cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling molluscan marine reservoir ages in a variable-upwelling environment

Abstract Changes in marine upwelling can affect the radiocarbon content of seawater and thus affect the marine radiocarbon reservoir age, R. These radiocarbon variations are preserved in mollusk shell carbonate. Shell-based estimates of R in a variable-upwelling environment can be biased by (1) changes in molluscan growth rates due to fluctuating environmental conditions and (2) time averaging during sampling due to homogenization of days or weeks of precipitated carbonate. We modeled the growth, radiocarbon content, and radiocarbon sampling of two Peruvian mollusks, Argopecten purpuratus (bay scallop) and Mesodesma donacium (surf clam), to quantify these potential biases. Argopecten purpuratus grows year round, but M. donacium prefers cold conditions and its growth rate decreases in summer. Radiocarbon assays by accelerator mass spectrometry on multiple ∼1 mg samples of a model A. purpuratus shell can capture the full range of annual R variation; similar sampling of a model M. donacium shell only capture...
Ultra low capacitance high frequency IC probe

The high speed low capacitance probe presented here is a flexible / tailorable tool for internal node testing on Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC). The probe utilizes the mutual capacitive coupling between two wires. In this case, a tungsten whisker and the inner conductor of a coaxial cable forms a capacitor, enabling extremely low probing (loading) capacitance. The mutual capacitance which can be modeled to the first order as a lumped element capacitor provides differentiating action. Viewing the derivative of the output signal, rise time and can be observed directly. Through the use of probe calibration and Fourier transforms the probed signal can be re-created. Probe calibration develops a transfer function enabling re-creation of time domain signals.
A correction to the Holzworth model of meteorological potential for urban air pollution

Abstract An error in the evaluation of the definite integral involved in the Holzworth model of meteorological potential for urban air pollution is identified and corrected. Some simple approximation formulae are also noted.
Antitumorigenesis of antioxidants in a transgenic Rac1 model of Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the major AIDS-associated malignancy. It is characterized by the proliferation of spindle cells, inflammatory infiltrate, and aberrant angiogenesis caused by Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. Small GTPase Rac1, an inflammatory signaling mediator triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by NADPH-oxidases, is implicated in carcinogenesis and tumor angiogenesis. Here, we show that expression of a constitutively active Rac1 (RacCA) driven by the α-smooth muscle actin promoter in transgenic mice is sufficient to cause KS-like tumors through mechanisms involving ROS-driven proliferation, up-regulation of AKT signaling, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α–related angiogenesis. RacCA-induced tumors expressed KS phenotypic markers; displayed remarkable transcriptome overlap with KS lesions; and were, like KS, associated with male gender. The ROS scavenging agent N-acetyl-cysteine inhibited angiogenesis and completely abrogated transgenic RacCA tumor formation, indicating a causal role of ROS in tumorigenesis. Consistent with a pathogenic role in KS, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Rac1 is overexpressed in KSHV+ spindle cells of AIDS-KS biopsies. Our results demonstrate the direct oncogenicity of Rac1 and ROS and their contribution to a KS-like malignant phenotype, further underscoring the carcinogenic potential of oxidative stress in the context of chronic infection and inflammation. They define the RacCA transgenic mouse as a model suitable for studying the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and therapy of KS, with relevance to other inflammation-related malignancies. Our findings suggest host and viral genes triggering Rac1 or ROS production as key determinants of KS onset and potential KS chemopreventive or therapeutic targets.
Cooperative breeding in purple gallinules: the role of helpers in feeding chicks

The participation of breeders and helpers in the feeding of 21 broods of chicks was studied in a population of cooperatively breeding purple gallinules (Porphyrula martinica). In the breeding group, all birds over the age of 2 months fed chicks. Female breeders fed chicks at the highest rate, followed by male breeders and adult helpers, old juvenile helpers, and young juvenile helpers. The amount of food breeders fed chicks was independent of the number of helpers in the breeding group. However, breeders made fewer feeding visits when they had helpers. Male and female breeders spent similar amounts of time feeding chicks. Helpers spent significantly less time feeding chicks than did breeders. As helpers grew older they fed chicks at a faster rate, made more feeding visits and spent more time feeding chicks. Analysis of variance was used to determine which variables explained the variation in the brood feeding rate (amount of food delivered to an entire brood during one observation). Age of chicks had a significant nonlinear effect, and size of brood and number of helpers had significant linear effects on the brood feeding rate. Chicks in groups with helpers received more food and were accompanied for longer periods of time than chicks in groups without helpers; either or both of these factors may have led to increased chick survival.
Spectra and pseudospectra of block Toeplitz matrices

Abstract This paper extends previous work by Reichel and Trefethen on the spectra and pseudospectra of Toeplitz matrices to the case of triangular block Toeplitz matrices. In particular, we give results for the pseudospectra of triangular block Toeplitz matrices and operators and show that the pseudospectrum of a triangular block Toeplitz matrix converges to the pseudospectrum of a corresponding triangular block Toeplitz operator. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the variety of pseudospectra that can be exhibited by both triangular and nontriangular block Toeplitz matrices.
Impaired clearance of accumulated lysosomal glycogen in advanced Pompe disease despite high-level vector-mediated transgene expression.

Background Infantile-onset glycogen storage disease type II (GSD-II; Pompe disease; MIM 232300) causes death early in childhood from cardiorespiratory failure in the absence of effective treatment, whereas late-onset Pompe disease causes a progressive skeletal myopathy. The limitations of enzyme replacement therapy could potentially be addressed with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapy. Methods AAV vectors containing tissue-specific regulatory cassettes, either liver-specific or muscle-specific, were administered to 12- and 17-month-old Pompe disease mice to evaluate the efficacy of gene therapy in advanced Pompe disease. Biochemical correction was evaluated through acid α-glucosidase (GAA) activity and glycogen content analyses of the heart and skeletal muscle. Western blotting, urinary biomarker, and Rotarod performance were evaluated after vector administration. Results The AAV vector containing the liver-specific regulatory cassette secreted high-level human GAA into the blood and corrected glycogen storage in the heart and diaphragm. The biochemical correction of the heart and diaphragm was associated with efficacy, as reflected by increased Rotarod performance; however, the clearance of glycogen from skeletal muscles was relatively impaired compared to in younger Pompe disease mice. An alternative vector containing a muscle-specific regulatory cassette transduced skeletal muscle with high efficiency, but also failed to achieve complete clearance of accumulated glycogen. Decreased transduction of the heart and liver in older mice, especially in females, was implicated as a cause for reduced efficacy in advanced Pompe disease. Conclusions The impaired efficacy of AAV vector-mediated gene therapy in old Pompe disease mice emphasizes the need for early treatment to achieve full efficacy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraction of high molecular weight complexes of protein from 50-S ribosomes.

Abstract A linear soluble sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) forms, on reaction with purified 50-S ribosomes, an extraordinarily tight complex with the ribosomal protein that has a mass ratio of SPS to protein of close to 2. The free 23-S RNA has been separated from the complex by differential precipitation1. The molecular weight of this complex is about 300 000. Therefore, it contains a ‘packet’ of ribosomal protein of about 100 000 molecular weight units. This is approximately one-sixth of the total complement of protein of a 50-S ribosomal subunit.
Diagnosing new autoimmune blistering skin diseases of dogs and cats

Autoimmune blistering skin diseases have been recognized for decades in humans and dogs. In the dog, most of these diseases unfortunately were grouped under the generic denomination of bullous pemphigoid without any confirmation that the autoantibodies targeted bullous pemphigoid antigens. In recent years, advanced diagnostic methods have permitted the recognition of new autoimmune blistering skin diseases in humans and companion-animal species. At this time, the diagnosis of these entities is made by combining clinical signs and results of histopathology. Immunologic methods serve to establish the presence of skin-fixed and circulating autoantibodies that target various epidermal or basement membrane antigens. In this article, salient features of the most common canine and feline subepidermal blistering dermatoses (mucous membrane pemphigoid, bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita) and new variants of cutaneous lupus (type I bullous systemic lupus erythematosus and vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus) are presented.
Discontinuing Hormone Replacement Therapy: Attenuating the Effect on CVD Risk with Lifestyle Changes

Background Concern about the potential risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has left post-menopausal women and healthcare providers searching for safe and effective means for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor reduction. Methods The Woman On the Move through Activity and Nutrition study is a 5-year clinical trial (2002–2006) designed to test whether a lifestyle intervention will reduce measures of subclinical CVD. Participants were randomized at baseline to a health education or lifestyle change group. The impact of lifestyle intervention on CVD risk factors was examined in 240 women who were initially on HRT at baseline and either continued (n = 110) or discontinued (n = 130) by 18 months. Results The lifestyle-change group significantly decreased weight, body mass index, waist circumference (all p p =0.02), and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) ( p = 0.01), improved fat intake ( p p =0.005) when compared with the health education group. HRT discontinuation resulted in increased total cholesterol ( p =0.04) and LDL-C ( p =0.009). CVD risk factor changes were further explored by the HRT group, stratified by randomized group assignment. Within the health education arm, HRT discontinuers averaged over a 22-mg/dL increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C, while HRT continuers averaged less than 4 mg/dL ( p =0.004 and 0.002, respectively). No such differences were noted in the lifestyle-change group ( p =0.78 and 0.90, respectively). Conclusions Lifestyle modification was effective for CVD risk factor reduction in post-menopausal women. HRT discontinuation resulted in increased total cholesterol and LDL-C, which were successfully attenuated by a lifestyle intervention incorporating weight loss, physical activity, and dietary modification.
A serum ferritin assay for prevalence studies of iron deficiency

A specialized serum ferritin assay has been developed for the detection of iron deficiency in epidemiologic studies. An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was employed to eliminate the need for radioisotopes. The problem of low sensitivity inherent with the EIA for serum ferritin was eliminated by the use of monoclonal immunologic reagents. The working range of the assay is 1-100 micrograms/L with a sensitivity of 0.5 micrograms/L. Excellent agreement in serum ferritin levels was observed between the present method and the two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), while the variability at low ferritin concentrations was significantly less with the EIA. Because only 10 microliter of serum is required for each assay, duplicate measurements can be performed on a single capillary tube of blood. When an automatic microtiter plate reader for optical density measurements is used, 80-100 duplicate determinations can be completed by one technologist in a single working day.
Full length article: Practical architecture of a broadband sensing receiver for use in cognitive radio

This paper proposes a dedicated sensing receiver architecture that addresses some challenges of broadband sensing in Cognitive Radios. Specifically, we address broadband sensing challenges for delay sensitive applications such as voice. A subjective calculation of an acceptable voice delay is used as a reference in our analysis. In the proposed architecture, fast response and accurate sensing is aided by the combination of power sensing at RF, baseband and in the digital domain. Since the sensing workload is distributed, the performance requirement on the main receiver is relaxed. The proposed architecture provides the ability to perform adaptive coarse and fine sensing at different points in the receiver chain. The estimated sensing time is derived and simulation results to illustrate the performance improvement are presented.
Novel optical techniques for detecting and classifying toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis blooms using satellite imagery.

Karenia brevis (K. brevis) blooms are of great interest and have been commonly reported throughout the Gulf of Mexico. In this study we propose a detection technique for blooms with low backscatter characteristics, which we name the Red Band Difference (RBD) technique, coupled with a selective K. brevis bloom classification technique, which we name the K. brevis Bloom Index (KBBI). These techniques take advantage of the relatively high solar induced chlorophyll fluorescence and low backscattering of K. brevis blooms. The techniques are applied to the detection and classification of K. brevis blooms from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ocean color measurements off the Gulf of Mexico. To assess the efficacy of the techniques for detection and classification, simulations, including chlorophyll fluorescence (assuming 0.75% quantum yield) based on K. brevis blooms and non-K. brevis blooms conditions were performed. These show that effective bloom detection from satellite measurements requires a threshold of RBD>0.15W/m2/µm/sr, corresponding to about 5mg/m3 of chlorophyll. Blooms can be detected at lower concentration by lowering the RBD threshold but false positives may increase. The classification technique is found most effective for thresholds of RBD>0.15W/m2/µm/sr and KBBI>0.3*RBD. The techniques were applied and shown to be effective for well documented blooms of K. brevis in the Gulf of Mexico and compared to other detection techniques, including FLH approaches. Impacts of different atmospheric corrections on results were also examined.
Simultaneous transfer of the right and left second toes for reconstruction of amputated index and middle fingers in the same hand—Case report

Simultaneous transfer of the second toes of the right and left feet was done to reconstruct the index and middle fingers in a 23-year-old man. A two-team microsurgical procedure approach was used. Technical aspects of the procedure are described. Long-term functional results have been good, both cosmetic and functional. Only one previous case of this type was described by Ohtsuka in 1977.
1025 Screening and Management of Neonatal Jaundice by Transcutaneous Bilirubin

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the validity of our previously developed skin bilirubin nomogram in predicting severe hyperbilirubinemia (> 17 mg/dl) in healthy term and late preterm newborns. Methods: This multicenter study was conducted from February 2009 to December 2009 in the well-baby nurseries of five centres of Rome. The predictive ability of the nomogram for transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) values in the first 96 hours of life was prospectively assessed in 2167 neonates with gestational age ≥35 weeks. Skin bilirubin was measured with the Bilichek and serum bilirubin was contemporary assayed by a spectrophotometric method. 1074 neonates had more than one measurements giving a total of 3241 values. Results: The mean TSB values was 8,3 ± 3 mg/dl, while the mean TCB values was 9,5 ± 3,3 mg/dl. A sensitivity of 96,4% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.9% were obtained with a single bilirubin determination applying the 75° percentile of our nomogram. Two consecutive TCB determinations identified all infants reaching TSB values > 17 mg/ dl (100 % of sensitivity and 100% of NPV). Conclusion: The 75° percentile of the skin bilirubin nomogram for the European population in the first 96 hours of life is able to predict all neonates at risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia. It is a reliable guide for intervention and follow-up, and allows a safe discharge from the hospital, also reducing a large number of blood samples.
Chemoprevention of Rat Prostate Carcinogenesis by Soy Isoflavones and by Bowman-Birk Inhibitor

Epidemiology studies suggest that soy consumption confers protection against human prostate cancer. To identify the soy component(s) that may be responsible for this chemopreventive activity, studies were conducted to determine the influence of a soy isoflavone mixture (PTI G-2535; 45% genistein, 22% daidzein, 2% glycitein) and a soy-derived protease inhibitor (Bowman-Birk Inhibitor Concentrate; BBIC) on prostate carcinogenesis in rats. Prostate cancers were induced in male Wistar-Unilever rats by a sequential regimen of cyproterone acetate and testosterone propionate, followed by a single intravenous injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and chronic androgen stimulation. In separate studies, PTI G-2535 and BBIC were administered continuously at 0 (control), 200, or 2000 mg/kg diet, beginning 1 wk post-MNU. PTI G-2535 and BBIC both conferred modest, but statistically significant and dose-related protection against carcinogenesis in the dorsolateral+anterior prostate. These data demonstrate that both the isoflavone and protein (protease inhibitor) components of soy can inhibit prostate carcinogenesis in the rat. However, the modest individual activities of soy isoflavones and BBIC suggest that while both components may contribute to the chemopreventive activity of soy, combination administration (or exposure to whole soy) may be more effective in prostate cancer prevention than is administration of either component alone.
Minimum construction of two-qubit quantum operations.

Optimal construction of quantum operations is a fundamental problem in the realization of quantum computation. We here introduce a newly discovered quantum gate, B, that can implement any arbitrary two-qubit quantum operation with minimal number of both two- and single-qubit gates. We show this by giving an analytic circuit that implements a generic nonlocal two-qubit operation from just two applications of the B gate. Realization of the B gate is illustrated with an example of charge-coupled superconducting qubits for which the B gate is seen to be generated in shorter time than the CNOT gate. Quantum computation requires achieving unitary operations on arrays of coupled qubits in order to realize the speedup associated with quantum algorithms. It is usually described in the quantum circuit model with combinations of single- and two-qubit operations [1]. While the algorithmic complexity is independent of the efficiency of these circuits, which are known to be interchangeable with a polynomial overhead [2], the performance of any physical realization of a quantum circuit may be highly dependent on minimal switchings of control fields and interaction Hamiltonians and achieving a minimal time of gate operations, due to the introduction of decoherence arising from unwanted interactions between qubits and/or with the external environment. Efficient construction of any arbitrary two-qubit quantum operation is thus of high priority in the search for a realizable quantum information processor. The current standard paradigm is based on a combination of quantum controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates between pairs of qubits and single-qubit gates [1]. Recent work shows that the CNOT gate is also one of the most efficient quantum gates known, in that just three applications supplemented with local gates can implement any arbitrary two-qubit operation [3‐6]. In this Letter, we introduce a minimum construction from a newly discovered quantum gate B to implement any arbitrary two-qubit quantum operation with two applications of B together with six single-qubit gates, both of which are the least possible. The single-qubit operations are generally easily implemented by a local Hamiltonian or external field and can be finitely generated by any convenient basis on su� 2� [7]. In contrast, two-qubit operations are highly dependent on the physical implementation, and it is in general much more difficult to implement an arbitrary two-qubit operation. The number of single-qubit gates can be independently optimized from a carefully chosen library [4] once the intrinsic quantum circuit structure of two-qubit gates is determined. It is therefore advantageous to employ the concept of locally equivalent two-qubit gates, namely,
The use of amrinone and norepinephrine for inotropic support during emergence from cardiopulmonary bypass.

D ESPITE MAJOR improvements in techniques of myocardial preservation, the low output state (LOS) following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) continues to present challenges in the management of cardiac surgical patients. The factors causing LOS include ischemia leading to a stunned myocardium,’ preoperative severe ventricular dysfunction, long aortic cross-clamp times, and poor myocardial preservation. This “post-ischemic global myocardial dysfunction” requires aggressive treatment.’ Considerable controversy exists regarding the optimal agents for inotropit support during emergence from CPB.*,” Many of the studies conducted to evaluate inotropic agents have been carried out several hours and even days after termination of CPB.4-6 Although these data are obtained in a more stable setting, they do not address the problem of immediate post-CPB myocardial dysfunction. Some studies have compared epinephrine, isoproterenol, dopamine, and dobutamine in the post-CPB period.7,8 These sympathomimetics successfully increase cardiac output, but with varying and undesirable side effects, primarily tachycardias and dysrhythmiss.‘.’ Other approaches include combinations of inotropes and vasodilators,’ norepinephrine (NE) and phentolamine,‘” and the use of the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP).” (PHE) or NE was used as primary therapy for the LOS during emergence from CPB. This combination therapy led to significant improvement in cardiac index and blood pressure without any tachyarrhythmias. Two cases are described below and the results in 7 patients are presented.
High-power, compact slab-coupled optical waveguide (SCOW) emitters and their applications

The slab-coupled optical waveguide (SCOW) gain medium is a novel class of high-power, low-noise semiconductor optical emitter that we have used to realize record-performing Watt-class amplifiers (SCOWAs), Fabry-Perot lasers (SCOWLs), external-cavity lasers (SCOWECLs), and mode-locked lasers (ML-SCOWLs) [1]. The high-performance and low size, weight and power (SWaP) of the SCOW gain medium make it a strong candidate for replacing solid-state or fiber gain media (e.g., erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs)) for a variety of avionic photonic applications. Candidate applications include CW lasers for microwave photonic (MWP) links and signal processors, mode-locked lasers for photonic analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and power amplifiers for free-space optical communication transmitters. In this paper, we review the SCOW technology and describe its application in mode-locked SCOW external-cavity lasers (ML-SCOWECLs), optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs), and suppressed-bias MWP links, limiting the discussion to 1.5-μm emitters fabricated using InGaAsP/InP quantum wells.
Liver response to oral administration of mirex in rats

Abstract Single oral doses of 50, 100, and 150 ppm of mirex stimulated liver enlargement at an initial rate which was dose independent. An apparent maximum response of the liver was obtained at 100 ppm of mirex. Hypertrophy was involved in the liver response. Changes in the liver concentration of lipid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and ribonucleic acid were observed. Protein, glycogen, and dry weight concentrations remained essentially unchanged. Hepatic and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity did not indicate that mirex caused liver cell damage. Sex hormones were apparently involved in the magnitude of the liver response. Mirex residue in the liver of male rats was most closely correlated with hepatic lipid concentration but was not significantly correlated in females.
A systematic approach to virus–virus interactions

A virus-virus interaction is a measurable difference in the course of infection of one virus as a result of a concurrent or prior infection by a different species or strain of virus. Many such interactions have been discovered by chance, yet they have rarely been studied systematically. Increasing evidence suggests that virus-virus interactions are common and may be critical to understanding viral pathogenesis in natural hosts. In this review we propose a system for classifying virus-virus interactions by organizing them into three main categories: (1) direct interactions of viral genes or gene products, (2) indirect interactions that result from alterations in the host environment, and (3) immunological interactions. We have so far identified 15 subtypes of interaction and assigned each to one of these categories. It is anticipated that this framework will provide for a more systematic approach to investigating virus-virus interactions, both at the cellular and organismal levels.
Sudden deaths in young competitive athletes: analysis of 1866 deaths in the United States, 1980-2006.

Background— Sudden deaths in young competitive athletes are highly visible events with substantial impact on the physician and lay communities. However, the magnitude of this public health issue has become a source of controversy. Methods and Results— To estimate the absolute number of sudden deaths in US competitive athletes, we have assembled a large registry over a 27-year period using systematic identification and tracking strategies. A total of 1866 athletes who died suddenly (or survived cardiac arrest), 19±6 years of age, were identified throughout the United States from 1980 to 2006 in 38 diverse sports. Reports were less common during 1980 to 1993 (576 [31%]) than during 1994 to 2006 (1290 [69%], P<0.001) and increased at a rate of 6% per year. Sudden deaths were predominantly due to cardiovascular disease (1049 [56%]), but causes also included blunt trauma that caused structural damage (416 [22%]), commotio cordis (65 [3%]), and heat stroke (46 [2%]). Among the 1049 cardiovascular deaths, the hi...
Thermal cyclic lifetime and oxidation behavior of air plasma sprayed CoNiCrAlY bond coats for thermal barrier coatings

Furnace thermal cycling lifetime and microstructural degradation are reported for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with air plasma sprayed (APS) ZrO 2 -8 wt.%Y 2 O 3 (YSZ) and APS CoNiCrAlY bond coats. TBCs examined in this study consisted of 600 μm-thick APS YSZ, 175 μm-thick APS CoNiCrAlYSi and 5 mm-thick Haynes 230 superalloy substrate. Furnace thermal cycling was carried out using 1-, 10- and 50-hour thermal cycles that consisted of 10-minute heat-up to 1121 °C, dwell at 1121 °C and followed by 10-minute forced-air-quench. To further document microstructural degradation of APS CoNiCrAlY coatings, free-standing APS CoNiCrAlY coatings were produced and isothermally oxidized at 1124C for up to 300 h. Despite the significant internal oxidation of APS CoNiCrAlY bond coats, APS TBCs exhibited excellent thermal cycling lifetime. Microstructural evolution of TBCs with an emphasis on the development of thermally grown oxide including internal oxidation was examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM. Site-specific TEM specimen was prepared by using Focus Ion Beam In-situ Lift-out technique. Extensive internal oxidation was observed including formation of Al 2 O 3 , (Al,Cr) 2 O 3 and (Ni,Co)(Al, Cr) 2 O 4 identified by electron diffraction. Quantitative microscopy and a simple rule of mixture were employed to understand the excellent performance of these TBCs with APS CoNiCrAlY bond coats based on reduced thermal expansion mismatch.
Surgical treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue

Introduction Squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of the tongue base has historically been shown to be associated with a poor prognosis. We reviewed our experience with primary surgery followed by postoperative radiation therapy (XRT) to determine the impact of our treatment protocols on outcome. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients presenting to the University of Pittsburgh with previously untreated SSC of the tongue base between 1980–1997. Patients who were treated nonoperatively were excluded from analysis. Surgical excision of the primary was performed with ipsilateral neck dissection. The contralateral neck was dissected when the primary lesion was located in the midline or for clinically positive contralateral neck nodes. Postoperatively, most patients (93%) received XRT to the primary site and neck. Adjuvant chemotherapy was offered if histologic signs of aggressive behavior were identified (multiple nodes or extracapsular spread). Results Of 87 patients identified, 39 (45%) were initially seen with T1 or T2 tumors. Seventy-nine patients (91%) were initially seen with stage III or IV disease. Contralateral neck dissection was performed in 36 patients (41%). Metastatic disease was demonstrated in 84% of ipsilateral neck nodes and in 47% of contralateral neck nodes. Occult metastases were found in 61% of clinically N0 necks. Local recurrence occurred in 5 patients, regional recurrence occurred in 12 patients, and distant metastases developed in 22 patients. Overall and disease-specific survival rates at 5 years for all patients were 49% and 56%, respectively. The 5 year disease-specific survival rates for stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV disease were 100%, 86%, 62%, and 48%. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 88% for T1 lesions, 64% for T2 lesions, 58% for T3 lesions, and 30% for T4 lesions (p < .05, log-rank test). Conclusions Surgical treatment of SCC of the tongue base is highly effective in achieving local disease control and disease-free survival for early lesions. Because both functional outcome and survival are poor after surgical treatment of advanced lesions, we now offer brachytherapy with XRT or participation in a combined chemoradiation protocol rather than primary surgical therapy to patients with advanced disease. Prospective studies are needed to compare the effect of these organ-preserving therapies with traditional combined surgery and XRT to determine the effect on functional outcome and quality of life. © 2001 Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 653–660, 2001.
Inelastic Scattering and Applications

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) in general refers to scattering processes which involve energy and momentum exchange between the neutron and the scatterer. It is widely utilized for characterization of materials in basic and applied research across many disciplines including mineralogy. Obviously, the title here encompasses an area too vast to be adequately introduced in depth or in breadth in a single chapter. Thus the author hastens to confine the scope of this introduction to include mainly the basic concepts, some recent development in instrumentation, and a few illustrative examples. In the examples, we concentrate on showing the INS spectra as compared with the expected scattering cross section and pointing out the significant features rather than dwelling on the detailed interpretation. Further information regarding derivation of scattering formulation, discussion of techniques, and reviews of various subfields is referred to in the references. Subjected to conservation of the total energy and momentum of the neutron+scatterer system, the energy and momentum transfer for a neutron which has undergone inelastic scattering are defined as: \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \[\mathit{E}\ =\ \mathit{E}\_{0}\ {-}\ \mathit{E}\_{1}\] \end{document}(1) and \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \[{\hbar}\mathbf{Q}\ =\ {\hbar}\mathbf{k}\ \_{0}\ {-}\ {\hbar}\mathbf{k}\_{1}\ (2)\] \end{document}(2) where E is the energy and the product of the Planck’s constant and the wavevector is the momentum. Subscripts 0 and 1 denote quantities pertaining to the incident and scattered neutrons, respectively. Positive and negative energy transfer E corresponds to, respectively, scattering with neutron energy loss and neutron energy gain, or, by analogy of Raman scattering, the Stokes and anti-Stokes lines. However, in case of light scattering, the wavevector Q is essentially zero hence Raman and IR spectroscopy measure only the Brillouin-zone-center modes of crystallite solids, where neutrons probe wave vectors spanning the entire Brillouin zone. The goal of INS is to measure precisely the double differential cross section defined as: \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{eqnarray*}&&\frac{\mathit{d}^{2}{\sigma}}{\mathit{d}{\Omega}\mathit{dE}}\ =\ \left(\frac{1}{\mathit{N}}\right)\frac{\mathit{k}\_{1}}{\mathit{k}\_{0}}\left(\frac{\mathit{m\_{n}}}{2{\pi}{\hbar}^{2}}\right)^{2}|{\langle}\mathbf{k}\_{1}{\xi}\_{1}|\mathit{V}|\mathbf{k}\_{0}{\xi}\_{0}{\rangle}|^{2}{\delta}(\mathit{E}\ +\ \mathit{E}\_{{\xi}\_{0}}\ {-}\ \mathit{E}\_{{\xi}\_{1}})\\&&=\frac{\mathit{k}\_{1}}{\mathit{k}_{0}}\mathit{S}(\mathbf{Q},\mathit{E})\end{eqnarray*} \end{document}(3) where σ,ω, N, m n, are the scattering cross-section, solid angle, number of scattering …
Some Experiments with a Multivariate Statistical Objective Analysis Scheme

Abstract A statistical scheme for simultaneous analysis of the wind and geopotential height fields has been developed based upon optimum interpolation. The matrix weights applied to the observation vectors depend upon covariances of observed-minus-forecast differences. The simplest possible forecasts (or first guesses)—climatology, persistence and damped persistence—are used. The geostrophic relationship and the height-height covariances computed from historical data are used to derive the other required covariances. The scheme has been tested at a single point based upon 500-mb winter U.S. radiosonde data. Results are promising; when either climatology or damped persistence is used as a first guess, the root-men-square (rms) differences between analyzed and observed values were about 13 m for the height and 4.0 m s−1 for the u-and v–components of the wind. When persistence is used as a fist guess, results are slightly worse. The multivariate approach is clearly superior to a univariate approach for heigh...
Raw Mediates Antagonism of AP-1 Activity in Drosophila

High baselines of transcription factor activities represent fundamental obstacles to regulated signaling. Here we show that in Drosophila, quenching of basal activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor activity serves as a prerequisite to its tight spatial and temporal control by the JNK (Jun N-terminal kinase) signaling cascade. Our studies indicate that the novel raw gene product is required to limit AP-1 activity to leading edge epidermal cells during embryonic dorsal closure. In addition, we provide the first evidence that the epidermis has a Basket JNK-independent capacity to activate AP-1 targets and that raw function is required broadly throughout the epidermis to antagonize this activity. Finally, our mechanistic studies of the three dorsal-open group genes [raw, ribbon (rib), and puckered (puc)] indicate that these gene products provide at least two tiers of JNK/AP-1 regulation. In addition to Puckered phosphatase function in leading edge epidermal cells as a negative-feedback regulator of JNK signaling, the three dorsal-open group gene products (Raw, Ribbon, and Puckered) are required more broadly in the dorsolateral epidermis to quench a basal, signaling-independent activity of the AP-1 transcription factor.
Pharmacological Studies with Cefamandole in Human Volunteers

Serum and urine concentrations were measured after administration of 0.5-and 1-g doses of cefamandole intramuscularly and intravenously to healthy volunteers. Intramuscular doses of 0.5 and 1 g yielded serum concentrations at 1 h of 14.7 and 35.6 μg/ml, respectively. Significant antibacterial concentrations persisted through h 8. Intravenous doses of 0.5 and 1 g resulted in respective peak serum levels of 21 μg/ml at 45 min and 103 μg/ml at 15 min; these serum levels rapidly declined. Very high urine concentrations were achieved during the first 8 h after injection.
Early carotid endarterectomy in patients with small, fixed neurologic deficits

Abstract Patients who have sustained a large hemispheric stroke are not candidates for early carotid endarterectomy, but there is less agreement regarding the role of carotid endarterectomy in patients with small, fixed neurologic deficits. Accepted practice in many centers is to wait 4 to 6 weeks after the onset of the deficit before proceeding with carotid endarterectomy because of the fear that early revascularization will increase the size of the infarct. Earlier endarterectomy, however, in patients with significant residual ipsilateral carotid territory at risk may prevent repeated infarctions. For the past 5 years our approach to patients with a small stable stroke and significant stenosis (>75%) has been prompt ipsilateral endarterectomy. Of the 337 carotid endarterectomies at our institution since 1979, a subset of 28 patients with hemodynamically significant carotid lesions presented with a small, fixed stroke. The period of time between the appearance of the stroke and carotid endarterectomy averaged 11 days, but 53% of patients were operated on within 7 days of the onset of symptoms. Selective shunting based on intraoperative EEG monitoring was utilized and 40% of the 28 patients required shunts. Operative mortality consisted of one death from a pulmonary embolus, and no patient sustained a new postoperative deficit. Long-term follow-up was available for 96% of patients over a mean of 2 years. During this time two new neurologic events occurred: one fatal stroke and one transient deficit. This experience indicates that patients with small, fixed neurologic deficits who continue to have carotid territory at risk may safely undergo carotid endarterectomy without waiting 4 to 6 weeks. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:795-799.)
Antarctic temperature at orbital timescales controlled by local summer duration

During the late Pleistocene epoch, proxies for Southern Hemisphere climate from the Antarctic ice cores vary nearly in phase with Northern Hemisphere insolation intensity at the precession and obliquity timescales. This coherence has led to the suggestion that Northern Hemisphere insolation controls Antarctic climate. However, it is unclear what physical mechanisms would tie southern climate to northern insolation. Here we call on radiative equilibrium estimates to show that Antarctic climate could instead respond to changes in the duration of local summer. Simple radiative equilibrium dictates that warmer annual average atmospheric temperatures occur as a result of a longer summer, as opposed to a more intense one, because temperature is more sensitive to insolation when the atmosphere is cooler. Furthermore, we show that a single-column atmospheric model reproduces this radiative equilibrium effect when forced exclusively by local Antarctic insolation, generating temperature variations that are coherent and in phase with proxies of Antarctic atmospheric temperature and surface conditions. We conclude that the duration of Southern Hemisphere summer is more likely to control Antarctic climate than the intensity of Northern Hemisphere summer with which it (often misleadingly) covaries. In our view, near interhemispheric climate symmetry at the obliquity and precession timescales arises from a northern response to local summer intensity and a southern response to local summer duration. On orbital timescales, Antarctic climate varies in phase with Northern Hemisphere insolation, but no physical mechanism for such a link is known. A new analysis suggests that at obliquity and precession timescales Antarctic climate may instead be responding to the duration of the local summer, which covaries with Northern insolation.
Control and efficiency optimization strategy for permanent magnet brushless AC motors

The problem of efficiency optimization in vectorcontrolled permanent magnet brushless AC motor drive is investigated. A machine model which accounts for the effect of core losses is included in the development of a loss model controller that dynamically determine the optimal reference currents and voltages required for minimum electrical loss (copper losses and core losses). The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is validated by evaluation/comparison with traditional maximum torque/ampere and zero d-axis (i ds =0) control methods.
Son Preference in the Context of Fertility Decline: Limits to New Constructions of Gender and Kinship in Nepal

This article explores the persistence of son preference in a patrilineal, patrilocal society in the midst of fertility decline. Using survey and ethnographic data from Hindu-caste Nepali families in a semiurban village, I analyze which cultural norms regarding reproduction are questioned by contemporary married couples and which remain intact. Despite modest improvements in gender equality, levels of education, and economic conditions, the practical knowledge that daughters will be lost to other lineages and households pressures couples who might otherwise be willing to invest in daughters to continue procreating until they produce a son. Young mothers, therefore, reluctantly admit to needing a son, revealing a discrepancy between their initially stated reproductive ideals and their ultimate behavior.
A course for technically-talented youngsters, with emphasis on visualizing and reasoning

The author describes the contents of a textbook for a popular course that has been taught for several years at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). The text that used Twists and Turns and Tangles in Math and Physics, avoids simply teaching 7th or 8th grade math or physics to 6th grade students. It exposes the students to a variety of items in order first to develop mental acuity and then to develop scientific reasoning capabilities. This latter purpose is achieved by including a wide variety of scientific problems in order to expose the students to a variety of ways of viewing problems and attacking them. >
Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Translation From Population to Prevention: The Kelly West Award Lecture 2009

In the book Epidemiology of Diabetes and Its Vascular Lesions (1978), Kelly West summarized extant knowledge of the distribution and causes of diabetes. The 30 years of epidemiological research that followed have seen remarkable advances in the understanding of obesity as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and diabetes and pre-diabetes as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Increasingly detailed understanding of these relationships has, unfortunately, been accompanied by an alarming increase in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. West recognized that pre-diabetes is recognizable as what we now call metabolic syndrome. He predicted that novel insight into diabetes pathogenesis would come from biochemical and genetic epidemiology studies. He predicted that type 2 diabetes could be prevented by healthy lifestyle change. The challenge now is for us to translate these insights into effective strategies for the prevention of the modern epidemic of diabetes and vascular disease.
Effects of seasonal stratification on turbulent mixing in a hypereutrophic coastal lagoon

Seasonal variations in vertical turbulent mixing rates, density structure, inorganic nutrient concentrations, and phytoplankton biomass were investigated in a shallow, tidally choked coastal lagoon. The project site, Rodeo Lagoon, is located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California, and has experienced intense blooms of the cyanobacteria Nodularia spumigena and Microcystis aeruginosa in recent years. Monthly measurements collected along a transect of the lagoon from March 2006 to April 2008 show it is strongly stratified by brackish water in winter, when freshwater inputs from the watershed and saltwater inputs from storm surge are both at their highest. The squared buoyancy frequency exceeds 0.5 s22 under these conditions. In summer, weaker diurnal temperature stratification is the result of strong light absorption characteristics in this hypereutrophic lagoon. Wind is the dominant driver of turbulent mixing. Although water depths of less than 2.5 m lead to the expectation of rapid vertical mixing, limited fetch and strong density gradients reduce the coupling of wind stress and bottom stress. The vertical turbulent diffusivity is reduced by as much as three orders of magnitude across the pycnocline, and the water column in and below the pycnocline shows active turbulence only intermittently. The annual cycle of salt-based stratification and accompanying reduction in turbulent exchange of nutrients between the sediments and overlying water column inhibit the flushing of nutrients out of the lagoon and contribute to excessive phytoplankton biomass. Coastal lakes and lagoons suffer disproportionately from eutrophication and harmful algal blooms compared to other types of estuaries, with longer residence times and reduced tidal exchange typically causing this degradation (Bricker et al. 2008; Wilson 2008). The shallowness of these lakes and lagoons, with most of the water column in the photic zone and an increased interaction between the sediment and the water column, also contributes to their high productivity (McComb 1995). Precisely because coastal lagoons tend to be shallow,
Upgrade of beam steering system components and controls for the NSLS storage rings

The installation of the new insertion devices and new experiments on the NSLS (National Synchrotron Light Source) storage rings has increased the demand for better stability of the electron orbit. This, in turn, increased the demand for better stability and resolution as well as larger bandwidth of the orbit correction system. All of the orbit-correcting dipoles now have new low-hysteresis laminated steel cores. The magnets are excited by commercial wideband (1-kHz) current-regulated power supplies. The input circuits of the new power supplies permit a summation of analog inputs from orbit-stabilization systems with set-point inputs digitally controlled by the operator. The design of the new system is described, and its present performance is summarized. >