cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with herd-group milk somatic cell count and prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococcal intramammary infections

Abstract Fifty nine dairy herds enrolled in the Washington State Dairy Herd Improvement Association Milk Somatic Cell Count Program were split into low and high cell-count groups. Low herds had the lowest percentage of cows with linear-score somatic cell count (SCC) >4 and high herds had the highest percentage of cows with linear-score SCC >4. An estimate of prevalence of intramammary infections was made from aseptically-collected milk samples. Logistic regression analysis was used to construct models that would best describe the combination of management factors that best classified herds into high and low SCC groups. Similarly, stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine management-factor combinations which would best describe herd prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococcal intramammary infection. A subset of 75 variables was used in models and was from an initial set of more than 250 management factors. Variables from the initial set that were deemed to have a direct effect on mastitis and to be under management control were screened using univariate tests. Those variables found to be either significantly associated with herd SCC-group status and/or prevalence of intramammary infection by coagulase-positive staphylococci were used in the modeling procedures. Additionally, interactions were tested in the models and some variables commonly associated with mastitis control were included as forced variables in these models. Factors which were most likely associated with low-somatic-cell herds were: (1) milking cows with clinical mastitis last; (2) disinfecting the teat ends prior to administration of intramammary antibiotic therapy; and (3) having drier cow bedding. A model containing these three factors classified 87.9% of the herds into the correct group. Factors which described a reduction in the prevalence of intramammary infections with coagulase-positive staphylococci were: (1) disinfection of teat end prior to therapy administration; (2) applying disinfectant solution to the teat after milking (teat dip); and (3) cleaning the milking-system regulator frequently. These three factors were associated with decrease in coagulase positive staphylococcal intramammary infections of 27%, 9%, and 9%, respectively, and in combination described 36.6% of the herd-to-herd variation in infection prevalence by this pathogen.
Formation of Jets by Baroclinic Instability on Gas Planet Atmospheres

In this paper it is proposed that baroclinic instability of even a weak shear may play an important role in the generation and stability of the strong zonal jets observed in the atmospheres of the giant planets. The atmosphere is modeled as a two-layer structure, where the upper layer is a standard quasigeostrophic layer on a plane and the lower layer is parameterized to represent a deep interior convective columnar structure using a negative plane as in Ingersoll and Pollard. Linear stability theory predicts that the high wavenumber perturbations will be the dominant unstable modes for a small vertical wind shear like that inferred from observations. Here a nonlinear analytical model is developed that is truncated to one growing mode that exhibits a multiple jet meridional structure, driven by the nonlinear interaction between the eddies. In the weakly supercritical limit, this model agrees with previous weakly nonlinear theory, but it can be explored beyond this limit allowing the multiple jet–induced zonal flow to be stronger than the eddy field. Calculations with a fully nonlinear pseudospectral model produce stable meridional multijet structures when beginning from a random potential vorticity perturbation field. The instability removes energy from the background weak baroclinic shear and generates turbulent eddies that undergo an inverse energy cascade and form multijet zonal winds. The jets are the dominant feature in the instantaneous upper-layer flow, with the eddies being relatively weak. The jets scale with the Rhines length, but are strong enough to violate the barotropic stability criterion. It is shown that the basic physical mechanism for the generation and stability of the jets in the full numerical model is similar to that of the truncated model.
Determining subsea permafrost characteristics with a cone penetrometer — Prudhoe Bay, Alaska

Abstract Sediments beneath the Beaufort Sea near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, were probed at 27 sites using a static cone penetrometer to determine engineering properties and distribution of material types, including ice-bonded sediments. The probe, designed and constructed at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, provided both point and casing resistance data and thermal profiles. At five sites these data were correlated with information from adjacent drilled and sampled holes. These control data and the quality of the probe information permitted profiles of sediment type and occurrence of ice-bonded material to be developed along three lines that included various geological features and depositional environments. Material properties were quite variable in the upper 14 m of sediments probed. In general, softer, finer-grained sediments occurred in the upper layers, while penetration refusal was met in stiff gravels 10 to 12 m below the seabed. Seabed temperatures during the study were all below 0°C. However, because of uncertainties in freezing point values caused by brines, evaluation of the penetration resistance data was required to identify the occurrence of ice-bonded sediments. The coupling of thermal and penetration resistance data revealed that seasonally ice-bonded sediments occurred where the sea ice froze back to or near the seabed. Deeper, perennially frozen sediments also appeared to be present at several probe sites.
Acceptability of Language Interventions: A Comparison of Preschool and Elementary Teachers' Responses.

This study used structured analogue situations to examine factors that might influence teachers' preferences and opinions about language interventions. These factors included respondent groups (preschool vs. elementary school teachers), type of treatment approach (naturalistic vs. therapeutic), person delivering the intervention (classroom teacher vs. speech and language pathologist [SLP]), and severity of language delay (mild vs. severe). Sixty-six teachers (28 elementary and 38 preschool teachers) participated in this survey study. Results showed that preschool teachers found naturalistic approaches slightly more acceptable than the therapeutic approach, whereas elementary school teachers viewed the therapeutic approach as somewhat more acceptable than naturalistic approaches. Teachers rated three intervention approaches differently when they were applied to children with mild versus severe language delays. Implications for research and practice of these findings are discussed.
Student responses to physically literate adult role models

Introduction Adolescents find the motivation and confidence to work toward becoming physically literate as they observe and interact with others who they perceive as physically literate [1] . A physically active person who moves competently and confidently provides a role model of physical literacy. Physical educators want to be influential in the lives of young people and to be a physically active role model [2] . Pupil activity was found to be influenced by the active lifestyle of the teacher [3] . The objective of this study was to identify who adolescents recognize as a physically active adult role model that might provide the motivation and added confidence needed to become physically literate themselves. Methods One hundred four grade 8 and 9 pupils were asked to identify physically active role models on three different occasions. First: before pupils were taught by one of three different university physical education pre-service teachers (baseline). Second: after being taught by an active pre-service teacher for four weeks (active phase). Third: after being taught by the same pre-service teacher who was not active for four weeks (spectator phase). Data was analyzed by counting the identified role models and indicating the top five role models. Results Parents, family members, friends, coaches and physical education teachers were identified as active role models. There were fewer instances of coaches and physical education teachers as active role models than the others during all three phases. There were more instances of physical education teachers as an active role model after the active phase than the spectator phase or at baseline. Conclusions Physically active teachers may be recognized by their pupils as role models of physical literacy and can encourage their pupils to become physically literate when they move competently and confidently along-side their pupils.
Identification of Candidate Coding Region Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in 165 Human Genes Using Assembled Expressed Sequence Tags

Using assembled expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from 50 different cDNA libraries, we have identified contigs that represent the complete coding sequences of 850 known human genes, and have scanned these for high quality sequence substitutions. We report the identification and characteristics of 201 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms found in the coding sequences (cSNPs) of 165 of these genes. Using a conservative calculation, coding region nucleotide diversity (the average number of differences between any pair of chromosomes) was found to be 3 per 10,000 bp based on this data. This analysis reveals that assembled ESTs from multiple libraries may provide a rich source of comparative sequences to search for cSNPs in the human genome.
Changing ureteral appearance during pyelosinus extravasation

Abstract Pyelosinus backflow with periureteral extravasation occurs not infrequently with acute ureteral obstruction. With a progressive film sequence its diagnosis is usually clear even in unusual situations, as described in this case report.
Crystallization and Preliminary X-ray Studies of l-Aspartase from Escherichia coli

Single crystals of L-aspartate ammonia-lyase (L-aspartase) from Escherichia coli have been obtained by microdialysis at room temperature using polyethylene glycol 3350 and sodium acetate as co-precipitants. The crystals exhibit the symmetry of space group P2(1)2(1)2 with a = 156.5 A, b = 147.6 A, c = 102.5 A and diffract at least to 2.8 A.
Added value of radiologist consultation to family practitioners in the outpatient setting.

PURPOSE: To measure the added value of a radiologist's consultation to the interpretation of radiographs previously read by a family practitioner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed 1,674 chest and extremity radiographs previously read by a family practitioner and consulting radiologist. The 196 radiographs in which there was a discrepancy between the family practitioner's and radiologist's report were evaluated by a radiologist and family physician not involved in and blinded to the original interpretations. The overall accuracy of the participants was determined and differences statistically quantified. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of the radiologists was greater than that of the family practitioners (92% vs 86%); specificity was not significantly different. For extremity examinations, there were no significant differences in accuracy of the radiologists and family practitioners; the sensitivity of radiologists for chest studies was considerably greater (89% vs 80%). Radiologic consultation...
Use of ultrasonography to identify infants for whom urinary catheterization will be unsuccessful because of insufficient urine volume: validation of the urinary bladder index.

Study objective Frequently, attempts to obtain catheter urine samples from infants are unsuccessful because of an empty bladder, with urinary catheterization failure rates reported up to 16%. We seek to validate a sonographic urinary bladder index that will identify patients for whom catheterization will be unsuccessful. Methods We conducted a prospective, blinded, observational study enrolling a convenience sample of children younger than 2 years and undergoing urinary catheterization in an urban pediatric emergency department. Failure was defined as a catheterization result of less than 2 mL of urine. Urinary bladder index, a concept we created, is defined as the product of anteroposterior and transverse diameters, expressed in centimeters squared. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Forty-four patients were enrolled, with a median age of 8 months (range 0.5 to 24 months) and median weight of 7.8 kg (range 1.7 to 17.7 kg). Four children urinated during the procedure and were excluded. Thirty-five had urinary bladder index greater than 2.4 cm 2 (range 2.5 to 15.5 cm 2 ). All were successfully catheterized. Four children had urinary bladder index less than 2.4 cm 2 (range 0 to 1.2 cm 2 ). No adequate samples were obtained from those children. The bladder was not visualized at all in 1 child who was successfully catheterized. Sensitivity of the urinary bladder index to identify failure to obtain 2 mL of urine was 100% (4 of 4; 95% CI 40% to 100%), specificity was 97% (35 of 36; 95% CI 85% to 100%). Conclusion A urinary bladder index less than 2.4 cm 2 appears to identify infants for whom urinary catheterization will be unsuccessful because of insufficient urine volume. Ultrasonographic evaluation with urinary bladder index measurement before catheterization may eliminate the incidence of failed procedures.
A method for the rapid dechlorination of low molecular weight chlorinated hydrocarbons in water

1,1,2-Trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,1-dichloroethylene, cis and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene (PCE), at concentrations of 20 ppm in aqueous solutions were rapidly hydrodechlorinated to ethane (in a few minutes), on the surface of palladized iron in batch experiments that were performed in closed vials. No intermediate reaction products such as 1,1-dichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethylenes and vinyl chloride were detected at concentrations > 1 ppm either in the headspace or in solution. The chloromethanes, CCl4, CHCl3 and CH2Cl2 were also dechlorinated to methane on palladized iron; the CCl4 was dechlorinated in a few minutes, the CHCl3, in less than an hour and the CH2Cl2, in 4–5 h. These results indicate that an above-ground treatment method can be designed for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with low molecular weight chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Hagenbachia, a misplaced genus of New World Liliaceae

Hagenbachia, which until recently was included in Haemodoraceae, belongs in Asphodeleae in Liliaceae sensu lato or Anthericaceae sensu stricto. Hagenbachia and its putative relatives Echeandia, Anthericum, and Chlorophytum are characterized by anatropous ovules, curved or angled embryos, and nonarillate seeds, which indicate a position in Anthericaceae, as well as a black, colliculose seed coat. Hagenbachia includes five species of Central and South America; one, H. columbiana, is described here. The available data suggest the species are ecologically as well as geographically isolated. There are two broad leaved species. One is endemic to the lowlands of eastern Brazil and the second is found at middle elevations in Costa Rica and Panama and on the eastern slope of the Andes in Ecuador. Of the three narrow leaved species, one is endemic to the Cordillera Central in Columbia, a second is endemic to eastern Paraguay and southeastern Bolivia and the third occurs from eastern Bolivia northeast to east-central Brazil.
Effectiveness of ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase in promoting nitrogen fixation in model systems.

Abstract Ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase are important antioxidants that are abundant in N2-fixing legume root nodules. Antioxidants are especially critical in root nodules because leghemoglobin, which is present at high concentrations in nodules, is prone to autoxidation and production of activated oxygen species such as O2 − and H2O2. The merits of ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase for maintaining conditions favorable for N2 fixation were examined in two model systems containing oxygen-binding proteins (purified myoglobin or leghemoglobin) and N2-fixing microorganisms (free-living Azorhizobium or bacteroids of Bradyrhizobium japonicum) in sealed vials. The inclusion of ascorbate alone to these systems led to enhanced oxygenation of hemeproteins, as well as to increases in nitrogenase (acetylene reduction) activity. The inclusion of both ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase resulted in even greater positive responses, including increases of up to 4.5-fold in nitrogenase activity. In contrast, superoxide dismutase did not provide beneficial antioxidant action and catalase alone provided only very marginal benefit. Optimal concentrations were 2 mM for ascorbate and 200 μg/ml for ascorbate peroxidase. These concentrations are similar to those found in intact soybean nodules. These results support the conclusion that ascorbate and ascorbate peroxidase are beneficial for maintaining conditions favorable for N2 fixation in nodules.
Step‐by‐step StentBoost‐guided small vessel stenting using the self‐expandable sparrow stent‐in‐wire

A 56 year-old woman underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for a lesion in a small mid-left anterior descending coronary artery (reference vessel diameter by quantitative coronary angiography: 2.11 mm) with a novel drug-eluting stent specifically designed for small vessels, the CardioMind Sparrow stent delivery system. This is a self-expandable sirolimus-eluting nitinol stent directly mounted into a 0.014-inch coronary guidewire. The stent has a very thin strut thickness (67 micron), limiting its radiopacity. A specific X-ray stent-enhancing visualization technique, “StentBoost”, allowed clear visualization and understanding of the steps needed for an appropriate release and deployment of the aforementioned stent. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis and Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 200 million people globally, with increasing incidence, especially in developing countries. HCV infection frequently progresses to chronic liver disease, creating a heavy economic burden on resource-poor countries and lowering patient quality of life. Effective HCV diagnosis, treatment selection, and treatment monitoring are important in stopping disease progression. Serological assays, which detect anti-HCV antibodies in the patient after seroconversion, are used for initial HCV diagnosis. Qualitative and quantitative molecular assays are used to confirm initial diagnosis, determine viral load, and genotype the dominant strain. Viral load and genotype information are used to guide appropriate treatment. Various other biomarker assays are performed to assess liver function and enable disease staging. Most of these diagnostic methods are mature and routinely used in high-resource countries with well-developed laboratory infrastructure. Few technologies, however, are available that address the needs of low-resource areas with high HCV prevalence, such as Africa and Southeast Asia.
The influence of hydrogen and the interface phase on fracture in Ti code 12

These results show that hydrogen-induced stepped cleavage and intergranular fracture modes are related to the IFP. Increased hydrogen concentration results in a wider IFP and, therefore, increased deformation on (111) planes. Fracture can subsequently occur along these planes giving the stepped cleavage appearance. When (111) planes are not in a favorable orientation for fracture, fracture along the ..cap alpha../IFP boundary can occur.
European-ness and personal violence (suicide and homicide).

A measure of European-ness was not associated with suicide or homicide rates in a sample of 23 European nations in 1970.
Combined effect of acute denervation and ischemia on the microcirculation of skeletal muscle

Using direct in vivo videomicroscopy and a fluorescein dye technique, reperfusion injury after 3 h of ischemia was studied in the acutely denervated cremaster muscle of the rat. Compared with normally innervated controls, ischemia-induced reperfusion injury was more severe in the denervated group and included a delay of blood flow recovery, vortex formation, edema, hemorrhage, and vessel spasm. Vessel size was reduced at the arteriole and small artery level, and there was a decrease of reactive hyperemia. The injury mechanism may be related to a loss of active vasomotion and vascular response to vasoactive substances after denervation. The results suggest that shortening the ischemia time of denervated tissues may reduce ischemia-induced reperfusion injury. Similarly, given the same ischemia time, improved tissue reperfusion may be expected if the nerve supply is maintained.
Characterization of bovine brain calmodulindependent protein phosphatase

Abstract Calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase of bovine brain exhibited a pH optimum of 7 and appeared to require sulfhydryl groups for activity. Phosphatase activity was inhibited by both NaF and ZnCl2, but was stimulated approximately 2-fold by MnCl2. The enzyme exhibited broad substrate specificity, dephosphorylating casein, troponin I, protamine, histone, and phosvitin, and was not phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. With 32P-labeled casein as a substrate, phosphatase was activated 15-fold by calmodulin; the dissociation constant of phosphatase for calmodulin was 30 n m . Activation of the enzyme by calmodulin as a function of Ca2+ was highly cooperative; the Hill coefficient was 4.9. At a saturating concentration of calmodulin, half-maximal activation of phosphatase was obtained at 0.3 μ m Ca2+. Calmodulin increased the Vmax from 1.7 to 41 nmol mg protein−1 min−1 with no significant change in its Km. Formation of a Ca2+-dependent complex between calmodulin and the phosphatase was demonstrated by a calmodulin-Sepharose affinity column, gel-filtration chromatography, and sedimentation on a sucrose density gradient. The rate of formation and dissociation of the calmodulin · phosphatase complex was rapid and readily reversible in response to changes in Ca2+ concentration. The calmodulin · phosphatase complex consists of 1 mol of calmodulin and 1 mol of phosphatase.
Chemical relaxation time of pions in hot hadronic matter

We calculate characteristic time scales for the chemical equilibration of pions in hot hadronic matter using an effective chiral Lagrangian. We find that inelastic processes involving vector and axial vector mesons reduce the chemical equilibration time by a factor of {approximately}10 compared to the result previously calculated in chiral perturbation theory. For a temperature of T{approximately}160 MeV we obtain a chemical relaxation time of {tau}{sub ch}{approx_equal}7 fm/c, which is comparable with typical time scales for a hadronic system generated in SPS-energy heavy-ion collisions. The effect of baryons is also estimated and found to be negligible for SPS energies but might be important for AGS energies. We predict that chemical freeze-out should take place at considerably higher temperatures {Delta}T{approx_equal}40 MeV than thermal freeze-out and that the hadronic phase would not sustain a pion chemical potential larger than 50 MeV. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Anode breaker testing with a high-capacity rectifier system

An extensive testing program for anode breakers using a high-capacity power-rectifier system of the Aluminum Company of America was an unusual opportunity for an appraisal of the combined performance of the system equipment. The information gave an evaluation of the protection to the equipment and has provided a better understanding of the influence of the system components on operating service conditions. This was done with special controls and comprehensive instrumentation which achieved a uniform testing procedure including the rectifier-tank characteristics, phase control of rectifier-tank firing, and interphase transformer saturation control. Through the repetitive consistency of the test arc-back currents, a reliable performance was given by the high-speed current-limiting breaker over the range of available power. In addition, these tests with the large aluminum potline rectifier system gave a real measure of the combined performance of the equipment up to the maximum service requirements rather than by individual device tests, the data for comparison and evaluation of other test facilities, and a guide to future applications.
Atypical Mycobacterial Infection of the Orbit

Purpose: To describe the clinical presentation and successful management of an orbital infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus , a formerly unrecognized cause of orbital disease after penetrating trauma. Methods: An orbital infection due to M. abscessus is described, and previously reported ocular and extraophthalmic infections caused by M. abscessus are reviewed. Results: A 5-year-old boy had acute, painless visual loss shortly after being struck in his left lower eyelid with a fishing rod. Radiologic evaluation established a mass in the orbital apex. Initial biopsy and cultures of the apex mass were negative; however, additional orbital exploration and cultures demonstrated M. abscessus to be the causative organism. The orbital infection was treated successfully with long-term oral clarithromycin. Review of the literature on ocular/adnexal and soft tissue infections caused by atypical mycobacteria shows characteristic clinical and histopathologic features. Conclusions: To the authors' knowledge, only seven patients with atypical mycobacterial infections of the ocular adnexa have been reported. The patient reported in the current study illustrates the difficulty in establishing the preoperative diagnosis of atypical mycobacterial infections of the orbit. A chronic draining wound or a localized orbital abscess, after penetrating trauma, should alert the physician to the possibility of an M. abscessus infection. Clarithromycin, an oral macrolide antibiotic, appears to be the most effective medical therapy for these patients.
Molecular and polymer precursor routes to manganese-doped zinc orthosilicate phosphors

The zinc alkoxy(siloxy) complex {Zn[OSi(OtBu)3]2}2 has been prepared and studied as a molecular precursor to zinc orthosilicate, Zn2SiO4. This complex, prepared by reaction of ZnMe2 with HOSi(OtBu)3, has been characterized by X-ray crystallography as a dimer with two four-coordinate zinc centers. It cleanly looses isobutene, tert-butyl alcohol, and HOSi(OtBu)3 at ca. 100 °C to produce Zn2SiO4·SiO2. Reaction of ZnMe2 with (HO)2Si(OtBu)2 affords the hydrocarbon-soluble polymer [ZnOSi(OtBu)2O]n, which is proposed to have a structure consisting of four-coordinate Zn atoms linked by bridging −O(tBuO)Si(OtBu)O− groups. This polymer undergoes a very clean ceramic conversion over 150−250 °C to give the theoretical yield of carbon-free (by infrared spectroscopy and combustion analyses) Zn2SiO4·SiO2. The pyrolytic elimination products consist of water, tert-butyl alcohol, and isobutene. X-ray diffraction studies on the ceramic products show that Zn2SiO4 is the only zinc-containing, crystalline product formed. Thus ...
Benchmark of Surface Mount Autoclave Reliability Performance

This benchmark study examined the effect of four different backmetal/ leadframe schemes on the time to failure from autoclave testing for surface mount, small signal transistors in the SC59 package configuration. The four schemes examined included die with Au backmetal bonded to a Cu plated Alloy 42 leadframe, Au backmetal bonded to a Ag striped, Ni plated, Cu plated alloy 42 leadframe, Au backmetal with a thin, permeable Ni layer bonded to a Ag striped, Ni plated Cu leadframe and V/Ni/AuGe/Au backmetal bonded to a Cu leadframe. Devices with AuSi eutectic bonded direcdy to the Cu plated Alloy 42 leadframe separated between the Si die and the AuSi eutectic after 240 hours of autoclave testing which produced VCESAT failures. Identical devices bonded to Ag striped, Ni plated, Cu plated Alloy 42 leadframes had the same failure mechanism after 624 hours of autoclave testing. Adding a permeable Ni layer to the AuSi eutectic structure and bonding to a Ag striped, Ni plated Cu leadframe increased the lifetime to 744 hours but still produced the same failure mechanism. Devices using a V/Ni/AuGe/Au bonded to a Cu leadframe remained electrically good and physically intact after 864 hours of autoclave testing. These results indicate the use of leadframe plating and/or backmetal barrier metals is needed in order to produce devices that can withstand extended reliability testing.
Iron Overload in Sickle Cell Disease

In sickle cell disease transfusions improve blood flow by reducing the proportion of red cells capable of forming sickle hemoglobin polymer. This limits hemolysis and the endothelial damage that result from high proportions of sickle polymer-containing red cells. Additionally, transfusions are used to increase blood oxygen carrying capacity in sickle cell patients with severe chronic anemia or with severe anemic episodes. Transfusion is well-defined as prophylaxis (stroke) and as therapy (acute chest syndrome and stroke) for major complications of sickle cell disease and has been instituted, based on less conclusive data, for a range of additional complications, such as priapism, vaso-occlusive crises, leg ulcers, pulmonary hypertension, and during complicated pregnancies. The major and unavoidable complication of transfusions in sickle cell disease is iron overload. This paper provides an overview of normal iron metabolism, iron overload in transfused patients with sickle cell disease, patterns of end organ damage, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of iron overload.
Viral etiologies of infant bronchiolitis, croup and upper respiratory illness during 4 consecutive years.

Background—Prospective data on viral etiology and clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis and upper respiratory illness in infants is limited. Methods—This prospective cohort enrolled previously healthy term infants during inpatient or outpatient visits for acute upper respiratory illness (URI) or bronchiolitis during September - May 2004–2008. Illness severity was determined using an ordinal bronchiolitis severity score. Common respiratory viruses were identified by real-time RT-PCR. Results—Of 648 infants, 67% were enrolled during inpatient visits and 33% during outpatient visits. Seventy percent had bronchiolitis, 3% croup, and 27% URI. Among infants with bronchiolitis, 76% had RSV, 18% HRV, 10% influenza, 2% coronavirus, 3% HMPV, and 1% PIV. Among infants with croup, 39% had HRV, 28% PIV, 28% RSV, 11% influenza, 6% coronavirus, and none HMPV. Among infants with URI, 46% had HRV, 14% RSV, 12% influenza, 7% coronavirus, 6% PIV, and 4% HMPV. Individual viruses exhibited distinct seasonal, demographic, and clinical expression. Conclusions—The most common infections among infants seeking care in unscheduled medical visits for URI or bronchiolitis were RSV and HRV. Demographic differences were observed between patients with different viruses, suggesting that host and viral factors play a role in phenotypic expression of viral illness.
LEAD CONTENT OF FOODS STORED IN CANS AFTER OPENING

A study was conducted of the effect on the concentration of lead in canned foods when they are stored in their lead-soldered cans after opening. Lead concentrations were periodically monitored during 5 days or 14 days after can opening. Fruit juices had the greatest increases in lead concentration during storage. Low-acid foods did not exhibit a significant increase in lead concentration. Recommendations against storing acidic foods and juices in their opened cans are supported by the results of the study.
Comparison of simulated and actual evaporation from maize and soil in a lysimeter

Abstract Evaporation from maize and soil in a pair of lysimeters in a maize crop, ventilation and net radiation above the crop canopy, temperature and humidity above and below the canopy, and leaf area and stomatal resistance in six strata of the canopy were observed during 12 one-hour periods. The measured evaporation was mimicked by an algebraic simulator of energy exchange in six canopy strata plus a seventh stratum occupied by bare stems and the soil surface when the observed stomatal resistance or a resistance that varied realistically with radiation was specified. If a constant stomatal resistance was specified, the simulation was inaccurate. Accurate simulation of evaporation from the soil required that diffusivity be decreased more rapidly within the lower canopy than the observed decrease in horizontal wind.
Mood State or Relational Closeness: Explaining the Impacts of Mood on the Ability to Detect Deception in Friends and Strangers

This study examined the effects a person's prior mood state (happy or sad) has on his or her ability to perceive deception in friends or strangers (N = 208). This study makes predictions based on the Cognitive Functional Model (Nabi, 1999) and Interpersonal Deception Theory (Buller & Burgoon, 1996b). Results indicated that interviewers in the happy mood were significantly less likely to detect deception compared to those in the sad mood. Results showed no differences in the ability to detect deception based on relational closeness. The discussion highlights the importance of mood context in deception detection and on message processing. Implications and plans for future study are discussed.
Improved Microscopic Techniques for Droplet Size Determination of Emulsions

Abstract □ A novel, disposable cell for microscopic determination of the droplet size of emulsions is described. It is made from a piece of adhesive tape in which a hole has been punched which is placed between a glass slide and a cover glass. This cell is easier to fill with emulsions thickened to reduce Brownian motion and creaming than commercial counting chambers, and it prevents field flow. Droplet size averages and distributions obtained with this cell and another counting chamber agreed, provided that the emulsion viscosity was ~20 cp or higher. The sample size required to provide arithmetic mean diameters with a specified accuracy at a preselected confidence probability was calculated.
Visual-preference and operant measures of infant memory.

In three experiments with sixty 3- and 6-month-olds, we examined whether operant and visual-preference measures of retention are equivalent. Infants learned to move a mobile by kicking and then received a paired-comparison test with the familiar (training) mobile and a novel one. Kicking above baseline was the direct measure of retention, and longer looking at the novel mobile was the visual-preference or inferred measure. Retention was tested 1 day after training (Experiment 1) or reactivation (Experiment 2) and immediately or 4 days after training (Experiment 3). Despite differences in age and retention interval, infants consistently exhibited retention on the operant measure, but not on the visual-preference measure. These data reveal that the two measures of retention are not equivalent. When expectations are associated with a particular stimulus, infants indicate retention directly and robustly, rarely looking longer at a novel test stimulus. This result is not limited to operant situations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 39: 301–312, 2001
Incomplete (bending?) fractures of the mandibular condyle in children

Incomplete, bending or bowing fractures of the mandibular condyle in children frequently go undetected. The reason is that the bending deformity often is subtle and passes for normal. This is especially true if the fractures are bilateral.
Maternal-infant HIV transmission and circumstances of delivery.

OBJECTIVES. Circumstances of delivery among children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were investigated to assess whether they were consistent with predictions that intrapartum factors affect the risk of maternal-infant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. METHODS. Pediatric AIDS patients (maternal-infant transmission; n = 632) reported to the New York City Health Department through 1991 were compared with a series of infants born to predominantly uninfected women. For each case patient, five control subjects were selected and matched from birth certificate files. Hypothesized case-control comparisons for mode of delivery and preselected complications were tested. RESULTS. Compared with control subjects, case patients were less likely to have been delivered by cesarean section without complications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59, 1.01) and more likely to have been delivered with complications, whether delivery was by cesarean section (OR = 1.54; 95% ...
Length of service for foster parents: Using administrative data to understand retention

Abstract Although adoptions from foster care have increased dramatically in recent years, foster homes remain a critical resource within the child welfare system. Research has explored the factors associated with foster parents' decision to continue or cease providing foster care. However, we know little about the length of time for which foster parents provide service, nor about the foster parent characteristics and foster care provision associated with varying length of service. This study used administrative data from three states to conduct longitudinal analyses of foster parenting careers. It builds on previous research by producing the first unbiased estimates of length of service and examining variations in length of service in terms of foster parent characteristics and the amount and type of care provided. Median length of service was between 8 and 14 months. Foster parents with greater length of service are likely to be older; live in urban areas; care for more children at a given time; and care for more infants, adolescents, or children with special needs. In each state, a relatively small group of foster parents provided the majority of caregiving. These findings can guide development of strategies to increase retention and make better use of foster parenting resources.
How to Adjust Utility for Desert

It is better when people get what they deserve. So we need an axiology according to which the intrinsic value of a possible world is a function of both how well-off and how deserving the people in that world are. But how should these ‘desert-adjusted’ values of possible worlds be calculated? It is easy to come up with some qualitative ideas. But these qualitative ideas leave us with an embarrassment of riches: too many quantitative functions that implement those qualitative ideas. In this paper I will select one of these quantitative functions and defend its superiority.
The relation between blood pressure changes induced by passive leg raising and arterial stiffness

Abstract Passive leg raising (PLR) elicits cardiorespiratory changes because of intra-thoracic blood pooling. We previously found PLR to lower blood pressure (BP) in healthy subjects. To determine the effects of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors on the PLR BP lowering response, we measured brachial artery, systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) before and 1 minute after 60° PLR, in 125 subjects (58% males, age 48 ± 18 years) with/without CV risk factors/disease. Baseline carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI) were measured by applanation tonometry. Changes (∆) in SBP and BA PP ranged from +31 to –27 and +35 to –20 mm Hg and were normally distributed. Mean BP decreases upon PLR were ΔSBP –3 ± 9 ( P P = .04). On univariate analyses, ΔSBP was correlated with age (r = 0.31, P P P P P P = .038). ΔPP was correlated with age (r = 0.31, P P P = .01), hypertension (r = 0.22, P = .01), hypercholesterolemia (r = 0.27, P 2 = 0.40, P 2 = 0.36, P
Large-magnitude Permian shortening and continental-margin tectonics in the southern Cordillera: Discussion and reply

Stone and Stevens agree that apparent termination of large displacement on the Last Chance thrust near the Darwin Plateau is a major problem to be explained by any viable model of Cordilleran geology. Their arguments against a Permian age for thrusting, however, are deeply flawed. The alternative structural relations they advocate in the Darwin Plateau, southern Inyo Mountains, and northern Death Valley areas result in a thrust belt that is not strain compatible— that is, retrodeformable to its original state without gaps or overlaps in the reconstruction.
Chemical synaptic transmission onto superficial stellate cells of the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus.

The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) is a cerebellum-like auditory brain stem region whose functions include sound localization and multisensory integration. Although previous in vivo studies have sho...
Templated alkylation of hexahistidine with Baylis-Hillman esters.

Alkylation of one of the imidazole rings of hexahistidine with Baylis–Hillman esters tethered to nitrilotriacetate residue was achieved in aqueous solutions at neutral pH and at micromolar concentrations in the presence of Ni2+, Cu2+, or Zn2+ cations. The utility of the approach for selective functionalization of His-tagged recombinant proteins was demonstrated by attachment of a fluorescent label to recombinant protein A with an alkynyl group followed by a “click” 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction.
On the structure and stability of DNA-protamine and DNA-polypeptide complexes.

Abstract “Soluble” complexes of salmon protamine with native calf thymus DNA at low ionic strength have been prepared by annealing mixtures from high salt concentration. These complexes resemble the DNA-cationic polypeptide systems studied previously, in that both become progressively less soluble and more turbid as the protamine (or polypeptide) to DNA ratio is increased. Both types of complexes are characterized by biphasic melting profiles (at 260 and 280 mμ), with the temperature of the second transition (T′m) remaining constant at different peptide cation/DNA phosphate ratios. However, in contrast to the DNA-polypeptide systems, the temperature of the first transition (Tm) of the DNA-protamine complexes increases appreciably with increasing cation/phosphate ratio. The second transition obtained with DNA-protamine occurs at a T′m very close to that for DNA-polyarginine, suggesting that homologous structures exist in the two types of complexes. Thermal denaturation of the protamine and polypeptide complexes monitored at 350 mμ yields single transitions coincident with T′m. DNA — protamine, like the DNA — polypeptide complexes, exhibits cooperative binding (i.e. non-random assortment) of protamine molecules onto the DNA; the complexes can be separated by centrifugation into a pellet in which the DNA phosphates are completely neutralized, and a supernatant fraction containing essentially uncomplexed DNA. The effect of polypeptide chain-length on DNA stabilization has been investigated by forming complexes with several oligolysines. In 0.001 m -sodium cacodylate buffer, a sequence of eight or more lysyl residues is required to achieve biphasic melting profiles, whereas longer lysyl sequences are needed in 0.001 m -sodium cacodylate made 50% ( v v ) in methanol. Complexes have also been formed with sonicated DNA to investigate the influence of DNA size on the DNA-polypeptide interaction.
Quantized electromagnetic field on a manifold

We develop the quantization of the electromagnetic field on an arbitrary globally hyperbolic Lorentzian manifold with a compact Cauchy surface.
Weight gain following spinal cord injury: a pilot study.

AbstractStudy designRetrospective chart review.ObjectiveTo define the temporal course of weight gain in persons with new spinal cord injury (SCI), and to identify predictors of weight gain in this population.SettingA United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SCI Unit.MethodsA retrospective chart review in a VA SCI Unit was conducted. Participants (n = 85) included all persons with new SCI completing initial rehabilitation at the center between 1998 and 2006. Outcome measures were mean change in body mass index (BMI) between rehabilitation admission and final follow-up, time of greatest BMI change, and distribution of participants by BMI classification. These measures were also examined relative to SCI level, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade, primary mode of mobility, and age at rehabilitation admission.ResultsMean BMI increased by 2.3 kg/m2 between rehabilitation admission (mean 45 days post-injury) and final follow-up (mean 5 years post-injury). The distribution of ...
Immunotherapy in upper GI malignancies.

A comprehensive analysis of the interactions that can occur amongst three complex systems—the tumor cell, tissue microenvironment, and the immune response, is required if we are to realize the potential of immunotherapeutics in gastroesophageal cancer. For many years, epithelial cancers were believed to originate due to the transformation of tissue stem cells. Recently however, it has suggested that bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs), which are frequently recruited to sites of tissue injury and inflammation, might also represent a potential source of malignancy. The link between infection, chronic inflammation, and cancer has long been recognized in gastric cancer with its close association with Helicobacter pylori as a class I carcinogen. The long-term consequences of recruiting pluripotent cells to areas of chronic inflammation which can result in altered cell signaling and differentiation needs to be defined, but this work provides a fascinating insight into the pivotal role played by the immune system in the development of upper GI tumors. Here, we discuss many of the immunotherapeutic strategies that have been assessed in gastroesophageal cancer in the last two decades. At the time of writing, the use of checkpoint inhibitors represents the most exciting approach and displays the greatest potential for widespread adoption in the clinic. Preliminary data suggest that programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression ranges from approximately 18 to 42 % in gastroesophageal cancer. Phase II and phase III clinical trials involving either single agent PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition or combined with CTLA-4 inhibitors are currently enrolling, and it is expected that checkpoint inhibition will become a new standard of care in the management of advanced disease in the near future.
Corneal Allograft Rejection Following Immunization

Five patients developed corneal allograft rejection after immunization. One patient, a 33-year-old woman, received a tetanus toxoid booster nine months after a corneal transplant for keratoconus. Within four days she developed a graft rejection that required a penetrating keratoplasty two years later. Six months later, after hepatitis B immunization, the patient reported decreased vision and the graft was cloudy, but visual acuity was 20/20. The other four patients developed graft rejection after influenza immunization. Two of these four graft rejection episodes were successfully treated with high-dose corticosteroid therapy; all episodes occurred within several weeks of influenza immunization. Patients should be prudently counseled regarding the possible risks of immunization to corneal allograft survival.