cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthetic DNA Delivery of an Optimized and Engineered Monoclonal Antibody Provides Rapid and Prolonged Protection against Experimental Gonococcal Infection

ABSTRACT Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 2C7 recognizes a lipooligosaccharide epitope expressed by most clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and mediates complement-dependent bactericidal activity. We recently showed that a recombinant human IgG1 chimeric variant of MAb 2C7 containing an E430G Fc modification (2C7_E430G), which enhances complement activation, outperformed the parental MAb 2C7 (2C7_WT) in vivo. Because natural infection with N. gonorrhoeae often does not elicit protective immunity and reinfections are common, approaches that prolong bacterial control in vivo are of great interest. Advances in DNA-based approaches have demonstrated the combined benefit of genetic engineering, formulation optimizations, and facilitated delivery via CELLECTRA-EP technology, which can induce robust in vivo expression of protective DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs) with durable serum activity relative to traditional recombinant MAb therapies. Here, we created optimized 2C7-derived DMAbs encoding the parental Fc (2C7_WT) or complement-enhancing Fc variants (2C7_E430G and 2C7_E345K). 2C7 DMAbs were rapidly generated and detected throughout the 4-month study. While all complement-engaging 2C7 variants facilitated rapid clearance following primary N. gonorrhoeae challenge (day 8 after DMAb administration), the complement-enhancing 2C7_E430G variant demonstrated significantly higher potency against mice rechallenged 65 days after DMAb administration. Passive intravenous transfer of in vivo-produced, purified 2C7 DMAbs confirmed the increased potency of the complement-enhancing variants. This study highlights the ability of the DMAb platform to launch the in vivo production of antibodies engineered to promote and optimize downstream innate effector mechanisms such as complement-mediated killing, leading to hastened bacterial elimination. IMPORTANCENeisseria gonorrhoeae has become resistant to most antibiotics in clinical use. Currently, there is no safe and effective vaccine against gonorrhea. Measures to prevent the spread of gonorrhea are a global health priority. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) called 2C7, directed against a lipooligosaccharide glycan epitope expressed by most clinical isolates, displays complement-dependent bactericidal activity and hastens clearance of gonococcal vaginal colonization in mice. Fc mutations in a human IgG1 chimeric version of MAb 2C7 further enhance complement activation, and the resulting MAb displays greater activity than wild-type MAb 2C7 in vivo. Here, we utilized a DNA-encoded MAb (DMAb) construct designed to launch production and assembly of “complement-enhanced” chimeric MAb 2C7 in vivo. The ensuing rapid and sustained MAb 2C7 expression attenuated gonococcal colonization in mice at 8 days as well as 65 days postadministration. The DMAb system may provide an effective, economical platform to deliver MAbs for durable protection against gonorrhea.
The near-wall treatment for solid particle erosion calculations with CFD under gas and liquid flow conditions in elbows

Abstract Erosion caused by solid particles is a complex process involving many parameters. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), in combination with more reliable correlations that are provided in recent years, has shown acceptable performance in erosion calculations for many cases. However, there is an inherent limitation in many CFD-based particle tracking models that treat particles as a point-mass with no volume which can result in significant errors in erosion calculations if an appropriate grid spacing in the near-wall region is not utilized. In wall-bounded flows, such as in pipes, significant gradients are present in the near-wall region and it can lead to noticeable errors in predictions when particles are treated as points in the Lagrangian description of the particle motion. In this study, a general approach is proposed to minimize such errors, by accounting for the particle size near the wall and identifying impacts and rebounding particles when the center-point is one radius away from the wall. This approach is compared to another guideline that was developed that restricts the first-layer thickness (FLT) on the wall to be the same as the particle size. Single-phase air and water flows in a 76.2 mm elbow with particle sizes of 300 µm, 150 µm, 75 µm, 50 µm, and 25 µm are examined and global and local differences are presented. It is found that erosion prediction for particles smaller than 150 µm could be challenging if no special treatment is applied. The proposed approach for rebounding particles at their radius provides reasonable trends for solid particles entrained in both gas and liquid flows. Furthermore, the non-physical erosion hot spots that could be observed for small particles trapped in viscous sub-layer regions, and causing many impacts is investigated by applying various restrictions on particle impacts. Through the comparisons, the responsible mechanisms for the non-physical impacts are presented. Finally, the effect of the secondary impacts of a particle, in contrast to one impact per particle, is examined which suggests that in both gas and liquid cases, the erosion is affected by the secondary impacts and in the liquid flows even more secondary impacts are needed to obtain a realistic erosion prediction.
Benefits And Limitations of Structured Methodologies in Product Design

The remarkable effectiveness of Japanese practices has led to a growing interest in the application of structured methodologies to the processes of product design and manufacture. In this paper we will critically examine some of the unexpected benefits and pitfalls which have been experienced by some major U.S. companies in the application of these methods to current products. While unexpected benefits have been achieved, it is also shown that rigid application of oversimplified rules has been seriously counterproductive.
Analysis of the structural specificity of the lactose permease toward sugars.

Abstract The sugar specificity properties of the lactose permease were investigated. Free galactose was shown to competitively inhibit the lactose permease yielding a Ki value of 7.4 mM. This value was severalfold higher than the observed Km for lactose (1.3 mM). A variety of other monosaccharides also showed significant inhibition of lactose transport. With regard to -OH groups along the galactose ring it appears that the relative importance is OH-3 greater than OH-4 greater than OH-6 greater than OH-2 greater than OH-1. In general, galactosides with alpha-linkages exhibited significantly higher affinities compared with their beta-linked counterparts. An optimal size for the aglycone portion of the galactoside was reached with aglycones containing hexose residues or a benzene ring. The preferred size of the aglycone appears to be hexose, benzene ring greater than methyl group greater than no aglycone much greater than disaccharide greater than trisaccharide. However, neither the specific structure of the aglycone nor its relative hydrophobicity appeared to be important factors in permease recognition. For example, the hydrophobic beta-nitrophenyl-galactosides had lower affinities compared with lactose (a beta-galactoside), whereas the alpha-nitrophenylgalactosides generally had higher affinities compared with melibiose (an alpha-galactoside). In addition, no consistent preference was seen when considering the location of the nitro group on the benzene ring. From this work, a model is presented which depicts the binding of galactosides to the lactose permease.
Medical and Illness Narratives

This entry presents an overview of some major themes in scholarly studies of medical and illness narratives, with particular emphasis on the work of medical anthropologists. It includes discussion of illness versus disease, explanatory models, clinical narratives, narrative surrender, metaphor, and genre. Keywords: communication; ethnography; medical anthropology; medicine
Solving logistics and transportation problems in a job shop

A discrete event simulation model was developed to study the flow of material and product in a shop floor. It uses real time data available from a job shop sole dedicated to noncommercial contracts and as such deals with very seasonal demand. The objective of this model is to provide the shop with a decision support tool that will assist in evaluating the movement of products throughout the shop. The simulation will be useful in assessing the length of queues formed at each shop as well as in pointing out bottlenecks. Actual operational and flow data are utilized in developing the model. The simulation is implemented using the Arena software (Kelton 1997). In effect, the model is to be used for a better understanding of operation of the shop floor and better utilization of all the available resources.
Development of the zinc/bromine battery at Johnson Controls Inc

The development of a zinc/bromine battery system which combines attractive energy density and a potential for long cycle life at low cost is presented. The battery uses an all-plastic construction that includes carbon-filled polyethylene electrodes. Complexation of bromine lowers its reactivity, thereby minimizing self-discharge and corrosion problems. A 50 kWh zinc/bromine battery designed for testing in a Ford Aerostar minivan is described, and test results are presented. Test results from its use as a 20 kWh load management battery are also presented. A third potential application of the system, as a high-power reserve-type battery, is discussed. >
Acetaminophen-Related Acute Renal Failure without Fulminant Liver Failure

Background. Our patient experienced acute renal failure but not fulminant hepatic failure from acetaminophen toxicity. Objective. To review the clinical and laboratory characteristics of similar cases of acetaminophen nephrotoxicity. Methods. A MEDLINE search and medical record search at two large teaching hospitals. Results. We reviewed our index case, a patient at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and 34 additional patients with acetaminophen nephrotoxicity reported in the literature. Oliguria was present in 23 of 31 patients. There was no difference in peak serum creatinine levels between patients treated with N-acetylcysteine and those not treated. The onset of acute renal failure was from 2–5 days after overdose, and peak serum creatinine levels occurred 3–16 days (average 7.3 days) after overdose. Thirteen patients required hemodialysis; all but one were oliguric. Renal failure was spontaneously reversible in all patients. Conclusion. Although uncommon, it is possible to have acute renal failure due to acetaminophen toxicity in the absence of fulminant hepatic failure.
Undamped Single Degree-of-Freedom System

It is not always possible to obtain rigorous mathematical solutions for engineering problems. In fact, analytical solutions can be obtained only for certain simplified situations. For problems involving complex material properties, loading, and boundary conditions, the engineer introduces assumptions and idealizations deemed necessary to make the problem mathematically manageable but still capable of providing sufficiently approximate solutions and satisfactory results from the point of view of safety and economy. The link between the real physical system and the mathematically feasible solution is provided by the mathematical model which is the symbolic designation for the substitute idealized system including all the assumptions imposed on the physical problem.
Thin film metallization of three-dimensional substrates

Metallization of three-dimensional (3D) molded polymer substrates by sputtering technology is an exciting alternative to traditional electroless plating processes. The technology offers the ability to rapidly coat the 3D circuit base without the use of precious metal catalysts or plating baths that may be environmentally harmful. Consequently, sputter coating of 3D circuits offers the advantages of high through-put and flexible manufacturing while minimizing disposable wastes. This paper focuses on the critical issues affecting the performance of sputtered thin film on 3D polymer substrates. >
Tapered slot waveguide antenna for Ku-band phased array applications

The design of a rectangular WR62 waveguide fed finline (tapered slot) antenna is presented. The antenna utilizes a tapered E-plane ridge within the rectangular waveguide to provide a smooth matched transition. This type of antenna is targeted for high power phased array applications where dielectric materials are prohibitive. Simulation shows wideband characteristics from covering the full WR62 bandwidth. The antenna is comprised of an all aluminum construction. This type of antenna is advantageous for millimeter-wave antenna arrays where simple feed structures are preferred.
Effect of Mid-Summer Haying on Growth and Reproduction in Prairie Forbs

Mid-summer haying is a common management practice for prairies; plant species could differ in the effect of haying on subsequent growth and reproduction. We examined the effect of haying on prairie species by performing a clipping experiment. For each of seven species, sixteen plants were chosen and half were randomly assigned to a clipping treatment and half to a control treatment. Experimental plants (and surrounding vegetation) in the clipped treatment were cut to a ten cm height in summer for two years. Measurements of plant height and the number of inflorescences were taken on all plants prior to clipping in June and in the fall each year. For many species, clipped plants were smaller than control plants in the fall after clipping. However, after overwintering, there were few significant differences in plant size or reproductive output between plants that were previously clipped and control plants. Some species, however, did show persistent effects of clipping. For example, both plant size and number of inflorescences were reduced by clipping in Lespedeza capitata. Similarly, clipped plants of Amorpha canescens had fewer inflorescences the year after clipping compared to control plants. Future studies should examine long-term effects of haying on plant growth and reproduction, and explore whether such effects depend on plant life forms or flowering phenologies.
Pulse Propagation in a Short Nonlinear Graded-Index Multimode Optical Fiber

We present a detailed analysis of the modal properties, dispersive behavior, and nonlinear mode coupling in graded-index multimode fibers (GIMFs), and lay out a simplified form of a generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equation, which can be used to explore the rich nonlinear dynamics related to the propagation and interaction of light pulses in GIMFs in a tractable manner. We also briefly discuss an application of the presented formalism in the study of four-wave mixing in these fibers. While the reported formalism is fairly general, our presentation is mainly targeted at device applications in which short segments of GIMFs are used.
Effect of acute administration of large neutral and other amino acids on urinary excretion of catecholamines

Abstract We examined the specificity of tyrosine's ability to increase catecholamine excretion by rats. Tyrosine alone among amino acids tested caused major increases in tissue and serum tyrosine, as well as urinary catecholamine levels. Large neutral amino acids (tryptophan, valine or isoleucine) and representatives of other classes of amino acids (glutamate, alanine, lysine or arginine) were unable to mimic tyrosine's action.
C-H activation: the road less travelled to amination.

Intramolecular aliphatic C–H amination reactions are greatly sought-after for the synthesis of N-containing heterocycles, but current methods require the use of highly activated nitrogen sources. Now, aziridination and lactamization have been achieved using fully aliphatic, unactivated, secondary amines.
Chemical bond hardening and molecular stabilization of D+2 in one- and two-color laser fields

We report the first theoretical study of the structure of laser-induced vibrational quasi-energy (VQE) resonance states of D+2 in intense one- and two-color (fundamental and its third harmonic) laser fields by means of the complex-scaling generalized Fourier-grid Floquet Hamiltonian technique. Stabilization and chemical bond hardening for high-lying VQE resonances are observed. It is shown that by tuning the relative phase between the fundamental and the third harmonic fields, the electronic-field potential surface and the multiphoton dissociation rates can be modified significantly, suggesting some degree of ‘coherent control’ of multiphoton dynamics may be feasible.
Preliminary MIPCC Enhanced F-4 and F-15 Performance Characteristics for a First Stage Reusable Launch Vehicle

Performance increases in turbojet engines can theoretically be achieved through Mass Injection Pre-Compressor Cooling (MIPCC), a process involving injecting water or oxidizer or both into an afterburning turbojet engine. The injection of water results in pre-compressor cooling, allowing the propulsion system to operate at high altitudes and Mach numbers. In this way, a MIPCC-enhanced turbojet engine could be used to power the first stage of a reusable launch vehicle or be integrated into an existing aircraft that could launch a 100-lbm payload to a reference 100-nm altitude orbit at 28 deg inclination. The two possible candidates for MIPCC flight demonstration that are evaluated in this study are the F-4 Phantom II airplane and the F-15 Eagle airplane (both of McDonnell Douglas, now The Boeing Company, Chicago, Illinois), powered by two General Electric Company (Fairfield, Connecticut) J79 engines and two Pratt & Whitney (East Hartford, Connecticut) F100-PW-100 engines, respectively. This paper presents a conceptual discussion of the theoretical performance of each of these aircraft using MIPCC propulsion techniques. Trajectory studies were completed with the Optimal Trajectories by Implicit Simulation (OTIS) software (NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio) for a standard F-4 airplane and a standard F-15 airplane. Standard aircraft simulation models were constructed, and the thrust in each was altered in accordance with estimated MIPCC performance characteristics. The MIPCC and production aircraft model results were then reviewed to assess the feasibility of a MIPCC-enhanced propulsion system for use as a first-stage reusable launch vehicle; it was determined that the MIPCC-enhanced F-15 model showed a significant performance advantage over the MIPCC-enhanced F-4 model.
THE PROPENSITY OF STATE LEGISLATURES TO LICENSE INTERIOR DESIGNERS

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify variables to be used in creating a licensing propensity model that would predict the likelihood that state legislatures will regulate the occupation of interior design. RESEARCH DESIGN: The history of occupational licensing and licensing of interior designers was reviewed to explore what has happened in the past and where the issue stands today. The review of the literature identified ten variables to be considered for the model. Data were acquired from primary sources, government sources, and professional associations. ANALYSIS: Frequencies, chi-squares, t-tests, and logistic regression analysis were performed on the variables, using the statistical package SPSS. KEY FINDINGS: Analysis of the data indicated that two variables, the number of lawyers in a state legislature and the ratio of interior designers to the population of a state, were significant. Results indicated that these variables accurately predicted 73% of the cases in the criterion variable, the presence or absence of licensure of interior designers in a state in those states that have addressed the issue. CONCLUSIONS: Since the key findings suggest that licensing legislation is essentially driven by demand, interior designers should study and develop an understanding of politics and the political process. Not only would this benefit them in their efforts to gain licensure but it would make them better citizens who are not afraid of seeking change in government and its regulations.
Origins of bibliometrics, citation indexing, and citation analysis: The neglected legal literature

Historians of bibliometrics have neglected legal bibliometrics almost completely. Yet bibliometrics, citation indexing, and citation analysis all appear to have been practiced in the legal field long before they were introduced into scientific literature. Publication counts are found in legal writings as early as 1817. Citation indexing originated with “tables of cases cited,” which date at least as far back as 1743. A full-fledged citation index book was published in 1860. Two ambitious citation analyses of court decisions appeared in 1894 and 1895. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Simultaneous bilateral malignant glaucoma following laser iridotomy

A case of bilateral malignant glaucoma is described in a 50-year-old white woman 4 weeks after successful bilateral laser iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma. The malignant glaucoma may have been precipitated by systemic hydrochlorothiazide therapy. The condition was worsened by pilocarpine; however, atropine and cyclopentolate opened the angle and deepened the anterior chamber, resulting in resolution of the malignant glaucoma. The clinician must be alert to the possibility of malignant glaucoma following laser iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma.
The search for a safe environment: The economics of screening and regulating environmental hazards

Abstract In protecting human health and safety, federal agencies use costly screening tests to gain information on the risks associated with potential environmental hazards. This paper develops a search-theoretic model of the screening and regulatory process. Potential hazards yield benefits that depend on the regulatory action and the hazard's true state of nature. Optimal screening rules are characterized by upper and lower bounds on the decision maker's subjective probability of hazard. Optimal regulatory policies depend on the cost-benefit ratio of regulation. An illustrative example examines the optimal economic use of mutagenicity tests and animal bioassays in carcinogen risk assessment.
Effects of Electrofishing Fields on Captive Juveniles of Two Endangered Cyprinids

Abstract We conducted laboratory experiments to address concerns about potential harmful effects of electrofishing on juvenile humpback chubs Gila cypha. Four types of square-wave pulsed DC in homogeneous fields were tested: 30 Hz (12% duty cycle), 60 Hz (24% duty cycle), 80 Hz (40% duty cycle), and a complex pulse train of three 240-Hz, 2.6-ms pulses delivered at 15 Hz (12% duty cycle). We first determined peak-voltage gradients for each current sufficient to induce the electroshock responses of taxis, narcosis, or tetany in captive-reared early juvenile humpback chubs (49–96 mm total length) and bonytails G. elegans (46–79 mm). Bonytails were intended as surrogates for humpback chubs in most subsequent tests. However, mean voltage-gradient response thresholds were 8–43% lower for humpback chubs than for bonytails. We then exposed 30 humpback chubs for 10 s to the complex pulse current at mean tetanizing field intensity and 60 bonytails for 10 s to one of the four currents at mean field intensities requi...
Exchange across the shelf break at high southern latitudes

Abstract. Exchange of water across the Antarctic shelf break has considerable scientific and societal importance due to its effects on circulation and biology of the region, conversion of water masses as part of the global overturning circulation and basal melt of glacial ice and the consequent effect on sea level rise. The focus in this paper is the onshore transport of warm, oceanic Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW); export of dense water from these shelves is equally important, but has been the focus of other recent papers and will not be considered here. A variety of physical mechanisms are described which could play a role in this onshore flux. The relative importance of some processes are evaluated by simple calculations. A numerical model for the Ross Sea continental shelf is used as an example of a more comprehensive evaluation of the details of cross-shelf break exchange. In order for an ocean circulation model to simulate these processes at high southern latitudes, it needs to have high spatial resolution, realistic geometry and bathymetry. Grid spacing smaller than the first baroclinic radius of deformation (a few km) is required to adequately represent the circulation. Because of flow-topography interactions, bathymetry needs to be represented at these same small scales. Atmospheric conditions used to force these circulation models also need to be known at a similar small spatial resolution (a few km) in order to represent orographically controlled winds (coastal jets) and katabatic winds. Significantly, time variability of surface winds strongly influences the structure of the mixed layer. Daily, if not more frequent, surface fluxes must be imposed for a realistic surface mixed layer. Sea ice and ice shelves are important components of the coastal circulation. Ice isolates the ocean from exchange with the atmosphere, especially in the winter. Melting and freezing of both sea ice and glacial ice influence salinity and thereby the character of shelf water. These water mass conversions are known to have an important effect on export of dense water from many Antarctic coastal areas. An artificial dye, as well as temperature, is used to diagnose the flux of CDW onto the shelf. Model results for the Ross Sea show a vigorous onshore flux of oceanic water across the shelf break both at depth and at the surface as well as creation of dense water (High Salinity Shelf Water) created by coastal polynyas in the western Ross Sea.
Flow regulation has minimal influence on mycorrhizal fungi of a semi-arid floodplain ecosystem despite changes in hydrology, soils, and vegetation

Many riparian ecosystems are affected by flow regulation due to damming. In the arid and semi-arid riparian zones of the western United States, the effects of flow regulation on overstory Populus populations is well understood, but less is known about impacts to other aspects of riparian ecosystems including the herbaceous community and its associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). In this study, floodplain soil texture and chemistry, herbaceous cover and richness, and AMF richness and colonization were compared between unregulated and regulated reaches of the Verde River, Arizona. When compared to the unregulated reach, the regulated reach had sandier soil and lower nutrient concentrations along with lower herbaceous cover and a higher proportion of annual species. Despite these differences, AMF colonization, richness and community composition were similar between reaches. Species of AMF can be sensitive to the identity of the host plant and to soil texture, moisture and nutrient levels; however, conditions between the unregulated and regulated reach of the Verde may not be sufficiently distinct to produce differences in the AMF community. AMF may also have a transient response to flooding and sampling immediately after a flood event may be necessary to detect differences in the AMF community between reaches.
Simulation of fluid mixing using least‐squares finite elements & particle tracing

A least‐squares finite element analysis of viscous fluid flow together with a trajectory integration technique for tracers is formulated and provides a mechanism for investigating mixing. Tracer integration is carried out using an improved Heun predictor‐corrector. Results from our supporting numerical studies on the CRAY and Connection Machine (CM) closely resemble the patterns of mixing observed in experiments. A “box‐counting” scheme and other measures to characterize the level of mixing are developed and investigated. This measure is utilized in numerical experiments to determine an optimal forcing frequency for mixing by periodic boundary motion in a rectangular enclosure. Some details concerning the numerical schemes and vector‐parallel implementation are also included.
Plant spacing effects on net irradiance extinction in cotton

Decreasing the fraction of water that evaporates from the soil (E) is one means of increasing the water available to crops and thereby increasing the transpiration and the water use efficiency of a cropping system. In addition to soil surface wetness, net irradiance at the soil surface (R ns ) is the predominant environmental element affectingE. TheR ns is infrequently measured and is often estimated using an equation of the formR ns /R n = exp (−k · LAI), whereR n is the abovecanopy net irradiance,k is an extinction coefficient, andLAI is the leaf area index. The effect of row spacing and plant population onk was examined for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) grown on a Houston Black clay (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Udic Pellustert). Treatments consisted of 10 and 15 plants m−2 in 0.68- and 0.34-m north-south oriented rows and in a uniformly-spaced pattern. HourlyR n andR ns were measured with a domed and tubular net radiometer, respectively. TheR n was approximately a constant fraction of global irradiance across treatments and throughout the season. Minimum values of theR ns /R n ratio ranged from 0.14 to 0.24. Values ofk, calculated as the slope of the regression of ln (R ns /R n ) with theLAI, ranged from 0.44 to 0.66. Plant population affectedk more than row spacing. Thek value calculated from pooled data was 0.52.
Visualizing DIII-D Tokamak magnetic field lines

We demonstrate the use of a combination of perceptually effective techniques for visualizing magnetic field data from the DIII-D Tokamak. These techniques can be implemented to run very efficiently on machines with hardware support for OpenGL. Interactive speeds facilitate clear communication of magnetic field structure, enhancing fusion scientists' understanding of their data, and thereby accelerating their research.
An Assessment of the Impact of Deregulation on the Relative Price of Electricity in Illinois

Though it's commonly thought that electricity deregulation has, by and large, failed to deliver its anticipated results, consumers in Illinois have benefited from deregulation when compared to what has happened to rates over the past several years in bordering states. This conclusion is supported by a comparison of nominal and real rates paid by different customer classes, theoretical predictions, and consideration of fuel cost impacts and capacity expansions.
Development of an electrochemical biosensor without a sandwich assay

The combination of electrochemistry with microfluidic sample processing is a viable option to reduce the size, logistics load and power consumption of biosensors. Modern microfluidics technology makes it possible to perform sample clean-up, PCR, sample concentration and transduction on the same disposable chip. This presentation will discuss two novel electrochemical techniques which do not require a sandwich assay and can be employed on a disposable microfluidic chip, reducing logistics load and microfluidic complexity. Transduction is achieved via an electrochemical DNA hybridization sensor similar to a molecular beacon removing the need for a sandwich assay also referred to as E-DNA. The sensor is designed where a DNA stem-loop structure is immobilized on a gold electrode with a redox label held close to the surface. Upon hybridization the stem-loop opens and the label pulls away from the surface so that current cannot flow to the electrode under positive bias. This paper will primarily discuss experiments trying to understand the hybridization event and effect of surface morphology on electrochemical signal transduction.
Intra- and Interfractional Variations for Prone Breast Irradiation: An Indication for Image-Guided Radiotherapy

Purpose Intra- and interfractional errors for breast cancer patients undergoing breast irradiation in the prone position were analyzed. Methods and Materials To assess intrafractional error resulting from respiratory motion, four-dimensional computed tomography scans were acquired for 3 prone and 3 supine patients, and the respiratory motion was compared for the two positions. To assess the interfractional error caused by daily set-up variations, daily electronic portal images of one of the treatment beams were taken for 15 prone-positioned patients. Portal images were then overlaid with images from the planning system that included the breast contour and the isocenter, treatment beam portal, and isocenter. The shift between the planned and actual isocenter was recorded for each portal image, and descriptive statistics were collected for each patient. The margins were calculated using the 2 Σ + 0.7 σ recipe, as well as 95% confidence interval based on the pooled standard deviation of the datasets. Results Respiratory motion of the chest wall is drastically reduced from 2.3 ± 0.9 mm in supine position to −0.1 ± 0.4 mm in prone position. The daily set-up errors vary in magnitude from 0.0 cm to 1.65 cm and are patient dependent. The margins were defined by considering only the standard deviation to be 1.1 cm, and 2.0 cm when the systematic errors were considered using the 2 Σ + 0.7 σ recipe. Conclusions Prone positioning of patients for breast irradiation significantly reduces the uncertainty introduced by intrafractional respiratory motion. The presence of large systematic error in the interfractional variations necessitates a large clinical target volume–to–planning target volume margin and indicates the importance of image guidance for partial breast irradiation in the prone position, particularly using imaging modality capable of identifying the lumpectomy cavity.
Redox-Sensitive Disassembly of Amphiphilic Copolymer Based Micelles

Amphiphilic polymers of different hydrophilic−lipophilic ratios were prepared by free radical polymerization using two monomers consisting of triethylene glycol as the hydrophilic part and an alkyl chain connected by disulfide bond as the hydrophobic part. These polymers form micelle-like nanoassemblies in aqueous media and can encapsulate hydrophobic drug molecules up to 14% of their mass. In a reducing environment, these polymeric micelles disassemble and dissolve in water, since the amphiphilic polymers are converted into hydrophilic polymers upon cleavage of the disulfide bond. This disassembly event results in the release of hydrophobic molecules that had been encapsulated inside the micelle, the rate of which was found to be dependent on the concentration of the reducing agent, glutathione (GSH). In vitro experiments also show that the GSH-dependent release of the doxorubicin can be used to effect cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells.
The agronomic landspreading of coal bottom ash: Using a regulated solid waste as a resource

Abstract Within the U.S., approximately 8860 Mg of dry coal bottom ash is generated daily, the majority of which is disposed of by landfilling. The disposal cost varies significantly depending on location. In Wisconsin, for example, in 1987 public landfill disposal costs ranged from U.S. $8.90 to $30 per Mg. However, bottom ash appears to be an acceptable soil amendment which may alter texture and improve tilth by making clay soils more friable and decreasing crust formation. If a generic exemption for this material can be developed with the appropriate regulatory bodies, use of coal bottom ash as a soil amendment has societal and economic advantages. This paper describes the key point of an agronomic management plan. An economic comparison indicates that, based on 1987 costs, agronomic use is only 38% as costly as landfill disposal.
Predictors of Social Workers Employment in Gerontological Work

The rapidly growing aging population highlights the need for social workers trained in gerontological practice and interested in work with older adults. This study, conducted in two southern states, examined recent social work graduates' perceptions of aging-related work and identified factors influencing their employment in aging related jobs. One-quarter of the graduates were employed in aging-related work. Logistics regression analysis revealed that aging-related skills, belief that work with older adults would be depressing, and having taken an undergraduate gerontology class were significant in predicting employment in aging-related jobs. Implications for social work education as well as directions for future research are discussed.
Bacterial Gut Symbionts Contribute to Seed Digestion in an Omnivorous Beetle

Background Obligate bacterial symbionts alter the diets of host animals in numerous ways, but the ecological roles of facultative bacterial residents that colonize insect guts remain unclear. Carabid beetles are a common group of beneficial insects appreciated for their ability to consume insect prey and seeds, but the contributions of microbes to diet diversification in this and similar groups of facultative granivores are largely unknown.
Effect of decorrelation on butterfly search velocity estimator performance

The effect of signal decorrelation on the performance of the Butterfly Search velocity estimator is examined. An analytical approximation for the expected value of the Butterfly Search L(v) function is developed for three cases of interest. The approximations are verified against synthesized echo data. It is found that the peak value of the L(v) function is limited by the rate of signal decorrelation. The performance of the Butterfly Search on synthesized data is calculated for varying SNRs and rates of decorrelation. The results show that improved performance may be obtained by processing and averaging subsets of echo ensembles, rather than applying the Butterfly Search to the entire ensemble simultaneously. For lower SNRs, processing the entire ensemble at once produces equivalent or better results than subset processing. Results from echo data obtained in-vitro are presented which confirm the simulations.
Effects of asimadoline, a κ‐opioid agonist, on satiation and postprandial symptoms in health

Summary Aim: To evaluate the effect of single administrations of asimadoline, a κ-opioid agonist, on satiation volume, postprandial symptoms and gastric volumes. Methods: Healthy subjects received oral placebo, or 0.5 or 1.5 mg asimadoline in a randomized, double-blind fashion 1 h prior to testing. We assessed effects on the volume of Ensure to achieve full satiation and postprandial symptoms 30 min after meal, and on gastric volume (fasting and postprandial) measured by 99mTc-single photon emission tomography (SPECT) imaging. Results: Thirteen healthy subjects were studied in each treatment arm. Compared to placebo, asimadoline 0.5 mg decreased postprandial fullness (P = 0.027) without affecting the volume ingested at full satiation (P = 0.6). Asimadoline 1.5 mg decreased satiation during meal, allowing increased satiation volumes (P = 0.008) and tended to decrease postprandial fullness (P = 0.067), despite higher volumes ingested. There was a significant treatment–gender interaction in the effect of asimadoline on gastric volumes (P < 0.05). Asimadoline 0.5 mg (not 1.5 mg) increased fasting (P = 0.047) and postprandial (P = 0.009) gastric volumes in females but decreased fasting volumes in males (P = 0.008). The effect of asimadoline on gastric volume did not explain the effect observed on satiation volume (P = 0.371) or postprandial fullness (P = 0.399). Conclusion: A single oral administration of asimadoline decreases satiation and postprandial fullness in humans independently of its effects on gastric volume.
Electrons and Protons Accelerated in Mercury's Magnetic Field.

Fluxes of protons with energies of about 550 kev and electrons with energies of about 300 kev which exceed approximately 10,000 and 100,000 per sq cm per sec, respectively, have been discovered in the magnetosphere of Mercury. Electron fluxes greater than 1000 per sq cm per sec are also observed in the outbound pass of the Mariner 10 spacecraft through the magnetosheath. The intensity vs time profiles of the particle fluxes in the magnetosphere appear with sudden onsets beginning at interplanetary background levels and persisting for times equivalent to their being distributed spatially over regions having a scale size comparable to the planetary radius. It is shown that the radiation events observed in the magnetosphere and magnetosheath are transient and are not interpretable in terms of stable trapped particle populations.
Effect of SiGe channel on pFET variability in 32 nm technology

The effect of a silicon germanium (SiGe) channel on pFET threshold voltage ( VTH ) mismatch in 32 nm high-K/metal-gate (HKMG) process is characterised. Additional variability is observed in the SiGe-channel pFET as compared with the traditional pFET with a silicon (Si) channel. Despite the extra VTH mismatch introduced by the SiGe channel, the traditional mismatch figure of merit from a Pelgrom plot ( AVT ) continuously scales down as technology advances from poly/SiON to HKMG process.
Exploring Anti-Americanism in Post-9/11 Editorial Cartoons in the U.S. and Spain

Billed as the first great crisis of the twenty-first century, terrorist attacks on the United States led to unprecedented media attention. What was initially seen as unqualified worldwide support for the U.S. quickly gave way to claims in the U.S. of growing anti-Americanism around the world (Mack 2005, v). This paper uses editorial cartoons in leading newspapers in Spain and the U.S. to investigate purported anti-Americanism.
Noise characteristics and instabilities of long Josephson junctions

The noise characteristics and chaotic behavior of long Josephson junctions in a magnetic field are investigated. In a magnetic field, current-biased junctions exhibit the dynamics of fluxon motion affected by fluctuations. These consist of telegraph noise at voltage steps and instabilities due to chaotic behavior. Results on long junctions with McCumber number ranging from 10 to 100 show such behavior. The telegraph noise is driven by thermal fluctuations. Modeling of the junctions using a perturbed sine-Gordon equation shows chaotic and periodic regions. Some of the chaotic regions are between Fiske steps, while others are at the edge of the Fiske steps. These observations are confirmed by numerical calculations. >
Long-term nutritional and clinical outcomes after serial transverse enteroplasty at a single institution

Purpose Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) is a novel technique to lengthen and taper bowel in patients with intestinal failure. First described in 2003, initial data and reports have demonstrated favorable short-term outcomes, but there is limited published data on long-term outcomes of the procedure. Our aim was to assess clinical and nutritional outcomes after the STEP procedure.
Novel Stapling Method and Device for Nasal Surgery

This paper presents the design and prototyping of a novel stapling device and method intended for—though not limited to—the nasal septal mucosa. The pistol shaped device has two long projections: one for each nostril. The internal mechanism pushes the male portion of the rivet, nearly 10 cm down one tube, where it pierces the mucosa and mates with the female portion. This is all accomplished with one grip of the handle, rotating the input handle only 30 deg. The internal mechanism was designed by solving loop equations for a five-bar, dual-slider single degree-of-freedom mechanism. Components were then rapid prototyped before the eventual functional prototype was completed.
Carotid stenting: a surgeon's perspective.

Background Recent multicenter studies have determined that the results of carotid stenting (CAS) are comparable to those of endarterectomy. Because most of these trials were performed in academic centers, it will be necessary to determine whether similar results can be obtained in community settings. This study reviewed the results of a single surgeon's experience with CAS performed in a university-affiliated community hospital. Study Design All patients were treated with CAS during a 5-year period. Major and minor perioperative stroke and death, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, restenosis, and late stroke were documented. A 2-tailed t -test was used to compare variables between groups. Results A total of 162 carotid artery stents were placed in 149 patients. Ninety-three stents (57.41%) were placed for asymptomatic stenosis, and 69 (42.59%) were placed for symptomatic carotid disease. There were 8 neurologic complications, including 3 transient ischemic attacks (1.85%), 3 minor strokes (1.85%), and 2 major strokes (1.23%). Seven of 8 neurologic events including both major strokes occurred in patients older than 80 years. Octogenarians were significantly more likely to suffer a neurologic event or stroke than those younger than 80 years (p = 0.0004 and p=0.0179, respectively). There was 1 death within 30 days of the procedure, and there were no symptomatic myocardial infarctions. Conclusions When CAS was performed by a vascular surgeon in patients younger than 80 years, the rate of neurologic events was acceptable and similar to the results of carotid endarterectomy in previously published studies. However, the risk of stroke is disproportionately high in octogenarians undergoing CAS. These patients may best be treated surgically.
How general are the effects of trait anxiety and depressive symptoms on cognitive functioning

A total of 3,781 healthy adults between 18 and 97 years of age completed trait anxiety and depressive symptoms inventories and also performed a battery of cognitive tests. Consistent with recent research on cognitive abilities, the cognitive variables could be organized into a hierarchical structure, with 5 first-order abilities and a single g-factor representing the variance common to the first-order abilities at the top of the hierarchy. Analyses were conducted to determine where in this hierarchy effects associated with trait anxiety and depressive symptoms were operating. The results indicated that trait anxiety and depressive symptoms had significant relations at the highest level in the hierarchy of cognitive abilities, but few relations of either characteristic were evident on the cognitive abilities, or on measures of working memory, after controlling influences at the g-factor level.
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty vs Gastric Bypass: 10 Years follow-up

In 1982, a prospective study to evaluate and compare the operations for treatment of morbid obesity, vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric bypass (GBP), was carried out at the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity In Los Angeles. The VBG was performed as described by Dr. Mason with a 5.0 cm circumference Marlex band. The GBP was the horizontal GBP with </= 50 cc pouch as described by Mason and modified by Printen and Griffen. One hundred patients had the VBG and 100 had the GBP. At 10 years follow-up, only 43 of the VBG patients and 46 of the GBP patients can be found. The groups are compared as to the perioperative complications, late complications and weight loss. VBG compared favorably with GBP for control of morbid obesity. GBP yields better weight loss and maintenance at all times of follow-up. Both procedures are equal in terms of morbidity and mortality.
The spectrum of treatment options for obesity

conforming to the currently recommended distribution of macronutrient calories, the very low carbohydrate diet yielded significantly greater weight loss. Caloric intake was similar for the two groups. The implication is that dietary differences in weight loss cannot be expressed solely as a function of caloric intake.7 Given the health and economic impact of the conditions of overweight and obesity, as well as confusion and controversy over their intervention and management, our purpose in this ‘Selections’ is to provide an overview of the most current treatment options.