cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hessian fly resistance genes H16 and H17 are mapped to a resistance gene cluster in the distal region of chromosome 1AS in wheat

Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] is one of the major insect pests of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Hessian fly (Hf)-resistance genes H16 and H17 were reported to condition resistance to Hf biotype L that is prevalent in many wheat-growing areas of eastern USA, and both of them were previously assigned to wheat chromosome 5A by their linkage to H9. The objectives in this study were to (1) map H16 and H17 independent of their linkage with H9 and (2) identify DNA markers that co-segregate with H16 or H17, and that are useful for selection of these genes in segregating populations and to combine these genes with other Hf-resistance genes in wheat cultivars. Contrary to previously reported locations, H16 and H17 did not show linkage with the molecular markers on chromosome 5A. Instead, both of them are linked with the molecular markers on the short arm of chromosome 1A (1AS). The simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker Xpsp2999 and EST-derived SSR (eSSR) marker Xwem6b are two flanking markers that are linked to H16 at genetic distances of 3.7 and 5.5 cM, respectively. Similarly, H17 is located between markers Xpsp2999 and Xwem6b at genetic distances of 6.2 and 5.1 cM, respectively. Five other SSR and eSSR markers including Xcfa2153, Xbarc263, Xwem3a, Xwmc329, and Xwmc24 were also linked to H16 and H17 at close genetic distances. These closely linked molecular markers should be useful for pyramiding H16 and H17 with other Hessian fly resistance genes in a single wheat genotype. In addition, using Chinese Spring deletion line bin mapping we positioned all of the linked markers and the Hf-resistance genes (H16 and H17) to the distal 14% of chromosome 1AS, where Hf-resistance genes H9, H10, and H11 are located. Our results together with previous studies suggest that Hf-resistance genes H9, H10, H11, H16, and H17 along with the pathogen resistance genes Pm3 and Lr10 appear to occupy a resistance gene cluster in the distal region of chromosome 1AS in wheat.
Water channels in Chara corallina

Water relations parameters of Chara corallina internodes were measured using the single cell pressure probe. The effect of mercurials, which are recognized as non-specific water channel inhibitors, was examined. HgCI2 concentrations greater than 5 mmol m 3 were found to inhibit hydraulic conductivity (Lp) close to 90%, whereas pCMPS was found to have no effect on Lp. The activation energy of water flow was increased significantly from 21.0 kJ mol~1 to 45.6 kJ mol" 1, following the application of HgCI 2. These results are in accordance with evidence for Hg2+-sensitive water channels in the plasma membrane of charophytes (Henzler and Steudle, 1995; Tazawa et a/., 1996). The metabolic effects must, however, be considered in view of the rapid inhibition of respiration and the depolarization of the membrane potential with HgCI2 concentrations lower than those found to affect Lp. It was possible to measure simultaneously water relations and membrane PD, in order to examine the contribution of potassium channels to Lp. Cells were induced into a K+ permeable state. The K+ channels, assumed to be open, were subsequently blocked by various blockers. No significant difference in Lp was found for any of these treatments. Finally, the permeability of C. corallina membranes to ethanol was examined. HgCI2 was found to cause a decrease in reflection coefficient, coinciding with a decrease in Lp, but there was no change in the ethanol permeability coefficient. This has been interpreted in terms of both the frictional model and composite model of non-electrolyte membrane transport.
Vagus nerve stimulation vs. corpus callosotomy in the treatment of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: A meta-analysis

Purpose Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is an epileptogenic disorder that arises in childhood and is typically characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-and-wave complexes on EEG and cognitive impairment. If medical treatment fails, patients can proceed to one of two palliative surgeries, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or corpus callosotomy (CC). Their relative seizure control rates in LGS have not been well studied. The purpose of this paper is to compare seizure reduction rates between VNS and CC in LGS using meta-analyses of published data.
Hard Processes and Perturbative QCD Results from CDF

We present results on the inclusive jet cross section at \(\sqrt s = 1800GeV\) and 630 GeV, the two-jet cross section, multijet physics and the multijet differential cross section from the CDF experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider.
ARBITRARY LAGRANGIAN EULERIAN ANALYSIS OF A BIDIRECTIONAL MICRO-PUMP USING SPECTRAL ELEMENTS

Performance analysis of a reversible micro-pump system is obtained by numerical simulations. The unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved in a moving micro-pump system using a spectral h/p element algorithm, employing an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation on structured/unstructured meshes. The performance of the micro-pump is evaluated as a function of the Reynolds number and the geometric parameters. The volumetric flowrate is shown to increase as a function of the Reynolds number. The unsteady traction forces on the pump membrane and the vorticity dynamics within the pump cavity are presented.
Acetyicholine and Electrolyte Metabolism in the Various Chambers of the Frog and Turtle Heart

Evidence has accumulated suggesting acetylcholine may he involved in initiation of the heart heat. Acetylcholine and electrolyte metabolism in the various chambers of the heart have been studied. The area of highest intrinsic rhythm (sinus) contained greater amounts of acetylcholine equivalents, true cholinesterase, choline acetylase and sodium; all of these decreasing in amount in areas of lower intrinsie rhythm. It is concluded that intrinsic rhythm may he directly correlated with overall acetylcholine metabolism and sodium content and inversely related to overall energy metabolism and potassium concentration.
Significance of relative rib cage and abdomen motion in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Changes in intrapleural pressure (ΔPpl) and abdomen pressure (ΔPab) were related to changes in the anterior-posterior diameter of the rib cage (ΔRC) and abdomen (ΔAb) in 17 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ΔPab-ΔPpl equalsΔPdi, the change in transdiaphragmatic pressure. Measurements were made during quiet inspiration in the semierect position.ΔAb/(ΔAb+ΔRC) was used as a measure of relative abdomen motion, andΔPab/ΔPdi was used as a measure of the relative contribution of descent of the diaphragm to the breathing process. Patients with COPD developed greater ΔPdi than normal subjects. This increasedΔPdi was the result of relatively more intercostal and accessory muscle activity rather than increased diaphragm motion. Despite this, patients with COPD showed the same relative abdomen motion as did normal subjects. Observation of relative chest and abdomen motion in patients with COPD is a poor guide to relative use of the rib cage muscles and diaphragm.
Two dimensional thin layer chromatography of estradiol and estriol glucosiduronic acids extracted from buffered solution

Abstract Estriol and estradiol glucosiduronic acids are selectively extracted from acid solution with a chloroform-isopropyl alcohol solvent mixture. They are recovered from the organic phase into acetate buffer pH 4.5 and returned to ethyl acetate upon acidification and extraction. On evaporation of ethyl acetate, the estrogen glucosiduronic acid residue is dissolved in ammoniated isopropyl alcohol. These conjugates are separated on thin layers of silica gel H on glass plates in three consecutively-applied solvent mixtures (I) chloroform-isopropyl alcohol; (II) chloroform-isopropyl alcohol-formate and (III) ethyl acetate-pyridine-acetic acid-water. Migrations in solvents I and II are conducted in one direction and in solvent III in a second dimension. The estradiol and estriol glucosiduronic acids are located from the position of standards used as markers in this two-dimensional migration and are determined directly by the Kober color reaction and by glucosiduronic acid analysis. A technique is also described for the quantitative elution of the estrogen conjugates from chromatoplates and for their complete hydrolysis by beta-glucuronidase. The free steroids so obtained are in a purified state and these should be readily measurable with the sensitive physical techniques now available.
Treatment of severe coagulopathy after gunshot injury to the head using recombinant activated factor VII.

Abstract Purpose Patients with severe penetrating head injury often have a coagulopathy that is difficult to correct. In this report, we describe 3 such patients who were treated with activated factor VII (FVIIa) to stop ongoing hemorrhage that was refractory to conventional treatment. Subjects and Methods We treated 3 patients with severe head injury secondary to gunshot wounds to the head. All 3 patients had ongoing bleeding secondary to a severe consumptive coagulopathy that was refractory to treatment with fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. Recombinant FVIIa was then administered to achieve hemostasis. Results Administration of FVIIa (90-120 μ g/kg) was successful in rapidly achieving hemostasis and correcting abnormal laboratory parameters indicative of coagulopathy in all patients. Although all 3 patients died, control of bleeding made organ donation possible in 2 patients. Conclusion In patients with a severe head injury and coagulopathy, use of FVIIa may help in correction of coagulopathy and decrease transfusion requirements. In patients where ongoing bleeding precludes the declaration of brain death, the use of this agent might help in achieving hemodynamic stability and preserve the possibility of organ donation. The ethical implications of using FVIIa in this situation are discussed.
Assessing the Impact of a Dynamic Intervention within a Perceptual Discrimination Training Module

The use of multimedia training methods for improving learning outcomes has been examined in recent years. Commonly, two types of multimedia training (static media and dynamic media) have been utilized for learning facilitation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact that both dynamic image training and static image training has on perceptual skill augmentation and performance on a visual approach aviation task. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between the two types of training on accuracy on a visual approach task. However, a significant difference was found between the static training group and the control group. The results suggest that although the visual approach is a dynamic maneuver, using static images during training is a practical method for visual skill refinement and learning differences between glide slope angles.
Organotransition-Metal-Mediated Borane-Cage Expansion

Attempts were made to synthesize dinuclear Group 6 metal complexes of the arachno -octahydrotriborate anion. Specifically, the dimer [CpW(CO) 3 ] 2 (Cp = m 5 -C 5 H 5 ) was employed as the metal re...
Effect of supraglottic mechanoreceptors on spatial mapping of respiratory related evoked responses using wavelet and Laplacian methods.

Respiratory related evoked potentials (RREPs) were recorded from eight normal subjects in response to brief pressure pulses of −10 cm H2O with a duration of 200 ms to identify the contribution of supralaryngeal mechanoreceptors to the evoked responses by constraining application of the stimulus to the larynx and sublaryngeal regions through insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Wavelet decomposition of RREP responses from 30 electrodes on the right side of the scalp was performed for eight frequency scales in time. The RREPs at each wavelet scale were enhanced by eliminating the wavelet coefficients due to artifacts and noise. After denoising, the third (125–150 Hz), fourth (62.5–125 Hz), fifth (31.25–62.5 Hz) and sixth (13.62–31.25 Hz) wavelet scales were used for estimation of the Laplacian. In addition, the global field power was calculated to quantify the wavelet-filtered RREP activity and to extract features for statistical analysis. Our results show that estimates of the global field power at the fourth and fifth wavelet scales are more significantly decreased after the insertion of the LMA than was true for scales 3 and 6. Further, after the LMA was inserted, the Laplacian showed reduced activity in the posterior-lateral region in four subjects and reductions in other places in the rest. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8719Nn, 8780Tq, 8719Uv, 8719Ff
Myelodysplasia: new approaches.

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematopoietic disorders characterized by bone marrow failure and a risk of progression to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). A precise diagnosis is critical, because there is overlap between the clinical and laboratory findings of MDS and other malignant and nonmalignant hematologic disorders. Several prognostic scoring systems (IPSS, WPSS, LR-PSS, and IPSS-R) assess a patient’s risk of progression to AML and overall survival. Many patients are elderly, so age and comorbidities are an important consideration. Patients with lower-risk disease are treated with growth factors (erythropoietin stimulating agents and/or G-CSF) and immunomodulatory agents (antithymocyte globulin and/or lenalidomide). Patients with higher-risk disease have a higher risk of progression to AML and are treated with hypomethylating agents (azacitidine or decitabine) and allogeneic stem cell transplantation if appropriate. Recent laboratory studies have increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. Mutations in genes effecting ribosomes, splicing of RNA and epigenetics have been discovered. It is likely that these breakthroughs will lead to newer classes of targeted therapies against this disease.
A test of the reproductive cost hypothesis for sexual size dimorphism in Yarrow's spiny lizard Sceloporus jarrovii

Summary 1 Trade-offs between reproduction and growth are central assumptions of life-history theory, but their implications for sexual size dimorphism (SSD) are poorly understood. 2 Adult male Yarrow's spiny lizards Sceloporus jarrovii average 10% larger than adult females. In a low-altitude (1700 m) population, this SSD develops because males grow more quickly than females during the first year of life, particularly during the first female reproductive season. This study tests the hypothesis that SSD develops because female growth is constrained by energetic costs of reproduction. 3 To test for a growth cost of reproduction, I compared growth rates of free-living females that differed, either naturally or experimentally, in reproductive status. Females that naturally delayed reproduction until their second year grew more quickly than females that reproduced as yearlings, and ovariectomized yearlings grew more quickly and to larger sizes than reproductive controls. 4 To determine whether SSD develops in the absence of this inferred reproductive cost, I also studied a high-altitude (2500 m) population in which all females delay reproduction until their second year. Sex differences in growth trajectories were similar to those observed at low altitude, such that males averaged 10% larger than females even prior to female reproduction. 5 Although female growth may be constrained by reproduction, multiple lines of evidence indicate that this cost is insufficient to explain the full magnitude of SSD in S. jarrovii. First, differences in growth of reproductive and nonreproductive females are not observed until the final month of gestation, by which time SSD is already well developed. Second, the growth benefit accruing from experimental inhibition of reproduction accounts for only 32% of the natural sex difference in body size. Finally, SSD develops well in advance of female reproduction in a high-altitude population with delayed maturation.
Sedimentation studies on RNA from proplastids of ZEA mays.

Abstract The sedimentation rate of ribosomal RNA from purified proplastids of dark-grown leaves of Zea mays was compared with the sedimentation rate of cytoplasmic ribosomal RNA in whole leaf extracts by use of high-resolution sucrose gradients. Both components of plastid ribosomal RNA can be resolved from cytoplasmic ribosomal RNA when mixtures of RNA from both sources are cosedimented on the same gradient. Approximate sedimentation coefficients were determined by comparing the rate of sedimentation of the plant RNA with 32P-labeled RNA extracted from Escherichia coli. Values of 15 S and 23 S were obtained for proplastid RNA; values of 16 S and 26 S were obtained for cytoplasmic RNA. In these preparations, it appears that the smaller proplastid ribosomal component can be distinguished from 16 S bacterial ribosomal RNA.
Reducing Frailty and Falls in Older Persons: An Investigation of Tai Chi and Computerized Balance Training

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of two exercise approaches, Tai Chi (TC) and computerized balance training (BT), on specified primary outcomes (biomedical, functional, and psychosocial indicators of frailty) and secondary outcomes (occurrence of falls). DESIGN: The Atlanta FICSIT (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques), a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with three arms (TC, BT, and education [ED]). Intervention length was 15 weeks, with primary outcomes measured before and after intervention and at 4-month follow-up. Falls were monitored continuously throughout the study. SETTING: Persons aged 70 and older living in the community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 200 participants, 162 women and 38 men; mean age was 76.2. MEASUREMENTS: Biomedical (strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, body composition), functional (IADL), and psychosocial well-being (CES-D scale, fear of falling questionnaire, self-perception of present and future health, mastery index, perceived quality of sleep, and intrusiveness) variables. RESULTS: Grip strength declined in all groups, and lower extremity range of motion showed limited but statistically significant changes. Lowered blood pressure before and after a 12-minute walk was seen following TC participation. Fear of falling responses and intrusiveness responses were reduced after the TC intervention compared with the ED group (P = .046 and P = .058, respectively). After adjusting for fall risk factors, TC was found to reduce the risk of multiple falls by 47.5%. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate TC intervention can impact favorably on defined biomedical and psychosocial indices of frailty. This intervention can also have favorable effects upon the occurrence of falls. Tai Chi warrants further study as an exercise treatment to improve the health of older people.
Generalized non-Newtonian elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Abstract Realistic prediction of the behaviour of a lubricant in elastohydrodynamic contact requires consideration of proper rheological model(s) that take the non-Newtonian characteristics of the fluid into account. A general formulation and solution methodology is presented that can treat an elastohydrodynamic lubrication problem with any simple, non-Newtonian constitutive equation.
Cornea-soft contact lens interaction: a nuclear magnetic resonance study

Because 31P NMR (phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy can detect phosphorus metabolites and more than 90% of them reside in corneal epithelium, we applied this technique to the examination of the metabolic response of the cornea (epithelium) to soft contact lens (CL) wear. Our results showed that 4 h of soft CL (59% water) wear caused a 50% loss of ATP, and both ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) decreased drastically if the eyes were closed. Topical application of 5.5 mM glucose to CL-fitted eyes restored the 31P profile to nearly normal. Possible approaches for maintaining corneal health are discussed.
Comparison of the extended isotropic periodic sum and particle mesh Ewald methods for simulations of lipid bilayers and monolayers.

3D-IPS/DFFT is an extension of the three-dimensional isotropic periodic sum (3D-IPS) for evaluation of electrostatic and Lennard-Jones interactions in heterogeneous systems; it utilizes a discrete fast Fourier transform (DFFT) for efficient calculation of the IPS potential with a large local region radius. The method is demonstrated to be highly accurate for simple bulk fluids, liquid/liquid and liquid/vapor interfaces, and lipid bilayers and monolayers. Values for rC (the cutoff distance for direct evaluation of pairs) and RC (the local region radius) equal to 10 A and twice the longest edge of the periodic cell, respectively, provide excellent efficiency and accuracy. Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) monolayers simulated with the CHARMM (Chemistry at HARvard Molecular Mechanics) C27r lipid parameter set and 3D-IPS/DFFT yield surface tensions approximately 8 dyn/cm higher than those simulated using particle mesh Ewald (PME), and with experiment. In contrast, surface tensions for DMPC bilayers are 16...
The NIOSH Detector Tube Certification Program

Because NIOSH evaluations of commercial gas detector tubes in past years had indicated widespread inaccuracy and other serious problems with these devices, NIOSH adopted a set of performance and quality control standards for gas detector tubes which commercial tubes must meet in order to be considered acceptable for NIOSH and OSHA use. NIOSH has also established a testing program in Morgantown, West Virginia, for evaluating commercial detector tubes and certifying those brands of tubes which meet NIOSH standards. Some of the most important of these standards are presented in this report.
Overlapping Interests: The Impact of Geographic Coordinate Assumptions on Limited-Area Atmospheric Model Simulations

There is growing use of limited-area models (LAMs) for high-resolution (,10 km) applications, for which consistent mapping of input terrestrial and meteorological datasets is critical for accurate simulations. The geographic coordinate systems of most input datasets are based on spheroid-shaped (i.e., elliptical) Earth models, while LAMs generally assume a perfectly sphere-shaped Earth. This distinction is often neglected during preprocessing, when input data are remapped to LAM domains, leading to geolocation discrepancies that can exceed 20 km at midlatitudes. A variety of terrestrial (topography and land use) input dataset configurations is employed to explore the impact of Earth model assumptions on a series of 1-km LAM simulations over Colorado. For the same terrestrial datasets, the ;20-km geolocation discrepancy between spheroidal-versus-spherical Earth models over the domain leads to simulated differences in near-surface and midtropospheric air temperature, humidity, and wind speed that are larger and more widespread than those due to using different topography and landusedatasetsaltogetherbutnotchangingtheEarthmodel.Simulateddifferencesarecausedbytheshiftof static fields with respect to boundary conditions, and altered Coriolis forcing and topographic gradients. The sensitivity of high-resolution LAM simulations to Earth model assumptions emphasizes the importance for users to ensure terrestrial and meteorological input data are consistently mapped during preprocessing (i.e., datasets share a common geographic coordinate system before remapping to the LAM domain). Concurrently, the modeling community should update preprocessing systems to make sure input data are correctly mapped for all global and limited-area simulation domains.
Understanding the assembly of interdisciplinary teams and its impact on performance.

Abstract Interdisciplinary teams are assembled in scientific research and are aimed at solving complex problems. Given their increasing importance, it is not surprising that considerable attention has been focused on processes of collaboration in interdisciplinary teams. Despite such efforts, we know less about the factors affecting the assembly of such teams in the first place. In this paper, we investigate the structure and the success of interdisciplinary scientific research teams. We examine the assembly factors using a sample of 1103 grant proposals submitted to two National Science Foundation interdisciplinary initiatives during a 3-year period, including both awarded and non-awarded proposals. The results indicate that individuals’ likelihood of collaboration on a proposal is higher among those with longer tenure, lower institutional tier, lower H-index, and with higher levels of prior co-authorship and citation relationships. However, successful proposals have a little bit different relational patterns: individuals’ likelihood of collaboration is higher among those with lower institutional tier, lower H-index, (female) gender, higher levels of prior co-authorship, but with lower levels of prior citation relationships.
Transport of Larval Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus in Continental Shelf Waters of Western Louisiana: A Hypothesis

Abstract The gulf menhaden commercial fishery in the Gulf of Mexico is the largest by weight in the United States. Spawning takes place on the continental shelf during fall and winter and the pelagic larvae are transported into estuarine nursery areas. Quantitative information on a transport mechanism had previously been lacking. Knowledge of the coupling between continental shelf and estuaries is necessary to understand the causes of high natural variability in estuarine recruitment and to develop and evaluate spawner-recruit and environment-survival relationships. Analysis of a variety of biological and physical data led to the development of a testable transport hypothesis. The hypothesis suggests that west-northwest longshore advection within the horizontally stratified coastal boundary layer is the primary mechanism transporting gulf menhaden larvae to the Calcasieu River estuary, the major estuarine system in western Louisiana.
Drug eluting coating for 3D Parylene sheath electrode

Two methods for incorporating drug eluting coatings consisting of Matrigel (MG) loaded with dexamethasone (DEX) onto the Parylene sheath electrode (PSE) were developed and compared. The purpose of the coatings is to reduce the immune response evoked by tissue damage during electrode insertion into the cortex and subsequent sustained aggravation of tissues by the implant. Parylene surfaces are hydrophobic and repel MG, therefore, both physical and chemical methods were investigated to disrupt surface tension and increase surface energy to facilitate even coating onto the PSE. A gelling step was also investigated to improve loading of coating onto PSE. Spectrophotometry was used to measure the amount of DEX loaded onto the PSE. Loading of up to 563 ng of DEX was achieved by using a combination of surface energy modification and coating gelling, whereas sonication assisted coating methods loaded 205 ng.
Disruptions in the Regulation of Extracellular Glutamate by Neurons and Glia in the Rat Striatum Two Days after Diffuse Brain Injury

Abstract Disrupted regulation of extracellular glutamate in the central nervous system contributes to and can exacerbate the acute pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previously, we reported increased extracellular glutamate in the striatum of anesthetized rats 2 days after diffuse brain injury. To determine the mechanism(s) responsible for increased extracellular glutamate, we used enzyme-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) coupled with specific pharmacological agents targeted at in vivo neuronal and glial regulation of extracellular glutamate. After TBI, extracellular glutamate was significantly increased in the striatum by (∼90%) averaging 4.1±0.6 μM compared with sham 2.2±0.4 μM. Calcium-dependent neuronal glutamate release, investigated by local application of an N-type calcium channel blocker, was no longer a significant source of extracellular glutamate after TBI, compared with sham. In brain-injured animals, inhibition of glutamate uptake with local application of an excitatory amino a...
Performance of the SLAC 2-meter streamer chamber in a study of multibody photoproduction

Abstract The performance of the SLAC 2-m streamer chamber is evaluated using the results of a high-statistics, multibody-photo-production experiment carried out with an 18 GeV bremsstrahlung beam. The instrumental arrangement is outlined, and the data-analysis procedures are described in detail. Special methods are then discussed for dealing with trigger, dip-angle, and hydrogen-target losses and for weighting the surviving events. Finally, the spatial resolution, instrumental efficiency, and overall normalization accuracy are given, and the momentum range over which particle types can be distinguished by ionization is discussed. The results of this evaluation indicate that the streamer chamber is successful in combining the high geometrical resolution, excellent multiple-track efficiency, nearly 4 π solid angle, and ionization capabilities of the bubble chamber with the high repetition rate and triggering facility of the spark chamber.
Inactivation Kinetics of Foodborne Spoilage and Pathogenic Bacteria by Ozone

: Ozone was tested against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Listeria monocytogenes. When kinetic data from a batch reactor were fitted to a dose-response model, a 2-phased linear relationship was observed. A continuous ozone reactor was developed to ensure a uniform exposure of bacterial cells to ozone and a constant concentration of ozone during the treatment. Survivors plots in the continuous system were linear initially, followed by a concave downward pattern. Exposure of bacteria to ozone at 2.5 ppm for 40 s caused 5 to 6 log decrease in count. Resistance of tested bacteria to ozone followed this descending order: E. coli O157:H7, P. fluorescens, L. mesenteroides, and L. monocytogenes.
Natural killer cell activity in multiple sclerosis patients treated with recombinant interferon-α2

Natural killer (NK) cell activity was evaluated in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during a phase II trial of recombinant interferon-alpha 2 (IFN). Spontaneous NK activity against the K562 myeloid target cell increased significantly during the first week of treatment in the IFN treatment group. However, NK activity was also increased in the placebo treatment group. Long-term administration of IFN caused a decline of NK activity, below the pretreatment values. This decline was not paralleled by a decline in the percentage of Leu-7 cells in the peripheral blood. The ability of IFN to enhance NK activity during treatment was also evaluated. Enhancement of NK activity by IFN was depressed for the duration of the study in the IFN treatment group. After treatment was stopped, IFN enhancement of NK activity returned to the pre-study value. These studies demonstrate that spontaneous and IFN enhanced NK activity are profoundly affected by the administration of recombinant IFN-alpha 2 in MS patients.
Treatment of intractable rheumatoid arthritis with total lymphoid irradiation (TLI): immunological and clinical changes.

Summary Eleven patients with intractable rheumatoid arthritis were treated with total lymphoid irradiation in a feasibility study. The mantle and the inverted Y fields were treated successively to a cumulative dose of 2000 rads. Nine of eleven patients showed at least a 35% improvement in three of four clinical parameters by six months and continued to maintain at least this level of improvement at their last observation points (13–28 months after TLI). There was a marked decrease in the percentage of total T cells and Leu-3 cells (helper), but an increase in the percentage of Leu-2 cells (suppressor/cytotoxic), resulting in a dramatic increase in the Leu-2/Leu-3 ratio. There was also a decrease in response to PHA, Con A and MLR.
DROPPING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL IN THE UNITED STATES: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Using data from a two-stage probability sample of U.S. high school stu- dents, an attempt is made to estimate the effect that dropping out has on cognitive achievement test scores. Each sampled dropout from a school is matched by a multi- variate procedure to a student who remained in the same school. The matched pair differences are then adjusted using analysis of covariance. The possibility that im- portant covariates have been omitted from the analysis is addressed through tests of ignorable treatment assignment and through sensitivity analyses.
Highly sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for methotrexate in the presence and absence of anti-methotrexate antibody fragments in rat and mouse plasma.

Abstract Recently, Balthasar and Fung have proposed that anti-methotrexate antibody fragments may be employed to enhance the selectivity of intraperitoneal methotrexate (MTX) therapy. This current work presents a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method for measuring plasma concentrations of total (i.e., bound and unbound) MTX and free (unbound) MTX in rat and mouse plasma, in the presence or absence of therapeutic anti-MTX antibody fragments. The assay involves pre-column derivatization of MTX by sodium hydrosulfite to 2,4-diamino-6-methylpteridine. The limit of quantitation for MTX by this assay was 1.25 ng in rat plasma, mouse plasma and mouse plasma ultrafiltrate, which corresponds to a concentration of 25 ng/ml for a 50 μl sample. The limit of quantitation was found to be 2.5 ng in rat plasma ultrafiltrate (i.e., 50 ng/ml in 50 μl rat plasma ultrafiltrate). The method was shown to be quite accurate, as the mean assayed concentration of quality control samples was within 10% of theoretical values. We have applied the method to the investigation of MTX pharmacokinetics in mice and rats, following the administration of MTX alone or following simultaneous administration of MTX and anti-MTX Fab fragments. The method has been shown to be suitable for the assay of total and free methotrexate in the plasma of these species and will enable the testing of pharmacokinetic hypotheses regarding the influence of anti-MTX Fab fragments on the disposition of MTX.
A Kaleidoscopic Review of Literature About Substance Abuse Impairment in Nursing: Progress Toward Identification of Early Risk Indicators?

This review presents a snapshot of the research that has been done on substance abuse impairment in nursing. Research has focused primarily on the prevalence of impairment, then attitudes about impairment, followed by identifying antecedents and characteristics of impaired nurses. Many of the research studies focused on middle- to late-stage risk factors, with very few exploring early risk indicators. Exploration of early risk factors is still in the beginning stages. A review of the literature shows the evolution of research as investigations progressed from identifying prevalence and attitudes, to identifying antecedents and risk factors. The section on risk factors with impairment is separated into five topics: (1) general studies about risk factors, (2) early risk factors with impairment, (3) sensation seeking as a risk factor, (4) family drug/alcohol use history, and (5) multidimensional factors related to impairment. Researchers generally agree that substance abuse is a prevalent problem, that nurse...
Infra-red absorption spectra of potassium nitrate in phases I, II and III

Abstract The infra-red absorption spectra of single crystals and nujol mulls of potassium nitrate and of the nujol mull of the isotopic mixture of composition 50% K14NO3 + 50% K15NO3 have been recorded at room temperature, at ∼135°C and at ∼120°C (on cooling the sample held previously at ∼135°C). The existence of three polymorphic phases, reported in the literature, has been confirmed. The analysis of the date indicates that in phase I (above 130°C) the nitrate ions are randomly oriented. The theoretical predictions, based on the dipole—dipole interaction between the nearest neighbors, regarding the effect of coupling of the vibrations in the lattices of different phases on the out-of-plane bending mode of the nitrate ion find full support from the experimental results reported here.
Knowledge of past and future in quantum mechanics

It is well known that the principles of quantum mechanics limit the possibilities of exact prediction as to the future path of a particle. It has sometimes been supposed, nevertheless, that the quantum mechanics would permit an exact description of the past path of a particle. The purpose of the present note is to discuss a simple ideal experiment which shows that the possibility of describing the past pathof one particlewould lead to the predictions as to the future behaviour of a second particle of a kind not allowed in the quantum mechanics. It will hence be concluded that the principles of quantum mechanics actually involve an uncertainty in the description of past events which is analogous to the the uncertainty in the prediction of future events. And it will be shown for the case in hand, that this uncertainty in the description of the past arises from a limitation of the knowledge that can be obtained by measurement of momentum.
Respiratory syncytial virus and subsequent asthma: one step closer to unravelling the Gordian knot?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common respiratory pathogen in infancy, infecting nearly all children within the first 2 yrs of life 1. There is growing evidence that severe RSV lower respiratory infection (LRI) early in life is an important risk factor for the development of recurrent wheezing and asthma in later childhood 2 but the field abounds with apparent controversy 3–13. A recent paper from the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study in Arizona, USA has demonstrated that mild-to-moderate RSV LRI in the first 3 yrs of life is an important risk factor for subsequent wheezing 7, 8 up to 11 yrs of age, but this risk is no longer statistically significant by 13 yrs of age 8. In this study, no relationship was found between the infection and development of atopy. In contrast, in Boras, Sweden, subsequent recurrent wheezing in later childhood (up to 7 yrs of follow-up) was observed in children with a history of severe bronchiolitis requiring hospitalisation in infancy 9, 10 and a significant association was found between RSV and atopic sensitisation, which was not explained by a family history of asthma or atopy. How does one reconcile these apparently discrepant observations? Clearly not all children with recurrent wheezing disease have been previously hospitalised with severe RSV bronchiolitis and not all children with RSV LRI go on to wheeze. The explanation for these observations is slowly unravelling. It was initially suggested that RSV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E during acute infection and convalescence correlated with both the severity of RSV illness and subsequent wheezing 14. This implied that the immune responses to RSV were implicit in the subsequent development of an asthmatic phenotype, and has in part driven some of the studies examining the relationship between RSV infection and the T-helper (Th) 2-type responses to …
Radiotherapy in practice radioisotope therapy

This is a relatively short paperback book that the editor hopes will ‘overcome many of these obstacles (under utilization and limited accessibility) with contributions from experts in the field identifying the current role of radioisotope therapy in modern medicine and also providing a background in the physics and developmental biology that underpins their use'. It succeeds to some degree. The authors are all British and they know their field well. They do discuss the role of radioisotope therapy for a variety of conditions and the book does provide reasonably well much on the physics of radioisotope therapy. In asmuch as each of the chapters is written by a different contributor(s), there is some overlap and there is an unfortunate tendency to use acronyms and abbreviations, sometimes without defining them, at least in some of the chapters. This book will give a good review for someone who is studying for his board examination. However, if one is in the early part of his/her career or has very limited background of isotope therapy, this book will not be as easy to learn from as others. The chapters are well written, but most of them do not have a great deal of detail. The exceptions to this are the chapters on antibody-directed radioisotope therapy by Dearling and Pedley, and the chapter specifically on radioimmunotherapy for lymphoma by Illidge and Du. Both these chapters are filled with detail and excellent references. The final chapter on radioprotection and regulatory aspects of radioisotope therapy is certainly good from the UK/European point of view; there is a small section towards the end on non-UK legislation, but it is actually pretty brief. Also, I would have appreciated it if this chapter on radioprotection would have had a few pages on how to potentially deal with, at the hospital-based level, mass casualties from radiation bio-terrorism. A nuclear explosion obviously would have major consequences on the basis of the explosion itself, but much of the patient damage would be owing to secondary radioisotope contamination. The so-called ‘dirty bomb' would be predominately isotope contamination as the source of patient injury and chaos. Something on that topic would have been appropriate for this monograph. Finally, the index is suboptimal. Keeping such criticisms aside, this is a well-written monograph and it should be an excellent review for someone studying for boards. It can also serve as a useful reference for someone who is not actively carrying out such treatments but who is nonetheless interested in the topic. For a nuclear medical specialist, this book would be insufficient.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Temporally Heterogenous Action Potential Characteristics

Rate-dependent bifurcations and aperiodic changes in action potential duration and amplitude were observed in periodically stimulated cardiac Purkinje and ventricular muscle cells isolated from dogs with quinidine-induced ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The slope of the action potential duration restitution curve was higher in the quinidine intoxicated fibers than in normal untreated fibers. Aperiodicity and bifurcations in action potential duration (APD) could not be observed in normal untreated cardiac fibers. The data suggest that induction of reentrant ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia could be brought about not by fixed but rather by changing alterations in cellular electrical activity. Theory based on nonlinear dynamics seems to provide a quantitative basis for such an analysis. This could have important implications in the issue of sudden cardiac death, a major problem in cardiology.
Do we know how people identify spoken words

Abstract We conducted four studies using a lexical decision task to investigate the processes involved in deciding whether a sound pattern is a nonword. It has been claimed that subjects decide that a sound pattern is a nonword at the point where it deviates from all known words. We varied when during the sound pattern the deviation point occurred. According to this claim, the time to decide that a sound pattern is a nonword should be constant from the deviation point. Instead, we found longer decision times when the deviation point occurred earlier in the sound pattern, suggesting that information late in the sound pattern is relevant to nonword decisions. Still, when response times were measured from the target onset, they were slightly shorter when the deviation point occurred early. These findings can be accounted for either by a model of word recognition in which the input is processed from left to right, or by one which posits that there is more relevant information in early than in late portions of a word.
The Impact of Food Stamps on Food Expenditures: Rejection of the Traditional Model

For food stamp recipients whose normal food purchases exceed their coupon allotment, the traditional economic model predicts that the impact of food stamps on food spending will be the same as for an equal cash transfer. The Tobit analysis in this study indicates that, for these recipients, food stamps have a substantially greater impact on at-home food expenditures than an equal amount of cash income. These results reject the traditional model. Several possible explanations of this behavior are discussed.
Chromium Geochemistry of Serpentine Soils

Serpentine soils derived from the weathering of ultramafic rocks, mainly ophiolitic serpentinites, are typically characterized by Cr concentrations in excess of 200 mg kg-1, comparatively higher than non-serpentine soils. We review the chemistry of Cr in serpentine soils and their protoliths, focusing on serpentine soils collected from New Caledonia, Oregon, and California. Overall, serpentine soils are slightly acidic (average pH of ∼6), contain a variety Fe(III) oxides (magnetite and hematite), Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides, phyllosilicates (serpentine and chlorite), and clays (smectites and vermiculites), and contain concentrations of Cr (> 200 mg kg-1), Ni (> 1,000 mg kg-1), and Mn (> 200 mg kg-1) exceeding values of non-serpentine soils. Although Cr concentrations in serpentine soils have been reported as high as 6 wt% in New Caledonia, Cr values in New Caledonia, Oregon, and California serpentine soils evaluated in this study range from 827 to 9,528 mg kg-1. Chromium(III) is the only valence state observe...
Clinical experience with soluble TNF p75 receptor in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Objectives: Managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be difficult: the disease may follow an unpredictable course, and therapies are often ineffective or toxic. Etanercept, a bioengineered fusion protein derived from the human soluble tumor necrosis factor p75 receptor, recently has been approved for use in patients with refractory RA. Methods: Published data on clinical experience with etanercept in conjunctionwith case illustrations are presented. Results: Reports from clinical trials of patients with refractory RA indicate that etanercept significantly improves measures of disease activity, including swollen and tender joint counts, morning stiffness, pain, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, compared with placebo. In the phase 3 trial, swollen joint counts improved by 47% in patients receiving etanercept 25 mg compared with a 7% worsening in patients receiving placebo. The drug is well tolerated; injection site reaction, the most frequent adverse event, was minor and manageable. In long-term studies, etanercept remains well tolerated and effective. Our clinical experience indicates that patients with refractory RA experience dramatic symptomatic relief, along with reduced fatigue and improved quality of life. One of 18 patients discontinued treatment; the rest have remained on therapy for up to 18 months. Conclusions: Etanercept diminishes disease activity in patients with refractoryRA. Its favorable safety profile provides symptom control without major toxicity. Etanercept is an important addition to RA therapeutic agents.