Turbulent Drag Reduction by Flexible and Rodlike Polymers: Crossover Effects at Small Concentrations

Drag reduction by polymers is bounded between two universal asymptotes, the von-K\'arm\'an log-law of the law and the Maximum Drag Reduction (MDR) asymptote. It is theoretically understood why the MDR asymptote is universal, independent of whether the polymers are flexible or rodlike. The cross-over behavior from the Newtonian von-K\'arm\'an log-law to the MDR is however not universal, showing different characteristics for flexible and rodlike polymers. In this paper we provide a theory for this cross-over phenomenology.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Physical Review

Enhanced Cellular Immunity in Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) after ‘Vaccination’

It has long been viewed that invertebrates rely exclusively upon a wide variety of innate mechanisms for protection from disease and parasite invasion and lack any specific acquired immune mechanisms comparable to those of vertebrates. Recent findings, however, suggest certain invertebrates may be able to mount some form of specific immunity, termed ‘specific immune priming’, although the mechanism of this is not fully understood (see Textbox S1). In our initial experiments, either formalin-inactivated Vibrio harveyi or sterile saline were injected into the main body cavity (haemocoel) of juvenile shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Haemocytes (blood cells) from V. harveyi-injected shrimp were collected 7 days later and incubated with a 1∶1 mix of V. harveyi and an unrelated Gram positive bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. Haemocytes from ‘vaccinated’ shrimp showed elevated levels of phagocytosis of V. harveyi, but not B. subtilis, compared with those from saline-injected (non-immunised) animals. The increased phagocytic activity was characterised by a significant increase in the percentage of phagocytic cells. When shrimp were injected with B. subtilis rather than vibrio, there was no significant increase in the phagocytic activity of haemocytes from these animals in comparison to the non-immunised (saline injected) controls. Whole haemolymph (blood) from either ‘immunised’ or non-immunised’ shrimp was shown to display innate humoral antibacterial activity against V. harveyi that was absent against B. subtilis. However, there was no difference in the potency of antibacterial activity between V. harveyi-injected shrimp and control (saline injected) animals showing that ‘vaccination’ has no effect on this component of the shrimp's immune system. These results imply that the cellular immune system of shrimp, particularly phagocytosis, is capable of a degree of specificity and shows the phenomenon of ‘immune priming’ reported by other workers. However, in agreement with other studies, this phenomenon is not universal to all potential pathogens

Implementing telephone triage in general practice: a process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial

Background: Telephone triage represents one strategy to manage demand for face-to-face GP appointments in primary care. However, limited evidence exists of the challenges GP practices face in implementing telephone triage. We conducted a qualitative process evaluation alongside a UK-based cluster randomised trial (ESTEEM) which compared the impact of GP-led and nurse-led telephone triage with usual care on primary care workload, cost, patient experience, and safety for patients requesting a same-day GP consultation. The aim of the process study was to provide insights into the observed effects of the ESTEEM trial from the perspectives of staff and patients, and to specify the circumstances under which triage is likely to be successfully implemented. Here we report perspectives of staff. Methods: The intervention comprised implementation of either GP-led or nurse-led telephone triage for a period of 2-3 months. A qualitative evaluation was conducted using staff interviews recruited from eight general practices (4 GP triage, 4 Nurse triage) in the UK, implementing triage as part of the ESTEEM trial. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 44 staff members in GP triage and nurse triage practices (16 GPs, 8 nurses, 7 practice managers, 13 administrative staff). Results: Staff reported diverse experiences and perceptions regarding the implementation of telephone triage, its effects on workload, and on the benefits of triage. Such diversity were explained by the different ways triage was organised, the staffing models used to support triage, how the introduction of triage was communicated across practice staff, and by how staff roles were reconfigured as a result of implementing triage. Conclusion: The findings from the process evaluation offer insight into the range of ways GP practices participating in ESTEEM implemented telephone triage, and the circumstances under which telephone triage can be successfully implemented beyond the context of a clinical trial. Staff experiences and perceptions of telephone triage are shaped by the way practices communicate with staff, prepare for and sustain the changes required to implement triage effectively, as well as by existing practice culture, and staff and patient behaviour arising in response to the changes made. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN20687662. Registered 28 May 2009

Additive Equivalence in Turbulent Drag Reduction by Flexible and Rodlike Polymers

We address the "Additive Equivalence" discovered by Virk and coworkers: drag reduction affected by flexible and rigid rodlike polymers added to turbulent wall-bounded flows is limited from above by a very similar Maximum Drag Reduction (MDR) asymptote. Considering the equations of motion of rodlike polymers in wall-bounded turbulent ensembles, we show that although the microscopic mechanism of attaining the MDR is very different, the macroscopic theory is isomorphic, rationalizing the interesting experimental observations.Comment: 8 pages, PRE, submitte

Cyclometalated cinchophen ligands on iridium(iii): towards water-soluble complexes with visible luminescence

Eight cationic heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes, [Ir(epqc)2(N^N)]+, were prepared in high yield from a cyclometalated iridium bridged-chloride dimer bearing two ethyl-2-phenylquinoline-4-carboxylate (epqc) ligands. Two X-ray crystallographic studies were undertaken on selected complexes (where the ancillary ligand N^N = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) each confirming the proposed formulations, showing an octahedral coordination at Ir(III). In general, the complexes are luminescent (620–630 nm) with moderately long lifetimes indicative of phosphorescence. Hydrolysis of the ethyl ester moieties of the epqc ligands gave the analogous cinchophen-based complexes, which were water-soluble and visibly luminescent (568–631 nm). The spectroscopic and redox characterisation of the complexes was complemented by DFT and TD-DFT calculations, supporting the assignment of dominant 3MLCT to the emissive character

1973 Research Progress Reports, Fruit and Vegetable Processing and Food Technology

Evaluation of snap bean varieties for processing / Wilbur A. Gould -- Evaluation of tomato cultivars for processing / W. A. Gould, James Black, Emily Korensky, Ruth Stillabower, and Stanley Z. Berry -- Commercial tomato cultivar evaluation / Wilbur A. Gould, Jerry Wright, in cooperation with Stanley Berry, Marion White, Tip Top Canning Co., Beckman and Gast Company and Hirzel Canning Co. -- Relationship of USDA D6 tomato colorimeter to AGTRON E-5 / Wilbur A. Gould and Jerry Wright -- Effects of food additives on the quality of canned tomatoes / Wilbur A. Gould, Jacquelyn Gould, and James Black -- Effects of food additives on the quality of canned tomato juice / Wilbur A. Gould, Ruth Stillabower, Jacquelyn Gould and James Black -- Retention of ascorbic acid in fortified tomato juice ; Effect of storage time and temperature and added ascorbic acid on the total acid and pH of tomato juice / Gerald G. Pope and Wilbur A. Gould -- Cell wall components and tomato juice consistency / David E. Crean -- Lipid content of cabbage & sauerkraut / Andrew C. Peng -- Canned rice-tomatoes / Teung Chin and Wilbur A. Gould -- Development of a canned pecan pie filling / W. A. Gould and S. Perryman -- A new soybean food from tempeh / Nasruddin Iljas, Wilbur A. Gould and Andrew C. Peng -- Rehabilitation and recycling spend cucumber pickling brines / J. R. Geisman and R. E. Henne -- Evaluation of several grape cultivars for wine making / James F. Gallande

Alkyl chain functionalised Ir(iii) complexes: synthesis, properties and behaviour as emissive dopants in microemulsions

Six iridium(III) complexes of the general form [Ir(C^N)2(N^N)]X (where C^N = cyclometalating ligand; N^N = disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine), and incorporating alkyl chains of differing lengths (C8, C10, C12), have been synthesised and characterised. The complexes have been characterised using a variety of methods including spectroscopies (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, luminescence) and analytical techniques (high resolution mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction). Two dodecyl-functionalised complexes were studied for their behaviour in aqueous solutions. Although the complexes did not possess sufficient solubility to determine their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) in water, they were amenable for use as emissive dopants in a N-methyl C12 substituted imidazolium salt microemulsion carrier system with a CMC = 36.5 mM. The investigation showed that the metal doped microemulsions had increased CMCs of 40.4 and 51.3 mM and luminescent properties characterised by the dopant

Contraceptive methods and use by women aged 35 and over: A qualitative study of perspectives

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>More than 30% of the pregnancies in women aged 35 and over are unintended. This paper compares perceptions about contraceptive methods and use among women with and without an unintended pregnancy after turning age 35.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 women. They were all 35 to 49 years old, regularly menstruating, sexually active, not sterilized, not desiring a pregnancy in the near future, and at least 3 months postpartum. We purposely sampled for women who had had at least one unintended pregnancy after age 35 (n = 9) and women who did not (n = 8). We assessed partnership, views of pregnancy and motherhood, desired lifestyle, perceived advantages and disadvantages of using and obtaining currently available well-known reversible contraceptives in the U.S. ''We also assessed contraceptive methods used at any time during their reproductive years, including current method use and, if appropriate, circumstances surrounding an unintended pregnancy after age 35.'' Each interview was taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory. Analysis focused on partnership, views of pregnancy, motherhood, desired lifestyle and perceived advantages and disadvantages of various reversible contraceptive methods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The women without an unintended pregnancy after age 35 were more likely to (1) use contraceptive methods that helped treat a medical condition, (2) consider pregnancy as dangerous, or (3) express concerns about the responsibilities of motherhood. The women who experienced an unintended pregnancy after age 35 were more likely to (1) report unstable partnerships, (2) perceive themselves at lower risk of pregnancy, or (3) report past experiences with unwanted contraceptive side effects. There was a greater likelihood a woman would choose a contraceptive method if it was perceived as easy to use, accessible, affordable and had minimal side effects.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Women's perspective on contraceptive use after age 35 varies. Public health messages and health providers' care can help women in this age group by reviewing their fertility risks, as well as all contraceptive methods and their associated side effects. The impact of such interventions on unintended pregnancy rates in this age group should be tested in other areas of evidence-based medicine.</p

A novel cobalt complex for enhancing amperometric and impedimetric DNA detection

In this work we present a novel cobalt complex, [Co(GA)2(aqphen)]Cl that is water-soluble, redox-active and binds to dsDNA. We report that this complex can be used as a signal enhancer when detecting DNA hybridisation using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The compound mediates its EIS signal enhancement by causing an increase in charge transfer resistance (Rct) when bound to dsDNA. Increased peak currents are also observed with DPV when the compound is incubated with dsDNA as compared with ssDNA. We believe that this compound intercalates specifically with dsDNA and alters the DNA structure to affect the electrostatic barrier to charged redox markers in solution. To our knowledge this is the first example of a single compound that can enhance both amperometric and impedimetric signals for DNA detection. Our findings enable the development of a label-free and multi-modal approach to improve the sensitivity, accuracy and speed of electrochemical DNA detection

Cluster J Mycobacteriophages: Intron Splicing in Capsid and Tail Genes

Bacteriophages isolated on Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 represent many distinct genomes sharing little or no DNA sequence similarity. The genomes are architecturally mosaic and are replete with genes of unknown function. A new group of genomes sharing substantial nucleotide sequences constitute Cluster J. The six mycobacteriophages forming Cluster J are morphologically members of the Siphoviridae, but have unusually long genomes ranging from 106.3 to 117 kbp. Reconstruction of the capsid by cryo-electron microscopy of mycobacteriophage BAKA reveals an icosahedral structure with a triangulation number of 13. All six phages are temperate and homoimmune, and prophage establishment involves integration into a tRNA-Leu gene not previously identified as a mycobacterial attB site for phage integration. The Cluster J genomes provide two examples of intron splicing within the virion structural genes, one in a major capsid subunit gene, and one in a tail gene. These genomes also contain numerous freestanding HNH homing endonuclease, and comparative analysis reveals how these could contribute to genome mosaicism. The unusual Cluster J genomes provide new insights into phage genome architecture, gene function, capsid structure, gene mobility, intron splicing, and evolution