cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens: An Interagency Risk Assessment-Risk Mitigations.

ABSTRACT Cross-contamination, improper holding temperatures, and insufficient sanitary practices are known retail practices that may lead to product contamination and growth of Listeria monocytogenes. However, the relative importance of control options to mitigate the risk of invasive listeriosis from ready-to-eat (RTE) products sliced or prepared at retail is not well understood. This study illustrates the utility of a quantitative risk assessment model described in a first article of this series (Pouillot, R., D. Gallagher, J. Tang, K. Hoelzer, J. Kause, and S. B. Dennis, J. Food Prot. 78:134–145, 2015) to evaluate the public health impact associated with changes in retail deli practices and interventions. Twenty-two mitigation scenarios were modeled and evaluated under six different baseline conditions. These scenarios were related to sanitation, worker behavior, use of growth inhibitors, cross-contamination, storage temperature control, and reduction of the level of L. monocytogenes on incoming RTE fo...
Common Injuries and Conditions in Crossfit Participation

Crossfit is a rapidly growing conditioning program. Although reported injury rates for Crossfit are low, as popularity and involvement in it increases, physicians are going to see more injuries related to Crossfit. As it is a relatively new program, many physicians may not be familiar with the exercises and structure of a Crossfit workout. In this chapter, we will review the most commonly used movements in Crossfit and their potential for injury, especially when combined with one another. This will provide sports physicians with a framework with which they will be able to understand, diagnose, and treat patients with injuries related to Crossfit.
Feasibility of powerline communications (PLC) on future spacecraft EMI/EMC test results on cots PLC technology

Cable harnessing mass continues to be a problem for spacecraft development, particularly with increasingly complex payloads and constraints to their mass and costs. As a strategic initiative to reduce cable harnessing on flight missions, NASA JPL's Powerline Communications (PLC) research and technology development (R&TD) effort investigates the ability to combine power and data onto the same cable conductors. Research and development of PLC technology, including testing of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) modules and design of custom PLC unit, aim to articulate the opportunity to infuse this technology into NASA flight projects. This paper illustrates the feasibility of Powerline Communications on future spacecraft through Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing on COTS PLC components including conducted emissions and susceptibility as well as radiated emissions and susceptibility.
Transfer in Subscapularis Lesions: Open Surgical Technique

The most common described tendon transfer for irreparable subscapularis tendon tears is the pectoralis major tendon transfer. However, the reported outcomes of this transfer have not been uniformly successful. In particular, patients with anterior glenohumeral instability are more likely to have poor functional results. Because of the similarities of the posterior origin of the subscapularis and the latissimus dorsi muscles, and the similar line of pull of their muscle fibers, transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon to reconstruct an irreparable subscapularis tendon is considered better anatomically and biomechanically. We present an open surgical technique for transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon for irreparable subscapularis tendon lesions.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery

Abstract The emergence of robotic surgical such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RASP) has evolved to become a widely accepted procedure for selected patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who have failed medical treatment options and for whom other minimally invasive procedures are contraindicated. For these patients, RASP has proven superior to both open simple prostatectomy and laparoscopic simple prostatectomy regarding perioperative as well as long-term functional outcomes. This chapter will explore indications and contraindications for RASP, delineate critical steps in preoperative patient evaluation, describe the three different surgical approaches (suprapubic, transvesical, retropubic), discuss postoperative management, and explore potential complications.
Exacerbated brain edema in a rat streptozotocin model of hyperglycemic ischemic stroke: Evidence for involvement of blood–brain barrier Na–K–Cl cotransport and Na/H exchange:

Cerebral edema is exacerbated in diabetic ischemic stroke through poorly understood mechanisms. We showed previously that blood-brain barrier (BBB) Na-K-Cl cotransport (NKCC) and Na/H exchange (NHE) are major contributors to edema formation in normoglycemic ischemic stroke. Here, we investigated whether hyperglycemia-exacerbated edema involves changes in BBB NKCC and NHE expression and/or activity and whether inhibition of NKCC or NHE effectively reduces edema and injury in a type I diabetic model of hyperglycemic stroke. Cerebral microvascular endothelial cell (CMEC) NKCC and NHE abundances and activities were determined by Western blot, radioisotopic flux and microspectrofluorometric methods. Cerebral edema and Na in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance methods. Hyperglycemia exposures of 1-7d significantly increased CMEC NKCC and NHE abundance and activity. Subsequent exposure to ischemic factors caused more robust increases in NKCC and NHE activities than in normoglycemic CMEC. MCAO-induced edema and brain Na uptake were greater in hyperglycemic rats. Intravenous bumetanide and HOE-642 significantly attenuated edema, brain Na uptake and ischemic injury. Our findings provide evidence that BBB NKCC and NHE contribute to increased edema in hyperglycemic stroke, suggesting that these Na transporters are promising therapeutic targets for reducing damage in diabetic stroke.
Frequency domain multiplexing of pulse mode radiation detectors

Abstract The capability to multiplex scintillation detectors or other pulse mode radiation detectors is necessary in some applications where a large number of detectors is required. Frequency domain multiplexing has been previously implemented for applications in astronomy using amplitude modulation on radiation detectors such as transition-edge sensors. We propose an alternative method for multiplexing pulse mode radiation detectors in the frequency domain using convolution. We pass the detector signal to a resonator circuit that converts a detector pulse to a damped sinusoid of a specific frequency which gives a unique tag to the detector. We have developed a prototype frequency-domain multiplexed system for four EJ-309 organic scintillator detectors using four resonators of unique frequencies. The resonator outputs are combined using a fan-in circuit which is then connected to a single digitizer input. Using this system, we demonstrate that the charge collected under the original anode pulse can be estimated from the power spectrum of the damped sinusoid with a relative uncertainty of about 2%. The time-of-arrival of the anode pulse can be estimated using constant fraction discrimination applied to the leading edge of the damped sinusoid with an uncertainty of about 450 ps. We also used a CeBr 3 detector to test the performance of our system for spectroscopic applications and found only small degradation in the resolution for a multiplexed detector.
Aplastic Anemia: Recent Advances in Pathogenesis and Treatment

Successful bone marrow transplantation and bone marrow culturing techniques have generated a large body of research into the pathogenesis and treatment of aplastic anemia. Most prominent has been the emphasis on autoimmune mechanisms. Several etiologic types and diagnostic criteria are discussed, the evidence supporting immune and other mechanisms of pathogenesis is examined, and results of current therapeutic trials are addressed.
Langerhan's Cell Histiocytosis Masquerading as Intertrigo

Cutaneous Langerhan’s cell histiocytosis (LCH) is considered a great clinical mimicker and affects the scalp and intertriginous regions although it may be generalized. Cutaneous LCH is commonly misdiagnosed and thus patients can receive inadequate or inappropriate treatment for considerable periods of time. We present a case report of a patient who had LCH that was masquareding as intertrigo for years. With the proper diagnosis the patient had a remarkable response to methotrexate. This case highlights the importance of keeping Langerhan’s cell histiocytosis (LCH) on the differential and once the diagnosis is made, evaluating for extracutaneous LCH.
From Dachau to La Paz: Erich Eisner and the Confluence of Jewish, Austro-German, and Bolivian Music Traditions

ABSTRACTLike other Jewish musicians of his time, conductor and composer Erich Eisner (1897–1956) fled Nazi Germany to start a new life and career abroad. In 1945 Eisner was entrusted with the creat...
A successful prime-boost immunization strategy in a tumor model: Targeting tyrosinase in melanoma

1260 Background: Immunization with plasmid DNA encoding xenogeneic orthologues of differentiation antigens is a means to overcome immunologic tolerance to these otherwise poorly immunogenic self antigens. Previously, we have shown that immunization of C57BL/6 mice with human tyrosinase-related proteins 1 and 2 results in the induction of either antibody or CD8+ T-cell responses (respectively), capable of protecting mice from challenge with syngeneic B16 melanoma. In the current study, we investigated immunization of mice with xenogeneic human tyrosinase DNA and have found that while this induces both antibodies and T-cells, it provides only minimal tumor protection. One strategy that has been successfully employed in infectious disease models is heterologous prime-boost immunization in which recombinant viral vectors are used to boost the DNA vaccine encoding the same antigen. Methods: We first determined the optimal regimen of plasmid DNA alone to be used for priming. Then, using a replication-deficient alphavirus vector (AVV), we tested different combinations of priming with DNA or AVV and then boosting with AVV to examine the effect on antibody production, T-cell response, and tumor protection. Results: Using DNA alone, we found that T-cell responses to newly identified mouse tyrosinase epitopes were generated only when mice were immunized with the xenogene (human tyrosinase). In addition, T-cell responses increased with repeated doses of DNA. In contrast, potent antibody and T-cell responses were induced when alphavirus vectors encoding either mouse or human tyrosinase were used as single agents and a significant delay in tumor growth was observed. Similarly, a heterologous prime-boost regimen utilizing DNA prime and virus boost showed a more marked protection from tumor challenge over DNA vaccination alone. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that alphavirus vectors encoding self or xenogeneic tumor antigens induce potent immune responses and tumor protection when administered either alone or in a heterologous prime-boost approach following DNA priming.
'The Collision of Two Worlds': When a Teacher-Centered Facilitator Meets a Student-Centered Pedagogy.

Social aspects among Mexican society are based on gender hierarchy influencing every decision-making process. I was taught from a young age that every decision needed to come from me. While I had t...
Long-Term Survival Outcomes after Heart Transplantation in Patients with Chagas Cardiomyopathy

Purpose We report the long-term survival of heart transplant (HT) patients with a diagnosis of Chagas cardiomyopathy. Methods The UNOS database was queried for HT candidates with a pre-transplant diagnosis of Chagas cardiomyopathy (1987-2019). Post-HT survival was followed over the ensuing 120 months. Demographics, comorbidities, hemodynamics were compared using standard statistical methods. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard regression analysis (adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, ethnicity, ischemic time, dialysis, life support and HLA mismatch) was also performed for survival analysis. Results 38 patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy received HT. The Chagas group tended to be older recipients (Mean 52.6 ± 8.2 vs. 46.7 ± 19.2 years, p=0.053) and have older donors (Mean 28.2 ± 14.0 vs. 32.4 ± 11.2 years, p=0.063). Ethnic composition was significantly different (p Conclusion Long-term survival after HT in carefully selected patients with a diagnosis of Chagas cardiomyopathy is shown to be favorable as compared to that of non-Chagas patients. The proportion of patients with this disease may be underestimated and their increased recognition is prudent given the adverse consequences to Chagas reactivation post-HT.
Enhanced Myeloid Leukocytes in Obese Children and Adolescents at Risk for Metabolic Impairment

Objective: We aimed to examine if myeloid leukocyte profiles are associated with metabolic impairment in children and adolescents with obesity, and if sex, age, or race influence this relationship. Methods: 282 children ages 8-17 were evaluated. Predictor measures were absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), absolute monocyte count, monocyte subtypes and C reactive protein (CRP). Outcome variables were waist circumference, fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c (%) and lipid profiles. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine associations between predictor and outcome variables. Wilcoxon two-sample tests were used to evaluate differences by sex. Results: CRP (p < 0.0001), ANC (p < 0.0018), and classical monocytes (p = 0.05) were significantly higher in children with obesity. CRP, ANC and classical monocytes showed positive correlations with waist circumference, insulin, HOMA-IR and triglycerides. CRP was positively associated with ANC overall (p = 0.05). ANC demonstrated positive correlation with monocytes (p < 0.001). The associations between predictor and outcome variables were influenced by sex, race, and age. Conclusions: CRP and myeloid leukocyte populations, specifically classical monocytes and neutrophils associate with both body composition and metabolic parameters in children with obesity suggesting that these cells may play a critical role in metabolic impairment. Race, gender and age interactions between monocytes and metabolic parameters were significant.
Aerobic Function in Female Athletes

The capacity of female athletes to perform endurance exercise is described. Physiologic comparisons are made between males and females on body composition, cardiovascular function, muscle fiber type, bioenergetics, and movement efficiency. It is concluded that, although inherent physiologic differences exist, females are as trainable as males and, with a larger pool of talent to draw upon, will continue to reduce the gap in endurance performance.
Antihistamine Safety in Older Adult Dermatologic Patients.

Twenty percent of Americans will be older than 65 years by 2030, and without a dedicated geriatrics curriculum in many residency trainings programs, dermatologists may be less familiar with age-associated adverse effects of common dermatologic medications. Herein, we provide a practical guide and clinical safety pearls for the use of antihistamines in older adults. This Review aims to address the risks of antihistamines, anticholinergic burden and polypharmacy, pertinent preexisting medical conditions, and safe alternatives for aging adult patients.
Battery Cell-to-Pack Scaling Trends for Electric Aircraft

Battery pack gravimetric energy density is one of the most important, yet often miss-estimated design parameters for sizing all-electric aircraft. Proper accounting for thermal, structural, and operational safety margins are frequently lost when extrapolating performance from the cell level to the aircraft level. This paper summarizes the relevant engineering and certification details needed to better account for the penalties associated when assembling battery packs. The relationship between the cell and pack energy density is not linear, as is often assumed. Furthermore, the relationship varies depending on pack requirements, cell chemistry, and architecture. Parametric, high-fidelity models are used to determine optimal battery pack sizes over a range of conditions to better quantify technology scaling effects.
Ab initio study of alloying of MnBi to enhance the energy product

High energy density magnets are preferred over induction magnets for many applications, including electric motors used in flying rovers, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. However, several issues related to cost and supply with state-of-the-art rare-earth-based magnets necessitate development of high-flux magnets containing low-cost earth-abundant materials. Here, by using first-principles density functional theory, we demonstrate the possibility of tuning magnetization and magnetocrystalline anisotropy of one of the candidate materials, MnBi, by alloying it with foreign elements. By using density functional theory in the high-throughput fashion, we consider the possibility of various metal and non-metal elements in the periodic table occupying empty sites of MnBi and found that MnBi-based alloys with Rh, Pd, Li, and O are stable against decomposition to constituent elements and have larger magnetization energy product compared to MnBi. Combined with other favorable properties of MnBi, such as high Curie temperature and earth abundancy of constituent elements, we envision the possibility of MnBi-based high-energy-density magnets.
Counseling Children And Adolescents Through Grief And Loss

This comprehensive resource provides developmentally appropriate interventions for counseling children and adolescents who have experienced a wide range of grief and loss, including secondary and intangible losses such as moving or divorce. The book synthesizes current research and best-practice approaches for counseling youth. It provides a method for assessing individual needs and offers guidelines for selecting appropriate counseling strategies. Through numerous case examples, the authors describe youths' cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to loss. They address important issues, such as myths about grief and loss in youth; cultural, religious, and family considerations; trust and safety concerns; tragic and stigmatizing losses; and the life-long impact of losses experienced in childhood and adolescence. An essential resource for counselors, social workers, and psychologists in schools and other settings. Also highly recommended as a supplementary college text.
Familial Syndromes Associated with Testicular Tumors

Extensive studies have shown that familial risk for testicular cancer is among the highest reported for any human cancer. There is strong evidence that genes play a role in familial testicular cancer; nevertheless, environmental and occupational exposures, behavior, and diet shared among members of a given family can be an important component difficult to separate. The existence of a true familial form of germ cell tumors is supported by segregation studies suggesting an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Linkage analyses have identified several genomic regions of modest interest on chromosomes 5, 6, and 12. Several rare tumor syndromes, such as Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, Carney complex, familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, Von Hipple-Lindau disease, hereditary hemochromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and adrenogenital syndrome, include specific testicular tumors.
The timing of neuronal loss across adolescence in the medial prefrontal cortex of male and female rats

Adolescence is a critical period of brain maturation characterized by the reorganization of interacting neural networks. In particular the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a region involved in executive function, undergoes synaptic and neuronal pruning during this time in both humans and rats. Our laboratory has previously shown that rats lose neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and there is an increase in white matter under the frontal cortex between adolescence and adulthood. Female rats lose more neurons during this period, and ovarian hormones may play a role as ovariectomy before adolescence prevents neuronal loss. However, little is known regarding the timing of neuroanatomical changes that occur between early adolescence and adulthood. In the present study, we quantified the number of neurons and glia in the male and female mPFC at multiple time points from preadolescence through adulthood (postnatal days 25, 35, 45, 60 and 90). Females, but not males, lost a significant number of neurons in the mPFC between days 35 and 45, coinciding with the onset of puberty. Counts of GABA immunoreactive cell bodies indicated that the neurons lost were not primarily GABAergic. These results suggest that in females, pubertal hormones may exert temporally specific changes in PFC anatomy. As expected, both males and females gained white matter under the PFC throughout adolescence, though these gains in females were diminished after day 35, but not in males. The differences in cell loss in males and females may lead to differential vulnerability to external influences and dysfunctions of the PFC that manifest in adolescence.
Investment Bubbles and Jobless Slow-Growth Expansions: A Tale of Three Recoveries

In most U.S. post-war business cycles, recessions were followed by above trend growth in output and employment. After the last three recessions, however, output and employment growth were sluggish. Economists focusing on employment have described these recoveries as “jobless.” This paper shows that each of the last three recessions coincided with a collapsing bubble in a category of private fixed investment: commercial real estate (1990-91), internet equipment (2001), and housing (2008-09). No previous recessions coincided with similar reallocations of investment spending. The paper provides evidence of the unique pattern of investment spending during the last three business cycles, and discusses how the collapse of investment bubbles can restrain economic recoveries. Since investment bubbles can deflate during financial crises, they help explain the sub-par economic performance that often accompanies these crises.
Heme modification studies of myoglobin. I. Purification and some optical and EPR characteristics of synthesized myoglobins containing unnatural hemes.

Abstract Synthetic myoglobins were prepared from apomyoglobin and modified hemes. The optical absorption spectra of the synthetic myoglobins containing meso-, hemato- and deuterohemes were similar to those of protomyoglobin except for the shifts in absorption maxima. Modification of propionyl carboxyl groups did not affect the optical absorption spectra of myoglobin. All the synthetic myoglobins reacted with heme ligands such as F-, CN-, azide, CO and O 2 , in both ferric and ferrous states. These absorption spectra are also given. The synthetic myoglobins, containing both 2,4- and 6,7- modified hemes could form the hydrogen peroxide compound, the so-called “ferryl state”, with the addition of a slight excess of H 2 O 2 . These results suggest that both 2,4-positions and 6,7-carboxyl groups are not essential to form the “ferryl” state. The EPR absorption spectra of those synthetic myoglobins were measured at near the liquid helium temperature in both the liganded and unliganded state. No significant difference was observed between the spectra of native and synthetic myoglobins.
Slosh Wave Excitation of Cryogenic Liquid Helium in Gravity Probe-B Rotating Dewar

The dynamical behavior of fluids, in particular the effect of surface tension on partially-filled rotatinng fluids (cryogenic liquid helium and helium vapor) in a full scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft propellant dewar tank imposed by various frequencies of gravity jitters have been investigated. Fluid stress distribution, caused by the excitation of slosh waves and their associated large amplitude disturbances on the liquid-vapor interface, exerted on the outer and inner walls of rotating dewar container also have been investigated. Results show that fluid stress distribution exerted on the outer and inner walls of rotating dewar are closely related to the characteristics of slosh waves excited on the liquid-vapor interface in the rotating dewar tank.
The Bovine Genome

In approximately 20 years, bovine genomics has progressed from synteny mapping of protein gene products to a nearly completed 7.5x whole genome sequence. The cattle genome map serves as a prototype for genomic studies in other bovids such as goats, sheep, and river buffalo in which chromosome arms are totally conserved at the current level of cytogenetic and map comparison. Cattle genomics has contributed to the discovery of genes underlying economically important phenotypes including quantitative traits, to the development of bovine models of human diseases, and to our understanding of mammalian chromosome evolution.
Uptake of Precursor and Synthesis of Transmitter in a Histaminergic Photoreceptor

As a first step in understanding how the supply of the neurotransmitter histamine is maintained in a photoreceptor, we followed the uptake and metabolism of the immediate precursor of histamine, histidine. [3H]Histidine taken up into photoreceptors and glia was detected using autoradiography, and synthesis of [3H]histamine from [3H]histidine was assayed with thin-layer chromatography. Photoreceptors from barnacles were pulsed (15 min) with [3H]histidine (0.2-200 microM), then maintained in normal saline for up to 24 hr. Autoradiography showed that photoreceptor somata, axons, and presynaptic arbors were labeled, but only weakly, like (nonhistaminergic) ganglion cells. Label instead was concentrated over surrounding glia. Stimulating preparations with light did not increase photoreceptor labeling. Grain counts from photoreceptor axons showed uptake of [3H]histidine into these neurons by a Na+-dependent mechanism with a Km of approximately 50 microM. Over 24 hr only 1% of the [3H]histidine taken up by preparations was converted to [3H]histamine either in the dark or in the light. Injections of [3H]histidine directly into photoreceptors established that synthesis takes place within the photoreceptors and confirmed that stimulation with light did not measurably affect the rate of conversion of [3H]histidine to [3H]histamine. These results suggest that de novo synthesis of transmitter is unlikely to be as important as its reuptake in maintaining neurotransmitter supply in these photoreceptor terminals. In support of this conclusion, photoreceptors accumulated more label when transmitter release was stimulated with high K+ and histamine uptake was antagonized with chlorpromazine.
Deconstructing sexual orientation: understanding the phenomena of sexual orientation.

ABSTRACT The very terms of a debate about whether or not sexual orientation is primarily a biological phenomenon fail to consider the complex origins of the phenomenon. Deconstruction of the term “homosexuality” shows that it refers to multiple factors which cannot be studied as or subsumed under a unitary concept. Adequate understanding of sexual orientation must consider the developmental, interpersonal, experiential, and cultural dimensions of sexuality, as well as any biological contributions to sexual attraction, behavior, and identity.
Contributions to interatomic and intermolecular forces

Contributions to the interatomic forces between two H atoms in the 3Σ u + state are examined using the VB approach. In particular, it is found that the charge transfer contribution, which is relatively small at the van der Waals minimum, grows to be larger than the dispersion contribution at R = 4·0 Bohr. The problems associated with the entanglement of the charge transfer contribution and the basis set enhancement error are discussed, and it is shown that the error is essentially missing in these calculations. Thus, a reliable estimate of charge transfer is arrived at.
Gold Wirebond on Discolored Bond Pads

An integrated circuit wafer lot having some wafers with discolored bond pads and other wafers with normal bond pads was identified, and wafers with discolored pads were scrapped. The reason for scrap is the expectation of poor bondability or unreliable wirebonds on discolored pads. The cause of discoloration was unknown. We took the opportunity to run a bonding experiment and analysis as a student project, comparing a good wafer with one having the discolored bond pads. Unprobed die from each wafer were wirebonded for mechanical integrity analysis of the bonds. Bonding recipe designed experiments included different ultrasonic generator (USG) current settings within the bonding process window, two bonding forces, and two temperatures, all thermosonic binding 25um gold (Au) wire on AlCu pad metal of 0.7um thickness. 2% non-stick-on pads (NSOP) was found at a higher ultrasonic power settings on the discolored pads, indicating that the discolored pads can indeed be problematic in wirebonding. Analysis of wire...
The total and jet photoproduction cross sections at HERA and Fermilab energies

Abstract We show that the hadronic structure of the photon can lead to a significant rise in the total and jet photoproduction cross sections at HERA and Fermilab energies. We present our predictions for the total and jet photoproduction cross sections for the forthcoming Fermilab E683 and ZEUS and H-1 experiments at the HERA collider. We discuss the relevance of the hadronic character to the anomalous muon content recently observed in cosmic ray showers associated with point sources such as Cygnus X-3, Hercules X-1 and the Crab Nebula.
Vibrational excitation dynamics in photodesorption

Abstract Quantum state specific detection of photodesorbed molecules enables measuring their final state distributions in the translational and internal degrees of freedom, which contain a wealth of information about the desorption mechanism and dynamics. Vibrational state populations are of particular interest because of the information they contain about the lifetime and nature of the electronic excited states responsible for desorption. The measured vibrational distributions for nondissociative photodesorption of diatomic molecules tend to resemble Boltzmann distributions with temperatures of 600–1200 K for desorption from metal surfaces, and 1700–2000 K for semiconductors and oxides. Two-dimensional quantum dynamics calculations of the desorption process show that these vibrational distributions can be reproduced only if the intramolecular equilibrium bondlength in the electronic excited state is remarkably similar to that of the ground state. In particular, the results are inconsistent with a desorption mechanism in which the intramolecular bondlength change upon excitation is similar to that of electron capture in the gas phase.
Quality of life of Ethiopian women after fistula repair: implications on rehabilitation and social reintegration policy and programming.

Despite growing recognition of the importance of linking obstetric fistula prevention and treatment strategies with rehabilitation and social reintegration programmes, little research and programming has been oriented toward this goal. Using in-depth interviews, this study aimed to examine the experiences of 51 Ethiopian women after fistula repair surgery to identify priority post-repair interventions that could maximise their quality of life. The results showed that the majority of women felt a dramatic sensation of relief and happiness following repair, yet some continued to experience mental anguish, stigma, and physical problems regardless of the outcome of the procedure. All women suffered intense fear of developing another fistula, most commonly from sex or childbirth. Despite this, the majority of women had sex or planned to do so, while a smaller cohort avoided intercourse and childbearing, thus subjecting them to isolation, marital conflict, and/or economic vulnerability. Our findings suggest tha...
Molecular characterization of microbial communities and quantification of Mycobacterium immunogenum in metal removal fluids and their associated biofilms.

A number of human health effects have been associated with exposure to metal removal fluids (MRFs). Multiple lines of research suggest that a newly identified organism, Mycobacterium immunogenum (MI), appears to have an etiologic role in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in case of MRFs exposed workers. However, our knowledge of this organism, other possible causative agents (e.g., Pseudomonads), and the microbial ecology of MRFs in general, is limited. In this study, culture-based methods and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene clone library approach were used to characterize microbial communities in MRF bulk fluid and associated biofilm samples collected from fluid systems in an automobile engine plant. PCR amplification data using universal primers indicate that all samples had bacterial and fungal contaminated. Five among 15 samples formed colonies on the Mycobacteria agar 7H9 suggesting the likely presence of Mycobacteria in these five samples. This observation was confirmed with PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene fragment using Mycobacteria specific primers. Two additional samples, Biofilm-1 and Biofilm-3, were positive in PCR amplification for Mycobacteria, yet no colonies formed on the 7H9 cultivation agar plates. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the abundance of M. immunogenum in these samples, and the data showed that the copies of M. immunogenum 16S rRNA gene in the samples ranges from 4.33 × 104 copy/ml to 4.61 × 107 copy/ml. Clone library analysis revealed that Paecilomyces sp. and Acremonium sp. and Acremonium-like were dominant fungi in MRF samples. Various bacterial species from the major phylum of proteobacteria were found and Pseudomonas is the dominant bacterial genus in these samples. Mycobacteria (more specifically MI) were found in all biofilm samples, including biofilms collected from inside the MRF systems and from adjacent environmental surfaces, suggesting that biofilms may play an important role in microbial ecology in MRFs. Biofilms may provide a shield or sheltered microenvironment for the growth and/or colonization of Mycobacteria in MRFs.
The challenge of feeding children to protect against overweight.

Pediatriciansandotherhealthprofessionalswhoworkwith parents of young children have the daunting responsibility of interpreting and communicating guidance about how best to feed children during their development years. Traditionally, the goals in providing such guidance have focused on assuring adequate energy and protein intake, preventing deficiencies of vitamins and minerals and preventing dental disease. However, concepts of optimal child nutrition have been expanded and the challenges of providing appropriate nutritional guidance have increased. This relates both to changes in patterns of nutrition-related disease and to recognition of the role of nutritional factors in the development of diseases throughout the life course.Goals for feeding childrennowalso address considerations related to prevention of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and mental disorders – conditions forwhich the originsmaybegin very early in life even when diagnosis does not occur until adulthood. Important concerns include not onlywhat children eat when young but also how the eating habits they develop during childhood may affect what they eat later in life. Within the realmof chronic diseases, concerns about obesity are particularly compelling. Epidemic levels have already been reported in many countries and are on the horizon for many others. Food supplies are changing globally, and the availability of foods that are high in calories from fat and sugar but otherwisenutritionally-poorhas increasedmarkedly, even
Instability and ill‐posedness in the deformation of granular materials

A linear stability analysis of the partial differential equations of granular flow is performed. The constitutive relations include (i) elastic effects, (ii) non-associated flow rules and (iii) shear-strain hardening. Conditions for the equations to be well-posed and to be stable are derived. It turns out that there are two qualitatively different kinds of instability; which appears first depends on the parameters of the constitutive relations. If one kind appears first, then in a constitutive test a period of inhomogeneous deformation is predicted to occur before the formation of shear bands. If the other kind appears first, then shear bands are predicted to form in an approximately homogeneous sample. Some constitutive experiments are analysed from this viewpoint, and the analysis suggests some new experimental work.
Averaging estimators for autoregressions with a near unit root

This paper uses local-to-unity theory to evaluate the asymptotic mean-squared error (AMSE) and forecast expected squared error from least-squares estimation of an autoregressive model with a root close to unity. We investigate unconstrained estimation, estimation imposing the unit root constraint, pre-test estimation, model selection estimation, and model average estimation. We find that the asymptotic risk depends only on the local-to-unity parameter, facilitating simple graphical comparisons. Our results strongly caution against pre-testing. Strong evidence supports averaging based on Mallows weights. In particular, our Mallows averaging method has uniformly and substantially smaller risk than the conventional unconstrained estimator, and this holds for autoregressive roots far from unity. Our averaging estimator is a new approach to forecast combination.
Quantitative real-time PCR for rhinovirus, and its use in determining the relationship between TCID50 and the number of viral particles.

Abstract The development of a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for human rhinovirus serotype 16 (HRV16) is described using the plasmid pR16.11, which contains the full-length genome of HRV16. A standard curve was generated by plotting the critical threshold (Ct) against numbers of plasmid. The limit of sensitivity was less than10 cDNA copies, and the curve showed a high degree of linearity over a range of 101 to 106 cDNA copies with r2 ≥ 0.9989. Amplification efficiency of the qPCR was greater than 97.6 percent. The standard curve was highly reproducible with low intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation. Standard curves were also generated from cDNA derived from two viral suspensions of known TCID50, and were exactly parallel to those generated from the plasmid. Comparison of the curves generated from the plasmid or viral cDNA showed that for the two suspensions, TCID50 corresponded to either 142 or 2088 viral particles. This new qPCR will permit quantitative assessments of interactions between virus and epithelium such as determinations of the affinity and number of viral binding sites or of the number of virus produced per infected cell.
Integrating multispectral ASTER and LiDAR data to characterize coastal wetland landscapes in the northeastern United States

This study integrates data from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to map the spatial configuration of coastal wetland landscapes. We test data sources in their ability to capture marsh features and sources are combined to improve wetland characterizations. The complex ecosystem characteristics of the Wells Maine National Estuarine Research Reserve marshes and surrounding areas provide an ideal study site. The results of this study suggest that ASTER visible, near and shortwave infra red spectral bands combined with LiDAR last return signals provide accurate wetland cover maps categorized in broad cover classes. LiDAR contributions are important in areas of elevation and structure variability where multispectral data are unable to distinguish fine scale variations in vegetation and water signals. ASTER's cost effectiveness and spectral range offer a data-rich alternative to expensive high spatial resolution imagery typically used ...
Information Intensive Industries in Metropolitan Areas of the United States of America

In this paper the metropolitan geography of information intensive industries in the United States is analyzed. Such industries are a subset of Porat's definition of information industries and corre...
Fibrin glue fixation of bioactive extracellular matrix mesh compared with soft prolene mesh for laparoscopic hernia repair.

Introduction A comparison between soft prolene mesh and bioactive extracellular matrix prosthetic mesh fixed and secured with fibrin glue was studied. Methods A retrospective study of 160 patients operated upon by a single surgeon at the same institution over the past year was reviewed. There were 36 patients who had fibrin glue used as the sole means to fix the mesh in place during laparoscopic hernia repair. The patients were further subdivided into the type of mesh used, age, operative time, and postoperative events, and the results were analyzed. Results Bioactive extracellular matrix mesh was used in 18 patients and 23 repairs. There were 21 indirect hernias and 2 direct hernias repaired. Age averaged 36 years (17 to 63) and operative time averaged 30 minutes (19 to 45). Three patients experienced mild bladder "burning" and 3 patients had mild groin pain postoperatively. No recurrences have occurred. "Soft" prolene mesh was used in 18 patients and 23 repairs. There were 14 indirect hernias and 9 direct hernias repaired. Age averaged 50 years (35 to 72) and operative time averaged 26 minutes (20 to 40). Three patients had prolonged groin tenderness with or without ecchymosis lasting 3 weeks and 2 patients needed a foley catheter for 1 week for urinary retention. No recurrences have occurred. Conclusions Fibrin glue has been used as a fixation technique for laparoscopic hernia repair with mesh. The bioactive extracellular matrix mesh patients had a slight increased groin/bladder discomfort that subsided in time. Neither group had a hernia recurrence noted over the study time. The use of biologic materials in the repair of hernia is an intriguing concept. It will be needed for studying long-term efficacy.
How can we (and why should we) develop better models of recovery

Why is it that we know so little about addiction despite a vast quantity of research and theorising? Why is it so striking that our research-derived knowledge often fails to predict people's drug-u...
Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) suppresses expression of its variant ER-α36

Recently, we identified and cloned a membrane-based estrogen receptor (ER), ER-α36, which is transcribed from a previously unidentified promoter in the first intron of the original ER-α gene. We cloned the 5′ flanking region of ER-α36 and found the cloned DNA sequence possessed strong promoter activity. A single transcription initiation site was mapped and a number of putative regulatory elements for various transcription factors such as the Wilms’ tumor suppressor, WT1 and estrogen receptor (ER) were identified in this region. Transient co-transfection experiments further demonstrated that ER-α suppresses ER-α36 promoter activity in an estrogen-independent manner, which can be released by ER-α36 itself.
Social Program Costs: Adjusting for Research and Evaluation Activities

In many social models research and operational activities occur simultaneously; consequently the costs of these activities can be confounded, with the result that reported costs may not accurately represent real operational costs. This article describes a method for separating research and operational costs, and applies it to a program for the elderly in which the staff was involved in both research and operational activities. Hypothetically, with research costs eliminated, costs of care are reduced by over $16.00 per client. This saving translates into an increased case-load of 119 clients or a reduction of 1.35 staff members.
SU‐FF‐T‐588: Novel Use of Electron Pre‐Planning Software and a Penumbral Calculator Improves Abutment of Megavoltage Electron/Electron Fields

The abutment of a single energy megavoltage electron field against another megavoltage electron field can give rise to large dose heterogeneities at the junction between the fields due to the overlap of the penumbras of the fields. The positioning and/or shape of an electron field's penumbra has been attempted by physical device (Kurup (1992), Kalend (1985)) and SSD adjustment (Maor (1985), Lachance (1997)). While not completely eliminating the problem, Harms and Purdy demonstrated the usefulness of an energy and SSD dependent gap distance in order to reduce the size of the dose heterogeneities occurring at the border. Now, a pre‐planning radiotherapysoftware, in addition to computing the proper linear combinations of megavoltage electron beams in order to create homogeneous composite dose distributions, also enables the user to control the composite field penumbras at the border. The bolus thickness and field weights of the linear combination of electron beams in each field are passed into a Fermi‐Eyges based penumbral calculator for a calculation of the composite D80/20 for each field. By choosing solutions exhibiting the largest D80/20, the potential for hot spots at the border of the field are minimized such as from setup error. The increase in the distance over which the dose falls from 80% to 20% of the maximum also acts to reduce the potential for under dose resulting from use of gaps compounded by setup error and/or motion. Research sponsored in part by Standard Imaging, Inc. of Middleton, WI.
From regularities to concepts: the development of children's understanding of a mathematical relation

Abstract An important issue in knowledge acquisition is how children generate concepts from the stream of regularities in the environment. One theoretical approach to this issue (theory-revision) proposes that children generate initial hypotheses about relations in the environment and modify those hypotheses in response to error. A second approach (redescription) holds that relations are first detected by the associative system and subsequently redescribed into concepts. The ability of these approaches to explain children's acquisition of a conceptual relation within multiplication, how changing an operand affects the answer, was examined. We assessed the degree to which children (ages 9–13 years) understood the relation with a rating task. In a second session, participants received intensive experience with relevant pairs of multiplication problems; feedback about errors was provided. Finally, understanding of the relation was assessed again. Contrary to theory-revision, early errors were not positively associated with gains in understanding the relation. Consistent with redescription, the degree to which accurate performance was concentrated during experiential trials predicted gains in understanding the relation. The important roles of theory-revision and redescription in knowledge acquisition are discussed.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE SALAMANDER THYROIDECTOMY CELL.

Adult salamanders (Diemyctylus viridescens viridescens Rafinesque) were surgically thyroidectomized and 60 days later their pituitaries were removed, fixed for electron microscopy, and ultra thin sectioned. The pars distalis contained an abundance of enlarged “thyroidectomy cells.” These cells were characterized by extensive development of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum; the rough endoplasmic reticulum was usually highly vesiculated. The cytoplasm contained more mitochondria than are usually found in pituitary secretory cells, and the mitochondria were enlarged and many were branched. The Golgi complex was extensively developed, being found throughout the cytosome. Fine fibrils were frequently seen in the cytoplasm of the thyroidectomy cell, and many irregular osmiophilic bodies were observed in this cell.
Analytic properties of monotone sobolev functions

We prove that if is a monotone function in the weighted Sobolev space with n; 1 p/(n−1), then u has to be constant. This constitutes a Liouviile type theorem for this class of functions. We will also prove a quasi-uniform continuity result for the same class of functions