Search

Using 1.16 × 106 B B events collected at the γ(4S) resonance by the CLEO Collaboration at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR), we have searched for decays of B mesons to exclusive two-body hadronic final states including a Ds+ or a D s ∗+ meson. We obtain the 90% confidence level upper limit β (B → D s (∗)+ π − + D s ∗ +p − + D s (∗)+ π 0 + D s (∗)+ η + D s (∗)+ p 0 + D s (∗)+ (ω) × β(D s + → φπ + ) −5 . We have also searched for the W-exchange decays, B 0 → D s (∗)− K (∗)+ .

We observe the [Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup +] baryon decaying to [Lambda][sub [ital c]][sup +][pi][sup 0] and measure the mass difference [ital M]([Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup +])[minus][ital M]([Lambda][sub [ital c]][sup +]) to be 168.5[plus minus]0.2 MeV/[ital c][sup 2]. We also measure the mass differences [ital M]([Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup ++])[minus][ital M]([Lambda][sub [ital c]][sup +]) and [ital M]([Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup 0])[minus][ital M]([Lambda][sub [ital c]][sup +]) with improved precision and determine the isospin mass splittings [ital M]([Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup ++])[minus][ital M]([Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup 0]) and [ital M]([Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup +])[minus][ital M]([Sigma][sub [ital c]][sup 0]) to be 1.1[plus minus]0.4[plus minus]0.1 MeV/[ital c][sup 2] and 1.4[plus minus]0.5[plus minus]0.3 MeV/[ital c][sup 2], respectively. Our results indicate that the light quark mass difference does not dominate the isospin mass splitting in [Sigma][sub [ital c]].

We have measured branching ratios for three [Lambda][sub [ital c]] decay modes that have a [Sigma][sup +] in the final state. Two of the observed decay modes, [Lambda][sub [ital c]][r arrow][Sigma][sup +][pi][sup 0] and [Lambda][sub [ital c]][sup +][r arrow][Sigma][sup +][omega], have no external [ital W]-emission amplitudes. Their branching ratios relative to the [ital pK][sup [minus]][pi][sup +] mode are 0.20[plus minus]0.03[plus minus]0.03 and 0.54[plus minus]0.13[plus minus]0.06, respectively. We have also significantly improved the measurement of the branching ratio for the previously observed decay mode [Lambda][sub [ital c]][sup +][r arrow][Sigma][sup +][pi][sup +][pi][sup [minus]]. We find its branching ratio relative to [ital pK][sup [minus]][pi][sup +] to be 0.74[plus minus]0.07[plus minus]0.09.

Using 1.79 ${\mathrm{fb}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ of data recorded by the CLEO II detector we have measured the absolute branching fraction for ${\mathit{D}}^{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$. The angular correlation between the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ emitted in the decay ${\mathit{D}}^{\mathrm{*}+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{D}}^{0}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$, and the jet direction in ${\mathit{e}}^{+}$${\mathit{e}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}cc\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} events, is used to determine the total number of inclusive ${\mathit{D}}^{0}$ mesons produced from this source. The subsequent reconstruction of the decay chain ${\mathit{D}}^{\mathrm{*}+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{D}}^{0}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$,${\mathit{D}}^{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ allows a measurement of the absolute ${\mathit{D}}^{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ branching fraction. Correcting for decay radiation in the final state, we find scrB(${\mathit{D}}^{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$)=[3.95\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.08(stat)\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.17(syst)]%.

Using a sample of integrated luminosity 1.68 fb−1 collected with the CLEO-II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we measure the branching ratios for the dominant exclusive semileptonic decays D → K l ν and D → K ∗ l ν , using charged and neutral D mesons. We also make a precise measurement of the vector form factor for the decay D 0 → K − l + ν , using a sample of 2700 events.

Using the CLEO II detector at CESR we have studied [ital D][sup 0] decays into final states with a [ital [bar K]] [sup 0] or [ital [bar K]] [sup *0], and have measured branching ratios for the decay modes [ital D][sup 0][r arrow]([ital [bar K]] [sup 0]/[ital [bar K]] [sup *0])[pi][sup 0],[eta],[eta][prime]. These results are compared with predictions of various charm decay models, and contributions of final-state interactions are discussed.

We report the measurement of new modes of the charmed baryon ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$ using data recorded by the CLEO II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring. We find branching ratios, relative to ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{pK}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$, of 0.070\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.011\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.011 for ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}^{+}$${\mathit{K}}^{+}$${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, 0.069\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.023\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.016 for ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\varphi}, 0.078\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.013\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.013 for ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{0}$${\mathit{K}}^{+}$, and 0.053\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.016\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010 for ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{\mathrm{*}0}$${\mathit{K}}^{+}$. These measurements indicate that W-exchange diagrams contribute to ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$ decay. We have also made a new measurement of the previously found mode ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathit{K}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$.

Using data from CLEO II at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring we provide a new measurement of the branching fraction for [ital D][sup 0][r arrow][pi][sup +][pi][sup [minus]], and we present the first measurements of [ital D][sup 0][r arrow][pi][sup 0][pi][sup 0] and of [ital D][sup +][r arrow][pi][sup +][pi][sup 0], which is due to an isospin changing [Delta][ital I]=3/2 transition. From these data we extract the ratio of isospin amplitudes [vert bar][ital A][sub 2]/[ital A][sub 0][vert bar], and the cosine of the relative phase [delta]=[delta][sub 2][minus][delta][sub 0] between these amplitudes, for [ital D][r arrow][pi][pi] decays. Unlike the situation in kaon decay where [ital A][sub 2] is strongly suppressed, we find [vert bar][ital A][sub 2]/[ital A][sub 0][vert bar]=0.72[plus minus]0.13[plus minus]0.11 and cos[delta]=0.14[plus minus]0.13[plus minus]0.09.

The decay [tau][sup [minus]][r arrow][pi][sup [minus]][pi][sup +][pi][sup [minus]]2[pi][sup 0][nu][sub [tau]] has been observed in [ital e][sup +][ital e[minus]] annihilation using the CLEO II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring. In a data sample collected at [radical][ital s] [similar to]10.6 GeV, 668[plus minus]38 decay candidates have been identified by exclusively reconstructing two [pi][sup 0]'s accompanying three charged particles, which are assumed to be pions. Normalizing to the number of [tau] pairs detected with one charged particle recoiling against three charged particles, this yields a branching ratio of [ital B][sub 3[pi]2[pi]][sup 0]=(0.48[plus minus]0.04[plus minus]0.04)%. A signal of 430[plus minus]33 events for the decay [tau][sup [minus]][r arrow][pi][sup [minus]][omega][pi][sup 0][nu][sub [tau]] has also been observed, corresponding to a branching ratio of [ital B][sub [pi][omega][pi]][sup 0]=(0.39[plus minus]0.04[plus minus]0.04)%.

We have measured the [ital B][sup 0][ital [bar B]0] mixing probability, [chi][sub [ital d]], using a sample of 965 000 [ital B[bar B]] pairs from [Upsilon](4[ital S]) decays. Counting dilepton events, we find [chi][sub [ital d]]=0.157[plus minus]0.016[plus minus]0.018[sub [minus]0.021][sup +0.028]. Using tagged [ital B][sup 0] events, we find [chi][sub [ital d]]=0.149[plus minus]0.023[plus minus]0.019[plus minus]0.010. The first (second) error is statistical (systematic). The third error reflects a [plus minus]15% uncertainty in the assumption, made in both cases, that charged and neutral [ital B] pairs contribute equally to dilepton events. We also obtain a limit on the [ital CP] impurity in the [ital B][sub [ital d]][sup 0] system, [vert bar]Re([epsilon][sub [ital B]][sup 0])[vert bar][lt]0.045 at 90% C.L.

We have observed the decays [ital B][sup 0][r arrow][ital K][sup *](892)[sup 0][gamma] and [ital B][sup [minus]][r arrow][ital K][sup *](892)[sup [minus]][gamma], which are evidence for the quark-level process [ital b][r arrow][ital s][gamma]. The average branching fraction is (4.5[plus minus]1.5[plus minus]0.9)[times]10[sup [minus]5]. This value is consistent with standard model predictions from electromagnetic penguin diagrams.

A limit on the tau neutrino mass [ital M][sub [nu][tau]] is obtained from a study of tau decays in the reaction [ital e][sup +][ital e[minus]][r arrow][tau][sup +][tau][sup [minus]] at center-of-mass energies [similar to]10.6 GeV. The result is based on an end-point analysis of the invariant mass spectrum of the decay products in the decay modes [tau][sup [minus]][r arrow]3[ital h][sup [minus]]2[ital h][sup +][nu][sub [tau]] and [tau][sup [minus]][r arrow]2[ital h][sup [minus]][ital h+]2[pi][sup 0][nu][sub [tau]]. The data sample used in this analysis contains 1.77[times]10[sup 6] tau pairs, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.92 fb[sup [minus]1], and is substantially larger than previous data samples used to place a limit on [ital M][sub [nu][tau]]. The limit obtained for both five-hadron modes together is 32.6 MeV at 95% C.L.

Using the CLEO-II detector at CESR, we have observed the Ds1(2536)+ in the decay modes D s1 + →D ∗0 K + and D ∗+ K S + , and measured its fragmentation and production ratios. Using the helicity angle distribution of the daugter D ∗0 , we obtain new evidence for the assignment of 1+ for the spin and parity of the Ds1+. We also set upper limits on the decays D s1 + →D s ∗+ λ, D 0 K + and D+Ks0.

With the CLEO-II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we have measured branching fractions for tau lepton decay into one-prong final states with multiple [pi][sup 0]'s [ital B][sub [ital h][ital n][pi]][sup 0], normalized to the branching fraction for tau decay into one charged particle and a single [pi][sup 0]. We find [ital B][sub [ital h]2[pi]][sup 0]/[ital B][sub [ital h][pi]][sup 0]=0.345[plus minus]0.006[plus minus]0.016, [ital B][sub [ital h]3[pi]][sup 0]/[ital B][sub [ital h][pi]][sup 0]=0.041 [plus minus]0.003[plus minus]0.005, and [ital B][sub [ital h]4[pi]][sup 0]/[ital B][sub [ital h][pi]][sup 0]=0.006[plus minus]0.002[plus minus]0.002.

A rapid in situ diffraction technique, synchrotron radiation–energy dispersive diffraction, has been used to obtain direct information on the kinetics of the tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformation temperatures for zirconia synthesized by heating the hydroxide up to temperatures between 900 and 1300 °C. In all cases the monoclinic phase appears only during the cooling stage. The effects of chemical (hydroxide preparation–pH) and heat treatments (top dwell temperature and dwell time) have been investigated. The transformation temperature increases with both top temperature and dwell time. For the lesser heat treatments (generally temperatures 1000) the low-pH material displays the higher transformation temperatures. These data do now give reliable indications on how to design a required metastability into the final room temperature product.

Neutron [l-31 and X-ray [4,5] techniques have been used to study the formation of zirconia from zirconium hydroxide. Synchrotron radiation can now, using dynamic energy-dispersive diffraction (DEDD), shed light on the kinetics of both the hydroxide-to-oxide crystallization and tetragonal-to- monoclinic conversion. Furthermore, different rates of crystallization and conversion have been linked [5] to the preparative conditions of the hydroxide; in particular the final pH of the solution coexisting with the precipitate of zirconium hydroxide. The results here represent an important extension of our dynamic studies. The special advantage of neutron thermodiffractometr!~ (NTD) [6] is that the high scattering/diffraction background associated with incoherent scattering by hydrogen is an effec- tive monitor of the chemical composition of the hydroxide; the scattering background reflects the amount of hydrogen-containing species in the sam- ple. Zirconium hydroxide can be considered as an intermediate between a hydroxide and a hydrated oxide [7]. One possible model [H] depicts the hydroxide as an open polymer in which individual units are linked by double h!.droxy bridges (Fig. 1). Clearly, if such a model were essentially correct, NTD would be expected to monitor the combined loss of H,O and OH during calcination. Zirconium hydroxides were prepared under care- fully controlled conditions [9] at pH 8.37 and 10.35, since these preparations display extremes of crystal- lization behaviour [5]. Aqueous ammonia solution was added to an aqueous suspension of zirconium basic sulphate (Magnesium Elektron Ltd, Man- chester, UK) to the desired pH. the suspension was filtered and washed with distilled water. The sam- ples were dried at 130 "C to produce zirconium hydroxide. Thermal analysis was carried out in both samples at a heating rate of 2 "C min-' in static air. Synchro- tron experiments were undertaken at Daresbury Laboratory, station 9.7, using pellets of thickness approximately 0.5 mm. The pellets were heated at a rate of 20 "C min-' to 400 "C, and the ramp then reduced to 5

The post operative response of the large colon wall after a surgically corrected large colon volvulus (LCV) has not been investigated.To use transabdominal ultrasound to monitor the post operative change in large colon wall thickness following surgical correction of LCV.A prolonged period to colon wall involution is correlated with an increased rate of post operative morbidity and mortality.A prospective clinical study including horses that presented to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for colic between September 2006 and March, 2008, had surgically diagnosed and corrected LCV (at least 360 degrees ) without resection and recovered from anaesthesia. Ultrasound of the ventral large colon was performed at the time of anaesthetic recovery and every 6-8 h until the colon wall returned to normal thickness (or = 5 mm). Outcome was evaluated using a one-way ANOVA to compare average time to colon wall involution between: 1) survivors and nonsurvivors; and 2) horses that developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during the post operative period and those that recovered without evidence of MODS.Sixteen horses that recovered without evidence of MODS had a significantly shorter period to colon wall involution (or = 5 mm) compared to those diagnosed with MODS (mean +/- s.e. 19.6 h +/- 2.5 and 39.7 h +/- 6.7 respectively, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in mean period to colon wall involution between survivors and nonsurvivors (26.2 +/- 4.9 and 33.2 +/- 7.8 h, respectively).A shorter time to colon wall involution was associated with decreased post operative morbidity in horses presented for surgical correction of large colon volvulus without resection.Ultrasonographic monitoring of colon wall involution after surgical correction of LCV may aid in identifying those cases at risk of MODS. Further investigation of colon wall involution time using a larger number of horses is warranted.

This paper describes the field evaluation of a serological test and a new in vitro assay for cell-mediated reactivity for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. The use of a Mycobacterium bovis -specific antigen (MPB-70) in an ELISA to test the serological response to tuberculosis infection resulted in a specificity of 96.6% and a sensitivity of 18.1%. The most favourable results were obtained with the interferon gamma (IFN-γ) assay which had a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 99.1%. Respective figures for the single intradermal tuberculin test were 68.1% and 96.7%. The use of MPB-70 as the antigen in the IFN-γ assay reduced the sensitivity of this assay, without producing any useful increase in specificity. The IFN-γ assay was also demonstrated to be a practical diagnostic test for use with large groups of cattle.

Zirconium hydroxide is a precursor material of zirconia. Variations in both chemical and physical properties of this precursor affect the properties of the final product. One of these variations is that of the pH of the liquid in contact with the final hydroxide precipitate. We show here, using advanced dynamic diffraction techniques, how pH affects the kinetic aspects of synthesis: In particular we investigate the effect of pH on the temperature of onset of crystallization, the rate of crystallization and crystal growth during calcination, as well as the temperature and rate of transformation, on cooling, of the tetragonal to monoclinic form of zirconia.

Electrical and chemical stimulation given in the ventral medullary raphe nuclei inhibits spinal nociceptive reflexes and spinal nociceptive transmission; serotoninergic receptors have been demonstrated to partially mediate that inhibition. In the present study, the termination patterns of raphespinal fibers in the rat lumbar spinal cord demonstrating serotonin-like immunoreactivity were examined by using the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) in combination with immunohistochemistry. Fibers and terminations from the ventral medullary raphe nuclei (raphe magnus and raphe pallidus) demonstrating both PHA-L- and serotonin-like immunoreactivity were identified in all laminae of the dorsal horn and the ventral horn. Networks of large fibers, characterized by large boutons, and which did not demonstrate serotonin-like immunoreactivity, were identified in deeper laminae of the dorsal horn. The heterogeneous morphology of raphespinal fibers identified in the dorsal horn suggests that these fibers also may be heterogeneous in neurochemistry and function. Medial medullary sites outside the raphe nuclei were found to innervate the ventral horn and all laminae of the dorsal horn, with the exception of lamina I. Descending fibers and terminations also demonstrating serotonin-like immunoreactivity were identified in deep laminae (III, IV, V, VI) of the dorsal horn and in the ventral horn. Similarly, large fiber networks were identified which did not demonstrate serotonin-like immunoreactivity.

An in vitro cellular assay for bovine tuberculosis has recently been developed. This assay detects gamma-interferon released in response to specific antigen in a whole blood culture system. The bio-assay previously described for the detection of bovine gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) has now been replaced with a sandwich enzyme immunoassay (EIA) which utilises two monoclonal antibodies to bovine IFN-gamma. The EIA detects less than 25pg/ml of recombinant bovine IFN-gamma and is specific for biologically active bovine IFN-gamma; and does not detect bovine alpha or beta interferon. IFN-gamma from sheep, goat and buffalo, but not from pig, deer or man, are also recognised by the EIA. The bovine IFN-gamma EIA when used in conjunction with the whole blood culture system has resulted in a simple, rapid and sensitive in vitro assay for specific cell mediated immune responsiveness to M. bovis infection in cattle.

A hybrid murine class I gene, Q10/L, was injected into C3H/HeJ fertilized ova to produce transgenic (TG) mice. This fusion gene contained 414 bp of Q10 promoter sequences which was sufficient to direct liver-specific expression in two lines of animals. Animals from these lines did not have Q10/L mRNA in 10 nonhepatic tissues examined including thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. The ontogeny of Q10/Ld expression in both liver and yolk sac paralleled expression of endogenous Q10. Analysis of liver cells from these lines by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of the Q10/L Ag solely on hepatocytes. TG animals showed no signs of hepatic disease as evidenced by an absence of cellular infiltrates in the liver and a normal profile of serum enzymes that are elevated in association with hepatic disease. When spleen cells from TG animals were cocultured with splenocytes that express Ag cross-reactive with Q10/L, CTL were generated that recognized and lysed L cells which express Q10/L. However, the extent of lysis was less than that generated from non-TG control littermates. That these cross-reactive T cells were physiologically significant was demonstrated by adoptive transfer of in vivo primed T cell enriched spleen cells which produced a mononuclear infiltration of the liver of TG recipients. However, inoculation of Q10/L L cells or splenocytes expressing Q10/L cross-reactive Ag into TG mice did not induce cellular infiltration or overt hepatic disease. Whereas inoculation of normal C3H mice with these cells led to priming of Q10/L reactive CTL, anti-Q10/L CTL could not be primed in TG mice. This suggests that Ag expression solely on hepatocytes can lead to inactivation of specific CTL clones and thus account for the observed in vivo tolerance.

A search for lepton flavor violating decays of the tau into either three charged leptons or one charged lepton and two charged hadrons was performed using 2.05 fb[sup [minus]1] of data collected by the CLEO-II experiment at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring. The upper limits obtained for 22 decay branching fractions are several times more stringent than those set previously.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immunity was investigated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. A case-control (1:2) study was performed with cases defined as having a history of CMV end-organ disease ( n = 15) and controls ( n = 30) matched by current CD4 + T cell count. CMV-specific CD8 + T cells responses were quantified using the high throughput Quantiferon ® -CMV test (Cellestis, Melbourne, Australia). 40/44 (91%) had a positive Quantiferon ® -CMV test and the magnitude of response to CMV peptides correlated significantly with response to mitogen ( p + T cell count at the time of testing, CD4 + T cell nadir or HIV viral load. Cases had a significantly lower Quantiferon ® -CMV test than controls but there was no significant difference in response to mitogen or other antigens. In individuals with a history of CMV disease, CMV-specific CD8 + T cell responses are reduced even in the setting of CD4 + T cell reconstitution.

Flexible dipole rectenna devices appeared to be attractive for this study because of the adaptability on complex structures; possibility for higher power density features, and ability of coupling. In this paper, design concepts and results of various flexible dipole rectennas will be discussed including their efficiencies. Using the result, some applications of the system will also be addressed. A typical output of a flexible dipole rectenna array produced up to 70 VDC and 300 mA with a 200W amplifier. The irradiance of the microwave power is measured as 20 - 200 mW/cm 2 at the distance of 130 cm from the horn. In this research, a 4 x 5 flexible rectenna array was used for actuation of a propeller of MAV which is required approximately 3W as an input power. The design concept of various rectennas that depends on the requirements of input for propellers/actuators in a vehicle is discussed.

Background The use of dampened bandages to reduce inflamed eczema (synonyme dermatitis) is an old remedy. In order to evaluate the current indications for so-called wet-wrap treatment (WWT) for atopic dermatitis (AD), and to compare the different currently recognized methods, a group of experts critically reviewed their own expertise on WWT in respect to the existing literature on the subject. Results WWT is well tolerated in eczema due to the cooling effect on the skin and the rapid improvement in skin inflammation. It has been shown to be an extremely effective treatment for acute erythrodermic dermatitis, therapy-resistant AD and intolerable pruritus. Advantages of WWT include rapid response to therapy, reduction in itch and sleep disturbance, and potential for reduction in usage of topical corticosteroids (TCS). However, disadvantages include high cost, the necessity for special training in usage, potential for increased TCS absorption, increased cutaneous infections and folliculitis, and poor tolerability. Precautions to reduce the risks of long-term treatment should include education, monitoring of weight and height and, if necessary, serum cortisol levels. In adolescents the risk of striae from TCS absorption around puberty is high, and WWT with TCS in this age group should be used as a short-term therapy only and with extreme caution. To reduce risks, dilutions of steroids may be used ranging from 5 to 10%. In the maintenance phase this treatment can be rotated with the use of emollients only. Low potency TCS should be used on the face (with a mask). Conclusion WWT using diluted steroids is a relatively safe addition to the therapeutic treatment options for children and adults with severe and/or refractory AD. Explanation and education is extremely important in the treatment of AD and WWT should only be employed by practitioners trained in its use. Specialized nursing care is essential, especially when using WWT for prolonged periods.

[1] The occurrence of Pi1B pulsations is well-documented, including the fact that these pulsations can be observed both on the ground and at geosynchronous orbit at substorm onset, although information about their propagation characteristics has been lacking. In this paper, data are presented from FAST, GOES 9 and various ground stations that show the simultaneous observations of Pi1B pulsations in association with an onset. While the data at GOES 9 show that the pulsations are compressional in nature, data from FAST show the presence of shear mode waves, implying that Pi1B mode conversion of some type must take place in the region between geosynchronous orbit and FAST altitudes. An additional point is that Pi1B pulsations apparently propagate through auroral phenomena routinely, begging the question of what role they may play.

Europium activated yttrium oxide (Eu:Y2O3) phosphor films have been grown in situ on (100) bare and diamond-coated silicon substrates using a pulsed laser deposition technique. Diamond-coated silicon substrates were prepared using hot filament chemical vapor deposition of diamond onto silicon. Photoluminescence brightness from Eu:Y2O3 films grown at 700 °C on diamond-coated silicon substrates was about twice that of films on bare silicon, and reached 80% of the brightness of powders. The higher brightness from Eu:Y2O3 film on diamond-coated silicon substrates is attributed to reduced internal reflections from the Eu:Y2O3 film surface, which results from the roughness of the diamond layer.

Europium doped yttrium oxide (Eu:Y2O3) phosphor thin films were grown using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique at varying growth conditions. The structural characterization carried out on a series of Eu:Y2O3 films grown on (100) silicon at substrate temperatures in the range of 250–600 °C and oxygen pressure in the range of 10−5 Torr to 200 mTorr indicated that films were preferentially (111) oriented. Measurements of photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of laser deposited Eu:Y2O3 thin films and powder used for laser target showed that the best in situ grown films were ∼10%–22% as bright as Eu:Y2O3 powder. A postdeposition annealing treatment of Eu:Y2O3 films led to further improvements in their brightness (up to ∼70% with respect to Eu:Y2O3 powder), with cluster sizes of

Bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a pathogen of growing concern in free-ranging wildlife in Africa, but little is known about the disease in Tanzanian wildlife. Here, we report the infection status of Mycobacterium bovis in a range of wildlife species sampled from protected areas in northern Tanzania. M. bovis was isolated from 11.1% (2/18) migratory wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and 11.1% (1/9) topi (Damaliscus lunatus) sampled systematically in 2000 during a meat cropping program in the Serengeti ecosystem, and from one wildebeest and one lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) killed by sport hunters adjacent to Tarangire National Park. A tuberculosis antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used to screen serum samples collected from 184 Serengeti lions (Panthera leo) and 19 lions from Ngorongoro Crater sampled between 1985 and 2000. Samples from 212 ungulates collected throughout the protected area network between 1998 and 2001 also were tested by EIA. Serological assays detected antibodies to M. bovis in 4% of Serengeti lions; one positive lion was sampled in 1984. Antibodies were detected in one of 17 (6%) buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Tarangire and one of 41 (2%) wildebeest in the Serengeti. This study confirms for the first time the presence of bovine tuberculosis in wildlife of northern Tanzania, but further investigation is required to assess the impact on wildlife populations and the role of different wildlife species in maintenance and transmission.

In exploiting the unique capabilities of power transmission to space vehicles, micro-aero vehicles (MAV), or robots for remotely maneuverable capability, a power delivery method must provide not only sufficient power for space vehicles and robot devices, but also other relevant issues needs such as device-specific, configuration design, and power/control. The determination of navigation performance and analyses of confined areas for the maneuverable systems are complex jobs and need to be implemented and tested within the complete system. Such a power transmission philosophy can also be extended to the human body in the future.

Two longitudinal experiments involving Merino sheep challenged with either bovine or ovine strains of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) have been conducted over a period of 54 and 35 months, respectively. Blood samples for the interferon-gamma test, the absorbed ELISA and faecal samples for bacteriological culture were taken pre-challenge and monthly post-challenge. Infections were induced with either a bovine or ovine strain of Map in separate experiments with infections being more easily established, in terms of faecal bacterial shedding and clinical disease when the challenge inoculum was prepared from gut mucosal tissue than cultured bacteria. The patterns of response for shedding and clinical disease were similar. Cell-mediated immune responses were proportionally elevated by at least an order of magnitude in all sheep dosed with either a bovine or ovine strain of Map. Conversely, antibody responses were only elevated in a relatively small proportion of infected sheep. Neither of the clinically affected tissue challenged sheep developed an antibody response despite the presence of persistent shedding and the development and decline in cell-mediated immunity. The results indicated that for sheep the interferon-gamma test may be useful for determining if a flock has been exposed to ovine Johne's disease.

The dominant technologies for flat panel displays are reviewed. The current dominant technology is liquid crystal displays, which is a non-emissive light valve technology requiring backlighting and having tremendous advantages in terms of power consumption and cost. The disadvantages include viewing angle and temperature limitations. The competing emissive technologies include electroluminescent, field emission, plasma, and light emitting diode/diode laser displays. These technologies are reviewed and applications of ferroelectric materials are noted.

Field emission displays are rapidly progressing towards the commercial marketplace. Improved technology for performance and manufacture have enabled this progress, including new materials and materials processing. Improvements have been achieved in all aspect of the display, ranging from cathode to anode to spacers to sealing technologies. While all of these technologies are critical to success, the present discussion will focus on improved technology for the phosphors. The performance of the phosphors in FEDs is critically dependent upon a number of factors, including the operating voltage, phosphor efficiency and saturation, residual vacuum level, and phosphor/tip interactions.

Using the CLEO II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring we have measured the $\Xi_c^{0}$ decay asymmetry parameter in the decay $\Xi_c^{0} \to \Xi^{-} \pi^+$. We find $\alpha_{\Xi_c^{0}} \alpha_{\Xi} = 0.26 \pm 0.18{(stat)}^{+0.05}_{-0.04}{(syst)}$, using the world average value of $\alpha_{\Xi} = -0.456 \pm 0.014$ we obtain $\alpha_{\Xi_c^{0}} = -0.56 \pm 0.39{(stat)}^{+0.10}_{-0.09}{(syst)}$. The physically allowed range of a decay asymmetry parameter is $-1

Objective To determine the sensitivity and specificity of an absorbed ELISA and an AGID test for the detection of clinical and subclinical paratuberculosis in sheep. Design By testing a panel of sera from 1257 Australian Merino and crossbred sheep greater than 1 year of age, of which 1137 sheep were not infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis and 120 sheep had paratuberculosis. Procedure Sera were collected from 457 sheep in Victoria and 800 sheep in Western Australia. Presence of M a paratu-berculosis infection in Victorian sheep was determined by histological examination of intestinal tissues, whereas sheep from Western Australia were presumed to be free of Johne's disease. The ability of an absorbed ELISA to discriminate between infected and uninfected sheep was described by test sensitivity and specificity, the distribution of ELISA OD, and the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results The absorbed ELISA had a specificity of 98.2 to 99.5% (CI) and a sensitivity of 35 to 54% (CI). In sheep from infected flocks in Victoria, the AGID test had a specificity of 99 to 100% (CI) and a sensitivity of 38 to 56% (CI). The sensitivity of serological tests was higher in sheep with a body condition representative of the lower quintile of their flock of origin. Conclusion The AGID test and absorbed ELISA are useful tests for the detection of ovine paratuberculosis. Although the tests had a similar accuracy, they detected different subpopulations of infected sheep with only moderate overlap. The AGID test had a higher specificity than the absorbed ELISA.

Preventive and/or therapeutic vaccines against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) are urgently required. Induction of cellular immunity is favoured since these responses correlate with control of HIV-1. Recombinant fowlpoxvirus (FPV) vaccines encoding both HIV-1 gag/pol and interferon-gamma (FPV gag/pol-IFNgamma) were hypothesised to enhance HIV-specific cellular immunity and were further evaluated in macaques previously infected with HIV-1. A novel assay to detect IFNgamma secretion following HIV antigen stimulation of whole blood was developed to further assess the safety and immunogenicity of the FPV gag/pol-IFNgamma vaccine. Immunisation with FPV gag/pol-IFNgamma safely enhanced HIV-specific IFNgamma secretion following ex vivo stimulation of whole blood, greater than that observed following FPV gag/pol vaccination not co-expressing IFNgamma. Both HIV-specific IFNgamma-spot-forming cells by ELISPOT and CD69 expression by CD4+ lymphocytes were also enhanced following FPV gag/pol-IFNgamma vaccination. Hence, the FPV-HIV vaccine co-expressing IFNgamma stimulated HIV-specific T cell responses in macaques, and should be further evaluated as a therapeutic or preventive HIV vaccine.

Inhaled, short-acting, beta-agonist medications are widely used in the treatment of asthma. It is recommended in current asthma management guidelines that these medications should only be used "as required" for relief of asthma symptoms. Despite this, there are still a number of asthmatic patients who are using excessive amounts. In occasional patients this may be detrimental to the control of asthma. We report the case of a 43-year-old, steroid-dependent asthmatic, with unstable asthma, using salbutamol up to 30 times a day. Following reduction of her beta-agonist use she had a dramatic improvement in her asthma control and was able to successfully stop her oral steroids.

Ejournals are becoming an accepted and necessary means of meeting the demands for the dissemination of knowledge. This introductory article discusses the recent "explosion" of ejournals and provides an explanation of what is meant by an "ejournal." Ejournals are explored within the traditional context of scholarship and a discussion of the "serials crisis" that promoted the inception of ejournals is presented. After laying the groundwork for discussing scholarship in this new age of dissemination of scholarly information, the article discusses whether this digital form of publication can be called a "paradigm shift" in Kuhn's (1970) traditional sense of the word.

To assess whether young women who participate in an osteoporosis prevention program based on the Health Belief (Rosenstock, 1966) and Self-Efficacy Models (Bandura, 1977) demonstrate higher levels of knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention than young women who do not participate in such a program.A classic experimental design with one treatment group and one control group was used to test the efficacy of the osteoporosis prevention program. Pretest data on knowledge, health belief attitudes (7 subscales), and self-efficacy (2 subscales) were collected in the treatment and control groups.A convenience sample of 31 young college women were randomly assigned to an experimental group or to a control group to receive an osteoporosis prevention program.Subjects in the experimental and control groups completed the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, and the Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale (Kim et al., 1991) at two times. The experimental group received an osteoporosis prevention program.Osteoporosis, Health Belief, Self-Efficacy, Women's Health.Subjects in the experimental group had significantly higher knowledge and health belief scores after receiving the intervention than their pretest scores while subjects in the control group had no change in scores.The osteoporosis program was effective in increasing awareness of osteoporosis prevention in this group of young women.The results may be useful for developing young women's awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis prevention. Future research could include developing osteoporosis prevention programs at an earlier age when girls are in grade school and junior high school. Teaching health promotion strategies for bone health is essential to all women across the life span.

The HELLP syndrome is a dangerously severe form of preeclampsia associated with multiorgan system damage and occurs in 0.2-0.6% of all pregnancies. It usually presents with abdominal pain, often in the setting of preeclampsia. In most cases, HELLP is initiated by inadequate placental vessel development with subsequent placental ischemia, leading to the release of circulating vasoconstrictors. These powerful vasoconstrictors include thromboxane A2, angiotensin, prostaglandin F2, and endothelin-1. The ischemic placenta also produces fewer vasodilators, such as prostacyclin, prostaglandin, E2, and nitric oxide. The ensuing imbalance in vasoactive substances causes intense systemic vasospasm and multiorgan endothelial damage. Multiple genetic, coagulation, and immunologic disorders also appear to contribute to the endothelial damage. Fibrin and platelets are then deposited on the endothelial surfaces leading to the hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets of the HELLP syndrome. The most reliable laboratory tests for the diagnosis of HELLP are a complete blood count with peripheral smear, lactate dehydrogenase, serum transaminases, and urinalysis. Supportive tests include serum haptoglobin, D-dimer fragment levels, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes, total bilirubin, prothrombin times, and activated partial thromboplastin times. Lactate dehydrogenase and the platelet count are the two best tests to monitor the course of the disease. Prompt delivery is the treatment of choice. The intensity of the HELLP syndrome peaks 24 hours after delivery. Extended atypical HELLP has been successfully treated with plasma exchange. The clinical laboratory professional plays an important role in the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of patients with the HELLP syndrome.

Victoria, Australia.To determine the sensitivity and specificity of a gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) blood test for tuberculosis infection.Heparinised blood samples from 952 volunteers were analysed using the QuantiFERON-TB blood test. The levels of IFN-gamma in whole blood aliquots stimulated in vitro with human, avian or bovine purified protein derivative (PPD), or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), were compared to tuberculin reactivity and clinical presentation.IFN-gamma (IU/ml) responses were expressed as % PPD/PHA response ratios. The proportion of responders detected by both the IFN-gamma assay and tuberculin skin test (TST) was not significantly different when the % human PPD response ratio was 15%. Using this threshold, the specificity of the IFN-gamma assay was 98% (407/417 individuals with no known exposure to tuberculosis were negative) and sensitivity was 90% (163/182 untreated TST reactors were positive). The test detected positive responses in 83% (10/12) of individuals with proven active disease, 59% (24/41) of those previously treated, 80% (134/168) of those with untreated inactive disease, and 43% (55/128) of those exposed but TST-negative.The measurement of IFN-gamma released from PPD-stimulated blood lymphocytes is a specific, sensitive and rapid method of detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The IFN-gamma assay may be a useful and practical tool for the early diagnosis of tuberculosis infection, especially in immunocompetent individuals.

Using a conceptual and nontechnical approach, the meaning of structural equation modeling (SEM) and the similarities to, and differences from, more commonly used procedures such as correlation, regression, path analysis, and factor analysis are explained. Application of the statistical technique is presented using data from a study of the relationships among stresses, strains, and physical health in a random sample of 492 community-dwelling elders aged 65 and older. Advantages of each statistical procedure are described. Theoretical issues related to the use of each procedure are presented with emphasis on the need for a sound theoretical model and match between the statistical procedure and the aims of the analysis.

Thin film phosphors are very promising for the fabrication of flat panel field emission displays (FEDs). In the present paper we have reported the growth and characterization of Eu:Y2O3 phosphor thin films. The effect of surface roughness and crystallinity on the brightness of phosphor films have been studied. A post annealing treatment of the films have been found to result in the realization of Eu:Y2O3 films with 70% brightness compared to powder materials.