cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of environmental contamination in the transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

The acquisition and spread of bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics is an ongoing problem in the 1990s.1 Important nosocomial pathogens with an increasing incidence or newly acquired resistance include oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, enteric gram-negative bacilli producing extended-spectrum p-lactamase, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species (VRE). Reports of VRE began to appear in the mid-1980s in Europe and are now an important problem in an evergrowing number of hospitals in the United States. Data accumulated via the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) system of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that VRE increased 35-fold among all nosocomial isolates of enterococci (0.3% to 10.4%) between 1989 and 1995.2 By 1994 and 1995, 41% of all NNIS hospitals reported at least one nosocomial enterococcal infection. A recent report notes that attributable mortality is approximately 40%.3 Because of the importance of VRE as a nosocomial pathogen, the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) of the CDC has published guidelines for preventing nosocomial transmission.4 Among the important scientific questions regarding nosocomially acquired VRE are the following. First, do patients colonized or infected with VRE contaminate their environment? Second, what is the role of surface contamination in the transmission of VRE? Third, is surface contamination linked to the transmission of other nosocomial pathogens? Finally, what scientifically based policies can infection control professionals adopt to prevent or reduce nosocomial transmission of these pathogens? Several investigators have studied the frequency of environmental contamination found in the rooms of patients with VRE."11 Cultures of the surface environment yielded VRE in 7% to 37% of samples (Table). These investigations also produced several other important findings. Boyce et al reported that environmental contamination was more widespread in the rooms of patients with diarrhea6 (Table). In a later study, Boyce et al reported that the disposable gowns of nurses who cared for a patient with copious diarrhea also were contaminated with VRE.8 Montecalvo et al reported that 8% of cultures taken after terminal cleaning still yielded VRE.7 Molecular analysis of VRE strains has demonstrated both multiple circulating strains9,1112 and outbreaks due to a single strain.6,8,12,13 In some cases, isolates obtained from the environment were identical to the epidemic strain causing infection.6'8 However, in these outbreaks, it often has been difficult to determine whether cross-transmission occurred due to contaminated common equipment (eg, stethoscopes), acquisition of transient hand carriage by
Optical Add-Drop Filter Design Incorporating Mode Conversion in a Shifted Grating Cavity

We design an add-drop filter incorporating a mode conversion waveguide and high index contrast shifted grating Fabry-Perot mode-conversion cavity. Simulations indicate that this device demonstrates add-drop functionality with high Q-factor and finesse.
Service intangibility and its impact on consumer expectations of service quality

Among the areas which need to be addressed in service quality research is the nature of consumer expectations across the range of intangibility. Previous research has compared consumers’ service quality expectations across services, but different groups of subjects were evaluated for each different service. The problem with using different subjects for each service is that the subject’s demographic characteristics may be responsible for the significant differences in expectations of quality. This research uses a controlled, repeated measures design where subjects were each asked to evaluate three services, varying in their degree of intangibility, over a ten week period. This made it possible to look at service quality expectations without risking the problem that demographics would account for most of the differences in the data. A classification matrix for services based strictly on the feature of intangibility is proposed. The managerial implications of this simplified classification scheme for services are discussed.
An Approach to Address Grade Inflation in a Psychiatry Clerkship

Objective Universally, clerkship grading is diverse and not standardized. The authors’ faculty was troubled by the inability to provide meaningful evaluations, as more than 60% of students received the highest grade. Although a psychiatry clerkship mandate of a faculty-observed student clinical interview existed for several years, the majority of students reported not completing the interview under direct observation by a faculty member and no meaningful feedback or evaluation for this activity existed. In order to create diversity in grading criteria and to examine clinical skills more thoroughly than previously, written and oral examinations were developed and supervised interviews of patients and written comprehensive psychiatric evaluations were added. A core group of department faculty was instructed in the use of materials and instruments designed to standardize the experiences and the student evaluations.
Charged particle fission of 232Th

Abstract The mass distributions in the fission of 232 Th by protons of 11·3 MeV and deuterons of 11·5 MeV have been measured using Ge(Li) γ-ray spectroscopy. The total cross sections were determined to be 93 M.B. and 135 M.B. respectively for the proton and deuteron fission. The peak-to-valley ratios of the kinetic energy spectra of the fission fragments were measured for fission induced by protons and deuterons from 9 to 12 MeV.
Uranium (VI) sorption to hematite in the presence of humic acid

A long-standing problem in aquatic geochemistry has been the incorporation of natural organic matter (NOM) into speciation models. The general effect of NOM on metal ion sorption by particles has been understood for some time, and significant progress has been made in elucidating some of the details of the role of NOM through the use of surrogate organic acids such as citric acid. However, a gap exists between the general observations that have been made of NOM behavior and the inclusion of NOM in surface chemical models for metal ion sorption. In this paper, we report on the results of a study on the sorption of U(VI) by hematite in the absence and presence of Suwannee river humic acid (HA) and over a range of other system conditions (e.g., pH, I). Essential HA characteristics (e.g., its acid/base, metal binding, and surface chemical properties) were “captured” by representing the HA as an assembly of monoprotic acids with assumed pK values and without explicit correction for electrostatic effects. The ternary system (hematite/HA/U(VI)) was simulated through the combination of the binary submodels (i.e., CO32−/hematite, U(VI)/HA, U(VI)/hematite, and HA/hematite) with model constants fixed at the values determined from simulations of the respective experimental systems. However, the “summed-binary” approach undersimulated experimental results, and the ternary system model required the postulation of two ternary surface (Type A) complexes composed of the uranyl ion, hematite surface sites, and the model ligands comprising the HA. Consideration of the HA in this manner permitted the simulation of HA effects on U(VI) sorption by hematite over a range of solution conditions using a general speciation model.
Quantum well intermixing for photonic applications

Photonics IC is an attractive information processing means to fully utilize the enormous bandwidth carried by the optical signals. The full integration of photonics devices, such as tunable lasers, modulators and photodetectors have to be developed and which can be obtain by using the Quantum Well Intermixing technology. This paper will explore on the wavelength tunability using different Quantum Well Intermixing techniques, such as impurity induced diffusion and impurity- free vacancy diffusion. Emphasis will be put on the development of the very recent innovations and applications.
From empty speech to full speech? Reconceptualizing spirituality in organizations based on a psychoanalytically-grounded understanding of the self

Based on a psychoanalytic perspective, the article develops a new theoretical framework with which to examine organizational spirituality. Proponents of spirituality claim that it leads to the experience of an authentic self at work, one that is connected to others and a higher order, fully integrated, balanced, complete and ultimately fulfilled. This article suggests that these current definitions rest on conceptualizations of the self that capture little more than the imaginary function of the ego and the empty speech in which it engages. The article reconstructs core dimensions of spirituality in organizations as full speech, that is, as a discourse in which true subjectivity can emerge.
Contributions from the VIII World Congress on endometriosis

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the World Endometriosis Society sponsored the VIII World Congress on Endometriosis in February 2002. The scientific sessions conveyed the most recent advances in basic and clinical aspects of endometriosis. Many participants from the Congress promptly submitted their high-quality work for this peerreviewed issue of Fertility and Sterility. I appreciate Dr. DeCherney’s editorial support and the author’s contributions to the advancing our understanding of this challenging disease.
Use of cemented all-polyethylene and metal-backed acetabular components in total hip arthroplasty: A comparative study

The results of 115 primary total hip arthroplasties (97 patients) performed using the Charnley system and contemporary cementing techniques were reviewed. Fifty-five all-polyethylene cups and 60 metal-backed cups were used. The mean follow-up period was 84 months. No statistically significant difference was noted between groups for radiographic loosening and no cup has been revised to date. Survival analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference between groups. Although all-polyethylene cups had significantly greater polyethylene thickness, no difference was noted for rate of wear. Increased loosening of the metal-backed cups was not observed. Polyethylene thickness is increased by the use of 22-mm heads and this may have accounted for the lack of difference in loosening rates of the all-polyethylene and metal-backed cups.
Marihuana and the counselor: it's not so simple

This invited article takes a different position on the topic of marihuana from that discussed by William Camp in the previous article. The author of this article presents recent reports on marihuana research and points to the need for counselors not only to keep abreast of current developments in the area but also to “get it together” themselves before attempting to deal with clients who use marihuana and other drugs.
Sequence-specific binding of transfer RNA by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

A transfer RNA (tRNA) binding protein present in HeLa cell nuclear extracts was purified and identified as the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Studies with mutant tRNAs indicated that GAPDH recognizes both sequence and structural features in the RNA. GAPDH discriminated between wild-type tRNA and two tRNA mutants that are defective in nuclear export, which suggests that the protein may participate in RNA export. The cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide disrupted complex formation between tRNA and GAPDH and thus may share a common binding site with the RNA. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments showed that GAPDH is present in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm.
Decellularized human valve allografts

Background. Variable performance of allograft tissues in children and some adults may be linked to an immune response and could be mitigated by reducing implant antigenicity. Methods. As endothelial and fibroblast cells are the likely source of valve antigenicity, human (CryoValve SG) and sheep pulmonary valves were decellularized using the SynerGraft treatment process. Treated valves were evaluated in vitro using histochemical, biomechanical, and hydrodynamic methods, and compared with standard cryopreserved valves. Four SynerGraft-treated and two cryopreserved sheep pulmonary valves were implanted as root replacements in the right ventricular outflow tract of growing sheep and monitored echocardiographically and histologically at 3 and 6 months. CryoValve SG human pulmonary valves were implanted in 36 patients. Results. SynerGraft treatment reduced tissue antigen expression but did not alter human valve biomechanics or strength. Decellularized sheep allograft valves were functional during the implantation period, and, they became progressively recellularized with recipient cells. In humans, CryoValve SG pulmonary valves did not provoke a panel reactive antibody response. Conclusions. SynerGraft decellularization leaves the physical properties of valves unaltered and substantially diminishes antigen content. Reduction in implant cellularity enables host recellularization of the matrix, which should favorably impact long-term graft durability.
Effect of dietary lithium levels on tissue lithium concentrations, growth rate, and reproduction in the rat☆

Abstract Weanling rats were fed a low-lithium diet (0.005-0.015 ppm) and the same diet supplemented with 0.5 ppm lithium. They were carried through three generations and observations made on growth rate, reproductive performance, and lithium concentration of tissues. Analyses were performed by flame emission using a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame. Tissues and fluids analyzed included whole blood, plasma, milk, adrenal gland, pituitary, salivary gland, thymus, brain, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lung, skin, testis, ovary, uterus, and femur. The results are only suggestive of a physiological role for trace quantities of lithium. The fertility of second- and third-generation females [10] was inferior to that of the lithium supplemented group, but lithium had no effect on growth rate. Most significantly, the lithium concentrations in the pituitary and adrenal glands were relatively high and maintained constant through two generations regardless of dietary lithium. The lithium concentrations in other tissues were lowered by low dietary intake and in at least two cases, heart and kidney, continued to decrease with successive generations.
Coupled Computational Thermal and Mechanical Analysis of a Single Chip Flip Chip Module With Low-k Dielectric Medium

Miniaturization and more recently convergence have been driving the industry since the invention of the transistor and integrated circuit (IC). While gate delay has decreased with transistor scaling, the increase in the resistive capacitive (RC) delay due to shrinking interconnect dimensions has become a serious concern for the development of future-generation electronics. To reduce the delay due to resistance R, a major technology change was the replacement of Aluminum (Al) with Copper (Cu) interconnects. Recently, some investigators have suggested using low-k dielectric (having dielectric constant less than 4) instead of Silicon dioxide (k = 3.9) to reduce the capacitive component in the RC delay. Recent research has shown low-k materials to have characteristics such as low mechanical strength and adhesion. In this paper, thermo-mechanical analysis of a single chip flip-chip module (SCM) consisting of a die integrated with low-k dielectric medium, substrate, solder balls, and a printed circuit board (PCB) is performed. The analysis is done in two steps within the ANSYS finite element software to account for thermally induced stresses due to mismatch in thermal expansion coefficient. In the first step, the thermal analysis is carried out to derive the steady state temperature distribution within the package under the imposed power rating. In the second step, the evaluated temperature field is utilized in a coupled thermo-mechanical structural analysis. The developed framework is utilized to study the thermo-mechanical behavior of various low-k dielectrics, wherein the stresses and strain distributions within the chip region are quantified. The analysis has shown no change in the temperature distribution between the base case of Silicon dioxide (SiO2 ) and low-k materials. The maximum equivalent stress in the package, for all the four dielectric cases (SiO2 , polyimide, Hydrogen Silsesquioxane, and Black diamond) is seen in the silicon region of the die and that it does not change with the dielectric materials. However, the maximum equivalent stress in the low-k/metal layers varies with the materials but is always few orders of magnitude less than their corresponding yield strengths. Comparative analysis between Silicon dioxide (SiO2 ) and different low-k materials will help in identifying the weak spots in low-k dielectric when exposed to standard user environments.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Obese spontaneously hypertensive rats—A model for study of atherosclerosis

Abstract Probably as the result of a mutation a new type of spontaneously hypertensive rat has been obtained which, in addition to elevated blood pressure, exhibits genetic obesity, endogenous hyperlipemia, endocrine gland malfunction and metabolic abnormalities and develops premature atherosclerosis. The animals also show marked and persistent albuminuria which appears at an early age and is often associated later in life with a progressive nephrosclerosis which leads to azotemia or uremia. The animals have been designated as obese spontaneously hypertensive rats. They may provide a useful model to explore the relation of endocrine and metabolic abnormality to obesity and also for investigating the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, especially in regard to the roles of high blood pressure and hyperlipemia. In addition the animal may also be of value in the study of human type 4 hyperlipoproteinemia of which it appears to be an experimental analog.
Structural forms and possible roles of aligned cytoskeletal biopolymers in hagfish (slime eel) mucus

Abstract The hagfish, marine benthic dwellers, are primitive vertebrates which, upon stress, secrete massive quantities of mucus from slime glands of the integument by the holocrine mode. Lysis of each gland thread cell releases a single, intermediate filament-rich thread (∼ 60 cm × 1.5 μm), which collectively modulates the hydration and cohesiveness of mucus. In this report, with the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stouti), we showed that the threads exhibit a tendency for self-assembly into novel, aligned and intertwined cytoskeletal aggregates (“cables”). Large cables (15–40 cm in length, 50–800 μm in width) can be physically prepared from the whole mucous exudate, but similar smaller cables (0.1–10 cm in length, 50–200 μm in width) were found occurring naturally, particularly at the ends of laid eggs. Threads and cables may facilitate adhesion of mucus to the integument of the fish, restrict eggs to an optimum spawning site, and abet defense against invasive organisms.
Disk embolization of a Björk-Shiley convexo-concave mitral valve: a cause of sudden cardiovascular collapse and mesenteric ischemia.

Abstract Strut fracture and disk embolization of a Bjork-Shiley convexo-concave valve is uncommon, but it should always be considered as a cause of sudden cardiovascular collapse in patients with such valves. Recognition of this clinical scenario is essential, given the importance of early diagnosis and the prevalence of these valves worldwide. We present a fatal case of disk embolization of a mitral prosthesis presenting with cardiogenic shock and mesenteric ischemia. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2000;13:417-20.)
Aqua Regia Off-Gases by Infrared Spectrophotometry

As a part of a program aimed at the recovery of gases given off in the Darex process, a process involving the dissolution of stainless-steel-clad reactor fuel elements in aqua regia (6,7), a study was undertaken of the rate of evolution and chemical nature of the gases evolved under high reflux conditions from boiling aqua regia, both with and without metal present. The analytical technique employed infrared and visible spectrophotometry and gas chromatography; it afforded a quantitative measure of the stable gases N2O, NO, NO2, NOCl, Cl2, HCl, HNO3, N2, O2, H2, and H2O. Of these, HNO3 and O2 were never detected, and one compound existing in very small proportions was unidentified.
Money, Moral Authority, and the Politics of Creditworthiness

This article moves beyond current controversies on the nature of money by suggesting that a general social process allows different kinds of organizations and networks—from states to banks to local communities—to produce currencies: that is, the articulation of criteria of creditworthiness, or what I call the exercise of moral authority. Bankers specialize in moral authority, but when that authority is contested, challenging groups must articulate alternative criteria of creditworthiness for their currencies to become stable and acceptable. I illustrate these processes with historical material from the postbellum United States, which I use to discuss why the federal government failed to create a stable financial system, and why local bankers engaged in a process of financial innovation that further destabilized money. I conclude with reflections on the shifting structural sources of moral authority, which have made the local level a springboard for destabilizing financial innovations.
Sampling the miss-distance and transmission function

We use sampling techniques to reconstruct the characteristic function associated with the eigenvalues of two linked Sturm–Liouville operators by a transmission condition. The particular case when the transmission matrix is the identity yields the well-known miss-distance function which is used in the computation of eigenvalues by shooting methods.
Astrocyte Delivery of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Primary astrocytes were genetically modified ex vivo to express recombinant glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and subsequently were tested for their ability to provide neuroprotection to dopaminergic neurons in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) mouse model of Parkinson's disease. A replication-defective retrovirus was constructed, which contained the rat GDNF sequence and a sequence encoding a beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)/neomycin phosphotransferase fusion protein, linked via an internal ribosomal entry site. Murine astrocytes transduced with this vector secreted GDNF into the culture media at the rate of 115 +/- 34 pg/24 h/10(5) cells and expressed cytoplasmic beta-gal, whereas control nontransduced astrocytes were negative for GDNF production and cytoplasmic beta-gal expression. Mice that received implants of GDNF-producing astrocytes into the striatum or nigra displayed elevated levels of GDNF compared to mice that received control nontransduced astrocytes. In addition, tissue content of GDNF was increased bilaterally and in brain regions both proximal and distal to the graft, even though astrocyte migration away from the graft site did not occur. Importantly, GDNF-producing astrocytes provided marked neuroprotection of nigral dopaminergic perikarya, and partial protection of striatal dopaminergic fibers, when implanted into the midbrain 6 days prior to a retrograde 6-OHDA lesion, as assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Similarly, GDNF-producing astrocytes prevented the acquisition of amphetamine-induced rotational behavior in 6-OHDA-treated mice and completely prevented dopamine depletion within the substantia nigra, as assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. These results indicate that continuous exposure to low levels of GDNF provided by transgenic astrocytes provides marked neuroprotection of nigral dopaminergic neurons. (c)2002 Elsevier Science (USA).
The perinatal stress composite: A validation study

This initial version of the Perinatal Stress Composite (PSC) was validated as a measure of the magnitude of maternal stress from having a premature baby. Scores for Blumberg’s (1980) scale of neonatal risk (the validity criterion) and the six components of the PSC (gestational age of the baby, birthweight, Apgar (1953) scores at 1 and 5 min, length of hospitalization, and severity of the baby’s complications) were obtained from the hospital records of 189 births of premature babies at a Midwestern hospital. Factor analyses indicated that the six components could be represented by two factors: the degree of the baby’s prematurity, and the baby’s Apgar scores. There was a significant multiple correlation between the six components of the PSC and Blumberg’s scale (R =.76), indicating that the PSC holds promise as a valid measure of perinatal stress.
Streptococcal infection as possible trigger for dense deposit disease (C3 glomerulopathy)

Dense deposit disease (DDD, formerly known as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type II) is a subtype of C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). Electron-dense deposits in the glomerular basement membrane characterize this glomerulonephritis. DDD typically presents with a nephritic syndrome that progresses to end-stage renal failure in 50 % of patients despite treatment. The pathogenic basis of DDD is uncontrolled activation of the alternative complement cascade although the potential triggering events that precipitate the development of complement dysregulation are typically unknown. There are isolated reports of an apparent association between streptococcal infection and DDD, as well as with MPGN types I and III. However, this association has not been deemed compelling, perhaps because so few cases have been reported or because of a current lack of evidence for a plausible hypothesis to connect a streptococcal infection with subsequent disease. In this report, we describe two patients with DDD who definitely had an antecedent streptococcal infection with the phenotype of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and whose initial kidney biopsy findings on light microscopy were indistinguishable from acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. These patients had additional points of interest: recurrence of gross hematuria with recurrent streptococcal infections, slowly progressive course, persistently low serum C3 concentration, positive C3 nephritic factor, and positive risk alleles in the complement factor H (CFH) gene. Conclusion: We suggest that streptococcal infection may trigger DDD in individuals genetically predisposed by virtue of a disorder in complement regulation.
Critical Components of Curriculum Development for Career and Technical Education Instructors in the United States

Developing curriculum(s) requires instructors to take into several factors. These factors can be viewed as critical components of curriculum development for career and technical education (CTE) instructors. Without adequately addressing critical components such as curriculum history, curriculum theory, curriculum philosophies, curriculum processes, curriculum implementation and evaluation, CTE instructors will fail to develop sound/ meaningful curriculum(s). This article attempts to discuss those critical components in order to help instructors in the field. As curriculum development in the United States is characterized by both centralization and decentralization, it is essential that CTE instructors should be equipped with necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to develop practical curriculum(s) that they can use to benefit their own teaching.
Characterization of the human ADAMTS-5 (aggrecanase-2) gene promoter

Aggrecan degradation in osteoarthritis is mediated primarily by aggrecanases (−1 and −2) that are members of the ADAMTS family of proteases. Aggrecanase-2 (ADAMTS-5) null mice are resistant to aggrecan degradation in models of experimentally-induced osteoarthritis. In order to analyze ADAMTS-5 gene expression at the transcriptional level, we have cloned a 2.6 kb promoter region (−2096 to +506) of the human ADAMTS-5 gene and generated βgal reporter constructs. Promoter functionality was tested in transient transfection assays in chondrocytic cells. Analysis of the 2.6 kb promoter sequence indicated four putative binding sites for the Runx family of transcription factors, of which one member, Runx2, plays a role in chondrocyte maturation and hypertrophy. Overexpression of Runx2 stimulated reporter gene expression ∼7-fold over control in SW1353 human chondrosarcoma cells and ∼5-fold over control in primary bovine articular chondrocytes, suggesting ADAMTS-5 to be a potential downstream target of Runx2. 5′-deletions in the promoter resulted in a substantial loss in responsiveness to Runx2 implicating the functional importance of the distal promoter region that harbors putative Runx binding elements for achieving maximal Runx2 effects. The promoter-reporter construct could serve as a useful tool to understand the regulation of ADAMTS-5 gene expression at the transcriptional level.
A Study of the Histopathology of Human Gynecomastia

ABSTRACT The over-all histopathology of 24 specimens of gynecomastia obtained at mastectomy and of 8 specimens obtained at autopsy was found to be related to the duration of the gynecomastia. Irrespective of etiology, gynecomastia of recent onset was generally made up by a vascular fibroblastic stroma with periductal cuffs of loose connective tissue and by actively proliferating ducts. In specimens of gynecomastia of longer duration, including those due to the administration of estrogen, there was progressive fibrosis and hyalinization of the stroma associated with regression of the epithelial proliferation and later with a gradual reduction of the number of ducts. This morphological evolution has been clearly described in experimental animals receiving estrogens but has gone largely unrecognized in the case of human gynecomastia.
Use of phenylephrine in resuscitation from asphyxial arrest.

The value of alpha adrenergic agents in reversing asphyxial circulatory arrest has been documented. A study was undertaken to determine the effect of alpha adrenergic stimulation on central diastolic pressure during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Rate of successful resuscitation and time to resumption of spontaneous circulation were also examined. Fourteen anesthetized dogs were subjected to asphyxia-induced circulatory arrest. Five minutes after cessation of circulation, manual chest compression and ventilation with oxygen were begun. Electrocardiogram, aortic and central venous pressures were recorded continuously. CPR was performed for 10 minutes or until spontaneous circulation resumed. Six experimental animals received 5 mg of intravenous phenylephrine after 60 seconds of CPR. Eight control dogs received no drug. All animals showed electromechanical dissociation throughout the arrest period. Two control animals were resuscitated in less than 60 seconds, and were thus eliminated from the experiment. Six (100%) of the dogs receiving phenylephrine were resuscitated successfully, in an average of 75 seconds. In this group, aortic diastolic pressure averaged 55.8 mm Hg just prior to resumption of spontaneous circulation. Of six control dogs, only two (33%) were resuscitated in an average of 240 seconds. Aortic diastolic pressure in these resuscitated controls averaged 23.7 mm Hg just prior to resumption of circulation. These differences in time to resuscitation and diastolic pressures preceding resuscitation were significant (P
Chemistry of Methoxonium on (2 × 1)Pt(110)

In a previous paper, (Chen, N.; Blowers, P.; Masel, R. I. Surf. Sci. 1998, 418, 329−341.) we found that methoxonium ions (CH3OH2)+ can form when methanol and hydrogen coadsorb on Pt(110). In this p...
Effect of finishing and polishing procedures on the gap width between a denture base resin and two long-term, resilient denture liners

Abstract Statement of Problem. The junction between a long-term, resilient denture liner and the denture base is difficult to finish and polish due to differences in the hardness of the materials. Gaps tend to form during finishing and polishing procedures. Purpose. This study measured the junctional gap between 2 long-term, resilient denture liners and a denture base material after different finishing and polishing procedures were performed. The surface smoothness of the 2 liner materials also was evaluated Material and Methods. Molloplast-B and an experimental, heat-polymerized methyl siloxane-resin-based denture liner were processed (according to the manufacturer's instructions) against Lucitone 199 acrylic resin. Control specimens (n = 20) were 2 mm thick and flat. Experimental specimens (n = 64) were fabricated with a raised center section: a 3- × 5- × 15-mm half-cylindrical ridge with a junction at the top of the cylinder between the liner material and acrylic resin. The specimens were finished with 1 of 6 types of burs and polished with different combinations of rubber-impregnated acrylic polishers, pumice, and tin oxide. The finished specimens were examined and photographed with a scanning electron microscope, and the largest gap along the liner/denture base junction on each specimen was measured. Three-way analysis of variance without replication ( P t tests were used to analyze the data and compare groups. Results. Averaged across finishing and polishing techniques, a larger gap was recorded for the experimental liner material (22 μm) than for Molloplast-B (14 μm) ( P P =.015). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, the 2 denture liners tested behaved similarly. The results suggest that the size of the gap at the liner/denture base junction may be affected by finishing and polishing techniques and vary among materials. (J Prosthet Dent 2002; 87:311-8.)
Remodeling Protein Interfaces to Regulate Recognition

Protein affinity reagents play an important role across a wide-range of life science applications. Efforts to enhance affinity reagents through protein engineering typically focus on improved affinity or stability. Here, we examine methods to engineer coupled equilibria that are linked to the protein binding event, which result in protein variants that can be regulated reversibly, based on environmental conditions. Using single domain (VHH) antibodies as model affinity reagents, along with combinatorial libraries, which provide a route to screen new and wild-type residues across a significant amount of interface surface area, we explore the creation of either pH- or metal ion-dependent protein recognition. The resulting protein variants have been analyzed to evaluate the structural and thermodynamic consequences of the remodeled interfaces on protein regulation and stability. The results suggest the ability to introduce new function, such as a reversible linked binding event, is likely to scale with the complexity/size of the protein-protein (ligand) interface. Furthermore, the combinatorial approach to introduce new function should be generally transferable to other protein affinity reagent scaffolds.
Equine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis

Equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) is a disease of foals caused by the obligate intracellular organism Lawsonia intracellularis. This emerging disease affects mainly weanling foals and causes fever, lethargy, peripheral oedema, diarrhoea, colic and weight loss. The diagnosis of EPE may be challenging and relies on the presence of hypoproteinaemia, thickening of segments of the small intestinal wall observed on abdominal ultrasonography, positive serology and molecular detection of L. intracellularis in faeces. Although the clinical entity, diagnostic work-up and treatment of EPE are well established and described, the epidemiology for this disease has remained largely unaddressed. This article reviews the aetiology, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of EPE.
Perceptions of Interpersonal Social Cues Predictive of Violence Among Police Officers Who Have Been Assaulted

Psychology has recently begun to examine human interpersonal social predictors of violence. One area yet unexamined is the perception of aggressive interpersonal social cues held by persons who have personally experienced violence. Using a sample of 129 police officers who were assault survivors, this study sought to identify the interpersonal social behaviors they perceived to be associated with the communication of imminent violence. Assuming a boxer’s stance, invading personal space, placing hands in pockets, clenched hands, and threatening remarks were most associated with perceived impending violence. Crying, rapid eye blinking, placing hands on hips, and avoiding eye contact, were perceived to be least associated with violence. Recent versus distant experiences with violence produced little difference in the findings.
The effect of a single nucleotide polymorphism on human α2-antiplasmin activity

The primary inhibitor of plasmin, α2-antiplasmin (α2AP), is secreted by the liver into plasma with Met as the amino-terminus. During circulation, Met-α2AP is cleaved by antiplasmin-cleaving enzyme (APCE), yielding Asn-α2AP, which is crosslinked into fibrin approximately 13 times faster than Met-α2AP. The Met-α2AP gene codes for either Arg or Trp as the sixth amino acid, with both polymorphic forms found in human plasma samples. We determined the Arg6Trp genotype frequency in a healthy population and its effects on Met-α2AP cleavage and fibrinolysis. Genotype frequencies were RR 62.5%, RW 34.0%, and WW 3.5%. The polymorphism related to the percentage of Met-α2AP in plasma was WW (56.4%), RW (40.6%), and RR (23.6%). WW plasma tended to have shorter lysis times than RR and RW plasmas. APCE cleaved purified Met-α2AP(Arg6) approximately 8-fold faster than Met-α2AP(Trp6), which is reflected in Asn-α2AP/Met-α2AP ratios with time in RR, RW, and WW plasmas. Removal of APCE from plasma abrogated cleavage of Met-α2AP. We conclude that the Arg6Trp polymorphism is functionally significant, as it clearly affects conversion of Met-α2AP to Asn-α2AP, and thereby, the rate of α2AP incorporation into fibrin. Therefore, the Arg6Trp polymorphism may play a significant role in governing the long-term deposition/removal of intravascular fibrin.
Heat-induced tissue fusion for microvascular anastomosis.

Laser tissue welding was compared with a crude method of bipolar coagulator-generated heat application for achieving the same heat-induced welding effect in rat microarterial anastomoses. Rat femoral arteries were anastomosed with three triangulated stay sutures and subsequent laser welding or bipolar coagulator application between each pair of stitches. Control (non-welded) vessels received nine stitches placed circumferentially. Laser-welded vessel patency at 1 or more days postoperatively was 90% (65/72) for vessels treated with 0.1-second laser pulses, not significantly different from controls (100%; 16/16) or coagulator-welded anastomoses (88%; 14/16). Pseudoaneurysm rates were higher in the welded vessels (9% and 14% for laser- and coagulator-treated vessels, respectively) than in controls (0%). Histologic and electron microscopic evaluation revealed good healing with no apparent differences between laser- and coagulator-welded repairs. These findings suggest that laser application for microvascular tissue welding is similar to poorly controlled welding with a bipolar coagulator. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 17:198–208 1996
DUV pellicle quality assessment based on customer priorities

As semiconductor lithography wavelength decreases, pellicle quality becomes more crucial. Previously unprintable membrane defects are now more susceptible to printing, and pellicle film transmission variation may cause nonuniformity in printed feature size. Globally, five companies manufacture DUV film pellicles: DuPont, Exion, Mitsui, MLI, and Shinetsu. A report comparing these vendors' DUV pellicles is presented here. Each vendor provided ten 248 nm pellicles to be evaluated. Pellicle properties evaluated, in order of importance to several semiconductor manufacturers, were transmission uniformity, membrane cleanliness, frame cleanliness, membrane transmission (both on- and off-axis), adhesive uniformity/integrity, and frame width uniformity. Transmission properties were measured with a single beam spectrometer. Frame cleanliness, frame width uniformity, and adhesive integrity were inspected with a micrometer-stage microscope. Visual frame and membrane particle inspections were performed with a high intensity light followed by an automatic, laser-scattering particle inspection tool. None of the vendors passed the requirements provided by semiconductor manufacturers. Deficiencies were observed in membrane transmission, frame and membrane cleanliness, and adhesive integrity.
Standard orbit factors and entropy-free Vershik equivalence

1. Let ${\bf r}=(r_1,r_2,\dots)$ be a sequence of integers greater than one. Then every ${\bf r}$-adic reverse filtration has a maximal standard orbit factor. 2. For ‘entropy-free’ ${\bf r}$, $a\geqq 0$, and any free action $A$ of the group $G=(Z/r_1Z)+(Z/r_2Z)+\dotsb$, there is a free ergodic action $A'$ of $G$ with $h(A')=a$ and such that the reverse filtration produced by $A'$ is isomorphic to that produced by $A$.
Basal ganglia calcification in down's syndrome

Basal ganglia calcification has been observed in autopsy material of 7% of children suffering from Down's Syndrome. The incidence of this finding in the general neurological population is approx. 0.3%. The present report is the first case of Down's Syndrome with basal ganglia calcification diagnosed in life by computed axial tomography. This case illustrates that dense basal ganglia calcification can exist with no signs or symptoms of a movement disorder.
Durability of experimental fused silicas to 193-nm induced compaction

Using birefringence monitoring, several experimental fused silicas are tested for 193-nm compaction durability. f N ( I J2 't 10.1 All samples exhibit densification that can be described by the equation: (Lip/p )u = 1C · l--7 · - · _.!!_J where 10 10 't 'tis the pulse length ('t0 = lns), Np is the pulse count, K is a constant, and I is the 193-nm energy density (I., = 1 mJ/cm2). The extracted value of K varies from 84ppB to 660ppB for experimental (1995-1996) fused silicas, as much as a factor of two improvement compared to (1990-1994) grades. The role of irradiation geometry in compaction is also investigated using finite element simulations. The net optical path difference formed for a given level of damage is found to increase by approximately 25% when the damage radii is increased from 30% to 70% of the total sample diameter in a relatively thin optical element. Keywords: damage, fused silica, two-photon, densification, compaction, lithography, 193-nm, stress-birefringence
Wetting-Induced Reconstruction in Molecular Surfaces

Attempts to understand and control wetting phenomena at organic surfaces have been hampered by a lack of molecular understanding of the interfaces, in particular, the extent of interpenetration and reconstruction of the adjoining phases. Through molecular dynamics simulations we show that subtle details of interfacial reconstruction can dramatically affect the stability of interfaces between a wetting liquid and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). These results strikingly rationalize experiments which show a sharp transition in contact angles with small variations in chain length of the SAM. This finding provides an initial basis for the quantitative description of wetting phenomena, e.g., contact angle measurements, and offers significant progress toward a general molecular-based understanding of more complex interfacial phenomena observed with macro- and biomolecular systems.
Thyroid nodules 2006: managing what has been known for over 50 years.

The 50 anniversary of the publication of Mortensen, Woolner and Bennets paper entitled Gross and microscopic findings in clinically normal thyroid glands has just passed. Their paper reported that at autopsy at the Mayo Clinic approximately half of those not known to have thyroid disease pre-mortem had thyroid nodules (Table 1). Although we need to bear in mind that those who died of thyroid disease were excluded from the study, the vast majority of thyroid nodularity that was discovered at autopsy appeared to be clinically unimportant.
The oxidation of ethanol on Cu(110) and Ag(110) catalysts

Abstract The oxidation of ethanol was studied on Cu(110) and Ag(110) single crystals by temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy. The single crystal surfaces were preoxidized with 18O2, and deuterated ethanol, CH3CH2OD, was used to distinguish the hydroxyl hydrogen from the ethyl hydrogens. The ability of both surfaces to dissociatively chemisorb ethanol was greatly enhanced by surface oxygen. CH3CH2OD was selectively oxidized upon adsorption at 180 K to adsorbed CH3CH2O and D218O. The Ag(110) surface was more active than the Cu(110) surface for the dehydrogenation of ethoxide to acetaldehyde and hydrogen. The recombination of surface hydrogen with ethoxide to yield CH3CH2OH was also observed. Following high exposures of ethanol the surface intermediate CH3CH2OD2 was produced upon adsorption at 180 K from the interaction of two CH3CH2OD molecules, and this surface complex subsequently decomposed to C2H4, D2O and hydrogen. The present results for the oxidation of ethanol are compared to the previous investigations of methanol oxidation on Cu(110) and Ag(110).
Velocity gradient invariants and local flow-field topology in compressible turbulence

The effect of compressibility on velocity gradient structure and the related flow-field patterns/topology is investigated using direct numerical simulation data. To clearly isolate compressibility effects, the behavior is investigated as a function of local level of dilatation. Importantly, dilatation-conditioned behavior is found to be independent of Mach and Reynolds numbers. Not surprisingly, at low dilatation level, velocity gradient structure and local flow topology are similar to incompressible turbulence. At high dilatation levels, however, the behavior is quite different. A recently developed velocity gradient evolution equation – Homogenized Euler Equation (HEE) – qualitatively captures many of the observed features of compressible turbulence.
Converting a motor to an anchor

Myosin VI can move along actin filaments to serve as a transport motor. It is also thought to anchor vesicles or proteins to actin. How these two diverse activities, which require very different modes of interaction with actin, are mediated is not understood. Using single molecule observations, Altman et al. (2004 [this issue of Cell]) demonstrate that load applied to myosin VI can convert this motor from a transporter to an anchor.
HAM: the heuristic aggregation method for solving general closed queueing network models of computer systems

An approximate analytical method for estimating performance statistics of general closed queueing network models of computing systems is presented. These networks may include queues with priority scheduling disciplines and non-exponential servers and several classes of jobs. The method is based on the aggregation theorem (Norton's theorem) of Chandy, Herzog and Woo.
Coordination and Weak Announcement Proofness: Two Comments on “Refining Cheap-Talk Equilibria”

Abstract This paper considers the “weak announcement proofness” criterion of Matthews et al. ( J. Econ. Theory (1991)) and shows that this criterion is not always weaker than announcement proofness. It is also shown that, in the class of simple sender–receiver games considered by Matthews et al. , if one equilibrium Pareto dominates all of the others, then weak announcement proofness usually selects that equilibrium. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C72, D82.
Pole-placement design of multiple controller systems via weak and strong controllability†

For linear time invariant systems, the notion of weal: and strong controllability is introduced using an eigenvalue sensitivity analysis. In systems with multiple controllers, the modes of the systems can be assigned to dh erent controllers according to this relative measure of controllability. Using this decomposition, a procedure for reduced-order polo-placement design is proposed.