cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Commercial Amplification Tests in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory: Test Selection and Quality Assurance

Molecular approaches to the detection of infectious-disease agents in the clinical microbiology laboratory can be performed through the use of commercially available products or by using in-house or “home-brew” procedures. Both types of assays are currently used for the diagnosis of two sexually transmitted organisms, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, for screening of Group B Streptococcus in pregnancy, for nasal screening of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and detection of both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) in wounds and positive blood culture vials, for detection of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in stool samples, and for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A description of how to choose and implement a commercially available assay for these agents is provided in this chapter. The chapter talks about implementation of the new assay, and use of commercial assays for M. tuberculosis amplification. Three commercial PCR-based amplification assays have been cleared by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the detection of the toxin B gene in stool samples. All of the principles for implementation of a molecular test that have been described in this chapter will also need to be performed for C. difficile amplification assays. After implementation of a molecular assay, monitoring the process and results to be assured of the expected performance of the assay should be ongoing.
Fairness as a Moral Grounding for Space Policy

This chapter takes seriously the prospects for applying Rawlsian ideas of fairness to various aspects of space policy. I argue that Rawlsian ideas of fairness are naturally suited to underwrite orbital access regulations, debris mitigation recommendations, and planetary protection policies. I also explore some of the obstacles to applying fairness to more speculative aspects of space policy, including asteroid mining and space colonization.
Soil as a Source of Dust and Implications for Human Health

Publisher Summary Soil dust plays a large role in air quality, and dust from soil is the second largest primary particle source after sea salt. Wind and agriculture are two of the primary forces that generate soil dust, although construction, driving on unpaved roads, and other activities may also have an effect. When soil is suspended in the atmosphere as dust, it can be transported and absorbed by the human body. This can result in health problems such as eye irritation, respiratory disorders, pulmonary disease, and an increased risk of lung and skin cancer. People who work in dusty environments, such as agriculture workers, construction workers, and miners are affected the most by soil dust exposure. However, as soil dust increases the amount of particulate matter in the air, it can also influence the health of the general population. This chapter reviews the mechanisms of soil dust generation and exposure, the characteristics of soil dust, and some possible health effects of soil dust exposure. Fine particles pose more of a health risk than larger particles because they can reach the alveolar region of the respiratory system where deposition can cause respiratory damage.
Recurrent Ochrobactrum anthropi and Shewanella putrefaciens bloodstream infection complicating hemodialysis

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are common in hemodialysis, especially when the access is a catheter. These infections are more commonly gram-positive bacteria or gram-negative bacilli and on some occasions, fungi. Ochrobactrum anthropi and Shewanella putrefaciens are ubiquitous hydrophilic gram-negative bacilli. There have been three cases of O. anthropi BSI reported in hemodialysis patients (one from the United States and two from Vienna) and two cases of S. putrefaciens BSI in hemodialysis patients (one from the United States and the other from Japan). There have been few more cases reported of infections with these bacteria in peritoneal dialysis, especially outside the United States. We present a novel case of a patient with both recurrent O. anthropi and S. putrefaciens BSI complicating hemodialysis. There have been no reports in the literature of such a case. We also discuss the microbiology, clinical features, and the challenging aspects of treatment of such infections.
Los estudios transatlánticos y la geopolítica del neo-hispanismo

Si el cambio de enfoque de regiones continentales a flujos oceanicos procuro rescatar los estudios de area de su obsolescencia geopolitica, y si el desplazamiento de las ciencias sociales duras, neopositivistas y desarrollistas por un multiculturalismo interdisciplinario y poscolonial respondio al giro cultural posmoderno, la irrupcion de los estudios transatlanticos hispanicos podria entenderse como una pieza mas en la politica cultural panhispanista promovida por el Estado espanol. Imbricada a los intereses economicos del capitalismo espanol y las corporaciones transnacionales, esta politica, que procura restablecer la hegemonia moral y cultural de la antigua metropolis sobre el mundo de habla hispana, responde a una estrategia economica y geopolitica global.
Teleservices Between Earth and Moon: Information Flow to and from Lunar Settlements

In this paper let us examine the information flows between Earth’s civilization and lunar settlements, founded in the 21st century and intended to grow productively thereafter. Information is the one valuable commodity instantly and cheaply transported between Earth and Moon, and so all kinds of tele-services are likely to flourish once lunar settlements exist. We shall consider them in the light of the symposium questions: new developments in tele-health and tele-education, new tele-services using space technology, organizational structures, legal and regulatory frameworks, new scientific foundations, benefits and dangers, and lessons to be learned. Some relevant activities need not wait for a decision to found lunar cities; they can start now because they have merit already, even before an extension of our global village to the Moon. ISU should play an important role in this development.
Assaying protein ubiquitination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Publisher Summary The covalent modification of target proteins by the polypeptide ubiquitin (Ub) is involved in a wide array of cellular processes, ranging from cell cycle progression and receptor-mediated endocytosis to endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation and cell-type specification. The best understood function of ubiquitination is to tag protein substrates for destruction, with a polymeric chain of Ub molecules being required to target the substrate to the 26S proteasome for hydrolysis. In addition to this common role in protein degradation, a number of examples of nonproteolytic functions for Ub attachment also exist. This chapter describes various methods to determine whether Ub modifies a particular protein in vivo. These assays can be adapted to ask if the substrate is attached to Ub chains and to ascertain the topology (linkages) of the Ub monomers in these polymeric chains. The chapter also discusses the methods for determining the enzymes that are required for substrate ubiquitination.
Evidence for separate monoglyceride hydrolase and triglyceride lipase in post-heparin human plasma

Post-heparin plasma contains an enzyme or enzymes with both triglyceride lipase (TGL) and monoglycer- ide hydrolase (MGH) activities. A simple and reproducible radioactive assay for measurement of MGH activity was developed and used, with a previously reported assay for TGL, to study lipolysis in plasma. After the injection of heparin, enzymatic activity against both tri- and monoglycerides appeared and disappeared from plasma at approximately the same rates. However, in contrast to TGL activity, MGH activity was: (u) much greater, (b) con- siderably less heat-sensitive, (c) unaffected by three inhibitors (NaCl, protamine, and pyrophosphate), (d) not influenced by radical changes in fat and carbohydrate content of the diet, and (e) normal in familial Type I hyperlipoproteinemia. The dichotomy between MGH and TGL activities in patients with genetic deficiency of TGL constitutes strong evidence that these are two different enzymes. The findings further indicate that when post-heparin lipolytic activity is measured for the purpose of detecting TGL deficiency, it may be necessary to perform the assay with a substrate free from partial glycerides. lipoprotein lipase (EC 3.1.1.3), and monoglyceride hydrolase (MGH) activities (2). Hydrolysis of both substrates is markedly enhanced after the administration of heparin, and both of these enzymes form a major part of what is often called post-heparin lipolytic activity or PHLA. This report describes the measurement of MGH activity by a simple radioactive assay and its comparison with TGL activity. Normal subjects and patients with a genetic deficiency of PHLA that is accompanied by severe hyperchylomicronemia (Type I hyperlipoproteinemia) (3) were studied. In the latter individuals a marked dichotomy between MGH and TGL activities was found. This and other evidence suggests that these separate hydrolytic activities are probably catalyzed by different enzymes
Involvement of microtubules in the regulation of Bcl2 phosphorylation and apoptosis through cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

The Bcl2 family of proteins plays a significant role in regulation of apoptosis. In this study, the microtubule-damaging drugs paclitaxel, vincristine, and vinblastine induced Bcl2 hyperphosphorylation and apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and reduced Bcl2-Bax dimerization. Paclitaxel or vincristine induced increased expression of Bax, while overexpression of Bcl2 in these cell lines counteracted the effects of low doses of these drugs. In addition, paclitaxel- and vincristine-induced activation of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A [PKA]) induced Bcl2 hyperphosphorylation and apoptosis, which were blocked by the PKA inhibitor Rp diastereomers of cAMP (Rp-cAMP). This finding suggests that activation of PKA due to microtubule damage is an important event in Bcl2 hyperphosphorylation and induction of apoptosis. These microtubule-damaging drugs caused growth arrest in G2-M phase of the cell cycle and had no effect on p53 induction, suggesting that hyperphosphorylation mediated inactivation of Bcl2 and apoptosis without the involvement of p53. By comparison, the DNA-damaging drugs methotrexate and doxorubicin had no effect on Bcl2 hyperphosphorylation but induced p53 expression. Interestingly, paclitaxel or vincristine induced activation of caspase 3 and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase downstream of Bcl2 hyperphosphorylation. These data suggest that there may be a signaling cascade induced by agents that disrupt or damage the cytoskeleton that is distinct from (i.e., p53 independent), but perhaps related to (i.e., involves kinase activation and leads to apoptosis), the cellular response to DNA damage.
Effects of Ions on Nematocysts Isolated from Acontia of the Sea Anemone Calliactis Tricolor by Different Methods

Summary 1. Differences in nematocyst isolating procedures significantly affected the discharge characteristics of the acontial nematocysts isolated from Calliactis tricolor. 2. Most of the nematocysts isolated in artificial sea water (ASW) discharged instantaneously in 5mmoir ' EGTA and to a lesser degree in distilled water (DW), but they did not discharge in Ca 2+ -free ASW or 50mmoir ' CaCl2. 3. Most of the nematocysts isolated in lmoll" 1 sodium citrate discharged instantaneously when treated with any of the above solutions. 4. Nematocysts isolated in DW or 1 mol I" 1 sucrose exhibited a modest degree of discharge in Smmoll" 1 EGTA after a considerable latent period. 5. Some of the present results appear to be inconsistent with the hypothesis that removal of Ca 2+ from the intracapsular fluid causes nematocyst discharge.
Radiative muon capture in light atoms

Total cross sections for radiative muon capture into inner shells of light atoms are evaluated.
Non-governmental organisations in international development: trends and future research priorities

North Atlantic NGOs have significantly increased their role in international development. They have expanded their activities beyond relief to include a more structural approach to third-world poverty and have attracted increasing amounts of government subsidies for their work overseas. They have also begun to engage in education of their home populations about global poverty and have established close ties to an emerging network of third-world NGOs who channel their resources to the grassroots poor abroad. In the post-Cold War era, North Atlantic NGOs enjoy some unique opportunities to expand their work due to the increase of third-world democracy and free-market economies, but they also face some critical challenges ahead — balancing periodic relief efforts with long-term development programmes, resisting pressures by governments to use NGOs for their own purposes, upgrading the quality of development education at home, and finding ways to relate to third-world NGOs as more equal partners. These and other challenges (for example, improving institutional capacities of North Atlantic NGOs to handle increasing demands, and relationship between third-world NGOs and grassroots organisations) need the attention of scholars in the years ahead.
A fast EM algorithm for BayesA-like prediction of genomic breeding values.

Prediction accuracies of estimated breeding values for economically important traits are expected to benefit from genomic information. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels used in genomic prediction are increasing in density, but the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation of SNP effects can be quite time consuming or slow to converge when a large number of SNPs are fitted simultaneously in a linear mixed model. Here we present an EM algorithm (termed “fastBayesA”) without MCMC. This fastBayesA approach treats the variances of SNP effects as missing data and uses a joint posterior mode of effects compared to the commonly used BayesA which bases predictions on posterior means of effects. In each EM iteration, SNP effects are predicted as a linear combination of best linear unbiased predictions of breeding values from a mixed linear animal model that incorporates a weighted marker-based realized relationship matrix. Method fastBayesA converges after a few iterations to a joint posterior mode of SNP effects under the BayesA model. When applied to simulated quantitative traits with a range of genetic architectures, fastBayesA is shown to predict GEBV as accurately as BayesA but with less computing effort per SNP than BayesA. Method fastBayesA can be used as a computationally efficient substitute for BayesA, especially when an increasing number of markers bring unreasonable computational burden or slow convergence to MCMC approaches.
On the origin of feathers

The appearance of feathers defines the appearance of birds. A number of changes defined, preceded or accompanied the event. The changes were hierarchical in nature and included revolutions in genomic organization (i.e., HOX and the feather keratin genes), protein sequence and shape, the large scale organization of proteins into filaments, and in the geometry of the cells and their roles in the follicle. Changes at each of these levels differ or produced different products than found in its analog in reptiles. They are essentially unique to birds and produced an evolutionary novelty. I used analysis of extant structure and information on development to reconstruct key events in the evolution of feathers. The ancestral reptilian epidermal structure, while probably a scale or tubercles, is still unidentified. The structural genes of feather proteins (φ-keratin) are tandem repeats probably assembled from pre-existing exons. They are unlike the alpha-keratin of vertebrate soft epidermis. Amino-acid composition, shape, and behavior of feather keratins are unique among vertebrates. The 3-dimensional organization of the follicle and the developmental processes are also unique. Although we lack a complete understanding of the appearance and early role of feathers, they are clearly the results of novel events.
Recognizing paradigm instability in theories of carcinogenesis.

The dominant view that cancer arises from successive mutations in somatic cells is so unquestioned that accumulating challenges from experimental and observational results are rarely addressed in the scientific literature. Based on these challenges, we argue that the scientific understanding of carcinogenesis has entered a period of paradigm instability. New research directions are therefore needed.
READING THE FUTURE

This essay asks how cultural studies practitioners can begin to found a critical practice that responds to the events of September 11 and their aftermath. Using Theodor Adorno' concept of ‘semi-erudition’, as developed in his analysis of horoscope readers in ‘The Stars Down to Earth’, together with Homi Bhabha' arguments about the links between racial stereotyping and fetishism, it is argued that those working in the discipline of cultural studies must respond to the multi-layered address of the official discourse regarding the ‘war on terrorism’ without becoming complacent about our own position vis-a-vis this discourse. The author connects this argument with a reading of Herman Melville' novella Benito Cereno to discuss the problem of American ‘innocence’ in this context. The concluding question is how, in the face of the current crisis, to begin to practice a truly responsive ‘criticism’, in the full sense of the term, one able to provide a different reading of the present and in turn affect the future.
Re-examination of minimum fluidization velocity correlations applied to Group B sands and coked sands

Abstract Fourteen previously published variations of the Ergun equation were studied and found to be unreliable predictors of minimum fluidization velocity for some Group B sands, including coked sands, at ambient conditions. Three simplified versions of the Ergun equation were found to adequately correlate published fluidization data for over 25 Group B sands at ambient temperatures. A relationship between Umf and T was found and incorporated into a proposed method for predicting Umf at elevated temperatures.
Effects of temperature on photosynthesis and respiration in eelgrass (Zostera marina L.)

Abstract The short-term temperature responses of the photosynthesis-irradiance (P-I) relationships and respiration of Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) leaves were determined at eight temperatures from 0 to 35°C for plants growing at 20–22°C in Great Harbor, Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Light-saturated, net photosynthesis increased with temperature up to an optimum of 25–30°C and decreased at 35°C. Dark respiration increased with temperature from 5 to 35°C. The initial slopes of the P-I curves were relatively constant between 5 and 30°C, but were greatest at 0 and least at 35°C. The photosynthetic saturation and compensation photon flux densities generally increased with increasing temperature. A Q10 value, determined over the temperature range 0–35°C, of 1.5–1.7 was obtained for light-saturated photosynthesis, while the value for dark respiration was 2.4. Ratios of maximum photosynthetic rates to respiration rates (P : R) were highest at 5°C and declined markedly at higher and lower temperatures. Calculations of daily carbon balances from P : R ratios and daily light regimes indicate that net positive leaf carbon balance could be maintained by Z. marina leaves in Great Harbor under winter temperature and light regimes, while high temperatures (⩾30°C) lead to negative daily carbon balances of leaves which could contribute to mortality or reduced growth of the plants.
Small Molecule Binding of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: Multiple Binders on Multiple Sites

We have found that structurally diverse small molecules are capable of specific binding to relatively short segments of intrinsically disordered (ID) proteins. We located such sites on the bHLHZip oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc and on the HLH-only inhibitor of transcription Id2. These proteins are disordered in their monomeric state and only upon dimerization with a partner protein does a stable tertiary structure form. The small molecule inhibitors bind to the ID monomer proteins, affecting their structure at a local level only, preserving the overall disorder and preventing dimerization from taking place.
The Unsilencing of Military Wives: Wartime Deployment Experiences and Citizen Responsibility

One of therapists' contemporary moral imperatives is to support American service members and their families regardless of personal position on the Global War on Terrorism. One way therapists can respond to this imperative is by seeking to understand Army wives' experiences during their husbands' wartime deployments. Therefore, this study utilized a combination of individual interviews with Army wives and a reflecting team of military wives and civilians to explore military wives' experiences. Two main themes were identified: the wives' experience was an emotional roller coaster and they felt silenced--and could be unsilenced--in their interactions with civilians. Therapists working with Army wives should (a) normalize the roller-coaster experience; (b) encourage wives to recognize negative and positive influencers and explore their idiosyncratic coping skills; (c) support positive civilian-military connections; and (d) as a civilian and as a therapist, seek to be a positive civilian connection by proactively showing support.
Association of serum albumin with tear prealbumin in human ocular mucus

Tear prealbumin previously isolated from the saline-extractable human ocular mucus was further examined for microheterogeneities using crossed-immunoelectrophoresis through development with antiserum to the isolate. The isolate was examined following the final two stages of its chromatographic purification by DEAE ion exchange and Sephadex G-75. The crossed-immunoelectrophoretic pattern of the tear prealbumin isolate, recovered following DEAE ion exchange chromatography, indicated the existence of two types of minor degrees of binding between tear prealbumin and serum albumin. One type appeared to be tightly associated while the other was interpreted as weakly bound, where serum albumin was separable from tear prealbumin in an electric field. The total association of serum albumin with tear prealbumin in this isolate was estimated to be about 3-7%. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of the isolate after its final stage of purification on Sephadex G-75 chromatography showed the absence of the weakly bound serum albumin. However, the tight tear prealbumin/serum albumin association remained, estimated to be 1-3%.
Online Inspection for Glass Fiber Forming

Glass fiber forming is a complicated process in which many factors could affect the quality of fibers. The forming machine has many fiber-forming tubes that are close to each other and arranged in several layers. The closeness results in inadequate lighting and unwanted video signals. An anti-causal zero-phase filter was employed to remove noise with insignificant pixel location shift or distortion. In addition to the noise, the unwanted video signals constantly moving from one place to another also presented a challenge in image analysis. These signals were identified by a trained neural network that classified patterns. The unwanted signal identification through instant pattern classification made online inspection possible. During the fiber drawing process, the diameters of glass forming tubes and the profiles of glass melting cones were closely monitored and measured online in order to control the final fiber diameter. The accurate diameter measurements were accomplished by the noise removal along with a subpixel-resolution based edge detection technique. The results thus obtained for noise removal and unwanted video signals identification were quite good. The fiber diameter measurements were performed online, and the entire inspection process was automated with the aid of a programmable logic controller .
Atrial Heart Sounds in Atrial Fibrillation and Fluttter

Audible atrial contractions were recorded in a case of rheumatic heart disease during atrial fibrillation and the transition stage to atrial flutter. With coarse atrial fibrillation these correlated only roughly with the electrocardiogram, and appeared to have a regularity not always apparent on the electrocardiogram. In atrial flutter, the atrial contraction sounds were synchronous with the "f" waves. The intensity, quality, and occurrence of the atrial sounds during ventricular systole suggest an extracardiac origin.
The impact of literacy on health-related quality of life measurement and outcomes in cancer outpatients

Limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between literacy and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Research is needed to develop measurement techniques for low literacy populations and to evaluate potential literacy-related measurement bias. A Talking Touchscreen (TT) was developed for an HRQL study. Low (n = 214) and high literacy (n = 201) adult cancer outpatients participated, 70% of whom were from racial/ethnic minorities. Patients completed three questionnaires by TT: FACT-G (cancer-specific), SF-36 (generic health status), and a standard gamble utility questionnaire. Measurement bias was evaluated using item response theory (IRT). Effects of literacy on HRQL were evaluated using regression models. Most (97%) patients rated the TT easy to use. In IRT analysis, 6/27 FACT-G and 12/31 SF-36 items demonstrated literacy bias; this was relatively balanced (10 items ‘biased against’ low literacy; 8 ‘biased against’ high literacy). Mean literacy group differences were statistically and clinically non-significant for 9/14 HRQL outcomes. Adjustment for bias and/or covariates eliminated most remaining differences. The TT is valid and useful for HRQL assessment in low literacy populations. There appears to be no systematic literacy bias in reporting HRQL, and low literacy is not an independent risk factor for poorer HRQL.
Fabrication and performance of GaN electronic devices

Abstract GaN and related materials (especially AlGaN) have recently attracted a lot of interest for applications in high power electronics capable of operation at elevated temperatures. Although the growth and processing technology for SiC, the other viable wide bandgap semiconductor material, is more mature, the AlGaInN system offers numerous advantages. These include wider bandgaps, good transport properties, the availability of heterostructures (particularly AlGaN/GaN), the experience base gained by the commercialization of GaN-based laser and light-emitting diodes and the existence of a high growth rate epitaxial method (hydride vapor phase epitaxy) for producing very thick layers or even quasi-substrates. These attributes have led to rapid progress in the realization of a broad range of GaN electronic devices, including heterostructure field effect transistors (HFETs), Schottky and p–i–n rectifiers, heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). This review focuses on the development of fabrication processes for these devices and the current state-of-the-art in device performance, for all of these structures. We also detail areas where more work is needed, such as reducing defect densities and purity of epitaxial layers, the need for substrates and improved oxides and insulators, improved p-type doping and contacts and an understanding of the basic growth mechanisms.
Averting crisis? Assessing measures to manage financial integration in emerging economies

The Asian crisis provides heterodox economists with the opportunity to investigate counterfactually whether the financial policies they have proposed would have averted the crisis. The paper argues that neo-liberal financial integration introduces distinct risks to emerging economies--currency, flight, fragility, contagion and sovereignty risks. The paper presents the financial policies endorsed by the heterodoxy--transactions taxes, trip wires and-or speed bumps, convertibility restrictions, the Chilean model and a publicly managed mutual fund. The paper considers whether these policies mitigate risks, and whether they could have prevented the Asian crisis (and the transmission thereof). The paper concludes with policies to avert future crises. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Sex differences in unilateral landing mechanics from absolute and relative heights.

Abstract Background The prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in athletic populations and the sex disparity in injury rates are well documented. It is also recognized that landing from a jump is a common noncontact injury mechanism. Yet, most studies utilize absolute landing heights, and few have utilized landing heights equal to participants' maximal jumping ability. The purpose of this study was to examine unilateral landing mechanics from relative and absolute heights. Methods Twenty-one female and twenty male participants completed a series of landings from absolute heights of 30, 40, and 50 cm, as well as a height equal to their maximum jumping ability. Right leg three-dimensional kinematics, kinetics, and energetics were calculated from initial contact to maximum knee flexion. Results Females landed with greater peak posterior ground reaction force compared to males. Additionally, both female and male participants utilized the knee as the primary energy absorber, but females appear to emphasize greater ankle energy absorption compared to males. Females also displayed increased peak knee adduction moment, while males displayed decreased peak hip abduction moment as landing height increased. Conclusions It appears that females and males respond to increasing landing heights differently. However, landings from 40 and 50 cm may have represented an unrealistic mechanical demand for females, and influence subsequent inferences regarding ACL injury risk. Therefore, we suggest that comparisons between studies utilizing different landing heights be made with caution, and participants jumping ability be taken into account whenever possible. Clinical relevance The findings of this study offer novel insights with regard to landing height and lower extremity mechanics with the potential to inform anterior cruciate ligament injury intervention programs.
Adding Constructive Competition to Enhance a Cooperative Learning Experience: A Quest for Kudos

This article reviews a classroom application titled “The Quest for Kudos Challenge,” which is a long-term, multitask, large group competition to attain a reward that was designed to adhere to the recommendations for creating a cooperative learning experience while maintaining the elements of a constructive competition. The application was implemented in a course mid-semester, allowing for a comparison of the results before and after the introduction of the Kudos Challenge. Furthermore, the outcomes for the classes that participated in the Kudos Challenge are compared with classes from a previous semester that did not implement the application. Results show that students in the Kudos Challenge classes received higher exam scores, increased classroom participation, and made more voluntary contributions than the Comparison classes from the previous semester. Qualitative feedback from the Kudos classes was overwhelmingly positive. Furthermore, several positive instructor outcomes resulted from the implementat...
Histopathologic predictors of pilocytic astrocytoma event-free survival

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain tumor. Most arise in the cerebellum, but they also can develop in the brainstem and optic nerve, where gross total resection (GTR) is not possible. In the absence of GTR, significant variability in both clinical behavior and histology exists. To identify potential markers associated with poor clinical outcome, we retrospectively assessed pathological features in 107 patients with PAs. We identified four pathological features (necrosis, oligodendroglioma-like features, vascular hyalinization, and calcification) that showed a significant correlation with decreased event-free survival (EFS). Similar to previous reports, we also found that PAs involving the optic pathway were associated with worse EFS compared with those arising in other locations. In contrast, mitotic index, p53 immunoreactivity and hyperactivation of several mitogenic signaling pathways (MAPK, CREB, mTOR) did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with EFS. Lastly, we did find a statistical trend between EFS and the number of CD68+ cells, suggesting that non-neoplastic elements of the tumor microenvironment may influence subsequent growth and clinical recurrence. Collectively, the identification of specific histopathologic features associated with clinical outcome may improve our ability to determine which PAs are more likely to exhibit clinical progression and require more vigilant observation.
Pain evaluation in patients receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after surgery.

Study Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients after surgery. Design. Prospective, observational study. Setting. University teaching hospital. Patients. Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–III receiving intravenous PCA for postoperative pain. The PCA was programmed to deliver morphine 1 mg or hydromorphone 0.1–0.2 mg, with a lockout interval of 10 and 6 minutes for 80% and 20% of the patients, respectively. Measurements and Main Results. Patients were asked, up to 4 times during PCA use and once within 4 hours after PCA use, to describe and rate their intensity of pain at rest and after activity. During the first 12 hours of intravenous PCA use, 75% of the patients reported moderate-to-severe pain (≥ 5 on a verbal numeric rating scale) at rest, 80% after activity. Corresponding values, respectively, were 33% and 72% for the 12–24-hour period, 43% and 76% for the 24–36-hour period, and 36% and 64% for the 36–48-hour period of intravenous PCA use. Within 4 hours of stopping PCA, 30% and 58% of the patients had moderate-to-severe pain at rest and after activity, respectively. In approximately 50% of patients, presence of pain was described with words signifying sensory and affective dimensions of pain. Pain control was rated as good or very good by 54% of patients during the first 12 hours of intravenous PCA. Ratings of pain control tended to improve with time. Conclusion. Successful postoperative pain management using PCA is difficult to achieve on a consistent basis unless treatment is individualized. Our data support the hypothesis that small fixed doses fail to achieve adequate relief in many patients.
Asymptotically good codes have infinite trellis complexity

The trellis complexity s(C) of a block code C is defined as the logarithm of the maximum number of states in the minimal trellis realization of the code. The parameter s(C) governs the complexity of maximum-likelihood decoding, and is considered a fundamental descriptive characteristic of the code in a number of recent works. We derive a new lower bound on s(C) which implies that asymptotically good codes have infinite trellis complexity. More precisely, for i/spl ges/1 let C/sub i/ be a code over an alphabet of size q, of length n/sub i/, rate R/sub i/, and minimum distance d/sub i/. The infinite sequence of codes C/sub ,/ C/sub 2spl middotspl middotspl middot/ such that n/sub ispl rarrspl infin/ when i/spl rarrspl infin/ is said to be asymptotically good if both R/sub i/ and d/sub in/sub i/ are bounded away from zero as i/spl rarrspl infin/. We prove that the complexity s(C/sub i/) increases linearly with n/sub i/ in any asymptotically good sequence of codes. >
Thermal Convection Bifurcation Within Isosceles Triangular Cavities

Laminar thermal convection of air confined to an isosceles triangular cavity heated from the base and symmetrically cooled from the upper inclined walls has been investigated numerically. The system of transient conservation equations, subject to the proper boundary conditions, along with the equation of state assuming the air behaves as a perfect gas are solved with the finite volume method. In the conservation equations, the second-order-accurate QUICK scheme was used for the discretization of the convective terms and the SIMPLE scheme for the pressure-velocity coupling. The maximum height-to-base aspect ratio A is fixed at 0.5, while the Grashof number extends from a low Gr = 103 to a high Gr = 106 . The influence of Gr on the flow and temperature patterns is analyzed and discussed for two opposing scenarios, one corresponds to increasing Gr and the other corresponds to decreasing Gr. It is found that two steady-state solutions are possible, excluding their solution images through a vertical mirror plane. The symmetrical solution prevails for relatively low Grashof numbers. However, as the Gr is gradually increased, a transition occurs at a critical value of Gr. Above this critical value of Gr, an asymmetrical solution exhibiting a pitchfork bifurcation arises and eventually becomes steady. The existing ranges of these unsteady and steady solutions are reported for the two opposing scenarios. Also, issues related to the observed hysteresis phenomenon are discussed in detail.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Regulation of proline accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh during development and in response to desiccation

Significant differences were observed in the amount and proportion of free amino acids in different organs of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh, ecotype Columbia. The most notable were found for proline, which formed 17-26% of the total free amino acid concentration in reproductive tissues (floret and seed), but only 1-3% of the total free amino acid concentration in vegetative tissues (rosette leaf and root). Proline accumulation was associated with tissues that had relatively low water contents. Tissues which displayed high water contents, such as rosette leaves, contained low levels of proline. A significant increase in the levels of proline accumulation occurred in plants subjected to experimentally induced low water potentials as compared to unstressed plants. For instance, an 8-10-fold increase in proline was observed in the presence of 120 mmol kg -1 NaCl or KCl, and a 20-fold increase was stimulated by 60mmol kg -1 PEG. However, in addition to the accumulation of proline, massive accumulation of Na + , K + and Cl - ions occurred in tissues of plants stressed with salt. No significant differences were observed in mineral ions in plants stressed with PEG. Isotope tracer experiments with 14 C compounds established that glutamate, ornithine and arginine are precursors of the proline biosynthesis induced by PEG in response to low water potentials in Arabidopsis thaliana. We conclude that the accumulation of proline in response to PEG occurs through increased biosynthesis.
Tailoring thermal deformation by using layered beams

Abstract In application, many thin structural components such as beams, plates and shells experience a through-thickness temperature variation. This temperature variation can produce both an in-plane expansion and an out-of-plane (bending) curvature. Given that these thin components interact with or connect to other components, we often wish to minimize the thermal deformation or match the thermal deformation of another component. This is accomplished by combining layers of material with a positive thermal expansion coefficient with layers possessing a negative thermal expansion coefficient. A three-layer beam is demonstrated which can eliminate thermal curvature while lowering in-plane expansion or can match a desired in-plane expansion while lowering thermal curvature. A five-layer beam is demonstrated which can eliminate thermal curvature while matching a desired in-plane expansion. The beam results are independent of the actual temperature values, within the limitations of steady-state heat transfer and constant material properties.
Observations on an ATP-sensitive protein system from the plasmodia of a myxomycete.

1. Extracts of the plasmodia of the myxomycete, Physarum polycephalum, exhibit reversible decreases in viscosity in response to the addition of ATP under appropriate conditions. The protoplasm material prepared by extraction with KCl solution can apparently exist in either a high or a low viscosity state. As prepared, it is in the low viscosity condition. Rapid and extensive increases in viscosity of the extract are brought about by addition of AMP, inorganic phosphate, or, under certain conditions, of ATP. Only after the high viscosity state has been attained does addition of appropriate quantities of ATP cause a reversible decrease in viscosity. 2. The active principle of crude plasmodial extracts may be concentrated by fractional precipitation with ammonium sulfate and is found in the fraction precipitated between 30 and 40 per cent saturation. This material possesses a higher viscosity than does the original crude extract and is apparently in the high viscosity state since the addition of ATP causes an immediate reversible decrease in viscosity. 3. The ATP-sensitive fraction of myxomycete plasmodia possesses a viscosity which is dependent upon its previous thermal treatment. Extracts incubated at 0° for a period of a few hours increase greatly in viscosity when they are returned to 24.5°. This increased viscosity is structural in nature, is destroyed by mechanical agitation of the solution, and may be reversibly destroyed by addition of ATP. 4. It is suggested that the ATP-responsive protein of myxomycete plasmodia may be related to sol-gel transformations which have been observed in intact plasmodia and may participate in the protoplasmic streaming of the intact organism. This suggestion is based upon the following facts: (a) the protoplasmic streaming of myxomycete plasmodia is increased by microinjection of ATP; (b) the gel portion of the cytoplasm at the site of the microinjection of ATP is extensively converted to the sol state. The changes in structure of the intact cytoplasm are thus similar in nature to the changes exhibited in response to ATP by the purified ATP-sensitive protein. 5. The ATP-sensitive protein of myxomycete plasmodia appears to undergo reversible aggregation to form a high viscosity state. The function of ATP is to break down the aggregates thus formed. Since a specific ATPase activity is associated with the purified material, added ATP is gradually destroyed and recovery of viscosity attends the spontaneous reconstitution of aggregates.
Optoelectronic wide-word personality ROMs for high-speed control applications

A fiber optic based wide-word personality ROM capable of data rates in excess of 125 Mbs has been constructed and tested. Because of the special fan-out characteristics of optical devices, the optoelectronic ROM is capable of operating in a wide-word regime that is inaccessible to all-electronic ROMs. The principle of operation permits n electrical control bits to select among 2 n groups of p optical output bits. In theory, each output word of width p can consist of thousands of bits. The device constitutes a high-speed electro-optic control system permitting a small number of electrical bits to control a geometrically larger number of optical output bits.
Two-dimensional large eddy simulation of soot formation in the near-field of a strongly radiating nonpremixed acetylene–air turbulent jet flame

Abstract A numerical study of soot formation in the near-field of a strongly radiating, nonpremixed, acetylene–air planar jet flame is conducted using Large Eddy Simulation in two dimensions to examine coupled turbulence, soot chemistry, and radiation effects. The two-dimensional, Favre-filtered, compressible Navier-Stokes, total sensible energy and mixture fraction equations are closed using the Smagorinsky subgrid-scale (SGS) turbulence model. Major species of gas-phase combustion are obtained using a laminar flamelet model by employing experimentally obtained laminar flame state relationships for the major species mass fractions as a function of gas-phase mixture fraction. A combination of a presumed Beta filtered density function and a scale-similarity model are used to account for SGS mixture fraction and scalar dissipation fluctuations on the filtered composition and heat release rate. A soot transport and finite-rate kinetics model accounting for soot nucleation, surface growth, agglomeration, and oxidation is used. Radiation is modeled by integrating the filtered radiative transfer equation using the discrete ordinates method. Both instantaneous and time-averaged results are presented in order to highlight physical and numerical modeling issues and to examine turbulence, soot chemistry, and radiation interactions. Qualitative comparisons are made to previous numerical results and experimental data.
Calibration of Codes for Computing Bi-Conic Flowfields

More and more, the designer of a new reentry vehicle relies on laboratory simulations to evaluate the designs. Numerical simulations of the configuration’s trajectory incorporate data bases for the aerodynamic characteristics of the configuration. These aerodynamic data bases are developed using computations made with state-of-the-art design codes, which are verified by comparisons with wind-tunnel test data. Comprehensive surface pressure and force and moment measurements were obtained on hypersonic configurations at Mach 4.28 for validation of computational tools. The experiments were carried out in the United States Air Force Academy’s Tri-Sonic Wind Tunnel for sharp and blunted bi-conics (which are representative of some reentry vehicle configurations). Data were obtained over an angle-of-attack range of ±10°. These data are compared to results of computed flow models of various sophistication levels.
Calculated fusion rates in isotopic hydrogen molecules

COLD fusion occurs when two nuclei with very small relative energy tunnel through their mutual Coulomb barrier to initiate a nuclear reaction. The phenomenon is well studied in muon-catalysed fusion1–4, where a relatively massive muon replaces an electron in a diatomic molecule of hydrogen isotopes, enhancing the binding and producing cold-fusion rates of ∼1012s−1. Cold fusion is also believed to occur as pycno-nuclear reactions in certain astrophysical environments5. Recent reports of cold fusion between hydrogen isotopes embedded in palladium6 and titanium7 have prompted us to reconsider previous estimates of the cold-fusion rates for free diatomic isotopic hydrogen molecules. In particular, we have calculated rates in diatomic hydrogen molecules of various isotopic composition. An accurate Born–Oppenheimer potential was used to calculate the ground-state wavefunctions. We find that the rate for d + d fusion is 3 × 10−64s−1, some 10 orders of magnitude faster than a previous estimate. We also find that the rate for p + d fusion is 10−55s−1, which is larger than the d + d rate because of the enhanced tunnelling in the lighter system. Hypothetical enhancements of the electron mass by factors of 5–10 would be required to bring cold-fusion rates into the range of recently claimed observations.