cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IgD in human colostrum.

ABSTRACT: Simultaneous colostrum (C) and plasma samples (P) from 14 women, 1 to 5 days postpartum, were examined. Total IgD and specific IgD antibodies to β- lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, Bermuda grass, and a-gliadin were measured by solid phase radioimmunoassay. The geometric mean concentrations of IgD were 35.8 (range 2.2-410) μg/dl for colostrum and 591.3 (range 72-4100) μg/dl for plasma. Six subjects had a specific IgD antibody C/P ratio more than 10-fold greater than the total IgD C/P ratio, suggesting enhancement of antibody to a specific antigen in the mammary gland. All six had C/P ratios suggestive of local enhancement of IgD antibody to Bermuda grass, and two met this criterion for enhancement of IgD antibodies to β-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, or a-gliadin. Specimens for these studies were obtained during the peak grass pollen season. Seventeen additional subjects were studied to compare total IgD in colostrum and plasma with total IgG and serum albumin. The mean C/P ratio for IgD (0.055 ± 0.015) exceeded the C/P ratio for total IgG (0.015 ± 0.003) or total albumin (0.020 ± 0.002). For 14 of 17 subjects the colostrum/plasma ratio for IgD exceeded the C/P ratio for albumin or IgG. Data were transformed logarithmically and correlation coefficients calculated. For albumin versus IgG in colostrum, there was a strong correlation, r = 0.865, p = 0.001. This was different from albumin versus IgD, r = 0.489, p = 0.046 and from IgD versus IgG, r = 0.556, p = 0.020. These analyses support a different mechanism of entry of IgD into milk compared to IgG or albumin. These studies also suggest that IgD antibodies may participate in responses of the mucosal immune system.
Interfacial misfit dislocation array based growth of III-Sb active regions on GaAs/AlGaAs DBRs for high-power 2 μm VECSELs

This presentation will overview the growth of an IMF based VECSEL structure operating at 2 μm with an InGaSb QW active region (a0 = 6.09 a) on GaAs/AlGaAs distributed bragg reflectors (DBR) (a0 = 5.65 a). The use of the GaAs substrate instead of GaSb results in a significant reduction in the surface defect density while allowing the use of a mature GaAs/AlGaAs DBR technology. We shall provide photoluminescence results from 2 μm IMF based active regions grown on GaAs substrates and compare the results with the same active regions grown on GaSb substrates. We shall also provide extensive transmission electron microscopy, surface morphology and high-resolution x-ray diffraction analysis of the material grown.
Duality and transformations in multiphase and sequential linear goal programming

Abstract We consider herein a specific type of goal programming model, namely the lexicogrpahic linear goal programming model. Although the two most common methods of solution, the sequential process and the multiphase process, produce the same solutions, the interiors of the final tableaus will differ. We present algorithms which allow one to transform the sequential tableau into the multiphase tableau and vice versa and, in doing so, demonstrate the respective mathematical duals and their relationships. These results are particularly important when performing sensitivity analysis.
The ACAPS and SESPRS surveys to identify the most influential innovators and innovations in plastic surgery: no line on the horizon.

Introduction Who and what have been the most influential innovators and innovations in plastic surgery? This historical paper attempts to determine our most important contributors and contributions. Methods We conducted an anonymous, 7-question, web-based survey of all members of the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons (ACAPS) and the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (SESPRS). We asked respondents to list their top 5 most influential surgeons, the most important publications or bodies of work, and the most important innovations in plastic surgery, past and present. Results Of the 86 nominees from ACAPS, the 15 most influential surgeons of the past century were Tessier, Buncke, Murray, Millard, Gillies, Mathes, Jurkiewicz, Taylor, Converse, Blair, Kleinert, Edgerton, McCraw, Peacock, and Brown, in that order. The most 10 influential surgeons of the current era are Rohrich, McCarthy, Wei, Lee, Siemionow, Allen, Coleman, Guyuron, Serletti, and Nahai. Of the 112 nominees from SESPRS, the 15 most influential surgeons of the past century were Gillies, Millard, Tessier, Buncke, Murray, Jurkiewicz, Hartrampf, Mathes, Taylor, Bostwick, McCraw, Furlow, Converse, Peacock, and Blair, in that order. The 10 most influential surgeons of the current era are Rohrich, Nahai, Wei, McCarthy, Coleman, MacKinnon, McGrath, Rubin, Guyuron, and Hammond. Pooled from both lists, the 10 most influential publications or bodies of work were Hartrampf's TRAM flap, Millard's cleft lip repair, McCraw/Mathes/Nahai's myocutaneous flaps, Furlow's cleft palate repair, Tessier's cleft classification and craniofacial repairs, Ramirez's components separation, Buncke's replantation/toe-to-thumb transfer, McCarthy's mandibular distraction osteogenesis, Taylor's free flap and angiosome concepts, and Murray's kidney transplant. The top 10 innovations of the 20th century were myocutaneous flaps, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, skin grafts, transplantation, liposuction, bioimplants, distraction osteogenesis, angiosome anatomy, and rigid fixation. The 10 most important, current innovations are hand/face transplantation, fat grafting, stem cells, neurotoxins and soft-tissue fillers, biologic scaffolds, information technology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, negative pressure wound therapy, perforator flaps, and noninvasive imaging. Conclusion Plastic surgery includes a rich history of both incremental and disruptive innovation, which has endowed our discipline with a competitive advantage over other medical and surgical subspecialties. Based upon our past success in managing change, there may be no limit, or no line on the horizon, as to what is possible, provided that we pursue innovation in a systematic way that combines creativity and discipline.
Choroidal Infiltrates as the Initial Manifestation of Lymphoma in Rheumatoid Arthritis After Treatment With Low-Dose Methotrexate

Objective To report the third known and documented occurrence of malignant disease as a complication of immunosuppression associated with low-dose methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Material and Methods We present a case report of a 64-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had received low-dose methotrexate therapy for 16 months in whom blurred vision occurred. An ophthalmologic examination was performed, and prednisone was administered. Subsequently, she complained of sore throat, weakness, and fever. An axillary lymph node biopsy and immunologic studies were done. Results Funduscopic examination revealed severe bilateral choroidal thickening. Findings on the biopsy disclosed a large cell, B-cell phenotype non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Immunologic studies performed on frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue samples showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for CD20 and CD22 and without definite immunoglobulin light chain expression. Conclusion Although the occurrence of lymphoma may be associated with autoimmune diseases, low-dose methotrexate therapy has also been implicated. Because of the increasing use of low-dose methotrexate therapy for classic and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disease is possible.
Reform city councils and municipal employees

The theory of reform predicts that reform municipal institutions should be less indulgent of special interests than are traditional institutions. However, reform city councils have unambiguously positive effects on city employment levels and compensation for municipal employees. These effects are inconsistent with reform predictions.
Input substitutability in multifamily housing construction

Abstract A three input (land, labor and material) translog cost function is estimated with the parameter estimates used to calculate elasticities of substitution. The elasticities indicate that material and labor (not significantly) are inelastically substituted for land and that material and labor are elastically substituted for each other. Additionally, the land for material and land for labor elasticities of substitution are sufficiently close, given the standard errors, to accept the existence of an aggregation index for structural inputs.
School nurse perceptions and knowledge of pediatric toileting

Abstract Objective We surveyed school nurses on toileting conditions in schools, their level of understanding related to normal toileting patterns in school-age children, and whether they are in need of additional resources to promote healthy toilet habits for their students. Materials and methods An Institutional Review Board approved web-based survey with 34 questions was employed; 562 nurses completed the survey and 97% were currently employed as school nurses. Participants were invited via email blasts through national school nursing associations and the Iowa Department of Education. Results Only 48% and 33% of respondents suspected an underlying health problem in children with frequent urination and bladder or bowel accidents, respectively. Despite 61% reporting never receiving information about children’s normal elimination patterns, 43% had been asked to provide such information to teachers. Only 42% felt they had adequate resources to respond to such requests. School nurses requested information about treatment of dysfunctional elimination (67%), health effects of childhood toileting habits (65%), fluid intake guidelines (44%) and improvement of bathroom facilities (39%); 70% were unaware of local providers specially trained to treat children with these problems. Conclusions Our survey results suggest that school nurses need additional information and resources in order to promote healthy elimination patterns in school children.
Assessment of the acrosomal status of membrane-intact ram spermatozoa after freezing and thawing, by simultaneous lectin/Hoechst 33258 staining

We have evaluated the effect of freezing and thawing on the acrosomal status of ram spermatozoa, especially those that withstood cryopreservation as assessed by membrane integrity. To this end, we performed simultaneous lectin/Hoechst 33258 staining, and compared the ability of three fluoresceinated lectins. Ram spermatozoa were treated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled Pisum sativum lectin (PSA), fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled Arachis hypogea lectin (PNA) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled Triticum vulgaris lectin (WGA) and simultaneously with Hoechst 33258 for determination of membrane integrity and acrosomal status. In all cases, three forms were readily distinguished by their distribution pattern. For both PSA and PNA, the most abundant form found in fresh semen consisted of fluorescence on the acrosomal area. This form corresponds to acrosome-intact spermatozoa, as assessed by Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy. Two minor forms showed weak fluorescence on the equatorial segment or no fluorescence on the head. DIC microscopy revealed that both forms were associated with acrosome-lost spermatozoa. WGA labelling showed two forms, one of which consisted of fluorescence on the entire head, albeit more intensely on its anterior segment. Spermatozoa in this form were acrosome-intact by DIC. The other form lacked fluorescence on the acrosomal region, but still showed faint fluorescence in the posterior region. This form was acrosome-lost by DIC. Incubation of fresh spermatozoa with calcium ionophore A23187 for up to 1 h significantly increased the percentage of those forms identified as acrosome-reacted as described above. This was confirmed by the time-dependent accumulation of these forms, as well as by DIC microscopy. At all times, differences among values obtained using these three lectins were not significant. Freezing and thawing led to a decrease of both membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity, irrespective of the lectin used. However, almost all spermatozoa that withstood cryopreservation, as evaluated by Hoechst exclusion, showed intact acrosomes. In this case, no differences between fresh and frozen/thawed samples were observed. These results suggest that the structural integrity of ram spermatozoa is mostly unaffected after cryopreservation, suggesting that it is damage to the plasma membrane that is primarily responsible for the low fertility of cryopreserved samples.
Literal solution for Hill's lunar problem

A computer program for the manipulation of power series in several variables is used to find the first order solution to Hill's lunar problem. The ratiom of the mean motion of the Sun to that of the Moon is kept as a formal parameter. The series inm are known to converge very poorly. It is shown how efficient algorithms among them the Lie transformation allow us to compute the series inm as far as they are needed. When the series are evaluated at Brown's numerical value form the results achieve or exceed his accuracy.
The effects of false negative feedback on efficacy expectancies and sexual arousal in sexually functional males

The effects of low efficacy expectancies on sexual arousal in sexually functional men were examined. Twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to either a false negative feedback group or a no-feedback group. Measures of physiological arousal, subjective arousal, efficacy expectancies, and affect were obtained. After viewing two erotic films, participants in the false feedback group were told that their response was less than that of the average participant. Participants in the control group did not receive any feedback. Results indicated that false feedback lowered the level of efficacy expectancies and led to a significant decline in physiological response to a third erotic film. Moreover, post-feedback efficacy expectancies were strongly associated with physiological response to the third film. Counter to predictions and despite its effects on physiological arousal, false feedback did not lead to a significant decline in subjective arousal or an increase in negative affect. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of cognitive factors in the etiology and treatment of sexual dysfunction.
Microgravity control of autophagy modulates osteoclastogenesis

Evidence indicates that astronauts experience significant bone loss during space mission. Recently, we used the NASA developed rotary cell culture system (RCCS) to simulate microgravity (μXg) conditions and demonstrated increased osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow cultures. Autophagy is a cellular recycling process of nutrients. Therefore, we hypothesize that μXg control of autophagy modulates osteoclastogenesis. Real-time PCR analysis of total RNA isolated from mouse bone marrow derived non-adherent cells subjected to modeled μXg showed a significant increase in autophagic marker Atg5, LC3 and Atg16L mRNA expression compared to ground based control (Xg) cultures. Western blot analysis of total cell lysates identified an 8.0-fold and 7.0-fold increase in the Atg5 and LC3-II expression, respectively. Confocal microscopy demonstrated an increased autophagosome formation in μXg subjected RAW 264.7 preosteoclast cells. RT2 profiler PCR array screening for autophagy related genes identified that μXg upregulates intracellular signaling molecules associated with autophagy, autophagosome components and inflammatory cytokines/growth factors which coregulate autophagy in RAW 264.7 preosteoclast cells. Autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment of mouse bone marrow derived non-adherent mononuclear cells showed a significant decrease in μXg induced Atg5 and LC3 mRNA expression in the presence or absence of RANK ligand (RANKL) stimulation. Furthermore, RANKL treatment significantly increased (8-fold) p-CREB transcription factor levels under μXg as compared to Xg cultures and 3-MA inhibited RANKL increased p-CREB expression in these cells. Also, 3-MA suppresses μXg elevated osteoclast differentiation in mouse bone marrow cultures. Thus, our results suggest that μXg induced autophagy plays an important role in enhanced osteoclast differentiation and could be a potential therapeutic target to prevent bone loss in astronauts during space flight missions.
Why so slow? : the advancement of women

Gender schemas at work gender begins - and continues - at home learning about gender biology and behaviour biology and cognition schemas that explain behaviour evaluating women and men effects on the self interpreting success and failure women in the professions women in academia professional performance and human values affirmative action and the law remedies.
Common carp implanted with prostaglandin F2α release a sex pheromone complex that attracts conspecific males in both the laboratory and field.

When ovulated, female fish of many species are known to release a F-prostaglandin-derived sex pheromone that attracts conspecific males. Recently, this pheromone was identified in the common carp as a mixture of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and unidentified body metabolites, which we termed a ‘pheromone complex.’ The present study sought to test the activity of this pheromone complex in the field by developing a system using carps implanted with PGF2α as pheromone donors. An initial experiment determined that osmotic pumps that delivered up to 0.4 mg of PGF2α per hour could be implanted into carp without any apparent effects on their health. A second experiment found that PGF2α-implanted male and female carp released biologically relevant (and equivalent) quantities of PGF2α, along with two of its seemingly inactive metabolites, for up to 2 weeks. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the odor of PGF2α-implanted carp was highly attractive to male conspecifics, and included necessary body metabolites; it attracted males as strongly as ovulated carp odor, and much better than PGF2α alone. Finally, a field test demonstrated that PGF2α-implanted female carp attracted mature male, but not female carp, from a distance of 20 m. This is the first demonstration of the activity of a PGF2α-based pheromone in a natural environment and confirms the use of a PGF-pheromone complex in the carp. We suggest that the implant technique may be useful in future studies of how PGF pheromones function and could be further developed to attract invasive fish for use in control.
Health, Health Care Reform, and the Care of Health:

This article explores the pressures bearing on health care systems in advanced industrialized countries, particularly the United States, drawing on Geoffrey Vickers's concepts that direct attention to systemic interactions between individual health and the “health-supporting milieus” and between health and other aspects of public policy. It argues that more coordinated policies over a broad front, the management of expectations, and the development of a less technically oriented, more caring health system will all be necessary if a healthy longevity and greater equality of health are to be achieved.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE ADRENAL GLANDS OF THE MONGOOSE.

Adrenal glands from mongooses, classified according to sex, age and reproductive condition, were examined histologically. The capsule, cortical zones and medulla were described and differences exhibited by the various classes were noted. Percentage width of the three cortical zones was computed for the different classes. Similarity in relative weights of glands from animals classified according to age and reproductive condition, as reported in the literature, was reflected in similarity of the histological appearance of glands from animals so classified. Sexual dimorphism in relative weight of adrenals from adult animals was found to be attributable to development of a distinct inner zona fasciculata in adult females. Glands of adults of both sexes were characterized by presence of much connective tissue at the reticularismedulla border. High adrenal weight/body weight ratio in fetuses was attributable to a high degree of vascularization and to presence of many large vacuoles in the cytoplasm of fascicular cells.
Functional MR spectroscopy of the auditory cortex in healthy subjects and patients with sudden hearing loss

PURPOSE: To use MR spectroscopy to study the biochemical changes produced by auditory stimuli in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and to compare these findings with the biochemical changes seen in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Single-voxel MR spectroscopy was used to study biochemical changes in the auditory cortex in 11 control subjects and 19 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. MR spectroscopic signals were measured during three different sound conditions (scanner noise, music, and sirens). RESULTS: A lower MR spectroscopic lactate signal was observed in control subjects during the music stimulus than during the other sound conditions. This music-induced lactate change was not observed in the patients with hearing loss. The other proton metabolites (choline, creatine, N-acetylaspartate [NAA]) remained stable during the different auditory stimuli. However, the NAA/creatine ratio was higher in the auditory cortex of patients than in the control subjects, and was not dependent on the sound condition. CONCLUSION: The detection of stimulus-induced and stable biochemical MR spectroscopic changes in patients with hearing loss may be useful in assessing disease activity.
Inorganic Gels with Nanometer-Sized Particles

Fundamental issues involving interactions and packing of nanometer-sized particles are being investigated as an extension of previous experimental studies on larger submicron particles and in relationship to general theoretical work on colloidal systems. Relationships between particle interaction energies and packing indicate (1) dense gels can be formed in stable systems by minimization of the hydrodynamic radius and (2) dense clusters can be formed in flocculated systems by the use of weakly attractive particles where particle restructuring occurs. Novel techniques for the formation of nanostructures within polymeric matrices are also introduced to address gel cracking problems.
Path Diversity Aware Interdomain Routing

As the Internet becomes the critical information infrastructure for both personal and business applications, fast and reliable routing protocols need to be designed to maintain the performance of those applications in the presence of failures. Today's interdomain routing protocol, BGP, is known to be slow in reacting and recovering from network failures. Increasing path diversity by advertising multiple paths is an effective strategy to achieve reliable interdomain routing. However, designing a scalable and efficient multiple path advertisement to enhance the reliability of interdomain routing is still challenging. In this paper, we propose two path diversity aware routing protocols, D-BGP and B-BGP, to improve the resilience of interdomain routing. The two protocols can establish multiple paths with low routing overhead by exploiting the path diversity existing in the underlying network infrastructure. We evaluate the reliability improvements by simulation.
Performance Modeling of a Power Generation Gas Turbine With Wet Compression

In the last 15 years more than 1000 power generation gas turbines have been modified with an OEM or aftermarket module to generate the wet compression phenomenon where “Hot Day” conditions are present on the site. This modification to the gas turbine increases power, but can produce performance problems including reduced compressor surge margin and possibly a shorter maintenance cycle because of resulting problems present in the compressor such as blade vibration and erosion with impingement of water droplets on the surface of the compressor blades[1]. In the last few years researchers in academia and the private sector have worked to understand the principles behind the wet compression process in order to know in depth how to use the application to best advantage with gas turbines. The main areas of the research on wet compression are thermodynamic analyses, computer fluid dynamic analysis, and the use of operational data. Because present technology is unable to obtain detailed operational data on the evaporation process within the compressor, researchers rely on computer simulations based upon aerothermodynamics and physical measurements of the gas turbines, and assumptions based upon available information. These computer simulations are typically aimed toward explaining the performance data from a specific gas turbine model. Most of these computer simulations are cycle analyses of the gas turbine [2–7], although a few are CFD analyses for a specific compressor using either in-house computer programs or commercial CFD software [8–10]. CFD analysis takes into account the fact that an evaporation model should be used in order to predict how the evaporation of the water droplets occurs through the stages of the compressor. Many of the CFD simulations that have been performed for wet compression assume that the mixture of air, liquid water, and water vapor is at equilibrium throughout the compressor. Also, a single water droplet size is sometimes used for the simulation instead of a size distribution for the droplets. These assumptions simplify the calculations for the software. The results of these simulations may over-forecast the effect of the wet compression and the power output of the gas turbine because of incorrect predictions of evaporation models, or because of the lack of a proper droplet size distribution affecting the calculation. An analysis that properly forecasts the power output of a gas turbine with wet compression is important for design, performance prediction, and operation. The intention of this paper is to show how performance predictions for a power generation gas turbine is affected by applying several evaporation models [2, 4, 5, 7] in a gas turbine model with a detailed, stage-by-stage compressor model. Model predictions are compared with available operational performance data. Conclusions are provided regarding the best evaporation model assumptions for accurate predictions of gas turbine performance with wet compression.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Study of Early Church History

A new feature at the December 1971 meeting of the American Society of Church History in New York was a series of historiographical seminars. These seminars (in early church history, Reformation history and American church history) were designed to give members of the society an opportunity to meet in a somewhat less formal setting than the customary paper-response session and to discuss areas of mutual interest and concern in their respective fields. Each seminar took a different form. In the section on early church, three panelists were asked to present brief statements on recent works in the field.
Risk factors for primary invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease: Increased risk from day care attendance and school-aged household members

From November I, 1981, through April 30, 1982, we performed a case-control study of primary invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections in children in Colorado. Information was collected for 121 (83%) of 146 children with positive cultures and for 196 (67%) of 292 age-matched controls selected at random from birth certificates. Infected children were more likely to have attended a day care center or nursery (DCC/N) and to have an elementary school-aged household member. For attendance at DCC/N, the relative risk was significantly increased only for children 12 months of age or older, and increased with the size of the DCC/N. After controlling for DCC/N attendance and school-aged siblings, children younger than 6 months of age with infection were significantly less likely to have been breast-fed, suggesting a protective effect of breast-feeding. We identified DCC/N attendees, especially those older than 1 year of age, to be at increased risk of primary H. influenzae disease. They could benefit from immunization.
False excuses: Honesty, wrongdoing, and moral growth

To advocate dishonesty as morally acceptable or even praiseworthy is a trickybusiness for both philosophers and laypersons. Since successful lies dependupon a presumption of truthfulness, it seems imprudent to announce the pos-sibility of deception in advance. Despite such worries, many recent moral andpsychological accounts of honesty have argued for a more positive view ofdeception. In
Fertility Preservation Success Subsequent to Concurrent Aromatase Inhibitor Treatment and Ovarian Stimulation in Women With Breast Cancer

Purpose We have previously reported an approach to ovarian stimulation for the purpose of fertility preservation (FP) in women with breast cancer via embryo freezing with the concurrent use of letrozole. The aim of this study was to provide the pregnancy and FP outcomes when embryos generated with the same protocol are used.
Criminal victimization among the homeless

Our study examines the prevalence and consequences of criminal victimization in a quota sample of homeless adults. This already besieged population experienced considerably higher rates of victimization than the general population and those in poverty. A majority of homeless victims could not identify their offender and were the victims of a violent crime. Although we found clear differences between the homeless and the comparison populations in the victimization episode, our results also suggest significant differences between homeless victims and homeless nonvictims. Victims had higher incomes and a greater fear of the streets, were more depressed, had a history of mental hospitalization, and experienced more physical symptoms. Finally, victimization was not a significant predictor of homeless persons' depression and mastery in our sample, unlike the cases of other, more specific samples and the general population. We argue that homelessness may be such an overwhelming life circumstance that single life...
The importance of meteorological data for modelling air pollution using ADMS‐Urban

Atmospheric dispersion models are now being used by some local authorities in the United Kingdom as part of their management of urban air quality. Local authorities are also involved in using air pollution model output in environmental impact assessments for industrial projects, assessing the impact of road improvement or traffic management schemes and environmental health studies. The study, based in Northampton, UK, is concerned with the limitations of the meteorological data available to local authorities. The results indicate that while there is no major problem in the case of long-term average pollution concentration, meteorological data limitations pose problems when modelling individual events, particularly on occasions when higher pollution levels are expected. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society
Ultrastructure of the fungus Ophiodothella vaccinii in infected leaves of Vaccinium arboreum

Light and electron microscopy were used to study the fungus Ophiodothella vaccinii E.S. Boyd in infected leaves of Vaccinium arboreum Marsh. This pathogen produces large lesions on leaves in which host cells are surrounded by intercellular hyphae and penetrated by intracellular hyphae. In this study, we examined details of acervuli that are produced on these lesions, the process of conidiogenesis that took place within acervuli, and the relationships between hyphae and host cells within lesions. Most acervuli developed on the adaxial leaf surface just beneath the epidermis, which also was permeated by fungal hyphae. The epidermis covering an acervulus separated from the underlying host cells as numerous conidia embedded in extracellular material accumulated within an acervulus. The raised portion of the epidermis formed a shield-like clypeus over the acervulus. Mature conidia coated with extracellular material were released through a small pore in the clypeus. A columnar mass of sterile hyphae was present...
Utilization of Three Maturities of Alfalfa by Dairy Cows Fed Rations that Contain Similar Concentrations of Fiber

The effect of alfalfa maturity on ration utilization and lactation performance by high producing dairy cows was measured in a 13-wk lactation study. Eighteen multiparous Holsteins were fed one of three rations containing first crop alfalfa hay harvested at early vegetative (36.1% NDF), late bud (51.7% NDF), or full bloom (51.7% NDF) maturity. Forage to concentrate ratios were 68:32, 53:47, and 45:55 for early vegetative, late bud, and full bloom rations, respectively. As offered, the late bud ration was higher in fiber (34.6% NDF) than either the early vegetative (31.8% NDF) or full bloom (30.6% NDF) rations. Cows fed the ration with early vegetative hay produced as much 4% FCM (32.5 kg) as cows fed the ration containing more fiber (late bud, 32.9 kg) or the later maturity hay (full bloom, 32.2 kg). Milk fat and protein composition were not affected by ration fiber concentration or forage maturity. Average dry matter intake per day and body weight change were similar across treatments. Time spent ruminating was similar for the three rations (6.8 h/d), but eating time was affected by forage maturity (early vegetative, 4.4 h/d vs. full bloom, 5.7 h/d). Cows receiving the higher fiber diet (late bud, 6.2 h/d) spent more time eating than cows receiving the lower fiber diets. Fiber concentration and forage maturity did not affect milk production, milk composition, or body weight change of high producing dairy cows in early lactation.
Gene transfer in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The ability of bacteria to exchange deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) endows these organisms with greater genetic variability and increased capability to adapt to changing environments. Many bacteria have evolved transformation and conjugation systems to effect this exchange, whereas others achieve it through the action of bacteriophages. In Neisseria gonorrhoeae no transducing bacteriophages have been identified, but conjugation and transformation both occur (10). Gonococci are extremely autolytic and therefore release DNA to neighboring cells (19). Transformation with chromosomal markers has been demonstrated between strains in laboratory-grown mixed cultures (32); similar transformation probably occurs in nature. Quite recently, antigenic and phase variation of gonococcal pili has been shown to be due in large part to release of DNA from autolyzing cells, with subsequent transformation of other competent cells in the population by variant pil sequences (32a; C. Haas and T. Meyer, personal communication). Gonococcal transformation has been studied extensively and has proven useful in the construction of isogenic strains for mapping antibiotic resistance genes and biosynthetic auxotrophs, and in studies of molecules implicated in the virulence of this organism (10, 34). Conjugation in N. gonorrhoeae is important because it results in mobilization of antibiotic resistance plasmids, but chromosomal genes cannot be transferred by conjugation (3, 10, 27, 31, 37, 44J. Thus, in the laboratory and in nature, transformation is the primary means of transfer of chromosomal genes. In this brief review, mechanisms of gene exchange will be emphasized, and some speculative comments on possible future developments are included.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on C-peptide and 25-hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations at 3 and 6 Months

The link between African-Americans’ disproportionate rates of diabetes, obesity and vitamin D deficiency may be marked by C-peptide as an indicator of insulin secretion. We hypothesize that vitamin D supplementation will increase C-peptide, a marker of insulin secretion. During 3 winters from 2007-2010, 328 healthy African-Americans (median age, 51 years) living in Boston, MA were randomized into a 4-arm, double-blind trial for 3 months of placebo, 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU of vitamin D3. The differences in non-fasting C-peptide between baseline and 3 months were −0.44 ng/mL for those receiving placebo, −0.10 ng/mL for those receiving 1000 IU/d, 0 ng/mL for those receiving 2000 IU/d, 1.24 ng/mL for those receiving 4000 IU/d (C-peptide increased 0.42 ng/mL for each additional 1000 IU/d of vitamin D3, p < 0.001). Vitamin D supplementation increased C-peptide in overweight African-Americans and may be compatible with other recommendations for diabetes prevention and management including weight loss and increased physical activity.
Coverage expansion and capacity improvement from soft handoff for CDMA cellular systems

Previous research examining coverage expansion due to soft handoff in code division multiple access (CDMA) cellular networks did not address the relationship between the coverage expansion and the amount of carried traffic in the cell. In this paper, we first present a method to estimate reverse-link multicell coverage using a duration-outage approach. Using this, we then proceed to quantitatively analyze reverse-link coverage expansion from soft handoff as a function of the carried traffic in the cell under different propagation environments. Our results show that for modest values of carried traffic, the coverage expansion is almost constant. However, when the amount of carried traffic is large, the coverage expansion can increase dramatically. Next, we examine the dependence of the soft-handoff coverage expansion on key characteristics of the large-scale shadowing environment. Results are presented that quantify the coverage-expansion dependence on the large-scale shadowing's correlation distance (d/sub c/), variability (/spl sigma//sub Z/), path-loss exponent (K/sub 2/), and the correlation between the two-cell large-scale shadowing environments (C/sub Z/). The results indicate that realistic variations in these propagation conditions have a significant, and sometimes dramatic, effect on the coverage expansion provided by soft handoff. Finally, we analyze the capacity improvement from soft handoff and the tradeoff between capacity improvement versus coverage expansion. Understanding and managing the capacity improvement versus coverage expansion tradeoff is critical for achieving optimal CDMA cell-network performance.
Benzoquinone-Hydroquinone Couple for Flow Battery

At present, there is an ongoing search for approaches toward the storage of energy from intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. Flow batteries have gained attention due to their potential viability for inexpensive storage of large amounts of energy. While the quinone/hydroquinone redox couple is a widely studied redox pair, its application in energy storage has not been widely explored. Because of its high reversibility, low toxicity, and low component costs, we propose the quinone/hydroquinone redox couple as a viable candidate for use in a grid-scale storage device. We have performed single-electrode tests on several quinone/hydroquinone redox couples, achieving current densities exceeding 500 mA/cm2, which is acceptable for use in energy applications. We fabricated a full cell using para-benzoquinone at the positive electrode against a commercial fuel cell hydrogen electrode separated by a Nafion membrane. We evaluated its performance in galvanic mode, where it reached current densities as high as 150 mA/cm2. The results from these studies indicate that the quinone/hydroquinone redox couple is a promising candidate for use in redox flow batteries.
Application of a Numerical Model in the Interpretation of a Leaky Aquifer Test

The potential use of numerical models in aquifer analysis is by no means a new concept; yet relatively few engineers and scientists are taking advantage of this powerful tool that is more convenient to use now than ever before. In this technical note the authors present an example of using a numerical model in an integrated analysis of data from a three-layer leaky aquifer system involving well-bore storage, skin effects, variable discharge, and observation wells in the pumped aquifer and in an unpumped aquifer. The modeling detail may differ for other cases. The intent is to show that interpretation can be achieved with reduced bias by reducing assumptions in regard to system geometry, flow rate, and other details. A multiwell aquifer test was carried out at a site on the western part of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), located about 60 kilometers east of San Francisco. The test was conducted to hydraulically characterize one part of the site and thus help develop remediation strategies to alleviate the ground-water contamination.
Developing Cultural Competence in Physical Therapy Practice

Black Lattanzi JF, Purnell LD. Philadelphia, PA 19103, FA Davis Co, 2005, paperback, 444 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-8036-1195-1, $36.95. Cultural competency establishes a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, which in turn allows patients and practitioners to communicate successfully with each other. Health care professionals must recognize the impact of culture on issues of health care access, service delivery models, and willingness to participate in care. Cultural competency is not an easy topic on which to write. Authors must skillfully navigate the uneasy line between offering the type of vague generalities that provide little guidance and making sweeping generalizations that inadvertently reinforce stereotypical viewpoints. Lipson and Dibble, faculty members in community health and social/behavioral science programs, and Black Lattanzi and Purnell, faculty in physical therapy programs, have written comprehensive texts that approach the topic of cultural competence from different but complementary viewpoints. Although each book is well written and comprehensive on certain aspects of the topic, together the texts provide students and practitioners alike with a comprehensive overview of the complex topic of cultural competency. Culture and Clinical Care , by Lipson and Dibble, offers a practical, information-oriented approach to cultural issues that often affect interactions between health care professionals and patients. The book begins with an introductory section that provides an overview of the topics of diversity and culturally competent care. The authors frankly express their views that a text on culture should be used as a way to appreciate the …
Extra! Extra! Read All About It: Newspaper Archives as Archaeological Site Survey

Relative to other historic documents, newspapers have received little attention from researchers as a source of archaeological data. Now that many historic newspapers have been digitized and placed online, this traditionally underutilized resource has the potential to yield new information about archaeological sites, especially those in heavily developed urban areas where sites are inaccessible or have been destroyed. In this article, a methodology is proposed by which archived newspapers might be searched for data about archaeological sites. A case study using newspapers from Allen County, Indiana and its principal city, Fort Wayne, demonstrates the utility of the methodology by producing evidence about many previously unrecorded archaeological sites.
Kikuchi-Fugimoto's Disease in Sickle Cell Disease: Report of 2 Cases

Kikuchi-Fugimoto's Disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is most frequently seen in young women and has been associated with autoimmune disorders such as polymyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is generally a self-limiting disease with recovery time ranging from weeks to months. A typical presentation of KFD includes painful cervical lymphadenopathy, usually consisting of unilateral involvement of the posterior cervical chain. To date, this condition has not been described in patients with sickle cell disease. We present 2 cases of KFD, 1 in a patient with sickle beta(o)-thalassemia (Sbeta(o)thal) and 1 in a patient with sickle cell anemia with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HbS-HPFH). Both patients were young-adult African American females who presented with fever and unilateral tender cervical lymphadenopathy. Extensive infectious disease testing, including cultures and viral serologies, were all negative. Imaging was negative for abscesses. The first patient had a preceding history of benign carcinoid tumor and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The second patient had no history of autoimmune syndromes but was on hydroxyurea therapy at the time of her presentation; the first had never taken hydroxyurea. Treatment strategies included prednisone therapy in the first case and watchful monitoring in the second. Recovery time was approximately 2 months for each patient. Both developed thyroid disease subsequent to their episode of KFD. Currently, both patients are asymptomatic with no recurrence of KFD or active autoimmune disease.
"El discurso es un acero": las metáforas escriturales en la Respuesta a sor Filotea de la Cruz

La produccion literaria hispanoamericana tuvo desde sus comienzos un caracter contestatario y en cierto modo reivin­dicativo, del que se valia para enfrentarse ante los insumos cultu­rales de Espana. A partir de estas circunstancias, y estudiando las condiciones bajo las que se realizaba la actividad religiosa y civil en el virreinato de Nueva Espana, el autor de este trabajo conside­ra el texto de la Respuesta de la poetisa a la muy ilustre Sor Filotea de la Cruz (1689), ejemplo del espiritu contestatario que todavia se manifiesta en la literatura hispanoamericana.
Burst Detection From Multiple Data Streams: A Network-Based Approach

Modeling and detecting bursts in data streams is an important area of research with a wide range of applications. In this paper, we present a novel method to analyze and identify correlated burst patterns by considering multiple data streams that coevolve over time. The main technical contribution of our research is the use of a dynamic probabilistic network to model the dependency structures observed within these data streams. Such dependencies provide meaningful information concerning the overall system dynamics and should be explicitly integrated into the burst detection process. Using both synthetic scenarios and two real-world datasets, we compare our method with an existing burst-detection algorithm. Initial experimental results indicate that our approach allows for more balanced and accurate burst quantification.
Colorimetric Paper Bioassay for the Detection of Phenolic Compounds

A new type of paper based bioassay for the colorimetric detection of phenolic compounds including phenol, bisphenol A, catechol and cresols is reported. The sensor is based on a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly approach formed by alternatively depositing layers of chitosan and alginate polyelectrolytes onto filter paper and physically entrapping the tyrosinase enzyme in between these layers. The sensor response is quantified as a color change resulting from the specific binding of the enzymatically generated quinone to the multilayers of immobilized chitosan on the paper. The color change can be quantified with the naked eye but a digitalized picture can also be used to provide more sensitive comparison to a calibrated color scheme. The sensor was optimized with respect to the number of layers, pH, enzyme, chitosan and alginate amounts. The colorimetric response was concentration dependent, with a detection limit of 0.86 (±0.1) μg/L for each of the phenolic compounds tested. The response time required for th...