cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial colonization of amniotic fluid from intact fetal membranes

Abstract Except in rare instances, intact membranes have been considered to be a barrier to infection of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid was collected from 45 selected patients by amniocentesis or needle amniotomy prior to or duing labor, or by needle aspiration at the time of cesarean section. Fluid was cultured and examined directly by Gram stain. Among 14 patients who were not in labor, only one had growth of bacteria from broth culture [ 10 2 CFU/ml), five grew in broth only, and 13 were negative. Of the 13 patients with positive cultures of >10 2 CFU/ml, eight patients had clinical chorioamnionitis; five patients were afebrile and clinically asymptomatic, except that premature labor occurred in three of these patients. Of the amniotic fluid cultures with >10 2 CFU/ml, six contained only aerobes, five contained only anaerobes, and two contained mixed aerotolerance types. Aerobic bacteria included Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes , group B β-hemolytic streptococci, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Anaerobic organisms isolated included Fusobacterium nucleatum (on three occasions), Bacteroides corrodens, Bacteroides ochraceus, Bacteroides bivius , and Peptostreptococcus micros . Bacteria and leukocytes observed by oil immersion microscopy on direct Gram stain of unspun amniotic fluid were significantly associated with culture of >10 2 CFU/ml. Also, the presence of bacteria on Gram stain and >10 2 CFU/ml from culture were significantly associated with the presence of clinical chorioamnionitis. These data demonstrated a wider spectrum of bacteria capable of colonizing amniotic fluid in the presence of intact membranes than was previously appreciated, indicating that direct Gram stain in addition to culture can provide valuable diagnostic information.
Market Information Acquisition, Use, and New Venture Performance*

A substantial body of existing research has linked firm performance to the acquisition and use of customer, competitor, and other market information. This paper examines the impact on new venture performance of formal processes for market information collection and use. This study hypothesizes that new venture performance will be an increasing function of both market information and use. Two moderator hypotheses are also tested. In particular, it is expected that the impact of formal market information processes will be greater in market-driven new ventures than in technology-driven new ventures. These hypotheses were tested using data collected from 222 Chinese new ventures. The empirical analysis confirms the positive role of formal processes in new venture performance. However, the analysis does not support the moderator hypotheses. This study finds that (1) formal processes for information acquisition are equally important in technology-driven and market-driven firms and (2) formal processes for information use have a greater impact on new venture performance in technology-driven firms than in market-driven firms.
Radio propagation in urban environments using iterative Fourier split-step method

In urban environments, the buildings are often modelled as knife-edges or more realistically, polygons. With abrupt changes of building profiles. diffraction and backscattering effects are important in this scenario. Several wide-angle parabolic equation (PE) methods have been used to calculate the diffraction or/and backscattering problem in built-up areas. However, no one has ever combined all the factors: diffraction, forward and backward reflections with angle-dependent impedance boundary conditions on the varying terrain or along the polygonal building. In this paper we formulate an iterative Fourier split-step PE method to achieve this.
Parent-child relations and the etiology of depression: A review of methods and findings

Abstract Three distinct methodologies have been used to investigate potential links between parent-child relations and the etiology of depression. These methodologies, as well as the findings obtained with each, are reviewed and critiqued. Irrespective of methodology type, several consistent findings emerge which suggest that specific patterns of parent-child relations may be involved in the etiology, maintenance, and/or expression of depressive disorder in children, adolescents, and adults. However, numerous methodological limitations seriously question the validity of these findings. Recommendations for conducting future research in this area are provided.
Genetic basis of corneal diseases and the role of keratocytes in corneal transparency – a review

The current paper reviews the genetic basis of diseases affecting the cornea, including corneal dystrophies and systemic diseases with corneal manifestations (e.g. the mucopolysaccharidoses), discusses the mechanisms by which corneal injury and disease can affect corneal transparency and discusses stem cell therapy as a potential therapy for corneal injury and disease. Several diseases of the cornea have been described, many of which are inheritable. The identification of the genetic mutations responsible for these diseases has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying their corneal manifestations. Corneal disease and injury can affect corneal transparency. Stromal keratocytes play an important role in cellular and extracellular transparency of the cornea. They synthesize type I and V collagen and keratan sulfate proteoglycans that together regulate collagen fibril size and spacing important for extracellular matrix transparency. There are strong indications that cellular transparency of keratocytes relies on the presence of corneal crystallins, which provide a uniform density of proteins in the cytoplasm that increase the spatial order necessary for transparency. After injury, activated keratocytes show heterogeneity of cytoplasmic proteins, decreased spatial ordering and increased light scattering. Stem cell transplantation is regarded as a potential new therapy that can replace keratocytes and restore corneal transparency and normal structure after injury or corneal disease.
Morphologic and cytogenetic variables affect the flow cytometric recovery of plasma cell myeloma cells in bone marrow aspirates

Summary Introduction It is widely recognized that plasma cells (PCs) are under-represented in flow cytometry (FC) studies, but the causes of this phenomenon are poorly understood. We sought to study potential variables that affect PC recovery by flow cytometry (FC) in the analysis of plasma cell myeloma (PCM). Methods We retrospectively performed PC differential counts and morphologic assessment on PCM peripheral blood (PB) smears, bone marrow (BM) aspirate smears and posterythrocyte lysis cytospins. PCs were enumerated by FC, excluding erythroid events/debris, and were defined as CD38(bright+), CD45(dim to negative) events. PC recovery was calculated as follows: cytospin/aspirate, FC/aspirate, and FC/cytospin. Results Sixty-four BM analyses from 42 patients showed a mean aspirate PC% of 32.9 ± 23.2%. The mean PC% decreased in both the cytospin (10.9%) and by FC (8.2%). The difference between PC% in the cytospin and by FC was statistically significant (P < 0.03). Mature PC morphology and lower aspirate PC% had poorer recovery (P < 0.05) but higher-risk cytogenetics (deletions of 13q and TP53) was associated with increased PC recovery. Immunophenotype, heavy chain type, and treatment did not affect PC recovery. PB specimens had superior recovery compared with BM samples. Conclusions Similar to prior reports, the greatest loss of PC in BM evaluation occurs between the aspirate and postlysis specimens; however, a small amount occurs from further processing. Additional morphologic and cytogenetic factors also appear to influence recovery in addition to overall PC%.
TWO MYXOZOANS FROM THE URINARY TRACT OF TOPSMELT, ATHERINOPS AFFINIS

Abstract: Two myxozoan species were observed in the kidney of topsmelt, Atherinops affinis, during a survey of parasites of estuarine fishes in the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve, California. Fish collected on 3 dates in 2012 and 2013 were sectioned and examined histologically. Large extrasporogonic stages occurred in the renal interstitium of several fish from the first 2 collections (5/8, 11/20, respectively) and, in some fish, these replaced over 80% of the kidney. In addition, presporogonic and polysporogonic stages occurred in the lumen of the renal tubules, collecting ducts, and mesonephric ducts. The latter contained subspherical spores with up to 4 polar capsules, consistent with the genus Chloromyxum. For the third collection (15 May 2013, n = 30), we portioned kidneys for examination by histology, wet mount, and DNA extraction for small subunit ribosomal (SSU rDNA) gene sequencing. Histology showed the large extrasporogonic forms in the kidney interstitium of 3 fish and showed 2 other fish with...
The spontaneous mutation frequencies of Prochlorococcus strains are commensurate with those of other bacteria.

Summary The marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus, the smallest and most abundant oxygenic phototroph, has an extremely streamlined genome and a high rate of protein evolution. High-light adapted strains of Prochlorococcus in particular have seemingly inadequate DNA repair systems, raising the possibility that inadequate repair may lead to high mutation rates. Prochlorococcus mutation rates have been difficult to determine, in part because traditional methods involving quantifying colonies on solid selective media are not straightforward for this organism. Here we used a liquid dilution method to measure the approximate number of antibiotic-resistant mutants in liquid cultures of Prochlorococcus strains previously unexposed to antibiotic selection. Several antibiotics for which resistance in other bacteria is known to result from a single base pair change were used. The resulting frequencies of antibiotic resistance in Prochlorococcus cultures allowed us to then estimate maximum spontaneous mutation rates, which were similar to those in organisms such as E. coli (∼5.4 × 10−7 per gene per generation). Therefore, despite the lack of some DNA repair genes, it appears unlikely that the Prochlorcoccus genomes studied here are currently being shaped by unusually high mutation rates.
High-pressure melting relations in Fe-C-S systems: Implications for formation, evolution, and structure of metallic cores in planetary bodies

Abstract We present new high-pressure temperature experiments on melting phase relations of Fe–C–S systems with applications to metallic core formation in planetary interiors. Experiments were performed on Fe–5 wt% C–5 wt% S and Fe–5 wt% C–15 wt% S at 2–6 GPa and 1050–2000 °C in MgO capsules and on Fe–13 wt% S, Fe–5 wt% S, and Fe–1.4 wt% S at 2 GPa and 1600 °C in graphite capsules. Our experiments show that: (a) At a given P–T, the solubility of carbon in iron-rich metallic melt decreases modestly with increasing sulfur content and at sufficiently high concentration, the interaction between carbon and sulfur can cause formation of two immiscible melts, one rich in Fe-carbide and the other rich in Fe-sulfide. (b) The mutual solubility of carbon and sulfur increases with increasing pressure and no super-liquidus immiscibility in Fe-rich compositions is likely expected at pressures greater than 5–6 GPa even for bulk compositions that are volatile-rich. (c) The liquidus temperature in the Fe–C–S ternary is significantly different compared to the binary liquidus in the Fe–C and Fe–S systems. At 6 GPa, the liquidus of Fe–5 wt% C–5 wt% S is 150–200 °C lower than the Fe–5 wt% S. (d) For Fe–C–S bulk compositions with modest concentration of carbon, the sole liquidus phase is iron carbide, Fe3C at 2 GPa and Fe7C3 at 6 GPa and metallic iron crystallizes only with further cooling as sulfur is concentrated in the late crystallizing liquid. Our results suggest that for carbon and sulfur-rich core compositions, immiscibility induced core stratification can be expected for planets with core pressure less than ∼6 GPa. Thus planetary bodies in the outer solar system such as Ganymede, Europa, and Io with present day core–mantle boundary (CMB) pressures of ∼8, ∼5, and 7 GPa, respectively, if sufficiently volatile-rich, may either have a stratified core or may have experienced core stratification owing to liquid immiscibility at some stage of their accretion. A similar argument can be made for terrestrial planetary bodies such as Mercury and Earth’s Moon, but no such stratification is predicted for cores of terrestrial planets such as Earth, Venus, and Mars with the present day core pressure in the order ⩾136 GPa, ⩾100 GPa, and ⩾23 GPa. (e) Owing to different expected densities of Fe-rich (and carbon-bearing) and sulfur-rich metallic melts, their settling velocities are likely different; thus core formation in terrestrial planets may involve rain of more than one metallic melt through silicate magma ocean. (f) For small planetary bodies that have core pressures
New Route to ABCD-Porphyrins via Bilanes

A new strategy for preparing porphyrins that bear up to four different meso-substituents (ABCD-porphyrins) relies on two key reactions. One key reaction entails a directed synthesis of a 1-protected 19-acylbilane by acid-catalyzed condensation at high concentration (0.5 M) of a 1-acyldipyrromethane and a 9-protected dipyrromethane-1-carbinol (derived from a 9-protected 1-acyldipyrromethane). Three protecting groups (X) were examined, including thiocyanato, ethylthio, and bromo, of which bromo proved most effective. The bilanes were obtained in 72−80% yield, fully characterized, and examined by 15N NMR spectroscopy. The second key reaction entails a one-flask transformation of the 1-protected 19-acylbilane under basic, metal-templating conditions to give the corresponding metalloporphyrin. The reaction parameters investigated for cyclization of the bilane include solvent, metal salt, base, concentration, temperature, atmosphere, and time. The best conditions entailed the 1-bromo-19-acylbilane at 100 mM in ...
SU-C-137-02: A Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for Tandem and Ring Brachytherapy

Purpose: To improve the quality and safety of our tandem and ring brachytherapy practice and procedure, we performed a treatment process analysis following the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method. Methods: The FMEA analysis was performed by a multi-disciplinary team. The treatment process was divided into six sub-processes and a flowchart was created for each. For each action point within a sub-process, failure modes (FM) were collected. A scoring guideline was developed based on published FMEA studies and adapted for brachytherapy at UC Davis. Scores were assigned through team consensus. FM were ranked according to overall score as well as severity score alone. FM ranking above 5% of the highest risk priority number (RPN) score, representing half the FM, were selected for in-depth analysis. The efficiency of each existing QA process to detect FM and the number of QA tests in place for each FM were analyzed. Results: 96 FM were scored for severity, occurrence and detectability. RPN scores ranged from 1 to 192. Of the 12 highest ranking FM with RPN scores > 80, half had severity scores of 8 or 9, with no mode having severity of 10. Of the top 48 FM, the originating process steps were insertion (10%), simulation (33%), planning (29%) and delivery (25%). Checklist efficiency and comprehensiveness including physician, nurse and physics checks, ranged from 25% to 79% in preventing the top 48 FM ranked by RPN. Physics machine QA was inefficient in detecting the top ranked FM ( 7 (15%). Conclusion: This is the first reported FMEA process in gynecologic brachytherapy. We were able to identify failure modes that could potentially and severely impact the patient's treatment. We continue to adjust our QA program based on the results of our FMEA analysis.
Polishing of polycrystalline diamond by hot nickel surface

A microwave plasma technique has been employed to deposit polycrystalline diamond film over a molybdenum substrate button using a gas mixture of hydrogen and methane at a substrate temperature of 851°C. A CVD diamond coated molybdenum substrate button was mounted with a load against hot nickel plate and rotated for 3.45 h in a hydrogen ambient. Hot tungsten filament was used as a heat source to maintain the temperature of the nickel block and CVD diamond coated molybdenum button at 848°C. This experiment has reproducibly shown the successful polishing of polycrystalline CVD diamond by hot nickel. A Tencor profilometer and scanning electron microscope have been used to evaluate the surface smoothness and morphology before and after polishing the polycrystalline diamond thin films.
Evidence for a conduction-electron transition from pressure dependence of NMR in CeP and CeAs

Nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) measurements as a function of temperature and pressure have been made of the Knight shift $K$ of $^{31}\mathrm{P}$ and $^{75}\mathrm{As}$ contained in CeP and CeAs, respectively. The pressure derivative of $K$ ($\frac{d\mathrm{ln}K}{\mathrm{dP}}$) for both compounds shows a large increase near the temperature where $K$ is known to become nonlinearly related to the susceptibility. Detailed analyses of the NMR data show that behavior expected from either nonlinear hyperfine effects or valence changes of the Ce qualitatively fail to account for the pressure results. It is shown, however, that the effects of a sharp feature in the conduction-electron density of states, located very near the Fermi energy, can produce the observed NMR. The pressure dependence of $K$ for $^{31}\mathrm{P}$ in YbP was also studied. Very small pressure-induced changes in $K$ occurred at low temperature with no anomalies in the pressure derivative such as observed in the Ce compounds.
Cable modem access to picture archiving and communication system images using a web browser over the internet

This presentation describes our experiences using a web-based viewing software and a browser to view out picture archiving and communication system (PACS) images at a remote site with cable modem-internet communications. Our testing shows that using a cable modem to access our radiology webserver produces acceptable transmission speeds to remote sites. The average time-to-display (TTD) for 16 computed tomography (CT) images on the web-based intranet system in our hospital was 7 to 8 seconds. Using a cable modem and comparable equipment at a remote site, the average TTD is 16 seconds over the internet. The TTD does not significantly change during various hours of the day. Security for our hospital based PACS is provided by a firewall. Access through the firewall is accomplished using virtual private network (VPN) software, a secure ID, and encryption. We have found that this is a viable method for after-hours subspecialty radiology consultation.
TGF‐β1 is essential for the homeostasis of the dentin‐pulp complex

Among the complex network of cytokines that influence odontoblast function during development and repair, TGF-beta1 is unique in its dual abilities to function as a potent immunosuppressant and as an inducer of extracellular matrix production. These properties underscore the importance of this molecule in maintaining the homeostasis of the dentin-pulp complex after injury. The purpose of this paper is to describe new findings of our phenotypic analysis of dentition in mice in which the TGF-beta1 gene has been disrupted. The major phenotype of TGF-beta1(-/-) offspring is one of diffuse immune system activation with progressive inflammation, wasting and death. Our studies of adult TGF-beta1(-/-) dentition show widespread pulpal and periapical inflammation and necroses. In addition, the coronal surfaces of occluding molars show marked attrition. To determine whether the phenotypic changes in TGF-beta1(-/-) dentition are directly linked to the loss of TGF-beta1 rather than the inflammatory process itself, we studied adult dentition in TGF-beta1(-/-) mice backcrossed into immunodeficient backgrounds. Results of our histopathologic and radiographic analyses show that teeth of TGF-beta1(-/-) immunodeficient mice retain vitality in pulpal and periapical regions but show excessive wear of occlusal surfaces.
Low-temperature emissivities of copper and aluminum

A transient calorimetric technique for measuring the total hemispherical emissivities ∊h of metals, in the temperature range 140–300°K, has been developed. Using this technique, continuous ∊h versus temperature data have been obtained for pure samples of Cu and Al, with a precision of about 5%. These results are compared with those of previous investigators and with the theory of Davisson and Weeks.
Probe molecule spectroscopy of NaCl aerosol particle surfaces.

Excited-state absorption spectroscopy and ionization threshold measurements for coumarin 314 (C314) adsorbed to the surface of NaCl aerosols characterize the chemical environment of the particle surface as a function of relative humidity (RH). An atmospheric pressure flow of aerosol passes through an ionization cell where two-photon laser ionization of the adsorbed molecules produces a net charge on the particle. Monitoring this charge as a function of the laser wavelength produces either the absorption spectrum of the S1 ← S0 transition or the ionization threshold. The wavelength of maximum absorption for the S1 excited-state shifts from 448 nm for RH < 5% to 441 nm for RH = 60%, indicating that adsorbed water decreases the polarity of the surface. Similarly, the ionization threshold increases from 5.10 to 5.27 eV over a similar range of RH. The decrease in polarity is attributable to changes in the local electric field experienced by C314, which is on the order of 1 × 107 V/cm, and is correlated with ch...
Photogrammetric calibration of a scanning electron microscope

Abstract Since the invention of the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), researchers have used 2-dimensional measurements on micrographs. Stereo-pairs of micrographs are used to some extent for limited 3-dimensional analyses. This is done primarily for qualitative analyses. With the growing need for serious quantitative investigations, more attention is presently drawn to statistically sound metric calibration of the SEM. A procedure of analytical calibration of SEM developed in the Ohio State University department of Geodetic Science is discussed. The concept of system calibration is used. This procedure used advanced photogrammetric self-calibration techniques to solve for the tilt and rotation angles, also magnification and systematic distortion parameters which define the trajectory of light rays and electron beams in the SEM system. Utilizing multiple micrographs made of a diffraction-granting replica calibration standard tilted at angles up to 45°, with four 90° differential rotation angles for each tilt, hundreds of photogrammetric comparator measurements made on each micrograph were combined in a least-squares adjustment, which determines the calibration parameters and their variances and covariances. The sample test SEM (Materials Analysis Co. Model 700) was calibrated separately for magnifications of 2000 ×, 5000 ×, and 10,000 ×. In addition to an affine deformation plus radial and tangential distortions, as found in other photographic systems, a new “spiral” distortion was mathematically modelled which accounted for more than 300 μm of systematic distortion at photo scale for each image throughout the format of the micrographs.
Penalized Likelihood Kriging Model for Analysis of Computer Experiments

Kriging is a popular metamodeling technique for analysis of computer experiment. However, the likelihood function near the optimum is flat in some situations, and this may lead to very large random variation in the maximum likelihood estimate. To overcome this difficulty, a penalized likelihood approach is proposed for the kriging model. The proposed method is particularly important in the context of a computationally intensive simulation model where the number of simulation runs must be kept small. We demonstrate the proposed approach for the reduction of piston slap, an unwanted engine noise due to piston secondary motion. Issues related to practical implementation of the proposed approach are discussed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Resolution in reconstructing objects from electron micrographs

Some basic problems associated with the reconstruction of objects from electron micrographs and X-ray photographs are investigated. A precise definition of the problem is given. It is proved that interesting images cannot be uniquely described by any finite number of projections, and thus any reconstruction technique can only hope to give an approximation to the original. The root-mean-square distance is discussed as a measure of the approximation, and it is shown to be sensitive to changes in fine detail. Various suggested ways of measuring resolution are discussed and precise definitions for the resolution of reconstruction techniques are suggested both with and without the use of Fourier transforms. A theoretical explanation is given for the success, from the point of view of resolution, of the algebraic reconstruction techniques using only few projections from a limited range of angles.
An electron microscope study of the effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on Chinese Hamster Ovary cells

Abstract The effect of reverse transformation agents (dibutyryl 3′:5′ cyclic adenosine monophosphate plus synergizing compounds like testosterone) on Chinese Hamster Ovary cells has been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, under conditions of low and high cell density. The disappearance of the cell surface knobs or blebs and the cell elongation previously described by light microscopy are even more striking under the higher resolving power of electron microscopy. The cell elongation is accompanied by and appears to be due to an increase in number of microtubules per unit volume of cytoplasm, and a change in their distribution from a random arrangement to an orderly alignment in parallel to each other and to the long axis of the cell. Increasing cell density, and therefore number of cell contacts in untreated cultures, causes the morphology to change in the direction to be expected if the cellular concentration of cyclic AMP is increased. Ultrastructural details of the cells in the various conditions studied are presented.
Suppression of thioredoxin-1 induces premature senescence in normal human fibroblasts

Abstract Thioredoxin (TRX) is a ubiquitous multifunctional thiol protein that is critically involved in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Levels of thioredoxin-1 (TRX1), the major isoform of TRX, have been shown to correlate with organismal lifespan and age-associated tissue deterioration. Accordingly, we investigated the direct functional effects of suppressing TRX1 levels on cellular senescence, a phenomenon intimately linked with tissue degeneration and aging. Here we find that suppression of TRX1 expression via shRNA rapidly induces premature senescence in young human skin fibroblasts through upregulation of the p53/p21Cip1/Waf1 and p16INK4a tumor suppressor pathways. Moreover, inhibition of these pathways by introduction of SV40 Large T Antigen prevents TRX1 suppression-induced premature senescence but not susceptibility to oxidative stressors. Thus our results suggest that TRX1 has a role in suppressing senescence in normal cells in addition to its function as a redox-protective protein.
Signal transduction in Coprinus congregatus: evidence for the involvement of G proteins in blue light photomorphogenesis.

Summary This paper reports the presence of several G proteins and light-sensitive GTP-binding proteins in the fungus Coprinus congregatus, a filamentous eukaryote. (Mono)ADP-ribosylation experiments with crude membranes in the presence of the (poly)ADP-ribosyltransferase inhibitor, 3-amino-benzamide, resulted in the detection of a cholera toxin substrate of 52kDa and two pertussis toxin substrates, 33 and 39kDa. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel analysis of GTP-binding proteins exposed in vivo to [35S]-labeled guanosine 5′-[γ-thio]-triphosphate in the presence or absence of light demonstrated light enhanced analog binding. These results support the concept of the involvement of G proteins in phototransduction in C. congregatus.
Monitoring uncharged tRNA during transcription of the Bacillus subtilis glyQS gene.

Expression of the Bacillus subtilis glyQS gene, encoding glycyl-tRNA synthetase, depends on stabilization of an antiterminator element during transcription of the 5' region of the mRNA by binding of uncharged tRNA G l y . The glyQS gene is a member of the T box family of genes, all of which are involved in generation of charged tRNA. Each gene in this family exhibits an increase in readthrough of a termination signal located upstream of the start of the coding sequence in response to a decrease in the ratio of charged to uncharged tRNA. Many structural features of T box RNAs that are necessary for tRNA-dependent antitermination have been defined, but little is known about the timing or sequence of events that lead to a productive interaction with uncharged tRNA and discrimination against charged tRNA. To investigate these issues, transcription complexes were blocked artificially at specific positions along the leader sequence and tested for the ability to recognize tRNA. Although the sequence element that binds the tRNA anticodon is located more than 100 nt before the termination signal, complexes with nascent transcripts extending to just upstream of the termination site were still competent for antitermination. This result indicates that the transcript can fold into a receptive structure in the absence of the tRNA, and that tRNA is not necessary prior to this point. A mimic of charged tRNA G l y inhibited antitermination by uncharged tRNA unless the leader RnA-tRNA G l y complexes contained the complete antiterminator. These results suggest that the transcription complex can interact with either uncharged or charged tRNA until it approaches the termination point, allowing maximal flexibility in monitoring the ratio of charged to uncharged tRNA.
Response surface analysis of the effects of seeding rates, N-rates and irrigation frequencies on durum wheat I. Grain yield and yield components

Interactive effects of nitrogen (N) rates, seeding (S) rates and irrigation frequencies on grain yield and yield components of durum wheat were studied for four years under field conditions at Tulelake, California. Each year the experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with 4 irrigation frequencies as main plots and combinations of 5 N-rates (0 to 360 kg/ha) and 5 S-rates (50 to 250 kg/ha) as subplot treatments replicated 4 times. A quadratic response surface model (RSM) was used to study the effects of these treatments on grain yield and yield components (tillers/area, kernel number/spike, kernel weight/spike and 100-seed weight). The RSM was very effective for analysis and data reduction for estimating the optimum combinations of N and S for maximizing the grain yield and yield components. The N utilization and uptake efficiency increased with each irrigation treatment and peaked at irrigation treatment C. Both N and uptake utilization efficiency decreased with each increment of N-rate. In most cases, the effect of irrigation was independent of N and S. One irrigation at tillering increased grain yield and yield components significantly over only a preplant irrigation. The response of additional irrigations were comparatively small and significant only in some cases. Both N and S had significant effects on grain yield and yield components, however, the response of N was larger than that of S. With increasing N-rate, grain yield and tiller number increased with the expected peak beyond 360kg N ha−1 but the increments beyond 180 kg N ha−1 were of progressively smaller magnitude. The kernel number and kernel weight per spike also increased with N-rate giving a peak between 270 and 360 kg N ha−1. With increasing S grain yield and tiller number/area increased while kernel number and kernel weight per spike decreased progressively. It was impossible to maximize yield and yield components at a given combination of N, S, and irrigation. According to the model, grain yield and tiller number were maximized at the highest level of N and S, while kernel number and kernel weight/spike were maximized at the lowest S (50 kg ha−1) and about 314 kg N ha−1 under adequate water supply. On the basis of the findings of this study and output of the model, 180–360 kg N ha−1, 150–250 kg S ha−1 and two post-sowing irrigations (at tillering and at boot stage) in addition to a preplant irrigation was recommended for optimum yield. An additional irrigation might be required depending on the weather conditions during the grain filling period.
Stroke in cardiac surgical patients: determinants and outcome.

Abstract Background . Despite improving outcomes in cardiac surgical patients, stroke continues to remain a major complication. Few prospective studies are available on postoperative stroke. The present study was conducted to elucidate the incidence and predictors of stroke in a large group of cardiac surgical patients. Methods and Results . Prospective data collected on 4,941 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were subjected to univariate and logistic regression analyses (98.4% men; 72% older than 60 years; 9.1% with history of prior stroke; 80.4% underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting). Stroke predictors include history of stroke and hypertension, older age, systolic hypertension, bronchodilator and diuretic use, high serum creatinine, surgical priority, great vessel repair, use of inotropic agents after cardiopulmonary bypass, and total cardiopulmonary bypass time ( p p Conclusions . Stroke after cardiac surgical procedures is a morbid event. Identification of predictors and development of strategies to modify these factors should lead to a lower incidence of stroke.
Anisotropy of TeV and PeV cosmic rays with IceCube and IceTop

Abstract The interaction of high energy cosmic rays with the Earth's atmosphere produces extensive air showers of secondary particles with a large muon component. By exploiting the sensitivity of neutrino telescopes to high energy muons, it is possible to use these detectors for precision cosmic ray studies. The high rate of cosmic-ray muon events provides a high-statistics data sample that can be used to look for anisotropy in the arrival directions of the parent particles at the per-mille level. This paper will report on the observation of anisotropy in the cosmic ray data collected with the IceCube neutrino telescope in the 20-400 TeV energy range at multiple angular scales. New data from the IceTop air shower array, located on the ice surface above IceCube, shows an anisotropy that is consistent with the high-energy IceCube results. The sensitivity of IceTop to all the components of the extensive air shower will allow us to explore in more detail the characteristics of the primary cosmic rays associated with the observed anisotropy.
Photovoltages in ferroelectric films

Polarization-dependent steady photovoltaic currents were found in thin lead zirconate-titanate films on silicon substrate. In addition to a polarization-dependent current, there was a steady non-polarization-dependent background current. There were also transient photovoltaic currents that appeared once, in an initial response to illumination, after the remanent polarization is switched. For mercury arc illumination and a 0.25-μm-thick, sol gel process, 53/47 Zr/Ti ratio film, the polarization-dependent current was equal to 2.7 A/C per W/cm2.
Conformational Flexibility of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complexes: A Computational Analysis by Quantized Elastic Deformational Model

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is one of the largest multienzyme complexes known and consists of a dodecahedral E2 core to which other components are attached. We report the results of applying a new computational method, quantized elastic deformational model, to simulating the conformational fluctuations of the truncated E2 core, using low-resolution electron cryomicroscopy density maps. The motional features are well reproduced; especially, the symmetric breathing mode revealed in simulation is nearly identical with what was observed experimentally. Structural details of the motions of the trimeric building blocks, which are critical to facilitating the global expansion and contraction of the complex, were revealed. Using the low-resolution maps from electron cryomicroscopy reconstructions, the simulations showed a picture of the motional mechanism of the PDC core, which is an example without precedent of thermally activated global dynamics. Moreover, the current results support an earlier suggestion that, at low resolution and without the use of amino acid sequence and atomic coordinates, it is possible for computer simulations to provide an accurate description of protein dynamics.
A prospective comparison of capsule endoscopy and push enteroscopy in patients with GI bleeding of obscure origin.

Abstract Background Capsule endoscopy is used to investigate the small bowel in patients with GI bleeding of obscure etiology. Capsule endoscopy was compared prospectively with push enteroscopy in 20 patients with GI hemorrhage. Methods Twenty patients (8 men, 12 women; mean age 65.5 years, range 38–80 years) were enrolled in the study. All had undergone non-diagnostic EGD, colonoscopy, and barium contrast radiography of the small bowel. All patients underwent capsule endoscopy followed by push enteroscopy. The physician performing the enteroscopy (senior endoscopist) interpreted the capsule endoscopy in an unblinded manner, while a second blinded reviewer (endoscopy fellow) interpreted the capsule endoscopy to establish interinterpreter reliability. Results There was complete agreement between the blinded and the unblinded physicians in 18 of 20 cases; minor disparities were noted in the remaining two cases. In the small bowel, capsule endoscopy identified positive findings in 14 (70%) patients, whereas, push enteroscopy identified positive findings in 5 (25%) patients. Despite these results, the findings were definitive in only 6 of the 20 patients by using capsule endoscopy, and in two of 20 patients with push enteroscopy. Conclusions When strict standards of interpretation were used, capsule endoscopy resulted in more positive findings than push enteroscopy, but the number of definitive findings for both imaging methods was low. There was a high degree of reliability between a novice and an experienced endoscopist with respect to the interpretation of capsule endoscopy.
Sequential collaborative processing for energy efficiency and fault tolerance in unattended ground sensor networks

Multiple target detection in sensor networks is a challenging problem since the signal captured by individual sensor nodes is normally a linear/nonlinear weighted mixture of geometrically diverse source signals. Independent component analysis (ICA) has been widely used to solve the source estimation problem, but most of the algorithms assume the number of sources is fixed and is equal to the number of observations, which generally is not the case in sensor networks. Even though several methods are put forward for source number estimation, traditional centralized schemes hinder their application in sensor networks due to extremely constrained resource and scalability issues. In this paper, a sequential source number estimation framework is developed, where we assume the sensor network has been self-organized into clusters. The determination of possible number of targets at a sensor is only based on its local observation and the estimation result received from its previous sensor. Therefore, raw data transmission is avoided and only small packets of partial estimation results are transmitted through the networks. Based on the local estimation generated within each cluster, a posterior probability fusion method based on the Bayes' theorem is derived. Experimental results show that using the sequential processing approach with probability fusion, the detection probability and reliability are improved over the centralized scheme while significantly reducing network traffic and conserving resources.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
COPPER REDS FOR THE AMATEUR

A brief review of the history of the production of such wares is given. Methods are described that can be used by the person having china painter's kiln. This paper is presented to encourage the amateur to make use of simple equipment for the production of decorated wares in which a satisfactory ceramic red can be produced.
Contrast-induced nephropathy after a second contrast exposure.

Background: The risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after repeated contrast exposure has not been evaluated. Methods: We prospectively evaluated the effects of two contrast exposures during an investigational study of a new computerized tomography (CT) scanner. Adult subjects who underwent a variety of contrast-enhanced imaging procedures with conventional apparatus, as part of routine care, were invited to undergo a second contrast-enhanced research scan. Subjects were required to have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and a serum creatinine (sCr) value measured immediately prior to the second contrast exposure that was <125% of that measured prior to the first imaging study. Results: Twenty-eight subjects underwent a second contrast exposure after a mean interval of 20 ± 13 days (75% males, 89% Caucasians, 21% diabetics, mean age 60.6 ± 6 years, mean contrast volume 130 ± 42 mL). There was a significant increase in mean sCr and decline in eGFR after the second cont...
Aggregate Substitution Effects Implying Global Stability

Abstract This article develops novel methods to show that the standard conditions used to obtain global stability of tatonnement depend only on aggregate substitution effects. Thus, for each condition on the matrix of total price effects implying global stability, there is a corresponding one on only the matrix of compensated price effects which also implies global stability. Journal of Economic Literature Classifications Numbers: D50, C62.
Weak imposition of “no-slip” conditions in finite element methods

Abstract We begin the analysis of two schemes for imposing weakly the “no-slip” boundary conditions in the Navier-Stokes equations. The first is via a Lagrange multiplier constraining no tangential velocity on the boundary and the second is via penalization of tangential velocities along boundaries. Our analysis in this first step is for the Stokes problem although the motivation for relaxing this essential boundary condition comes from higher Reynolds number flow.
First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum on Crotalaria juncea ('Tropic Sun' Sunn hemp).

Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as sunn hemp, is a subtropical annual legume grown in the United States as a cover crop that improves soil quality, provides nitrogen, suppresses weeds and nematodes, and adds organic matter to soils. In Florida, sunn hemp is a warm- and short-season cover crop that is typically planted in June and cut and incorporated into soil in September. In 2008, powdery mildew was observed on sunn hemp in a research field in Hastings, FL. This disease is important because it has the potential to impact the health and quality of sunn hemp, and this particular powdery mildew can infect cucurbits that are grown in north Florida from late summer to fall. Fungal growth appeared as typical white, powdery mildew colonies initially seen on upper leaf surfaces, especially along the midvein of infected leaves, but moving to undersides as disease progressed; petioles and floral parts were disease free. As disease progressed, colonies enlarged and coalesced to cover the entire lea...
Rethinking the scope test as a criterion for validity in contingent valuation

Abstract The scope test is widely recommended as a way to evaluate the validity of contingent valuation (CV) studies. We measured contingent values of parts and wholes for four different environmental goods and applied the conventional scope test. In addition, the study design allowed examination of scope relationships for individual respondents. We also used social psychological theory to expand the definition of scope to include attitudinal and behavioral scope. Looking at the individual responses showed that conventional economic scope test results, which depend on comparisons of average values, can hide important relationships that are relevant to the validity of CV studies. We showed that, as a validity test, the conventional scope test can lead to false positives and false negatives. We are led to question the efficacy and cost effectiveness of making scope tests a routine part of validity assessment in applied CV studies.
Dielectrophoretic trapping of single bacteria at carbon nanofiber nanoelectrode arrays.

We present an ac dielectrophoretic (DEP) technique for single-cell trapping using embedded carbon nanofiber (CNF) nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs). NEAs fabricated by inlaying vertically aligned carbon nanofibers in SiO 2 matrix are applied as "points-and-lid" DEP devices in aqueous solution. The miniaturization of the electrode size provides a highly focused electrical field with the gradient enhanced by orders of magnitude. This generates extremely large positive DEP forces near the electrode surface and traps small bioparticles against strong hydrodynamic forces. This technology promises new capabilities to perform novel cell biology experiments at the nanoscale. We anticipate that the bottom-up approach of such nano-DEP devices allows the integration of millions of nanolectrodes deterministically in lab-on-a-chip devices and will be generally useful for manipulating submicron particles.
Relationship of Early Neonatal Base Excess and pCO2 to Survival and Disabling Cerebral Palsy in the <2000 gm. Infant |[bull]| 1225

Introduction and Methods: Base excess (BE), unlike pH, reflectsmetabolic acidosis in newborns, but has not, to our knowledge, been examined in relation to disabling cerebral palsy (DCP) in LBW babies. Low pCO2 has also been suggested as a risk factor for DCP. We therefore studied the first neonatal blood gas obtained from 762 <2000 gm. infants born at three NJ hospitals 9/84-6/86. 645 of these newborns survived to hospital discharge, and 537 were examined for DCP at age 2 years.
A microaliquoting technique for precise histological annotation and optimization of cell content in frozen tissue specimens

Knowledge of the exact cell content of frozen tissue samples is of growing importance in genomic research. We developed a microaliquoting technique to measure and optimize the cell composition of frozen tumor specimens for molecular studies. Frozen samples of 31 mesothelioma cases were cut in alternating thin and thick sections. Thin sections were stained and evaluated visually. Thick sections, i.e., microaliquots, were annotated using bordering stained sections. A range of cellular heterogeneity was observed among and within samples. Precise annotation of samples was obtained by integration and compared to conventional single face and “front and back” section estimates of cell content. Front and back estimates were more highly correlated with block annotation by microaliquoting than were single face estimates. Both methods yielded discrepant estimates, however, and for some studies may not adequately account for the heterogeneity of mesothelioma or other malignancies with variable cellular composition. H...
Consumer behavior in accumulating household financial assets

Abstract The acquisition of household financial assets by married couples are examined. Guttman scalogram analysis is used to develop and evaluate the reproducibility of the derived accumulation scales. To test the reliability of the findings, split halves and longitudinal analyses are conducted. In addition, financial asset patterns are examined across three age segments. Finally, some implications for future consumer research on financial assets are suggested.