cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field assays to determine attractancy of natural and synthetic lures to Phyllophaga anxia (LeConte) (Col., Scarabaeidae)

A study was initiated to evaluate selected natural and synthetic insect lures as attractants for adult Phyllophaga anxia (LeConte) during the flight season in southern Quebec, Canada. Modified European chafer traps baited with known scarab attractants or unbaited, were exposed in four infested fields. Overall, traps baited with n-hexanoic acid were the most attractive; they captured more beetles of both sexes than unbaited traps or traps baited with the arbitrary standard binary lure (β-phenylethyl propionate: eugenol; 9:1). n-Hexanoic acid did not act as a sex attractant. Traps baited with phenol and with n-decanoic acid attracted more beetles than unbaited traps or traps baited with the other test-lures, n-hexanoic acid excepted. Traps baited with 21 of the test-lures failed to capture more beetles than unbaited traps. n-Hexanoic acid showed promise as an attractant after repeated testing; in only 1 of 8 comparisons did its effectiveness drop slightly below the standard. Traps baited with n-hexanoic acid captured about twice as many beetles as standard blacklight traps. The results of this study should provide a basis for future management strategies against the pest by supplementing present crop protection practices with behavior-modifying chemicals. n-Hexanoic acid could be further developed as a chemical attractant to deter adult P. anxia from crops and aggregate them in areas where they can be destroyed. Zusammenfassung Freilanduntersuchungen uber die Anlockwirkung naturlicher und synthetischer Lockstoffe auf Phyllophaga anxia (LeConte) (Col., Scarabaeidae) Es wurden ausgewahlte naturliche und synthetische Lockstoffe hinsichtlich ihrer Attraktivitat auf adulte Kafer von Phyllophaga anxia wahrend der Flugzeit im sudlichen Quebec, Kanada, untersucht. Dabei kamen modifizierte europaische Kaferfallen, unbekodert oder mit bekannten Scarabaeidenlockstoffen bekodert, auf 4 befallenen Versuchsfeldern zum Einsatz. In allen Fallen wirkten die mit n-Hexansaure bestuckten Fallen am besten. Sie fingen mehr Kafer beiderlei Geschlechts als unbekoderte oder mit dem Standard-Doppellockstoff s-Phenylathyl-propionat: Eugenol versehene. n-Hexansaure wirkte nicht als Geschlechtslockstoff. Mit Phenol und n-Hexansaure bekoderte Fallen lockten mehr Kafer an als unbekoderte oder mit anderen Lockstoffen bestuckte Fallen. Mit 21 verschiedenen Testlockstoffen versehene Fallen zeigten keine starkere Lockwirkung als unbekoderte. n-Hexansaure zeigte sich auch in Wiederholungen erfolgreich. In nur 1 von 8 Vergleichen blieb ihre Wirkung unterhalb des Standards. Mit n-Hexansaure bekoderte Fallen fingen etwa zweimal mehr Kafer als standardisierte Schwarzlichtfallen. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse konnen als Grundlage fur kunftige Managementstrategien gegen den Schadling, verbunden mit der Verwendung verhaltensverandernder Chemikalien dienen. n-Hexansaure konnte weiterhin zu einem Lockmittel entwickelt werden, das im Sinne einer Fernhaltung adulter P. anxia von Feldfruchten eingesetzt wird.
Angiotensin II- and Angiotensin III-Induced Aldosterone Release in vivo in the Rat

The potential role of angiotensin II and its heptapeptide metabolite, des-aspartyl-angiotensin II, was studied in the conscious unanesthetized rat. Aldosterone release was induced by both peptides at physiologic doses (0.72 nanogram per minute). [I-Sarcosyl-8-alanyl]-angiotensin II (P-113 inhibited angiotensin II more effectively than des-aspartyl-angiotensin II (101 percent as compared to 82 percent). These results indicate that angiotensin controls aldosterone release in the rat and that des-aspartyl-angiotensin II (that is, angiotensin III) may be important in this sequence.
Characterization of molluscan phagocyte subpopulations based on lysosomal enzyme markers

This study quantitatively analyzed the distribution and abundance of the lysosomal enzyme markers, acid phosphatase (AP), nonspecific esterase (NE), and peroxidase (PO) within and between the phagocytes (hemocytes) of two strains of the snail, Biomphalaria. Glabrata, vector host for the human blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni. Discrete subpopulations of AP-, NE-, and PO-staining cells were found in the glass-adherent hemocyte population of both schistosome-resistant (10-R2) and susceptible (PR albino) strains of the snail. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the distribution and abundance of the different enzymes defining the subpopulations within and between the snail strains. Generally, 10-R2 hemocytes have a higher enzymatic activity than PR albino cells, which, in part, can be attributed to larger NE-only, AP-only, and AP + NE-staining hemocytes in the 10-R2 strain, and a larger subpopulation of negative cells in PR albino snails. Moreover, these differences in hemocyte enzyme content are further augmented by the fact that the 10-R2 strain has nearly twice as many circulating, glass-adherent blood cells when compared to PR albino snails. These findings may be of additional significance, since previous studies have implicated hemocyte lysosomal enzymes in the killing of schistosome larvae in naturally resistant 10-R2 snails, although accurate measurements of strain-specific enzyme levels in these cells have not been conducted. The present study provides direct evidence that 10-R2 snails naturally possess a much greater lysosomal enzyme content than do those of the PR albino strain, which, in turn, may be related to the observed resistance or susceptibility in these two molluscan strains.
Tunable and quantum metaphotonics (Presentation Video)

Progress in understanding resonant subwavelength structures has fueled an explosion of interest in fundamental processes and nanophotonic devices. The carrier density and optical properties of photonic nanostructures are typically fixed at the time of fabrication, but field effect tuning of the potential and carrier density enables the photonic dispersion to be altered, yielding new approaches to energy conversion and tunable radiative emission. Electrochemical in metals yields tunable resonances and reveals the plasmoelectric effect, a newly-discovered photoelectrochemical potential. Finally, while plasmons are usually described in a classical electromagnetic theory context, under single photon excitation quantum coherent states emerge. We demonstrate entanglement or coherent superposition states of single plasmons using two plasmon-quantum interference in chip-based plasmon waveguide directional couplers.
Responses to γ-aminobutyric acid applied to cell bodies and dendrites of rat visual cortical neurons

Abstract The effects of pressure-applied γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the soma and dendrites of pyramidal and non-pyramidal neurons of rat visual cortical slices were recorded intracellularly. When applied close to the soma, GABA produced hyperpolarizations and depolarizations, but when GABA was applied more than 250 μm from the soma only depolarizations were recorded. The results suggest that most visual cortical cells respond to GABA and that the responses of pyramidal and non-pyramidal cells to GABA are similar.
Comprehensive cardiac mri protocol of athletes' hearts at 3 T: preliminary results

Introduction High-level athletic training is associated with increased left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) chamber sizes and LV wall thickness/mass. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in healthy, young athletes is associated with cardiac abnormalities, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), anomalous coronary arteries, aortic dissection, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). The EKG can screen athletes for underlying cardiac conditions. CMR may provide a more comprehensive evaluation of athletes.
DNA polymerase θ (POLQ) can extend from mismatches and from bases opposite a (6-4) photoproduct

DNA polymerase theta (pol theta) is a nuclear A-family DNA polymerase encoded by the POLQ gene in vertebrate cells. The biochemical properties of pol theta and of Polq-defective mice have suggested that pol theta participates in DNA damage tolerance. For example, pol theta was previously found to be proficient not only in incorporation of a nucleotide opposite a thymine glycol or an abasic site, but also extends a polynucleotide chain efficiently from the base opposite the lesion. We carried out experiments to determine whether this ability to extend from non-standard termini is a more general property of the enzyme. Pol theta extended relatively efficiently from matched termini as well as termini with A:G, A:T and A:C mismatches, with less descrimination than a well-studied A-family DNA polymerase, exonuclease-free pol I from E. coli. Although pol theta was unable to, by itself, bypass a cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer or a (6-4) photoproduct, it could perform some extension from primers with bases placed across from these lesions. When pol theta was combined with DNA polymerase iota, an enzyme that can insert a base opposite a UV-induced (6-4) photoproduct, complete bypass of a (6-4) photoproduct was possible. These data show that in addition to its ability to insert nucleotides opposite some DNA lesions, pol theta is proficient at extension of unpaired termini. These results show the potential of pol theta to act as an extender after incorporation of nucleotides by other DNA polymerases, and aid in understanding the role of pol theta in somatic mutagenesis and genome instability.
The Kudo-Weill plagioclase geothermometer and porphyritic acid glasses

The compositions of the cores and margins of the plagioclase phenocrysts in glassy acid rocks have been used to derive equilibration temperatures with their enclosing liquids using the Kudo-Weill geothermometer. The equilibration temperatures inferred from the compositions of the feldspar margins at 0.5 kilobars water pressure, or less, agree well with the temperatures obtained from the coexisting iron-titanium oxide microphenocrysts. These low water pressures are supported by the water fugacities deduced from the coexisting biotitemagnetite-sanidine assemblages. Acid magma represented by these rocks has a crystallization interval in excess of 100° C and liquidus temperatures above 900° C.
In peace and in war

Natural Enemies: The Population Biology of Predators, Parasites and Diseases. By M. Crawley Blackwell Scientific: 1992. Pp. 576. £32.50, $69.95 (pbk).
Copolymerization by Vapour Phase Chromatography

ALTHOUGH the polymerization of organic compounds has been known for more than 100 years, the simultaneous polymerization of two or more monomers was not investigated until about 1911, when copolymers of olefines and diolefines were examined and found to have rubber-like properties. For some time the investigation of the mechanisms of the reactions of Copolymerization lagged behind that of the properties of copolymers.
Precision attitude determination and control using gyros and earth sensor

A novel scheme to estimate the biases present in the gyros and the attitude of three-axis stabilized earth pointing spacecraft using the outputs of gyros and earth sensor is presented. The earth sensor pitch output is averaged every orbit to provide pitch gyro bias correction. Roll and yaw gyro biases are determined by averaging the earth sensor roll output every quarter orbit and suitably combining the four quarter orbit averages obtained in each orbit. Yaw attitude information is also required once every orbit. Simulation studies including error sources due to earth sensor, gyros, yaw sensor and horizon radiance uncertainty in the winter poles showed that attitude determination accuracy of 0.01-0.03 deg (3 sigma) can be achieved about all the axes.
Virtual Knot Groups

Virtual knots, defined by Kauffman, provide a natural generalization of classical knots. Most invariants of knots extend in a natural way to give invariants of virtual knots. In this paper we study the fundamental groups of virtual knots and observe several new and unexpected phenomena. In the classical setting, if the longitude of a knot is trivial in the knot group then the group is infinite cyclic. We show that for any classical knot group there is a virtual knot with that group and trivial longitude. It is well known that the second homology of a classical knot group is trivial. We provide counterexamples of this for virtual knots. For an arbitrary group G, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a virtual knot group that maps onto G with specified behavior on the peripheral subgroup. These conditions simplify those that arise in the classical setting.
GI GEMs: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Gastrointestinal Disease

Although there are similarities between each segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that distinguish it from other organs, each segment has its own specific functions that are based on unique gene expression patterns that direct responses to the unique environments and stresses of each segment.1 Consequently, modeling these diseases in the proper GI segment with similar pathologies has led to a variety of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models. The vast majority of tumors carry multiple genetic alterations that accumulate from initiation through progression. Altered tumor susceptibilities can result also from gene polymorphisms. Animal modeling of the major components of this genetic complexity is possible in GEMs, although the full range of such variation is probably not possible. However, information obtained from xenograft models in which this variation a priori exists, will inform GEM modelers. Oncogenes can be introduced and tumor suppressor genes can be ablated. Hereditary cancer can be modeled through germline mutations, and nonhereditary cancer can be introduced in tissue-specific and inducible manners. Multiple gene defects can be combined or added in sequence through a combination of breeding and inducible systems. Polymorphisms can also be introduced in the germ line or in tissue-specific and inducible manners. Similarly, the effects of microenvironment can be functionally tested through genetic combination with gene alterations in those compartments and through alteration of the animal’s environment. GEMs with more complex genetic combinations and more highly controlled regulation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes are now the predominant GEMs being used for mouse modeling of human cancer (reviewed 2‐4 ). In the fields of immunology and inflammation, GEMs have been predominant experimental tools, although the genetic complexity of these GEMs is not as great. Because cancer and inflammation are more intimately related in the GI tract than in any other system, the use of animal modeling has been critical for our understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its relationship to tumorigenesis (reviewed 5 ). In this review, a brief history of the development of the mouse genetic engineering field will be followed by a discussion of the genetic complexity being introduced into GEM models of human cancer. Brief discussions of the use of GEMs in GI cancers and IBD are then discussed. History of GEMs Transgenic Mice
ASSESSMENT OF ACUTELY MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS' SATISFACTION OF CARE: THERE IS A DIFFERENCE AMONG ETHNIC GROUPS

The relationship between quality of care and patient satisfaction has been documented. The specific research aim related to this study is to determine if differences exist among Caucasians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders who are hospitalized for an acute mental illness with regard to their perceived satisfaction with the care. The results of the overall study have been reported elsewhere. The sample was composed of 138 patients, of whom 34.7% were Caucasian, 31.2% Pacific Islanders, and 34.8% Asians. Within 24 hours of discharge, patients completed the Perceptions of Care instrument. Caucasians were over-represented in our sample in comparison to their percentage in the general population of Hawaii. These patients were significantly more satisfied (p = .04) with their care than the other ethnic groups. No single variable was found to specifically indicate why they were more satisfied than Pacific Islanders and Asians.
Stratigraphic Analysis of Eolian Interactions with Marine and Fluvial Deposits, Middle Jurassic Page Sandstone and Carmel Formation, Colorado Plateau, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT The eolian Page Sandstone (Middle Jurassic) in south-central Utah and adjacent Arizona consists of multiple mostly eolian sequences and sequence-bounding unconformities (super surfaces). The super surfaces are a powerful correlation tool that provide the basis for a detailed regional stratigraphic analysis of the Page Sandstone and coeval parts of the marine and coastal-plain Carmel Formation. Some Page Sandstone super surfaces correlate with sharp lithologic breaks in the Carmel Formation that are interpreted as marine flooding surfaces. Others correlate with fluvial surfaces in the Carmel Formation. The lower part of the Page-Carmel interval encompasses seven onlapping accumulation sequences bounded by marine flooding surfaces. The uppermost two represent the Middle Jurassic marine high-water mark. These seven units comprise marine transgressive and marine highstand system tracts. Each interval is composed of progradational eolian deposits over marine deposits. Major tectonic and sedimentologic changes affected accumulation sequences 8 and 9. The two intervals are continental in origin, fluvial to the west and eolian to the east. A major slightly angular regional unconformity marks the top of accumulation sequence 9. The unconformity reflects regional tilting, up to the northeast, and ensuing erosion of older units in the Page Sandstone. Accumulation sequence 10, the top of the s udy interval, displays complexly juxtaposed continental and marine facies that buried the unconformity as regional subsidence continued. The broad patterns described above can be correlated with thick marine carbonate and minor siliciclastic deposits of the Twin Creek Limestone 400 km north of the study area. The resulting depositional patterns define three broad depositional events. The oldest of these "sequences" defines a regional marine transgression and highstand. The second "sequence" reflects strong siliciclastic influx and slight regional tilting that resulted in widespread continental deposition. Regional tilting and erosion closed out this event. The youngest "sequence" indicates a partial return to marine transgressive conditions but was complicated by regional uplift and tilting related to are tectonism. This study demonstrates that a sequence stratigraphic framework can be applied to sparsely fossiliferous eolian, sabkha, and restricted marine deposits in a marine-coastal setting. Using detailed sedimentologic and stratigraphic studies, tectonic, eustatic, and possibly climatic signals can be differentiated within the complex, cyclic facies patterns displayed in the Page Sandstone and Carmel Formation.
Real-time control of an autonomous mobile robot using the Harmony operating system

The authors outline some of the issues associated with the computing requirements for real-time control of a mobile robot. Specifically, they consider five important topics that an operating system for an autonomous mobile robot must address and how Harmony, a multiprocessing real-time operating system, tackles those issues. The five topics of discussion are: real-time computing, management of system complexity, system performance, system configuration, and debugging tools. Harmony is a flexible open system that meets the requirements for real-time computing. It is capable of servicing events generated by sensors within a specified time frame and can dynamically access computing resources to accommodate changing demands and adequate interrupt handling capability. The Harmony operating system reduces system complexity by using a multitasking abstraction along with message passing for intertask communications. The message passing paradigm represents an uncomplicated and uniform model for intertask communications. >
Modulation of Neuronal Activity by Glial Cells in the Retina

Glial–neuronal communication was studied by monitoring the effect of intercellular glial Ca2+ waves on the electrical activity of neighboring neurons in the eyecup preparation of the rat. Calcium waves in astrocytes and Muller cells were initiated with a mechanical stimulus applied to the retinal surface. Changes in the light-evoked spike activity of neurons within the ganglion cell layer occurred when, and only when, these Ca2+ waves reached the neurons. Inhibition of activity was observed in 25 of 53 neurons (mean decrease in spike frequency, 28 ± 2%). Excitation occurred in another five neurons (mean increase, 27 ± 5%). Larger amplitude Ca2+ waves were associated with greater modulation of neuronal activity. Thapsigargin, which reduced the amplitude of the glial Ca2+ increases, also reduced the magnitude of neuronal modulation. Bicuculline and strychnine, inhibitory neurotransmitter antagonists, as well as 6-Nitro-7-sulphamoylbenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione (NBQX) andd(−)-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (D-AP7), glutamate antagonists, reduced the inhibition of neuronal activity associated with glial Ca2+ waves, suggesting that inhibition is mediated by inhibitory interneurons stimulated by glutamate release from glial cells. The results suggest that glial cells are capable of modulating the electrical activity of neurons within the retina and thus, may directly participate in information processing in the CNS.
Development of an HSV-Based Vector for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract The restricted pattern of neurodegeneration seen in Parkinson's disease, and the identification of trophic factors that prevent toxin-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, has spurred research into potential gene therapy for this disease. Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is a neurotrophic virus which naturally establishes latency in neurons. HSV-based vectors have been demonstrated to transfer and transiently express transgenes in neurons in brainin vivo.Recent experiments have shown that deletion of multiple immediate-early HSV genes reduces the potential cytotoxicity of these vectors, and in addition results in altered patterns of transgene expression that may allow for long-term expression required for human gene therapy applications.
Traffic Based Dynamic Routing for Wireless Sensor Networks

Numerous routing protocols have been proposed for wireless sensor networks, each of which is highly optimized for a certain class of traffic, like real time, reliable sense and disseminate, network reprogramming, energy efficiency and so on. However, a typical deployment demands an arbitrary communication pattern that generates multiple traffic types simultaneously. Arguably, no single routing protocol can completely cater to a deployment's various flavors. In this paper, we propose a dynamic routing framework that can replace the traditional routing layer with a collection of routing decisions. We allow application packets to carry a two-bit preamble that uniquely describes the nature of communication sought for. The framework dynamically wires the appropriate routing component from a set of well-defined suite. We conduct extensive simulation experiments that generates a concurrent mix of different traffic types - each having its own, and often conflicting, communication demands. For such an application, we show that we could meet each traffic types demands for reliability, delay, path distribution, link losses and congestion losses. We also show that service differentiation can indeed be met successfully, and practical deployments can be an imminent reality.
Multichannel equalization by decision-directed passive phase conjugation: experimental results

An adaptive technique for underwater acoustic communication using passive phase conjugation (PPC) is developed. Multipath channel-parameter identification is accomplished by decision-directed model building and finite-window block-updated least squares computed by LSQR (an iterative linear systems solver). The resulting channel estimates are then used by the PPC processor to generate decisions for use in the next processing block. This architecture effectively accomplishes array equalization with low computation cost in shallow-water environments that exhibit rapidly fluctuating multipath scattering. The performance on shallow-water acoustic communications channels is demonstrated at ranges of 0.9-4.6 km under windy surface conditions and shipping noise, using measured wide-band telemetry data with binary phase-shift keying signaling. The algorithm is evaluated with sparse receiver apertures using subsets of a 14-element array.
Measurements of Unsteady Periodic Forces generated by the Blowfly Flying in a Wind Tunnel

A technique was developed for the measurement of the instantaneous lift and drag forces generated by the blowfly, Sarcophaga bullata, flying fixed in a wind tunnel. Apparatus for the measurement of insect-generated forces was checked in part for mean force accuracy by measurement of the drag on a circular cylinder. Our experimental device detects the sum of the aerodynamic forces and wing inertial forces as experienced by the thorax. The streamwise and vertical force waveforms show a surprising lack of higher harmonic content. Wind speeds in the neighbourhood of the known preferred flying speed were used, without an explicit attempt to nullify the mean vertical and horizontal forces to simulate free flight. Several measurements of the phase angle between the force waveform and the wing beating kinematics indicated that vertical forces in the liftward direction achieved a maximum during the downstroke and thrustward forces achieved a maximum during the upstroke.
Do we need multi-country models to explain exchange rate and interest rate and bond return dynamics? ☆

Abstract This paper examines characterizations of the dynamics for the first and second moments of the one-month interest rate, the 12-month excess bond return and exchange rates. The countries considered are the US, Germany, Japan, and the UK. Our tests are based on the implications of multi-country versions of the Cox et al. (1985) class of term structure models. Multi-country models are in several cases better able to explain the dynamics of the one-month interest rates and the 12-month excess bond returns than one-country models. Furthermore, in some cases, they can also explain the dynamics of the exchange rates better than two-country models. Multi-country models are particularly useful for explaining the second moment of the one-month US interest rate, the second moments of the 12-month excess bond returns in US, Germany and Japan, as well as for the first moment of the rate of appreciation of the Deutsche mark relative to the US dollar. In addition to results based on asymptotic distributions, we also provide inference using the small-sample distributions of test statistics.
The Short- and Long-Term Effects of U.S. Migration Experience on Mexican Women's Fertility

Using retrospective fertility and migration histories from a binational study of Mexico-U.S. migration we test for the presence of separation assimilation adaptation diffusion and selectivity effects of migration on annual birth probabilities and completed fertility. Our results reveal that spousal separation due to temporary migration reduces birth probabilities in the short term but does not reduce marital fertility in the long term. However when women migrate to the U.S. either as temporary migrants or as long-term settled migrants their experiences lead to lower birth probabilities while in the U.S. as well as to fewer total births. By contrast U.S. migration experience among men who return to Mexico is associated with higher marital fertility in Mexico suggesting that temporary migrants are selected for higher fertility. (authors)
Measured dose perturbation around a Ti screw used in mandibular reconstruction from megavoltage electron beams

Data are presented for the measured dose perturbation produced by electron irradiation of a titanium screw used in mandibular reconstruction. These results show a decreased dose distal to the metal due to the electron interactions in the higher density material, an enhanced dose at the sides of the metal due to increased scatter from the higher Z material, and an increased dose proximal to the metal from backscatter. The magnitude and extent of these effects are shown to depend upon the electron energy, distance from the inhomogeneity and the dimensions of the inhomogeneity. Although the results for a single screw indicate that the magnitude and extent of these effects may not be clinically significant, the inclusion of from 2 to 6 of these screws in a radiation field could be clinically significant.
Reliability and Maintainability — Key to launch Vehicle affordability

R&M is extremely critical to build safe, reliable, and cost effective systems. The challenges of today's unmanned and ma nned space flight programs demand the most efficient use of our technical knowledge base to develop cost effective and affordable systems. An efficient reliability and maintainability program is essential to meet the challenges for the nation's Space Program. This paper discusses the role of Reliability and Maintainability (R&M) and its potential impact on operational availability, and affordability. This includes discussion of the R&M elements that need to be addressed and the R&M analyses that need to be performed in order to support an affordable system design. The paper also provides some lessons learned on the impact of R&M on safety and affordability. Lessons learned discussed in this paper clearly demonstrate the importance of reliability and maintainability engineering in designing and operating safe and affordable launch systems.
Emergence of bacterial resistance to imipenem and ciprofloxacin in a university hospital

We have continuously monitored the in-vitro activities of imipenem and ciprofloxacin against large numbers of non-fastidious clinical isolates. After eight years of use, 97-100% of Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter baumannii remained susceptible to imipenem, but susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa declined from 100% to 91%. After six years of use, 94%-100% of Enterobacteriaceae (except Providencia stuartii) remained susceptible to ciprofloxacin but susceptibility of P. stuartii, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa declined from 100% to 46%, 66% and 84%, respectively. Oxacillin-resistant staphylococci were considered to be resistant to imipenem and all beta-lactams. There were no quinolone-resistant staphylococci observed in 1986, but susceptibilities of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus to ciprofloxacin decreased to 85-93% for oxacillin-susceptible strains and to 7-39% for oxacillin-resistant strains. Enterococcus faecalis has remained susceptible to imipenem and the modal MIC of ciprofloxacin has remained 1 mg/L; however, susceptibility to ciprofloxacin 2 mg/L decreased from 94% to 64%. Imipenem-quinolone cross-resistance was observed for staphylococci but not for P. aeruginosa.
Thermomechanical Finite Element Analysis of Problems in Electronic Packaging Using the Disturbed State Concept: Part 2—Verification and Application

The finite element procedure with the unified disturbed state modeling concept presented in Part I, Basaran et al. (1998), is verified here with respect to laboratory test results for Pb40/Sn60 eutectic solder alloy. This solder alloy is a commonly used interconnection material for surface mount technology packages. It is demonstrated that the proposed procedure provides highly satisfactory correlation with the observed laboratory behavior of materials and with test results for a chip-substrate system simulated in the laboratory.
Bioabsorbable Stenting for Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

Bioabsorbable stents offer an unproven but theoretically appealing means to address the deficiencies of current stent designs. Ideally, these stents would provide early postprocedural scaffolding support yet undergo a predictable process of reabsorption, thus removing the persistent stimulus for neointimal hyperplasia. Prototypes include polymeric formulations and magnesium-based absorbable metal stents. Current and future human trials will ascertain if bioabsorbable stents truly deliver a physiologic advantage in the treatment of peripheral occlusive disease.
Deciding on Access and Levels of Care: A Comparison of Canada, Britain, Germany, and the United States

Americans view universal coverage as a reality only if a minimum benefit package is explicitly defined, and discussions about expanding access take place under the slogan of minimum benefits. The policy environment is different in Canada, Britain, and Germany. There, health care costs are controlled and benefits provided under universal coverage plans. Yet the medical services provided in these countries result not from difficult decisions about rationing care at a "minimum" benefit level but from difficult political decisions about the structure of the health care system. Institutional factors rather than explicit policy influence the implicit health priorities in these countries. The United States, in contrast, develops policies that explicitly designate a minimum level of benefits.
Geochronologic and isotopic evidence for Triassic-Jurassic emplacement of the eugeoclinal allochthon in the Mojave Desert region, California

The geologic history of the outer continental margin (eugeoclinal) rocks in the El Paso Mountains and northern Mojave Desert has long been important in models for the development of the active continental margin in the western Cordillera. Current interpretations call for either strike-slip or thrust juxtaposition of eugeoclinal rocks against miogeoclinal/cratonal (platformal) rocks, or some combination of both strike-slip faulting and thrusting. Two broad and interrelated aspects of the history of the eugeoclinal rocks are at issue: (1) How much primary displacement is necessary to account for the present position of the eugeoclinal rocks? and (2) When were the eugeoclinal rocks thrust against platformal rocks? This study primarily addresses the second issue. Lithologic correlation indicates that the outcrop belt of eugeoclinal rocks is bounded by platformal rocks to the east and south. Platformal rocks are also present to the west, but many of these exposures restore to a position structurally beneath the eugeoclinal rocks when Tertiary extension is restored, implying stacking by a thrust. New U-Pb zircon geochronology and whole rock geochemistry and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic data for plutons in the El Paso Mountains and northern Mojave Desert lend insight into the timing of this thrusting. The outcrop belt of eugeoclinal rocks coincides with the only known Permian and Triassic plutons in the El Paso Mountains and northern Mojave Desert, which are dated at 260 to 240 Ma by U-Pb zircon in this report. Initial Sr and ϵ Nd(t) isotopic values from these plutons are distinct ≤0.704 and ≥+2, respectively) from continental lithosphere isotopic signatures ≥0.705 and ≤−2) of both Middle Jurassic plutons in the same area and Triassic plutons in the southern and eastern Mojave Desert. Feldspar common lead data for the Permian and Triassic plutons within the eugeoclinal outcrop belt also indicate limited crustal involvement and do not overlap previously reported values for common lead data from Mesozoic plutons in the eastern Mojave Desert region where Proterozoic basement is widespread. The observations and data reported here indicate that Late Permian–Early Triassic plutons in the northern Mojave Desert and El Paso Mountains were generated within or passed primarily through oceanic lithosphere, but later Jurassic plutons were derived from and/or interacted extensively with continental lithosphere. We hypothesize that the eugeoclinal rocks were deposited on oceanic crust that was thrust eastward over Precambrian cratonal basement and overlying strata between approximately 240 Ma and 175 Ma, a time of little documented tectonic activity in the Mojave Desert region. Postulated Permian or late Middle Jurassic east-directed thrusting is incompatible with our data and observations. The data also fill an important gap in palinspastic reconstructions of the early Mesozoic arc and indicate that this arc was northwest-trending and oblique to Paleozoic facies trends in the Mojave Desert.
Searcher Bias and Scavenging Rates in Bird/Wind Energy Studies

Estimates of animal fatalities in wind developments are biased to unknown degrees by inefficiencies of observers and by the removal of carcasses by scavenging animals or other actions before their detection by observers. This report summarizes results of searcher efficiency and scavenging, thus providing a guide for workers designing or interpreting bird/wind energy studies. Searcher efficiency is highly variable, with several studies reporting relatively low rates (i.e., 35%-50%) and several studies reporting relatively high rates (i.e., 75%-85%) of recovery. The few studies that tested vegetation type indicated that efficiency is influenced by the height and type of vegetation present. It is evident that relatively small birds are being missed at high rates, with most studies likely underestimating the fatality of small birds by 50%-75%. Results also indicate that corrections for observer efficiency need to be based on vegetation type, plant phenology (season), and bird (or bat) size . Studies of scavenging rates were also highly variable and were influenced by bird size and season. Results did show a trend toward a substantial (50%-75%) loss of carcasses of small to midsize birds within one to four weeks; even large raptors will disappear after a month or so.
Sensitivity of direct global warming potentials to key uncertainties

The concept of global warming potential was developed as a relative measure of the potential effects on climate of a greenhouse gas as compared to CO2. In this paper a series of sensitivity studies examines several uncertainties in determination of Global Warming Potentials (GWPs). For example, the original evaluation of GWPs for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 1990) did not attempt to account for the possible sinks of carbon dioxide (CO2) that could balance the carbon cycle and produce atmospheric concentrations of CO2 that match observations. In this study, a balanced carbon cycle model is applied in calculation of the radiative forcing from CO2. Use of the balanced model produces up to 21% enhancement of the GWPs for most trace gases compared with the IPCC (1990) values for time horizons up to 100 years, but a decreasing enhancement with longer time horizons. Uncertainty limits of the fertilization feedback parameter contribute a 20% range in GWP values. Another systematic uncertainty in GWPs is the assumption of an equilibrium atmosphere (one in which the concentration of trace gases remains constant) versus a disequilibrium atmosphere (one in which the concentration of trace gases varies with time). The latter gives GWPs that are 19 to 32% greater than the former for a 100 year time horizons, depending upon the carbon dioxide emission scenario chosen. Five scenarios are employed: constant-concentration, constant-emission past 1990 and the three IPCC (1992) emission scenarios. For the analysis of uncertainties in atmospheric lifetime (τ) the GWP changes in direct proportion toτ for short-lived gases, but to a lesser extent for gases withτ greater than the time horizontal for the GWP calculation.
Draft Genome Sequences of Eight Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Strains Previously Characterized Using an Electrophoretic Typing Scheme

ABSTRACT Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is an important cause of human disease. Strains were selected for genome sequencing to represent the breadth of nontypeable strains within the species, as previously defined by the electrophoretic mobility of 16 metabolic enzymes.
Gene therapy for cancer: regulatory considerations for approval

The rapidly changing field of gene therapy promises a number of innovative treatments for cancer patients. Advances in genetic modification of cancer and immune cells and the use of oncolytic viruses and bacteria have led to numerous clinical trials for cancer therapy, with several progressing to late-stage product development. At the time of this writing, no gene therapy product has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some of the key scientific and regulatory issues include understanding of gene transfer vector biology, safety of vectors in vitro and in animal models, optimum gene transfer, long-term persistence or integration in the host, shedding of a virus and ability to maintain transgene expression in vivo for a desired period of time. Because of the biological complexity of these products, the FDA encourages a flexible, data-driven approach for preclinical safety testing programs. The clinical trial design should be based on the unique features of gene therapy products, and should ensure the safety of enrolled subjects. This article focuses on regulatory considerations for gene therapy product development and also discusses guidance documents that have been published by the FDA.
Creating a new civil engineering program in the 21 st century

Starting a new engineering program in the 21st century that fulfills ABET 2000 requirements is a major undertaking. In this paper, the authors will discuss the process of implementing a new civil engineering program at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX (in the Amarillo metropolitan area), starting with planning, offering initial discipline-specific courses in Fall 2010, graduating the first cohort of students in 2013, and concluding with an ABET accreditation visit in Fall 2014. This process includes the development of a suitable curriculum using existing and new courses, development of the new civil engineering specific courses and laboratories, the senior design experience, assessment, and final preparation for an ABET accreditation visit. The discussion of the curriculum includes general education, mathematics, applied sciences (chemistry, physics, and biology), general engineering, and civil engineering specific courses is discussed. In particular, emphasis on the unique approach to the senior design capstone experience is described here. Engineering course outcomes are mapped to a modified Bloom's Taxonomy and to ABET 2000 Outcome 3 a through k. A new program must also meet the requirements of regional and community stakeholders and fit with the unique service population in the greater Texas Panhandle region. West Texas A&M University is also on the verge of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI, 25% or more of enrolled population) and is seeking to improve participation of women and underserved populations in STEM fields, such as with engineering. An overview of the process of preparation of the ABET self-study is described, including development of assessment tools necessary to determine the effectiveness of the new engineering program. Lessons learned and future improvements for the civil engineering program at West Texas A&M University are discussed.
Climate Change Through the Lens of Feminist Philosophy

This essay offers an overview of feminist philosophical reflections on climate change. Feminist philosophical work in the fields of epistemology, philosophy of science, and environmental studies, as well as feminist ethical and social/political perspectives have the potential to make essential contributions to discourses on climate change. In particular, a feminist philosophical lens is particularly salient in identifying gendered conceptualizations in climate change knowledge (sciences, including the social sciences) and practices (policy and activist responses). These gendered constructions are often less visible than the differential impacts of climate change on the lives of women and men, but as they permeate what we know and do not know, what we value and value less, as well as how we do and do not act, they are essential to gender justice in the context of climate change.
Preventive health care for teenagers and young adults.

SUMMARY Risk-taking behaviors are the major source of morbidity and mortality during adolescence, and risk reduction through preventive and health promotion activities has emerged as the most important priority for health care in the 1990s and beyond. It is important that health care providers focus their energy and the significant resources expended on health supervision on addressing these issues. Health supervision visits are only a small piece of the health promotion puzzle, and multiple modalities need to be mobilized to affect changes in health outcomes. There are many missed opportunities for prevention in health services provided to young people. Combining comprehensive screening, a partnership with the patient to set priorities, and effective interventions, health care providers may play a unique role in enhancing teenage and young adult health.
Dendritic cells mobilize NKT lymphocytes as adjuncts and adjuvants for anti-tumor immunity

Research on NKT cells has been greatly stimulated by the discovery that the synthetic glycolipid, alpha-galactosyl ceramide (α-Gal Cer) is presented on CD1d molecules to the invariant T cell receptor on mouse and human NKT cells. We find that the presentation of α-Gal Cer on dendritic cells (DCs) favors the mobilization of NKT cells that produce IFN-γ and exert CD1d-restricted cytolytic activity on tumor targets, thus providing an adjunct resistance role against tumors. Importantly, NKT cells can also serve as adjuvants for adaptive T cell immunity, by bringing about the full maturation of antigen capturing DCs in vivo. When mice are given a single dose of α-Gal Cer together with dying tumor cells, strong and specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immunity develops. We will discuss the latter findings, since they suggest ways to induce anti-tumor immunity without the need to genetically modify tumor cells with surrogate antigens or other means. We have targeted irradiated, MHC negative, J558 plasmacytoma cells to DCs. According to the findings of Iyoda et al. (1) and Liu et al. (2), this is best achieved when the tumor cells are injected intravenously, whereupon a subset of CD8α+ spleen DCs selectively take up tumor cells or their fragments. In collaboration with Dr. Yang Liu, we find that the uptake of tumor cells is followed by antigen processing and presentation, as monitored with CD8+ TCR transgenic T cells specific for the classical P1A tumor antigen. To induce DC maturation, which is necessary to avoid the normal function of DCs in inducing peripheral tolerance, we have compared ligands for toll like receptors (polyIC and LPS), agonistic anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody, and NKT lymphocytes mobilized by the CD1d binding glycolipid, α-Gal Cer as described by Fujii et al. (3, 4). Mice injected simultaneously i.v. with tumor cells and glycolipid develop protective immunity. After one vaccination, immunity is long lived (>2 months), specific for MHC class I bearing J558 tumor cells and not other tumors from BALB/c mice, and requires both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. TLR ligands and anti-CD40 antibody do not by themselves elicit protection, even though they do induce many surrogate markers of DC maturation. Protective immunity can also be generated to A20 lymphoma cells, but there is no cross protection observed to A20 in J558 immune mice, or vice versa. DCs from mice injected with irradiated tumor and α-Gal Cer transfer immunity to naive recipients. Therefore DCs which capture tumor cells in vivo, if they also mature in response to innate NKT lymphocytes, initiate strong adaptive tumor immunity. This abstract was published in Cancer Immunity, a Cancer Research Institute journal that ceased publication in 2013 and is now provided online in association with Cancer Immunology Research.