cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Yeast Agglutinins in Lavage Fluid from Lungs of Rabbits

Rabbits were challenged intratracheally with 10(8) Candida albicans or Torulopsis glabrata, and their lungs were lavaged 5, 60, and 120 min later. Initial lavage samples showed significant agglutination of yeasts, followed by the development of larger aggregates in association with alveolar macrophages. To investigate this early agglutination reaction, lungs of normal rabbits were lavaged with heparinized saline, and after alveolar macrophages were discarded, the cell-free lavage fluid was centrifuged at 25,000 g to recover a small, whitish, surface-active pellet (F fraction). The supernatant was concentrated 15-fold by vacuum dialysis (P fraction). When Candida species, T. glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were incubated with the F fraction, serial colony counts decreased eight- to 20-fold with every yeast species tested except S. cerevisiae and Candida krusei. Decrease in colony counts was associated with yeast agglutination. The F fraction was further separated by ethanol-ether extraction, and yeast agglutination was seen only in the protein-rich fraction. Further separation of this protein-rich fraction by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis yielded three bands, one of which, with a molecular size of about 10(4) daltons, agglutinated C. albicans. IgA in the P fraction also agglutinated C. albicans, although not as dramatically as the F fraction.
Strategies for using technologies in introductory statistics courses

Abstract We discuss and illustrate several strategies for using technologies in introductory statistics courses. Included are traditional uses of statistical software; extending statistical software with macros for data analysis and simulation; using the Internet to integrate text and software; using the Internet to access information services, data sets, and other resources; posting information on the Web for students to access; using e-mail to have discussions, post information, and ask and answer questions; and downloading files from ftp sites.
Safety and efficacy of esophagogastroduodenoscopy after myocardial infarction

Abstract PURPOSE: To analyze the risks versus benefits of esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed soon after myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 200 patients who underwent endoscopy within 30 days after myocardial infarction with 200 controls matched for age, sex, and endoscopic indication who underwent endoscopy without a history of myocardial infarction within the prior 6 months. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. RESULTS: The indications for endoscopy included hematemesis in 88, melena in 43, fecal occult blood and anemia in 33, red blood per rectum in 13, abdominal pain in 13, and other indications in 10. Endoscopy was performed a mean (± SD) of 9.1 ± 8.9 days after myocardial infarction, was diagnostic in 85% of all the patients, and was more frequently diagnostic when performed for hematemesis or melena than when performed for other indications (92% vs 71%, P P CONCLUSIONS: Relatively stable patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and recent myocardial infarction can and should undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Most endoscopic complications in these patients are cardiopulmonary, and they generally occur in very ill patients.
Comments on Responsibility of and Trust in ISPs

Picking up on the themes of ISP responsibility and trust raised by Raphael Cohen-Almagor, this paper discusses the problem of removing inappropriate content from the Internet. It suggests that an approach based on community involvement such as used by YouTube may be preferable to one that relies on artificial intelligence to detect inappropriate content. The paper also suggests ways in which ISPs could help increase trust in the Internet by strengthening security.
QR Codes in Libraries: Uses and Usage Tracking

This article discusses the uses of Quick Response (QR) codes in libraries and how to assess their usefulness. It describes a step-by-step approach to developing a system to track the scans of QR codes by library users for assessment.
Single-zone structured-grid unsteady flow simulations using an nCube-2 MIMD computer

Abstract Certain aspects of construction, implementation and analysis are presented for unsteady compressible flow simulations using structured-grid book-keeping on a distributed memory MIMD hypercube computer. In this approach, suitable for single-zone computations, the physical region is broken up into as many computational domains as there are hypercube nodes. Interdomain (internodal) communication and synchronization are accomplished by passing messages. Topics in parallel computing discussed include: (1) domain decomposition; (2) types of interdomain communication; (3) communication buffers and internodal synchronization; (4) a method for estimating and analyzing performance; (5) implementation of a flow solver based on the Navier-Stokes equations; and (6) results from simulation of unsteady flow in the wake of a cylinder and from vortex pairing in shear layers. The paper summarizes the authors' experiences and contributes a simple but useful method for predicting and measuring scalable performance.
Output Recovery After Currency Crises

This study examines the shape and dynamics of output recovery following currency crises characterized by currency crashes or large reserve losses. Our estimation allows output to follow U, V and L-shaped paths following each type of currency crises. The results indicate that output recovery after currency crises is, on average, V-shaped. In addition, currency crashes initially lead to a decline in output, but the output fully recovers to its non-crisis level within three years. Currency crises characterized by large reserve losses lead to a smaller initial output cost, but a larger decline in output in the long run.
A Historical Introduction to Minjung (Liberation) Buddhism: A South Korean Version of Radical Buddhism in the 1980s

AbstractThis essay provides a historical analysis of the South Korean Minjung (Liberation) Buddhist Movement during the turbulent 1980s. Heavily indebted to Marxism and other forms of socialism, as well as to Christian Liberation Theology, Minjung Buddhists had three major aims: anti-dictatorship, anti-imperialism, and reunification. The movement has been in decline since the early 1990s for three reasons: the economic and political collapse of the Eastern European Communist bloc and the Soviet Union; the election of a long-time opposition party leader, Kim Yeongsam, to the South Korean presidency in 1992; and the removal of the Jogye Order's pro-government and undemocratic administration in 1994. Although recent progressive Korean Buddhists do not use the term ‘Minjung Buddhism’, they have continued the basic spirit of Minjung Buddhism within various forms of Engaged Buddhism. While Minjung Buddhists were successful in accomplishing their two primary aims – opposing the dictatorship and rejecting the imp...
Challenges of Assessment in Student Affairs.

This chapter focuses on how the climate of accountability in higher education is compelling student affairs organizations to develop comprehensive assessment programs, the challenges faced in creating those programs, and ways student affairs professionals can meet those challenges.
Equilibrium properties of molecular fluids with charge distributions of quadrupolar symmetry

Molecular dynamics simulations are reported for dense fluids of molecules with discrete charge distributions of quadrupolar symmetry. The nonelectrostatic parts of the intermolecular potentials were modeled by Lennard‐Jones site–site interactions with the two sites in each molecule separated by 0.547σ, where σ is the distance scaling parameter in the Lennard‐Jones function. The charge distributions were comprised of a double negative charge at the molecular center of symmetry plus two single positive charges placed on the symmetry axis at equal distances from the center. The magnitudes and separation distances of the charges were varied so that changes in the thermodynamic, quasithermodynamic (mean square force and torque), and structural properties of the fluid could be determined at a fixed quadrupole moment. At finite charge separation distances, the multipole expansion yields ideal quadrupole–quadrupole plus higher order interactions. It is shown that the observed changes in thermodynamic properties can be accurately calculated by including the next highest multipole interaction terms in the series; namely, the ideal quadrupole–hexadecapole energies (plus a small contribution from the hexadecapole–hexadecapole terms at the largest charge separations). A low order perturbation theory calculation of the changes in structural properties is also presented; it is found not to give satisfactory values for the observed changes in radial distribution function with charge separation distance.
FOREIGN OWNERSHIP AND TRADE OF UNITED STATES HIGH‐TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING

Analysis of recent trends in the foreign ownership and trade of United States high-technology manufactures reveals that foreign-based corporations are intensifying their direct investments in United States technology-intensive industries, that the locations of foreign-owned subsidiaries are becoming increasingly dispered thoughout the country, and that the industry-level concentration of foreign direct investments is highly correlated with the specialization of United States high-technology imports from the principal investing countries.
Periodic state of fluid flow and heat transfer in a lid-driven cavity due to an oscillating thin fin

Results of a computational study of periodic laminar flow and heat transfer in a lid-driven square cavity due to an oscillating thin fin are presented. The lid moves from left to right and a thin fin is positioned normal to the right stationary wall. The length of the fin varies sinusoidally with its mean length and amplitude equal to 10% and 5% of the side of the cavity, respectively. Two Reynolds numbers of 100 and 1000 for a Pr = 1 fluid were considered. For a given convection time scale (tconv), fin’s oscillation periods (τ) were selected in order to cover both slow (TR = τ/tconv > 1) and fast (τ/tconv < 1) oscillation regimes, covering a Strouhal number range of 0.005–0.5. The periodic flow field for the case with Re = 1000 and TR = 10 is distinguished by the creation, lateral motion and subsequent wall impingement of a CCW rotating vortex within the lower half of the cavity. Periodic flow and thermal fields of the other nine cases studied were not as varied. Phase diagrams of the stream function and temperature vs. fin’s length clearly exhibit the synchronous behavior of the system. Amplitude of fluctuations of the kinetic energy and temperature are very intense near the fin. As the fin oscillates slower, a greater portion of the cavity exhibits intense fluctuations. For slow to moderate oscillations, the maximum value of Kamp is observed to be greater for Re = 1000 in comparison to Re = 100. For fast oscillations, this behavior is reversed. The maximum values of the amplitude of fluctuations of temperature increase monotonically as the fin oscillates slower. The maximum values of θamp are greater for Re = 1000 compared to Re = 100. The amplitude of fluctuations of the mean Nusselt number on four walls increase as the fin oscillates slower.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of a calcium-sensitive near infrared dye.

Abstract Intracellular calcium concentration in biological cells varies from 0.1 to 10 μM depending upon cell signaling and disease states. A direct estimate of calcium concentration in cell tissues within this range is possible with a novel calcium-selective reagent 15C5-774. The molecule of 15C5-774 consists of a near-infrared (NIR) chromophore (λmax=774 nm) and a metal complexing moiety of benzo-15-crown-5. The reagent shows a strong calcium binding affinity in a 1:1 ratio and metal selectivity in the order Ca2+>Mg2+>Sr2+≈K+≈Na+>Zn2+>Li+. The high sensitivity is achieved by conducting absorption measurements in the NIR region where background interference from the biological matrix is low.
Medical informatics in the curriculum: Development and delivery of an online elective

Edward Shortliffe's often-cited definition describes medical informatics (MI) as: The rapidly developing scientific field that deals with the storage, retrieval, and optimal use of biomedical information, data, and knowledge for problem solving and decision making. It accordingly touches on all basic and applied fields in biomedical science and is closely tied to modern information technologies, notably in the areas of computing and communications. [1] This definition provided the context for a survey of medical informatics course, a two-week online elective for medical students. Technology provided the means to deliver course content as instructors took full advantage of evolving courseware, multimedia production tools, and web applications.
Surface cracking in α- β titanium alloys under unidirectional loading

Observations have been made of cracking which develops after small plastic strains in the Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo and Ti-6A1-4V alloys at α-@#@ β interfaces, and a long slip band in α. Hydrogen and surface stresses and heat treat condition,i.e., solution treated or solution treated and aged have been ruled out. Cracking is attributed to intense slip commencing at the α-@#@ β interfaces, and progressing into the α, or at martensite-matrix interfaces.
A Logic-in-Memory Computer

If, as presently projected, the cost of microelectronic arrays in the future will tend to reflect the number of pins on the array rather than the number of gates, the logic-in-memory array is an extremely attractive computer component. Such an array is essentially a microelectronic memory with some combinational logic associated with each storage element. A logic-in-memory computer is described that is organized around a logic-enhanced ``cache'' memory array. Used as a cache, a logic-in-memory array performs as a high-speed buffer between a conventional CPU and a conventional memory. The effect on the computer system of the cache and its control mechanism is to make the main memory appear to have all of the processing capabilities and almost the same performance as the cache. Operations within the array are naturally organized as operations on blocks of data called ``sectors.'' Among the operations that can be performed are arithmetic and logical operations on pairs of elements from two sectors, and a variety of associative search operations on a single sector. For such operations, the main memory of the computer appears to the program to be composed of a collection of logic-in-memory arrays, each the size of a sector. Because of the high-speed, highly parallel sector operations, the logic-in-memory computer points to a new direction for achieving orders of magnitude increase in computer performance. Moreover, since the computer is specifically organized for large-scale integration, the increased performance might be obtained for a comparatively small dollar cost.
The effect of insulin on human small intestinal mucosal protein synthesis

Abstract Background & Aims: Insulin deficiency was recently shown to stimulate splanchnic protein synthesis in vivo, whereas insulin enhances small intestinal mucosal cell proliferation in vitro. Because insulin is a postprandial hormone, it was hypothesized that it has an important role in regulating small intestinal protein synthesis in humans. Methods: Small intestinal mucosal protein synthesis was measured in C-peptide–negative patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus during insulin deprivation (n = 6) and during insulin treatment (n = 6) and in nondiabetic control subjects (n = 6). Mucosal protein synthesis was measured from the increment of [ 13 C]leucine enrichment in endoscopically obtained duodenal mucosa samples during a primed continuous infusion of L-[1- 13 C]leucine. Results: During insulin treatment, the rate of mucosal protein synthesis in patients with type 1 diabetes was similar (1.32% ± 0.05%/h) to that of nondiabetic controls (1.33% ± 0.06%/h). However, during insulin deprivation, the mucosal protein synthesis rate in patients with type 1 diabetes was significantly lower (1.15% ± 0.33%/h) than during either insulin treatment ( P = 0.01) or in nondiabetic controls ( P = 0.04). Conclusions: These studies show that insulin is required for the maintenance of normal rates of protein synthesis in small intestinal mucosa. Because protein synthesis is an essential component of the remodeling process of this fast turning over tissue, the decline in the synthesis rate of small intestinal mucosa during insulin deprivation may be a contributing factor in the development of gastrointestinal complications that occur in poorly controlled type 1 diabetic patients. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000;118:299-306
Bioavailability of nanoparticulate hematite to Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract The environmental effects and bioavailability of nanoparticulate iron (Fe) to plants are currently unknown. Here, plant bioavailability of synthesized hematite Fe nanoparticles was evaluated using Arabidopsis thaliana ( A. thaliana ) as a model. Over 56-days of growing wild-type A. thaliana , the nanoparticle-Fe and no-Fe treatments had lower plant biomass, lower chlorophyll concentrations, and lower internal Fe concentrations than the Fe-treatment. Results for the no-Fe and nanoparticle-Fe treatments were consistently similar throughout the experiment. These results suggest that nanoparticles (mean diameter 40.9 nm, range 22.3–67.0 nm) were not taken up and therefore not bioavailable to A. thaliana . Over 14-days growing wild-type and transgenic (Type I/II proton pump overexpression) A. thaliana , the Type I plant grew more than the wild-type in the nanoparticle-Fe treatment, suggesting Type I plants cope better with Fe limitation; however, the nanoparticle-Fe and no-Fe treatments had similar growth for all plant types.
Corticofugal projections from the anterior olfactory nucleus target olfactory bulb principal cells

The anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) is a cortical structure reciprocally connected with the olfactory bulb (OB) and the piriform cortex. Here, using small extracellular and intracellular injections to trace the terminal projections in the OB from individual cells in the rat AON, and examining the morphology and distribution of these projections, I report that these projections appear to preferentially target and directly synapses with mitral cells. These findings suggests that the AON acts to modulate incoming olfactory information based on ongoing processing, perhaps in a way that tunes the OB to signal the presence of particular odors.
Thermal conductance measurements of bolted copper joints for SuperCDMS

Joint thermal conductance testing has been undertaken for bolted copper to copper connections from 60 mK to 26 K. This testing was performed to validate an initial design basis for the SuperCDMS experiment, where a dilution refrigerator will be coupled to a cryostat via multiple bolted connections. Copper used during testing was either gold plated or passivated with citric acid to prevent surface oxidation. Results obtained are well fit by a power law regression of joint thermal conductance to temperature and match well with data collected during a literature review.
Efficient algorithms for simple matroid intersection problems

Given a matroid, where each element has a realvalued cost and is colored red or green; we seek a minimum cost base with exactly q red elements. This is a simple case of the matroid intersection problem. A general algorithm is presented. Its efficiency is illustrated in the special case of finding a minimum spanning tree with q red edges; the time is O(m log log n + n α (n,n) log n). Efficient algorithms are also given for job scheduling matroids and partition matroids. An algorithm is given for finding a minimum spanning tree where a vertex r has prespecified degree; it shows this problem is equivalent to finding a minimum spanning tree, without the degree constraint. An algorithm is given for finding a minimum spanning tree on a directed graph, where the given root r has prespecified degree; the time is O(m log n), the same as for the problem without the degree constraint.
The stability of proton T2 effects of oxygen-17 water in experimental cerebral ischemia

The gerbil model of unilateral cerebral ischemia has been used to test the temporal and spatial stability of the MRI T2 effects of oxygen-17 water. Following unilateral carotid ligation, symptomatic animals were given a single large intraperitoneal injection of H217O and the distribution and stability of the brain T2 effects were followed with a spin-echo sequence. In contrast to the ischemic areas, the perfused tissue shows a marked and prolonged loss in intensity with little evidence of diffusion of the T2 effect of 17O into the ischemic tissue. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
A new class of symmetric polynomials defined in terms of tableaux

A new class of symmetric polynomials in n variables z = (z"1,..., z"n), denoted t"@l(z), and labelled by partitions @l = [@l"1 ... @l"n] is defined in terms of standard tableaux (equivalently, in terms of Gel'fand-Weyl patterns of the general linear group GL(n,C)). The t"@l(z) are shown to be a Z-basis of the ring of all symmetric polynomials in n variables. In contrast to the usual basis sets such as the Schur functions e"@l(z), which are homogeneous polynomials in the z"i, the t"@l(z) are inhomogeneous. This property is reflected in the fact that the t"@l(z) are a natural basis for the expansion of certain (inhomogeneous) symmetric polynomials constructed from rising factorials. This and several other properties of the t"@l(z) are proved. Two generalizations of the t"@l(z) are also given. The first generalizes the t"@l(z) to a 1-parameter family of symmetric polynomials, T"@l(@a; z), where @a is an arbitrary parameter. The T"@l(@a; z) are shown to possess properties similar to those of the t"@l(z). The second generalizes the t"@l(z) to a class of skew-tableau symmetric polynomials, t"@l"@m(z), for which only a few preliminary results are given.
Mercury Transport in Bacteria

Mercuric ions (Hg2+) and methylmercury are major, human-generated, toxic contaminants present in fish and our waterways. Bacteria provide a means of bioremediation by taking up these compounds and reducing them to volatile, non-toxic, elemental mercury (Hg°). Three types of mercury/methylmercury transporters have previously been identified: MerC, MerF and MerT. Each of these sets of homologues has distinct topologies. MerF proteins are characterized by a 2-transmembrane α-helical segment (TMS) topology; most MerTs have three TMSs, and MerCs have four TMSs. This report shows that MerT and MerF proteins are related by common descent and are similar in sequence throughout their first two TMSs. One of the MerF proteins is internally duplicated, generating a protein with four TMSs, while several MerT homologues bear a C-terminal extracytoplasmic Hg2+-binding MerP domain. MerPs are homologous to heavy metal-binding domains present in copper chaperone proteins, at the N-termini of mercuric reductases and in from one to six copies in heavy metal transporting P-type ATPases. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that mercuric ion transporters have been horizontally transferred with high frequency between bacteria. Some MerTs function with MerP receptors while others do not, and the MerP-dependent MerTs cluster separately from the MerP-independent MerTs on a phylogenetic tree. MerTs possessing a MerP appear to have co-evolved with their cognate receptors. Conserved sequence and motif analyses serve to define the mercuric transporter family fingerprints and allow prediction of specific subfunctions. This report provides the first detailed bioinformatic description of two apparently unrelated families of Hg2+ uptake transporters. We propose that all members of these two families function by a simple channel-type mechanism to allow influx of Hg2+ in response to the membrane potential in preparation for reduction and detoxification. This information should facilitate the exploitation of these transporters for purposes of microbial and phytobioremediation.
Microfluidics for Controlled Production of Thin Films and Particles

Tailored materials with nano to micron dimensions are becoming increasingly important for niche applications in optics, personnel protection and biomedicine. Microfluidics is a robust platform for producing these tailored materials because of the spatial control that can be realized in microfluidic systems due to laminar flow profiles and small dimensions. For this work, a pre-polymer solution, consisting of water, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and a photo-initiator, flows through a microfluidic channel. For the general scheme, the pre-polymer is exposed to UV light in the microfluidic channel to crosslink the polymer. Depending on the application, the model pre-polymer, PEGDA, may need to be substituted with a different photo-polymerizable pre-polymer to address issues such as chemical compatibility and moisture stability prior to commercialization. Nonetheless, proof-of-concept is demonstrated using PEGDA with results that are transferrable to other photo-polymerizable pre-polymers.For this work, two distinct applications will be presented. In one application, the pre-polymer has a graded profile of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles modify the refractive index of the heterogeneous material and allow light to be directed through the material according to Snell’s Law. When the pre-polymer solution is polymerized, a thin film with a controlled refractive index profile is produced with potential for waveguiding applications. In a second application, the light is masked during UV exposure to produce particles instead of thin films. The particles can be of any two-dimensional extruded shape. If the pre-polymer solution is loaded with ceramic nanoparticles and sintered, ceramic particles that retain the shape of the original composite particle are produced. To date, numerous particle cross sections of polymeric particles and limited ceramic particles have been demonstrated with applications in liquid body armor, abrasives and drug delivery.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An educational course including medical simulation for early goal-directed therapy and the severe sepsis resuscitation bundle: An evaluation for medical student training

Abstract Objective Widespread application of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) and the severe sepsis resuscitation bundle is limited by clinician knowledge, skills and experience. This study evaluated use of simulation-based teaching during medical training to increase future clinician knowledge in the above therapies for severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed with medical students at all levels of training. A 5-h course including didactic lectures, skill workshops, and a simulated case scenario of septic shock were administered to the participants. A checklist including 21 tasks was completed during the patient simulation. An 18-question pre-test, post-test and 2-week post-test were given. The participants completed a survey at the end of the course. Results Sixty-three students were enrolled. There was statistical difference between the pre-test and each of the post-test scores: 57.5 ± 13.0, 85.6 ± 8.8, and 80.9 ± 10.9%, respectively. 20.6% of participants thought the pre-test was too difficult, whereas all participants thought the post-test was either appropriate or too easy. The task performance during the simulated septic shock patient was 94.1 ± 6.0%. The participants noted improvements in their confidence levels at managing severe sepsis and septic shock, and agreed that the course should be a requirement during medical school training. Conclusions Medical simulation is an effective method of educating EGDT and the severe sepsis resuscitation bundle to medical students with limited experience in patient care. The results suggest that our course may be of further benefit at increasing clinical experience with this intensive protocol for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock.
Nonpoint Source Reduction to the Nearshore Zone Via Watershed Management Practices: Nutrient Fluxes, Fate, Transport and Biotic Responses — Background and Objectives

ABSTRACT Studies that evaluate the linkages between watershed improvement through Best Management Practices (BMPs) and downstream outcomes are few. Water quality of coastal waters is often impacted by soil and nutrient loss from watersheds in agriculture. Mitigation of these impacts is of concern in the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, and generally in water bodies of North America. In this issue, we report on hypothesis-based research at the watershed level evaluating the impact of BMPs on mitigation of nonpoint sources of nutrient and soil loss to streams and the nearshore zone of a lake. Specifically, we hypothesize not only reductions in nutrient and soil losses from watersheds but also a resultant decrease in metaphyton (filamentous algae), coliform bacteria, and macrophyte populations in the nearshore at stream mouths draining sub-watersheds where BMPs were introduced. Small experimental sub-watersheds, predominantly in agriculture (>70%), were selected to ensure that effects ...
Inhibiting and stimulating neuropeptides controlling reproduction in Crustacea

Summary Studies on the control of reproduction in crustaceans have, for the most part, dealt with the regulation of female reproduction. However, not a great deal of attention has been paid to cellular interactions of the neurohormones involved in this regulation. In this contribution recent data on inhibitory and stimulatory neuropeptides are discussed and reflections are made on their importance for further application-directed research. Attention is paid to: histophysiological events in the oocytes during vitellogenesis; biochemical aspects of the regulating neuropeptides and cytological localization of these neuropeptides in the neuroendocrine system. Opportunities for further research are identified and appraised in light of the knowledge reviewed.
EFFECTS OF HIGH INTENSITY IMPULSE NOISE AND RAPID CHANGES IN PRESSURE UPON STAPEDECTOMIZED MONKEYS

To determine the effects of impulse noise and rapid changes in pressure upon stapedectomized patients, 40 monkeys were subjected to the stape-dectomy procedure and later exposed to gunfire or rapid changes in pressure in an altitude chamber. Two different prostheses were used, half the monkeys receiving the polyethylene strut and vein graft, the other half getting a stainless steel piston prosthesis. Immediate post-exposure examination of the monkeys was made by reflecting the drums. No experimental disarticulation of the prostheses was observed, nor were there any behavioral manifestations of vestibular pathology. No significant differences were observed between the two different prostheses used. On the basis of this experiment, no valid reason for drastic duty limitation of stapedectomized patients can be seen.
Improving gold-silver wirebond integrity in plastic packages

A gold-silver wire bond system is widely used as an interconnect between die and die attach paddle to allow stabilization of substrate voltage by connecting it with a capacitor to analog ground. Failure analysis tools and techniques used in determining the characteristics of die paddle ball bond failures are explained. Electrical test screens were evaluated to contain the failures. A comprehensive discussion of various factors influencing the integrity of gold wire ball bonds on silver plated die paddles of plastic packages is presented. Results are based on a series of matrix experiments focused on the effects of critical wire bond process parameters such as ultrasonic power, bond force and ball size ratio on these die paddle bonds prior to and after accelerated stress test. Leadframe conditions such as silver plating thickness and surface finish are also evaluated. Die paddle bond lift failures were found to be due to partial intermixing at the gold/silver interface under conditions of delamination at the molding compound/die paddle interface. Ball size ratio, ultrasonic bond power and silver surface finish were identified to be the most significant factors affecting the die paddle ball bond integrity after temperature cycle stressing. With the correct combination of material and bond process conditions, it was demonstrated that die paddle ball bonds can be made with high reliability. >
Reduced Cracking in Oxide Fiber‐Reinforced Oxide Composites via Freeze‐Dry Processing

Porous oxide matrix composites typically develop significant numbers of matrix cracks during processing. Eliminating such cracks will lead to improved matrix-dominated properties and will also provide a significant step toward producing a dense oxide matrix composite. However, attaining a crack-free oxide matrix composite has been elusive due to the large shrinkages of the matrix in drying and sintering in the presence of the constraints to macro shrinkage imposed by fiber reinforcement, and to direct effects of drying. By utilizing a camphene based freeze-drying process combined with a nonshrinking matrix, the shrinkage cracks in an oxide fiber-reinforced composite can be essentially eliminated. This concept was validated for 2D fabric-reinforced composites.
N-acetylcysteine attenuates the maternal and fetal proinflammatory response to intrauterine LPS injection in an animal model for preterm birth and brain injury.

Objective. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is associated with preterm birth (PTB) and abnormal neurologic outcome. We hypothesized that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) would decrease PTB and neonatal brain injury acting as an anti-inflammatory.Methods. Pregnant CD-1 mice received intrauterine LPS or saline on day 15/20. They received NAC or saline and were monitored until delivery. Pups were followed and sacrificed on postnatal days 1/30 and brains were collected. Immunostaining for heavy-chain neurofilament protein (NF-H), myelin basic protein (MBP), and proteolipid protein (PLP) was performed. In another group, animals were sacrificed 6 h after treatment, and fetal brain, placenta, and myometrium were collected. Il-6, Il-1β, Il-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expression was determined. Nonparametric analysis was used for analysis, and pairwise comparisons were performed when appropriate.Results. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused PTB (79 vs. 0%, p < 0.005), and this was reduced by NAC [0.45 (95% CI: 0.2...
Liability for failure to report child abuse.

Two cases of physician failure to report possible child abuse that led to legal claims of malpractice and civil liability. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Absolute stereochemistry of leucinopine, a crown gall opine

Abstract Crown gall tumors incited by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain Bo542 have been reported to synthesize a tumor-specific substance identified as N-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-leucine (leucinopine), a compound with two centers of asymmetry. We report here evidence that leucinopine is indeed a crown gall opine, in that it is specifically catabolized by A. tumefaciens strains carrying the tumor-inducing plasmid pTi Bo542, as well as strains carrying closely related plasmids pTi AT1 and pTi AT4. We further report catabolism of leucinopine by the succinamopine-type strains A518, A519 and A532, carrying pTi EU6, pTi AT181 and pTi T10/73, respectively. Strains lacking any virulence plasmid, as well as those carrying octopine or nopaline type Ti plasmids or mannopine type Ri plasmids, did not catabolize leucinopine. On the basis of specificity of catabolism by bacteria carrying pTi Bo542, we conclude that the stereochemistry of natural leucinopine is l -threo, i.e. l glu, l leu. Such stereochemistry is novel in the opines known thus far: octopine, nopaline and succinamopine have d , l -stereochemistry: d ala, l arg (octopine), d glu, l arg (nopaline) and d glu, l asn (succinamopine).
Molecular phylogenetic relationships amongst Alternaria species and related fungi based upon analysis of nuclear ITS and mt SSU rDNA sequences

To elucidate relationships among Alternaria, Ulocladium, and Stemphylium species, nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences from 18 Alternaria, four Ulocladium and four Stemphylium spp. were determined and compared. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS and SSU rDNA sequences, performed by the neighbour joining and maximum parsimony methods, revealed that the Stemphylium spp. were phylogenetically distinct from the Alternaria and Ulocladium spp. Most Alternaria spp. and the Ulocladium spp. were placed together in a large Alternaria/Ulocladium clade. Within this large clade, the Alternaria spp. clustered into several distinct species-clades, most of which correlated with species-groups previously established based upon morphological characteristics. The Ulocladium spp. were placed into two species-clades, each of which also included Alternaria spp. A. longissima was distantly related to the other Alternaria spp., as well as the Ulocladium and Stemphylium spp. Based upon ITS and nuclear 18S rDNA sequence identities, A. longissima was most closely related to Leptosphaeria.
Supplementation with β-carotene in vivo and in vitro does not inhibit low density lipoprotein oxidation

Abstract The inhibition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation has been postulated as one mechanism by which antioxidants may prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Available data on the ability of β-carotene to inhibit LDL oxidation are conflicting. We examined the role of in vivo and in vitro supplementation with β-carotene on metal ion-dependent (cupric ions, Cu 2+ ) and metal ion-independent (2,2′-azobis[2-amidinopropane]dihydrochloride, AAPH) oxidation of LDL as measured by the formation of conjugated dienes (absorbance at 234 nm). Sixteen subjects were supplemented with 50–100 mg of β-carotene on alternate days for 3 weeks following a week-long loading dose of 100 mg/day. Plasma β-carotene levels rose 5.5-fold, while LDL β-carotene levels rose 8.5-fold. Oxidation of LDL by Cu 2+ or AAPH was not significantly delayed after in vivo supplementation with β-carotene compared with baseline. For AAPH, the lag phase (in minutes) was 75 ± 8 at baseline and 83 ± 14 after supplementation ( P = 0.07). For Cu 2+ , the lag phase was 172 ± 41 at baseline and decreased to 130 ± 24 after supplementation ( P 2+ -induced oxidation was observed when β-carotene was added to LDL in vitro. Supplementation of plasma with β-carotene in vitro prior to LDL isolation also did not enhance LDL's resistance to Cu 2+ - or AAPH-induced oxidation, despite a 5-fold increase in LDL β-carotene levels over vehicle control. These data indicate that supplementation with β-carotene in vivo or in vitro does not enhance the protection of LDL against metal ion-dependent and -independent oxidation; rather, in vivo β-carotene supplementation may lead to a shortening of the lag phase of Cu 2+ -induced lipid peroxidation in LDL.
Composition PDF/photon Monte Carlo modeling of moderately sooting turbulent jet flames

A comprehensive model for luminous turbulent flames is presented. The model features detailed chemistry, radiation and soot models and state-of-the-art closures for turbulence–chemistry interactions and turbulence–radiation interactions. A transported probability density function (PDF) method is used to capture the effects of turbulent fluctuations in composition and temperature. The PDF method is extended to include soot formation. Spectral gas and soot radiation is modeled using a (particle-based) photon Monte Carlo method coupled with the PDF method, thereby capturing both emission and absorption turbulence–radiation interactions. An important element of this work is that the gas-phase chemistry and soot models that have been thoroughly validated across a wide range of laminar flames are used in turbulent flame simulations without modification. Six turbulent jet flames are simulated with Reynolds numbers varying from 6700 to 15,000, two fuel types (pure ethylene, 90% methane–10% ethylene blend) and different oxygen concentrations in the oxidizer stream (from 21% O2 to 55% O2). All simulations are carried out with a single set of physical and numerical parameters (model constants). Uniformly good agreement between measured and computed mean temperatures, mean soot volume fractions and (where available) radiative fluxes is found across all flames. This demonstrates that with the combination of a systematic approach and state-of-the-art physical models and numerical algorithms, it is possible to simulate a broad range of luminous turbulent flames with a single model.
High-resolution acousto-optic shaping of unamplified and amplified femtosecond laser pulses

We focus theoretically and experimentally on the fundamental limitations of spectral pulse shaping using an acousto-optic modulator. We analyze the role of the relative thickness of the interaction region as dictated by the acousto-optic Q parameter and show that varying Q allows flexibility in choosing between diffraction efficiency and pixels of resolution. We model and experimentally demonstrate the effects of potential nonidealities such as nonlinear acoustic attenuation. In addition, we derive a simple and intuitive expression to predict the magnitude of the distortions in the spatial profile generated by an acousto-optic-modulator spectral light modulator. Finally, we demonstrate amplification of acousto-optic-modulator-generated shaped pulses for the first time.
FDTD analysis of resonance characteristics of microstrip antennas

The authors investigate the application of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique to the analysis of the resonance characteristics of patch antennas. A time-domain technique based on Yee's (see IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag., vol.AP-39, no.3, p.410, 1991) cell and the second-order Mur absorbing walls is used in the computation of both far-field and near-field characteristics of integrated antennas with multiple patches sandwiched between layers of dielectric with finite ground plane. Feed lines are modeled as an integral part of the radiating structure so that input impedance can be computed as S-parameters of a one-port for a singly fed stacked patch and of a two-port network for doubly fed stacked patches. To establish the accuracy of the FDTD results, the radar cross-section characteristics of various patch antennas, with or without cavity backing, have been computed and the results compared with the published data obtained by other computational techniques or measurements. >
User Groups in Social Networks: An Experimental Study on YouTube

While some social networking sites such as Orkut or Friendster are purely social, others such as YouTube, Flickr, and LiveJournal are highly content-oriented yet maintaining a social component. The nature of the interaction between content and connections is fundamentally important not just from a social science perspective but also to answer how the relevant content and connections can be found more easily. YouTube recently added the ability for users to form groups, in which explicit category affiliation is noted too. YouTube is ripe for consideration of how content and contacts are related. This is amongst the seminal works dealing with YouTube groups in general, not only in the context of categories, and we are amongst the first to study what motivates group membership in YouTube in the context of other observable group activities. We also investigate the role of users in groups, how groups evolve and the structure of these groups organized under a category change over time. Finally we find what form of linkage motivates new members to join these groups.
Recent Advances in the Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy specific disorder, is typically defined as new-onset hypertension presenting after the 20th week of gestation with proteinuria. The overall prevalence in the United States is 3% to 8% with higher incidence in specific ethnic subpopulations, notably blacks. Preeclampsia is a major source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, women who endure preeclampsia are at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. Studies published in Hypertension and other journals during the last few years have provided new insights not only into potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia but also into the identification of potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of preeclampsia. Although numerous factors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the main focus of this Recent Advances article is to review recent studies that link placental ischemia, endothelial and vascular dysfunction, and hypertension in preeclampsia. Despite intense research into the identification of molecular markers of preeclampsia, a reliable and accurate marker for the early diagnosis of preeclampsia remains elusive. A number of recent articles have suggested markers that could prove useful in the diagnosis of the disorder. With the growing interest in autoimmunity in preeclampsia, several studies have looked at immune factors in the maternal circulation as possible biomarkers. For instance, Siddiqui et al1 found widespread (≈95%) presence of agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT1-AA). Additionally, the levels of these autoantibodies correlated well with the degree of disease severity, suggesting potential use in diagnosis. In a related study, Jensen et al2 found that CD19(+)CD5(+) B-cell populations, a potential source for the AT1-AA, are significantly elevated in the maternal circulation of patients with preeclampsia during late gestation when compared with normal-pregnant controls at the same gestational stage. One of the most active areas of research in preeclampsia is angiogenic …
Splanchnic bed utilization of enteral α-ketoisocaproate in humans

Abstract The branched-chain ketoacids (BCKAs) are used as dietary supplements to spare essential amino acid nitrogen, yet little is known about their absorption and utilization in the body. To study the fate of enterally delivered α-ketoisocaproate (KIC), seven healthy adults were infused in the postabsorptive state with [1- 13 C]KIC and [phenyl- 2 H 5 ]phenylalanine intravenously (NGI) and with [5,5,5- 2 H 3 ]KIC by nasogastric tube (NG). After 3.5 hours, the routes of tracer infusion were switched for an additional 3.5 hours. Each subject received a second infusion study on a different day with the order of tracer infusion reversed. KIC and phenylalanine kinetics and first-pass uptake and disposal of the enteral tracer by the splanchnic bed were calculated from the tracer enrichments measured in plasma KIC, leucine, and phenylalanine and breath CO 2 . Phenylalanine flux was 39.5 ± 1.2 μmol/kg/h during the IV infusion periods. KIC flux was 33.1 ± 1.8 and 30.4 ± 1.4 μmol/kg/h measured with 13 C- and 2 H 3 -KIC, respectively, and these values were significantly different. The fraction of enterally delivered tracer sequestered by the splanchnic bed on the first pass was 30.9% ± 2.0%, 30.0% ± 1.4%, and 30.7% ± 2.7% for 13 C-KIC, 2 H 3 -KIC, and 2 H 5 -phenylalanine, respectively. The fraction of infused 13 C-KIC tracer recovered as 13 CO 2 was 27.1% ± 1.2% and 24.0% ± 0.9% during IV and NG infusion, respectively. From these data, the fraction of ng KIC tracer extracted and oxidized on the first pass was calculated to be 5.1% ± 1.1%. This fraction was greater than that previously reported for leucine extraction and oxidation (2%), but it was still only a small fraction of the overall extraction ( 5 30 = 16%). Because the only two fates of the KIC tracer extracted by the splanchnic bed are oxidation or transamination to leucine, the majority (84%) of the KIC tracer was extracted and converted to leucine. These results demonstrate that KIC delivered enterally to postabsorptive humans is rapidly extracted and predominantly converted to leucine by the splanchnic bed. This leucine appears to be available for use by both the splanchnic bed and the whole body.