cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of Literacy Profiles of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associations with Stakeholder Perceptions of Appropriate High School Support Needs.

Purpose For many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), postsecondary outcomes are poor. This may be due to insufficient academic supports, particularly with regard to literacy skills, du...
Nonlinear Dynamics of Forced Transitional Jets: Temporal Attractors and Transitions to Chaos

Jets, although described as open flows in engineering terms due to their boundary conditions, can actually exhibit closed-flow dynamics (i.e., self-driven oscillations) in spite of their convective instabilities. An initially laminar, axisymmetric jet (4 cm air jet in the Reynolds number range 1.1 × 104 ≤ ReD ≤ 9.1 × 104) was controlled with single-frequency, longitudinal, bulk excitation using two control parameters: forcing amplitude af (≡ u’f/Ue, where u’f is the exit centerline rms velocity fluctuation at the forcing frequency and Ue is the jet exit velocity) and frequency StD(= fexD/Ue, where fex is the excitation frequency and D is the jet diameter). Experimental evidence is presented for the existence of a low-dimensional temporal dynamical system (and, hence, dynamical closure) in this physically open flow, including: (i) a detailed phase diagram, (ii) well-characterized periodic and chaotic attractors, and (iii) identifiable transitions between low-dimensional states, namely tangent bifurcations, intermittency, hysteresis and an isolated branch in the experimentally determined bifurcation diagram.
Trade Liberalization and Obstacles to Food Security: Toward a Sustainable Food Sovereignty

Rising global food prices during 2010 and 2011 are thought to be partly responsible for the recent political uprisings and regime changes in the Middle East.1 The 2008 global spikes in food prices and the consequent food riots around the world lent additional urgency to analysis of underlying structural problems in the global system of producing, trading, and delivering food.2 Global food insecurity (hunger) is likely to increase again if population increase, climate change, biofuel production, agricultural com modity trading,3 and global trade imbalances persist or expand. Unfortunately, the internationally recognized human right to food has been to date relatively ineffective in stemming the tide of food insecurity in the Global South.4 This essay identifies and analyzes some of the major dynamics in trade law as they relate to food insecurity and argues that, while it does not replace the right to food, the concept of food sovereignty advances discussion of these issues both as domestic and international legal matters and, just as importantly, as a vehicle for building political coalition both domestically and transnationally. Food sovereignty can rally opposition and resistance to global capital's hegemonic construc tion of equality, markets, and food itself.
Assimilazione dei dati

L’assimilazione e una analisi in cui l’informazione e accumulata nello stato di un modello dinamico, sfruttandone i vincoli di coerenza insiti nelle leggi fisiche e nei processi temporali, combinando le osservazioni distribuite nel tempo con il modello dinamico stesso. Il processo di analisi corrisponde a vari gradi: come approssimazione dello stato vero di un sistema fisico ad un tempo dato; come diagnosi comprensiva ed auto consistente di un sistema fisico; come un riferimento attraverso il quale fare una verifica della qualita della osservazione; come un dato di input utile per un’altra operazione, ad esempio lo stato iniziale di un modello predittivo.
Competing Conceptions of Caring and Teaching Ethics to Prospective Teachers

In teaching ethical issues to prospective teachers, I have noticed that one can clearly raise individuals’ ethical consciousnesses through traditional case study analyses such as those used by Kenneth Strike and Jonas Soltis in The Ethics of Teaching. However, I have generally favored another approach: having teachers consider how several dimensions of ethical teaching are modeled well or badly by particular teachers in novels and films. Good novels and films, because of their fundamental opacity, allow students to make their own interpretations of what motivates characters to act as they do; they also permit students to disagree about what is the most desirable ethical stance a teacher should take in a particular situation. Some moral dimensions of teaching I have focused on include caring, fairness, respect for persons, and trustworthiness. I have used several novels and films: The Small Room, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Stand and Deliver, and The Emperor’s Club. Admittedly, others might be even better.
Adult human nasal mesenchymal stem cells have an unexpected broad anatomic distribution.

Background The olfactory epithelium is a self-renewing tissue, able to produce new neurons as needed from stem and progenitor cells in its basal layers. In addition, there exists a mesenchymal-like stem cell (MSC) located within the underlying lamina propria. Little is known about the function of this nasal MSC, or its relationship to the olfactory lineage, but there is considerable interest in using the nasal MSC for cell-based therapies. We sought to further explore the biology of the nasal MSC by establishing neurosphere cultures from adult human nasal biopsies, and to examine the anatomic distribution of nasal MSCs. Methods Nasal biopsies from human patients (n = 5) were obtained from superior, middle, and inferior turbinates or septum. Tissue was cultured to obtain nasal MSCs. Cultures were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, as well as for differentiation capacity. Results Although olfactory sensory neuroepithelium is restricted to superior regions in the nasal cavity, neurosphere-forming MSC cultures were, surprisingly, obtained from olfactory as well as non-olfactory regions. These MSC cultures exhibit characteristic robust neurosphere formation and express CD90, CD105, STRO-1, and nestin. Nasal MSCs were found to give rise to neuronal-like cells under differentiation conditions. Conclusion The unanticipated broad anatomic distribution of nasal MSCs has implications for cell-based therapy research.
Bile duct stenting in liver transplantation.

Dear Sirs, We read with great interest the article by Tranchart et al. [1] regarding their biliary reconstruction technique in liver transplantation in patients whose donor common bile duct was less than 5 mm in diameter. They describe their experience in 20 patients who had placement of an intraductal stent tube across the reconstructed common bile duct with subsequent removal months later using ERCP. They report overall four biliary complications, including cholangitis, hemobilia, bile leak, and anastomotic stricture. The stents were removed successfully using ERCP in 17 patients (85%). Fifteen patients required limited sphincterotomy during ERCP prior to stent removal. No complications were noted following the ERCP procedure. The authors set out to investigate this new technique because various studies have shown that placement of a T-tube during liver transplantation does not prevent biliary stricture formation and does not decrease incidence of bile leaks [2]. In fact, T-tubes are associated with increased morbidity. We agree with the authors’ concern that biliary complications continue to remain the ‘‘Achilles heel’’ in liver transplantation, and we would like to share our experience with the bile duct stenting technique during liver transplantation. Since 1998, we have performed over 2300 liver transplants at our center and have successfully used trancystic biliary tubes in the majority of cases [3]. Once the allograft gallbladder is removed and before the initiation of bile duct anastomosis, we thread a 5-Fr ureteral stent (Bard polyurethane ureteral catheter; C. R. Bard Inc., Covington, GA, USA) through the donor cystic duct. The stent is subsequently secured to the donor cystic duct with a 5–0 Vicryl suture and a hemorrhoidal rubber band [4,5]. The duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction is then completed. The anastomosis is tested intraoperatively by injecting the biliary tube with saline. Before closure of the abdominal incision, the tube is externalized, secured to the anterior abdominal wall, and left to gravity drainage. After post-transplant cholangiogram on day 3, the biliary tube is capped until day 21 cholangiogram (Fig. 1). If this
Partial purification and characterization of deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase from KB cells

Abstract We have partially purified and characterized a DNA polymerase activity from human KB cells. With the exception of λ DNA, the enzyme utilizes either native or denatured DNA as template and incorporates deoxyribonucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction. Under conditions of limited synthesis the polymerase produces a covalent attachment of the 3' end of the template to the 5' end of the product. In the presence of four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates the polymerase can catalyze at least a 4-fold net synthesis of DNA, and it copies a variety of templates to give products that accurately reflect the base composition of the template. The enzyme has been purified about 400-fold with respect to the specific activity of the crude extract, and the most purified fraction contains no detectable endonuclease activity. A low level of DNA-exonuclease activity is demonstrable under conditions of synthesis, but we have not yet characterized this activity. Like most of the DNA polymerases from animal cells, the KB enzyme directs at a reduced rate the incorporation of nucleotides into DNA in the presence of only three deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates. This incorporation is minimized when highly purified λ DNA is used as template, but it remains substantial in comparison with Escherichia coli DNA polymerase. This reaction is not due to concurrent pyrophosphorolysis during polymerization or to a combination of the exonuclease with a contaminating nucleoside diphosphokinase activity, and the most purified enzyme fraction has only very low levels of the nuclear and cytoplasmic terminal transferase activities described in calf thymus extracts. Whether this reaction represents a form of repair synthesis, contamination with an unusual type of terminal addition activity, about which nothing is known in human cells, or an intrinsic property of human DNA polymerase remains to be elucidated.
BACTERIAL DISSIMILATION OF STREPTOMYCIN

Klein, Dolph (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N. J.), and David Pramer. Bacterial dissimilation of streptomycin. J. Bacteriol. 82:505–510. 1961.—The influence of various nutritional and environmental factors on the dissimilation of streptomycin by a pseudomonad isolated from soil was investigated, and conditions most suitable for growth of the bacterium, in a medium that contained streptomycin as a sole source of energy, nitrogen, and organic carbon, were determined. Development of the bacterium as measured by plate counts was correlated with degradation of streptomycin as measured by both biological and spectrophotometric assay procedures. Periodic analyses of culture filtrates indicated that the three constituent moieties of the streptomycin molecule underwent simultaneous transformation when the antibiotic was degraded microbiologically. Washed cell suspensions were capable of immediate and rapid oxidation of streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, and hydroxystreptomycin, but cell-free sonic extracts, in the absence and presence of cofactors, did not oxidize streptomycin or any of a number of derivatives or degradation products of the antibiotic. Evidence was obtained that the bacterial dissimilation of streptomycin involves an oxidation system in which methylene blue can act as hydrogen acceptor.
HP BIDS - broadband interactive data solution

The Hewlett-Packard broadband interactive data solution (BIDS) is an integrated package that provides a total solution which enables telecom, cable or service providers the ability to provide interactive data services and Internet services to their end customers. BIDS is comprised of applications, a server complex, network access technology, and operational support.
INACTIVATION OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENS ON FRANKFURTERS USING ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND GRAS ANTIMICROBIALS

Listeria monocytogenes is an occasional contaminant of ready-to-eat meats such as frankfurters and sausages and is responsible for foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls of the subsequently adulterated food products. Salmonella and Staphylococus aureus are prevalent among pathogens which cause foodborne illness. Ultraviolet light (UV-C) (254 nm) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved intervention technology that can inactivate foodborne pathogens on frankfurter and precooked sausage surfaces. Potassium lactate, sodium diacetate and lauric arginate ester are U.S. FDA-approved antimicrobials that can inactivate and inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens during refrigerated storage. UV-C light, when used in combination with the three antimicrobials, inactivated 2.32–2.80 log of the pathogens, which was more effective than either process used individually as determined by analysis of variance (n = 6, P < 0.05). During 12 weeks of refrigerated storage (10C), the use of UV-C in combination with the 3 antimicrobials was found to be very effective, with 3.6–4.1 log of the three pathogens being inactivated by the end of the storage period. UV-C and antimicrobials had no impact on frankfurter color or texture. The combinatorial use of UV-C and antimicrobials was found to be an effective hurdle against pathogen survival and proliferation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Ultraviolet light (254 nm) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved technology that can be used in combination with generally recognized as safe (GRAS) antimicrobials to decontaminate the surfaces of precooked sausages such as frankfurters and bratwurst. This work indicates that ultraviolet light (UV-C), when used in combination with the commercially used antimicrobial compounds potassium lactate, sodium diacetate and lauric arginate ester, effectively inactivates and controls the growth of human pathogens better than UV-C or GRAS antimicrobials when used individually. The process described in this study can realistically be adopted by both small and large meat processors to provide safer precooked sausages for consumers.
Pharmacological and kinetic properties of uptake of [3H]-norepinephrine by superior cervical ganglia of rats in organ culture

Abstract The increase in uptake of [3H]-norepinephrine ([3H]-NE) by superior cervical ganglia grown in organ culture was used as an index of the uptake of norepinephrine (NE) by axonal sprouts formed during organ culture. The kinetic and pharmacologie properties of NE uptake by such axonal sprouts were examined. The Km (1.9 × 10−6M) for [3H]- dl -NE uptake by axonal sprouts was similar to that found in sympathetic nerve endings; the Km in fresh ganglia was 8.0 × 10−6M. The intensity of inhibition by cocaine, metaraminol and phenoxybenzamine of the [3H]-NE uptake into axonal sprouts also resembled that found for nerve endings and was significantly different from that of fresh ganglion. Our observations indicate that the uptake mechanism for NE into axonal sprouts is pharmacologically and kinetically similar to the uptake mechanism in sympathetic nerve endings.
374 PROSPECTIVE STUDIES OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION

A longitudinal prospective study of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection was begun in July 1977. Neonatal colonization rates, carrier sites, and disease incidence was determined for 1,066 of 1,080 infants (99%) born during a six month period in an urban community hospital within the UAB medical center. Selective media were employed. Multiple site cultures of infants were taken shortly after delivery, prior to bath and cord care. GBS were cultured from 14% of infants. Positive sites in order of frequency were: ear (75%), throat (48%), anus (44%) and umbilicus (28%). Throat and anal cultures done at discharge revealed 15% of 805 infants to be colonized; the anus was more often positive (88%) than the throat (55%). A total of 21% of infants cultured were positive for GBS at some time during their nursery stay. Correlation of colonization between mother at delivery and infants was 87%. Seven infants developed clinical illness, suggesting a rather high disease rate. Infecting serotypes were Ia (2), Ic (1), II (2), and III (2). Four infants died; all were premature, had respiratory distress, and had rather rapidly progressive signs of sepsis with shock. Prior knowledge of maternal carriage of GBS coupled with evidence of early distress in low birth weight infants might enhance early recognition of GBS disease.
New technologies, old divides: linking internet access to social and locational characteristics of US farms

Access to new information and communication technologies is widely viewed as a prerequisite for participation in the global economy, so that inequalities in such access have become a significant policy concern. Rural areas are especially underserved in terms of internet providers, and this is true in both developed and less developed economies. This article focuses on access to the internet within farming operations in the US as an important aspect of understanding the digital divide within rural areas. Using county level data from the 2007 US Census of Agriculture and multivariate regression analysis, our study examines the statistical relationship between farm internet access and a set of explanatory factors which include demographic characteristics of operators, economic characteristics of farms, and geographic location (region and metropolitan status) of the farm. Further, it seeks to understand whether access to the internet can be socially and locationally differentiated from access to high speed internet. Our findings indicate that existing social divides are replicated in terms of the digital divide, so that social inequalities are potentially a more pressing problem than infrastructural gaps in terms of rural access to the internet in the US.
Effect of vitamin D therapy on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

ABSTRACT Objective To (7) assess the rate of reduction in bone turnover with vitamin D and bisphosphonate therapies and (2) evaluate the clinical utility of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) in monitoring treatment response. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with newly diagnosed osteopenia and osteoporosis from 2002 to 2009 at Loyola University Medical Center. A cohort of postmenopausal women with hip or spine T-scores of less than -1, normal serum creatinine, and no prior vitamin D or bisphosphonate therapy was divided into vitamin D-deficient (n = 29) and vitamin D-sufficient (n = 13) groups. Vitamin D-deficient patients received high-dose vitamin D, whereas vitamin D-sufficient patients received orally administered bisphosphonates. BSAP levels at baseline and 1 year were compared. Results vitamin D therapy in the group with vitamin D deficiency led to a 26.7% decrease in BSAP (P Conclusion The results of this study suggest that correction of vitamin D deficiency in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis can lead to a decrease in bone turnover as measured by BSAP and that the magnitude of this reduction is similar to that achieved with orally administered bisphosphonates. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:873-879)
Visible light induced Knoevenagel condensation: A clean and efficient protocol using aqueous fruit extract of tamarindus indica as catalyst

Visible light induced a highly efficient and environmentally-friendly Knoevenagel condensation of various aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes with malononitrile has been achieved in excellent yield in presence of aqueous tamarind juice. The tamarind juice could be simply prepared from unripe fruit of Tamarindus indica in water and the reactions go to completion within 2-7 min. A plausible mechanism of light induced Knoevenagel condensation reaction catalyzed by tamarind juice was discussed.
The role of adenosine in cerebral vascular regulation during reductions in perfusion pressure

The adenosine antagonist caffeine was used to test the hypothesis that endogenous adenosine contributes to the regulation of cerebral blood flow during acute reductions in mean arterial blood pressure. Caffeine, administered intraperitoneally in 20 and 40 mg kg-1 doses, failed to alter the autoregulatory flow responses to marked reductions in arterial blood pressure, showing that adenosine is not essential for cerebrovascular regulation during severe hypotension.
Spinal neurons project to the dorsal column nuclei of rhesus monkeys

Cells of origin of ascending nonprimary afferents to the dorsal column nuclei of rhesus monkeys have been identified in the spinal cord by the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. These neurons are mainly located in lamina IV and medially in more ventral laminae of the dorsal horn on the side ipsilateral to the medullary injection. Large neurons in the ventral horn ("spinal border cells") also appear to project to the ipsilateral dorsal medulla. The dorsal column nuclei of a primate thus are the recipient not only of ascending dorsal root fibers but also of a more complexly integrated spinal input.
Reduction and Redistribution of Gap and Adherens Junction Proteins After Ischemia and Reperfusion

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that alterations in myocardial structure, consistent with tissue and sarcomere disruption as well as myofibril dissociation, occur after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. In this study we determine the onset of these structural changes and their contribution to electrical conduction. Methods Langendorff perfused rabbit hearts (n = 47) were subjected to 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes global ischemia, followed by 120 minutes reperfusion. Hemodynamics were recorded and tissue samples were collected for histochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Orthogonal epicardial conduction velocities were measured, with temperature controlled, in a separate group of 10 hearts subjected to 0 or 30 minutes of global ischemia, followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion. Results Histochemical and quantitative light microscopy spatial analysis showed significantly increased longitudinal and transverse interfibrillar separation after 15 minutes or more of ischemia (p Conclusions These data indicate that there are significant alterations in the structural integrity of the myocardium as well as gap and adherens junction protein expression with increasing global ischemia time. The changes occur coincident with previously observed significant decreases in postischemic functional recovery, but are not associated with altered expression of matrix binding proteins or electrical anisotropic conduction.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy directlythrough an angiomyolipoma

Abstract We present a patient with tuberous sclerosis and bilateral angiomyolipomaswith a right partial staghorn calculi in which the calculi was managed with a percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Despite the inherent risk of hemorrhage with a percutaneous approach compounded by the fact that this was done directly through a tumor, we were able to render the patient stone free with no intraoperative bleeding, complications, or the need for postoperative blood transfusion. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of percutaneous nephrolithotomy directly through a renal angiomyolipoma.
A Viable MIS: DeKalb County Public Library

I've finally seen a demonstration of a Management Information System for a library that works. I've been searching for a working example of an integrated system that includes data from a circulation/OPAC system, an external accounting package, an external human resources file, branch statistics, and community demographic files. And, by integrated, I mean accessible from a single workstation via a single program.
The Research Libraries Group's cooperative acquisitions program for South Asia

Abstract During the past two decades, major research libraries in the United States have developed the richest collections on South Asia in the world through participation in the PL 480/Special Foreign Currency (SFC) Program for India. In approximately 2 years, however, the supply of local currency required to support the program will be depleted. At that time, research libraries which wish to continue to receive the book acquisitions and services provided by the Field Office in New Delhi will be required to pay in dollars for each component of the program to which they subscribe. Because of the prohibitive costs of collecting at present levels of intensity, individual libraries see the desirability of planning a national program of cooperative acquisitions for the region. Such a cooperative acquisitions program has been established by the Research Libraries Group. While relying on the Center for Research Libraries as a repository for serial publications, RLG hopes to hold down the increasing costs of participating at the local institutional level by apportioning the responsibility for collecting monographs among the participants. The goal is to ensure maximum geographic and linguistic coverage within the network while reducing unnecessary duplication among the member collections.
The antiquity of age-associated bone demineralization in man.

: Adult males and females in contemporary populations undergo age-associated demineralization of the skeleton (osteoporosis). Males lose less bone mineral than females, partly because of the slower rate and later age at onset of the loss in males. This study demonstrates that age-associated demineralization also characterizes prehistoric populations. Demineralization in a prehistoric, hunting-and-gathering skeletal population was studied cross-sectionally. The bone mineral content of radii from skeletons (5-year age groups from 20 years to 60+) was measured by means of a photon absorptiometry technique. Males not only lost less cortical and trabecular bone than did females but began demineralization at a later age. These sexual differences also apply to modern populations. The apparent universality of osteoporotic demineralization in both time and space attests to a basic genetic unity within our species. Medical science has met with only limited success in combatting the osteoporosis which so often results in collapsed vertebrae and fractured femora in the geriatric population. Bone loss with age has a strong genetic basis and therefore will not easily be arrested or even slowed by the nutritional and hormonal therapy that is employed today.
Enhanced depth of amorphization of semiconductors by molecular implantation

Abstract Comparison of molecular implantation of SiF 3 and As 2 and their atomic constituents into semiconductors indicated that the molecular species amorphized to a depth 1.2 to 2.5 times greater than the atomic species. This effect resulted from selective molecular breakup due to collisions with residual gas atoms in the accelerator vacuum system, indicating the need for improved vacuum conditions in commercial ion implanters used for molecular implantation.
Teaching about Psychological Perspectives on Abortion.

This article describes an undergraduate course on abortion, one of the most contentious social issues of our time. The course focuses on the psychological aspects of abortion for adolescents and women who choose legal abortions, the consequences of denied abortions on unwanted children, and psychological ramifications of alternatives to abortion. Three phases of the course are described. In the introductory phase, I lectured on how scientific evidence about abortion is derived and should be scrutinized. In the second phase, students read and discussed historical and legal writings on abortion. In the third phase, students wrote analytical papers and gave group presentations. Evaluations of the course are included.
YAC cloning of DNA embedded in an agarose matrix

Abstract Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) cloning of DNA in agarose is an alternative method to cloning from aqueous solutions. It minimizes any shearing that may result from handling of high molecular weight DNA and can be done with nanogram to microgram amounts of material, which facilitates construction of YACs from sources of DNA other than genomic DNA isolated from cells. The average size of the YACs recovered (200–1000 kb) and efficiency of transformation of ligation products (200–1000 cfu/μg) are similar to those reported using aqueous protocols. This method has been used to construct chromosome specific YACs, and it should be possible to apply the technique to the construction of chromosome specific libraries using flow sorted chromosomes as source material, and the cloning of restriction fragments isolated by preparative pulsed field gel electrophoresis.
Technical Considerations in Total Hip Arthroplasty After Femoral and Periacetabular Osteotomies

The purpose of this article is to outline key technical considerations in the performance of total hip arthroplasty after common osteotomies of both the proximal femur and acetabulum. Attention is called to anatomic variation, both innate and incurred. After a femoral osteotomy, specific focus should be placed on incision selection, residual hardware management, abductor handling, and proper version establishment. After a periacetabular osteotomy, similar concern should be granted to cup position and fixation. Results of total hip arthroplasty after common osteotomies are also reviewed and importance of these issues highlighted.
MULTIPLE PHASES IN IONIC COPOLYMER GELS

This study presents a theoretical description of multiple phases in ionic copolymer gels. The equations for the dissociation equilibrium of the fixed charges in the gel are solved together with a Flory-type swelling model which incorporates both polyelectrolyte and polyampholyte effects. This model correctly predicts the qualitative shape of the gel swelling vs $p\mathrm{H}$ curve. Although several phases could appear when hydrogen bonding effects are significant, the possibility of having very long relaxation times due to the slow ion exchange kinetics in the gel should be carefully examined.
T-cell activation defect in common variable immunodeficiency: Restoration by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or allogeneic macrophages

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) represents a group of familial and sporadic diseases characterized by a range of B-cell, T-cell, and macrophage defects. A defect in T-cell activation, involving reduced proliferation and IL-2 production after stimulation with OKT3 antibody, has been described previously. In the present study we found that these defects could be corrected in vitro by adding phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to OKT3-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 14 patients with CVI. PBMC of 6 out of 7 patients with CVI studied also exhibited a profound defect in IL-2 receptor expression when incubated with OKT3 antibody. IL-2 receptor expression after stimulation with PMA alone was normal, indicating that the OKT3- but not the PMA-induced pathway of IL-2 receptor expression was defective. On the RNA level, the genes for IL-2 and IL-2 receptor were expressed after stimulation with OKT3 antibody. IL-2 and IL-2 receptor gene expression were normal, indicating a possible post-transcriptional defect. To investigate whether the defect in T-cell activation was at the macrophage or the T-cell level, we prepared adherent cells and monocyte-depleted T cells (E+) from 3 patients with CVI and from normal blood donors. Incubating CVI E+ cells with normal adherent cells resulted in normal proliferation and IL-2 production in the presence of OKT3, whereas incubation of normal E+ cells with adherent cells from patients with CVI under the same conditions showed reduced IL-2 production and proliferation, suggesting the macrophage as the origin of the failure in T-cell activation in the patients with CVI studied. Inhibition by macrophage-secreted prostaglandins was excluded by failure to correct the IL-2 production and proliferation defects in the presence of indomethacin.
Development, implementation, and trend analysis of real-time PCR tests for the clinical microbiology laboratory

Abstract In the past, culture-based techniques for the detection of microorganisms have been the standard for clinical microbiology laboratories. Recently, the detection of many nucleic acid target sequences by real-time PCR has been demonstrated to have superior test performance characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) compared with conventional culture methods and standard PCR (heating block amplification of target nucleic acid and product detection by gel electrophoresis, followed by Southern blotting, ELISA, or chemiluminescence). Implementation of real-time PCR in the routine clinical microbiology laboratory has been facilitated by two outstanding features of this technology: (i) target amplification and detection in a closed system, thereby essentially eliminating carryover amplicon contamination, and (ii) using hybridization fluorescence resonance energy transfer probes with the ability to perform melting-curve analysis on amplified target nucleic acid to characterize products or to perform genotypic analysis. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) real-time assays replaced traditional cell culture methods in our laboratory about 4 years ago (May 2000). Detection of group A streptococcus (GAS) as a replacement for rapid antigen and culture was implemented in August 2002. We describe a unique standardized clinical laboratory workflow process to facilitate rapid PCR testing, reporting, and treatment of GAS infections. In addition, we review the development, implementation, and performance of the HSV and VZV assays and trend analysis of these routine real-time PCR test procedures.
Exploring causes of principal burnout

Describes a qualitative study on causes of principal burnout. Aims to ascertain causes of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment in the principalship. Nine principals depict how the principalship has changed and describe elements of their jobs that lead to burnout, as well as reasons for not wanting to continue in the principalship despite intrinsic rewards associated with the job. Discusses several implications including the need for more support systems, greater professional development opportunities, and the need to prepare principals better for the realities of the job.
The effect of bed temperature and fluidization velocity on the chemistry of bench scale fluid bed retorting of Kentucky oil shale

Abstract A 3.8 cm diameter bench scale fluid bed retort was used to study the effects of varied bed temperature and fluidization velocity at atmospheric pressure on the distribution of pyrolysis products from Kentucky oil shales. Fluidization velocity was varied from 28 to 44 m/min at steady state bed temperatures from 500 to 625°C. Results indicated that secondary reactions (primarily cracking) were minimal at all fluidization velocities studied at lower bed temperatures (
Reliability & Safety Analysis of a Fault-Tolerant Controller

This paper analyzes a fault-tolerant, microprocessor-based controller for an electric wheelchair. Two candidate architectures are considered, including reconfigurable duplication and stand-by sparing. The difference in the reliability and safety of the two candidates is determined through the use of Markov models. Safety is paramount in the wheelchair application because of the need to protect the physically disabled wheelchair user;reliability by itself is insufficient for selecting an appropriate architecture in this application. The results show that reconfigurable duplication is safer than standby sparing even though standby sparing is more reliable. Because of the better safety, reconfigurable duplication is the preferred approach for the wheelchair application. Safety is extremely important in the selection of a fault-tolerant architecture for the electric wheelchair control system. Standby sparing provides a conceptually simple approach that achieves a higher reliability than reconfigurable duplication. However, reconfigurable duplication has a higher safety for a given fault coverage. Because of the need for safety in the electric wheelchair control system, reconfigurable duplication is the selected approach.
Nanopatterned Polymer Brushes for Triggered Detachment of Anchorage‐Dependent Cells

Surfaces modified with thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) support mild and efficient harvesting of anchorage-dependent cells. To enable cellular detachment, however, the surfaces must exhibit a narrow range of PNIPAAm thicknesses. In this work, this limitation is circumvented by introducing nanopatterns to grafted PNIPAAm brushes, eliminating the critical thickness requirement for cell-culturing applications. Nanopatterned PNIPAAm surfaces are prepared using a combination of interferometric lithography (IL) and surface-initiated polymerization. Above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAAm (∼32 °C), these surfaces support the attachment and proliferation of mammalian cells (e.g., fibroblasts and endothelial cells). Below the LCST of PNIPAAm, cells readily detach from the nanopatterned PNIPAAm surfaces without influence from the period of nanopatterns, which vary between 157 ± 9 nm to 1021 ± 17 nm. Cells selectively attach and proliferate on PNIPAAm nanopatterns as compared to thick unpatterned PNIPAAm, which is further exploited to spatially direct cellular growth to generate cellular micropatterns. Nanopatterned PNIPAAm surfaces provide a unique solution to the critical thickness issue for cell harvesting and facilitate spatial control of cellular growth on surfaces.
U.S. Perceptions of Nuclear Security in the Wake of the Cold War: Comparing Public and Elite Belief Systems

Our research adds new evidence to the continuing debate about capacities of mass publics to contribute to foreign and security policy processes. Focusing on U.S. beliefs and preferences about nuclear security in the post-Cold War era, we examine not only linear relationships among elite and mass belief structures, but also combinations of beliefs that may be precursors to policy coalitions. We examine attitudes and preferences about nuclear issues among two elite publics-scientists and legislators-surveyed in 1997, and among two samples of the U.S. general public surveyed in 1997 and 1999. We compare elite and mass belief structures using three different methods: descriptive comparisons of central tendencies, relational analyses using bivariate and multivariate regressions, and coalitional analyses using cluster analytical techniques. With each method of analysis we find evidence of similar belief structures and similar relationships between beliefs and nuclear policy preferences among our elite and mass samples.
Core structure and Peierls stress of edge and screw dislocations in TiN: A density functional theory study

Abstract A first-principles computational scheme was applied for studying edge and screw dislocations in non-elemental systems for the first time. For the case of TiN as a model system, we established the preferred slip systems for edge and screw dislocations, with a Burgers vector of a/2〈1 1 ¯ 0〉 on the {0 0 1}, {1 1 0} and {1 1 1} slip planes. The simulations adopted periodically repeating triclinic supercells containing a dipole of dislocations arranged such that periodicity can be maintained without imposition of large spurious elastic stresses. It was determined that the Peierls stress is the smallest for slip along the {1 1 0} plane, and largest for slip along the {0 0 1} plane, for both edge and screw dislocations. The dislocation core structures and the Peierls stress results are discussed and compared to those in a purely ionic MgO system.
Superconductivity of TaV2

Abstract Specific heat measurements show that the cubic Laves phase TaV 2 becomes superconducting at 3.6 K. Values of γ and θ D for this compound are compared with those for ZrV 2 and HfV 2 .
Dimers among friends: ion channel regulation by dimerization of tail domains.

Abstract One class of ion channels regulated by the intracellular concentration of Ca 2+ uses stably tethered calmodulins as sensors to regulate channel opening and closing (gating). A new crystal structure suggests that calmodulin regulates channel gating by promoting intramolecular dimerization of the C-terminal tails of the channel subunits. Dimer formation between channel subunits (which are already arranged in a fourfold symmetric complex in their transmembrane domain) might be a general theme of ion channel regulation and gating.
Precipitation in pure and indium-doped CdTe as a function of stoichiometry

The Hall effect of nearly pure CdTe and CdTe doped with 1.2 × 1017 and 2 × 1018 In cm−3 was measured as a function of the cadmium pressure both at high temperatures where the crystals were in equilibrium with the atmosphere and at room temperature on crystals quenched after the anneal. In the almost pure crystals, a fraction of the electrons resulting from a Cd excess at high temperatures disappear after cooling due to precipitation of the native donors. Transmission electron microscopy shows the presence of Cd precipitates and/or intrinsic dislocation loops, indicating interstitial Cd as the precipitating native donor. For the indium doped crystals the properties of quenched crystals depend on the cooling procedure, different results being obtained for cooling the crystal before the Cd pool establishing the Cd pressure, or vice versa. At high pcd the difference is attributed to co-precipitation of indium and cadmium as an In-Cd alloy in the former case but not in the latter. At medium pcd the difference is due to a difference in the rate of cooling, cadmium vacancies precipitating in one case but not in the other. Es wurde der Halleffekt von nahezu reinem CdTe und CdTe, das mit 1,2 × 1017 und 2 × 1018 In cm−3 dotiert war, in Abhangigkeit vom Kadmiumdruck sowohl bei hohen Temperaturen, wo sich die Kristalle im Gleichgewicht mit dem Dampf befinden, als auch bei Zimmertemperatur an Kristallen, die nach dem Tempern abgeschreckt waren, gemessen. In den nahezu reinen Kristallen verschwindet ein Teil der aus einem Kadmiumuberschus bei hohen Temperaturen resultierenden Elektronen nach dem Abkuhlen infolge Ausscheidung von Eigenstorstellen. Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie zeigt die Anwesenheit von Cd-Aussheidungen und/oder Eigen-Versetzungsringen, was auf Zwischengitterkadmium als ausscheidendem Eigendonator hinweist. Fur die indiumdotierten Kristalle hangen die Eigenschaften der abgeschreckten Kristalle von dem Abkuhlungsverfahren ab, wobei unterschiedliche Ergebnisse erhalten werden, wenn der Kristall vor dem Kadmium, das den Cd-Druck aufrechterhalt, abgekuhlt wird oder umgekehrt. Bei hohem pcd wird der Unterschied im ersten Fall der gleichzeitigen Ausscheidung von Indium und Kadmium, als In-Cd-Legierung zugeschrieben. Im zweiten Fall tritt keine Indiumausscheidung auf. Bei mittlerem pcd wird der Unterschied durch die unterschiedliche Abkuhlungsgeschwindigkeit hervorgerufen, wobei Kadmiumleerstellen nur prazipitieren, wenn der Kristall langsam abgekuhlt wird.
Detection of Carrier-Plate Cracks Using Vibration Spectra

This paper examines the problem of identifying cracks in planetary gear systems through use of vibration sensors on the stationary gearbox housing. In particular, the effect of unequal spacing of planet gears relative to the rotating carrier plate on various frequency components in the vibration spectra is studied. The mathematical analysis is validated with experimental data comparing the vibration signature of helicopter transmissions operating either normally or with damage leading to shifts in the planet gear positions. The theory presented is able to explain certain features and trends in the measured vibration signals of healthy and faulty transmissions. The characterization offered may serve as a means of detecting damage in planetary gear systems.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A revision of the genus fabricia blainville, 1828 (polychaeta: sabellidae: fabriciinae)

Abstract The Fabriciinae genus Fabricia Blainville is revised. In the past, the type species designation for the genus has been confused; explicit designations have included Tubularia fabricia Muller and Amphicora sabella Ehrenberg. The type species is actually T. stellaris {SCMuller}, by monotypy. Based on this latter designation, most species previously placed into synonymy with F. sabella are now junior synonyms of F. stellaris, including F. sabella. A neotype is designated and described for F. stellaris stellaris from the type locality. Examination of the type material of F. leidyi Verrill and Haplobranchus atlanticus Treadwell confirms these species are junior synonyms of F. stellaris. Geographic variability in pigmentation patterns and general body proportions in F. stellaris are discussed. Fabricia contains three subspecies: F. stellaris stellaris; F. stellaris adriatica (Banse), new combination; F. stellaris caspica (Zenkevitsch), new combination. The following species, based on inadequate descrip...
A nationwide examination of outcomes of percutaneous cholecystostomy compared with cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, 1998–2010

Background Improvements in percutaneous drainage techniques combined with the recognized advantages of avoiding surgery in critically ill patients have rendered cholecystostomy an attractive treatment option, particularly in those patients with acute acalculus cholecystitis. However, robust data to guide surgeons in choosing cholecystostomy versus cholecystectomy have been lacking.
Implementing a NTP-based time service within a distributed middleware system

Time ordering of events generated by entities existing within a distributed infrastructure is far more difficult than time ordering of events generated by a group of entities having access to the same underlying clock. Network Time Protocol (NTP) has been developed and provided to the public to let them adjust their local computer time from single (multiple) time source(s), which are usually atomic time servers provided by various organizations, like NIST and USNO. In this paper, we describe the implementation of a NTP based time service used within NaradaBrokering, which is an open source distributed middleware system. We will also provide test results obtained using this time service.
Automatic ultramicro determination of iodine in natural waters

Abstract An automatic spectrophotometric reaction rate method is described for the ultramicro determination of iodine in natural waters. The method is based on the catalytic effect of iodine on the reduction of cerium(IV) by arsenic(III). The time required for a small fixed (about 0.06 unit) change in absorbance is measured automatically and related to the iodine concentration. Speed and the small size of the sample needed are the main advantages over other methods. Iodine in water in the range 1 to 15 μg/l in a total volume ot 4 ml is determined with errors smaller than ±0.3 μg /l.
A New and Improved Method of Measuring the Pressure Dependence of Superconducting Transition Temperatures, Tc (P)

A new technique for measuring Tc (P) is reported. As the temperature of the DAC is reduced, instead of measuring the first harmonic of the ac susceptibility, χ1″, the third harmonic, |χ3|, is measured. This results in a significant improvement in the minimum detection limit.