cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering for discovering and scoring single-base differences in DNA

Information about DNA sequence variation is increasingly being recognized as an important tool in the analysis of many diseases and in the development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is suggested as a new, potentially powerful method for detection and identification of single base differences in double stranded DNA fragments. Enhanced Raman signal is originated from nucleotides that are in direct contact with SERS active metal surface. Aromatic rings in double stranded perfectly matched DNA are hydrogen bonded and do not interact with the metal. In the case of an insertion, deletion or base mismatch, hydrogen bonding is disrupted and an open region is formed. Raman scattering from base pairs in this region undergoes an enhancement resulting in SERS spectrum. Model experiments were performed with 209 base pairs DNA fragment containing one mismatch and adsorbed on electrochemically roughened silver surface. A fragment of the same length but without mismatch was used as a control. No spectra were obtained from the control adsorbed on the SERS substrate, whereas the sample with one mismatch yielded a distinct SERS spectrum. It is believed that all bands in the spectrum correspond to the mismatched base pair and bases from the closest environment around the mismatch.
Specific growth rates of natural microbial communities measured by adenine nucleotide pool turnover

Abstract A novel experimental approach has been development to estimate the mean specific growth rates of natural populations of microorganisms. The method is based on the direct measurement of the turnover rate of the total adenine nucleotide (AN)pool using either [ 3 H]adenine or 32 PO 4 radiotraces. In laboratory cultures of bacteria and unicellular algae, the AN pool turnover rate is highly correlated with specific growth rate. This empirically derived relationship is then used to extrapolate AN pool turnover rates measured in the field to population-specific growth rates. The method is technically simple, straightforward and potentially capable of measuring a wide range of growth rates. Microbial community growth rate estimates measured using this new method ranged from 0.04 to 2.45 per day for samples collected from a variety of aquatic habitats. Growth rate estimates derived from data on AN pooll turnover compared favorably with estimates derived from measurements of microbial biomass and production. The AN pool turnover methos has numerous potential applications in applied and environmental microbiology.
Tyrosine hydroxylase activity in noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus after reserpine administration: sequential increase in cell bodies and nerve terminals.

The effect of a single systemic injection of reserpine on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the locus coeruleus, cerebellum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus was examined. Increases in enzyme activity were seen in all four brain areas; the time-course of the changes, however, was different in each case. In the locus coeruleus the maximum change in enzyme activity was seen 3 days after drug administration; in the cerebellum, 7-11 days; in the hypothalamus, 8-11 days; and in the hippocampus, 21 days. Since tyrosine hydroxylase in the cerebellum and hippocampus is present in terminals of neurons whose cell bodies are located in the locus coeruleus, the delayed increase in enzyme activity in cerebellum and hippocampus probably depends upon the slow rate of transport of TH molecules in these neurons.
Phototransport under the presence of a small steady-state photocarrier grating.

By taking into account space-charge effects, general expressions for carrier distributions and photocurrent are derived for the case of a small steady-state photocarrier grating (SSPG) in a finite electric field. Conditions are specified under which the continuity equations can be linearized and solved analytically. It is shown that the approach of spatially averaging local resistivity in the previous treatments of SSPG transport can be flawed. It is argued that the drift motion of electrons and holes is predominantly bipolar rather than ambipolar as asserted earlier. The prerequisites for determining the ambipolar diffusion length L by the SSPG technique are identified and compared to those obtained before. It is demonstrated that under the weak-field condition, L can be evaluated without the lifetime-regime or ambipolarity restriction, particularly when the recombination lifetime \ensuremath{\tau} is known. When the dielectric relaxation time is far shorter than \ensuremath{\tau}, the transport equation is reduced to the familiar formula derived by assuming space-charge neutrality. Also illustrated is the possibility of deducing the ratio of electron-to-hole drift mobility through the electric field dependence of photocurrent under the strong-field condition.
Rhabdomyosarcoma, presenting as a facial swelling in a child. A case report and review of the literature

A case of the very rare rhabdomyosarcoma as the more common second primary in a young child who had been treated for bilateral, genetic retinoblastoma is described and the importance early diagnosis emphasised. A review of the literature is presented with special reference to the prognosis of head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma and the various treatment alternatives, related to both new primary and secondary tumours in children with retinoblastoma.
Treatment of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody-Positive Systemic Vasculitis and Glomerulonephritis With Pooled Intravenous Gammaglobulin

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) is considered a serological marker for disease activity in patients with ANCA(+) systemic vasculitis. Recently, ANCA has been implicated as a pathogenic antibody that may be associated with neutrophil degranulation and release of lytic enzymes. Since intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) is known to contain antiidiotypic antibodies to ANCA, which could decrease the activity of the later, we chose to treat two patients with symptomatic ANCA(+) systemic vasculitis and glomerulonephritis with high-dose IVIG. The first patient, a 66year-old man, developed rapidly progressive renal failure despite treatment with intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide. The second patient, a 14-year-old boy, had relapsed 3 months after cessation of treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. Both patients improved dramatically after treatment with IVIG, with the former recovering renal function within 11 days of therapy. In both patients, a concomitant reduction in serum ANCA titers was also observed. The second patient is currently in a sustained remission 14 months after his last IVIG dose on no other medication. These cases provide clinical evidence that IVIG has therapeutic benefit in modifying the immune-mediated injury associated with ANCA(+) systemic vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. In addition, IVIG may provide an additional safe therapeutic option to clinicians treating patient's with ANCA(+) vasculitis and glomerulonephritis who are not responsive to or are experiencing toxicity from conventional therapy.
Investigation of microwave and noise properties of InAlN/GaN HFETs after electrical stress: role of surface effects

ABSTRACT In an effort to investigate the particulars of their stability, In 18.5% Al 81.5% N/GaN HFETs were subjected to on-state electrical stress for intervals totaling up to 20 hours. The current gain cutoff frequency f T showed a constant increase after each incremental stress, which was consistent with the decreased gate lag and the decreased phase noise. Extraction of small-signal circuit parameters demonstrated that the increase of f T is due to a decrease in the gate-source capacitance (C gs ) and gate-drain capacitance ( C gd ) as well as the increased microwave transconductance ( g m ). All these behaviors are consistent with the diminishing of the gate extension (virtual gate) around the gate area. INTRODUCTION In x Al 1-x N/GaN based heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) are candidates for next generation high-power and high-frequency amplifiers 1 , owing to a large two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the heterostructure due to the large spontaneous polarization charge at the InAlN/GaN interface. Moreover, at the same time the InAlN layer can be grown lattice-matched to the underlying GaN layer for an indium composition between 17% to 18%
Beyond descriptive research: advancing the study of spirituality and health

The past three decades have witnessed a surge in research on spirituality and health. This growing body of literature has linked many aspects of spirituality as well as religion to both positive and negative indices of human functioning. However, studies have primarily been descriptive, focusing on identifying associations between spirituality and health, rather than explanatory, focusing on identifying mechanisms underlying observed relationships. Earlier research is also limited by failure to control for salient covariates, apply prospective design, and use sophisticated measurements with well defined and empirically-validated factors. Recent research, however, is advancing the study of spirituality and health by examining not only whether religious factors are relevant to human health, but also how spirituality may functionally impact medical and psychological wellbeing and illness. This article introduces a special issue on Spirituality and Health containing 12 full-length research reports to further this welcomed, emerging trend.
Lumbar epidural lipomatosis: the “Y” sign of thecal sac compression

Abstract Purpose . We have identified a specific sign of lumbar thecal sac compression seen in patients with symptomatic lumbar epidural lipomatosis. Recognition of this sign will aid with proper diagnosis of this unusual disorder. Methods . Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations of the lumbar spine performed in the evaluation of low back pain over a 24 mo period demonstrated nine patients with excessive fat in the epidural space. Myelography was performed on five of these patients. Detailed analysis of the shape and degree of thecal sac compression was made. Results . Eight of the nine patients with epidural lipomatosis demonstrated a characteristic type of thecal sac compression not seen with other spinal disorders. On cross sectional imaging, the thecal sac has a striking stellate appearance with three rays emanating from a central core. This produces a trifid shape resembling the letter “Y”. In two patients scanned following subsequent surgical removal of the epidural fat, the thecal sac had resumed its normal configuration. Conclusion . A seemingly specific and easily recognized type of compression of the thecal sac may occur with lumbar epidural lipomatosis. This creates a trifid appearance of the thecal sac; we have termed this the “Y” sign.
On round-off error in fixed-point multiplication

We enumerate the round-off errors in fixed point multiplication both for rounding by chopping and for symmetric rounding. Then we compute the mean and variance of the round-off error. For symmetric rounding, the formulas differ for an odd base β vs an even base β. We conclude that if symmetric rounding is to be used, there is an advantage to an odd base over an even base. For prime base β, no special assumption is needed. For non-prime base β, the last non-zero element of the first factor is assumed to be relatively prime to β.
"I Want to be Nice, But I Have to be Mean": Exploring Prospective Teachers' Conceptions of Caring and Order.

Abstract This study explored prospective teachers' conceptions of caring and order. One hundred forty-one teacher education students responded to a brief “Teacher Beliefs Survey.” Results indicate that prospective teachers think about achieving order mainly in terms of management rather than pedagogy or interpersonal relationships. In contrast, caring was seen primarily in terms of interpersonal relationships (e.g., establishing rapport, “being there” for students), with little mention of either pedagogy or management. Significant differences were apparent when the data were analyzed by status and field. For both caring and order, secondary teachers emphasized teaching more than elementary, while elementary teachers stressed interpersonal and management strategies more often than secondary. These findings suggest that teacher educators need to help prospective teachers develop broader, more inclusive notions of both caring and order.
Chemical Synthesis of Complex Carbohydrates

Publisher Summary During the last three decades, carbohydrate synthesis has witnessed tremendous progress, manifested by the enormous number of protecting groups and tactics, glycosylation methodologies, and synthetic strategies developed in the area, as well as the complex structures that have been achieved. Presently there is not a magical strategy that is generally applicable to various oligosaccharides, unlike in oligopeptide and oligonucleotide synthesis. The problems are severalfold. First, the availability of monosaccharide building blocks is still difficult. Although it is currently possible to prepare all kinds of building blocks in the laboratory, it is extremely time-consuming. In fact, for most oligosaccharide syntheses, the largest part of time is spent in the preparation of monosaccharide building blocks. This situation will not change very soon, as it is determined by the structural property of carbohydrates. For example, each amino acid or nucleoside may need only several protecting forms to meet all kinds of synthetic demands, but for a monosaccharide, this number must be one to two orders of magnitudes higher. On top of this, the cost of synthesizing a regioselectively protected monosaccharide is extremely high, which at least presently prohibits the commercialization of complex monosaccharide derivatives. Second, the results of many glycosylation reactions are still difficult to predict. Compared to the chemistry involved in peptide and nucleotide synthesis, glycosylation reactions are much more sensitive to reaction conditions, such as moisture, temperature, the structure of substrates including both donors and acceptors, and solvent.
Prevalence of the partial molar phenotype in triploidy of maternal and paternal origin

Triploid partial moles are at risk for trophoblastic neoplasia, yet the prevalence, parent of origin, and evolution of the partial molar phenotype amongst all triploids remains controversial. We determined parental origin by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, stage of development by gross and histological criteria, and partial molar status according to strict diagnostic criteria for all triploids identified amongst 1,054 consecutively karyotyped spontaneous abortions. Triploidy was detected in 64 of 832 successfully karyotyped specimens. Complete data were collected in 59 cases. Diandric origin was found in 39 specimens, and 20 of these fulfilled all four criteria for partial mole (trophoblast hyperplasia, dimorphic population of large and small villi, villous hydrops greater than 0.5 mm, and irregular villous contour). We separated the 19 diandric triploids not fulfilling all criteria for partial mole into four groups: specimens of early developmental stage, which we believed represented developing ("early") partial moles (n = 3), cases of late developmental stage, which we believed represented involuting ("ancient") partial moles (n = 4), cases showing some but not all criteria for partial mole (n = 7), and specimens with few if any criteria suggestive of partial mole (n = 5). In triploids of digynic origin (n = 20), developmental stage was significantly lower, fetal tissue was more frequently identified, and all specimens showed well-preserved fetal red blood cells. Digynic triploids occasionally showed irregular contour, dimorphic villi, and a mild form of trophoblast hyperplasia but never showed hydropic degeneration and were never suspicious for partial mole.
Metabolic abnormalities in diabetic peripheral nerve: relation to impaired function.

An hypothesis is presented relating several well-defined metabolic abnormalities in diabetic peripheral nerve to impaired peripheral nerve function by a sodium-potassium ATPase mechanism. It is proposed that this hypothesis be tested in the most well-defined animal model for human insulin deficiency diabetes currently available—the BB diabetic rat.
Effects of precipitation on photosynthesis and water potential in Andropogon gerardii and Schizachyrium scoparium in a southern mixed grass prairie

Abstract In grassland ecosystems, spatial and temporal variability in precipitation is a key driver of species distributions and population dynamics. We experimentally manipulated precipitation to understand the physiological basis for differences in responses of species to water availability in a southern mixed grass prairie. We focused on the performance of two dominant C 4 grasses, Andropogon gerardii Vitman and Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, in treatments that received ambient rainfall, half of ambient rainfall (“drought” treatment), or approximately double ambient rainfall (“irrigated” treatment). Water potentials of S. scoparium were lower than A. gerardii , suggesting superior ability to adjust to water deficit in S. scoparium . Additionally, drought reduced photosynthesis to a greater extent in A. gerardii compared to S. scoparium . Leaf-level photosynthesis rates were similar in ambient and irrigated treatments, but were significantly lower in the drought treatment. Although stomatal conductance was reduced by drought, this was not limiting for photosynthesis. Leaf δ 13 C values were decreased by drought, caused by an increase in C i / C a . Chlorophyll fluorescence measures indicated light-harvesting rates were highest in irrigated treatments, and were lower in ambient and drought treatments. Moreover, drought resulted in a greater proportion of absorbed photon energy being lost via thermal pathways. Reductions in photosynthesis came as a result of non-stomatal limitations in the C 4 cycle. Our results provide mechanistic support for the hypothesis that S. scoparium is more drought tolerant than A. gerardii .
Psychosocial issues in reproductive genetic testing and pregnancy loss.

This paper considers the psychosocial experience of women undergoing reproductive genetic testing, with attention to the impact of pregnancy loss after testing. New directions for research are called
Complete Mapping of Substrate Translocation Implicates the Secondary Binding Site and Highlights the Significance of LeuT N-Terminal Segment in Regulating Transport Cycle

Neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSSs) regulate neurotransmission by clearing excess neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, assisted by co-transport of sodium ions. Crystal structures resolved for a prokaryotic orthologue LeuT opened the way to structure-based studies in search of a mechanistic understanding of substrate transport by NSSs. Yet, this goal has been elusive due to the complex interplay of global and local events as well as missing structural data on LeuT N-terminal segment implicated in intracellular gating. We have extended our recent study,1 to obtain for the first time a comprehensive time-resolved mechanistic description of the complete transport cycle, using a combination of conventional and advanced molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations suggest that LeuT harbors two substrate-binding sites for alanine. In the outward-facing open state, binding of substrate (and sodium ions) to the primary-site S1 regulates subsequent redistribution of molecular interactions to trigger extracellular gate closure; whereas the secondary-site S2 is only a transient binding site. Substrate-binding affinity at S2 increases in an intermediate close to inward-facing state. Small displacements in the second substrate near S2 are observed to induce concerted small translocations in the substrate bound to S1, although complete release requires collective structural rearrangements that fully expose the intracellular vestibule to the cytoplasm. Redistribution of salt bridges and cation-π interactions involving the N-terminal segment residues plays a pivotal role in mediating substrate release and closure of intracellular gate, and triggering a global reconfiguration to resume the transport cycle.Reference:1. Cheng MH, Bahar I (2013) Coupled Global and Local Changes Direct Substrate Translocation by Neurotransmitter-Sodium Symporter Ortholog LeuT Biophys J105: 630-639.
Requirements and interventions used by BSN programs to promote and predict NCLEX-RN success: A national study

The purposes of this study were (1) to identify specific program requirements and educational interventions used to promote National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) success among graduates of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs and (2) to determine the best predictors of NCLEX-RN success used by BSN nursing programs. This descriptive correlational study used the survey method for data collection. Participants were recruited from 513 generic BSN programs. One hundred sixty usable responses were received for a response rate of 31.2 percent. This is the only recent national study of variables associated with NCLEX-RN success that could be found in the literature; therefore, it addresses a gap in the literature. Significant findings related to NCLEX passing rates included (1) the use of standardized entrance exams and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores for admission criteria, (2) National League for Nursing (NLN) content at-risk scores for mental health and community health nursing for progression, (3) clinical proficiency and use of exit examinations as graduation requirements, (4) commercial reviews as an intervention, and (5) percent White as a demographic variable. Additionally, the findings support the use of standardized entrance examinations and content area examinations to assess readiness for NCLEX.
Segregation of Polonium in a Bismuth Crystal

Single crystals of bismuth containing polonium as an impurity are studied in order to determine the distribution of the polonium. Number-distance relations for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles emitted normally through cleavage surfaces afford the means of investigation, measurements being made with a Geiger counter. When present in very small concentrations polonium is found to be segregated into small regions which have nearly regular spacings when viewed in several directions. These average spacings, $(0.54\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03)\ensuremath{\mu}$ for planes parallel to the (111) plane and $(0.90\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1)\ensuremath{\mu}$ for planes parallel to the ($11\overline{1}$) plane, are unaffected by the speed of growth of the bismuth crystal and by subsequent heat treatment. The addition of tellurium suppresses alternate layers parallel to the (111) plane and removes all evidence of layers parallel to the ($11\overline{1}$) plane.
EVALUATIONS OF COMPETENCY OF PATIENTS WITH ORGANIC MENTAL DISORDER

The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients (N = 903) seen by the Psychiatric Consultation Service from January 1, 1989 through December 31, 1991. A total of 74 patients had a diagnosis of organic mental disorders (delirium, dementia, or both). Of these, 32 patients were evaluated for competency (Study group), while the remaining 42 were evaluated for reasons other than competency (Comparison group). Patients in the Study group were more likely to be African American and less likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs than the Comparison group. The majority of patients with organic mental disorder (87.5%) evaluated for competency were judged to be incompetent.
The antiproliferative effects of enzymatic deglycosylation and metabolic undersulfation of proteoglycans from the cell surface

Enzymatic deglycosylation of plasma membrane proteoglycans and metabolic inhibition of glycosaminoglycan sulfation were employed as complementary methods to evaluate the effects of reduced cell surface content of functionally intact proteoglycans on the proliferative potential of cells. A Flavobacter heparinum extract, possessing multiple glycosaminoglycan substrate specificities, markedly inhibited the time-dependent expansion of BALB/c 3T3 fibroblast and human squamous cell carcinoma monolayers in culture and concurrently reduced the proportion of subconfluent cell populations in S-cell cycle phase by DNA flow-cytometry analysis. This antiproliferative effect was partially reproduced by lyases with heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate monospecificity, alone and in combination. The observed lability of heparan sulfate lyases I and II in serum-containing medium possibly hampered full reproduction of the effects of the multifunctional reagent. Growth inhibition of comparable magnitude was observed when glycosaminoglycan sulfation was metabolically blocked with sodium chlorate. The chlorate anion had its expected effect of substantially reducing sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the cells. Following release from serum deprivation, analysis of the progression of synchronized cell populations past the Gi restriction point suggested that in situ digestion with the glycosaminoglycan lyases limited, but did not delay, the numbers of cells entering S phase. These data support the hypothesis that plasma membrane proteoglycans mediate some of the cell-growth-promoting effects of serum factors via their glycosaminoglycan side chains.
Effect of foreign fetal and newborn blood-forming tissues on survival of lethally irradiated mice.

Lethally irradiated mice that received blood-forming cells from homologous fetal liver showed better longterm survival and lymphatic tissue recovery than those treated with blood-forming cells from adult homologous bone marrow. In both cases there was transplantation and persistence of erythropoietic cells. (auth)
Effects of serotonin and carbachol on glial and neuronal rubidium uptake in leech CNS.

Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and carbachol on Rb uptake (used as a K marker) in leech neuron and glia were studied by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Hirudo medicinalis ganglia were perfused 60 s in 4 mM Rb substituted normal leech Ringer's with and without 5-HT (dosage range 5-500 microM) or carbachol (range 10-1000 microM), quench frozen cryosectioned, and subjected to EPMA to determine elemental mass fractions and cell water content. Both 5-HT and carbachol altered leech neuron and glial cell elemental distribution and water content. In glial cells, a dose-dependent increase in Rb uptake was observed following 5-HT (control: 26 +/- 2 microM; 5 microM: 47 +/- 4; 50 microM: 62 +/- 4; 500 microM: 82 +/- 11 mmol/kg dry wt. +/- S.E.M.) and carbachol (10 microM: 35 +/- 3; 100 microM: 52 +/- 3; 1000 microM: 68 +/- 3 mmol/kg dry wt. +/- S.E.M.). In neurons, 5-HT and carbachol had small effects. 5-HT decreased glial and neuronal cell water content. Carbachol decreased neuronal (but not glial) water content by approximately the same amount (mean decrease 9%) regardless of dose. Both 5-HT and carbachol affected glial cell K-accumulating properties, providing evidence that certain neurotransmitters may modulate invertebrate glial cells' K clearance function.
3462 Depth of injury following endoscopic spray cryotherapy: eus assisted evaluation of mucosal ablation and subsequent healing in the swine model.

BACKGROUND: In our previous studies we reported a novel technique using spray cryotherapy through an endoscope to achieve mucosal ablation in the swine esophagus.We described its feasibility, efficacy and safety and then documented both the acute, subacute and longterm endoscopic/histologic appearance of the esophagus by performing serial EGD and biopsy over a 3-month period. Unresolved was the extent and evolution of the cryo injury. AIM: To prospectively assess the extent of mucosal ablation and depth of injury using EUS post cryotherapy in the swine esophagus. METHODS: Two Yorkshire swine underwent baseline EUS of the esophagus followed by a 45 second cryoburn to the mucosa of the distal esophagus. EUS of the treated areas was then performed using a 20MHz Olympus ultrasound probe at 5 min,48 hours, one and two weeks. A third swine underwent cryotherapy to the distal esophagus and again in the mid-esophagus at 48 hrs followed by EUS and esophagectomy for full thickness biopsy of each cryo site. RESULTS: Full thickness biopsy immediately post cryo revealed RBC extravasation into the submucosa with normal overlying epithelium, while the site 48 hrs. post cryo revealed complete ablation of the mucosal layer which measured 0.3-0.5 mm. EUS (see table) revealed edema/expansion of the mucosa and submucosa immediately post injury with expansion of all layers at one week and resolution by two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these preliminary data, biopsy confirms complete mucosal ablation with transmural inflammation the greatest degree of which is in the adventitia and to a lesser extent superficially. EUS demonstrates transient edema but no significant injury to underlying structures. Endoscopic cryotherapy apears to be an ideal modality for mucosal ablation for which Barrett's epithelium and perhaps vascular ectasias should be considered.
K X-RAY ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF GERMANIUM IN CRYSTALLINE AND IN AMORPHOUS GeO$sub 2$

The Ge $K$ x-ray absorption spectrum was measured in three forms of Ge${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$: hexagonal crystalline, tetragonal crystalline, and amorphous. From the measured results it is concluded that either the Kronig explanation of the extended fine structure observed in the spectra needs to be modified or the "glassy" Ge${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ is actually crystalline in character over small regions, i.e., the amorphous Ge${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ has a high degree of shortrange order identical to that of the hexagonal crystalline form.
Ileal exclusion for Byler's disease: An alternative surgical approach with promising early results for pruritus

Abstract Background/Purpose: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (Byler's disease) is often characterized by pruritus-induced self-mutilation with minimal response to medical therapy. The causative cholestasis is likely to progress to cirrhosis necessitating transplantation. Partial external biliary diversion has been used with promising results for the jaundice and debilitating pruritus but all the potential complications and aesthetic concerns of long-term stomas attend this approach. Methods: The authors describe a terminal ileal exclusion that was first developed for patients who had previously undergone cholecystectomy. Over a 3-year period, we identified for study seven children with liver histology characteristic of Byler's disease accompanying a clinical picture of chronic cholestasis without a defined metabolic or anatomic abnormality. The first two patients underwent a cholecystojejunal cutaneous stoma, until now, the recommended treatment for this condition. The third had previously undergone cholecystectomy so an ileocolonic anastomosis was performed excluding the distal 15% of the small bowel. This child had complete relief of pruritus without evidence of diarrhea. Two more terminal ileal exclusions were performed with similar results before standardizing this approach. The authors approximated small intestinal length using Siebert's graph relating crown-heel length to small intestinal length. The midpoint between the mean and one standard deviation below the mean was determined. Fifteen percent of the estimated small bowel length was measured back from the ileocecal valve and then divided using a linear stapling device. A stapled anastomosis was created between the proximal ileum and the cecum, bypassing the terminal ileum. Results: Four of five children have had relief from their pruritus and self-mutilation with no evidence of diarrhea. Terminal ileal bypass offers a stoma-free, completely reversible "biliary diversion". Conclusion: Early results on a few patients are promising, but long-term evaluation of growth, development, and liver function and histology is needed before advocating this as the primary therapy for Byler's disease.
Net interstate population growth rates and the Tiebout-Tullock hypothesis: New empirical evidence, 1990–2000

This study empirically investigates the Tiebout-Tullock hypothesis as it might have applied to the pattern of net interstate population growth rates over the period 1990–2000. For the study period, it appears that the net state population growth rate has been an increasing function of the ratio of the total state plus local government outlays on public education in a state to that state's total state plus local government tax burden. Additional variables in the study, including the previous-period median single-family housing-price inflation rate, a measure of previous-period growth in real personal income per capita and certain quality-of-life variables, also prove to be significant determinants of the net population growth rate in a state. In this context, it appears that, for the study period, the Tiebout-Tullock hypothesis played a significant role in determining state net population growth rates.
Duskside auroral undulations observed by IMAGE and their possible association with large-scale structures on the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet

[1] On February 6, 2002 large-scale undulations along the equatorward edge of the afternoon/dusk auroral oval were observed with the IMAGE FUV/Wideband Imaging Camera (WIC) during the late expansion/recovery phase of a substorm. The undulations are similar to others previously reported, but occur at higher than usual latitudes and map to the outer duskside magnetosphere, 1 to 2 RE beyond a plasmaspheric drainage plume. The mapping suggests that the undulations result from large-scale fluctuations on the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet. 2.5-D simulations using representative plasma parameters for this region indicate that such large-scale coherent structures can be created by a kinetic drift wave driven by the ion pressure gradient in the destabilizing curvature and grad B drift of the plasma sheet ions.
Accessing Minimal-Impact Personal Audio Archives

We've collected personal audio - essentially everything we hear - for two years and have experimented with methods to index and access the resulting data. Here, we describe our experiments in segmenting and labeling these recordings into episodes (relatively consistent acoustic situations lasting a few minutes or more) using the Bayesian information criterion (from speaker segmentation) and spectral clustering
A test for patterns of modularity in sequences of developmental events

This study presents a statistical test for modularity in the context of relative timing of developmental events. The test assesses whether sets of developmental events show special phylogenetic conservation of rank order. The test statistic is the correlation coefficient of developmental ranks of the N events of the hypothesized module across taxa. The null distribution is obtained by taking correlation coefficients for randomly sampled sets of N events. This test was applied to two datasets, including one where phylogenetic information was taken into account. The events of limb development in two frog species were found to behave as a module.
Endosonography: new developments.

Purpose of reviewThe present review highlights recent advances in the field of endoscopic ultrasound, which occurred in 2008 and early 2009.Recent findingsAttention will be given toward the use of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and staging of esophageal and pancreatic cancer, in the evaluati
A Matrix Computation View of FastMap and RobustMap Dimension Reduction Algorithms

Given a set of pairwise object distances and a dimension $k$, FastMap and RobustMap algorithms compute a set of $k$-dimensional coordinates for the objects. These metric space embedding methods implicitly assume a higher-dimensional coordinate representation and are a sequence of translations and orthogonal projections based on a sequence of object pair selections (called pivot pairs). We develop a matrix computation viewpoint of these algorithms that operates on the coordinate representation explicitly using Householder reflections. The resulting coordinate mapping algorithm (CMA) is a fast approximate alternative to truncated principal component analysis (PCA), and it brings the FastMap and RobustMap algorithms into the mainstream of numerical computation where standard BLAS building blocks are used. Motivated by the geometric nature of the embedding methods, we further show that truncated PCA can be computed with CMA by specific pivot pair selections. Describing FastMap, RobustMap, and PCA as CMA computations with different pivot pair choices unifies the methods along a pivot pair selection spectrum. We also sketch connections to the semidiscrete decomposition and the QLP decomposition.
Comparing the usability of RoboFlag interface alternatives

The RoboFlag system was designed as a testbed to study distributed control of multiple vehicle teams with humans in the loop. This work analyzed the RoboFlag version 2.0 interface to identify usability issues. The existing interface was modified to create two new interfaces. The first interface focused on improved usability, while the second focused on improved situation awareness. A user evaluation was conducted to determine if both new interfaces improved the system usability over the original interface. Twenty-four participants completed the evaluation. This paper reports the design considerations, the experimental apparatus, and the usability based statistical analysis. The results indicate that both new interfaces provide improved usability over the RoboFlag version 2.0 interface.
GLP-1 plays a limited role in improved glycemia shortly after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a comparison with intensive lifestyle modification.

Rapid glycemic improvements following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are frequently attributed to the enhanced GLP-1 response, but causality remains unclear. To determine the role of GLP-1 in improved glucose tolerance after surgery, we compared glucose and hormonal responses to a liquid meal test in 20 obese participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent RYGB or nonsurgical intensive lifestyle modification (ILM) (n = 10 per group) before and after equivalent short-term weight reduction. The GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin(9–39)-amide (Ex-9) was administered, in random order and in double-blinded fashion, with saline during two separate visits after equivalent weight loss. Despite the markedly exaggerated GLP-1 response after RYGB, changes in postprandial glucose and insulin responses did not significantly differ between groups, and glucagon secretion was paradoxically augmented after RYGB. Hepatic insulin sensitivity also increased significantly after RYGB. With Ex-9, glucose tolerance deteriorated similarly from the saline condition in both groups, but postprandial insulin release was markedly attenuated after RYGB compared with ILM. GLP-1 exerts important insulinotropic effects after RYGB and ILM, but the enhanced incretin response plays a limited role in improved glycemia shortly after surgery. Instead, enhanced hepatic metabolism, independent of GLP-1 receptor activation, may be more important for early postsurgical glycemic improvements.
1-Magnesiotetrahydroisoquinolyloxazolines as Chiral Nucleophiles in Stereoselective Additions to Aldehydes: Auxiliary Optimization, Asymmetric Synthesis of (+)-Corlumine, (+)-Bicuculline, (+)-Egenine, and (+)-Corytensine, and Preliminary (13)C NMR Studies of 1-Lithio- and 1-Magnesiotetrahydroisoquinolyloxazolines.

Transmetalation of 1-lithiotetrahydroisoquinolyloxazolines with magnesium halides affords Grignard reagents that add to aldehydes with up to 80% selectivity for one of the four possible diastereomeric products. An oxazoline chiral auxiliary derived from camphor provides an optimal blend of diastereoselectivity and isomer separability. Synthetic applications of the optimal auxiliary, patterned after a literature approach in the racemic series, comprise an improved (formal) synthesis of bicuculline, egenine, and corytensine, as well as an efficient synthesis of corlumine. Preliminary NMR studies show that both 1-lithio- and 1-magnesiotetrahydroisoquinolyloxazolines are dynamic mixtures in THF solution at low temperatures. The barrier to pyramidal inversion of the secondary Grignard reagent is in the 9.8−10.1 kcal/mol range, while an upper limit of about 8.2 kcal/mol can be assigned to the barrier to the organolithium inversion.
ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE DURING ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES

The use of laparoscopic ultrasound probes has been shown to improve outcomes and facilitate surgery for hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. It is a useful, inexpensive, and safe imaging technique that should also supplement operative laparoscopy for gynecologic indications. These techniques are new, and their use in gynecologic surgery has not been adequately evaluated to recommend widespread use. The principal benefit of ultrasound monitoring during operative laparoscopy is its potential impact on operative management and decision making. Theoretically, the intentions would be to reduce the amount of tissue dissection, for example, by more precisely locating an ovarian endometrioma; to reduce operating time; and to monitor more closely intrauterine procedures. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to define the exact role of ultrasound monitoring in gynecologic surgery. An exciting possibility is its use to define intraovarian anatomy more definitively in the hope of minimizing the amount of ovarian dissection and, in select circumstances, guiding further intrauterine surgery. With the use of steerable probes, an assessment could be made of the pelvic side wall in oncologic surgery to select specifically nodes that are highly suspicious for malignancies, thereby minimizing the amount of dissection necessary in staging procedures. Intraoperative ultrasound guidance in intrauterine endoscopic procedures offers a noninvasive means of assessing the precision of such procedures and provides information regarding the exact location of instruments within the uterine cavity and uterine wall. It has been used for almost 15 years, and adequate clinical experience has been accrued. It offers an alternative to more invasive laparoscopy and may be considered as an adjunct to any complicated intrauterine procedure.
Spectra and energy transfer phenomena in crystalline rare gas solvents

Abstract The use of crystalline nonpolar gases at 4.2°K as solvents allows one to study spectra, solvent shifts, and energy transfer phenomena over a wide range of solvent properties. Contributions to the spectral shifts may arise from the usual London dispersion energy, exchange repulsions and attractions, and dipole-induced-dipole interactions. Except for the frequency shifts and certain intensity perturbations, the spectrum of a nonpolar solute in this sort of an environment is like that of a randomly oriented gas at 4.2°K. The advantages associated with the vibrational analysis of such a spectrum are obvious. A striking perturbation on the phosphorescence lifetime of benzene in heavy rare gases has been explained on the basis of an exchange interaction mixing states of the benzene-rare-gas complex, whose Russell Saunders components are further mixed by the large rare-gas spin-orbit perturbation. The oscillator strength for the purely radiative 3B1u-1A1g transition in unperturbed benzene is found to be 7.7 × 10−11, and it is estimated that a 150-cm path of highly purified liquid benzene should be sufficient to observe in absorption the first strong band of this system predicted to lie near 31,000 cm−1. One of the most important factors in a nonradiative process is the vibrational overlap integral associated with the two vibronic states between which energy transfer occurs. A type of tunnelling from the lowest triplet state back to the ground singlet state has been found. It involves usually high vibrational quantum numbers of the ground state. Because of the high sensitivity of the overlap integral to triplet states are therefore probably tunnelling lifetimes and have little to do with the purely radiative lifetimes. Deuterium substitution is expected to increase these lifetimes substantially and allow a number of new triplet states to be found. Energy transfer from the excited singlet to the excited triplet has been found to be highly sensitive to local solvent environment. This process apparently can be essentially stopped or made 100% efficient at will simply by changing the mass of the solvent molecules. This phenomenon is no doubt a function of the strength of the coupling between the internal modes and the lattice modes, the coupling being dependent, of course, on the polarizability of the solvent. Solid hydrogen or neon solvents are expected to provide the least opportunity for energy transfer during an electronic lifetime. Conversely, very polarizable solvents promote the population of the lowest triplet state in those cases where the nonradiative process is slow in hydrocarbon solvents. Applications of this effect to the study of molecular excited states are obvious.
Mainstreaming an innovative 31-credit curriculum for first-year engineering majors

In September of 1998, the College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth piloted an innovative, integrated, first-year curriculum that dramatically changed 31 credits across two semesters. Preliminary assessment data was very encouraging after the first semester of operation and the team started an effort to adopt it. A storm of intense resistance and controversy erupted, however, catching nearly everyone by surprise. Argument, rational and seemingly irrational, threatened to eclipse the benefits of the new program and could have easily led to its termination. In retrospect the nature of the controversy and opposition was predictable. With earlier understanding of responses, adoption would still have been resisted and people would have disagreed but the team would have been better able to respond productively. This paper will present the story of the adoption of the IMPULSE program so that others can learn from our experiences. It will focus on the process that led to rapid adoption of the new curriculum and will point out important steps and pitfalls. The paper will include discussion of the important, and predictable, human reactions that were seen. We could not make progress until these were appreciated. Human reactions had to be understood and worked with. We hope that our experiences will encourage and help others to become more aware of the human factors that often dominate change processes.
Germ cell tumor-like neoplasms occurring outside the anatomic midline

Abstract Most germ cell tumors occur in the gonads or in extragonadal sites in the anatomic midline; this article reviews tumors with similar or identical histologic features that arise in other topographic locations. Such lesions often represent the presence of “germ cell-like” or “germinal” components in what is otherwise recognized as a somatic neoplasm; however, they may also occur in pure form. The morphologic and immunohistochemical features of these proliferations are reviewed, according to the types of germ cell tumors that they recapitulate.
Design calculations for the ANS cold neutron source Part II. Heating rates

Abstract Calculated results to aid in the design of a liquid deuterium cold source in the D2O reflector of a high-flux reactor are presented. The results presented include a comparison with experimental data, neutron leakage current as a function of wavelength, and heating rates in liquid deuterium and the other materials of the cold source.