cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Significant Reduction of Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections in a Network of Diverse Neonatal Nurseries.

Objective To describe a quality improvement (QI) initiative that was associated with a dramatic reduction in neonatal central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate in a diverse group of 8 intensive care nurseries (Neonatal Services). Study design A quasi-experimental time series QI initiative using the model for improvement and evidenced-based interventions. Results The aggregate CLABSI rate for Nationwide Children's Hospital-associated Neonatal Services decreased from 6.0 CLABSI per 1000 catheter days to 1.43 CLABSI per 1000 catheter days in less than 2 years and has remained in control at 0.68 per 1000 catheter days for over 5 years. Each of 8 nurseries has had a 1 year or more CLABSI-free period, including the neonatal intensive care unit with the largest patient volume, acuity, and central line usage. Aggregate Neonatal Services has experienced 3 CLABSI-free quarters since 2007. Key success factors included: (1) engagement of senior executive leadership; (2) bedside "huddles" among clinical and epidemiology staffs conducted within 72 hours after a positive blood culture; (3) implementation of chlorhexidine antisepsis and the use of chlorhexidine-impregnated catheter site discs; and (4) and establishment of a dedicated team for percutaneously inserted central catheter insertion to serve units in which central lines are placed less frequently. Conclusions Using the model for improvement and evidenced-based interventions, this QI project has been associated with reduction in the CLABSI rate by 89%, and over 430 CLABSIs likely have been avoided.
Molten salt synthesis of anisometric particles in the SrO–Nb2O5–BaO system

Acicular particles of KSr2Nb5O15, Sr0.5Ba0.5Nb2O6, and SrNb2O6 were synthesized in the SrO–BaO–Nb2O5 system, using KCl or SrCl2·6H2O salts. In the SrCl2·6H2O + Nb2O5 system, acicular SrNb2O6 particles were formed by a solid state reaction between the salt and Nb2O5. Large, irregularly shaped (Sr-rich) Sr2Nb2O7 particles formed with increasing reaction temperature and time. Small but finite solubility of SrO in the KCl + SrNb2O6 system favored the formation of acicular KSr2Nb5O15 and blade-like Sr2Nb2O7 particles (at higher temperatures). Uniformly sized, acicular KSr2Nb5O15 particles were easier to reproduce compared to the formation of acicular Sr0.5Ba0.5Nb2O6 and SrNb2O6 particles.
The hippocampus, episodic memory, declarative memory, spatial memory…where does it all come together?

Abstract It is widely accepted that the hippocampus and related brain areas mediate declarative memory in humans. However, little is known about the fundamental cognitive mechanisms of hippocampal-dependent memory or about the nature of hippocampal neural representations that underlie properties of declarative memory. Here it is proposed that the hippocampus plays a critical role in two ways: first in representing experiences as a series of events and the places where they occur, and second in linking episodic representations to one another by common events. This organization of linked episodic memories supports a capacity for flexible, inferential memory expression. A growing body of data from ablation and recording studies supports this characterization of hippocampal memory processing as a fundamental property of declarative memory.
Virulence of new and mixed strains of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave to larvae of the citrus root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus

Steinernema riobrave ranks as the most efficacious entomopathogenic nematode for inundative biological control (biopesticide) applications against larvae of the root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus in Florida citrus groves and has been commercially available for several years. However, only one strain is known, and others could be more effective. Therefore, we used two soil sampling techniques (cores and shovel/bucket samples) and collected soil samples at 10 sites near the type locality of Weslaco, Texas. Soil samples were baited with either Galleria mellonella or D. abbreviatus larvae and produced 10 new isolates of S. riobrave from five sites, and an undescribed species of entomopathogenic nematode in the genus Heterorhabditis from one site. All new isolates were from G. mellonella larvae, and eight of the S. riobrave isolates were from soil cores. In virulence assays comparing the new S. riobrave strains, the commercial strain, and a mixed strain (formed by pooling the new strains), average larval mortality for five strains (including the mixed strain) was significantly greater than for the commercial strain. Larval mortality for the 12 strains ranged from 57.7 to 84.1% with the commercial strain and the mixed strain being the extremes, and the mixed strain killing 45.7% more than the commercial strain. Among the 10 new strains, larval mortality ranged from 65.8 to 79.3%, with two strains from the same site being the extremes and the only strains significantly different from one another. Thus, these strains have potential for improved biological control of D. abbreviatus and further comparisons are warranted. 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Measurements of Fluorescence Decay Times by the Digital Parallel Frequency-Domain Method (FLIMbox)

The digital parallel frequency domain design is a powerful approach that offers the possibility to implement a variety of different applications in fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. It allows lifetime measurements in a cuvette, fluorescence lifetime imaging and FCS as well as multi frequency and multi wavelength tissue imaging in small portable medical devices. It dramatically reduces the acquisition time from the several minutes scale to the seconds scale, and performs every signal process in a digital fashion, avoiding any RF emission and it is extremely inexpensive. This development is the result of a systematic study carried on the previous design known as the FLIMbox. The extensive work done in maximizing the performance of the original FLIMbox led us to develop a new hardware solution with exciting and promising results and potentials that were not possible in the previous hardware realizations. The new design permits acquisition of the full harmonic content of the sample response when it is excited with a pulsed light source in one single measurement using the digital mixing principle that was developed in the original FLIMbox. Furthermore, it is very stable, has very low power requirements and higher precision, and allows the multi exponential analysis. The FLIMbox can be synchronized with lasers that are intrinsically modulated or can generate a frequency to amplitude modulate a laser diode or LED. It provides up to four input channels, it has a saturation feedback control to avoid any time information loss, and it is only limited by the number of photons collected rather than by the sampling window implementation scheme. Work supported by NIGMS, 8P41GM103540.
Inverted organic photovoltaic cells with high open-circuit voltage

Abstract We demonstrate high-efficiency small-molecule photovoltaic cells based on subphthalocyanine (SubPc)/C 60 planar heterojunctions with an inverted layer sequence compared with conventional organic cells. The top-illuminated inverted device achieves a power conversion efficiency of 2.4 ± 0.2%, or approximately 75% that of a conventional planar SubPc/C 60 solar cell on indium tin oxide-coated glass (with a power efficiency of 3.3 ± 0.1%). The open-circuit voltage of the inverted devices, optimized by tailoring the work function of the layers adjacent to the donor and acceptor, is comparable to the conventional cell. This work suggests that the inverted devices are promising for use on opaque and/or flexible surfaces.
Optical performance of decentered monofocal intraocular lenses

Abstract A model eye water cell was used to evaluate the optical performance of biconvex, meniscus, and piano-convex (spheric and aspheric) monofocal poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses when the lenses were centered and when they were decentered 1 mm and 2 mm. Resolution, induced astigmatism, and modulation transfer function measurements were performed for all lenses with the more convex surface of the lens oriented toward the incident light. The same measurements were performed for the piano-convex and meniscus lenses in the reverse orientation. The lens shapes least affected by decentration were the biconvex and spheric piano-convex with the convex surface oriented toward the incident light. When centered, the aspheric piano-convex lenses had the best overall contrast performance based on the modulation transfer function measurements. However, once decentered the performance of the aspheric lenses approached that of the meniscus lenses in the reverse orientation, the lens shape which had the worst performance.
Pósa's conjecture for graphs of order at least 2 × 10 8

In 1962 Posa conjectured that every graph G on n vertices with minimum degree \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath,amssymb,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}\delta(G)\ge \frac{2}{3}n\end{align*} \end{document} **image** contains the square of a hamiltonian cycle. In 1996 Fan and Kierstead proved the path version of Posa's Conjecture. They also proved that it would suffice to show that G contains the square of a cycle of length greater than \documentclass{article} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{amsmath,amssymb,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}\frac{2}{3}n\end{align*} \end{document} **image** . Still in 1996, Komlos, Sarkozy, and Szemeredi proved Posa's Conjecture, using the Regularity and Blow-up Lemmas, for graphs of order n ≥ n0, where n0 is a very large constant. Here we show without using these lemmas that n0:= 2 × 108 is sufficient. We are motivated by the recent work of Levitt, Sarkozy and Szemeredi, but our methods are based on techniques that were available in the 90's. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wind turbine inspection tests at UCSD

The wind energy industry is rapidly growing in order to meet the increasing world energy demands as well as the need for clean and renewable energy sources. With the goal to explore new technologies and innovations which could help potentially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wind energy, the NDE/SHM laboratory at UCSD acquired a unique wind turbine blade that will be used for performing several research projects related to wind turbine blade technology and non-destructive inspection techniques. The blade was built using the CX-100 design developed by TPI Composites, Inc. and Sandia National Laboratory (SNL). The 9-m blade was constructed with several embedded defects that represent the most common manufacturing defects typically found, such as out-of-plane waviness, composite delamination, and adhesive disbond. The defects were embedded during the manufacturing process by using similar methods developed by both TPI and SNL for simulating actual defect characteristics. Though the blade is small in comparison to the average utility sized blade of around 40 meters, the blade features similar materials and manufacturing methods, allowing for several inspections techniques to be studied on a representative platform. The inspection techniques include advanced infrared thermography and other guided wave techniques.
A Model for the Simulation of Turbulent Boundary Layers in an Incompressible Stratified Flow

A model with several original physical and numerical features has been developed for direct numerical and large eddy simulations of a turbulent boundary layer in a stratified fluid. The large scale flow for which the model was developed involves internal waves reflecting from a sloping boundary. In the model, the internal waves are generated by a new technique that forces monochromatic waves at specified wavelengths and frequencies. A new analytic solution has been obtained representative of the forcing conditions. In the model, time discretization is based upon the projection method incorporating a third-order Adams?Bashforth scheme with variable time steps, and spatial discretization employs fourth-order compact differencing techniques on a variable grid that increases resolution close to the boundary. The model is periodic in two dimensions and in the third dimension employs an open boundary and a solid sloping surface. The pressure field is determined using a fast direct solution method of fourth-order accuracy. The model includes flow analysis aids such as tracking Lagrangian particles and advected scalar quantities. Flow measurements are made of the integrated kinetic and potential energy balances, local dissipation rates, and the energy spectra. The utility of the model is examined in a number of test problems. It appears that the model is well suited for simulations of transitioning and turbulent boundary layers.
Labeling of RNA of isolated nucleoli with UTP-14C

Abstract The development of methods for the isolation of nucleoli (1–3) from mammalian liver and tumor cells has provided an opportunity for the study of the biosynthetic reactions that occur in these nuclear organelles. Evidence that the rate of turnover of RNA in the nucleolus is very high has been obtained by autoradiographic studies (4) and more recently by experiments on uptake of the isotope of labeled orotic acid into RNA of nucleoli of livers of control and thioacetamide-treated rats (5,6). Maggio et al (3) have also studied the uptake of 32P into nucleoli of guinea pig livers. In the present experiments, conditions and cofactor requirements for incorporation of the isotope of UTP-2-14C into nucleolar RNA were determined. Along with the inhibitory effects of Actinomycin D and DNase, these experiments provide supporting evidence that the biosynthesis of RNA in the nucleolus is DNA-primed. Inasmuch as the product is largely GC-type RNA (3,7), the data suggested that isolated DNA segments rich in GC are derepressed for biosynthesis of nucleolar components.
Procedures for the Efficient Washing of Minced Whiting (Merluccius productus) Flesh for Surimi Production

Low volume exchanges of water and washing at pH 4,9–6.7 were evaluated as means of reducing the water used for surimi processing. A single washing at a 3:1 water-flesh ratio and washing under acidic conditions at pH 5.0–5.3 were determined to be the most efficient procedures. Acidic conditions were the most effective in removing lipid and trimethylamine oxide. Water requirements were reduced by 80%, and yield was improved by up to 34% over conventional processing. Texture of gels was poorer when prepared from surimi produced under acidic conditions. Results suggested that reduced amounts of water might be possible in surimi processing and that Pacific whiting was a suitable resource for surimi production.
The beginning of ideology: Consciousness and society in the French reformation

(1983). The beginning of ideology: Consciousness and society in the French reformation. History of European Ideas: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 325-330.
City Climber: a new generation of mobile robot with wall-climbing capability

This paper introduces a new generation wall-climbing robots named as City-climber, which has the capabilities to climb walls, walk on ceilings, and transit between different surfaces. Unlike the traditional wall-climbing robots, the Cityclimber robots use aerodynamic attraction which achieves good balance between strong adhesion force and high mobility. Since the City-climber robots don't require perfect sealing as the vacuum suction technique does, the robots can move on virtually any kinds of smooth or rough surfaces. The other novelties of the City-climber robots are the modular design and high-performance on-board processing unit. The former feature achieves booth fast motion of each module on planar surfaces and smooth transition between the surfaces by a set of two modules. The latter feature makes the real-time signal processing and autonomous operation possible. We envision that the City-climber robots be used in urban environments for search and rescue, weapon/tool delivery, inspection and surveillance purposes. To increase the hardware and software reconfigurability, the self-contained City-climber robots use system-on-programmable-chip (SoPC) technology for on-board perception and motion control. The video display several versions of the City-Climber prototypes, illustrating the main areas of functionality and results of several key experimental tests, including 4.2kg payload, operation on rough surfaces, locomotion over surface gaps, and inverted operation on ceiling, to name a few.
“A love for things that have no feeling”: Dorothy Wordsworth's Significant Others

Dorothy Wordsworth's infrequently-cited poem, “Loving & Liking,” offers a theory of love as an ethical relation to human and nonhuman others. This essay reads the poem with passages from the Alfoxden and Grasmere journals, exploring the various ways in which Wordsworth is responsive to objects and things that seem to distinguish themselves to her, standing out from their surroundings to catch her attention as individuals worthy of careful and extended engagement. Through the terms of this engagement, a tree is not simply an elm tree but what she calls “a creature by its own self”; a waterfall not only stands “upright by itself,” but also is “its own self.” Drawing on the work of Donna Haraway, this essay identifies these objects and things in Wordsworth's work as “significant others.” Bringing the aesthetic and natural historical discourses of the Romantic period into conversation with current post-humanist and ecocritical ones, this essay explores the role of a special form of description in Dorothy's re...
Phosphorus distribution in the Chesapeake Bay

The phosphorus distribution in the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay is described. Maxima of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in deep water and total phosphorus in the euphotic zone occur in late summer. The maximum of SRP occurs concurrently with both the seasonal high in productivity in the surface waters and seasonal depletion of dissolved oxygen in the deep water. It is suggested that at this season, phosphate that is produced by remineralization of organic matter escapes precipitation as the ferric salt due to the anoxic conditions and is vertically transported into the euphotic zone where it is rapidly converted into particulate phosphorus by algae.
Variability of the Pharyngeal Phase of Swallow in the Cat

Objective The pharyngeal phase of swallow has been thought to be a stereotypical motor behavior. Study Design This is a prospective, preclinical, hypothesis driven, one group by three-task design. Methods We sought to compare the effects of pharyngeal swabbing, water only, and water plus punctate mechanical stimulation on the spatiotemporal features of the pharyngeal phase of swallow in the cat. Swallow was elicited under these three conditions in six anaesthetized cats. Electromyographic activity was recorded from seven muscles used to evaluate swallow: mylohyoid, geniohyoid, thyrohyoid, thyroarytenoid, thyropharyngeus, cricopharyngeus, and parasternal. Results Pharyngeal swabbing in comparison to the other stimulus conditions, results in decreases in post-swallow cricopharyngeus activity (upper esophageal sphincter); a significant increase in parasternal (schluckatmung; swallow breath) activity; and increases in thyrohyoid (laryngeal elevator), thyroarytenoid (laryngeal adductor) and parasternal muscles burst duration. Pearson correlations were found of moderate strength between 19% of burst duration comparisons and weak to moderate relationships between 29% of burst amplitude comparisons. However, there were no positive significant relationships between phase durations and electromyogram amplitudes between any of the muscles studied during swallow. Conclusions The results support the concept that a stereotypical behavior, such as pharyngeal swallowing in animal models, can be modified by sensory feedback from pharyngeal mucosal mechanoreceptors. Furthermore, differences in swallow phase durations and amplitudes provide evidence that separate regulatory mechanisms exist which regulate spatial and temporal aspects of the behavior.
Raman spectra and vibrational assignments for dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and structurally related molecules

Abstract Raman spectra of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and structurally related molecules are examined and vibrational transitions assigned for the C-C, phosphate and C-H stretching modes of these molecules. Particular emphasis is placed on the characteristics of the Raman spectra in the 2800–3000, 1000–1150 and 700–800 cm −1 regions. It is found that hydrocarbon transitions dominate the spectra at the expense of those of the phosphate and choline groups. The methyl and methylene C-H stretching assignments have been clarified for the Raman spectra of phospholipid systems.
Relationship of lipophilicity to influx and efflux of triazine herbicides in oat roots

Abstract Influx and efflux of ametryn, atrazine, and atratone occurred rapidly in excised oat root segments. By 7 min of influx, the concentration of each analog had come to equilibrium in the tissue. By 15 min of efflux, over 90% of each absorbed analog had diffused out of the tissue. In contrast, hydroxyatrazine moved into and out of the tissue more slowly. The rate of hydroxyatrazine efflux was intermediate between the other triazine analogs and K + ( 86 Rb + ), which diffused out of the tissue very slowly. Efflux of K + ( 86 Rb + ) was resolved into four first-order kinetic processes representing efflux from the individual pools of K + ( 86 Rb + ) in surface film, free space, cytoplasm, and vacuole of the tissue. Efflux of ametryn, atrazine, and atratone was resolved into three first-order processes, representing one tightly bound and two freely diffusible pools of these analogs in the tissue. However, the sizes of the three pools were inconsistent with their being surface film, free space, cytoplasm, or vacuole. Similar to K + , hydroxyatrazine efflux was resolved into four pools, but the pool sizes were quite different than for K + ( 86 Rb + ). The octanol/water partition coefficient and the microsomal membrane/water distribution coefficient for the triazine analogs and K + ( 86 Rb + ) provided the same ranking of high to low relative lipophilicity for the solutes, ametryn > atrazine > atratone > hydroxyatrazine > K + ( 86 Rb + ). The results indicate that both influx and efflux of these triazine analogs are related positively to their relative solubilities in membrane lipids. However, for those analogs with sufficiently high lipophilicity, diffusion across membranes is so rapid that the rates of influx and efflux are indistinguishable among the analogs.
Vitamin K therapy in severe liver disease.

A middle-aged man with parenchymatous liver disease and a decrease in vitamin K-dependent factors was given large doses of intravenous phylloquinone (10 mg/d for 20 days) without improvement in the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent factors. During subsequent liver transplantation, he exsanguinated. Although the exact role of over treatment with phylloquinone in this case is unclear, plasma levels of phylloquinone 300 times normal were attained after 5 days of treatment without effect on factors II, VII, IX, and X. Further therapy with vitamin K was unnecessary. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition15:350-353, 1991)
The cytochemistry of some enzyme activities inStellaria media embryos

Zytochemischer Nachweis der alkalischen und und sauren Phosphatase, sowie der zytochromischen Oxydase in den herzformigen Embryonen der DikotyledonStellaria media. Die Fermente erwiesen sich als wichtig fur normales Wachstum und die Differenzierung der Embryonen.
Fabrication of SOI-based nano-gratings for Moiré measurement using focused ion beam

High-frequency nano-gratings were fabricated using focused ion beam (FIB) and the Moire fringes were then demonstrated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). A customized silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process was developed to fabricate the micro-cantilever used for the nano-grating patterned by FIB. The nano-gratings were precisely fabricated on SOI-based cantilever by controlling the milling current and the milling time of FIB under certain magnification and contrast. A theoretical analysis of the Moire fringe is introduced and then demonstrated by the experimental results using FIB and SEM. The measurement is discussed by changing the pitch of the nano-grating, the raster scanning lines, magnification, contrast and the rotation angles of SEM. The currently patterned high frequency nano-gratings using focused ion beam can be adjusted to serve as a calibration tool of NEMS and MEMS fabrication which can also be extended to broad categories of engineering applications.
Detection of mitochondrial DNA with the compact bead array sensor system (cBASS)

Enteric pathogens are a significant contaminant in surface waters used for recreation, fish and shellfish harvesting, crop irrigation, and human consumption. The need for water monitoring becomes more pronounced when industrial, agricultural, and residential lands are found in close proximity. Fecal contamination is particularly problematic and identification of the pollution source essential to remediation efforts. Standard monitoring for fecal contamination relies on indicator organisms, but the technique is too broad to identify the source of contamination. Instead, real-time PCR of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is an emerging method for identification of the contamination source. Presented herein, we evaluate an alternative technology, the compact Bead Array Sensor System (cBASS®) and its assay approach Fluidic Force Discrimination (FFD), for the detection of mtDNA. Previously, we achieved multiplexed, attomolar detection of toxins and femtomolar detection of nucleic acids in minutes with FFD assays. More importantly, FFD assays are compatible with a variety of complex matrices and therefore potentially applicable for samples where the matrix would interfere with PCR amplification. We have designed a triplex assay for the NADH gene found in human, swine, and bovine mtDNA and demonstrated the specific detection of human mtDNA spiked into a waste water sample.
Nanoscale heterogeneity at the aqueous electrolyte-electrode interface

Abstract Using molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal emergent properties of hydrated electrode interfaces that while molecular in origin are integral to the behavior of the system across long times scales and large length scales. Specifically, we describe the impact of a disordered and slowly evolving adsorbed layer of water on the molecular structure and dynamics of the electrolyte solution adjacent to it. Generically, we find that densities and mobilities of both water and dissolved ions are spatially heterogeneous in the plane parallel to the electrode over nanosecond timescales. These and other recent results are analyzed in the context of available experimental literature from surface science and electrochemistry. We speculate on the implications of this emerging microscopic picture on the catalytic proficiency of hydrated electrodes, offering a new direction for study in heterogeneous catalysis at the nanoscale.
Distributions of single neurons related to body parts in the lateral striatum of the rat

Single unit recordings in awake, unrestrained rats confirmed and extended previous findings regarding the functional organization of the lateral striatum. In individual electrode tracks, clusters of neurons related functionally to an individual body part were interspersed with clusters related to other body parts. The overlapping distributions of these neurons were arranged somatotopically in the dorsal-ventral dimension. The distribution of hind limb neurons was most dorsal and showed no overlap with the distribution of neurons related to oral sensorimotor activity. Oral representation was most ventral of all body parts and extended to the ventral boundary of the lateral striatum. Representations of other body parts overlapped with that of the hind limb dorsally but differed primarily in the degree to which they extended ventrally. Forelimb representation extended farther ventrally than that of the hind limb, but did not extend as far ventrally as that of the neck. Despite substantial overlap in the dorsal-to-ventral order of hind limb-forelimb-neck-face representations, single neurons showed no evidence of overlap, or convergence, of body parts. These data provide a more complete description of the dorsal-ventral somatotopy in the lateral striatum of the rat, which as shown previously, extends throughout the medial-lateral, and much of the anterior-posterior dimensions of the lateral striatum.
MAGNETIC FLUX-TRAPPING EXPERIMENT WITH A MOVING CONDUCTOR.

An aluminum conductor moving into and out of a magnetic field of 75 gauss traps within itself for varying lengths of time a detectable fraction of the encountered flux, which subsequently decays. A time constant of about 0.005 second, which is the order of magnitude predicted by classical electrodynamics, is measured. The result is of interest in connection with the "frozen-in field" concept of Babcock's sunspot model.
Nature of atomic bonding and atomic structure in the phase-change Ge2Sb2Te5 glass.

Using electronic structure calculations, we demonstrate a global valence alternation in the amorphous Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 , a prototype phase-change alloy for data storage. The resulting p bonding profoundly influences the local atomic structure, leading to right-angle components similar to those in the crystalline counterpart of this chalcogenide glass. The dominance of p bonding is revealed by (i) distributions of the coordination number (CN) and the bond angle, for truly bonded atoms determined based on the electron localization function, and (ii) a direct evaluation of the p (and s) orbital occupation probability for the CN = 3 Ge atoms that form 90° bonds with neighbors.
Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy of Quantum-Dot Quantum Wells

Time-resolved Faraday rotation studies of $\mathrm{Cd}\mathrm{S}∕\mathrm{Cd}\mathrm{Se}∕\mathrm{Cd}\mathrm{S}$ quantum-dot quantum wells have recently shown that the Faraday rotation angle exhibits several well-defined resonances as a function of probe energy close to the absorption edge. Here, we calculate the Faraday rotation angle from the eigenstates of the quantum-dot quantum well obtained with $\mathbf{k}∙\mathbf{p}$ theory. We show that the large number of narrow resonances with comparable spectral weights observed in experiment is not reproduced by the level scheme of a quantum-dot quantum well with perfect spherical symmetry. A simple model for broken spherical symmetry yields results in better qualitative agreement with experiment.
Coupling DNA Supercoiling to Transcription in Defined Protein Systems

Transcription of closed circular DNA templates in the presence of DNA gyrase is known to stimulate negative DNA supercoiling both in vivo and in vitro. It has proven elusive, however, to establish a general system in vitro that supports transcription-coupled DNA supercoiling (TCDS) by the "twin-domain" mechanism (Liu, L. F. and Wang, J. C. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 7024-7027) that operates in bacteria. In this report, we examine the properties of TCDS in defined protein systems that minimally contained T7 RNA polymerase and DNA gyrase. Specifically designed plasmid DNA templates permitted us to control the location and length of RNA transcripts. We demonstrate that TCDS takes place by two separate, and apparently independent, mechanistic pathways in vitro. The first supercoiling pathway, which is not likely to be significant in vivo, was found to be dependent on R-loop formation and could be suppressed by the presence of RNase H or bacterial HU protein. The second pathway for TCDS was much more potent, but became predominant in vitro only when sequence-specific DNA-bending proteins were present during transcription, and RNA transcript lengths exceeded 3 kb. This major supercoiling route was shown to be resistant to RNase H and had functional properties consistent with those predicted for the twin-domain mechanism. For example, DNA supercoiling activity was proportional to RNA transcript length and was greatly stimulated by macromolecular crowding agents. Under optimal conditions, the twin domain pathway of TCDS rapidly and efficiently generated superhelicity levels more than twice that typically found in vivo.
Chemical and toxicological characteristics of sewage sludge ocean dumped in the New York Bight

Abstract This paper compares and contrasts data on the chemical characteristics and acute toxicities of the waste from nine applicants (representing 20 sewage treatment facilities) currently disposing of municipal sewage sludge at the 12-Mile dumpsite located in the New York Bight Apex. Each of the chemical analytes examined for the 20 facilities was highly variable, both within and among facilities. Toxicity tests conducted by the applicants revealed that, in the majority of tests, Mysidopsis bahia was the most sensitive of the three species tested. Five facilities that receive large volumes of industrial waste were found to contribute over 75% of the total toxic load to the dumpsite.
The origin of the synergistic effect of muramyl dipeptide with endotoxin and peptidoglycan.

Although the basis for the high mortality rate for patients with mixed bacterial infections is likely to be multifactorial, there is evidence for a synergistic effect of muramyldipeptide (MDP) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines by mononuclear phagocytes. In this study, co-incubation of human Mono Mac 6 cells with MDP and either LPS or peptidoglycan (PGN) resulted in an apparent synergistic effect on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion. Although incubation of cells with MDP alone produced minimal TNF-α, it caused significant expression of TNF-α mRNA. These findings suggest that the majority of TNF-α mRNA induced by MDP alone is not translated into protein. Furthermore, simultaneous incubation of cells with MDP and either LPS or PGN resulted in TNF-α mRNA expression that approximated the sum of the amounts expressed in response to MDP, LPS, and PGN individually. These findings indicate that the apparent synergistic effect of MDP on TNF-α production induced by either LPS or PGN is due to removal of a block in translation of the mRNA expressed in response to MDP. In subsequent studies, the effects of MDP alone and its effect on the production of TNF-α by LPS and PGN were determined to be independent of CD14, Toll-like receptor 2, and Toll-like receptor 4. These findings indicate that MDP acts through receptor(s) other than those primarily responsible for transducing the effects of LPS and PGN. Successful treatment of patients having mixed bacterial infections is likely to require interventions that address the mechanisms involved in responses induced by a variety of bacterial cell wall components.
Coarsening of γ′ in Ni-Al alloys aged under uniaxial compression: III. Characterization of the morphology

Abstract The morphological evolution of γ′ precipitates during coarsening at 640 °C under applied compressive stress in the range 0–150 MPa was investigated in a monocrystalline Ni-Al alloy containing nominally 13.36 at. % Al. The strain was primarily elastic. The microstructures were examined by transmission electron microscopy, primarily in the section (100) perpendicular to the applied stress. The aspect ratio of a γ′ precipitate, as well as a shape parameter which provides a measure of how cuboidal it is, were used to characterize the γ′ morphology. As the stress increases precipitates of a given size generally tend to become more non-equiaxed and their interfaces are more planar, though this depends on the γ′ volume fraction. The applied compressive stress also promotes the coalescence of γ′ precipitates. This tendency is more pronounced the higher the γ′ volume fraction and appears to be its main influence on directional coarsening during elastic deformation.
Fatigue of graphite fibre-reinforced epoxy in compression

Abstract Direct observation of compressive fatigue of pre-notched unidirectional graphite fibre composites reveals that fatigue cracking extends transverse to the fibre direction, via micro-buckling. An elasto-plastic-strain hardening model of the material behaviour, based on experimental measurements of material properties, is used, together with a finite element computation, to obtain the stress and strain distribution near the notch tip. The calculated radius (Rp) of the plastic zone at the notch tip is shown to correlate with the observed fatigue crack propagation rates (dc/dN) via: dc dN = 10 5 R p 6 ( in/cycle ) Fatigue cracking is seen to decelerate with crack extension, indicating a residual bearing strength of newly-generated compressive fracture surfaces of approximately 104 psi. The implications of compressive fatigue in composites design are discussed. It is pointed out that prevention of axial cracking in the composite is a key element in preventing compressive fatigue
Temperature and hydrostatic pressure measurements of the exciton peaks in BiI3 and SbI3

Exciton peak positions are measured as a function of temperature in the range 90 to 270 K and as a function of hydrostatic pressure to 3500 atm in thin film samples of BiI3 and SbI3. Values for (∂E/∂P)T are −8.6 × 10―4 eV/atm and −32 × 10―4 eV/atm for BiI3 and SbI3, respectively. (∂E/×T)P for BiI3 varies from −0.49 × 10―4 eV/K near 100 K to +0.56 × 10―4 eV/K near 200 K, and for SbI3 the value is found to be +7.3 × 10+4 eV/K. Estimates of the electronphonon coefficient, (∂E/∂T)V, are made. Comments are made concerning the nature of the excitons and the band structure in these materials. #Es werden die Lagen der Exzitonenmaxima in Abhangigkeit von der Temperatur zwischen 90 und 270 K als Funktion des hydrostatischen Druckes bis zu 3500 atm in dunnen BiJ3- und SbJ3-Schichten gemessen. Die Werte fur (∂E/∂P)T betragen −8,6 × 10―4 eV/atm und −32 × × 10―4 eV/atm fur BiJ3 bzw. SbJ3. (∂E/∂T)P fur BiJ3 variiert von −0,49 × 10―4 eV/K bei 100 K bis +0,56 × 10+4 eV/K bei 200 K, und fur SbJ3 wird ein Wert von ―7,3 × 10+4 eV/K gefunden. Es werden Berechnungen des Elektron-Phonon-Koeffizienten (×E/×T)V durchgefuhrt und die Natur der Exzitonen sowie die Bandstruktur dieser Materialien diskutiert.
Parametrized maximum principle preserving flux limiters for high order schemes solving hyperbolic conservation laws: one-dimensional scalar problem

In this paper, we present a class of parametrized limiters used to achieve strict maximum principle for high order numerical schemes applied to hyperbolic conservation laws computation. By decoupling a sequence of parameters embedded in a group of explicit inequalities, the numerical fluxes are locally redefined in consistent and conservative formulation. We will show that the global maximum principle can be preserved while the high order accuracy of the underlying scheme is maintained. The parametrized limiters are less restrictive on the CFL number when applied to high order finite volume scheme. The less restrictive limiters allow for the development of the high order finite difference scheme which preserves the maximum principle. Within the proposed parametrized limiters framework, a successive sequence of limiters are designed to allow for significantly large CFL number by relaxing the limits on the intermediate values of the multistage Runge-Kutta method. Numerical results and preliminary analysis for linear and nonlinear scalar problems are presented to support the claim. The parametrized limiters are applied to the numerical fluxes directly. There is no increased complexity to apply the parametrized limiters to different kinds of monotone numerical fluxes.
Overexpression of estrogen receptor-α in the endometrial carcinoma cell line Ishikawa: inhibition of growth and angiogenic factors

Abstract Background A high level of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) is believed to be favorable in the prognosis and treatment of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer. High levels of ER-α have been shown to inhibit the growth and invasive, metastatic potential of breast cancer cell lines. To bring about these inhibitory effects, ER-α probably acts through other cellular factors involved in the regulation of cell growth. Objective To investigate the role of high levels ER-α in growth inhibition of endometrial cancer cells. Methods A human ER-α cDNA was stably overexpressed in an endometrial cancer cell line, namely, Ishikawa. ER-α-overexpressing, parent, and control Ishikawa cells were grown in vitro and their growth rates were compared by cell count. ER-α-overexpressing and parent Ishikawa cells were also grown in vitro as tumors in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, and tumor growth and angiogenesis was measured. Finally, levels of angiogenesis-modulating factors, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined in relation to ER overexpression. Results The growth of Ishikawa cells was found inhibited in culture as well as in the CAM model. Angiogenesis of CAM tumors was also found inhibited in ER-overexpressing cells. Angiogenic factor VEGF was inhibited whereas the activity of NOS was found elevated following ER overexpression. Conclusion Our work on the Ishikawa cell line indicates that high levels of ER-α in endometrial cancer may inhibit cancer growth by modulating angiogenic factors, thereby limiting the blood supply to the growing tumor. Our results support the earlier data from other groups that have shown a positive correlation between high ER content and better prognosis of endometrial cancers.
Post-Divorce Interparental Conflict, Children's Contact with Both Parents, Children's Emotional Processes, and Children's Behavioral Adjustment

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between post-divorce interparental conflict and children's behavioral adjustment as influenced by mother-child relationship, children's contact with both parents, as well as children's self-report of their emotional experiences and emotional regulation strategies. Findings indicated intriguing pathways through which post-divorce interparental conflict predicted children's behavioral adjustment. Post-divorce interparental conflict, as reported by the mothers, directly predicted increased behavior problems in children; this phenomenon, however, was also mediated by children's continued contact with both parents, children's self-reported emotion of anger and the use of support-seeking from parents. Implications of such Findings were discussed.
Ion and electron microprobe study of troctolites, norite, and anorthosites from Apollo 14: evidence for urKREEP assimilation during petrogenesis of Apollo 14 Mg-suite rocks

Abstract Most of the Moon’s highland crust formed during the period 4.65–4.45 Ga ago from a vast magma ocean up to 800 km deep (Hess and Parmentier, 1995) . This early lunar crust comprises Fe-rich anorthosites with calcic plagioclase compositions. Subsequent evolution of the highland crust was dominated by troctolites, anorthosites, and norites of the Mg-suite. This plutonic series is characterized by calcic plagioclase, and mafic minerals with high mg# (=100∗Mg/[Mg + Fe]). These rocks evidently formed by partial melting of ultramafic rocks of the lunar mantle, but their bulk rock incompatible element characteristics are too enriched to represent such a primitive source. Previous studies have suggested that this enrichment in incompatible trace elements is the result of metasomatism of the crust by fluids rich in REE and P. The products of this suggested metasomatic event are REE-rich phosphates (typically whitlockite) deposited interstitially. Alternatively, the incompatible element-rich nature of these plutonic rocks may represent a characteristic of their parent magma, acquired prior to crystallization of the plutons. In an effort to distinguish the origin of this important lunar rock series, we have analyzed the REE content of primary cumulus phases in ten Mg-suite cumulates using SIMS, along with their major and minor element compositions by electron microprobe analysis. Nine of these samples have high mg#s, consistent with their formation from the most primitive parent melts of the Mg-suite. The data presented here show that Mg-suite troctolites and anorthosites preserve major and trace element characteristics acquired during their formation as igneous cumulate rocks and that these characteristics can be used to reconstruct related aspects of the parent magma composition. Our data show that primitive cumulates of the Mg-suite crystallized from magmas with REE contents similar to high-K KREEP in both concentration and relative abundance. The highly enriched nature of this parent magma contrasts with its primitive major element characteristics, as pointed out by previous workers. This enigma is best explained by the mixing of residual magma ocean urKREEP melts with ultramagnesian komatiitic partial melts from the deep lunar interior. The data do not support earlier models that invoke crustal metasomatism to enrich the Mg-suite cumulates after formation, or models which call for a superKREEP parent for the troctolites and anorthosites.
Identification of Potato virus Y Strains Associated with Tuber Damage During a Recent Virus Outbreak in Potato in Idaho.

Potato virus Y (PVY) causes substantial losses in potato production by decreasing yields and affecting the quality of potato tubers. Management of PVY in potato is dependent primarily on potato seed certification programs to prevent or limit initial levels of virus inoculum. Prior to 1990, the ordinary strain of PVY (PVYO) was the predominant virus in North America. PVYO induces clear foliar symptoms in many potato cultivars, allowing successful management in seed potato through a combination of visual inspections and limited laboratory testing. In recent years, necrotic strains of PVY (PVYN, PVYNTN, and PVYN:O) have begun to spread in the United States, many of which induce mild symptoms in potato, making them more difficult to manage through visual inspections. In addition to reducing yield, necrotic isolates may also cause external and internal damage in tubers of susceptible cultivars, which is known as potato tuber necrotic ringspot disease (PTNRD). Tuber necrotic strains of PVY have been reported ac...
Antibiotic prophylaxis in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate whether antistaphylococcal prophylaxis in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) would suppress the acquisition of Staphylococcus aureus and delay the onset of the manifestations of bronchopulmonary disease. Study design: A 7-year, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of continuous antistaphylococcal therapy. Otherwise healthy children Results: Of 209 children enrolled, 119 completed a 5- to 7-year course of therapy. Mean age at enrollment was 15.6 and 14.1 months in the cephalexin and placebo groups, respectively. Respiratory cultures from children treated with cephalexin were significantly less likely to be positive for S aureus (6.0% vs 30.4%; P Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.6% vs 13.5%; P Conclusions: Although long-term prophylaxis with cephalexin successfully delayed the acquisition of S aureus , it enhanced colonization with P aeruginosa and did not lead to clinically significant improvement in major health outcomes. These data do not support routine antistaphylococcal prophylaxisin otherwise healthy infants and young children with CF. (J Pediatr 2002;140:299-305)