cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noroviruses: State of the Art

Noroviruses are a common cause of both endemic and epidemic gastroenteritis. These highly infectious viruses usually cause self-limited disease, but chronic infections occur in highly immunocompromised patients and unusual manifestations are also being described in some populations. Histoblood-group antigen expression is now recognized as an important susceptibility factor for many norovirus strains, but a correlate of acquired immunity to infection or illness has not yet been identified. Currently, treatment and prevention strategies rely on non-specific measures. However, virus-like particles containing capsid antigens are undergoing evaluation as a vaccine candidate for illness prevention. This article reviews the biologic properties, epidemiology, clinical features, host susceptibility, diagnosis, and treatment and prevention of norovirus infection.
Development of Quantitative Methods For Spill Response Planning: A Trajectory Analysis Planner

Abstract In planning for response to oil spills, a great deal of information must be assimilated. Typically, geophysical flow patterns, ocean turbulence, complex chemical processes, ecological setting, fisheries activities, economics of land use, and engineering constraints on response equipment all need to be considered. This presents a formidable analysis problem. It can be shown, however, that if an appropriate set of evaluation data is available, an objective function and appropriate constraints can be formulated. From these equations, the response problem can be cast in terms of game theory or decision analysis and an optimal solution can be obtained using common scarce-resource allocation methods. The optimal solution obtained by this procedure maximizes the expected return over all possible implementations of a given set of response options. While considering the development of an optimal spill response, it is useful to consider whether (in the absence of complete data) implementing some subset of these methods is possible to provide relevant and useful information for the spill planning process, even though it may fall short of a statistically optimal solution. In this work we introduce a trajectory analysis planning (TAP) methodology that can provide a cohesive framework for integrating physical transport processes, environmental sensitivity of regional sites, and potential response options. This trajectory analysis planning methodology can be shown to implement a significant part of the game theory analysis and provide `minimum regret' strategy advice, without actually carrying out the optimization procedures.
‘Resuscitation’ of Extremely Preterm and/or Low-Birth-Weight Infants – Time to ‘Call It’?

Since ancient times, various methods have been used to revive apparently stillborn infants; many were of dubious efficacy and had the potential to cause harm. Based largely on studies of acutely asphy
A New Group-Theoretical Approach to Cell-Preserving Phase Transitions in Crystals

In a previous paper the crystal space group representations associated with cell-preserving phase transitions and the independence of sublattice transitions were investigated. Based on that paper, a simple method for determining the space group and microscopic structure of the daughter crystal arising in any such transition is developed. In the process a new, “site” subduction criterion is derived, which is more restrictive than the Birman subduction criterion. The theory is applied to the structural transition that occurs in the A-15 compounds. The daughter-crystal space group of V3Si and Nb3Sn is found to be C74V. This group and the predicted microscopic daughter-crystal structure are consistent with the available experimental data. [Russian Text Ignored]
Assimilation of Sea Surface Height Data into an Isopycnic Ocean Model

Abstract Two different methods for assimilating sea surface height data into an isopycnic primitive equation model were developed and tested for the idealized case of an analytical Gaussian warm core (anticyclonic) eddy, then implemented using remotely sensed data from the Brazil–Malvinas confluence region. The first method makes a geostrophic assumption about the flow to relate sea surface height field gradients to the model velocities. The second method nudges the model sea surface height itself toward the observed values using a linear vertical influence function in the upper layers. The relationship between the surface height observations and the layer interface displacements is derived from observations of eddies in different regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Both assimilation methods were successful in transferring the dynamical influence of the sea surface height measurements deep into the water column, but a combination of both gave the best results. The application of both methods reproduced the det...
Catecholamine mechanisms in the prefrontal cortex: proven strategies for enhancing higher cognitive function

Multiple psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are associated with prefrontal cognitive dysfunction. The catecholamine neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, are key modulators of prefrontal cognition. Moreover, pharmacological treatments for prefrontal dysfunction target catecholamines. Recent studies identify neurocircuitry, receptor mechanisms and intracellular pathways involved in catecholamine modulation of prefrontal cognition. Consistent with these observations, additional research identifies a pivotal role of prefrontal catecholamines in the cognition-enhancing effects of all approved pharmacological treatments for ADHD. Combined, this research suggests the clinical efficacy of ADHD medications involve catecholamine receptor mediated modulation of specific intracellular pathways and ion channels that strengthen PFC circuit function. Novel medications targeting different components of these pathways may result in improved treatments of PFC cognitive dysfunction.
Development of preference and spontaneous recovery in choice behavior with concurrent variable-interval schedules

Pigeons pecked on two response keys that delivered reinforcers on a variable-interval schedule. The proportion of reinforcers delivered by one key was constant for a few sessions and then changed, and subjects’ choice responses were recorded during these periods of transition. In Experiment 1, response proportions approached a new asymptote slightly more slowly when the switch in reinforcement proportions was more extreme. In Experiment 2, slightly faster transitions were found with higher overall rates of reinforcement. The results from the first session, after a switch in the reinforcement proportions, were generally consistent with a mathematical model that assumes that the strength of each response is increased by reinforcement and decreased by nonreinforcement. However, neither this model nor other similar models predicted the “spontaneous recovery” observed in later sessions: At the start of these sessions, response proportions reverted toward their preswitch levels. Computer simulations could mimic the spontaneous recovery by assuming that subjects store separate representations of response strength for each session, which are averaged at the start of each new session.
Contemporary management of superficial bladder cancer in the United States: a pattern of care analysis.

Abstract Objectives To assess the practice preferences among urologists treating superficial bladder cancer in the United States. Methods We surveyed 226 urologists using a specially designed survey instrument. The type of practice, number of urologists in group practice, annual volume of patients with bladder cancer, and those treated with intravesical therapy were assessed. We also obtained information on the American Urological Association section and year of graduation from urology residency training. Results Of the 226 contacted urologists, 105 (46%) returned a completed survey instrument. Seventeen percent were practicing in academic institutions and 63% were in independent community practice. Forty-five percent had graduated from urology training in or before 1985. Thirty-six percent were in small and 37% were in moderate-size groups. Thirty-five percent were treating a moderate number of patients with bladder cancer, and 44% were treating a large number of patients annually. Thirty-two percent had a moderate number and 40% had a large number of patients receiving intravesical therapy annually. Immunotherapy was preferred in patients at high risk of recurrence. Intravesical chemotherapy was preferred by many for immunotherapy failure. The type of practice and year of graduation were the factors most frequently affecting treatment choice. Conclusions Practice preferences for the management of superficial bladder cancer are in general agreement with the American Urological Association Bladder Cancer Guidelines Panel recommendations. However, 81% of surveyed urologists were still reluctant to refer patients with high-grade Ta-T1 disease with failure after intravesical immunotherapy twice for more aggressive therapy such as cystectomy or radiotherapy.
A comparison of reproduction by the brooding spatangoid echinoids Abatus shackletoni and A. nimrodi in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

The spatangoid echinoids Abatus shackletoni and A. nimrodi were examined for reproductive activity in the early austral spring and summer of 1984 and 1985 in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Gonad indexe...
Sleep effects on breathing and respiratory diseases

To understand normal sleep pattern and physiological changes during sleep, sleep and breathing interaction, nomenclature and scales used in sleep study, discuss the effect of rapid eye movements and non-rapid eye movements while sleep and to review the effects of obstructive and restrictive lung disease on gas exchange during sleep and sleep architecture.
Real-time adaptive vision servoing of a robotic manipulator

To make robotic manipulators function intelligently in an application such as flexible manufacturing, sensory feedback from an unknown environment is needed. Visual feedback represents a typical sensing system in which camera images provide feedback information, for instance, in grasping a moving object. Because image processing is time consuming, information about target position can not be obtained instantaneously for the controller. Because of the inherent time delay, the present and future position of the object has to be predicted in real-time. Since the dynamics of the objects are assumed to be unknown, the prediction will be accomplished by means of an auto-regressive discrete-time model. The predicted values and current end-effector position determine the desired trajectory point (subgoal) for the motion. The planner adapts on-line to changes in the target position. The desired trajectory is tracked by the end-effector controller. After grasping the object, problems may arise in controlling the motion of the manipulator due to the mass of the object attached to the gripper. An adaptive controller is proposed to deal with load uncertainty in the object. A simulation program is presented which demonstrates the task of grasping a moving object by a manipulator using visual feedback.
Examining quality and efficiency of the U.S. healthcare system.

Purpose – The fundamental concern of this research study is to learn the quality and efficiency of US healthcare services. It seeks to examine the impact of quality and efficiency on various stakeholders to achieve the best value for each dollar spent for healthcare. The study aims to offer insights on quality reformation efforts, contemporary healthcare policy and a forthcoming change shaped by the Federal healthcare fiscal policy and to recommend the improvement objective by comparing the US healthcare system with those of other developed nations.Design/methodology/approach – The US healthcare system is examined utilizing various data on recent trends in: spending, budgetary implications, economic indicators, i.e. GDP, inflation, wage and population growth. Process maps, cause and effect diagrams and descriptive data statistics are utilized to understand the various drivers that influence the rising healthcare cost. A proposed cause and effect diagram is presented to offer potential solutions, for signi...
Co- und Terpolymere des Vinyllaurats in Anstrichmitteln†

Durch die Copolymerisation von Vinylacetat und Vinylchlorid mit Vinyllaurat wird die Verseifungsbestandigkeit der Harze wesentlich verbessert, so das besonders Copolymere aus Vinylacetat-Vinylchlorid-Vinyllaurat (50 : 25 : 25) unter praktischen Bedingungen kaum noch verseifen. Dispersionen dieser Zusammensetzung haben sich seit Jahren auch auf stark alkalischem Grund, z. B. Zementasbest oder Beton, gut bewahrt. Unter bestimmten Bedingungen, z. B. bei Zusatz derartiger Dispersionen oder Dispersionspulver zu zementgebundenen Morteln oder Putzen, kann der wasserabweisende Effekt des als Seitenkette in Polymeren vorliegenden Laurisaurerestes wirksam werden, so das die Wasseraufnahme derartiger Massen stark reduziert wird. Co- and Terpolymerisates of Vinyl Laurate in Coatings Stability of resins against saponification is considerably improved by the copolymerisation of vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride with vinyl laurate so that copolymers, especially those from vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate (50 : 25 : 25), can hardly be saponified under conditions used in the practice. Dispersions of this composition have been useful since many years on strongly alkaline base like cement asbestos or concrete. Under definite conditions, e. g. by the addition of such dispersions or dispersion powders to cement bound mortars or plasters, the water repelling effect of the lauric acid rest present as a side chain in the polymers enters into action, thereby greatly reducing the water uptake of such masses.
Real time implementation of second generation of audio multilevel information coding

This paper describes real-time implementation of a novel wavelet- based audio compression method. This method is based on the discrete wavelet (DWT) representation of signals. A bit allocation procedure is used to allocate bits to the transform coefficients in an adaptive fashion. The bit allocation procedure has been designed to take advantage of the masking effect in human hearing. The procedure minimizes the number of bits required to represent each frame of audio signals at a fixed distortion level. The real-time implementation provides almost transparent compression of monophonic CD quality audio signals (samples at 44.1 KHz and quantized using 16 bits/sample) at bit rates of 64-78 Kbits/sec. Our implementation uses two ASPI Elf boards, each of which is built around a TI TMS230C31 DSP chip. The time required for encoding of a mono CD signal is about 92 percent of real time and that for decoding about 61 percent.
Collection Efficiencies of Various Airborne Spray Flux Samplers Used in Aerial Application Research

A low air speed, spray dispersion tunnel was constructed and used to evaluate the collection efficiency of passive spray flux collectors. The dispersion tunnel utilizes an air-assisted nozzle to generate a spray cloud with a DV0.5 of 18.5 (±0.4) μm at air speeds ranging from 0.4–4.0 m/s. A sampling protocol was developed to minimize spray flux and air speed variation effects while providing a check on theoretical collection efficiency calculations. A soda straw and monofilament line was placed on either side of a nylon screen cylinder collector, and all three were positioned in the center of the tunnel’s cross-sectional area. Twelve replicated trials were conducted at air speeds of 0.4, 1.3, 2, and 3.8 m/s. Droplet size was measured every replication using a Sympatec HELOS laser diffraction system. Using theoretical collection efficiencies for cylinders and the measured fractional droplet size, the actual flux was estimated from the volume of spray collected on the soda straw and monofilament samplers and used to determine the collection efficiency of the nylon screen cylinder. Collection efficiency increased with air speed for all collectors and results ranged from 5 to 40 % for the soda straws, 46 to 83 % for the monofilament line, and 9 to 98 % for the nylon screen cylinders. Collection efficiency data are crucial to the evaluation of field collected data from aerial application research studies with respect to mass accountability and comparisons to other studies and drift model results.
Mechanism for dehalogenation reactions in fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

The mechanism of a dehalogenation reaction that occurs during fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry was examined using halogenated nucleosides as model compounds. For aglycone-halogenated nucleosides, an inverse linear relationship exists between the extent of FAB dehalogenation and the calculated electron affinity of an individual nucleoside. The degree of dehalogenation for a given nucleoside also varies inversely with the calculated electron affinity of most FAB matrices. The observed dehalogenation reaction can be completely inhibited when matrices with positive electron affinities, such as 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol and 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide, are used. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the bulk glycerol matrix following exposure to the FAB beam indicates measurable amounts of dehalogenated product, suggesting that this reaction occurs in the condensed phase prior to gas-phase ion formation. A dehalogenation mechanism involving thermal electron capture and subsequent negative charge stabilization is consistent with these observations.
Preliminary Crystallographic Study of Cyclohexadienyl Dehydratase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Single crystals of cyclohexadienyl dehydratase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been obtained by vapour diffusion from ammonium sulphate solution (Ph 6·0) at 4°C. The crystals belong to the tetragonal space group P 4 3 2 1 2 or P 4 1 2 1 2 with a = b = 105·5 A and c = 165·0 A. The asymmetric unit contains at least one dimeric protein molecule with M f = 72 kDa. The crystals diffract to 3 A resolution and are suitable for an X-ray analysis.
Performance and stability of nine 4x clones from 4x-2x crosses and four commercial cultivars.

Nine clones from 4x−2x crosses were evaluated along with four cultivars in six Wisconsin environments. The 4x clones from 4x−2x crosses had as their 2x parents hybrids with haploid Tuberosum and either Group Phureja orSolanum tarijense. The 2x hybrids produced 2n pollen by first division restitution. The traits evaluated were marketable yield, mass density and chip color. Stability analysis was conducted by determining the linear relationships between mean yield of individual clones and environmental mean yields. Mean square deviations from linear regression (s2d) were used to evaluate phenotypic stability and regression coefficients (b) as environmental response parameters. Three 4x clones from 4x-2x crosses were more stable and not significantly different for yield than cv. Atlantic; some also had superior specific gravity and chip color. The results suggest that the 4x×2x breeding method is very efficient for the production of high yielding, stable clones with superior processing qualities, particularly since the 4x clones from 4x-2x crosses originated from very small source populations.
Passive hybrid technique for the vibration mitigation of systems of interconnected stays

Abstract The problem of stay oscillation mitigation in cable-stayed bridges, usually induced by wind or wind and rain, may require the introduction of passive devices, such as dampers on individual stays or the use of transverse restrainers (cross-ties). The damper performance is often affected by the geometrical constraints of the bridge deck that limit the installation of such devices to locations very close to the end of the cable. On the other hand, cross-ties are generally incapable of direct energy dissipation. Therefore, the authors have proposed and analyzed a hybrid passive system in which the advantages of both techniques are applied to the oscillation mitigation of complex interconnected systems with multiple external dampers at the deck level, in correspondence with the cross-tie lines. This paper summarizes the relevant findings of a research program involving the authors’ efforts focused on the in-plane free-vibration analysis of stay-cable systems. This research is also based upon some recent results associated with the analytical solution of a taut-cable with two attached viscous dampers. These findings are initially extended to a simplified network with reduced number of connectors and one damper, for which the derivation of analytical solution is still possible. Subsequently, an existing multistay multidamped arrangement on a real bridge is considered, in which a fully numerical approach is required. The modal behavior is compared to the simplified examples, also enabling the interpretation of the results in the context of more general guidelines for potential future application.
Many actions of cyclooxygenase-2 in cellular dynamics and in cancer.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid. Various prostaglandins are produced in a cell type-specific manner, and they elicit cellular functions via signaling through G-protein coupled membrane receptors, and in some cases, through the nuclear receptor PPAR. COX-2 utilization of arachidonic acid also perturbs the level of intracellular free arachidonic acid and subsequently affects cellular functions. In a number of cell and animal models, induction of COX-2 has been shown to promote cell growth, inhibit apoptosis and enhance cell motility and adhesion. The mechanisms behind these multiple actions of COX-2 are largely unknown. Compelling evidence from genetic and clinical studies indicates that COX-2 upregulation is a key step in carcinogenesis. Overexpression of COX-2 is sufficient to cause tumorigenesis in animal models and inhibition of the COX-2 pathway results in reduction in tumor incidence and progression. Therefore, the potential for application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as the recently developed COX-2 specific inhibitors in cancer clinical practice has drawn tremendous attention in the past few years. Inhibition of COX-2 promises to be an effective approach in the prevention and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.
Increasing dosages of estradiol benzoate activate equivalent degrees of sexual receptivity in gonadectomized male and female ferrets.

Abstract Daily SC injections of increasing dosages (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 μg/kg) of estradiol benzoate (EB) dissolved in sesame oil caused equivalent increments in acceptance quotients displayed by adult, gonadectomized male and female ferrets in response to a stimulus male. This finding provides further evidence that in the ferret behavioral defeminization normally is not a consequence of perinatal exposure to testicular androgen.
Toward “Best Practices” in Scholar–Practitioner Relations: Insights from the Field of Inter-American Affairs

This paper explores a number of success stories of scholar–practitioner interactions on issues such as democracy promotion, fostering economic development, reducing extreme income inequality, and foreign policymaking toward the United States, among others, to argue that the so-called scholar–practitioner gap in International Relations might not be as wide as it may seem. It also highlights some of the salient limits to effective relations between the worlds of ideas and policy, and it discusses the main transmission belts—both individual and institutional—through which scholarly outputs influence the different stages of policymaking. The paper closes by proposing a number of “best practices” to enhance effective scholar–practitioner relations in inter-American affairs and beyond, including tying research to significant world events, synthesizing research findings into digestible components, developing relations of trust with allies in government, providing concrete policy recommendations based on rigorous research and cost-effectiveness analyses, and integrating practitioners into academic departments, among others.
Conceptual behavior analysis

Abstract I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by lust for the straight semi-log transform, drilling ever deeper into the void of free-operant chaos, who floating across everyday life, attempted to perfectly fit the new king-autistic child, striking worker, deciding executive, forcing the cool babe of conceptual analysis down the drain with the hypothetico-deductive bath water of mentalism, eager to justify, confusing analog with homologue, functional equivalent with fundamental equivalent, justifying the Skinner box in terms of applications, the applications in terms of the Skinner box.
The basis monomial ring of a matroid

We define the basis monomial ring MG of a matroid G and prove that it is Cohen-Macaulay for finite G. We then compute the Krull dimension of MG, which is the rank over Q of the basis-point incidence matrix of G, and prove that dim BG ≥ dim MG under a certain hypothesis on coordinatizability of G, where BG is the bracket ring of G.
Clinical Pharmacology of Diuretic Agents with Special Reference to Chlorothiazide (Diuril)

1. The clinical syndrome of congestive heart failure may be logically and effectively treated with diuretics although their use is not directed at the primary derangement. 2. Chlorothiazide therapy in congestive heart failure produces a significant loss of sodium and chloride via the kidney in almost physiologic proportions. It is effective orally in initiating therapy for edema and the maintenance of the edema-free state. The dose varies from 500 mg. to 2000 mg. daily. Adverse side reactions are minimal and not peculiar to this drug but are shared with any potent diuretic. 3. Comparison of chlorothiazide with mercurials, aminouracils, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and a triazine diuretic on the basis of potency, repetitive effectiveness, disturbances in biochemical architecture, and economy, indicates that chlorothazide is the current diuretic of choice in congestive heart failure.
A Two-Stage Procedure for the Behrens-Fisher Problem

Abstract We consider the problem of constructing a fixed-width confidence interval for the difference between the means of two normal populations with unknown variances. A Stein-type two-stage procedure is presented and some of its properties are investigated. It is shown that the procedure is generally more efficient than Chapman's [1] solution.
DEARS particulate matter relationships for personal, indoor, outdoor, and central site settings for a general population

Abstract This analysis provides the initial summary of PM 2.5 mass concentrations relationships for all seasons and participants for a general population in the Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS). The summary presented highlights the utility of the new methodologies applied, in addition to summarizing the particulate matter (PM) data. Results include the requirement to adjust the exposure data for monitor wearing compliance and measured environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) levels, even though the study design specified a non-smoking household. A 40% wearing compliance acceptance level was suggested as necessary to balance minimizing exposure misclassification (from poor compliance) and having sufficient data to conduct robust statistical analyses. An ETS threshold level equivalent to adding more than 1.5 μg m −3 to the collected sample was found to be necessary to detect changes in the personal exposure factor ( F pex ). It is not completely clear why such a large threshold level was necessary. Statistically significant spatial PM 2.5 gradients were identified in three of the six DEARS neighborhoods in Wayne County. These were expected, given the number of strong, localized PM sources in the Detroit (Michigan) metro area. Some residential outdoor bias levels compared with the central site at Allen Park exceeded 15%. After adjusting for ETS biases, the outdoor contributions to the personal exposure were typically larger by factors from 1.75 to 2.2 compared with those of the non-outdoor sources. The outdoor contribution was larger in the summer than in the winter, which is consistent with the fractions of time spent outdoors in the summer vs. the winter (6.7% vs. 1.1% of the time). Mean personal PM 2.5 cloud levels for the general population DEARS cohort ranged from 1.5 to 3.8 (after ETS adjustment) and were comparable to those reported previously. The personal exposure collections indoors were typically at least 13 times greater than those contributed outdoors.
Fabrication and use of a metal reinforcing frame in a fracture-prone mandibular complete denture.

Abstract A procedure to reinforce mandibular complete dentures with a rigid internal horseshoe-shaped frame is described. Sequential clinical and laboratory procedures to incorporate a metal frame at a predetermined, controlled position within the prosthesis are presented. This procedure provides not only strength but ensures adequate space for a resilient liner if required. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;83:476-9.)
Imaging electrical excitation inside the myocardial wall

Cardiac arrhythmias are often triggered by ectopic membrane depolarization originating deep inside the myocardial wall. Here we propose a new method utilizing a novel near-infrared voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye DI-4-ANBDQBS to determine the three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of the sources of such depolarization. We tested the method in live preparations of pig left and right ventricular myocardium (thickness 8-18 mm) and phantoms imitating the optical properties of myocardial tissue. The method utilizes an alternating transillumination approach that involves comparing pairs of simultaneously recorded broad-field epifluorescence and transillumination images produced at two alternating directions of illumination. Recordings were taken simultaneously by two CCD cameras facing the endocardial and epicardial surfaces of the heart at a frame rate up to 3 KHz. In live preparations, we were able to localize the origin of the depolarization wave with a precision of ±1.3mm in the transmural direction and 3 mm in the image plane. The accuracy of detection was independent of the depth of the source inside ventricular wall.
Solution of potential problems using combinations of the regular and derivative boundary integral equations

Abstract The feasibility of using combinations of the boundary integral equation (BIE) and the normal derivative of the boundary integral equation (DBIE) is investigated for the two-dimensional Laplace equation. By using the combinations of these two equations it is possible to derive Fredholm integral equations of either the first or second kind regardless of the boundary conditions. Although the Fredholm equations of the second kind are well conditioned, in general they provide less accurate interior results than the Fredholm equations of the first kind and the classical direct boundary element method (DBEM). On the other hand, the Fredholm equations of the first kind can provide poor solutions in regions close to the boundary where large gradients exist in the boundary flux.
Whirling disease: earliest susceptible age of rainbow trout to the triactinomyxid of Myxobolus cerebralis

Abstract Various developmental stages of eyed eggs and newly hatched sac fry of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) were exposed to several concentrations of laboratory produced spores of the triactinomyxon stage of Myxobolus cerebralis , the infective stage of salmonid whirling disease. Exposed eggs and sac fry and appropriate unexposed controls were examined microscopically immediately after challenge for the presence of initial forms of the disease and 4 months later for the presence of spores of the myxosporean stage of Myxobolus cerebralis in resulting fingerlings. Although initial forms of whirling disease shown as intracellular aggregates of small sporozoites (sporoplasms) 1.5–2.0 μ m in diameter were found in the epithelium of eyed eggs a few hours before hatching and in 1-day-old sac fry, the resulting fingerlings examined 4 months later were free of M. cerebralis spores. The youngest trout that became infected with whirling disease and yielded spores of M. cerebralis was the 2-day-old sac fry. This result indicates that the distribution of eyed eggs from water contaminated with whirling disease should not pose a threat of spreading the disease into non-endemic areas.
Modulatory effects of human donor bone marrow cells on allogeneic cellular immune responses.

Background. In order to evaluate whether immunoregulatory mechanisms are brought about by human donor bone marrow cell infusions accompanying organ transplantation, we established in vitro culture systems analogous to the transplant model. Methods. Cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes or spleen cells stimulated with irradiated cadaver donor spleen cells in the presence of specific donor vertebral-body bone marrow cell (DBMC) modulators were tested. Results. When compared with spleen cells as modulator controls, DBMC inhibited both the proliferative and cytotoxic responses in a dose-dependent manner. Use of unirradiated and T cell-depleted DBMC was required for detection of the inhibitory activity. Furthermore, DBMC had to be added within the first 2 days after the initiation of the cultures for the down-regulation of CML (MLC) to occur. The down-regulation of MLC responses could not be shown to be anti-gen (donor) specific. Physical separation of DBMC from the responder-stimulator cells using the trans-well system abrogated modulation of the CML (and MLC) reactions, suggesting the requirement of cell-cell contact for modulatory effect. The inhibitory activity by DBMC could not be overcome by addition of up to 200 U/ml of exogenous recombinant interleukin 2 to the cultures. However, it could be abrogated by restimulation with donor spleen cells, indicating that donor reactive cells were not deleted by DBMC in short-term cultures. Conclusions. These results showed a regulatory role for DBMC in cellular immune responses against donor cell alloantigens, supporting the rationale for DBMC for facilitating clinical allograft acceptance.
Concomitant Aortic Valve Procedures in Patients Undergoing Implantation of Continuous-Flow LVADs: An INTERMACS Database Analysis

Background Management of existing aortic insufficiency (AI) and mechanical aortic valves in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains controversial. Surgical options to address these issues include closure, repair or replacement of the valve.
The association of Framingham and Reynolds risk scores with incidence and progression of coronary artery calcification in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the association of the Framingham risk score (FRS) and Reynolds risk score (RRS) with subclinical atherosclerosis, assessed by incidence and progression of coronary artery calcium (CAC). Background The comparative effectiveness of competing risk algorithms for identifying subclinical atherosclerosis is unknown. Methods MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) is a prospective cohort study of 6,814 participants free of baseline cardiovascular disease. All participants underwent risk factor assessment, as well as baseline and follow-up CAC testing. We assessed the performance of the FRS and RRS to predict CAC incidence and progression using relative risk and robust linear regression. Results The study population included 5,140 individuals (mean age 61 ± 10 years, 47% males, mean follow-up: 3.1 ± 1.3 years). Among 53% of subjects (n = 2,729) with no baseline CAC, 18% (n = 510) developed incident CAC. Both the FRS and RRS were significantly predictive of incident CAC (relative risk: 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29 to 1.52] and 1.41 [95% CI: 1.30 to 1.54] per 5% increase in risk, respectively) and CAC progression (mean CAC score change: 6.92 [95% CI: 5.31 to 8.54] and 6.82 [95% CI: 5.51 to 8.14] per 5% increase). Discordance in risk category classification ( 10% per 10-year coronary heart disease risk) occurred in 13.7%, with only the RRS consistently adding predictive value for incidence and progression of CAC. These subclinical atherosclerosis findings are supported by a coronary heart disease events analysis over a mean follow-up of 5.6 ± 0.7 years. Conclusions Both the RRS and FRS predict onset and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. However, the RRS may provide additional predictive information when discordance between the scoring systems exists.
Evidence for resistance to benzo[a]pyrene and 3,4,3′4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl in a chronically polluted Fundulus heteroclitus population

Abstract Halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major environmental contaminants. Fish species that are chronically exposed to these compounds can develop resistance to their toxic effects. In all fish species studied to date, toxicant resistance has been accompanied by decreased inducibility of the xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme, cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A). CYP1A induction is mediated through the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Although these compounds mediate their effects through this pathway, there have been resistant populations in which one chemical class cannot induce CYP1A expression (HAHs) while the other (PAHs) can. Resistance to PAHs was examined in a HAH-resistant population of Fundulus heteroclitus collected from a site contaminated with both compound classes (Newark Bay, NJ). Fish were injected intraperitoneally with the HAH 3,4,3′,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, a PAH) or vehicle and sacrificed after 2 (B[a]P) or 5 days (PCB77, vehicle). We found no significant increase in CYP1A mRNA levels in resistant Newark Bay F. heteroclitus treated with either B[a]P or PCB77, while there was a 3.9 fold (PCB77) and 4.2 fold (B[a]P) increase in CYP1A mRNA in Flax fish relative to controls. AHR labeling studies revealed significantly (P
A comprehensive model of anonymity in computer-supported group decision making

Drawing on recent theoretical efforts, a three dimensional model of anonymity in computer-supported group discussion is developed. Applying this model to a review of empirical literature shows that studies of the idea generation phase of decision making have dominated this literature, and that the role of anonymity in discussion and consensus reaching has received much less attention. Propositions on the effects of anonymity on consensus decision making discussions are developed. It is argued that anonymity removes some tools of persuasion and increases the difficulty of coordinating discussion. It is proposed that participants in anonymous discussions will find substitutes for the persuasion and coordination functions served by identity cues. It is also proposed that the degree of anonymity is affected by acquaintance among group members, and that anonymity changes over time.
Traumatic lumbosacral pseudomeningocele associated with spinal fracture

Abstract Background context Traumatic pseudomeningocele and avulsion of lumbosacral nerve roots are rare in the absence of fractures of the pelvic ring or hip dislocation. Clear prognoses for the root avulsion or pseudomeningocele do not exist. Purpose To present a patient who developed a posttraumatic pseudomeningocele after lumbosacral injury. Study design Case report and review of the literature. Methods A patient who sustained traumatic pseudomeningocele of the lumbar spine was treated nonsurgically and followed over a 2-year period. Results Nerve root deficit largely recovered, although an asymptomatic pseudomeningocele persisted. Conclusions The radiographic diagnosis of lumbar root avulsion is not predictive, and recovery may be expected in some patients without operative intervention. Management of patients with lumbar nerve root avulsion and posttraumatic pseudomeningocele should be based on the size and clinical significance of the pseudomeningocele.
Transmission electron microscopy of yeast.

The challenges of sample preparation can limit a researcher's selection of transmission electron microcopy (TEM) for analysis of yeast. However, with the exception of thin sectioning, preparation of well-fixed and infiltrated samples of yeast cells is achievable by any reasonably equipped laboratory. This review presents a general overview of TEM sample preparation methods and detailed protocols for chemical fixation of yeast for ultrastructural analysis and immunolabeling. For ultrastructural analysis, the most commonly used chemical fixation involves treatment with glutaraldehyde followed by either potassium permanganate or osmium. Prior to osmium postfixation, the cell wall must be enzymatically digested to allow optimal fixation and embedding. Freeze substitution methods continue to provide the highest quality of fixation, but equipment needed for these protocols is not generally available to many labs. The low viscosity of Spurr's resin makes it the resin of choice for ultrastructure studies. Immunoelectron microscopy has enjoyed great success in analysis of yeast molecular organization. For immunoelectron microscopy, glutaraldehyde/formaldehyde-fixed cells are embedded in LR White resin. The thin sections are then treated in much the same way as an immunoblot: following blocking, they are incubated in primary antiserum, washed, and then incubated in gold-labeled secondary antiserum.
Prediction of strong adhesion at the MoSi2/Fe interface

Abstract We report a spin-polarized periodic density functional theory investigation of the atomic structure, bonding, and ideal work of adhesion of the MoSi2/Fe interface, in order to explore the potential of MoSi2 as a protective coating for steel. We find that MoSi2 strongly adheres to Fe, with an ideal work of adhesion of ∼3.85 J/m2 for two low-index, low-strain interfaces. This value will be a lower bound to measured adhesion energies, since the latter will be larger due to plasticity. This ideal adhesion energy for a ceramic coating to Fe is much stronger than predicted previously for ceramic coating materials such as ZrC and TiC. We attribute this stronger adhesion to increased covalent interfacial bonding for MoSi2/Fe compared to metal carbide/Fe interfaces (where metallic bonding plays a larger role), as evidenced by the rearrangement of electron density and the character of the local density of states upon formation of the interface.
EFFECT OF ADDED SPERMIOPHAGES IN POOLED TURKEY SEMEN ON FERTILITY, EMBRYONIC MORTALITY, AND HATCHABILITY

Abstract The semen of turkeys with numerous spermiophages was used for isolating spermiophages by density gradient centrifugation. Isolated spermiophages were suspended in Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE) and added to semen with low spermiophage numbers to give approximate spermiophage concentrations of: 2 × 105/mL (medium) and 106 (high). Semen with no added spermiophages was the control. Samples were diluted to 1:1 with BPSE, and for each spermiophage level (treatment), semen aliquots were either immediately inseminated or stored 6 h at 4 C with agitation (150 rpm) before insemination. Hens were inseminated weekly, and fertility, embryonic mortality, and hatchability of eggs were determined for a 10-wk period. The experiment was performed twice. In Trial 1, there were no differences in fertility between treatments except that fertility for control stored semen was lower (P ≤ 0.05) than that for fresh semen (89.27 vs 95.97, respectively; SEM = 2.2). Neither hatchability nor embryonic mortality was affected by spermiophage level in Trial 1. Spermiophages did not affect fertility in Trial 2; however, hatchability for unstored treatments with added spermiophages was significantly lower than for the control. For stored semen, hatchability was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater for treatments with added spermiophages than for the control. Differences in embryonic mortality in Trial 2 did not relate to adding spermiophages to the semen. No clearly defined detrimental effect of seminal spermiophages was shown in the present experiments.
Operational spectrum effectiveness (OSE): management of adaptive wireless ensembles

In the course of our continuing research into the operational nature of adaptive radio networks, we have successfully simulated the behavior of networks that are driven toward optimization of individual mission-specific utility, or OSE. In cases of three or more OSE-driven networks, we find that the pool of available spectrum resources must be at least passively managed in order to avoid chaotic behavior. We demonstrate a method to determine heuristic constraints on frequency, and spatial proximity for OSE adaptive radio networks.
Effects of SU-8 Cross-linking on Flip-chip Bond Strength When Assembling and Packaging MEMS

Abstract New methods to assemble, integrate, and package micro devices are always needed in attempts to simplify and expedite fabrication methods to maximize throughput. Our paper focuses on assessing SU-8 as a viable material for packaging and flip chip bonding processes for MEMS and micro devices. In this paper, we vary the level of cross- linking through post exposure bake (PEB) times and assess rectangular ring test structures bonding strength following flip chip bonding through applied tensile loads. In addition, we performed initial assessments on the etching resiliency of varied cross-linking of SU-8. From initial results, the bonding strength is maximized following a 3-min PEB. Cross-linking appears to have minimal effects on SU-8's etch resiliency as all tested samples etched approximately 1.25 μm. From our initial results, SU-8 appears to be a viable and inexpensive material for wafer bonding, assembling and packaging MEMS devices.
Effect of cross-linking on the thermal conductivity of polystyrene between 0.3 and 1°K

Abstract Measurements are given of the thermal conductivity of a sample of stock polystyrene and two samples cross-linked with divinylbenzene in amounts of 20% and 40% by weight from 0.3 to 1°K. The data are not in agreement with predictions of the theory by Klemens for amorphous substances, but do agree with that as modified by Chang and Jones with suitable choice of parameters.
Evidence for the involvement of more than one mRNA species in controlling the inactivation process of rat and rabbit brain Na channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

The properties of rat and rabbit brain sodium (Na) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes following either unfractionated or high-molecular- weight mRNA injections were compared to assess the relative contribution of different size messages to channel function. RNA was size-fractionated on a sucrose gradient and a high-molecular-weight fraction (7–10 kilobase) encoding the alpha-subunit gave rise to functional voltage-dependent Na channels in the oocyte membrane. Single- channel conductance, mean open time, and time to first opening were all similar to the values for channels following injection of unfractionated RNA. In contrast, inactivation properties were markedly different; Na currents from high-molecular-weight RNA inactivated with a several-fold smaller macroscopic inactivation rate and showed a steady-state voltage dependence that was shifted in the depolarizing direction by at least 10 mV relative to that for unfractionated RNA. Single-channel recording revealed that the kinetic difference arose from a greater probability for high-molecular-weight RNA induced channels to reopen during a depolarizing voltage step. Pooling all gradient fractions and injecting this RNA into oocytes led to the appearance of Na channels with inactivation properties indistinguishable from those following injection of unfractionated RNA. These results suggest that mRNA species not present in the high- molecular-weight fraction can influence the inactivation process of rat brain Na channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. This mRNA may encode beta-subunits or other proteins that are involved in posttranslational processing of voltage-dependent Na channels.