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The effects of fabric made from natural and synthetic fibers and film on transepidermal water loss (tewl) from the stratum corneum (sc) were investigated using an occluded system. Sixteen fabrics differing in fiber type and construction were placed on the volar forearm of 35 female subjects in a dry state (standard moisture regain) and a wetted state. Each fabric was in place for 40 minutes before tewl was measured. There was no statistically significant difference in tewl measurements on a control skin site from the beginning to the end of the 75-minute test session in a controlled conditioned environment. Placement of dry fabrics on the skin did not significantly affect the hydration level of the sc, though all dry fabrics did increase the hydration level slightly. Wetted wool and cotton fabrics significantly hydrated the sc when levels were compared to either normal skin or skin covered by dry fabrics. Of the seven synthetic fiber fabrics tested in a wetted state, three (acrylic, ptfe, and spun nylon) significantly increased the sc hydration level. These three fabrics and the natural fiber fabrics had comparable wetted moisture content.

This study presents a more complete description of North American dress, specifically that of women married to officers of the Indian-fighting U.S. Army in the second half of the nineteenth century, resulting from changes as a response to unusual frontier conditions. Diaries, letters, and memoirs of 18 army wives were primary source materials. The women's writings contained seven themes related to changes in clothing. Two of these are associated with clothing consumption, the acquisition and maintenance of clothing. Living on the frontier forced women to obtain clothes in unaccustomed ways and provided unforeseen opportunities to lose and damage garments. To cope, women obtained clothing from various sources and relied on sewing skills. U.S. Army wives were both domestic producers and consumers of clothing.

This study examined differences in particle release due to various types of human activity and two types of head covering. The number of particles released from female subjects while clothed in a selected garment and different head and face coverings during five types of movements was statistically analyzed. Results indicated that the complete coverage hood, which enclosed the entire head and face, was more effective in containing particle release from head and face areas at minimal activity levels than was the traditional hood. However, at maximum activity involving arm and body twist movements, both hoods were similar in terms of controlling particle contamination from head and face areas.

The objectives of this pilot study were to (a) develop and test an instrument and methodology to assess subjectively cleanroom garment comfortand (b) evaluate comfort and particle containment of a traditionalfabric hood and complete coverage hood with remote breathing device. A female subject wearing coveralls, boots, gloves, and either a fabric or complete coverage hood assembly used a subjective comfort instrument to identify garment wearing sensations, thermal comfort, and perceived physical state. The subject was able to distinguish between the level of thermal comfort of the two hoods with the complete coverage hood being more comfortable than the fabric hood. She identified heaviness as a sensation that differed between the two hoods; the complete coverage hood was felt to be heavier than the fabric hood. The subject was less likely to feel energetic, interested, and attentive while wearing the complete coverage hood Early evidence indicates that a human perception approach can provide useful information on cleanroom garment comfort. Recommendations are made for refinement of the comfort assessment methodology. The complete coverage hood was more effective than the traditional fabric hood in containing particle contamination from face and head.

Linting and air permeability properties of commercially available fabrics used in protective cleanroom garments were studied to determine fabric performance. Fabrics tested varied widely as to air permeability, with coated membrane con structions and two types of nonwovens having the lowest air permeability values and allowing less air passage than wovens and other nonwoven fabrics. Results from linting tests indicated that coated membrane fabrics produced the least lint and nonwovens produced the most. Woven fabrics fell in the mid-range of lint produced. Of the three construction types, coated fabrics were found to be the least linting and the most effective in inhibiting air passage. Cleanroom garment manufacturers should explore the use of other coated constructions as fabrics for protective clothing in cleanrooms. These coated constructions are examples of the latest in fabric coating technology and are similar to the coated membrane fabrics analyzed in this study with respect to limited air passage and low linting properties.

Neisserial lipooligosaccharides (LOSs) are a family of complex cell surface glycolipids. We used mass spectrometry techniques (electrospray ionization, collision-induced dissociation, and multiple step), combined with fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis monosaccharide composition analysis, to determine the structure of the two low-molecular-mass LOS molecules (LOSI and LOSII) expressed byNeisseria subflava44. We determined that LOSI contains one glucose on both the α and β chains. LOSII is structurally related to LOSI and differs from it by the addition of a hexose (either glucose or galactose) on the α chain. LOSI and LOSII were able to bind monoclonal antibody (MAb) 25-1-LC1 when analyzed by Western blotting experiments. We used a set of genetically definedNeisseria gonorrhoeaemutants that expressed single defined LOS epitopes and a group ofNeisseria meningitidisstrains that expresses chemically defined LOS components to determine the structures recognized by MAb 25-1-LC1. We found that extensions onto the β-chain glucose of LOSI block the recognition by this MAb, as does further elongation from the LOSII α chain. The LOSI structure was determined to be the minimum structure that is recognized by MAb 25-1-LC1.

This study represented a preparatory effort to improve understanding of contamination from cleanroom garments worn in the microelectronic and semiconductor industries. Previous research pertaining to cleanroom garments and particle contamination was assembled, and users and suppliers of cleanroom garments were surveyed to identify and categorize currently worn and desired future garments. The research review exposed the diversity of laboratory and garment wear study testing taking place and identified a critical need for industry-wide testing methods and standards to evaluate cleanroom garments. Survey data provided information as to what garments are currently worn in the work environment and pointed to garment comfort as a future research and development effort.

Kaufman, Leo(Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga.),and Brenda Brandt. Fluorescent-antibody studies of the mycelial form ofHistoplasma capsulatumand morphologically similar fungi. J. Bacteriol.87:120–126. 1964.—Fluorescent-antibody reagents were developed to differentiate the mycelial form of the pathogen,Histoplasma capsulatum, from several morphologically similar but saprophytic species of the generaSepedoniumandChrysosporium. Cross-staining and adsorption procedures revealed antigenic relationships among certain species of these three genera and other fungi. The significance of these observations to the diagnostician and taxonomist is discussed.