cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1074. Interaction of LPD Nanoparticles with Dendritic Cells

Liposome-polycation-DNA (LPD) nanoparticles made with cationic lipids are self-assembling transfection reagents with the ability to act as an adjuvant for the immune system through unmethylated CpG motifs in the plasmid DNA. These properties, as well as the ease of large-scale preparation and lack of a specific immune response to the particle itself, make these particles potentially important nonviral vaccine vectors. This study focuses on the interaction of LPD particles with dendritic cells (DCs), which are mediators of immunity in vivo. Understanding the internalization and intracellular trafficking of these particles in dendritic cells is important for exploitation of this knowledge during the generation of new vaccines. DC2.4 cells, a transformed dendritic cell line, were exposed to LPDs overnight and were shown by flow cytometry to be fully activated as compared to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation, presumably through the DNA component. Activated or not activated dendritic cells were incubated in the presence LPD particles made with fluorescent labeled plasmid DNA for 1 hour and cells were analyzed for internalization of the particles. Both flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy results indicate DCs can internalize LPDs but do not internalize free plasmid DNA and also suggest that dendritic cells internalize more particles after activation. To examine the intracellular trafficking and localization after particle internalization, preliminary confocal microscopy studies confirm the dendritic cells internalize LPD nanoparticles and, when activated, target those particles to the endosomal/lysosomal compartment for degradation. Supported by NIH grant AI48851.
Meconium Atazanavir Concentrations and Early Language Outcomes in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants With Prenatal Atazanavir Exposure.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether prenatal atazanavir (ATV) exposure, assessed by meconium antiretroviral (ARV) quantification, predicts early child language outcomes. Prenatal ATV exposure previously was associated with poorer language development in 1-year olds. METHODS Pregnant women with HIV and their uninfected infants enrolled in the Surveillance Monitoring of Antiretroviral Therapy Toxicities study. Meconium ARV concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Language development at 1 year was assessed with MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory (CDI) and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III). Late language emergence was defined as ≥ 1 of 4 CDI scores ≤ 10th percentile for age. Associations between fetal ATV exposure timing and duration, meconium ATV concentration, and language outcomes were evaluated, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Through 2013, meconium samples were available from 175 of 432 infants with prenatal ATV exposure. Valid Bayley-III (n = 93) and CDI (n = 106) assessments also were available. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher ATV meconium concentrations were associated with lower late language emergence risk (P = 0.04) and cumulative ATV exposure duration also was associated with higher Bayley-III Language scores (P = 0.03). Maternal ATV duration and initiation week correlated with ATV meconium concentrations (positively and negatively, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Higher meconium ATV concentrations were protective against developmental language delays at 1 year, suggesting the importance of fetal ATV detoxification into meconium. This information supports ATV exposure safety for infant language development. ATV is a preferred ARV for pregnant women with HIV, suggesting the importance of ATV safety investigations. Additionally, further pursuit of the influences on language development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants is required.
Primary production and standing crop of phytoplankton along the ice-edge in the Weddell Sea

Chlorophyll a, phaepoigments, primary production, nannoplankton, inorganic nutrients, and physical measurements were made in the upper water column at 17 stations occupied in the Weddell Sea in February and March 1977. The most conspicuous feature is the marked contrast between the low standing crop and primary productivity of the northern and central regions, compared with the much more productive shelf waters at the head of the Weddell Sea. Chlorophyll a in the euphotic zone was 4.36 ± 1.75 mg m−2 for the former regions and 31.6 ± 9.5 mg m−2 for the southern stations. Production in the water columns of the southern stations (0.41 ± 0.23 g C m−2 day−1) was approximately four times that at the northern-central ones (0.104 ± 0.092 g C m−2 day−1). Based on plant carbon: chlorophyll a ratio of 30 ± 10 estimated in the present study, an average specific growth rate (μ) of 0.71 was calculated. The nutrient concentrations showed an inverse distribution compared with those of chlorophyll a and primary production; higher nutrient concentrations were recorded at the northern stations than at the southern waters. Phosphate: nitrate: silicate ratios in the water column suggested the importance of nitrate for phytoplankton production. A significant relationship (P < 0.001) between chlorophyll a concentration and day-zooplankton biomass and a significantly higher ratio (P < 0.06) of night-to-day catch of zooplankton in the northern-central regions than in the southern region were found. This suggests that zooplankton do not need to migrate vertically in the southern regions due to abundance of food supply, whereas in the northern-central regions zooplankton must migrate upwards during the night to consume available food produced through the photosynthetic process. The study demonstrates that water column stability, grazing, and proximity to land masses are the most significant factors controlling phytoplankton production in the Weddell Sea.
Ferri- to ferro-magnetic transition in the martensitic phase of a Heusler alloy

Abstract During the past decade the magnetic properties of Heusler alloys have been extensively studied, motivated in part by the observation of large magnetocaloric effects (MCEs) displayed by these alloys near room temperature. We present new data and develop a consistent mechanism to explain the complex hysteretic behavior of a Ni 50 Mn 35 In 15 Heusler alloy. The magnetization of this alloy is characterized by two critical temperatures. Below the lower critical temperature, the alloy is a ferrimagnetic martensite. Between the two critical temperatures, the alloy is a ferromagnetic martensite. Above the higher critical temperature, it is a paramagnetic austenite. The transitions at both critical temperatures are first order. The ferri-to-ferromagnetic transition and the crystallographic martensite-to-austenite transition explain the various facets observed in the M ZFC and M FC vs. T plots and their variations with increasing magnetic field. The model successfully explains the isothermal M vs. H loops near room temperature, whose behavior is strongly dependent on the initial magnetic state.
Cutaneous C-fiber pain abnormalities of fibromyalgia patients are specifically related to temporal summation.

Abstract Temporal summation of “second pain” (TSSP) is considered to be the result of C-fiber-evoked responses of dorsal horn neurons, termed ‘windup’. TSSP is dependent on stimulus frequency (⩾0.33 Hz) and is relevant for central sensitization and chronic pain. We have previously shown that compared to normal controls (NC), fibromyalgia (FM) subjects show abnormal TSSP, requiring lower stimulus intensities/frequencies to achieve similar TSSP. However, it is unknown whether abnormal TSSP in FM is influenced by peripheral sensitization of C-fiber nociceptors and/or bias in pain ratings. Thus, we evaluated 14 FM subjects and 19 NC with pain threshold tests to selective C-fiber stimulation, 30 s heat stimuli, and repetitive brief (1.5 s) heat pulses at 0.33 Hz using a contact heat stimulator (CHEPS). The intensity of heat pulses was varied to achieve maximal TSSP ratings of 45 ± 10 (numerical pain scale 0–100) in both FM and NC groups. We found that NC and FM subjects had similar pain thresholds to C-fiber stimulation and yet FM subjects required lower heat pulse temperatures to generate the same magnitudes of TSSP (p
A Climatonomic Description of the Surface Energy Balance in the Central Sahel. Part I: Shortwave Radiation

Abstract The climate of the West African Sahel is characterized by unusually long (multiyear) persistence of anomalously wet or dry conditions. An increasing body of evidence suggests that land surface processes contribute to this persistence and to the severity of drought. In this study, we quantify land surface characteristics and fluxes in the Sahel in order to determine the degree to which they vary in response to rainfall fluctuations and anthropogenic effects on the surface. The Lettau climatonomy model is used to assess surface energy balance near Niamey, Niger. This article presents the first of three parts of the model, shortwave radiation climatonomy. Using irradiance at the top of the atmosphere as a forcing function, the model calculates global radiation, atmospheric heating, ground-absorbed solar radiation and planetary or top albedo. Sensitivity studies show that submedium absorption of solar radiation is primarily affected by surface albedo and cloudiness; the aerosol content of the heavily...
Die Wellenmechanik als Hamiltonsche Dynamik des Funktionenraumes. Eine neue Ableitung der Diracschen Gleichung

Die Losung einer partiellen Differentialgleichung, die aus einem Variationsprinzip entspringt, wird als Bewegungsproblem im Funktionenraum behandelt, unter Einfuhrung der Hamiltonschen kanonischen Bewegungsgleichungen. Es wird diejenige Beruhrungstransformation aufgesucht, die das System zu einem selbstadjungierten macht. Die Gleichungen der Wellenmechanik erweisen sich als identisch mit diesem System. Die Wellenmechanik verliert ihren Charakter, im prinzipiellen Gegensatz zu den klassischen Feldbegriffen zu stehen. Ihre Bedeutung ist vielmehr eine mathematische Methode, die Feldgleichungen einer normalen Feldphysik auf Grund der kanonischen Gleichungen Hamiltons im Funktionenraum zu losen. Die Diracschen ψ-Grosen sind kanonisch konjugierte Variablen, die Diracschen Gleichungen reprasentieren die selbstadjungierten kanonischen Bewegungsgleichungen Hamiltons fur ein dynamisches Problem des Funktionenraumes, das aus einem Feldproblem der normalen Raum-Zeit-Struktur entspringt.
Modeling the effect of reflective calf hutch covers on reducing heat loss

This study determined if a reflective film could theoretically be useful in moderating the rate of heat loss from calves housed in polyethylene hutches during cold weather. An engineering approach was used in which rate of heat loss was modeled using 38-l steel drums filled with body temperature water and covered by fresh calf hide. The reflective film (cover) consisted of aluminized 0.0635 mm low-density olive color polyethylene. The non-reflective olive side was sprayed with flat black paint. Covers were 1.8 × 3 m with the aluminized side facing the hutch. Two of four hutches were either uncovered or had covers across the top and sides. During the night, (mean temperature ± SE −13.6 ± 0.29 °C), the rate of temperature loss was −0.21 °C per 5-min interval over 28 temperature readings in the covered and −0.25 °C in the uncovered (R 2 = 0.99). During the daytime (mean ± SE 14.3 ± 0.52 °C), rate of heat loss was −0.15 °C per 5-min interval over 33 temperature readings in the covered and −0.11 °C in the uncovered (R 2 = 0.99). Reflective film reduced the rate of heat loss during cold nights, but when the sun was shining on the hutches during midday, the uncovered hutches warmed up more and, hence, reduced the rate of heat loss when compared to the covered. Further research is needed on the orientation of hutches in relationship to the sun and with live calves because calves would be able to move into the sun during cold sunny days.
First-principles study of phonons and related ground-state properties and spectra in Zn-IV-N 2 compounds

The ${\text{Zn-IV-N}}_{2}$ compounds, with the group-IV element Si, Ge, and Sn, which have a common crystal structure closely related to the wurtzite-structure form a series analogous to the group-III nitrides GaN, AlN, and InN, respectively. Calculations of the phonons and related quantities in these materials are reported here using the density-functional perturbation-theory linear-response approach in the local-density approximation and using a plane-wave pseudopotential method. We focus on spectra, such as the imaginary part of the dielectric function and the energy-loss function as measurable by infrared absorption or reflectivity, and the Raman spectra. We also present phonon densities of states, band dispersions, and related integrated thermodynamic quantities such as the specific heat, and Helmholtz free energy and entropy as functions of temperature. Structural and elastic properties such as the lattice constants and bulk moduli are also reported. Finally, high-frequency and static dielectric tensors are presented. The trends in the series and the relation to the corresponding III-N nitrides are discussed. It is found that the bimodal bond-length distribution with IV-N bonds shorter than the Zn-N bonds (even for Sn) strongly modifies the spectra from those in III-N nitrides. While in ${\text{ZnGeN}}_{2}$ and ${\text{ZnSnN}}_{2}$ folded acoustic-like modes are clearly separated from the optic type modes, this is not the case in ${\text{ZnSiN}}_{2}$. The calculated Born effective charges indicate that ${\text{ZnGeN}}_{2}$ has the lowest ionicity of the three materials.
Receptors for 3H-octopamine in the adult firefly light organ.

/sup 3/H-Octopamine binds reversibly and with high affinity to sites on adult firefly light organ membranes. The binding is characterized by multiple affinities. Scatchard analysis supported a two site binding model with a tentative Kd value of about 1 nM for the high affinity component. The more abundant lower affinity site had a Kd value of about 60 nM. Guanyl nucleotides (Gpp(NH)p and GTP) greatly reduced the apparent number of octopamine binding sites. Competition studies with known octopaminergic agonists including the formamidine pesticides chlordimeform (CDM) and N-demethylchlordimeform (DCDM) showed the following rank order of potencies in displacing octopamine: DCDM > octopamine = synephrine > naphazoline > clonidine > CDM. It was also observed that phentolamine was much more active than propranolol in antagonizing OA-binding. These relative activities are similar to the abilities of the same compounds to alter adenylate cyclase activity in light organ homogenates. Together with the effect of GTP on binding, these results suggest that the binding sites are functional octopamine receptors of the light organ. 27 references, 3 figures, 1 table.
Oxidative phosphorylation and calcium transport of mitochondria isolated from cardiomyopathic hamster hearts.

Abstract Oxidative phosphorylation and calcium transport were measured in mitochondria isolated from cardiomyopathic hamster hearts. In the presence of glutamate, a small increase in respiratory control was noted in mitochondria isolated from moderately enlarged hearts of hamsters without peripheral signs of failure. These mitochondria also tended to exhibit lower oxygen consumption rates. Mitochondria isolated from hearts of hamsters showing severe peripheral manifestations of congestive failure were depressed with respect to respiratory control and exhibited diminished rates of electron transport. Mitochondria isolated from hearts of the cardiomyopathic animals accumulated less calcium than mitochondria from control animals. This alteration parallels the changes in electron transport. The magnitude of the changes in both electron transport and calcium uptake appear to be related to the severity of failure.
Atmospheric particulate nitrate sampling errors due to reactions with particulate and gaseous strong acids

Abstract The significance of particulate nitrate loss from inert filters due to reactions with particulate and gaseous strong acids was assessed. Laboratory as well as atmospheric results from California's South Coast Air Basin support such loss by reaction of ammonium nitrate with paniculate H2SO4. Nitrate loss by reaction with gaseous HCl, not previously reported, was found to be significant in laboratory trials.
Architecture and applications of a versatile small-cell, multi-service cloud radio access network using radio-over-fiber technologies

Small-cell systems based on cloud radio access network (cloud-RAN) architecture have been proposed as promising solutions to meet the ever-increasing capacity demand of the next-generation wireless access networks. By centralizing the processing power to reduce the complexity of conventional cell sites, the cloud-RAN architecture is ideal for large-scale small-cell system at reduced capital and operational expenses. However, high-speed, flexible, and scalable backhaul links between the centralized baseband processing unit (BBU) and the remote antenna units (RAUs) are required to support the high throughput of the small-cell cloud-RANs, and the conventional approaches are based on digital baseband signal transmission in the backhaul links. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-service small-cell wireless access architecture based on radio-over-fiber (RoF) technologies. By utilizing analog radio frequency (RF) signal transmission in the optical backhaul links, the design of RAUs can be further simplified. In addition, by combing RoF with optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) techniques, multiple bands, multiple services and multiple operators can coexist in a shared optical infrastructure without interference. To demonstrate the proposed system, two-operator coexistence in a shared small-cell cloud-RoF access network is implemented in an in-building testbed by using off-the-shelf optoelectronic components and commercialized WiMAX base stations and clients. In addition, the feasibility of delivering both conventional wireless services and future-proof high-RF-band services (millimeter-wave band) is also demonstrated in the proposed multi-service small-cell cloud-RoF access systems.
Improvement of neurological status and quality of life in children with opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome at long‐term follow‐up

Background Kinsbourne syndrome or opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is characterized by rapid, involuntary, irregular conjugate eye movements (opsoclonus), myoclonic jerking of the limbs and trunk, ataxia, and behavioral disturbances. In general, the outcome of neurologic and behavioral symptoms is poor. Studies on quality of life (Qol) and recovery after very long-term follow-up of children with OMS are lacking. Methods We studied long-term cancer survival, neurologic recovery, and Qol of a consecutive series of eight patients with OMS that were treated in our center. Two cross-sectional follow-up evaluations were conducted at a 3-year interval (T1 and T2). Results In four out of eight children with OMS a neuroblastoma (NBL) was diagnosed and surgically removed completely. All children received immuno-modulatory therapy, consisting of prednisone (three children), prednisone and ACTH (four children), or prednisone, ACTH, and gammaglobulin (one child). At T1, median follow-up time was 9.5 years (range 3–14 years) after OMS onset and at T2, 11.6 years (range 6–17 years). Neurologic functioning improved in all children, reflected by a significant improvement of the mean Z-score in the motor domain of the Qol questionnaire at T2 as compared to T1. In contrast, seven children continued to have a severe developmental delay at T2. No significant difference in any of the variables was found between NBL survivors and OMS patients without NBL. Conclusion Cognitive and behavioral impairments and not a motor impairment, such as ataxia, appear to be predominant at long-term in children with OMS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1048–1053. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bimolecular homolytic substitution of dialkyl selenides and tellurides with tri-n-butyltin radicals

Abstract The rate constants for the S H 2 reactions of tri-n-butyltin radicals with several dialkyl selenides and tellurides have been measured by EPR spectroscopy.
Operative Treatment of Congenital Aortic Stenosis

Abstract The operative treatment of 131 patients with congenital aortic stenosis is reviewed. Of the 131 patients, 77% had left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction at a single level and 23%, major obstruction at more than one level. There were 3 operative deaths (2.3%) and 10 late deaths (7.8%). Twenty of the 128 discharged patients have undergone a second procedure and 6 a third procedure for recurrent or residual LVOT obstruction. The 26 reoperations included 7 aortic valve replacements, 4 left ventricular apical-abdominal aortic (LV-AA) valved conduits, and 15 extensive aortic valvotomies with or without supravalvular aortoplasty. Five of the 20 patients undergoing reoperation died; 4 of these deaths occurred in patients who had valve replacement at reoperation. The 4 who received LV-AA conduits have sustained excellent hemodynamic and clinical results with no complications. Highly satisfactory clinical results can be obtained with minimal operative risk, regardless of the level of LVOT obstruction. Reoperation for recurrent or residual LVOT obstruction, however, is comparatively more hazardous, and alternative surgical approaches (LV-AA conduits) should be considered.
Enhanced damping of hat-stiffened panels using continuous wave fiber composites

A unique composite material called Continuous Wave Fiber Composite (CWFC) or wavy composite has shown great promise in improving damping properties of composite structures. In wavy composites, the fiber is oriented in a continuous sine wave which produces a varying fiber angle. This new material has exhibited high levels of damping when two layers, with wave patterns 180 degrees out of phase, surround a layer of viscoelastic material. This research investigated the acoustic transmission loss and flexural damping of hat-stiffened panels produced with graphite/epoxy wavy composite material. The 22- panel test matrix included sixteen exploratory panels used to determine the most highly damped design, four optimized panels based on the best exploratory design, and two control panels including one panel without CWFC and another without VEM or CWFC. The panels were tested to quantify the acoustic transmission loss and flexural damping under free-free boundary conditions. Hat-stiffened panels produced with graphite/epoxy wavy composites provide 17% higher damping than constrained layer damping and slightly higher transmission loss over panels made with conventional unidirectional materials.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A trait-based framework for predicting when and where microbial adaptation to climate change will affect ecosystem functioning

As the earth system changes in response to human activities, a critical objective is to predict how biogeochemical process rates (e.g. nitrification, decomposition) and ecosystem function (e.g. net ecosystem productivity) will change under future conditions. A particular challenge is that the microbial communities that drive many of these processes are capable of adapting to environmental change in ways that alter ecosystem functioning. Despite evidence that microbes can adapt to temperature, precipitation regimes, and redox fluctuations, microbial communities are typically not optimally adapted to their local environment. For example, temperature optima for growth and enzyme activity are often greater than in situ temperatures in their environment. Here we discuss fundamental constraints on microbial adaptation and suggest specific environments where microbial adaptation to climate change (or lack thereof) is most likely to alter ecosystem functioning. Our framework is based on two principal assumptions. First, there are fundamental ecological trade-offs in microbial community traits that occur across environmental gradients (in time and space). These trade-offs result in shifting of microbial function (e.g. ability to take up resources at low temperature) in response to adaptation of another trait (e.g. limiting maintenance respiration at high temperature). Second, the mechanism and level of microbial community adaptation to changing environmental parameters is a function of the potential rate of change in community composition relative to the rate of environmental change. Together, this framework provides a basis for developing testable predictions about how the rate and degree of microbial adaptation to climate change will alter biogeochemical processes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems across the planet.
Effects of Polyphosphates on the Solubility and Mineralization of HA: Relevance to a Rationale for Anticaries Activity

Preexposure of hydroxyapatite (HA) to polyphosphate reduced the near-equilibrium acid solubility of HA, the mineralization of HA, and the exchange of PO4 between medium and HA. Appreciably longer exposure times were required for maximal effects of trimetaphosphate (TMP) than of pyrophosphate (PP), tripolyphosphate (TPP), and hexametaphosphate (HMP). Calcifying solution solubilized small amounts of the HA-bound polyphosphates. This occurred to the smallest extent in the case of TMP, a fact which could have relevance for the superior anticaries effect of TMP.
Benthic invertebrate community structure is influenced by forest succession after clearcut logging in southeastern Alaska

To assess the effects of timber harvesting on headwater streams in upland forests, benthic community structure was contrasted among four dominant forest management types (old growth, red alder-dominated young growth, conifer-dominated young growth, clearcut) and instream habitats (woody debris, cobble, gravel) in southeastern Alaska. Benthos in streams of previously harvested areas resulted in increased richness, densities and biomass relative to old growth types, particularly in young growth stands with a red alder-dominated riparian canopy. Woody debris and gravel habitats supported a combination of higher densities and biomass of invertebrates than cobble habitats. In addition, woody debris also supported a richer and more diverse invertebrate fauna than either cobble or gravel substrates. Maintaining both a woody debris source and a red alder component in regenerating riparian forests following timber harvesting should support greater invertebrate densities and diversity following clearcutting.
APPLICATION OF FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER OVERLAYS TO EXTEND STEEL FATIGUE LIFE

An experimental and analytical study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of applying carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) overlays to steel fatigue tension coupons to prolong fatigue life. Specimens were either notched or center hole specimens and tested in uniaxial tension. Variables studied were CFRP system, bond length, bond area, one and two sided applications, and applications prior or subsequent to crack propagation. Two sided applications were very effective, prolonging fatigue life by as much as 115%. Similar application of CFRP materials subsequent to crack propagation extended the remaining fatigue life by approximately 170% without any other means of crack arrest. The method therefore showed promise as both a preventive technique and repair method. The epoxy performance was critical to the effectiveness of the system, with all failures initiated by debonding of the CFRP. Overlays were most effective when the system was applied directly to the potential crack trajectory. One-sided a...
Design and Full-Scale Test for Cup-Type Steel Tubular Tower of UHV Transmission Line in Heavy Icing Area

The ZB1 cup-type steel tubular tower is the first single-circuit tower for UHV transmission line in heavy icing area. Except the ground supports, steel tubular are applied in whole tower. The plug-in boards and forging flanges are used in ZB1 tower,and the highest strength of tubular steel is Q345. Through the monographic study on the tower optimizationnode structuretowers Eiffel effect and bending moment at member end et., The design of ZB1 cup-type steel tubular tower is improved. The success of full-scale test verified the reliability in design and manufacture of cup-type steel tubular tower for UHV in heavy icing area. Research results of this paper can be applied in UHV transmission line projects.
Gated SPECT in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing transcoronary ethanol septal ablation.

Background Transcoronary ethanol septal ablation (TESA) is a novel treatment for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Our objective was to evaluate the use of gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with HOCM and the effects of TESA on myocardial perfusion.
PulseNet standardized protocol for subtyping Listeria monocytogenes by macrorestriction and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

Abstract PulseNet is a national network of pubic health and food regulatory laboratories established in the US to detect clusters of foodborne disease and respond quickly to foodborne outbreak investigations. PulseNet laboratories currently subtype Escherichia coli O157:H7, non-typhoidal Salmonella, and Shigella isolates by a highly standardized 1-day pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and exchange normalized DNA “fingerprint” patterns via the Internet. We describe a standardized molecular subtyping protocol for subtyping Listeria monocytogenes that was recently added to PulseNet. The subtyping can be completed within 30 h from the time a pure culture of the bacteria is obtained.
High-performance gel permeation chromatography of proteins in denaturing solvents and its application to the analysis of enveloped virus polypeptides.

Abstract Experimental conditions and parameters for the high-performance gel permeation chromatography (hpgpc) of proteins in denaturing solvents containing sodium dodecyl sulfate or guanidine hydrochloride (GHCl) are described. When applied to the analysis of a variety of protein standards, the denaturing hpgpc procedures resulted in better protein resolution and an extended linear fractionation range compared to nondenaturing hpgpc under optimal conditions. These results indicate that denaturing hpgpc offers a rapid, simple, and sensitive means for separating protein mixtures and for determining protein molecular weights. Apparent molecular weights calculated by denaturing hpgpc deviated an average of 5–7% from reported values. Moreover, denaturing hpgpc was shown to be an effective means of separating and analyzing the major polypeptides of a complex-enveloped retrovirus, equine infectious anemia virus.
Redox regulation of signal transduction in smooth muscle cells: Protein kinase C inhibition by thiol agents

Thiol depleting agents phenylarsine oxide and N-ethylmaleimide significantly inhibited the phorbol ester induced protein kinase C activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Phenylarsine oxide is a good protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. Sodium orthovanadate, also a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, neither activated nor inhibited protein kinase C in vascular smooth muscle cells. Phenylarsine oxide, N-ethylmaleimide, orthovanadate, hydrogen peroxide and pervanadate [sodium orthovanadate + hydrogen peroxide] all significantly induced mitogen activated protein kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells. Phorbol ester and platelet derived growth factor induced mitogen activated protein kinase was inhibited by phenylarsine oxide pretreatment to vascular smooth muscle cells. However, hydrogen peroxide/pervanadate induced mitogen activated protein kinase was not prevented by phenylarsine oxide. These results suggest that oxidation of the cellular thiols inhibits the protein kinase C and activates mitogen activated protein kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, peroxides induced, the activation of mitogen activated protein kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells which is independent of protein kinase C.
Solid-State Polymerization of Polycarbonates Using Supercritical CO2

We report the extension of the crystallization process with supercritical CO 2 to granules or beads of low molecular weight polycarbonate in an effort to create a material that can undergo slid-state polymerization without using toxic organic solvents
Aerospace engineering education for the 21st century

Abstract The significant involvement of aerospace engineers in the development of new technologies, and in turn, the impact of these technologies on the world economy suggests that aerospace engineering education programs must be modernized to reflect the needs of the future. This paper will review emerging trends in aerospace engineering education, including both undergraduate and graduate aerospace engineering education, as well as trends in research. The requirements of industry for the future will be discussed in terms of the importance of the educational requirements, the balance of the work force, and their role in the world economy. Specific attention will be directed to the importance of student involvement in individual and group projects, and the role that these projects play in the educational process. Aerospace engineering education programs must accommodate the changing industrial environment and continue to provide the opportunity for intellectual growth in the next century.
Controversies in the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract Urinary tract infection is one of the most commonly encountered infectious diseases in the United States, and urinalysis and urine culture are among the most commonly performed laboratory tests. Despite information in the literature, there continues to be ongoing controversy regarding the appropriate collection method for culture, the utility of urine preservation methodologies, and the work-up of urine cultures containing low numbers of bacteria. We have reviewed the literature to determine optimal specimen collection techniques, the effect of specimen preservation on urine culture results, and the interpretation of low urine culture colony counts.
PARATHYROID INFLUENCE ON REMOVAL OF HYDROXYPROLINE BY PERITONEAL LAVAGE IN THE RAT.

SummaryUtilizing the technique of peritoneal lavage, levels of hydroxyproline and calcium in lavage fluid and plasma were studied in intact and parathyroidectomized rats with and without concomitant nephrectomy. A limited characterization of the molecule containing this imino acid also was made by gel filtration. Levels of free hydroxyproline removed from parathyroidectomized rats were consistently lower than from intact rats. These differences were greatly magnified by concomitant nephrectomy. However, the endogenous parathyroid stimulation produced by nephrectomy also resulted in an increase in bound hydroxyproline which is detectable only after hydrolysis of the lavage fluid or plasma. The results indicate that hydroxyproline levels in plasma and lavage fluid are parathyroid-dependent and can be correlated with calcium removal under the conditions of parathyroidectomy and/or nephrectomy. These studies further suggest that the breakdown of bone under the influence of parathyroid hormone includes both it...
Making muslim babies: Ivf and gamete donation in sunni versus shi’a islam

Medical anthropological research on science, biotechnology, and religion has focused on the “local moral worlds” of men and women as they make difficult decisions regarding their health and the beginnings and endings of human life. This paper focuses on the local moral worlds of infertile Muslims as they attempt to make, in the religiously correct fashion, Muslim babies at in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics in Egypt and Lebanon. As early as 1980, authoritative fatwas issued from Egypt’s famed Al-Azhar University suggested that IVF and similar technologies are permissible as long as they do not involve any form of third-party donation (of sperm, eggs, embryos, or uteruses). Since the late 1990s, however, divergences in opinion over third-party gamete donation have occurred between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims, with Iran’s leading ayatollah permitting gamete donation under certain conditions. This Iranian fatwa has had profound implications for the country of Lebanon, where a Shi’ite majority also seeks IVF services. Based on three periods of ethnographic research in Egyptian and Lebanese IVF clinics, this paper explores official and unofficial religious discourses surrounding the practice of IVF and third-party donation in the Muslim world, as well as the gender implications of gamete donation for Muslim marriages.
Further Development of the Elliptic PDE Formulation of thePNApproximation and its Marshak Boundary Conditions

The expansion of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) into spherical harmonics results in the P N approximation, consisting of (N + 1)2 simultaneous, first-order partial differential equations (PDEs). This system of equations is generally solved subject to a set of so-called Marshak's boundary conditions, although some ambiguity exists in multidimensional media, for which the set provides more than the necessary number of conditions. In recent work Modest has shown that the general 3-D P N approximation can be formulated as a set of N(N + 1)/2 second-order, elliptic PDEs, using the original set of Marshak's conditions, and which can be solved with standard PDE solution packages. In this article the Marshak boundary conditions are reexamined in the light of the elliptic formulation, culminating in a self-consistent set of N(N + 1)/2 conditions along the boundary of the enclosure. The elliptic set of PDEs is reformulated and reduced considerably by limiting considerations to isotropic scattering. As an exa...
Radiometric Quantities and Units Used in Photobiology and Photochemistry: Recommendations of the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (International Commission on Illumination)

To characterize photobiological and photochemical phenomena, standardized terms and units are required. Without a uniform set of descriptors, much of the scientific value of publications can be lost. Attempting to achieve an international consensus for a common language has always been difficult, but now with truly international scientific publications, it is all the more important. As photobiology and photochemistry both represent the fusion of several scientific disciplines, it is not surprising that the physical terms used to describe exposures and dosimetric concepts can vary from author to author. There are, however, international organizations that were established to minimize the confusion produced by poor or inconsistent technical terminology. This note is to review the standardized terms and provide a background on how such terms are developed, with the hope that all readers will attempt to follow the standardized terminology.
Derivation of a Relation for the Steepening of TeV Selected Blazar Gamma-ray Spectra with Energy and Redshift

We derive a relation for the steepening of blazar gamma-ray spectra between the multi-GeV Fermi energy range and the TeV energy range observed by atmospheric Cerenkov telescopes. The change in spectral index is produced by two effects: (1) an intrinsic steepening, independent of redshift, owing to the properties of emission and absorption in the source, and (2) a redshift-dependent steepening produced by intergalactic pair production interactions of blazar gamma-rays with low energy photons of the intergalactic background light (IBL). Given this relation, with good enough data on the mean gamma-ray SED of TeV selected BL Lacs, the redshift evolution of the IBL can, in principle, be determined independently of stellar evolution models. We apply our relation to the results of new Fermi observations of TeV selected blazars.
Characterization and management of postoperative hemorrhage following upper retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery.

Purpose: Surgical paradigms may change in the era of laparoscopic surgery. We evaluated a conservative nonsurgical approach to postoperative hemorrhage following laparoscopic upper retroperitoneal surgery as opposed to the more traditional strategy of reexploring the surgical site.Materials and Methods: In 911 laparoscopic procedures performed in 8 years we retrospectively identified risk factors and characterized treatment for postoperative hemorrhage.Results: We considered postoperative hemorrhage to be present when postoperative transfusion was required that could not be accounted for by operative blood loss or another definable cause outside of the surgical field. Red blood cell transfusion was required after 53 procedures (5.8%), of which 34 (3.7%) were done for postoperative hemorrhage. Postoperative hemorrhage occurred only after nephrectomy in 3.3% of cases, after partial nephrectomy in 9.9% and after adrenalectomy in 5.4%. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of postoperative ...
Series and parallel D-spectra for multi-input-multi-output linear time-varying systems

In this paper some previously developed series and parallel differential spectral concepts for scalar linear time-varying (LTV) systems are extended to some subclasses of multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) LTV systems. The extension is facilitated by the new concepts of differential determinant and differential adjoint matrix introduced herein, which are natural extensions of the familiar concepts of determinant and adjoint matrix to a noncommutative differential ring. Explicit matrix fractional representations are obtained for the subclasses of MIMO LTV systems for which the new results are applicable. The new results have important applications in the analysis and control of MIMO LTV systems.
A Quality Assurance Project to Track Compliance with Autoclave Maintenance and Use of Biological Indicators in Outpatient Physician Offices

percent). In 2004, a targeted assessment of HCWs compliance with HH was conducted in our facility identifying a similar compliance rate to the nation. In order to improve compliance, the HH Program was created comprising of the Hand Hygiene Compliance Team. Project: Our Program was based on the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) “How to Guide: Improving Hand Hygiene.” The four IHI components to improve compliance were implemented: 1) education of staff was conducted through employee training and multi-component publicity campaigns, 2) improvement of HH technique using several methods, 3) increase availability of alcoholbased hand rubs(ABHRs) throughout the facility, 4) HH observations performed using Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Results: 1) Education of staff was conducted through orientation, annual training and section specific training. Twomulti-component campaigns were implemented-first one in 2006, and the second in 2008. Campaigns included: HH posters, life size figure of facility leader, HH pamphlets, quarterly HH articles, HH trophy, incentives for patients/staff and HH surveys for the second campaign. Survey results (2009-2011) reveal that staff awareness of the campaign increased with each year and was above 90% and patient awareness was above 80%. 2) Correct techniques for using an ABHR and handwashing were discussed during educational sessions, 2 videotape Presentations, and using fluorescent dye-based training methods. 3) Pocket-size ABHRswere distributed and a survey of the facility was conducted to maximize the availability of ABHR wall units in patient care areas. 4) HH compliance checklist was created for use by trained observers. Targeted areas were surveyedmonthly with a minimum of 30 opportunities for HH observed, immediate feedback given, and compliance rates reported to leadership. Results: 24,840 observations were performed from 2006 to 2011, with the most observations done in 2006 (5,369) and the least in 2011 (2,991). The facility goal was set at 90% compliance rate and was reached in the latter part of 2008.The lowest overall compliance rate was 77% in 2006/2007, and the highest compliance rate was 94% in 2011. Physicians/Respiratory Therapy technicians improved the most.
Ab initio investigation of the aqueous solvation of the nitrate ion

The surface affinity of the nitrate ion in aqueous clusters is investigated with a variety of theoretical methods. A sampling of structures in which the nitrate ion is solvated by 32 water molecules is optimized using second order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2). Four of these MP2 optimized structures are used as starting points for fully ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at the dispersion corrected restricted Hartree–Fock (RHF-D) level of theory. The nitrate ion solvated by 16, 32, and 64 water molecules is also investigated with umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations using QM/MM methodology, where the nitrate ion is modeled with MP2 and the water molecules are described using either the non-empirical effective fragment potential (EFP) or the empirical TIP5P potential. The turning point between surface and interior solvation of the nitrate ion is predicted to lie around a cluster size of 64 water molecules.
Derived environment blocking effects in optimality theory

The present study examines a particular kind of rule blockage – referred to below as ‘Derived Environment Blocking’ – which has not been recognized to date in the literature. Derived Environment Blocking (DEB) occurs if a phonological process is prevented from deriving a sequence of sounds [XY], but underlying (i.e. nonderived) /XY/ sequences are permitted to surface as [XY]. It will be argued below that Derived Environment Blocking effects can be captured in Optimality Theory in terms of a general ranking involving Faithfulness and Markedness constraints and that individual languages invoke a specific instantiation of this ranking. DEB will be compared to Comparative Markedness (McCarthy 2003) and it will be shown that the former approach is preferable to the later.
Feline dermatology at Cornell University: 1407 cases (1988–2003)

Medical records of 1407 cats with dermatologic diagnoses made at Cornell University teaching hospital from 1988 to 2003 were tabulated. We expressed the diagnoses as counts, percentages of the cats with dermatologic disease (1407) and percentages of all cats seen at the university hospital (22,135) during the same period. A total of 1887 diagnoses were made in the 1407 cats. We compared the age, sex and breed group of our cases with all those 22,135 cats in ('1-by-c') χ(2) tests in which the hospital population was considered a standard (rather than a 'sample'). The 10 most common dermatoses, their counts, and the proportions of dermatologic diagnoses and of the total cat population that the cats with these dermatoses represented were: allergy (298; 15.8%; 1.35%), atopic dermatitis (194; 10.3%; 0.88%), bacterial folliculitis/furunculosis (189; 10.0%; 0.85%), otodectic mange (115; 6.1%; 0.52%), flea infestation (99; 5.2%; 0.45%), feline acne (74; 3.9%; 0.33%), flea-bite allergy (70; 3.7%; 0.32%), cutaneous adverse drug reaction (56; 3.0%; 0.25%), idiopathic eosinophilic-granuloma complex (55; 2.9%; 0.25%) and abscess (51; 2.7%; 0.23%). Allergies of all types, combined, accounted for 32.7% of all the feline dermatoses. Relative to the standard of the total hospital population, cats <2 years old and females (both intact and spayed) were significantly under-represented (all P≤0.001) in the dermatologic case series. In contrast, Himalayans (compared with domestic short- or longhair, Persian, Siamese and other breeds) and males (both intact and neutered) were significantly over-represented (all P ≤0.001).