cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Idaho Technology FilmArray System to Real-Time PCR for Detection of Respiratory Pathogens in Children

The FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) multiplexed nucleic acid amplification test (Idaho Technology, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT) was compared to laboratory-developed real-time PCR assays for the detection of various respiratory viruses and certain bacterial pathogens. A total of 215 frozen archived pediatric respiratory specimens previously characterized as either negative or positive for one or more pathogens by real-time PCR were examined using the FilmArray RP system. Overall agreement between the FilmArray RP and corresponding real-time PCR assays for shared analytes was 98.6% (kappa = 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89 to 0.94]). The combined positive percent agreement was 89.4% (95% CI, 85.4 to 92.6); the negative percent agreement was 99.6% (95% CI, 99.2 to 99.8). The mean real-time PCR threshold cycle (C(T)) value for specimens with discordant results was 36.46 ± 4.54. Detection of coinfections and correct identification of influenza A virus subtypes were comparable to those of real-time PCR when using the FilmArray RP. The greatest comparative difference in sensitivity was observed for adenovirus; only 11 of 24 (45.8%; 95% CI, 27.9 to 64.9) clinical specimens positive for adenovirus by real-time PCR were also positive by the FilmArray RP. In addition, upon testing 20 characterized adenovirus serotypes prepared at high and low viral loads, the FilmArray RP did not detect serotypes 6 and 41 at either level and failed to detect serotypes 2, 20, 35, and 37 when viral loads were low. The FilmArray RP system is rapid and extremely user-friendly, with results available in just over 1 h with almost no labor involved. Its low throughput is a significant drawback for laboratories receiving large numbers of specimens, as only a single sample can be processed at a time with one instrument.
Familial Resistance to Newcastle Disease in a Strain of New Hampshires

Abstract THE production of a strain of chickens showing substantial resistance to Newcastle disease would be highly desirable, yet the uniform susceptibility of the chicken, as now observed, makes it difficult from an economic viewpoint. A relatively resistant population, or one that is uniformly resistant, would provide a more satisfactory group than now available for use in evaluating Newcastle vaccines. Even though new and improved vaccines for this disease are now in use, there continues to be a great number of undesirable and unpredictable results in vaccinated flocks which cannot be explained unless they can be attributed to the influence of genetic variation. Other factors known to affect the response of chickens to the vaccine are stability of the vaccine virus strain, and management, particularly the proper application of the vaccine in the field. Evidence of inherited resistance to other infectious diseases has been reviewed (Brandly and Waters, 1942; Gowen 1948, …
Inclusion: the politics of difference in medical research

Inclusion: the politics of difference in medical research, by Steven Epstein, Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 2009, 432 pp., US$19.00 Paper. ISBN 9780226213101 In Medical Apartheid, journalis...
Transmembrane protein topology mapping by the substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM™): Application to lipid-specific membrane protein topogenesis

We provide an overview of lipid-dependent polytopic membrane protein topogenesis, with particular emphasis on Escherichia coli strains genetically altered in their lipid composition and strategies for experimentally determining the transmembrane organization of proteins. A variety of reagents and experimental strategies are described including the use of lipid mutants and thiol-specific chemical reagents to study lipid-dependent and host-specific membrane protein topogenesis by substituted cysteine site-directed chemical labeling. Employing strains in which lipid composition can be controlled temporally during membrane protein synthesis and assembly provides a means to observe dynamic changes in protein topology as a function of membrane lipid composition.
Directional mass dampers for buildings under wind or seismic loads

Abstract Three passive damper configurations are studied for buildings: unidirectional dampers oriented to the story principal axes and dampers with a single mass attached to spring-dashpot elements laid out at 90°/120° to each other. A simple damper design procedure to minimize a weighted combination of RMS building responses, using the concept of structure-constrained feedback control, is presented. Examples of six tall buildings with roof dampers and various plan geometries are considered. Performance of the simple dampers under along/across wind loads and seismic excitation are studied. With varying loading direction, unidirectional dampers show differing levels of control performance; however, performance of the latter types of dampers appears independent of excitation direction. For multi-winged buildings a good damper seems to be a single mass connected to one set of spring-dashpot elements for each wing; for wings exactly or nearly aligned with each other, a single spring-dashpot unit in one of them appears sufficient. Numerical results for performance and effectiveness of the dampers are presented and discussed.
Ultrafast balanced-homodyne chronocyclic spectrometer

We describe an optical detection system for simultaneous time- and frequency-resolved measurements: the Balanced-Homodyne Chronocyclic Spectrometer (chrono equals time; cyclic equals frequency). This system uses balanced, optical homodyne detection, with a wavelength- tunable, pulsed local-oscillator (LO) field to time resolve the spectrum of weak light pulses. The LO field defines the time and frequency window in which the signal field is sampled. The method time resolves the photon statistics as well as the mean intensity. Measurement examples are given for: (1) Temporal oscillations of laser pulses transmitted through a semiconductor quantum well in an optical microcavity and (2) The time-frequency profile of a linearly chirped ultrashort laser pulse.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optical signatures of lightning‐induced electron precipitation

[1] Model calculations are conducted to estimate the optical emission brightness caused by lightning-induced electron precipitation. Pitch angle scattering of energetic radiation belt electrons by lightning-generated whistler mode waves results in precipitation in the upper atmosphere. Assuming a lightning peak current and location, plasmasphere distribution, and radiation belt density and pitch angle distributions, we calculate the secondary ionization production and optical emissions in a number of lines and bands. We find that the brightness in N2 1P and O(1S) may reach a few to 10 R for a 100 kA peak current discharge, with a distinct spatial and temporal signature of 1–2 s. A simple signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculation shows that this signature should be detectable with modern photometric instruments with an SNR ∼4. We further investigate the dependence of this brightness on lightning source latitude and peak current.
The synthesis of TiB2–TiAl3 composites by field-activated combustion

The synthesis of TiB2–TiAl3 composites with TiB2/TiAl3=x molar ratios from x=1.0 to 5.0 were investigated by electric field-activated combustion using elemental powders as reactants. Using amorphous boron powders, composites with x≤2.0 can be synthesized in the absence of a field. Those with 3.0≤x≤5.0 can only be formed in the presence of a field. For all cases, the product contained the desired phases with minor amounts of Ti5Al11. Higher values of x, resulted in relatively higher amounts of this phase. The effect of the use of crystalline boron and the influence of its particle size were also investigated. In the absence of a field, no self-sustaining combustion wave could be initiated even when the smallest particles (<20 μm) were used. Under the influence of an 18 Vcm−1 field, combustion waves were initiated and the products were virtually identical to those obtained with the amorphous boron powders.
Significance of bacterial biomass in the nutrition of a freshwater isopod (Lirceus sp.).

The quantitative significance of bacterial biomass in the nutrition of detritivores remains equivocal. We have used tritiated thymidine to specifically label stable macromolecules in natural assemblages of sediment-associated and detritus-associated bacteria. This material was presented to the isopod (Lirceus sp.) and incorporation of bacterial biomass measured. The isopod incorporated roughly 1 ng bacterial carbon (mg wet wt.)-1 h-1 from leaf discs and about 6 ng mg-1 h-1 from sediment. Calculation of grazing rate from changes in cell counts yields grazing rates from 2.3–17.9 ng C mg-1 h-1. Even the maximum grazing rate, which is an overestimate of C assimilated, represents only 14.7% of C respired by the isopod.
Experimental study of factors influencing maturing data phenomenon in warranty performance indicators

Warranty performance indicators are extensively used for comparison, prediction, and prioritisation purposes to support warranty cost reduction efforts. These efforts, however, are made challenging due to data maturation phenomena. Data maturation causes value of warranty performance indicators to change as new data become available, making comparison, prediction, and prioritisation tasks complex. Although this phenomena has been discussed in literature, there is a lack of understanding about the contributing factors. This paper provides an experimental simulation study involving three factors viz., staggered entry of vehicles, failure rate and months-in-service, and reports the findings of the study with managerial implications.
Quantitative models of cohesion and coupling in software

Abstract Our project goal is to specify, implement, and verify quantitative models for measuring cohesion and coupling (C & C) in software modules. This article is our project interim report on the specification of the C & C quantitative models and preliminary verification effort. To quantify cohesion, we subdivided it into four categories and then quantified each category. Coupling is subdivided into four categories, followed by the quantification of each category. Although the C & C concepts are applicable to any procedural language such as FORTRAN, PASCAL, or Ada, we chose to apply the C & C formulas to Ada programs. We have hand-calculated C & C values for a number of programs, but here we report and discuss in detail only a typical result of our calculations obtained by applying the C & C formulas to two different implementations of an algorithm. We have found that the formulas are sensitive enough to distinguish between the two implementations, and the obtained quantitative values agree with the qualitative assessment of the implementations.
BAY 50-4798, a novel, high-affinity receptor-specific recombinant interleukin-2 analog, induces dose-dependent increases in CD25 expression and proliferation among unstimulated, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro

Interleukin-2 administration induces CD4 T cell expansion in HIV-infected patients, however, toxicity can limit dosing. BAY 50-4798 is a recombinant IL-2 analog with >1000-fold specificity for the high-affinity IL-2 receptor. The effects of this compound on unstimulated human PBMC were evaluated. PBMC from HIV(-) and HIV(+) donors were cultured in vitro with incremental doses of BAY 50-4798 or aldesleukin. CD25 expression and proliferation were evaluated with flow cytometry. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA in culture supernatants. BAY 50-4798 induced dose-dependent increases in CD25 expression and proliferation of T cells, NK, and B cells and showed selectivity for CD4 T cells expressing CD25. Induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also dose-dependent and was observed at the concentrations of BAY 50-4798 with the highest biologic activity. These data suggest that BAY 50-4798 can induce proliferation of unstimulated T cells but loss of T cell selectivity and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines occur at concentrations exerting the highest biologic activity.
Auxin boost for cotton

Increasing auxin levels at the right time and place during ovule and fiber development improves the yield and quality of cotton fibers.
Breast Milk Hormones and Their Protective Effect on Obesity

Data accumulated over recent years have significantly advanced our understanding of growth factors, cytokines, and hormones in breast milk. Here we deal with leptin, adiponectin, IGF-I, ghrelin, and the more recently discovered hormones, obestatin, and resistin, which are present in breast milk and involved in food intake regulation and energy balance. Little is known about these compounds in infant milk formulas. Nutrition in infancy has been implicated in the long-term tendency to obesity, and a longer duration of breastfeeding appears to protect against its development. Diet-related differences in serum leptin and ghrelin values in infancy might explain anthropometric differences and differences in dietary habits between breast-fed and formula-fed infants also later in life. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of how hormones present in breast milk affect children. Here we examine the data related to hormones contained in mother's milk and their potential protective effect on subsequent obesity.
COMPARISON OF THEORETICAL METHODS FOR EXTRACTING RETENTION FACTORS AND RATE CONSTANTS IN LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

In this research, experimental data are used to evaluate theoretical methods that provide detailed information concerning mass transfer processes in liquid chromatography. To this end, a well-characterized homologous series of fatty acids is separated on a polymeric octadecyl silica stationary phase with a methanol mobile phase. These solutes are detected via laser-induced fluorescence to generate characteristic zone profiles as a function of column length and linear velocity. Three theoretical methods are then applied to extract the thermodynamic and kinetic information from the zone profiles. Each method relies on evaluating the shape of the zone profiles. The statistical moments of the profiles are used to calculate the mean and variance, which are related to the retention factor and rate constant, respectively. The profiles are also fit to the exponentially modified Gaussian equation and the Thomas equation. The fitting parameters from these equations are then used to calculate the retention factors a...
Physiology of the host-parasite relationship between Heliothis zea and Microplitis croceipes

Abstract Parasitism by Microplitis croceipes of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea, resulted in a marked decrease in the rate of growth, especially among larvae parasitized in the early instars. The factor(s) responsible for the initial reduction in growth rate is located in the calyx fluid of the parasite. Also, rates of respiration were significantly reduced by parasitism.
Mapping of a Magnaporthe grisea locus affecting rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar specificity

Magnaporthe grisea causes rice blast, the most important fungal disease of rice. The segregation of genes controlling virulence of M. grisea on rice was studied to establish the genetic basis of cultivar specificity in this host-parasite interaction. Full-sib progeny and parent isolates Guy11 and 2539 of M. grisea were inoculated onto rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar ‘CO39’ and five near-isogenic lines (NILs) of CO39. Each NIL contained a different single gene affecting resistance to specific isolates of M. grisea. No differential interactions between NILs and progeny or parents were observed; parents and progeny pathogenic on CO39 were pathogenic on all five NILs. Segregation ratios of 101 full-sib progeny, 117 progeny from full-sib parents, and 109 backcross progeny, indicated a common single gene affecting pathogenicity on CO39 and the five NILs. A subset of the above 327 isolates (43 fullsib progeny, 37 progeny from full-sib parents, and 32 backcross progeny) were inoculated onto rice cultivar ‘51583’; all were pathogenic, indicating that cultivar specificity to CO39 was segregating in this population of isolates. The locus controlling cultivar specificity, named avrCO39, was mapped to chromosome 1 using a subset of the progeny previously used to construct an RFLP map of M. grisea. The closest reported RFLP markers were 11.8 (estimated 260 kb) and 17.2 cM (estimated 380 kb) away and provide starting points on either side of the locus for a “chromosome walk” to clone the locus.
Use the Journal To Share

JCE Classroom Activity: #62. Color My Nanoworld, by Adam D. McFarland, Christy L. Haynes, Chad A. Mirkin, Richard P. Van Duyne, and Hilary A. Godwin, p 544A. Do you ever wonder about what to teach, when to teach it, how to teach it? Do you always go to a textbook to answer these questions? While there’s nothing wrong with that, dipping into the journals on your shelf will help keep your presentations fresh. Reading journals devoted to teaching is one of the best ways to stay abreast of what others are doing in their classrooms. We hear a lot about the inquiry method, but perhaps you need down-to-earth activities that support inquiry and discovery learning. Do you promote the use of process skills and discovery along with stressing more traditional content? Obviously I can’t answer all these questions, but I can direct you to sources of ideas. Long (pp 462–463) reports on some very interesting feature articles from The Science Teacher, a journal that describes what others are doing in their classrooms to improve science literacy. Clark (pp 466– 467) summarizes practical teaching experiences shared by all science teachers as reported by The Physics Teacher. Sometimes we don’t have time to go to the source, so it is nice when others help do the work! Letting other teachers do some of your work is nice, but remember to contribute your own ideas to the Journal so that they can be shared. It’s a large undertaking to have a publication in an internationally recognized journal, but it’s worth it! A great way to learn how to write for JCE is to attend our JCE Author Workshop, which will be held in Madison, WI, June 14–18, 2004. The workshop leader will be Erica Jacobsen, Associate High School Editor, and you will meet all of the JCE staff and see how an author’s idea is transformed into a printed article. For a brochure and application form, contact Erica at jacobsen@chem.wisc.edu. In the meantime, if you are interested in submitting an article, consult JCE’s Guide to Contributors at http:// www.jce.divched.org/Contributors/index.html. While visiting our Web site, also check out the latest videos of chemical reactions in Chemistry Comes Alive! CD-ROMs (http:// www.jce.divched.org/JCESoft/CCA/index.html). Remember that as a subscriber to the Journal, you have access to many different ideas, ways to enhance and improve your classroom, and have a “textbook” that is continually updated.
Tumor necrosis factor-α stimulates attachment of small cell lung carcinoma to endothelial cells☆☆☆

Tumor cell attachment to endothelial cells (ECs) is an important step in the metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulation of ECs increases the attachment of some malignant cell types to ECs by affecting the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Similarly, the inhibition of EC protein kinase C (PKC) and tyrosine kinase (TK) pathways modulates TNF-alpha-mediated effects on CAM expression. We hypothesized that TNF-alpha would increase SCLC attachment to ECs by affecting CAM expression through activation of PKC and TK pathways. To test this hypothesis, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with TNF-alpha (0 to 500 U/mL) for variable time periods (1 to 24 hours), and the attachment of H82 cells (an SCLC cell line) to the HUVECs was quantified. TNF-alpha stimulation of the HUVECs increased H82 attachment from 28.1% +/- 1.6% to 48.8% +/- 1.7% (P < .05). Preincubation of HUVECs with the PKC inhibitors bis-indolylmaleimide (BIN) or calphostin C or the TK inhibitors genistein or herbimycin A (HMA) blocked the TNF-alpha-induced increase in H82 cell attachment. The addition of antibodies to vitronectin (Vn) or beta1-integrin to TNF-alpha-activated HUVECs before the addition of the H82 cells also significantly decreased H82 attachment, whereas the addition of antibodies to E-selectin, P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), sialyl-Lewis(x), fibronectin (Fn), alpha(v)-integrin, alpha3-integrin, alpha4-integrin, or alpha5-integrin had no effect on SCLC attachment. In summary, the TNF-alpha-mediated increase in SCLC attachment to ECs appears to be mediated by the activation of EC PKC and TK pathways as well as through effects on the function or expression of EC Vn and beta1 integrin.
Multiple sclerosis and viruses.

Discussing the problem of multiple sclerosis and viruses should not be limited to reviewing the epidemiological evidence in favor, or against, a particular candidate, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus 6. In this text, I discuss the difficulty of going from association to causation in human epidemiology; the fact that viruses can trigger or prevent autoimmunity; the problem of our very limited knowledge of the viruses that we harbor as part of our metagenome; and the role of such viral flora in multifactorial diseases and also, possibly, in health. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:6–8
Interaction between flavone acetic acid (LM-975, NSC 349512) and radiation in Glasgow's osteogenic sarcoma in vivo.

Flavone acetic acid (FAA) is a new anticancer agent in Phase II trials in Europe. In preclinical testing FAA showed broad activity against murine solid tumors and minimal activity against murine leukemias. Our interest in studying the combination of FAA and radiation was based on two of its biological effects which might modify radiation damage. First, FAA depletes ATP and inhibits macromolecular synthesis which are needed to repair radiation-induced DNA strand breaks; and second, inhibition of tumor blood flow by FAA could lead to radiobiological hypoxia. Various schedules of FAA (170 mg/kg I.V.) (n = 9, SF = 0.44) and radiation (10 Gy) (n = 9, SF = 0.37) were investigated against s.c. implanted Glasgow osteogenic sarcoma. In the same model we studied both the kinetics of ATP depletion by 31P-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and the repair of radiation induced single and double strand breaks by alkaline elution. The combined response was not significantly different from log-additive when radiation was given 24, 5 or 1 hr before FAA. When FAA was given immediately before radiation an increase in tumor response, significantly different from log-additive (p = 0.03) was observed. This enhancement disappeared when radiation was delayed for between 1 and 48 hr after FAA. While decreased ATP levels and increased response to radiation occurred within minutes after FAA administration, no effect of FAA at either 180 or 200 mg/kg was observed on the repair of radiation induced single or double strand breaks (10 and 50 Gy, respectively; 5 hr after FAA) in spite of significant ATP depletion in the tumors.
Liquid + vapor equilibria in methane + ethene and in methane + ethane from 150.00 to 190.00 K

Abstract Liquid + vapor equilibrium compositions and pressures are reported for methane + ethane at 160.000 and 180.00 K and for methane + ethene at 150.00, 160.00, 170.00, 180.00, and 190.00 K. Liquid-phase G E values have been estimated from the experimental results. Liquid-mixture G E ( x = 0.5) values are compared with the results of previous investigations at temperatures less than 190 K. For methane + ethane, G E values from 11 of the 16 isotherms analyzed agree within approximately 20 J mol −1 . Of the 13 available methane + ethene isotherms 11 yield G E ( x = 0.5) values that agree within the same limits.
Cytoprotective pyridinol antioxidants as potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative and mitochondrial diseases

As part of our ongoing efforts to identify compounds having potential utility in treating neurodegenerative and mitochondrial disorders, a series of pyridinol analogues have been prepared. The synthetic route employed for the preparation of the new analogues is different, and considerably more efficient, than that used in previously reported studies. The new route yields a pair of pyridinol regioisomers that can be readily separated and evaluated. Their ability to quench lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and to preserve mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and support ATP synthesis is reported. The optimal side chain length was found to be 16 carbon atoms. The metabolic stability of those compounds having optimal biological activities was evaluated in vitro using bovine liver microsomes. The omission of any side chain hydroxyl group and introduction of an azetidine moiety at position 6 of the pyridinol redox core (8 and 9) increased their microsomal stability as compared to the exocyclic dimethylamino group. The favorable metabolic stability conferred by the azetidine moiety in compounds 8 and 9 makes these compounds excellent candidates for further evaluation.
Philip Kitcher's Advancement of science: a review article ∗

Why should an economist have anything especially pertinent or interesting to say about Philip Kitcher's new book on the philosophy of scienceAdvancement of science(1993)? If you read it, the first question that will surely pop to mind is, why do eminent philosophers of science (who once could not spare the time of day for the social sciences) now feel impelled to aspire to the status of social theorist, and in this particular case, to explicitly appropriate neoclassical economic theory in order to buttress the case that science is ‘progressive’? While some reviewers have registered their bemusement at this curious turn of events (Hacking, 1994; Fuller, 1994), no one has yet adequately been able to diagnose this symptom of recent convulsions in science studies, I will argue, because of lack of recourse to the economics side of the story. Once all branches of the lineage trees of the disciplines of philosophy of science, social studies of scientific knowledge (SSK) and economics are sketched in, it then bec...
Suppression of alcohol and saccharin preference in rats by a novel Ca2+ channel inhibitor, Goe 5438.

The effect of the novel 1,4-dihydronaphthyridine Ca2+ channel inhibitor Goe 5438 (CI-951) on voluntary ethanol consumption was examined in selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) rats in a free choice two bottle preference test versus water. Intraperitoneally injected Goe 5438 dose-dependently (5, 10 or 20 µmol/kg, twice daily) inhibited ethanol and increased water intake over the 24 h period (injection day). The drug decreased ethanol preference, originally above 90%, by 6%, 19% and 45% at respective doses, on the injection day. That inhibitory effect of the highest dose of Goe 5438 on ethanol preference remained significant also on days 2 and 3 after injections (−51% and −18%, respectively). Goe 5438, in the highest dose, also tended to decrease granulated chow consumption during the injection day only. To further test whether the inhibition of ethanol preference is secondary to decrease in reinforcing properties of ethanol and not due to interference with satiety mechanisms, we compared the effect of two higher doses (10 and 20 µmol/kg, intraperitoneally, twice daily) of Goe 5438 on spontaneous preference for a non-caloric 0.04% saccharin solution in Sprague-Dawley rats. We observed a dose-dependent suppression of preference (by 44% and 58%, respectively) during the injection day, but not the subsequent 24 h period. However, Goe 5438 also significantly alleviated food pellet intake on the injection day. In conclusion, Goe 5438 produces potent and long-lasting inhibition of voluntary ethanol consumption, which may be secondary to attenuation of reinforcing properties of ethanol. Additionally, this particular Ca2+ channel inhibitor appears to have mild anorectic properties which may be conducive to acute suppression of alcohol intake.
Relationship among PGR indices

Abstract Psychogalvanic reflex (PGR) has been widely employed in psychological research as an index of emotionally, autonomic responsivity, sub-clinical response etc., and has been an integral part of research design investigating phenomena as disparate as perceptual vigilance and psychosomatic illness. Little attention is paid, however, to the identity of PGR as a tool; studies tend to regard, and therefore employ, PGR as a unitary measure devoid of facets which in themselves relate to planning of a research design. The present study employed seven separate measures on 64 normal subjects with mean age of 20·5 yr, four measures relating to different types of stress stimulation and three different measures of the resting phase. While some measures correlated highly with each other, others failed to correlate or showed high negative correlations. Three separate PGR factors were obtained. Resulsts emphasize a need for (1) further investigation of PGR as a research tool and (2) judicious consideration of type of PGR measurement employed with respect to given research expectations.
Mobile communications: evolution and impact on business operations

Abstract In recent times, a number of handheld mobile communications devices have taken prominence with a significant impact on global business operations. It is fascinating to learn the history of mobile communications, including the types of devices available and the growth of these technologies. The deliverables for determining if the customers are satisfied are provided in examples of successful implementation of mobile communications in businesses. In addition, it is observed in certain industries, handheld mobile communications have led to closer partnerships between a company and its customers and suppliers all over the world.
Cervical cytology: The need for routine screeningin the sexually active adolescent

Pelvic examinations, including a Papanicolaou smear of the uterine cervix, were performed on 403 asymptomatic, sexually active adolescent girls aged from 12 to 16 years who were in a youth detention ceter in New York City. The smears were negative for precancerous abnormalities in 389 girls, but 168 of these had evidence of inflammation or nonspecific atypia. In the remaining 14 smears there was cytologic evidence of early precancerous changes (low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia). The prevalence rate for early neoplastic changes was 35/1,000, far higher than previously reported. Further evaluation of three of these girls, by colposcopy and biopsy, revealed precancerous epithelial abnormalities of varying degrees of severity in two of them. Since all patients screened were sexually active and were asyptomatic, no clinical feature distinguished the 389 with negative cytology from the 14 with intraepithelial neoplasia. Five of the patients with precancerous cellular abnormalities had histories of sexual activity of less than two years. The data suggest that cervical cytologic screening should be incorporated into the routine examination of sexually active female adolescents.
Reliability of Gestational Weight Gain Reported Postpartum: A Comparison to the Birth Certificate

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important predictor of short- and long-term adverse maternal and child outcomes. As interest in long-term outcomes increases, utilization of maternal postpartum report is likely to also increase. There is little data available examining the reliability and identifying predictors of bias in GWG recalled by mothers postpartum. We used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, a national study of U.S. children born in 2001, to compare GWG recalled by mothers approximately 10 months postpartum to GWG recorded on the birth certificate, among 5,650 records. On average, the postpartum estimates were 2.1 lbs higher (standard error, 0.2 lbs.) than the birth certificate report; 54.7% were within 5 lbs, 27.2% were overreported by more than 5 lbs, and 18.2% were underreported by more than 5 lbs. The difference between the two sources increased with GWG reported postpartum and was significantly greater among mothers who were obese prior to pregnancy, had inadequate prenatal care, or were multiparous. Bias also differed by birth outcome, indicating the potential for recall bias. When categorized by adequacy of the 2009 Institute of Medicine GWG recommendations, 70% of women were similarly categorized, and associations between GWG adequacy and small- and large-birthweight-for-gestational-age did not differ meaningfully by source of GWG data. These results suggest that for future studies, mothers' estimates of their GWG, obtained within approximately 1 year postpartum, may be a reliable substitute when birth certificate GWG data are unavailable.
Automatic moire contouring.

A method of automatically reconstructing the 3-D surface of an object from a 2-D moire pattern has been extended to interpret ambiguous fringe patterns by displacing the object. Potential applications of the surface reconstruction technique include inspection, cad/cam, microscopy, and robot vision. The digitized binary image was segmented into labeled fringes, the contours were detected, and the surface was reconstructed. A coin was used as an example to illustrate the procedure. The feasibility of using automatic moire contouring to inspect surfaces is discussed.
Viscoelastic properties of highly entangled poly(vinyl methyl ether)

We report values for the plateau modulus G 0 N = 0.407 MPa and the molecular weight between entanglements, M e = 5100 g/mol for poly(methyl vinyl ether) on the basis of the viscoealstic measurements on a high molecular weight sample. the loss modulus exhibits power law behavior in both the entanglement and transition zones. In the former regime, the associated exponent of approximately -0.15 is not consistent with the predictions of the Doi-Edwards model but is in reasonable accord with the Baumgaertel-Schausberger-Winter relaxation spectrum and mode-coupling theory
Etoxadrol-meta-isothiocyanate: a potent, enantioselective, electrophilic affinity ligand for the phencyclidine-binding site.

Etoxadrol-meta-isothiocyanate (2S,4S,6S-2-ethyl-2-(3-isothiocyanatophenyl)-2-piperidyl)1,3-dioxolane, 4a) has been synthesized and characterized as an irreversible ligand for the phencyclidine (PCP)-binding site. It is the first chiral electrophilic affinity ligand for this site to have been described. This affinity ligand is based upon etoxadrol, a 1,3-dioxolane known to have PCP-like effects in vivo and in vitro. Etoxadrol-meta-isothiocyanate was found to be four–five times more potent in vitro than metaphit (1-[1-(3-isothiocyanatophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine), the only previously known electrophilic affinity ligand for the PCP-binding site. The binding was shown to be highly enantioselective for etoxadrol-meta-isothiocyanate (4a). The 2R,4R,6R-enantiomer of 4a was essentially inactive. The ability of the 2S,4S,6S-enantiomer (4a) to interact with the benzodiazepine, muscarinic, and mu opioid receptor systems was also examined, and it was found not to interact with these receptor systems. It seems likely that 4a will prove to be a valuable tool in the study of structure and function of the PCP-binding site.
Microstructure and electrical properties of fast-fired lead zirconate-titanate ceramics

Fabrication de ceramiques PZT haute densite par frittage rapide (40 a 50 o C par nm). Etablissement de correlations entre les proprietes electriques et dielectriques et la densite et la grosseur de grain
Active workflow system for near real-time extreme-scale science

In recent years, streaming-based data processing has been gaining substantial traction for dealing with overwhelming data generated by real-time applications, from both enterprise sources and scientific computing. In this work, however, we look at an emerging class of scientific data with Near Real-Time (NRT) requirement, in which data is typically generated in a bursty fashion with the near real-time constraints being applied primarily between bursts, rather than within a stream. A key challenge for this types of data sources is that the processing time per data element is not uniform, and not always feasible to predict. Given the observations on the increasing unpredictability of compute load and system dynamics, this work looks to adapt streaming-based approach to the context of this new class of large experiments and simulations that have complex run-time control and analysis issues.In particular, we deploy a novel two-tier scheme for handling the increasing unpredictability of runtime behaviors: Instead of relying on determining what and where to run the scientific workflows beforehand or partial dynamically, the decision will also be adaptively enhanced online according to system runtime status. This is enabled by embedding workflow along with data streams. Specifically, we break data outputs generated from experiments or simulations into multiple self-describing "chunks", which we call active data objects. As such, if there is a transient hotspot observed, a data object with unfinished workflow pipeline can break its previous schedule and search for a least loaded location to continue the execution. Our preliminary experiment results based on synthetic workloads demonstrate the proposed active workflow system as a very promising solution by outperforming the state-of-the-art semi-dynamic workflow schedulers with an improved workflow completion time, as well as a good scalability.
Optical Excitations in Conjugated Polymers

We investigate optical absorption spectra and excitons in conjugated polymers from first principles. This is done by calculating the one-particle and the two-particle Green{close_quote}s function, including relevant many-body effects, and evaluating quasiparticle and optical excitations. Trans-polyacetylene and poly-phenylene-vinylene are studied as prototype long chain polymers. The electron-hole interaction gives rise to large exciton binding energies ({approximately}1 thinspthinspeV) and dramatically alters the optical spectra. The calculated exciton wave functions are very extended in real space. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Assuring Quality of Health Care: An Overview

This article reviews currently used quality assurance techniques. It assumes a broad definition of quality that includes attention to the content and professional judgment exercised in the provision of health services, as well as the appropriateness of resource utilization. Emphasis is on more or less generic approaches to review that can be applied regardless of the specific health profession involved. After describing and contrasting various quality assurance techniques, the article concludes with a general discussion of effectiveness, problems in initiating behavior change, and opportunities for further research and evaluation.
POLAROGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF TRANSMURAL OXYGEN AVAILABILITY IN INTACT MUSCULAR ARTERIES

Summary The oxygen availability in different medial depths of intact and autografted femoral arteries was investigated in mongrel dogs by use of a Polarographie oxygen probe. Oxygenation of the intact muscular arterial wall is non-uniform. The higher oxygen tension current in the outer than the inner zones of the normal wall is reversed when vasa vasora are functionally removed by an autograft procedure. These findings indicate that: (1) the inner, subintimal region of the arterial wall exists at a lower oxygen tension than the outer, subadvential zone; (2) the vasa vasora provide oxygen nutrition mainly to the outer regions of the arterial wall.
Performance of Al-rich Oxidation Resistant Coatings for Fe-Base Alloys

Aluminum-rich coatings made by chemical vapor deposition and pack cementation on ferritic (e.g. Fe-9Cr-1Mo) and austenitic (Type 304L) substrates are being evaluated at 650-800 C. For oxidation testing, a humid air environment was used to quantify coating performance, as uncoated substrates experience rapid oxidation at these temperatures. A main goal of this work is to demonstrate the potential benefits and problems with alumina-forming coatings. The higher exposure temperatures were selected to accelerate the degradation of the coating by interdiffusion with the substrate. A general conclusion of this testing was that coatings with less Al and a ferritic Fe(Al) structure could be more durable than higher Al content aluminide coatings which have a large thermal expansion mismatch with these substrates. A lifetime model has been developed using diffusion and oxidation observations to predict coating performance as a function of temperature and initial coating composition. To test and improve the model, additional experiments are now being conducted to determine the effect of substrate composition (e.g. Cr content using Fe-12Cr and Fe-9Cr-2W substrates) and exposure temperature on the critical Al content for coating failure. Because of the unexpectedly low level of Al measured at coating failure ({approx}3.5 at.% at 700 C), exposures ofmore » specimens with thick ({approx}200 {micro}m) high Al content coatings were stopped after 10kh at 800 C and 20kh at 700 C because extremely long times to failure were predicted. Post-exposure Al concentration profiles for these specimens were measured using electron microprobe.« less
Utilization of Glucose Oxidase for Extending the Shelf-Life of Fish

The preservative benefits of the enzymic glucose oxidase/catalase system were measured in refrigerated, fresh, whole winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus Waldbaum) and winter flounder fillets. The enzyme system was applied as a dip, as an ice and immobilized in algin blankets. Advantages were an extended period of sensory acceptance and delayed onset of putrefactive odors, 21 days vs 15 days for controls. The pattern of endogenous hypoxanthine accumulation and decline was unaffected, but parameters thought to measure proteolytic activity were modified: creatinine turnover was slowed and ammonia generation was retarded.
Networks, SMEs, and International Diversification

Despite changes in international trade agreements and the introduction of new technologies that facilitate international business, many firms, especially SMEs, still do not diversify into international markets. In this paper, we suggest that an important factor that can influence the international diversification decision is social networks. We hypothesize that both the strength of the ties to international firms and the size of a SME’s international network influence its decision to diversify internationally. Our analysis suggests that the strength of international network ties significantly influences SME international diversification, but that the size of the international network does not. These results have important implications for researchers, managers, and public policy makers.
Split-Step Eigenvector-Following Technique for Exploring Enthalpy Landscapes at Absolute Zero

The mapping of enthalpy landscapes is complicated by the coupling of particle position and volume coordinates. To address this issue, we have developed a new split-step eigenvector-following technique for locating minima and transition points in an enthalpy landscape at absolute zero. Each iteration is split into two steps in order to independently vary system volume and relative atomic coordinates. A separate Lagrange multiplier is used for each eigendirection in order to provide maximum flexibility in determining step sizes. This technique will be useful for mapping the enthalpy landscapes of bulk systems such as supercooled liquids and glasses.
Myocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction

Our experience with two reliable myocutaneous flaps, the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius, is described with emphasis on their indication, anatomy and clinical application.
Management of postinfarct ventricular tachycardias.

The evaluation and management of postinfarct ventricular tachycardia (VT) has changed dramatically in the past two decades. The introduction and refinement of the implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) has played a major part in this change, altering both the purpose of patient evaluation and management options. 1,56 Episodes of sustained VT can occur in a variety of clinical settings, the most common of which is the patient who has suffered a myocardial infarction (MI) in the past. In this article, the authors explore the causes and effects of some of these changes and review current strategies for management of the patient with postinfarct VT. Unless otherwise specified, the discussion deals with sustained (i.e., lasting longer than 30 seconds), uniform-morphology VT (each QRS complex identical to all others during the episode). This term is preferred to monomorphic VT, because the latter implies a single electrocardiographic appearance of VT, and most patients with postinfarct VT have multiple uniform electrocardiographic configurations VT.
RAPD markers for confirmation of somatic hybrids in the dihaploid breeding of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The applicability and reliability of RAPD markers were evaluated for an examination of the possible use of RAPD markers to confirm hybridity of somatic hybrids between dihaploids of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Most of the primers examined detected polymorphism among either tetraploids or dihaploids, and polymorphism was easily detected even among closely related clones. Most of the examples of polymorphism were confirmed as being the result of amplification from the nuclear genome by a comparison of patterns generated by PCR of clones that carried the same cytoplasm. All the bands of dihaploids were transmitted stably to the respective hybrids. In the absence of primers that generated complementary polymorphic bands for both parents, a mixture of two appropriate primers, each of which generated a band specific to one parent, permitted the simple confirmation of hybridity. Hybridity of all the fusion-derived regenerants of 32 fusion combinations was unequivocally confirmed, a result that suggests that RAPD analysis could be universally applicable to the confirmation of hybridity in the dihaploid breeding of potato.
Aerosolized Rift Valley Fever Virus Causes Fatal Encephalitis in African Green Monkeys and Common Marmosets

ABSTRACT Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a veterinary and human disease in Africa and the Middle East. The causative agent, RVF virus (RVFV), can be naturally transmitted by mosquito, direct contact, or aerosol. We sought to develop a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of severe RVF in humans to better understand the pathogenesis of RVF and to use for evaluation of medical countermeasures. NHP from four different species were exposed to aerosols containing RVFV. Both cynomolgus and rhesus macaques developed mild fevers after inhalation of RVFV, but no other clinical signs were noted and no macaque succumbed to RVFV infection. In contrast, both marmosets and African green monkeys (AGM) proved susceptible to aerosolized RVF virus. Fever onset was earlier with the marmosets and had a biphasic pattern similar to what has been reported in humans. Beginning around day 8 to day 10 postexposure, clinical signs consistent with encephalitis were noted in both AGM and marmosets; animals of both species succumbed between days 9 and 11 postexposure. Marmosets were susceptible to lower doses of RVFV than AGM. Histological examination confirmed viral meningoencephalitis in both species. Hematological analyses indicated a drop in platelet counts in both AGM and marmosets suggestive of thrombosis, as well as leukocytosis that consisted mostly of granulocytes. Both AGM and marmosets would serve as useful models of aerosol infection with RVFV.