cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct demonstration of radiolabeled von Willebrand factor binding to platelet glycoprotein Ib and IIb-IIIa in the presence of shear stress.

In this study it is demonstrated for the first time that shear stress induces the binding of exogenous von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers to platelets. The vWF preparations used were:125I-vWF purified from human cryoprecipitate (and including all vWF multimers present in normal plasma); and35S-cysteine-vWF secreted by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) (and containing unusually large vWF forms, as well as all plasma-type vWF multimers). Direct shear-induced binding to washed platelets (300–360×103/μl) of radiolabeled vWF was maximum at 60–120 dynes/cm2 evaluated at 30 sec and was in extent about one-quarter of the binding stimulated by ristocetin after 3 min of incubation. The shear-induced binding of only a small percentage of added radiolabeled vWF was sufficient to initiate aggregation. Radiolabeled vWF attached to both glycoprotein (GP) Ib and GPIIb-IIIa receptors in the shear field, with complete inhibition of binding occurring with simultaneous blockade of both receptors. Binding was potentiated by ADP released from sheared platelets.
Cerebral metabolism of glucose in adrenalectomized rats: effect of treatment withl-DOPA and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor

The brain is unique among tissues in that it is almost entirely dependent on glucose as its source of energy and in that it metabolizes glucose rapidly to those amino acids (glutamate, glutamine, GABA and aspartate) that are in equilibrium with the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. This reaction is so rapid that as early as 5 min after [14C]glucose injection these 14C-labeled amino acids are by far the most abundant metabolites of glucose in brain 5. Treatment of control rats with L-DOPA and an inhibitor (fl-phenylisopropylhydrazine, JB 516) of monoamine oxidase was found to inhibit this cerebral metabolism of glucose and to cause increases in the concentrations of glucose in plasma and in brain 4. We now report studies of the effects of administration of L-DOPA and JB 516 to adrenalectomized rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 265-365 g were used. Bilaterally adrenalectomized rats were obtained from A. R. Schmidt Co., Madison, Wisc. These were allowed free access to solid food, and their drinking water was a mixture of 5 ~ glucose in 0.9 ~o saline. Control animals were fed ad libitum. [U-14C]Glucose (20/zCi, 0.24 mg in 0.2 ml) was injected intravenously to unanesthetized control and adrenalectomized rats; 5 of the adrenalectomized rats had been injected with JB 516 (20 mg/kg, i.p., 2.25 h earlier) and with L-DOPA (100 mg/kg, i.v., 15 min earlier). Small samples of blood were collected from the femoral artery at intervals after the glucose injection. At 14.5 rain after glucose injection, the rats were injected with sodium pentobarbital (20 mg), and 30 sec later the rats were dropped head first into liquid nitrogen and the brains were frozen in situ. The frozen brains were then chiselled out for chemical analysis. The methods used for chemical determinations and measurements of radioactivity have been described in detail 4. The specific activity of glucose in plasma was determined by dividing total 14C in plasma by the concentration of glucose determined enzymatically4.This simplified method was used because it has been shown in rats that over 96 ~ of total 14C in blood remains as [14C]glucose for as long as 15 min after injection of [U-14C]
A comparative analysis of training models versus consulting/training models for implementing oral communication across the curriculum

The development of oral communication across‐the‐curriculum programs requires that non‐speech students receive oral communication instruction to facilitate the oral communication activities used to enhance learning in their classes. Many non‐speech faculty lack adequate instruction in oral communication theory and practice, thus creating a major obstacle to developing programs of oral communication across the curriculum (OCXC). This article examines the advantages, disadvantages, and preliminary assessments of the training model and the consulting/training model approaches to providing oral communication instruction in OCXC programs. A recommended position for the Speech Communication discipline with respect to these models is discussed.
Interaction of the membrane-inserted diphtheria toxin T domain with peptides and its possible implications for chaperone-like T domain behavior.

The T domain of diphtheria toxin is believed to aid the low-pH-triggered translocation of the partly unfolded A chain (C domain) through cell membranes. Recent experiments have suggested the possibility that the T domain aids translocation by acting as a membrane-inserted chaperone [Ren, J., et al. (1999) Science 284, 955-957]. One prediction of this model is that the membrane-inserted T domain should be able to interact with sequences that mimic unfolded proteins. To understand the basis of interaction of the membrane-inserted T domain with unfolded polypeptides, its interaction with water-soluble peptides having different sequences was studied. The membrane-inserted T domain was able to recognize helix-forming 23-residue Ala-rich peptides. In the presence of such peptides, hydrophobic helix 9 of the T domain underwent the previously characterized conformational change from a state exhibiting shallow membrane insertion to one exhibiting deep insertion. This conformational change was more readily induced by the more hydrophobic peptides that were tested. It did not occur at all in the presence a hydrophilic peptide in which alternating Ser and Gly replaced Ala or in the presence of unfolded hydrophilic peptides derived from the A chain of the toxin. Interestingly, a peptide with a complex sequence (RKE 3 KE 2 -LMEW 2 KM 2 SETLNF) also interacted with the T domain very strongly. We conclude that the membrane-inserted T domain cannot recognize every unfolded amino acid sequence. However, it does not exhibit strong sequence specificity, instead having the ability to recognize and interact with a variety of amino acid sequences having moderate hydrophobicity. This recognition was not strictly correlated with the strength of peptide binding to the lipid, suggesting that more than just hydrophobicity is involved. Although it does not prove that the T domain functions as a chaperone, T domain recognition of hydrophobic sequences is consistent with it having polypeptide recognition properties that are chaperone-like.
Ethylene Dimerization by Cationic Palladium(II) Alkyl Complexes that Contain Bis(heterocycle)methane Ligands

The catalytic ethylene dimerization reactions of (N∧N)PdMe(L)+ species that contain bidentate nitrogen donor ligands were studied (N∧N = (1-Me-imidazol-2-yl)2CH2 (a); (1-Me-imidazol-2-yl)2CH(C6H13) (b), 1,1′-di(triphenylmethyl)-4,4′-biimidazole (c), (5-Me-pyridin-2-yl)2CH2 (d), (pyrazol-1-yl)2CH2 (e), (3,5-Me2-pyrazol-1-yl)2CH2 (f), (4-Me-C6H4)N═CMeCMe═N(4-Me-C6H4) (g), and (2,6-iPr2-C6H3)N═CMeCMe═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3) (h)). (N∧N)PdMe2 (2a–e,g) and (N∧N)Pd(Me)Cl (3f–h) complexes were converted to [(N∧N)Pd{C(═O)Me}CO][B(C6F5)4)] (7a,c–h), [(N∧N)Pd(Me)(H2C═CH2)][B(C6F5)4)] (8a−g), and [(N∧N)Pd(Me)(H2C═CH2)][SbF6] (8f′). The νCO values for 7a,c−f show that there is weak back-bonding in these species, the donor ability of the N∧N ligand varies in the order imidazole > pyridine > pyrazole, and variation of the chelate ring size does not strongly affect the electron density at Pd. 8a,c−g and 8f′ dimerize ethylene by an insertion/β-H elimination mechanism. The catalyst resting state is (N∧N)Pd(Et)(H2C═CH2)+ (9a,c−g)....
Comment on hard-photon theorems

We examine the possibility of generalizing the Low soft-photon theorem in a model-independent way and conclude that meaningful hard-photon theorems do not exist.
Distribution of Residual Autocorrelations in Autoregressive-Integrated Moving Average Time Series Models

Many statistical models, and in particular autoregressive-moving average time series models, can be regarded as means of transforming the data to white noise, that is, to an uncorrelated sequence of errors. If the parameters are known exactly, this random sequence can be computed directly from the observations; when this calculation is made with estimates substituted for the true parameter values, the resulting sequence is referred to as the "residuals," which can be regarded as estimates of the errors. If the appropriate model has been chosen, there will be zero autocorrelation in the errors. In checking adequacy of fit it is therefore logical to study the sample autocorrelation function of the residuals. For large samples the residuals from a correctly fitted model resemble very closely the true errors of the process; however, care is needed in interpreting the serial correlations of the residuals. It is shown here that the residual autocorrelations are to a close approximation representable as a singular linear transformation of the autocorrelations of the errors so that they possess a singular normal distribution. Failing to allow for this results in a tendency to overlook evidence of lack of fit. Tests of fit and diagnostic checks are devised which take these facts into account.
Aromatic hydrocarbon dioxygenases in environmental biotechnology

Aromatic hydrocarbon dioxygenases belong to a large family of Rieske non-heme iron oxygenases. The dioxygenases have a broad substrate specificity and catalyze enantiospecific reactions with a wide range of substrates. These characteristics make them attractive synthons for the production of industrially and medically important chiral chemicals and also provide essential information for the development of bioremediation technology.
Renal cell carcinoma with solitary metastases to pericardium.

Abstract Approximately 1 to 3 per cent of patients presenting with metastatic renal cell carcinoma will have a solitary metastatic lesion. An unusual case of solitary metastasis is described. Treatment consisted of nephrectomy and radiation therapy to the pericardium.
Predator [Metaseiulus occidentalis] — Prey [Pronematus spp.] interactions under sulfur and cattail pollen applications in a noncommercial vineyard

The effect of sulfur and cattail pollen applications on predatory and phytophagous mite species was investigated in a noncommercial vineyard for a full growing season. Populations of tydeids (Pronematus spp.) increased earlier in pollen and control plots that received no sulfur than in plots treated 4- and 10-times with sulfur. Predatory mite populations [Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt)] responded quickly to this increase in tydeid numbers in all plots. However, peak densities achieved by this phytoseiid in the pollen and control replicates (1.6/leaf and 1.1/leaf, respectively) were twice that attained in the sulfur treated plots (0.6/leaf), although comparable numbers of tydeids were present in all plots. Further evidence of the inimical effect of sulfur was provided by tarsonemid populations which increased quickly in late summer in those plots receiving no sulfur, but increased only slightly in plots treated with sulfur. The numbers of tetranychid mites remained extremely low throughout the season.
Methodology review: Clustering methods

A review of clustering methodology is presented, with emphasis on algorithm performance and the re sulting implications for applied research. After an over view of the clustering literature, the clustering process is discussed within a seven-step framework. The four major types of clustering methods can be characterized as hierarchical, partitioning, overlapping, and ordina tion algorithms. The validation of such algorithms re fers to the problem of determining the ability of the methods to recover cluster configurations which are known to exist in the data. Validation approaches in clude mathematical derivations, analyses of empirical datasets, and monte carlo simulation methods. Next, interpretation and inference procedures in cluster anal ysis are discussed. inference procedures involve test ing for significant cluster structure and the problem of determining the number of clusters in the data. The paper concludes with two sets of recommendations. One set deals with topics in clustering that would ben ...
Diel behavior of rearing fall Chinook salmon

In fisheries science, habitat use is often inferred when fish are sampled or observed in a particular location. Physical habitat is typically measured where fish are found, and thus deemed important to habitat use. Although less common, a more informative approach is to measure or observe fish behavior within given habitats to more thoroughly assess their use of those locations. While this approach better reflects how fish use habitat, fish behavior can be difficult to quantify, particularly at night. For example, Tiffan and others (2002, 2006) were able to quantify habitat availability and characteristics that were important for rearing juvenile fall Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River.
Halide systematics in comparison with nutrient distributions in sites 1033B and 1034B, Saanich Inlet: ODP Leg 169S

Abstract The entire suite of halogens was measured in the pore fluids of Hole 1033B and 1034B from Saanich Inlet: ODP Leg 169S. The fast sedimentation rates and large amount of organic carbon burial coupled with anoxia of the overlying waters promotes an advanced stage of diagenesis within the sediment column. Chloride interstitial water profiles suggest salinity variations within the waters of Saanich Inlet. Concentration profiles for iodide and bromide support the argument that they are produced through the degradation of organic matter. Although the concentration increases in I− and Br− indicate that these halides are not regenerated in similar proportions to marine organic matter, it appears that iodide and bromide are regenerated to similar degrees within the sediment column and in similar proportions to the sediment halide concentrations. Fluoride porewater values show a complicated pattern, most likely caused by secondary reactions involving complexation with Mg2+, carbonate fluorapatite precipitation, carbonate mineral diagenesis, and/or uptake into alumino-silicate minerals.
Personal Goals and Global Awareness of American Community College Women regarding Parenthood.

Young women in many countries are choosing a future without children. The scope of decline in fertility rates among developed nations is described along with public policy efforts intended to reverse the course of population change. The initiatives commonly used to persuade women that they should become mothers are monetary incentives and suggestions that attainment of personal maturity requires the sacrifices related to parenting. These solutions, devised by middle age and older adults, rarely include intergenerational dialogue that recognizes the goals of young women in the current environment or explores what could be done to make parenthood an appealing role. Hierarchical societies seeking to preserve harmony have the greatest obstacles to surmount, and require awareness among generations to identify differences in motivation and perspective. Concerns of American college women regarding parenthood and implications are described that should be taken into consideration by families, educational instituti...
Effects of (+)-propranolol on intracellular mechanisms of contraction in striated muscle of the rabbit

In functionally skinned muscle fibers from the rabbit, we studied the effect of propranolol on calcium activation of the contractile proteins and, in separate experiments, on calcium uptake and release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) while measuring physiological tension. Pieces from isolated papillary muscle (PM), soleus (SL) (slowtwitch skeletal muscle), and adductor magnus (AM) (fasttwitch skeletal muscle) were homogenized (sarcolemma disrupted). A fiber bundle from PM and single fibers from SL and AM were dissected from the homogenate and mounted on a photodiode tension transducer. To study Ca2+-activated tension development of the contractile proteins, we used high EGTA (7 mmol/l) to control the free calcium concentration. To study SR function, we used five different solutions to load the calcium into the SR and to release it from the SR with 25 mmol/l caffeine, thus producing a tension transient.
Positive contrast MRI of prostate brachytherapy seeds by susceptibility mapping

MRI can provide high-resolution images to assist physicians during intraoperative and post-operative phases of prostate brachytherapy. However, the brachytherapy seeds usually show as dark spots, i.e. negative contrast, on the MRI images. In this paper, we propose a new method to generate positive contrast seed images by mapping their susceptibility. The method is based on an improved kernel deconvolution algorithm using l1 regularization. Simulation results show the positive contrast seeds can be identified and differentiated using the proposed method.
Factors Affecting Perceptions of Smallest Meaningful Pay Increases

Summary This analysis suggests that an individual's current level of earnings may be one of the most important variables influencing his/her perception of incremental increases. Also, job difficulty (measured in terms of the average number of nights spent away from home per month on job-related duties) contributes significantly to the explanation of SMPI for both the organizational recognition group and the monetary considerations group. For the ORG group, the pay increase an individual finds meaningful appears to be influenced as well by job input factors such as total work experience, tenure in present job, tenure with present employer, and age. These results support the hypothesis that individuals with relatively high levels of training and experience and higher current earnings will tend to have higher expectations with regard to salary increases than will others, and that these expectations in turn will be reflected in higher thresholds of what is perceived as the smallest meaningful pay increase. Overall, much of the evidence supports the hypothesis that the predictors of SMPI will be different for the ORG and MCG groups. However, the relatively small size of the MCG sample and the associated problem of multicollinearity dictate caution in generalizing our results.* In addition, our study suffers from problems related to model underspecification, insofar as some of the explanatory variables identified in Lawler's model of pay satisfaction were not considered.
Computer Aided Histopathological Classification of Cancer Subtypes

In this paper we present the results of our effort to develop a computer aided diagnosis system for pathological imaging data using renal cell carcinoma as a case study. Traditionally, cancer diagnosis is performed by an expert pathologist studying biopsy tissue under a microscope. Due to the complex nature of the task and the heterogeneity of patient tissue, these methods are not only time consuming but also suffer from subjective variability. To improve the repeatability and accuracy of the diagnosis process, a computational diagnosis system is proposed here. In this paper we report that with our novel knowledge-based methodology, we are able to achieve high level of classification accuracy (98%) when trying to classify 64 images (n=64) using a simple Bayesian classifier based on 8 extracted features and complete-leave-one-out cross-validation. This methodology is implemented in MATLAB and is expected to aid pathologists in the clinical setting to diagnose renal cell carcinoma as well as other types of cancer.
Medical Applications Of Ultraviolet Lasers

Abstract Rare-gas halogen excimer lasers which emit in the middle and near ultraviolet have been shown to make extremely clean, sharp cut s in tissue with little thermal damage to nearby tissue. In addition to their high absorption and short pulsewidth that result in minimal tissue damage, it is believed that the high photon energies of these ultraviolet wavelengths also result in chemical bond breaking during the ablation process. This paper reviews the current status of ultraviolet lasers in medicine, examines the ongoing research and discusses the problems that remain.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An MS-DOS-compatible data logger for recording subjects’ self-ratings

Some research designs require subjects to make ratings of their own internal cognitive or affective states or the behavior of other subjects. An ideal device for this purpose should allow for electronic data storage and be easy to use for research subjects. The communication box (Markman & Poltrock, 1982) has been popular for this purpose but consists of dated technology. Other data-logging devices are too complicated for subjects’ use. This paper describes an electronic data logger which uses readily available hardware. A dual-tone multiple-frequency (DTMF) telephone keypad encoder is used to generate unique tones that are stored on the audio track of a videotape or on an audio tape. A DTMF receiver decoder IC is used to decode the audio signals. The decoded signals can be read on a light-emitting diode display or entered directly into a personal computer file via an RS-232 serial interface.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3802c Encodes a Phospholipase/Thioesterase and Is Inhibited by the Antimycobacterial Agent Tetrahydrolipstatin

The cell wall of M. tuberculosis is central to its success as a pathogen. Mycolic acids are key components of this cell wall. The genes involved in joining the α and mero mycolates are located in a cluster, beginning with Rv3799c and extending at least until Rv3804c. The role of each enzyme encoded by these five genes is fairly well understood, except for Rv3802c. Rv3802 is one of seven putative cutinases encoded by the genome of M. tuberculosis. In phytopathogens, cutinases hydrolyze the waxy layer of plants, cutin. In a strictly mammalian pathogen, such as M. tuberculosis, it is likely that these proteins perform a different function. Of the seven, we chose to focus on Rv3802c because of its location in a mycolic acid synthesis gene cluster, its putative essentiality, its ubiquitous presence in actinomycetes, and its conservation in the minimal genome of Mycobacterium leprae. We expressed Rv3802 in Escherichia coli and purified the enzymatically active form. We probed its activities and inhibitors characterizing those relevant to its possible role in mycolic acid biosynthesis. In addition to its reported phospholipase A activity, Rv3802 has significant thioesterase activity, and it is inhibited by tetrahydrolipstatin (THL). THL is a described anti-tuberculous compound with an unknown mechanism, but it reportedly targets cell wall synthesis. Taken together, these data circumstantially support a role for Rv3802 in mycolic acid synthesis and, as the cell wall is integral to M. tuberculosis pathogenesis, identification of a novel cell wall enzyme and its inhibition has therapeutic and diagnostic implications.
Involvement of chromosomes 9 and 11 in familial and sporadic polycythemia vera

Myeloproliferative disorders are acquired clonal diseases involving the pluripotent stem cell. The somatic mutations in myeloproliferative disorders lead to clonal expansion of the myeloid lineages with typically one lineage dominating in each type of myeloproliferative disorder. In polycythemia vera (PV), the expansion of the ery-throid lineage results in a high erythrocyte mass, although thrombocythemia, high neutrophil counts, and splenomegaly are also present in a significant proportion of PV patients. The molecular lesion responsible for the PV disease phenotype is unknown. Clonality studies performed using G6PD isoenzyme expression demonstrated that PV is an acquired defect of the pluripotent stem cell [1]. The stem cell acquiring the PV mutation expands and subsequently, the terminally differentiated myeloid cells are all (or virtually all) derived from the PV stem cell clone. The contribution of the normal stem cell population to the production of circulating myeloid cells may in some patients become undetectable using sensitive clonality assays based on X chromosome inactivation. B lymphocytes are often derived from the PV stem cell clone but T lymphocytes are always polyclonal, i.e., derived from the non-PV clone, in all subjects studied [2]. Cytogenetic lesions are present in about 14% of PV patients at diagnosis but none of these lesions is specific for PV and all are shared among myeloproliferative disorders [3]. The most common cytogenetic abnormalities (present in about 8% of PV patients) are deletions involving chromosome 20q. Trisomies 1,8,9, and deletions on chromosomes 13q and 5q occur less frequently (0.5-3% of PV patients) [4].
Fluorescence and photoelectron studies of the intercalative binding of benz(a)anthracene metabolite models to DNA

DNA binding of nonreactive metabolite models derived from benz(a)anthracene was studied. The molecules investigated include 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenz(a)anthracene (1), 5,6-dihydrobenz(a)anthracene (2), and 8,9,10,11-tetrahydrobenz(a)anthracene (3), as well as anthracene and phenanthrene. Measurements of the effects of DNA binding upon fluorescence intensities and fluorescence lifetimes indicate that molecules 1 and 3 (KA = 1.5 - 2.5 x 10(3) M-1) bind more strongly to native DNA than does molecule 2 (KA congruent to 0.5 x 10(3) M-1). Furthermore, molecules 1 and 3 bind to DNA much more effectively than do the two less sterically hindered pi electron metabolite models, anthracene and phenanthrene. Photoelectron data suggests that the enhanced binding of molecules 1 and 3 is due to increases in polarizability. Experiments carried out with denatured DNA indicate that the binding of molecule 1 entails the greatest intercalation.
Pulmonary involvement in the hypereosinophilic syndrome

Hypereosinophilie syndrome (HES) is an infiltrative disease of eosinophils affecting multiple organs, including the lung. Hypereosinophilie syndrome differs from acute and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia clinically and usually necessitates treatment with alkylating agents and/or corticosteroids. We describe two patients with HES and pulmonary involvement. One of our patients developed the adult respiratory distress syndrome thought to be a complication of the HES. Aggressive treatment of HES in both cases combined with intensive support in the patient with ARDS resulted in prolonged survival.
Free probability and the von Neumann algebrasof free groups

Abstract This short note summarizes the circumstances of the birth of free probability theory andsome of the recent achievements.
A graphene binding-promoted fluorescence enhancement for bovine serum albumin recognition

Chemically converted graphene (CCG) was found to greatly enhance the fluorescence response of squaraine (SQ) dyes to bovine serum albumin (BSA). Addition of BSA to the SQ–CCG solution, where squaraine dyes absorbed on the CCG surface, raised the fluorescence intensity by as much as 80 fold.
Reducing non-deterministic loads in low-power caches via early cache set resolution

Many of the recently proposed techniques to reduce power consumption in caches introduce an additional level of non-determinism in cache access latency. Due to this additional latency, instructions dependent on a load speculatively issued must be squashed and re-issued as they will not have the correct data in time. Our experiments show that there is a large performance degradation and associated dynamic energy wastage due to these effects of instruction squashing. To address this problem, we propose an early cache set resolution scheme. Our experimental evaluation shows that this technique is quite effective in mitigating the problem.
Conceptual design for a D-/sup 3/He IEC pilot plant

Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion is well-suited for the burning of advanced fuels, such as D-/sup 3/He. Small-scale experiments at the University of Illinois have produced encouraging results and are the basis for a conceptual design of a 25-MW D-/sup 3/He gridded IEC reactor. Viewed as a pilot plant, this reactor would be used to demonstrate a net power production and to study engineering problems related to high-voltage energy conversion.
Control of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In September 2001, four infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were culture-positive for MRSA (three infections). MRSA was not previously isolated in the NICU, and an epidemiological investigation was undertaken. Initial screening of all 28 infants and 236 healthcare workers (HCWs) demonstrated MRSA colonization of 11 additional infants and 6 HCWs. METHODS: An enhanced infection control program was introduced. This included weekly nasal surveillance cultures of all NICU infants, cohorting and strict contact isolation of MRSA-positive infants, and introduction of an alcohol handwash. MRSA-positive infants were cared for by designated HCWs. All MRSA-positive babies and HCWs were treated with nasal mupirocin for 5 days. HCWs and housekeeping staff underwent intensive reeducation. RESULTS: Over a 12-month period the outbreak involved a total of 38 neonates with MRSA (five bacteremias, two deaths). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of all MRSA isolates revealed three MRSA clones (A, B, and G) in neonates and six MRSA clones (A-F) in HCWs. Transmission of the initial MRSA clone A was controlled 3 weeks after starting weekly surveillance. PFGE of subsequent MRSA isolates from 23 neonates was suggestive of repeated reintroduction of different MRSA clones from the adjacent adult hospital, where it is endemic. Further spread of these MRSA clones was controlled within 1–5 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Eradication of MRSA from the NICU is problematic. This study demonstrates that transmission can be controlled through the combination of enhanced infection control, weekly surveillance cultures, and molecular typing studies.
Rotational spectroscopy of 2-methylfuran from 8.7 to 960 GHz

Abstract The rotational spectrum of 2-methylfuran has been measured from 8.7 to 960 GHz using a chirped-pulse waveguide spectrometer to collect the centimeter-wave data and a direct absorption flow cell spectrometer to collect the millimeter- and submillimeter-wave data. Over 19,000 transitions in the vibrational ground state spectrum and over 6000 transitions in the spectrum of the first excited state of the methyl torsion were assigned. Fits were performed with both XIAM and ERHAM. Both programs successfully predicted the position and relative intensity of forbidden c-type transitions, but the fits from ERHAM had substantially lower RMS values than those from XIAM for roughly equivalent numbers of adjustable parameters.
Electron microscopic studies of viral pancreatitis in coxsackie B4 virus infected mice.

Using a high titer culture of Coxsackie B4 virus, cytonecrosis consistent with picornaviral infection and cytopathic changes indicative of viral pancreatitis were produced in the pancreas of newborn mice. Virocytonecrosis was manifested within acinocytes by formation of characteristic membrane-vesicle complexes, dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, margination of nuclear chromatin, pyknosis of nuclei, and acute inflammation. Viral pancreatitis was characterized by formation of cytosegresomes, fibroid bodies, and sloughed damaged acinar cytoplasm apparent in autophagic vacuoles of macrophages. Immature leucocytic cells were closely aligned to the wall of acinar ducts. Beta cell damage was also observed. Of significance was the observation of aggregates of Coxsackie B4 virus particles in various pancreatic cells of 11 of the 23 mice studied. These aggregates appeared in the typical crystalline form with cubic and hexagonal lattice configurations and as viral particles circularly arranged into eight-sided and ten-sided “rosettes.” These findings strongly support the concept that viruses are etiologic agents in pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus.
Dose response, recovery, and cost of doxacurium as a continuous infusion in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients

Objectives: To determine the optimal dosing of doxacurium as a continuous infusion in neurosurgical patients with traumatic brain injury; to determine the effects of bolus administration of doxacurium on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and intracranial pressure (ICP); to monitor neuromuscular recovery after discontinuation of prolonged doxacurium infusion; and to compare the cost of doxacurium with other current neuromuscular blocking drugs. Design: Prospective, open-label study. Setting: Neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients: Eight critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients with traumatic head injury and normal renal and hepatic function. Patients had ICP monitoring. Interventions: A bolus injection of doxacurium (0.05 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (0.015 mg/kg/hr), adjusted to maintain one twitch during Train-of-Four nerve stimulation of the adductor pollicis muscle. Measurements and Main Results: Bolus injections of doxacurium did not alter the HR, BP, or ICP. Patients were paralyzed 66 ± 12 (SEM) hrs, with recovery of the fourth twitch occurring 118 ± 19 mins after infusion of the doxacurium was discontined. There were no incidences of prolonged weakness, myopathy, or other adverse events. Conclusions: Continuous infusion of doxacurium provides stable neuromuscular blockade for neurosurgical patients with traumatic brain injury. Doxacurium is devoid of clinically important interactions with HR, BP, or ICP and is less costly than other neuromuscular blockers used in the ICU.
Flow cytometric analysis of nuclear DNA from adrenocortical neoplasms a retrospective study using paraffin-embedded tissue

Nuclear DNA content of paraffin-embedded tissue from 48 adrenocortical neoplasms, 18 histologically normal control adrenal glands, and five hyperplastic adrenal glands was analyzed retrospectively using flow cytometry. Aneuploidy was compared with morphologic criteria as a predictor of recurrence. All 18 controls, five hyperplastic glands, and 39 neoplasms were diploid. Nine neoplasms were aneuploid. Compared with their diploid counterparts, aneuploid neoplasms were more likely to weigh more than 50 g (P less than 0.0001) and to have three or more histologic features of carcinoma (P less than 0.0001). Thirty-six neoplasms were followed clinically for at least 2 years (range 24 to 120 months, mean = 64.6 months) or until local recurrence, metastasis, or death. Five were clinically malignant. Neoplasms which recurred or metastasized were more apt to be aneuploid (P less than 0.005) than those showing no evidence of further disease during the follow-up period. They were also more likely to weigh more than 50 g (P less than 0.005) and to have three or more histologic features of carcinoma (P less than 0.0025). However, neither aneuploidy, large size, nor unfavorable histology result was a consistent feature in every malignant neoplasm. Flow cytometric DNA content analysis appears to be as effective a predictor of clinical outcome as size and histology and may be of particular value when the morphologic features are ambiguous.
Neutrophil CD11b, L-selectin and Fc IgA receptors in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.

Summary Background The skin lesions found in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) are characterized by the presence of neutrophils at the dermal papillary tips in areas where the diagnostic cutaneous IgA deposits are found. Although the presence of the skin lesions of DH is known to be associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, the mechanisms that control the development of skin lesions are not known. Objectives To determine if circulating neutrophils from patients with DH have evidence of priming as shown by increased expression of CD11b, decreased expression of L-selectin and increased function of neutrophil Fc IgA receptor. Methods Neutrophils from 12 normal subjects and 10 DH patients with active, ongoing disease and 14 DH patients with quiescent disease activity were examined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter for expression of cell surface CD11b, L-selectin expression, Fc IgA expression (CD89) and for the function of the Fc IgA receptor by determining the binding capacity of neutrophils for monoclonal human IgA. Results Neutrophils from patients with active, ongoing DH had increased expression of CD11b when compared with patients with inactive DH or normal subjects [mean net geometric mean channel fluorescence (GMCF): active DH, 403·3; inactive DH, 237·8; normal subjects, 290·5; P < 0·05]. L-selectin expression in both groups of DH patients was significantly lower than that seen in normal subjects (mean net GMCF: active DH, 363·2; inactive DH, 375·2; normal subjects, 432·7; P < 0·05). No difference in CD89 expression was seen in any of the groups; however, the function of Fc IgA receptor was increased in patients with active DH when compared with patients with inactive DH and normal subjects. Conclusions Neutrophils from patients with active, ongoing DH show an increased expression of CD11b, decreased expression of L-selectin and increased ability to bind IgA, consistent with a pattern of priming of the neutrophils. This priming may occur in the gut as a result of the ongoing mucosal immune response that is present in patients with DH on a gluten-containing diet and may predispose neutrophils to localize in the skin of patients with DH.
Torsional Swelling of a Hyperelastic Tube with Helically Wound Reinforcement

This paper examines the combination of radial deformation with torsion for a circular cylindrical tube composed of a transversely isotropic hyperelastic material subject to finite deformation swelling. The stored energy function involves separate matrix and fiber contributions such that the fiber contribution is minimized when the fiber direction is at a natural length. This natural length is not affected by the swelling. Hence swelling preferentially expands directions that are orthogonal to the fiber. The swelling itself is described via a swelling field that prescribes the local free volume at each location in the body. Such a treatment is a relatively simple generalization of the conventional incompressible theory. The direction of transverse isotropy associated with the fiber reinforcement is described by a helical winding about the tube axis. The swelling induced preferential expansion orthogonal to this direction induces the torsional aspect of the deformation. For a specific class of strain energy functions we find that the twist increases with swelling and approaches a limiting asymptotic value as the swelling becomes large. The fibers reorient such that fibers at the inner portion of the tube assume a more circumferential orientation whereas, at least for small and moderate swelling, the fibers in the outer portion of the tube assume a more axial orientation. For large swelling the fibers in the outer portion of the tube reorient beyond the axial orientation, and so are described by helices with orientation in the opposite sense to that in the reference configuration.
Impact of Land Use on Ground‐Water Quality in Southern Delawarea

A ground-water quality monitoring study was conducted in Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. In the coastal region of Sussex County, 210 wells were sampled 12 times each. In noncoastal Sussex and Kent Counties, 272 wells were sampled once each season over a period of one year. Over 99 percent of the wells were in the water-table aquifer. In coastal Sussex County, 32% of the wells had average nitrate concentrations above the EPA drinking-water standard of 10 mg/1 N. In noncoastal Sussex County and Kent County, 21% and 8% of the wells respectively, had nitrate concentrations above 10 mg/1. The highest nitrate concentrations occurred in areas with intensive broiler production or intensive crop production with excessively-drained soils. Nitrate concentrations in forest areas were <1.5 mg/1. Poultry manure, septic tanks and fertilizers all contributed to the high nitrate concentrations. Poultry manure was one of the major causes of nitrate contamination in four out of the five top prioritized ground-water problem areas. Bacteria contamination was low in all sampling areas. Lead, cadmium and chromium were far below drinking-water standards in all but a few wells.
Nordhaus–Gaddum results for genus

Abstract We consider upper and lower bounds for γ ( G ) + γ ( G ¯ ) , the sum of the genus of a graph and its complement. For the lower bound, we show γ ( G ) + γ ( G ¯ ) ≥ ⌈ 1 12 ( n 2 − 13 n + 24 ) ⌉ . Furthermore, we construct an infinite family of graphs attaining this bound along with several other isolated examples. We provide a construction to show that γ ( G ) + γ ( G ¯ ) can be at least as large as 1 48 ( 5 n 2 − 52 n + 144 ) , and determine sharp upper bounds for a few small orders. Some asymptotic results are considered.
UTILIZATION OF HEAVY‐ATOM EFFECT QUENCHING OF PYRENE FLUORESCENCE TO DETERMINE THE INTRAMEMBRANE DISTRIBUTION OF HALOTHANE

The interaction of halothane (CF3CHBrCl) with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) membranes containing varying amounts of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) was examined via heavy atom effect quenching of pyrene fluorescence by halothane. The effect of halothane on pyrene fluorescence is consistent with a kinetic model based upon the assumption of the existence of two populations of pyrene in the membrane: one accessible to interactions with halothane; the second inaccessible to halothane on the time scale of the pyrene fluorescence excited state. Both populations of pyrene are affected by the presence of halothane in the membrane. The rate of halothane quenching of pyrene fluorescence is increased significantly for all DPPG/DPPC membranes compared to pure DPPC membranes indicating that any DPPG in the membrane facilitates interaction between halothane and pyrene even though the measured partition coefficients indicate that little change in total halothane concentration in the membrane as a whole occurs as a function of percent DPPG in DPPG/DPPC mixtures. It is speculated that phase boundaries play an important role in determining the behavior of this model system by determining the location of the pyrene probe. The heavy atom effect quenching of pyrene by halothane provides a useful probe of phase boundaries in membranes.
A note on partial immobile equilibrium Griffith cracks in two media plates

Abstract The problem of a Griffith crack located at the interface of two bonded or welded semi-infinite plates, of different materials is considered. In particular it is determined that under certain conditions, such a crack, which has been opened by a hydrostatic pressure, may be rendered partially immobile by ties located in an unsymmetric transverse position.
Exploring the relationship between price and quality for the case of hand-rolled cigars

Abstract We consider whether either overall quality ratings, or hedonic equations including multiple sensory and objective characteristics, can explain price variance among hand-rolled cigars. Overall ratings have little relationship to price, but hedonic equations are relatively effective at explaining cigar price, and also at explaining cigar ratings. Perversely, the explanatory power of the hedonic price equation declines over time, although the size of the premium for Cuban cigars remains relatively constant. We consider alternative explanations for the rising residual, including the possibility that it is indicative of significant nonfunctional utility related to consumption of this product.
Toward Comprehensive Clinical Care for a Complex Condition: Introduction to the Special Issue on Tourette Syndrome

Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is a complex neurobiological disorder that typicallybegins in early childhood. Once thought to be extremely rare, recent estimates haveshown it to be more common in school-aged children than was previously thought(Scahill et al. 2005). Although the range in severity is considerable, TS is asignificant source of impairment for many afflicted children and families (Storch etal. 2007; Woods and Himle 2005).Over the course of the disorder, the involuntary tics that characterize TS change inpresentation and fluctuate in topography, number, frequency, and complexity acrossdays, weeks, and months (Leckman et al. 1998). In addition to tics, most childrenwith TS struggle with one or more comorbid condition, most commonly attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), explosive outbursts(“rage attacks”), and/or a learning disorder (Freeman et al. 2007). The complexcombination of tics, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems results insignificant interpersonal, family, and academic impairment and creates challenges foreffective clinical care.The past two decades have witnessed a surge in empirical research aimed atenhancing clinical care for TS. Advances in genetic and brain imaging techniqueshave shed light on the underlying phathophysiology which has in turn led to thedevelopment and testing of more effective pharmacotherapeutics. Refined assess-ment techniques have allowed for reliable diagnosis, more precise prevalenceestimates, and a better understanding of the TS phenotype. Psychosocial research hasled to the development and testing of exciting new nonpharmacological treatmentsfor tics and associated symptoms. This is perhaps best exemplified in the recentlypublished Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment for Tics (CBIT) treatment trial
Thermal Design Considerations in Vertical-Channel Natural Convection

Laminar natural convection in vertical channels has received considerable attention in the literature, principally because of its value as a simplified mathematical model for electronics cooling. Bar-Cohen and Rohsenow (BC and R) applied the correlation technique for Churchill and Usagi nto obtain predictions for heat transfer in the vertical channel configuration. The correlating equations obtained in BC and R gave favorable comparison with previous experimental data and numerical solutions. The symmetric uniform wall heat flux case from is considered in the present note. Maximum channel wall temperature rise, as predicted from the correlating equation, is expressed in terms of dimensional variables. This gives an alternate representation of results for design purposes.
Spatial correlations of a two-dimensional electron gas

The pair distribution function of a two-dimensional degenerate electron gas is evaluated in the chain diagram approximation and its asymptotic behavior is investigated. It shows characteristic oscillations at large distances. A sum rule of the eigenvalues of the free particle propagator is obtained. It can be used for the evaluation of the exchange energy and other purposes.