cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forecasting methods for occurrence and magnitude of proton storms with solar soft X rays

[1] Solar energetic proton (SEP) events in the vicinity of Earth have the potential of affecting the performance of civilian, military, and research satellites, including such diverse functions as communications, spacecraft operations, surveillance, navigation, and life support systems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Environment Center and the U. S. Air Force Weather Agency cooperate to provide advance warnings of SEP events. Their explicit duties include the need to continually upgrade and improve the accuracy, timeliness, and scope of SEP forecasts. Previous work on this topic established the empirical connection between SEPs and low-temperature X-ray flares. The main focus of the present work is to improve the quality of SEP forecasts by enhancing the size and content of the flare database used to quantify the probability model, tuning the model with imposed operational constraints, and augmenting each SEP prediction with an estimate of the magnitude of the particle event itself.
Molecular cloning by hybrid arrest of translation in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Identification of a cDNA encoding the type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase from rat liver.

The enzyme(s) catalyzing the 5'-monodeiodination of thyroxine and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine has not yet been purified, and antibodies of demonstrated specificity are not available. Thus, molecular cloning strategies which rely on the traditional screening techniques of using cDNA probes or monospecific antibodies are problematic. We previously reported that expression of type I 5'-deiodinase can be induced in Xenopus laevis oocytes by the injection of poly (A)+ RNA prepared from rat liver (St. Germain, D.L., and Morganelli, C.M. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 3054-3056). Using this expression system, we developed a hybrid arrest assay, and with it identified a 241-base pair cDNA which encodes part of this enzyme. The cDNA inhibits translation of 5'-deiodinase activity in oocytes by greater than 99% and 5'-deiodinase mRNA from rat liver poly(A)+ RNA in hybrid selection experiments. The cDNA hybridizes to a 1.9-kilobase RNA species on Northern analysis and demonstrates no significant homology to any previously cloned protein. The application of this hybrid arrest strategy for molecular cloning may prove useful for the isolation of cDNAs for proteins that are low in abundance, difficult to purify, or are subunits of a polymeric functional unit.
Chapter 44 – Gene-based facts

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the mechanisms of silencing genes encoding blood groups. Mechanisms discussed are gene deletion, exon deletion with frameshift, nucleotide(s) deletion with frameshift, nucleotide(s) insertion with frameshift, nonsense mutation, and nucleotide substitution in GATA box. The chapter discusses causes of pseudo-discrepancies between genotype and phenotype. Several uses of DNA in the clinical laboratory discussed are—(1) to type patients who have been recently transfused, (2) to identify a fetus at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn, (3) to type patients whose RBCs are coated with immunoglobulin, and (4) to determine which phenotypically antigen-negative patients can receive antigen-positive RBCs. Several uses include—to mass screen for antigen-negative donors, to determine the origin of engrafted leukocytes in a stem cell recipient, to determine the origin of lymphocytes in a patient with graft-versus-host disease, for tissue typing, and for paternity and immigration testing.
Spirituality and the experience of cancer in an African-American community : Implications for psychosocial oncology

Abstract This study examined the role of spirituality in the cancer experiences of 16 African Americans living in the southern United States. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, without any investigator-initiated mention of spirituality, participants referred to 28 categories of spiritual beliefs and practices that were relevant in their experiences with cancer. In the second phase, which specifically explored spirituality, there was greater elaboration on the initial categories, and 7 additional categories were identified. Key findings included (1) the belief in God as the source of healing, (2) the value of prayer as an instrumental practice, (3) a strategy termed “turning it over to the Lord,” and (4) the situating of the cancer experience within the larger life narrative. The author suggests that the willingness of care providers to address spiritual and cultural dimensions of cancer may greatly enhance therapeutic relationships and the efficacy of psychosocial interventions.
A Comparison of Five Fuzzy Rand Indices

Five papers have appeared in the last three years that propose different fuzzy generalizations of Rand’s classical comparison index for crisp clustering algorithms. We review the five generalizations, compare their complexities, and then give two numerical examples to compare their performance. Our extension (for the pairwise agreements) is O(n), while the other four generalizations are O(n2).
Cardiovascular Health and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: The Women's Health Initiative.

Introduction The American Heart Association's "Simple 7" offers a practical public health conceptualization of cardiovascular health (CVH). CVH predicts incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in younger populations, but has not been studied in a large, diverse population of aging postmenopausal women. The extent to which CVH predicts cancer in postmenopausal women is unknown. Methods Multivariable Cox regression estimated hazard ratios and 95% CIs for the association between CVH and incident CVD, any cancer, and cancer subtypes (lung, colorectal, and breast) among 161,809 Women's Health Initiative observational study and clinical trial participants followed from 1993 through 2010. Data were analyzed in 2013. CVH score was characterized as the number (0 [worst] to 7 [best]) of the American Heart Association's ideal CVH behaviors and factors at baseline: smoking, BMI, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. Results Median follow-up was approximately 13 years. Fewer minorities and less educated women achieved ideal CVH, a common benchmark. In adjusted models, compared with women with the highest (best) CVH scores, those with the lowest (worst) CVH scores had nearly seven times the hazard of incident CVD (6.83, 95% CI=5.83, 8.00) and 52% greater risk of incident cancer (1.52, 95% CI=1.35, 1.72). Ideal CVH was most strongly inversely associated with lung cancer, then colorectal cancer, and then breast cancer. Conclusions Lower ideal CVH is more common among minority and less educated postmenopausal women and predicts increased risk of CVD and cancer in this population, emphasizing the importance of prevention efforts among vulnerable older adults.
Strategic entry points for sustainability in university construction and engineering curricula

Interest is growing regarding incorporating sustainability throughout university curricula, but the already full palette of educational requirements means that common tactics of adding new elective courses tend to isolate the concept and pit them against other courses in the curriculum. This paper presents six strategic entry points for sustainability in a typical construction- or engineering-oriented curriculum: infiltrating the core; adding electives; coordinating complementary courses; sprinkling sustainability throughout; providing opportunities outside the classroom; and integrating campus operations. It compares the pedagogical costs and benefits of each approach and shares lessons learned from experiences at two leading US universities: Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. This paper discusses opportunities in terms of three perspectives on the pedagogy of sustainability: stealthy, flagrant, and a combination of the two. This paper concludes with a discussion of considerations that should be taken into account when evaluating the potential for sustainability in new educational contexts.
1.05-1.44 &#181;m tunability and performance of the CW Nd 3+ :YAG laser

The Nd3+:YAG laser pumped by a CW 5-kW krypton arc-lamp was tuned to 19 different transitions from 1.052 to 1.444 μm by means of intracavity thin solid etalons and appropriately coated resonator mirrors. Each transition was tunable over 6-12 wavenumbers and most exhibited 10-30-W CW output, attaining 37 W at 1.319 μm and 52 W at 1.112 μm. The 1.061-μm line is 90 percent as strong as at 1.064 μm, and wavelength shift with temperature variation was measured for both. TEM 00 output of 20 W was available by using apertures, and compensation of thermal lensing resulted in 60 W combined TEM 00 + TEM 01 output.
Perineural spread to the cavernous sinus from cutaneous SCCa.

PATIENT 1 65 y/o M with history of previous resection of cutaneous SCCa of right cheek. Presented to clinic in 2008 with two year history of progressive right facial weakness, diplopia and pain in a trigeminal distribution. Had already undergone craniotomy with nondiagnostic biopsy because of concerns regarding cavernous sinus. On exam had right ophthalmoplegia and facial paralysis; no obvious skin involvement. MRIs were equivocal however PET scan showed hypermetabolic activity in right midface corresponding to infraorbital nerve. Subsequent biopsy of the infraorbital nerve at the foramen demonstrated patient to have tumoral involvement . Treated palliatively in December 2008 with IMRT which improved pain. However, in September 2009 presented to follow up with worsening pain; MRI showed disease progression. Perineural Spread to the Cavernous Sinus from Cutaneous SCCa
How are bitter and sweet tastes related

Sweet taste and bitter taste are both apparently mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors. In this review article, connections between bitter taste and sweet taste are examined. In addition, several ways in which sweet taste may be more effectively used to mask bitter taste are discussed.
Foliar flavonoids of eastern North American Vitis ( Vitaceae ) north of Mexico

Twenty-one flavonoid glycosides were isolated from the leaves of 22 North AmericanVitis L. taxa, representing two subgenera and five series. Three chemical groups were evident: one producing flavonols, flavones, and C-glycosylflavones, a second producing flavonols and flavones, and a third producing only flavonols. These three chemical groups did not correspond to any of the subgeneric groupings based on morphology. However, flavonoid distributions within series in each subgenus correlate well with morphological data. Parallel flavonoid evolution within each series is thought to account for this lack of subgeneric and interserial flavonoid distinction. The flavonoid data indicate that seriesCordifoliae of subgenusVitis, particularlyV. vulpina L., is the most closely related group to subgenusMuscadinia (Planch.)Rehder, and represents an evolutionary link between the two subgenera.
Longevity and the long arm of epigenetics: acquired parental marks influence lifespan across several generations.

Epigenetic modifications are a group of chemical changes to DNA and histones, such as DNA methylation and histone methylation, phosphorylation, and acetylation, which are capable of regulating gene expression through chromatin remolding without altering DNA sequence [1]. These alterations could be stable through mitotic or meiotic cell division thus facilitating heritable changes in gene expression and cellular phenotypes, potentially across generational boundaries. Recently, Greer et al. [2] reported an amazing example of this phenotype: the transgenerational inheritance of lifespan and age-related phenotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a transgenerational phenotype mediated by histone methylation.
Novel real-time joint-transform correlation by use of acousto-optic heterodyning

To replace the film recording aspect of performing optical correlation, conventional real-time joint-transform correlation (JTC) optical systems make use of a spatial light modulator (SLM) located in the Fourier plane to record the joint-transform power spectrum (JPS) to achieve real-time processing. The use of an SLM in the Fourier plane, however, is a major drawback in these systems because SLMs are limited in resolution, phase uniformity, and contrast ratio, which are, therefore, not desirable for robust applications. We propose a hybrid (optical/electronic) processing technique to achieve real-time joint-transform correlation. The technique employs acousto-optic heterodyning scanning. The proposed real-time JTC system does not require an SLM at the Fourier plane as in other real-time JTC systems. This departure from the conventional scheme is extremely important as the proposed approach does not depend on SLM issues. We develop the theory of the technique and substantiate it with experimental results.
Does ART have a place in preservative dentistry

The ART technique consists of hand excavating carious tissue and placing a highly viscous glass ionomer cement as a restoration material and as a sealant. Although the results of several studies are promising, the retention rates of these restorations for primary teeth are not impressive. Materials and methods that yield greater success rates are needed to improve long-term caries management outcomes. In principle, ART should yield outcomes similar to those associated with preservative dentistry, including the potential for minimal surgical intervention, conservation of sound tooth structure, avoidance of pain and need for local anesthetic injections, reduced risk for subsequent endodontics and tooth extraction, and increased survival time of the affected teeth. The ideal direct-filling ART material would be biocompatible and tooth colored; "forgiving" in its handling properties; insensitive to moisture or desiccation; hardenable without special equipment; able to form stable bonds to enamel and dentin; able to seal marginal gaps against bacteria; capable of releasing fluoride or remineralization and antibacterial agents when demineralization is most likely; and resistant to chemical attack. The highly viscous glass ionomer materials currently used for ART meet several of this criteria, though they may be deficient in their ability to seal marginal gaps against bacteria and in their sensitivity to desiccation. Furthermore, although they release fluoride over the lifetime of the restoration, this fluoride release alone may not prevent caries progression in all cases. It is necessary for cases of high caries risk to use chlorhexidine in conjunction with fluoride to achieve caries arrest and remineralization of adjacent areas of the affected teeth. Thus, while the ART technique offers some benefits in restoring function and reducing the rate of caries progression, it is unlikely that current materials will be able to arrest caries progression completely in high-risk persons.
A New Family and Genus of Cyclopoid Copepods Associated With the Sponge Cliona Celata (Grant) in Massachusetts, U.S.a

[L'auteur decrit un nouveau copepode siphonostome, Stenopontius humesi n. gen., n. sp., associe a l'eponge Cliona celata (Grant) a Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Les deux genres Dinopontius et Stenopontius constituent la famille nouvelle des Dinopontiidae. Le comportement de S. humesi au laboratoire est brievement discute., L'auteur decrit un nouveau copepode siphonostome, Stenopontius humesi n. gen., n. sp., associe a l'eponge Cliona celata (Grant) a Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Les deux genres Dinopontius et Stenopontius constituent la famille nouvelle des Dinopontiidae. Le comportement de S. humesi au laboratoire est brievement discute.]
Dysfunctional, pro-inflammatory HDL directly upregulates monocyte PDGFRβ, chemotaxis and TNFα production

Abstract Accelerated atherosclerosis is a major co-morbid condition in autoimmune diseases. Monocytes are the main immune cell involved in atherosclerosis initiation. We hypothesized that dysfunctional, pro-inflammatory HDL (piHDL), which occurs in approximately half of SLE patients, might directly influence monocyte gene expression and function. SLE subjects were stratified into three groups: 1) carotid artery plaque+piHDL+, 2) plaque-piHDL+, and 3) plaque-piHDL− (n = 18/group). PDGFRβ was upregulated in primary monocytes from plaque+piHDL+ patients and in THP-1 cells acutely treated in vitro with piHDL compared to normal HDL. THP-1 chemotaxis was enhanced after treatment with piHDL versus normal HDL. Abnormal migration was restored to normal levels by treatment with imatinib or an apoJ mimetic peptide. Increased piHDL-mediated TNFα protein levels were reduced with both inhibitors. Dysfunctional piHDL directly influences expression of a small number of transcripts and proteins, and piHDL inhibition through reducing piHDL oxidation or blocking PDGFRβ kinase activity restored normal monocyte chemotaxis.
Comparative safety of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair over open repair using patient safety indicators during adoption

Importance In 2003, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality established Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) to monitor preventable adverse events during hospitalizations. Objective To evaluate the comparative safety of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) vs open aneurysm repair (OAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm by measuring PSIs associated with each procedure over time. Design, Setting, and Participants Cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2003-2010). Patient Safety Indicators were calculated using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality software (Win QI, version 4.4). Unadjusted analysis included year, age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, rupture status, hospital teaching status, and emergency status. Multivariable analysis was stratified by year for any PSI in EVAR vs OAR. Postoperative mortality was analyzed to control for the overall safety. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient Safety Indicators and mortality. Results In total, 43 385 EVARs and 27 561 OARs were documented, with 1289 (3.0%) and 3094 (11.2%) associated PSIs, respectively. Compared with those receiving OAR, patients receiving EVAR were more likely to be male, older, and of white race/ethnicity; have a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index; and seek care at teaching hospitals ( P Conclusions and Relevance Patient Safety Indicators can be used to monitor the comparative safety of emerging surgical technologies. Herein, EVAR was safer than OAR. The adoption of minimally invasive technology can improve safety among surgical admissions.
The role of amniotic fluid on the in-vitro palatal fusion of normal and vitamin A-treated rat foetuses

Abstract Excess vitamin A has long been used to produce experimental cleft palate in animals. The mechanism by which it causes cleft palate is still unknown. The present investigation studied the effect of amniotic fluid on the in-vitro closure of palatal shelves of foetuses from normal and vitamin A treated rats. The amniotic fluid was added to the culturing medium after being centrifuged for 20 min at 3500 rpm. The majority of normal explants cultured with normal medium containing amniotic fluid from untreated rats showed mesenchymal fusion. Similarly, more than 50 per cent of the explants from the foetuses of vitamin A treated rats grown with normal amniotic fluid demonstrated palatal closure after an incubation period of three days. Palatal explants from vitamin A treated as well as normal rats did not show mesenchymal fusion when they were cultured in the presence of amniotic fluid obtained from vitamin A treated rats. A fluorometric determination of amniotic fluid from untreated and treated mothers showed no traces of vitamin A. The results demonstrate that amniotic fluid from vitamin A treated rats has the potential to disturb the normal fusion mechanism of the palatal shelves in vitro .
Decomposition of (Bi,Pb)-2223 phase during sinter forging

Abstract Sinter forging is one of the pressure sintering methods, in which the side surface of a sample is free during uniaxial pressing at high temperatures. Such a condition caused unique phenomena in the decomposition of (Bi,Pb)-2223 phase. Bi 1.84 Pb 0.34 Sr 2.03 Ca 1.9 Cu 3.06 O y bulk superconductors were sinter-forged at the temperature range of 840–870°C and under the pressure of 9.8 MPa in air for 20 h. The (Bi,Pb)-2223 phase decomposed to (Sr,Ca) 2 CuO 3 phase and a liquid phase at high temperatures, followed by the extrusion of the liquid phase from the inner part to the outer part of samples due to the uniaxial pressure. Therefore, the decomposition of the (Bi,Pb)-2223 phase in the sinter forging was slow compared with that in the normal sintering or the hot pressing. The critical current increased with increasing sinter forging temperature. It was worth-noting that the sample sinter-forged at 870°C had the highest J c in spite of the highest content of (Sr,Ca) 2 CuO 3 phase. The high-temperature heat treatment was effective for the improvement of grain coupling. A better way in sinter forging is discussed for increasing J c .
Genetics of adult body mass and maintenance of adult body mass in captive baboons (Papio hamadryas subspecies)

Adult body mass and changes in mass during an individual's life are important indicators of general health and reproductive fitness. Therefore, characterization of the factors that influence normal variation in body mass has important implications for colony management and husbandry. The main objective of this study was to quantify the genetic contribution to adult body mass and its maintenance in baboons. Intra-individual mean and variance in body mass were calculated from multiple weight measures available for each of 1,614 animals at least 10 years of age. Heritabilities were estimated using maximum likelihood methods. Mean adult body mass had a significant heritability (50%) as did variance in adult body mass (12%). The sexes differed in several respects: on average females were smaller than males and had greater variability in adult body mass; mean and variance in body mass increased with age in females only; and number of offspring showed a significant positive relationship with body mass in females only. There were significant differences between subspecies in body mass as well as ability to maintain body mass. These results indicate that there is a significant genetic influence on body mass and its maintenance, and suggest that different factors influence changes in body mass with age as well as body mass maintenance in male and female baboons.
Antioxidant supplementation in pre-eclampsia

Preventing pre-eclampsia or decreasing its severity would considerably reduce maternal-fetal morbidity worldwide bringing as it would substantial decrements in maternal-fetal demise premature births and other serious immediate and long-term consequences of this multi system disorder. Thus for over a decade now many large and expensive multicentre randomised trials have failed to show significant reductions in the incidence of preeclampsia or when positive results occurred the significance was small and the number to treat large. All the trials were based on seemingly plausible hypo theses and/or promising results from small trials or their likelihood of success was suggested in systematic reviews. First came the aspirin studies (more than 30 000 patients randomised in over 30 trials) and then the calcium supplementation trials (over 15 000 patients randomised in 12 studies). (excerpt)
A survey of clasts and large chondrules in ordinary chondrites

— We report the results of a survey of clasts and large (>5 mm) chondrules (macrochondrules) within the 833 ordinary chondrites of the Natural History Museum collection. Thirty-six macrochondrules and 24 clasts were identified and studied. Macrochondrules have textures and mineral assemblages like normal chondrules and so share a common origin. Clasts show evidence for fracturing from larger bodies and can be classified as either: (1) chemically fractionated if they have major and trace-element compositions differing substantially from most chondrules and clasts; (2) impact melt clasts if they have microporphyritic textures and signs that indicate they are derived from shock-melted chondritic material; (3) microporhyritic clasts if they are similar to the last category but lack evidence for derivation through shock melting; or (4) indeterminate clasts forming a diverse class that includes all those clasts that do not fit into the other categories.
Altered gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 1 splicing in alcoholics.

Background Chronic alcohol exposure can change splice variant expression. The gamma-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptor undergoes splicing and is an alcoholism treatment target, but there is little information about splicing changes in this receptor in alcoholics. We studied GABAB receptor subunit 1 (GABAB1) splicing in alcoholic postmortem brains. Methods To maximize GABAB1 splice junction identification, we combined gene specific libraries with RNA-seq. Splice junctions and mapped reads were also found from intronic and intergenic regions. We compared GABAB1 splice junctions in prefrontal cortices from 14 alcoholic and 15 control subjects and introduced new strategies, reads per kilobase of splice junction model per million mapped reads and reads per kilobase of gene model per million mapped reads, for quantitating splice junction and gene expression. Results Novel splice junction detection indicated that the GABAB1 gene is at least two times longer than the previously reported gene length. GABAB1 exon and intron expression data showed low expression at the 5' end exons and exon grouping. This indicated that there are short splicing variants in addition to GABAB receptor subunit GABAB1a, the longest known major transcript. We found that chronic alcohol altered exon/intron expression and splice junction levels. Decreased expression of the gamma-aminobutyric acid binding site, a transmembrane domain and a microRNA binding site may decrease normal GABAB1 transcript population and thereby decrease normal signal transduction in alcoholics. Conclusions We discovered novel, complex splicing of GABAB1 in human brain and showed that chronic alcohol produces additional splicing complexity.
Kinematic synthesis of a rotary-to-linear recording mechanism

Abstract The proportions of a rotary-to-linear recording mechanism are synthesized for minimum structural error of the proportional motion of the writing pen.
Matrix semigroups determined by unitarily invariant norms

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to study the structure of the matrix semigroups defined by unitarily invariant norms and, equivalently, those defined by arbitrary ellipsoidal norms. Among other things it is found that when an element of such a semigroup has a semi-inverse, the semi-inverse is unique, and, in the case of unitarily invariant norms, this is the Moore-Penrose generalized inverse. The symmetric gauge functions that determine submultiplicative matrix norms are characterized, and these norms are related to the spectral norm.
Observation of Semileptonic B Decays Into Orbitally Excited D Final States

Using 250 pb-1 of data collected with the DO detector in Run II of the Tevatron, the two narrow (L = 1) states, D1(2420) and have been observed in semileptonic decays of B mesons. Results on the D*+ π- decay mode are presented including a measurement of the branching fraction of B mesons to these states.
Performance Testing Of Diagnostic X-Ray Units

The continuing performance of radiological imaging systems has been studied by the measurement of performance indicators on two general purpose radiographic-fluoroscopic units over an extended period of time. The question of continuing performance of radiological imaging systems has become increasingly important as system complexity and cost continue to escalate and as the acquisition of replacement funding becomes more difficult. The results of performance testing and a discussion of these results are presented.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The influence of chemical structure on fungal activity. V. The effect of bromoacetic acid esters.

Abstract The fungistatic assay of 57 bromoacetates revealed 26 effective in inhibiting A. niger development at dosages as low as 7.5 × 10−6M, and nine which prevented development at a concentration of 2.5 × 10−6M, or less than 1 p.p.m. Included among the highly active esters are the benzyl, p-chlorobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-chlorophenethyl, 2-chloroethyl, (2-chloro-1-methyl)ethyl, 3-chloropropyl, 2,3-dibromopropyl esters, and the one ethylene glycol diester. In general, aromatic bromoacetates are superior to aliphatic derivatives. Unbranched alkyl esters proved more fungistatic than branched alkyl derivatives. The several diesters and one triester proved no more fungistatic on a molar concentration basis than the highly active monoesters. Fungitoxicity does not appear attributable to either moiety conceivably formed via esterase action. This does not obviate the ester giving rise to other moieties which may exercise poisoning action inside the cell. Further attention to mechanism of action studies and to practical utility of the antimildewing properties of some of the bromoacetates is suggested.
DNA probe for detection of serogroup 0157 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

Abstract To develop a probe for the detection of serogroup O157 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), plasmid DNA extracts from 16 E. coli strains that hybridized with the CVD419 probe were screened for restriction fragments present in plasmids of serogroup O157 E. coli strains, but not in plasmids of non-O157 E. coli strains. Using a single O157:H7 E. coli strain (6391), 10 serogroup O157 E. coli specific fragments were then removed, radiolabeled and hybridized (42 °C) with colony blots of both groups of strains. A 2.0 kb Sma l fragment probe (VPM1) was the most specific for serogroup O157 EHEC. Using a larger set of 41 non- E. coli and 107 E. coli strains from human, animal and meat sources, VPM1 hybridized with all 49 serogroup O157 EHEC strains. None of 8 enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), including serogroup O157 strains, nor any of the 41 non- E. coli hybridized with the VPM1 probe. However, this probe hybridized with 5 of 50 non-O157 E. coli which were verotoxin (VT) or CVD419 probe-positive. Increased hybridization stringency (45 °C) reduced the 5 false-positives to 2 negatives and 3 trace responses, which were easily distinguishable from positive responses.
The internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA in the gymnosperm Gnetum.

Abstract We analyze the structure of the internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2 of the nuclear ribosomal DNA in the gymnosperm Gnetum, using a phylogenetic framework derived mainly from an intron in the nuclear low-copy LEAFY gene. Gnetum comprises 25–35 species in South America, Africa, and Asia, of which we sampled 16, each with two to six clones. Criteria used to assess ITS functionality were highly divergent nucleotide substitution, GC content, secondary structure, and incongruent phylogenetic placement of presumed paralogs. The length of ITS1 ranged from 225 to 986 bp and that of ITS2 from 259 to 305 bp, the largest ranges so far reported from seed plants. Gnetum ITS1 contains two informative sequence motifs, but different from other gymnosperms, there are only few and short (7–13 bp) tandem repeats. Gnetum ITS2 contains two structural motifs, modified in different clades by shortening of stems and loops. Conspecific sequences grouped together except for two recombinant pseudogenes that had ITS1 of one clade and ITS2 of another. Most of the pseudogenic ITS copies, paralogs, and putative chimeras occurred in a clade that according to a fossil-calibrated chloroplast-DNA clock has an age of a few million years. Based on morphology and chromosome numbers, the most plausible causes of the observed high levels of ITS polymorphism are hybridization, allopolyploidy, and introgression.
Theory of quasimagnetic impurity in a metal: An exactly soluble model of interacting electrons☆

Abstract We study an impurity atom, on which two-body forces are important, dissolved in a metal, where they are negligible. With the aid of the well-known boson excitation spectrum of the electronic Fermi sea, we predict the low-energy effects of one- and two-body potentials on the impurity, in the nonmagnetic regime. We obtain for the first time exact expressions for the cutoff independent contributions to the specific heat and paramagnetic susceptibility, the spectral amplitudes or one-electron density of states on the impurity, and the scattering cross-section. The entire spectrum of manybody eigenstates is explicitly obtained. The onset of a local magnetic moment appears as a sudden breakdown of the model Hamiltonian, and occurs when the two-body potential exceeds a critical value U c which is O ( E F ) in magnitude. A study of the renormalization of the interaction parameters terminates the paper.
Enabling the wireless revolution

How the information age will 'come of age' globally through the wireless revolution and the convergence of communications and computing, driven by digital microelectronics technology is discussed. Innovative communications networks, such as Motorola's Iridium system, are used as examples of the maturation of this revolution. The increasingly important role of semiconductors as the enabling technology platform-including microprocessors, RF, unique combinational technologies and low-power are explored, as are distinctive competencies in their design and manufacturing. Finally, the impact on the world's environment and improvement in the quality of peopole's lifestyles of this wireless revolution is highlighted. >
Semiclassical dynamics based on quantum trajectories

Abstract We present a trajectory-based method that incorporates quantum effects in the context of Hamiltonian dynamics. It is based on propagation of trajectories in the presence of quantum potential within the hydrodynamic formulation of the Schrodinger equation. The quantum potential is derived from the density approximated as a linear combination of gaussian functions. One-gaussian fit gives exact result for parabolic potentials, as do successful semiclassical methods. The limit of the large number of fitting gaussians and trajectories gives the full quantum–mechanical result. The method is systematically improvable from classical to fully quantum, as demonstrated on a transmission through the Eckart barrier.
Thermotolerance and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus: role of the fungal nucleolus.

The ability to thrive at 37°C is characteristic of all human pathogens and has long been suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of aspergillosis. As a thermotolerant fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus is capable of growth at temperatures that approach the upper limit for all eukaryotes, suggesting that the organism has evolved unique mechanisms of stress resistance that may be relevant to its ability to adapt to the stress of growth in the host. High temperature is a strain on many biological systems, particularly those involved in complex macromolecular assemblies such as ribosomes. This review will discuss the relationship between thermotolerance and virulence in pathogenic fungi, emphasizing the link to ribosome biogenesis in A. fumigatus. Future work in this area will help determine how rapid growth is accomplished at elevated temperature and may offer new avenues for the development of novel antifungals that disrupt thermotolerant ribosome assembly.
Geochemical, mineralogical and microbiological characteristics of sediment from a naturally reduced zone in a uranium-contaminated aquifer

Localized zones or lenses of naturally reduced sediments have the potential to play a significant role in the fate and transport of redox-sensitive metals and metalloids in aquifers. To assess the mineralogy, microbiology and redox processes that occur in these zones, several cores from a region of naturally occurring reducing conditions in a U-contaminated aquifer (Rifle, CO) were examined. Sediment samples from a transect of cores ranging from oxic/suboxic Rifle aquifer sediment to naturally reduced sediment were analyzed for U and Fe content, oxidation state, and mineralogy; reduced S phases; and solid-phase organic C content using a suite of analytical and spectroscopic techniques on bulk sediment and size fractions. Solid-phase U concentrations were higher in the naturally reduced zone, with a high proportion of the U present as U(IV). The sediments were also elevated in reduced S phases and Fe(II), indicating it is very likely that U(VI), Fe(III), and SO4 reduction has occurred or is occurring in the sediment. The microbial community was assessed using lipid- and DNA-based techniques, and statistical redundancy analysis was performed to determine correlations between the microbial community and the geochemistry. Increased concentrations of solid-phase organic C and biomass in the naturally reduced sediment suggests thatmore » natural bioreduction is stimulated by a zone of increased organic C concentration associated with fine-grained material and lower permeability to groundwater flow. Characterization of the naturally bioreduced sediment provides an understanding of the natural processes that occur in the sediment under reducing conditions and how they may impact natural attenuation of radionuclides and other redox sensitive materials. Results also suggest the importance of recalcitrant organic C for maintaining reducing conditions and U immobilization.« less
No matter how it is measured, income declines with global warming

Abstract The contemporaneous relationship between temperature and income is important because it enables economists to estimate the economic impact of global warming without assuming a structural model. Until recently, empirical evidence generally suggests that there is a negative relationship between temperature and income, and, therefore, global warming has an adverse impact on economic activity. However, Nordhaus (2006) argues that the temperature–income relationship depends on how income is measured. We show in this paper that the results of Nordhaus (2006) may be due to an omitted-variable problem. Based on a well-motivated temperature–income model, we find that the relationship between temperature and income is not dependent on income measurement. Our regression results show that the adverse impact of an increase of 1 °C in temperature can be as much as a 3% decrease in total income for the G-7 nations. Therefore, our results suggest an aggressive climate mitigation policy.
An incentive management plan for hospital-based physicians

Arthur D. Little, Inc., has developed an incentive management program for salaried, hospital-based physicians. The program is based on the tracking of physician productivity through the assignment of work units for both routine inpatient care and all medically performed tests and outpatient procedures. A monetary pool based on increases in the hospital's profitability over a base year is divided among physicians on the basis of their relative productivity throughout the year. Administratively assigned work units can be used to give physicians credit for activities which benefit the institution but which are not revenue producing. The system puts incentives in place for physicians to increase revenues while holding down costs. The main feature of the incentive system is a bonus pool, the size of which is based on hospital net income. A reporting application was developed that downloads data from the hospital's service bureau data-processing vendor, preprocesses the data through a C program, and produces reports through an extremely user-friendly, menu-driven, spreadsheet-based program.
Characterization of enzyme–polymer interaction using fluorescence

The study of the interaction between free fluorophores or those attached to the enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase) with polymer (Eastman AQ 55) using polarization and confocal microscopy has been performed. The potential of fluorescence to visualize the polymer structure as well as the distribution of incorporated species has been demonstrated in the case of Eastman AQ® 55 and Nafion® polymer films. Negatively and positively charged probes were found to exhibit different distribution patterns, suggesting an electrostatic contribution to the probe–polymer interaction. In the case of enzyme, however, the charge introduced by the probe tagging did not alter the interaction or distribution of the enzyme in the polymer, suggesting that the distribution obtained for the tagged enzyme correctly represents the distribution of non-tagged enzyme.
Cell viability and probe-cell membrane interactions of XR1 glial cells imaged by atomic force microscopy

As atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of live specimens becomes more commonplace, at least two important questions arise: 1) do live specimens remain viable during and after AFM, and 2) is there transfer of membrane components from the cell to the AFM probe during probe-membrane interactions? We imaged live XR1 glial cells in culture by single- or dual-pass contact or tapping-mode AFM, examined cell viability at various postimaging times, and report that AFM-imaged live XR1 cells remained viable up to 48 h postimaging and that cell death rates did not increase. To determine if nonlethal, transient interactions between the AFM probe and cell membrane led to transfer of XR1 cell membrane phospholipid components on the probe, we treated the scanned probes with the lipid-binding fluorophore FM 1–43. Confocal microscopy revealed that phospholipid membrane components did accumulate on the probe, and to a generally greater extent during contact-mode imaging than during tapping-mode imaging. Moreover, membrane accumulations on the probe were greater when live XR1 cells were damaged or perturbed, yet membrane did not accumulate in fluorescently detectable quantities during repeated "force curves" during control experiments. Taken together, our data indicate that although AFM imaging of live cells in culture does not affect long-term cell viability, there are substantial probe-membrane interactions that lead to transfer of membrane components to the probe.
Phase 2 trial of daily, oral polyphenon E in patients with asymptomatic, Rai stage 0 to II chronic lymphocytic leukemia

OBJECTIVES To follow-up the results of phase I testing by evaluating the clinical efficacy of the green tea extract Polyphenon E for patients with early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL).
Influenza virus sialidase.

THE sialidase of influenza virus has been investigated quantitatively using the method recently described by Warren1 for determining free sialic acid in the presence of the compound bound to muco-protein substrates. For this work, the substrate used was a mucoid derived from the nest-cementing substance of the swiftlet (Collocalia sp.). The crude material, available as Chinese ‘edible birds' nest’, was extracted with water at 60–65° to yield a product which contained 10 per cent acid-hydrolysable sialic acid and which in high titre inhibited the agglutination of chicken erythrocytes by ‘indicator’ virus. Active virus was sedimented from freshly gathered chorioallantoic fluid by centrifugation at 35,000g for 90 min. The virus pellet was re-suspended in water to a volume 1/50–1/100 that of the original fluid, effecting thereby a corresponding increment in haemagglutinin titre as well as separation of virus from interfering chromogens present in chorioallantoic fluid.
Deposition optimization of W/C multilayer mirrors

The reflectivity of grazing incidence W/C multilayer mirrors can be optimized by progressively refining structural features through sputter deposition parameter optimization. In addition to the configuration of system geometry, the deposition rate, substrate temperature, and working gas pressure significantly affect the multilayer structure morphology. Of these parameters, working gas pressure has an overwhelming effect. The energy and distribution of sputtered adatoms, directly influenced by the sputtering gas pressure, affects the reactivity at and the reconstruction of vapor deposited surfaces. The interface abruptness is therefore affected by working gas pressure. The reduction in interfacial atomic intermixing (hence roughness) generally follows with decreased working gas pressure. Correspondingly, the improved reflective efficiency becomes more noticeable as measured from short through long x-ray wavelengths. Structural and reflectivity improvements in the W/C multilayer mirror system, characterized qualitatively using cross-section electron microscopy and quantitatively using x-ray diffraction, will be correlated to an optimization of the sputter deposition parameter-working gas pressure.
Dynamic Modulus Testing and Mechanical Modeling for New Mexico Asphalt Mixtures

This paper presents the laboratory testing and analysis performed to determine dynamic modulus (E*) and phase angle of two plant produced asphalt mixes of New Mexico. Dynamic modulus testing is conducted on three samples of plant produced SP-II and SP-III samples collected from a construction site in New Mexico. To develop mastercurve, dynamic modulus testing is performed at -10, 4, 21, 37 and 54°C with loading frequencies of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5, 10 and 25Hz at each temperature. Data from each test is processed to determine the dynamic modulus and develop mastercurve. In addition, the Wiechert model is optimized to predict the storage modulus master curves for both mixes. Viscoelastic material inter-conversion techniques are also applied to estimate creep compliance and relaxation modulus mastercurves.
DISTRIBUTION OF SELECTED ELEMENTS BETWEEN THE SEED COAT AND EMBRYO OF TWO BLACK BEAN CULTIVARS

Differences in distribution of minerals between the seed coat and embryo of plant seed can affect their bioavailability. Concentrations of iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], potassium [K], and phosphorus [P] in these seed fractions of two black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars (T39 and UI-911) were studied in field experiments conducted on acid and calcareous soils. Seed of T39 and UI-911 at the acid soil site had 34% and 45% higher [Fe], respectively, than at the calcareous soil site. Seed-coat [Fe] in UI-911 was substantially higher than that in T39. In contrast, embryo [Fe] was higher in T39 than UI-911. Mean percentages of the total seed Fe located in the seed coat were 33% and 32% for UI-911 at the acid and calcareous soil sites, respectively. The corresponding percentages for T39 were 14% and 18%, respectively. Although UI-911 accumulated higher percentages of Ca, Mg, and Zn in the seed coat than T39, the cultivar differences were relatively small. Mean percent...
Experimental Study of Single-Bubble Dynamics in Isothermal Liquid Pools: Effects of Fluid Properties, Orifice Diameter and Flow Rate

The dynamics of a single bubble as it grows at and eventually detaches from the tip of submerged capillary orifices in isothermal pools of pure liquids of varying fluid properties is studied experimentally. The transient interfacial behavior around the evolving isolated bubble (from inception through growth, necking, and detachment) is mapped by means of optical micro-scale flow visualization that uses a high-speed high-resolution digital camera and image processing system. Parametric effects of capillary orifice diameter (do = 0.32, 1.0, and 1.76 mm), air flow rate (2 ≤ Q ≤ 20 ml/min), and liquid properties (surface tension and viscosity), on the bubbling signature (growth time, departure diameter, and bubble interval) are explored and highlighted. It is found that bubble evolution, in a first order scaling, can be correlated by a balance of forces due to buoyancy, viscosity, surface tension, liquid inertia, and gas momentum transport at the transient gas-liquid interface.Copyright © 2007 by ASME