cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of systemic and copper pesticide applications on the phyllosphere microflora of tomatoes

BACKGROUND Contamination of tomatoes by Salmonella can occur in agricultural settings. Little is currently understood about how agricultural inputs such as pesticide applications may impact epiphytic crop microflora and potentially play a role in contamination events. We examined the impact of two materials commonly used in Virginia tomato agriculture: acibenzolar-S-methyl (crop protectant) and copper oxychloride (pesticide) to identify the effects these materials may exert on baseline tomato microflora and on the incidence of three specific genera; Salmonella, Xanthomonas and Paenibacillus. RESULTS Approximately 186 441 16S rRNA gene and 39 381 18S rRNA gene sequences per independent replicate were used to analyze the impact of the pesticide applications on tomato microflora. An average of 3 346 677 (634 892 974 bases) shotgun sequences per replicate were used for metagenomic analyses. CONCLUSION A significant decrease in the presence of Gammaproteobacteria was observed between controls and copper-treated plants, suggesting that copper is effective at suppressing growth of certain taxa in this class. A higher mean abundance of Salmonella and Paenibacillus in control samples compared to treatments may suggest that both systemic and copper applications diminish the presence of these genera in the phyllosphere; however, owing to the lack of statistical significance, this could also be due to other factors. The most distinctive separation of shared membership was observed in shotgun data between the two different sampling time-points (not between treatments), potentially supporting the hypothesis that environmental pressures may exert more selective pressures on epiphytic microflora than do certain agricultural management practices. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Correspondence Between Objective and Subjective Reports of Adherence Among Adolescents With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

This study examined the relation between self-reported oral medication adherence and bioassay adherence indicators among adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Fifty-one adolescents with ALL, who were prescribed 6-mercaptopurine (6MP), were recruited. Adherence was assessed via 6MP metabolites at Days 28, 56, and 112 and adolescent report at Days 56 and 112. Forty-five percent of adolescents reported missing a dose of 6MP, and 53% had bioassay results indicative of nonadherence. Adolescents with lower self-reported adherence were 3.5 times more likely to have low levels of 6MP metabolites. Both self-report and bioassay data confirm the prevalence of 6MP nonadherence among adolescents with ALL.
Early-Maturing, Short-Statured American Pima Cotton Parents Improve Agronomic Traits of Interspecific Hybrids

The commercial potential of interspecific cotton hybrids (Gossypium hirsutum L. × G. barbadense L.) remains unrealized due to several fiber-quality deficiencies and the agronomic traits excessive vegetative vigor and generally slow maturation rates. This study examined whether four G. barbandense strains, bred for short stature and early maturity, favorably affect hybrid plant height, earliness, and lint yield. The four strains and the G. barbadense commercial cultivar Pima S-6 (PS-6) were crossed to short-staple G. hirsutum cultivars McNair 235, Stoneville 506, TAMCOT SP21-S, and AZ107 to produce F 1 hybrids (...)
Thermal expansion and seeded bridgman growth of AgGaSe2

Abstract The thermal expansion coefficient of AgGaSe 2 parallel to the c -axis is found to be negative. This explains why single crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman method become cracked during cooling if the c -axis makes too large an angle with the ampoule axis. Reproducible growth of large, crack-free single crystals has been achieved by the use of seeds oriented parallel to the c -axis. Optical scattering is greatly reduced in the upper portions of as-grown crystals obtained from Se-rich charges.
Sediment Resuspension and Currents in Lake Manitoba

Abstract The physical resuspension of bottom sediment during periods of high winds is thought to be important for nutrient recycling in large shallow lakes. In order to study resuspension, prototype instrumentation designed to collect gram quantities of suspended sediment at 38.1-cm intervals in the water column was deployed in 4.2 m of water in the shallow southern basin of Lake Manitoba for 1-month periods in 1978 and 1981. At about 2.7 m depth a sharp discontinuity was observed in the vertical distribution of total mass of suspended sediment collected. The mean current speed varied linearly with depth above the discontinuity but was more uniform near bottom. Although the water column was not thermally stratified, drogues frequently displayed a two-layer structure in the currents with a high skew in direction between layers. The particle size distributions were similarly discontinuous in the vertical, with large quantities of sand in the upper layer samples and a high silt load in the lower. The unusual particle size distribution, which was explained in terms of the origin of resuspended sediments and subsequent transport by lake currents, suggests a decoupling of lake turbulence between the two layers during high winds.
Masculinization of female fetuses with congenital adrenal hyperplasia may already be present at 18 weeks

Abstract We report a case of virilization of twin female fetuses because of congenital adrenal hyperplasia ultrasonographically evident at 18 weeks.
Potassium Channels, Proliferation and G1 Progression

Potassium channels are the most ubiquitous and diverse family of plasma membrane ion channels, and this is reflected in a large variety of essential roles they perform in different cells. Voltage-gated K channels modulate the excitability of excitable cells, and K channels gated by intracellular ligands, such as calcium or ATP, provide a functional link between the physiological properties of the plasma membrane and the activity of intracellular metabolic pathways. There is now substantial evidence that drugs which block K channels also inhibit the proliferation of many types of cells, but the cellular mechanism(s) by which the level of K channel activity might be related to proliferation remains unclear. A particularly intriguing possibility is that the opening, or activation, of K channels might be required for the passage of cells through a specific stage in their cell cycle; this would provide a fundamental link between physiological and biochemical signaling pathways which regulate progression through the cell cycle (Fig. 1). The role of K channels in mitogenesis and proliferation has been previously reviewed [20,24,60]. The focus of the present review is the hypothesis that the activation of K channels is required for cells to progress through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We will examine first the evidence supporting this hypothesis, and then we will discuss the processes or events within G1 phase that are most likely to require the activation of K channels. Identification of these critical events is important because their dependence on the activation of ion channels in the plasma membrane would represent a novel type of regulatory checkpoint, compared to other checkpoints previously identified within the G1 phase of the cell cycle [66].
Kinase activity and genetic characterization of a growth related antigen of Drosophila.

The Drosophila developmental antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody F7D6 is expressed in dividing embryonic and imaginal cells but is lost from all differentiating fissues except electrogenic cells of the nervous system and spontaneously contracting muscles. The 63 kDa antigen is associated with the inner surface of plasma membranes and is expressed in several classes of fumorous mutants of Drosophila. The monoclonal antibody was used for immunoprecip-itating the antigen for biochemical characterization and for screening expression vector cDNA libraries. Here we report that this oncodevelopmental antigen is a phosphoprotein and a serine-threonine specific protein kinase. A 1.6 kb cDNA isolated by immunological screening of an ovarian library hybridized to a single band on polytene chromosomes, localizing the gene to 72F on the left arm of the third chromosome. Immunofluorescence assays of deficiency stocks in the region confirmed the location of the gene and identity of the cDNA clone, and mapped the gene between the left breakpoints of Df(3L) st1100.62 and Df(3L) sti7, i.e., between 72F3–7 and 73A1–2. The biochemical and genetic properties indicate that this is a novel growth-related kinase of Drosophila.
The middle way: a practical approach to prescribing opioids for chronic pain.

The use of opioids for the treatment of nonmalignant chronic pain remains controversial. The authors of this Viewpoint discuss the complexities of opioid therapy and present a balanced approach to prescribing these drugs.
Breast reduction in a patient with gorham-stout vanishing bone syndrome.

Initially described as its own entity in 1955,1 Gorham–Stout is an extremely rare entity characterized by rapid osteolysis of one or more bones by vascular ingrowth.2 Although mortality is uncommon unless vital structures are involved,3,4 partial or even complete bone disappearance often occurs causing significant morbidity. Relatively little is known about Gorham’s disease due to the scarce incidence and rarity of described clinical cases.5 There seems to be no predilection based on patient sex, age, or gender,6 and investigators have been unable to detect any familial inheritance pattern.7 Any bone(s) can be involved, although long bones, pelvic bones, and scapulae tend to be the most commonly reported sites of disease.6 Treatment with medical therapy, radiation, and surgery have all been attempted with varying success,8 but the disease process still presents a challenge for physicians. We present a case of a female patient with Gorham’s syndrome involving the left upper extremity who underwent a bilateral reduction mammoplasty for symptomatic macromastia.
Experimental realization of Laughlin quasiparticle interferometers

Laughlin quasiparticles are the elementary excitations of a highly correlated fractional quantum Hall electron fluid. They have fractional charge and obey fractional statistics. The quasiparticles can propagate quantum-coherently in chiral edge channels, and constructively or destructively interfere. Unlike electrons, the interference condition for Laughlin quasiparticles has a non-vanishing statistical contribution that can be observed experimentally. Two kinds of interferometer devices have been realized. In the primary-filling interferometer, the entire device has filling 1/3, and the e/3 edge channel quasiparticles encircle identical e/3 island quasiparticles. Here, the flux period is h/e, same as for electrons, but the back-gate charge period is e/3. In the second kind of interferometer, a lower density edge channel at filling 1/3 forms around a higher density island at filling 2/5, so that e/3 edge quasiparticles encircle e/5 island quasiparticles. Here, we observe superperiodic oscillations with 5h/e flux and 2e charge periods, both corresponding to excitation of 10 island quasiparticles. These periods can be understood as imposed by the anyonic braiding statistics of Laughlin quasiparticles.
Precise intracavity phase interferometry in an optical parametric oscillator with two pulses per cavity round trip

Phase shifts of less than 10−7 rad are measured through intracavity phase interferometry, a figure that corresponds to cavity length changes of the order of femtometers. The technique is demonstrated with a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator. By applying the technique to the measurement of the nonlinear index of refraction of lithium niobate, it is shown that higher accuracy and sensitivity than the traditional z-scan method can be achieved.
Analyzing performance and power efficiency of network processing over 10 GbE

Ethernet continues to be the most widely used network architecture today for its low cost and backward compatibility with the existing Ethernet infrastructure. Driven by increasing networking demands of cloud workloads, network speed rapidly migrates from 1 to 10 Gbps and beyond. Ethernet's ubiquity and its continuously increasing rate motivate us to fully understand high speed network processing performance and its power efficiency. In this paper, we begin with per-packet processing overhead breakdown on Intel Xeon servers with 10 GbE networking. We find that besides data copy, the driver and buffer release, unexpectedly take 46% of the processing time for large I/O sizes and even 54% for small I/O sizes. To further understand the overheads, we manually instrument the 10 GbE NIC driver and OS kernel along the packet processing path using hardware performance counters (PMU). Our fine-grained instrumentation pinpoints the performance bottlenecks, which were never reported before. In addition to detailed performance analysis, we also examine power consumption of network processing over 10 GbE by using a power analyzer. Then, we use an external Data Acquisition System (DAQ) to obtain a breakdown of power consumption for individual hardware components such as CPU, memory and NIC, and obtain several interesting observations. Our detailed performance and power analysis guides us to design a more processing- and power-efficient server I/O architecture for high speed networks.
Integration Amidst Separation: Religion, Urban Education, and the First Amendment

In today’s urban schools, foreign-born children and children of immigrants are the fastest growing sector of the student population and as a result of this changing demographic, our schools are more ethnically, racially and religiously diverse than they have ever been (Suarez-Orozco et al. in Thriving and spirituality among youth: research perspectives and future possibilities. Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, 2012). For many students of immigrant families, their spiritual/religious identity is an important aspect of a healthy and integrated identity. While professional journals in education have focused on race, ethnicity and culture as important diversity variables, the extent to which students’ religion and spirituality influence their development and education has largely been a neglected topic (Woolley in Int J Child Spiritual 13:145–156, 2008). Thus, we highlight research in education, school counseling, and psychology that examines the legal and ethical implications of including religion and spirituality into urban educators’ work with students. We then explore the role that spirituality/religion plays in health, coping, and academic achievement for students, the importance of spirituality/religion within historically marginalized communities, students’ experiences as religious minorities, and religious discrimination in schools. Within each topic area, we outline practical considerations. Finally, we offer some guidelines for professional preparation programs and curriculum development in urban education.
The effect of spatial arrangement on judgments and errors in interpreting graphs

Abstract The spatial arrangement of social network data in graphs can influence viewers' perceptions of structural characteristics such as prominence, bridging and grouping. To study the extent of this effect, we conducted an experiment with 80 graduate students. Each student viewed three of five different spatial arrangements of the same network. We found that viewers' perceptions of structural features of the network changed as the spatial arrangement of the network changed.
Synthesis and characterization of heteroleptic Cr(diimine)3 3+ complexes

Abstract A versatile synthetic procedure is described for the synthesis of previously unreported heteroleptic Cr(diimine)3 3+ complexes. The method takes advantage of the excellent leaving group characteristics of the trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) ligand, CF3SO3 −, and involves refluxing a precursor cis-[Cr(diimine)2(CF3SO3)2]CF3SO3 complex with an alternative free diimine ligand in a non-coordinating solvent such as CH2Cl2 or CH3CN. The synthesis and characterization of the heteroleptic systems Cr(phen)2(bpy)3+, Cr((phen)(bpy)2 3+, Cr(phen)2(TMP)3+, Cr(phen)(TMP)2 3+, and Cr(phen)2(DPPZ)3+ are reported (where phen=1,10-phenanthroline, bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, TMP=3,4,7,8-1,10-phenanthroline, and DPPZ=dipyridophenazine). Capillary electrophoresis studies have proven an especially valuable aid in determining the presence or absence of diimine ligand scrambling (and for establishing purity in general). With the exception of Cr(phen)(bpy)2 3+, these syntheses proceed with essentially no diimine ligand scrambling, even when carried out in the presence of excess entering diimine. UV–Vis absorption and emission spectra, and excited state lifetime and cyclic voltammetry data are also presented for these heteroleptic systems, and comparisons are made with known values for the homoleptic parent species Cr(bpy)3 3+, Cr(phen)3 3+, and Cr(TMP)3 3+. Also reported is the synthesis of these three homoleptic complexes via the appropriate cis-[Cr(diimine)2(CF3SO3)2]CF3SO3 precursor species. The procedure is an attractive alternative to the widely employed literature method for homoleptic systems involving the preliminary formation of air sensitive Cr(II) complexes.
Patient Characteristics Associated with Buprenorphine/Naloxone Treatment Outcome for Prescription Opioid Dependence: Results from a Multisite Study

Background Prescription opioid dependence is a growing problem, but little research exists on its treatment, including patient characteristics that predict treatment outcome.
A Vygotskian theory‐based professional development: implications for culturally diverse classrooms

Professional development is defined as the main route to quality teaching, which in turn leads to improved learning for all students. Because the real challenges of professional development become apparent only after the implementation process has begun, the present paper focuses on integrating professional development experiences with classroom practices. The challenges of implementation increase as the student population becomes more diversified due to demographic changes. With Vygotsky’s views of development as theoretical background, six principles of effective professional development implementation are outlined for teachers working in classrooms that are inhabited by culturally and linguistically diverse students. These six principles focus on the mediational nature of human development and learning.
MALDI-TOF/TOF CID study of poly(α-methylstyrene) fragmentation reactions

MALDI-TOF/TOF CID experiments are reported for hydroxylated poly(α-methylstyrene) precursor ions (PAMS: m/z 1,445.9 (n = 10), 2,036.3 (n = 15), 2,626.7 (n = 20), 3,217.1 (n = 25), and 3,807.5 (n = 30), where the number of repeat units n corresponds to the oligomer mass numbers). The influences of structure, molecular weight, and kinetic energy on degradation mechanisms were examined to test the generality of our multi-chain fragmentation model developed for polystyrene. Our results indicate that poly(α-methylstyrene) free radicals are formed initially through multiple chain breaks and subsequently undergo a variety of depolymerization reactions to yield predominantly monomer and dimer species; the intensity of each species depends on the effective kinetic energy selected for the CID process. Each depolymerization mechanism is presented in detail with experimental and computational data to justify/rationalize the process and its kinetic energy dependence. These processes show the complex interrelationships between the various pathways along with preferred production of tertiary radicals, which suppresses the appearance of primary radicals. Additionally, Py-GC/MS experimental data are presented to allow a comparison of the multimolecular free radical reactions in pyrolysis with the unimolecular fragmentation reactions of MS/MS.
Design and evaluation of gracefully degradable disk arrays

Abstract The availability of inexpensive, small, magnetic disks has made possible the building of a reliable, high-performance disk system by integrating a number of such disks in an array. To achieve high reliability in such systems, equivalent to that of larger disks, parity or other error-correcting codes may be used. In systems where data availability is critical, dual copy methods have traditionally been used. Recently some parity-based schemes have been proposed for providing fault tolerance with much less hardware. However, these new techniques do not provide good performance under a failure due to the increase in workload on the functional disks during a failure in the array. The dual copy methods degrade much more gracefully compared to the new techniques. In this paper, we propose a new technique for making disk arrays fault-tolerant which combines the advantages of both the parity schemes and the dual copy methods. The proposed technique offers a wide variety of options in providing fault-tolerance, dual copy methods and single parity schemes being two extreme cases. We present results from simulations to show that the proposed technique offers better performance during all phases of operation: in normal operation, during a failure, and while reconstructing data on a failed disk. We also show that the proposed scheme allows faster reconstruction of data on the failed disk and thereby improves the data availability.
Tool Path Planning for Near-Dry EDM Milling With Lead Angle on Curved Surfaces

This research investigates the strategy to achieve high material removal rate in tool path planning for the near-dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) milling process using tubular electrode with a lead angle. The proposed strategy to prevent leakage of dielectric mist from the tubular electrode is different from the conventional end milling process due to the difference in material removal mechanism. Tool positions and orientations to engage the electrode into workpiece, machining of workpiece edge, minimum lead angle to machine a curved surface, and minimum and maximum path interval to prevent the mist leakage are derived. Experiments are conducted to validate the model prediction of path planning. Experimental results show plunge method has the highest material removal rate for engaging method, and electrode hole must be located within the workpiece surface when edge of workpiece is machined. For curvature machining, the proposed path planning strategy yields higher material removal rate compared with that from the conventional strategy, which only avoids gouging. This study also reveals that, due to the tool wear and crowning of electrode tip, it is difficult to accurately determine the minimum path interval which will cause the mist leakage.
How will we manage

Management of perianesthesia nursing units is complex. Comfortable practicethat upholds the status quo but does not embrace opportunities may stagnate staff and management. The challenge is to focus on what is done well, and what practice should be questioned. Creating a unit atmosphere that supports change and explores growth requires effective nurse managers. Critical qualities set the tone for professionalism and positive growth of the staff in the unit, and the unit itself.
DC and microwave performance of a 0.1 mu m gate InAs/In/sub 0.52/Al/sub 0.8/As MODFET

The authors have measured and analyzed the performance characteristics of 0.1- mu m gate InAs/In/sub 0.52/Al/sub 0.48/ MODFETs grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The transistors are characterized by measured g/sub m/(max)=840 mS/mm, f/sub T/=128 GHz, and a very high current carrying capability, e.g. I/sub dss/=934 mA/mm at V/sub gs/=0.4 V and V/sub ds/=2.7 V. The value of f/sub T/ is estimated from extrapolation of the current gain (H/sub 21/) at a -6 dB/octave rolloff. This is the first report on the microwave characteristics of an InAs-channel MODFET and establishes the superiority of this heterostructure system. >
Intra-aortic Thrombus Producing Embolic Arterial Vascular Disease

A 45-year-old man presented with acute onset of claudication of the lower limbs and abdominal pain. Echocardiography of the heart was normal. Intra-aortic thrombi were considered to be the source of emboli producing arterial vascular occlusion, splenic infarction, and renal infarction. Figure 1. Top left, Abdominal aortogram showing occlusion (white arrows) of external and internal iliac …
Systemic uptake inhibition decreases serotonin release via somatodendritic autoreceptor activation

In vivo microdialysis was used to examine the effects of peripheral uptake inhibition on extracellular serotonin (5-HT). Previous results from this lab indicated that systemic fluoxetine caused a decrease in 5-HT when terminal uptake was inhibited by local infusion of the uptake blocker. We hypothesized that the decrease in 5-HT levels in the terminal region was due to an increase in 5-HT in the vicinity of the inhibitory somatodendritic autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). To test this prediction, rats were implanted with probes in both the basal diencephalon (a nerve terminal region) and the DRN (the cell body region). Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p.) increased extracellular 5-HT, in a depolarization-dependent manner, by approximately 140% in both areas. In a separate experiment, fluoxetine was infused into the diencephalon overnight to block nerve terminal uptake sites. This pretreatment caused an eight- to 10-fold increase in 5-HT levels. Subsequent systemic fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine, produced a 50% decrease in extracellular 5-HT in the diencephalon, presumably due to activation of the 5-HT1A somatodendritic autoreceptors. Consistent with this hypothesis, systemic administration of the 5-HT1 antagonists spiperone, penbutolol, or WAY100135 reversed the fluoxetine-induced decrease in 5-HT to approximately 85% of the pre-fluoxetine baseline levels. Likewise, pretreatment with penbutolol, but not selective s-adrenergic antagonists, blocked the fluoxetine-induced decrease in release. These findings suggest that the ability of acute systemic 5-HT uptake inhibition to elevate nerve terminal 5-HT is limited by autoreceptor activation following elevation of 5-HT in the DRN. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural evolution of the MoO3(010) surface during lithium intercalation

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to characterize the structural evolution of the MoO 3 (010) surface during the initial stage of Li + intercalation. Lithiation was observed in situ using model cells comprised of a single crystal MoO 3 cathode, a dilute propylene carbonate (PC)-based electrolyte, and an Li metal anode. The insertion of Li + into MoO 3 results in the topotactic nucleation and growth of acicular Li x MoO 3 ( x ∼0.25) precipitates at the (010) surface. Because the interlayer spacing of Li x MoO 3 ( d =7.88 A) is greater than that of MoO 3 ( d = b /2=6.93 A), the Li x MoO 3 precipitates expand out of the (010) surface as they grow into the MoO 3 crystal along 〈010〉. The local strain associated with this expansion causes the Li x MoO 3 precipitates to crack parallel to the MoO 3 〈001〉 and 〈010〉 axes once their height exceeds approximately 20 nm. With continued Li + intercalation, cracking becomes more prominent, and the (010) surface begins to fragment and disintegrate. Anisotropies in Li + ion uptake and the influence of surface morphology on Li x MoO 3 precipitation and crack propagation are described.
Experimental study of water adsorption on activated carbons

Two carbons of different origins (wood and coal) were oxidized with nitric acid. The materials were characterized using sorption of nitrogen. Boehm titration, and potentiometric titration. The water adsorption isotherms were measured at various temperatures close to ambient (relative pressure from 0.001 to 0.3). From these isotherms heats of adsorption were calculated using virial equation. The results showed that the isosteric heats of water adsorption are affected by surface chemical heterogeneity only at low surface coverage. The shapes of heats obtained indicate strong water-water interactions as a result of adsorption on secondary sites and cluster formation. In all cases the limiting heat of adsorption equal to the heat of water condensation (45 kJ/mol) was obtained.
The relationship between charismatic leadership behaviors and organizational commitment

This article reports on a study to measure the relationship between the six leadership behaviors identified by Conger and Kanunago and the two organizational commitment components identified by Porter and Smith. A total of 245 respondents from six organizations in south‐eastern USA participated in the study. Pearson correlations of the factors from the two scales were computed and revealed that five of the six C‐K factors were significantly correlated with the two commitment factors. These findings indicate leader’s sensitivity to member’s needs is related to organizational commitment, having a clear vision and articulating it seems related to commitment, and managers need to be clear about the goals and values of the organization. This study has implications for the strategic role of managers as change agents in organizations.
Use of pseudomorphic GaInAs in Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors

Abstract This work investigates the use of pseudomorphic Ga1−yInyAs in the base of the Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) as an alternative to GaAs. The strain induced by the lattice mismatch between GaAs and Ga1−yInyAs results in a decrease in common emitter current gain (β) when a uniform Ga1−yInyAs base is utilized. However, grading the In composition throughout the base in order to achieve a built-in quasi-electric field results in an increase in β.
Certified cell lines of rat origin appear free of infection with Hantavirus.

Abstract : Hantaan virus, the causative agent of Korean hemorrhagic fever, is but one of at least four distinct viruses that comprise the proposed genus Hantavirus of the family Bunyaviridae. Three of these viruses are known to cause disease in humans, collectively termed hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome: Hantaan, Puumala, and urban rat-associated viruses. Hantaviruses cause asymptomatic, chronic infection in their rodent hosts and presistent, noncytolytic infection in cells grown in culture. Transmission among rodents and to humans is thought to occur via aerosolized infectious urine, saliva, or feces or by bites. Once infected, rodents appear to be infected, and probably are infectous, for life. Outbreaks of disease in humans associated with infected colonies of laboratory rats have been reported. A hantavirus has been isolated from a tumor cell line passaged in infected laboratory rats, and transmission of hantaviruses during passage of rat tumor cell lines was confirmed. Clearly, the existence of hantaviruses as adventitious agents in cell cultures of rat origin or antibody-secreting cells could pose a health hazard to humans as well as potential confounding variable during experimentation. Realizing this, we set out to determine if hantaviruses were present in certified cell lines of rat origin housed at the ATCC (Rockville, Md), the official American repository for such cell lines.
Are some nanotwinned fcc metals optimal for strength, ductility and grain stability?

Abstract Here we investigate whether certain face-centered cubic metals display a superior behavior of nanotwinned structures compared to others. We also address the question of an optimal lamella thickness that yields maximum strength and stability. Our analysis of the intrinsic stacking fault energies, γ sf , and the unstable stacking fault energies, γ us , of Al, Pd, Cu and Ag, as well as our atomistic simulations of dislocation–twin boundary interactions in these metals, suggests an optimal behavior of nanotwinned Pd and Ag as competitive to Cu, and hence a special utility in their synthesis and further exploration. Our results also indicate that the influence of twin–twin interactions may lead to a loss of strength below a critical value of twin lamella thickness.
The Third Hans Cloos Lecture. Urban landslides: socioeconomic impacts and overview of mitigative strategies

As a result of population pressures, hillsides in the world’s urban areas are being developed at an accelerating rate. This development increases the risk for urban landslides triggered by rainfall or earthquake activity. To counter this risk, four approaches have been employed by landslide managers and urban planners: (1) restricting development in landslide-prone areas; (2) implementing and enforcing excavation, grading, and construction codes; (3) protecting existing developments by physical mitigation measures and (4) developing and installing monitoring and warning systems. Where they have been utilized, these approaches generally have been effective in reducing the risk due to landslide hazards. In addition to these practices, landslide insurance holds promise as a mitigative measure by reducing the financial impact of landslides on individual property owners. Until recently, however, such insurance has not been widely available and, where it is available, it is so expensive that it has been little used.
Equivalence of two manufacturers’ precision food pellets for rats

Precision food pellets made from purified ingredients by two different manufacturers (P. J. Noyes Company, Inc. and Bio-Serv, Inc.), and advertised as dust-free and nutritionally complete, were compared as reinforcers of leverpressing in rats. Single schedules (a variable interval [VI] of 30 sec and a fixed ratio of 20) were used to compare ability to maintain moderate and high response rates, and concurrent VI schedules were used to assess preference. The two pellets maintained equivalent moderate and high response rates on the single schedules. In the concurrent schedules, 3 out of 4 rats showed a small preference for the Bio-Serv pellets. Although both pellets performed adequately in normal humidity, high humidity caused the Bio-Serv pellets to soften and occasionally to be crushed in the pellet dispenser. Their softness may have been the reason they were preferred. The two pellets can be regarded as generally equivalent, except in high humidity. The only experiments in which they might not be used interchangeably are those involving choices between different reinforcers.
Nucleation of vortices in the superconducting mixed state: nascent vortices

Evidence is presented that the mixed-state order parameter at surfaces parallel to the magnetic field is strongly modulated. The minima of this modulation act as the nucleation and denucleation sites for vortices.
Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) vitellogenin: purification, characterization and quantitative immunoassay for the detection of estrogenic compounds

The egg yolk precursor protein, vitellogenin (VTG), was purified from blood plasma of 17beta-estradiol (E2)-treated male fathead minnows (Pimephales promnelas) by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-agarose. A rabbit antiserum was raised against their blood plasma and then adsorbed with plasma from untreated (control) males to render the antiserum specific to VTG. The adsorbed antiserum was used to detect fathead minnow VTG (fVTG) in Western and dot blotting experiments and in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antiserum recognised fVTG as a approximately 156 kDa protein in plasma from vitellogenic females and E2-injected males but not untreated males. Its identity was confirmed by analysis of: (1) amino acid composition; (2) an internal amino acid sequence; (3) reactivity to the homologous antiserum; and (4) recognition by monoclonal antibodies prepared against the VTG from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus). Specificity of the homologous antiserum to fVTG was confirmed by Western blotting of serially diluted plasma from vitellogenic females. Utility of the antiserum and purified fVTG for detecting exposure of male fathead minnows to estrogenic compounds was verified using a dot blotting immunoassay of fVTG and detected by chemiluminescence. Adult male fish were exposed to various concentrations of E2 (10(-8), 10(-9) and 10(-10) M) in their rearing water and plasma assayed for the presence of VTG at different time points (2, 7, 14 and 21 days). A competitive, antibody-capture, quantitative ELISA was then developed based on the purified fVTG and its respective antiserum. The ELISA was validated by demonstrating parallel binding slopes of dilution curves prepared with plasma from E2-injected males, vitellogenic females, and aqueous egg extracts as compared with purified fVTG standard. Plasma concentrations of VTG as low as 3 ng ml(-1) were detected in the ELISA, for which inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation were both less than 5%. Furthermore, plasma from control males was unreactive with the fVTG antiserum. The VTG ELISA could be useful for the detection of estrogenic properties associated with certain compounds and could be easily incorporated into standard laboratory toxicity assays using this species.
Localization of DNA in Ultrascopic Nuclear Appendages of Polymorphonuclear White Blood Cells from Patients with Low Serum B12

Polymorphonuclear white blood cells from patients with low serum vitamin B12 (cobalamin) have ultrascopic appendages that project from their nuclear membranes. These appendages are most often found in the shape of blebs and stalks. Cytoplasmic rings that may be separated from the nucleus have also been seen. There is no known function for these appendages. Blood from 11 patients with low serum B12 was processed for electron microscopic examination. In situ end-labeling of DNA and subsequent electron microscopic examination were performed. DNA was localized in all of the visualized appendages and rings. Treatment with DNases I and II decreased the labeling of these appendages by 63%. These DNA-laden appendages are a unique ultrastructural finding and may function to transfer fragmented DNA, which occurs in vitamin B12 deficiency, from the nucleus into the cytoplasm.
Enhancement from targets and suppression from cues in fast task-irrelevant perceptual learning

Task-irrelevant perceptual learning (TIPL) refers to the phenomenon where the stimulus features of a subject's task are learned when they are consistently presented at times when behaviorally relevant events occur. In this article, we addressed two points concerning TIPL. First, we address the question, are all behaviorally relevant events equal in their impact on encoding processes? Second, we address the hypothesis that TIPL involves mechanisms of the alerting attentional system. Two experiments of fast-TIPL were conducted in which the attentional state of participants was manipulated by using an alerting cue (visual or auditory) that informed participants of the arrival of an upcoming target. Images were presented with task-related stimuli (cues, targets and distractors) and subjects were tested on their memory of those images. Results indicate that memory for target-paired images was enhanced and cue-paired images were suppressed relative to that of distractor-paired images. The alerting cue increased the ability to recall target-paired images presented after this cue, although this result depended on the proportion of cued trials in a session. These results demonstrate a complex interplay between task-elements and the encoding of stimuli paired with them where both enhancement and suppression of task-paired stimuli can be found depending whether those stimuli are paired with task-targets or cues.
What is the Role of Stroke Units in Overall Care

Stroke is a heterogeneous cerebrovascular disorder that is a major cause of death and disability in the industrialised world. Anecdotal clinical evidence and expert opinion has suggested that organised stroke care results in better patient outcomes compared with care provided in general medical units, although results from randomised control trials (RTC) have been inconclusive. However in 1993, a meta-analysis of 10 RTCs of patients assigned to acute care stroke units (ACSUs) versus routine ward care reported a reduction of early mortality rate of 28% for those assigned to ACSUs. In 1997, the Stroke Unit Trialist Collaboration conducted a meta-analysis of 18 RTCs and concluded that organised inpatient care is effective in reducing death, dependency and institutionalisation after stroke. The analysis also found that age, gender and stroke severity should not be restricting factors to stroke unit care because all categories benefit from organised stroke care. These important studies establish the efficacy of organised stroke care.
Effect of level and form of phosphorus and level of calcium intake on zinc, iron and copper bioavailability in man

Abstract A 75-day human metabolic study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 1 g supplements of phosphorus, either as orthophosphate or hexametaphosphate, alone and in combination with 810 mg calcium on zinc, iron and copper bioavailability in ten young men. An additional objective was to determine the effects of increasing dietary calcium on polyphosphate hydrolysis. All subjects consumed each of the five diets (basal, low calcium-high orthophosphate, low calcium-high polyphosphate, high calcium-high orthophosphate and high calcium-high polyphosphate) for 15 days. Increasing dietary calcium caused a significant decrease in polyphosphate hydrolysis; the calcium supplement stabilized hexametaphosphate and all of its' polyphosphate hydrolysis products except pyrophosphate. Both phosphate supplements caused significant decreases in iron absorption and retention at the lower level of calcium intake, but the hexametaphosphate exerted a substantially greater effect. Simultaneously supplementing the diet with calcium and orthophosphate caused a similar reduction in iron absorption and retention to that found at the lower level of calcium intake. The hexametaphosphate supplement was without significant effect on iron absorption and retention at the higher level of calcium intake, and caused a significant decrease in copper retention. Zinc retention was not significantly affected by any dietary treatment.
Effects of Ba6Ti17O40 on the Dielectric Properties of Nb‐Doped BaTiO3 Ceramics

The dielectric properties, including the DC breakdown strength, of 1 mol% Nb5+-doped BaTiO3 ceramics with different quantities of excess TiO2 have been investigated. The breakdown strength was found to decrease with increasing TiO2 content, but could not be readily explained by relative density and grain size effects. The decrease in the breakdown strength from a stoichiometric BaTiO3 composition to samples with excess TiO2 is believed to be due to the field enhancement effect (up to a factor of 1.40) at the BaTiO3 matrix because of the presence of a Ba6Ti17O40 second phase. The thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the BaTiO3 matrix phase and the Ba6Ti17O40 phase may also result in a low breakdown strength. The dielectric properties of the pure Ba6Ti17O40 phase were also investigated and are reported herein.
Examination of intramammary devices from infected and uninfected mammary quarters by scanning electron microscopy.

Abstract Polyethylene intramammary devices were removed from six infected and four uninfected mammary quarters of seven lactating cows and examined by scanning electron microscopy. Infecting organisms included Corynebacterium bovis , coagulase-negative staphylococci, and an unidentified fungus. Intramammary devices from infected quarters had amorphous material adhering to large areas of the polyethylene. Large numbers of inflammatory cells and microorganisms were found concentrated within the material. Devices from uninfected quarters had less amorphous material with few adhering inflammatory cells. The amorphous material appeared to be restricted to abraded surfaces of the polyethylene. Milk somatic cell counts in stripping milk of quarters infected with Corynebacterium bovis and coagulase-negative staphylococci before and 3 wk after removal of intramammary device averaged 1.2×10 6 and .2×10 6 /ml, respectively. Results suggest that increased cell counts of infected quarters containing intramammary devices were associated with microbial colonization of the amorphous material.
Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms among College Students: Item Positioning Affects Symptom Endorsement Rates.

Objective: The effect of manipulating item positioning on self-reported ADHD symptoms was examined. We assessed whether listing DSM-IV ADHD symptoms serially or interspersed affected (a) the correlation between ADHD symptoms and (b) the rate of symptom endorsement. Method: In Study 1, an undergraduate sample (n = 102) completed a measure that listed DSM-IV ADHD symptoms serially and a measure that interspersed DSM-IV ADHD items among non-ADHD symptoms. In Study 2, a separate undergraduate sample (n = 240) completed a measure that listed DSM-IV ADHD symptoms serially and another ADHD measure that interspersed DSM-IV ADHD items among non-DSM-IV ADHD items. Results: Item positioning did not affect the correlation between symptoms, but did reveal a significant bias in the rate of symptom endorsements. Conclusion: These findings suggest that there is significant variability in ADHD symptom endorsements resulting from item positioning. This effect has implications for clinical assessment and epidemiological research of ADHD among college students.
Constructing useful statistical master equations for clusters

Models and computational experiments provide insights into ways to construct and use master equations to describe kinetics of very complex systems. The goal of the work is establishing reliable ways to create such equation systems for small statistical samples of very large complex systems, that are good mimics of their full but unmanageable counterparts. Two converging approaches are described: one is based on any of a set of very simplified models of a complex potential surface; the other is based on simplifying the representation of the realistic surface itself. The results from systems of moderate size indicate that optimism is justified, regarding attainment of the goal for very large systems.
Semi-automatic segmentation and modeling of the cervical spinal cord for volume quantification in multiple sclerosis patients from magnetic resonance images

Spinal cord (SC) tissue loss is known to occur in some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), resulting in SC atrophy. Currently, no measurement tools exist to determine the magnitude of SC atrophy from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI). We have developed and implemented a novel semi-automatic method for quantifying the cervical SC volume (CSCV) from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) based on level sets. The image dataset consisted of SC MRI exams obtained at 1.5 Tesla from 12 MS patients (10 relapsing-remitting and 2 secondary progressive) and 12 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (HVs). 3D high resolution image data were acquired using an IR-FSPGR sequence acquired in the sagittal plane. The mid-sagittal slice (MSS) was automatically located based on the entropy calculation for each of the consecutive sagittal slices. The image data were then pre-processed by 3D anisotropic diffusion filtering for noise reduction and edge enhancement before segmentation with a level set formulation which did not require re-initialization. The developed method was tested against manual segmentation (considered ground truth) and intra-observer and inter-observer variability were evaluated.