cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of gender and family support on dietary compliance in an African American adolescent hypertension prevention study.

Social support experiences vary markedly across gender groups, and little is known about the role of social support in promoting healthy dietary compliance in African American adolescents who are at increased risk for developing hypertension. This study examined the relation between gender, dietary social support, and compliance to a low sodium diet. Casual blood pressures were also examined in relation to dietary compliance and gender. One hundred eighty-four healthy African American adolescents (83 boys, 101 girls) participated in an intensive 5-day low sodium diet (50 mEq/24 hr) as part of a hypertension prevention program. Emotional dietary social support from family members and friends was measured at baseline. Compliance was defined as urinary sodium excretion of≤ 50 mEq/24 hr at postsodium restriction. The results indicated a significant Gender × Compliance effect for positive family support (p > .05). Girls who were compliant reported higher levels of dietary support from family members (19.2 ± 7.8) than boys who were compliant (16.9 ± 7.0). In contrast, boys who were compliant reported lower levels of dietary support from family members (16.9 ± 7.0) than boys who were not compliant (20.2 ± 7.5). Systolic blood pressure showed a trend toward decreasing in compliant participants (104.4 ± 8.4 vs. 101.7 ± 8.0, mm Hg, p > .06), but the effect diminished when Quetelet Index (kg/m2) was controlled for in the analyses (p > .12). These results suggest that higher levels of emotional dietary support from family members are associated with better adherence to short-term sodium restriction for African American girls as compared to boys. Further research is needed to determine the long-term impact of social support on sodium restriction in adolescent populations.
Aerosolized sodium hypochlorite inhibits viability and allergenicity of mold on building materials

Background Commercial and residential buildings can become contaminated with molds, which may trigger allergic disorders. Mold remediation efforts may require costly replacement of mold-contaminated building materials. Disinfectants that contain dilute sodium hypochlorite can kill mold and are practical to use. Whether they also inhibit mold allergy symptoms is unknown. Objective We tested the hypothesis that sodium hypochlorite–containing spray products kill Aspergillus fumigatus and inhibit A fumigatus allergens. Methods A fumigatus was grown on 3 common building construction materials, as well as in solution by conventional laboratory methods. Two sodium hypochlorite–containing household products (diluted bleach and Tilex) were sprayed on the mold-contaminated materials or added to mold in solution and compared with untreated controls. Surface mold and associated debris were mechanically removed from treated and untreated boards. Conidia in the extracted board materials were quantified by light microscopy, examined for morphologic changes by scanning electron microscopy, and cultured for viable mold. Extracts were tested for A fumigatus antigen by ELISA, and for A fumigatus allergen by skin prick testing using extracts prepared from both the boards and the cultured solutions. Results Both sodium hypochlorite disinfectants killed A fumigatus in solution and on mold-contaminated building materials. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated changes to the conidial surface. Both dilute bleach and Tilex inhibited A fumigatus recognition by ELISA. Skin testing supported the results of the ELISAs and demonstrated loss of skin test reactivity to the sodium hypochlorite–treated mold solutions in most of the subjects. Of the 4 individuals who had a positive skin test result to mold grown on oriented strand board building material, 3 no longer reacted to extracts from bleach-treated boards. Conclusion Spray application of sodium hypochlorite–containing disinfectants onto mold-contaminated building material kills A fumigatus , modifies the surface characteristics of A fumigatus conidia, reduces recognition of A fumigatus mold by ELISA, and results in loss of skin test reactivity to the treated mold in individuals allergic to A fumigatus .
Generative models for cellular social networks

The inherent structure of a social network has a significant impact on its functioning and health. Understanding the topology can lead to better strategies to control the functioning of the network and enable rapid identification and prevention of risks such as fragmentation and spread of infection. This paper focuses on modeling and analyzing the structure of the social network associated with voice and SMS communication in a large community in Asia. It studies the topological characteristics of networks and develops a generative model for them. Based on the typical small world characteristics, large scale test systems can be developed to better study the working of new algorithms for cell-phone networks.
Scan blindness in infinite phased arrays of printed dipoles

A comprehensive study of infinite phased arrays of printed dipole antennas is presented, with emphasis on the scan blindness phenomenon. A rigorus and efficient moment method procedure is used to calculate the array impedance versus scan angle. Data are presented for the input reflection coefficient for various element spacings and substrate parameters. A simple theory, based on coupling from Floquet modes to surface wave modes on the substrate, is shown to predict the occurrence of scan blindness. Measurements from a waveguide simulator of a blindness condition confirm the theory.
Journal evaluation in a health sciences library

Abstract This evaluation method for journals meets the library's objective for a responsible, responsive collection management practice. It provides structure, but not without regard for the unique potential addition to the collection that each journal represents. Although subject to occasional fine-tuning, this method has worked satisfactorily for two hundred journal evaluations completed over the course of several years. It is a well-tested procedure and is adaptable to most library settings, in whole or in part, regardless of size or type of collection.
Modular scalable I/O

Abstract We describe design issues for scalable I/O systems. I/O system modularity is the central issue. We identify the new information and algorithms responsible for high performance in scalable I/O. We show how to assign them to the parts of a scalable computer system so the result is modular. We have built a modular I/O system which is commercially available. We describe its design and performance benchmarks using it.
Medial preoptic area dopaminergic responses to female pheromones develop during puberty in the male Syrian hamster.

Abstract Chemosensory cues from receptive females do not elicit similar reactions before and after puberty in male hamsters. While pheromones facilitate a complex display of reproductive behavior in adults, prepubertal males do not engage in these same behaviors. Dopamine (DA) released from the medial preoptic area (MPOA) in response to a receptive female or her odors is an important component of the neural events underlying adult male rat sexual behavior. The current experiment investigated whether increased dopaminergic activity occurs in the adult male hamster MPOA in response to female pheromones, and if so, whether this response is absent in prepubertal males, which do not mate. Sexually naive prepubertal and adult male hamsters were exposed to cotton swabs with or without pheromone from an estrous female for 0, 5, 15, or 25 min, after which brains were collected and frozen on dry ice. The MPOA was micropunched from frozen coronal sections (500 μm), and concentrations of DA and its primary metabolite DOPAC were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–electrochemical detection. DOPAC was used as an index of dopaminergic activity. DOPAC levels significantly increased in adults after 15 min exposure to pheromone. In contrast, MPOA DOPAC concentrations did not increase in prepubertal males exposed to pheromone. These data demonstrate that the neural processing of sexually relevant chemosensory stimuli matures during puberty. The absence of a DA response to female pheromones prior to puberty may contribute to the inability of prepubertal males to display reproductive behavior.
Split sequence coalesced hashing

Abstract The purpose of the present paper is to propose two new variants of coalesced hashing scheme with the objective of minimizing the number of probes needed for successful and unsuccessful search. We also describe our experience with the detailed simulation experiments done with different versions of the proposed schemes.
GC/MS characterization of urinary metabolites of doxylamine succinate: Identification of the aglycones formed from intestinal microflora metabolism of the polar glucuronide metabolites

This study describes the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in the characterization of polar glucuronide conjugates of doxylamine and their subsequent aglycones following deconjugation. Rat urinary extracts which contained doxylamine and both nonconjugated and conjugated doxylamine metabolites, were examined by HPLC before and after incubation with rat intestinal microflora. The subsequent deconjugated urinary metabolites and the nonconjugated products remaining in the urinary extracts were then isolated, acetylated, and assayed by GC/MS. Incubation with the intestinal microflora indicated that anaerobic bacteria were capable of effecting hydrolytic cleavage of these polar O-glucuronide metabolites of doxylamine and its demethylated products to their subsequent aglycones. GC/MS analysis was performed using a fused silica DB-5 GC column and was utilized for the identification of these deconjugated metabolites.
Tuned Lamb-Wave Excitation and Detection with Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring

The capability of embedded piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) to excite and detect tuned Lamb waves for structural health monitoring is explored. First, a brief review of Lamb waves theory is presented. Second, the PWAS operating principles and their structural coupling through a thin adhesive layer are analyzed. Then, a model of the Lamb waves tuning mechanism with PWAS transducers is described. The model uses the space domain Fourier transform. The analysis is performed in the wavenumber space. The inverse Fourier transform is used to return into the physical space. The integrals are evaluated with the residues theorem. A general solution is obtained for a generic expression of the interface shear stress distribution. The general solution is reduced to a closed-form expression for the case of ideal bonding which admits a closed-form Fourier transform of the interfacial shear stress. It is shown that the strain wave response varies like sin a, whereas the displacement response varies like sinc a. ...
Effects of caffeine and 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine on voltage‐activated potassium currents in vertebrate neurones and secretory cells

Abstract 1. The effects of caffeine and 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (IBMX) on voltage-activated K+ currents were examined by use of patch clamp recording techniques in dissociated chick autonomic ganglion neurones, chick pineal cells and rat anterior pituitary cells. 2. In chick ciliary ganglion neurones, caffeine (0.1-10 mM) produced a robust blockade of delayed rectifier K+ currents (IDR). Blockade was rapid in onset and concentration- and voltage-dependent. Caffeine produced greater inhibition with larger depolarizing voltage pulses. Similar inhibition of IDR was observed in excised outside-out 'maxi-patches' indicating a direct effect on the K+ channels. Caffeine also inhibited IDR in chick sympathetic neurones, chick pineal cells and rat anterior pituitary cells. 3. Application of 10 mM caffeine caused inhibition of transient A-currents (IA) in chick ciliary ganglion neurones. Inhibition of IA was voltage-dependent with greater inhibition observed at more positive command potentials. Application of 1 mM caffeine did not cause inhibition of IA. 4. Application of 1 mM IBMX, a structural analogue of caffeine, caused inhibition of IDR and IA in chick ciliary ganglion neurones. The voltage-dependence of the inhibition of both currents was qualitatively different from that observed with caffeine. The inhibitory effects of 1 mM IBMX and 10 mM caffeine on IDR and IA were additive. 5. Direct inhibition of voltage-activated K+ currents can potentially produce significant secondary effects on intracellular free Ca2+. These results indicate that caution must be used in the design and interpretation of experiments in which millimolar concentrations of caffeine or IBMX are used in pharmacological studies of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics or other second messenger mechanisms.
Testing the claims of traditionally based acupuncture

Summary The author discusses the historical nature of acupuncture, examining issues that emerge in the investigation of traditionally based systems of practice. He proposes a three-step process for investigating such systems. The first step involves defining traditionally based systems and determining what constitutes sufficient evidence to satisfy such a definition. The second step identifies claims made by traditionally based systems that are characteristic of specific systems or all such systems. The third step explores implications for clinical trial and basic science investigations of acupuncture with examples of theoretical and methodological issues for both clinical trial and basic science studies. Many investigating acupuncture's clinical efficacy propound the use of research methods and models that, while useful to test some aspects of acupuncture, are often incapable of examining the very issues they set out to test. Few of the basic science investigations of acupuncture have focused on testing the nature of traditionally based systems of practice. Those that have focused on these systems usually lack the logical bridge between the research techniques they use and the models they test, without which it is difficult to clearly link the results of their studies to the theories or mechanisms that they sought to explore. Suggestions are offered of how to address these issues.
The relaxational behavior of heterogeneous polymers

Abstract Stress-relaxation data are presented for two commercial grades of ABS and an ABS-polycarbonate blend over a temperature range which includes the glassy, transition, and entanglement regions. Reduced master curves and the shift factor, aT, are obtained and compared to data for fractionated polystyrene and polycarbonate; the principle of time-temperature superposition is shown to be as applicable to the relaxation data for these heterogeneous polymers as to similar data for homogeneous polymers. Compared with homogeneous polymers, the reduced curves for the composites are different in several ways: A slightly larger negative slope in the glassy region, a more diffuse transition region, a higher and broader entanglement plateau, and a smaller negative slope in the flow region are noted. For the two ABS polymers, the temperature dependences of aT are about that of a homogeneous polymer with an equivalent Tg, indicating that the discrete rubber particles do not alter the relative relaxational behavior...
Measurement of cardiac function using pressure–volume conductance catheter technique in mice and rats

Ventricular pressure–volume relationships have become well established as the most rigorous and comprehensive ways to assess intact heart function. Thanks to advances in miniature sensor technology, this approach has been successfully translated to small rodents, allowing for detailed characterization of cardiovascular function in genetically engineered mice, testing effects of pharmacotherapies and studying disease conditions. This method is unique for providing measures of left ventricular (LV) performance that are more specific to the heart and less affected by vascular loading conditions. Here we present descriptions and movies for procedures employing this method (anesthesia, intubation and surgical techniques, calibrations). We also provide examples of hemodynamics measurements obtained from normal mice/rats, and from animals with cardiac hypertrophy/heart failure, and describe values for various useful load-dependent and load-independent indexes of LV function obtained using different types of anesthesia. The completion of the protocol takes 1–4 h (depending on the experimental design/end points).
Ro(SS-A) positive Sjogren's/lupus erythematosus (SC/LE) overlap patients are associated with the HLA-DR3 and/or DRw6 phenotypes.

Abstract Ro(SS-A) positive female Sjogren's syndrome (SS) lupus erythematosus (LE) overlap patients are a clinically and serologically homogeneous group generally demonstrating prominent subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) lesions, cutaneous vasculitis, peripheral and central nervous sytem disease, pulmonary disease, and a low frequency of glomerulonephritis. They commonly demonstrate rheumatoid factor, hypergammaglobulinemia, antinuclear and Ro(SS-A) La(SS-B) antibody activity. This study indicates that these patients are also immunogenetically similar, sharing a statistically significant increased frequency of HLA-B8, DR3, DRW6, DQ2, and DRw52. Sixty-three percent of these SS/LE patients possess the extended haplotype (P-value 6.0 × 10 −3 ; RR 9.5) HLA-B8, DR3, DQ2, DRw52. One hundred percent of this SS/LE cohort was DR3 or DRw6 (P-value ≤ 5.0 × 10 −3 ; relative risk 19.1). Fifty percent of these patients were HLA DR3/DRw6 heterozygotes (P-value 1.5 × 10 −6 ; relative risk 31.2). Thus, HLA-DR3 and DRw6 Ro(SS-A) positive SS/LE patients may possess a similar, if not unique, DR region DNA nucleotide sequence involved in disease susceptibility or immune regulation.
Myxoma of the Left Atrium Simulating Mitral Stenosis

A case of myxoma of the left atrium originally diagnosed as mitral stenosis has been presented. Analysis of the clinical and roentgenologic features and the data obtained from cardiac catheterization indicate that a correct diagnosis probably could have been made. Certain of the findings suggest that although prolapse of the tumor into the orifice of the mitral valve was responsible for striking changes in the patient's condition, the site of the chronic obstruction responsible for the pulmonary hypertension and the changes in the pulmonary arterioles may have been at the atrial orifices of the pulmonary veins.
Sediment Phosphorus Loading Beneath Dense Canopies of Aquatic Macrophytes

ABSTRACT Dense surface canopies of aquatic macrophytes were associated with significant changes in the physical and chemical water quality of two shallow Pacific Northwest lakes. Internal loading of phosphorus (P) was observed at the sediment-water interface beneath canopies of Ceratophyllum demersum L. and Myriophtllum exalbescens (Fern.) Jeps. and in deep open-water areas when dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were ≤0.4 mg/L. Aerobic release of P was observed at sites with surface covers of the green filamentous algae Pithophora sp. where concentrations of DO were >20 mg/L and pH >9. An increase in surface P concentrations was also observed in sites dominated by the floating leafed Brasenia schreberi Gmel., and appeared to be associated with leaf decay within the surface canopy. There was an apparent net loss of phosphorus to the sediments beneath both submergent and floating leafed canopies when DO concentrations were ≥0.4 mg/L. The removal or reduction of the plant canopies could simultaneously red...
Depression and Thyrotoxicosis

It is a well-documented fact that the signs and symptoms of menIal disorders mimic thyroid dy fUllction. At the same time. thyroid disease. itself. may manifest a psychiatric illness. 111yroid i"unction screening tests are, thus. of value in psychiatric illness. This is illustrated by the following casco H.S .. a 73-year-old male was referred to the hospital by his sister who reported that he hd become depressed. agitated and was losing weight.He had been under the care of an internist and upperG 1 and barium enema were normal three weeks prior to admission. When seen. he was pale and lean. He \vas 5'9" tall and \veighcd 115 pounds. H. S. wa~ constantly wringing his hands and appeared markedly depressed. stating. "I cannol stand it any longer." He ad milled to bouts of crying with early morning awakening. diurnal variation in mood. suicidal thoughts and sense of uselessness. He is one of 21 si blmgs. No fam i Iy history of depression wa ' no ted. He was described as always having an overanxious, disposition. stating. "I have always been nervous." He had been married for approximately fifty years. The relationship with the wife was poor and had been worse for the past three years, when he retired as a barber. Mental status examination revealed the patient 10 be a tense and anxious rcr!>on, pacingand wringing his hand . Affect was depressed . The patient admitted to morbid thoughts. No thought disorder, hallucinations or delusions were noted. Memory, attention span and concentration were poor. Phys ical ex.amination revealed him to be a pale. lean trem ulous persun.markedly underweight for his height. Pu lse was 't3 6/ mn a nd no thyroid was palpable. No bruit was noted. Blood pressure was 110 / 70. Skin
Hand ischemia in patients with hemodialysis access grafts: angiographic diagnosis and treatment.

PURPOSE: To determine the cause of symptoms and efficacy of transcatheter therapy in a series of patients with dialysis grafts and hand pain referred for arteriography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with 14 hemodialysis grafts underwent arteriography for possible hand ischemia. The sites of proximal graft anastomosis were the distal radial artery (n = 6) and the mid- to distal brachial artery (n = 6). Transcatheter therapy was performed via the graft or by antegrade brachical puncture. RESULTS: The cause of symptoms was ischemia from obstructive arterial disease in seven cases (three with superimposed steal), graft steal alone in three, ischemic monomelic neuropathy in two, and carpal tunnel syndrome in two. Five arterial stenoses were treated with angioplasty, with improvement or resolution of symptoms in four patients. CONCLUSION: In this group, symptoms were usually the result of inflow or outflow arterial disease, alone or in combination with graft steal. Transcatheter therapy (angioplasty ...
On the typical minimum distance of protograph-based non-binary LDPC codes

This paper proves the existence of the typical minimum distance for certain ensembles of the protograph-based nonbinary (PB NB) LDPC codes with degree-2 variable nodes. Using recently obtained ensemble weight enumerators for the PB NB LDPC codes, we show that asymptotically in the code length N, the entries in the weight enumerators up to some weight d* = δ*N (δ* > 0) vanish under certain conditions on degree-2 nodes. As a consequence, the probability that the code minimum distance is less than d* goes to zero as the code length goes to infinity. Results of this type advance the understanding of structured non-binary LDPC codes.
Effect of host sterols on the sterol composition and virulence of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus ofHeliothis zea

The type of sterol in the diet ofHeliothis zea affected not only the sterol composition of the insect larva but also the virulence and/or sterol composition of a single-nucleocapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (HzSNPV). This baculovirus, which was purified by differential and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, had a sterol content of 40 ng per 106 polyhedra. When the sterol composition of HzSNPV was characterized by gas liquid chromatography, reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and/or ultraviolet spectroscopy, the sterols in the virus were similar to those of the host. The HzSNPV isolated from larvae fed Δ5_, Δ0_ or Δ5,7-sterols contained primarily cholesterol, cholestanol or 7-dehydrocholesterol, respectively. Changes in the sterol composition of HzSNPV affected its LD50, but not LT50, in larvae containing Δ5-sterols. The LD50 of virus isolated from larvae containing Δ0_, Δ5_ and Δ7-sterols decreased from 275,423 to 32,359 to 5,012 polyhedra/larva, respectively. The latter virus was also more virulent than the one that was isolated from larvae containing Δ5,7-sterol and had an LD50 of 58,884 polyhedra/larva. In contrast, the LD50 of an HzSNPV (Sandoz, Inc.) containing Δ5-sterol was not affected by the presence of Δ5_, Δ0_ or Δ5,7-sterols in the tissues of the host (1,413; 1,288 and 355 polyhedra/larva, respectively). The results of this study indicate that the sterol composition ofH. zea can affect the sterol composition of HzSNPV and therefore may affect the ability of this biological control agent to control its economically important insect host.
Hemodynamic responses to the stroop and cold pressor tests after submaximal cycling exercise in normotensive males.

Abstract PROBST, M., R. BULBULIAN AND C. KNAPP. Hemodynamic responses to the Stroop and cold pressor tests after submaximal cycling exercise in normotensive males. PHYSIOL BEHAV 62(6) 1283–1290, 1997.—The effect of 30 min of cycling exercise at 60% V o 2 max on hemodynamic responses to the Stroop and cold pressor tests in 12 normotensive males was examined. Subjects were randomly assigned in a counterbalanced design to perform the stressors pre- and postexercise and served as their own controls. Cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and stroke volume were measured continuously by impedance cardiography. Blood pressure was measured beat to beat using a photoplethysmographic volume transducer. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) was calculated. The systolic blood pressure response (elevation) to the Stroop test was significantly attenuated postexercise (4.2 ± 1.4%, p p
Valence of anticipated evaluation and social facilitation

Abstract An expectancy-based explanation of social performance that focuses on the valence of evaluation that is anticipated from an audience was presented and tested. As was predicted, an interaction between a subject's performance expectations and whether he or she performed alone or in the presence of an evaluative audience was found. Subjects expecting to perform successfully anticipated a positive evaluation from an audience, resulting in improved performance over subjects working alone. Conversely, when subjects expected to perform poorly a negative evaluation was anticipated from an audience, although in the overall analysis social performance decrements did not reach significance. However, a comparison with a performance baseline condition, and a reanalysis of data from subjects who did not receive preliminary performance feedback, indicated that both social facilitation and impairment effects were evident. Results are discussed in terms of an expectancy-based explanation of social performance.
The impact of gross total resection on local control and survival in high-risk neuroblastoma

Abstract Background/purpose Gross total resection of the primary tumor in treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma remains controversial. Furthermore, there are few reports of the effect of primary tumor resection on local control as opposed to overall survival. The authors reviewed their institutional experience to assess the effect of primary tumor resection on local control and overall survival. Methods A total of 141 patients were treated on protocol between November 1, 1979 and June 25, 2002 and are the subject of this report. Gross total resection was assessed by review of operative notes, postoperative computerized axial tomograms, and postoperative meta-iodobenzyl guanidine (MIBG) 1 scans when available. Results The median age was 3.3 years, and all patients were International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) stage 4 with 79% having metastases to cortical bone. The primary site was the adrenal gland in 74%, the central abdominal compartment in 13%, the posterior mediastinum in 7%, and other sites in 6%. Gross total resection was accomplished in 103 (73%) but was more than 90% for the last 3 protocols. Five kidneys were lost overall. The probability of local progression was 50% in unresected patients compared with 10% in patients undergoing gross total resection ( P P Conclusions Our data indicate that local control and overall survival rate are correlated with gross total resection of the primary tumor in high-risk neuroblastoma. Gross total resection should be part of the management of stage 4 neuroblastoma in patients greater than 1 year of age.
Effect of beta-thienylalanine on antibody synthesis. I. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies.

SummaryWhen β-3-thienylalanine, an analogue of phenylalanine, is fed to rats for appropriate time before and after antigen injection it will markedly inhibit antibody response. This analogue added to an antibody synthesizing tissue culture system gave no inhibition of antibody synthesis under these conditions. It appears that unless β-3-TA is fed during induction period, its inhibitory effect will not be manifested. It is possible then that β-3-TA is active only in inhibiting the “setting up” of the antibody forming mechanism.
Mitomycin: Its Evolving Role in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Investigators have compiled extensive experience with mitomycin in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. Given as a single agent in intermittent schedules, mitomycin has induced responses of 2
Growth of L. monocytogenes strain F2365 on ready-to-eat turkey meat does not enhance gastrointestinal listeriosis in intragastrically inoculated A/J mice

There have been significant outbreaks of listeriosis associated with consumption of contaminated ready-to-eat (RTE) turkey meat products. In this study, we investigated whether growth on RTE deli turkey meat sends environmental signals to listerial cells that makes them more virulent in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. L. Listeria monocytogenes strain F2365 grew from a starting inoculum of 10(3) CFU/mL to final numbers of 10(8)-10(9) CFU/mL (within 12 days at 10 degrees C) when inoculated onto sliced processed, or whole muscle, turkey breast, or into emulsified whole turkey breast. We did not observe any difference in the numbers of CFU recovered from the spleens and livers of A/J mice inoculated intragastrically with L. monocytogenes grown on sliced turkey meat, in emulsified turkey meat, or in brain heart infusion broth. These results suggest that growth on RTE sliced deli turkey, or in RTE emulsified deli turkey, does not enhance the ability of L. monocytogenes F2365 to cause gastrointestinal listeriosis in intragastrically challenged A/J mice.
A transient self-adaptive technique for modeling thermal problems with large variations in physical scales

Abstract The concurrent electro-thermal design of three-dimensional integrated circuits characterized by submicron geometric features requires thermal modeling that can comprehend geometric complexities, multiple materials, temperature-dependent material properties, and multiple spatial and temporal scales. The computational time required for a full-scale transient simulation with traditional discretization schemes far exceeds what is practical for concurrent design practices. A new computational paradigm for a transient, multiple-grid, solution technique has been developed, which adaptively handles the wide ranges of spatial and temporal scales associated with the thermal modeling of high-performance integrated circuits (ICs). As the grid is automatically refined over selected regions of the computational domain, the solution becomes invariant to further reductions in grid spacing and time step size. The use of this self-adaptive approach reduces the computational requirements for transient thermal modeling by over two orders of magnitude, making it possible for the first time to simultaneously perform both the electrical and thermal analysis and design of real ICs.
Human learned helplessness as a function of sex and degree of control over aversive events

The effect of partial control over aversive auditory stimuli was examined in a learned helplessness paradigm. During a pretreatment phase, three groups of female and three groups of male subjects were allowed control over the termination of an aversive tone on 0%, 50%, or 100% of the trials. In a second phase, they performed an escape-avoidance task using an apparatus different from that used in pretreatment. During this phase, the subject was allowed complete control over the termination or prevention of the tone on each trial. Partial control over aversive stimuli during pretreatment produced responding levels on the escape-avoidance task that were intermediate to those of subjects who had complete control or complete lack of control, but only for female subjects. These findings were taken as evidence that different degrees of learned helplessness may be produced by varying the degree of prior control and also that males and females differ in their susceptibility to learned helplessness treatments, a fact that may be related to differences in perceived lack of control.
Percolation with bubbles and toroids

Abstract Multifragment disintegration of finite systems with toroidal and bubble-shaped configurations is studied within the framework of a bond-percolation model. Calculations for these finite systems predict enhanced fragment production for less compact decay configurations. Power law fits to the predicted mass distributions reveal a strong sensitivity of the extracted critical exponents on the geometry of the decaying system.
Application of power electronics with the US DOE distributed generation programme

Power electronics play an important role in achieving affordable, highly fuel-efficient fuel cell power generation plants and will enable the US Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy Fuel Cells programme to achieve higher national goals: environmental, economic and energy security. The initial focus on power electronics has been to understand the interactions between the SOFC stack, the power conditioning subsystem and the application load requirements and dynamic behaviour. Advances in lower-cost and high-efficiency power electronic converters and inverters are a major factor in achieving attractive simple cycle fuel to electricity conversion efficiencies of 50% to 60% for DG fuel cell power plants. Functionality and performance requirements for power conditioning subsystems will vary between the numerous possible applications for SOFC power generation technology, providing a highly interesting and challenging future in power systems product engineering and development.
Extragenic suppressors of a translation initiation defect in the cyc1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The cycl-362 allele contains a point mutation that generates an aberrant AUG codon upstream of the normal CYC1 translation initiation codon. Mutants containing this allele express only about 2% of normal iso-1-cytochrome c, presumably due to translation initiation at the upstream AUG, termination at a UAA sequence six codons downstream, and failure to reinitiate at the normal AUG codon two nucleotides later. Both intragenic and extragenic revertants of cycl-362, expressing elevated levels of iso-1-cytochrome c, have been isolated simply by selecting for growth on lactate medium. Here we describe an improved method for isolating and readily distinguishing cis- from trans-acting suppressors of the upstream AUG. Eight different genes, designated sua1 - sua8, are represented in our current collection of extragenic suppressors; all the recessive and enhance iso-1-cytochrome c levels to 10–60% of normal. None of the sua genes is allelic to SU12 or sui3, which encode eIF-2α and eIF-2s, respectively, or to SU11. Many of the suppressors exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes, including slow growth, cold (16°C) and heat (37°C) sensitivity. These phenotypes have been exploited to clone the SUA5, SUA7 and SUA8 genes, which are presently being characterized. The structure of cucl-362 and the number of sua genes already uncovered suggest that the SUA genes are likely to encode factors affecting several different cellular processes, including translation initiation, mRNA stability and possibly transcription start site selection.
Evaluation of Carcass Scraping to Enumerate Bacteria on Prechill Broiler Carcasses

ABSTRACT Experiments were conducted to evaluate a scraping method for enumerating bacteria on broiler carcasses. In experiment 1, coliforms and Escherichia coli were determined by the whole-carcass rinse (WCR) method and by scraping the skin surface and rinsing the blade (BR). In each of 2 replicate trials, 4 prechill broiler carcasses were collected from 2 different commercial processing plants. The WCR method was conducted on each carcass, then a blunt edge blade was used to scrape an area measuring approximately 80 cm2 of the breast (front) skin and on the back of the carcass. After scraping, each blade and adhering residue was rinsed in 30 mL of 0.1% peptone. One milliliter of rinsate each from the WCR and BR was plated to determine total coliforms and E. coli. In experiment 2, 6 carcasses were collected from a processing plant in each of 2 replicate trials. Carcasses were split, with one half scraped on all skin surfaces, and the other half remaining unscraped as a control; all halves were then subjected to half-carcass rinses using 200 mL of 0.1% peptone. Coliforms and E. coli were enumerated. Results from both experiments are reported as log cfu/mL. In experiment 1, mean coliform WCR counts (5.1) were significantly higher (P
HPLC-MS/MS method for the measurement of seven phytoestrogens in human serum and urine

The elevated exposure of children to hormonally active dietary phytoestrogens has led to the need for rapid, sensitive, and precise assays for phytoestrogen metabolites in physiological matrices. Here we report the development of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) MS/MS method for the quantitative detection of seven phytoestrogens in human serum and urine. The method uses enzymatic deconjugation of the phytoestrogen metabolites followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) and reverse-phase HPLC. The phytoestrogens are detected using a Sciex API III heated nebulizer atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (HN-APCI) interface coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. This method allows the detection of the primary dietary phytoestrogens (isoflavones and lignans) in human serum and urine with limits of detection (LODs) in the low parts per billion range. The combination of tandem mass spectrometry and chromatographic separation of the analytes helps ensure the selectivity of the method. Stable isotope-labeled internal standards for all seven analytes improve the precision of the assay, resulting in interday CV values of <10% for most compounds studied. The accuracy and precision of the method were monitored over time using quality control (QC) samples containing known amounts of phytoestrogens. The majority of phytoestrogens in human sera and urine are present as their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Therefore, the thoroughness of deconjugation for each sample was monitored by the addition of a conjugated internal standard and subsequent detection of deconjugated compound. This method proves to be efficacious for measuring baseline urinary phytoestrogen levels in the American population and should prove useful for assessing the modulatory effects of dietary phytoestrogens on endocrine disrupter action in children.
Stereochemistry of corydaline and related alkaloids

Die stereochemische Zuordnung des Alkaloids Corydalin gelang auf Grund von konformationsanalytischen und spektroskopischen Daten. Grundsatzliche Uberlegungen, unter Berucksichtigung gewisser chemischer Beziehungen, erlauben die stereochemische Zuordnung fur Corybulbin, Isocorybulbin, Base II, Thalictracavin und Thalictrofolin.
Volumetric imaging of the auroral ionosphere: Initial results from PFISR

Abstract The Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) is the first dedicated ISR built with an electronically steerable array. This paper demonstrates the capabilities of PFISR for producing three-dimensional volumetric images of E -region ionization patterns produced by the aurora. The phase table was configured to cycle through 121 beam positions arranged in an 11 × 11 grid. A 13-baud Barker coded pulse was used, which provided ∼ 1.5 - km range resolution out to a maximum range of 250 km. Backscattered power was converted to electron density by correcting for path loss and applying the Buneman approximation assuming equal electron and ion temperatures. The results were then interpolated onto a three-dimensional cartesian grid. Volumetric images are presented at 5-min, 1-min, and 14.6-s integration times (corresponding to 960, 192, and 48 pulses-per-position, respectively) to illustrate the tradeoff between spatio-temporal resolution and data quality. At 14.6 s cadence, variability in plasma density within the volume appears to be fully resolved in space and time, a result that is supported by both observational evidence and theoretical predictions of ionospheric response times. Some potential applications of this mode for studying magnetosphere–ionosphere interactions in the auroral zone are discussed.
A multi-purpose earthquake simulator and a flexible development platform for actuator controller design

This paper presents a multi-purpose uniaxial earthquake simulator that has been designed and developed at the Johns Hopkins University. The earthquake simulator is coupled with a flexible platform ...
Learning constraints and floral choice behaviour in bumble bees

Abstract Abstract. Insects foraging on flowers tend to restrict their visits to a single species of plant while bypassing other equally rewarding species. This behaviour may result from perceptual limitations, the demands of energetic efficiency, or both. Perceptual limitations may be the product of underlying constraints on the processing of information by pollinators. Foraging simultaneously on several species can lower foraging efficiency through reduced ability to recognize the preferred species among others. This hypothesis was tested in laboratory experiments with bumble bees. Bumble bees learned to discriminate between one non-rewarding floral type and either one, two or three rewarding floral types that differed only in colour. Bees' learning rates were higher in experimental sessions with fewer numbers of rewarding floral types. The results suggest that when bees forage on an increasing number of floral types, their ability to discriminate between these and non-rewarding types is reduced considerably.
Hypoalgesia induced by microinjection of a norepinephrine antagonist in the raphe magnus: reversal by intrathecal administration of a serotonin antagonist.

Abstract Microinjection of phentolamine in the nucleus raphe magnus produces hypoalgesia as assessed by both the tail flick and hot plate tests. The elevation of tail flick latency appears to results from activation of serotonergic raphe-spinal projections, while the elevation of hot plate latency appears to be mediated by activation of non-serotonergic raphe-spinal neurons and/or by activation of raphe neurons which project to supraspinal nuclei.
The Future Objectives Of Research And Development Simulation

In the broadest sense, the "Future Objectives of Simulation" must be precisely the same as the present objectives of simulation. These objectives, in research and develop-ment or engineering simulation, must be to produce research and development results which, compared to equivalent vehicle time, result in decrease in cost and increase in safety. When one of these aerospace flight simulators is used as a training device, as it some-times is before the first flight of an aircraft, there is the additional objective of increasing pilot proficiency. However, it is fair to extend the subject to include how these future objectives will be met, who will use simulators to meet them, and what the simulators might look like.
Blueberry Supplementation Enhances Signaling and Prevents Behavioral Deficits in an Alzheimer Disease Model

Previously, we showed that blueberry (BB) supplementation reversed the deleterious effects of aging on motor behavior and neuronal signaling in senescent rodents. We now report that BB-fed (from 4 months of age) APP + PS1 transgenic mice showed no deficits in Y-maze performance (at 12 months of age) with no alterations in amyloid beta burden. It appeared that the protective mechanisms are derived from BB-induced enhancement of memory-associated neuronal signaling (e.g. extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and alterations in neutral sphingomyelin-specific phospholipase C activity. Thus, our data indicate for the first time that it may be possible to overcome genetic predispositions to Alzheimer disease through diet.
The Immortality Requirement for Life's meaning

Many religious thinkers hold the immortality requirement, the view that immortality of some kind is necessary for life to have meaning. After clarifying the nature of the immortality requirement, this essay examines three central arguments for it. The article establishes that existing versions of these arguments fail to entail the immortality requirement. The essay then reconstructs the arguments, and it shows that once they do plausibly support the immortality requirement, they equally support the God-centred requirement, the view that God's existence is a necessary condition for life to be meaningful. The paper concludes by explaining why we should expect any argument for the immortality requirement also to constitute an argument for the God-centred requirement.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic: Behavioral π-Institutions

Recently, Caleiro, Gon¸calves and Martins introduced the notion of behaviorally algebraizable logic. The main idea behind their work is to replace, in the traditional theory of algebraizability of Blok and Pigozzi, unsorted equational logic with multi-sorted behavioral logic. The new notion accommodates logics over many-sorted languages and with non-truth-functional connectives. Moreover, it treats logics that are not algebraizable in the traditional sense while, at the same time, shedding new light to the equivalent algebraic semantics of logics that are algebraizable according to the original theory. In this paper, the notion of an abstract multi-sorted ?-institution is introduced so as to transfer elements of the theory of behavioral algebraizability to the categorical setting. Institutions formalize a wider variety of logics than deductive systems, including logics involving multiple signatures and quantifiers. The framework developed has the same relation to behavioral algebraizability as the classical categorical abstract algebraic logic framework has to the original theory of algebraizability of Blok and Pigozzi.