cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cardiometabolic Syndrome as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor

The cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and includes a constellation of risk factors such as central obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, and hypercoagulability. Collectively, these risk factors increase CVD endpoints such as stroke, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and overall mortality. The CMS is associated with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, abnormal thrombolysis, and increased oxidative stress that accentuate progression of CVD. We will review how the varying components of the CMS relate to an increased CVD and renal disease risk.
Caffeine Consumption Patterns and Beliefs of College Freshmen

Abstract Background: Caffeine consumption by young people has increased dramatically over the last decade through increased coffee consumption and “energy drinks.” In higher amounts, caffeine causes many adverse effects that are cause for concern. Purpose: Purposes of this study were to determine: (1) the amount of caffeine consumed by a sample of college students, (2) beliefs regarding caffeine consumption, (3) reported perceived benefits and adverse effects of caffeine consumption, (4) reasons for consuming caffeine, and (5) predictors of caffeine consumption. Methods: An anonymous survey was administered 300 freshmen attending a southeastern university. Results: Eighty-three percent of the students reported having at least one sign/symptom of caffeine intoxication in the past; 51% reported having at least one sign/symptom of caffeine withdrawal. Students consumed three to five times the recommended amount of caffeine. Father's social index, participation in organized activity in college and three alert...
Aligning technology transfer using basic business measures

Motorola Software and System Engineering Research Lab has 15 years of experience in technology transfer. The business priorities and measures of success in technology transfer are discussed and an example is given.
Correlation autoregressive processes with application to helicopter noise

This paper introduces a new class of random processes X(t), the autocorrelations R sub x (t1, t2) of which satisfy a linear relation for all t1 and t2 in some interval of the time axis. Such random processes are denoted as 'correlation-autoregressive'. This class is shown to include the familiar stationary and periodically correlated processes as well as many other, both harmonizable and nonharmonizable, nonstationary processes. When a process is correlation-autoregressive for all times and harmonizable, its two-dimensional power spectral density is shown to take a particularly simple form. The relationship of such processes to the class of stationary processes is examined. In addition, the application of such processes in the analysis of typical helicopter noise signals is described.
Differential membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase substrate processing with ischemia-reperfusion: relationship to interstitial microRNA dynamics and myocardial function.

Objectives Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is critical to a number of proteolytic and profibrotic events. However, upstream regulation of MT1-MMP with myocardial ischemia–reperfusion remains poorly understood. MicroRNAs regulate post-transcriptional events, and in silico mapping has identified a conserved sequence in MT1-MMP for microRNA-133a. This study tested the hypothesis that changes in microRNA-133a regulation occur with myocardial ischemia–reperfusion, which contributes to time- and region-dependent changes in MT1-MMP activity and processing of MT1-MMP substrates. Methods Yorkshire pigs (n = 12) underwent ischemia–reperfusion (90 minutes ischemia and 120 minutes reperfusion), where regional preload recruitable stroke work (sonomicrometry), interstitial MT1-MMP activity (microdialysis), Smad2 abundance (immunoblotting), and interstitial microRNA-133a (polymerase chain reaction) were determined within the ischemia–reperfusion and remote regions. Human left ventricular fibroblasts were transduced with microRNA-133a and anti–microRNA-133a (lentivirus) to determine the effects on MT1-MMP protein abundance. Results With ischemia–reperfusion, regional preload recruitable stroke work decreased from steady state (139 ± 20 mm Hg to 44 ± 11 mm Hg, P Conclusions Modulation of MT1-MMP activity and microRNA-133a exportation into the myocardial interstitium occurred in the setting of acute myocardial ischemia–reperfusion. In addition, changes in microRNA-133a expression in left ventricular fibroblasts resulted in an inverse modulation of MT1-MMP abundance. Therefore, targeting of microRNA-133a represents a potentially novel means for regulating the cascade of profibrotic events after ischemia–reperfusion.
Design and development problems of radiation-resistant high-temperature-tolerant electronic equipment components

NUCLEAR RADIATION and high temperature encountered near an operating atomic reactor reduce the lifetime of electronic control equipment. Conventional equipment acceptable for applications throughout industry cannot, in most cases, survive in the environment found in a nuclear reactor. Obviously then, to provide reliable reactor controls for long-term service, more reliable components that can withstand the influence of radiation and high temperatures need to be found.
Culture of Suspicion: Riots and Rumor in Bombay, 1992-1993

This paper focuses on the remembrance of events of extreme violence — the Bombay Riots of 1992-1993 — and their articulation in the everyday consciousness of individuals in the city. Using ethnographic material, the paper examines how constructions of identity such as "Hindu" and "Muslim" acquire habitual forms and circulate as everyday beliefs. These form the basis for what is termed a 'culture of suspicion,' which, in turn, forms the foundation for the fantastic beliefs that fuel violent attacks during riots, as well as provides the systems of familiarity and habit that permit a return to an uneasy routine. The paper addresses the set of structural explanations provided for these riots by directing attention towards everyday understandings and throwing into question the very ethnographic enterprise that attempts to interpret violence.
Acute occupational respiratory diseases in hospital discharge data

We investigated the feasibility of using hospital discharge diagnoses of ICD codes 506, 507, and 508, respiratory diseases from external sources, to identify occupational sentinel health events [SHE(O)]. Two hundred sixty-nine records were reviewed and 66 (25%) were incidents where the work-relatedness of the respiratory diseases was documented in the medical records. Twenty-six percent of the 269 records contained no exposure information. Sixty-four of the 66 occupational cases were from ICD codes 506.0-506.9, with the largest number classified as ICD codes 506.0 (bronchitis and pneumonitis due to fumes and vapors) and 506.3 (other acute and subacute respiratory conditions due to fumes and vapors). We conclude that surveillance of ICD codes in the 506 series, where 39% of the cases were secondary to occupational exposures, is a valuable component of a surveillance system for preventable occupational lung disease.
Path Integral Quantization of Solitons

A review of some recent work on the collective coordinate approach to perturbation expansion about soliton solutions is presented. Consistent formulation of the method in framework of the Feynman path integral quantization procedure is described. As an illustrative application we discuss in detail a perturbation expansion for scattering of solitons.
Isotypes and specificities of immunoglobulins produced by germ-free mice fed chemically defined ultrafiltered "antigen-free" diet.

The regulation of the “spontaneously” occurring (“background”) Ig synthesis of mice has been studied by determining the numbers of IgM-, IgG- and IgA-secreting cells and a part of the IgM antibody-specificity repertoire in spleen, bone marrow (BM) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of conventional and “antigen-free” mice. These antigen-free mice were germ-free raised and fed an ultrafiltered solution of chemically defined low molecular weight nutrients, and thus devoid of exogenous antigenic stimulation. The secretion of IgM, IgG and IgA by spleen, BM and MLN cells was assessed in the protein A plaque assay, while specific IgM antibody-secreting cells were detected by plaque assays specific for differently haptenated sheep red blood cells. In general, antigen-free and conventional mice were found to have roughly equal numbers of IgM-secreting cells in spleen and BM. The number of IgG-secreting cells in the spleen of antigen-free mice was the same as in the spleen of conventional mice, but in the BM their number was 3–5-fold decreased. About one half of the antigen-free mice did not have MLN, and in the half which did, 5 times less IgM- and more than 100-fold less IgG-secreting cells were found as compared with conventional mice. The number of IgA-secreting cells in antigen-free mice was drastically decreased in all three organs tested. The antibody-specificity repertoire of the “background” IgM-secreting cells in the spleen and BM of the antigen-free and conventional mice was much alike. This indicates that in antigen-free mice the available antibody repertoires are established independently of exogenous and/or mitogenic stimulation.
Abstract 5574: mTOR is a target for omega-3 fatty acid modulation of prostate cancer progression

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men. The primary obstacle in effective treatment of prostate cancer is the progression of the disease from a hormone-dependent to a hormone-independent state. Previous studies indicate that activation of the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway may be involved in progression of prostate cancer to androgen independence. Recent data indicate that the combination of androgen deprivation with mTOR inhibition provides an additive anti-tumor effect in vivo. mTOR activity is regulated by both growth factors and nutrients, suggesting that certain dietary interventions may have anti-cancer effects through regulation of mTOR. Epidemiological studies indicate an inverse relation between dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and prostate cancer risk. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to inhibit prostate cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Preliminary data from our laboratory demonstrated that treatment of LNCaP prostate cancer cells with omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaonoic acid (DHA), delayed development of androgen independence in vitro. This delay correlated with a decrease in protein expression of downstream targets of mTOR regulation, including phosphorylated S6, Bcl-2, and cyclin D. We hypothesize that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent prostate cancer progression to a hormone independent phenotype in part through modulation of mTOR. To test this hypothesis, we established stable transfectant LNCaP cell lines that express a constitutively active mTOR. These clones displayed less sensitivity to hormone deprivation, resembling the response observed in our previously generated hormone refractory LNCaP cell line. Importantly, these clones with constitutively active mTOR also showed resistance to the inhibitory effects of DHA. Ongoing studies are using these clones to determine if omega-3 fatty acids mediate their effect on mTOR in an Akt-independent manner to delay progression of prostate cancer to a hormone refractory phenotype. We will investigate alternative pathways through which mTOR activity is modulated in prostate cancer signaling, These studies indicate that mTOR is critical for cellular response to hormone ablation, and that mTOR may be a viable target for delaying progression to a hormone refractory disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5574. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5574
Is reoperation for gastrinoma excision indicated in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?

background. Surgical excision of gastrinomas in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) decreases the incidence of hepatic metastases, but long-term biochemical cures are achieved in fewer than 30% of cases. A growing number of patients have persistent or recurrent disease after initial operation. The effect of reoperation in these patients has not been previously reported. Methods. From December 1982 to August 1995, 120 patients with ZES underwent operation for gastrinoma resection. Seventy-eight patients had recurrent or persistent ZES after operation; 17 patients underwent 18 reoperations. After initial operation all patients underwent yearly functional and imaging studies. If a tumor was unequivocally imaged, reexploration was done. Results. Five patients, all with sporadic disease, were disease free after operation, with a median follow-up of 28 months. Tumor was found in all 18 reoperations and resected in 17. In patients with continuing disease-free intervals, locations of gastrinomas included pancreatic head lymph nodes (three), liver metastasis (one), and pancreatic tail lymph node (one). There were no deaths in the cured group; two patients in the group with persistent disease have died (median follow-up, 34 months). Conclusions. Reoperation for gastrinoma excision resulted in elimination of disease in 30% of patients and should be considered for patients with imageable disease.
Resolution of cerebral artery stenosis in a child with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with sickle cell anemia (SCA) [1]. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound can identify patients at increased risk of stroke [2,3], and chronic transfusion therapy decreases stroke risk by 92% in the highest risk group, defined by "abnormal" [time average mean of the maximum velocity (TAMV) > 200 cm/sec] TCD flow velocities [4]. However, chronic transfusions can lead to serious complications, and the optimal management strategy for patients with cerebral artery stenosis whose TCD flow velocities are "conditional" (TAMV = 170-199 cm/sec) is unknown. Hydroxyurea effectively prevents several complications of SCA [5], but there are no controlled studies demonstrating its effectiveness in cerebral artery stenosis or primary stroke prevention in SCA. We report the case of a 4-year-old child with SCA found to have left middle cerebral artery stenosis on evaluation for unilateral "conditional" TCD flow velocities. Hydroxyurea therapy was followed by normalization of TCD flow velocities and resolution of vascular stenosis. This case adds to the literature suggesting that hydroxyurea can successfully reverse cerebral artery stenosis in patients with SCA, further supporting the need for controlled clinical trials of hydroxyurea for cerebral vasculopathy and primary stroke prevention in SCA.
Effects of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase overexpression of life span and resistance to oxidative stress in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Reactive oxygen species have been postulated to be a causal factor in the aging process due to their ability to inflict molecular damage. The role of the enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD; superoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase; EC 1.15.1.1), which scavenges superoxide anion radicals, as a longevity determinant was examined in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster. A genomic fragment containing the Drosophila Cu-Zn SOD gene was introduced into the germ cells via a P element containing Casper vector. In different transgenic lines, overexpression of SOD by 32-42% above normal had either a minor and/or an insignificant effect on life span of the flies and their ability to withstand experimental oxidative stress, induced by paraquat intake and exposure to hyperoxia (100% oxygen). Transgenics showing a small increase in mean life span also exhibited a corresponding improvement in their resistance to byperoxia but not paraquat. The maximum life span of populations was not affected.
Motorola field programmable analogue arrays, present hardware and future trends

The Motorola MPAA020 Field Programmable Analogue Array (FPAA) is an integrated array of undedicated programmable analogue cells, based upon switched capacitor technology. Programming data is held in SRAM in each cell, and it is possible to configure and re-configure the implemented circuit without limit. The chip is capable of supporting a diverse range of analogue signal processing functions, such as data conversion, linear signal processing, filtering and non-linear functions. The MPAA020 chip is mounted within a development board which provides support functions such as clock generation, voltage regulation and I/O pins. This board connects to the serial port of a PC to provide easy download of configurations from the design support software, Easy AnalogTM. This software fully abstracts the design process away from component level to system level. At system level, design entry is performed by inter-connection of user-parameterised macro-cells and then downloaded directly to the device. Very rapid prototyping of switched capacitor circuits is possible with the MPAA020 array, reducing time to market by months when compared with a full custom ASIC implementation. A full configuration of the chip may be accomplished in 5 μS and a partial update of the function may be done in 200 nS per 8 bit data word. (5 pages)
Inclusion of L-glucose within the specificity limits of the active sugar transport system of hamster small intestine.

Abstract Incubation in vitro of segments and everted sacs of hamster small intestine have been used to study the mode of absorption of l -glucose. By all current criteria, l -glucose is a substrate of the intestinal transport system for d -glucose. We have examined accumulation against a concentration gradient, substrate inhibition, phlorizin sensitivity, Na + dependence, energy dependence and counterflow. The estimated K m value for l -glucose is 65 mM.
Polymer synthesis using functionalized alkyllithium initiators: Telechelic, heterotelechelic and functionalized star‐branched polymers

Alkyllithium initiators with hydroxyl groups protected with either t-butoxy or t-butyldimethylsiloxy groups have been used to prepare α-functionalized polymers, α,ω-telechelic, α,ω-heterotelechelic and multifunctional star-branched polymers.
Mixed Layer Development in a Salt-Stratified Solution Destabilized by a Discrete Heat Source

Progress has recently been made in correlating mixed layer growth rates in linearly salt-stratified solutions which are destabilized by uniform bottom heating (bergman et al., 1986). The correlation for the mixed layer growth rate, normalized with a convective velocity, is expressed in terms of a Richardson number Ri associated with convective conditions within the mixed layer. The present study was conducted to investigate further the extent to which mixed layer growth depends on flow conditions within the mixed layer growth depends on the flow conditions within the mixed layer. In particular, a linearly salt-stratified solution was destabilized by a heated strip embedded in an otherwise adiabatic bottom surface. In contrast to the three-dimensional flow resulting from uniform bottom heating, flow conditions in the present study are, in general, two-dimensional. Variations in the mixed layer growth rate would reinforce the notion that entrainment rates vary with flow conditions within the mixed layer.
Compressible thermochemical convection and application to lower mantle structures

A new finite element code for compressible thermochemical convection is developed to study the stability of a chemical layer at the base of the mantle. Using composition-dependent compressibility and a density difference between compositions at a reference pressure, a composition-dependent density profile is derived. Together with depth-dependent thermal expansion, this combination of parameters yields a wide range of dynamic evolutions for the chemical layer. The chemical structures are classified into five major categories (classical plumes, mushroom-shaped plume, domes, ridges, and continuous layers) and a few abnormal cases, such as hourglass-shaped plumes and columnar plumes. Several models have a chemical structure morphologically similar to the African low V_S structure in the lower mantle, at least at a single time. Guided by our models, several dynamic scenarios are proposed for the dynamic nature of the lower mantle low-velocity structures (a.k.a. superplumes), including plumes at an early stage, plume clusters, ridges, passive piles, sluggish domes, and high-bulk-modulus domes. We predict seismic velocity anomalies from these dynamic models. The thermoelastic parameters used in the conversion are additional constraints. We compare the density structure with normal mode inversion, the predicted seismic signature observations, and the required thermoelastic parameters with mineral physics data. Among the proposed scenarios, only the scenario of high-bulk-modulus domes satisfies all constraints simultaneously. The implication on the geochemistry and mineralogy of lower mantle chemical structures is discussed.
Mutant Strains of Rhizobium japonicum with Increased Ability to Fix Nitrogen for Soybean

A strain of Rhizobium japonicum used in commercial inoculants was mutagenized and screened by a rapid effectiveness assay with soybean plants. Two mutant strains nodulated the roots earlier than the wild type and also expressed greater symbiotic nitrogen-fixing activity than the wild type in the presence and absence of fixed nitrogen. In addition, one of the mutants formed more root nodules than the wild type. Plants inoculated with these strains had increased dry weights ( approximately 60 percent) and nitrogen content ( approximately 100 percent) when grown in growth chambers.
Colloidal co-assembly route to large-area high-quality photonic crystals

Whereas considerable interest exists in self-assembly of well-ordered, porous "inverse opal" structures for optical, electronic, and (bio)chemical applications, uncontrolled defect formation has limited the scale-up and practicality of such approaches. Here we demonstrate a new method for assembling highly ordered, crack-free inverse opal films over a centimeter scale. Multilayered composite colloidal crystal films have been generated via evaporative deposition of polymeric colloidal spheres suspended within a hydrolyzed silicate sol-gel precursor solution. The co-assembly of a sacrificial colloidal template with a matrix material avoids the need for liquid infiltration into the preassembled colloidal crystal and minimizes the associated cracking and inhomogeneities of the resulting inverse opal films. We demonstrate that this co-assembly approach allows the fabrication of hierarchical structures not achievable by conventional methods, such as multilayered films and deposition onto patterned or curved surfaces, and can be transformed into various materials that retain the morphology and order of the original films. We show that colloidal co-assembly represents a simple, low-cost, scalable method for generating high-quality, chemically tailorable inverse opal films for optical applications.
A Cluster-Aware Soft Frequency Reuse scheme for inter-cell interference mitigation in LTE based femtocell networks

Due to the requirement for extensive coverage, Long Term Evolution (LTE) has developed small cellular base stations called femtocells that can dramatically improve voice and data coverage for the indoor subscribers. However, limited spectrum availability in the cellular networks causes severe interference issues in the neighboring femtocell users transmitting in the same radio band. In densely deployed environments, interference problems in co-channel femtocell networks causes significant degradation in performance. In this paper, we propose a Cluster-Aware Soft Frequency Reuse (CASFR) scheme, that assigns distinct set of Physical Resource Blocks (PRB)s to each interfering femtocells. The scheme first uses periodic messages from the femto-user (FUE) to identify the interfering femtocells. It then divides each femtocell area into cell-center and cell-edge. Finally, it uses the CASFR algorithm to assign un-interfering sets of PRBs to the cell-center and cell-edge users of all the interfering femtocells. We also proposed a PRB Swapping and Exchange (PSE) algorithm for the uplink to further reduce any interference that may remain after performing CASFR. The simulation results show 14% decrease in the Inter Cell Interference (ICI) levels in the femto users, thereby increasing their average throughput by 25%.
Abstract 4334: Tracking of leukemic stem cells from frozen and fresh samples in a mouse model of human AML using bioluminescent imaging

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC The aim of this study was to develop and use in vivo bioluminescent imaging to track luciferase-labeled acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) stem cells in immunedeficient mice using AML blood samples collected from patients and subsequently frozen. The ability to utilize frozen pools as viable reservoirs for AML stem cells will allow the freezing back of samples from the clinic for later use as well as the use of previously frozen samples for engraftment and therapeutic studies. Using thawed, isolated cells, we assessed AML stem cell engraftment and quantitatively compared it to fresh AML stem cell engraftment in a xenogeneic transplant model using in vivo bioluminescent imaging. Frozen AML stem cell engraftment was also compared to both fresh and frozen normal human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment. Human hematopoietic stem cells (CD34+CD38-) were isolated from both normal frozen cord blood and from peripheral blood of AML patients using modified Miltenyi Biotec (Auburn, CA) magnetic bead isolation kits. Isolated cells were transduced with a lentiviral vector (HIV-luc) pseudotyped with the VSV envelope able to express the firefly luciferase (fluc) gene in human HSC. Using a Caliper Life Sciences/Xenogen IVIS 200 optical imaging system, cells were assayed for fluc expression 48 hours after transduction. Transduced HSC and AML cells (6 × 104 each) were transplanted intravenously into sublethally irradiated adult NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnull mice and mice were imaged serially from day 1 up to day 160 post transplantation. Observed bioluminescent signal and patterns from thawed AML stem cell engraftment are similar to our results obtained using fresh AML stem cells in mice. Luminescent signal from peripheral blood and spleen engraftment of frozen AML stem cells was detectable within one day post-transplantation. Both fresh and frozen AML stem cell populations exhibited diffuse whole body signal, indicating luciferase-labeled stem cells in the peripheral blood, similar to a hallmark of the disease in humans. The presence of blast cells consistent with AML disease was observed by blood smears taken from mice engrafted with frozen AML stem cells. To our knowledge, we have demonstrated for the first time that frozen AML stem cells can be efficiently labeled with a luciferase enzyme for dynamic tracking in vivo. This work has resulted in a useful animal model that will enable us to elucidate the engraftment patterns of AML cells in living animals, learn the dynamics of the interplay of different stem cell populations, and provide information on the efficacy of new treatments in the future. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4334.
Evaluation of a new method for sterilizing boll weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by dipping in a diflubenzuron suspension followed by irradiation

Boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, were sterilized by dipping in an aqueous suspension containing 0.4% (AI) diflubenzuron and antibiotics (0.03% kanamycin, 0.015% penicillin, and 0.015% chloramphenicol) for 10 min followed by 10 krad of irradiation. Overall, mortality was ≤16.6% after 5 d; by 7 d, male mortality was ≤59.5%. Treated males were 77–79% as attractive as untreated males to untreated females. Flight activity of treated weevils was 45–56% of that observed in the control. In competitive mating studies, numbers of females mated by untreated males were significantly greater than treated males at a ratio of 1:1. When treated males outnumbered untreated males by more than 5:1, the number of matings to untreated females was significantly higher. A 20:1 ratio of treated males to untreated males was required to significantly reduce F1 adult emergence. Sterility, mortality, and vigor were increased with this new method compared with the previous method that involved feeding diflubenzuron (100 ppm) for 5 d followed by 10 krad of irradiation.
Effect of antibiotic-supplemented feed on fecal enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 population in lambs

Abstract We studied the efficacy of tetracycline and streptomycin in reducing fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by sheep experimentally infected with the pathogen prior to administration of the antibiotics. Following oral inoculation with 10 10 colony-forming units (CFU) of E. coli O157:H7, three groups of six Suffolk ram lambs were fed daily for 5 weeks a basal diet without antibiotics (control) or the basal diet with 11 mg/kg of tetracycline or streptomycin. Fecal samples were collected every 5 days and analyzed for E. coli O157:H7 using modified tryptic soy broth with novobiocin as a pre-enrichment broth and cefixim-tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar (CT-SMAC) as a selective media. E. coli O157:H7 was confirmed by its reaction with O157 and H7 antisera. E. coli O157:H7 was shed continuously and in varying numbers in the feces throughout the 7-week experimental period by all three groups. However, lambs administered streptomycin shed significantly lower ( P E. coli O157:H7 than the control and those fed tetracycline. Tetracycline-supplemented lambs were not different from control lambs. Average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were significantly improved ( P E. coli O157:H7 with streptomycin in the diet before slaughter can reduce total number of E. coli O157:H7 shed in the feces and improve average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency as well. Reduction of fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 will reduce subsequent contamination of meat by the pathogen, thereby averting the economic losses associated with this food-borne pathogen.
An Alternating Current Amplitude Sensor Utilizing Saturating Magnetic Cores

Toroidal magnetic cores are used for noncontacting alternating current-sensing in applications such as circuit breakers and ground fault interrupters. In such applications, it is often desirable to maximize the voltage induced in the sense coil on the core. In order to maximize this voltage with respect to the sensed current, core design parameters are developed for 60- and 400-Hz applications. The effects of core material, core size, temperature, frequency, and winding are analytically determined and experimentally verified.
School media specialists: Changes and challenges for the next millennium

It has long been recognized that media programs and media centers contribute to the successful schooling of students. Studies over the past ten years have linked the presence of school media centers with students’ academic achievements (Bowie, 1984). Persons providing media services, therefore, play key roles in the overall success of instructional programs. Some of these roles have remained fairly stable since the founding of the first public school library. However, with every new round of challenges to the schools and advances in instructional technology, some roles have shifted emphasis. Responses to the many demands and challenges have varied in degree, but programs have been expanded and adapted to provide needed services to learners and teachers. This ability and willingness to adjust and to meet new challenges has enabled media specialists to assume their role as curriculum and instructional leaders. This article suggests future directions media specialists must take to meet the challenges of today’s educational climate. These suggestions are made against a framework of both traditional and contemporary functions assumed by media professionals. It also suggests sources from which these challenges have sprung and how such forces are reshaping media programs in the schools.
Drawings as a Therapeutic Medium The Treatment of Separation Anxiety in a 4-Year-Old Boy

This paper describes a 4-year-old boy whose presenting problem was anxiety. The treatment used is of particular interest because of the graphic exposition of the development of the therapeutic alliance, the immediacy of the Oedipal issues, and the usefulness of the child's drawings as a therapeutic medium. The phases of therapy are reflected in the drawings, as is identification with the therapist and the integration of loss when patient and therapist terminate.
Novel method for the rapid evaluation of packing in protein structures.

Abstract There has been considerable effort to predict the structure of proteins from their amino acid sequences. A major problem in all prediction efforts has been that, short of a direct comparison with crystallographic co-ordinates, it is often difficult to evaluate the merit of a model, or “proposed” protein structure. Here, we present a method for evaluating proposed protein structures that does not require a structural model of complete atomic detail. Our method evaluates residue-residue packing density using a simplified model of the polypeptide chain where amino acids are represented as one, two (histidine, tyrosine and phenylalanine), or three (tryptophan) spheres. This method also gives a measure of the appropriateness of residue-residue contacts, thus giving a measure of the amino acid distribution throughout the protein. Amino acid packing and amino acid distribution, as evaluated by this technique, are consistent with the accuracy of model-built structures. We have been able to select the best structures from a set of combinatorially generated models using this method, and we anticipate that it will be useful as a general tool for model-building.
Colloidal gold nanoparticles protected by water-soluble homopolymers and random copolymers

Abstract Stable gold colloids were prepared by the in situ reduction of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) in the presence of protective polymers. Several water-soluble polymers and random copolymers have been investigated for their ability to stabilize such gold colloids. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to follow the in situ reductions and to characterize the resulting gold colloids. The particle sizes and their size distributions were determined by transmission electron microscopy and found to be in the nanometer size range. The most stable colloids were obtained for polymers possessing hydrophobic backbones and for side groups that allow good interactions with the gold precursor ions.
Early repair of ventricular septal defect due to nonpenetrating trauma.

Rupture of the ventricular septum of the heart is a rare result of nonpenetrating trauma to the chest. In almost all cases a varying degree of congestive heart failure develops due to the sudden development of a systemic-pulmonary shunt. Most patients respond well to decongestive measures; operative closure of any residual defect can, if indicated, be postponed until a time of election. Some patients, however, develop progressive cardiac failure despite vigorous medical management and will not survive without early operative intervention. This article describes the second reported case of early surgical repair for this condition.
Patterns of rna synthesis in early meiotic prophase oocytes from fetal mouse ovaries.

In a study of the early meiotic prophase stages of mouse oogenesis from d12 of gestation to 10d post-partum the patterns of RNA synthesis during these stages of oogenesis using H3-uridine incorporation as visualized by light microscope autoradiography are reported. We find that chromosomal RNA synthesis occurs in all stages except early to mid-pachytene, the time of maximum chromosome condensation. Diplotene and dictyate nuclei are the most heavily labelled stages. Nucleolar labelling ceases before leptotene and reappears in late pachytene or early diplotene, even though nucleoli can be identified in all stages except early to mid-pachytene.
Automating Acquisitions at Auburn University

Automated acquisitions has been a reality at Auburn University for over four years. Staff training and procedures were changed in order to accommodate this reality. Auburn has experienced most of the good points (increased access) and some of the bad points (downtime) of automation. Auburn has been able to overcome most problems and concerns with cooperation from the department and strong support from other libraries using our same automation system. In turn, we have been able to assist newer libraries with their automated acquisitions.
Passive sampling to capture the spatial variability of coarse particles by composition in Cleveland, OH

Passive samplers deployed at 25 sites for three, week-long intervals were used to characterize spatial variability in the mass and composition of coarse particulate matter (PM10-2.5) in Cleveland, OH in summer 2008. The size and composition of individual particles determined using computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CCSEM-EDS) was then used to estimate PM10-2.5 concentrations (μg m−3) and its components in 13 particle classes. The highest PM10-2.5 mean mass concentrations were observed at three central industrial sites (35 μg m−3, 43 μg m−3, and 48 μg m−3), whereas substantially lower mean concentrations were observed to the west and east of this area at suburban background sites (13 μg m−3 and 15 μg m−3). PM10-2.5 mass and components associated with steel and cement production (Fe-oxide and Ca-rich) exhibited substantial heterogeneity with elevated concentrations observed in the river valley, stretching from Lake Erie south through the central industrial area and in the case of Fe-oxide to a suburban valley site. Other components (e.g., Si/Al-rich typical of crustal material) were considerably less heterogeneous. This work shows that some species of coarse particles are considerably more spatially heterogeneous than others in an urban area with a strong industrial core. It also demonstrates that passive sampling coupled with analysis by CCSEM-EDS is a useful tool to assess the spatial variability of particulate pollutants by composition.
Light focusing at metallic annular slit structure coated with dielectric layers

We report the focusing of a normally incident plane wave of 405 nm through a Ag/dielectric annular ring structure, using finite-difference time domain analysis. We first study the dependency of the focusing efficiency on slit width when the incident wave is transmitted through a single ring whose slit is filled with a dielectric. Then, light focusing by the multiple-ring structure is investigated as a function of the dielectric thickness. It is observed that the focusing is tunable between near-field and quasi-far-field regimes in the Ag/dielectric layered annular ring structure. Also, the focal intensities are remarkably enhanced by the addition of the dielectric layer, showing a Fabry-Perot-like resonance with respect to the thickness of the dielectric layer. The controllable near-field and far-field focusing offers more flexibility for applications of future nano-optic devices.
The Spatial Clustering of Science and Capital: Accounting for Biotech Firm-Venture Capital Relationships

This paper focuses on the spatial concentration of two essential factors of production in the commercial field of biotechnology: ideas and money. The location of both research-intensive biotech firms and the venture capital firms that fund biotech is highly clustered in a handful of key US regions. The commercialization of a new medicine and the financing of a high-risk start-up firm are both activities that have an identifiable timeline, and often involve collaboration with multiple participants. The importance of tacit knowledge, face-to-face contact, and the ability to learn and manage across multiple projects are critical reasons for the continuing importance of geographic propinquity in biotech. Over the period 1988-99, more than half of the US biotech firms received locally-based venture funding. Those firms receiving non-local support were older, larger and had moved research projects further along the commercialization process. Similarly, as venture capital firms grow older and bigger, they invest...
Meritocracy Is a Good Thing

At the turn of the 20th Century when Western power was at its height, Sun Yat-Sen sought to blend the Confucian tradition of meritocratic governance and Western-style democracy in his vision for modern China. With the “rise of the rest” in the 21st Century—led by China—perhaps the political imagination is open once again, this time not only to Western ideas flowing East, but Eastern ideas flowing West as well. The political imagination has been pried open anew not only because of the sustained success of non-Western modernity in places like Singapore and China, but because democracy itself has become so dysfunctional across the West, from its ancient birthplace in Greece to its most advanced outpost in California. That liberal democracy is the best form of governance ever achieved in the long arc of history is no longer self-evident. Today, democracy, which has been captured by a short-term, special-interest political culture, has to prove and improve itself by incorporating elements of meritocracy and the long-term perspective. If not, political decay beckons. In this section, we evaluate the tradeoeffs and ponder the possibilities of combining a more knowledegable democracy with a more accountable meritocracy.
The Merchandising Ratio: A Comprehensive Measure of Working Capital Strategy

This teaching note has two objectives. First, it explores the limitations of the traditional measures of working capital management presented in the financial ratio analysis component of a typical accounting curriculum. Second, it presents an additional or alternative measure based on early work in the finance literature. Three current asset and liability accounts are combined into a single “Merchandising Ratio,” which provides a measure of the net effect of a firm's working capital management strategy. Data from a sample of retailing companies demonstrate how the merchandising ratio can be used to enhance students' analytical skills.
4:24 Human annulus cell response to vibratory loading and modulation of the effect by interleukin-1B

Abstract Purpose of study: Chronic exposure to whole body vibration correlates with increased risk of lumbar degenerative disorders. Our laboratory has demonstrated rabbit annulus cells respond to vibratory stimulation with an influx of extracellular calcium through stretch-activated Ca2+ channels. The objective of this study is to determine if human annular cells react similarly to vibratory loading, and what affect the presence of an inflammatory mediator interleukin (IL)-1B, has on the response. Methods used: Annulus tissue was obtained from subjects having surgery for herniated nucleus pulposus. Cells were isolated by means of collagenase digestion and cultured. Cultures were loaded with a Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent dye and fixed to a vibration jig. A computer-operated microscope was used to determine intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]ic). Vibration trials were for 15, 30 45 or 60 seconds. Ten mM ATP was used as a positive control. Separate cultures were vibrated in Ca2+ free EBSS to determine the need for extracellular calcium. Additional cultures were pretreated with 10 mM ATP, a purinoceptor agonist, or either 10 mM verapamil or 10 mM gadolinium, Ca2+ channel antagonists. All of the vibration trials were then repeated after incubation in 1 nM IL-1B. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and paired Student t test. of findings: Baseline [Ca2+]ic was 185 nM. Increases in [Ca2+]ic were seen after the 30- and 45-second vibration trials (p Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: This study demonstrates human annulus fibrosus cells respond to vibratory stimuli with increases in [Ca2+]ic by means of an influx of extracellular calcium through stretch-activated Ca2+ channels. Exposure to ATP results in an increase in [Ca2+]ic by means of the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores. This suggests that vibration exerts a direct cellular effect on annulus cells with the activation of membrane Ca2+ channels. Activation of annulus cell surface purinoceptors by ATP inhibits the mechanisms triggered by vibration. However, the trials performed after pretreatment with the inflammatory mediator IL-1B clearly demonstrate that inflammation exaggerates the response of annulus cells to vibratory load. Overall significance of findings: These results suggest mechanisms involving intracellular calcium are involved in the response of intervertebral disc tissues to vibration, and extracellular purines and inflammatory mediators modulate the signaling cascade. As the mechanism of increasing intracellular calcium is different for ATP and vibration, this does not simply represent a depletion of calcium stores. We are currently working to delineate the downstream effects of this signaling mechanism and if purinoceptor and inflammatory modulation is protective or deleterious. Disclosures: No disclosures. Conflict of interest: Anthony Russo, grant research support. CREF 99-016NIH-AR38121.
1.35 and 2.07 Å resolution structures of the red abalone sperm lysin monomer and dimer reveal features involved in receptor binding

Abalone sperm use lysin to make a hole in the egg's protective vitelline envelope (VE). When released from sperm, lysin first binds to the VE receptor for lysin (VERL) then dissolves the VE by a non-enzymatic mechanism. The structures of the monomeric and dimeric forms of Haliotis rufescens (red abalone) lysin, previously solved at 1.90 and 2.75 A, respectively, have now been refined to 1.35 and 2.07 A, respectively. The monomeric form of lysin was refined using previously obtained crystallization conditions, while the dimer was solved in a new crystal form with four molecules (two dimers) per asymmetric unit. These high-resolution structures reveal alternate residue conformations, enabling a thorough analysis of the conserved residues contributing to the amphipathic nature of lysin. The availability of five independent high-resolution copies of lysin permits comparisons leading to insights on the local flexibility of lysin and alternative conformations of the hypervariable N-terminus, thought to be involved in species-specific receptor recognition. The new analysis led to the discovery of the basic nature of a cleft formed upon dimerization and a patch of basic residues in the dimer interface. Identification of these features was not possible at lower resolution. In light of this new information, a model explaining the binding of sperm lysin to egg VERL and the subsequent dissolution of the egg VE is proposed.