cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lamb Wave Focusing Transducer for Efficient Coupling to Wavelength-Scale Structures in Thin Piezoelectric Films

This paper describes the theoretical and experimental investigation of interdigitated transducers capable of producing focused acoustical beams in thin film piezoelectric materials. A mathematical formalism describing focused acoustical beams, lamb beams, is presented and related to their optical counterparts in two- and three-dimensions. A novel Fourier domain transducer design methodology is developed and utilized to produce near diffraction limited focused beams within a thin film AlN membrane. The properties of the acoustic beam formed by the transducer were studied by means of Doppler vibrometry implemented with a scanning confocal balanced homodyne interferometer. The Fourier domain modal analysis confirmed that 83% of the acoustical power was delivered to the targeted focused beam which was constituted from the lowest order symmetric mode, while 1% was delivered unintentionally to the beam formed from the anti-symmetric mode, and the remaining power was isotropically scattered. The transmission properties of the acoustic beams as they interact with devices with wavelength scale features were also studied, demonstrating minimal insertion loss for devices in which a subwavelength and pinhole apertures were included. [2018-0059]
Task Engagement and the Vigilance Decrement Revisited: Expanding Upon the Work of Joel S. Warm Using a Semantic Vigilance Paradigm.

Objective:The goal of the present study is twofold: (1) demonstrate the importance of measuring and understanding the relationship between task engagement and vigilance performance, and (2) celebra...
Renal Scintigraphy Following Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition in the Diagnosis of Renovascular Hypertension (Captopril Scintigraphy)

This article describes the pathophysiology and primary causes of renovascular hypertension (RVH). No historical or physical finding is specific in the diagnosis of RVH, although onset of hypertension before the age of 30 years may suggest the possible presence of RVH. The physiology of the kidney is described along with the biochemistry of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The main thrust of the article is nuclear medicine techniques useful in the diagnosis of this disease. Several diagnositic methods are described but captopril scintigraphy is presented as a method that may give more optimal results in the diagnosis of RVH.
A NATURAL ANALOGUE FOR NEAR-FIELD BEHAVIOUR IN A HIGH LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE REPOSITORY IN SALT: THE SALTON SEA GEOTHERMAL FIELD, CALIFORNIA, USA

In the Salton Sea Geothermal Field (SSGF), in the sediments of the delta of the Colorado River, we are developing a three-dimensional picture of active water/rock reactions at temperatures of < 300°C and salinities of 7 to 25 weight percent to produce quantitative data on mineral stabilities and mobilities of naturally-occurring radionuclides. The aim is to produce data to validate geochemical computer codes being developed to assess the performance of a Commercial High-Level Waste (CHLW) repository in salt. Among the findings to date are: (1) greenschist facies metamorphism is occurring; (2) brine compositions are fairly similar to those expected in candidate salt repository sites; (3) U and Th concentrations in the rocks are typical for sedimentary rocks; (4) the brines are enriched in Na, Mn, Zn, Sr, Ra, Po and strongly depleted in U and Th relative to the rocks; (5) significant radioactive disequilibria exist in brines and solid phrases of the SSGF. The disequilibria in the actinide series allow estimation of the rates of brine-rock interaction and understanding of hydrologic processes and radionuclide behaviour. Work is continuing emphasizing the reactions of authigenic clay minerals, epidotes, feldspars, chlorites and sulphates. So far, adapting geochemical codes to the necessary combination of high salinity and high temperature has lagged behind the natural analogue study of the SSGF so that validation is still in progress. In the future our data can be also used in validating performance assessment codes which couple geochemistry and transport processes, and in design of waste packages and back fill compositions.
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Analysis in Glaucoma

The first widespread use of OCT for glaucoma diagnosis and management began with time domain OCT analysis of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), specifically the circumpapillary (cp) RNFL [1]. Since that time, the advent of spectral domain (SD), swept source (SS), and other advances in OCT technology allows faster scanning protocols at even higher resolution [2]. As a result, contemporary OCT platforms can perform detailed, high-resolution mapping of the RNFL thickness in the entire posterior pole as well as many additional structural parameters discussed elsewhere in this Atlas. Nevertheless, cpRNFL analysis remains among the most important and commonly used imaging tools for the assessment of patients with glaucoma [3].
Persistent or Recurrent Hypoglycemia in Infants and Todlers

The symptoms of hypoglycemia in infants and children can be hard to detect. A high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid the severe consequences of unrecognized and untreated hypoglycemia. The thresholds for activation of counter-regulatory hormones and fasting adaptation are identical in infants ≥72 hours old and older children and adults. A “critical sample” of metabolic fuels and counter-regulatory hormones in the setting of hypoglycemia is the key to understanding the etiology of a patient’s hypoglycemia. Management of most hypoglycemic disorders is a combination of limiting fasting with or without adjunctive therapy.
The Digital Turn: Music Business as Usual

While the recording industry changed over the past twenty years, much of the underlying business structure remains the same. In this chapter, Arditi takes the rhetoric about change seriously, but finds that the main change to the ideology of getting signed lies in the way record labels find new talent. Whereas the route to a record contract used to be through bars, now record labels sign young artists who are viral social media sensations. Streaming platforms favor social media reach over everything else. This chapter explores the changes that streaming brings to the recording industry while the logics of the recording industry remain fundamentally unchanged. Finally, this chapter looks at the alternatives to the major record labels, but Arditi demonstrates that those musicians who find alternative ways of surviving in the music industry cling to the more conventional paths to success.
A regularity criterion for 3D NSE in ‘dynamically restricted’ local Morrey spaces

It is shown that a local-in-time strong solution u to the 3D Navier–Stokes equations remains regular on an interval (0,T) provided a smallness ϵ0-condition on u in a dynamically restricted local Mo...
Determine Disturbance Locations in Power Grids using Bicubic 2D Interpolation on Electromechanical Wave-front Propagation Delay.

This study presents a method to locate power system disturbance using wide-area synchrophasor measurements. The merits of the proposed method include robustness and easy for visualization. In addition, the proposed method facilitates the calculation of electromechanical wave propagation speed distribution. An example of locating the disturbance and generating the propagation speed distribution is demonstrated based on FNET/GridEye, a distribution-level wide-area measurement system. Without losing generality, the proposed method can be implemented in any other wide-area measurement systems.
Chapter 13 – ENCAPSULATION OF FLUOROPHORES IN MULTIPLE MICROENVIRONMENTS IN SURFACTANT-BASED SUPRAMOLECULAR ASSEMBLIES

This chapter describes encapsulation of flurophores in multiple microenviroments in surfactant-based supramolecular assemblies. Chemistry at the molecular level is dominated by the chemistry of the covalent bond. In contrast, supramolecular chemistry extends beyond the realm of individual molecules to focus on intermolecular noncovalent interactions between two or more molecules to create an organized association or structure. The use of environmentally sensitive fluorescence probes to characterize surfactant-based supramolecular assemblies is unquestionably a powerful approach to provide insights into the structure and dynamics of these diverse systems. The selection of probes with affinities for multiple partitioning sites within supramolecular species certainly has the potential to generate challenging spectral analyses. With a greater understanding of environmental effects on the emission parameters of solvatochromic fluorophores, the practice of encapsulating these extrinsic probes in supramolecular systems should become an increasingly common strategy to delineate the microdomains of these unique structures.
Characterization of a PecS Family Transcriptional Regulator in Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus, marine bacteria, are serious human pathogens. Virulent strains can cause food poisoning upon consumption of uncooked seafood and they can cause wound infections in humans. A genomic locus found in V. vulnificus consists of a gene, which encodes a homologue of the multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR), and a divergently oriented gene encoding a transmembrane protein, predicted to function as an efflux pump. The encoded proteins are predicted to be homologues of PecS and PecM from plant pathogens where PecS controls virulence gene expression and PecM exports antioxidants. The predicted V. vulnificus PecS was cloned from V. vulnificus YJ016 genomic DNA, overexpressed in E. coli and purified via affinity chromatography. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays revealed specific binding of PecS to multiple sites in the intergenic region between pecS and pecM genes with a Kd of 0.6 ±0.1 nM. Further analysis showed attenuation of PecS binding to intergenic DNA in the presence of urate a...
House Officers Guidelines 1: Housekeeping

Intensive care units embody the miraculous advances of modern medicine. An ICU provides an environment where high-quality, compassionate, physiologically orientated, and evidence-based medicine can be practiced. The ICU is an exciting and challenging place to work and provides a remarkable learning environment. The keys to a successful rotation in the ICU are (1) teamwork and (2) a systematic, disciplined, and organized approach to patient care.
The Impact of Technology on the Notary Process

This article addresses the potential impact technology might have upon traditional face-to-face notarial encounters. While notaries may be authorized to perform various functions, the focus of this article is the most familiar notarial function of certifying, or authenticating signatures. Section I of this article describes the notary's duties in the authentication process, the purpose of authentication, and how information technology plays a vital role daily in everyone's life. Section II addresses how encryption software encodes a message and the application of a digital signature to a document using this technology. Section III analyzes whether emerging interactive video will be used in the electronic authentication process.
The psychological reality of sonority in English

A long-standing controversy in the interface between phonology and other disciplines involves the nature of sonority. This paper seeks to help resolve this issue by showing that the sonority hierarchy is psychologically real to native speakers of English. This is accomplished by reporting the results of a rigorous and in-depth psycholinguistic experiment involving a common process of playful reduplication. A list of 99 hypothetical rhyming pairs such as roshy-toshy was evaluated by 332 subjects. Their task was to judge which order sounds more natural, e.g., roshy-toshy or toshy-roshy. The data confirm the crucial importance of sonority in accounting for the observed results. Specifically, the unmarked (preferred) pattern is for the morpheme beginning with the more sonorous segment in each pair to occur in absolute word-initial position. A generalized version of the Syllable Contact Law is utilized in a brief formal analysis of this phenomenon.
Smooth particle hydrodynamics: theory and application to the origin of the moon

The origin of the moon is modeled by the so-called smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method (Lucy, 1977, Monaghan 1985) which substitutes to the fluid a finite set of extended particles, the hydrodynamics equations reduce to the equation of motion of individual particles. These equations of motion differ only from the standard gravitational N-body problem insofar that pressure gradients and viscosity terms have to be added to the gradient of the potential to derive the forces between the particles. The numerical tools developed for ''classical'' N-body problems can therefore be readily applied to solve 3 dimensional hydroynamical problems. 12 refs., 1 fig.
Examination of Eggers’ Relationship Between Transverse Wave Profiles and Wave Resistance

A two-dimensional vertical strut with a cross section obtained by conformal mapping of an ogive in an unbounded plane into a channel has been investigated. Eggers' relationship between transverse wave profiles and wave resistance has been applied to both analytical and experimental profiles. The basic assumption of a free wave system in the analysis seems to introduce only a small error in comparison to the effects of viscosity.
Evolutionary history of Oryza sativa LTR retrotransposons: a preliminary survey of the rice genome sequences

LTR Retrotransposons transpose through reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate and are ubiquitous components of all eukaryotic genomes thus far examined. Plant genomes, in particular, have been found to be comprised of a remarkably high number of LTR retrotransposons. There is a significant body of direct and indirect evidence that LTR retrotransposons have contributed to gene and genome evolution in plants. To explore the evolutionary history of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons and their impact on the genome of Oryza sativa, we have extended an earlier computer-based survey to include all identifiable full-length, fragmented and solo LTR elements in the rice genome database as of April 2002. A total of 1,219 retroelement sequences were identified, including 217 full-length elements, 822 fragmented elements, and 180 solo LTRs. In order to gain insight into the chromosomal distribution of LTR-retrotransposons in the rice genome, a detailed examination of LTR-retrotransposon sequences on Chromosome 10 was carried out. An average of 22.3 LTR-retrotransposons per Mb were detected in Chromosome 10. Gypsy-like elements were found to be >4 × more abundant than copia-like elements. Eleven of the thirty-eight investigated LTR-retrotransposon families displayed significant subfamily structure. We estimate that at least 46.5% of LTR-retrotransposons in the rice genome are older than the age of the species (< 680,000 years). LTR-retrotransposons present in the rice genome range in age from those just recently inserted up to nearly 10 million years old. Approximately 20% of LTR retrotransposon sequences lie within putative genes. The distribution of elements across chromosome 10 is non-random with the highest density (48 elements per Mb) being present in the pericentric region.
World Conferences and the Cheapening of International Norms

As long as we understand that world conferences only address problems, we will not be disappointed in them. We will only be disappointed if we think that a world conference is supposed to solve problems. Is there any point in getting a lot of people together, at great expense, just to address a problem without any prospect of solving it? My answer is a qualified yes. A world conference is a cultural artifact. It has an impact upon our collective sense of civilization.
A Structure-Guided Mutational Analysis of Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen: Identification of Surface Residues Required for Viral Replication and Transformation

Simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) transforms cells in culture and induces tumors in rodents. Genetic studies suggest that TAg interaction with the chaperone hsp70 and tumor suppressors pRb and p53 may not be sufficient to elicit complete transformation of cells. In order to identify additional cellular factors important for transformation, we designed mutations on the solvent-exposed surface of TAg. We hypothesized that surface residues would interact directly with cellular targets and that the mutation of these residues might disrupt this interaction without perturbing TAg's global structure. Using structural data, we identified 61 amino acids on the surface of TAg. Each surface amino acid was changed to an alanine. Furthermore, five patches containing clusters of charged amino acids on the surface of TAg were identified. Within these patches, we selectively mutated three to four charged amino acids and thus generated five mutants (patch mutants 1 to 5). We observed that while patch mutants 3 and 4 induced foci in REF52 cells, patch mutants 1 and 2 were deficient in focus formation. We determined that the patch 1 mutant is defective in p53 binding, thus explaining its defect in transformation. The patch 2 mutant can interact with the Rb family members and p53 like wild-type TAg but is unable to transform cells, suggesting that it is defective for action on an unknown cellular target essential for transformation. Our results suggest that the histone acetyltransferase CBP/p300 is one of the potential targets affected by the mutations in patch 2.
Transient laser spectroscopy of protein folding: detection and characterization of slow annealing processes

The unique structure of a protein is encoded in its characteristic sequence of amino acids; the processes by which this linear sequence collapses into a unique 3D structure remains an unsolved problem that represents one of the most challenging issues in fundamental biomolecular science. This so-called protein folding problem is the second half of the genetic code. Studies of this biological problem are complicated by the need to study dynamic behavior involving small populations of transient species in a solution environment. However, the use of advanced transient laser spectroscopy techniques based on intrinsic chromophores provides a powerful means to study this problem. Specifically, time-resolved phosphorescence of tryptophan (Trp) provides a means to study the dynamics associated with different regions of the protein surrounding the emitting Trp residue. Using these methodologies, we are able to study, in real time, the later stages of unfolding and refolding of the bacterial protein alkaline phosphatase, a nonspecific monoesterase. Results show the presence of several intermediate states, including states with significantly altered core structure that still exhibit complete biological activity. Moreover, the refolding of alkaline phosphatase following denaturation in either chaotropic denaturants or low pH reveals a relatively fast refolding leading to the biologically active state, while laser spectroscopy measurements show a soft core which is annealing to the native-like state on a time-scale long compared to the return of activity. The active refolded protein is also initially characterized by an increase in susceptibility to denaturant. The slow annealing of the core is consistent with the presence of high energy barriers that separate fully active, long-lived, kinetic intermediate states along the folding pathway, a description suggested in the rugged energy landscape model.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Partial characterization of matrix-associated serine protease inhibitors from human skin cells.

Serine protease inhibitors have important regulatory roles in angiogenesis, intravascular fibrinolysis, wound healing, and cell migration. In this study, the extracellular matrix secreted by cultured human keratinocytes, foreskin fibroblasts, and SV-40-transformed human skin fibroblasts was analyzed for serine protease inhibitors by substrate reverse zymography. We found that the extracellular matrix deposited by these cells contained three inhibitors (Mr 33,000, 31,000, and 27,000). These inhibitors protected the degradation of gelatin by trypsin and elastase, and of casein by plasmin. In contrast, the gelatinolytic activities of thermolysin and papain were not inhibited, Compared to untreated cells, cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate showed a two- to 10-fold increase in the expression of these inhibitors. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D decreased the cellular expression of these inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of de novo protein and mRNA synthesis. Antitrypsin activity of these inhibitors was resistant to heat and sodium dodecylsulfate, but was lost after reduction of disulfide bonds. The inhibitors bound specifically to trypsin and could be eluted from a trypsin column in active form, Collectively, these data suggest that the extracellular matrix deposited by keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts contains active serine protease inhibitors.
Release from proactive interference by experimental amnesia: electroconvulsive shock improves radial-arm maze performance in rats.

Rats were trained in an eight-arm radial maze and tested using a proactive interference (PI) procedure. Each test trial consisted of forced choices of four randomly selected arms followed, after a 2-h delay, by free choices among all eight arms. Normally, rats chose correctly during the free choices by entering and retrieving food from the four arms not yet visited during the test trial. Occasionally, an interference trial preceded the test trial by 1.5 or 3 h; interference trials consisted of forced choices of another four arms and an immediate test. The presence of an interference trial lowered test-trial performance (PI). Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) administered immediately after the interference trial had no effect; i.e., PI was still observed. When ECS was administered at the midpoint of the 3-h intertrial interval, performance increased to control (no ECS, no PI) levels. Such release from PI, however, was not obtained, and test-trial performance remained inaccurate when ECS was delivered immediately after the forced choices of the test trial (either 1.5 or 3 h after the interference trial).
Specific Interaction of Golgi Coatomer Protein α-COP with Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-Trisphosphate

Abstract The phosphoinositide binding selectivity of Golgi coatomer COPI polypeptides was examined using photoaffinity analogs of the soluble inositol polyphosphates Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, and InsP6, and of the polyphosphoinositides PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, PtdIns(4,5)P2, and PtdIns(3,4)P2. Highly selective Ins(1,3,4,5)P4-displaceable photocovalent modification of the α-COP subunit was observed with ap-benzoyldihydrocinnamide (BZDC)-containing probe, [3H]BZDC-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. A more highly phosphorylated probe, [3H]BZDC-InsP6probe labeled six of the seven subunits, with only β, β′, δ, and e-COP showing competitive displacement by excess InsP6. Importantly, [3H]BZDC-triester-PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, the lipid with the same phosphorylation pattern as Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, showed specific, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-displaceable labeling of only α-COP. Labeling by the PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(3,4)P2 photoaffinity probes was less intense and showed no discrimination based on PtdInsPn ligand. Thus, both the D-3 and D-5 phosphates are critical for the α-COP-PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 interaction, suggesting an important role for this polyphosphoinositide in vesicular trafficking.
CLEARANCE OF PLASMA ENZYMES IN NORMAL AND LDH AGENT INFECTED MICE.

Summary1. Plasma enzyme levels in mice rose rapidly following either intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of enzymes from he-molyzed red blood cells. The increase following i.p. injection represented a rapid and fairly quantitative passage of functionally active proteins across membrane barriers in the host animal into the systemic circulation. It was independent of the RBC donor species. 2. Plasma clearance rates of injected LDH, MDH and GOT were measured in normal mice and in mice infected with an LDH agent from the CD/5 lymphoma. Clearance of exogenously administered enzymes was about double in normal as compared to infected mice. 3. Clearance data used in conjunction with comparative enzyme levels in infected mice eliminate the possibility that a nonspecific virus-induced tissue necrosis is the source of increased plasma enzyme. 4. It is concluded that the increae in certain plasma enzymes following infection with an LDH agent most probably results from an impairment of plasma enzyme clearance mec...
Listeria monocytogenes empyema and bacteremia complicating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

A 60-year-old man receiving corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia developed an empyema and bacteremia due to Listeria monocytogenes. The rapidly fulminant course of Listeria infections in immunosuppressed hosts and the necessity of prompt treatment of Listeria empyemas are emphasized. Cancer 46:619–620, 1980.
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone improves motor performance and enhances lower motor neuronal survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an enigmatic neurodegenerative disorder without any effective treatment characterized by loss of motor neurons (MNs) that results in rapidly progressive motor weakness and early death due to respiratory failure. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family known to play a prominent role in the differentiation and survival of MNs. The flavonoid 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a potent and selective small molecule tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) agonist that mimics the effects of BDNF. In the present study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of 7,8-DHF in a transgenic ALS mouse model (SOD1G93A). We found that chronic administration of 7,8-DHF significantly improved motor deficits, and preserved spinal MNs count and dendritic spines in SOD1G93A mice. These data suggest that 7,8-DHF should be considered as a potential therapy for ALS and the other motor neuron diseases.
Skeletal muscle atrophy and increased intramuscular fat after incomplete spinal cord injury.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal design. (1) To quantify skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) after correcting for intramuscular fat (IMF) in thigh muscle groups 6 weeks after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), (2) to monitor the changes in muscle CSA and IMF after 3 months from the initial measurement. Academic institution Athens, GA, USA. Six incomplete SCI patients (28±4 years, 178±5 cm and 78±6 kg, mean±SE, C7 to L3, American Spinal Injury Association B or C) were tested at 5±1 weeks and 3 months after the initial measurement. T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were taken of both thighs. Six able-bodied (AB) controls were matched in age, sex, height and weight (29±4 years, four male and two female subjets, 179±5 cm and 77±6 kg). At 6 weeks post-injury, muscle CSA was 82±4 cm2 in incomplete SCI and 123±21 cm2 in AB controls (P=0.04). IMF CSA was 5.2±1.3 and 2.3±0.6 cm2 in incomplete SCI and AB controls, respectively (P=0.03). Relative IMF was three-fold higher (P=0.03) in the SCI group versus AB controls (5.8±1.4 versus 2.0±0.6%). After 3 months, IMF increased 26% in the SCI group compared to the initial measurement (P=0.02). Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with greater IMF accumulation in SCI group 6 weeks post-injury compared to AB controls. Moreover, IMF continues to increase over time in incomplete SCI.
Effects of malnutrition, maternal stress, or ACTH injections during pregnancy on sexual behavior of male offspring.

Abstract Pregnant rats were subjected to nutritional stress, environmental stress (immobilization-illumination-heat), or injections of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) during the third trimester of gestation. Masculine and feminine behavior potentials of the male offspring were determined in adulthood. Compared to control males, male copulatory behavior was severely impaired in all three experimental groups. The prenatally stressed animals showed a significant reduction in the cumulative percent ejaculating and an increase in the number of intromissions prior to the first ejaculation compared to control animals. When tested for female behavior, all three treatment groups displayed a significantly greater lordosis quotient than the control males. Gestation length was increased in the mothers exposed to environmental stress and ACTH injections but not in the nutritional stress animals. At birth, offspring from all experimental groups showed a significant reduction in body weight when compared with control offspring. These results confirm and extend earlier data which indicate that exposure of the mother to stress during the period of fetal sexual differentiation may impair masculine and feminine sexual behavior of the male offspring.
Theoretical modelling of the feedback stabilization of external MHD modes in toroidal geometry

A theoretical framework for understanding the feedback mechanism for stabilization of external MHD modes has been formulated. Efficient computational tools - the GATO stability code coupled with a substantially modified VACUUM code - have been developed to effectively design viable feedback systems against these modes. The analysis assumed a thin resistive shell and a feedback coil structure accurately modelled in θ and , albeit with only a single harmonic variation in . Time constants and induced currents in the enclosing resistive shell are calculated. An optimized configuration based on an idealized model has been computed for the DIII-D device. Up to 90% of the effectiveness of an ideal wall can be achieved.
Analytical methods for Staphylococcus aureus.

The staphylococcal enterotoxins are relatively low molecular weight proteins, 27000 to 29000 Da (Bergdoll, 1979). They are produced by the staphylococci, primarily Staphylococcus aureus, although the newer species, Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus hyicus have been reported to be enterotoxigenic (Adesiyun et al., 1984; Fukuda et al., 1984). The guideline followed for many years in the Food Research Institute to determine whether staphylococci might produce enterotoxin was to determine whether the particular strain produced either coagulase or thermonuclease (TNase). Formerly, both S. intermedius and S. hyicus would have been classified as S. aureus. Therefore, if we follow the current species classification, we cannot confine our testing of staphylococcal strains to S. aureus alone. To my knowledge, no one is currently working on the identification of additional enterotoxins although we do know that unidentified ones do exist. This is very difficult to accomplish because a specific biological test such as the monkey feeding test is necessary to identify the enterotoxin (Surgalla et al., 1953). Apparently, only about five percent of staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks are due to unidentified enterotoxins. The enterotoxins that have been identified so far are classified as enterotoxins A (SEA), B (SEB), C 1 (SEC1), C~ (SEC2), C 3 (SEC3), D (SED) and E (SEE). The enterotoxin Cs are very closely related and can be identified by their cross-reactions with antibodies prepared against any one of the SECs. The other enterotoxins are identified by antibodies specific for each of the enterotoxins, although cross-reactions between SEB and the SECs (Lee et al., 1980) and SEA and SEE (Lee et al., 1978) do exist. Monoclonal antibodies have been prepared that are useful in the sandwich ELISA for the detection of SEB, SECs, SEA and SEE by one set of two antibodies for each group. Efforts to prepare monoclonal antibodies that cross-react with SEA, SED and SEE were generally unsuccessful, although an
Effects of a juvenile hormone analogue on the duration of the fifth instar in the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus

Topical application of JHA to fifth instar nymphs of Oncopeltus fasciatus, immediately following ecdysis from the fourth instar, decreases the duration of the fifth instar by approximately 36 hr in addition to inducing a supernumerary larval moult. JHA appears to accelerate the time of subsequent ecdysis in two ways: first, the onset of ecdysone secretion is accelerated, and is accompanied by a similarly premature initiation of mitotic activity in epidermal cells. This is the classical prothoracicotropic action of JH. Second, the period between the onset of mitotic activity and the time of ecdysis itself is shortened. That is, once cellular activities associated with the moulting cycle are triggered by ecdysone, such activities are completed more rapidly in the presence of JHA. It appears that the larval-larval moult induced by JHA requires intrinsically less time to accomplish than a normal metamorphic moult.
DENSITY‐DEPENDENT GROWTH, ECOLOGICAL STRATEGIES, AND EFFECTS OF NUTRIENTS AND SHADING ON BENTHIC DIATOM SUCCESSION IN STREAMS1

The importance of immigration, growth, and competition for nutrients and light in benthic diatom succession was studied in experimental channels in a low-nutrient stream. Diatom accumulation was greater in channels enriched with nitrate and phosphate (NP) than in control channels, reaching about 5 × 106 and 2 × 106 cells-cm−2, respectively, after 30 d. Shading during late stages of community development reduced algal standing crop. Synedra ulna (Nitz.) Ehr. and Achnanthes minutissima Kutz. were codominant during early stages of community development in both habitats, but succession to an A. minutissima-dominated community was much faster in NP-enriched than in control conditions. Species dominating early stages tended to immigrate quickly, whereas species that increased in relative abundance during community development had either fast growth rates or fast immigration and average growth rates. Decreases in growth rates indicated resource supply became limiting during community development in control and enriched channels. Density-dependent competition was indicated because nutrient concentrations in the water column and light did not decrease during the 30-d study. Species autecologies were defined by effects of nutrient enrichment, shading, and community development on species growth rates. Differing autecologies of early and late succession species indicated that competition for nutrients was more important than competition for light. Species autecologies also indicated ecological strategies. The species most stimulated by nutrient enrichment were least able to maintain growth rates as algal abundances on substrata increased. In addition, these species that best sustained their growth rates during succession tended to have the highest immigration rates, indicating that drift and immigration may have been an important mechanism of persistence for some populations when resources become limiting within thick benthic mats.
Energy intensity, sectoral activity, and structural change in the Norwegian economy

Abstract We analyze energy-use patterns since 1950 in the residential, service, manufacturing, and transportation sectors of the Norwegian economy, concentrating on changes in energy intensity, sectoral activity, and sectoral structure between 1973 and 1987. In most sectors, energy intensity has increased since the 1973 oil shock, even though the total energy-to-GDP ratio has decreased over the same period. Energy efficiency has not improved as much in Norway as in the other OECD countries. There are several reasons for this. First, electricity has been inexpensive and Norway is a net oil exporter. The income from oil development in Norway, in response to the oil shocks of the 1970s, resulted in energy-use increases while other nations responded by reducing energy utilization. A more subtle factor is that the use of energy in Norway is reaching maturity in most sectors as the ownership of principal energy-using equipment saturates. If changes in energy policy were put into place to increase the price of electricity in Norway, the energy efficiency of the economy could improve dramatically in the future.
Comparison of chloride- and hydride-generation for quantitation of germanium by headspace solid-phase microextraction–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry

Chloride- and hydride-generation headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) techniques have been compared for the detection of trace amounts of germanium by inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP–TOFMS). The conditions for generation of germanium chloride, including acid type and concentration, effect of sodium chloride and extraction time, were investigated. Detection limits of 20 and 92 pg mL–1 and precisions of 18% (n=11) and 9.7% (n=11) were achieved for chloride and hydride generation, respectively, at a concentration of 10 ng mL–1. The generated germanium chloride and hydride species identities were characterized and confirmed as GeCl4 and GeH4 by use of electron-impact ionization mass spectrometry. Chloride generation coupled with SPME sampling and ICP–TOFMS detection resulted in twofold enhancement of sensitivity compared to GeH4 and detection limits for continuous hydride generation were 20-fold better than reported atomic fluorescence data.
Comparison of the cyclic oxidation behavior of β-NiAl, β-NiPtAl and γ–γ′ NiPtAl coatings on various superalloys

Abstract The cyclic oxidation behavior of simple aluminide and platinum aluminide coatings on various superalloy substrates was investigated at three temperatures. Coatings of β-NiAl, β-NiPtAl and Pt-modified γ–γ′ were tested and compared in dry oxygen at 1050, 1100 and 1150 °C. There was a clear influence of substrate sulfur content on the oxidation behavior of β-NiAl coatings at all temperatures. The impact of substrate impurities, especially S content, was significantly reduced for β-NiPtAl coatings at all temperatures. Simple Pt-modified γ–γ′ coatings showed excellent oxidation behavior up to 1100 °C on some alloys, but were more sensitive to substrate composition, especially Hf content, than were β-NiPtAl coatings.
Particle‐size Distribution of Cowpea Flours Affects Quality of Akara (Fried Cowpea Paste)

ABSTRACT: Matching of particle-size distribution and further blending of cowpea paste made from dry milled seeds were used as tools for producing akara of comparable quality to the traditional West African wet-milled product. All blended samples showed a reduction in viscosity after whipping ranging from 48.2% to 54.2%. HM-1.73 (Hammer mill with 1.73-mm screen) produced the least number (11) of akara balls per batch with highest per ball weight (20.93 g). Akara fat content varied from 14.7% to 33.1%. Akara made from HM-2.54 (hammer mill with 2.54-mm screen) contained 21.1% fat and was acceptable to consumers.
Effect of bariatric surgery on normal and abnormal renal function.

Abstract Background Obesity has been associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, risk factors for chronic kidney disease. In addition, obesity has been found to have an independent, negative effect on renal function and the progression of renal insufficiency. Methods The serum creatinine (CR) in 813 patients who had undergone obesity surgery from 2003 to 2009 at a large academic medical center and had been followed up for ≥24 months was retrospectively monitored. Renal function, as measured by the CR level, was assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and ≥24 months of follow-up. The groups were stratified by the baseline CR as follows: normal (CR 1.6 mg/dL). Results Of the 813 patients, 757 had a CR 1.6 mg/dL (n = 757) at 6 months of follow-up. At 1 year of follow-up, 99% had maintained a CR of 1.3% (n = 509). At 2 years of follow-up, 100% had a CR value of 1.6 mg/dL) before weight loss surgery. Examination of the CR values at ≥2 years after weight loss surgery demonstrated that 76.7% had a normal CR level, 12.5% had mild impairment, and 10.7% had moderate impairment. Conclusion Bariatric surgery does not have a negative effect on renal function as measured by the CR, whether CR at baseline is
The changing impact of white migration on the population compositions of origin and destination metropolitan areas

Increased migration to the sunbelt and the metropolitan-nonmetropolitan “turnaround” represent departures from long-standing redistribution trends. Although these patterns have been examined from a number of perspectives, their consequences for individual metropolitan areas have not yet been brought to light. In the present study, stream-disaggregated data for the late 1950s and late 1960s are employed to assess the impact of recent migration on the sizes and compositions of white populations in thirty-one large metropolitan areas.
An important role of spike timing dependent synaptic plasticity in the formation of synchronized neural ensembles

Abstract Synchronous neural activity plays an important role in the functioning of the brain. In this paper, we study the entrainment of a heterogeneous network of electrically coupled neurons by synaptically mediated periodic stimulation. We demonstrate by computer simulations that input synapses with spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) greatly enhance the coherence of spiking activity in the network as compared to the case of input with constant strength. We also show that synchronization in the network stimulated through STDP synapses is much more robust to the variability of network properties. The observed mechanism may play a role in synchronizing the activity of a hippocampal network.
Bridged Lamellae: Crystal Structure(s) of Low Molecular Weight Linear Polyethylene

The crystal structure of a low molecular weight polyethylene (Mw = 595) with low polydispersity (1.11) was determined from electron diffraction intensity data collected from samples epitaxially oriented on benzoic acid and subsequently annealed. A distribution of local microcrystalline structures was observed, somewhat resembling orthorhombic n-paraffins: n-C37H76 to n-C44H90. However, a quantitative structure determination based on the 0kl single-crystal intensities reveals that the lamellae are not totally separated in the microcrystalline array, apparently due to residual bridging molecules that span adjacent chain layers. An atomic model for a frequently observed structure, comparable to n-C41H84, packs in space group A21am with a = 7.42, b = 4.96, and c = 109.80 A and corresponds well to the observed diffraction amplitudes (R = 0.21).
Anergy, dysimmunoglobulinemia, and unexplained inflammation. A new therapeutic approach with a chemically defined diet

Abstract Immunologic and metabolic studies in a patient with unexplained dermatitis following intercurrent infections revealed evidence of impaired immunologic function and evidence suggestive of catabolism in excess of tissue repair. This combination of clinical findings shares many of the attributes of wasting disease. Compensation of the disease process was accomplished with a chemically defined diet. Exposure of this patient to a normal diet and bowel flora was associated with lymphopenia and with delayed cutaneous anorgy. The remission of anergy and the clinical improvement resulting from diet therapy suggests a new therapeutic approach in patients with compromised immunologic function.
Training, transfer, and turnover: Exploring the relationship among transfer of learning factors and staff retention in child welfare

Abstract Although training is often used in child welfare as an intervention to promote effective performance on the job (transfer of learning—TOL) as well as staff retention, there is not a preponderance of empirical evidence to support this practice. The “transfer problem” is well documented in training and development literature and the relationship between training and turnover in child welfare is unclear. This article describes a longitudinal research study that attempted to promote a better understanding of the training, transfer, and turnover relationship. The research identified transfer of learning factors and an indicator of overall transfer support and explored their relationship to child welfare social worker retention. Overall transfer support, demographic variables (experience, age, education, gender) and several transfer support factors (supervisory support, coworker support, application planning, caseload size) were identified as predictors of retention. The results provide support for the use of training and development activities as part of comprehensive staff retention programs. The results also raise additional questions about the ambiguous relationship between training and turnover and suggest the need for ongoing research in child welfare regarding training, transfer of learning and staff retention.
Analysis of low concentration reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs) in air: Storage issues and measurement by gas chromatography with sulfur chemiluminescence detection

Reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs) were measured at low concentrations in small volume air samples using a cryo-trapping inlet system and gas chromatograph outfitted with a sulfur chemiluminescence detector (GC-SCD). The relative sensitivity of the system to the RSCs follows the sequence H(2)S 6 years from initial coating) saw significant loss of H(2)S and CH(3)SH within 2 days, while the more recent generation canister (<1 year from initial coating) yielded percent recoveries of RSCs in the range of 85% (H(2)S and CH(3)SH) to 95% (OCS, DMS and CS(2)) after 7 days of storage, suggesting that these canisters may be suitable for the short-term storage of low level RSCs. The development of this low concentration, low sample volume method is well suited for measuring RSC gas fluxes from natural soils in laboratory incubations and in field flux chamber studies.
Intratumor murine interleukin-12 gene therapy suppressed the growth of local and distant Ewing's sarcoma.

We evaluated the effect of interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene therapy using an Ewing's sarcoma animal model in T-cell-deficient nude mice. Subcutaneous injection of TC71 cells resulted in tumor development by day 5. Mice were treated with a single intratumor injection of adenovirus β-galactosidase (Ad.β-gal) or adenovirus murine IL-12 (Ad.mIL-12) (2 × 109 PFU) and killed 1–7 days later. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of tumor tissue demonstrated peak expression of IL-12 p35 and p40 at 48 h, which persisted up to 7 days. For in vivo therapy, mice received intratumor Ad.β-gal or Ad.mIL-12 twice weekly for 2.5 weeks starting on day 6. Ad.mIL-12-treated tumors were significantly smaller (median volume, 19.7 mm3; range, 3.41–159.5 mm3) than Ad.β-gal-treated tumors (median volume, 3214.9 mm3; range 1679.9–5909.8 mm3, P<0.003) on day 31. The weight of Ad.mIL-12-treated tumors was also lighter than the Ad.β-gal-treated tumors (median, 2 mg; range, 1–5 mg versus median, 1960 mg; range 1640–5230 mg, P<0.01). Ad.mIL-12 therapy significantly prolonged the survival time and also inhibited the growth of an untreated tumor on the contralateral side. Immunohistochemistry analysis of the IL-12-treated tumors demonstrated IL-12 expression with increased Fas, Fas ligand and tumor cell apoptosis. CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were decreased. These data suggest that IL-12 gene therapy may be useful in the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma.