Morphology Development in Model Polyethylene via Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis

Two-dimensional (2D) correlation analysis is applied to synchrotron X-ray scattering data to characterize morphological regimes during nonisothermal crystallization of a model ethylene copolymer (hydrogenated polybutadiene, HPBD). The 2D correlation patterns highlight relationships among multiple characteristics of structure evolution, particularly the extent to which separate features change simultaneously versus sequentially. By visualizing these relationships during cooling, evidence is obtained for two separate physical processes occurring in what is known as “irreversible crystallization” in random ethylene copolymers. Initial growth of primarily lamellae into unconstrained melt (“primary-irreversible crystallization”) is distinguished from subsequent secondary lamellae formation in the constrained, noncrystalline regions between the primary lamellae (“secondary-irreversible crystallization”). At successively lower temperatures (“reversible crystallization”), growth of the crystalline reflections is found to occur simultaneously with the change in shape of the amorphous halo, which is inconsistent with the formation of an additional phase. Rather, the synchronous character supports the view that growth of frustrated crystals distorts the adjacent noncrystalline material. Furthermore, heterocorrelation analysis of small-angle and wideangle X-ray scattering data from the reversible crystallization regime reveals that the size of new crystals is consistent with fringedmicellar structures (~9 nm). Thus, 2D correlation analysis provides new insights into morphology development in polymeric systems

The Effects of Fertilization and Water Management on Growth and Production of Nile Tilapia in Deep Ponds During the Dry Season

Fertilization guidelines developed for shallow ponds (1 m) with controlled depths were tested in deeper (2.5 m) ponds to determine effectiveness of these guidelines for culture of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus . Twelve ponds of 2.5-m depth were used in four treatments: (A) weekly fertilization with water addition; (B) weekly fertilization without water addition; (C) one early fertilization without water addition; and (D) fertilization frequency dependent on nutrient concentrations, without water addition. Sex-reversed Nile tilapia were stocked at 2 fish/m 2 with an initial weight of 15 g, and harvested after 234 d. Depth of water declined from 2.4 m to 1.6 m over the experiment in ponds without water addition. Fish growth rate was significantly higher in treatments A and B (0.86 g/d), than in other treatments, as was yield (3,830 kg/ha). Treatment C was lowest in growth (0.086 g/d) and yield (168 kg/ha), with treatment D intermediate. Fish growth rates and yields were strongly correlated to manure input ( R 2 = 0.89 and 0.94, respectively), and residuals were not correlated to any physical or chemical variables. Growth and yield in these deep ponds were somewhat lower than those in previous experiments for shallow ponds with regular water inputs. However, stagnant ponds did not accumulate nutrients and metabolites at rates higher than ponds with controlled water depths.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73615/1/j.1749-7345.1998.tb00664.x.pd

Noninfectious retrovirus particles drive the APOBEC3/Rfv3 dependent neutralizing antibody response.

Members of the APOBEC3 family of deoxycytidine deaminases counteract a broad range of retroviruses in vitro through an indirect mechanism that requires virion incorporation and inhibition of reverse transcription and/or hypermutation of minus strand transcripts in the next target cell. The selective advantage to the host of this indirect restriction mechanism remains unclear, but valuable insights may be gained by studying APOBEC3 function in vivo. Apobec3 was previously shown to encode Rfv3, a classical resistance gene that controls the recovery of mice from pathogenic Friend retrovirus (FV) infection by promoting a more potent neutralizing antibody (NAb) response. The underlying mechanism does not involve a direct effect of Apobec3 on B cell function. Here we show that while Apobec3 decreased titers of infectious virus during acute FV infection, plasma viral RNA loads were maintained, indicating substantial release of noninfectious particles in vivo. The lack of plasma virion infectivity was associated with a significant post-entry block during early reverse transcription rather than G-to-A hypermutation. The Apobec3-dependent NAb response correlated with IgG binding titers against native, but not detergent-lysed virions. These findings indicate that innate Apobec3 restriction promotes NAb responses by maintaining high concentrations of virions with native B cell epitopes, but in the context of low virion infectivity. Finally, Apobec3 restriction was found to be saturable in vivo, since increasing FV inoculum doses resulted in decreased Apobec3 inhibition. By analogy, maximizing the release of noninfectious particles by modulating APOBEC3 expression may improve humoral immunity against pathogenic human retroviral infections

Analisis Hasil Pemeriksaan Spesimen Darah Penderita Demam Berdarah Dengue di Jakarta Tahun 1988

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is an endemic and important public health disease in Indonesia. Surveillance of hospitalized case usually reported 5.000 cases annually but 10.000 cases could be reported during an outbreak period. The case fatality rate had been decreasing to 4% at present. Studies to analyse the risk factors of an area, pathophysiology of shock or bleeding, prevention, eradication and surveillance were still needed. The important Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever factors were analysed in this tudy based on the 1756 specimens tested in the Communicable Disease Research Center during the period from January1988 to Desember 1988, sent by most of the hospitals in Jakarta. The overall difference between male and female was not significant, although on January, July, September and Desember 1988 females were almost 2 times higher then males.Theoverall difference of children and adult groups were also not significant, although on February, March, November and Decem­ber 1988 adults were higher 2-5 times then children. This findings were not usual. The antibody response titers during acute and convalescence period of illness was lower among chil­dren. These findings were not usual. The antibody response titers during acute and convalescence period of illness was lower among chil­dren then adults, although it was still lower then in Thailand

Comparison of Factors Influencing Salaries of Agricultural Economics Professionals in Academic and Federal Employment

Results of two ordered probit models find differences in the major factors that influence salaries of agricultural economists employed in academia and in federal government. However some similarities were found; both sets of salaries were influenced by factors that measure job performance and neither set of salaries were significantly influenced by gender or ethnicity.Salary survey, job performance, Labor and Human Capital, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Factors Influencing Salaries of Agricultural Economics Professionals at Land Grant Institutions

Research in the mid 1900s suggested that salary gaps existed between men and women in academia. Though the research helped bring attention to salary gaps, less focus was on causes of salary differences. More recent research suggested differences in salaries were based on performance. A survey was sent to agricultural economics professionals at land grant intuitions to identify the factors that influence their salaries. Results of the ordered probit model suggest that seven variables can be used to explain salaries: having attained tenure, working at an 1862 institution, the amount of grant dollars, the number of journal articles, highest academic rank and the percentage of appointment that is in administration (positive influences) and importance of family time (negative influence). Other variables tested – gender, ethnicity and other preferences – were not found to influence salary levels.salary and performance, tracking survey, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, A11, A14,

Reactivation of Hepatitis B Infection During the Cause of Non Hodgkin\u27s Lymphoma Chemotherapy

Hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy is a serious cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Frequently used combination regimens in Non-Hodgkin\u27s lymphoma are cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin (adriamycin), vincristine (oncovin), and prednison (CHOP). The use of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 antigen present in benign and Malignant B-cells, in combination with systemic chemotherapy has resulted in an improved duration of remission and survival for this patients. Rituximab is a HBV reactivation risk factor even greater than corticosteroids in a series of patients with lymphoma treated with combined-modality treatment (CMT).A 43 years old female patient who already diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin\u27s lymphoma, came with chief complain nausea and vomiting for three weeks. The patient recently got hospitalized with icteric and known have positive HBsAg. She received chemotherapy rituximab CHOP (R-CHOP) for four times and got rituximab in the last chemotherapy. Previously she had icteric and increased liver function test. After exclude other possibility causes this symptom and sign, it was concluded this is HBV reactivation. The chemotherapy was postponed until this reactivation of hepatitis B resolved and start giving lamivudine two weeks before reintroduce chemotherapy

Factors Influencing Salaries of Agricultural Economics Professionals in Federal Employment - Part I

Since the early 1900s much research has been conducted on salary gaps between men and women in different professions. While some of that work has focused on agricultural economics professionals, little research could be found specifically relating to agricultural economic professionals in federal employment. A survey was sent to known agricultural economics professionals within USDA. The data from this survey are being used for two purposes. The first is to determine whether differences exist between men and women (and between employees in different agencies) in factors that influence job choice and potential problems in the workplace. The second is to identify factors that influence salaries of men and women agricultural economics professionals in federal employment. This paper addresses the first purpose.salary and performance studies, Institutional and Behavioral Economics,