cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fungicidal versus fungistatic activity of terbinafine and itraconazole: an in vitro comparison.

Abstract Background: The ratio of fungicidal to fungistatic activity of two new antifungal agents, itraconazole and terbinafine, against the causative organisms in onychomycosis may have clinical relevance. Objective: This study compared the fungistatic and fungicidal activity of terbinafine and itraconazole against clinical isolates of dermatophytes and Candida species causing onychomycosis. Methods: The antifungal agent was added to suspensions of dermatophyte conidia and hyphal fragments (5 × 10 3 to 5 × 10 4 fungal elements/ml) that had been preincubated to allow hyphal formation. Cell suspensions of Candida species (1 to 5 × 10 3 cells/ml) were not preincubated before drug exposure. Macrobroth and macrobroth dilution assays were used to test antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytes and yeasts, respectively. An agent was considered fungicidal if the minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) to minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio was ≤ 4 and fungistatic if the ratio was > 4. Cell death was also visualized by a vital stain. Results: For both itraconazole and terbinafine, the MIC for dermatophytes was low. The MFCs and MFC/MIC ratios for terbinafine against dermatophytes were lower than for itraconazole; the fungicidal activity of terbinafine was excellent and initiated rapidly (by 7 hours) and that of itraconazole was poor (fungicidal activity was not evident until 10 to 12 hours). For yeasts, the MICs were higher than for dermatophytes, and the differences between itraconazole and terbinafine were less pronounced. Conclusion: Both itraconazole and terbinafine inhibit growth of dermatophytes. The more rapid fungicidal activity of terbinafine may have clinical relevance in the treatment of onychomycosis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:S37-41.)
Compressive sampling in active and passive millimeter-wave imaging

We have developed a compressive sampling method based on Hadamard transform for active and passive millimeter wave (mmW) imaging. Hadamard masks of subwavelength sized pixels were used for collecting spatial mmW modulated data with a single-pixel detector system. The image reconstruction from subsampled data was based on a real time, iterative interpolation relaxation technique in the Hadamard space. Compressive sampled active and passive imaging results show that high-fidelity images of objects may be obtained with as small as 1/9 of the data needed for a full set of acquisitions.
Finite Element Analysis of Thermal and Mechanical Behavior in a Slab Continuous Casting Mold

Three-dimensional (3-D) finite-element heat-transfer and thermal stress models were established to predict temperature, distortion and thermal stress in a continuous casting mold for steel slabs during operation. The effects of copper plate thickness, water slot depth, nickel layer and casting speed on temperature, distortion and thermal stress of copper plate were analyzed in detail. The results show that during casting, a maximum temperature, about 285°C, was found just near the meniscus of the centre of hot copper surface, and decreasing the thickness of copper plate and nickel layer, and increasing water slot depth are available in decreasing the copper plate temperature, therefore improving the mold life. The maximum distortion of wide and narrow copper faces are 0.245 mm and 1.01 mm, respectively, and it increases with increasing copper plate thickness and casting speed, and decreasing water slot. Nickel layer thickness has little effect on distortion and much effect on thermal stress.
Observed nonpotential magnetic fields and the inferred flow of electric currents at a location of repeated flaring

The vector magnetic field of an active region at a location of repeated flaring is studied in order to explore the nature of the currents flowing in the areas where the flares initiated. The observed transverse component of the magnetic field is used to obtain the component of electric current density crossing the photosphere along the line-of-sight. It is found that currents flow out of an area of positive magnetic polarity and across the magnetic inversion line into two areas of negative polarity. Characteristics of the calculated source field are discussed.
Orthogonally Displaced Bearings — I

Journal bearings with cross sections consisting of circular arcs with centers displaced from the geometric bearing center along the mid-radius of the arc or lobe have been in use for many years. Examples are the “elliptical” bearing and the “three-lobe” bearing, the advantage sought being increased stability under light loads without the reduced oil flow accompanying a reduced clearance ratio. This paper is directed toward the apparently neglected possibility of displacing the lobe centers of two-lobe bearings orthogonally with respect to the mid-radius of the lobe. Analysis shows that when the lobe displacement is in a direction opposite to the shaft surface motion, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and the bearing is centrally loaded, shaft stiffness orthogonal to the load vector is substantially increased. At the same time, vertical stiffness remains essentially unchanged. Minimum film thickness is decreased, particularly at low loads, while oil flow is increased. The analysis was carried out for a bearing ha...
901-58 Slow Fragmented Intraatrial Conduction Post Maze Procedure: A Substrate for Intraatrial Reentrant Tachycardia and Marker for Effective Radiofrequency Ablation

The maze procedure is a surgical alternative for treating drug refractory atrial fibrillation. Although post-maze atrial fibrillation has been noted, slow intraatrial tachycardias have not been rep...
Stereocontrolled functionalization of cycloheptadiene; An approach to tylosin and carbomycin B from a common intermediate

Abstract Bromolactonization of the cycloheptadienylacetic acid 1 proceeds with good regio- and stereocontrol and provides 4 which serves as a common intermediate for right hand sections of two macrolide antibiotics, tylosin and carbomycin B.
Idiosyncratic adverse reactions to intramuscular botulinum toxin type a injection

Three cases of adverse reactions to repeated intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections are described: a persistent rash on the face at the site of injection, a localized anaphylactic reaction following BTA injection into one leg, and bilateral ptosis repeatedly following BTA injection into neck muscles. The mechanisms for these idiosyncratic adverse responses are not known.
Crystalline Ferredoxin from a Blue‐Green Alga, Nostoc sp.

Ferredoxin isolated from a blue-green alga, Nostoc sp., was purified and crystallized. The absorption spectrum of Nostoc ferredoxin had, in the oxidized state, peaks at 276, 331, 423, and 470 nm, a pattern characteristic of chloroplast-type ferredoxin. The 423:276 absorption ratio was 0.57. The midpoint oxidation-reduction potential of Nostoc ferredoxin was found to be –406 mV, at pH 7.5. Nostoc ferredoxin mediated the photoreduction of NADP by isolated Nostoc chromato-phores and spinach chloroplasts from which the native ferredoxin was removed. The molar ratio of Nostoc ferredoxin to chlorophyll a was about 1:50, a ratio higher than usually found in photosynthetic cells. The possible evolutionary significance of the properties of Nostoc ferredoxin compared with those of ferredoxins from other photosynthetic organisms is discussed.
Inhibition of anaphylaxis in the guinea pig by local streptococcal infection: The influence of adrenalectomy

Abstract 1.1. Guinea pigs infected locally with a group C streptococcus developed refractoriness to anaphylaxis after a suitable induction period. Bilateral adrenalectomy of guinea pigs after infection but forty-eight hours before challenge had no effect on the manifestation of hyporesponsiveness. 2.2. Surgical trauma did not reduce passively induced hypersensitivity. 3.3. Infection in adrenalectomized animals did not alter the histamine sensitivity of the tissues.
Differential signaling by the thromboxane receptor isoforms via the novel GTP-binding protein, Gh.

Thromboxane A2 acts via G protein-coupled receptors; two splice variants of the thromboxane A2 receptor (TPα and TPβ) have been cloned. It is unknown whether they differ in their capacity to activate intracellular signaling pathways. Recently, a high molecular weight G protein, Gh, that can also function as a tissue transglutaminase, has been described. We investigated whether Gh functions as a signaling protein in association with thromboxane receptors. First, we sought Gh expression in cells known to express TPs. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting demonstrated Gh expression in platelets, megakaryocytic cell lines, and endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Second, immunoprecipitation of both TPα and TPβ in transfected COS-7 cells resulted in the co-immunoprecipitation of Gh, indicating that TPs may associate Gh in vivo. Finally, agonist activation of TPα, but not of TPβ, resulted in stimulation of phospholipase C-mediated inositol phosphate production in cells cotransfected with Gh. By contrast, agonist activation of both TP isoforms resulted in Gq-mediated inositol phosphate signaling. Gh is expressed in platelets and vascular cells and may associate with both TP isoforms. However, stimulation of TP isoforms results in differential activation of downstream signaling pathways via this novel G protein.
Immunological and Enzymological Specificity of Antibodies Produced by Injection of Purified Acetylcholinesterase

Summary1) Intravenous injection of purified bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase caused production of circulating antibodies in rabbits but not dogs. 2) Pre- and post-injection plasmas of all animals caused up to 25% inhibition of the purified acetylcholinesterase using acetyl-beta-methylcholine and up to 10% inhibition using acetylcholine as substrate.
Mineralogy and trace element geochemistry of gas shales in the United States: Environmental implications

Abstract This paper presents a compilation of published mineralogic and trace element data from nine gas shales in the United States. Formations analyzed include the Antrim, Bakken, Barnett, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, New Albany, Utica and Woodford. These mineralogic and trace element data can be used to assess the potential for environmental impacts during hydraulic fracturing. Impacts addressed in this study include: 1) the potential for acid rock drainage generation during gas shale weathering, 2) the distribution of trace elements in gas shales and comparison with regulatory guidelines, and 3) the implications for environmental management of well cuttings. The use of the mineralogic data to assess the fracability of the gas shales is also considered. Compilations of the mineralogy and geochemistry of gas shales can be a valuable resource for managing real and perceived environmental problems associated with their exploitation. Comprehensive environmental assessment to fully address these issues, in addition to other potential environmental impacts, will require collection and collation of additional data on the mineralogy and trace element geochemistry of gas and other hydrocarbon producing shales.
A shielded rotating disk setup with improved current distribution

In contrast to wafer-scale experiments that can employ a sophisticated and well-optimized plating tool, coupon-scale studies of electrodeposition can be hindered by poor current distribution. The impact on primary current distribution and mass transfer of an insulating shield that can readily be used in a rotating disk setup is presented. Numerical simulations were employed to design an insulating shield assuming mass-transfer resistances were negligible. Several designs were fabricated and characterized using copper electrodeposition as the electrochemical reaction. Numerical and experimental results are consistent, and the shield is a convenient and effective way to achieve more uniform current distribution. However, the shield disturbs the uniform mass-transfer rates to the substrate surface that are achieved with a rotating disk. Rates are characterized experimentally, and design tradeoffs are discussed.
Time-dependent isotropic turbulence

Homogeneous isotropic turbulence subject to linearly increasing forcing is investigated as a unit problem for statistically unsteady turbulence. The transient spectral dynamics is analysed using a closure theory. A long time asymptotic state is found with k −7/3 corrections to the energy spectrum as proposed by Yoshizawa. Although the cancellation of O(Re 1/2) terms underlying the standard dissipation rate equation is confirmed in this asymptotic state, it is found that this equation cannot predict the transient dynamics accurately. The discrepancies are explained in terms of the basic mechanisms of vortex stretching and enstrophy destruction responsible for the evolution of the dissipation rate. This paper was chosen from Selected Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Turbulence and Shear Flow Phenomena (Sendai, Japan, 24–27 June 2003).
Nutritional Issues Surrounding Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease in Newborn Infants

Newborns are more susceptible to renal injury than older infants and children because of the functional and developmental immaturity of the neonatal kidney. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is often transient and part of multi organ dysfunction especially in premature infants, but could produce long lasting damage to the developing nephrons. The advances in obstetric and neonatal care have improved the survival of the smallest premature infants and infants with renal anomalies–an increasing population at high risk for AKI with the potential for progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nutritional interventions are crucial to therapeutic treatment and optimal outcomes in both AKI and CKD in newborns. Research evidence specific to nutritional management of newborns with AKI/CKD is limited and recommendations often stem from studies in older children with AKI/CKD. This article discusses the nutritional issues surrounding AKI/CKD in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and recommendations for management based on available evidence to achieve optimal outcomes.
Open chest defibrillation during cardiac surgery: Energy and current requirements

Abstract To define the optimal energy and current for open chest defibrillation of human hearts during cardiac surgery 202 patients were prospectively studied. First-shock delivered energies, determined by the date of surgery, were 5 joules (J) (55 patients), 10 J (87 patients) or 20 J (60 patients). Specially calibrated Datascope defibrillators, which displayed delivered energy and peak current, were used. The first shock resulted in defibrillation in 56 percent of patients receiving a shock of 5 J, 70 percent of patients receiving 10 J and 80 percent of patients receiving 20 J (p
A unified solute diffusion model for columnar and equiaxed dendritic alloy solidification

Abstract A unified solute diffusion model is proposed for columnar and equiaxed dendritic alloy solidification, in which nucleation, growth kinetics and dendrite morphology are taken into account. Various applications to a uniformly solidified system are demonstrated, with emphasis on three special cases: complete solute mixing in the liquid, columnar growth with significant dendrite tip undercooling, and equiaxed dendritic growth. Theoretical predictions of microsegregation, eutectic fractions and cooling curves are compared with a number of previous theoretical and experimental results, and good agreement is found.
Series assembly of microbial desalination cells containing stacked electrodialysis cells for partial or complete seawater desalination

A microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a new approach for desalinating water based on using the electrical current generated by exoelectrogenic bacteria. Previously developed MDCs have used only one or two desalination chambers with substantial internal resistance, and used low salinity catholytes containing a buffered or acid solution. Here we show that substantially improved MDC performance can be obtained even with a nonbuffered, saline catholyte, by using an electrodialysis stack consisting of 5 pairs of desalting and concentrating cells. When 4 stacked MDCs were used in series (20 total pairs of desalination chambers), the salinity of 0.06 L of synthetic seawater (35 g/L NaCl) was reduced by 44% using 0.12 L of anode solution (2:1). The resistive loss in the electrodialysis stack was negligible due to minimization of the intermembrane distances, and therefore the power densities produced by the MDC were similar to those produced by single chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) lacking desalination chambers. The observed current efficiency was 86%, indicating separation of 4.3 pairs of sodium and chloride ions for every electron transferred through the circuit. With two additional stages (total of 3.8 L of anolyte), desalination was increased to 98% salt removal, producing 0.3 L of fresh water (12.6:1). These results demonstrate that stacked MDCs can be used for efficient desalination of seawater while at the same time achieving power densities comparable to those obtained in MFCs.
High-frequency SiC microdisk resonators operating in water with responses to H 2 O 2 and NH 4 OH

This digest paper describes experimental demonstration of high-frequency silicon carbide (SiC) microdisk resonators operating in aquatic environments, including water and water solutions of H 2 O 2 and NH 4 OH. We demonstrate, for the first time, that center-clamped circular SiC microdisks can preserve multiple robust flexural-mode resonances in water. We have observed strong multimode responses in the SiC microdisks, up to more than a dozen resonance modes, with resonance frequencies up to ~120MHz and quality (Q) factors up to ~800 in air, and up to 9 resonances in the range of 1-120MHz with Qs up to ~35 in water. Both the number of modes and the Q values are the highest among reported flexur-al-mode resonators measure in water. We also explore how geometrically defected microdisks in an `eclipsed moon' structure are affected, by comparing their multimode resonance characteristics to those of the `full moon' structures. We further demonstrate the operations of the SiC microdisk resonators in hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and ammonium hydroxide (NH 4 OH) solutions, and by examining 2 resonance modes, we have observed linear relationship between the frequency shift and the solution mass density, in both modes.
Neutralization of Cholera Enterotoxin-induced Steroidogenesis by Specific Antibody

A clonal line of adrenal cells in tissue culture responds to picogram quantities of cholera enterotoxin by undergoing morphologic changes and increasing its production of ketosteroids. When toxin is preincubated with antisera prepared against the purified enterotoxin or the naturally occurring toxoid, choleragenoid, both morphologic and steroidogenic changes are prevented. Partial, but not complete, neutralization of the effects of several crude preparations of toxigenic Escherichia coli was achieved when these toxin-containing preparations were incubated with antisera to cholera enterotoxin. This tissue culture system is a simple, reliable, relatively inexpensive, and sensitive (capable of detecting < 0.25 unit) assay system for the detection of cholera antitoxin. The results of several recent studies have emphasized the importance of the adenyl cyclaseadenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) system in the mediation of the effects of cholera enterotoxin [1-7]. Based on this information, extraintestinal models have been developed to simplify the study of the toxin's effects [1, 8-10]. We have recently described a tissue culture system of adrenal cells that respond to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cyclic AMP, and cholera enterotoxin by undergoing morphologic changes and increasing their production and secretion of corticosteroids [11]. This system is simple, reliable, and capable of detecting as few as 5 pg of cholera toxin. Since there is currently a great deal of interest in systems capable of assaying small quantities of antibodies to cholera toxin, we decided to evaluate this tissue culture system for its sensitivity to neutralization of the effects of the toxin by antitoxin-containing sera. The results of these studies suggest that the adrenal cell system will be an effective and sensitive means for assessing the specific antibody content of sera.
Strain induced phonon line broadening observed by surface reflection Raman scattering

By means of surface reflection Raman scattering we have observed the line broadening of the q ≅ 0 TO and LO phonons in GaAs due to mechanical strain near the polished surfaces. The asymmetry observed in the strain broadened TO phonon line shape is attributed to the presence of high two acoustic phonon density of states just above the TO phonon frequency.
Radiative tearing - Magnetic reconnection on a fast thermal-instability time scale

Two energy modification mechanisms which are known to occur in sheared magnetic fields are the tearing and thermal instabilities. These processes can be studied separately with formalisms incorporating just the effective driving mechanism of interest (finite resistivity for the tearing mode and unstable radiation for the thermal mode). A model which includes both effects, and a temperature-dependent resistivity, indicates that modified forms of these two instabilities may coexist for identical physical conditions. When they are isolated computationally, one can show that their limiting growth rates are approximately those of the uncoupled instabilities. The spatial structure and energy content of these two new hybrid processes are then individually examined and are found to differ considerably from those obtained from separate treatments of the driving mechanisms. The faster radiative instability, which has a hydromagnetically scaled growth rate like the condensation mode of the thermal instability, is shown to involve a substantial amount of magnetic field reconnection. This can be partially explained by a large temperature drop (or resistivity rise) at the X-point. The island width of the Coulomb-coupled radiative mode is 30 percent of that produced by a comparable level of the slower tearing instability. In addition, the perturbed magnetic energy in the radiative instability is 5 times that of the perturbed thermal energy, indicating an appreciable modification of the initial magnetic structure.
Partial-wave analysis including π exchange for πN → Nππ in the c.m. energy range 1.65–1.97 GeV☆

Abstract We study the inelastic scattering processes πN → Nππ from c.m. energies 1.65–1.97 GeV using an isobar model. The effect of including a non-zero high partial wave contribution on the determination of low partial wave scattering amplitudes is analysed in detail. The proper formulation of a high partial wave input due to the π-exchange process πN → ϱN is presented. The major improvements due to including the π-exchange high partial wave input in the analysis of low-energy πN → Nππ scattering are found to be the elimination of the overall phase ambiguity in the scattering matrix and improvement in the representation of the angular scattering distribution by the fit parametrization for c.m. energies above 1.8 GeV. We find that our analysis and the previous major isobar analysis of these reactions at these energies share serious deficiencies (such as the failure to properly satisfy partial-wave unitarity and the poor representation of various single-particle distributions), but certain strong features of the data are well determined by both analyses.
Gd5-xYxTt4 (Tt = Si or Ge): effect of metal substitution on structure, bonding, and magnetism.

A crystallographic study and theoretical assessment of the Gd/Y site preferences in the Gd5−xYxTt4 (Tt = Si, Ge) series prepared by high-temperature methods is presented. All structures for the Gd5−xYxSi4 system belong to the orthorhombic, Gd5Si4-type (space group Pnma). For the Gd5−xYxGe4 system, phases with x < 3.6 and x ≥ 4.4 adopt the orthorhombic, Sm5Ge4-type structure. For the composition range of 3.6 ≤ x ≤ 4.2, a monoclinic, U2Mo3Si4-type structure (space group P21/c) occurs as the majority phase. This structure type has not been previously observed in the RE5T4 (T = Si, Ge, Ga) system and differs from the known monoclinic structure of Gd5Si2Ge2-type (space group P21/a) because all Ge···Ge contacts between slabs are equivalent. The structural relationships between the Sm5Ge4-type and the U2Mo3Si4-type structures are discussed. Single crystal refinements of the occupancies for the three sites for Gd/Y atoms in the asymmetric unit reveal a partially ordered arrangement of Gd and Y atoms. TB-LMTO-ASA ...
A girl with fragile X premutation from sperm donation

We present a girl with the fragile X premutation who obtained the premutation allele from donated sperm. Our patient has clinical characteristics of fragile X syndrome including emotional problems and neuropsychological difficulties presenting as learning disabilities. She is also at high risk for premature ovarian failure and low risk for the fragile X-associated tremor ataxia (FXTAS). We suggest fragile X DNA screening in gamete donor candidates to decrease the chance of fragile X involvement in their offspring.
Three independent yearly analyses of the spectrum and potency of metronidazole: a multicenter study of 1,108 contemporary anaerobic clinical isolates.

To comply with ongoing United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations about the validation of prescribing information, in each of three years (1994, 1996, 1997) at six medical centers, metronidazole was tested against ≥50 strains of a range of contemporary anaerobic clinical bacteria. Species having ≥90% susceptibility (MIC, ≤ 8 μg/ml) to metronidazole (fulfilling FDA requirements) included Bacteroides fragilis, B. distasonis, B. ovatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, B. vulgatus, Fusobacterium spp. and Clostridium spp. Only Eubacterium spp. and anaerobic Gram-negative cocci failed to achieve the required proportion of susceptibility throughout the 3 year period. Metronidazole appears to remain highly active versus anaerobic species associated with strict anaerobic organisms.
Classifying Chart Cells for Quadratic Complexity Context-Free Inference

In this paper, we consider classifying word positions by whether or not they can either start or end multi-word constituents. This provides a mechanism for "closing" chart cells during context-free inference, which is demonstrated to improve efficiency and accuracy when used to constrain the well-known Charniak parser. Additionally, we present a method for "closing" a sufficient number of chart cells to ensure quadratic worst-case complexity of context-free inference. Empirical results show that this O(n2) bound can be achieved without impacting parsing accuracy.
Dimerization allows DNA target site recognition by the NarL response regulator

Two-component signal transduction systems are modular phosphorelay regulatory pathways common in prokaryotes. In the co-crystal structure of the Escherichia coli NarL signal output domain bound to DNA, we observe how the NarL family of two-component response regulators can bind DNA. DNA recognition is accompanied by the formation of a new dimerization interface, which could occur only in the full-length protein via a large intramolecular domain rearrangement. The DNA is recognized by the concerted effects of solvation, van der Waals forces and inherent DNA deformability, rather than determined primarily by major groove hydrogen bonding. These subtle forces permit a small DNA-binding domain to perturb the DNA helix, leading to major DNA curvature and a transition from B- to A-form DNA at the binding site, where valine on the recognition helix interacts unexpectedly with the polar major groove floor.
Fuzzy subfiber and its application to seismic lithology classification

Abstract Rosenfeld proposed the concept of the 2D fuzzy subset and successfully applied it to the problem of image segmentation. However, the 2D fuzzy subset approach could be used only for gray scale image segmentation because it fails to handle higher-dimensional range images such as color images. To deal with higher-dimensional range images, we introduce a new concept—fuzzy subfiber—which can be viewed as an extension of the 2D fuzzy subset. In this paper, we give the definition of fuzzy subfiber and discuss one of its most important properties: connectivity on fuzzy subfibers. This property enables us to develop fast image segmentation algorithms for higher-dimensional range images. Finally, we discuss lithology determination (classification) as a real application of fuzzy subfiber.
Evaluation of a rapid bacteriuria screening instrument.

Abstract A newly modified, semiautomated instrument (Bacteriuria detection device (BDD) designed to detect the presence of bacteriuria in less than 3 min was compared to quantitative urine culture plating techniques. The instrument consists of a self-enclosed vacuum—filtration—staining system in which a 1-ml urine filtrate is stained on a filter. The resulting color determines the quantitation. Of the total of 525 clinical urine specimens tested, 66 (12.6%) were uninterpretable due to pigment deposition or inability to complete the filtering process (clogging of the filter). Of the remaining 459 specimens, 93 (20.3%) had a plate quantitation colony count of 10 5 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml or more. The BDD detected 94.2% of these positive specimens if only significant pathogens were included (85% if specimens that were probably contaminated were also included). For specimens containing significant pathogens at 10 4 –10 5 CFU/ml, the BDD detection rate was 41%. The device detected most (94.3%) gram-negative bacilli and enterococci at colony counts of 10 5 CFU/ml or more. In addition, the BDD accurately detected 95.6% of specimens with no growth or fewer than 10 4 CFU/ml. With several proposed modifications, these results suggest that this instrument is potentially useful as a urine screening device in a select population.
Issues in the Design and Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials.

Several issues that pertain to the analysis of data from repeated measurements designs are addressed. The necessity for an assumption concerning uniformity of correlations (symmetry) can be avoided by calculating linear and/or nonlinear trend scores. In the usual repeated measurements ANOVA the baseline covariate does not affect within-subject sums of squares, such as that for the groups x times interaction. However, the separately calculated trend scores have the advantage of accounting for most of that interaction and permitting covariance-correction for baseline differences. Chance baseline differences in a repeated measurements design otherwise can contribute materially to probabilities of erroneous conclusions. A conservative criterion for use of one-sided tests of significance is proposed.
Comparing inverted files and signature files for searching a large lexicon

Signature files and inverted files are well-known index structures. In this paper we undertake a direct comparision of the two for searching for partially-specified queries in a large lexicon stored in main memory. Using n-grams to index lexicon terms, a bit-sliced signature file can be compressed to a smaller size than an inverted file if each n-gram sets only one bit in the term signature. With a signature width less than half the number of unique n-grams in the lexicon, the signature file method is about as fast as the inverted file method, and significantly smaller. Greater flexibility in memory usage and faster index generation time make signature files appropriate for searching large lexicons or other collections in an environment where memory is at a premium.
CMOS low noise class AB buffer

A novel CMOS class AB buffer circuit realisation is presented. The proposed circuit retains a simple realisation and provides low power class AB operation. It is shown that the class AB circuitry does not contribute to the noise performance of the circuit. Experimental results from a 1.2 /spl mu/m chip for the buffer and filter circuits are presented.
Long-term isoprene flux measurements above a northern hardwood forest

[1] We report continuous whole canopy isoprene emission fluxes from a northern hardwood forest in Michigan for the 1999–2002 growing seasons. The eddy covariance fluxes of isoprene, CO2, latent heat, and sensible heat are presented along with an analysis of the seasonal and year-to-year variations. Measurements were made in collaboration with the AmeriFlux site located at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) and the Program for Research on Oxidants: PHotochemistry, Emissions, and Transport (PROPHET). In general, isoprene emissions increased throughout the day with increasing temperature and light levels, peaked at midafternoon, and declined to zero by night. There were significant variations from one 30-min period to the next, and from one day to the next. Average midday isoprene fluxes were 2.8, 3.2, and 2.9 mg C m−2 h−1 for 2000 through 2002, respectively. Insufficient data were available to include 1999. Last frost and full leaf out were significantly later in 2002 compared to the other years; however, total accumulated isoprene emissions for each year varied by less than 10%. Fully developed isoprene emissions occurred between 400 and 500 heating degree days, roughly half those required at other sites. Using long-term net ecosystem exchange measurements from the UMBS∼Flux group, isoprene emissions represent between 1.7 to 3.1% of the net carbon uptake at this site. Observations for 2000–2002 were compared with the BEIS3 emission model. Estimates agree well with observations during the midsummer period, but BEIS3 overestimates observations during the spring onset of emissions and the fall decline in emissions. This work provides a unique long-term data set useful for verifying canopy scale models and to help us better understand the dynamics of biosphere-atmosphere exchange of isoprene.
Biodegradation of bisphenol A by bacterial consortia

Abstract The effect of light on BPA degradation by an adapted bacterial consortium was investigated. BPA was completely degraded up to 50 mg l −1 , and the degradation followed first-order reaction kinetics both in the light and in the dark. The degradation half-life of BPA when the consortium was grown in presence of light was 21.9, 17.2, and 12.6 h for concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 mg l −1 , respectively; the degradation half-life of BPA in the dark was 13.1, 10.8, and 10.2 h for concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 mg l −1 , respectively. Therefore, light inhibited BPA biodegradation. However, under both conditions, BPA was completely depleted. The bacterial consortium effectively utilised BPA as a growth substrate to sustain a cell yield of 0.95 g g −1 and 0.97 g g −1 in the light and dark, respectively. A total of ten and nine biodegradation intermediates were detected in the light and dark, respectively. Three bacterial metabolic pathways and one photodegradation pathway were proposed to explain their occurrence. This study demonstrated that bacterial consortia may assemble a wide range of catabolic pathways to allow for efficient degradation of BPA, converting BPA to principally bacterial biomass and metabolites exhibiting low or no oestrogenic activity.
Antigen-specific IgG and IgA, but not IgE, activate the effector functions of eosinophils in the presence of antigen.

Background: Activated eosinophils are thought to play an important role in allergic inflammation. Prior reports suggest that eosinophils have receptors recognizing IgA, IgG and IgE;
MESON-NUCLEON SCATTERING AND NUCLEAR FORCES

A simple derivation which does not make use of field theory is given of the main results of the sthtic theory of pi -meson scattering by nucleons. The derivation serves to elucidate the connection between low-energy meson scattering and the nuclear forces at large distances. (auth)
Use of subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin in children undergoing continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis.

Five anemic, transfusion-dependent patients aged 12 to 18 years, who had end-stage renal disease (mean hematocrit value 22±0.31%) and were on a regimen of peritoneal dialysis, were treated with recombinant human erythropoletin (rHuEpo), which was self-administered at home by subcutaneous injections thrice weekly at an initial dosage of 150 U/kg. All patients had an increase in the reticulocyte count and hemoglobin concentration, and none required further transfusions. The hematocrit level rose to a mean of 33.04±1.86% within 3 weeks of rHuEpo therapy, and the dosage was adjusted to keep the hematocrit level between 32% and 38% indefinitely. Currently four of these patients require only one dose a week to sustain the hematocrit level. No antibodies to the rHuEpo were formed. Three patients had an exacerbation of hypertension, which required an adjustment in antihypertensive therapy. No other side effects were noted. The results demonstrate that rHuEpo is effective in correcting the anemia of end-stage renal disease, thereby eliminating the associated clinical symptoms and the need for further blood transfusions.
Characterization of contrasensitizing antibodies.

Abstract This paper describes experiments on the nature of humoral antibodies which suppress induction of delayed hypersensitivity in mice to purified proteins, i.e., contrasensitizing antibodies. These antibodies may be analogous to those responsible for afferent or early central immunosuppression in immunological enhancement phenomena and for similar forms of immunosuppression sometimes referred to as immune deviation, split tolerance, or preimmunization tolerance. CF-1 mice were sensitized with either human serum albumin or ovalbumin in incomplete Freund adjuvant, were injected with contrasensitizer-rich mouse antisera or fractions thereof, and subsequently were skin-tested to measure the relative capacities of antisera or their components to interfere with sensitization. Agar gel zone electrophoresis located Contrasensitizing activity among the γ 1 globulins, and this identification was confirmed by DEAE cellulose chromatography. Fractionation on Sephadex G-200 dextran columns showed the inhibitory activity to be among molecules of approximately 170,000 molecular weight, and a combination of chromatographic procedures further indicated that this activity is due to specific antibodies closely associated with mouse IgF or 7S γ 1 globulin. Contrasensitizing antibodies also were found to be heat-stable, and although precipitin and passive hemagglutination antiserum titers often correlated well with immunosuppressive activity, neither was equivalent to it.
Direct activation of innate and antigen-presenting functions of microglia following infection with Theiler's virus

Microglia are resident central nervous system (CNS) macrophages. Theiler9s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection of SJL/J mice causes persistent infection of CNS microglia, leading to the development of a chronic-progressive CD4 + T-cell-mediated autoimmune demyelinating disease. We asked if TMEV infection of microglia activates their innate immune functions and/or activates their ability to serve as antigen-presenting cells for activation of T-cell responses to virus and endogenous myelin epitopes. The results indicate that microglia lines can be persistently infected with TMEV and that infection significantly upregulates the expression of cytokines involved in innate immunity (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-18, and, most importantly, type I interferons) along with upregulation of major histocompatibility complex class II, IL-12, and various costimulatory molecules (B7-1, B7-2, CD40, and ICAM-1). Most significantly, TMEV-infected microglia were able to efficiently process and present both endogenous virus epitopes and exogenous myelin epitopes to inflammatory CD4 + Th1 cells. Thus, TMEV infection of microglia activates these cells to initiate an innate immune response which may lead to the activation of naive and memory virus- and myelin-specific adaptive immune responses within the CNS.
Phosphorylation of iκbα and nf-κb activation are required for macrophage-differentiation of U937 cells

Abstract NF-κB is a heterodimer comprised of a DNA-binding subunit (p50) and a transactivator (p65). It is sequestered in the cytoplasm by association with an inhibitory protein, known as IκBα. The role of IκBα phosphorylation and activity of NF-κB during phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced differentiation of U937 cells was investigated. Treatment of U937 cells with PMA (10 −6 M) for 24 hr resulted in macrophage-like differentiation by light microscopy. PMA rapidly induced activation of NF-κB, as demonstrated by translocation of p65 subunit into the nucleus (by Western blotting). By 2 hr p65 subunit was predominantly localized in the nucleus, with little residual cytoplasmic p65. Specific inhibitors of NF-κB activation, CAPE and SN50, completely blocked the activation of NF—κB and partially (40%) inhibited macrophage-like differentiation. PMA also rapidly induced phosphorylation of IκBα, transient loss (for about 1 hr) of IκBα followed by a marked increase of phosphorylated IκBα from 2 to 24 h. In contrast, IκBβ protein levels remained constant for 24 h after initiating PMA treatment. The IκBα phosphorylation inhibitor Bay 11-7085 completely inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα and macrophage differentiation of the cells, without affecting IκBβ levels, These results suggest that both phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB activation are required for macrophage-like differentiation of U937 cells; The prolonged phosphorylation of IκBα has more profound effect on differentiation, which suggests that the IκBα may regulate other molecules that are also required for macrophage-like differentiation of U937 cells.
The Potential for Medicolegal Abuse: Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Traumatic Brain Injury

This article discusses the nature and value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in medicolegal settings. Although the technology and theory that supports DTI is provocative and exciting, we argue that expert testimony that confidently relies on DTI is highly problematic. In this article, we discuss the current limitations inherent in acquiring and analyzing DTI data; list problems especially with specificity that limit DTI's appropriateness in single-subject instances; and provide a brief history of the misuse and abuse of neuroimaging in mental illness and brain injury. We conclude with a plea for healthy skepticism regarding the value of these latest modalities in medicolegal settings, especially given the nature of their frequently visually spectacular impact on judges and jurors.
Aerodynamics of Low Reynolds Number Plunging Airfoil under Gusty Environment

It is known that plunging airfoil can produce both lift and thrust with certain combination of plunging amplitude and frequency. Motivated by our interest in micro air vehicles (MAVs), we utilize a NavierStokes equation solver to investigate the aerodynamics of a flapping airfoil. The roles of the plunging and pitching amplitude and frequency, and Strouhal number are studied. For a symmetric plunging airfoil NACA0012 at zero geometric angle of attack and chord Reynolds number of 2×10 4 , at the same plunging frequency, it can produce either drag or thrust depending on the plunging amplitude. At the considered plunging amplitude (from 0.0125c to 0.075c), the flow history has more influence than the kinematic angle of attack to determine the lift. When drag is produced, the viscous force dominates the total drag with decreasing influence as the plunging amplitude increases. For an airfoil experiencing combined plunge and pitch motion, both thrust and input power increase with the Strouhal number (within the range of 0.03 to 0.5). For the case studied, the thrust is induced by the lift, which approximately follows the curve of the kinematic angle of attack. Leading edge vortex moves downstream and interacts with the trailing edge vortex. We also study the impact of gust on stationary airfoil and flapping airfoil. Within the range of the parameters tested, for stationary airfoil the lift is in phase with the velocity but the drag is slightly out of phase. For flapping airfoil, neither lift nor drag is in phase with the velocity. Nomenclature CD =Drag coefficient per unit span CL =Lift coefficient per unit span CP =input power coefficient CP,mean =time-averaged input power coefficient CT =thrust coefficient CT,mean =time-averaged thrust coefficient c =Chord length
Getting aesthetic chills from music: The connection between openness to experience and frisson

Earlier research has emphasized the emotional nature of frisson (pleasurable aesthetic chills) and has suggested that the personality trait Openness to Experience may predict more frisson episodes. The present study tested these notions by administering a measure of Openness and inducing actual instances of frisson using musical stimuli. One hundred college students completed the NEO-PI-R, which assesses the five factors of personality (Openness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness), and then listened to five musical selections that were likely to elicit frisson. Frisson was assessed via a combined self-report and physiological (galvanic skin response) measure. As predicted, frequency of frisson was positively correlated with overall Openness to Experience, as well as five of its six subfacets: Fantasy, Aesthetics, Feelings, Ideas, and Values. Examination of the more specific relationships suggests the possibility that cognitive attentiveness to music may be more closely relate...
Rooting Out Waste, Fraud, and Abuse: The Politics of House Committee Investigations, 1947 to 2004

Scholars have long bemoaned congressional disinterest in oversight. We explain varied congressional attention to oversight by advancing the contingent oversight theory. We show how the structure of...
Failure behaviour of particulate-reinforced aluminium alloy composites under uniaxial tension

Tensile tests were carried out at room temperature on 6061-aluminium alloy reinforced with SiC and Al2O3 particulates. Although a significant increase in strength could be achieved by introducing ceramic reinforcements into the aluminium alloy matrix, it is associated with a substantial decrease in fracture strain. In order to understand the reason for the inferior ductility of such composites, analytical solutions were obtained using a simple composite model. SEM studies were carried out on the side surfaces of the fractured specimens to verify the proposed failure behaviour. Failure modes observed to operate in such composites under uniaxial tension are described.
Soap-film-like minimal surfaces spanning knots

It is proved that any three-times continuously differentiable, nontrivial knot in three-dimensional euclidean space supports a surface that minimizes area among nearby surfaces but that does not touch all of the supporting knot. This provides a mathematical model of a physical phenomenon occurring in soap-films. The notion of a homotopically spanning surface is defined to determine an appropriate class of admissible surfaces, and it is shown that there is a lower bound on the area of admissible surfaces. The existence of an area minimizing admissible surface is then proved by the direct method based on earlier work of E. R. Reiffenberg.