same system. One aspect contrasts the structural changes related to each process, manifested by the behavior of the lattice parameters and transformation characteristics. The second concerns the sequence of transformations according to composition and suggests the order of thermal stability of Ln polyhedra in each phase.
Evaluation of temperature effects on selectivity in RPLC separations using polybutadiene-coated zirconia.

The effect of temperature on selectivity in RPLC method development has been evaluated on polybutadiene-coated zirconia. We find that the influence of temperature on selectivity depends strongly on solute type. For solutes of similar structure such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, temperature has almost no effect on selectivity; however, for solutes with very different functional groups such as chlorophenols, temperature changes did significantly affect selectivity. We feel that simple mixtures with one dominant retention mechanism-e.g., solvophobic retention-will not be helped appreciably by adjusting temperature. However, in complex mixtures with polar and ionizable solutes, optimization by varying the temperature may well be fruitful.
Reactive Oxygen Species Regulate Protrusion Efficiency by Controlling Actin Dynamics

Productive protrusions allowing motile cells to sense and migrate toward a chemotactic gradient of reactive oxygen species (ROS) require a tight control of the actin cytoskeleton. However, the mechanisms of how ROS affect cell protrusion and actin dynamics are not well elucidated yet. We show here that ROS induce the formation of a persistent protrusion. In migrating epithelial cells, protrusion of the leading edge requires the precise regulation of the lamellipodium and lamella F-actin networks. Using fluorescent speckle microscopy, we showed that, upon ROS stimulation, the F-actin retrograde flow is enhanced in the lamellipodium. This event coincides with an increase of cofilin activity, free barbed ends formation, Arp2/3 recruitment, and ERK activity at the cell edge. In addition, we observed an acceleration of the F-actin flow in the lamella of ROS-stimulated cells, which correlates with an enhancement of the cell contractility. Thus, this study demonstrates that ROS modulate both the lamellipodium and the lamella networks to control protrusion efficiency.
Novel associations between rhizobial populations and legume species within the genera Lathyrus and O xytropis grown in the temperate region of China

Fifty rhizobial isolates of Lathyrus and Oxytropis collected from northern regions of China were studied in their genotypic characterization based upon analyses of ARDRA, 16S-23S IGS PCR-RFLP, TP-RAPD, MLEE, sequences of 16S rDNA gene and housekeeping genes of atpD, recA and glnII. The results demonstrated that most of the Lathyrus rhizobia belonged to Rhizobium and most of the Oxytropis rhizobia belonged to Sinorhizobium. A novel group of Rhizobium sp. I and S. meliloti were identified as the main microsymbionts respectively associated with Lathyrus and Oxytropis species in the collection area, which were new associations between rhizobia and the mentioned hosts. This study also provides new evidence for biogeography of rhizobia.
Parathyroid Hormone and Anion Uptake in Isolated Mitochondria

Parathyroid hormone promotes the mitochondrial accumulation of 35S-sulfate and 76As-arsenate as well as phosphate. The accumulation of sulfate, arsenate and phosphate is mutually competitive. The hormonal stimulation of glutamate oxidation in oligomycin- blocked mitochondria depends upon the presence of one of the 3 anions. The anion accumulation and the oxidative response with arsenate are approximately 50%, and with sulfate 25%, of those obtained with phosphate. The physiologic implications of these results are discussed. (Endocrinology 74: 388, 1964)
Production and carbonate dynamics of Halimeda incrassata (Ellis) Lamouroux altered by Thalassia testudinum Banks and Soland ex König

Ocean acidification poses a serious threat to a broad suite of calcifying organisms. Scleractinian corals and cal- careous algae that occupy shallow, tropical waters are vulnerable to global changes in ocean chemistry be- cause they already are subject to stressful and variable carbon dynamics at the local scale. For example, net heterotrophy increases carbon dioxide concentrations, and pH varies with diurnal fluctuations in photosyn- thesis and respiration. Few researchers, however, have investigated the possibility that carbon dioxide con- sumption during photosynthesis by non-calcifying photoautotrophs, such as seagrasses, can ameliorate deleterious effects of ocean acidi fi cation on sympatric calcareous algae. Naturally occurring variations in the density of seagrasses and associated calcareous algae provide an ecologically relevant test of the hypoth- esis that diel fl uctuations in water chemistry driven by cycles of photosynthesis and respiration within seagrass beds create microenvironments that enhance macroalgal calci fi cation. In Grape Tree Bay off Little Cayman Island BWI, we quanti fi ed net production and characterized calci fi cation for thalli of the calcareous green alga Halimeda incrassata growing within beds of Thalassia testudinum with varying shoot densities. Re- sults indicated that individual H . incrassata thalli were ~6% more calci fi ed in dense seagrass beds. On an areal basis, however, far more calcium carbonate was produced by H . incrassata in areas where seagrasses were less dense due to higher rates of production. In addition, diel pH regimes in vegetated and unvegetated areas within the lagoon were not signi fi cantly different, suggesting a high degree of water exchange and mixing throughout the lagoon. These results suggest that, especially in well-mixed lagoons, carbonate pro- duction by calcareous algae may be more related to biotic interactions between seagrasses and calcareous algae than to seagrass-mediated changes in local water chemistry.
TH‐D‐108‐01: Implementing MR‐Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer

Image‐guidance plays an important role in modern radiation therapy, predominantly in external beam planning and delivery. In recent years, with the advent of high/pulsed dose rate afterloading technology, advanced treatment planning systems, and CT and MRI compatible applicators, image‐guided adaptive brachytherapy treatments (IGABT) are now achievable. With image guidance, the target can be delineated more precisely, resulting in delivering more controlled doses of radiation to the target while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The whole process requires a committed team of physicians, physicists, nurses, with clear roles and infrastructure needs that will be explained clearly. We are proposing to describe the complex processes of implementing a new IGABT program, drawing from our own group's experience in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center. GEC‐ESTRO guidelines, crucial for implementing robust and standardized IGART, will be reviewed. They rely on MRI‐guided planning for cervical cancer. MR imaging has its advantages, but also challenges and limitations (image artifacts and distortion related to magnetic nonlinearity, MR sequence selection, accuracy of 3D applicator reconstruction) that need addressed. Treatment planning flow will be discussed for different scenarios: when both CT and MR images are available vs. MR alone, when solid applicator applicators are available vs. not. Different treatment planning techniques will be presented. Advantages and limitations of our proposed flow will be also addressed. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the benefits of IGARBT in general, MR‐based in particular. Understand the GEC‐ESTRO guidelines and resources needed to implement IGARBT based on GEC‐ESTRO. Identify the infrastructure and personnel needed for successful implementation of IGARBT. 2. Learn about the MR imaging sequences needed to image soft tissue and applicators, respectively. Understand the process of applicator reconstruction with and without the use of solid applicators library. 3. Understanding the treatment planning flow: image registration, planning techniques, data reporting, dose summation of brachytherapy fractions and with external beam. Understand potential challenges and barriers in implementing MR‐based IGARBT: Convenient access to MR, time constraints, physician and physicist expertise with MRI, lack of CT/MRI compatible applicators, MR alone planning vs. MR/CT‐based planning.
Spatial differential conditioning of the nictitating membrane response in hippocampectomized rabbits

Rabbits with bilateral aspiration lesions of the dorsal hippocampus were trained on a spatial differential conditioning task (nictitating membrane response) in which the offset of one of two panel lights was paired with the unconditioned stimulus (US). Offset of the second panel light was not paired with the US. Hippocampectomized rabbits (n=9) were not impaired in comparison with partially neodecorticated (n=5) and nonoperated (n=6) controls. The results are discussed in relation to O’Keefe and Nadel’s (1978) cognitive map theory of the hippocampus.
Pavlovian inhibition cannot be obtained by posttraining A-US pairings: Further evidence for the empirical asymmetry of the comparator hypothesis

Water-deprived rats served in a conditioned lick suppression experiment to examine a prediction of the comparator hypothesis (Miller & Matzel, 1988). Subjects received treatment analogous to Pavlovian conditioned-inhibition training, but without reinforcement (i.e., A−/AX−). They then received reinforcement, that is, inflation, of Stimulus A (i.e., A+). According to the comparator hypothesis, this should have transformed Stimulus X into a conditioned inhibitor, especially under circumstances in which A and X are well associated (as might be expected following simultaneous compound preexposure to Stimuli A and X). This experiment differed from previous demonstrations that showed that inflation effects could not be obtained, in that here, parameters were chosen both to promote a strong association between the target stimulus (i.e., Stimulus X) and its “comparator stimulus” (i.e., Stimulus A), and to minimize attenuation of this association during posttraining inflation of Stimulus A. No conditioned inhibition was observed relative to control groups that received inflation of an irrelevant stimulus (i.e., A−/AX− → B+) or no simultaneous compound (i.e., A−/X− → A+) exposure.
Sexual dysfunction following radical surgery for cancer of the rectum.

Sexual impotence is a common complication after abdominoperineal excision of cancer of the rectum, varying from 53 to 100 per cent in the recent experience of ten prominent surgeons. This contrasts sharply with the incidence of less than 10 per cent of impotence after rectal excision for ulcerative colitis. Ejaculation is controlled by the lumbar sympathetic system, probably the first lumbar ganglia. Control of erection is a function of the pelvic parasympathetic nerves originating from the second, third and fourth sacral nerves, the presacral plexus, and the pelvic parasympathetic multiple nerve fibers that travel around the lateral perirectal tissues and go to the area of the prostate gland. Probably these nerves are divided in the course of radical lateral dissections associated with operations for malignancy, and are a necessary price that has to be paid for thorough pelvic lymphatic dissection.
Human T-lymphotropic virus type I DNA in spinal cord of tropical spastic paraparesis with concomitant human T-lymphotropic virus type I-negative Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract We studied a 58-year-old black woman from Barbados who simultaneously developed myelopathy and lymphoma with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid and died 3 years after onset. Neuropathological examination showed typical tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated defective proviral genome retaining the HTLV-I p X and env regions in thoracic spinal cord, the level most severely affected. Defective HTLV-I in the nervous system retaining the pX region may be relevant to pathogenesis because circulating CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes specific for HTLV-I pX occur in HTLV-I myelopathy. This patient's lymph node biopsy specimen was consistent with Hodgkin's disease (HD), nodular sclerosis subtype, of B-cell origin. The PCR in the paraffin-embedded lymph node involved by HD failed to amplify HTLV-I proviral sequences. Complete HTLV-I proviral amplification was obtained in paraffin-embedded lymph nodes from positive controls (adult T-cell leukemia). To our knowledge the association of TSP and HD has not been reported previously. Despite claims that HD may be associated with HTLV-I, we demonstrated absence of HTLV-I-infected T cells in the lymphoid infiltrate of HD in this case, positive HTLV-I serology notwithstanding.
Surface modification of ZrW2O8 and ZrW2O7(OH)·2H2O by in situ polymerization: Enhanced filler particles for use in composites

To explore the effect of negative thermal expansion on the reduction of the coefficient of thermal expansion of polymer with respect to that of chain stiffening, the preparation of polycarbonate composites with ZrW2O8 and ZrW2O7(OH)2·2H2O are attempted. In the process, the dispersion of the filler particles in the polymer needs to be optimized, and the transfer of properties at the interface between the two phases. Therefore, surface modification by in situ polymerization is performed on these two particles. Several parameters of the reaction are optimized to achieve higher surface coverage of oligomer, including reaction time and the amount of monomers and particles. On the basis of the optimized conditions, two modification steps are then used to maximize both recovered amount of modified particles and surface coverage. The composites prepared with modified particles show enhanced dispersion of the particles and interaction at the interfaces. POLYM. COMPOS., 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Temperature-Sensitive Cell Cycle Arrest Mutation Affecting H1 Phosphorylation and Nuclear Localization of a Small Heat Shock Protein in Tetrahymena thermophila

Abstract This report describes a temperature-sensitive Tetrahymena thermophila cell cycle arrest mutant that is also deficient in its heat shock response. Mutants incubated at 41°C undergo rapid dephosphorylation of macronuclear histone H1, in contrast to wild-type cells which hyperphosphorylate H1 under the same conditions. Dephosphorylation is specific to H1 and is associated with a threefold decrease in the level of H1 kinase activity in macronuclei isolated from heat-shocked mutants. A small nuclear heat shock protein, sp29c, is synthesized and phosphorylated normally in the mutant cells but fails to accumulate in macronuclei. Nuclear transport of other heat shock proteins is unaffected. Mutant cells die slowly at 41°C, a temperature at which wild-type cells resume normal growth after a brief lag. Wild-type cells acquire thermotolerance (competence to survive a 3-h heat shock at 43°C) after a 1-h treatment at 41°C, but mutant cells cannot become thermotolerant and die after the same treatment. The mutation is named c hp 1 (cell cycle, h eat shock, and p hosphorylation defect).
Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of cytosine arabinoside in dogs.

Cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) is a component of many protocols for the treatment of CNS (central nervous system) leukemia and lymphoma in humans and dogs. It is also used for the prophylaxis of CNS metastasis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Although ara-C enters the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of human cancer patients after i.v. administration, it is unclear whether a similar CNS distribution occurs in humans whose blood-brain barrier has not been compromised by invasive disease. No information on the penetration of ara-C into the CSF in dogs is available. We studied the plasma and CSF pharmacokinetics of 600 mg/m2 ara-C in ten healthy male dogs after its administration as a rapid i.v. bolus (six dogs) or as a 12-h i.v. infusion (four dogs). Ara-C concentration in blood and CSF samples was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After an i.v. bolus of ara-C, the mean plasma distribution half-life was 7.1±4.5 min and the mean elimination half-life was 69±28 min. The mean plasma clearance was 227±125 ml min−1 m−2. The peak concentration of ara-C in the CSF was 29±11 μm, which occurred at 57±13 min after the ara-C bolus. The CSF elimination half-life was 113±26 min. During a 12-h infusion of ara-C (50 mg m−2 h−1), the plasma steady-state concentration was 14.1±4.2 μm, the CSF steady-state concentration was 8.3±1.1 μm, and the CSF: plasma ratio was 0.62±0.14. The plasma eleimination half-life was 64±19 min and the plasma clearance was 214±69 ml min−1 m−2. The CSF elimination half-life was 165±28 min. No clinically significant toxicity was observed over a 21-day period following drug administration in either of the treatment groups. Our data indicate that ara-C crosses the blood-brain barrier in normal dogs and that i.v. administration of this drug has potential as a treatment modality for neoplasia involving the CNS.
Workplace efforts to promote influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel and their association with uptake during the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1).

Abstract Background Survey data suggest that, in a typical year, less than half U.S. healthcare personnel (HCP) are vaccinated for influenza. We measured workplace efforts to promote influenza vaccination among HCP in the U.S. and their association with seasonal and pandemic vaccination during the 2009–10 influenza season. Methods Self-reported survey data collected in June 2010 from eligible HCP ( n = 1714) participating in a nationally representative, online research panel. HCP eligible for participation in the survey were those reporting as patient care providers and/or working in a healthcare setting. The survey measured workplace exposure to vaccination recommendations, vaccination requirements, on-site vaccination, reminders, and/or rewards, and being vaccinated for seasonal or H1N1 influenza. Results At least two-thirds of HCP were offered worksite influenza vaccination; about one half received reminders; and 10% were required to be vaccinated. Compared to HCP in other work settings, hospital employees were most ( p p p Conclusions Our findings provide empirical support for vaccination requirements as a strategy for increasing influenza vaccination among HCP. Our findings also suggest that making influenza vaccination available to HCP at work could increase uptake and highlight the need to reach beyond hospitals in promoting vaccination among HCP.
Climate-soil processes in the presence of permafrost: a systems modelling approach

Abstract A physical model of the soil temperature and moisture regimes in a permafrost terrain has been developed. The model is designed to be of general applicability to any site and any climatic conditions. It can therefore be used as a predictive tool of the effect of climate change on soil moisture, soil temperature and depth to the permafrost. The model has been validated with data from Barrow, Alaska by comparing calculated and measured surface energy fluxes and soil temperature profiles throughout the year. Sensitivity analysis of the computed surface energy fluxes, soil temperature and soil moisture to changes in climatic conditions and organic layer thickness indicated that powerful positive feedback loops can be triggered, leading, for instance, to a 75% increase in active layer depth in response to a 3°C increase in air temperature or to a decrease in organic layer thickness from 10 to 6 cm. The model demonstrates that large errors arise when the dependence of the soil thermal conductivity and heat capacity on soil moisture content is not taken into consideration. Simulations of a progressive increase in air temperature over 100 years have been performed to test possible effects of changes in climate as induced by the increase of greenhouse gases concentration in the atmosphere. The results are discussed with particular emphasis on the possible consequences on carbon exchanges between terrestrial biosphere and atmosphere in the northern ecosystems.
Fast switching of light-emitting diodes

Abstract We have proposed a method of increasing the switching speed of a light-emitting diode by controlling the voltage across the device rather than the current through it. While the speed of conventional current-control methods is limited by the recombination processes in the active region, with their characteristic time being of the order of several nanoseconds, we have shown both analytically and numerically, that the characteristic time of the voltage-control method can be two orders of magnitude smaller. Such a speed is provided by a large pulsed current that rapidly removes excessive carriers from the active region if the device is being switched off, and injects them into the active region if the device is being switched on.
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF LYME DISEASE, WITH EMPHASIS ON ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY FOR NEUROBORRELIOSIS AND VACCINATION

Antibiotic therapy is recommended for all forms of neuroborreliosis. Although stage 2 neuroborreliosis will usually resolve without any treatment, antibiotic therapy has been associated with faster resolution of symptoms and may prevent additional non-neurologic disease manifestations. Ceftriaxone is the most convenient parenteral agent for stage 2 and 3 neuroborreliosis because of its once-daily dosage. Available data indicate that a 2-4-week treatment course is adequate for most patients. Patients with isolated seventh nerve palsy may be treated with an oral agent (for example, doxycycline). Recombinant outer surface protein A of Borrelia burgdorferi is a highly protective immunogen for prevention of Lyme disease in experimental animals. Humoral immunity is sufficient for protection. A recombinant OspA vaccine has been licensed for prevention of Lyme disease in dogs. Licensure of an OspA vaccine for humans will depend on a critical analysis of the results of recently completed efficacy studies.
Erratum to: Organic–inorganic hybrid melting gels

Melting gels are a class of organically modified silica gels that are rigid at room temperature, flow at temperature T1 and consolidate at temperature T2 (T2 > T1), when crosslinking is complete. The process of (a) softening, (b) becoming rigid and (c) re-softening can be repeated many times. Mixtures of mono-substituted alkoxysilanes and di-substituted alkoxysilanes have been studied in a systematic way to identify suitable melting gel compositions. The mixtures and the resulting melting gels have been characterized for their softening temperatures and consolidation temperatures. With an interest in using these materials for sealing microelectronics, their physical properties have been measured.
Proteoglycans and the acute-phase response in Alzheimer's disease brain.

Alzheimer's disease is a dementing disorder affecting increasingly large numbers of individuals in the aging population. The characteristic neuropathologic changes of Alzheimer's disease are the deposition of extracellular is the major constituent of senile plaques. In addition to the A4 peptide, senile plaques contain a variety of molecular species, including proteoglycans and inflammatory components. The presence of proteoglycans in the amyloid deposits of Alzheimer's disease and of systemic amyloidoses suggests that these molecules play an active role in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis. However, the molecular mechanisms that lead to the codeposition of amyloid peptide with proteoglycans is still unknown. Recent evidence suggests that the metabolism of proteoglycans is altered in Alzheimer's disease patients. The acute-phase response observed in the brain of patients affected by Alzheimer's disease may be responsible for this effect. In this article, we discuss the role of proteoglycans in Alzheimer's disease, and the possible interactions between factors involved in brain inflammatory mechanisms and proteoglycans in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Assessment of Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Rickettsia spp. and Rickettsia rickettsii in Banked Clinical Samples

ABSTRACT Two novel real-time PCR assays were developed for the detection of Rickettsia spp. One assay detects all tested Rickettsia spp.; the other is specific for Rickettsia rickettsii. Evaluation using DNA from human blood and tissue samples showed both assays to be more sensitive than nested PCR assays currently in use at the CDC.
Assessment of clinically significant changes in acute Pain in children

Objective: To quantify, using two pain assessment scales, the amount of change in pain severity required to achieve a clinically significant improvement in pain in children presenting to a pediatric emergency department (ED) with pain. Methods: Prospective, descriptive study involving all children presenting to a pediatric ED between 5 and 16 years of age inclusive with acute pain. Children were excluded if they 1) were intoxicated or had altered sensorium, 2) were clinically unstable, 3) were non-English-speaking, or 4) were developmentally delayed. Written informed consent was obtained. Children were asked to mark their current pain severity on the standardized Color Analogue Scale (CAS) and Faces Pain Scale (FPS). After each pain control intervention the child was asked to repeat these measurements and to describe whether his or her pain was “much less,”“a little less,”“about the same,”“a little worse,” or “much worse” compared with before. This process was repeated until the child was discharged from the ED or had a score of zero. The main outcome measure was the smallest change on the CAS or FPS necessary to cause the child to describe his or her pain as a “little less.” This was defined as the clinically significant change in pain. The “ideal” change in pain was defined as the amount of change necessary for the child to describe the pain as “much less” or at which point the child thought he or she no longer required any medicine to help the pain go away. Results: One hundred twenty-one children were enrolled with a mean age of 9.8 years (SD ± 3.15). Males accounted for 56%. Pain was traumatic in 65% and nontraumatic in 35%. A total of 153 pain comparisons were made using the CAS and 154 using the FPS. Only three children complained that their pain got worse (two a little worse and one much worse). Pain was described as “the same” in 20. Of the 60 pain comparisons judged to be a “little less,” the CAS score changed by a median of 2.0 cm [interquartile ratio (IQR) 1-3], and the FPS by 1.0 face (IQR 1-2). In the 71 children who judged their pain to be “much less,” the CAS decreased by a median of 4.0 cm (IQR 2-5) and the FPS by 2.0 faces (IQR 2-3). Conclusions: The assessment and treatment of pain in children are an important component of pediatric practice, especially in the ED. This study provides health care professionals and clinical investigators the information necessary to assess whether their method of pain control in children is clinically relevant.
GeneChip analysis of signaling pathways effected by nickel

The carcinogenicity of nickel compounds has been shown in numerous epidemiological and animal studies. Carcinogenesis is generally considered as a multistep accumulation of genetic alterations. Nickel, however, being highly carcinogenic is only a weak mutagen. We hypothesize that nickel may act by modulating signaling pathways, and subsequently by reprogramming transcription factors. Insoluble nickel is considered to be more carcinogenic than soluble. In this study using GeneChip technology we compared changes in gene expression caused by soluble and insoluble nickel compounds. We found that both soluble and insoluble nickel compounds induce similar signaling pathways following 20 h of in vitro exposure. For example, both nickel compounds activated a number of transcription factors including hypoxia-inducible factor I (HIF-1) and p53. The induction of these important transcription factors exerts potent selective pressure leading to cell transformation. The obtained data are in agreement with our previous observations that acute nickel exposure activates HIF-1 and p53 transcription factors and in nickel-transformed cells, the ratio of HIF-I activity to p53 activity was shifted towards high HIF-I activity. The activation of the same signaling pathways by soluble and insoluble nickel compounds suggested that both nickel compounds have similar carcinogenic potential in vitro.
Structure of polyelectrolyte chains confined in nanoporous glass

We have investigated the structure of sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) in a bulk solution and when confined within the pores of the model nanoporous medium, Vycor. We have used the zero average contrast condition and SANS to separate the intramolecular (form factor), P(q), and intermolecular contributions, Q(q), to the total scattering. We find that the chains are more stretched in confined geometry than the bulk and sufficiently so as to highlight the large-scale disordered structure of Vycor. We show experimentally and prove theoretically that the asymptotic behavior of the observed interchain structure factor, Q(q), is ≈1/q2 for free and ≈1/q for confined chains.
Getting the most out of noise in the central nervous system

Rather than merely a nuisance, noise in biological systems is a useful property. Before patch-clamp methods were invented, analysis of membrane current noise provided the first solid, if indirect, evidence for the existence of ion-conducting pores with discrete conductance levels. Although supplanted by single-channel recording techniques for most tasks, analysis of current membrane noise remains useful for certain problems, such as determining the properties of channels with rapid kinetics that open with a high probability and desensitize, channels localized at synapses, channels with an unusually low unitary conductance and open-channel noise. In addition, the role of noise in information processing in the CNS is increasingly being recognized. In this article, we summarize the analysis of current membrane noise with an emphasis on what the technique is still useful for, and discuss the role for noise in information processing.
Management of noninfectious lung injury following hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Purpose of reviewOver the past 20 years, tremendous strides have been made to decrease treatment-related morbidity and mortality following allogeneic transplant, including management of acute and chronic lung injury. Within this context, three distinct entities are recognized, idiopathic pneumonia s
Icosahedral symmetry in the Al85Cr15 quasi-crystalline material formed by ion irradiation

We have shown that the quasi-crystalline state can be formed in AlCr by a solid-state transformation from the amorphous phase by ion irradiation at 150°C with 600 keV Xe ions.
Graph von Neumann Algebras

In this paper, we will define a graph von Neumann algebra \(\Bbb{M}_{G}\) over a fixed von Neumann algebra M, where G is a countable directed graph, by a crossed product algebra \(\Bbb{M}_{G}\) = M ×α\(\Bbb{G}\) , where \(\Bbb{G}\) is the graph groupoid of G and α is the graph-representation. After defining a certain conditional expectation from \(\Bbb{M}_{G}\) onto its M-diagonal subalgebra \(\Bbb{D}_{G},\) we can see that this crossed product algebra \(\Bbb{M}_{G}\) is *-isomorphic to an amalgamated free product \(\underset{e\in E(G)}{\,*_{\Bbb{D}_{G}}}\)\(\Bbb{M} _{e},\) where \(\Bbb{M}_{e}\) = vN(M ×α\(\Bbb{G}_{e},\)\(\Bbb{D}_{G}),\) where \(\Bbb{G}_{e}\) is the subset of \(\Bbb{G}\) consisting of all reduced words in {e, e–1} and M ×α\(\Bbb{G} _{e}\) is a W*-subalgebra of \(\Bbb{M}_{G},\) as a new graph von Neumann algebra induced by a graph Ge. Also, we will show that, as a Banach space, a graph von Neumann algebra \(\Bbb{M}_{G}\) is isomorphic to a Banach space \(\Bbb{D}_{G}\) ⊕ \((\underset{w^{*}\in E(G)_{r}^{*}}{\oplus }\)\(\Bbb{M}_{w^{*}}^{o}),\) where \(E{\left( G \right)}^{*}_{r}\) is a certain subset of the set E(G)* of all words in the edge set E(G) of G.
The Impact of Occupational Stressors on Correctional Staff Organizational Commitment: A Preliminary Study

Correctional staff are the driving force of any correctional facility. Identification of the forces that shape job satisfaction and organizational commitment of correctional staff is necessary for ...
Incidence of Ligament Lesions and Associated Degenerative Changes in the Elderly Wrist

The scapholunate, lunotriquetral, and triangular fibrocartilage of 62 cadaveric wrists were examined to determine the incidence of pathologic changes in asymptomatic elderly wrists. A scapholunate ligament lesion was noted in 18 wrists; the majority of defects were incomplete and involved the central portion of the ligament only. Lunotriquetral ligament defects were noted in 20 wrists; eight were partial defects, most of them were central ligament lesions. Triangular fibrocartilage defects were present in 33 wrists and consisted of two distinct patterns: a central oval pattern with actual tissue loss and a linear defect running in the dorsal anterior direction 2-3 mm ulnar to the radial attachment of the triangular fibrocartilage. X-ray film evaluation showed few significant degenerative changes with no pronounced collapse deformities. Defects involving the scapholunate, lunotriquetral, or triangular fibrocartilage were very common, with the presence of at least one of these ligament defects in wrists. These ligament defects occur as a process of aging and behave in a manner quite different from traumatic lesions of these same structures in the younger population.
Cardiac and peripheral vascular effects of pralidoxime chloride.

Abstract After each administered i.v. dose of 2-PAM (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight) to open chest anesthetized dogs, cardiac output, arterial pressure, stroke volume and stroke work increased while heart rate decreased. Following α-adrenergic blockade, 2-PAM produced changes similar to those of control animals with the exception that heart rate increased at 40 mg/kg. After β-adrenergic blockade, increases in stroke volume, stroke work, total peripheral resistance and arterial pressure occurred with all doses of 2-PAM. Heart rate decreased while cardiac output was maintained or slightly increased. In reserpine-treated animals, arterial pressure, stroke volume, stroke work and total peripheral resistance increased while heart rate decreased. The results of this study suggest that 2-PAM has a direct stimulatory action on the heart and vascular smooth muscle.
Tales of quakes and consequences garner 2012 AGU journalism awards

When a court last month convicted seismologists of wrongdoing for how they characterized earthquake risk in the weeks preceding a deadly 2009 temblor in the city of L'Aquila, Italy, the verdict shocked scientists around the world. More than a year before that judgment came down, freelance reporter Stephen S. Hall had explored the legal case and its implications for scientists and for society in an article published in the 15 September 2011 issue of Nature. Because of the deep and compelling way in which Hall reported on the case, AGU in July chose Hall as the 2012 winner of the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism - Features. Remarkable coverage of an earthquake also stood out for judges of the other of this year's AGU journalism honors: the 2012 David Perlman Award for Excellence in Journalism - News. Also in July, AGU selected a team at The Washington Post, including two staff writers, Brian Vastag and Steven Mufson, and the Post's graphics staff, to receive the Perlman Award for their superb reporting on the unusual 5.8 magnitude earthquake that shook the Washington, D. C., region in August 2011.
Topical Silver Nanoparticles Result in Improved Bleb Function by Increasing Filtration and Reducing Fibrosis in a Rabbit Model of Filtration Surgery

Purpose To compare the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and mitomycin C (MMC) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and external, histologic, and immunohistochemical bleb characteristics in a rabbit model of filtration surgery. Methods Filtration surgery with concurrent topical application of either AgNPs or MMC was performed on 14 pigmented Dutch Belted rabbits. IOP and bleb characteristics were compared on postoperative day 1 and at weeks 1 through 6. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and smooth muscle actin (SMA) immunohistochemistry were performed at postoperative week 6. Results Average IOP across all time points was reduced 5.8 and 3.8 mm Hg in AgNP- and MMC-treated eyes, respectively. At week 6, IOP was reduced 4.1 and 0.2 mm Hg in AgNP- and MMC-treated eyes, respectively. Blebs were smaller, thicker, and less ischemic in AgNP-treated eyes. AgNP-treated eyes showed less fibrosis and more stromal edema, suggesting increased filtration, and also had fewer SMA-positive myofibroblasts, suggesting reduced bleb contraction. AgNP-treated eyes showed more lymphocytes than MMC-treated eyes. There were few complications in both groups. Conclusions In a rabbit model of filtration surgery, AgNPs are a reasonable alternative to MMC as adjunctive therapy. Compared to MMC, AgNPs result in an improved and sustained reduction of IOP and promote blebs with decreased fibrosis and ischemia as well as increased filtration despite a smaller overall size. This combination may offer an opportunity to promote long-term surgical IOP reduction with an improved complication profile.
Quantum dot photonic crystal detectors

In this paper we report the use of a photonic crystal resonant cavity to increase the quantum efficiency, detectivity (D*) and the background limited infrared photodetector (BLIP) temperature of a quantum dot detector. The photonic crystal is incorporated in InAs/InGaAs/GaAs dots-in-well (DWELL) detector using Electron beam lithography. From calibrated blackbody measurements, the conversion efficiency of the detector with the photonic crystal (DWELL-PC) is found to be 58.5% at -2.5 V while the control DWELL detectors have quantum efficiency of 7.6% at the same bias. We observed no significant reduction in the dark current of the photonic crystal devices compared to the normal structure. The generation-recombination limited D* at 77K with a 300K F1.7 background, is estimated to be 6 x 10 10 cmHz 1/2 /W at -3V bias for the DWELL-PC which is a factor of 20 higher than that of the control sample. We also observed a 20% increase in the BLIP temperature for the DWELL-PCs.
Die Art des Haarbefalls in vitro durch Trichophyton mentagrophytes und Trichophyton rubrum

Zusammenfassung Die Art des Befalls von menschlichem Haar in vitro durch Tr. mentagrophytes und Tr. rubrum wurde an insgesamt 204 Stammen (87 Mentagrophytes- und 117 Rubrum-Stammen) untersucht. Die Mentagrophytes-Stamme drangen mit den bekannten, als Perforationsorgane beschriebenen Myzelzapfen in den Haarschaft ein, wahrend der groste Teil (91) der Rubrum-Stamme sich nur auf der Oberflache des Haares ausbreitete. 22 weitere sichtbare Rubrum-Stamme bildeten aber ebenfalls Perforationsorgane aus. Damit ist audi die Art des Haarbefalls nicht als ein durchgehendes Unterscheidungsmerkmal zwischen den beiden Arten anzusehen.
Is anastomotic biopsy necessary before radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy

Purpose: External beam radiotherapy may be given after radical prostatectomy as adjuvant (immediate) or therapeutic (delayed) treatment, the latter in response to evidence of disease recurrence. In patients receiving delayed radiotherapy the necessity of a positive anastomotic biopsy before treatment remains unclear. We determined whether a positive anastomotic biopsy predicted the response to radiation in this setting.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 67 patients who received radiotherapy for biochemical or biopsy proved recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Patients underwent surgery at our institution or its affiliated hospitals, or were referred to our institution for radiotherapy. All patients had a negative metastatic evaluation before receiving radiotherapy. Biochemical failure after radiotherapy was defined as serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) 0.2 ng./dl. or greater on 2 or more consecutive occasions. Biochemical recurrence-free survival was calculated using th...
Collisional alignment and orientation of atomic outer shells. II. Quasi-molecular excitation, and beyond

Abstract We present a comprehensive and critical review on atomic alignment and orientation after collisional excitation including a full reevaluation and discussion of data published to date in the literature. The present Vol. II focuses on the quasimolecular low-energy regime in ion-atom and atom-atom processes. The discussion centers on experimental and theoretical data for planar scattering geometry in which the alignment and orientation parameters are determined as a function of scattering angle (particle-photon coincidence or scattering from laser-excited atoms, the so-called third-generation of experiments). In addition, alignment studies with cylindrical symmetry (second-generation experiments) and integral cross sections (first-generation experiments) are also discussed wherever this clarifies the understanding of the relevant processes. A unified set of parameters is used with reference to the so-called natural coordinate frame (having its z -axis perpendicular to the collision plane): the angular momentum transfer L ⊥ , the alignment angle γ, the linear polarization P + and the symmetry-changing probability ϱ00. This parametrization allows one an intuitive interpretation of these otherwise somewhat abstract quantities. After reviewing the theoretical framework the individual model systems are described, starting with excitation and charge transfer in the genuine one-electron system H + + H and ending with He + + Rg ( Rg = raregas atom) collisions involving many electrons and demonstrating the explicit influence of spin-orbit coupling. In several appendices a compilation of the relevant classical deflection functions and many useful formulae for the interpretation of alignment and orientation parameters are reported.
Effects of Ca ++ and Mg ++ on secretion in vitro by mouse thyroid glands.

The effect of varying the concentration of medium K+ and Na+ on in vitro thyroidal 131I release was studied. Elevation of medium K+ to levels previously shown to depolarize thyroid membranes had no effect on thyroidal 131I release. A dependence of secretion on Na+ both in terms of 131I release and colloid phagocytosis was demonstrated by replacing Na+ with K+, choline, sucrose, or Tris. Oubain and K+-free medium, under conditions which inhibited membrane transport functions, inhibited 131I release and colloid droplet formation stimulated by both TSH and cyclic AMP. Thus activation of colloid phagocytosis by cyclic AMP appears to depend on medium Na+ and a functioning Na+- K+ transport system. (Endocrinology 90: 1452, 1972)