cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient inhibition of human cytomegalovirus UL122 gene expression in cell by small interfering RNAs.

In order to develop a gene therapy to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to inhibit the expression of HCMV UL122 gene in vitro. Recombinant vector pUL122-EGFP, which expressed UL122-EGFP fusion protein, and recombinant vectors psi122-1, psi122-2 and psi122-3, which expressed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted to UL122 were contransfected into AD293 cells. The fluorescence signal of pUL122-EGFP was greatly suppressed by psi122-1 and psi122-2, with an inhibitory rate of 82.0% ± 1.0% and 79.5% ± 2.5%, respectively. The mRNA of pUL122-EGFP of the cells transfected with psi122-1 and psi122-2 was decreased 97.3% ± 0.6% and 98.0% ± 0.1%, respectively. Vector psi122-3 showed a slightly low suppression rate. Therefore, it may be concluded that plasmids encoding siRNAs targeted to UL122 is able to in vitro reduce markedly the expression of UL122-EGFP. And it is very likely that the psi122-1 and psi122-2 are potentially efficacious siRNAs in the gene therapy of HCMV infection in vivo, in which further investigations are required. This study is expected to greatly facilitate the use of the RNAi technology for the anti-HCMV studies. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Performance Analysis of Two HVAC Systems for Zero Energy Research Laboratory, Denton, TX

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system is the most significant part of a building which directly ass ociated with human comfort. Modern HVAC system optimizes all the parameters like temperature, humidity and indoo r air quality to give the occupant the best comfort. Beside human comfort some other crucial factors like installation, maintenance & operational cost, efficiency, availability and controlling method of the system need to be taken into consideration. This paper covers the study and comparison among two different HVAC systems to achieve the goal of finding the better effective HVAC system in terms of human comfort, efficiency considering North Texas climate. In this paper; power consumption, human comfort & efficiency analysis is done for the existing WWHP & WAHP system (in UNT ZOE) using Energy Plus simulation software. Calibration of the simulation data of the existing system is done comparing with the real data. After the baseline model is calibrated, simulation for other HVAC systems like evaporative cooler (EC) is conducted. The comparison analysis of both the HVAC systems shows the better effective HVAC system in North Texas weather considering all the relevant issues and challenges. The result will make UNT Zero Energy lab more energy efficient and a standard mod el towards a sustainable green future.
Stable isotope characterization of the impacts of artificial ground water recharge

: Stable isotopes of deuterium and oxygen-18 of surface and ground water, together with anion concentrations and hydraulic gradients, were used to interpret mixing and flow in ground water impacted by artificial recharge. The surface water fraction (SWF), the percentage of surface water in the aquifer impacted via recharge, was estimated at different locations and depths using measured deuterium/hydrogen (DIH) ratios during the 1992, 1993, and 1994 recharge seasons. Recharged surface water completely displaced the ground water beneath the recharge basins from the regional water table at 7.60 m to 12.16 m below the land surface. Mixing occurred beneath the recharge structures in the lower portions of the aquifer (>12.16 m). Approximately 12 m down-gradient from the recharge basin, the deeper zone (19.15 m depth) of the primary aquifer was displaced completely by recharged surface water within 193, 45, and 55 days in 1992, 1993, and 1994, respectively. At the end of the third recharge season, recharged surface water represented ∼50 percent of the water in the deeper zone of the primary aquifer ∼1000 m downgradient from the recharge basin. A classic asymmetrical distribution of recharged surface water resulted from the recharge induced horizontal and vertical hydraulic gradients. The distribution and breakthrough times of recharged surface water obtained with stable isotopes concurred with those of major anions and bromide in a tracer test conducted during the 1995 recharge season. This stable isotope procedure effectively quantified mixing between surface and ground water.
Group Process and Sex Differences

Theme development and role types were investigated in eight same-sex, self-analytic groups with male or female leadership, through the use of The General Inquirer, a computerized program of content...
Moral Stage Development and Knowledge of Kohlberg’s Theory

The purpose of this study was to determine if having knowledge of Kohlberg’s theory is significantly related to moral stage development. One dependent variable, stage development, and five independent variables, knowledge of theory, sex, age, academic ability, and socioeconomic status, were included within the study. Ninety-six subjects participated, with 47 subjects assigned to the experimental group. A linear regression model was used to test the relationship between knowledge of the theory and stage development; and a multiple-regression analysis was used to test the multivariate relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Neither analysis produced a F value significant at the .05 level.
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma in Patients Aged 75 Years and Older

Purpose: We report our single-institution experience using hypofractionated radiotherapy in a patient population 75 years and older diagnosed with stage IA or IB (T1/T2 N0) Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Materials and methods: This is a single-institution, retrospective analysis examining disease free and overall survival and toxicity after hypofractionated radiation therapy in a patient population 75 years and older diagnosed with stage IA or IB (T1/T2 N0) NSCLC. Between 1991 and 2005, a total of 33 such patients were identified with a median age of 79 years. Patients were treated with a median total dose of 7000 cGy using median daily dose fractions of 250 cGy. Analysis of competing risks (local failure, distal failure or death as the first event) was performed and cumulative incidence functions (CIF) were estimated. Results: The median length of follow-up was 19.8 months (range: 4.3 - 103.8 months). Of the 33 patients treated, 21 (63.6% of total) had no evidence of disease recurrence on follow-up imaging over the course of the study. Of the 12 patients with disease recurrence, 6 (18.2% of total) had local failure as the first event and 6 (18.2% of total) had distant metastasis as the first event. Analysis of competing risks showed that at 5 years, the probability of local failure as the first detected event was 19.5% (95%CI: 7.6%, 35.6%); the probability of distal failure as the first detected event was 21.5% (95%CI: 7.9%,39.4%); and the probability of death without recording a failure was 44.1% (95%CI: 26.1%, 60.7%). There were no treatment related deaths reported. Conclusions: Elderly patients diagnosed with stage I non-small cell lung cancer may safely be offered hypofractionated radiotherapy as an effective option with curative intent.
In Search of Manageable Identity Systems

Efforts to design and successfully deploy network-based identity-management systems have been unsuccessful. One possible new approach is visible when comparing Internet identity protocol designs with systems used in financial services. Keeping the risks in mind, we should embrace systems that help reduce the uncertainty associated with online transactions. Neither the composite nor unitary approach yield a perfectly secure or reliable system, but Internet and Web system designers can learn a lot from the former. Not only has it proven itself in large-scale systems, but it's also more true to the way we think of identity in human terms. Interpersonal interactions involve assessing identity assertions' reliability according to numerous subtle factors, rather than applying a mechanical checklist. Adopting a more composite approach to identity lets us build systems that provide great reliability and flexibility in the inherently complex process of assessing whether we can trust the identities of those we deal with online
Generalizability and transferability of meta-synthesis research findings.

finfgeld-connett d. (2010) Generalizability and transferability of meta-synthesis research findings. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 246–254. Abstract Title. Generalizability and transferability of meta-synthesis research findings. Aim. This paper is a report of a critical analysis of the generalizability and transferability of meta-synthesis research findings. Background. Findings from a large number of qualitative research investigations have had little impact on clinical practice and policy formation. Single qualitative investigations are not intended to produce findings that are directly applicable to clinical practice, simple literature reviews of qualitative studies are not conducted using sophisticated methods to develop new cumulative knowledge, and methods for systematically compiling and synthesizing qualitative findings have just recently been developed in nursing. Data sources. This analysis of qualitative review methods was based on over 10 years of meta-synthesis research experience and a non-time-limited cross-discipline search of the English-language literature related to qualitative research and generalizability. Discussion. Generalizability of meta-synthesis findings is enhanced by insuring validity through systematic sampling, second-tier triangulation, maintenance of well-documented audit trails and the development of multi-dimensional theory. Generalizability of meta-synthesis findings is tentative until successful transference to new situations takes place. Implications for nursing. Nurse researchers are urged to conduct well-designed and executed meta-synthesis investigations that have the potential to generate findings that are relevant to clinical practice and policy formation. They are also encouraged to disseminate their meta-synthesis findings skilfully and work with practitioners and policy-makers to apply and evaluate them judiciously in clinical settings. Conclusion. Qualitative meta-synthesis is a way of putting together qualitative findings from disparate investigations so that they can more readily be used in clinical practice and policy formation.
Workshop on sampling mercury in precipitation for the national atmospheric deposition program

Several actions have been undertaken within the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) to implement a regional mercury deposition network. This paper reports on the general findings of a National Atmospheric Deposition Program workshop on sampling mercury in precipitation, which has led to several conclusions important to the design of a regional sampling network for mercury.
Mapping of the Binding Frame for the Chaperone SecB within a Natural Ligand, Galactose-binding Protein

Abstract The chaperone SecB selectively binds polypeptides that are in a non-native state; however, the details of the interaction between SecB and its ligands are unknown. As a step in elucidation of the molecular mechanism of binding, we have mapped the region of a physiologic ligand (galactose-binding protein) that is in contact with SecB. The binding frame comprises 160 aminoacyl residues and is located in the central portion of the primary sequence. Comparison to the binding frame within maltose-binding protein, which is similarly long and positioned around the center of that polypeptide, reveals no similarity in sequence or in folding motif. The results are consistent with the proposal that the selectivity in binding exhibited by SecB is based on the simultaneous occupancy of multiple binding sites, each of which demonstrates low specificity, by flexible stretches of polypeptide that are only accessible in non-native proteins.
Hombres Y Mujeres Muralistas On a Mission: Painting Latino Identities in 1970s San Francisco

This article argues for the importance of murals as cultural texts, consciously formed to entertain, influence, and solidify local and transnational communities. In 1974, two teams of artists painted two legendary murals in San Francisco's Mission District: In “Homage to Siqueiros,” the trio of male muralists presented themselves as heirs to famed Mexican muralists in order to solidify their indictment of conditions in the Americas and counter the participatory role of their patron, the Bank of America. In “Latino America,” the female muralists rejected the Chicano Movement's emphasis on Mexican masters and declared a new feminist, collaborative iconography. Although the murals were dissimilar in terms of gender, approach, and aesthetics, the muralists were joined in their desire to unite the local Latino community through their depictions of a shared homeland, or an imagined Latin America. This article highlights the aesthetic, cultural, political, gendered, and regional dimensions of Latino identities through the lens of mural creation.
Prostaglandin E1 hyperthermia in water or food deprived rats

Abstract The effect of 48 hours of water deprivation on the colonic temperature response to intrahypothalamic injection of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was investigated in adult male rats. Water deprivation did not alter colonic temperature of rats at a neutral ambient temperature. Administration of PGE1 at doses of 50, 200 and 400 ng gave rise to a short latency dose dependent hyperthermia in both control and water deprived rats. Water deprived rats had significantly greater increases in colonic temperature following the two higher doses of PGE1. Control rats and water deprived rats exposed to the cold (5°C) had decreases in colonic temperature which were not significantly different. Water deprivation, which should increase the plasma levels of the putative endogenous antipyretic vasopressin, does not attenuate PGE1 hyperthermia but has a slight enhancing effect. Following food deprivation for 48 hours rats had a slight but significantly greater increase in colonic temperature following intrahypothalamic injection of 200 ng PGE1. Thus the water deprivation induced change in responsiveness to PGE1 may be due to the decrease in food intake which accompanies water deprivation. The mechanism by which rats exhibit an enhanced febrile response to PGE1 administration following food or water deprivation is not yet known.
Subendocardial and subepicardial segmental function changes in the dog heart due to gradual coronary flow reduction by an acutely developing thrombus

Regional myocardial dynamics were assessed during continuous, gradual coronary flow reductions caused by spontaneous thrombus formation in the stenosed left circumflex coronary artery of eight open chest dogs. Contractile changes in the subendocardial and subepicardial layers were measured by ultrasonic crystal techniques. Segment length shortening was continuously measured as coronary flow reductions occurred. Contractile dysfunction in the subendocardium preceded that in the subepicardium. At lowest flow levels the subendocardial function degenerated to severe holosystolic bulging whereas some systolic shortening was maintained in the subepicardium. Exponential equations derived to express changes in end diastolic segment length and end systolic length as a function of coronary blood flow for both subendocardium and subepicardium indicated that increases in end systolic length were a more sensitive index of ischaemia than increases in end diastolic length for both the subendocardium and subepicardium during coronary flow reduction. Comparison of exponential curves of end diastolic segment length vs coronary blood flow in subendocardium and subepicardium showed a small but significant difference (p<0.02). Comparison of exponential curves of end systolic length vs coronary blood flow in subendocardium and subepicardium showed a large difference in changes at end systole occurring between subendocardium and subepicardium (p<0.001). Active contraction of the subepicardium may serve to limit the extent of paradoxical systolic segment lengthening in the underlying ischaemic myocardium and thus help to preserve ventricular function during acute gradual coronary flow limitation.
Diversity and Distribution in Hypersaline Microbial Mats of Bacteria Related to Chloroflexus spp.

Filamentous bacteria containing bacteriochlorophylls c and a were enriched from hypersaline microbial mats. Based on phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences, these organisms form a previously undescribed lineage distantly related to Chloroflexus spp. We developed and tested a set of PCR primers for the specific amplification of 16S rRNA genes from filamentous phototrophic bacteria within the kingdom of “green nonsulfur bacteria.” PCR products recovered from microbial mats in a saltern in Guerrero Negro, Mexico, were subjected to cloning or denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and then sequenced. We found evidence of a high diversity of bacteria related to Chloroflexus which exhibit different distributions along a gradient of salinity from 5.5 to 16%. Chloroflexus aurantiacus is a filamentous, bacteriochlorophyll-containing, metabolically versatile bacterium that is capable of anoxygenic photoautotrophy, photoheterotrophy, and aerobic chemoorganotrophy. A great interest in this organism from evolutionary, biochemical, and biogeochemical perspectives has been fueled by its deep branching in the bacterial phylogenetic tree, indicating its evolutionary antiquity (10, 27, 38), and by its unique pathway of carbon dioxide fixation (32, 33).
An evaluation of chromium deposited by high rate sputtering

The structure, chemical composition and hardness of 0.005 cm (0.002 in.) thick sputter-deposited chromium coatings produced at deposition rates of 2 to 5 nm/s (0.3 to 0.7 mils/h), substrate temperatures of 20‡C and 60‡C, and substrate potentials of -30 V (floating) and -50 V, with respect to ground, in a dc-triode sputtering system were examined. The chromium coatings were examined by X-ray diffraction, optical metallography, and scanning electron microscopy of fracture and growth surfaces. Trace element analysis and krypton analysis of powdered target and deposit material were performed by X-ray energy spectroscopy. Diamond pyramid and Knoop microhardness measurements were made on transverse sections. The chromium structure, krypton content and properties were influenced by substrate temperature and potential with little effect of target voltage and deposition rate. Both the deposit hardness and crystal lattice parameter decreased with increasing substrate temperature. A substrate bias of -50 V during deposition altered both the growth morphology and the krypton content of the chromium, but had little effect on the lattice parameter relative to a -30 V substrate potential (floating). A hardness increase of 150 KHN, a marked grain refinement and an increase in surface reflectivity accompanied the change in growth morphology.
Interfacial roughness in a near-critical binary fluid mixture: X-ray reflectivity and near-specular diffuse scattering

Measurements are presented of the X-ray specular reflectivity and near-specular diffuse scattering of the interface in a near-critical mixture of hexane and perfluorohexane. A lineshape analysis of the scattered intensity at each temperature yields values for the interfacial tension and interfacial width. The temperature variation of the tension and width so-obtained are consistent with current understanding of this interface, which holds that there is, firstly, an intrinsic width over which the fluid density varies smoothly from one coexistence composition to the other, and, secondly, that the interface acquires an additional and larger statistical interfacial width as a result of capillary fluctuations.
Theoretical Fitting of Computer Processed Laser Raman Spectra from Methane- and Propane-Air Flames

A technique for rapid acquisition and computer processing of Raman signals is described for probing premixed laminar hydrocarbon-air flames using laser Raman spectroscopy. Temperatures can be determined to within ±50°K by fitting the observed N2 spectrum at any point in the flame. Fits to the spectra of O2, CO, H2, and CO2 are used to measure their mole fractions at the calculated N2 temperature. For the remaining polyatomic species, the total area under the peak is the primary measure of their concentration.
Non-destructive, interferometric method for measuring the thickness of a silicon membrane

Abstract We describe a non-destructive, versatile, and accurate method for measuring the thickness of silicon membranes, as used for example in micromachined pressure sensors. The method makes use of interference fringes observed in the transmission of infrared light through a membrane. Thicknesses up to about 50 μm for 1 × 1 mm membranes and 150 μm for 10 × 10 mm membranes can be measured with an accuracy of about 2%.
A note on the admissibility of hammersley's estimator of an integer mean

Let X1, X2, …, Xn be identically, independently distributed N(i,1) random variables, where i = 0, ±1, ±2, … Hammersley (1950) showed that d = [Xn], the nearest integer to the sample mean, is the maximum likelihood estimator of i. Khan (1973) showed that d is minimax and admissible with respect to zero-one loss. This note now proves a conjecture of Stein to the effect that in the class of integer-valued estimators d is minimax and admissible under squared-error loss.
Effects of preventing O-glycosylation on the secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Abstract Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a member of a family of heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones that have a common alpha subunit but differ in their hormone-specific beta subunits. The beta subunit of hCG (hCG beta) is unique among the beta subunits in that it contains four mucin-like O-linked oligosaccharides attached to a carboxyl-terminal extension. To study the effects of O-glycosylation on the secretion and assembly of hCG, expression vectors containing either the hCG beta gene alone or together with the hCG alpha gene were transfected into a mutant Chinese hamster ovary cell line, IdID, which exhibits a reversible defect in O-glycosylation. Our results reveal that hCG beta can be secreted normally in the absence of its O-linked oligosaccharides. hCG beta devoid of O-linked carbohydrate can also combine efficiently with hCG alpha and be secreted as an intact dimer. We conclude that in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the hCG beta O-linked chains play no role in the assembly and secretion of hCG. The normal and O-linked oligosaccharide-deficient forms of hCG secreted by these cells should prove useful in examining the role of O-linked chains on the biological function of hCG.
Astronomical Performance Of The 512x320 RCA Charge-Coupled Device (Ccd)

Abstract A CCD camera for use in astronomy based on the use of RCA SID 53601 is described. The CCD format is 512x320 with 30 \i pixels. The camera has been operated at the 1.5m and 0.4m telescopes at Mount Hopkins.IntroductionFor some years now we have committed ourselves- to the development of CCD cameras for optical astronomy purposes. The range of applications includes deep photography, objective spectroscopy, and the readout of both moderate and high resolution (echelle) spectrometers to be done at our facilities at Mount Hopkins, Arizona. Initially we developed a camera using the Fairchild 202 chip.1/ 2 Our most recent effort has involved the RCA chip, model SID 53601. The camera has been operated at our 1.5m and 0.6m, telescopes at .Mount Hopkins since April 1980. More extended observations are planned for the fall, including use at the Multiple mirror telescope (MMT). The scientific applications include very deep photo­ graphy of fields around faint x-ray sources, galaxian structure, search for faint comets and asteroids, among others. As an example, figure 4 shows a versatek print of a 30 minute exposure taken at our 1.5m telescope of the field around a faintt x-ray source from the Einstein Observatory.
Few-nucleon transfer in quasi-elastic collisions at 20 MeV/nucleon.

We report measurements of the isotopic distributions of targetlike fragments in coincidence with nitrogen, carbon, and boron isotopes from the reaction of 20 MeV/nucleon UN with WVHo and WUDy. The binary nature of the reaction was studied by observing particle-el-ray coincidences; projectilelike fragments were identified near the classical grazing angle with a telescope consisting of silicon surface barrier detectors, and the targetlike fragments were identified by observing their discrete deexcitation el rays in either of two high purity germanium detectors. The following reactions were studied: WUDy( UN,chixn), WUDy( UN,chi xn), WVHo( UN,Cxn), WVHo( UN,C xn), where chi = nitrogen or boron isotopes. The inclusive energy spectra of the projectilelike fragments are reasonably described by either the extended Serber or the Friedman model of projectile breakup. Such interpretations of the reaction mechanism were further tested by comparing the targetlike fragment isotopic distributions to those expected from transfer of the unobserved breakup fragment to the target followed by statistical decay. The agreement of the predicted targetlike fragment isotopic distributions with the present data is remarkably good.
Viability of microencapsulated bifidobacteria in set yogurt during refrigerated storage.

Bifidobacteria are probiotic organisms that improve the microbial balance in the human gut. They can be incorporated as live cultures in fermented dairy foods, including yogurt, for transmission to humans. Because bifidobacteria are sensitive to high acidity, their viability in yogurt is limited. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of microencapsulation on the viability of bifidobacteria in yogurt during refrigerated storage for 30 d. Live bifidobacterial cells were encapsulated in κ-carrageenan. Cell enumeration, determination of titratable acidity and pH, quantitation of lactic and acetic acids, and sensory evaluation (consumer test) were carried out on the yogurt samples. Microbiological results showed a decline of 78 and 70.5% in the population of Bifidobacterium longum B6 and B. longum ATCC 15708, respectively, for the treatments containing nonencapsulated cells. No difference in bifidobacterial population was observed in the encapsulated treatments. The acetic acid content in the yogurt with nonencapsulated bifidobacteria was higher than that in the plain yogurt (control) and encapsulated treatments. The increase in lactic acid content during storage was not different among the various treatments for B. longum B6, but was greater for nonencapsulated than encapsulated B. longum 15708 and the control. Consumers judged the nonencapsulated treatment as the most sour, which was likely due to the higher acetic acid content. Consumers preferred the control and nonencapsulated treatments over the encapsulated treatment. Microencapsulation appears to increase the viability of bifidobacteria in yogurt. This technique can be used to transmit bifidobacteria via fermented products provided that sensory characteristics of the product are improved or maintained.
The hepatitis C virus 3′-untranslated region or a poly(A) tract promote efficient translation subsequent to the initiation phase

Enhancement of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) translation initiation by the 3' poly(A) tail is mediated through interaction of poly(A)-binding protein with eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G, bridging the 5' terminal cap structure. In contrast to cellular mRNA, translation of the uncapped, non-polyadenylated hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome occurs independently of eIF4G and a role for 3'-untranslated sequences in modifying HCV gene expression is controversial. Utilizing cell-based and in vitro translation assays, we show that the HCV 3'-untranslated region (UTR) or a 3' poly(A) tract of sufficient length interchangeably stimulate translation dependent upon the HCV internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). However, in contrast to cap-dependent translation, the rate of initiation at the HCV IRES was unaffected by 3'-untranslated sequences. Analysis of post-initiation events revealed that the 3' poly(A) tract and HCV 3'-UTR improve translation efficiency by enabling termination and possibly ribosome recycling for successive rounds of translation.
An outbreak of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul in a children's hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a nosocomial outbreak of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul gastroenteritis and to explore risk factors for infection. DESIGN: Case–control study. SETTING: A 208-bed, university-affiliated children’s hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients hospitalized at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, during February 2001 who had stool specimens obtained for culture at least 24 hours after admission. Case-patients (n = 11) were patients with an indistinguishable strain of Salmonella Saintpaul cultured from their stool. Control-patients (n = 41) were patients hospitalized for problems other than gastroenteritis whose stool cultures were negative for Salmonella. METHODS: Risk factors were evaluated using the chisquare test or Fisher’s exact test. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. A multivariable analysis was performed using logistic regression. The predictor of interest was the receipt of enteral feeding formula mixed by the hospital. RESULTS: Case-patients were more likely than controlpatients to have received formula mixed by the hospital (OR, 4.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 17.16). Other variables evaluated were not significant predictors of Salmonella Saintpaul infection. CONCLUSIONS: Formula mixed by the hospital appears to have been the source of this Salmonella outbreak. Strict sanitation measures must be ensured in formula preparation and delivery, and bacterial pathogens should be included in the differential diagnosis for nosocomial gastroenteritis (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002;23:671-676).
A laser pointer driven microheater for precise local heating and conditional gene regulation in vivo. Microheater driven gene regulation in zebrafish

Background: Tissue heating has been employed to study a variety of biological processes, including the study of genes that control embryonic development. Conditional regulation of gene expression is a particularly powerful approach for understanding gene function. One popular method for mis-expressing a gene of interest employs heat-inducible heat shock protein (hsp) promoters. Global heat shock of hsp-promoter-containing transgenic animals induces gene expression throughout all tissues, but does not allow for spatial control. Local heating allows for spatial control of hsp-promoter-driven transgenes, but methods for local heating are cumbersome and variably effective. Results: We describe a simple, highly controllable, and versatile apparatus for heating biological tissue and other materials on the micron-scale. This microheater employs micron-scale fiber optics and uses an inexpensive laser-pointer as a power source. Optical fibers can be pulled on a standard electrode puller to produce tips of varying sizes that can then be used to reliably heat 20-100 μm targets. We demonstrate precise spatiotemporal control of hsp70l:GFP transgene expression in a variety of tissue types in zebrafish embryos and larvae. We also show how this system can be employed as part of a new method for lineage tracing that would greatly facilitate the study of organogenesis and tissue regulation at any time in the life cycle. Conclusion: This versatile and simple local heater has broad utility for the study of gene function and for lineage tracing. This system could be used to control hsp-driven gene expression in any organism simply by bringing the fiber optic tip in contact with the tissue of interest. Beyond these uses for the study of gene function, this device has wide-ranging utility in materials science and could easily be adapted for therapeutic purposes in humans.
Reactive algorithms for grasping using a modified parallel jaw gripper

Considers the problem of grasping an unknown polygonal flat object using a parallel jaw gripper. The authors propose to equip a standard gripper with several light-beam sensors (close to each jaw) and describe a reactive grasping algorithm. This is done by probing the object to locate a good grasp position, and then grasping, without moving the object significantly. The goal is to do as little motion as possible to find a grasp. This algorithm can be viewed in, a competitive framework, where the authors' algorithm is competing against any algorithm which already knows the object. >
Carrying the World With the Grace of a Lady and the Grit of a Warrior: Deepening Our Understanding of the “Strong Black Woman” Schema

Across varied disciplines, attempts have been made to capture the multidimensionality of Black womanhood under a unifying framework illustrative of Black women’s perceived roles, responsibilities, ...
An Integrated Control Theory Model of Work Motivation

A model that integrates several different motivational theories and previous control theory models is presented as a possible meta-theory to focus future theoretical and empirical efforts. The proposed model is dynamic, parsimonious, and focuses on self-regulation and the underlying cognitive mechanisms of motivation. In explicating this model, numerous hypotheses are derived regarding (a) the nature of goals and feedback; (b) cognitive, behavioral, and affective reactions to goals and feedback; and (c) the role of attributions, expectancies, and goal hierarchies in determining those reactions.
Moletronics modeling toward molecular potentials

Using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we demonstrate two molecular OR gates that are able to process binary signals encoded as molecular potentials. Thus, the possibility to implement logic gates of 1n m is demonstrated. The advantage of this approach to post-microelectronics technologies is the tremendous low-power dissipation, the small feature size of molecular devices, and the compatible nature of input and output signals that would allow the implementation of complex logic. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 106: 1964 -1969, 2006
Application of Enzyme‐linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) to Detection of Lettuce Mosaic Virus in Lettuce Seeds

Enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) was evaluated for detection of lettuce mosaic virus (LMV). The assay, which could detect 1 ng/ml of purified virus, was approximately equivalent in sensitivity to results obtained with biotin-avidin ELISA. The immunoassay detected LMV antigen in contrived seed lots containing LMV-infected seeds where virus concentrations were presumably at low levels. Zusammenfassung Die Anwendung eines enzymgekoppelten Fluoreszenzassays (ELFA) bei der Entdeckung des Lettuce Mosaik Virus in Salatsamen Ein enzymgekoppelter Fluoreszenzassay (ELFA) wurde auf seine Tauglichkeit bei der Entdek-kung des Lettuce Mosaik Virus (LMV) gepruft. Der Assay, der 1 ng/ml gereinigtes Virus feststellen konnte, war in seiner Sensitivitat mit den Ergebnissen nach Biotin-Avidin ELISA ungefahr gleich einzustufen. Der Immunoassay entdeckte LMV-Antigene in Samenproben, die LMV-infizierte Samen enthielten, bei denen die Viruskonzentrationen aber wahrscheinlich sehr niedrig waren.
Transdisciplinary breastfeeding support: Creating program and policy synergy across the reproductive continuum

This paper was presented at the symposium on Breastfeeding and Feminism: A Focus on Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice. It underscores the power and potential of synergy between and among organizations and individuals supporting breastfeeding, the mother-child dyad, and reproductive health to increase sustainable breastfeeding support. These concepts were brought together to lay the groundwork for working group discussions of synergy in program and policy actions.
Random spectrum and structural probability of failure

Abstract This paper considers the structural probability of failure due to combined load spectra. After a short review on the effect of random loads compared with sinusoidal loads, two types of probability of failure are presented. The first deals with the case in which the probability of failure is proportional to the sum of the loads. The second covers probability of failure proportional to the root mean square of the loads.
Adaptive multistage nonlinear filtering and wavelet for medical image enhancement

A novel hybrid filter architecture is proposed that incorporates an adaptive multistage nonlinear filter (AMNF) and a tree-structured wavelet transform (TSWT) specifically designed for image enhancement in medical imaging using different sensors. The AMNF is used for noise suppression and image enhancement. The TSWT is used for multiresolution decomposition and reconstruction of the medical images where selective reconstruction of subimages is used to perform further enhancement of specific clinical features. The AMNF-TSWT filter produced enhanced images for different modalities namely, digital mammography, chest, skin cancer and retinal images, that provided improved visualization of specific clinical features compared to the raw digital images. The AMNF-TSWT filter should prove to be useful for the use of neural networks for feature classification using different sensors and imaging protocols. >
Explaining the Increasing Heritability of Cognitive Ability Across Development A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Twin and Adoption Studies

Genes account for increasing proportions of variation in cognitive ability across development, but the mechanisms underlying these increases remain unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of longitudinal behavioral genetic studies spanning infancy to adolescence. We identified relevant data from 16 articles with 11 unique samples containing a total of 11,500 twin and sibling pairs who were all reared together and measured at least twice between the ages of 6 months and 18 years. Longitudinal behavioral genetic models were used to estimate the extent to which early genetic influences on cognition were amplified over time and the extent to which innovative genetic influences arose with time. Results indicated that in early childhood, innovative genetic influences predominate but that innovation quickly diminishes, and amplified influences account for increasing heritability following age 8 years.
Tracer Particle Flow in a Compressor Rotor Passage with Application to LDV

Theme T ASER-Doppler velocimetry (LDV) is a noncontact JLtoptical technique for determining the velocity of fluids by measuring the velocity of tracer particles entrained in the fluid rather than by measuring the velocity of the fluid itself. To help identify application guidelines of the LDV technique for the aircraft turbomachinery field, a theoretical analysis was conducted of the dynamic behavior of micron-size particles moving in the three-dimensional flowfield of a rotating transonic axial-flow air compressor rotor. The particle-to-gas velocity ratio and angular deviation relative to the gas were determined as functions of particle diameter, mass density, and radial position. It was found that the particles move essentially on gas stream surfaces and that their radial position within the blade channel is independent of their size and mass density. Velocity and angular deviation generally less than 1 % and 1 ° were achieved with 1 g/cc mass density tracer particles with diameters of 1/x or less. Contents The flow system analyzed is the three-dimensional gasparticle flow through a transonic axial-flow air compressor rotor. The rotor was designed for a weight flow per unit annulus area of 40.6 lbm/sec-ft2, a tip speed of 1393 fps, a total pressure and temperature ratio of 1.601 and 1.162 respectively, and a tip solidity of 1.30. The rotor has 44 blades, a leading-edge tip diameter of 1.65 ft, a hub-to-tip radius ratio of 0.504, and a rotational speed of 16,100 rpm. Gas-particle flow was analyzed in a blade channel solution region which is bounded by adjacent blade surfaces and by upstream and downstream boundaries along which the flow is assumed to be uniform. The region extends from a radius of 60 to 94.3% of the blade span as measured from the rotor hub. The flowfield was analyzed by first numerically1 determining the magnitude and direction of the gas velocity at all points of the blade channel solution region. Once the gas flowfield was established, the path followed by a particle and its velocity along that path were determined by numerically integrating the equations which govern the relative motion of a particle moving through the blade channel. The force required to accelerate the particle results from the viscous drag and is expressed in terms of an empirically determined drag coefficient2 which corrects the Stokes drag law for rarefaction, compressibility and inertial effects. It was assumed that the particles are noninteracting, uniformly distributed, and in sufficiently small concentration that they do not alter the gas properties.
Journaling Enters the 21st Century: The Use of Therapeutic Blogs in Counseling.

This article describes a way to incorporate technology into counseling practice with clients. Technology is an area that has vast potential for use with clients entering into the therapeutic process of counseling. Journal writing is a counseling intervention that provides a means of self-exploration. This article proposes using technology, more specifically blogging, as a means for clients to journal their thoughts and feelings.
UNOBTRUSIVE MOBILIZATION BY AN INSTITUTIONALIZED RAPE CRISIS CENTER “All We Do Comes from Victims”

This case study of unobtrusive mobilizing by Southern California Rape Crisis Center uses archival, observational, and interview data to explore how a feminist organization worked to change police, schools, prosecutor, and some state and national organizations from 1974 to 1994. Mansbridge's concept of street theory and Katzenstein's concepts of unobtrusive mobilization and discursive politics guide the analysis. SCRCC's theme of “All We Do Comes from Victims” reflects the source of its initiatives, that is, victims who came to them for help. Employing strategies of discursive politics and “occupy and indoctrinate,” members used a narrative method of “storytelling” to mobilize support and produce change. Our results increase understanding of how institutionalized women's movement organizations mobilize over time as they create meaning and commitment for members and outsiders. The authors call for more research on narrative as a women's movement strategy and on feminist (and allied) organizations that are s...
A robust approach to reliable real-time Kalman filtering

A complete approach to reliable, robust, and adaptive Kalman filtering is presented. It has applications in all types of navigation systems. The starting point is a measurement editing and filter divergence protection scheme based on measurement residuals and their expected statistics. Rather than simply increasing the white measurement noise variance, certain error sources which are known to be present can be included in the filter model via a Schmidt-Kalman filter, which allows certain states to be considered without being estimated. This type of filter configuration has many advantages over the usual Kalman filter such as larger region of convergence, smoother transitions between over-determined solutions, and more conservative modeling when certain states are frozen, such as during clock or altitude hold. Details are given on how this type of filter can be used with a factorized covariance. The same statistics used for filter integrity are also used to assess how well the filter is tuned to a particular dynamic environment. A reasonable adaptive process noise matrix scheme based on these statistics is presented. Specific examples of the application of these techniques in Global Positioning System receiver are given. >
The impact of anoxia on Mn fluxes in the Chesapeake Bay

Abstract Release of Mn into bottom waters of the Chesapeake Bay occurs in massive quantities during summertime periods of anoxia. The measured flux is much greater than can be accounted for by diffusion from pore waters under normal concentration gradients and is enhanced by dissolution of Mn-oxides under low Eh conditions. Extrapolating flux rates to the area of the Bay which goes anoxic during the summer indicates that this internal cycling accounts for four times as much Mn entering Bay waters as the total annual input (soluble and suspended) from the Susquehanna River.
Friday, November 1, 2001 4:29–5:12 pm Concurrent Session 4A: Tumors

Abstract Purpose of study: Giant herniated thoracic discs (HTDs), occupying more than 40% of the spinal canal, present formidable technical difficulties for surgical removal. The distinguishing clinical features of giant HTDs have not been elucidated. Methods used: Of 104 consecutive patients treated for HTDs by the author between 1992 and 2001, 14 (14%) had giant HTDs. The clinical and operative findings were compared with the 90 patients with nongiant HTDs. Long term follow-up (longer than 1 year) was achieved in 95% of patients. of findings: Giant HTDs compared with nongiant HTDs were more likely to present with myelopathy (93% vs. 63%), have ossified discs (86% vs. 4%), have transdural erosion (43% vs. 0%), to require multiple surgeries to completely resect the discs (64% vs. 1%), to experience operative related neurological deterioration (43% vs. 1%) and to require spinal instrumentation and fusion (36% vs. 1%). The giant HTDs were approached anteriorly (n=10) more often than posterolaterally (n=4). The nongiant HTDs were approached anteriorly (n=60) more often than posterolaterally (n=20). Giant HTDs presented with more severe spinal cord deficits than nongiant HTDs and were more prone to temporary (n=3) or permanent (n=3) worsening of their myelopathy perioperatively. At follow-up, 11 of 14 patients (79%) with giant HTDs had successful neurological outcomes. Seven patients (50%) recovered significantly more neurological function compared with their baseline neurological status. The neurological deficits were stabilized in four patients (29%). Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: Giant HTDs are extremely challenging surgical management problems. They are usually associated with severe spinal cord deficits at presentation, are often ossified, erode through the dura and are at high risk for transient or permanent neurological deterioration perioperatively. Successful long-term surgical results are possible with targeted surgical approaches that allow adequate room to work (ie, corpectomy for midline disc herniations, or a costotransversectomy for lateral disc herniations) yet minimize manipulation or retraction of the spinal cord. Overall significance of findings: Giant HTDs are distinctly different from small HTDs. They produce more severe presenting neurological deficits, are usually ossified and transdural, have higher surgical neurological morbidity and a worse prognosis. Disclosures: No disclosures. Conflict of interest: No conflicts.
Suppression of maternal adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate production by estrogen during baboon pregnancy.

We have recently demonstrated that estrogen reduced the responsivity of the baboon fetal adrenal gland to ACTH with respect to the formation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and therefore have proposed that a regulatory system exists for feedback control of estrogen on fetal adrenal androgen production. Because the maternal adrenal also provides DHA and DHA sulfate (DHAS) for placental estrogen synthesis, we determined whether an estrogen-androgen feedback system is operative in the maternal-placental unit. Serum DHA/DHAS and cortisol concentrations were determined by RIA in maternal blood samples obtained at 1- to 2-day intervals from intact baboons untreated (n = 4) or treated sc with estradiol benzoate (n = 3, beginning with 1 mg/day and increasing by 1 mg each day) on days 150 to 184 (term); from animals in which fetal adrenal DHA and DHAS were eliminated by fetectomy on day 100 (n = 4); and from fetectomized baboons treated with estradiol on day 130 to term (n = 3). Maternal serum DHA and DHAS levels ...