Variation in nest survival of three species of tropical plovers in Madagascar with clutch size, age of nest, year and El Niño effect.

A combination of life history traits and environmental conditions has been highlighted as the main drivers of avian breeding success. While drivers of breeding success are well known in some species, especially birds in northern, temperate regions; species in other parts of the world have received relatively little attention. In this study, we used a long-term dataset on breeding success of tropical plovers from south-west Madagascar to investigate whether nest survival changed over time and whether the drivers of nest survival were similar for multiple species breeding in the same arid habitat.

Measurement of the Static Stark Shift of the 7s ^{2}S_{1/2} Level in Atomic Cesium.

We report a new precision measurement of the dc Stark shift of the 6s ^{2}S_{1/2}→7s ^{2}S_{1/2} transition in atomic cesium-133. Our result is 0.72246  (29)  Hz(V/cm)^{-2}.

Novel Field-Based Protein Detection Method Using Light Transmission Spectroscopy and Antibody Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles.

Protein detection is a universal tool critical to many applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. We developed a novel protein detection method combining light transmission spectroscopy and particle-size analysis of gold nanospheres monovalently functionalized with polyclonal antibodies and applied it to an emerging challenge for such technologies─the monitoring of environmental proteins (eProteins) present in natural aquatic systems. These are an underreported source of pollution and include the pseudopersistent Cry toxins that enter aquatic ecosystems from surrounding genetically engineered crops.

Determination of the Scalar and Vector Polarizabilities of the Cesium 6s^{2}S_{1/2}→7s^{2}S_{1/2} Transition and Implications for Atomic Parity Nonconservation.

Using recent high-precision measurements of electric dipole matrix elements of atomic cesium, we make an improved determination of the scalar (α) and vector (β) polarizabilities of the cesium 6s^{2}S_{1/2}→7s^{2}S_{1/2} transition calculated through a sum-over-states method. We report values of α=-268.82(30)a_{0}^{3} and β=27.

Rapid quantitative protein detection by light transmission spectroscopy.

Rapid, sensitive, and quantitative protein detection is critical for many applications in medicine, environmental monitoring, and the food industry. Advancements in detection of proteins include the use of antigen-antibody binding; however, many current methods are time-consuming and have limiting factors such as low sensitivity and the inability to provide absolute values. We present a new high-throughput method for protein detection using light transmission spectroscopy (LTS), which can quantify and size nanoparticles in fluid suspension.

Light transmission spectroscopy in real time: a high-resolution nanoparticle analysis instrument.

This paper describes light transmission spectroscopy (LTS), a technique for eliminating spectral noise and systematic effects in real-time spectroscopic measurements. In our work, we combine LTS with spectral inversion for the purpose of nanoparticle analysis. This work employs a wideband multi-wavelength light source and grating spectrometers coupled to CCD detectors.

Nanoparticle analysis of cancer cells by light transmission spectroscopy.

We have measured the optical properties of cancer and normal whole cells and lysates using light transmission spectroscopy (LTS). LTS provides both the optical extinction coefficient in the wavelength range from 220 to 1100nm and (by spectral inversion using a Mie model) the particle distribution density in the size range from 1 to 3000nm. Our current work involves whole cells and lysates of cultured human oral cells in liquid suspension.

Rapid molecular detection of invasive species in ballast and harbor water by integrating environmental DNA and light transmission spectroscopy.

Invasive species introduced via the ballast water of commercial ships cause enormous environmental and economic damage worldwide. Accurate monitoring for these often microscopic and morphologically indistinguishable species is challenging but critical for mitigating damages. We apply eDNA sampling, which involves the filtering and subsequent DNA extraction of microscopic bits of tissue suspended in water, to ballast and harbor water sampled during a commercial ship's 1400 km voyage through the North American Great Lakes.

Investigation of signal transduction routes within the sensor/transducer protein BlaR1 of Staphylococcus aureus.

The transmembrane antibiotic sensor/signal transducer protein BlaR1 is part of a cohort of proteins that confer β-lactam antibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [Fisher, J. F., Meroueh, S.

DNA-based species detection capabilities using laser transmission spectroscopy.

Early detection of invasive species is critical for effective biocontrol to mitigate potential ecological and economic damage. Laser transmission spectroscopy (LTS) is a powerful solution offering real-time, DNA-based species detection in the field. LTS can measure the size, shape and number of nanoparticles in a solution and was used here to detect size shifts resulting from hybridization of the polymerase chain reaction product to nanoparticles functionalized with species-specific oligonucleotide probes or with the species-specific oligonucleotide probes alone.

The role of lateral tension in calcium-induced DPPS vesicle rupture.

We assess the role of lateral tension in rupturing anionic dipalmitoylphosphatidyserine (DPPS), neutral dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and mixed DPPS-DPPC vesicles. Binding of Ca(2+) is known to have a significant impact on the effective size of DPPS lipids and little effect on the size of DPPC lipids in bilayer structures. In the present work we utilized laser transmission spectroscopy (LTS) to assess the effect of Ca(2+)-induced stress on the stability of the DPPS and DPPC vesicles.

Quantitative and rapid DNA detection by laser transmission spectroscopy.

Laser transmission spectroscopy (LTS) is a quantitative and rapid in vitro technique for measuring the size, shape, and number of nanoparticles in suspension. Here we report on the application of LTS as a novel detection method for species-specific DNA where the presence of one invasive species was differentiated from a closely related invasive sister species. The method employs carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles functionalized with short DNA fragments that are complimentary to a specific target DNA sequence.

Ethics in the treatment of advanced heart failure: palliative care and end-of-life issues.

Advanced heart failure (HF) is a life-shortening condition, yet there are increasing treatments and implantable devices available to clinicians to manage patients with advanced HF. Planning for adverse events and the end of life, formulated as "preparedness planning," can be integrated into HF care early in illness. Discussions that acknowledge the uncertainty of HF course and length of life and incorporate patient and family goals and values facilitates this planning.

High-precision sizing of nanoparticles by laser transmission spectroscopy.

We describe the implementation of precision laser transmission spectroscopy for sizing and counting nanoparticles in suspension. Our apparatus incorporates a tunable laser and balanced optical system that measures light transmission over a wide (210-2300 nm) wavelength range with high precision and sensitivity. Spectral inversion is employed to determine both the particle size distribution and absolute particle density.

Aiming to improve care of older adults: an innovative faculty development workshop.

Introduction/aims: Internists care for older adults and teach geriatrics to trainees, but they often feel ill-prepared for these tasks. The aims of our 1-day Continuing Medical Education workshop were to improve the knowledge and self-perceived competence of general internists in their care of older adults and to increase their geriatrics teaching for learners.

Setting: Two internal medicine training programs encompassing University, Veterans Affairs, and a community-based hospital in Portland, OR, USA.

Uncovering frustrations. A qualitative needs assessment of academic general internists as geriatric care providers and teachers.

Background: General internists commonly provide medical care for older adults and geriatric education to trainees, but lack the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill these tasks.

Objective: Assess the geriatric training needs of academic general internists in 3 hospital systems in Portland, OR.

Design: Ten focus groups and 1 semi-structured interview.

High-resolution spectroscopy with a femtosecond laser frequency comb.

The output of a mode-locked femtosecond laser is used for precision single-photon spectroscopy of 133Cs in an atomic beam. By changing the laser's repetition rate, the cesium D1 (6s 2S(1/2)-->6p 2P(1/2)) and D2 (6s 2S(1/2)-->6p 2P(3/2)) transitions are detected and the optical frequencies are measured with accuracy similar to that obtained with a cw laser. Control of the femtosecond laser repetition rate by use of the atomic fluorescence is also implemented, thus realizing a simple cesium optical clock.

Observation of the nuclear magnetic octupole moment of 133Cs.

We describe our high-resolution measurements of the 133Cs 6p (2)P(3/2) state hyperfine structure. An optically narrowed diode laser excites perpendicularly a highly collimated atomic beam. The spectra are calibrated with a stable reference diode laser using a rf locking scheme allowing us to determine the splittings with an accuracy of < or =2 kHz, an order of magnitude better than previous results.

Testing the stability of fundamental constants with the 199Hg+ single-ion optical clock.

Over a two-year duration, we have compared the frequency of the 199Hg+ 5d(10)6s (2)S(1/2)(F=0)<-->5d(9)6s(2) (2)D(5/2)(F=2) electric-quadrupole transition at 282 nm with the frequency of the ground-state hyperfine splitting in neutral 133Cs. These measurements show that any fractional time variation of the ratio nu(Cs)/nu(Hg) between the two frequencies is smaller than +/-7 x 10(-15) yr(-1) (1sigma uncertainty). According to recent atomic structure calculations, this sets an upper limit to a possible fractional time variation of g(Cs)(m(e)/m(p))alpha(6.

rIL-2-stimulated splenocytes reactivate the NO2-producing ability of macrophages infected by Leishmania donovani.

Infection with L. donovani down-regulates immunity and parasite clearance by macrophages. Treatment with IL-2-stimulated-splenocytes activate parasiticidal action in vitro in peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6 (Lsh(s)) mice and also was effective in stimulating infected macrophages to produce NO2-.

Measurement of Parity Nonconservation and an Anapole Moment in Cesium.

The amplitude of the parity-nonconserving transition between the 6S and 7S states of cesium was precisely measured with the use of a spin-polarized atomic beam. This measurement gives Im(E1pnc)/beta = -1.5935(56) millivolts per centimeter and provides an improved test of the standard model at low energy, including a value for the S parameter of -1.

Synergism of IL-2-stimulated splenocytes and Pentostam enhances the killing of Leishmania donovani in vitro.

Control of infections by the obligate intramacrophage protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani is traditionally done with pentavalent antimonial drugs. It was of interest to determine if immunotherapy with IL-2-stimulated splenocytes would enhance drug action in an in vitro model system. It is confirmed that nontoxic doses of Pentostam decrease infection in a dose-dependent manner in vitro in terms of both the number of amastigotes/100 macrophages and the % of infected macrophages; the curative effect was most apparent when the drug was used on the 7th day of the infection, when the parasite was in its proliferative phase.

IL-2-stimulated splenocytes reduce infections by Leishmania donovani in vivo.

The traditional treatment of infections produced by the obligate intramacrophage protozoan Leishmania donovani involves the use of antimonial drugs. Because these drugs may have toxic side effects (and are sometimes ineffective), the potential efficacy of alternative therapy with lymphokine-stimulated leucocytes was assessed. Macrophage-depleted C57BL/6 splenocytes from mice inoculated 2 wk earlier with L.

Immunotherapy with IL-2-stimulated splenocytes reduces in vitro the level of Leishmania donovani infection in peritoneal macrophages.

A study was done in vitro to determine if IL-2-stimulated lymphocytes (LAK cells) would activate infected macrophages to reduce their burden of Leishmania donovani. Macrophage-depleted splenocytes from normal or infected C57BL/6 (H-2b; LshS) mice, stimulated in vitro by the IL-2-containing supernatant of the MLA 144 cell line or by rIL-2, significantly reduced the number of syngeneic resting peritoneal macrophages infected by L. donovani; LAK cells from infected animals were significantly more effective in reducing the numbers of infected cells.