cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supporting Multipoint Connections in Multi-Hop WDM Optical Networks

It is widely recognized that the multi-hop strategy is the preferred scheme in WDM networks employing slow tuning optical transmitters (and/or receivers) and having relatively static traffic matrices. The essential idea is to tune the transmitters and/or receivers in the network so that an optimal configuration, which minimizes the number of hops that most of the traffic needs to make, is obtained. Earlier work in this area has concentrated on “skewed” traffic matrices consisting of point-to-point connections. We show that the problem is different when multipoint traffic, which is becoming increasingly important, is introduced. We present a heuristic algorithm for the optimal placement of nodes to satisfy traffic matrices that have multipoint connections. Two logical topologies, the bidirectional linear chain and the bidirectional ring, are the target topologies considered. They are evaluated with respect to three traffic models based on fixed, uniform, and geometric distribution of the number of destinations. Monte-Carlo simulation results for this algorithm are obtained for a large number of connections and are compared with the performance of the random placement algorithm. For the latter case, both simulation and analytical results, based on the theory of order statistics, are shown. The results demonstrate that the algorithm leads to substantial savings for node placement in both topologies.
Adherence to guidelines for continuous morphine sulfate infusions.

A retrospective chart audit evaluating the degree of adherence of health-care personnel to guidelines for continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate was conducted. The audit was conducted one year after implementation of guidelines for administering morphine sulfate by continuous i.v. infusion. Audit criteria were developed from these guidelines and used to evaluate justification of use, adherence of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses to procedures, and patient outcome. Audits were completed for 11 of 13 patients who received morphine sulfate infusions during the one-year study period. All patients met the standard for justification of use. Adequate patient outcome, defined as chart-documented pain relief within 24 hours, was achieved in six patients. The median time to pain control was 20 hours (range 4-168 hours). Physicians' and pharmacists' adherence to the guidelines was acceptable in over 80% of patients, but documentation of hourly monitoring of blood pressure and respiratory rate and rhythm by nurses met the standard in only 55% of patients; this may have been related to lack of a designated place in the chart for recording this information. The morphine sulfate infusion guidelines appear to contribute to safe and effective therapy.
Reusable message passing components

Reusability of executables is an integral part in the design and implementation of message passing programs, as from the same executable component a number of interacting processes are spawned. In practice, reuse of executables within an application is usually achieved when processes execute within a specific regular topology and within a specific message passing environment (e.g. PVM, MPI). We propose the design and implementation of reusable message passing components, which are independent of the target message passing environment (MPE) and may be used in any topology, whether regular, partially regular or irregular. We define virtual process communication interfaces independent of any topology. Process topologies are established by associating compatible communications interfaces.
Stratification in knowledge production: Author prestige and the influence of an American academic debate

Abstract While there have been many studies of knowledge production in the natural sciences, there have been relatively few of the social sciences and almost none of the humanities. In this study I examine stratification in knowledge production in a largely American interdisciplinary humanities debate called bioethics, focusing on the issue of the ethics of human genetic engineering. Using a type of content analysis data from 1604 texts, and controlling for the “quality” of these texts, I find that prestigious authors have more influence on the content of the debate because the participants in the debate must build upon the texts of the prestigious authors to legitimate their own work. This legitimation mechanism creates a path of influence for the prestigious authors independent of the quality or amount of their work. I conclude with a discussion of the features of this particular debate, which may create this form of stratification.
Psychological evidence for an intermediate stage in a morphological derivation

In generative phonology, adjectives (e.g., decisive ) derived from verbs ending in /d/ ( decide ) go through an intermediate stage in which their last syllable is /ziv/, whereas verbs ending in /(mi)t/ (e.g., permit ) convert directly to their manifest form ( permissive ). When forced to choose between two artificial substitutes (e.g., garluzive vs. garlushive , or yermizive vs. yermishive ), S s chose more frequently /ziv/ endings for synthetic /d/-final verbs ( garlude ) than for /t/-final verbs ( yermit ). This and other findings are taken as support for the abstract rules of generative phonology.
Vitelline Membrane Chemical Composition in Natural and Induced Yolk Mottling

Abstract Two experiments were conducted with White Leghorn hens. In Experiment 1, the birds were fed 0, 30, 60 or 120 p.p.m. nicarbazin in the diet for four 28-day periods. All levels of nicarbazin increased yolk mottling, decreased egg size, and 120 p.p.m. reduced egg production. Yolks of the eggs from hens fed the nicarbazin-free diets had a 70.7% incidence of yolk mottling and 5.0% were considered objectionable. With nicarbazin in the diet, all eggs had mottled yolks and 60.0, 85.5 and 98.9% were objectionable for 30, 60 and 120 p.p.m. nicarbazin in the diet, respectively. In Experiment 2, hens were fed 0 or 60 p.p.m. nicarbazin in the diet for six 28-day periods. Eggs from both treatments were examined fresh (within 24 hours of oviposition) or after two weeks storage at 12 or 22°C. Egg yolks from the nicarbazin-free birds had a 51.0% incidence of yolk mottling when fresh which increased to 100% after storage. There were 1.1, 22.0 and 44.7% objectionable yolks in the fresh eggs; eggs stored at 12°C.; and eggs stored at 22°C., respectively. Nicarbazin in the diet significantly increased the mottling. Yolk moisture was increased by mottling, storage and nicarbazin in the diet. The moisture content of the vitelline membrane increased with degree of mottling and storage. Protein content of the vitelline membrane decreased as the degree of mottling increased and lipid content was higher from mottled yolk vitelline membranes in fresh eggs but was much lower after storage. The ash content of the vitelline membranes was essentially the same in all treatment groups. Vitelline membranes from naturally mottled and nicarbazin mottled yolks showed no gross chemical differences if the degree of mottling was the same.
Investigation of the reaction of phenols with hexamethylene tetramine using a gas evolution technique

Abstract A study has been made of gas evolution during the cure of o -, p -cresols, o - and p -tert-butylphenols, 4-methyl-2-tert-butylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol by hexamethylene tetramine. It is shown that at 403–448 K ∼0·5 mole of ammonia is evolved per ortho -position of phenols; under these conditions p -phenols react at a low rate with hexamethylene tetramine. It was found that from 4-methyl-2-tert-butylphenol, with a tritium labelled hydroxyl ∼ 92 wt.% of tritium is evolved in the ammonia. It is shown that N-hydroxybenzyl dihydrobenzoxazines are formed from phenols having one free ortho -position, while polydihydrobenzoxazines are formed from those with two free ortho -positions.
THE ACTION SPECTRUM (313–435 nm) FOR KILLING HOECHST 33258 TREATED CHINESE HAMSTER OVARY CELLS CONTAINING BROMODEOXYURIDINE SUBSTITUTED DNA

— The action spectrum (313–435 nm) for killing Chinese hamster ovary cells containing bromo-deoxyuridine substituted DNA and treated with Hoechst 33258 was very similar to the absorption spectrum of the dye bound to chromatin, indicating that sensitization was mediated through direct absorption of radiation by the dye. The ratio of sensitization cross sections for 365 nm (plus dye) to 313 nm (no dye) was approx. 30 while this ratio for strand breakage was about one. These results are in agreement with the hypothesis that strand breaks are not the major class of lethal photoproducts induced via Hoechst 33258 sensitization.
Structural organization of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus in the channel catfish: the IgH locus represents a composite of two gene clusters.

Abstract Two structurally-related genomic clusters of catfish immunoglobulin heavy chain gene segments are known. The first gene cluster contains DH and JH segments, as well as the C region exons encoding the functional Cμ. The second gene cluster contains multiple VH gene segments representing different VH families, a germline-joined VDJ, a single JH segment, and at least two pseudogene Cμ exons. It was not known whether these gene clusters were linked, nor was the organization or the location of VH segments associated within the first gene cluster known. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis studies have been used to determine the structural organization of these gene clusters. Restriction mapping studies show that the two gene clusters are closely linked; the second gene cluster is located upstream from the first with the Cμ regions within the clusters separated by about 725 kb. The clusters are in the same relative transcriptional orientation, and the results indicate that the complete IgH locus spans no more than 1000 kb and may be as small as 750–800 kb. VH gene segments are located both upstream and downstream of the pseudo-Cμ exons; however, no VH gene segments that hybridized with the VH specific probes were detected downstream of the functional Cμ. These studies coupled with earlier sequence analyses indicate that the catfish IgH locus arose from a massive internal duplication event. Subsequent gene rearrangement within the duplicated cluster likely resulted in the presence of the germline VDJ and the deletion of intervening V, D and J segments. Transposition by a member of the Tc1/mariner family of transposable elements appears to have led to the disruption of the duplicated Cμ.
Modeling stresses in the separator of a pouch lithium-ion cell

Abstract The stress in a separator is mainly caused by the lithium diffusion induced deformation in the electrodes and thermal expansion differential between the battery components. To compute the lithium concentration distribution and temperature change during battery operation, multi-physics models have been developed previously. In this work, a macro-scale model for a pouch cell was developed and coupled with the multi-physics models. In this model, the porous battery components were treated as homogenized media and represented with the effective properties estimated using the rule of mixtures. The stress analysis showed that the maximum stress in the separator always emerged at the area around the inner corner of the separator where it wrapped around the edge of an anode and when the lithium-ion battery was fully charged. Numerical simulations were also conducted to investigate the influences of some design adjustable parameters, including the effective friction, electrode particle radii and thickness of the separator, on the stresses in the separator. The results provided the reference conditions for the improvement of separator materials and the design of lithium-ion batteries.
Effect of drought on the growth and survival ofRhizobium melilotistrains from Pakistan and Nepal

Abstract Growth and survival of 10 strains of Rhizobium meliloti Dang. from Pakistan and Nepal were evaluated for their survival under drought in vials filled with sterile soil maintained at −0·03, −1·0 and −1·5 MPa. Rhizobia in the soil-filled vials were enumerated at 0, 4, 8, 14, 21 and 28 days after inoculation. The highest numbers of rhizobia per g of soil were observed at −0·03 MPa followed by soil maintained at −1·0 and −1·5 MPa. Strains UL 136 and UL 222 survived the best under drought and should be considered for commercial inoculant production in Pakistan.
Apple Pomace: A Potential Substrate for Production of β-Glucosidase by Aspergillus Foetidus

Abstract Of the three Aspergillus species examined, Aspergillus foetidus NRRL 337 was found to produce more β-glucosidase activity on apple pomace than Aspergillus niger NRRL 599 and Aspergillus fumigatus P1061. The enzyme was purified 12-fold by ultrafiltration and gel filtration with a yield of 490 g/kg. The partially purified enzyme exhibited its optimal activity at 65°C and was most active at pH 4.6. The K m value for p-nitrophenol β D-glucopyranoside (PNPG) was 0.87 mmol/L. The enzyme had a molecular weight of 275 kDa as estimated by gel filtration with Sephadex G-200.
Role of Leukocyte-Specific LDL Receptors on Plasma Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis in Mice

Bone marrow-derived macrophages and lymphocytes express LDL receptors (LDL-R), which allow these cells to take up cholesterol-rich lipoproteins. Although these cells are ubiquitously distributed in the body, it is not known whether they influence plasma cholesterol. Macrophages and T lymphocytes also are found in atherosclerotic lesions, but it is not known whether their LDL-R expression plays a role in atherosclerosis. To address these questions, we subjected LDL-R -/-mice to total body irradiation to eliminate their endogenous bone marrow-derived cells and repopulated them with either LDL-R-expressing wild-type bone marrow (treated mice) or LDL-R -/- bone marrow (control mice). Thus, the only difference between the two groups of mice was the ability of the bone marrow-derived cells to express the LDL-R in the treated mice. Plasma cholesterol levels were similar in the two groups of mice at 8 and 16 weeks after transplantation. Chromatographic separation of the lipoproteins revealed similar lipoprotein cholesterol distributions. Although the extent of lesion area in the aortic valves of the high-fat-diet-fed mice was more severe than that in the chow-fed mice, lesions appeared similar between control and treated mice given either chow or high-fat diet. Abundant LDL-R expression was detected in the lesions of treated mice, whereas the lesions of control mice showed no LDL-R expression, indicating that donor-derived leukocytes had migrated into the lesions of the recipient mice. Thus, bone marrow transplantation can be used as a tool to replace the endogenous bone marrow-derived cells in the artery wall with those of the donor origin.
Primary uterine inertia in four labrador bitches

Uterine inertia is a common cause of dystocia in the bitch and is designated as primary (i.e., uterine contractions fail to ever be initiated) or secondary (i.e., uterine contractions cease after a period of time but before labor is completed). The etiology of primary uterine inertia is not well understood. The accurate diagnosis of primary uterine inertia requires the use of tocodynamometry (uterine monitoring). Primary uterine inertia has been postulated to result from a failure of luteolysis resulting in persistently elevated progesterone concentrations. In this study, primary uterine inertia was diagnosed in a series of four bitches in which luteolysis was documented suggesting some other etiopathogenesis for primary uterine inertia.
Facile synthesis of naphthoquinone spiroketals by diastereoselective oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition.

A highly selective oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of chiral enol ethers and hydroxynaphthoquinone is described. This convergent strategy is amenable to an enantioselective synthesis of β-rubromycin and related naphthoquinone spiroketals. Several compounds were found to inhibit DNA-polymerase and telomerase in a manner resembling α-rubromycin and β-rubromycin.
Applications and Control of Air Conditioning Systems Using Rapid Cycling to Modulate Capacity

Rapid cycling the compressor of an air conditioning or refrigeration system can be used to modulate capacity, thus offering an alternative to a variable speed compressor. This paper explores design tradeoffs to optimize rapid cycling performance based on experimental results using two different evaporators and changing other components of an air conditioning system. Rapid cycling has inherent compressor lift penalties associated with larger mass flow rates, which need to be minimized. Preventing dryout (superheating) in the evaporator during the off cycle, a major penalty as cycles are lengthened, is also important. Evaporator dryout is minimized by increasing the refrigerant side area and reducing off cycle drainage. Combining a flash gas bypass with a suction line heat exchanger was found to maximize performance during the off cycle while allowing increased cycle lengths without incurring major penalties.
Crystal and molecular structure of dibenzoyl disulfide

Crystals of dibenzoyl disulfide, C14H10O2S2, are monoclinic, space group P21/c, with the cell dimensions (294 K), a = 12.356 (1), b = 12.071 (1), c = 9.071 (2) A, β = 107.15(1)°, V =1292 (3) A3 with D m = 1.42, D x = 1.411 g ⋅ cm−3, and Z = 4. Complete three-dimensional data was collected on a CAD-4 diffractometer using the ω/2θ method, the crystal structure was solved using MULTAN and refined by full-matrix least-squares methods to a final R value of 0.036 for 2738 observed reflections. The S–S bond distance is 2.021(1) A and has a partial double-bond character. The dihedral angle around the disulfide bond is 80.8°. The two S–C distances are 1.805(2) and 1.823(2) A. The central part of the molecule (C–S–S–C) adopts a skewed nonplanar configuration and the planes of the two benzene rings are inclined at an angle of 93.7°. The S–S bond direction from the X-ray could be compared with the directions of g min for (S–S) anion and g max for (S–S) cation deduced from electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The former makes an angle of 4.6° and the latter makes an angle of 18.1° with the S–S bond direction.
Toward an Integrated Approach to the Institutionalized Aged: An Encounter with the Medical Model:

The author describes the delivery of medical, psychiatric and social work services to residents of a facility for the aged. Although the Home had already benefited from the introduction of sound medical standards and the influence of an acute medical hospital, a satisfactory staff organization needed to be developed to answer the unique and individual needs of the aged residents. Specifically, the task was aimed at organizing services to implement a small unit concept of individual care for which the new facility was architecturally designed, to bring together those involved in patient care to coordinate services, to help the staff sustain a therapeutic attitude and to carry out specific therapeutic tasks.
Modification of the biochemical pathways of plants induced by ozone: What are the varied routes to change?

When plants are observed under a low dose of ozone, some physiological and metabolic shifts occur. Barring extreme injury such as tissue damage or stomata closure, most of these disruptive changes are likely to have been initiated at the level of gene expression. The belief is oxidative products formed in ozone exposed leaves, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, are responsible for much of the biochemical adjustments. The first line of defense is a range of antioxidants, such as ascorbate and glutathione, but if this defense is overwhelmed, subsequent actions occur, similar to systemic acquired resistance or general wounding. Yet there are seemingly unrelated metabolic responses which are also triggered, such as early senescence. We discuss here the current understanding of gene control and signal transduction/control in order to increase our comprehension of how ozone alters the basic metabolism of plants and how plants counteract or cope with ozone.
Temperature influences neuronal activity and CO2/pH sensitivity of locus coeruleus neurons in the bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus.

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a chemoreceptive brain stem region in anuran amphibians and contains neurons sensitive to physiological changes in CO2/pH. The ventilatory and central sensitivity to CO2...
The effect of posture on triaxial strength in different directions: Its biomechanical consideration with respect to incidence of low-back problem in construction industry

Abstract There has been no previous study investigating the triaxial strength potentials of the trunk muscles in a pre-rotated spine. A great many lifting tasks in construction industry occur while the trunk has already been flexed in the sagittal plane. The purpose of this study was (a) to measure the triaxial maximum isometric strength of normal male subjects in all six possible directions while standing in three different postures: 0, 20, and 36 degrees of trunk flexion; (b) to assess the effect of posture on the maximum isometric torque in all six directions. The highest maximum isometric extension and flexion torques were recorded at 36 degrees of trunk flexion - they increased by 68% and 36% with respect to upright posture. The flexion angle significantly affected the measured torques in the intended plane of exertion during attempted flexion and extension, while the torques in the accessory planes were affected in the attempted right and left lateral bending and axial rotation (p
A platonist epistemology

A response is given here to Benacerraf's 1973 argument that mathematical platonism is incompatible with a naturalistic epistemology. Unlike almost all previous platonist responses to Benacerraf, the response given here is positive rather than negative; that is, rather than trying to find a problem with Benacerraf's argument, I accept his challenge and meet it head on by constructing an epistemology of abstract (i.e., aspatial and atemporal) mathematical objects. Thus, I show that spatio-temporal creatures like ourselves can attain knowledge about mathematical objects by simply explaininghow they can do this. My argument is based upon the adoption of a particular version of platonism — full-blooded platonism — which asserts that any mathematical object which possiblycould exist actuallydoes exist.
Dynamic Jahn-Teller coupling and high Tc superconductivity

Abstract Based on the cooperative dynamic Jahn-Teller effect, a universal model of superconductivity is sketched which accounts for many aspects of conventional BCS and high T c superconductors. Within the quasi-molecular approximation, a real space vibronic coupling of degenerate (or nearly degenerate) electronic states to anharmonically mixed nuclear distortions is shown to lead to electron pairing. The crossover from electron-phonon behavior to electronic behavior as a function of Jahn-Teller coupling and anharmonic mixing is illustrated for the case of a CuO 4 cluster having D 4 h symmetry.
Complex geometrical phases for dissipative systems

Abstract We show that the geometrical phases associated with cyclic unitary time evolutions in quantum mechanics are replaced by complex geometrical multipliers in the case of dissipative evolution equations phenomenologically described by nonhermitian hamiltonians.
Experimental Study on Fluidization Characteristics of Nanoparticles

Recent studies show that nano-sized particles can be fluidized in the form of nanoparticle agglomerates. However, fluidization behavior such as the minimum fluidization velocity and fluidization regime differ significantly for different nanoparticles. Hence this paper is aimed to experimentally investigate the general fluidization characteristics of different nanoparticles. It is interesting to note that a fluidized bed of nanoparticle agglomerates is optically semi-transparent due to the extremely high porosity (typically over 99%) of the bed with respect to the primary materials of nanoparticles. Taking advantage of this unique feature, traditional optical measurement techniques are applied to visualize the flow structure as well as to measure the size of the fluidizing nanoparticle agglomerates. Based on measurements of four different nanoparticle materials, two types of fluidization behavior have been identified, which closely resemble those of classical Geldart Group A and Group B particles, respectively. It shows, however, that the bed of “Group A” nanoparticles expands as long as there is a flow through the bed, which is different from the classical fluidization of Geldart Group A particles where there is no bed expansion until reaching the minimum fluidization velocity. It is also noted that, based on the apparent density and size, the fluidization behavior of nanoparticle agglomerates do not precisely follow the Geldart classification. To differentiate these particles with very similar fluidization characteristics, terms the APF and ABF are introduced for the fluidization classification of nanoparticle agglomerates. Typical fluidization characteristics including bed expansion, bed pressure drop and hysteresis effects of both APF and ABF nanoparticles. The sizes of nanoparticle agglomerates also have been measured using an in-situ optical measurement system.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Measles in Previously Immunized Children

An outbreak of measles (rubeola) occurred in a city in Northeast Ohio during January–June, 1969, involving 14 children previously immunized with live attenuated measles vaccine and 46 unimmunized children. In one school where the attack rate was 52.4% for unimmunized children, the attack rate for children immunized by one particular physician was 14.3% compared to 2.4% for children immunized by the local health department and other physicians Vaccine in this physician's office was exposed to temperatures that may have contributed to virus inactivation. This study is an example of vaccine efficacy under conditions of current community use that is less than anticipated by field trial experience. Lack of initial scroconversion is the most likely cause of these vaccine failures and deterioration of vaccine infectivity during storage is proposed as the probable explanation.
Transposition of Mu DNA: Joining of Mu to target DNA can be uncoupled from cleavage at the ends of Mu

Abstract Transposition of Mu involves transfer of the 3′ ends of Mu DNA to the 5′ ends of a staggered cut in the target DNA. We find that cleavage at the 3′ ends of Mu DNA precedes cutting of the target DNA. The resulting nicked species exists as a noncovalent nucleoprotein complex in which the two Mu ends are held together. This cleaved donor complex completes strand transfer when a target DNA, Mu B protein, and ATP are provided. Mu end DNA sequences that have been precisely cut at their 3′ ends by a restriction endonuclease, instead of by Mu A protein and HU, are efficiently transferred to a target DNA upon subsequent incubation with Mu A protein, Mu B protein, and ATP. Cleavage of the Mu ends therefore cannot be energetically coupled with joining these ends to a target DNA. We discuss the DNA strand transfer mechanism in view of these results, and propose a model involving direct transfer of the 5′ ends of the cut target DNA, from their original partners, to the 3′ ends of Mu.
Feeding and indoor resting behaviour of the mosquito Anopheles longipalpis in an area of hyperendemic malaria transmission in southern Zambia

Anopheles longipalpis (Theobald) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a predominantly zoophilic mosquito that has not been implicated in malaria transmission. However, this species was collected indoors with An. funestus s.l. in southern Zambia, where transmission of Plasmodium falciparum is hyperendemic, and we initially misidentified it morphologically and molecularly as An. funestus s.l. The indoor resting density and blood-feeding behaviour of An. longipalpis were investigated during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 transmission seasons in Mufwafwi village in southern Zambia. Numbers of endophilic An. longipalpis increased towards the end of the rainy season. Although specimens were collected during human landing catches, the feeding behaviour of An. longipalpis was significantly biased towards cattle (88.7%), with other bloodmeals originating from dogs, goats and chickens. None of the 177 specimens of An. longipalpis were infected with P. falciparum. These data are consistent with existing reports that An. longipalpis is not involved in malaria transmission. However, more extensive sampling is necessary. Importantly, the correct identification of An. longipalpis is crucial for malaria control programmes in areas where An. funestus s.l and An. longipalpis exist sympatrically so that scarce resources are not wasted on the control of a non-vector.
Understandings of Prenatal Nutrition Among Argentine Women

Maternal nutrition is an important determinant of birth outcome and infant health. In this study, we sought to identify the current knowledge of prenatal nutrition among women in Tucuman, Argentina, to examine the extent to which knowledge was implemented and to identify opportunities for improvement in prenatal care and education. We conducted in-depth interviews with 10 women about their eating habits during pregnancy, prenatal nutrition education and knowledge, and attitudes about nutrition and pregnancy. Four major themes were identified: incomplete knowledge or practice, lack of comprehension, cultural beliefs, and noncompliance with medical advice. Suggested interventions are discussed.
Repercussion of mesophyll-specific overexpression of a soybean cytosolic glutamine synthetase gene in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L.)

Glutamine synthetase (GS) plays a central role in plant nitrogen metabolism. Plant GS occurs as a number of isoenzymes present in either the cytosol (GS1) or chloroplast/plastid (GS2). There are several reports of improved performance in transgenic plants overexpressing GS1 transgenes driven by the constitutive CaMV35S promoter. Improvement has been attributed to the GS1 transgene product functioning to enhance re-assimilation of NH4+ released by photorespiration or protein degradation. In this paper, alfalfa and tobacco transformants expressing a soybean gene driven by a photosynthetic cell-specific promoter have been compared to transformants with the same transgene driven by the stronger CaMV35S promoter. The two classes of alfalfa and tobacco transformants showed differences in the level of GS1 transcript and GS1 protein accumulation, but the difference in the total GS activity was small. The discrepancy in the transgene expression level and GS activity has been attributed to posttranslational regulation at the level of holoprotein stability. Both classes of transformants exhibited similar level of improvement in soluble protein and in the rates of photosynthesis and photorespiration. The data supports the hypothesis that GS1 made in the mesophyll cells is involved in the re-assimilation of NH4+ released via photorespiration and/or protein degradation.
Variance derivations and related aspects of growth component estimators with successive variable-radius-plot samples

Abstract By recognizing the mutually exclusive subsets of trees constituting a forest population over some interval of time, the relationship of an estimator of growth to its targeted value is made clear. Estimators are investigated in this light, and expressions of their variances are derived. The connection of traditional estimators to Horvitz-Thompson estimators is shown, and a newly proposed ratio estimator to ensure compatible growth estimators is discussed. Recent developments of potential interest include the use of control variates to achieve more precise estimation of survivor growth. The utility of generalized regression estimators for growth component estimation is suggested.
Linear Technique to Understand Non-Normal Turbulence Applied to a Magnetized Plasma

In nonlinear dynamical systems with highly nonorthogonal linear eigenvectors, linear nonmodal analysis is more useful than normal mode analysis in predicting turbulent properties. However, the nontrivial time evolution of nonmodal structures makes quantitative understanding and prediction difficult. We present a technique to overcome this difficulty by modeling the effect that the advective nonlinearities have on spatial turbulent structures. The nonlinearities are taken as a periodic randomizing force with time scale consistent with critical balance arguments. We apply this technique to a model of drift wave turbulence in the Large Plasma Device [W. Gekelman et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 62, 2875 (1991)], where nonmodal effects dominate the turbulence. We compare the resulting growth rate spectra to the spectra obtained from a nonlinear simulation, showing good qualitative agreement, especially in comparison to the eigenmode growth rate spectra.
HgCdTe for far-infrared heterodyne detection

~20 to 50 µ m) HgTe/HgCdTe superlattices were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The layers were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Photoconductive interdigitated electrode detectors for heterodyne applications in the Far-infrared wavelengths (FIR) regions were designed and fabricated. Spectral response measurements exhibit the ability of these detectors to function in the long wavelength (LWIR) to VLWIR regions. Detectivity observed at 77K is very encouraging and could be enhanced further at lower operating temperatures. Keywords: Far-infrared, HgCdTe, heterodyne detection, molecular beam epitaxy(MBE), II-VI superlattice 1. INTRODUCTION
Polyurethane Sheath Disintegration Causing Impaction of Pacer Lead and Shock during Attempted Removal

Steady traction to remove a lead whose polyurethane sheath had disintegrated caused displacement of the heart and caused hypotension; the bared lead uncoiled and impacted in the wall of the subclavian vein. The tension on the intrathoracic lead was relieved via immediate anterior thoracotomy and compartmentalization of the superior vena cava.
Arabic Cross-Document Person Name Normalization

This paper presents a machine learning approach based on an SVM classifier coupled with preprocessing rules for cross-document named entity normalization. The classifier uses lexical, orthographic, phonetic, and morphological features. The process involves disambiguating different entities with shared name mentions and normalizing identical entities with different name mentions. In evaluating the quality of the clusters, the reported approach achieves a cluster F-measure of 0.93. The approach is significantly better than the two baseline approaches in which none of the entities are normalized or entities with exact name mentions are normalized. The two baseline approaches achieve cluster F-measures of 0.62 and 0.74 respectively. The classifier properly normalizes the vast majority of entities that are misnormalized by the baseline system.
Perspective: Imaging autism

Several studies in the past two years have claimed that brain scans can diagnose autism, but this assertion is deeply flawed, says Nicholas Lange.
An Independent and Coordinated Criterion for Kinematic Aircraft Maneuvers

This paper proposes a mathematical definition of an aircraft-separation criterion for kinematic-based horizontal maneuvers. It has been formally proved that kinematic maneu- vers that satisfy the new criterion are independent and coordinated for repulsiveness, i.e., the distance at closest point of approach increases whether one or both aircraft maneuver according to the criterion. The proposed criterion is currently used in NASA's Airborne Coordinated Resolution and Detection (ACCoRD) set of tools for the design and analysis of separation assurance systems.
Acceptability of Online Degrees in Employer Hiring Practices

Due to its flexibility and convenience, online education has become a feasible alternative for degree seeking students who are unable to attend a traditional higher education institution. Although online courses and programs have their benefits, there remains an ongoing debate on issues related to credibility, quality, and acceptability among certain stakeholders including faculty, administrators, and employers. The current study focuses on one group of stakeholders-namely, hiring gatekeepers and employers; that is, those who are directly involved in the hiring process. Specifically, the objective is to explore hiring gatekeeper and employer acceptability of online degrees as a sufficient credential for employment. The data for this study was collected through a survey apparatus. Survey results reveal that there is still a strong preference among employers for traditional degree holding candidates. However, data also indicated some perceived difference in attitudes and perceptions based on an employer's position and industry.
Periodic heating amplifies the efficiency of thermoelectric energy conversion

We show that the use of a periodic heat source, instead of a constant heat source, can improve the conversion efficiency of a thermoelectric power generator (TPG). A periodic heat source drives a periodic temperature difference across the thermoelectric with an amplitude ΔT. While the time average of ΔT is identical to the temperature difference under a constant heat source with equivalent energy input, the time average of (ΔT)2 is larger, resulting in improved conversion efficiency. Here we present experimental measurements on a commercial thermoelectric device (bismuth telluride based) to validate analytical and numerical models. These models show that maximum efficiency is achieved when the period of the heat source is much larger than the thermal time constant of the TPG. Under this quasi-steady condition, the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT is still the relevant parameter for material optimization. A conventional thermoelectric material with ZT = 1, operated with sinusoidal and square-wave heat sources (ΔT = 100 K, TCold = 300 K), can achieve 140% and 180% of the constant heat source efficiency; or otherwise stated, can perform like advanced materials with ZT of 1.6 and 2.8. Even greater improvement, inaccessible through materials-based ZT enhancements, can be achieved with low duty cycle heat sources.
Extraction of Trap Characteristics from Excess Noise in GaN Devices

Characteristics of traps are extracted from excess noise spectra of the doped-and undoped-channel GaN/AlGaN heterostructure field-effect transistors. The two types of excess noise that have been analyzed include flicker, e.g. 1/f γ noise, and generation-recombination noise. The average trap density determined for the undoped and doped devices is 1.1 × 10 16 cm −3 and 7.1 × 10 17 cm −3, respectively. Two distinct trap time constants τ determined for doped devices were 16 μsec and 0.1 msec. The trap characteristics obtained from the analysis of the excess noise spectra are in agreement with data provided by other techniques.
A case of rhodococcus equi brain abscess

We treated a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome for a brain abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi, an actinomycete that usually infects the lung in immunosuppressed hosts. Rhodococcus equi brain abscess is an extremely rare lesion that has never been reported in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The infection was cured by lengthy therapy with multiple antibiotics after aspiration of the lesion to identify the infective organism and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics.
Isolation of large peptides by flat-bed polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract A new technique for the isolation of large (water-insoluble or slightly soluble) peptides is described. Peptides are separated by flat-bed electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel in the presence of 6 M to 8 M urea, and stained with Amido black. The bands are cut out and extracted by soaking in 70% formic acid. Since the dye-peptide bond is a salt-linkage, the separation of peptide from the dye is easily achieved by passing through an anion-exchange resin. The technique permits electrophoresis at any desired pH and on a relatively large scale. An analytical adaptation useful for testing purity of isolated peptides involves sequential electrophoresis in two dimensions at two different pH values.
Irrigated Soybean Leaf Photosynthesis in the Humid Subtropical Midsouth

Photosynthesis (CER (&#x3bc;mol CO2&#x2009;s&#x2212;1)), stomatal conductance (), and intercellular [CO2] () of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) grown using the early soybean production system (ESPS) of the midsouth were determined. Three irrigated cultivars were grown using ESPS on Bosket (Mollic Hapludalfs) and Dundee (Typic Endoaqualf) soils in 2011 and 2012 at Stoneville, MS. Single leaf CER, , and were determined at growth stages R3, R4, and R5 using decreasing photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD, &#x3bc;mol&#x2009;m&#x2212;2&#x2009;s&#x2212;1) beginning at 2000 PPFD and decreasing by 250 PPFD increments to 250 PPFD. Photosynthesis changes fit a quadratic polynomial for all fixed variables and range from &#x7e;6.0 and 9.0 CER at 250 PPFD and &#x7e;22.0 to 28.0 CER at 2000 PPFD. No cultivar differences in CER, , or were noted at any growth stage or site either year. In 2012, CER, , and were lower when measured at R5 than the two previous growth stages, which was not observed in 2011. The R5 sampling in 2012 had accumulated 39 to 70 more growing degree units at 10&#xb0;C base temperature (GDU 10&#x2019;s) than in 2011 and were likely more mature. Increased soybean yields from ESPS appear not to result from higher leaf CER.
A Biological Function for the Neuronal Activity-Dependent Component of Bdnf Transcription in the Development of Cortical Inhibition

Neuronal activity-regulated gene expression has been suggested to be an important mediator of long-lasting, experience-dependent changes in the nervous system, but the activity-dependent component of gene transcription has never been selectively isolated and tested for its functional significance. Here, we demonstrate that introduction of a subtle knockin mutation into the mouse Bdnf gene that blocks the ability of the activity-regulated factor CREB to bind Bdnf promoter IV results in an animal in which the sensory experience-dependent induction of Bdnf expression is disrupted in the cortex. Neurons from these animals form fewer inhibitory synapses, have fewer spontaneous inhibitory quantal events, and exhibit reduced expression of inhibitory presynaptic markers in the cortex. These results indicate a specific requirement for activity-dependent Bdnf expression in the development of inhibition in the cortex and demonstrate that the activation of gene expression in response to experience-driven neuronal activity has important biological consequences in the nervous system.
The rate of port-site metastases after 2251 laparoscopic procedures in women with underlying malignant disease.

Abstract Background The aim was to describe the rate of laparoscopic trocar-related subcutaneous tumor implants in women with underlying malignant disease. Methods An analysis of a prospective database of all patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic procedures for malignant conditions performed by the gynecologic oncology service. Results Between July 1991 and April 2007, laparoscopic procedures were performed in 1694 patients with a malignant intraabdominal condition and in 505 breast cancer patients undergoing risk-reducing, diagnostic or therapeutic laparoscopic procedures without intraabdominal disease. Port-site metastases were documented in 20 of 1694 patients (1.18%) who underwent laparoscopic procedures for a malignant intraabdominal condition. Of these, 15 patients had a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian or fallopian tube carcinoma, 2 had breast cancer, 2 had cervical cancer, and 1 had uterine cancer. Nineteen of 20 patients (95%) had simultaneous carcinomatosis or metastases to other sites at the time of port-site metastasis. Patients who developed port-site metastases within 7 months from the laparoscopic procedure had a median survival of 12 months whereas patients who developed port-site metastasis >7 months had a median survival of 37 months ( P =0.004). No port-site recurrence was documented in patients undergoing risk-reducing, diagnostic or therapeutic laparoscopic procedures for breast cancer without intraabdominal disease. Conclusion The rate of port-site tumor implantation after laparoscopic procedures in women with malignant disease is low and almost always occurs in the setting of synchronous, advanced intraabdominal or distant metastatic disease. The presence of port-site implantation is a surrogate for advanced disease and should not be used as an argument against laparoscopic surgery in gynecologic malignancies.
Turbulent jet flow characteristics of a dual-port, air-atomization spray nozzle

The turbulent jet produced by the air-carrier from a dual-port, air-atomizing nozzle was experimentally characterized. Air velocity and turbulence characteristics were determined using single- and dual-probe hot-film sensors. Velocity decay along the primary axis and profiles normal to the primary axis agreed closely with common turbulent jet models. Turbulence intensity and shear stress measurements agreed closely with previously published data. The results indicated that circular (axially symmetric) and axially similar turbulent jet models of a single source closely described flow in the fully developed region from a dual-port nozzle. Entrainment rate of ambient air into the jet was more rapid than for a circular jet. Equations of mass and momentum flow rate were developed and agreed closely with experimental data.
Spontaneous oscillations of capillary blood flow in artificial microvascular networks.

Abstract Previous computational studies have suggested that the capillary blood flow oscillations frequently observed in vivo can originate spontaneously from the non-linear rheological properties of blood, without any regulatory input. Testing this hypothesis definitively in experiments involving real microvasculature has been difficult because in vivo the blood flow in capillaries is always actively controlled by the host. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis experimentally and to investigate the relative contribution of different blood cells to the capillary blood flow dynamics under static boundary conditions and in complete isolation from the active regulatory mechanisms mediated by the blood vessels in vivo. To accomplish this objective, we passed whole blood and re-constituted blood samples (purified red blood cells suspended in buffer or in autologous plasma) through an artificial microvascular network (AMVN) comprising completely inert, microfabricated vessels with the architecture inspired by the real microvasculature. We found that the flow of blood in capillaries of the AMVN indeed oscillates with characteristic frequencies in the range of 0–0.6 Hz, which is in a very good agreement with previous computational studies and in vivo observations. We also found that the traffic of leukocytes through the network (typically neglected in computational modeling) plays an important role in generating the oscillations. This study represents the key piece of experimental evidence in support of the hypothesis that spontaneous, self-sustained oscillations of capillary blood flow can be generated solely by the non-linear rheological properties of blood flowing through microvascular networks, and provides an insight into the mechanism of this fundamentally important microcirculatory phenomenon.