cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methadone Maintenance Dosing Guideline for Opioid Dependence, a Literature Review

To date, methadone dosing is still an issue of debate and controversy among clinicians who are involved in methadone maintenance programs. The authors conducted a literature review to update clinicians about this issue and provide recommendations for proper methadone dosing. Studies eligible for inclusion in the review were retrieved from the PubMed database by searching for reports published between 1990 and September 2008 using the major medical subject headings Methadone (all fields) and dose. Only articles written in English were included. Additional reports were identified from the reference lists of retrieved articles and by manual review of the tables of contents of journals on drug of abuse included in the psychiatry and substance abuse subject category listing 2008 of the Journal Citation Reports. Abstracts of medical meetings were excluded. Twenty-four articles were included in the review. Twelve are randomized, controlled, or double-blind clinical trials, 10 are non-randomized and observational studies, and 2 are meta-analyses. Currently, the consensus is to have a goal for methadone dosing in the range of 60 to 100 mg daily. For patients who continue to use illicit opiates while prescribed this dose range, clinicians may consider doses greater than 100 mg daily. However, this is not the current consensus but rather is based on the limited promising data the authors have; it could be considered if the benefits outweigh the risks for some patients.
The Radiative Transfer Approach in Electromagnetic Imaging

In the past, the radiative transfer theory has been largely concerned with the propagation of scalar intensities. In recent years, however, there has been an increasing interest in the propagation of complete arbitrarily polarized electromagnetic waves. We first present the general formulation of the complete radiative transfer equation using the Stokes1 vectors, including the extinction matrix and the Mueller scattering matrix. The coherent and incoherent Stokesf vectors are defined corresponding to the coherent and incoherent field. The coherent Stokes1 vector is shown to have a depolarization effect. Solutions of the vector radiative transfer equation require Fourier decomposition to account for the polarization effects. Solutions for linearly polarized and circularly polarized waves in spherical particles are presented, showing the angular dependence and the degree of polarization. It is indicated that even in spherical particles, depolarization occurs due to multiple scattering. Discussions are also presented on the propagation of Stokes’ vectors in nonspherical particles. Depolarization effects and the deterioration of images are discussed in terms of the solutions of the radiative transfer equation. The limitations of the radiative transfer equation and its relation to multiple scattering theory are also discussed. It is shown that when the density is high, the radiative transfer theory becomes increasingly approximate.
How a test for elastic fiber breakdown products in sputum could speed development of a treatment for pulmonary emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is a devastating disease for which there is no effective treatment. The development of therapeutic agents for this disorder has been hampered by the lack of clinical or biochemical tests which can rapidly evaluate drug efficacy. Since emphysema is associated with degradation of elastic fibers, the authors propose measuring the content of the elastin-specific amino acids, desmosine and isodesmosine, in sputum as a more immediate means of monitoring therapeutic interventions. Sputum samples would be chemically degraded to separate the component amino acids of elastic fibers, then measured for the total quantity of desmosine and isodesmosine, using any one of a number of established methods for quantifying these compounds, including radioimmunoassay, chromatography, or mass spectrometry. Such techniques allow for detection of nanogram quantities of desmosine and isodesmosine, and the procurement of ample amounts of induced sputum from the lower respiratory tract should improve the chances of detecting these amino acids. If proven valid, such a test could serve as a convenient marker for assessing lung injury in pulmonary emphysema, thereby facilitating rapid evaluation of new forms of treatment for this disease. The test might also prove to be a useful screening procedure for persons who smoke or otherwise have a greater than normal risk of developing emphysema.
The first Mayr-Meyer ideal

This paper gives a complete primary decomposition of the first, that is, the smallest, Mayr-Meyer ideal, its radical, and the intersection of its minimal components. The particular membership problem which makes the Mayr-Meyer ideals' complexity doubly exponential in the number of variables is here examined also for the radical and the intersection of the minimal components. It is proved that for the first Mayr-Meyer ideal the complexity of this membership problem is the same as for its radical. This problem was motivated by a question of Bayer, Huneke and Stillman.
The Genetics of Stuttering

Stuttering is a common disorder that affects the flow of speech and is characterised by uncontrollable repetitions, prolongations or interruptions in speech. The aetiology of developmental stuttering is still not well understood, however genetic studies over the past decade have made some important advances. Strong evidence for genetic factors in this disorder comes from twin and adoption studies, as well as from family studies that include measures of familial aggregation, segregation and genetic linkage analyses. However, Mendelian segregation of the disorder in families does not occur, and thus stuttering is a complex genetic disorder which poses a challenge for linkage and other genetic analyses. Nevertheless, genetic linkage studies have defined numerous loci-carrying genes that can cause persistent stuttering, and several causative genes have recently been identified. Application of massively parallel DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequencing holds the promise of facilitating the identification of genes that cause stuttering and other speech and language disorders. Key Concepts Stuttering is a disorder of the flow of speech, in which the affected individuals know what they wish to say but are unable to say it owing to uncontrollable repetitions, prolongations or interruptions in their speech. Developmental stuttering typically arises at a characteristic time during the acquisition of speech in children, and approximately 75–80% children recover, sometimes with and sometimes without the aid of speech therapy. Twin studies provide strong evidence for the involvement of genetic factors in developmental stuttering. Stuttering is a complex genetic disorder in which Mendelian segregation does not occur. Genetic linkage studies in families have defined numerous loci for persistent stuttering, and several causative genes have recently been identified. Keywords: speech; developmental stuttering; genetic factors; heritability; twin and adoption studies; linkage analysis; genome-wide association analysis; GNPTAB; GNPTG; NAGPA
Diffuse age-related lumbar mri changes confound diagnosis of single (L5) root lesions

Introduction: L5 radiculopathy has characteristic clinical and electrodiagnostic features including: radicular pain; weakness or denervation of hip abductors, ankle dorsiflexors, and inverters; and pre-ganglionic dorsal foot sensory loss. It is unknown how often patients with this distinctive clinical–electrodiagnostic presentation have isolated L5-root compression on neuroimaging or more widespread, possibly age-related, lumbar neuroforaminal or spinal stenosis. Methods: A study-blinded neuroradiologist quantitated lumbosacral neuroforaminal, lateral recess, and spinal stenosis in 26 consecutive patients with unilateral, clinically and EMG-ascertained L5 monoradiculopathy, and quantitated a global neuroforaminal and spinal stenosis score (SSS). Results: Only 9 patients (35%) had isolated L5-root compression, 14 (54%) had multi-root compression, and 3 (12%) had normal neuroimaging. Increasing age correlated with SSS, and the 9 patients with isolated L5-root compression were significantly younger than patients with multi-root involvement. Conclusions: This study underscores the role of clinical and electrodiagnostic data when interpreting lumbosacral neuroimaging, particularly in older patients. Muscle Nerve 50: 135–137, 2014
Digital Offset Cancellation for Long Time-Constant Subthreshold OTA-C Integrators

Systems using integrators with very long time constants can place a severe constraint on allowable amplifier offset. Postfabrication cancellation of these offsets is a requirement in these applications. This brief describes the design, simulation, and measurement of a subthreshold operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with digital calibration and its robust calibration algorithm. Statistical simulations show the scheme's ability to reduce the output offset by a factor of 40. Measurements on many prototype OTAs validate the technique's ability to bring the standard deviation of integrated output offset to less than 10 mV in most cases, or about 30 $\mu\ \mbox{V}$ input-referred offsets. A secant-based algorithm is proposed that finds the optimum digital calibration code for each OTA in a small number of search steps that minimizes the integrated output offset. This algorithm is robust to nonmonotonic tuning characteristics, allowing the additional circuitry to be minimally sized. For low-frequency applications below 5 Hz, the scheme has nearly no net impact on die area in processes allowing circuitry below the integration capacitor.
An Integrated Lean-Methods Approach to Hospital Facilities Redesign

Lean production methods for eliminating waste and improving processes in manufacturing are now being applied in healthcare. As the author shows, the methods are appropriate for redesigning hospital facilities. When used in an integrated manner and employing teams of mostly clinicians, the methods produce facility designs that are custom-fit to patient needs and caregiver work processes, and reduce operational costs. The author reviews lean methods and an approach for integrating them in the redesign of hospital facilities. A case example of the redesign of an emergency department shows the feasibility and benefits of the approach.
Plant regeneration from callus and protoplasts of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Summary The effects of cytokinins, fluridone, cefotaxime, activated charcoal (AC), abscisic acid (ABA) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on plant regeneration from 2-month-old callus of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were determined. Numbers of embryogenic sectors in calli increased when the medium was amended with 60 to 200 mg/L cefotaxime. Numbers of regenerated plants increased when the medium was amended with 0.5 mg/L BA, kinetin or zeatin and 2% activated charcoal. Nearly all of these plants were albino. The frequency of green-plant regeneration increased when calli were pretreated with 60 mg/L cefotaxime for 6 weeks prior to placement on regeneration media with 0.5 mg/L fluridone and any of the cytokinins mentioned above. In the absence of the cefotaxime pretreatment, only albino plants were produced, regardless of the fluridone treatment. Protoplasts isolated without agitation and plated by the mixed-nurse method had a plating efficiency of about 3%. Liquid cell suspensions that produced embryos were established from these colonies. Upon transfer to solid regeneration medium only albino plants were produced.
Microbial colonization of soil aggregates as affected by temperature

Sucrose-amended soil aggregates incubated at 15, 25 and 35°C exhibited quantitative and qualitative differences in microbial ecology. Numbers of bacteria and fungi showed a faster increase to the maximum level and a faster decrease with prolonged incubation the higher the temperature. Soil yeasts developed rapidly and extensively in aggregates incubated at 15 and 25 but not at 35°C.
Strobilurin + acibenzolar‐S‐methyl controls white rust without inducing leaf chlorosis in spinach

White rust (Albugo occidentalis) is a major foliar fungal disease of spinach (Spinacea oleracea) in Texas and the Southeastern USA. It causes leaf yellowing, decreasing product quality and marketability. There is a need for evaluating broad spectrum fungicides and new plant defence activators that have the potential to enhance leaf quality in spinach. Two of those fungicides are acibenzolar-S-methyl (ACIB) and strobilurin derivatives (STRO). ACIB appears to mimic natural systemic acquired resistance response in plants, while STRO inhibits mitochondrial respiration in fungi. We conducted three consecutive studies to a) determine the effects of ACIB rates and combinations with STRO and mefenoxam + copper hydroxide (MEFE-Cu) for the control of white rust, and b) evaluate potential phytotoxicity expressed as leaf chlorosis. After two weekly applications in 1998, ACIB, STRO and ACIB + STRO significantly reduced the % of leaf area infected with white rust in the spinach cv. Cascade. In 1999, ACIB + STRO and ACIB + MEFE-Cu had the best white rust efficacy, with ACIB equally effective when applied at reduced rates. After three applications in 2000, STRO, ACIB + STRO, and ACIB + MEFE-Cu had significantly lower white rust values than the control, ACIB or MEFE-Cu. The combination ofACIB + STRO did not cause leaf chlorosis in any year. Use of preventive applications of ACIB + STRO at 7-10 day intervals appear to be an effective strategy to improve leaf quality in spinach.
Shear strength of soils containing amorphous clay-size materials in a slow-moving landslide

Abstract The shear behavior of soils rich in amorphous clay-size materials was not well reported in the literature. This study analyzed the direct shear and ring shear test data of soil samples containing 55–74% amorphous materials in the clay fraction from a slow-moving landslide in eastern Honolulu, HI. The direct shear test results showed that the undisturbed soil samples when not sheared internally had peak cohesion ( c ) of about 50 kPa and internal friction angle ( O ) of about 10°. This implies that the amorphous clay-size materials provided strong interparticle bonds for the soils. Breaking of the bonds during the softening process and redistribution of the amorphous clay-size materials were primarily responsible for the drop from the peak strength to the residual strength ( c =0, O =10° from back calculation with SLOPE/W and c =0, O =5–7° from the ring shear test). The drained residual failure envelope is stress dependent due to the interaction of the gel-like amorphous clay-size materials with crystalline silt- and sand-sized particles. The amorphous clay-size materials act as the contact between crystalline particles. The contact increases with increasing consolidation stress, resulting in a decrease in the shear strength and the residual friction angle.
Frequency comb spectroscopy — Mid-infrared to extreme ultraviolet

With our recent development of novel frequency combs in the mid infrared and extreme ultraviolet, we have opened the door for sensitive and high-resolution spectroscopy in these spectral regions. I will report these advances.
Juvenile dermatomyositis: A retrospective review of a 30-year experience

Abstract Background: Children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS) have variable initial presentations. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the epidemiology trends, presenting clinical features, laboratory data, and outcome of patients with JDMS. Methods: A total of 16 patients were identified at Geisinger Medical Center by a 30-year retrospective chart review. Results: Sex ratio, age at diagnosis, and outcome were similar to data published in previous studies. However, certain trends were noted. The most common initial physical examination findings were an extremity rash (94%) and periungual erythema (75%). New associations of JDMS that were uncovered included the findings of pruritus (38%) and a psoriasiform scalp dermatitis (25%). Nonspecific laboratory elevations were the most common initial laboratory changes (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Tubuloreticular inclusions as found on electron microscopy of muscle biopsy specimens were present in all 3 patients tested. One patient with tubuloreticular inclusions had otherwise normal muscle biopsy findings on hematoxylin-and-eosin staining. Two of the 16 patients had cutaneous findings of JDMS but did not exhibit muscle involvement after long-term follow-up at 4 and 5 years. Conclusion: Our study confirms that the initial physical and laboratory findings in patients with JDMS may be nonspecific. The heliotrope rash and Gottron papules classically associated with dermatomyositis appeared less commonly than an extremity rash and periungual erythema. Creatinine kinase and aldolase levels may not be elevated on initial presentation. Pruritus, a psoriasiform scalp dermatitis, and tubuloreticular inclusions found on muscle biopsy electron microscopy should be additional factors to consider. The long-term follow-up in 2 patients without muscle involvement lends support to the existence of amyopathic dermatomyositis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:28-34.)
Monitoring dry-cask storage using thermoelectric powered wireless sensors

This paper describes using thermoelectric generators to power wireless sensors to monitor spent nuclear fuel during dry-cask storage. OrigenArp was used to determine the decay heat of the spent fuel at different times during the service life of the dry-cask. The Engineering Equation Solver program modeled the temperatures inside the spent fuel storage facility during its service life. The temperature distribution in a thermoelectric generator and heat sink was determined using the program Finite Element Heat Transfer. From these temperature distributions the power produced by the thermoelectric generator was determined as a function of the service life of the dry-cask. It was experimentally verified that a thermoelectric generator (HZ-14) with a DC/DC converter (Linear Technology LTC3108EDE) can power a transceiver (EmbedRF) based on the temperatures experienced during the service life of the dry-cask. Additional times beyond the design life of the dry-cask will be tested in order to find out when the transceiver does not have enough power to function. The broadcast period and transmission power level will influence the amount of power required from the thermoelectric generator.
Spatial correspondence based asymmetry analysis in FMRI

Asymmetry analysis of brain activation in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments is commonly used to determine hemispheric specialization for cognitive function. Asymmetry is typically expressed in terms of differences in the number of suprathreshold voxels activated, normalized to total activation, within specific regions known to subserve the function of interest or over the entire hemisphere. We introduce methodologies for carrying out asymmetry analysis both for region of interest (ROI) and whole brain based studies that take into account information about spatial correspondence of voxels on two sides of the brain. We apply this methodology to make determination of activation asymmetry during a memory encoding task in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Memory lateralization is an important step in the presurgical evaluation of such patients for temporal lobectomy. Using structure specific analysis, our asymmetry scores in hippocampus are found to have a strong correspondence with hemispheric dominance given by Intracortical Amobarbital Testing (IAT), which is the widely accepted gold standard for determining laterality. Whole brain analysis, on the other hand, is used to locate regions in the brain with asymmetric activation in an exploratory analysis. These methods of quantifying asymmetry using spatial correspondence have the potential for generating more robust asymmetry measurements.
A FORTRAN IV program for comparing ranking algorithms in quantitative biostratigraphy

Abstract A program for evaluating the performance of competing ranking algorithms in stratigraphic paleontology is presented. The program (1) generates a hypothetical, and thus known, succession of taxa in time and (2) simulates their succession in strata at several local sample sites. If desired, (1) and (2) may be repeated for several (=50 or 100 for example) iterations and the local site data for each sent to two user routines for inferred rankings (inferred succession of events in time). First data for first and last occurrences (fads and lads) taken together, then data for for lads-only, then data for fads-only is sent. For each submission of data to a user routine, Kendall rank correlation coefficients and Spearman coefficients are computed comparing the inferred rankings generated by the user routine with the known succession of events in time. The performance of two competing ranking algorithms may be compared by (1) obtaining for each submitted dataset the differences between corresponding Kendall (and/or Spearman) coefficients computed for the two algorithms, and (2) testing the observed differences for statistical significance. A simple two-sided t -test may be used to test whether the observed mean difference between two corresponding coefficients differs significantly from zero; if c t -tests are performed, the level of significance of each should be set to alpha/ c to obtain a maximum experimentwise error rate of less than alpha. The program is used to compare three ranking algorithms provided by Agterberg and Nel (1982a, b) as well as to determine whether the algorithms work as well for datasets combining lads and fads vs datasets for lads-only or fads-only. Agterberg and Nel's Presorting algorithm performed better than their Ranking or Scaling algorithm. All three performed slightly but significantly better on data for lads-only or fads-only as opposed to combined data.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Cancer Patients (P06.015)

Objective: To explore the clinical manifestations, radiologic features and clinical outcome of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in patients with cancer. Background The PRES is a clinical-radiologic entity characterized by headache (HA), altered mental function (AMS), seizures and visual-disturbances in association with imaging findings. Previous literature about the management and outcome of the patients with PRES is limited. Design/Methods: We identified 64 patients with cancer who developed PRES at M.D.Anderson-Cancer-Center between 01/2006 and 06/2011. Clinical and radiographic data were abstracted from their records. Results: The average age at the onset was 52±17.7 years. 44 patients (69%,p=0.003) were women with mean age at onset of 49.6±17.8 years compared to men (mean age at onset 58.8±16 years, p=0.055). Most common cancer diagnoses were leukemia (36%), Lymphoma (9%), gastrointestinal tumors (8%), central-nervous-system tumors (8%). 16 patients (25%) and 35 patients (55%) were treated with tacrolimus and chemotherapy respectively. 22 patients (35%) received bone-marrow transplant (BMT). Clinical presentation included AMS (72%), seizures (69%), HA (33%) and visual-disturbances (19%). PRES was associated with hypertension (HTN) in 57 patients (89%). The brain MRI demonstrated T2 signal abnormalities in all patients and 29 patients (59%) had some evidence of hemorrhage. Seventeen of these 29 patients (59%) were thrombocytopenic. Clinical symptoms fully recovered in 36 patients (57%). Of the 27 (43%) patients with neurological deficits, nine patients (33%) had intracranial hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia, sixteen patients (59%) had a significant delay in diagnostic imaging (11.4±2.5 days versus 1.1±0.3 days, p=0.025) and half of them did not receive a prompt intervention. Conclusions: PRES is an increasingly recognized occurrence in cancer patients undergoing therapy. HTN seems to be the most important co-existent risk factor for development of PRES. Delay in diagnosis can result in permanent residual deficits. Underlying thrombocytopenia in cancer patients with PRES is associated with hemorrhagic complications and increases the risk of incomplete recovery. Disclosure: Dr. Paker has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kamiya Matsuoka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Loghin has nothing to disclose.
17 Beta-estradiol and not genistein modulates lacI mutant frequency and types of mutation induced in the heart of ovariectomized big blue rats treated with 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene.

In industrialized countries, heart disease rates are higher among women after menopause. Recent studies indicate that consumption of phytoestorogens, e.g., isoflavones such as genistein (GE), may have potential cardiovascular health benefits; however, no studies have evaluated the effect of these agents on toxicant-induced damage in the heart. Since estrogen receptors are found in the heart, and GE mimics estrogenic effects, we have examined whether or not dietary GE or 17 beta-estradiol (E2) modulates the lacI mutant frequency (MF) in the heart of ovariectomized (OVX) Big Blue rats exposed to the model carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Groups of female rats were administered 80 mg/kg DMBA or vehicle by gavage and were chronically fed with diets containing 0, 250, or 1,000 microg/g GE or 5 microg/g E2. Sixteen weeks after carcinogen treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the hearts were removed and processed for determining the frequency and types of mutations in the heart tissue. GE and E2 supplementation alone resulted in nonsignificant increases in MF. The DMBA-induced lacI MF in the heart was sevenfold higher than the control (119.8 +/- 18.7 x 10(-6) vs. 17.4 +/- 3.2 x 10(-6); P T:A (42%) and G:C-->T:A (19%) transversions, followed by G:C-->A:T (13%) and A:T-->G:C (8%) transitions. Feeding E2 altered the DMBA-induced mutational spectra by decreasing A:T-->T:A (23%) and G:C-->T:A (13%) transversions and increasing G:C-->A:T (24%) and A:T-->G:C (21%) transitions. Taken together, the results suggest that DMBA can induce gene mutations in heart tissue of OVX rats, and while dietary GE had little or no effect on DMBA-induced mutation, dietary E2 reduced the mutagenicity of DMBA.
Tracheobronchoplasty for Severe Tracheobronchomalacia

Rationale Central airway stabilization with silicone stents can improve respiratory symptoms in patients with severe symptomatic tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) but is associated with a relatively high rate of complications. Surgery with posterior tracheobronchial splinting using a polypropylene mesh has also been used for this condition but to date has not been evaluated prospectively and objectively for patient outcomes. Objectives To evaluate the effect of surgical tracheobronchoplasty on symptoms, functional status, quality of life, lung function, and exercise capacity in patients with severe and symptomatic TBM. Methods A prospective observational study in which baseline measurements were compared to those obtained 3 months after surgical tracheobronchoplasty. Measurements and main results Of 104 referred patients to our complex airway center for severe TBM, 77 had baseline measurements. Of this group, 57 patients had severe malacia and underwent stent placement for central airway stabilization. Of those, 37 patients reported improvement in respiratory symptoms and 35 were considered for surgical tracheobronchoplasty. Two patients were excluded from surgery for medical reasons. Median age was 61 years (range, 39 to 83 years), 20 patients were men, 11 patients (31%) had COPD, 9 patients (26%) had asthma, and 4 patients (11%) had Mounier-Kuhn syndrome. Thirty-three patients (94%) presented with severe dyspnea, 26 patients (74%) with uncontrollable cough, and 18 patients (51%) reported recurrent pulmonary infections. Two patients (3%) presented with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. After surgery, quality of life scores improved in 25 of 31 patients (p Conclusions In experienced hands, surgical central airway stabilization with posterior tracheobronchial splinting using a polypropylene mesh improves respiratory symptoms, health-related quality of life, and functional status in highly selected patients with severe symptomatic TBM. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00550602
Okazaki Fragment Maturation in Yeast I. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNCTIONS BETWEEN FEN1 AND DNA2

In the presence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, yeast DNA polymerase δ (Pol δ) replicated DNA at a rate of 40–60 nt/s. When downstream double-stranded DNA was encountered, Pol δ paused, but most replication complexes proceeded to carry out strand-displacement synthesis at a rate of 1.5 nt/s. In the presence of the flap endonuclease FEN1 (Rad27), the complex carried out nick translation (1.7 nt/s). The Dna2 nuclease/helicase alone did not efficiently promote nick translation, nor did it affect nick translation with FEN1. Maturation in the presence of DNA ligase was studied with various downstream primers. Downstream DNA primers, RNA primers, and small 5′-flaps were efficiently matured by Pol δ and FEN1, and Dna2 did not stimulate maturation. However, maturation of long 5′-flaps to which replication protein A can bind required both DNA2 and FEN1. The maturation kinetics were optimal with a slight molar excess over DNA of Pol δ, FEN1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. A large molar excess of DNA ligase substantially enhanced the rate of maturation and shortened the nick-translation patch (nucleotides excised past the RNA/DNA junction before ligation) to 4–6 nt from 8–12 nt with equimolar ligase. These results suggest that FEN1, but not DNA ligase, is a stable component of the maturation complex.
Performance analysis of CDMA 1x EV-DO revision A enhanced access channel

In this paper, we analyze the throughput and delay for the messages sent on Enhanced Access Channel (EACH) in High Rate Packet Data (HRPD) revision A through extensive simulations. We also provide an analytical model and the corresponding throughput equations to validate the simulation results. The analysis predicts that the capacity is directly tied to the ratio between the access channel cycle size and the message (capsule) length. The smaller this ratio, the larger is the normalized throughput. We present results that help in sizing the number of resources for an expected EACH load. We also study the impact of different EACH parameters on the throughput and delay.
Economic and demographic effects on working women in Latin America

The paper uses historical census data and the latest household surveys to investigate the evolution of female employment in Latin America, the effect of demographic factors on female labor force participation, and the reasons for the observed male-female gap in labor earnings. The findings show that, though women's labor force participation in Latin America has indeed increased despite the adverse economic conditions of the last two decades, marriage and fertility still exercise a large negative effect on women's labor supply. On average in the 15 countries studied, marriage reduces the probability that a woman would work by half, and each child by a further 3–5% These effects result in age-participation profiles that decrease with age although the econometric analysis suggests that, as women get older, they have a ceteris paribus greater probability to seek employment. In all the countries studied women are rewarded less than men and gender differences in human capital characteristics cannot account for the observed earnings differential. The paper discusses the significance of the findings for potential policies to assist women, especially in the areas of education and fertility, and also suggests the direction of further reserarch.
Occurrence of active and inactive herbicide ingredients at selected sites in Iowa

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of herbicide active and inactive ingredients (primarily volatile organic compounds) at four selected sites in Iowa representing drain tiles, observation wells, or lysimeters. Water samples were collected monthly and bi-monthly before and after herbicide applications in 1991, respectively. They were analyzed for seven herbicides and 32 volatile organic compounds using methods recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Commercially available herbicide formulations also were obtained and analyzed for volatile organic compounds.
Pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone and their relationship to secretion of estradiol and onset of estrus in weaned sows

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to characterise temporal changes in estradiol and pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during the interval between weaning and estrus in the sow. Five multiparous sows were sampled at 10-min intervals for 3 h beginning 8 h after weaning and continuing every 12 h until estrus. Interval to estrus was 102 ± 2 h (range 96–108) after litters were weaned, and interval to preovulatory LH and FSH surges was 109 ± 5 h (range 92–116). With the exception of the period of the preovulatory surge, neither average nor basal concentrations of LH or FSH changed over time. Number of LH peaks per 3 h reached a maximum of 2.8 at 48 h before the preovulatory surge, then declined to 0.8 at 12 h before the surge. Peak amplitude for LH and peak frequency and amplitude for FSH also declined with time before preovulatory surges. Relative ranks were computed for individual sows based on the mean concentration of LH or FSH for each bleeding period. Rankings were consistent over the periods, but were not correlated with interval to estrus. Estradiol concentrations peaked (88 ± 7 pg/ml) at 36 h before preovulatory surges, coincident with the decline in peak frequency of LH. We conclude that pulsatile secretion of LH and FSH changes during the interval between weaning and estrus but secretion of these two hormones may be controlled by different mechanisms.
Pore formation and its mitigation during hybrid laser/arc welding of advanced high strength steel

Abstract The possible mechanisms of the pores formation and their mitigation during the hybrid laser/arc welding (HLAW) of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) were investigated. Influence of three variables (stand-off distance between the laser and the arc of gas metal arc welding (GMAW), heat input and side shielding gas) in the HLAW for reducing the presence of pores in the weld area was studied. The optimum condition of the welds prepared by the HLAW was compared with the welds made by the laser welding assisted with hot wire. The vision monitoring of the welding processes was performed by a charged coupled device (CCD) camera and mechanical properties of the welds were evaluated by a high energy impact test and microhardness measurement. The joints were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The results showed that the optimum stand-off distance between the laser and the tip of wire in the HLAW and laser welding assisted with a hot wire were the most effective approaches for avoiding the pore formation. The fracture surface of the welds was mostly dominated by a brittle fracture with the presence of two types of pores, indicating that there were two mechanisms for the generation of pores in the weld area.
Low angle light scattering studies on whole, half, and quarter molecules of T2 bacteriophage DNA.

Static light scattering measurements have been made at angles as low as 8 degrees on whole, half, and quarter molecules of native, T2 bacteriophage DNA in 0.195 M Na+. The fragments were obtained by high-speed stirring of the native DNA, and fractionated on methylated-albumin-kieselguhr columns. Accompanying measurements of sedimentation coefficients and intrinsic viscosities were made. Because linear extrapolations of light scattering data above 8 degrees for these samples were suspect, the measurements were analyzed by fitting curves calculated from the theory of wormlike coils to experimental curves at c = 0. Results showed that the excluded volume parameter, epsilon, must be used in analyzing the scattering curves; a reasonable value of epsilon was 0.08, in agreement with that found for T7 DNA (Harpst, J. A. 1980. Biophys. Chem. 11:295–302). The persistence length of all three DNAs in this paper was 50 +/- 5 nm, showed no dependence on molecular weight, but was somewhat below that reported previously for T7 DNA (60 nm). Theoretical curves calculated with the preceding parameters had a clear upward curvature in scattering envelopes below 8 degrees for quarter and half molecules, but such curvature was minimal for whole T2 DNA, so that linear extrapolations of experimental data above 8 degrees gave a molecular weight and root-mean-square radius which were nearly the same as those from theory. The molecular weight and radius for whole T2, derived from the comparison of theory and experiment, were 115 X 10(6) and 1,224 nm, respectively. The measurements on T2 DNA were clearly at the upper limit of current techniques.
Performance of an automated computerized plate scanner.

Abstract A brief summary is given of the initial performance of an automated computerized plate-measuring machine, and it is seen that the machine is working entirely satisfactorily.
Application of multi-criteria material selection techniques to constituent refinement in biobased composites

Abstract Biobased composites offer a potentially low environmental impact material option for the construction industries. Designing these materials to meet both performance requirements for an application and minimize environmental impacts requires the ability to refine composite constituents based on environmental impact and mechanical properties. In this research, biobased composites with varying natural fiber reinforcement in a poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(β-hydroxyvalerate) matrix were characterized based on material properties through experiments and environmental impact through life cycle assessments. Using experimental results, these biobased composites were found to have competitive flexural properties and thermal conductivity with certain short-chopped glass fiber reinforced plastics. Multi-criteria material selection techniques were applied to weigh desired material properties with greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel demand, and Eco-Indicator ’99 score. The effects of using different reinforcing fibers in biobased composites were analyzed using the developed selection scheme as a tool for choosing constituents. The use of multi-criteria material selection provided the ability to select fiber reinforcement for biobased composites and showed when it would be more appropriate to use a novel biobased composite or a currently available engineered material.
High Precision Absolute Age Determinations Within the Plio-Pleistocene in Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

Absolute ages can be determined from Plio-Pleistocene sequences in the Gulf Coast using an 18O/16O analytical approach. The technique is based on the fact that glacial/interglacial cycles possess uniquely shaped "fingerprints." The character of the isotopic record in the Gulf of Mexico is exaggerated because the Gulf has periodically received extreme riverine discharges of meltwater products from the Laurentide ice sheet which covered large portions of North America during the Plio-Pleistocene. The 18O record thus allows age determinations with a precision of ±20,000 to ±50,000 years in the Plio-Pleistocene. Close sampling via sidewall cores is required for initial calibration in a given basin. Sections ranging from middle shelf o bathyal depths can be reliably zoned, independent of regional or local biostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic zonations. Once an absolute age framework is established, stratigraphic correlations, sedimentation rates, and structural effects on sediment distribution can be determined. The technique has been developed using holes drilled from the MV Eureka (part of an early Shell Oil offshore study in the Gulf) as well as strategically placed piston cores and DSDP sites. Both benthic and planktonic foraminiferal shell carbonate should be suitable for these age determinations. A similar Plio-Pleistocene zonation can be established worldwide based on analysis of DSDP material. Preliminary data suggest that a similar zonation may be established throughout the Tertiary and perhaps the Mesozo c. Effects of diagenesis are unknown. End_of_Article - Last_Page 540------------
A CMOS neurostimulator with on-chip DAC calibration and charge balancing

A multi-channel biphasic neural stimulator with on-chip DAC calibration and current matching capabilities is presented. Each channel consists of two sub-binary radix DACs, for the anodic and cathodic stimulation phases, and a wideswing high output impedance current source and sink. A single integrator is shared among channels and serves to calibrate DAC coefficients and to closely match the anodic and cathodic stimulation phases. After calibration, the differential non-linearity is bounded between +/- 0.5 LSBs at 8-bit resolution, and the two stimulation phases can be matched to better than 50 nA. We demonstrate operation with stimulation through a tungsten microelectrode in saline, and show stimulator induced modulation of neural activity in the cortex of a rat. Our novel architecture allows for blind self-calibration, amenable to implantable neural interfaces.
Infrared optical double resonance spectroscopy of ND2

Abstract Infrared optical double resonance (IODR) effects have been observed in ND 2 . The infrared transitions, 5 05 ← 5 14 (F 1 ← F 1 ) and 2 1 2 ← 2 21 (F 2 ← F 2 ), in the gn 2 band of ND 2 were efficiently pumped with P(10) of 12 C 18 O 2 at 1076.57 cm −1 and R(26) of 12 C 16 O 2 at 1082.30 cm −1 , respectively. IODR signals were detected by exciting various rovibronic transitions of A 2 A 1 ← X 2 B 1 with a rhodamine 6G dye laser. The P(10) transition 12 C 18 O 2 coincident, within the Doppler width, with 5 05 5 14 (F 1 ← F 1 ) of ν 2 , ND 2 . For this laser line three- and four-level (collisional) IODR signals are observed for both the (000) and (010) vibrational states. The 2 12 ← 2 21 , (F 2 ← F 2 ) transition is 120 ± 20 MHz above R(26) of 12 C 16 O 2 .
Real-space transfer by hot electron resonant tunneling

Abstract Demonstrations of real-space transfer transistors have primarily shown real-space transfer current due to thermionic emission of heated channel electrons over low heterostructure barriers. In this paper we demonstrate real-space transfer of hot electrons due to resonant tunneling through multiple AlAs/GaAs/AlAs double barrier structures.
The effects of centrally administered neuropeptides on the development of gastric lesions in the rat.

Abstract Centrally administered neuropeptides were investigated for their effects on the development of gastric lesions in rats. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (LHRH) produced gastric lesions acutely, with TRH demonstrating the most pronounced effect in terms of incidence and severity. Ten-fold higher doses of the same peptides administered intravenously produced none or very few gastric lesions. Moreover, pretreatment with atropine partially inhibited their production. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) exhibited only mild ulcerogenic effets, and the gastric lesions induced with this peptide developed more slowly than with TRH, VIP and LHRH. Although ulcerogenic in their own right, none of these four neuropeptides significantly potentiated the potent ulcerogenic effects of cold-restraint stress. Since other neuropeptides, including somatostatin, human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor (hpGRF), substance P, bombesin, and neurotensin, had no demonstrable effects on gastric mucosa, we can conclude that the lesions were not a general effect of intracisternal administration of neuropeptides. The results suggest that within the central nervous system, there are several neuropeptides that play a significant role in the development of gastric lesions via, at least in part, vagal-dependent mechanisms.
In vivo effects of GK1.5 (anti-L3T4a) monoclonal antibody on induction and expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity.

The in vivo effects of monoclonal GK1.5 antibody, directed against the L3T4a determinant expressed on Class II-restricted T cells, on the induction and expression of murine delayedtype hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were examined. Development and expression of both hapten (2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene)- and protein antigen poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10)-specinc DTH are significantly inhibited by injection of monoclonal anti-L3T4a antibody. The inhibitory effects of anti-L3T4a were most pronounced when administered during the afferent (induction) phase of the DTH response, leading to the functional inhibition of the generation of both polyclonal lymph node T-proliferative cells (Tprlf) and DTH effector cells (TDH). The in vivo inhibitory effect is apparently unrelated to preferential induction of suppressor T cells as GK1.5 inhibited DTH induction in cyclophosphamide-treated as well as normal recipients. L3T4a expression on the various T-cell subsets involved in DTH induction and elicitation was also examined. The data show that three functionally distinct, antigenspecific T-cell subsets, Tprlf, TDH, and Th cells involved in DTH induction, bear the Lyt 1+2−, L3T4+ phenotype. Possible mechanisms where in vivo injection of anti-L3T4a inhibits Class II-restricted T-cell subsets involved in DTH induction and expression, including immune depletion and inhibition of T-cell-receptor/ligand interactions, are discussed.
Flow and Mixing around a Small Seamount on Kaena Ridge, Hawaii

Abstract Microstructure observations over a small seamount on the Kaena Ridge, Hawaii, showed asymmetry in the along- and across-ridge directions. The ∼400-m-high seamount is on the southern edge of the ridge (centered at 21°43′49″N, 158°38′48″W), 42 km northwest of Oahu. A 1-km-resolution numerical simulation shows that the flow within the depth range of the seamount tends to be accelerated around the seamount rather than going up and over it. The flow patterns, however, are more complicated than for an isolated seamount because of the influence of the ∼3000-m-high Kaena Ridge. Comparison with the numerical simulations indicates that the across-ridge asymmetry, in which dissipation on the north-northeastern side of the seamount was higher and more concentrated toward the bed than on the south-southwestern side, is consistent with an M2 tidal beam generated at the northern edge of the ridge. The along-ridge asymmetry, with higher dissipation on the east-southeastern flank than on the west-northwestern fla...
Computer simulation results for a Hilbert transform optical correlator

A previously proposed Hilbert transformoptical correlator modified th einut nd filtr images by adding an x-y mirror image t provide a real Fourie tnform. In an improved corrlator we cimpute the intnsity o the fourier trnsform so that filters are guarant4ed psoitiv end ral.The cente peak of the ouptu intnsity is shown to approximate the autoconvolutionof the convolution between the originalimags.The applcain of a Hilbert tranformallows only half of th eforuier plane to be used.This cn be used to speed the correltor by two or to perit an incrase in space-bandwidth product ofinput imgs by two. Result sof cmpute simulatin are shown.
Traitement de la douleur

Le probleme de la douleur liee au cancer ou a son traitement reste d’actualite malgre les avancees realisees tant dans le domaine de la neuroscience que dans celui de la pharmacotherapie. Cet article examinera l’evaluation et les strategies de traitement de la douleur dans le cadre du cancer du poumon, en commencant par l’echelle de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Sante (OMS) pour en arriver aux techniques plus avancees de delivrance des medicaments au niveau du rachis et des techniques de neurostimulation et neuroablation par radiofrequence. La place de l’acupuncture et autres therapies de medecine douce seront evoquees ainsi que les soins de support ou palliatifs en phase terminale de la maladie.