cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic Intestinal Inflammation Induces Stress-Response Genes in Commensal Escherichia coli

Background & Aims Intestinal microbes induce homeostatic mucosal immune responses, but can also cause inappropriate immune activation in genetically susceptible hosts. Although immune responses to bacterial products have been studied extensively, little is known about how intestinal inflammation affects functions of commensal luminal microbes. Methods Microarrays and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to profile transcriptional changes in luminal bacteria from wild-type and IL-10 −/− mice monoassociated with a nonpathogenic, murine isolate of Escherichia coli (NC101, which causes colitis in gnotobiotic IL-10 −/− mice). Colonic inflammation and innate and adaptive immune responses were measured in wild-type and IL-10 −/− mice monoassociated with mutant NC101 that lack selected, up-regulated genes, and in IL-10 −/− mice that were colonized with a combination of mutant and parental NC101. We measured intracellular survival of bacteria within primary macrophages from mice and resulting production of tumor necrosis factor. Results Bacteria from IL-10 −/− mice with colitis had significant up-regulation of the stress-response regulon, including the small heat shock proteins IbpA and IbpB that protect E coli from oxidative stress, compared to healthy, wild-type controls. In IL-10 −/− mice, expression of ibpAB reduced histologic signs of colon inflammation, secretion of interleukin-12/23p40 in colonic explant cultures, serologic reactivity to NC101 antigens, and secretion of interferon-gamma by stimulated mesenteric lymph node cells. Infection of primary macrophages by bacteria that express ibpAB was associated with decreased intracellular survival and reduced secretion of tumor necrosis factor. Conclusions Chronic intestinal inflammation causes functional alterations in gene expression in commensal gut bacterium ( E coli NC101). Further studies of these expression patterns might identify therapeutic targets for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
A Bacillus subtilis locus encoding several gene products affecting transport of cations.

Abstract A 3.6-kb DNA fragment from Bacillus subtilis was found to complement the K+ uptake-deficient Escherichia coli strain TK2420. Transformation with a pKLO61 plasmid harboring this fragment conferred the capacity to grow on a minimal medium containing only 10 mM K+. Insertional mutagenesis and subcloning identified a single gene responsible for the complementation. This gene coded for an apparent homolog of E. coli TrkA. Sequence analysis of the cloned region also revealed three additional open reading frames. These included: a gene encoding a homolog to the czcD gene product of Alcaligenes eutrophus, a lysR-type regulatory gene which was found to enhance Na+ resistance in E. coli NM81 (ΔnhaA) in a separate complementation test, and an orfD with no significant similarity to sequences deposited in Genbank.
Effect of endotoxin to differentially affect cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activities of untreated rats and animals induced with phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene

The effect of endotoxin in decreasing the cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism of aniline, aminopyrine and ethoxycoumarin was examined in untreated rats, and in rats pretreated with either phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. Ethoxycoumarin metabolism was determined at two substrate concentrations (5 microM and 500 microM) to determine the effect of endotoxin on the high and low affinity enzyme activities. In untreated animals, endotoxin depressed both aniline and ethoxycoumarin metabolism by the high and low affinity enzymes by approximately 70%, but aminopyrine was decreased by only 47%. In phenobarbital pretreated rats, endotoxin decreased enzyme activities less than in untreated animals. Aniline metabolism and low affinity ethoxycoumarin metabolism were decreased by only 24%, and aminopyrine metabolism was decreased by 35%. The high affinity ethoxycoumarin metabolism was least affected, being decreased by only 12%. In 3-methycholanthrene pretreated rats, aniline and ethoxycoumarin (500 microM) metabolism were decreased by approximately 45%, but aminopyrine metabolism was only decreased by 20%. In these animals, endotoxin did not significantly affect the activity of ethoxycoumarin metabolism assayed with the low substrate concentration. Endotoxin decreased total cytochrome P-450 level of untreated rats by 32%, of phenobarbital pretreated rats by 39%, and in 3-methylcholanthrene pretreated animals the decrease was only 21%. Heme oxygenase activity of untreated animals was induced most by endotoxin administration and least in phenobarbital treated rats. The data suggest that endotoxin may differentially affect the various isozymes of cytochrome P-450 associated with the metabolism of aniline, aminopyrine and ethoxycoumarin. The results also suggest that the isozymes associated with these activities in untreated, phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene pretreated rats may differ in their sensitivity to the effect of endotoxin.
Next Steps for Citizen Science

Around the globe, thousands of research projects are engaging millions of individuals—many of whom are not trained as scientists—in collecting, categorizing, transcribing, or analyzing scientific data. These projects, known as citizen science, cover a breadth of topics from microbiomes to native bees to water quality to galaxies. Most projects obtain or manage scientific information at scales or resolutions unattainable by individual researchers or research teams, whether enrolling thousands of individuals collecting data across several continents, enlisting small armies of participants in categorizing vast quantities of online data, or organizing small groups of volunteers to tackle local problems.
THE NUCLEAR PORE COMPLEX AND NUCLEOCYTOPLASMIC TRANSPORT

In the past year we have seen two new three-dimensional views of the nuclear pore complex, the discovery of a nuclear pore complex protein that contains zinc fingers, the purification of nuclear localization signal recognition proteins, and the discovery that hsc70 participates in nuclear import. Other highlights include the finding that certain proteins associated with heterogeneous nuclear RNA shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and that a nucleolar nuclear localization signal binding protein, which also shuttles, is located on intranuclear tracks.
Homologation as a lead modification approach en route to a series of lactone-based muscarinic ligands

Previous work identified the lactone ring as a useful scaffold for the design of muscarinic ligands and reported a lactone-based ligand with an IC50 of 340 nM. Using homologation as a lead modification approach, a new series of lactone-based compounds have been designed, synthesized, and screened in muscarinic binding assays. The approach provided a series of compounds with improved % inhibition values and identified the highest affinity lactone-based ligand reported to date. The results of these efforts and the structure–activity relationship for this series of lactones-based ligands are discussed.
Cardiovascular activity in blood-injection-injury phobia during exposure: Evidence for diphasic response patterns?

Exposure to feared stimuli in blood-injection-injury (BII)-phobia is thought to elicit a diphasic response pattern, with an initial fight-flight-like cardiovascular activation followed by a marked deactivation and possible fainting (vasovagal syncope). However, studies have remained equivocal on the importance of such patterns. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence and clinical relevance of diphasic responses using criteria that require a true diphasic response to exceed cardiovascular activation of an emotional episode of a negative valence and to exceed deactivation of an emotionally neutral episode. Sixty BII-phobia participants and 20 healthy controls were exposed to surgery, anger and neutral films while measuring heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory pattern, and end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (as indicator of hyperventilation). Diphasic response patterns were observed in up to 20% of BII-phobia participants and 26.6% of healthy controls for individual cardiovascular parameters. BII-phobia participants with diphasic patterns across multiple parameters showed more fear of injections and blood draws, reported the strongest physical symptoms during the surgery film, and showed the strongest tendency to hyperventilate. Thus, although only a minority of individuals with BII phobia shows diphasic responses, their occurrence indicates significant distress. Respiratory training may add to the treatment of BII phobia patients that show diphasic response patterns.
Some Degree of Power: From Hired Hand to Union Craftsman in the Preindustrial American Printing Trades 1778-1815

Earlier historians have generally believed that this period in American history lacked significant trade union activity, but Lause demonstrates that post-Revolutionary printers not only formed their own local trade associations, but were part of a larger network that connected printers, cobblers, tailors, and other skilled workers into associations
The Winding Road from Employee to Complainant: Situational and Psychological Determinants of Wrongful-Termination Claims

Structured interviews with 996 recently fired or laid-off workers provided data for analyses of the situational and psychological antecedents of both thinking about filing a wrongful-termination cl...
Thermally stable chromophores and polymers for χ(2) applications

Due to the requirements for thermal stability in the fabrication and operation of electro-optic devices, the quest for suitable NLO chromophores and polymers involves more than the search for highly nonlinear materials. We describe here the preparation and characterization of aryl substituted azole derivatives as a class of thermally stable nonlinear chromophores and their incorporation into high temperature thermoplastics as a host-guest array. Criteria for predicting the thermal stability of NLO chromophores are discussed as are the polar order decay properties of various poled polymer systems as a function of temperature.
Fluoride-Promoted Aryl and Allyl Migration from Boron to Tin in 1-Stannyl-2-borylferrocenes

Transmetalation reactions where organotin reagents are used for the transfer of organic groups to boron halides are among the most selective and hence synthetically useful methods for the preparation of organoboranes. We describe here a rare example of the reverse reaction, where migration of the organic group from boron to tin is promoted by addition of fluoride. The bidentate Lewis acids Fc(BMeR)(SnMe2Cl) (Fc = 1,2-ferrocenediyl; R = phenyl (Ph), thienyl (Th), allyl (All)) react with KF at 45 °C to give the rearranged fluoroboranes Fc(BMeF)(SnMe2R) as oily liquids. With an excess of KF, the fluoroborate complexes K[Fc(BMeF2)(SnMe2R)] are obtained, which are readily isolated as light yellow solids in good to high yields. For the phenyl derivative it was demonstrated that the borate salt can be converted back to the fluoroborane by treatment with Me3SiOTf or addition of pyridine, which gives the adduct Fc(BMeF)(SnMe2Ph)·Py as a crystalline solid. The fluoride and pyridine complexes have been characterized...
Differences in population size variability among populations and species of the family Salmonidae

1. How population sizes vary with time is an important ecological question with both practical and theoretical implications. Because population size variability corresponds to the operation of density-dependent mechanisms and the presence of stable states, numerous researchers have attempted to conduct broad taxonomic comparisons of population size variability. 2. Most comparisons of population size variability suggest a general lack of taxonomic differences. However, these comparisons may conflate differences within taxonomic levels with differences among taxonomic levels. Further, the degree to which intraspecific differences may affect broader inferences has generally not been estimated and has largely been ignored. 3. To address this uncertainty, we examined intraspecific differences in population size variability for a total of 131 populations distributed among nine species of the Salmonidae. We extended this comparison to the interspecific level by developing species level estimates of population size variability. 4. We used a jackknife (re-sampling) approach to estimate intra- and interspecific variation in population size variability. We found significant intraspecific differences in how population sizes vary with time in all six species of salmonids where it could be tested as well as clear interspecific differences. Further, despite significant interspecific variation, the majority of variation present was at the intraspecific level. Finally, we found that classic and recently developed measures of population variability lead to concordant inferences. 5. The presence of significant intraspecific differences in all species examined suggests that the ability to detect broad taxonomic patterns in how population sizes change over time may be limited if variance is not properly partitioned among and within taxonomic levels.
Molecular evolution of Holarctic martens (genus Martes, Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae)

Abstract The Bering Land Bridge has served as a major corridor of interchange between the northern continents for many organisms. We investigated the phylogeny of all extant species of Martes (except for Martes gwatkinsi from India) to infer evolutionary relationships and characterize the extent of trans-Beringian movements. Analyses of complete sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and partial sequences of the nuclear aldolase C gene (241 bp) suggested that the genus Martes may be paraphyletic with respect to Gulo gulo . These data supported the fossil record's indication that early radiations gave rise to two subgenera ( Pekania and Charronia ) and that a more recent, possibly rapid, radiation gave rise to species of the third subgenus ( Martes ). Two colonizations of North America are evident, one by members of the subgenus Pekania and another by member of the subgenus Martes . Contrary to hypotheses based on morphological evidence, the “americana” and “caurina” subspecies groups of Martes americana are not the result of independent colonizations of North America. The phylogenetic analyses of cytochrome b data were consistent with the recognition of these subspecies groups as monophyletic clades; however, variation in the aldolase C sequences indicated that these generally parapatric groups may interbreed in a region of limited geographic overlap.
Maple syrup production declines following masting

Abstract Maple syrup is a non-timber forest resource, for which yield depends strongly on natural processes. Past research has heavily emphasized the role of weather and climate in determining sap flow, and the relationship between sap flow and syrup yield. However, syrup yield depends on sap sugar content, as well as sap flow. Although sap sugar content varies widely among years, less is known about the causes of this variation. Drawing on ecological theories for causes of mast-seeding in trees, we hypothesized that a trees’ carbohydrate stores would fluctuate through time in concert with seed production, and that this fluctuation would affect sap sugar and syrup yield. We evaluated weather variables and past seed production as possible causes of inter-annual variation in maple syrup yield in Vermont, USA. Past seed production was strongly correlated with current syrup yield, suggesting that carbohydrate costs of reproduction affect stores. Climate variables were also important for syrup yield, but were only statistically significant predictors after accounting for variation in seed production. Seed production occurs several months before syrup production, and can be used as a way to forecast expected syrup yields, and prepare harvest plans accordingly.
Pitfalls in creation of left atrial pressure-area relationships with automated border detection

Creation of pressure-area relationships (loops) with automated border detection (ABD) involves correction for the variable inherent delay in the ABD signal relative to the pressure recording. This article summarizes (1) the results of in vitro experiments performed to define the range of, and factors that might influence, the ABD delay; (2) the difficulties encountered in evaluating a thin-walled structure like the left atrium in the dog model; and (3) the solutions to some of the difficulties found. The in vitro experiments showed that the ABD delay relative to high-fidelity pressure recordings ranges from 20 to 34 msec and 35 to 57 msec at echocardiographic frame rates of 60/sec and 33/sec, respectively. The delay was not influenced significantly by the type of transducer used, distance from the target area, or size of the target area. The delay in the ABD signal, relative to the echocardiographic image, ranges from nil to less than one frame duration, whereas it is delayed one to two frame durations relative to the electrocardiogram processed by the imaging system. In the dog model, inclusion of even small areas outside the left atrium rendered curves with apparent physiologic contour but inappropriately long delays of 90 to 130 msec. To exclude areas outside the left atrial cavity, time-gain compensation and lateral gain compensation were used much more extensively than during left ventricular ABD recording. By changing the type of sonomicrometers used in our experiments, we were able to record simultaneously ABD and ultrasonic crystal data. However, both spontaneous contrast originating from a right-sided heart bypass pump and electronic noise from the electrocautery severely interferred with ABD recording.
Disease-Specific Knowledge Among HIV-Infected Adolescents: What Do They Know and How Do They Learn It?

Disease knowledge is an important component of medication self-management. We examined HIV knowledge and understanding among 166 HIV-infected 13- to 21-year-olds (53% female, 72.9% African American, 59.6% perinatally infected). Behaviorally infected youth outperformed perinatally infected youth on HIV transmission knowledge and were more likely to report provider discussions about getting condoms and how drugs impair sexual decision making. While youth accurately answered most (78%) true/false questions, many could not define resistance (71.0%), viral load (59.0%), or CD4 (43.4%). Only 29.5% reported knowing either their CD4 count or viral load. Provider discussions about biomarkers likely contribute to greater HIV knowledge and understanding, especially for youth with lower CD4 counts, perhaps because illness triggers extended provider discussions.
Patients' perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine in head and neck cancer: a qualitative, pilot study with clinical implications.

Abstract Purpose To describe head and neck cancer (HNC) patients' perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and their attitudes towards a discussion regarding CAM. Methods We interviewed a convenience sample of HNC patients, using a structured interview tool. Results The participants' perceptions of CAM can be grouped into three categories: positive; open-minded: needing more input; and negative. Almost all of the 14 participants (93%) report that they would be comfortable having a CAM discussion with their physician, although only 43% of the participants had such a conversation. Conclusions Participants' willingness to discuss CAM suggests that HNC patients might be open to learning about their options for participating in needed CAM-related research. The reported lack of CAM discussions, despite participants expressed comfort with them, and potential harms of interactions between CAM and conventional therapy, support our recommendation that physicians routinely initiate discussion with HNC patients regarding CAM usage.
C-H Stretch Modes as a Probe of H-Bonding in Methanol-Containing Clusters

Resonant ion-dip infrared spectroscopy has been used to record infrared spectra of a series of benzene−(methanol)m clusters with m = 1−5 in the O−H and C−H stretch regions. Previous work has used the O−H stretch region as a probe of the H-bonding topologies of these clusters, from which it was deduced that benzene−(methanol)1-3 contain H-bonded methanol chains and benzene−(methanol)4-6 H-bonded methanol cycles. In the present work, the C−H stretch fundamentals of the methyl group of methanol and the aryl C−H groups of benzene are studied. While benzene's C−H stretch Fermi triad is virtually unchanged in frequency from one cluster to the next, the methyl C−H stretch vibrations undergo systematic wavenumber shifts characteristic of the H-bonding arrangement for each methanol in the cluster. Density functional theory calculations on the pure methanol and benzene−(methanol)m clusters faithfully reproduce the directions and approximate magnitudes of the observed shifts and provide a basis for assignment of the...
Carbazole substituted N‐acylated linear polyethylenimines (PEI). synthesis and characterization of poly[N‐(9‐carbazolyl)acetylethylenimine] and poly[N‐(2‐(9‐carbazolyl))propanoylethylenimine]

The synthesis of carbazola substituted N-acylated polyethylenimines, namely, poly[N-(9-carbazolyl)acetylethylenimine] 20 and poly[N-(2-(9-carbazolyl))propanoylethylenimine] 21 by a grafting reaction onto PEI and isomerization polymerization of the carbazole substituted 2-oxazolines is reported. A complete acylation of amino groups in PEI by the 9-carbazolylacetyl groups was achieved by the p-nitrophenyl active ester method but PEI was only partially N-acylated by the 2-(9-carbazolyl)propanoyl groups under similar reaction conditions. The carbazole substituted 2-oxazolines, namely, 2-(9-carbazolyl)methyl-2-oxazoline 18 and (R,S)-2-[1-(9-carbazolyl)]ethyl-2-oxazoline 19, were prepared by a base induced cyclization of s-chloroamides. The ring-opening isomerization polymerization of 18 and 19 in the molten state with a cationic initiator (dimethyl sulfate, methyl triflate, or ethylene glycol ditosylate) gave 20 and 21. Gel permeation chromatography of 20 and 21 obtained with different monomerto-initiator ratios gave evidence of a chain transfer reaction with the monomer. The polymers were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
Neck management in patients undergoing postradiotherapy salvage laryngeal surgery for recurrent/persistent laryngeal cancer.

Objective: To determine a plan for the management of cervical lymph nodes in patients undergoing salvage laryngeal surgery (SLS) for recurrent/persistent laryngeal cancer after primary radiotherapy (RT). Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Charts of 51 consecutive patients who had salvage total or supracricoid laryngectomy with or without neck dissection for recurrent/persistent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after primary RT from 1988 to 2005 in our institution were reviewed. No patients received concomitant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Thirty-four patients underwent SLS along with unilateral or bilateral neck dissection, whereas 17 patients underwent the SLS without neck dissection. Reports of preRT and preSLS staging of the primary tumor and the neck, recorded using the TNM system, were reviewed. Reports of the final histopathologic examination for the excised laryngeal cancer and cervical lymph nodes were reviewed. Results: Thirty-four patients underwent SLS with unilateral or bilateral neck dissection. The preRT staging of the primary tumor for those 34 patients showed that 32 (94%) were staged T-1 (14) and T-2 (18), whereas the preSLS staging of the primary tumor for those 34 patients showed that 29 (85%) were staged T-3 and T-4. The postSLS final histopathologic examination of the excised lymph nodes in those 34 patients demonstrated that 30 (88%) did not have any evidence of nodal metastasis. On comparing patients with and without nodal metastasis (on their postSLS final histopathology), we found that the preSLS neck staging, based on computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the neck, was significantly associated with the negative/positive postSLS status of nodal metastasis (P = .006). Of 29 patients staged preSLS as N-0, 28 (97%) patients did not have nodal metastasis on their postSLS final pathology (negative predictive value = 97%, confidence interval, 82.2–99.9). PreRT neck staging, preRT and preSLS staging of the primary tumor, along with laryngeal subsite involvement (supraglottis, glottis, subglottis) did not significantly correlate with the status of neck metastasis on final postSLS histopathology (P = .68, 0.78, 0.49, and 0.42, respectively). None of the 34 patients had any neck tumor recurrence in the postSLS follow-up period (median, 3 yr). In addition, all 17 patients who underwent SLS without neck dissection were staged N-0 both before RT as well as preSLS, and none developed neck disease in the postSLS follow-up period (median, 2.5 yr). Conclusion: Management of the neck in patients undergoing salvage total or supracricoid laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer recurrence/persistence after primary RT should be based on the preSLS CT staging of the neck. Patients staged N-0 preSLS are not likely to harbor occult nodal metastasis and therefore may not require elective neck dissection.
Role of VHL Gene Mutation in Human Cancer

Germline inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene causes the von Hippel-Lindau hereditary cancer syndrome, and somatic mutations of this gene have been linked to the development of sporadic hemangioblastomas and clear-cell renal carcinomas. The VHL tumor suppressor protein (pVHL), through its oxygen-dependent polyubiquitylation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), plays a central role in the mammalian oxygen-sensing pathway. This interaction between pVHL and HIF is governed by post-translational prolyl hydroxylation of HIF in the presence of oxygen by a conserved family of Egl-nine (EGLN) enzymes. In the absence of pVHL, HIF becomes stabilized and is free to induce the expression of its target genes, many of which are important in regulating angiogenesis, cell growth, or cell survival. Moreover, preliminary data indicate that HIF plays a critical role in pVHL-defective tumor formation, raising the possibility that drugs directed against HIF or its downstream targets (such as vascular endothelial growth factor) might one day play a role in the treatment of hemangioblastoma and renal cell carcinoma. On the other hand, clear genotype-phenotype correlations are emerging in VHL disease and can be rationalized if pVHL has functions separate from its control of HIF.
Lidar system for measuring atmospheric pressure and temperature

The design and operation of a differential absorption lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) system capable of remotely measuring the vertical stmcture oftroposphenc pressure and temperature is described. The measurements are based on the absorption by atmospheric oxygen of the spectrally narrowband output of two pulsed alexandrite lasers. Detailed laser output spectral characteristics, which are critical to successful lidar measurements, are presented.
Behavioral Treatment of Pica in Children with Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning, a serious problem that can result in permanent neurological damage, often results from the ingestion of inedible substances that contain lead. The behavior of ingesting nonedible substances in termed pica. In this study, behavior modification procedures were used to eliminate pica in three young children with lead poisoning. Three kinds of procedures were used: (1) discriminate training, in which the subject was taught to recognize that paint and several objects were not edible; (2) reinforcement for the absence of pica; and (3) overcorrection for the occurence of pica. Pica was eliminated in all three subjects. While it was not always clear which component of the treatment was responsible for the decrease, the sequence used had the advantage of an effictive clinical technique proceeding from least to progressively more restrictive procedures.
Microdetermination of primary amino groups

Summary In the gasometric determination of primary amino groups, crystalline silver permanganate is recommended as a solid absorbent for the complete removal of nitric oxide, the formation of which always occurs to some extent from the decomposition of nitrous acid. Elimination of the wash solutions reduces both the number of connections in the apparatus and its internal resistance, which may give rise to leaks. The time required for the complicated procedure of purging the apparatus free of air is appreciably minimized.
Measurement of enantiomeric excess using molecularly imprinted polymers.

A new method is presented for the measurement of enantiomeric excess (ee) utilizing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The method is demonstrated to be accurate and rapid, as the ee values can be calculated from straightforward concentration measurements. The MIP-based assay can also be adapted to measure the ee of samples of differing initial concentrations.
Estimating the daily course of Konza Prairie latent Heat fluxes using a modified Tergra model

Experimental tests of the Tergra-2 model are based on data collected under moderately wet to wet and very dry soil moisture conditions. Further testing of the model under intermediate soil moisture conditions is required and additional testing under very dry conditions may lead to modifications that make the model more suitable to water-stressed conditions. Combining the Tergra model with a soil evaporation routine should enhance the accuracy of the model and allow it to be employed in situations where vapor fluxes are not almost solely attributable to transpiration.
Thermal performance and reliability assessment of nano-sintered silver die attach materials

Thermal test vehicles were fabricated with three different commercially available die attach materials: two Nano-Sintered Silver (NSS) materials and a Silver Filled Die Attach (SFDA). The thermal resistances of individual components were determined after their initial assembly and as they accumulated a total of 1500 thermal shocks from -55°C to +125°C. Initial testing showed that the package-level thermal resistance of test vehicles with NSS was approximately half that of the test vehicles with SFDA. This improvement was maintained during the course of the thermal cycling, in which the average thermal resistance of all of the packaged devices increased. Finite element modeling indicated that the effective thermal conductivity of the NSS materials was considerably better than the SFDA, but also indicated that the thermal cycling degraded their performance to a much greater extent. Test vehicles with the NSS materials were also more likely to exhibit poor adhesion of the encapsulant, which indicates that these materials may require alternate processing steps to ensure high reliability.
Issues surrounding the promotion of colostrum feeding in rural Bangladesh

The present study examines colostrum feeding in rural Bangladesh using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Both the questionnaire survey results (N = 248) and follow up of (N = 43) mothers showed that colostrum rejection was far from universal. In fact, no infant was totally deprived of colostrum. Almost 30% of the infants were put on the breast within 24 hours after delivery; about half of this group initiated breastfeeding within 12 hours after delivery. This study shows that limited focus on colostrum feeding in the literature coupled with inconsistencies in the definition of colostrum has led to misconception about colostrum rejection in Bangladesh. This paper suggests the nutritive and immunologic benefits of colostrum should be viewed on a scale with maximum and minimum points. Depending on how soon the mother puts the infant on the breast after delivery, the extent to which it is deprived of colostrum can be assessed. Such an approach will help to distinguish between total an...
Spectrograph, filtergraph and magnetograph observations of the two-ribbon flare of 29 July, 1973

We present high resolution detailed observations of the class 3N two-ribbon flare of 1973, July 29 (McMath 12461), which was associated with the disappearance of a large filament (‘disparition brusque’). This flare occurred in a diffuse bipolar magnetic region completely devoid of sunspots, and was further associated with a type IV radio burst and a soft X-ray event. Extensive Hα filtergraph, spectrograph and magnetograph records during the main phase of the flare suggest that downfalling and streaming material is present on both ribbons for several hours during the Hα emission enhancement, but only at a small number of points located both on and off the ribbons. We find a poor spatial correspondence between bright emission knots in the Hα ribbons and the positions of the observed downward motion. We conclude that the model of infall-impact of Hyder (1967a, b) is not consistent with our filtergraph and spectrograph observations.
Thermal history simulation of Czochralski silicon crystals and its application to the study of defects formation during crystal growth

A finite element quasi-steady-state modeling of temperature distribution during the growth of a silicon crystal by the Czochralski (CZ) method is presented. Computations are performed for a comprehensive geometrical model of an actual CZ puller, accounting for detailed radiation heat exchange and introducing a reviewed set of temperature-dependent thermophysical properties. The crystal growth process is simulated step-wise, with automatic update of the mesh at each successive growth step. Temperature and pull rate data are then input to a mathematical routine for the calculation of the dwell time for user-defined temperature intervals and crystal position. Applications of this simulation tool for the interpretation of crystal quality characteristics such as oxygen precipitation and light scattering defect axial profiles are presented.
Serum estradiol and progesterone levels of the laying turkey hen following acute treatment with mammalian luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone.

Experiments were conducted to determine if a single intravenous injection of luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) would elicit an increase in serum progesterone (P) or estradiol (E) in the laying turkey. In all experiments, hens were used at 4–5 hr after oviposition when endogenous E and P were expected to be low. All E and P determinations were done by RIA. In Expt 1, hens were bled, then injected with 100, 250, 500 or 1000 μg of NIH-LH-B9 and bled again 5 and 30 min later. Increases in P were found with 100 and 500 μg of LH (P < 0.05) and 250 and 1000 μg LH (P < 0.01). E was increased by 250 (P < 0.01) and 1000 μg LH (P < 0.05). In Expt II, hens were bled, then injected with 250, 500, 750, or 1000 μg FSH-P (Armour-Baldwin Laboratories) and bled again 5 and 30 min later. P was increased by 500, 750, and 1000 μg of FSH (P < 0.01), while E levels were elevated by 250, 500, and 1000 μg FSH (P < 0.05). Therefore, the administration of either LH or FSH has a steroidogenic action on the turkey ovary eliciting rapid increases in serum P and E.
Acute toxicology to an estuarine teleost of mixtures of cadmium, copper and zinc salts

Effects of mixtures of chloride salts of cadmium, copper and zinc on survival, whole body residues, and histopathology of mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus (L.), were investigated in synthetic sea water at 20‰ salinity and 20°C. Mixtures of Cu2+ and Zn2+ as indicated by 96 h bioassay studies produced more deaths than expected on the basis of toxicities of individual components. Concentrations of Cd2+ not ordinarily lethal exerted a negative effect on survival of fish intoxicated by salts of copper, zinc, or both. Atomic absorption determinations of Cd, Cu, and Zn residues in mummichog which survived 96 h exposures to each of these toxicants provided useful indices of total body burdens for these metals. Residues from survivors held in mixtures, especially Cd2+ and Zn2+ mixtures, did not conform to patterns observed for single elements. Whole body aggregates of Cd, Cu, and Zn from dead mummichogs were of limited worth owing to possible accumulation of these metals from the medium after death. Renal and lateral line canal lesions were noted in all fish subjected to copper concentrations of 1 mg/1 and higher. Renal lesions observed in fish immersed in mixtures of Cu2+ and Cd2+ assumed a damage pattern characteristic of Cd2+; with mixtures of Cu2+ and Zn2+, lesion were typical of Cu2+-induced damage. Lesions induced in lateral line epithelium by Cu2+ were not affected by either Cd2+ or Zn2+. Epithelia lining the oral cavity were necrotized by the caustic action of high levels of Zn2+ (60 mg/1) and of Cu2+ (8 mg/1).
Analysis of the effects of doping and barrier design on the small-signal modulation characteristics of long-wavelength multiple quantum well lasers

This theoretical work has modelled the small signal response of InGaAsP and InGaAlAs multiple quantum well (MQW) lasers based on an ambipolar carrier transport model. The MQW parameters such as barrier bandgap, barrier width and the number of quantum wells have been optimized for high-speed modulation. The effect of the p-type doping and the strain of the InGaAs well have also been investigated. For the InGaAsP-based system, the optimization for maximum 3 dB bandwitdth shows that the optimum width is about 5 nm for 1.1 μm barriers and 7 nm for 1.2 μm barriers. The optimum barrier bandgap wavelength is about 1.1 μm for the barrier width of 6 nm, about 1.15 μm for 8 nm and 10 nm barriers. The p-doped MQW exhibits a higher modulation bandwidth because of its high differential gain and improved carrier distribution among the MQWs. The compressively strained InGaAs quantum well system has the potential for a higher modulation bandwidth. For the InGaAlAs-based system, the optimization for maximum 3 dB bandwidth shows that the optimum width is about 4 nm for a barrier wavelength of 1.10 μm, and 6 nm for 1.2 μm. The optimum barrier bandgap wavelength is about 1.1 μm for a barrier width of 4 nm, and about 1.2 μm for 6, 8 and 10 nm.
sn-Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase from Escherichia coli

This review attempts to capture the history of research involved in the understanding of lipid metabolism via investigation of the sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (glycerol-P acyltransferase), the first step in the synthesis of lipids in E. coli. We will review the original identification of this enzymatic activity and its subsequent characterization. The biochemical and genetic regulation of this enzyme and gene are discussed, as well as the unique structural characterization of this integral membrane protein. Future perspectives regarding the regulatory and structural aspects of this key enzyme are discussed.
Questionnaires as a software evaluation tool

This paper reports on a study investigating the strengths and weaknesses of questionnaires as software evaluation tools. Two major influences on the usefulness of questionnaire-based evaluation responses are examined: the administration of the questionnaire, and the background and experience of the respondent. Two questionnaires were administered to a large number of students in an introductory programming class. The questionnaires were also given to a group of more experienced users (including course proctors). Respondents were asked to evaluate the text editor used in the class along a number of dimensions; evaluation responses were solicited using a number of different question types. Another group of students received the questionnaire individually, with part of it presented on the computer; a third group also evaluated an enhanced version of the editor in followup sessions.
On the 0-dimensional irreducible components of the singular locus of \(\mathcal{A}_g\)

In this short note we give a characterization of extremal principally polarized abelian varieties determining an isolated point in Sing \(\mathcal{A}_g .\) The case g = 5 is treated in depth.
In vitro and in vivo metabolism of Lu-AMBA, a GRP-receptor binding compound, and the synthesis and characterization of its metabolites.

The metabolism of 177Lu-AMBA (AMBA = DO3A-CH2CO-G-(4-aminobenzoyl)-QWAVGHLM-NH2), a radiotherapeutic compound in clinical development that binds to GRP and NMB receptors, was studied in vitro (mouse, rat and human plasma, mouse kidney homogenate) and in vivo (by analysis of mouse and rat plasma and urine following IV injection of 177Lu-AMBA). The primary metabolites were Lu-DO3A-CH2CO-G-Abz4-R, where R = -Q-OH (A), -QW-OH (B), and -QWAVGH-OH (C). Minor amounts of (D) where R = -QWAVGHLM-OH and (E) -QWAVGHL-OH were also observed. Clearance of 177Lu-AMBA and of radioactivity from mouse and rat blood was rapid in vivo. In mouse and rat urine, only metabolites Lu-A and Lu-B were found—no parent drug was excreted. Unmetalated ligands and natLu and 177Lu complexes for Lu-AMBA metabolites A−E were synthesized, characterized by HPLC and MS, and used to perform in vitro competition and direct binding studies on GRP receptor-positive PC-3 (human prostate) cancer cells. Biodistribution studies with 177Lu-labeled met...
Successful Retrieval of an Intrauterine Device with "Missing Strings" Using a Manual Vacuum Aspirator in a Desired Early Pregnancy: Case Report

Intrauterine pregnancy in the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD) is a rare event. If the pregnancy is desired, IUD removal must be negotiated so that the risk of pregnancy disruption is minimized. Cases in which the IUD strings are "missing" present further challenges. We report successful removal of a copper T380A IUD with missing strings using a hand-held manual vacuum aspirator in the setting of a desired pregnancy. Under real-time abdominal ultrasound guidance, the IUD was removed from the lower cervical canal using a 6-mm cannula attached to a manual vacuum aspirator. Fetal cardiac activity was undisturbed throughout the procedure. The patient subsequently delivered a healthy full-term infant via spontaneous vaginal delivery. Manual vacuum aspiration, a simple office-based procedure, may be a useful approach to removal of an IUD with missing strings.
Design, characterization, and control of a large aperture MOEMS Fabry-Perot tunable infrared filter

A miniature Fabry-Perot tunable infrared filter under development at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is fabricated using micro opto electromechanical systems (MOEMS) technology. Intended for wide-field imaging spectroscopy in space flight, it features a large 10-mm diameter aperture structure that consists of a set of opposing suspended thin films 500 nanometers in thickness, supported by annular silicon disks. Achieving the desired effective finesse in the MOEMS instrument requires maximizing the RMS flatness in the film. This paper presents surface characterization data for the suspended aperture film prior to, and following application of a multi-layer dielectric mirror. A maximum RMS flatness of 38 nanometers was measured prior to coating, leading to an estimate of the maximum effective finesse of 14. Results show evidence of initial deformation of the silicon support structure due to internal stress in the substrate and thin film layers. Film stress gradients in the dielectric coating on either side of the aperture add convexity and other localized deflections. The design of a tuning system based upon electrostatic positioning with feedback control is presented.
GLP-compliant evaluation and standardization of the peripubertal castrate male rat Hershberger assay for oral exposure of test agents.

Abstract Since oral exposure is more relevant than the sc route for human exposure to environmental substances, studies to evaluate and standardize this route in the Hershberger assay were conducted in 2001–2003. Interest in environmental androgen agonists is increasing, so the oral route of the Hershberger assay may be useful to quantify agonist activity of these substances. Castrated Sprague–Dawley rats were dosed (PND 60–69) with androgen receptor agonists and/or antagonists, terminated on PND 70, and body, liver, and accessory sex organs (ASOs) weighed. Methyltestosterone (MT) po, at 0.1–50 mg/kg/day, resulted in dose-dependent increases in ASO weights at 5–50 mg/kg; 0.1 mg/kg/day was without statistically significant effect. Testosterone propionate (TP) (sc) at 0.1–1.6 mg/kg/day also resulted in dose-dependent increases in ASO weights, at all doses. Detection of putative androgen antagonists by the oral route was confirmed with dose–response curves of antagonism from flutamide (FLU) po at 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day, with MT at 5 or 10 mg/kg/day (po, 4 h later). These results extend the OECD Hershberger assay evaluation and standardization to the oral route and identify and discuss challenges of the assay to detect (anti)androgen-active compounds.
Letter to the editor: “Review of the epidemiologic literature on residential exposure to perchloroethylene” by John A. Bukowski

Dear Sir,We read with interest the recent article by John A. Bukowski “Review of the epidemiologic literature on residential exposure to perchloroethylene” (Bukowski, 2011). We were especially inte...
Putting risk prediction in atrial fibrillation into perspective

This editorial refers to ‘Evaluation of risk stratification schemes for ischaemic stroke and bleeding in 182 678 patients with atrial fibrillation: the Swedish Atrial Fibrillation cohort study’, by L. Friberg et al. , doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehr488 Oral anticoagulation dramatically reduces the risk of ischaemic stroke and improves all-cause survival in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, anticoagulation increases the risk of major bleeding, including uncommon but frequently fatal intracranial haemorrhages. As a consequence, guidelines recommend a risk-based approach to anticoagulation for AF, assuming those patients at higher untreated risk of stroke will gain sufficient absolute risk reduction to outweigh potential harms.1 The most widely used risk assessment tool in AF is the CHADS2 score, which is based on risk factors identified in the early trials of warfarin in non-valvular AF.1 The CHADS2 acronym is easy to remember and has become a fixture of guidelines, clinical practice, and trial design. Unfortunately, its predictive ability is mediocre. The standard assessment of the discriminating ability of a prediction rule is the C-statistic, which is roughly interpretable as the probability the score will be higher in patients who sustain a stroke vs. those who do not (the interpretation varies depending on analytic perspective). A C-statistic of 0.5 indicates that the score conveys no predictive information. In contrast, the gold standard of chronic disease cardiovascular risk prediction, the Framingham score, has demonstrated C-statistics approaching 0.8.2 Typical C-statistics for the CHADS2 score have been in the range of 0.60. Several alternative scores have been published with similar predictive ability but they have not caught on.3 Recently, the CHA2DS2-VASc score has been proposed as an alternative to the CHADS2 score and has been incorporated into the 2010 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines.1 Friberg and colleagues have …