cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
United States of America Department of Health and Human Services support for advancing influenza vaccine manufacturing in the developing world

Since 2005, the Government of the United States of America has provided more than US$ 50 million to advance influenza vaccine development in low-resourced countries. This programme has provided a unique opportunity for the US Government to develop a comprehensive view of, and to understand better the challenges and future needs for influenza vaccines in the developing world. The funding for this programme has been primarily through a cooperative agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support directly its capacity-building grants to government-owned or -supported vaccine manufacturers in developing countries. A second cooperative agreement with the Program for Appropriate Technologies in Health (PATH) was initiated to accelerate the completion of a current Good Manufacturing Practice cGMP production facility, along with supporting facilities to obtain a reliable source of eggs, and to conduct clinical trials of influenza vaccine manufactured in Vietnam. This mechanism of utilizing cooperative agreements to support capacity-building for vaccine development in low-resourced settings has been novel and unique and has yielded fruitful returns on minimal investment. The information derived from this programme helps to clarify not only the development challenges for influenza vaccines and how the United States may assist in meeting those challenges, but also other vaccine development issues common to manufacturers in developing countries. While building the initial capacity to produce influenza vaccines can be a straightforward exercise, the sustainability of the enterprise and expansion of subsequent markets will be the key to future usefulness. There is hope for expansion of the global influenza vaccine market. Ongoing burden of disease studies are elucidating the impact of influenza infections, particularly in children, and more countries will take note and respond accordingly, since respiratory diseases are now the number one killer of children under five years of age. In addition to achievements described in this issue of Vaccine, the programme has been successful from the US perspective because the working relationships established between the US Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and its partners have assisted in advancing influenza vaccine development at many different levels. A few examples of BARDA's support include: establishment of egg-based influenza vaccine production from "scratch", enhancement of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) production techniques and infrastructure, completion of fill/finish operations for imported bulk vaccine, and training in advanced bio-manufacturing techniques. These HHS-supported programmes have been well-received internationally, and we and our partners hope the successes will stimulate even more interest within the international community in maximizing global production levels for influenza vaccines.
An Intersectional Approach to Black/White Interracial Interactions: The Roles of Gender and Sexual Orientation

Although researchers have long advocated taking an intersectional approach in order to better understand how race, gender, and other social identities influence social experiences, this approach is only beginning to take hold in the interracial interaction literature. This paper describes the importance of considering gender (as well as other social identities, such as sexual orientation) in addition to race in the context of Black/White interracial interactions in the United States. The role of prior experience is discussed (i.e., encounters with prejudice at the intersection of race and gender, gender differences in the content of racial stereotypes, and the sometimes-conflicting messages of racial and gender socialization). The ways in which gender and racial identities interact with situational aspects of interracial interactions are also considered. Finally, the current representation of gender in the interracial interaction literature is reviewed, and recommendations for future research are provided, including techniques for recruiting racial minority participants.
Fossiliferous Cambrian Shales near Caernarvon

The shales under consideration extend from about three miles S.W. of Caernarvon to Bangor, being roughly parallel to the Menai Straits. They are faulted against Lower Cambrian to the east, and disappear against a dyke on the west. They are, as a rule, greyish black to bluish black in colour, most commonly tolerably sandy and micaceous; but in places, as where the fossils are found, they are chiefly clayey with hardly any admixture of sand. The fossils were obtained from three places, all within a mile of Caernarvon and on the banks of the Sciont. The first place is close to Pont Seiont, on the E. side of the river, where an arrow marks the dip in the Ordnance map. The shales here are bluish black, dipping at about 45° S.E., containing a large amount of iron oxide, from the decomposition of iron pyrites, which is itself found in nests and veins scattered through the mass of shales, but especially towards the top of the section; and the outer surfaces of the rock weather to a rusty or olive-brown hue. The rock is of a splintery nature; and it is rather difficult to get large pieces. It has a concretionary structure all through, breaking up into lenticular pieces; and it is in the interior of these pieces that most of the fossils occur. Most of the fossils came from the bottom of the section, and were scattered somewhat capriciously, so that one might work for two or three hours without
In-vitro testing of a new CO2 laser wavelength flexible waveguide for potential application in endoscopic laser stapedotomy

Advancements in minimally invasive surgery, in areas such as otology, require that the surgeon operates through a small opening, often with indirect access to the surgical field. Conventional carbon-dioxide laser delivery systems, such as the micromanipulator and the semi-flexible waveguide limit the surgeon's ability to perform such procedures. The ablation properties of a small, flexible, hollow carbon-dioxide laser waveguide (Medical Optics, Carlsbad, CA) were compared to a conventional surgical carbon-dioxide laser micromanipulator on chinchilla calvarium bone. This waveguide has a small diameter (O.D./I.D. equals 500/300 micrometer) and is therefore potentially useful for minimally invasive middle ear surgical procedures, such as carbon-dioxide laser stapedotomy. The beam diameter and the half angle divergence of the waveguide were estimated using a standard knife-edge measurement technique. Lesions were created at clinically relevant power settings with each delivery system on fresh harvested chinchilla bone. The crater size and the thermal damage width were then measured under a light microscope. The size of the lesions were found to be comparable between the two delivery systems. This preliminary study demonstrates that the two delivery systems have comparable effects on bone. However, further work is necessary to compare their effects on healing before the waveguide can be used clinically for surgical procedures such as carbon-dioxide laser stapedotomy.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Non-linear wavelet-based density estimators under random censorship

Abstract We provide an asymptotic expansion for the mean integrated squared error (MISE) of non-linear wavelet-based density estimators with randomly censored data. Our technique is facilitated by a result of Stute (Ann. Statist. 23 (1995) 422) that approximates the Kaplan–Meier integrals by an average of i.i.d. random variables with a certain rate. We show this MISE expansion, when the underlying survival density function and censoring distribution function are only piecewise smooth, is the same as analogous expansion for the kernel density estimators. However, for the kernel estimators, this MISE expansion holds only under the additional smoothness assumption.
Video compressive sensing with 3-D Wavelet and 3-D Noiselet

A new compressive video sampling method is investigated. As opposed to other video sampling methods for which processing is conducted on a single-frame basis, this method is applied on multiple frames of the video stream. By exploiting the extension of Wavelet to 3-D with the support of Noiselet 3-D and combining it with fast reconstruction algorithms, this framework produces successful results quickly while maintaining the quality of the video stream. Despite its simplicty, this new approach outperforms other sophisticated methods.
Complement fragments suppress lymphocyte immune responses

There has been controversy as to whether complement augments immune responses or inhibits them. In this article John Weiler and his colleagues discuss recent evidence that complement fragments can inhibit immune responses that depend upon cellular proliferation.
Synthesis and structural study of samarium hexacyanoferrate (III) tetrahydrate, SmFe(CN)6·4H2O

Abstract Single crystals of SmFe(CN) 6 ·4H 2 O prepared from an aqueous solution under ambient conditions have been used for single-crystal diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and infrared spectrometric studies. This characterized compound is compared to previously reported LnT(CN) 6 (T =Cr, Fe, Co) structures. Samarium hexacyanoferrate (III) tetrahydrate is found to be monoclinic, not hexagonal or orthorhombic as presupposed. SmFe(CN) 6 ·4H 2 O crystallizes in space group P2/ 1 m (No. 11), a = 7.431(1), b = 13.724(3), c = 7.429(2) A˚, β = 119.95(1)°, Z = 2 . Full-matrix least-squares refinement has yielded the final values of R = 0.0292 and R w = 0.0296 for 1028 unique reflections. The observed and calculated densities are 2.198(3) and 2.197 Mg m −3 , respectively. The dominant feature of the structure is that the samarium ion is eight-coordinated, not nine as previously believed. The samarium ion is bonded to six cyanonitrogen atoms and two water molecules in a square antiprism geometry ( D 4d ), the SmN 6 (H 2 O) 2 group. The FeC 6 group is octahedrally arranged. Cyanide bridging links these groups to build an infinite polymeric array. Additional water molecules are trapped in distorted cubic cages within the structure. The important averaged bond lengths are: Sm N = 2.505(15); Sm O = 2.402(1); Fe C = 1.931(3); and C N = 1.156(1)A˚.
Tumor necrosis factor-α: presynaptic sensitivity is modified after antidepressant drug administration

Presynaptic adrenergic functioning was coupled to cytokine sensitivity in order to further establish the mechanism of action of a tricyclic antidepressant drug. Antidepressant administration of desipramine to rats twice-daily for 2 weeks increased hippocampal TNF levels and transformed the presynaptic TNF response. One day of desipramine administration resulted in increased locus coeruleus TNF mRNA accumulation and, simultaneously, hippocampal TNF levels escalated. The fractional release of [3H]norepinephrine during field stimulation of control hippocampal slices was decreased by the addition of TNF in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect which was potentiated by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan. While no change in sensitivity to TNF was observed in the hippocampus after one day of desipramine administration, TNF enhanced, rather than inhibited [3H]norepinephrine release after 14 days. In addition, TNF potentiation of [3H]norepinephrine release after chronic desipramine administration was reversed in the presence of idazoxan to a greater inhibition than in control slices exposed to idazoxan. Therefore, TNF-induced regulation of [3H]norepinephrine release appears to be associated with an alteration of alpha 2-adrenergic receptor responsiveness. The reversal in presynaptic TNF responsiveness after 14 days of tricyclic antidepressant drug administration describes a mechanism of action for their delayed clinical effect.
Defining service quality index preferences in a service industry using Analytic Hierarchy process

The balance between customer expectations and company's commitment to customer service is important for business success. Service industries increasingly encounter many intangible factors alongside the tangible objects. Intangible factors such as innovative ideas, new service attributes, learning principles and self-service technologies have great impacts on business success and customer satisfaction. However, these attributes are versatile, associated with service personnel action, customer relation, service practices, self-service technologies, service information and relationship with trade partners. Therefore, evaluation of these attributes to prioritize service effort and resource allocation to improve the service performance is believed to be a Multi Criteria Decision Making problem which has grown significantly in past decades. Researchers have proposed several effective ways to quantify service quality attributes assigning relative weights to important quality attributes that the service industry offers to retail customers, trade partners and business outlet. In the present study the Analytic Hierarchy Process is adopted to establish a local and global hierarchical priorities among different categories of service quality attributes. Ranking the attributes drives a service quality index between and within two hierarchical levels. An empirical illustration provides various managerial and resource allocation implications to improve service quality responsive action.
Boussinesq-type equations with improved nonlinear performance

In this paper, we derive and test a set of extended Boussinesq equations with improved nonlinear performance. To do this, the concept of a reference elevation is further generalised to include a time-varying component that moves with the instantaneous free surface. It is found that, when compared to Stokes-type expansions of the second harmonic and fully nonlinear potential flow computations, both theoretical and practical nonlinear performance can be considerably improved. Finally, a special case of the extended equations is found to have properties which are invariant with respect to the still water datum.
Excimer laser surface modification of ultra-high-strength polyethylene fibers for enhanced adhesion with epoxy resins. Part 1. Effect of laser operating parameters

The effects of a pulsed XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) on ultra-high-strength polyethylene (UHSPE) fibers and the fiber/epoxy resin interface were studied. SpectraTM 1000 (UHSPE) fibers were treated in air with a pulsed excimer laser with different energy density levels and numbers of pulses. Chemical and topographical changes of the fiber surfaces were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic wettability measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fiber/epoxy resin interfacial shear strength was evaluated by the single-fiber pull-out test. The XPS spectra demonstrated that the fiber surface undergoes photodissociation because of the laser treatment, which results in the incorporation of oxygen at the surface. The wettability data showed that the fiber becomes more polar after laser treatment and also more wettable. SEM photomicrographs revealed that the surface roughness of the fibers increases after the laser treatment. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) results ...
Biosynthesis of monoterpenes: Enzymatic conversion of neryl pyrophosphate to 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and cyclic monoterpene hydrocarbons by a cell-free preparation from sage (Salvia officinalis)☆

Abstract The volatile oil of sage ( Salvia officinalis ) leaf contains primarily cyclic monoterpenes, and a cell-free enzyme system prepared from immature sage leaves catalyzed the conversion of [1- 3 H]neryl pyrophosphate to cyclic monoterpenes, including 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and limonene. The identity of these products was confirmed by the preparation of derivatives, chemical degradation studies, and radiochromatographic analyses. Enzymatic activity capable of 1,8-cineole and hydrocarbon formation was located primarily in the soluble fraction of the leaf homogenate, whereas activity responsible for α-terpineol formation, and phosphatase activity, was distributed among the soluble fraction and the 3000g particles. The formation of all cyclic products was stimulated in the presence of MnCl 2 (1–2 m m ) and MgCl 2 (5–10 m m ) and by inclusion of phosphatase inhibitors, such as NaF, in the incubation medium. Enzymatic activity increased linearly with protein concentration and time and was maximum at about pH 6.5. As α-terpineol could give rise to limonene by dehydration and yield 1,8-cineole by intramolecular attack of the hydroxyl at the double bond, the possible intermediary role of α-terpineol was examined. Inclusion of 1 m m (±)-α-terpineol in the incubation medium suppressed 1,8-cineole and hydrocarbon formation from neryl pyrophosphate by approximately 35%, suggesting that this alcohol could be an intermediate. However, the inhibition appeared to be nonspecific as several other monoterpene alcohols were similarly effective. In order to provide a more direct examination of the pathway, (±)-[3- 3 H]α-terpineol was prepared and tested as a substrate with the enzyme system. (±)-[3- 3 H]α-Terpineol was not converted to 1,8-cineole or to cyclic hydrocarbons, indicating that this alcohol was not an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the structurally related compounds. Furthermore, labeled α-terpineol was not incorporated into other monoterpenes in sage leaf slices, whereas the acyclic alcohols, [1- 3 H]nerol and [1- 3 H]geraniol, were readily incorporated into the characteristic cyclic monoterpenes of sage leaf. Similar lines of evidence excluded 1,8-cineole, limonene, and terpinolene as intermediates in the formation of cyclic products from neryl pyrophosphate. Thus, all of these results suggest that 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and limonene are derived independently from neryl pyrophosphate, rather than as free intermediates of a common reaction sequence. Additionally, this is the first report on the biosynthesis of 1,8-cineole in a cell-free system.
Unbiased estimator for identification of constant linear discrete systems

An unbiased estimator for real-time parameter identification and state estimation for constant linear discrete systems is presented. Bias correction is accomplished by taking account of the mean value of second-order terms which are generally neglected. The inclusion of the bias correction results in better performance for a quadratic cost criterion.
Feeding habits and phenotypic changes in proboscis length in the southern oyster drill, Stramonita haemastoma (Gastropoda: Muricidae), on Florida sabellariid worm reefs

The southern oyster drill, Stramonita (= Thais, Kool 1987) haemastoma, is a common intertidal and subtidal predator in the southeastern United States. It uses specialized feeding structures and foraging strategies to bore holes through the shell of its bivalve prey. However, on the east coast of Florida, S. haemastoma, is common on sabellariid worm reefs constructed by the polychaete Phragmatopoma lapidosa (Walton Rocks Beach, Florida, 27°17′N, 80°12′W), a habitat where the snail’s typical prey are scarce. From 1999 to 2001, we examined the feeding habits of S. haemastoma on sabellariid reefs and the behavioral and morphological responses of S. haemastoma that accompanied switching from a diet of bivalves to sabellariids. On worm reefs S. haemastoma feeds on P. lapidosa by inserting the proboscis deep into a worm’s tube. Worm-feeding snails had longer proboscises (~3.7 times shell height) than bivalve-feeding conspecifics (~2.0 times shell height). Snails raised on different diets showed significant differences in proboscis length suggesting that the proboscis length is phenotypically plastic. Whereas typical oyster drills must bore holes for days before ingesting prey, S. haemastoma on worm reefs avoids boring and attacks and consumes worms in 15–50 min. In the laboratory, oyster drills consumed 1.7 worms per day, spending <1 h each day feeding. On sabellariid reefs, differences in feeding, handling costs, and prey value, are likely to have a significant effect on the ecology and life history of S. haemastoma in this habitat.
Basal lamina and the organization of neuromuscular synapses

Fast chemical synapses are comprised of presynaptic and postsynaptic specializations precisely aligned across a protein-filled synaptic cleft. At the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the synaptic cleft contains a structured form of extracellular matrix known as a basal lamina (BL). Synaptic BL is molecularly differentiated from the BL that covers the extrasynaptic region of the myofiber. This review summarizes current understanding of the morphology, composition, and function of the synaptic BL at the vertebrate NMJ. Considerable evidence supports the conclusion that the synaptic BL organizes and maintains pre- and postsynaptic specializations during development and regeneration, and promotes robust neurotransmission in the adult.
The use of colesevelam hydrochloride in the treatment of dyslipidemia: a review.

Bile-acid sequestrants augment cholesterol excretion via enhanced conversion to bile acids, and act to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), especially when combined with other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Colesevelam hydrochloride (HCL) has become the preferred drug of this class due to fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects. This article reviews the use of colesevelam in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Bile-acid sequestrants are a class of drugs developed to lower LDL-C levels. Two of the bile-acid sequestrants, colestyramine resin and colestipol, have been used since the 1980s, and have proven effective and safe as nonsystemic approaches to cholesterol reduction. However, tolerability and compliance issues related to palatability and gastrointestinal side effects have limited the use of these sequestrants. Colesevelam HCL (Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) is a nonabsorbed lipid-lowering agent that can be used in monotherapy or in combination with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor to reduce...
Synergistic effects of tumor necrosis factor and interferon gamma on hydraulic conductivity of mammalian postcapillary venules1

Abstract Purpose: We have previously reported that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) causes an acute 2-fold increase in hydraulic permeability (Lp) in mammalian postcapillary venules exposed at high concentration, 100 ng/ml. We chose to test the hypothesis that following priming with interferon gamma (IF-γ), TNP would directly increase Lp at a lower concentration that previously failed to demonstrate an effect. Methods: Adult female rats (250–300 g) were anesthetized with pentobarbital, and ileal mesenteric venules were viewed with transillumination. Postcapillary venules (30 μm-50 μm) were cannulated and perfused with Ringer’s solution containing 0.5% albumin and washed erythrocytes. Volume flow per unit surface area (Jv/S) was measured using the modified Landis technique, and Lp was calculated from Jv/S at pressures between 35 and 65 cm H2O. The vessels were initially cannulated and perfused with IF-γ at 100 ng/ml for approximately 30 minutes. The vessels were then recannulated with control solution followed by perfusion with TNF. Results: Under control conditions, the Lp (mean ± SE) was 1.51 × 10−7 ± 0.16 cm per sec 1 cm H2O (n = 5). After recannulation and perfusion with murine recombinant TNF, (10 ng/ml), Lp was 2.8 × 10−7 ± 0.41 (n = 5, p vs control Conclusions: We conclude that following priming with IF-γ, TNF at a concentration of 10ng/ml elicits an acute direct increase in Lp. This was not seen previously in vessels exposed to TNF without pretreatment with IF-γ. Thus, IF-γ appears to have a synergistic effect on the TNF-associated increase in microvessel permeability in situ.
Kinetic Analysis of Electromigration Enhanced Intermetallic Growth and Void Formation in Pb-Free Solders

The kinetics for electromigration (EM) enhanced intermetallic growth and void formation in Sn-based Pb- free solder joints with Cu under bump metallization (UBM) was analyzed. The simulated diffusion couple comprised the two terminal phases, Cu and Sn, as well as the two intermetallic phases, Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5, formed between them. The diffusion and EM parameters were obtained by solving the inverse problem of the EM- enhanced intermetallic growth and found to be consistent with the literature values. Finite difference method was used to solve the mass transport kinetics within the intermetallic phases and across each interface of interest. Simulation showed that with zero current and no EM effects, intermetallic growth follows a parabolic law, suggesting a diffusion controlled mechanism for thermal aging. However, under significant current stressing (4.12 x 104 and 5.16 x 104 Amp/cm2), the growth of the dominant intermetallic Cu6Sn5 clearly follows a linear law, suggesting a reaction controlled mechanism for electromigration. The kinetic results were consistent with the experimental observations. The vacancy transport under EM was also analyzed and the results showed substantial increase in vacancy concentration in the Cu6Sn5 phase near Cu3Sn/Cu6Sn5 interface. The peaking of the vacancy concentration predicts EM-induced Kirkendall void formation at this region and its effect on solder reliability is discussed.
Single incision, transosseous suture repair technique for acute distal biceps tendon rupture

Abstract We describe a technique for repair of the distal biceps tendon using a single anterior incision, limited volardissection, and transosseous sutures through the radial tuberosity. This technique is simple, safe, and strong, allowing for prompt rehabilitation and recovery. Unlike the two-incision technique, there is no risk for heterotopic ossification or proximal radioulnar synostosis. Careful and limited dissection results in a low risk for iatrogenic neurovascular injury. Transosseous sutures have been shown to be stronger than suture anchors, allowing for more aggressive early motion and an early return to full motion. In addition, there is no additional cost for using transosseous sutures, as opposed to suture anchors or Endobutton (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL), which may be quite expensive
Advancement of wave generation and signal transmission in wire waveguides for structural health monitoring applications

As per the recent advances in remote in situ monitoring of industrial equipment using long wire waveguides (~10m), novel applications of existing wave generation techniques and new acoustic modeling software have been used to advance waveguide technology. The amount of attainable information from an acoustic signal in such a system is limited by transmission through the waveguide along with frequency content of the generated waves. Magnetostrictive, and Electromagnetic generation techniques were investigated in order to maximize acoustic transmission along the waveguide and broaden the range of usable frequencies. Commercial EMAT, Magnetostrictive and piezoelectric disc transducers (through the innovative use of an acoustic horn) were utilized to generate waves in the wire waveguide. Insertion loss, frequency bandwidth and frequency range were examined for each technique. Electromagnetic techniques are shown to allow for higher frequency wave generation. This increases accessibility of dispersion curves providing further versatility in the selection of guided wave modes, thus increasing the sensitivity to physical characteristics of the specimen. Both electromagnetic and magnetostrictive transducers require the use of a ferromagnetic waveguide, typically coupled to a steel wire when considering long transmission lines (>2m). The interface between these wires introduces an acoustic transmission loss. Coupling designs were examined with acoustic finite element software (Coupled-Acoustic Piezoelectric Analysis). Simulations along with experimental results aided in the design of a novel joint which minimizes transmission loss. These advances result in the increased capability of remote sensing using wire waveguides.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
When Clinical Trials Are Farmed Out

Drawing in part on her own fieldwork, Fisher explores the consequences of the increasing use of private-sector pharmaceutical trials.
The Postmodern Road to Socialism, After Hayek

In 1994, Don Lavoie, a scholar who inspired a renewal of Austrian economics through his commitment to liberal learning (Boettke and Prychitko 1994: 6–7; Boettke 2002), declared that “it is time for...
A survey of anti-fungal management in lung transplantation.

Abstract Background Fungal infections are an important complication of lung transplantation, but no controlled studies of their management have been performed. Knowledge of actual anti-fungal strategies may aid in the design of future prospective studies. Methods Thirty-seven of 69 active lung transplant centers, accounting for 66% of all US lung transplantations, responded to our survey. The survey focused on fungal surveillance, pre- and post-transplant prophylaxis, and approach to fungal colonization. Results The median number of lung transplantations performed by the centers in 1999 was 14 per year (range, 1–52), and median time that centers were in in operation was 9 years (range, 2–15 years). Seventy percent of centers had a transplant infectious diseases specialist. Pre-transplant fungal surveillance was performed by 81% of centers, with 67% of these surveying all patients and the remainder surveying only sub-sets of patients. Seventy-two percent of all centers started anti-fungal treatment if Aspergillus spp were isolated before transplantation. Itraconazole was the preferred agent (86%). After transplantation, 76% of centers gave anti-fungal prophylaxis, although 24% of these did so only in selected patients. Prophylactic agents in order of preference were inhaled amphotericin B (61%), itraconazole (46%), parenteral amphotericin formulations (25%), and fluconazole (21%); many centers used more than 1 agent. Prophylaxis was initiated within 24 hours by 71% and within 1 week by all centers. Median duration of prophylaxis was 3 months (range, Aspergillus spp was detected for a median duration of 4.5 months. Itraconazole was the preferred agent. Only 59% of centers treated patients colonized with Candida spp. In a statistical analysis, centers with larger volumes were less likely to treat pre-transplant colonization with Candida spp but more likely to use agents other than itraconazole for post-transplant colonization with Aspergillus spp. Only 14% of centers engaged in any anti-fungal research at the time of the survey. Conclusions The majority of surveyed lung transplant programs actively manage fungal infection with prophylaxis or pre-emptive therapy, despite the absence of controlled trials. This survey may provide an impetus and a basis for designing prospective studies.
Magnetic studies of the Florida peninsula

Report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Mines over magnetic surveys conducted on the Florida peninsula. Measurements, methods, and instrumentation used for the survey are presented. Tables and maps are included in this report.
Benzodiazepine receptor affinity alterations at physiologic temperature after chronic clonazepam exposure

Cerebral cortical cell cultures obtained from fetal mice were exposed to 200 nM clonazepam (CZP) for 14 days and benzodiazepine (BDZ) receptor binding was measured on intact cells in situ at 37°C. Total, specific, and CZP-displace-able BDZ binding were significantly reduced from control values immediately after drug removal (77.7 ± 1.4%, 75.1 ± 3.0%, and 40.9 ± 6.0% of control, respectively) but Ro5-4864-displaceable binding was not affected (87.6 ± 5.1%). Binding returned to control values within 48 hours. Saturation analysis of the binding data indicated that a high-affinity biding site could not be detected in CZP-exposed cultures immediately after drug removal (162 nM versus 49 nM in controls, p
Letter regarding article by Baicu et al, "Left ventricular systolic performance, function, and contractility in patients with diastolic heart failure".

To the Editor: This timely article by Baicu et al addresses the controversial topic of patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF), a term currently defined as heart failure in the presence of a normal ejection fraction >50%.1 Forty-seven DHF patients underwent catheterization in association with echocardiography.2 Ten patients who were catheterized had no evidence of cardiovascular disease and served as controls. From their analyses, the authors concluded that a majority of DHF patients displayed left ventricular normal systolic performance, function, and contractility. The article’s Figures 2 and 4 appear to indicate that both endocardial and midwall fractional shortening are load independent. A reevaluation was therefore conducted and yielded the following regression equations: (1) YU=33.4–.0214 XU (n=28, NS (0.11)), (2) YL =32.7–.0600 XL (n=15, NS (0.6)), (3) Ymid=14.9−0.00314 Xmid (n=26, NS (0.76)), and (4) Ymidout=12.8–0.0092 Xmidout (n=15, NS (0.72)). Here, YU versus XU and YL versus XL refer …
Delusions, superstitious conditioning and chaotic dopamine neurodynamics.

Summary Excessive mesolimbic dopaminergic neurotransmission is closely related to the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. A mathematical model of dopamine neuron firing rates, developed by King and others, suggests a mechanism by which excessive dopaminergic transmission could produce psychotic symptoms, especially delusions. In this model, firing rates varied chaotically when the efficacy of dopaminergic transmission was enhanced. Such noncontingent changes in firing rates in mesolimbic reward pathways could produce delusions by distorting thinking in the same way that non-contingent reinforcement produces superstitious conditioning. Though difficult to test in humans, the hypothesis is testable as an explanation for a common animal model of psychosis ‐ amphetamine stereotypy in rats. The hypothesis predicts that: (1) amphetamine will cause chaotic firing rates in mesolimbic dopamine neurons; (2) non-contingent brain stimulation reward will produce stereotypy; (3) noncontingent microdialysis of dopamine into reward areas will produce stereotypy; and (4) dopamine antagonists will block all three effects.
Identification of possible candidate genes regulating Sjögren's syndrome-associated autoimmunity: a potential role for TNFSF4 in autoimmune exocrinopathy

Sjogren syndrome (SjS) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which an immunological attack primarily against the salivary and lacrimal glands results in the loss of acinar cell tissue and function, leading to stomatitis sicca and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In recent years, two genetic regions, one on chromosome 1 (designated autoimmune exocrinopathy 2 or Aec2) and the second on chromosome 3 (designated autoimmune exocrinopathy 1 or Aec1) derived from nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, have been shown to be necessary and sufficient to replicate SjS-like disease in nonsusceptible C57BL/6 mice. Starting with the SjS-susceptible C57BL/6-derived mouse, referred to as C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2, we generated a large set of recombinant inbred (RI) lines containing portions of Aec2 as a means of identifying more precisely the genetic elements of chromosome 1 responsible for disease development. Disease profiling of these RI lines has revealed that the SjS susceptibility genes of Aec2 lie within a region located at approximately 79 ± 5 cM distal to the centromere, as defined by microsatellite markers. This chromosomal region contains several sets of genes known to correlate with various immunopathological features of SjS as well as disease susceptibility genes for both type 1 diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus in mice. One gene in particular, tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily member 4 (or Ox40 ligand), encoding a product whose biological functions correlate with both physiological homeostasis and immune regulations, could be a potential candidate SjS susceptibility gene. These new RI lines represent the first step not only in fine mapping SjS susceptibility loci but also in identifying potential candidate SjS susceptibility genes. Identification of possible candidate genes permits construction of models describing underlying molecular pathogenic mechanisms in this model of SjS and establishes a basis for construction of specific gene knockout mice.
The Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life from Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Methotrexate, or Steroids in Treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Objective To assess and compare the impact of medication treatments on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), family function, and medical status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods Fifty-seven children diagnosed with JIA were assessed by a pediatric rheumatologist and placed into one of three treatment groups: (1) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory; (2) methotrexate; or (3) steroids via IV methylprednisolone. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and 4-month follow-up. The attending pediatric rheumatologist provided additional medical information. Results Data document the impact of JIA on HRQOL, particularly on physical and pain domains. Steroid patients experienced improved HRQOL at follow-up relative to other groups, despite reporting more problems with side effects. Conclusion These results demonstrate positive benefits of steroids in treating JIA children, despite the greatest incidence of adverse side effects.
Protective effect of apolipoprotein E2 on coronary artery disease in African Americans is mediated through lipoprotein cholesterol

We studied the relationship of apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoforms and coronary artery disease (CAD) in 224 African Americans and 326 Caucasians undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. The presence of CAD was defined as >50% stenosis in at least one artery. ApoE allele frequencies were 0.12, 0.62, and 0.26 for ϵ2, ϵ3, and ϵ4, respectively, in African Americans and 0.08, 0.78, and 0.14 for ϵ2, ϵ3, and ϵ4, respectively, in Caucasians. Among African Americans, CAD was present in 9 of 34 ϵ2 carriers (26%), significantly smaller (P
Genome Packaging Sense Is Controlled by the Efficiency of the Nick Site in the Right-End Replication Origin of Parvoviruses Minute Virus of Mice and LuIII

The parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM) packages predominantly negative-sense single strands, while its close relative LuIII encapsidates strands of both polarities with equal efficiency. Using genomic chimeras and mutagenesis, we show that the ability to package positive strands maps not, as originally postulated, to divergent untranslated regions downstream of the capsid gene but to the viral hairpins and predominantly to the nick site of OriR, the right-end replication origin. In MVM, the sequence of this site is 5'-CTAT(black triangle down)TCA-3', while in LuIII a two-base insertion (underlined) changes it to 5'-CTATAT(black triangle down)TCA-3'. Matched LuIII genomes differing only at this position (designated LuIII and LuDelta2) packaged 47 and <8% positive-sense strands, respectively. OriR sequences from these viruses were both able to support NS1-mediated nicking in vitro, but initiation efficiency was consistently two- to threefold higher for LuDelta2 derivatives, suggesting that LuIII's ability to package positive strands is determined by a suboptimal right-end origin rather than by strand-specific packaging sequences. These observations support a mathematical "kinetic hairpin transfer" model, previously described by Chen and colleagues (K. C. Chen, J. J. Tyson, M. Lederman, E. R. Stout, and R. C. Bates, J. Mol. Biol. 208:283-296, 1989), that postulates that preferential excision of particular strands is solely responsible for packaging specificity. By analyzing replicative-form (RF) DNA generated in vivo during LuIII and LuDelta2 infections, we extend this model, showing that positive-sense strands do accumulate in LuDelta2 infections as part of duplex RF DNA, but these do not support packaging. However, replication is biphasic, so that accumulation of positive-sense strands is ultimately suppressed, probably because the onset of packaging removes newly displaced single strands from the replicating pool.
Pt/3C-SiC electrothermal cantilever for MEMS-based mixers

Microelectromechanical resonators are currently applied as MEMS-based mixers-filter for communication systems. Silicon carbide, as a material with high potentiality to replace silicon material, can be utilised in the design of MEMS-based mixers. A Pt/SiC electrothermal actuator, resonating at fundamental frequency of 117.1 kHz, was fabricated and designed to perform frequency mixing. Two signals were multiplied and the sum, as well as the difference, was used to drive the fabricated cantilever into resonance.
Accounting for the Hierarchical Structure in Veterans Health Administration Data: Differences in Healthcare Utilization between Men and Women Veterans

Women currently constitute 15% of active United States of America military service personnel, and this proportion is expected to double in the next 5 years. Previous research has shown that healthcare utilization and costs differ in women US Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients compared to men. However, none have accounted for the potential effects of clustering on their estimates of healthcare utilization. US Women Veterans are more likely to serve in specific military branches (e.g. Army), components (e.g. National Guard), and ranks (e.g. officer) than men. These factors may confer different risk and protection that can affect subsequent healthcare needs. Our study investigates the effects of accounting for the hierarchical structure of data on estimates of the association between gender and VA healthcare utilization. The sample consisted of data on 406,406 Veterans obtained from VA's Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom roster provided by Defense Manpower Data Center — Contingency Tracking System Deployment File. We compared three statistical models, ordinary, fixed and random effects hierarchical logistic regression, in order to assess the association of gender with healthcare utilization, controlling for branch of service, component, rank, age, race, and marital status. Gender was associated with utilization in ordinary logistic and, but not in fixed effects hierarchical logistic or random effects hierarchical logistic regression models. This point out that incomplete inference could be drawn by ignoring the military structure that may influence combat exposure and subsequent healthcare needs. Researchers should consider modeling VA data using methods that account for the potential clustering effect of hierarchy.
Low group velocity traveling wave tube amplifiers

We report experimental and theoretical results from research into high power X-band traveling wave tube amplifiers designed to eliminate sidebands caused by reflections from the output of such structures. These amplifiers have a low energy velocity, such that the time it takes a wave to be reflected from the output to the input is of the order of, or greater than, the electron beam pulse duration. The elimination of sidebands and the effects of reflections is achieved by this transit time isolation, The bandwidth of the output spectrum is limited by the low pass-band of the periodic structures. Such amplifiers have been operated at power levels of up to 160 MW at 9 GHz for 50 ns pulse durations. >
Estimates of genetic parameters and genetic change for reproduction, weight, and wool characteristics of Rambouillet sheep☆

Abstract Records were for Rambouillet sheep from data collected from 1950 to 1998 at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, Idaho, USA. Number of observations were 44,211 for litter size at birth and litter size at weaning, 35,604 for birth weight, 34,114 for weaning weight, 39,820 for fleece weight, 39,821 for fleece grade, and 3574 for staple length. Genetic parameters from both single- and two-trait analyses for prolificacy, weight, and wool traits were estimated using REML with animal models. Direct heritability estimates from single-trait analyses were 0.09 for litter size at birth, 0.06 for litter size at weaning, 0.27 for birth weight, 0.20 for weaning weight, 0.51 for fleece weight, 0.16 for fleece grade, and 0.58 for staple length. Estimates of direct genetic correlation between litter sizes at birth and weaning was 0.76 and between birth and weaning weights was 0.60. Estimates of genetic correlation between fleece weight and staple length was positive (0.45), but negative between fleece weight and fleece grade (−0.47) and between staple length and fleece grade (−0.52). Estimates of genetic correlations were near zero between birth weight and litter size at weaning, small and positive between birth weight and litter size at birth, and moderate and positive between weaning weight and litter size traits. Fleece weight, fleece grade, and staple length were slightly but negatively correlated with both litter size traits. Estimates of correlations between weight traits and fleece weight were positive and low to moderate. Estimates of correlations between weight traits and fleece grade were negative and small, while estimates between weight traits and staple length were positive and small. Breeding values from both single- and seven-trait analyses calculated using the parameters estimated from the single- and two-trait analyses were compared across years of birth with respect to genetic trends. Estimated breeding values averaged by year of birth from both the single- and seven-trait analyses for the prolificacy and weight traits increased over time, while those for fleece weight decreased and those for the other wool traits were unchanged. Estimated changes in breeding values over time did not differ substantially for the single- and seven-trait analyses, except for traits highly correlated with another trait that was responding to selection (i.e., litter size at birth, which was highly correlated to both litter size at weaning and weaning weight).
Paleoceanographic Insights on Recent Oxygen Minimum Zone Expansion: Lessons for Modern Oceanography

Climate-driven Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) expansions in the geologic record provide an opportunity to characterize the spatial and temporal scales of OMZ change. Here we investigate OMZ expansion through the global-scale warming event of the most recent deglaciation (18-11 ka), an event with clear relevance to understanding modern anthropogenic climate change. Deglacial marine sediment records were compiled to quantify the vertical extent, intensity, surface area and volume impingements of hypoxic waters upon continental margins. By integrating sediment records (183-2,309 meters below sea level; mbsl) containing one or more geochemical, sedimentary or microfossil oxygenation proxies integrated with analyses of eustatic sea level rise, we reconstruct the timing, depth and intensity of seafloor hypoxia. The maximum vertical OMZ extent during the deglaciation was variable by region: Subarctic Pacific (~600-2,900 mbsl), California Current (~330-1,500 mbsl), Mexico Margin (~330-830 mbsl), and the Humboldt Current and Equatorial Pacific (~110-3,100 mbsl). The timing of OMZ expansion is regionally coherent but not globally synchronous. Subarctic Pacific and California Current continental margins exhibit tight correlation to the oscillations of Northern Hemisphere deglacial events (Termination IA, Bolling-Allerod, Younger Dryas and Termination IB). Southern regions (Mexico Margin and the Equatorial Pacific and Humboldt Current) exhibit hypoxia expansion prior to Termination IA (~14.7 ka), and no regional oxygenation oscillations. Our analyses provide new evidence for the geographically and vertically extensive expansion of OMZs, and the extreme compression of upper-ocean oxygenated ecosystems during the geologically recent deglaciation.