cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On-farm evaluation of Beauveria bassiana for control of Ostrinia nubilalis in Iowa, USA

Ostrinia nubilalis is (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) a severe pest ofcorn in the major corn growing areas of theUnited States. The efficacy of a Beauveria bassiana application, for season-long suppression of O. nubilalis was evaluated in 1996 and 1997 at locationsacross Iowa. Beauveria bassiana,Mycotech 726 (Mycotech Corporation, Butte, MT)formulated on corn grit granules (14–20 mesh)at 2.2 × 109 conidia/g and applied with ahand-held applicator at the rate of 0.4 g/plant(8.8 × 108 conidia/plant). Applicationswere made when plants were in the V7 or R1growth stage. The length of larval tunneling,percentage of plants not infested with O.nubilalis, percentage of plants with anendophyte, and yield from treated and controlplots were determined. Whorl-stage applicationof B. bassiana in 1996 resulted in asignificant reduction in centimeters oftunneling (46–55%) and the percentageplants not infested by O. nubilalis. In1997, B. bassiana caused significantreductions in larval tunneling at all locations(20–53%); however, a significant increase inthe percentage of plants not infested with O. nubilalis occurred at only one location. Treatment of plants with B. bassiana in1997 did not significantly increase thepercentage of plants with an endophyte;however, the trend, with the exception of onesite, was for a greater percentage ofendophytic plants in treated versus untreatedplots. A whorl-stage application of a granularformulation of B. bassiana was mostefficacious in reducing O. nubilalis larval damage.
"We're on the Same Page": A Usability Study of Secure Email Using Pairs of Novice Users

Secure email is increasingly being touted as usable by novice users, with a push for adoption based on recent concerns about government surveillance. To determine whether secure email is ready for grassroots adoption, we employ a laboratory user study that recruits pairs of novice users to install and use several of the latest systems to exchange secure messages. We present both quantitative and qualitative results from 25 pairs of novice users as they use Pwm, Tutanota, and Virtru. Participants report being more at ease with this type of study and better able to cope with mistakes since both participants are "on the same page". We find that users prefer integrated solutions over depot-based solutions, and that tutorials are important in helping first-time users. Hiding the details of how a secure email system provides security can lead to a lack of trust in the system. Participants expressed a desire to use secure email, but few wanted to use it regularly and most were unsure of when they might use it.
Health Insurance, Treatment Plan, and Delegation to Altruistic Physician

We study delegating a consumer’s treatment plan decisions to an altruistic physician. The physician’s degree of altruism is his private information. The consumer’s illness severity will be learned by the physician, and also become his private information. Treatments are discrete choices, and can be combined to form treatment plans. We distinguish between two commitment regimes. In the first, the physician commits to treatment decisions at the time a payment contract is accepted. In the second, the physician does not commit to treatment decisions at that time, and can wait until he learns the patient’s illness to do so. In the commitment game, the first best is implemented by a single payment contract to all types of altruistic physician. In the noncommitment game, the first best is not implementable. All but the most altruistic physician type earn positive profits, and treatment decisions are distorted from the first best.
Joint User and Transmit Antenna Selection in Uplink SA-MIMO Systems

Smart antenna (SA) systems result in higher capacity and broader coverage in wireless communications. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems have resulted in higher capacity and reliability. The combination of these two systems (SA-MIMO) has advantages of both systems simultaneously. One drawback of multiple antenna systems is the high computational burden and hardware cost due to radio frequency (RF) chains. One remedy for this drawback and to reduce the number of RF chains is antenna selection in which the best subset of antennas is selected among the available large number of antennas. This paper proposes a joint user and transmit antenna selection strategy in the uplink SA-MIMO systems. First, the best subset of antennas is selected at each user on the transmit side. After that, the best user is selected to transmit the signal to the receiver. The simulation results show that how the proposed strategy results in a better performance without a need to increase the number of RF chains.
Institutional analysis of intra- and post-operative tracheostomy management for risk reduction

Abstract Objectives Determine variability in intra- and post-operative management of tracheostomies (trachs) at our institution as existing literature suggests that trachs are a frequent trigger for airway-related emergencies. Catalyze the development of an institution-wide protocols for trach care. Methods A 39-question online survey was sent to 55 providers who perform open and percutaneous trachs at three of the hospitals within our large, urban, academic medical center. These providers were identified by surveillance of the operating room schedules for 1 year. Results The survey was completed by 40 of the 53 eligible providers (75.5%). Response rate by question varied. Respondents included members of all departments that perform trachs at our institution (Otorhinolaryngology, Trauma Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology). While most responses demonstrated uniformity in practice, notable variations included the following: 80% of percutaneous trach providers stated that morbid obesity was not a contraindication to performing a trach outside of the operating room (n = 20) while 58% of open trach providers stated that morbid obesity was a contraindication; only 35% of open trach providers perform a Bjork flap (n = 350). The survey also identified significant variability in practice with regards to timing of trach suture removal. Discussion Lack of uniformity was identified in several practices related to intra- and post-operative tracheostomy care. Results did, however, trend toward consensus in many areas. The results are being used to establish a more consistent approach to tracheostomy management across our institution to ensure standardization of practice amidst the rapidly evolving practices of trach placement. Implications for practice With ongoing evolution in the methods of trach placement and its management, the concepts put forth here will be a resource for health care providers at other institutions to consider intra-institutional analysis and establishment of practice standardization.
Biofilm Formation in the Rhizosphere: Multispecies Interactions and Implications for Plant Growth

Summary of known bioﬁlm-forming rhizosphere bacteria Organism Phenotype Relevant Characteristics Reference Acinetobacter calcoaceticus P23 Root colonization of duckweed PGPB, bioremediation Yamaga et al. (2010) Agrobacterium tumefaciens Disease of pea Pathogenesis Hawes and Smith (1989) Azorhizobium brasilense Root colonization of wheat PGPR Kim et al. (2005) Azorhizobium caulinodans Root colonization of rice PGPR Van Nieuwenhove et al. (2000) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens S499Root colonization of tomato,maize, and Arabidopsisthaliana PGPB, biocontrol Nihorimbere et al. (2012);Fan et al. (2011) Bacillus cereus and Bacilluspumilus Root colonization of wildbarley found in theEvolution Canyon, IsraelSalt, heat, and desiccationtoleranceTimmusk et al. (2011) Bacillus polymyxa Root colonization of cucumber PGPB Yang et al. (2004) Bacillus subtilis Root colonization of Arabidopsis thaliana Biocontrol Rudrappa and Bais (2007) Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia cenocepacia Diseases of onion and wheat Pathogenesis Ellis and Cooper (2010);Jacobs et al. (2008);Balandreau et al. (2001)
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Proton Relaxation Rate Studies of Spin-labeled Creatine Kinase and Its Complexes

Abstract A spin-labeled derivative of rabbit muscle creatine kinase has been prepared by reaction of the essential sulfhydryl group at the active sites with a stoichiometric amount of the nitroxide radical N-(1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrrolidinyl) iodoacetamide. The spin-labeled enzyme retains the ability to bind nucleotide substrates although it lacks the phosphotransferase and ATPase activities of the native enzyme. Two magnetic resonance properties of the specifically spin-labeled enzyme and its substrate complexes were used to probe the local environment of the covalently bound radical: (a) the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum and (b) the enhancement of the proton relaxation rate of water protons. The protein-bound radical shows a broad, asymmetric EPR spectrum resembling a solid state powder spectrum; the outer peaks are separated by 62 gauss compared with 31 gauss for the free radical and the amplitude of the central peak is 14 times greater in the unbound than the bound spin label. In addition, the spin-labeled protein enhances the water proton relaxation rate by approximately 1 order of magnitude. Both phenomena indicate a high degree of immobilization of the bound spin label. Metal nucleotide binding increases immobilization of the spin label as evidenced by the EPR spectrum. The spectral changes represent the first direct evidence for a proposed conformational change in the region of the active site on addition of divalent ions to the enzyme-nucleotide binary complex. The proton relaxation rate of water is even more sensitive to local structural changes and reveals differences between the enzyme and its binary nucleotide complexes as well as between binary and ternary enzyme-metal nucleotide complexes. Creatine alone or in combination with metal nucleotides fails to affect either the EPR spectrum or the water proton relaxation rate of the spin-labeled enzyme. The nucleotide complexes of the alkali earth cations, Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), and Ba(II), produce approximately the same changes in the EPR of the spin-labeled enzyme, amounting to a diminution of 20% in central peak amplitude upon addition of metal-ADP and a somewhat smaller effect with the ATP complexes. Quantitative differences in the properties of the different metal complexes are most easily observed by measurement of the proton relaxation rate of water under optimal temperature and frequency conditions. The ternary complexes of the irreversibly inhibitory Zn(II) nucleotides with spin-labeled enzyme have qualitatively different EPR spectra than do the corresponding complexes of alkali earth ions. Apparent dissociation constants have been calculated from both EPR and proton relaxation rate titrations for the dissociation of the alkali earth nucleotides from the ternary complexes. All are of the same order of magnitude as for the native enzyme, about 0.1 mm for ADP ternary complexes.
Zona pellucida piercing enhances zona penetration by spermatozoa from normospermic and teratospermic domestic cats.

Poor quality ejaculates appear associated with reduced zona penetration and poor fertilization in vitro in some felid species or populations. Even morphologically normal sperm from these teratospermic ejaculates are compromised in ability to penetrate the zona pellucida and fertilize oocytes. A domestic cat model and zona piercing were used to study the function of normal and malformed sperm. Male cats naturally producing different proportions of morphologically normal sperm (group I, > 60%; group II, 45-55%; group III, 0.05; range, 70.8-80.2%). Average SMI for all groups was high (> 70) at 0 hour and decreased over time, but the descent of slope was greater (P 0.05) by sperm-processing treatment. For all groups, inner zona penetration was greater (P < 0.05) in ZnPd-SS than SS oocytes (group I, 52.3% vs. 34.9%; group II, 37.9% vs. 20.3%; group III, 32.0% vs. 17.2%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Electromechanical and Chemical Sensing at the Nanoscale: DFT and Transport Modeling

Of the many nanoelectronic applications proposed for near to medium-term commercial deployment, sensors based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and metal-oxide nanowires are receiving significant attention from researchers. Such devices typically operate on the basis of the changes of electrical response characteristics of the active component (CNT or nanowire) when subjected to an externally applied mechanical stress or the adsorption of a chemical or bio-molecule. Practical development of such technologies can greatly benefit from quantum chemical modeling based on density functional theory (DFT), and from electronic transport modeling based on non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF). DFT can compute useful quantities like possible bond-rearrangements, binding energy, charge transfer, and changes to the electronic structure, while NEGF can predict changes in electronic transport behavior and contact resistance. Effects of surrounding medium and intrinsic structural defects can also be taken into account. In this work we review some recent DFT and transport investigations on (1) CNT-based nano-electromechanical sensors (NEMS) and (2) gas-sensing properties of CNTs and metal-oxide nanowires. We also briefly discuss our current understanding of CNT–metal contacts which, depending upon the metal, the deposition technique, and the masking method can have a significant effect on device performance.
Serial prostatic biopsies in men with persistently elevated serum prostate specific antigen values

The objective of this study was to determine the need for repeat prostatic biopsies in men whose initial biopsy results revealed no evidence of cancer or atypia. We evaluated 1,136 men who underwent 1 or more prostatic biopsies in a longitudinal prostate specific antigen (PSA) based prostate cancer screening study that called for biopsy if the serum PSA level was greater than 4.0 ng./ml. (Hybritech assay) and findings on rectal examination or ultrasonography were abnormal or suspicious for cancer. Of the 1,136 men who underwent prostatic biopsy 391 (34%) had prostate cancer on the initial biopsy. Of 427 men who had negative initial biopsy results, a persistent serum PSA level of greater than 4.0 ng./ml. and abnormal rectal or ultrasound examination findings 82 (19%) had cancer on biopsy 2. Of 203 men with persistent abnormalities 16 (8%) had cancer on biopsy 3 and 6 of 91 (7%) had cancer on biopsy 4 or later. Thus, 96% of the cancers were detected through either biopsy 1 or 2. The median initial PSA level, followup PSA levels and the yearly rate of change in PSA were significantly greater in men whose cancer was detected compared with those of men whose cancer was not detected (6.4 versus 5.4 ng./ml., 7.4 versus 6.6 ng./ml. and 1.1 versus 0.7 ng./ml. per year, respectively). There was a trend for a higher percentage of tumors detected through serial screening to be pathologically organ confined with those detected through initial screening (73% versus 62%, p = 0.07). We conclude that men with a persistently elevated serum PSA value after an initial negative prostatic biopsy should routinely undergo at least 1 repeat biopsy to exclude adequately the presence of detectable prostate cancer.
An MRI Study of Brain Size in Autism

Objective: This study was undertaken to obtain detailed measurements ofthe volume of the brain, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in a carefully selected group ofautistic subjects and comparison subjects. Method: Twenty-two male autistic subjects and 20 male t’olunteer comparison subjects were examined with detailed (1 .5-mm slices) MRI throughout the entire brain. Total brain, total brain tissue, and total lateral ventricle volumes were measured by using manual tracing and automated techniques. Results: After height and performance IQ were controlled, autistic subjects had significantly greater total brain, total tissue, and total lateral ventricle volumes than comparison subjects. Conclusions: These findings suggest that male autistic subjects have enlarged brains and that enlargement is a result of both greater brain tissue volume and greater lateral ventricle volume. -(AmJPsychiatry 1995; 152:1145-1149)
A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Gemcitabine/Cisplatin With or Without Cetuximab in Patients With Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression is associated with poor outcomes in urothelial carcinoma (UC). Cetuximab (CTX) exhibited an antitumor effect in in vivo UC models. The efficacy of gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) with or without CTX in patients with advanced UC was evaluated. METHODS Patients with advanced UC, measurable disease, and adequate organ function were randomized 1:2 to cisplatin (70 mg/m2) on day 1 plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15 (arm A) or GC plus CTX (500 mg/m2) on days 1 and 15 (arm B). The primary endpoint was the overall response rate. The secondary endpoints were the response duration, safety, progression-free survival, overall survival, determination of whether or not CTX sensitized nonresponders to GC, and exploratory biomarker analysis. The accrual targets were 27 and 54 patients for the 2 arms, respectively. The overall response rate was reported by arm with binomial confidence intervals (CIs). Kaplan-Meier methods were used for time-to-event endpoints. RESULTS Eighty-eight eligible patients were randomized; 87 were toxicity-evaluable, and 85 were response-evaluable. The overall response rates were 57.1% for arm A (95% CI = 37%-76%) and 61.4% for arm B (95% CI = 48%-74%). The median progression-free survival times were 8.5 months for arm A (95% CI = 5.7-10.4 months) and 7.6 months for arm B (95% CI = 6.1-8.7 months). The median overall survival times were 17.4 months for arm A (95% CI = 12.8 months to unreached) and 14.3 months for arm B (95% CI = 11.6-22.2 months). The most common grade 3/grade 4 adverse events in both arms were myelosuppression and nausea. Thromboembolism, acneiform rash, fatigue, pain, hypersensitivity reactions, elevated transaminases, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia were more common in arm B; 3 grade 5 adverse events occurred in arm B. The presence of primary disease significantly correlated with thromboembolism. An increased soluble E-cadherin level after cycle 2 correlated with a higher risk of death. CONCLUSIONS GC plus CTX was feasible but was associated with more adverse events and no improvements in outcomes. Cancer 2014;120:2684–2693. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
INTRALYMPHATIC RADIOACTIVE THERAPY FOR PELVIC CANCER.

Abstract Lymph node spread remains the most frustrating aspect in the management of pelvic cancer. Intralymphatic instillation of a radioactive isotope can deliver intense localized radiation in cancericidal dosage directly to the pelvic and abdominal lymph nodes. The method was utilized as an adjunct in the therapy of 18 patients with pelvic cancer. It was well tolerated. Subsequent pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 12 patients. The removed lymph nodes were examined for histologic effect and residual radiation measured. Intralymphatic radioactive therapy offers a new approach to the management of cancer of the pelvis.
Net models supporting human and humane behaviors

Numerous computer systems are guilty of decreasing the interaction and informal communication within groups. For example, some severe and well acknowledged problems of Workflow Management Systems stem from their rigorous and formal nature. Implementations of workflow tend to be coersive, isolationistic, and inflexible; whereas the natural interaction of people frequently incorporates flexibility, opportunistic behaviors, social awareness, and compromise. To combate this problem, there has been some fledgling work on workware (socially and organizationally aware groupware systems). In this talk we will summarize the state of this work, and propose a theoretical model that can help lay the foundations for further progress in this domain.
Strong-field ionization of C60 sputtered neutral molecules using 1015 W/cm2 of fs IR radiation

Implementation of a new high energy, IR laser source for secondary neutral mass spectrometry, is presented. It consists of an 800nm, 40 fs, 10mJ, 1 kHz laser pumping an optical parametric amplifier generating 1.2–2.6mm tunable pulses. The wavelength and intensity dependence of photoionized sputtered indium clusters and gas-phase histamine are presented, exhibiting less nonadiabatic multielectron dynamics (decreased fragmentation) at longer wavelength. Future prospects for secondary neutral bioimaging experiments are explored with a model system consisting of a 400 mesh grid, vapor deposited with adenine, and fixed over indium foil. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and bandwidth enhancement of difference frequency generation based wavelength conversion by pump detuning

Summary form only given. Difference frequency generation (DFG) is an attractive method for wavelength conversion in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical networks. DFG-based devices have been demonstrated successfully in quasi-phase-matched (QPM) periodically poled LiNbO/sub 3/ waveguides. In this paper, we address and solve the instability problem by detuning the pump from the degenerate phase-matching wavelength. We also discuss the possibility of further enhancing the device stability and bandwidth using nonuniform QPM structures.
Potential, Current, and Ionic Fluxes across the Isolated Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Choroid

A flux chamber was utilized for in vitro studies of a membrane formed by the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid of the eye of the toad (Bufo arenarum and Bufo marinus). A transmembrane potential of 20 to 30 mv was found, the pigment epithelium surface positive with respect to the choroidal surface. Unidirectional fluxes of chloride, sodium, potassium, and calcium were determined in the absence of an electrochemical potential difference. A net transfer of chloride from pigment epithelium to choroid accounted for a major fraction of the mean short-circuit current. A small net flux of sodium from choroid to pigment epithelium was detected in Bufo marinus. In both species of toads, however, about one-third of the mean short-circuit current remained unaccounted for. Manometric determinations of bicarbonate suggested an uptake of this ion at the epithelial surface of the membrane but did not provide evidence of a relationship between this process and the short-circuit current.
Impact of summertime anthropogenic emissions on atmospheric black carbon at Ny-Ålesund in the Arctic

Measurements of equivalent black carbon (EBC), calculated from aethalometer measurements of light attenuation, were carried out in July 2011 at Ny-Alesund in the Arctic. Highly elevated EBC concentrations were observed within the settlement of Ny-Alesund, with a median value of 17 ng m −3 , which was about two times the background level. Results from the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method suggested that about 60–80% of atmospheric EBC concentrations at Ny-Alesund were from local emissions, while only 20–40% arrived via atmospheric transport. The estimated average local emission rate was 8.1 g h −1 , with an uncertainty of approximately a factor of two. The pollution plume was confined to 10 km downwind of the settlement, with the total EBC deposition estimated to be 6.4–44 ng m −2 h −1 . This may affect snow black carbon (BC) concentrations in nearby glaciated areas. The efficiencies of the long-range transport were estimated based on cluster analysis and potential precipitation contribution function, and the results implied that transport from western Europe is more efficient than from central Russia, on account of relatively rapid transport from western Europe and infrequent precipitation along this route. However, there was no correlation between air mass back-trajectories and EBC concentrations, suggesting that the contribution of long-range transport to EBC measured in Ny-Alesund might be not significant in this season. Keywords : Equivalent black carbon; Ny-Alesund; human influences; transport efficiency. (Published: 18 February 2014) Citation: Polar Research 2014, 33 , 21821, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v33.21821
The 6Liz A1Σu+ ∼ b3Πu spin—orbit perturbations: Sub-Doppler spectra and steady state kinetic lineshape model

Abstract The 6 Li 2 A 1 Σ u + υ A = 2, J = 33 and υ A = 9, J = 20 levels are shown to be spin—orbit perturbed by the b 3 Π u υ b = 9, F 1 e N = 32 and υ b = 15, F 1 e N = 19 levels from which an electronic matrix element of 3 Π oc | H SO |A 1 Σ + > = 0.114±0.006 cm −1 is determined. Previous estimates of this quantity are shown to be incorrect. Although the main and extra levels are separated by less than the 900 K Doppler width of A 1 Σ u + − X 1 Σ g + rotational lines, sub-Doppler intermodulated fluorescence and perturbation-facilitated optical—optical double resonance spectra allow direct observation of the separation of main and extra levels. The mixing coefficients and other perturbation parameters are inferred from a steady state kinetic model of the composite main plus extra lineshape.
Role of nociceptor αCaMKII in transition from acute to chronic pain (hyperalgesic priming) in male and female rats.

We have previously shown that activation of protein kinase Ce (PKCe) in male rats induces a chronic, long-lasting change in nociceptors such that a subsequent exposure to proinflammatory mediators produces markedly prolonged mechanical hyperalgesia. This neuroplastic change, hyperalgesic priming, is dependent on activation of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB), downstream of PKCe, and consequent translation of mRNAs in the peripheral terminal of the nociceptor. Since α calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (αCaMKII), a molecule implicated in neuroplasticity, is a target of CPEB and can also affect CPEB function, we investigated its role in the transition from acute to chronic pain. Priming induced by direct activation of PKCe can be prevented by inhibition of αCaMKII. In addition, direct activation of αCaMKII induces priming, which was not prevented by pretreatment with PKCe antisense, suggesting that αCaMKII is downstream of PKCe in the induction of priming. Activation of ryanodine receptors (RyRs), which can lead to activation of αCaMKII, also induced priming, in a calcium- and αCaMKII-dependent manner. Similarly, inhibition of the RyR and a calcium buffer prevented induction of priming by PKCe. Unlike activation of PKCe, ryanodine and αCaMKII induced priming in female as well as male rats. Our results demonstrate a contribution of αCaMKII to induction of hyperalgesic priming, a phenomenon implicated in the transition from acute to chronic pain.
Spontaneous coherent pulsations in ring-laser oscillators

Complex spontaneous-pulsation phenomena have been reported in xenon lasers operating at 3.51-μm wavelength, and a theoretical explanation for these effects has been given. However, the published models contain various simplifications and have so far yielded only qualitative agreement with xenon-laser experiments. Reported here is a more rigorous analytical model, which for the first time provides quantitative agreement with experimental observations. This model should also find direct application in interpreting or predicting the behavior of other spontaneously pulsing laser systems.
Hodograph Curvature and Updraft Intensity in Numerically Modeled Supercells

Abstract A set of numerical simulations of supercell thunderstorms has been carried out with a range of low-level curvatures in the environmental hodograph and midlevel shears. They cover a range of hodograph “shape,” as measured by the integrated helicity of the lowest 3 km of the hodograph. The peak updraft occurs in the first hour of the storms and tends to be greater for larger values of environmental helicity. There is also a slight tendency for greater updraft intensity with lesser values of midlevel shear. Significantly, air in the core of the updrafts at midlevels (∼5 km) is not the most unstable air at the level. The most buoyant air rises in a region with a downward-directed pressure gradient force, which slows its ascent. Conversely, pressure gradient forces at lower levels (2–3 km) accelerate less buoyant air upward into the core of the midlevel updrafts. The pressure gradient force is larger in the cases with more curvature in the environmental wind than the low-curvature environments. This i...
Inverse scattering with slowly fluctuating quasi-homogeneous media

ABSTRACT A reciprocity theorem relating the coherence and spatial distribution of a slow randomly time varying, quasi- homogeneous scatterer and its scattered field is discussed and applied to the problem of imaging the spatial distribution of the scatterer by use of inverse scattering techniques. 1. INTRODUCTION The scattering of monochromatic radiation from spatially random, quasi-homogeneous media was discussed recently by Carter and Wolf.1 This work was extended to slow randomly time fluctuating media by Carter.2 It was found that a reciprocity theorem very similar to that known to exist for quasi-homogeneous, radiating primary and secondary sources exists also for this class of scatterers. This theorem relates the far field radiation pattern for initially coherent radiation scattered from slowly time varying, quasi-homogeneous scattering media to the statistics of the random time fluctuations of the scatterer. Similarly it relates the statistical properties of the partially coherent scattered radiation to the spatial distribution of the scatterer.
Back pain after epidural anesthesia with chloroprocaine.

BACKGROUND Chloroprocaine has been associated with severe back pain after epidural anesthesia. Factors proposed to contribute to this problem are: 1) the preservative disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2) large volumes of chloroprocaine, 3) low pH of chloroprocaine, and 4) local infiltration with chloroprocaine. METHODS Using a prospective, balanced, randomized study design, 100 patients aged 18-65 yr who were undergoing outpatient knee surgery during continuous epidural anesthesia received one of five local anesthetics (all containing epinephrine 1:200,000). Group I received a bolus of 30 ml 2% lidocaine, followed by 10 ml every 45 min. Group II received 15 ml of 3% chloroprocaine (containing EDTA), plus 5 ml every 45 min. Group III received 30 ml of 3% chloroprocaine plus 10 ml every 45 min. Group IV received 30 ml of 3% chloroprocaine (containing metabisulfite as the preservative but no EDTA) plus 10 ml every 45 min. Group V received 30 ml of 3% chloroprocaine with the pH adjusted to 7.3, plus 10 ml every 45 min. After the anesthesia dissipated and before any analgesic agents were given, the patients were asked to rank maximum knee and back pain on a visual analog scale (0-10) and to give a description of back pain. A telephone interview was conducted 24 h after surgery to determine if back pain returned. Back pain scoring was assessed using a verbal analog scale. RESULTS After dissipation of anesthesia, the back pain reported by patients fell into two distinct categories. Type 1 pain was described commonly as superficial and localized to the site of needle insertion. There was no difference among groups in incidence of type 1 pain. Type 2 pain was described as deep, aching, burning, and poorly localized in the lumbar region (5% of the patients in group I, 10% in groups II and IV, 50% in group III, and 25% in group V). The incidence of type 2 pain was significantly greater in group III than in groups I, II, or IV. Group III also had a significantly greater mean visual analog scale pain score (types 1 and 2) than all other groups. CONCLUSIONS Large doses (> or = 40 ml) of chloroprocaine containing EDTA resulted in a greater incidence of deep burning lumbar back pain. Using 25 ml or less of the same solution resulted in an incidence of both types 1 and 2 postepidural anesthesia back pain similar to that in the lidocaine control group.
Cognitive Risks of Dyslipidemia

This review discusses evidence-based perspectives on the relationship between dyslipidemia and cognitive decline, including strategic implications for risk reduction in primary care and empirically driven public policy initiatives to prevent cognitive dysfunction.
Happiness is Not Fun: Godard, the 20th Century, and Badiou

"Godard is the most contemporary of directors, one who has never set a film in the past. Yet since the 1990s he has produced a whole cycle of works whose tones are retrospective, memorial, elegaic. These include JLG/JLG:Auto-portrait du Decembre (1995), the much-discussed Histoire(s) du Cinema (begun in 1988, completed in 1998) 2 x 50 Years of French Cinema (commissioned by the BFI for the centennial of cinema in 1995), The Old Place (commissioned by the Museum of Modern Art in 1999), On the Origin of the Twenty-First Century (commissioned by the Cannes Film Festival for the year 2000), Dans Le Noir du Temps (a contribution to the 2002 compilation film Ten Minutes Older ), and the 2006 Centre Pompidou exhibition “Travels in Utopia.” This last was a retrospective in the conventional sense (screenings of four decades worth of film and video by Godard, Godard/Gorin, Godard/Mieville, etc), but was also retrospective as an installation, divided into three spaces identified as hier, l’avant-hier, and aujourd’hui (yesterday, the day before yesterday, and today), with tomorrow notable for its absence..."
Relationships between translation of pro α1(I) and pro α2(I) mRNAs during synthesis of the type I procollagen heterotrimer

Final assembly of the procollagen I heterotrimeric molecule is initiated by interactions between the carboxyl propeptide domains of completed, or nearly completed nascent pro alpha chains. These interactions register the chains for triple helix folding. Prior to these events, however, the appropriate nascent chains must be brought within the same compartments of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We hypothesize that the co-localization of the synthesis of the nascent pro alpha1(I) and pro alpha2(I) chains results from an interaction between their translational complexes during chain synthesis. This has been investigated by studying the polyribosomal loading of the pro alpha-chain messages during in vitro translation in the presence and absence of microsomal membranes, and in cells which have the ability to synthesize the pro alpha1 homotrimer or the normal heterotrimer. Recombinant human pro alpha1(I) and pro alpha2(I) cDNAs were inserted into plasmids and then transcribed in vitro. The resulting RNAs were translated separately and in mixture in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte lysate +/- canine pancreatic microsomes. Cycloheximide (100 mu g/ml) was added and the polysomes were collected and fractionated on a 15-50% sucrose gradient. The RNA was extracted from each fraction and the level of each chain message was determined by RT-PCR. Polysomes from K16 (heterotrimer-producing), W8 (pro alpha1(I) homotrimer), and A2' (heterotrimer + homotrimer) cells were similarly analyzed. Translations of the pro alpha1(I) and pro alpha2(I) messages proceeded independently in the cell-free, membrane-free systems, but were coordinately altered in the presence of membrane. The cell-free + membrane translation systems mimicked the behavior of the comparable cell polysome mRNA loading distributions. These data all suggest that there is an interaction between the pro alpha chain translational complexes at the ER membrane surface which temporally and spatially localize the nascent chains for efficient heteromeric selection and folding.
Physical and genetic maps of the human herpesvirus 7 strain SB genome

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) is a close relative of human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) based on limited biologic and genetic data. In this work we describe physical and genetic maps for HHV-7 strain SB [HHV-7(SB)], which was obtained from the saliva of a healthy adult. The HHV-7(SB) genome length is approximately 144 kb by clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis and approximately 135 kb by summation of restriction endonuclease fragments. We constructed plasmid clones and PCR amplimers that span the HHV-7 genome, except for the genomic termini, and determined the maps of the restriction endonuclease cleavage sites forBamHI,PstI, andSacI. The HHV-7(SB) genome is composed of a single unique region of approximately 122 kb bounded at each end by a 6 kb direct repeat. Homologs to thirty-five herpesvirus genes were identified. The highest similarity was with the HHV-6 genes, with an average amino acid identity of 50%, followed by the human cytomegalovirus counterpart. The genomic and genetic maps indicated that the HHV-7 and HHV-6 genomes are colinear. There was no sequence variation in a segment of the gene encoding the DNA polymerase-associated factor homolog among six HHV-7 isolates, while the corresponding segment of the HHV-6A and HHV-6B counterparts differed by 4.6%. These data support previous observations that the closest genetic relatives of HHV-7 are betaherpesviruses.
Microdevices integrating affinity columns and capillary electrophoresis for multibiomarker analysis in human serum.

Biomarkers in human body fluids have great potential for use in screening for diseases such as cancer and diabetes, diagnosis, determining the effectiveness of treatments, and detecting recurrence. Present 96-well immunoassay technology effectively analyzes large numbers of samples; however, this approach is more expensive and less time effective on single or a few samples. In contrast, microfluidic systems are well suited for assaying small numbers of specimens in a point-of-care setting, provided suitable procedures are developed to work within peak capacity constraints when analyzing complex mixtures like human blood serum. Here, we developed integrated microdevices with an affinity column and capillary electrophoresis channels to isolate and quantitate a panel of proteins in complex matrices. To form an affinity column, a thin film of a reactive polymer was photopolymerized in a microchannel, and four antibodies were covalently immobilized to it. The retained protein amounts were consistent from chip to chip, demonstrating reproducibility. Furthermore, the signals from four fluorescently labeled proteins captured on-column were in the same range after rinsing, indicating the column has little bias toward any of the four antibodies or their antigens. These affinity columns have been integrated with capillary electrophoresis separation, enabling us to simultaneously quantify four protein biomarkers in human blood serum in the low ng mL−1 range using either a calibration curve or standard addition. Our systems provide a fast, integrated and automated platform for multiple biomarker quantitation in complex media such as human blood serum.
EFFECTS OF DILUTION DURING CROSSLINKING ON STRAIN-INDUCED CRYSTALLIZATION IN CIS-1,4-POLYISOPRENE NETWORKS. II. COMPARISON OF EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS WITH THEORY

ABSTRACT Modern rubber elasticity theory was applied to the strain-induced crystallization results summarized for cis-1,4-polyisoprene in the preceding paper. The calculations adopted the basic assumptions made in the Flory crystallization theory, in some cases retaining the original affine elasticity model and in others adopting the new constrained-junction model. Of the two sets of theoretical stress-strain isotherms thus obtained, those from the constraint theory gave a good account of the experimental results. One major accomplishment was documenting the expected decrease in the constraint parameter κ with increase in dilution during crosslinking. This decrease is due to the fact that the diluting solvent decreases chain interpenetration, which in turn decreases entanglement constraints on the junction fluctuations.
Impact of body mass index and weight fluctuation on lymphedema risk in patients treated for breast cancer

Identifying risk factors for lymphedema in patients treated for breast cancer has become increasingly important, given the current lack of standardization surrounding diagnosis and treatment. Reports on the association of body mass index (BMI) and weight change with lymphedema risk are conflicting. We sought to examine the impact of pre-operative BMI and post-treatment weight change on the incidence of lymphedema. From 2005 to 2011, 787 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients underwent prospective arm volume measurements with a Perometer pre- and post-operatively. BMI was calculated from same-day weight and height measurements. Lymphedema was defined as a relative volume change (RVC) of ≥ 10 %. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between lymphedema risk and pre-operative BMI, weight change, and other demographic and treatment factors. By multivariate analysis, a pre-operative BMI ≥ 30 was significantly associated with an increased risk of lymphedema compared to a pre-operative BMI <25 and 25- <30 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Patients with a pre-operative BMI 25- <30 were not at an increased risk of lymphedema compared to patients with a pre-operative BMI <25 (p = 0.409). Furthermore, a cumulative absolute weight fluctuation of 10 pounds gained/lost per month post-operatively significantly increased risk of lymphedema (HR: 1.97, p = < 0.0001). In conclusion, pre-operative BMI of ≥ 30 is an independent risk factor for lymphedema, whereas a BMI of 25- <30 is not. Large post-operative weight fluctuations also increase risk of lymphedema. Patients with a pre-operative BMI ≥ 30 and those who experience large weight fluctuations during and after treatment for breast cancer should be considered at higher-risk for lymphedema. Close monitoring or early intervention to ensure optimal treatment of the condition may be appropriate for these patients.
Ground cover identification and mapping by CO2 lidar imaging

We report examples of the use of a scanning tunable CO2 laser lidar system in the 9-11 ?m region to construct images of vegetation and rocks at ranges of up to 5 km from the instrument. Range information is combined with horizontal and vertical distances to yield an image with three spatial dimensions simultaneous with the classification of target type. Reflectance spectra in this region are sufficiently distinct to discriminate between several tree species, between trees and scrub vegetation, and between natural and artificial targets. Limitations imposed by laser speckle noise are discussed.
Glycine-activated chloride currents of neurons freshly isolated from the ventral tegmental area of rats

Properties of whole-cell glycine currents (IGly) of ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons from 3- to 7-day old Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated with the patch-clamp technique. Ninety-three percent of the 126 neurons examined produced IGly in response to glycine. For 70% of these neurons, IGly did not decay in response to a threshold concentration of glycine (1-5 microM). At elevated glycine concentrations, IGly consistently decayed from a peak to a steady state (SS). IGly increased in amplitude sigmoidally as a function of the concentration of agonist with an EC50 of 32 microM. Strychnine (STR), when co-applied with glycine after a prepulse of STR, suppressed both the peak and SS IGly noncompetitively. In the absence of a prepulse, STR had a smaller effect on peak IGly while increasing its decay rate; the SS amplitude decreased. These STR effects were concentration dependent with an IC50 of 31 nM and 184 nM STR for the peak and SS IGly, with prepulse, respectively, and 732 nM and 193 nM for the peak and SS IGly, respectively, without prepulse. Picrotoxin (PTX) co-applied with glycine suppressed both the peak and the SS IGly with an IC50 of 25 microM. In contrast to STR, 1 min preincubation with PTX had no effect on IGly. Thus, PTX acts on the open channel. The inhibitory effects of both STR and PTX on IGly did not depend on the membrane potential.
Continuous protein synthesis is required to maintain the probability of entry into S phase

Abstract "Normal fibroblast" lines such as 3T3 cells arrest in the G0/G1 compartment of the cell cycle when starved of serum. Following readdition of serum and after a lag of 14 hr, the cells enter S phase with first-order kinetics. Cell cycle progress after stimulation is thus consistent with the existence of a single, rate-limiting random event (or transition) in G1 as proposed by Smith and Martin (1973). The addition of low concentrations of cycloheximide (33–100 ng/ml) at any time after the end of the lag phase brings about a rapid reduction (within 1–2 hr) of the rate constant for entry into S phase by an amount that is proportional to the inhibition of leucine incorporation. This suggests that the transition probability depends upon the continuous synthesis of a protein with a short half-life, or on some other unstable substance whose concentration is geared to the rate of translation. More importantly at present, the results indicate that the rate-limiting transition occurs within 2 hr of the start of DNA synthesis. When the same low concentrations of cycloheximide are added at the time of serum stimulation, they also lead to a marked elongation of the lag phase which again is related to the inhibitor concentration. This result is surprising since the lag is independent of serum concentration which itself influences the rate of protein synthesis.
Amplification of Pneumocystis carinii DNA on specimens scraped from slides

A method for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii by polymerase chain reaction using specimens obtained by scraping bronchoalveolar lavage or tissue impression smears is described. The smears were scraped into water and then absorbed onto a glass-fiber filter. After fixing with methanol, the specimen on the filter was digested with proteinase K. The digestion mixture was then clarified, and a portion of the clarified supernatant was used as a template for the amplification of a portion of the mitochondrial rRNA gene of P. carinii. Using this method of sample preparation, we were able to amplify P. carinii DNA from both unstained and Giemsa stained smears.
Jump and sharp cusp detection by wavelets

SUMMARY A method is proposed to detect jumps and sharp cusps in a function which is observed with noise, by checking if the wavelet transformation of the data has significantly large absolute values across fine scale levels. Asymptotic theory is established and practical implementation is discussed. The method is tested on simulated examples, and applied to stock market return data. The analysis of change-points, which describe sudden localised changes, has recently found increasing interest. Change-points can be used to model practical problems arising in fields such as quality control, economics, medicine, signal and image processing, and physical sciences. For example, in electroencephalogram signals, sharp cusps exhibit the accelerations and decelerations in the beating of the hearts. Many practical problems like this involve functions which have jumps and sharp cusps. The recently developed theory of wavelets has drawn much attention from both math- ematicians, statisticians and engineers. In the seminal work of Donoho (1993), Donoho & Johnstone (1994, 1995a,b) and Donoho, Johnstone et al. (1995), orthonormal bases of compactly supported wavelets have been used to estimate functions. The theory of wavelets permits decomposition of functions into localised oscillating components. This is an ideal tool to study localised changes such as jumps and sharp cusps in one dimension as well as several dimensions. Unlike traditional smoothing methods based on a fixed spatial scale, the wavelet method is a multiresolution approach and has local adaptivity. In this
Comments on "Noise performance of operational amplifier circuits" by F.N. Trofimenkoff and O.A. Onwuachi

The author comments on the presentation of the above-titled paper (see ibid., vol.32, no.1, p.12-17, 1989) and suggests that a presentation based on the feedback amplifier theory is more efficient and accurate. >