cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bridge displacement measurement through digital image correlation

Bridge owners, especially municipalities, are becoming overwhelmed with increasing maintenance costs and decreasing maintenance budgets. Limited available funds require that each maintenance dollar be efficiently allocated to the most critical bridge structure. Objectively determining the most critical bridge structure often requires nondestructive evaluation and testing, which can be costly in terms of equipment, traffic delay and personnel, all of which impact a limited transportation budget. The installation of traditional sensors, which typically need to be in physical contact with the bridge, can require special equipment for access to key bridge elements as well as wiring for power supply and data acquisition. Digital image correlation (DIC) can be used as an alternative to traditional bridge response measurement instruments such as strain gages or linear variable differential transformers, commonly referred to as LVDTs. DIC is an optical measurement technique that has the ability to capture displacement data in both two and three dimensions through high-resolution digital photography. Because it is a non-contact, nondestructive means of measuring bridge responses, it is an attractive choice for rapid testing of in-service structures. Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have conducted a series of laboratory and field experiments for verification of DIC application for civil structures in which the DIC system and LVDTs recorded displacement data simultaneously. Upon comparison, the two methods showed nearly identical results, with the DIC within 0.03 mm of LVDTs. With a high confidence in DIC, the field-collected deflection data was used to verify design and analytical structural models of two tested bridges; a newly constructed three span continuous steel girder bridge and a short concrete slab culvert with a fiber reinforced polymer reinforcement retrofit. The collected DIC measurements were used for model verification and evaluation of the innovative retrofit program, respectively. Results from both field tests are presented in this paper. The ability to capture a bridge's behavior with DIC and calibrate a structural model with the collected data provides bridge designers and managers with an easy-to-collect objective measure of bridge performance.
Compartmentalization of specific pre-mRNA metabolism: an emerging view

It is increasingly recognized that the mammalian interphase nucleus contains a number of non-membranous compartments in which macromolecules associated with different nuclear functions concentrate. This review focuses on the function of a major compartment consisting of domains highly enriched in pre-mRNA splicing components and poly (A) RNA, commonly identified by the splicing factor, SC-35. RNA synthesis, as judged by uridine incorporation, occurs throughout the nucleoplasm, primarily in the interdomain space. However, uridine labels several types of nuclear RNA, only a fraction of which is pre-mRNA, and such studies cannot address the question of whether specific genes are transcribed in specific places. Similarly, interpretations of transcriptional inhibition studies are compromised by the global impact that inhibition has on nuclear structure and function, and by conflicting results. Localization of specific protein coding genes or RNAs circumvents these limitations. For several sequences studied thus far, a non-random relationship to SC-35 domains has been observed, with most, but not all, active genes encoding intron-containing pre-mRNAs showing a very high degree of association. In some cases this was directly demonstrated to be the site of transcription and processing. Consistent with earlier uridine incorporation studies, we have found that transcription occurs at the outer edge of the SC-35 domain, likely corresponding to the border of ultrastructures termed interchromatin granule clusters. These preliminary glimpses into gene localization strongly argue for a sequence-specific spatial association of some transcriptionally active genes with SC-35 domains, and suggest an integrated functional organization of the genome with these nuclear compartments enriched in splicing factors and poly (A) RNA.
Efficacy and cost‐benefit analysis of risk‐adaptive use of plerixafor for autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization

BACKGROUND: Plerixafor (P) reduces mobilization failure rates but it is very expensive. For better utilization of P, we employed a risk-adaptive strategy of using it only in patients who are at high risk of mobilization failure, defined by peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cell count of fewer than 10 × 106/L after 4 days of filgrastim (F) alone. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Herein, we present the results of efficacy and cost-benefit analysis of this risk-adaptive approach for hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection. All patients received daily F for 4 days, and P was added for those “at-risk” patients from Day 4 with apheresis commencing the following morning. F and P were continued daily for up to a maximum of 4 days or until more than 5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg were collected. Forty-two transplant-eligible patients underwent HPC mobilization. RESULTS: Eighteen patients mobilized with F alone and 24 patients required P with F. Two patients failed adequate HPC mobilization after F+P. Addition of P increased the PB CD34+ count by 6.8-fold with a mean yield of 4.9 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. Decision-analysis model estimated cost-effectiveness for this risk-adaptive approach of using P with savings of $19,300/patient. Engraftment after HPC infusion was similar among the patients regardless of mobilization regimens. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that addition of P to F based on a risk-adaptive strategy significantly reduces the frequency of mobilization failures and is also cost-effective.
Über einen neuen, hochselektiven Nachweis von Zirkonium mittels Brenzcatechinvioletts in Gegenwart von Komplexon

In Gegenwart von Komplexon tritt durch Bildung eines gefarbten Komplexes zwischen Zirkonium und dem Reagens Brenzcatechinviolett eine tiefblaue Farbung auf. Nahezu alle storenden Ionen werden durch Komplexon maskiert. Nur SbIII und SnIV sind abzutrennen, was in Gegenwart von Komplexon mit Ammoniak leicht vor sich geht. Die Empfindlichkeit wird durch die meisten Kationen bis zu Grenzkonzentrationen l∶1000 nicht beeinflust und betragt 0,6 [A] 0,03, pD=4,7. Komplexbildende Anionen storen. Die Storung durch Fluorid-Ion kann jedoch mittels Berylliumzugabe ausgeschaltet werden.
Coated Glass and Vicryl Microfibers as Artificial Axons

The complex interactions that occur between oligodendrocytes and axons during the process of central nervous system myelination and remyelination remain unclear. Elucidation of the cell-biological and -biochemical mechanisms supporting myelin production and elaboration requires a robust in vitro system that recapitulates the relationship between axons and oligodendrocytes in a manner that is open to molecular dissection. We provide evidence for an artificial axon culture system in which we observed oligodendrocytes extending large plasma membrane projections that frequently completely ensheathed fibers coated with a variety of extracellular matrix molecules. These membrane projections varied in extent and thickness depending upon the substrate and upon the diameter of the coated fiber. Matrigel-coated glass microfibers were found to support the development of thick membrane sheaths that extended for hundreds of microns and exhibited many features suggestive of the potential for true myelin deposition. Likewise, Matrigel-coated Vicryl fibers supported plasma membrane extensions that covered extremely large surface areas and occasionally wrapped the coated Vicryl fibers in more than one membrane layer. Our findings suggest that the deposition of molecular cues onto glass or polymer fibers either via adsorption or chemical modification may be a useful tool for the discovery or validation of axonal factors critical for myelination and remyelination. Herein, we provide evidence that polyglactin 910 and glass microfibers coated with adhesion factors may provide a reasonable system for the in vitro analysis of myelination, and may eventually serve a role in engineering artificial systems for neural repair.
Glutathione reduction and other enzyme activities in equine erythrocytes

Abstract 1. Reduced glutathione regeneration rates as measured in erythrocytes of ten horses were considerably lower than rates reported in human and sheep erythrocytes. 2. The activity of enzymes involved in reduced glutathione regeneration was at least three times the observed reduction rate. 3. Despite high glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, equine erythrocytes could not adequately accelerate the hexose monophosphate pathway. 4. Activities of enzymes involved in regulating the glycolytic pathway were less than 5 μmoles/min per g hemoglobin; of other glycolytic enzymes greater than 10 μmoles/min per g hemoglobin.
Normal values of aortic root measurements in neonates

Aortic root diameter measurements were obtained during the first week of life by M-mode echocardiography using leading edge methodology during early diastole in 172 preterm and 228 term neonates. At least 40 newborns were included in each 500-g birth-weight subgroup from 750 to 4750 g. The aortic root diameter increased linearly from 0.63 +/- 0.04 cm in newborns with birth weights of 750-1249 g to 1.06 +/- 0.06 cm in newborns of 4250-4750 g.
Social Advocacy: A Call for Nursing Action

The nursing profession has long held advocacy on behalf of a patient as a tenet of protection for the patient, particularly in the hospital setting. In more recent years, nursing has indicated that advocacy is a critical professional nursing function on behalf of individual patients and for addressing societal issues, a role similar to other professionals such as chaplains. This paper will reflect on the history of nursing ethics and advocacy, examine the current state of the research and literature surrounding social advocacy and social justice, and discuss implications for the future of nursing and nursing research. Particular focus will be placed on the preparation for the nurse to act as a social advocate and for nursing to begin overtly addressing social issues.
Factors associated with event level anal sex and condom use during anal sex among adolescent women.

Abstract Purpose To examine the distribution of and factors associated with event-level heterosexual anal sex and of event-level condom use during anal sex among adolescent women. Methods Adolescent women (N = 387; age 14–17 years at enrollment) were recruited from primary care clinics for a longitudinal cohort study of sexually transmitted infections and sexual behavior. Data were taken from daily sexual diaries; generalized estimating equation logistic regression assessed the likelihood of anal sex or condom use during anal sex on a given day. Results Heterosexual anal intercourse is a small but nonrandom event-level component in adolescent women's sexual behavior. About 30% of anal sex events were condom protected. Mood, partner, and situational factors predicted anal sex, but not condom use during anal sex; within-day and recent behavior factors were the strongest influences on both outcomes. Conclusions Our findings suggest the importance of providers' screening adolescent women patients during office visits about anal sex and about condom use during anal sex, as well as asking questions about the context of these behaviors to appropriately tailor risk reduction counseling.
Selection of Nosema pyrausta (Microsporidia: Nosematidae)-infected Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs for parasitization by Trichogramma nubilale (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Abstract Trichogramma nubilale Ertle and Davis females were offered a choice between egg masses of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), infected with the microsporidium Nosema pyrausta (Paillot) and non-infected egg masses. Nosema pyrausta -infected O. nubilalis eggs were smaller (weight) than non-infected host eggs. Trichogramma nubilale females did not discriminate between infected and N. pyrausta -free egg masses. This microsporidian infection did not significantly affect the sex ratio of emerging wasps. Significantly fewer and smaller adult parasitoids emerged from infected host eggs than from noninfected eggs.
Basic fibroblast growth factor within endothelial cells during vascularization of the anterior pituitary.

Background Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), a potent angiogenic peptide, is known to be present in gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary parenchyma of rats and mice, and has been isolated from endothelial cells of many organs. Its localization within endothelial cells has not been determined, nor the mechanisms by which it might be released from endothelial cells during normal organogenesis. Methods Localization of FGF within endothelial cells of the anterior pituitary was accomplished by immunocytochemistry and studied by light-and electron microscopy. Capillaries within the anterior pituitary were studied in fetal rats from day 15 to term, and in adult rats. Results At the onset stages of vascularization (15–18 days fetal), the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells of many of the invading, immature capillaries (thick-walled with few or no fenestrations) was intensely immunopositive for FGF. Immunoprecipitate-filled blebs and slender cytoplasmic processes projected from the endothelial cells into the presumptive pericapillary space and toward the parenchymal cells. As gestation progressed (19–20 day fetal), and an increasing number of capillaries acquired the features characteristic of capillaries in the anterior pituitary of adult animals, i.e., thin-walled and fenestrated, there were fewer capillaries demonstrating immunopositivity for FGF. Foci of released FGF, i.e., extracellular, were occasionally evident within the presumptive pericapillary spaces throughout gestation. By comparison, capillaries of the anterior pituitary of adult rats did not contain immunostainable FGF in their cytoplasm, nor were any blebs and/or processes filled with immunoprecipitate evident. However capillaries did reveal an immunopositive enhancement of their lumenal and ablumenal surfaces. Conclusions During vascularization of the anterior pituitary, FGF within the cytoplasm of endothelial cells is released from blebs and/or processes of endothelial cells, and after the capillary bed is stabilized postnatally, these characteristics of vascularization are absent. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Players in the PARP-1 cell-death pathway: JNK1 joins the cast

The nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) triggers a cell-death pathway in which mitochondria play an integral part, but it remains uncertain how PARP-1 activation in the nucleus is signaled to the mitochondria. A recent report by Xu and colleagues suggests that Jun kinase-1, a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, might have a crucial role in this signaling pathway.
Towards rhombohedral SiGe epitaxy on 150mm c-plane sapphire substrates

Previous work demonstrated for the first time the ability to epitaxially grow uniform single crystal diamond cubic SiGe (111) films on trigonal sapphire (0001) substrates. While SiGe (111) forms two possible crystallographic twins on sapphire (0001), films consisting primarily of one twin were produced on up to 99.95% of the total wafer area. This permits new bandgap engineering possibilities and improved group IV based devices that can exploit the higher carrier mobility in Ge compared to Si. Models are proposed on the epitaxy of such dissimilar crystal structures based on the energetic favorability of crystallographic twins and surface reconstructions. This new method permits Ge (111) on sapphire (0001) epitaxy, rendering Ge an economically feasible replacement for Si in some applications, including higher efficiency Si/Ge/Si quantum well solar cells. Epitaxial SiGe films on sapphire showed a 280% increase in electron mobility and a 500% increase in hole mobility over single crystal Si. Moreover, Ge possesses a wider bandgap for solar spectrum conversion than Si, while the transparent sapphire substrate permits an inverted device structure, increasing the total efficiency to an estimated 30-40%, much higher than traditional Si solar cells. Hall Effect mobility measurements of the Ge layer in the Si/Ge/Si quantum well structure were performed to demonstrate the advantage in carrier mobility over a pure Si solar cell. Another application comes in the use of microelectromechanical devices technology, where high-resistivity Si is currently used as a substrate. Sapphire is a more resistive substrate and offers better performance via lower parasitic capacitance and higher film carrier mobility over the current Si-based technology.
Composite VORTEX2 Supercell Environments from Near-Storm Soundings

AbstractThree-dimensional composite analyses using 134 soundings from the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) reveal the nature of near-storm variability in the environments of supercell thunderstorms. Based upon the full analysis, it appears that vertical wind shear increases as one approaches a supercell within the inflow sector, providing favorable conditions for supercell maintenance (and possibly tornado formation) despite small amounts of low-level cooling near the storm. The seven analyzed tornadic supercells have a composite environment that is clearly more impressive (in terms of widely used metrics) than that of the five analyzed nontornadic supercells, including more convective available potential energy (CAPE), more vertical wind shear, higher boundary layer relative humidity, and lower tropospheric horizontal vorticity that is more streamwise in the near-storm inflow. The widely used supercell composite parameter (SCP) and significant tornado param...
Self-help versus therapist-led group cognitive-behavioral treatment of binge eating disorder at follow-up.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longer-term outcome of three group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivery models for the treatment of binge eating disorder (BED). Method Fifty-one participants were assigned to one of three conditions. In the therapist-led condition (TL; n = 16), a psychologist provided psychoeducational information for the first half hour and led a group discussion for the second half hour of each session. In the partial self-help condition (PSH; n = 19), participants viewed a 30-min psychoeducational videotape, followed by a therapist-led discussion. In the structured self-help condition (SSH; n = 16), participants watched a psychoeducational videotape and led their own discussion. Results Reductions in binge eating episodes and associated symptoms were observed for all three treatments at post, 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up, with no significant differences among the three conditions. Discussion These findings suggest that CBT for BED can be delivered successfully using videotape and a structured self-help group format and that improvements in binge eating are maintained up to 1 year follow-up. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 30: 363–374, 2001.
Analysis of Autoantibodies against RNA Polymerases using Immunoaffinity-Purifed RNA Polymerase I, II, and III Antigen in an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Autoantibodies against RNA polymerases (RNAP) have been reported to occur in patients with a wide variety of connective tissue diseases (CTD), including systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). The frequency of anti-RNAP antibodies has been reported to vary widely between different CTD diseases in studies examining different patient populations. Furthermore, these studies have been limited by the fact that methods have not previously been available for detecting antibodies against RNAP which are both rapid and quantitative. We have developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for rapidly quantitating antibodies against RNAP I, II, and III. We have utilized both the ELISA and the immunoprecipitation of35S-labeled HeLa cells to analyze sera from a large cohort of well-characterized Caucasian CTD patients for the presence of anti-RNAP antibodies. We found excellent concordance for the presence of anti-RNAP antibodies using immunoprecipitation and ELISA. Anti-RNAP antibodies occurred predominantly among female patients with the diffuse form of SSc and were detected in 8/36 (22%) of Caucasian patients with diffuse SSc and 1/53 (2%) with limited SSc. Anti-RNAP antibodies occurred in 1/42 (2%) of patients with SLE. Anti-RNAP antibodies did not occur in MCTD (0/49). Antibodies against RNAP were rare among antinucleolar-reactive sera, occurring in only 3/200 (1.5%). The RNAP ELISA provides a validated method which can be rapidly utilized in a clinical diagnostic laboratory setting to identify SSc patients who are at risk for developing diffuse SSc with multiorgan involvement and hypertensive renal crisis.
The role of RNA molecules in transduction of the proto-oncogene c-fps

Transduction of cellular genes by retroviruses requires two recombinations: one to form the left-hand junction between cellular gene and viral genome, the other to form the right-hand junction. Previous findings raised the possibility that the right-hand recombination might use RNA molecules as intermediates. We now provide direct experimental support for this view by showing that the right-hand end of v-fps in the avian sarcoma virus PRCII was formed by recombination within the poly(A) tract at the 3' end of the mRNA for the proto-oncogene c-fps. Recombination of this sort may be mediated by "copy-choice" during reverse transcription, acting on either homologous or non-homologous nucleotide sequences.
Pharmacokinetics following a loading plus a continuous infusion of pralidoxime compared with the traditional short infusion regimen in human volunteers.

Background: Many authors currently recommend infusing the adult dose (1 g) of pralidoxime over a 15-30 minute period. When administered in this manner, computer simulations predict that plasma pralidoxime concentrations will fall below 4 mg/L as early as one and one half hours after administration.1 The objective of this study was to assess whether a loading dose followed by a continuous infusion would maintain therapeutic levels longer than the traditional short infusion regimen of pralidoxime if the same total dose was administered. Methods: Utilizing a randomized, crossover design, healthy volunteers were administered either 16 mg/kg of pralidoxime intravenous over 30 minutes or 4 mg/kg of pralidoxime intravenous over 15 minutes followed by 3.2 mg/kglhfor 3.75 h (for a total dose of 16 mg/kg). Pralidoxime levels were obtained at 0,10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 390 minutes and patients were observed for vital sign changes and adverse effects. Results: Seven subjects completed both arms of the ...
Assessment of numeric abnormalities of X, Y, 18, and 16 chromosomes in preimplantation human embryos before transfer

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the feasibility of ascertaining aneuploidy for chromosomes X, Y, 18, and 16 by use of multiple-probe fluorescence in situ hybridization in blastomeres from preimplantation human embryos. STUDY DESIGN: A short fluorescence in situ hybridization procedure involving the simultaneous use of four deoxyribonucleic acid probes detected with red, green, blue, or a mixture of red and green fluorochromes was developed to determine numeric abnormalities of chromosomes X, Y, 18, and 16. Embryos underwent biopsy, and all or most cells were analyzed to distinguish true aneuploidy from mosaicism and to assess technique variations within the same embryo ( n = 64). RESULTS: The analysis of all the blastomeres of an embryo was achieved in 91% of the embryos. Successful analyses including biopsy, fixation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were achieved in 87.8% of the blastomeres. Of the four chromosomes tested, numeric aberrations were found in 23% and 42% of normally and abnormally developing embryos, respectively, includig aneuploidy, polyloidy, haploidy, and mosaicism. When diploid embryos containig one or several tetraploid cells are counted as chromosomally abnormal, then 49% and 61% of normally and abnormally developing embryos, respectively, were chromosomally abnormal. Aneuploid embryos consisted of two monosomies for chromosome 16, one for chromosome 18, and a trisomy for chromosome 16. There was a tendency for aneuploidy to increase with maternal age. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence in situ hybridization is a more efficient method than cytogenetic analysis to study specific aneuploidies at preimplantation stages of development in human embryos. In addition, the preimplantation genetic diagnosis of two blastomeres per eight-cell embryo may be sufficient to ensure successful analysis of polyploidy, haploidy, and specific aneuploidies without endangering the survival of the embryo. The technique can be easily modified to consider other chromosomes, including 13 and 21. Because most chromosomally abnormal embryos do not develop to term, the use of this technique may increasethe delivery rate per embryo by allowing only transfer of embryos normal for the tested chromosomes. This technique would be most useful for older women undergoing in vitro fertilization, because aneupoidy appears to increase with advancing maternal age.
Anselm's Formula and the Logic of ‘God’

Anselm built his meditation Proslogion on the formula ‘that than which nothing greater can be conceived’. The peculiarity of this phrase has been often remarked but not, I believe, fully appreciated. Properly understood, I shall argue, this formula, although unable to support the so-called ontological argument, throws important light on the logic of the religious use of the word ‘God’. My argument will turn on the difference between the two uses of the verb ‘conceive’ in Anselm's claim that we can conceive of that than which nothing greater can be conceived.
Does current versus former smoking play a role in the relationship between anxiety and mood disorders and nicotine dependence

Abstract Objective Research suggests an association between nicotine dependence and anxiety/mood disorders. Yet, less is known about the role of current versus former smoking in the association between nicotine dependence and these psychiatric disorders. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relations between anxiety/mood disorders and 1) nicotine dependence and 2) current versus former smoking. Method Data were drawn from the 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative sample of over 43,000 adults in the United States. Analyses examined whether dependent versus non-dependent smoking and current versus former smoking were associated with anxiety/mood disorders. Results Current dependent, but not non-dependent, smoking was associated with significantly increased odds of anxiety/mood disorders. There was no association between anxiety/mood disorders and former dependent smoking, compared with never smoking. However, compared with never smoking, former non-dependent smoking was associated with significantly decreased odds of current anxiety/mood disorders. Conclusions Current dependent smoking was positively associated with current anxiety/mood disorders, and former non-dependent smoking was negatively associated with current anxiety/mood disorders. The present research is important for understanding the relation between nicotine dependence and anxiety/mood disorders, and why it may be difficult for people with these disorders to quit smoking. The results from this study indicate that greater clinical attention could be directed toward the role of anxiety/mood disorders in smoking cessation.
Assessment of immunogenicity of romiplostim in clinical studies with ITP subjects

Romiplostim is an Fc-peptide fusion protein that activates intracellular transcriptional pathways via the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor leading to increased platelet production. Romiplostim has been engineered to have no amino acid sequence homology to endogenous TPO. Recombinant protein therapeutics can be at a risk of development of an antibody response that can impact efficacy and safety. Hence, a strategy to detect potential antibody formation to the drug and to related endogenous molecules can be useful. The immunogenicity assessment strategy involved both the detection and characterization of binding and neutralizing antibodies. The method for detection was based on a surface plasmon resonance biosensor platform using the Biacore 3000. Samples that tested positive for binding antibodies in the Biacore immunoassay were then tested in a neutralization assay. Serum samples from 225 subjects with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) dosed with romiplostim and 45 ITP subjects dosed with placebo were tested for romiplostim and TPO antibodies. Prior to romiplostim treatment, 17 subjects (7%) tested romiplostim antibody positive and 12 subjects (5%) tested TPO antibody positive for pre-existing binding antibodies. After romiplostim exposure, 11% of the subjects exhibited binding antibodies against romiplostim and 5% of the subjects with ITP showed binding antibodies against TPO. The antibodies against romiplostim did not cross-react with TPO and vice versa. No cases of anti-TPO neutralizing antibodies were detected in romiplostim-treated subjects. The incidence of anti-romiplostim neutralizing antibodies to romiplostim was 0.4% (one subject); this subject tested negative at the time of follow-up 4 months later. No impact on platelet profiles were apparent in subjects that had antibodies to romiplostim to date. In summary, administration of romiplostim in ITP subjects resulted in the development of a binding antibody response against romiplostim and TPO ligand. One subject developed a neutralizing antibody response to romiplostim that impacted the platelet counts of this subject. No neutralizing antibodies to endogenous TPO were observed.
Effect of Fatty Acyl Chain Length on Some Structural and Functional Parameters of Acholeplasma Membranes

Two membrane preparations from Acholeplasma laidlawii were obtained by supplementing the growth media with either arachidic or lauric acid. The cells grown with arachidic acid supplementation yielded membrane lipids greatly enriched with the arachidoyl group and those supplemented with lauric acid yielded membrane lipids enriched with lauroyl, myristoyl, and palmitoyl groups. The cell size (0.1–0.7 μm), the membrane thickness (70 ± 14 A), and the cell shape (coccoid) showed no difference for these two preparations. The arachidoyl-enriched membrane had a greater buoyant density (1.195 g/ml vs. 1.189 g/ml), a smaller permeability to glycerol, and a greater sensitivity to osmotic shock compared to the membrane enriched with shorter acyl groups. The spin label 2-(10-carboxydecyl)-2-hexyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-oxazolidinyloxyl is less mobile in the arachidoyl-enriched membrane (rotational correlation time at 22 °C, τc = 10 ns) than in the shorter acyl groups enriched membrane (τc = 6 ns). This difference in apparent ...
Few-Body Physics with CLAS

The study of few-body, nuclear systems with electromagnetic probes is an essential piece of the scientific program at Jefferson Lab. Reactions using real photons and electrons (up to energies of 6 GeV) are measured using the CEBAF large acceptance spectrometer (CLAS) detector in Hall B, a nearly 4π magnetic spectrometer. We focus here on three areas. (1) Short-range correlations (SRCs) probe the high-momentum components of the nuclear wave function. Recent CLAS experiments map out their isospin character and reveal the importance of the tensor part of the nuclear force. (2) Three-body forces are an essential feature of nuclei. We will show results using real photons and 3He and 4He targets that remain largely unexplained. (3) Evidence for the transition to a quark-gluon description of nuclei has been observed with photon beams in CLAS on deuterium and 3-He targets. Alternative explanations reveal the geography of the transition is complex.
Black Residential Mobility; Trends and Characteristics.

This analysis of trends in Black residential mobility uses a multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates contributions from sociology, psychology, economics, demography, and social geography, among others. It examines population migrations from Africa during the slave trade, mobility patterns during the internal slave trade within the United States, and the large population shifts during the industrialization of the urban North and West. Contemporary patterns of segregated urban environments are viewed from the perspective of external constraints on Black residential mobility opportunities. These constraints, operating at both individual and institutional levels, include the actions of individual homeowners, realtors, local and federal legislators, and lending institutions. The attitudes of Blacks are viewed as “internal factors” which also serve to maintain segregated living arrangements. The processes and consequences associated with urban ghettoization are identified. Recent trends of Black suburbanization, “gentrification,” and Latino/Black residential integration, are identified and discussed. The article concludes with an examination of potential future scenarios, provides suggestions for future research, and addresses a number of policy and practical issues.
Structural elucidation of critical residues involved in binding of human monoclonal antibodies to hepatitis C virus E2 envelope glycoprotein.

Human monoclonal antibodies derived from B cells of HCV infected individuals provide information on the immune response to native HCV envelope proteins as they are recognized during infection. Monoclonal antibodies have been useful in the determination of the function and structure of specific immunogenic domains of proteins and should also be useful for the structure/function characterization of HCV E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins. The HCV E2 envelope glycoprotein has at least three immunodistinctive conformation domains, designated A, B, and C. Conformational epitopes within domain B and C are neutralizing antibody targets on HCV pseudoparticles as well as from infectious cell culture virus. In this study, a combination of differential surface modification and mass spectrometric limited proteolysis followed by alanine mutagenesis was used to provide insight into potential conformational changes within the E2 protein upon antibody binding. The arginine guanidine groups in the E2 protein were modified with CHD in both the affinity bound and free states followed by mass spectrometric analysis, and the regions showing protection upon antibody binding were identified. This protection can arise by direct contact between the residues and the monoclonal antibody, or by antibody-induced conformational changes. Based on the mass spectrometric data, site-directed mutagenesis experiments were performed which clearly identified additional amino acids residues on E2 distant from the site of antibody interaction, whose change to alanine inhibited antibody recognition by inducing conformational changes within the E2 protein.
Relationships between biological solids retention time and settling characteristics of activated sludge

Abstract It was the objective of this study to delineate the relationships between the settling characteristics of a non-filamentous activated sludge grown on a soluble waste, and a rational kinetic based parameter used to characterize the growth or loading rate of the system. The parameters used to characterize settling were Sludge Volume Index (SVI), zone settling velocity, and percentage dispersion. Biological Solids Retention Time ( θ c ), the reciprocal of mean cell growth rate, was used to characterize the metabolic activity level of the activated sludge. The chosen parameter ( θ c ) can be related to food to microorganism ratio and other widely used organic loading expressions. A series of bench scale laboratory aerobic reactors of the Ludzack type were operated as continuous flow systems with internal microbial solids recycle at a constant temperature of 20°C. A 6-h hydraulic retention time was maintained in all units. The values of Solids Retention Times studied varied from 12 days to 0–25 days which corresponds to a range of F/M (lb. BOD 5 lb. −1 MLSS-day) of 0·38–10·2. Operational parameters measured included COD, MLSS, dissolved oxygen, pH, oxygen uptake rates, and nitrogen content of the MLSS. Once steady state operation of the reactors was achieved, settling characteristics, i.e., SVI, zone settling velocity and percentage dispersion, were determined on mixed liquor samples withdrawn from each reactor. In addition, microscopic examination of the activated sludge floc was performed at each value of θ c . Experimental results were analyzed graphically to assess the nature of the relationships between each of the three measured settling parameters and θ c . Based on a criterion of minimal time rate of solids lost to the effluent, it appears that θ c values should be maintained in the range of 4–9 days. The implications of results of this study for design and operation of activated sludge systems are discussed.
Neural bases of food-seeking: Affect, arousal and reward in corticostriatolimbic circuits ☆

Recent studies suggest that there are multiple 'reward' or 'reward-like' systems that control food seeking; evidence points to two distinct learning processes and four modulatory processes that contribute to the performance of food-related instrumental actions. The learning processes subserve the acquisition of goal-directed and habitual actions and involve the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum, respectively. Access to food can function both to reinforce habits and as a reward or goal for actions. Encoding and retrieving the value of a goal appears to be mediated by distinct processes that, contrary to the somatic marker hypothesis, do not appear to depend on a common mechanism but on emotional and more abstract evaluative processes, respectively. The anticipation of reward on the basis of environmental events exerts a further modulatory influence on food seeking that can be dissociated from that of reward itself; earning a reward and anticipating a reward appear to be distinct processes and have been doubly dissociated at the level of the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, the excitatory influence of reward-related cues can be both quite specific, based on the identity of the reward anticipated, or more general based on its motivational significance. The influence of these two processes on instrumental actions has also been doubly dissociated at the level of the amygdala. Although the complexity of food seeking provides a hurdle for the treatment of eating disorders, the suggestion that these apparently disparate determinants are functionally integrated within larger neural systems may provide novel approaches to these problems.
Pneumococcal Meningitis during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency for which prompt diagnosis and treatment are imperative to reducing the rate of death and long-term neurologic compromise. Few cases of meningitis have been reported during pregnancy, many of which had devastating outcomes for mother, neonate, or both. Case. A 38-year-old multigravida at 35 weeks of gestation presented with mental status changes, fever, and preterm contractions. Lumbar puncture revealed gram positive cocci consistent with S. pneumoniae. Patient was intubated and admitted to ICU where she was given antibiotics and adjunctive therapy with dexamethasone. Continuous fetal monitoring was utilized throughout her course of her hospitalization. Patient was discharged home after ten days in the hospital and had an uncomplicated vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) at 38 weeks. Both she and the infant are doing well with no permanent neurologic sequelae. Conclusion. A review of literature indicates only isolated cases of pneumococcal meningitis being described during pregnancy. An extended period of time between onset of maternal illness and delivery appears to reduce the risk of neonatal transmission and improve both maternal and fetal outcomes.
A Mass-Consistent Model for Wind Fields over Complex Terrain.

Abstract An adjustment model was developed to provide a pollutant transport model with input wind fields that are mass-consistent, three-dimensional, and also representative of the available meteorological measurements. Interpolated three-dimensional mean winds were adjusted in a weighted least-squares sense to satisfy the continuity equation within the volume specified. The upper and lateral boundaries above topography were assumed to be open air and thus allowed mass flow through the boundaries. The bottom boundary was determined by the topographic elevations of the area being studied. The topographic boundary was assumed to be solid.
Comparison of autologous rectus fascia and cadaveric fascia in pubovaginal sling continence outcomes.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare autologous versus cadaveric grafts in pubovaginal slings. Study design Women who had pubovaginal slings from 1994 to 2003 completed history, questionnaires, prolapse staging, and cough stress testing. Failure was defined by recurrent urinary incontinence symptoms and reoperation for stress incontinence. Group differences were evaluated using Student t test or chi-square test. The log-rank test was used to evaluate time to failure between the groups. Results Of 303 women enrolled, 153 had autologous and 150 had cadaveric grafts. Regular urine leakage (39.6% vs 28.3%, P = .04) and reoperation for stress incontinence (12.7% vs 3.3%, P = .003) occurred more in the cadaveric versus autologous group, respectively. Adjusting for differing follow-up times, the cadaveric versus autologous group experienced higher rates of urinary incontinence (16 vs 5 per 100 women-years, P P Conclusion Autologous grafts used in pubovaginal slings have superior continence outcomes compared with cadaveric fascia.
Novel yttrium-stabilized zirconia polymeric precursor for the fabrication of thin films

An acetate-based polymeric precursor for producing yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was developed. The precursor was prepared under ambient conditions and contains only yttrium and zirconium cations. Dense, crack-free films were fabricated with this precursor on alumina substrates at a rate of 60 nm per deposition, producing polycrystalline YSZ at temperatures as low as 600 °C. Grain growth in thin YSZ films followed Arrhenius equation with an activation energy approximately 0.45 eV. The residual strain in YSZ films decreased with increasing annealing temperature from 600 to 900 °C.
In vitro transformations of the insect plasmatocyte in some insects

Abstract In vitro transformation of insect plasmatocyte have been studied in physiological saline-versene, tissue culture, and the haemolymph. Transformation of a plasmatocyte into a granular cell can occur either by fragmentation of portions of the cytoplasm or by a gradual rounding-off of the fusiform plasmatocyte. The spherule cell is derived either from a plasmatocyte directly or from a granular cell. Cystocytes are formed from round plasmatocytes or from granular cells. Although gradual transformation of a plasmatocyte and a spherule cell into an adipohaemocyte was not observed, a granular cell was found changing into an adipohaemocyte. Oenocytoids are formed from fusiform plasmatocytes by cytoplasmic fragmentation. Podocytes and vermiform cells are derived from fusiform plasmatocytes by gradual transformation. All these transformations seem to be governed by specific physiological conditions. Oenocytoid- and lamellocyte-like cells are present in the haemolymph of Periplaneta americana (L.). The polymorphic plasmatocyte is the basic type of haemocyte in insects.
Extension of Tóth Ψ function from gas–solid to liquid–solid equilibria and application to reversed-phase liquid chromatography systems

The extension of the Psi function developed by Toth from equilibria taking place at gas-solid interfaces to those taking place at liquid-solid interfaces was investigated. The results were applied to conventional liquid-solid systems used in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). The adsorbents in these systems are made of porous silica having a hydrophobic solid surface obtained by chemically bonding C(18) alkyl chains to a porous silica gel then endcapping the surface with trimethylsilyl groups. The liquid is an aqueous solution of an organic solvent, most often methanol or acetonitrile. The probe compound used here is phenol. Adsorption data of phenol were measured using the dynamic frontal analysis (FA) method. The excess adsorption of the organic solvent was measured using the minor disturbance (MD) method. Activity coefficients in the bulk were estimated through the UNIFAC group contributions. The results show that the Psi function predicts 90% of the total free energy of immersion, DeltaF, of the solid when the concentration of phenol is moderate (typically less than 10 g/L). At higher concentrations, the nonideal behavior of the bulk liquid phase becomes significant and it may contribute up to about 30% of DeltaF. The high concentration of adsorbed molecules of phenol at the interface decreases the interfacial tension, sigma, by about 18 mN/m, independently of the structure of the adsorbed phase and of the nature of the organic solvent.
Sources and fate of PCDD and PCDF

Abstract PCDD and PCDF were found in urban air particulates from St. Louis and Washington, D.C., and in sediments from the Great Lakes and Siskiwit Lake, Isle Royale. The similarity between the PCDD and PCDF found in air particulates and sediment samples and the presence of PCDD and PCDF in sediment from Siskiwit Lake (a location which can receive only atmospheric inputs) suggest that these compounds are emitted to the atmosphere from combustion sources. The historical input of PCDD and PCDF to dated sediment cores shows a strong increase since 1940, and this suggests that the incineration of chlorinated organic compounds is an important source of PCDD and PCDF to the environment.
Numerical scales for classification designs

We present a model which is applied to frequencies in cells of an m X m contingency table (confusion matrix) of medical Pap test categories (results) compared to the final histological diagnosis--a typical pattern recognition process involving classification of objects in medicine. This model defines numerical scales, which represent morphological dissimilarities among different Pap test categories or classes. Using this model, we fit the m X m two-way discrete classification table of Pap test by maximizing the likelihood and computing the corresponding morphological scales of classes. The model predicts the probability of errors (or 'confusion') of the Pap test data numerically. It estimates the scales of the discrete categories or classes in Pap test results, and uses these scales to represent relative distances between classes. By relative distances, one can identify a frequently confused pair of classes in Pap tests. Similar application of the model to ovarian tumor diagnosis also identifies 'confused' pairs in tumor types of diagnosis. With our experience, the model we developed provides a quantitative means in assessing the appropriateness of classifications in pattern recognition. It identifies the causes of mis-classification of objects and characterizes the closeness of morphologies of different classes by numerical relative distances. These relative distances help us determining when two classes should be divided or combined and, thus, effectively identifying objects in a pattern recognition process.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.