cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free radicals alter ionic calcium levels and membrane phospholipids in cultured rat ventricular myocytes.

Oxygen-derived free radicals have been implicated in damage to membrane phospholipids leading to alterations in membrane function. The purpose of this study was to investigate alterations in intracellular ionic calcium (Ca2+) levels and Ca2+ transients, cellular morphology, conjugated diene levels, arachidonate release, and lactate dehydrogenase release resulting from the exposure of cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes to a xanthine oxidase catalyzed free radical generating system capable of producing superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. The ability of alpha-tocopherol to prevent alterations due to free radical exposure was investigated. For measurements of Ca2+, myocytes grown on coverslips for 3-4 days were loaded with fura-2/AM and studied by microspectrofluorometry. Control myocytes superfused with a physiological buffer or buffer containing purine and iron-loaded transferrin exhibited Ca2+ transients associated with spontaneous contractions. For control, buffer perfused myocytes (n = 4), the fura-2 340/380 ratios were 0.5 +/- 0.1 (mean +/- S.E.) and 1.6 +/- 0.03 at the minimum and maximum, respectively, of the Ca2+ transient, after 1 h of perfusion. Exposure to the free radical generating solution (n = 14) altered intracellular Ca2+. The 340/380 minimum ratio was 639% of the control value after approximately 30-70 mins with cessation of normal Ca2+ transients. Bleb development was associated with increased Ca2+. Myocytes reperfused with control medium continued to exhibit an elevated minimum fura-2 ratio at 687% of control. Myocytes pretreated with 10 microM alpha-tocopherol (n = 13) for 18-24 h and exposed to free radicals did not exhibit increases in intracellular Ca2+, having a minimum 340/380 ratio of 0.5 +/- 0.1 after 60-90 mins, and although myocytes often ceased contracting, they resumed spontaneous Ca2+ transients with control medium reperfusion and also maintained normal structure. Exposure of myocyte cultures to free radical generating solutions resulted in increased levels of conjugated dienes and increased release of [3H]arachidonate and lactate dehydrogenase compared to control values after 1 h. alpha-Tocopherol treatment attenuated the increase in conjugated diene levels, and the release of [3H]arachidonate and lactate dehydrogenase. Thus, free radicals alter intracellular Ca2+, conjugated dienes and membrane structure indicating their ability to induce altered ionic homeostasis in association with myocardial membrane damage. alpha-Tocopherol decreased free radical mediated injury.
A School-Based Treatment Model for Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

School psychologists have expertise in the realm of school-based assessment and intervention for behavioral, educational, and psychological difficulties. Recent evidence indicates that many school psychologists lack evidenced based knowledge about assessment and treatment of pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Pediatric OCD is a relatively common disorder that contributes to substantial impairment in educational and psychosocial domains. Evidence based treatment of pediatric OCD, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, has shown to be efficacious. Therefore, the aims of this paper are to provide a review of empirically established treatments for pediatric OCD, and present a school-based problem-solving model that school psychologists can utilize to conceptualize, assess, and treat OCD.
“Movable feast of signs”: gender in zar in central sudan

ABSTRACTBurei and tombura, two widespread forms of spirit possession found in Central Sudan, have many common characteristics and are both based on a belief in a particular type of spirit, known as zar. Popularly they are distinguished primarily by gender: burei is female, tombura is male. This distinction refers not only to the relatively greater involvement of men in tombura history and practice, but also to the public perceptions of differences between the two groups. This paper focuses on the interpretation of gender in specific ritual objects in zar burei and tombura and shows that in practice the markers of gender are neither fixed nor rigid. They may be variously interpreted or negotiated by participants in zar, while through trance and the rituals of possession they are often reversed and/or transformed.
Phase I trial examining addition of gemcitabine to CHOP in intermediate grade NHL

Purpose Gemcitabine induces a 20% response as single-agent therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL. We report phase I findings of gemcitabine in combination with standard CHOP chemotherapy with G-CSF support for intermediate grade NHL. The protocol was modified during enrollment to include rituximab in CD 20+ lymphomas.
Microspectrofluorometry for metabolic control analysis and the study of organelle morphogenesis in cell differentiation and transformation

Microspectrofluorometry has been used in conjunction with fluorescence micrography for metabolic control analysis in normal and genetically deficient human fibroblasts, as well as human melanoma cells. These studies point to the role of mitochondria as the `cell's policeman' with regard to metabolic control. Cytotoxic agents active on mitochondrial structure and function (i.e. anthralin, azelaic acid) produce an unleashing of extramitochondrial pathways characterized by large and out-of-control NAD(P)H transients elicited by microinjected substrates. An interesting aspect has been the demonstration of an active nuclear energy metabolism, by NAD(P)H fluorescence excited at 365 nm, which may help to link cell bioenergetics to gene expression in the eukaryotes by the use of DNA probes. The metabolic control analysis of cell bioenergetics has been extended to the pathways involved in the cell's handling of cytotoxic agents. Non invasive fluorescence equipment offers possibilities for diagnostics and therapeutics in dermatology. Structure and function studies can be carried out at considerably enhanced resolution and with on-line interpretation by introducing scanning nearfield optics microscopy (SNOM) and real-time interactive parameter experimentation control (RIPEC).
A Study of Accidents in 147 Factories

Summary Accident severity and frequency were correlated with each of 75 other variables in 147 factories in the automotive and machine shop industry, as listed in the membership rolls of the Automotive and Machine Shop Section of the National Safety Council. 1. Accident frequency is associated with seasonal layoffs rate, poor attitude of co-workers toward high producers, small plants, easy access to prostitutes, other plants about, frequent handling of heavy materials, blighted living conditions, and garnisheed wages. 2. Accident severity is associated with non-equalitarian eating, national union strength, no stated penalty for tardiness, no employee profit-sharing plan, extreme workplace peratures, and “dirty-sweaty” work. 3. Many of these significant correlates seem to show in common the operation of persistent threat to, or undermining of, the status or comfort of the individual as an individual (seasonal layoffs, rivalry-hostility among ability-unmatched workers, extreme social distance in eating practices, dominance of the national organization in collective bargaining, no incentive of sharing in profits, heavy and dirty work). The loss of, or threat to, individuality may produce preoccupation which in turn is unsafe behavior. 4. Another group of correlates of unsafe behavior relate to morality and urban sociology (prostitution, congestion, and, frequently, ugliness of other plants about, ugliness and bad living conditions of blighted neighborhoods, garnisheed wages). The mechanics of these associations are unclear but may in- volve excessive loading of guilt feelings, excessive instability of human, especially family, relationships, and related preoccupying frustrations. Some of these relations probably bear a causal significance for accidents whereas for others the apparent relationship merely artifactual of some more underlying cause. Many these relationships are here investigated for the first time, it is hoped that confirmatory studies by other researchers be forthcoming.
Sustained venous occlusion plethysmography: Effects on protein osmotic pressure, intravascular volume, and capillary filtration

In six acutely anesthetized, mechanically ventilated mongrel dogs, we evaluated sequential changes (over 30 minutes) of sustained forelimb venous occlusion (occlusion pressures 30 to 65 mm Hg) on strain gauge dimension, radionuclide blood pool emissions, and venous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular pressures (Wick technique). Forelimb intravascular volume (assessed by decay-corrected radionuclide counts/unit time) changed by a mean of only -1.2 +/- 2.8% (+/- SEM) and thus was ignored in the calculation of filtration rate. Forelimb (distal to the occlusion site) hematocrit changed insignificantly (45.3 +/- 1.4% at the control point to 48.2 +/- 1.1% at 30 minutes), colloid osmotic pressure rose slightly 19.4 +/- 1.4 mm Hg to 22.7 +/- 1.6 mm Hg, p less than 0.01), and serum osmolality remained unchanged. During sustained occlusion, venous pressure remained constant, subcutaneous pressure rose (-0.7 +/- 1.2 mm Hg control vs 0.5 +/- 1.4 mm Hg at 30 minutes, p less than 0.05), and intramuscular pressure also rose (-0.4 +/- 1.1 mm Hg to 2.6 +/- 1.6 mm Hg, p less than 0.01). Driving pressure, defined by venous pressure - oncotic pressure less the average of intramuscular and subcutaneous pressure declined slightly over the 30 minutes of the study (27.8 +/- 5.5 mm Hg to 23.3 +/- 1.3 mm Hg, p less than 0.05). The relationship between either the initial driving pressure or the initial difference between venous and protein osmotic pressure correlated (r = 0.83 for both) well with strain gauge estimates of capillary fluid flux (evaluated by the change in forelimb strain gauge dimension over time and given as cc/100 cc forelimb volume/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Microbe Farms: Microbial Biorepositories in Clinical Microbiology

Biorepositories aim to acquire, authenticate, preserve, develop, and distribute biological specimens, along with information, technology, intellectual property, and standards for the advancement and application of scientific knowledge. Biorepositories are critical components of modern healthcare , as they provide resources to advance translational biomedical research, navigation through the FDA process for in vitro devices, verification and validation of diagnostic methods, and personalized medicine. In order to fully realize the opportunities that biorepositories offer to medicine, laboratories must be able to guarantee high-quality biospecimens, associated information, and a system able to respond to the needs of method verification, quality control, or the requests of scientific colleagues. A biorepository requires funding resources and space, which are often difficult to find within existing health care resources, yet health care may benefit most from the resources biorepositories provide. It is crucial that institutions be able to recognize these issues and start preparing and releasing adequate resources to support the development of biorepositories with a common goal to improve health care by increasing the quality of biomedical research and diagnostic test development. The future of biorepositories depends on the development of more evidence-based practices in both the research and clinical settings. As the field matures, educating a new generation of biospecimen/biobanking scientists will be an important need.
HgCdTe Focal Plane Development Concepts

As advanced infrared systems are designed and developed, the requirement for greater sensitivity and resolution is continually encountered. System performance parameters relating to these requirements always depend on the signal-to-noise ratio of the total focal plane. Under optimum operating conditions for the best materials, the response is directly proportional to the total area of sensitive material on the focalplane Ap, whereas the noise varies as Ap1/2 thus system sensitivity varies as Ap1/2. However, resolution depends inversely on the dimensions of the sensitive elements. Thus, higher performance systems will require multielement focal planes of small, closely packed detectors.
Low-molecular-weight heparins in coronary stenting (the ENTICES trial)

The role of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) in the management of stent thrombosis, although expected to produce fewer hemorrhagic complications than warfarin anticoagulation regimens, is poorly defined. The ENoxaparin and TIClopidine after Elective Stenting (ENTICES) trial was designed to compare a combination of a LMWH (enoxaparin), ticlopidine, and aspirin with the conventional warfarin anticoagulant treatment in patients who received coronary stents, in an effort to decrease stent thrombosis and ischemic clinical events. The results show that the enoxaparin regimen produced significantly fewer clinical events and vascular complications than the conventional warfarin anticoagulant regimen.
Electrophoretic patterns of aminoacylase-1 (ACY-1) isozymes in vertebrate cells and histochemical procedure for detecting ACY-1 activity

A histochemical procedure has been developed for staining aminoacylase-1 (ACY-1) isozymes after electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes. N-Formyl-L-methionine and N-acetyl-L-methionine were excellent enzyme substrates in the staining reaction. The ACY-1 isozymes from tissue culture cells of several vertebrate species showed distinguishable electrophoretic patterns. The ACY-1 isozymes in extracts of mouse, human, owl monkey, and African green monkey kidney cells each had electrophoretic mobilities different from those of peptidases S, A, and C from the same cells. Except for African green monkey kidney (CV-1) cells, the animal species expressed a single anodally migrating ACY-1 band. Human-mouse somatic cell hybrids containing the short arm of human chromosome 3 expressed three ACY-1 bands, as would be predicted from the dimeric structure of the enzyme. CV-1 cells expressed two (or three) ACY-1 bands, suggesting the possibility that CV-1 cells contained two alleles at a single locus or two genetic loci for ACY-1.
Soil‐Washing evaluation program for Palmerton Zinc Site

Abstract The Palmerton Zinc Site is a Superfund site in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Its former mineral processing operations have contaminated nearby wells and soils with zinc and cadmium. Preliminary analysis of soil and dust sampling conducted in May 1991 has revealed that the dust poses a potential threat to human health. The purpose of the soil washing evaluation program for the Palmerton Zinc Site was to evaluate soils from Palmerton residential properties to determine whether these soils could be remediated by soil washing. This technology uses a washing solution and mechanical action to extract heavy metals from excavated soil. The washing solution is then drained from the “clean”; soil and the heavy metals are recovered. The evaluation program utilized various soil classification tests such as a particle‐size analysis and pH. The results of these tests showed that soil washing is not likely to be a viable method to treat the soil and dust contamination in Palmerton.
On calculating activity coefficients and other excess functions from the intracrystalline exchange properties of a double-site phase

Abstract For a phase at equilibrium in which two cation species are partitioned ideally between two sub-lattice sites, the excess functions of mixing (free energy, enthalpy and entropy) are directly related to the bulk composition of the phase and ΔGE°(T, P), the standard-state intra- crystalline exchange free energy. If the phase is not at equilibrium internally, an additional ordering parameter is necessary to fix the excess free energy of mixing, GmixEX, unambiguously. Conversely, for any fixed GmixEX there exists an infinity of possible intracrystalline cation dis- tributions, only one of which is the equilibrium distribution for the specified temperature and pressure. As ideal intraphase cation ordering becomes more pronounced, GmixEX decreases. In response, the total free energy of mixing for the phase decreases progressively for non-end member compositions, approaching, at the limits of ordering, values appropriate for stabilizing compounds of intermediate composition. The model-dependent activity coefficient for component A in the phase, γAT, can be calculated for any bulk composition, XAT, either from GmixEX directly or from more basic equations involving the interrelation of chemical potentials at equilibrium. A general form for γAT is ln γ A T = 1n[ 2(X A α X A β ) 1 2 / (X A α +X A β ) ]+Y , where Xjκ denotes the mole fraction of species j in site κ. The first term on the right-hand side of this equation is the contribution to γAT from ideal intracrystalline partitioning, and is common to the several theories lately presented to model intraphase cation partitioning. It can be shown rigorously that this term contributes to a negative deviation from ideality for the bulk phase. The second term is the contribution to the macroscopic activity coefficient from non-ideal intraphase partitioning, and is related to an enthalpy of mixing, HmixN in excess of that resulting from ideal inter-site cation ordering. While the expression represented by Y can take several functional forms, the additional enthalpy can be evaluated explicitly for specific non-ideal partitioning models from the relation H mix N = 2RT(1− X A T ) ∝ Y (1 − X A T ) 2 dX A T . In those cases, GmixEX can also be determined exactly.
Tillage, cover crop, and kill-planting date effects on corn yield and soil nitrogen

Tillage and spring kill date may affect cover crop N accumulation and subsequent N release to the soil, thereby influencing corn (Zea mays L.) N uptake and yield. We examined the influence of three tillage practices [no till (NT), chisel plowing (CP), and moldboard plowing (MP)], two cover crop management systems [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) vs. winter weeds], and two cover crop kill-corn planting dates [early (early April cover crop kill and mid to late April corn planting) vs. late (mid to late April cover crop kill and late April to early May corn planting)] on cover crop N accumulation, soil inorganic N, and silage corn N uptake and yield. An experiment was conducted on a Dothan sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Plinthic Paleudults) from 1997 to 1999 in central Georgia. Cover crop N accumulation was higher with late kill than with early kill (113 vs. 104 kg ha -1 ). Corn yield was higher with late planting in NT than in CP or MP (19.5 vs. 15.1-16.6 Mg ha -1 ) and higher in CP or MP with early planting than in MP with late planting (18.1-18.4 vs. 15.1 Mg ha -1 ). Similarly, corn N uptake was higher in NT with late planting than in CP or MP with early or late planting (217 vs. 133-171 kg ha -1 ). Soil inorganic N (0- to 30-cm depth) at corn planting was higher in CP than in NT (18.4-30.2 vs. 9.9-20.5 mg kg -1 ). Corn yield and N uptake in NT and N concentration and uptake in CP and MP can be increased by delaying cover crop kill by 2 wk, but corn yield in CP and MP can be maintained by killing cover crop early in the spring.
A Hemodynamic Comparison of Dopamine and Isoproterenol in Patients in Shock

The hemodynamic responses to isoproterenol and dopamine were investigated in 22 patients with the shock syndrome from various etiologies. Dopamine was superior to isoproterenol in seven patients with normal or low peripheral resistance. In this group of patients administration of isoproterenol was associated with unacceptably low blood pressure. Isoproterenol was superior in three patients in whom dopamine did not increase cardiac output. Both amines produced adequate clinical response in four patients, and a combination of isoproterenol and dopamine was necessary for adequate therapy in two patients. Six patients did not respond hemodynamically or clinically to either dopamine or isoproterenol. This investigation has demonstrated that optimal sympathomimetic amine therapy of shock is facilitated by an analysis of hemodynamic status and responses to drug administration.
Rhesus isoimmunization in twin gestation

The incidence of Rh isoimmunized twin gestation is extremely low. There are several perinatal risks inherent to twinning. Rhesus isoimmunization further increases hazards of such a compromised gestation. This paper reports three cases of rhesus isoimmunization in twin gestation, discusses the selective problems of such pregnancies, and reviews the pertinent literature.
An inhibitor from corn blocks the hypotensive action of plasma protein fraction and active Hageman factor

Abstract Rapid infusion of certain lots of plasma protein fraction (PPF) into surgical patients can cause a severe fall in blood pressure. It has been reported that these lots contain the ∼ 30,000 dalton Hageman factor fragment (HFf), a potent activator of prekallikrein. Thus, the hypotensive effect of PPF could be due to the generation of bradykinin from the patients' kininogen. Strong evidence supporting the theory that HFf is the hypotensive agent in PPF has been obtained by the use of a specific inhibitor of HFf isolated from corn. Intravenous infusion of implicated lots of PPF or purified HFf causes a pronounced fall in the blood pressure of anesthetized rats pretreated with the kininase inhibitor SQ14225. The hypotensive effect of both PPF and HFf is blocked when they are preincubated with the specific HFf inhibitor. It is concluded that HFf is at least the trigger, if not the sole agent, responsible for the hypotensive action of implicated lots of PPF.
The role of endomycorrhizal fungi in iron uptake by Hilaria jamesii

Abstract The semiarid warm season grass galleta [Hilaria jamesii (Torr.)] was used in a series of mycorrhizal experiments to determine the mechanism of enhanced iron (Fe) absorption under conditions of Fe deficiency. Galleta was grown from seed in sterilized soil which had either been infested with mycorrhizal fungi or left uninfested. The four fungal species used to infest the soil were Glomus albidum, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus macrocarpum, and Glomus mosseae. After 85 days of growth, the nonmycorrhizal and mycorrhizal plants were removed from the soil and placed in complete Hoagland's hydroponic nutrient solutions with phosphorus (P) at 1/5 the normal concentration. Galleta, grown hydroponically from seed, was used as a second nonmycorrhizal control. At the end of ten days of growth, the plants were transferred to Hoagland's nutrient solution at 1/5 the phosphorus concentration and without Fe. The plants were grown for twenty days in this solution; at the end of the growth period, all of the treatment...
Public and Nonprofit Management and the "New Governance"

Many public functions originally performed primarily by state actors now routinely rest not with the responsible government agencies but with a host of nongovernmental, third-party surrogates or proxies. There has also been an increase in partnerships and collaboration between nonprofits, corporations, and governments, necessitating new skills and competencies for public and nonprofit leaders alike. The authors summarize the literature on these issues and identify important areas of agreement. They then report the results of a research project intended to help public and nonprofit managers identify characteristics of nonprofit organizations that are most likely to signal the existence of an effective and accountable organization.
Estimation of the weibull shape parameter in small-sample bioassay

The Weibull distribution has been used as a dose-response curve to model survival rates in aquatic toxicity testing, and tumor risk in carcenogenesis research. For estimating risks at low dose levels, especially when experimental data at these levels is sparse, the Weibull shape parameter is of primary importance. Several standard statistical methods of estimation, including least squares and maximum likelihood, are commonly used to estimate shape; the results of a simulation study, designed to compare their small-sample properties, is presented. Both point and interval estimation are considered, and some recommendations concerning choice of method are given.
Dioxin-like and non-dioxin like effects of polychlorinated biphenyls: Implications for risk assessment

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic contaminants in the environment. Individual PCB congeners exhibit different physicochemical properties and biological activities that result in different environmental distributions and toxicity profiles. The variable composition of PCB residues in environmental matrices and their different mechanisms of toxicity complicate the development of scientifically based regulations for risk assessment. Various approaches for the assessment of risks of PCBs have been critically examined. Recent developments in the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach for the assessment of toxic effects due to dioxin-like PCBs have been examined. The PCB exposure studies that describe non-dioxin-like toxic effects, particularly neurobehavioural effects and their effective doses in animals, were compiled. A comparative assessment of effective doses for dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like effects by PCBs has been made to evaluate the relative significance of non-ortho and ortho-substituted PCBs in risk assessment. Using mink as an example, relative merits and implications of using TEF and total PCB approaches for assessing the potential for toxic effects in wildlife were examined. There are several advantages and limitations associated with each method used for PCB risk assessment. Toxic effects due to coplanar PCBs occur at relatively smaller concentrations than those due to non-dioxin-like PCBs and, therefore, the TEF approach derives the risk assessment of PCBs in the environment. The need for the refinement of the TEF approach for more accurate assessment of risks is discussed.
Sisterhood at the front: Friendship, comradeship, and the feminine appropriation of military heroism among World War I First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY)

Synopsis This article focuses on friendship and comradeship among First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) volunteers serving on the Western Front during the First World War. I discuss the distinction between, and the gendering of, friendship and comradeship, and make the case that the conditions of FANY service were not destructive of female friendships as they were for male combatants. I argue that the sustainability of emotional connection in the context of FANY autonomy and independence instead provided the foundation for the development of a comradeship that resulted in the feminine appropriation of military heroism. Such appropriation gave authentic claim to this masculine space and helped set the stage for women's participation in other aspects of public life.
Operating Cash Flows, Cash Recovery Rates And Internal Rates Of Return

Investors depend on financial reporting to assess the amounts and timing of future cash flows. Unfortunately, the historical cost basis may not provide sufficient information to judge future cash flows. The Financial Accounting Standards Board argues that the market price of common stock incorporates the market estimate of discounted future cash flows. This paper illustrates the calculation of operating cash flow on a per share (CFPS) basis and measures a firm’s internal rate of return by dividing the CFPS by the beginning of the year stock price reported by the Dow Jones Industrials. Although this measure may be affected by other market events, we believe it has potential information content and may provide investors with a tool to value stocks.
Nanotechnology for molecular imaging and targeted therapy.

The recent emergence of “molecular imaging” as an integrated discipline in academic medical centers has set the stage for an evolutionary leap in diagnostic imaging and therapy. 1 Molecular imaging is not a substitute for the traditional process of image formation and interpretation, but is intended to improve diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity by providing an in vivo analog of immunocytochemistry or in situ hybridization. It is less concerned with native image contrast or resolution, which are keys for depicting the effects of the disease on surrounding normal tissues, but rather, it seeks to enhance the conspicuity of microscopic pathologies by targeting the molecular components or processes that represent actual mechanisms of disease. Moreover, imaging will become crucial for in vivo characterization of the complex behaviors of disease in time and space that will tell us: where it is, how big it is, how fast it is developing, how many molecular processes are contributing simultaneously, what to treat it with, how it is responding to therapy, and how it is changing. Elements fundamental to the growth of molecular imaging are exemplified in summary statements from the second Biomedical Imaging Symposium: Visualizing the Future of Biology and Medicine (Available at: http://www.becon1. nih.gov/symposium1999.htm), which convened at the National Institutes for Health (NIH) on June 25 and 26, 1999, and was cosponsored by the Biomedical Engineering Consortium (BECON), the Radiological Society of North America, and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering. The goals of the Symposium were to: (1) “identify the most important challenges and opportunities in biomedical imaging science,” and (2) “develop strategies for integrating imaging science with biological and medical research.” The formation of the BECON was followed by a Congressional mandate to establish a new National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering devoted to the development of novel technologies, including molecular imaging and therapeutics, without the traditional restrictions of hypothesis-driven research. The BECON symposium identified 5 action items critical to achieving these goals: ● Implementation of multidisciplinary research programs, especially in the area of molecular imaging or image guided therapy; ● Development of new imaging technologies, probes, and
Infrared invisibility stickers inspired by cephalopods

The skin morphology of cephalopods endows them with remarkable dynamic camouflage capabilities. Cephalopod skin has therefore served as an inspiration for the design of camouflage devices that function in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In contrast, despite the importance of infrared signaling and detection for numerous industrial and military applications, there have been fewer attempts to translate the principles underlying cephalopod adaptive coloration to infrared camouflage systems. Herein, we draw inspiration from the structures and proteins found in cephalopod skin to fabricate biomimetic camouflage coatings on transparent and flexible adhesive substrates. The substrates can be deployed on arbitrary surfaces, and we can reversibly modulate their reflectance from the visible to the near infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum with a mechanical stimulus. These stickers make it possible to disguise common objects with varied roughnesses and geometries from infrared visualization. Our findings represent a key step towards the development of wearable biomimetic color- and shape-shifting technologies for stealth applications.
Simulation system for a rebreathing technique to measure multiple cardiopulmonary function parameters.

Background We developed a simple method for simulating a rebreathing maneuver to test the accuracy of the apparatus for simultaneous measurement of lung volume, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, diffusing capacity of the lung for nitric oxide (Dlno), and pulmonary blood flow (c). Methods A test gas mixture containing 0.3% methane, 0.3% CO, 0.8% acetylene, 30% O 2 , and 40 ppm nitric oxide in balance of nitrogen was sequentially diluted with a rebreathing gas mixture containing 0.3% acetylene, 0.3% methane, and 21% O 2 in balance of nitrogen in order to simulate the in vivo end-tidal disappearance of the test gas mixture. Simulation of one rebreathing maneuver consisted of at least four serial dilution steps with a performance time of Results Compared to nominal values, errors in measured values by rebreathing and single-breath Dlco simulation remained Conclusion The results demonstrate the feasibility of this simulation method for standardizing the experimental measurements obtained by rebreathing and single-breath techniques. Incorporation of these simulation steps enhances the noninvasive assessment of cardiopulmonary function.
Applications of Cold Temperature Stress to Age Fractionate Caenorhabditis elegans: A Simple Inexpensive Technique

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans's (CE) successful use in studies of aging is well documented. Cold temperature stress of mixed populations of CE provides a rapid inexpensive means of obtaining three life stage-specific cohorts. Cohorts are obtained in quantities that allow acquisition of replicate metabolite profiles of changes associated with development, aging, and senescence. The fractionation technique is effective with monoxenic and axenic CE cultures. Cohort Y contains 100% young worms, and Cohort A contains 75% adult worms. Cohort M, prereproductive and reproductive, contains some A and Y due to continuous egg laying and hatch. Principal component analysis of normalized data from metabolite profiles obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography electrochemical analysis clearly separates Cohort Y from Cohort A and monoxenic from axenic cultured worms. Access to replicate quantities of age-defined worms will aid studies of alterations in homeostatic controls associated with aging and senescence.
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of the Elderly Contain Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from humans of different ages were analyzed for DNA sequences specific for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genes 29 and 62 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Neither VZV gene was detected in DNA from umbilical cord blood PBMC of 10 infants or from blood PBMC of two 3-year-old children. In 22 humans less than 60 years old, gene 29 was not detected, and gene 62 was detected in only one subject. In 33 humans greater than 60 years old, including patients with postherpetic neuralgia, PBMC from 4 subjects contained gene 29, 4 contained gene 62, and 1 contained both genes. The presence of VZV DNA correlated significantly with age (P less than .05, chi 2 and logistic regression analysis), but not with gender or postherpetic neuralgia.
Overlapping cytotoxic T-lymphocyte and B-cell antigenic sites on the influenza virus H5 hemagglutinin.

Abstract To define the recognition site of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) on influenza virus H5 hemagglutinin (HA), an H5 HA-specific CTL clone was examined for the ability to recognize monoclonal antibody-selected HA variants of influenza virus A/Turkey/Ontario/7732/66 (H5N9). On the basis of 51Cr release assays with the variants, a CTL epitope was located near residue 168 of H5 HA. To define the epitope more precisely, a series of overlapping peptides corresponding to this region was synthesized and tested for CTL recognition. The minimum peptide recognized by the CTL clone encompassed residues 158 to 169 of H5 HA. Relative to the H3 HA three-dimensional structure, this CTL epitope is located near the distal tip of the HA molecule, also known as a major B-cell epitope on H3 HA. A single mutation at residue 168 (Lys to Glu) in the H5 HA variants abolished CTL recognition; this same amino acid was shown previously to be critical for B-cell recognition (M. Philpott, C. Hioe, M. Sheerar, and V. S. Hinshaw, J. Virol. 64:2941-2947, 1990). Additionally, mutations within this region of the HA molecule were associated with attenuation of the highly virulent A/Turkey/Ontario/7732/66 (H5N9) (M. Philpott, B. C. Easterday, and V.S. Hinshaw, J. Virol. 63:3453-3458, 1989). When tested for recognition of other H5 viruses, the CTL clone recognized the HA of A/Turkey/Ireland/1378/83 (H5N8) but not that of A/Chicken/Pennsylvania/1370/83 (H5N2), even though these viruses contain identical HA amino acid 158-to-169 sequences. These results suggest that differences outside the CTL epitope affected CTL recognition of the intact HA molecule. The H5 HA site defined in these studies is, therefore, important in both CTL and B-cell recognition, as well as the pathogenesis of the virus.
Phase Transformations in Dicalcium Silicate: II, TEM Studies of Crystallography, Microstructure, and Mechanisms

The crystallography, microstructures, and phase transformation mechanisms in dicalcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) were studied by TEM. Three types of superlattice structures were observed in the α′L and β phases. Almost all β grains were twinned and strained. Symmetry-related domain structures inherited from previous high-temperature transformations were observed in β grains. Both the α→α′H and α′L→β transformations were considered to be ferroelastic, and spontaneous strains were calculated. In terms of the crystal structures, the major driving force for the β→γ transformation is proposed to be strains and cation charge repulsions in the β structure. This mechanism can be displacive, but it needs to overcome a comparatively high energy barrier.
Analysis of the subgenomic RNAs and the small open reading frames of Beet black scorch virus.

A full-length cDNA of the genome of Beet black scorch virus (BBSV), isolate Ningxia, was constructed and modified by site-directed mutagenesis to permit in vitro transcription of mutant viral RNAs. Two subgenomic (sg) RNAs (sgRNA1 and sgRNA2) appeared during BBSV replication. Mutagenesis revealed that sgRNA1 transcription was initiated at G2209 within the P82 polymerase subunit open reading frame (ORF) and that transcription of sgRNA2 began at G2526 within the nested p7b/p5′ ORF. Initiation-codon shifting or premature termination of translation of the three ORFs (P7a, P7b and P5′) encoded by sgRNA1 indicated that each of the genes was required for localized movement, accumulation of viral RNAs and formation of local lesions on the leaves of Chenopodium amaranticolor. Microscopic observations of the distribution of green fluorescent protein fused to the N-terminal portion of the capsid protein provided additional evidence that the P7a, P7b and P5′ proteins are each required for cell-to-cell movement. In contrast, elimination of sgRNA2 showed that the BBSV coat protein was not required for viral RNA accumulation or the appearance of local lesions on C. amaranticolor. In addition, disruption of the small P5 ORF previously predicted by computer analysis to originate at the C terminus of the P82 ORF had no effect on disease phenotype, suggesting that this ORF may represent a cryptic, non-essential gene. These results show that BBSV has a novel cell-to-cell movement protein organization that differs in size and sequence from that of other viruses.
Simulations of flow around a cubical building: comparison with towing-tank data and assessment of radiatively induced thermal effects

Abstract A three-dimensional (3-D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, coupled with a meteorological radiation and surface physics package, is used to model the mean flow field and tracer dispersion in the vicinity of an idealized cubical building. We first compare the simulations with earlier numerical studies as well as towing-tank laboratory experiments, where radiation effects were not included. Our simulations capture most of the features revealed by the towing-tank data, including the variation of the flow reattachment point as a function of Froude number and the induction of a prominent lee wave in the low Froude number regime. The simulated tracer concentration also compares very favorably with the data. We then assess the thermal effects due to radiative heating on the ground and building including shading by the building, on the mean flow and tracer dispersion. Our simulations show that convergence within and beyond the cavity zone causes a substantial lofting of the air mass downstream from the building. This lofting results from the combination of thermal heating of the ground and building roof, and vortex circulation associated with the horseshoe eddy along the lateral sides of the building. The specific effect of shading on the flow field is isolated by comparing simulations for which the radiative heating and shading patterns are kept constant, but the environmental wind direction is altered. It is found that the shading exerts local cooling, which can be combined into the overall thermodynamic interaction, described above, to effectively alter the circulation downstream from the building.
Comparison of Clindamycin, Erythromycin, and Methicillin in Streptococcal Infections in Monkeys

Intravenous inoculation of a group A hemolytic streptococcus caused lethal infections in all of eight untreated monkeys. Intramuscular injections of clindamycin-2-phosphate in a daily dose of 25 mg/kg given in equal morning and afternoon doses for 10 days resulted in survival of all of eight monkeys. Similar results were observed with the same dose schedule of clindamycin hydrochloride given intragastrically; no fatalities occurred among eight monkeys. In monkeys receiving erythromycin stearate intragastrically or methicillin intramuscularly, three of eight and four of eight monkeys, respectively, died. Duration of both illness and positive blood cultures was greater in the erythromycin- and methicillin-treated survivors than in the clindamycin-treated monkeys. The differences in results between clindamycin and erythromycin could not be correlated with serum antibacterial activity levels, which were similar, or with minimal inhibitory concentrations, which were 0.02 μg/ml with both antibiotics. With methicillin, however, the minimal inhibitory concentration was 0.16 μg/ml and serum antibacterial activity varied from titers of less than 1:2 to 1:8. As in previous studies of staphylococcal infections in monkeys with the same antibiotics, in vitro susceptibility data and serum antibacterial activity did not completely correlate with in vivo results.
Parameters that Affect the Color of Direct Restorative Resins

The effects of thickness, background color, specular reflection, and surface roughness on the color of five commercial restorative resins were studied by reflection spectrophotometry. As thickness increased, values of luminous reflectance and excitation purity increased for a black background but decreased for a white background. Opacity increased dramatically as thickness increased from 1.3 to 3.9 mm.
Minimum variance unbiased estmation in some nonregulr families

Explicit expressions for the umvues of the means survival functions quantiles of order p and density are obtaicned for some one and two truncation parameter probability density functions the umvue of the hazard fuction whenever it exsts is also derived variances of some of these estimators are also computed .
Different Paths to Broadband Access: The Impact of Governance and Policy on Broadband Diffusion in the Developed and Developing Worlds

A new digital divide is emerging both within and between nations that is due to inequalities in broadband Internet access. Our research examines the broadband digital divide by analyzing the impact of administrative culture and policy initiatives in the form of strategic planning, execution, regulation and investment on broadband diffusion in 139 countries. Our multiple regression analysis shows that factors that determine broadband diffusion in technologically developed countries do not necessarily have the same impact in less developed countries. For example, competition in the telecommunications sector has a positive impact in nations where access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) is expanding, but does not make a significant difference where ICT access is widely available. We also show that when controlling for measures of economic, political, social and educational development, there is greater broadband diffusion in countries that have an administrative culture of sound governance and make a higher shared financial investment in information and communication technologies. These results hold in nations where access to ICTs is expanding, even though the presence of a national telecommunications regulatory authority has a negative impact on broadband diffusion in the same group of countries. Our results suggest that the path to widespread availability and use of broadband requires different strategies depending on a nation's level of technological development. Furthermore, assessing overall government performance in terms of governance and policy initiatives on this journey is more important than factors such as the presence or absence of a national regulatory authority.
Identification of Mosquito Bloodmeal Source by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Profile Analysis of the Cytochrome B Gene

Previous studies have shown that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) heteroduplex analysis (HDA) of the cytochrome B (cytb) gene is useful in identifying mosquito bloodmeals derived from avian hosts. However, interpretation of PCR-HDA gels is performed visually, which can make it difficult to analyze large numbers of specimens and to compare results between laboratories. We investigated the utility of a terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) assay to analyze cytb PCR products. PCR was performed on 123 blood or tissue samples from 55 avian, 13 mammalian, and one amphibian species by using end-labeled primers to amplify a 358-bp segment of cytb. Each PCR product was sequenced to determine predicted terminal restriction fragment (TRF) profiles. Additionally, experimental TRFs were determined by sizing fragments from restriction endonuclease digests with capillary electrophoresis. A Web-based searchable database was created to compare unknown mosquito bloodmeal TRF profiles against sequence-predicted and experimentally derived terminal fragment lengths of known vertebrates. The predictive value of experimental profiles was found to be accurate to the species level for 67 of 69 species (97%). Fifty-nine field-collected mosquitoes were tested to determine the bloodmeal source using the T-RFLP method. The bloodmeal source from 50 of these mosquitoes was identified by comparing the TRF profile of the unknown source against the cytochrome B database. The bloodmeal source from the remaining nine mosquitoes was not identified as no known profile matched the experimentally derived profile. T-RFLP analysis is a highly reproducible technique and the searchable TRF database is continually being expanded to include additional species from diverse geographic areas.
Hygiene and mental health among middle school students in India and 11 other countries

The Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) collects data from early adolescents who are approximately 13-15 years old and enrolled in middle schools (also known as junior secondary schools). We used logistic regression models to examine the associations between self-reported hygiene practices and mental health status as assessed by the 2007 India GSHS. Then, we used meta-analysis to compare the results from India with those from 11 other GSHS-participating countries in Asia and Africa (Djibouti, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Myanmar, the Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, and the United Arab Emirates). Among 7904 middle school students in India, 25.5% reported symptoms of depression, 8.6% reported loneliness, and 7.8% reported anxiety-related insomnia. Both males and females who reported symptoms of depression had an increased likelihood of poor hand and oral hygiene, including washing their hands rarely or never and brushing their teeth less than daily. The meta-analysis for this association yielded statistically significant pooled odds ratios for both boys and girls. In girls, loneliness was also associated with poor hand and oral hygiene. Reduced mental health status in adolescents may lead to worse hygiene behaviors and an increased risk of infections. Teachers, parents, healthcare workers, and other adults who observe suboptimal hygiene status in an adolescent should consider whether this indicates a mental health issue that requires clinical services.