cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Candida osteomyelitis: Report of five cases and review of the literature

Candida species have emerged as important pathogens in human infection. Although a variety of deep-seated candidal infections have been reported, Candida osteomyelitis has rarely been described. Five patients with Candida osteomyelitis are presented, and the 32 adult cases previously reported are reviewed. Candida osteomyelitis is noted as a simultaneous occurrence or late manifestation of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. Osteomyelitis may not be prevented by a course of amphotericin B adequate to control the acute episode of disseminated candidiasis, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. Less commonly, Candida osteomyelitis presents as a postoperative wound infection. Like bacterial osteomyelitis, the most common presenting symptom is local pain. The insidious progression of infection, the nonspecificity of laboratory data, and the failure to recognize Candida as a potential pathogen may lead to diagnostic delay. Diagnosis can be made by either open biopsy or closed needle aspiration. Successful therapeutic regimens have employed combinations of antifungal therapy (most often amphotericin B) with surgical debridement when indicated. It is anticipated that osteomyelitis will become a more commonly recognized manifestation of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis.
Stealth dendrimers for drug delivery: correlation between PEGylation, cytocompatibility, and drug payload

It is advantageous to utilize low generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers for drug delivery because low generations (generation 4.0 or below) have more biologically favorable properties as compared to high generations. Nevertheless, modification of low generation dendrimers with PEG to create stealth dendrimers is still necessary to avoid potential side effects by long term accumulation. However, low generation dendrimers have much fewer surface sites for drug loading as compared to higher generations. To efficiently utilize low generation dendrimer-based stealth dendrimers for drug loading, PEGylation needs to be optimized. In this study, we synthesized a series of stealth dendrimers based on low generation Starburst™ PAMAM dendrimers (i.e., G2.5, G3.0, G3.5, and G4.0) and quantitatively assessed PEGylation efficacy in modulating cytocompatibility of low generation PAMAM dendrimers. Cytocompatibility of stealth dendrimers was examined using endothelial cells. The results showed that PEGylation degree on low generation dendrimers could be dramatically reduced to leave as many unoccupied surface groups as possible for drug loading, while maintaining the drug carrier cytocompatibility. 3PEGs-G3.0 and 10PEGs-G4.0 were considered initially optimized stealth dendrimers that would be further modified to deliver drugs of interest. Correlation of PEGylation, cytocompatibility, and drug payload allowed us to optimize low generation dendrimer-based stealth dendrimers for drug delivery and advance the understanding of structure-property relationship of stealth dendrimers.
Shelved optical electron amplifier: Observation of quantum jumps.

We demonstrate here the direct observation of quantum jumps between the ${6}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1/2}$ state and the ${5}^{2}$${\mathrm{D}}_{5/2}$ state of an individual laser-cooled ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ ions contained in a radio-frequency trap. The state detection and cooling are performed by two lasers which cause ${6}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1/2}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1/2}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{D}}_{3/2}$ transitions. Incoherent excitation to the ${5}^{2}$${\mathrm{D}}_{5/2}$ state (via the ${6}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{3/2}$ level) causes the fluorescence from the ${6}^{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1/2}$ state to be suppressed for g30-sec lifetime of that state, after which the fluorescence reappears. The resulting ``telegraph signal'' provides a direct monitor of the atomic state.
An immunochemical, ultrastructural, and developmental characterization of the horizontal basal cells of rat olfactory epithelium

The olfactory epithelium, which retains a capacity for neurogenesis throughout life, contains two categories of basal cells, dark/horizontal and light/globose, neither of which is fully characterized with respect to their function during the processes of neurogenesis and epithelial reconstitution after injury. The aim of this study was to define the potential biological role(s) of dark/horizontal basal cells (D/HBCs) in the epithelium by performing immunochemical, electron microscopic, and developmental analyses of this cell population. The D/HBCs express several specific immunochemical characteristics, which include the rat homologues of human cytokeratins 5 and 14, which were identified on the basis of staining with subunit- specific monoclonal antibodies and two-dimensional immunoblot analysis of the immunoreactive proteins. Indeed, the D/HBCs are the only cells in the olfactory mucosa that express these specific cytokeratins. The D/HBCs also express an α-galactose or α-N galactosamine moiety to which the Is4 isolectin from Bandeiraea simplicifolia binds. Moreover, the D/HBCs are heavily labeled by two different antibodies against the EGF receptor and by a monoclonal antibody that binds to phosphotyrosine. These characteristics are also common to the basal cells of respiratory epithelium. The electron microscopic analysis of the basal region of the olfactory epithelium and the light microscopic immunofluorescence observations demonstrate that the D/HBCs provide a bridge between the basal processes of some sustentacular cells and the basal lamina. The most striking ultrastructural feature of the D/HBCa is their enfolding of virtually all bundles of olfactory axons within tunnels formed where D/HBCs arch over the basal lamina. The intimacy of the arrangement between D/HBCs and olfactory axons suggests that signals may pass from axons to D/HBCs or vice-versa. With respect to the development of D/HBCs, cells that express cytokeratins 5 and 14 and the EGF receptor first appear near the boundary with respiratory epithelium late in development, but do not extend throughout the olfactory epithelium until the middle of the first postnatal week. Taken together, the present findings and previously published data suggest that D/HBCs help to maintain the structural integrity of the olfactory epithelium, participate in its recovery from injury, and may also function to signal the status of the neuronal population of the epithelium. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Empirics of crosscountry tax revenue comparisons

Abstract This paper provides a crosscountry comparison of various aspects of summary tax revenue data in a broad sample of developed and developing countries and over a recent period of sufficient length to highlight important comparative country revenue developments quantitatively and assess their significance. A novel investigation of the paper relates to the statistical convergence or divergence of country tax revenue/GDP ratios. For the entire sample of countries, it is found that both the income and domestic consumption tax revenue ratios showed statistically significant signs of divergence over the sample period; on a regional basis, however, the former ratio tended to converge, while the reverse held for the latter ratio. The trade tax revenue ratio showed strong signs of convergence for most country groups, and convergence in all tax ratios were detected among the newly industrialized economies.
Lagging strand synthesis in coordinated DNA synthesis by bacteriophage t7 replication proteins.

The proteins of bacteriophage T7 DNA replication mediate coordinated leading and lagging strand synthesis on a minicircle template. A distinguishing feature of the coordinated synthesis is the presence of a replication loop containing double and single-stranded DNA with a combined average length of 2600 nucleotides. Lagging strands consist of multiple Okazaki fragments, with an average length of 3000 nucleotides, suggesting that the replication loop dictates the frequency of initiation of Okazaki fragments. The size of Okazaki fragments is not affected by varying the components (T7 DNA polymerase, gene 4 helicase-primase, gene 2.5 single-stranded DNA binding protein, and rNTPs) of the reaction over a relatively wide range. Changes in the size of Okazaki fragments occurs only when leading and lagging strand synthesis is no longer coordinated. The synthesis of each Okazaki fragment is initiated by the synthesis of an RNA primer by the gene 4 primase at specific recognition sites. In the absence of a primase recognition site on the minicircle template no lagging strand synthesis occurs. The size of the Okazaki fragments is not affected by the number of recognition sites on the template.
A Simple Method of Flushing Arterial Catheters

Abstract A method for the continuous flushing of arterial catheters used in arterial pressure monitoring is described. This procedure has proved more satisfactory than the intermittent flushing technique in preventing the formation of clot in the arterial cannula, thereby allowing continual blood pressure monitoring. The technique is based on the constant infusion of heparinized saline solution which is forced through the cannula by a pressure blood pump. A flow rate regulated to 10 to 20 drops per minute does not affect the accuracy of the pressure-monitoring equipment.
Densification of plasma deposited silicon nitride films by hydrogen dilution

The effects of hydrogen dilution on the bonding characteristics, composition, and properties of SiN films deposited from a SiH4/NH3 mixture by r.f. plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition were studied. The addition of relatively small amounts of hydrogen increased the Si/N ratio resulting in a corresponding increase in the SiH/NH bonding ratio. At higher hydrogen dilutions, the Si/N ratio decreased towards stoichiometric with significant changes in the hydrogen bonding characteristics. Changes in the physical properties are discussed in terms of the measured changes in bonding structure. Changes normally associated with changes in bulk film density were found to be well correlated to the SiN bond density. The effects of substrate temperature and NH3/SiH4 ratio on films deposited under conditions of high hydrogen dilution were similar to those widely reported in the literature for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition films deposited without hydrogen. Films deposited by remote plasma using hydrogen as the excitation exhibited high SiN bond densities and low hydrogen. Experiments are planned to clarify the mechanism responsible for the observed changes in film properties.
Parabolic approximation, radiative transfer and time reversal

We first present a new formulation of parabolic approximation of the Maxwell equations for heterogeneous dielectric materials. We then discuss rigorous results about selfaveraging scaling limits of parabolic waves in terms of the Wigner distribution function. Among the 6 possible scaling limits two are exactly solvable. We use the Green function to analyze the time reversal operation in turbulent media with power-law spectral density. We show that the time-reversed refocused spot size depends superlinearly on the wavelength and thus has the potential of breaking the diffraction limit when the wavelength is small. We also derive an uncertainty principle for random media which has the forward wave spread and the turbulence-induced resolution as conjugate quantities.
Preparation of some Lewis base adducts of tris(methyltrihydroborato)Ho and Yb and crystal structures of tris(methyltrihydroborato)ytterbium(III)etherate and tris(methyltrihydroborato)holmium(III)bis(pyridine)

Abstract The complexes M(BH3CH3)3·O(C2H5)2 (M=Lu, Yb, Ho); M(BH3CH3)3·OC4H8 (M=Lu, Yb, Ho); M(BH3CH3)3·2OC4H8 (M=Ho, Yb); and Ho(BH3CH3)3·2C6H5N have been prepared and characterized. The crystal structures of Yb(BH3CH3)3·O(C2H5)2 and Ho(BH3CH3)3·2C6H5N have been determined. Crystals of (CH3BH3)3Yb·O(C2H5)2 are monoclinic, P21/n, Z=4, with a=10.745(4), b= 15.647(4), c=9.215(3) A, and β=90.78(2)° at 23 °C; crystals of (CH3BH3)3Ho·2(C5H5N) are triclinic, P1, Z=2, with a=9.370(4), b=12.155(2), c=8.840(2) A, α=80.47(2)°, β=107.41(2)° and γ=95.15(2)° at 23 °C. The structures were refined by least-squares to a conventional R factor of 0.023, [2767 data, F2>;2σ(F2)] for the Yb complex, and 0.040 [1554 data, F2>;3σ(F2)] for the Ho complex. Both complexes are monomeric. The ytterbium atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to three boron atoms and an ethyl oxygen atom with distances: YbB 2.40(2), 2.41(2), 2.43(2) A, and YbO 2.23(1) A. The holmium atom is at the center of a trigonal bipyramid that has three boron atoms on the equator and two nitrogen atoms at the apices with distances: HoB 2.483(6), 2.495(6) and 2.520(5) A and HoN 2.535(4) and 2.555(4) A.
The Use of IQ as a Measure of Problem Solving Ability with Mongoloid and Nonmongoloid Retarded Children

A major purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of MA and IQ to learning a task, among retardates, involving conceptualization. Such tasks are considered by Jensen, in his theory on mental abilities, to test Level II abilities as opposed to Level I abilities which involve rote learning and primary memory. The theoretical basis for this part of the experiment are the opposing hypotheses of Weir and Zigler concerning the use of IQ or MA as the best measure of learning rate. Specifically, a dimension-abstracted oddity task was presented to 40 mongoloids and 40 nonmongoloids. The results supported Weir's hypothesis, as IQ was found to determine the rate of learning the task. A second major finding was that the nonmongoloids learned the task faster than the mongoloid Ss.
Collaborative research in computer science education: a case study

This paper describes a process for establishing and maintaining a computer science education research group. Its purpose is to tell the story of one long-standing group, describe the benefits afforded by collaborative research groups and provide advice about how to form such a group. The intended audience is faculty members at teaching-intensive institutions who wish to establish or revive a research program in computer science education. We discuss establishing and maintaining a computer science education research agenda in a teaching-intensive environment.
CHANGING SUBURBAN RETAIL PATTERNS IN METROPOLITAN LOS ANGELES

Competition among California communities for retail sales tax revenues has increased since the imposition of property tax limitations in the late 1970s. Suburban adoption of redevelopment and other economic planning practices is altering the spatial pattern of retailing in suburban Los Angeles. In the inner suburbs, economic planning contributes to increased spatial concentration of retailing. In the outer suburbs, local economic planning in predominantly residential suburbs has helped reduce the spatial concentration of retailing.
Aeroelastic Analysis of the Predator Aircraft With Wing Mounted FINDER Mini -UAVs

An aeroelastic analysis was performed on the combined Predator/FINDER vehicle to address potential changes in the vehicle ’s aeroelastic characteristics. A detailed MSC/NASTRAN finite element (FE) mode l of the entire Predator vehicle was created. All elements and subcompo nents of the wings were modeled including the added ply build -up needed for the FINDER pylons and attachment points. The aircraft FE model was correlated to an experimentally measured modal test. The FINDER was added to the finite element model as an offset mass using measured mass, center of gravity, and inertial properties. The subsonic aerodynamic behavior of the complete Predator aircraft and both FINDER aircraft are modeled usin g a higher -order doublet lattice panel method. Adding the FINDER s, slightly decreased the wing bending natural frequencies , but significantly decreased the wing torsion natural frequencies . Five case studies were investigated including; baseline Predator , Predator wi th pylons, Predator with FINDERs under each wing, and Predator with a FINDER under either the port or starboard wing. There are no divergence or flutter instabilities throughout the flight envelope nor within the defined 20% minimum required flutter margin. This is a result of the FINDER center of gravity being located ahead of the wing CG and thus improving the wing modal coupling . �
Dynamic lung function changes following long-term work in polluted environments

Ten young males (mean age 23.1 years) and nine middle-aged males (mean age 47.8 years) forming two groups (smokers and nonsmokers) performed a simple spirometric evaluation test prior to and following 4 hours exposure to four ambient conditions at two temperatures: 25°C dry bulb (DB), 30% rh and 35°C DB, 30% rh). The ambient conditions were filtered air, 50 ppm carbon monoxide in filtered air, 0.24 ppm peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN) in filtered air, and a combination of all three above conditions. During the 4-hour exposure, the subjects performed 3.5 hours of submaximal work (35% VO2max) resulting in a ventilation of 20–30 liters/min BTPS. The FVC of the younger subjects was reduced (4–7%) following exposure to conditions containing peroxyacetylnitrate (P < 0.05). The older subjects had no significant change in pulmonary function due to pollutants, suggesting an age-related susceptibility to the oxidant pollutants, such as PAN. Thermal stress reduced the FVC of younger subjects 5.5% (P < 0.01). There were no interactions between pollutants, temperature, or smoking habits. Exercise alone was effective in changing FEV1.0FVC, % of all subjects of both age groups. It was suggested that oxidant-type pollutants act on the dependent regions of the lung, while exercise appeared to stimulate the lung during forceful expiration.
Morphing a vibrationally-complete ground state potential for the hydrogen bond OC-HF

Abstract A 6-dimensional vibrationally-complete compound-model morphed potential with radial shifting (CMM-RS) has been generated for the hydrogen-bonded dimer OC–HF. Four morphing parameters only are optimized correcting for inadequacies in the underlying ab initio potential. The morphing transformation utilized a rotationally resolved spectroscopic database composed of microwave and near infrared spectroscopic information. Band origin vibrational frequencies are fitted to an average standard deviation of 0.016 cm−1. The equilibrium rotational constant of OC–HF is determined to be Be = 3345.68(30) MHz, equilibrium center of mass CO to center of mass HF distance, Re = 3.598(1) A, and equilibrium dissociation energy De = 1310(10) cm−1. Ground state dissociation energy D0 = 742.5(50) cm−1, first order anharmonic constants and other properties of the complex are also evaluated. Characteristics of the CMM-RS potential can also be compared with predictions using previous ab initio potentials. Limitations of the morphing methodology and its potential applications are also discussed.
Development and Analysis of an Instrument to Assess Student Understanding of Foundational Concepts before Biochemistry Coursework.

Biochemistry is a challenging subject because student learning depends on the application of previously learned concepts from general chemistry and biology to new, biological contexts. This article describes the development of a multiple-choice instrument intended to measure five concepts from general chemistry and three from biology that are considered prerequisite for biochemistry learning. This instrument is specifically designed with a factor structure that includes three multiple-choice items for each of the eight concepts and the most common incorrect ideas that students could have as distractors. It can be used as a pretest to identify students' incorrect ideas about those concepts and to determine if instruction helps students overcome those incorrect ideas when used as a posttest. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis support a very good fit for an eight-factor solution. This manuscript represents a report on the current state of instrument development. We seek to share our methods and instrument design principles with the broader community. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 102–109, 2011
Airway management in neurological emergencies

Several neurological conditions may present to the emergency department (ED) with airway compromise or respiratory failure. The severity of respiratory involvement in these patients may not always be obvious. Proper pulmonary management can significantly reduce the respiratory complications associated with the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is the method of choice for definitive airway management in the ED and is used for the majority of intubations. The unique clinical circumstances of each patient dictates which pharmacological agents can be used for RSI. Several precautions must be taken when using these drugs to minimize potentially fatal complications. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation may obviate the need for intubation in a select population of patients. This article reviews airway management, with a particular emphasis on the use of RSI for common neurological problems presenting to the ED.
Is the ANA Guilty of Paternalism in its Guidelines on Withdrawing or Withholding Food and Fluid

The ANA Committee on Ethics's Guidelines on Withdrawing or Withholding Food and Fluid (1988) delineates those circumstances under which withholding is normally permissible. The Guidelines direct nurses to respect the wishes of competent adults. What of adults who are considered incompetent? Can they make decisions to refuse food and fluids? The Guidelines ask nurses to judge patient competence and the merit of the reasons behind the decisions. This suggests paternalism. A more appropriate role of the nurse might be to focus on helping the patient to make a decision, rather than on the merit of the decision itself.
Calculation Abilities in Young Children with Different Patterns of Cognitive Functioning

This study examined the arithmetic calculation abilities of kindergarten and first-grade children with different patterns of cognitive functioning: children with low language but adequate spatial abilities (Low Language; n = 33, male = 42%); children with low spatial but adequate language abilities (Low Spatial; n = 21, male = 42%); children with general delays (Delayed; n = 21, male = 48%); and children with no language or spatial impairments (Nonimpaired; n = 33, male = 48%). Each child was given a series of addition and subtraction calculations presented as nonverbal problems, story problems, and number-fact problems. Story problems and number-fact problems require mastery of conventional verbal symbols, whereas nonverbal problems do not. The findings show that nonverbal, story, and number-fact problem formats are differentially sensitive to variation in cognitive ability. The Low Language group performed significantly worse than the Nonimpaired group on story problems but not on nonverbal problems or ...
Genetic engineering of soil microorganisms for pest control

Abstract The delta-endotoxin gene from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain HD-1 was cloned. Independently, two corn-root-colonizing isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens were isolated from agronomic soils, which possess many of the traits optimal for their use as a delivery system in the corn rhizosphere. Subcloning of the B. thuringiensis gene into these pseudomonads was successfully accomplished through introduction on non-self-transmissible plasmids and through chromosomal insertion using Tn5. These engineered Pseudomonas root colonizers express pesticidal levels of the B. thuringiensis toxin protein.
Alteration in protein synthesis in primary cultures of rat kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells by exposure to gallium, indium, and arsenite.

Abstract Patterns of protein synthesis in primary cultures of rat kidney proximal epithelial tubule cells were examined following exposure to gallium (Ga) chloride, indium (In) chloride, and sodium arsenite. After incubation with these chemicals for 20 hr, newly synthesized proteins were labeled with [35S]methionine. 35S-labeled proteins in the cells were separated by SDS/polyacrylamide gel and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and detected by fluorography. A protein with molecular weight (Mr) of 30,000 was markedly induced by exposure to 300 μ m Ga or 10 μ m arsenite, and synthesis of proteins with Mr of 85,000, 71,000, 65,000, 51,000, 38,000, and 28,000 was also increased by Ga or arsenite. Arsenite exposure increased synthesis of eight different proteins, which were not induced by Ga. No significant changes in protein synthesis were observed with 300 μ m In exposure. Release of lactate dehydrogenase from the cells was not significantly increased by exposure to concentrations of 300 μ m Ga and 3 μ m arsenite or less. In the absence of overt cell injury, the induction of these proteins may be useful as an early indicator for assessing exposure to Ga.
Fecundity and Longevity of the Adult Cat Flea, Ctenocephalides Felis Felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

Fecundity and longevity of the adult cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis , was studied with adult fleas confined inside microcells compressed to the necks of cats. Egg production began 2 days after the 1st blood meal and reached maximum levels by the 4th day. Generally only ½ of the ovarioles contained mature oocytes, with a mode of 6 and a maximum of 13 eggs contained in the abdomen. An average of 13.5 eggs/day/flea was obtained from 10 individual females, with a maximum average egg production of 22.3 eggs/day. The average total production of an individual flea over her life-span was 158.4 eggs, with 432 eggs the maximum observed. Fecundity was significantly higher in microcells containing a single female flea than in cells with 4 or more females. On-host longevity of female fleas ($\bar x$ = 11.2 days) was significantly longer than that of males ($\bar x$ = 7.2 days).
Surface and Subsurface Behavior of Selected Al-Cu Alloys in Sliding Wear

As materials are pushed to higher levels of performance, the nature of friction and wear phenomena occurring in sliding contact is of even greater importance in view of energy efficiency and maintained functional integrity. The present study investigated unlubricated sliding wear from the standpoint of transfer layer behavior. Microscopic studies of selected Al-4.5 Cu structures confirmed that asperity contact damage is very localized, as was the case for previously studied solid solutions. The subsurface region was found to consist of very fine crystallites lacking a stable, definable texture. Macroscopic wear testing was performed by three different methods using Cu-Al solid solutions. It was demonstrated that test multiplicity has the advantages of establishing machine-dependent results and also showing conditions for which a given parameter is rate controlling. Surface-sensitive tests using aluminum bronzes are dominated by surface oxide effects. The soft Cu2 O component of films on low percentage solute alloys behaves as a solid lubricant. When tests are employed that produce more severe wear, bulk properties of the substrate predominate except for alloys with highly abrasive surface oxides. Results of this study have been found to be in good correlation with related transfer layer investigations.
Evolutionary implications of early male and satellite nest production in Polistes exclamans colony cycles

1. Polistes exclamans populations in central Texas have a unique colony cycle. Of all P. exclamans nests 20%–38% produce males with the first brood of workers. Nests producing early males have significantly more females, cells, pupae, and emergences at the time of early male production than nests not producing early males. 2. Early male production may have originated as an adaptation caused by the large number of queens that die before autumn reproductive males and females are produced. It allows egg laying by workers with whom early males mate. 3. Queens or workers sometimes leave their original nest and start new nests nearby that must be joined by workers from the original nest if they are to succeed. Such ‘satellite nests’ were initiated from May to July by 16%–39% of all nests, depending on the population. Although nests initiating satellites have significantly more females and pupae than nests not initiating satellites, satellite nest production by a given nest is not dependent on prior early male production, and is independent of the number of foundresses. 4. More P. exclamans nests 1976–1979 were lost to birds than to any other cause. In the period 1976–1979, 66.7% of the 12 nests with satellites succeeded in producing reproductives after being knocked down while only 5.7% of the 87 nests without satellites that were knocked down were subsequently successful. Concealed nests are less vulnerable to bird predation. 5. The brood parasitoid, C. iphitalis, a pyralid moth, avoids previously infested nests, therefore satellite nesting does not reduce the impact of this parasitoid. However, the brood parasitoid E. polistis, a chalcid wasp, lays eggs in the nest it emerges from, hence a satellite nest provides an escape when this parasitoid is already in the main nest.
Saloplastic Macroporous Polyelectrolyte Complexes: Cartilage Mimics.

Complexes of sodium poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (NaPSS) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) were formed on mixing equimolar solutions in high salt concentration. Under ultracentrifugal fields, the complex precipitates were transformed into compact polyelectrolyte complexes (CoPECs), which showed extensive porosity. The mechanical properties of CoPECS make them attractive for bioimplants and tissue engineering applications. Free NaPSS chains in the closed pores of CoPECs create excess osmotic pressure, which controls the pore size and contributes to the mechanical resistance of the material. The mechanical properties of CoPECs, modulated by the ionic strength of the doping medium, were studied by uniaxial tensile testing and the stress−strain data were fit to a three-element Maxwell model which revealed at least two regimes of stress relaxation.
Asymptotic efficiency of a proportional hazards model with cure

Nonparametric estimators of survivor function can be used in the presence of long-term survivors to estimate the probability of cure by the last point of a survivor curve. To explain the presence of long-term survivors the cumulative hazard is assumed bounded but otherwise unspecified to yield an improper survivor function. Within this formulation the PH model is asymptotically fully efficient as compared to a parametric model under certain conditions when estimating the ratio of cure rates. However, this is not the case if estimation of cure rates in absolute terms is of interest. The asymptotic relative efficiency tends to zero as the probability of cure decreases. It also decreases with increase of the coefficient of variation of covariates approaching the value computed under homogeneity. Partial likelihood is shown to be inefficient if the baseline hazard is completely known.
B cells and aging: Balancing the homeostatic equation

The interplay of selective and homeostatic processes dominates the behavior of B lineage subsets following B cell antigen receptor (BCR) expression, and extends to determinants of immune response quality and the persistence of immunologic memory. A key concept emerging from these considerations is that primary events acting upstream of mature B lymphocyte pools can profoundly impact downstream populations as the system attempts homeostatic adjustments. Since, advancing age is accompanied by profound changes in B cell generation and homeostasis, establishing the relative contributions of primary lesions versus compensatory homeostatic processes is critical to understanding these perturbations. Exploration of this problem requires an understanding of: (1) the identity, dynamics, and progenitor/successor relationships of marrow and peripheral B cell subsets; (2) the nature and interactions of selective and homeostatic processes acting in these subsets; (3) how these change with age. Our data show that BLyS and its receptors mediate peripheral B cell homeostasis, and that the size, dynamics and behavior of all B cell subsets influenced by B Lymphocyte Stimulator change with age. These findings suggest that homeostatic processes mediated through B Lymphocyte Stimulator are altered with age, and that these perturbations may primarily reflect compensatory homeostatic adjustments to upstream reductions in B cell generation.
Severe phantom leg pain in an amputee after lumbar plexus block.

Objectives: To describe the onset of phantom leg pain in an amputee with the performance of a lumbar plexus block and the subsequent alleviation after the performance of a sciatic nerve block. Case Report: A 72-year-old American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III woman presented for left total hip arthroplasty. Her history was significant for a left below the knee amputation. Since the amputation she had suffered from intermittent phantom leg pain. A lumbar plexus block was performed for postoperative pain management. After the lumbar plexus block, the patient experienced severe pain radiating to the left phantom foot. Because of the severity of the phantom pain, a sciatic nerve block was performed. The phantom leg pain resolved within 5 minutes. The intraoperative care under general anesthesia was uneventful. After surgery the patient had continued blockade in both nerve distributions with excellent analgesia. Full recovery of the lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve function was present on the first postoperative day. Conclusion: The temporal relationship between the onset of the phantom leg pain and the lumbar plexus block suggests a causal relationship. In this case, it appears that ongoing peripheral input from the lumbar plexus may have been sufficient for the tonic inhibition of phantom pain in the sciatic distribution. The immediate reactivation of the phantom pain and its subsequent relief suggests dynamic processing of peripheral inputs by central neurons, which apparently is rapid and reversible in some cases of phantom pain.
ECOLOGY AS METAPHOR: CARL SAUER AND HUMAN ECOLOGY*

Carl Sauer's writings contain material related to the general concept of “human ecology,”but he used the term infrequently and without emphasis and mainly as an analogy or metaphor.
Scalars convected by a two‐dimensional incompressible flow

We provide a test for numerical simulations, for several two dimensional incompressible flows, that appear to develop sharp fronts. We show that in order to have a front the velocity has to have uncontrolled velocity growth. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Instrumental waveform distortion on ocean bottom seismometers

Data from the 1978 Lopez Island OBS Intercomparison Experiment and deep sea data from University of Washington OBSs show that there is a considerable amount of waveform distortion resulting from the conversion of horizontal motion into vertical motion, here called cross-coupling distortion. This distortion, which substancially reduces the significance of waveform matching with synthetic seismograms, appears to result from rotation imparted to the OBS package by near-vertically traveling shear energy. The degree of this rotation seems to depend on the instrument surface area above the seafloor and the geometry and surface area of the ‘feet’ connecting the package to the seafloor. The sensitivity and response of the seismometers within the package to this rotation depends on the precise location of the seismometers with respect to the axis of rotation. The results suggest how to modify OBS designs to minimize these effects.
Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometric studies of the interaction of silver species with polyamidoamine dendrimers.

Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometric (MS) methods were used to probe the interaction (complexation) of silver ions and zerovalent silver species with polyamidoamine generation 1 amine-terminated (PAMAMG1NH2) and generation 2 hydroxy-terminated (PAMAMG2OH) dendrimers (DDMs). Stability constants ( ) and stoichiometries (q) (i.e., the number of silver ions complexed per DDM molecule) were determined from the voltammetric data, that is, shifts in potential and changes in peak or limiting current with addition of DDM. When the mole ratio of DDM to Ag+ is ≥1, Ag+ binds with PAMAMG2OH to form a dominant 1:1 complex with a value of 1.1 × 107 M-1. Under similar conditions, Ag+ binds with PAMAMG1NH2, yielding a 1:1 complex with = 4 × 109 M-1, which is consistent with the finding of the MS experiments. When the mole ratio is <1, q ≥ 2. The E0‘ of the Ag−PAMAMG1NH2+/0 couple shifted to a more negative value than that of the Ag+/0 couple. The negative shift in the halfwave potential also suggests tha...
MDMA research: preliminary investigations with human subjects

Abstract This report will discuss recent developments in MDMA research. Between May 1994 and November 1995, a US FDA approved Phase 1 investigation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in normal volunteers was conducted at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. A double blind, placebo-controlled model, utilizing a range of dosages up to 2.5 mg/kg, was implemented. A variety of medical, biochemical and psychobiologic parameters were incorporated as assessment measures. Results of this pilot investigation will be reviewed.
Structure and function of the epidermal growth factor (EGF/ErbB) family of receptors.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the family of receptors as ErbB receptors and the individual receptors, such as EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), HER3, or HER4. The soluble extracellular regions of these receptors are referred to as sEGFR, sHER2, sHER3, and sHER4. Both EGF and EGFR are archetypes of protein families that have undergone duplication and diversification throughout animal evolution. EGF-related ligands include EGF, transforming growth factor-α (TGFα), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), amphiregulin, betacellulin, and several isoforms of heregulin/neuregulin. The association of ErbB receptors with human disease is also discussed. HER2 presents a particularly instructive example of growth factor receptor involvement in cancer. All structures of ErbB extracellular domains confirm the expected structural homology of the ‘L’ domains (domains I and III) to one another and to corresponding domains in type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R). The structure of entire ErbB receptor ectodomains is provided. The structure of a complex of the EGFR extracellular region and EGF determined at low pH provides a snapshot of a likely mechanism for release of bound ligand in the low pH environment of the endosome. HER2 is unique among ErbB receptors in that no high-affinity HER2 ligand has been found, it functions as a co-receptor with each of the other ErbB receptors and transforms when overexpressed. The active-like structure of HER2 provides a structural basis for its role as the preferred heterodimerization partner among ErbB receptors.
‘Endogenous Factor’ in Sporogenesis in Bacteria

EXTENSIVE investigations on the morphological changes during sporogenesis have afforded valuable information about this phenomenon1. The initiation of eporulation can be better understood if the metabolic events during the transition from a vegetative cell to its sporulating phase are known. Several attempts have been made to investigate the physiology of growth distinct from sporulation. Foster et al.2 found that when vegetative cells of B. mycoids were removed from the complex growth media before the point of maximal growth and transferred to distilled water, they formed spores. This was termed ‘endotrophic sporulation’. But experiments with B. cereus strain T (phage-resistant organisms) showed that ‘endotrophic sporulation’ can be observed only when granulated cells were suspended in a medium containing sufficient calcium ions3. (The shortening and granulation of cells are usually noticed only long after the cessation of growth.) Non-granulated vegetative cells lysed on transfer into a non-growth supporting medium. In this communication, we report observations which lend evidence to the presence of an ‘endogenous factor’ involved in the initiation of the morphogenesis in the vegetative cell leading to the formation of a granulated cell (Fig. 1) possessing the ability to sporulate in a medium which does not support growth.
CT navigated lateral interbody fusion

Lateral interbody fusion techniques are heavily reliant on fluoroscopy for retractor docking and graft placement, which expose both the patient and surgeon to high doses of radiation. Use of image-guided technologies with CT-based images, however, can eliminate this radiation exposure for the surgeon. We describe the surgical technique of performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion using CT navigation.
Effect of phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus on the release of membrane-bound choline-O-acetyltransferase from rat hippocampal tissue.

: Some of the enzyme choline-O-acetyltransferase (ChAT) associated with central cholinergic nerve terminals appears to be nonionically associated with membranes. In the present study, we tested the possibility that some membrane-bound ChAT might be anchored to membranes by a phosphatidylinositol linkage by incubating rat hippocampal tissue with phospholipase C (PLC) from Bacillus cereus. The PLC selectively augmented the release of ChAT; also, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-PLC inhibitor, zinc, blocked this increase in release. When control and PLC-treated hippocampal tissues were subjected to Triton X-114 phase separation, a procedure that separates amphiphilic from hydrophilic proteins, the detergent-soluble, membrane-bound fraction of tissue ChAT appeared to be the source of the ChAT released by PLC into the incubation medium. Zinc also blocked the temperature-dependent release of ChAT, but not lactic dehydrogenase, from hippocampal tissue. Extracellular membrane-bound ChAT appeared to be the source of the ChAT released by a low exogenous concentration of PLC, as well as that released by a temperature-dependent process during tissue incubation. Phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC from Bacillus thuringiensis released ChAT, but not lactic dehydrogenase, from a crude synaptosomal fraction prepared from rat hippocampal tissue. These results suggest that some of the membrane-bound ChAT in rat hippocampal tissue may be extracellular and anchored to the membrane by phosphatidylinositol, and also that an endogenous factor in hippocampal tissue may function to remove this extracellular ChAT from the membrane.
Alpha-delta sleep

Abstract Alpha-delta sleep is an EEG defined sleep stage which consists of 5–20% delta waves mixed with large amplitude alpha waves. It appears to replace delta sleep in some patients with chronic, somatic malaise and fatigue. Etiology is currently unknown, but it appears that alpha-delta sleep involves some (metabolic?) brain dysfunction.
More than 50 years of parallel processing and still no easy path to speedup

The following topics are dealt with: reconfigurable systems; computer arithmetic; computer algorithm; system profiling; multicore processor; communication systems; GPU; accelerator; image processing and FPGA application.
Linkage between genes at the H blood group locus and the loci for C and J blood groups in pigs.

Summary A frequency of recombination between genes at the H and C blood group loci of θ= 115/271 = 0.424 ± 0.030 and between genes at the H and J blood group loci of θ= 831199 = 0.417 ± 0.035 has been calculated in pigs.
Modal Rationalism and Modal Monism

Modal rationalism includes the thesis that ideal primary positive conceivability entails primary possibility. Modal monism is the thesis that the space of logically possible worlds is coextensive with the space of metaphysically possible worlds. In this paper I explore the relation between the two theses. My aim is to show that the former thesis implies the latter thesis, and that problems with the latter make the former implausible as a complete picture of the epistemology of modality. My argument explores the relation between logical modality and metaphysical modality.
Contact resistance in Schottky contact gated-four-probe a-Si thin-film transistor

The source and drain electrode contact resistance of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistor (TFT) with a Schottky-barrier source/drain contact was measured using a gated-four-probe TFT structure. Typically its variation with the gate bias is considered to be independent of the gate bias but we observed that contact resistances decrease exponentially with increasing gate bias. Our experimental data are explained by a combination of the tunneling current through the Schottky barrier and the access source/drain contact TFT resistance.
Raman Thermometry Measurements and Thermal Simulations for MEMS Bridges at Pressures From 0.05 Torr to 625 Torr

This paper reports on experimental and computational investigations into the thermal performance of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) as a function of the pressure of the surrounding gas. High spatial resolution Raman thermometry was used to measure the temperature profiles on electrically heated, polycrystalline silicon bridges that are nominally 10 μm wide, 2.25 μm thick, and either 200 μm or 400 μm long in nitrogen atmospheres with pressures ranging from 0.05 Torr to 625 Torr (6.67 Pa―83.3 kPa). Finite element modeling of the thermal behavior of the MEMS bridges is performed and compared with the experimental results. Noncontinuum gas effects are incorporated into the continuum finite element model by imposing temperature discontinuities at gas-solid interfaces that are determined from noncontinuum simulations. The results indicate that gas-phase heat transfer is significant for devices of this size at ambient pressures but becomes minimal as the pressure is reduced below 5 Torr. The model and experimental results are in qualitative agreement, and better quantitative agreement requires increased accuracy in the geometrical and material property values.
Characterizing the normal heart using quantitative three-dimensional echocardiography

We present normative data on cardiac volume, geometry and shape derived using three-dimensional echocardiography (3-DE). Three-dimensional reconstructions were created using the piecewise smooth surface subdivision (PSSS) reconstruction technique of the left and right ventricular (LV and RV) endocardium and the mitral and tricuspid annuli (MA and TA) of 67 normal subjects. We derived LV end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) volume indices (VI) of 76.5 ± 16.8 ml m−2 and 35.3 ± 14.1 ml m−2, LV ejection fraction (EF) of 56.1 ± 9.93%, RV EDVI and ESVI of 93.2 ± 20.0 ml m−2 and 49.9 ± 13.5 ml m−2 and RVEF of 47.3 ± 7.69%, along with data on the geometry and shape of the MA, TA, LV and RV. There was no pattern of consistent understatement or overstatement of volumes or dimensions compared with other imaging modalities, and observed variance in data can largely be accounted for through examination of the physics or protocol of each modality.
Spin and Valley Noise in Two-Dimensional Dirac Materials

We develop a theory for optical Faraday rotation noise in two-dimensional Dirac materials. In contrast to spin noise in conventional semiconductors, we find that the Faraday rotation fluctuations are influenced not only by spins but also the valley degrees of freedom attributed to intervalley scattering processes. We illustrate our theory with two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides and discuss signatures of spin and valley noise in the Faraday noise power spectrum. We propose optical Faraday noise spectroscopy as a technique for probing both spin and valley relaxation dynamics in two-dimensional Dirac materials.