cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biofilm/persister/stationary phase bacteria cause more severe disease than log phase bacteria - I biofilm borrelia burgdorferi not only display more tolerance to lyme antibiotics but also cause more severe pathology in a mouse arthritis model: Implications for understanding persistence, PTLDS and treatment failure

Abstract Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne illness in US and Europe. While most patients can be cured with a 2-4 week antibiotic therapy, about 10%-20% patients continue to suffer persistent symptoms of fatigue, pain or joint and muscle aches, and neurocognitive despite the treatment, a condition called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). The cause for PTLDS is unclear but one possibility is persistent infection with B. burgdorferi. B. burgdorferi is known to develop morphological variant forms such as round bodies and aggregated biofilm-like microcolonies as a log phase culture consisting of spirochete form grows into stationary phase. Here we isolated biofilm-like microcolony and planktonic form (spirochetal forms and round body) from stationary phase culture and found that the stationary phase planktonic form (SP) and microcolony form (MC) were much more tolerant to the current antibiotics for Lyme disease, doxycycline, ceftriaxone and cefuroxime than log phase spirochete form (LOG). In addition, we also compared the ability of the variant forms to cause disease in a mouse arthritis model. Surprisingly, the MC in particular and the SP caused a more severe arthritis with an earlier onset of inflammation and joint swelling than LOG. MC-infected mice showed significant joint swelling as early as 9 days post-infection, while the LOG and SP did not cause significant swelling. At 21 days, the joint swelling of the MC group dramatically increased and peaked, while the SP showed significant swelling at this time but less severe than the MC group. The LOG infected mice were just beginning to develop joint swelling at 21-day post-infection, with only slight swelling. At 30-day post infection, the SP group mice also developed similar severity of joint swelling as the MC group, but the LOG group still did not show significant swelling. However, at 35-day post infection, all three infected groups showed similar degree of significant joint swelling. Thereafter, the joint swelling of the three infected groups waxed and waned during the 90-day observation. Thus, we established a new biofilm-inocula mediated visual arthritis model that could facilitate more efficient evaluation of treatment regimens for persistent B. burgdorferi infections. Our findings provide new insight about disease pathogenesis and may have implications for understanding PTLDS and PTLDS treatment failure, due to possible biofilm inoculation during tick-bite. This biofilm/persister seeding model may be valid for different microbial infections and facilitate developing more effective treatments of persistent infections in general.
Respiratory Therapy-Driven Protocols: An Important Component to Decrease Overutilization in Medicine.

Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) is a therapy that causes relaxation and vasodilation of the vascular smooth muscle by stimulating guanylate cyclase and increasing cyclic guanylate monophosphate, leading to a decrease in intracellular calcium.[1][1] INO has been found to decrease use of extracorporeal
Ultrasound Guidance of Resuscitation in Shock

The initial resuscitation in acute medical and traumatic emergencies is of the utmost importance to maintain or enhance end organ perfusion and improve patient outcomes. However, blind fluid administration to patients in shock is associated with its own set of risks. Point of care ultrasound has revolutionized the practice of acute care medicine and should be utilized in the pre-hospital setting to help diagnose the etiology of shock and guide decisions regarding appropriate interventions. This chapter will not only highlight key concepts and evidence for ultrasound-guided resuscitation, but will also offer a structured approach to cardiopulmonary and vascular ultrasonography to help determine a patient’s fluid tolerance and fluid responsiveness.
Acceptability, Engagement, and Effects of a Mobile Digital Intervention to Support Mental Health for Young Adults Transitioning to College: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The transition from high school to college can exacerbate mental health problems in young adults yet barriers prevent seamless mental health care. Existing digital support tools show promise but are not yet designed to optimize engagement or implementation. Objective: The goal of the research was to test acceptability and effects of an automated digital Mobile Support Tool for Mental Health (MoST-MH) for young adults transitioning to college. Methods: Youths aged 18 years and older with a current mental health diagnosis preparing to transition to college (n=52; 85% female [45/52], 91% White [48/52]) were recruited from a primary care (n=31) and a mental health clinic (n=21). Participants were randomized 2:1 to either receive MoST-MH (n=34) or enhanced Usual Care (eUC; n=18). MoST-MH included periodic text message and web-based check-ins of emotional health, stressors, negative impacts, and self-efficacy that informed tailored self-care support messages. Both eUC and MoST-MH participants received links to a library of psychoeducational videos and were asked to complete web-based versions of the Mental Health Self-Efficacy Scale (MHSES), College Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS), and Client Service Receipt Inventory for Mental Health (C-SRI) monthly for 3 months and the Post-Study System Usability Scale (PSSUQ) at 3-months. Results: MoST-MH participants were sent a median of 5 (range 3 to 10) text message check-in prompts over the 3-month study period and 100% were completed; participants were sent a median of 2 (range 1 to 8) web-based check-in prompts among which 78% (43/55) were completed. PSSUQ scores indicate high usability (mean score 2.0). Results from the completer analysis demonstrated reductions in mental health symptoms over time and significant between-group effects of MoST-MH compared to eUC on depressive symptom severity (d=0.36, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.64). No significant differences in mental health self-efficacy or mental health health care use were observed. Conclusions: In this pilot trial, we found preliminary evidence that MoST-MH was engaged with at high rates and found to be highly usable and reduced depression symptoms relative to eUC among youth with mental health disorders transitioning to college. Findings were measured during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the study was not powered to detect differences in outcomes between groups; therefore, further testing is needed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04560075; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04560075
Removal and Collection of Gallium from Surplus Weapons Plutonium

Gallium present in weapons plutonium must be removed before it can be used for the production of MOX fuel rods. Since gallium is expected to react corrosively within nuclear reactors, the main goal of the preliminary studies was to evaluate a new process which could be developed to remove gallium from a gallium oxide/plutonium oxide matrix. This effort is being conducted in close consultation with the personnel involved in MOX fuel fabrication efforts within the US Department of Energy (DOE).
Dependent Sources and Unilateral Two-Port Circuits

Circuits are designed and used to establish specified relations among certain currents and voltages, where some currents and voltages are identified as inputs (causes) and others as outputs (effects). Inputs also are called excitations, and outputs also are called responses.
Systems with Iterative Channel Estimation

The estimation of channel parameters, such as the fading amplitude and the power spectral density of the interference plus noise, is essential to the effective use of soft-decision decoding. Channel estimation may be implemented by the transmission of pilot signals that are processed by the receiver, but pilot signals entail overhead costs, such as the loss of data throughput. Deriving maximum-likelihood channel estimates directly from the received data symbols is often prohibitively difficult. There is an effective alternative when turbo or low-density parity-check codes are used. The expectation-maximization algorithm provides an iterative approximate solution to the maximum-likelihood equations and is inherently compatible with iterative demodulation and decoding. Two examples of advanced spread-spectrum systems that apply the expectation-maximization algorithm for channel estimation are described and analyzed in this chapter. These systems provide good illustrations of the calculations required in the design of advanced systems.
Enhanced in vitro lysis of human ovarian carcinomas with activated peripheral blood lymphocytes and bifunctional immune heteroaggregates.

Heteroaggregated monoclonal antibodies (HA) comprised of an anti-CD3 and an anti-tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody were evaluated for their ability to lyse fresh human ovarian cancer cells. HAs were able to significantly enhance the in vitro lysis of fresh ovarian tumor cells by in vitro activated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). HAs did not increase tumor lysis using fresh PBLs or PBLs cultured overnight in vitro . HA efficacy required both anti-CD3 and anti-TAA antibodies to be present in the same molecule, implying that physical bridging between the effector and target cell by the HA may be a requirement for their activity in cell lysis. The presence of anti-CD3 antibody in the PBL cultures enhanced cell growth and did not block the efficacy of the anti-CD3 containing HAs. The frequent expression of multiple TAAs in human ovarian cancers and the ability to recruit cytotoxic T-cell activity with HAs in vitro give promise to the future of this form of immunotherapy in the clinical setting.
An Analysis of Perceptions on Financial Education and Asset Building in the Alabama Black Belt

The study focused on analyzing perceptions on financial education and asset building in the Alabama Black Belt. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 204 participants from several Alabama Black Belt counties. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results on demographics reflect a low number of persons in households, more females, relatively younger participant group, with relatively lower educational level, with relatively lower annual household income level, and a higher proportion of single, never married persons. A majority (71%) had not taken financial education classes, and 64% were willing to participate in an asset building program. Chi-square tests revealed that educational level and annual household income played a major role in having taken financial education classes; persons under 18 years of age in household, age, and marital status played a major role in willingness to participate in an asset building program. It was recommended that policy makers, academic institutions, and community-based organizations should help bridge the financial knowledge and asset building gap by implementing financial education and asset building programs in the study area, with considerations for socioeconomic factors such as educational level and marital status that appear to be related to financial education and asset building.
Branding addiction therapies and reified specific factors.

Keywords: Active ingredients; addiction treatment; common factors; mechanisms of behavior change; non-specific factors; randomized clinical trials; specific factors
Regulation of membrane peroxidation in health and disease.

The studies conducted on weanling rats deprived of vitamin E revealed the critical need of this vitamin to protect the PMN from oxidative damage. It now remains to be seen whether human newborn infants would benefit from further vitamin E supplementation. Recent studies have indicated that bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the premature infant may be ameliorated by supplementation with vitamin E.19 Not only does high concentrations of oxygen induce toxicity in the lung but it damages the membranes of alveolar phagocytic cells obtained from animals exposed to toxic concentrations of oxygen for two days.36 Whether antioxidant supplementation can protect as well as enhance phagocytic function in the normal newborn or the infant requiring oxygen support remains to be determined.
A Non-Feeding Pilidium With Apparent Prototroch and Telotroch

The nemertean pilidium larva is a long-lived planktotrophic form which is challenging to homologize to other invertebrate larval forms. Here we report a reduced, lecithotrophic pilidium which superficially resembles a trochophore. We document the pilidium-like catastrophic metamorphosis of this larva, including devouring of the larval body. Sequences of COI and 16S rRNA show that this larva belongs to an undescribed lineiform species. This novel larval form highlights the long-standing question, is the trochophore a conserved larval ground-plan or a functional design arrived at by convergence?
Three‐Dimensional Structures of Sulfatases

The sulfatase family of enzymes catalyzes the hydrolysis of sulfate ester bonds of a wide variety of substrates. Nine human sulfatase proteins and their genes have been identified, many of which are associated with genetic disorders leading to reduction or loss of function of the corresponding enzyme. A catalytic cysteine residue, strictly conserved in prokaryotic and eukaryotic sulfatases, is modified posttranslationally into a formylglycine. Hydroxylation of the formylglycine residue by a water molecule forming the activated hydroxylformylglycine (a formylglycine hydrate or a gem-diol) is a necessary step for sulfatase activity of the enzyme. Crystal structures of three human sulfatases, arylsulfatases A and B (ARSA and ARSB) and C, also known as steroid sulfatase or estrone/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfatase (ES), have been determined. In addition, the crystal structure of a homologous bacterial arylsulfatase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAS) is also available. While ARSA, ARSB, and PAS are water-soluble enzymes, ES has a hydrophobic domain and is presumed to be bound to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. This chapter compares and contrasts four sulfatase structures and revisits the proposed catalytic mechanism in light of available structural and functional data. Examination of the ES active site reveals substrate-specific interactions previously identified in another steroidogenic enzyme. Possible influence of the lipid bilayer in substrate capture and recognition by ES is described. Finally, mapping the genetic mutations into the ES structure provides an explanation for the loss of enzyme function in X-linked ichthyosis.
2‐Chloro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane

[14812-59-0] C6H12ClO2P (MW 182.58) InChI = 1S/C6H12ClO2P/c1-5(2)6(3,4)9-10(7)8-5/h1-4H3 InChIKey = WGPCXYWWBFBNSS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used for the phosphitylation of alcohols and other heteroatomic nucleophiles, resulting in the formation of useful glycosyl donors and ligands) Physical Data: bp 81.5–82 °C/13 mm Hg; d 1.149. Solubility: soluble in CHCl3, ether, THF, and most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: colorless liquid, available from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc. Preparative Methods: the reagent is prepared via the reaction of 2,3-dimethyl-butane-2,3-diol (pinacol) and phosphorous(III) chloride in diethyl ether as solvent with pyridine as base. Other bases such as triethylamine have been used, and yields are moderate.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the reagent is very sensitive to moisture and thus all procedures should be performed under an inert atmosphere. Storage in a sealed container under nitrogen is necessary and, if stored as a solution, the addition of 3A molecular sieves is recommended.
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Spells: Analysis of Clinical Perspectives & Practice (P4.268)

OBJECTIVE: To identify barriers in care provision for patients with psychogenic non-epileptic spells (PNES) by assessing (a) clinician knowledge regarding the nature, presentation, and associated treatment needs, and (b) providers’ attitudes toward this patient group. BACKGROUND: PNES is a conversion disorder presenting with involuntary seizure-like episodes not associated with epileptiform activity on EEG. These spells are diagnostically difficult and financially burdensome, with an average 7-year delay to diagnosis while eliminating other possibilities and frequent use of expensive, potentially harmful interventions (LaFrance & Benbadis, 2006). Although some groups have pioneered treatments (LaFrance et al., 2009; 2010) and some centers routinely provide psychiatric consultation for PNES (Acton & Tatum, 2013), a gold standard of care has yet to be achieved and prognosis remains poor (Baslet, 2012). This project was conducted to identify potential barriers to provision of such care in routine practice. DESIGN/METHODS: 42 treatment providers in various clinical roles and specialty disciplines were surveyed using quantitative and open-ended items. Responses were analyzed using basic descriptive statistical methods and qualitative examination of open-ended responses. RESULTS: Clinicians rated the PNES population as largely undesirable in their practices and themselves as ineffective in treating PNES symptoms. Providers were split regarding their responsibilities in PNES treatment, between holding a diagnostic-only role and responsibility for both diagnosis and treatment. Providers believed that patients would benefit from psychiatric treatment, although these treatments were viewed as unavailable and/or inaccessible. Prognosis for patients with PNES was rated as guarded, with the majority of providers indicating that recovery was at least somewhat unlikely CONCLUSIONS: PNES carries heavy implications for affected patients, although care remains suboptimal. Practical barriers for effective treatment include both provider attitudes toward PNES and limited availability of necessary treatment modalities. Directed efforts will be required to develop both provider- and patient-based interventions to address the significant needs of patients and providers alike. Disclosure: Dr. Hessler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Slevin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bishop has nothing to disclose. Dr. Anderson has nothing to disclose.
Optical Brightness of the West Ford Experiment

AT the request of the Space Science Board of the U.S. National Academy of Science and of the International Astronomical Union, I agreed to serve on an ad hoc committee to evaluate the effects of the so-called West Ford Project. The purpose of this project was to place a large number of fine copper needles into orbit about the Earth. Specifically, I served as co-ordinator of astronomical information, both sending ephemeris data to and collecting observational results, particularly in the optical domain, from observatories all over the world.
Effect of Sitting Orientation on Touchscreen Performance, Touch Characteristics, User Preference, and Workload

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Sitting in a parallel orientation in front of a touch screen (requiring twisting of the torso) was found to cause a decrement in touchscreen performance (36%–48%). However, the adverse effect of sitting orientation on performance could be ameliorated by interface design, most notably by using button sizes greater than 20×20 mm. Larger button sizes also benefit individuals with upper extremity motor control disabilities, and this information could be used to incorporate universal design in touchscreen interfaces. Larger button sizes also help in reducing the force-time integral during button activation. Touchscreens are widely used in occupational settings, such as retail, restaurants, and health care. The touchscreen performance findings from this study are applicable to touchscreen interface design for users with and without upper extremity motor control disabilities, and the touch characteristics findings are useful for ergonomists quantifying forces involved in touchscreen ope...
The incorporation of [2-14C]mevalonate and [1-14C]acetate into lipids of aorta and heart homogenates of the turtle (Pseudymis sp.)

Abstract 1. 1. Of a number of animal species tested, the turtle ( Pseudymis sp.) was found to have an aorta from which a metabolically active homogenate could be prepared by means of a conventional Potter homogenizer. 2. 2. Aorta and heart homogenates incorporated [2- 14 C]mevalonate into their lipids more readily than [1- 14 C]acetate. When [2- 14 C]mevalonate was the labeled substrate, 14 C-labeled cholesterol esters and glycerides, accompanied by 14 C-labeled unsaponinable metabolites, were isolated from heart and aorta lipids. Cholesterol was free from measurable radioactivity. 3. 3. Phosphatidylethanolamine and polyglycerophosphatide were the fractions of highest specific activity isolated from heart and aorta phospholipids, when either [2- 14 C]mevalonate or [1- 14 C]acetate had been the labeled substrate. Phosphatidylcholine was of low specific activity. 4. 4. As a precursor of fatty acids, mevalonate differed from acetate in not giving rise to labeled long-chain fatty acids, but in supplying volatile short-chain acids which were incorporated into glycerolipids. In the tissues studied, mevalonate has been shown to be a more powerful labeling agent of the major classes of lipids than acetate.
Serum cholesterol level, body mass index, and the risk of colon cancer. The Framingham Study.

Background. Some studies have linked low serum cholesterol levels to increased risk of colon cancer, particularly in men. Results have been inconsistent, with pre-clinical disease frequently offered to explain any apparent association. Methods. The Framingham Study cohort of 5209 persons, initially 30-62 years of age and observed more than 30 years, was evaluated. Baseline data included lipoprotein fractions, total cholesterol levels, body mass index, alcohol intake, and cardiovascular risk variables such as cigarette smoking, hypertension, and glucose intolerance. Results. In this population, colon cancer in men is related inversely to serum cholesterol levels, even when the first 10 years of follow-up are eliminated to reduce the effect of preclinical disease. This effect is concentrated in the Svedberg 0-20 fraction, corresponding to low-density lipoprotein levels. Another finding only in men is the direct relation of body mass index to colon cancer incidence. Conclusions. Combined initial low serum cholesterol levels and obesity appear to indicate a four times greater risk for colon cancer in men as compared with people with average values of both variables. The reasons for these observations are unknown.
Molecular and behavioral effects mediated by Gs-coupled adenosine A2a, but not serotonin 5-HT4 or 5-HT6 receptors following antipsychotic administration

Abstract Typical antipsychotic agents are potent antagonists of Gi-coupled dopamine D2 receptors, but their mechanisms of action following this initial blockade remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that in striatal neurons, interruption of this inhibitory dopamine D2 input would unmask endogenous striatal Gs-coupled receptors. An increase in cAMP levels generated by these unopposed receptors would then lead to the well-described behavioral and molecular effects of antipsychotic administration such as catalepsy and striatal c-fos and neurotensin gene transcription. We examined three striatal Gs-coupled receptor systems (serotonin 5-HT4, serotonin 5-HT6 and adenosine A2a) to assess their potential involvement in the mechanism of action of the typical antipsychotic haloperidol. Antagonists of each of these three receptor systems together with a 1 mg/kg dose of haloperidol were co-administered to Sprague–Dawley rats, and both the degree of catalepsy produced in the animals and the induction of striatal c-fos and neurotensin messenger RNAs were measured. Both the specific adenosine A2a antagonist 8-(3-chlorostyryl)-caffeine and the general adenosine antagonist theophylline reduced haloperidol-dependent induction of striatal neurotensin and c-fos messenger RNA. Administration of these agents also greatly reduced the degree of catalepsy induced by haloperidol. Antagonists of the 5-HT6 receptor failed to block the induction of striatal messenger RNAs, but the 5-HT6 antagonist clozapine (an important atypical antipsychotic agent in its own right) was a potent inhibitor of catalepsy. 5-HT4 agents were unable to alter haloperidol's effects on striatal messenger RNA levels or catalepsy. We conclude that the striatal Gs-coupled adenosine A2a receptor is an important mediator of the molecular and behavioral sequelae following haloperidol administration.
Invertibility of a Special Class of Mean Filter Operators

This paper presents a proof of the fact that if the (circulant) von Neumann mean filter operator is defined on a square coordinate set with iem rows and iem columns, then it fails to be invertible only if either the integer 5 divides iem or the integer 6 divides iem. This result answers a question posed by P. Gader, who proved that the usual 3×3 mean filter operator is invertible if and only if 3 does not divide iem.
Generalized sample size determination formulas for experimental research with hierarchical data

Hierarchical data sets arise when the data for lower units (e.g., individuals such as students, clients, and citizens) are nested within higher units (e.g., groups such as classes, hospitals, and regions). In data collection for experimental research, estimating the required sample size beforehand is a fundamental question for obtaining sufficient statistical power and precision of the focused parameters. The present research extends previous research from Heo and Leon (2008) and Usami (2011b), by deriving closed-form formulas for determining the required sample size to test effects in experimental research with hierarchical data, and by focusing on both multisite-randomized trials (MRTs) and cluster-randomized trials (CRTs). These formulas consider both statistical power and the width of the confidence interval of a standardized effect size, on the basis of estimates from a random-intercept model for three-level data that considers both balanced and unbalanced designs. These formulas also address some important results, such as the lower bounds of the needed units at the highest levels.
Chasing “fear memories” to the cerebellum

The cerebellum has long been known as a center of fine motor control and sensory-motor integration. It also is appreciated as essential for the acquisition and expression of conditioned eye-blink responses, a type of discrete sensory-motor learning (1, 2). Recently, the cerebellum also has been implicated in acquiring (3–5) and expressing (6) “emotional” associative learning, which is commonly believed to depend entirely on forebrain regions. Specifically, the learning and memories for an association between neutral and fear-eliciting stimuli, also known as “fear conditioning”, often are said to reside in the basolateral amygdala (ref. 7, for an alternative view see ref. 8). An elegant study by Sacchetti and colleagues in this issue of PNAS (9) adds a new dimension to the recently described role of the cerebellum in emotional learning and memory by revealing that the cerebellum is essential for consolidating memories for both tone and contextual fear conditioning for several days longer than the basolateral amygdala. Thus, their findings are not only relevant to the current debate regarding the sites of permanent storage of fear memories, but more importantly, they expand our knowledge of the topographical and chronological composition of the brain network(s) responsible for consolidating this type of memory.
Late ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after controlled ovarian stimulation in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis

Objective To report a case of late ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in a woman with lupus nephritis undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with subsequent transfer into a gestational surrogate. Design A case report. Setting Academic reproductive medicine clinic. Patient(s) A 33-year-old woman who presented 10 days after recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection with fatigue, abdominal pain, and bloating, diagnosed as OHSS. Intervention(s) Patient admitted for intravenous fluid hydration, anticoagulation, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist therapy. Main Outcome Measure(s) Successful detection and management of severe OHSS in a patient with chronically impaired kidney function. Result(s) The patient has returned to her baseline condition, and the gestational carrier was noted to have a twin gestation. Conclusion(s) In patients with impaired renal function, final oocyte maturation should be triggered with a GnRH agonist rather than hCG.
Contribution of Animal Models in the Search for Effective Therapy for Endocarditis Due to Enterococci with High-Level Resistance to Gentamicin

Earlier studies suggest that ampicillin and amoxicillin are more effective than other beta-lactam agents in killing enterococci, although beta-lactam agents are slowly and incompletely bactericidal against most strains of Enterococcus faecalis. We previously showed that continuous infusion of ampicillin is more effective than intermittent administration in decreasing the number of enterococci in valvular vegetations of rats with catheter-induced endocarditis that are treated for 5 days. In this model, we found ampicillin plus sulbactam more effective than ampicillin alone against a beta-lactamase-producing enterococcal strain with high-level resistance to gentamicin. Daptomycin therapy produced results approximately equal to those of ampicillin plus sulbactam. Vancomycin and teicoplanin given for 5 days at doses producing equivalent serum levels had approximately equal efficacy. However, 10-day therapy with low-dose teicoplanin was considerably more effective than similar treatment with vancomycin. High-dose teicoplanin for 5 days produced sterile valves in 82% of the animals studied.
Studies of hydrate nucleation with high pressure differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract Current models for hydrate formation in subsea pipelines require an arbitrary assignment of a subcooling criterion for nucleation. In reality hydrate nucleation times depend on both the degree of subcooling and the amount of time the fluid has been subcooled. In this work, differential scanning calorimetry was applied to study hydrate nucleation for gas phase hydrate formers. Temperature ramping and isothermal approaches were combined to explore the probability of hydrate nucleation for both methane and xenon. A system-dependent subcooling of around 30 K was necessary for hydrate nucleation from both guest molecules. In both systems, hydrate nucleation occurred over a narrow temperature range (2–3 K). The system pressure had a large effect on the hydrate nucleation temperature but the ice nucleation temperature was not affected over the range of pressures investigated (3–20 MPa). Cooling rates in the range of (0.5–3 K/min) did not have any statistically significant effect on the nucleation temperature for each pressure investigated. In the isothermal experiments, the time required for nucleation decreased with increased subcooling.
How Local Is the Local Field Potential

Summary Local field potentials (LFPs) are of growing importance in neurophysiological investigations. LFPs supplement action potential recordings by indexing activity relevant to EEG, magnetoencephalographic, and hemodynamic (fMRI) signals. Recent reports suggest that LFPs reflect activity within very small domains of several hundred micrometers. We examined this conclusion by comparing LFP, current source density (CSD), and multiunit activity (MUA) signals in macaque auditory cortex. Estimated by frequency tuning bandwidths, these signals' "listening areas" differ systematically with an order of MUA typically integrate over extremely circumscribed local domains. Rather, LFPs appear as a mixture of local potentials with "volume conducted" potentials from distant sites.
Properties of the vacuum. I. mechanical and thermodynamic

Abstract Casimir energies are calculated for quantized fields in cavities with a variety of forms. Consequences for models of the vacuum state are considered. The possibility of negative mass systems is discussed. Results on energy and entropy of finite quantum systems at non-zero temperature are given.
How Fair Is the Culture I.Q. Test

If a measure of intelligence is culturally biased it is assumed that disadvantaged individuals will score lower on it than on a less biased instrument. The Cattell purports to be "culture fair" and it was compared to the WISC with a delinquent juvenile population, controlling for both order effects and individual administration. The results reveal consistently lower mean I.Q. scores for the Cattell under all conditions. The Cattell appears to be a more difficult test for this population. It is concluded that considerable caution should be exercised inusing the Cattell as a culture fair method of I.Q. evaluation with underprivileged delinquent youth.
Theory of Threshold Energy Dependence of Photodetachment of Diatomic Molecular Negative Ions

The energy dependence near zero energy of the continuum wave function of an electron in a molecular potential field is found by an iterative solution of the wave equation. This leads to shapes for the photodetachment cross section near threshold which are found to depend on whether the molecular ion is heteronuclear or homonuclear and on the $u$, $g$ symmetry (for homonuclear case) of the outer molecular orbital. The predicted energy dependences are found to be consistent with the available experimental data.
Multimeric forms of satellite of tobacco ringspot virus RNA

An approximately 350-nucleotide residue RNA replicates in association with tobacco ringspot virus (TobRV) and becomes encapsidated in TobRV coat protein. Here we show by electrophoretic analyses that this small satellite RNA, RNA S, is the most abundant and most rapidly migrating of a series of at least ten encapsidated RNAs with RNA S sequences. A largely double-stranded RNA fraction from infected tissue, when denatured, gave a similar series of up to 12 zones that contained both RNA S sequences and sequences that hybridized to RNA S. Analysis of the mobilities suggests a weight increment between each zone corresponding approximately to the size of RNA S. Thus the more slowly migrating zones appear to contain covalent multimers of RNA S or, for tissue RNA, both multimers of RNA S and multimers of the complement of RNA S sequences. Neither terminal structure of TobRV genomic RNAs was found in the satellite RNA. RNA S lacks detectable polyadenylate or oligoadenylate. Covalently linked protein was not detected in RNA S or its more slowly migrating forms, and satellite RNA biological activity, unlike that of the TobRV RNAs, was not protease sensitive. Polynucleotide kinase catalyzed the phosphorylation of satellite RNAs, indicating free 5'-hydroxyl groups.
Potential of mixed formulations for advanced analysis systems

Two recent applications of the combined use of mixed formulations with splitting methodologies and reduction methods are presented. Discussion focuses on how the combination can significantly improve the efficiency of the computational process and enhance the physical understanding of the response. Numerical examples are presented which demonstrate the unique features and potential of mixed formulations in advanced analysis systems.
Baudelaire's Syncretic Extensions of Synesthesia

The essay explores Baudelaire's application of synesthesia as a figure of fusion on the vertical and horizontal planes in order to demonstrate that the figure's extensions develop both spiritual and psychophysical dimensions of his work as literary self-portrait. The integration of different types of synesthesia is shown to contribute to the creation of a “total” autotelic artwork of which the lyric subject is at once the core and the perimeter. The analysis concerns the self-referential technique of mise en abyme because it installs the “self” as center even when the subject of the text appears to be an “other.” The role of rhetoric, symbolism, and the poet's creative imagination are also examined because they incorporate various “others” including famous artists, philosophers, and aspects of mysterious, faraway lands. Thus a “sociospiritual synesthesia” and a “synesthetic exoticism” combine to expand the lyric subject's sphere of self-reference.
The cleavage of (perhaloaryl)dimethylsilanes by organolithium compounds

Abstract (Perhaloaryl)dimethylsilanes undergo a cleavage reaction with organolithium compounds, using very moderate conditions, to produce (perhaloaryl)lithium derivatives in good yield. The corresponding trimethylsilyl compounds [except for 2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)dichlorothiophene] and phenyldimethylsilane were not cleaved significantly.
Gas chromatography on 10 um silica particles

Porous silica microparticles designed for modern liquid chromatography have proven effective in gas chromatography. Columns of 35–50 cm gave plate heights as low as 3.3 particle diameters and speeds of 2400 theoretical plates per second or 500 effective theoretical plates per second. Inlet pressures up to 70 atmospheres were required using hydrogen as carrier gas. The particles as received were too retentive for fast chromatography and gave asymmetric peaks. A coating of fluorosilicone oil overcame both problems. Other coatings were less effective. Bonded phases proved less satisfactory on both counts and also gave substantially less efficient columns and greater flow resistance. Column efficiency and flow resistance were sharply dependent on physical properties of the particles. The most efficient packing was clearly spherical particles of 5–10 μm diameter with narrow size distribution, pore diamters about 50 nm, BET surface areas of 25–50 m2/g and surfaces modified with trifluoropropyl silicone. A six-component hydrocarbon sample was separated in 33 s with a resolution of 4 for the most difficult pair and in 2.6 s with a minimal resolution. Performance was limited by end effects and by available pressure so that much better performance can be expected from longer columns and higher pressures.
Nucleic acid analytical approaches in bioremediation: site assessment and characterization

Abstract Bioremediation, the removal of environmental pollutants by living organisms, has become a viable and promising means of restoring contaminated sites. Gene probing techniques have enhanced our ability to assess the efficacy of microbial-based remediation efforts. DNA probes targeting specific genetic sequences, i.e. those genes responsible for the degradative ability of the microorganism, can be used to characterize a contaminated site throughout the bioremediation program to determine overall community structure and catabolic activity. To do so, however, requires efficient techniques for recovering nucleic acids from environmental sites as well as methods for generating probes to the specific genetic sequences desired. This review discusses procedures for isolating DNA, messenger RNA, and ribosomal RNA from environmental samples, the utilization of polymerase chain reactions to construct gene probes, and hybridization methods to genetically match the probe to the environmental sample. The use of these methods and advancement of techniques at several bioremediation sites is also presented along with typical problems and limitations encountered. The first case study involves monitoring the effects of nutrient addition to stimulate microbial degradation of chlorinated solvents at the DOE Westinghouse Savannah River Site. The next case study describes the bioremediation of chlorinated solvents and low levels of BTEX at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The final study is a field-scale natural attenuation project currently underway at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.
Species, strain, sex and individual differences in enflurane metabolism.

SUMMARY Species, sex and individual differences in serum inorganic fluoride concentrations were demonstrated in mice, guineapigs and rats exposed to either 0.07% or 0.2% enflurane for 35 days, suggesting differences in enflurane biotransformation. Exposure of Fischer 344 rats and Sprague-Dawley.rats to 0.2% enflurane for 8 days resulted in enzyme induction as demonstrated by increasing serum inorganic fluoride and cytochrome P–450 concentrations. However, there was no difference in cytochrome P–450 concentrations between the strains despite differences in inorganic fluoride concentration. These results emphasize the multiplicity of factors and the lack of predictability in patterns of enflurane metabolism among species, strains and individuals.
Preoperative experience with insulin enhances glucoprivic feeding in rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions

Abstract Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received either one injection per week of regular insulin (IP, 5 Units) or saline for 4 weeks prior to destruction of the LH or sham-operations. During this preoperative period, animals given insulin consumed significantly more food in a 6-hr test period than animals given saline. Following surgery, animals were given 3 weeks to recover from the acute effects of LH lesions and then tested for responsiveness to glucoprivic challenges. Sham-operated animals from both pre-operative injection groups consumed significantly more food during a 6-hour period when injected with either insulin (5 and 7.5 Units) or 2-DG (400 mg/kg) than when given saline injections. Similarly, LH-lesioned rats with preoperative experience with insulin significantly increased food intake when given insulin or 2-DG. In contrast, LH-lesioned rats without preoperative experience with insulin failed to increase feeding in response to the administration of either insulin or 2-DG. Differnnces in feeding responses following glucoprivation between LH-lesioned rats with and without preoperative exposure to insulin were not a function of differences in the extent of central nervous system damage. The present data indicate that experimental conditions play an important role in determining the presence or absence of regulatory deficits following brain damage.
Far UV pulsed laser melting of silicon

Calorimetric, acoustic, and morphological studies of silicon irradiated with intense 14‐ns, 193‐nm excimer laser pulses are reported. To within the experimental uncertainty, the entire radiation absorbed is converted to heat at all fluences. The volume changes on melting leads to enhanced acoustic wave generation. The morphology of the surface damage is consistent with the existence of both standing surface acoustic waves and of capillary waves.
Carbon dissolution and diffusion in ferrite and austenite from first principles

We perform density-functional theory (DFT) calculations of carbon dissolution and diffusion in iron, the latter being a typical example of interstitial diffusion. The Kohn-Sham equations are solved with periodic boundary conditions and within the projector-augmented-wave formalism, using the generalized gradient approximation for electron exchange and correlation. With the solution enthalpy as an indication of cell size convergence, we find a supercell with 128 Fe atoms and one C atom is sufficient for describing dilute concentrations of carbon in bcc Fe. The solution enthalpy of carbon in an octahedral site in ferrite is predicted to be 0.74 eV, i.e., the dissolution of carbon in bcc ferromagnetic (FM) Fe is an endothermic process. Using the Fe128C1 periodic cell, we find that the minimum-energy path (MEP) of carbon diffusion from one octahedral site to another (via a tetrahedral site) has a barrier of 0.86 eV, in excellent agreement with the experimental value of 0.87 eV. This encouraging benchmark result prompted us to investigate carbon diffusion in austenite, whose electronic structure is less well characterized experimentally. Cell size convergence results show that a supercell with 32 Fe atoms and one C atom is sufficient. The calculated solution enthalpy is $\ensuremath{-}0.17$ eV, which indicates that the dissolution of carbon in fcc Fe is exothermic, consistent with the known greater solubility of C in austenite compared to ferrite. The MEP shows that carbon moves linearly from an octahedral site to another, contrary to the common notion of an off-plane diffusion path. The diffusion barrier is calculated to be 0.99 eV. Since we model austenite with the FM high-spin phase, the diffusion barrier we obtain is not directly comparable to the experiments in which austenite is usually paramagnetic. However, this prediction is relevant for C incorporation into Fe thin films, since FM high-spin fcc Fe can be obtained by epitaxial growth of thin Fe films on a Cu substrate.
Time-dependent plasma microfield distribution☆

Abstract The theory of the distribution of the finite-interval time average of the time-dependent low-frequency microfield (ion produced) in a plasma containing ion-ion correlations is developed. The plasma model contains ion-ion interactions in the appropriate statistical ensemble (statistical ion correlations), but does not contain ion interactions in its dynamics (free-streaming dynamics). The theory allows inclusion of statistical ion correlations to any order. A discussion of all approximations is included.
Infections Among Very Low Birthweight Infants Enrolled in the NICHD Neonatal Research Network Dexamethasone (Dex) Trial • 1482

Background: A multicenter randomized trial comparing the effects of dex therapy initiated at 14 or 28 days of life in VLBW (501-1500g) infants at risk for chronic lung disease (CLD) was conducted by the NICHD Neonatal Research Network. Group 1 received dex on study days 1-14 and placebo on study days 14-28. Group 2 received placebo on study days 1-14 and steroids, if needed, on study days 14-28. Group 2 infants with minimal or no ventilator dependence on study day 14 continued to receive placebo to study day 28.Purpose: To assess the relation of dex and other factors to definite or possible/clinical infection. Methods: Data on suspicion of infection, cultures performed, and antibiotic therapy were collected daily for 42 days after randomization. Infectious complications were evaluated for study days 1-14 and 1-42. Findings: 371 patients were enrolled. Group 1 (n=182) and Group 2 (n=189) had similar baseline risk factors for infection. During the first 14 days, Group 1 infants were significantly more likely than Group 2 infants to have a positive blood culture (36% vs 24%, p=0.012) and a definite infection (22% vs 14%, p=0.038). Over the 6-week study period, 42% of all infants had at least one positive blood culture (Group 1, 46% vs. Group 2, 38%, p=0.12) and 25% of infants were judged to have one or more definite infections (Group 1, 29% vs. Group 2, 21%, p=0.08). Among patients who were cultured, infants in Group 1 were significantly more likely to have a positive blood culture than were those in Group 2 (53% vs. 41%, p=0.02). Factors present at the time of randomization (including BW, GA, race, sex, prenatal steroids, C/S, sepsis hx, severity of RDS, medications given and treatment assignment) were evaluated for their association with subsequent infection. Using logistic regression models, randomization to Group 1 and antacid/H2 blocker therapy were both associated with an increased risk of definite infection for days 1-14 and antacid/H2 blocker treatment increased risk for the entire study period. Increasing birthweight and C/S delivery were both associated with a decreased risk of definite infection.Conclusion: Contrary to the findings of smaller trials, infection was more common in patients randomized to dex than placebo during the first 2 study weeks. In addition, the risk of infection over the entire 42-day study period was higher when dex was started at 2 weeks of age than when dex was started at 4 weeks of age, if needed. The decision to treat VLBW infants with or at risk for CLD with dex must be based on a balance of potential benefits and risks.