cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical calculations of the thermomechanical properties of PbS

The thermomechanical properties of PbS have been calculated by applying the self-consistentfield\char22{}$X\ensuremath{\alpha}$\char22{}scattered-wave technique to a ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{4}$${\mathrm{S}}_{4}$ cubic cluster. The total energy for the cluster is calculated as a function of Pb-S separation and used to obtain equilibrium lattice constant, cohesive energy, equation of state, and bulk modulus for PbS. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Perturbations of the optical properties of mineral dust particles by mixing with black carbon: a numerical simulation study

Abstract. Field observations show that individual aerosol particles are a complex mixture of a wide variety of species, reflecting different sources and physico-chemical transformations. The impacts of individual aerosol morphology and mixing characteristics on the Earth system are not yet fully understood. Here we present a sensitivity study on climate-relevant aerosols optical properties to various approximations. Based on aerosol samples collected in various geographical locations, we have observationally constrained size, morphology and mixing, and accordingly simulated, using the discrete dipole approximation model (DDSCAT), optical properties of three aerosols types: (1) bare black carbon (BC) aggregates, (2) bare mineral dust, and (3) an internal mixture of a BC aggregate laying on top of a mineral dust particle, also referred to as polluted dust. DDSCAT predicts optical properties and their spectral dependence consistently with observations for all the studied cases. Predicted values of mass absorption, scattering and extinction coefficients (MAC, MSC, MEC) for bare BC show a weak dependence on the BC aggregate size, while the asymmetry parameter (g) shows the opposite behavior. The simulated optical properties of bare mineral dust present a large variability depending on the modeled dust shape, confirming the limited range of applicability of spheroids over different types and size of mineral dust aerosols, in agreement with previous modeling studies. The polluted dust cases show a strong decrease in MAC values with the increase in dust particle size (for the same BC size) and an increase of the single scattering albedo (SSA). Furthermore, particles with a radius between 180 and 300 nm are characterized by a decrease in SSA values compared to bare dust, in agreement with field observations. This paper demonstrates that observationally constrained DDSCAT simulations allow one to better understand the variability of the measured aerosol optical properties in ambient air and to define benchmark biases due to different approximations in aerosol parametrization.
Sexually-transmitted disease in female adolescents: effects of psychosocial factors and high risk behaviors.

Background: Although previous studies have reported behavioral correlates of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and psychosocial correlates of risky behavior, research has not examined the linkages between psychosocial attributes, behavioral patterns, and actual STD acquisition within the same adolescent sample. We examined the effects of five psychosocial factors on risky sexual behavior and substance use, and their direct and indirect effects on STD acquisition. Methods: A multiethnic sample of 571 sexually-active female adolescents (ages 13–19 years) was recruited from family planning clinics. Subjects completed questionnaires prior to their gynecologic examination and STD testing. Results: Female adolescents who were heavy substance users, who felt little control over their sexual behavior, and had a greater number of friends who engaged in risky sexual behavior were themselves more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Risky sexual behavior was associated with positive STD status. Subjects who used psychoactive substances during sex reported higher numbers of sexual partners and were more likely to have an STD. Conclusions: This research has identified possible causal paths by which psychosocial factors may influence specific behaviors that are predictive of STDs in adolescent females.
Utilization of transgenic mice replicating high levels of hepatitis B virus for antiviral evaluation of lamivudine

A recently developed transgenic mouse strain which expresses high levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was studied as a model for evaluation of potential chemotherapeutic agents. Lamivudine ([-]2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine), known to reduce hepatitis B viremia in human patients, and zidovudine (3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine), previously shown to be ineffective for HBV infections in man, were used in parallel in this transgenic animal model. Orally administered lamivudine at dosages of 100, 50, and 25 mg/kg per day given once a day for 21 days significantly decreased serum and liver HBV DNA titers in a dose-responsive manner. Zidovudine (approximately 22 mg/kg per day) administered in the drinking water for 21 days was not effective in reducing these HBV parameters as compared to transgenic placebo-treated controls. The serum HBV DNA titers rebounded to high levels 1 week after cessation of lamivudine treatment. Male and female mice responded in a similar manner to these therapies. The results using this transgenic mouse model were similar to what would be predicted from treatment of HBV-infected human patients with lamivudine and zidovudine, and indicate these mice may be useful as a small animal chemotherapeutic model for study of potential HBV inhibitors.
Optical model wave functions for strongly absorbing nuclei

Abstract The extent to which nuclei can appear “black” is discussed, and shown to be limited. WKB calculations are shown to be especially suitable in the case of strong absorption, and to explain many detailed features of exact calculations. It is seen why direct reaction calculations sometimes show the oscillatory angular distributions which are characteristic of “surface reactions.” Study of the wave function just outside the nuclear surface leads to a model for the scattering amplitudes for a strongly absorbing nucleus, permitting a physically-based smoothing of the “sharp-cutoff model.”
Effects of narrative stories on recall

Effects of narrative stories on recall of words using lists of different interitem associative strength after different delayed intervals of recall were investigated. Sixteen lists of 10 nouns were presented to 36 Ss. Each S studies lists of different interitem associative strength. Four of the 16 lists were narrative report lists and were used only to control narrative Ss following instructions. Control Ss received a study time equal to that of their yoked narrative Ss. Ss were required to recall the lists immediately after learning, at the end of session, and either 7, 14, or 28 days later. Significant differences were obtained between the two study groups on a session recall test and on the delayed recall interval tests but not on immediate recall test. Statistical significance was also obtained among lists of different interitem associative strength; recall was greater from lists of high interitem associative strength than from either zero or low interitem associative strength. The results support and extend those reported by Bower and Clark.
Cancer incidence in the multicenter aids cohort study before and during the HAART era: 1984 to 2007

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals declined after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the mid-1990s, but the cancer risk associated with HIV infection during the HAART era remains to be clarified. METHODS: Cancer incidence among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants in the Multicenter AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) Cohort Study (MACS) between 1984 and 2007 was compared with the expected incidence using US population-based data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Age- and race-adjusted cancer incidence rates were also compared HIV by status and over time within the MACS. Exact statistical methods were used for all analyses. RESULTS: A total of 933 incident cancers were observed during 77,320 person-years of follow-up. Compared with SEER, MACS HIV-infected men had significantly (P < .05) elevated rates of KS (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 139.10), NHL (SIR, 36.80), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)(SIR, 7.30), and anal cancer (SIR, 25.71). Within MACS, HIV infection was found to be independently associated with each of these cancers across the entire follow-up period, and KS (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 54.93), NHL (IRR, 11.18), and anal cancer (IRR, 18.50) were each found to be significantly elevated among HIV-infected men during the HAART era. Among these men, the incidence of KS and NHL declined (IRR, 0.13 and 0.23, respectively), the incidence of anal cancer increased (IRR, 5.84), and the incidence of HL remained statistically unchanged (IRR, 0.75) from the pre-HAART to the HAART era. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer risk remains elevated among HIV-infected men who have sex with men, highlighting the continuing need for appropriate cancer screening in this population. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Modeling Simulation and Optimization Study of Fresh Seafood Inventory Ordering Policies Based on Witness

It is possible to reduce the inventory cost by choosing the proper ordering policies. Considering the distinctive nature of perishable products, it is much more important to control the inventory levels properly. In this paper, we select the fresh seafood as the object of our study and build a simulation model based on Witness to analyse the inventory cost. In the model, we consider constraint conditions such as replenishment lead time, price discounts and so on. We also analyse the variation trends of total inventory cost together with the changes of parameters in three models with different ordering policies and obtain the parameters of the optimum policy by comparing the cost in that three models.
The maternal HLA-G 1597ΔC null mutation is associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia and reduced HLA-G expression during pregnancy in African-American women.

The non-classical major histocompatibility complex molecule, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, is thought to contribute to maternal immune tolerance and successful placentation during pregnancy. Genetic polymorphisms in HLA-G are known to influence expres- sion levels as well as the relative expression of individual protein isoforms. As diminished or aberrant HLA-G expression patterns may con- tribute to the development of certain pregnancy complications, we sought to investigate the association between functional HLA-G polymorphisms and the risk of pre-eclampsia (PE) in African-American women. The association between maternal and fetal genotype at six HLA-G polymorphisms and risk of PE was assessed in 372 pregnancies (314 normotensive; 58 pre-eclamptic). We observed an elevated risk of PE (P ¼ 0.00027) in pregnancies where the mother carried the 1597DC allele, a null allele that abolishes expression of full-length HLA-G isoforms. Furthermore, the frequency of the maternal 1597DC allele was highest in the subset of pre-eclamptic pregnancies that were delivered preterm, suggesting an association between the null allele and the severity of PE. We then replicated the association between higher maternal 1597DC allele frequency and increased severity of PE (P ¼ 0.038) in an independent sample of 533 African- American women. Finally, to investigate the mechanistic basis of this association, we measured circulating soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) concen- trations in maternal serum collected during pregnancy in 51 healthy, normotensive African-American control women and found significantly lower levels in women carrying the 1597DC allele (P ¼ 0.012). These results demonstrate that maternal HLA-G genotype is significantly asso- ciated with risk of PE in African-American women and is predictive of circulating sHLA-G levels during pregnancy.
Using Social Networking Sites in Subject Tracing

Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace provide a novel method for tracing subjects in longitudinal research studies. This article describes how the southern site of the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) consortium used Facebook and MySpace to follow-up subjects inaccessible to traditional means of contact. A search conducted on both sites for the profiles of 151 subjects not located by traditional means yielded profiles belonging to 35 users, 7 of whom responded to our communication by agreeing to remain in the study, reducing the number of attritted subjects by 4.6%. The results suggest that Facebook and MySpace do carry potential as platforms for confidential tracing processes, although they may provide limited success when applied to a study’s most hard-to-locate subjects.
A High Gain Transformer-Less DC-DC Converter for Fuel-Cell Applications

In this paper analysis and design of a new transformer-less high gain DC-DC converter for fuel cell inverters is presented. Due to the low input voltage in fuel cell applications a high voltage gain DC-DC converter is required. Typically to meet this requirement transformer based converters are used, with the consequent cost and size increase. As an alternative to the traditional solution the proposed converter provides a voltage gain of 5 in per unit without the need of a transformer. This contributes to a significant reduction in size and cost while maintaining high conversion efficiency. Moreover the proposed converter produces a split DC-link which can be independently controlled. This feature is ideal for bi-phase inverters to produce an AC output from a fuel-cell energy source. Converter analysis, and experimental results obtained from a 1 kW 45 Vdc to 200 Vdc prototype are presented in this paper
Effects of Spatial Intercoms and Active Noise Reduction Headsets on Speech Intelligibility in an AWACS Environment

An experiment was conducted aboard an E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft to assess the ability of spatial intercoms and active noise reduction (ANR) headsets to improve communications effectiveness for air battle managers. Eleven male participants completed four blocks of data collection using the Coordinate Response Measure under factorial combinations of spatialization, ANR, and target phrase location. Results indicate that the use of a spatial intercom led to greater intelligibility, and that ANR improved intelligibility only when used in combination with a spatial intercom. These results are discussed in terms of their applicability to current and future USAF application domains.
Cell cycle analysis of plasmid‐containing Escherichia coli HB101 populations with flow cytometry

The relationship between cell mass and cell number dynamics for bacteria such as Escherichia coli depends on the cell cycle parameters C and D. Effects of plasmid copy number on these cell cycle parameters have been studied for Escherichia coli HB101 containing pMB1 plasmids propagated at different copy numbers ranging from 12 to 122. Determination of cell cycle and cell size parameters was accomplished using flow cytometry data on single-cell light scattering and DNA content frequency functions in conjunction with a mathematical model of cell population statistics. Two independent methods for estimating C and D intervals based on flow cytometry were developed and applied with essentially identical results. The presence of plasmids decreases the C and D periods, mean cell sizes, and initiation masses for chromosome replication by 14, 24, 38, and 18%, respectively, relative to corresponding values for plasmid-free host cells. Plasmid copy number has a negligible influence on these parameters, suggesting that host-plasmid inter actions which determine these properties are centered on the single plasmid selected for replication according to the random selection model established for ColE1-type plasmids.
Telepsychiatry with incarcerated youth.

Abstract Purpose Incarcerated adolescents have a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders but lack psychiatrists to provide ongoing care. Telepsychiatry may provide one solution to treating this underserved population. Methods Interactive video conferencing was used to connect a minimum security correctional facility with a regional telemedicine program. Clinical records were reviewed to examine utilization, demographics, diagnoses, pharmacotherapy, and patient satisfaction. Results During the 29-month study period, 115 youth were treated using 275 telepsychiatry visits. Substance-use, behavioral, and emotional disorders were highly prevalent. Eighty percent (80%) of the youth were successfully prescribed medications. Youth expressed confidence with the psychiatrist’s recommendations but expressed concerns about privacy. Conclusions Telepsychiatry can successfully deliver services to incarcerated adolescents with a wide range of psychiatric needs. A patient-centered approach that directly assesses adolescents’ satisfaction is recommended to ensure youths’ optimal involvement in needed services.
Iterative algorithm for direction of arrival estimation with wideband chirp signals

A time-frequency MUSIC algorithm with narrowband models for the estimation of direction of arrival (DOA) when the source signals are chirps has been developed by Amin et al. (1998, 1999). The present authors consider wideband models. The joint time-frequency analysis is first used to estimate the chirp rates of the source signals, and then the DOA is estimated by the MUSIC algorithm with an interative approach.
T cells expressing the γδ T cell receptor are not required for egg granuloma formation in schistosomiasis

Immunopathology in schistosomiasis consists of a granulomatous response around parasite eggs. It has been established that granuloma formation is mediated by CD4+ T helper cells. However, the role of T cells bearing the gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR) has not been determined. In this study we utilized mutant mice that lack either alpha beta or gamma delta T cells as a result of gene targeting to investigate the relative roles of alpha beta and gamma delta T cells in the induction of immunopathology related to schistosomiasis. Mutant and control mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and granuloma formation as well as lymph node cell proliferative responses to egg antigens were analyzed after 8 weeks. TCR delta mutant mice (lacking gamma delta T cells) displayed vigorous formation of egg granulomas that were not significantly different from those observed in normal controls, both in terms of granuloma size and cellular composition. In contrast, TCR alpha and TCR beta mutant mice (lacking alpha beta T cells) were unable to form granulomas. Moreover, mesenteric lymph node cells from TCR delta mutant and control mice responded strongly to egg antigens in vitro, while TCR alpha and beta mutant mice did not. Our studies show that in schistosomiasis granuloma formation and proliferative responses to egg antigens are strictly dependent on alpha beta T cells. They also suggest that gamma delta T cells by themselves can neither mediate a granulomatous inflammation, nor significantly modify one mediated by alpha beta T cells.
The radiation-induced crystalline-to-amorphous transition in zircon

A comprehensive understanding of radiation effects in zircon, ZrSiO4, over a broad range of time scales (0.5 h to 570 million years) has been obtained by a study of natural zircon, Pu-doped zircon, and ion-beam irradiated zircon. Radiation damage in zircon results in the simultaneous accumulation of both point defects and amorphous regions. The amorphization process is consistent with models based on the multiple overlap of particle tracks, suggesting that amorphization occurs as a result of a critical defect concentration. The amorphization dose increases with temperature in two stages (below 300 K and above 473 K) and is nearly independent of the damage source (α-decay events or heavy-ion beams) at 300 K. Recrystallization of completely amorphous zircon occurs above 1300 K and is a two-step process that involves the initial formation of pseudo-cubic ZrO2.
Exercise as a treatment for chronic low back pain

Abstract Background context Exercise is a widely prescribed treatment for chronic low back pain, with demonstrated effectiveness for improving function and work. Purpose The goal of this article is to review several key aspects about the safety and efficacy of exercise that may help clinicians understand its utility in treating chronic back pain. Study design/setting A computerized literature search of MEDLINE was conducted using "exercise," "fitness," "back pain," "backache" and "rehabilitation" as search words. Identified abstracts were scanned, and useful articles were acquired for further review. Additional references were acquired through the personal collections of research papers possessed by the authors and by reviewing prior review articles on this subject. These final papers were scrutinized for data relevant to the key aspects about exercise covered in this article. Results For people with acute, subacute or chronic low back pain, there is no evidence that exercise increases the risk of additional back problems or work disability. To the contrary, current medical literature suggests that exercise has either a neutral effect or may slightly reduce risk of future back injuries. Exercise can be prescribed for patients with chronic low back pain with three distinct goals. The first and most obvious goal is to improve or eliminate impairments in back flexibility and strength, and improve performance of endurance activities. There is a large body of evidence confirming that this goal can be accomplished for a majority of patients with chronic low back pain. The second goal of exercise is to reduce the intensity of back pain. Most studies of exercise have noted overall reduction in back pain intensity that ranges from 10% to 50% after exercise treatment. The third goal of exercise is to reduce back pain–related disability through a process of desensitization of fears and concerns, altering pain attitudes and beliefs and improving affect. The mechanisms through which exercise can accomplish this goal have been the subject of substantial research. Conclusions Exercise is safe for individuals with back pain, because it does not increase the risk of future back injuries or work absence. Substantial evidence exists supporting the use of exercise as a therapeutic tool to improve impairments in back flexibility and strength. Most studies have observed improvements in global pain ratings after exercise programs, and many have observed that exercise can lessen the behavioral, cognitive, affect and disability aspects of back pain syndromes.
How Godzilla Ate Pittsburgh: The Long Rise of the Japanese Iron and Steel Industry, 1900–1973

From the 1890s to as late as 1960, industrial policy provided vital aid to the development of the Japanese iron and steel industry. Japanese industrial policy proved successful in steel even though public support was much prolonged, subject to political influence, and based on limited forecasting power ex ante, particularly with regard to recurrent raw material problems. Policy success in steel within different time periods suggests that specific targeting mechanisms were less important than the prevalence of market failures within a context of underdevelopment, broad support for industry, and dedicated and capable governmental bureaucracy. By implication, industrial policy in recent years faced greater difficulties insofar as it attempted narrower targeting and operated in a more mature economy.
Effect of Spaceflight on Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Final Cell Density Is Modulated by Nutrient and Oxygen Availability

Abundant populations of bacteria have been observed on Mir and the International Space Station. While some experiments have shown that bacteria cultured during spaceflight exhibit a range of potentially troublesome characteristics, including increases in growth, antibiotic resistance and virulence, other studies have shown minimal differences when cells were cultured during spaceflight or on Earth. Although the final cell density of bacteria grown during spaceflight has been reported for several species, we are not yet able to predict how different microorganisms will respond to the microgravity environment. In order to build our understanding of how spaceflight affects bacterial final cell densities, additional studies are needed to determine whether the observed differences are due to varied methods, experimental conditions, or organism specific responses. Here, we have explored how phosphate concentration, carbon source, oxygen availability, and motility affect the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in modified artificial urine media during spaceflight. We observed that P. aeruginosa grown during spaceflight exhibited increased final cell density relative to normal gravity controls when low concentrations of phosphate in the media were combined with decreased oxygen availability. In contrast, when the availability of either phosphate or oxygen was increased, no difference in final cell density was observed between spaceflight and normal gravity. Because motility has been suggested to affect how microbes respond to microgravity, we compared the growth of wild-type P. aeruginosa to a ΔmotABCD mutant deficient in swimming motility. However, the final cell densities observed with the motility mutant were consistent with those observed with wild type for all conditions tested. These results indicate that differences in bacterial final cell densities observed between spaceflight and normal gravity are due to an interplay between microgravity conditions and the availability of substrates essential for growth. Further, our results suggest that microbes grown under nutrient-limiting conditions are likely to reach higher cell densities under microgravity conditions than they would on Earth. Considering that the majority of bacteria inhabiting spacecrafts and space stations are likely to live under nutrient limitations, our findings highlight the need to explore the impact microgravity and other aspects of the spaceflight environment have on microbial growth and physiology.
Analysis of sequential aliquots of hypertonic saline solution-induced sputum from clinically stable patients with cystic fibrosis.

Study objectives Sputum induction (SI) is a noninvasive tool for sampling inflamed airways. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal duration of collection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The hypothesis was that the duration of SI collection would quantitatively and qualitatively alter the content of the induced sputum. Methods In 10 clinically stable patients with CF (mean ± SD age, 28 ± 7 years; mean FEV 1 , 2.6 ± 0.7 L), SI was performed with 3% hypertonic saline solution at five time points over 20 min. Results SI was well tolerated, with an average maximum fall in FEV 1 of 7 ± 7%. The sample volumes, urea concentrations, interleukin-8 concentrations, total cell counts, and nonsquamous cell counts remained constant (p > 0.05). The percentage of neutrophils decreased from 89 ± 5% to 86 ± 4% (p = 0.03), and the percentage of alveolar macrophages increased 5 ± 2% to 8 ± 4% (p Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus decreased over the 20-min time period each by half a log (p = 0.05 and p 10 ; p Conclusions We conclude that aliquots of induced sputum are similar in clinically stable patients with CF during 4-min intervals, although there is more alveolar sampling after 20 min. When induced-sputum samples are fractionated for research monitoring of inflammatory or microbiologic indexes, power calculations accounting for these variations over time are required.
A population-based cohort study comparing laparoscopic and open cholecystectomies: research in the new millennium.

A population-based cohort study comparing laparoscopic and open cholecystectomies: research in the new millennium
Thermomechanical finite-element model of shell behavior in continuous casting of steel

A coupled finite-element model, CON2D, has been developed to simulate temperature, stress, and shape development during the continuous casting of steel, both in and below the mold. The model simulates a transverse section of the strand in generalized plane strain as it moves down at the casting speed. It includes the effects of heat conduction, solidification, nonuniform superheat dissipation due to turbulent fluid flow, mutual dependence of the heat transfer and shrinkage on the size of the interfacial gap, the taper of the mold wall, and the thermal distortion of the mold. The stress model features an elastic-viscoplastic creep constitutive equation that accounts for the different responses of the liquid, semisolid, delta-ferrite, and austenite phases. Functions depending on temperature and composition are employed for properties such as thermal linear expansion. A contact algorithm is used to prevent penetration of the shell into the mold wall due to the internal liquid pressure. An efficient two-step algorithm is used to integrate these highly nonlinear equations. The model is validated with an analytical solution for both temperature and stress in a solidifying slab. It is applied to simulate continuous casting of a 120 mm billet and compares favorably with plant measurements of mold wall temperature, total heat removal, and shell thickness, including thinning of the corner. The model is ready to investigate issues in continuous casting such as mold taper optimization, minimum shell thickness to avoid breakouts, and maximum casting speed to avoid hot-tear crack formation due to submold bulging.
Bounded disorder file organization

The bounded disorder file organization proposed by W. Litwin and D.B. Lomet (1987) uses a combination of hashing and tree indexing. Lomet provided an approximate analysis with the mention of the difficulty involved in exact modeling of data nodes, which motivated this work. In an earlier paper (M.V. Ramakrishna and P. Mukhopadhyay, 1988) we provided an exact model and analysis of the data nodes, which is based on the solution of a classical sequential occupancy problem. After summarizing the analysis of data nodes, an alternate file growth method based on repeated trials using universal hashing is proposed and analyzed. We conclude that the alternate file growth method provides simplicity and significant improvement in storage utilization. >
Identification and characterization of Shigella boydii 20 serovar nov., a new and emerging Shigella serotype

Analysis of 163 putative Shigella isolates from Canada and the USA showed biochemical reactions consistent with Shigella species, although none of the isolates reacted with antiserum raised against any of the well-established or provisional Shigella serotypes. All these isolates, provisionally designated serotype SH108, were positive for the ipaH gene and the invasion-associated locus. All fermented mannitol, were serologically indistinguishable from each other and showed no reaction in antisera prepared against Escherichia coli serotypes O1 to O181. PCR-RFLP analysis of the genes involved in O-antigen synthesis revealed a common pattern among these isolates that was distinct from recognized Shigella serotypes and E. coli. Between 1999 and 2003, isolates from across Canada were submitted to the National Laboratory for Enteric Pathogens for antibiotic susceptibility testing, phage typing and PFGE. These assays revealed heterogeneity among the members of this serotype. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing with seven antibiotics identified six profiles, with 90 % (45/50) of the isolates resistant to four or more antibiotics and 72 % (36/50) resistant to five or more. All isolates were typable using a panel of 16 phages, with 11 different phage types (PTs) represented. The most common PTs found were PT 3 (64 %), PT 6 (10 %) and PT 16 (6 %). Analysis of XbaI-restricted genomic DNA revealed 16 highly related patterns that were not readily distinguishable from those obtained for some other Shigella serotypes. The World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Shigella has added serotype SH108 to the Shigella scheme as S. boydii serotype 20 (serovar nov.). Strain SH108 (isolate 99-4528) is the reference strain for this serotype.
Light Effects on Space‐Charge Controlled Currents in CdS

The paper describes two types of light effects on space-charge controlled currents, both observed in CdS single crystals with In as an injecting and Cu2S as a blocking contact: 1. interaction of optically generated electron-hole pairs with injected carriers; 2. direct optical excitation of trapped space charge. Photocurrents with a superlinear dependence on voltage have been studied. A new negative photoconductivity effect in CdS is also described and explained by a redistribution process of injected holes and electrons. Es werden zwei Lichteffekte auf raumladungsbegrenzte Strome beschrieben, die beide an CdS-Einkristallen mit In als injizierendem und Cu2S als sperrendem Kontakt beobachtet werden: 1. Wechselwirkung optisch erzeugter Elektron-Loch-Paare mit injizierten Ladungstragern; 2. direkte optische Anregung von getrappten Raumladungen. Photostrome mit einer superlinearen Abhangigkeit von der Spannung werden untersucht. Ein neuer negativer Photoleitfahigkeitseffekt in CdS wird ebenfalls beschrieben und durch einen Umverteilungsprozes der injizierten Locher und Elektronen erklart.
Editorial Commentary: Bloodstream Infection Caused by Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria: How to Define the Best Treatment Regimen?

emergence of CTX-M–type enzymes [3].Presently, in E. coli the CTX-M β-lactamases far outnumber the TEM and SHV types, and are linked with the dissemination of the “high-risk clone” sequence type (ST) 131, associated with increased virulence [4]. In addition, novel β-lactamases of the PER, OXA, VEB, GES, BES, TLA, and SFO families have only added more complexity to this challenging area (http://www.lahey. org/Studies/). We know from systematic molecular surveys that genes that encode for ESBLs are usually found on large plasmids accompanied by genetic determinants of resistance against other antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, sulfa drugs, and fluoroquinolones. We have also become aware that patients who develop colonization or infection with these pathogens often are previously treated with fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, usually are seriously ill, and are exposed heavily to nosocomial interventions and environment [5]. It is interesting that despite our longstanding knowledge of these risk factors, the correlation between cephalosporin use and the emergence of ESBLs persists. Additionally, there are many ongoing issues related to the detection of ESBLs in clinical microbiology laboratories, including a recent shift from phenotypic confirmation with clavulanic acid to lowering cephalosporin breakpoints [6]. These difficulties are highlighted by pathogens such as K. oxytoca where detection of ESBL production in the laboratory is problematic, as the ESBL phenotype is mediated by the hyperproduction of a chromosomal enzyme called K1 that hydrolyzes some cephalosporins but not others [7]. The prolonged time that transpires between the initial detection of bacterial infection and the eventual determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and detection of ESBLs in the laboratory dictates a period of “empiric
Magneto acoustic tomography with short pulsed magnetic field for in-vivo imaging of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract Nanoparticles are widely used as contrast and therapeutic agents. As such, imaging modalities that can accurately estimate their distribution in-vivo are actively sought. We present here our method Magneto Acoustic Tomography (MAT), which uses magnetomotive force due to a short pulsed magnetic field to induce ultrasound in the magnetic nanoparticle labeled tissue and estimates an image of the distribution of the nanoparticles in-vivo with ultrasound imaging resolution. In this study, we image the distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) using MAT method. In-vivo imaging was performed on live, nude mice with IONP injected into LNCaP tumors grown subcutaneously within the hind limb of the mice. Our experimental results indicate that the MAT method is capable of imaging the distribution of IONPs in-vivo. Therefore, MAT could become an imaging modality for high resolution reconstruction of MNP distribution in the body. From the Clinical Editor Many magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, the authors investigated the use of ultrasound to detect the presence of MNPs by magneto acoustic tomography. In-vivo experiments confirmed the imaging quality of this new approach, which hopefully would provide an alternative method for accurate tumor detection.
Effects of heavy ions on rabbit tissues: analysis of low levels of DNA damage in retinal photoreceptor cells.

SummaryWhen suitable precautions are taken, sedimentation of DNA through reoriented alkaline sucrose gradients in zonal rotors can be used to determine small amounts of DNA damage in mammalian cells without resorting to radioactive precursors. Hence, the method is especially useful for studying the efficacies of DNA repair mechanisms in the neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) and the accumulation of DNA damage in the ageing CNS. Here we describe the technique as it has been used to examine the DNA damage occurring in the photoreceptor cells of the retina of the New Zealand white rabbit during the course of natural ageing or after exposure to heavy ions. This article is an integral part of a series of reports of the latter studies (Lett et al. 1980, Keng and Lett 1981, Cox et al. 1981, 1982, Keng et al. 1982). With the same analytical technique, very low levels of radioactive DNA precursors can be used to advantage in investigations of proliferating cells.
Inhibition of dextran edema by proteolytic enzymes.

SummaryEdema of the extremities induced in albino rats by dextran administration, may be prevented by pre-treatment with trypsin and chymotrypsin. Post edema treatment with the proteolytic enzymes causes a regression or diminution of the edema.
Extramarital affairs as occupational hazard: A structural, ethical (cultural) model of opportunity

The media is filled with tales of careers and lives derailed by extramarital affairs often depicting such affairs in organizational/occupational terms: affairs begin in and/or upend organizational ...
Development and Validation of an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Indicator for Mortality After Congenital Heart Surgery Harmonized With Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS‐1) Methodology

Background The National Quality Forum previously approved a quality indicator for mortality after congenital heart surgery developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Several parameters of the validated Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS‐1) method were included, but others differed. As part of the National Quality Forum endorsement maintenance process, developers were asked to harmonize the 2 methodologies. Methods and Results Parameters that were identical between the 2 methods were retained. AHRQ's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases (SID) 2008 were used to select optimal parameters where differences existed, with a goal to maximize model performance and face validity. Inclusion criteria were not changed and included all discharges for patients <18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes for congenital heart surgery or nonspecific heart surgery combined with congenital heart disease diagnosis codes. The final model includes procedure risk group, age (0–28 days, 29–90 days, 91–364 days, 1–17 years), low birth weight (500–2499 g), other congenital anomalies (Clinical Classifications Software 217, except for 758.xx), multiple procedures, and transfer‐in status. Among 17 945 eligible cases in the SID 2008, the c statistic for model performance was 0.82. In the SID 2013 validation data set, the c statistic was 0.82. Risk‐adjusted mortality rates by center ranged from 0.9% to 4.1% (5th–95th percentile). Conclusions Congenital heart surgery programs can now obtain national benchmarking reports by applying AHRQ Quality Indicator software to hospital administrative data, based on the harmonized RACHS‐1 method, with high discrimination and face validity.
Root phenology in an Arctic shrub-graminoid community: the effects of long-term warming and herbivore exclusion

Shifts in phenology have been widely reported in response to global warming and have strong effects on ecosystem processes and greenhouse gas emissions. It is well documented that warming generally advances many phenophases of aboveground plant phenology, but its influence on root phenology is unclear. Most terrestrial biosphere models assume that root and shoot growth occur at the same time and are influenced by warming in the same manner, but recent studies suggest that this may not be the case. Testing this assumption is particularly important in the Arctic where over 70 % of plant biomass can be belowground and warming is happening faster than in other ecosystems. Herbivory may mediate the impacts of warming, and carbon removal from grazing may alter carbon available for root growth. In 2013 and 2014 we examined the timing of root growth in Arctic shrub-graminoid communities in a fully factorial design of plots that were warmed or ambient and excluded or permitted access by large herbivores. Peak root growth occurred two and one half weeks before leaf growth, suggesting that spring root phenology is not controlled by carbon produced during spring photosynthesis. This may uncouple spring root phenology from spring shoot phenology. Consistent with such uncoupling, spring leaf cover was advanced by warming and delayed by herbivory, but neither treatment significantly affected root phenology. Root growth was not driven by soil temperature, and occurred in near-freezing temperatures above the permafrost. Additionally, summer root production appeared to be linked to soil moisture at this relatively dry site, and autumn phenology was not driven by photoperiod as previous studies have suggested. Root phenology was not directly driven by temperature in this system, promoting differential above- and belowground phenological responses to warming and herbivore exclusion. Aboveground phenology, one of the most widely measured aspects of climate change, may not represent whole-plant phenology or indicate the timing of whole-plant carbon fluxes as commonly assumed.
Walter Kohn (1923-2016).

Walter Kohn, who died on April 19, 2016, once said “Physics isn’t what I do; it is what I am.” Indeed, Walter was a world-renowned physicist, winner of the 1960 Oliver E. Buckley Prize for his prediction of anomalies in the phonon spectrum in metals, the 1977 Davisson–Germer Prize with Nortan Lang for their studies of the inhomogeneous interacting electron gas at surfaces, and the 1991 Eugene Feenberg Medal for the development of density-functional theory. However, it was in Chemistry that Walter received the ultimate scientific recognition. The 1998 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was shared by Walter Kohn, “for his development of the density-functional theory,” and John A. Pople, “for his development of computational methods in quantum chemistry.” The Nobel Committee recognized Walter’s work in the 1960s with postdoctorates Pierre Hohenberg (Bell Labs) and Lu Sham (University of California, San Diego) in the development of the density-functional theory in which the properties of a many-electron system can be determined by using functionals of the spatially …
Transnational Capital and the Transformation of the State: Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

The fate of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), currently under negotiation, has been called into question. At issue is the inclusion of the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism that has been included in the NAFTA, CAFTA, and many bilateral agreements. Authorizing corporations and investors to bring disputes directly against governments for adopting regulations negatively impacting market share or future profitability, this mechanism has generated significant opposition, particularly in Europe. This paper probes the factors driving the struggle over this political project. Revealing the mechanisms operating to secure the inclusion of ISDS in the TTIP, these findings contribute to the interdisciplinary debates that have emerged around the rise of a transnational capital class and the transformation of the state. These developments have significant normative implications, the analysis of which contributes to a critical tradition that seeks to uncover processes that have ...
Vibration Analysis of Pump Discharge Lines

Cause and possible solution of the vibrations in pump discharge lines are described. A method is presented to determine the minimum natural frequency of a thin cylindrical shell (pump discharge lines) containing fluid under pressure. In determining the minimum natural frequency of the shell, many existing analyses do not include hydrostatic pressure which is a very significant factor. The method presented herein includes all such factors affecting the natural frequency of the shell. A computer program to accomplish the necessary computations is developed. In addition, using the appropriate dimensionless parameters, graphs were plotted which can be utilized to determine the natural frequency of the pipe under water pressure. This analysis was used for several major pumping plants of the California State Water Project.
Contesting Meanings in the Postmodern Age: The Example of Nigerian Hip Hop Music

Recent years have seen an explosion in the production and consumption of hip hop music in Nigeria. From the MTV Africa Music Awards to the BET Awards, Nigerian hip hop heads have continued to push the boundaries of their music on the international front, linking it, in the process, to a sort of global Hip Wide Web. Yet, despite these breakthroughs, the general perception of the discursive landscape of this music is not altogether positive in Nigeria itself. In particular, the message(s) of the music’s lyrics has been severally described as a venture that has no meaning beyond its noisy character. This is especially the case when the music is being evaluated by older generations of Nigerian critics who do not share in, and are almost averse to, the hip hop culture that has newly ascended as the dominant youth culture. Problematizing these evaluations under five paradigms—crossing, multilingualism, and styling, repetition, inversion of order, meaninglessness, and pornography—this essay contends that what appears as meaninglessness in Nigerian hip hop music inscribes a masked matrix of meanings in the postmodern age. It argues that the elements of the lyrical gamut that are often perceived as meaningless are in fact meaningful and valuable resources that the artists, and by extension their audience members, harness to perform their generational ingroupness and multiplex postmodern identities.