cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing rooting of jojoba stem cuttings: effects of basal wounding, rooting medium and depth of insertion in medium

Seedling populations of jojoba are extremely heterogeneous; about 50% of the plants are nonproducing males, and many of the females are low-yielding or are otherwise undesirable. Asexual propagation methods allow the increase and use of only desirable plants. Rooting of stem cuttings is the most commonly used asexual method; however, unsatisfactory results sometimes still occur when using this method, so it requires further refinement. In this study, three factors suspected to play an important role were studied: rooting medium, basal wounding and depth of insertion in the medium. Three media [perlite/vermiculite, 1:1 (vol/vol); peat/perlite/vermiculite, 1:1:1 and peat/perlite, 1:1], woundingvs. not wounding, and insertion of one or two nodes below the surface of the medium were compared. The base (2.5 cm) of each cutting was treated with potassium salt of indole butyric acid, 1000 ppm prior to insertion into the medium, and cuttings were rooted on a heated propagation bench under intermittent mist. The experimental design was a 3×2×2 factorial and was replicated five times. Sixteen cuttings were used per experimental unit. The study was repeated. Rooting percentage was significantly affected only in the first repetition and then only by media. The peat/perlite medium resulted in significantly less rooting than did the other two media. However, averaged over both repetitions, rooting averaged 74% for perlite/vermiculite, 78% for peat/perlite/vermiculite and 64% for peat/perlite. Depth of insertion and wounding did not affect rooting percent in either repetition of the study. Both deeper insertion and wounding resulted in roots emerging from along a greater length of the stem at the basal end of the cuttings. Cuttings with two nodes inserted into the medium averaged root emergence along a 54% greater length of the stem than those with only one node inserted. With wounding, roots emerged along 17.3 mm of the stem, while without wounding, emergence occurred only along 7.0 mm of the stem. The better root system resulting from wounding and deeper insertion into the medium would likely result in better performance of the cutting when transplanted to a field.
Designs derived from permutation groups

Abstract Let G be a transitive permutation group on a set Ω of v points {1, 2, …, v}. Let H be an intransitive subgroup of G and let Δ a set of k points where Δ consists of complete orbits of H. Then the images Δx of Δ under permutations x of Δ have been shown by the first author to be a partially balanced block design D with G as a group of automorphisms. Under certain circumstances D is a balanced incomplete block design. Here a representation of the simple group PSL3(4) of order 20,160 on 56 letters leads to a new symmetric block design with parameters v=56, k-11, λ=2. A representation of the simple group of order 25,920 as U4(4) on 45 isotropic points gives a symmetric design with v=45, k=12, λ=3. One representation of U4(4) on 40 points, gives the design of planes in PG(3, 3) and exhibits the isomorphism of this group to the symplectic group S4(3).
Numerical Modeling of the Stratospheric Sudden Warming: Some Sensitivity Studies

Abstract A version of Holton's numerical model of the stratospheric sudden warming is found to be very sensitive to the assumed initial mean zonal wind distribution. In tests with three initial wind profiles, in only one case can we simulate a wavenumber 1 warming involving flow reversal over a deep layer of the polar atmosphere and substantial warming (i.e., a major warming). In the other two cases, flow reversal is noted in restricted areas and warming is less intense. Examination of Eliassen-Palm cross sections and of Matsuno's refractive index squared throughout each integration reveals how the different warnings develop, and why they differ. Examination of refractive index squared in the atmosphere at the time of enhanced wave propagation out of the troposphere may be valuable aid in predicting the likelihood of a warming. Some characteristics of an “ideal” mean zonal wind profile (with which a major warming can develop) are discussed.
Effects of the ratio of sphere size to laser focal spot on the dominant in-band EUV emitting region

Previous experiments on Nd:YAG laser produced Sn plasmas showed little dependence of the location of the dominant in-band extreme ultraviolet emitting region on target geometry. Modeling and experiments were preformed in order to better understand this phenomenon. A two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic code, h2d, was benchmarked with experiments using Sn microspheres. Numerically obtained densities above the diagnostic limitation and temperature profile maps, which cannot be measured experimentally, were used to explain the effect, which comes from a relatively small change in the location of the critical density surface. This is important to EUV lithography because both the density and temperature play significant roles in the generation and transport of in-band EUV light. It is desired to have the highest possible density at the dominant emitting surface and the smallest possible surrounding plasma to produce high 13.5 nm conversion efficiency (2% bandwidth). The target geometry impacts the amount of lateral expansion leading to dramatically different density profiles and therefore can be optimized to meet these conditions.
Knowledge, Practice, and Perceptions of Breast-Feeding Among Physicians

Abstract A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians (n=118) in Mississippi to determine their knowledge, current practice and perception of breast-feeding. Generally, the physicians were knowledgeable about breast-feeding. More than 70% of the knowledge questions were answered correctly by most physicians. Most physicians indicated that they were comfortable answering questions about breast-feeding, although only ten percent indicated having specialized training in lactation management. They perceived to different extent, that a woman's decision to breast-feed is influenced by friends, various family members and health care professionals, respectively. Breast-feeding was considered "somewhat important" to "very important" because it is cheaper, provides immunity, nutritional value, convenience and helps with bonding. Physicians indicated that they "often" to "very often" recommended breast-feeding to mothers who have not made the decision to breastfeed or to those who have made a decision to bottle feed, irrespective of sociodemographic status. Most physicians make contact with mothers in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program after the woman's first trimester, however the physicians felt it is appropriate to initiate breast-feeding early during pregnancy. Among reasons given for cessation of breast-feeding, most physicians believed that medical conditions affecting mother or child, or failure to thrive were important. Physicians' knowledge, practice and perception of breast-feeding, could significantly impact breast-feeding practices.
Gas condensation of ultrafine silicon particles using dc magnetron sputtering

Abstract Ultrafine silicon particles with typical diameters of 6 nm to 30 nm were prepared by dc magnetron sputtering at 175 watts in argon gas at pressures from 100 mtorr to 700 mtorr. At 100 mtorr, both granular amorphous film and amorphous particles were observed, indicating that the growth occurred under conditions near the threshold for supersaturation of the silicon vapor. Depositions at higher pressures showed that the sizes of the particles did not monotonically increase with pressure. In addition, particles grown at 100 mtorr and 300 mtorr were mainly amorphous in structure, whereas those grown at 500 mtorr and 700 mtorr contained a mixture of amorphous and diamond-cubic crystalline material. Furthermore, the sizes of the particles were found to depend upon whether they were collected from the top or the bottom of the cooled substrate. The evolution of the crystalline phase may occur due to growth in a more thermalized silicon vapor which occurs at higher argon gas pressures.
Radiative effect on conjugate forced convection and conductive heat transfer in a circular pin

Abstract An analysis is presented for the heat transfer characteristics of a laminar forced convective flow over a circular pin by the conjugate convection-conduction theory including radiative effects under optically thick limit approximation. Numerical results are presented for the dimensionless heat transfer coefficients, local and overall heat fluxes, and temperature distribution of the pin by a simultaneous solution of the convective boundary layer equations of the fluid and the energy equation of the pin. It is found that the radiative effect tends to increase the surface temperature and has the effect of augmenting the overall heat transfer rate of the pin.
Microalgal polysaccharide production for the conditioning of agricultural soils

Two species of mucilaginous green algae,Chlamydomonas mexicana andC. sajao, were evaluated forin situ production of polysaccharides in untilled samples of selected agricultural soils. Greenhouse experiments indicated that the moisture content of the soils must be maintained near 100% of field capacity to permit growth of the algae. The algae increased the polysaccharide content of the uppermost 2 mm of soil by 20% to 129%, but in only 3 treatments out of 12 was there any significant increase in soil polysaccharide content at the 3–8 millimeter depth. More than 99% of the algal cells and most of the polysaccharide produced by the algae remained in the top 2 millimeters of soil. The results suggest that although these algae can increase the polysaccharide content of the uppermost strata, where soil crust formation may present problems in agriculture, frequent irrigation is necessary to maintain algal growth. Tillage would be necessary to incorporate the algal polymers for soil conditioning at depths greater than 2 millimeters.
Can capital requirements induce private monitoring that is socially optimal

Abstract This paper develops a framework for analyzing socially and privately optimal bank loan-monitoring decisions, with and without capital regulation. In contrast to the monitoring decision of a social planner who seeks to maximize the utility of aggregate consumption, banks choose to monitor only if doing so is consistent with maximizing the market value of equity. As a consequence, socially and privately optimal monitoring choices can diverge. Under some circumstances, appropriately configured capital regulation can bring private loan-monitoring decisions into line with those of the social planner. Nevertheless, the capital ratio required to attain this outcome hinges on a number of factors that are likely to be economy-specific, including the banking system's monitoring technology and its exposure to default. Thus, it is unlikely that a unique capital ratio will be able to induce socially optimal monitoring in all economies.
Reading between the lines: molecular characterization of five widely used canine lymphoid tumour cell lines

Molecular characterization of tumour cell lines is increasingly regarded as a prerequisite for defining their validity as models of in vivo neoplasia. We present the first comprehensive catalogue of genomic and transcriptional characteristics of five widely used canine lymphoid tumour cell lines. High-resolution microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization defined their unique profiles of genomic DNA copy number imbalance. Multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridization identified aberrant gains of MYC, KIT and FLT3 and deletions of PTEN and CDKN2 in individual cell lines, and also revealed examples of extensive structural chromosome reorganization. Gene expression profiling and RT-PCR analyses defined the relationship between genomic imbalance and transcriptional dysregulation in each cell line, clarifying their relevance as models of discrete functional pathways with biological and therapeutic significance. In combination, these data provide an extensive resource of molecular data for directing the appropriate use of these cell lines as tools for studying canine lymphoid neoplasia.
Simulations of a Protein Crystal with a High Resolution X-ray Structure: Evaluation of Force Fields and Water Models

We use classical molecular dynamics and 16 combinations of force fields and water models to simulate a protein crystal observed by room-temperature X-ray diffraction. The high resolution of the diffraction data (0.96 A) and the simplicity of the crystallization solution (nearly pure water) make it possible to attribute any inconsistencies between the crystal structure and our simulations to artifacts of the models rather than inadequate representation of the crystal environment or uncertainty in the experiment. All simulations were extended for 100 ns of production dynamics, permitting some long-time scale artifacts of each model to emerge. The most noticeable effect of these artifacts is a model-dependent drift in the unit cell dimensions, which can become as large as 5% in certain force fields; the underlying cause is the replacement of native crystallographic contacts with non-native ones, which can occur with heterogeneity (loss of crystallographic symmetry) in simulations with some force fields. We f...
Absence of magnetic trapping on closed field lines at Neptune

The large offset of Neptune's magnetic field in an offset tilted dipole (OTD) approximation allows some fraction of magnetospheric field lines to have monotonically increasing field magnitude over their entire length in the magnetosphere. The usual magnetic trapping is impossible on such field lines, meaning that all charged particles on these field lines will precipitate after mirroring at most once. These field lines can be thought of as the part of the global magnetic anomaly where no particles on the corresponding drift shells remain trapped for an entire rotation of the planet. In this paper we examine both the morphology and size of the affected surface area in the OTD2 and O8 magnetic field models. For regions where there are indications that part of the aurora could be due to monotonic field line precipitation we analyze whether these field lines could be sufficiently populated to produce auroral signatures by considering photoelectron production rates and radial diffusion. We conclude that monotonic field line precipitation may contribute to the observed Neptune aurora but does not explain the global phenomenon.
Boron trihalide mediated haloallylation of aryl aldehydes: reaction and mechanistic insight

The reaction of aryl aldehydes with allylsilanes in the presence of boron trihalides produces haloallylated products. Mechanistic details are presented.
Studies of the direct coloring thiocholine method for localizing cholinesterase activity.

Choline ester hydrolysis has been studied in vitro employing routine and unbuffered variations of the histochemical medium described by Karnovsky and Roots (1964) in their direct coloring thiocholine method for the localization of cholinesterase activity in situ. The substrates acetylcholine and acetylthiocholine did not hydrolyze spontaneously in either buffered or unbuffered media. However, hydrolysis of both choline esters proceeded immediately when exogenous acetylcholinesterase was present in enzyme to substrate ratios of 0.1 or less. All reactions were slower at higher enzyme to substrate ratios. Hydrolysis was prevented by including 2×10−4M eserine in the medium while 2×10−4M tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide had no detectable effect. Butyrylthiocholine was not hydrolyzed by exogenous acetylcholinesterase in this system. Homogenates of fresh brains or brains fixed in aldehyde were equally effective in hydrolyzing acetylthiocholine in the unbuffered medium. Results of the light and electron microscopic observations confirmed other reports that acetylthiocholine in combination with the appropriate inhibitor results in a staining reaction representing cholinesterase distribution.
Fabrication and characterization of ohmic contacting RF MEMS switches

We have fabricated and characterized radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) ohmic switches for applications in discrete tunable filters and phase shifters over a frequency range of 0 to 20 GHz. Our previously reported cantilever switches have been redesigned for higher isolation and are now achieving 22 dB of isolation at 10 GHz. The measured insertion loss is 0.15 dB at 10 GHz. We have also fabricated and characterized new devices, designated “crab” switches, to increase isolation and contact forces relative to the cantilever design. The measured insertion loss and isolation are 0.1 dB per switch at 20 GHz and 22 dB at 10 GHz, respectively. A simple and accurate equivalent model has been developed, consisting of a transmission line segment and either a series capacitor to represent the blocking state or a series resistor to represent the passing state. Experimental analysis of the switch shows that high contact and substrate capacitive coupling degrades the isolation performance. Simulations indicate that the isolation improves to 30 dB at 10 GHz by reducing these capacitances. The crab switch design has a measured contact force of 120 μN, which represents a factor of four increase over the cantilever switch contact force and results in consistent, low-loss performance.
Ambient total suspended particulate matter and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations from residential wood combustion in a mountain resort community

This research investigated community air pollution in Telluride, Colorado, resulting from particulate matter emissions generated by residential wood combustion. Total suspended particulate matter and benzo (a) pyrene (BaP) concentrations were highest in the center of town, averaging 61 µg/m3 and 7.4 ng/m3, respectively. The mean BaP level of 7.4 ng/m3 appears to be several times greater than that which would be expected in a major metropolitan area. Residential wood combustion is suspected as the primary source of BaP in this community.
Integrated model of operations effectiveness of small to medium-sized manufacturing enterprises

The Small to Medium-sized Manufacturing Enterprise (SME) has consistently demonstrated the ability to innovate and bring to the market new technologies and advancement in manufacturing. SMEs in industrialized nations function as the supplier base for domestic manufacturing. However, as more businesses are going global, SMEs face a new challenge in competing in the competitive global market. In this research, we aim to answer the following question: by taking advantage of the challenge as new opportunities, how SMEs can reposition themselves to be more competitive in the global market. We analyze the data collected from over 3000 SMEs using an integrated productivity-oriented model. The results present us with information about SMEs’ operation and performance. We are able to link both qualitative and quantitative factors of multiple manufacturing input/output to further assess the performance of SMEs, making a set of efficiency benchmarks available. This information can be used to help SMEs better understand the problems and opportunities confronting their operations. So their business transformations can be cost-effectively conducted for more competitive edges.
Hawthorn Extract Randomized Blinded Chronic Heart Failure (HERB CHF) trial.

Aims Hawthorn's efficacy when added to contemporary evidence-based heart failure therapy is unknown. We aimed to determine whether hawthorn increases submaximal exercise capacity when added to standard medical therapy. Methods and results We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 120 ambulatory patients aged ≥18 years with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-III chronic heart failure. All patients received conventional medical therapy, as tolerated, and were randomized to either hawthorn 450 mg twice daily or placebo for 6 months. The primary outcome was change in 6 min walk distance at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (QOL) measures, peak oxygen consumption, and anaerobic threshold during maximal treadmill exercise testing, NYHA classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), neurohormones, and measures of oxidative stress and inflammation. There were no significant differences between groups in the change in 6 min walk distance (P = 0.61), or on measures of QOL, functional capacity, neurohormones, oxidative stress, or inflammation. A modest difference in LVEF favoured hawthorn (P = 0.04). There were significantly more adverse events reported in the hawthorn group (P = 0.02), although most were non-cardiac. Conclusion Hawthorn provides no symptomatic or functional benefit when given with standard medical therapy to patients with heart failure. This trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00343902.
Tag-based approaches for deep transcriptome analysis in plants

Abstract Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) has pioneered the use of short-tag sequences derived from the 3′-ends of cDNAs for transcriptome research. Many new tag-based technologies, capitalizing on the success of SAGE, have been developed in the last decade greatly improving the tag length, cloning efficacy and the depth of transcriptome analysis in targeted genomes. Moreover, the recent introduction of novel 5′ mRNA-end isolation methods has allowed for transcription start site determination and promoter region analyses and thus has facilitated accurate annotation of sequenced genomes. Another deep transcriptome analysis method called massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) has recently been applied to the annotation of both Arabidopsis and rice genomes, not only unraveling the complexities of transcribed regions in plants, but also leading to the identification of novel small RNA species. As new robust sequencing technologies are being developed, tag-based transcriptome analysis will become more affordable and popular in the plant research community. The present review discusses the current status and future challenges of tag-based technologies for the in-depth analysis of plant transcriptomes.
Inhibition of human liver catechol-O-methyltransferase by tea catechins and their metabolites: Structure–activity relationship and molecular-modeling studies

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenol present in green tea. We previously demonstrated that EGCG was both a substrate and potent inhibitor of human liver cytosolic catechol-O-methyltransferease (COMT). We now report the structure-activity relationship for the inhibition of COMT-catalyzed O-methylation of catecholestrogens in human liver cytosol by tea catechins and some of their metabolites. The most potent inhibitors were catechins with a galloyl-type D-ring, including EGCG (IC(50)=0.07 microM), 4''-O-methyl-EGCG (IC(50)=0.10 microM), 4',4''-di-O-methyl-EGCG (4',4''-DiMeEGCG) (IC(50)=0.15 microM), and (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) (IC(50)=0.20 microM). Catechins without the D-ring showed two to three orders of magnitude less inhibitory potency. Enzyme kinetic analyses revealed that EGCG behaved as a mixed inhibitor, whereas 4',4''-di-O-methyl-EGCG exhibited competitive kinetics for the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and noncompetitive kinetics for the catechol binding site. These compounds may represent a new type of COMT inhibitor. In silico molecular-modeling studies using a homology model of human COMT were conducted to aid in the understanding the catalytic and inhibitory mechanisms. Either D-ring or B-ring of EGCG could be accommodated to the substrate binding pocket of human COMT. However, the close proximity (2.6A) of 4''-OH to the critical residue Lys144, the higher acidity of the hydroxyl groups of the D-ring, and the hydrophobic interactions between the D-ring and residues in the binding pocket greatly facilitated the interaction of the D-ring with the enzyme, and resulted in increased inhibitory potency. These results provide mechanistic insight into the inhibition of COMT by commonly consumed tea catechins.
Patrick McCarthy and the Other Italy

Abstract This contribution examines the place of the South in Patrick McCarthy's analysis of contemporary Italian politics, and in particular the ways in which his reading of the work of three leading southern writers – Leonardo Sciascia, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa and Salvatore Satta – contributed to his definition of the peculiarities of the relationship between the citizen and the state in modern Italy.
Revisiting the role of the granuloma in tuberculosis

The granuloma, which is a compact aggregate of immune cells, is the hallmark structure of tuberculosis. It is historically regarded as a host-protective structure that 'walls off' the infecting mycobacteria. This Review discusses surprising new discoveries — from imaging studies coupled with genetic manipulations — that implicate the innate immune mechanisms of the tuberculous granuloma in the expansion and dissemination of infection. It also covers why the granuloma can fail to eradicate infection even after adaptive immunity develops. An understanding of the mechanisms and impact of tuberculous granuloma formation can guide the development of therapies to modulate granuloma formation. Such therapies might be effective for tuberculosis as well as for other granulomatous diseases.
Predictors of nutrition label viewing during food purchase decision making: an eye tracking investigation

ObjectiveNutrition label use could help consumers eat healthfully. Despite consumers reporting label use, diets are not very healthful and obesity rates continue to rise. The present study investigated whether self-reported label use matches objectively measured label viewing by monitoring the gaze of individuals viewing labels.DesignThe present study monitored adults viewing sixty-four food items on a computer equipped with an eye-tracking camera as they made simulated food purchasing decisions. ANOVA and t tests were used to compare label viewing across various subgroups (e.g. normal weight v. overweight v. obese; married v. unmarried) and also across various types of foods (e.g. snacks v. fruits and vegetables).SettingParticipants came to the University of Minnesota's Epidemiology Clinical Research Center in spring 2010.SubjectsThe 203 participants were ⩾18 years old and capable of reading English words on a computer 76 cm (30 in) away.ResultsParticipants looked longer at labels for ‘meal’ items like pizza, soup and yoghurt compared with fruits and vegetables, snack items like crackers and nuts, and dessert items like ice cream and cookies. Participants spent longer looking at labels for foods they decided to purchase compared with foods they decided not to purchase. There were few between-group differences in nutrition label viewing across sex, race, age, BMI, marital status, income or educational attainment.ConclusionsNutrition label viewing is related to food purchasing, and labels are viewed more when a food's healthfulness is ambiguous. Objectively measuring nutrition label viewing provides new insight into label use by various sociodemographic groups.
Lead poisoning from a gunshot wound to the hand

Lead intoxication from retained bullets is uncommon but potentially fatal. A 45-year-old man was shot in the left wrist with a .32-caliber rifle. He was first seen 16 months later with symptoms, signs, and laboratory values that were consistent with the diagnosis of plumbism. The factors leading to plumbism, its evaluation, and treatment are reviewed.
Interaction with Capsid Protein Alters RNA Structure and the Pathway for In Vitro Assembly of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus

Viruses use sophisticated mechanisms to allow the specific packaging of their genome over that of host nucleic acids. We examined the in vitro assembly of the Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) and observed that assembly with viral RNA follows two different mechanisms. Initially, CCMV capsid protein (CP) dimers bind RNA with low cooperativity and form virus-like particles of 90 CP dimers and one copy of RNA. Longer incubation reveals a different assembly path. At a stoichiometry of about ten CP dimers per RNA, the CP slowly folds the RNA into a compact structure that can be bound with high cooperativity by additional CP dimers. This folding process is exclusively a function of CP quaternary structure and is independent of RNA sequence. CP-induced folding is distinct from RNA folding that depends on base-pairing to stabilize tertiary structure. We hypothesize that specific encapsidation of viral RNA is a three-step process: specific binding by a few copies of CP, RNA folding, and then cooperative binding of CP to the "labeled" nucleoprotein complex. This mechanism, observed in a plant virus, may be applicable to other viruses that do not halt synthesis of host nucleic acid, including HIV.
Preparing for Fiscal Leadership in Student Affairs: The Senior Student Affairs Officer Voice.

Success within today’s challenging economic environment mandates that senior student affairs officers in higher education possess a sophisticated financial and budgetary skill set. Limited research...
An Experimental Demonstration of Nuclear Instrumentation Surveillance in Power Reactors

An experimental program demonstrating the feasibility of two in-situ, on-line surveillance techniques developed as part of an ongoing research program is described. The surveillance techniques tested include noise analysis methods which measure the high frequency power spectral density (PSD) function of neutron detector output signals. and measurement of sensor response to a step perturbation in the high voltage bias applied to the detector. Selected results of tests performed at two operating power plants are presented. Neutron sensors tested include source, intermediate, and power range monitors which are a normal part of the plant RPS.
Asymptotic behavior at very high energies for hadron-hadron collisions

Asymptotic expressions for dip positions and other experimental parametrs in hadron-hadron elastic and diffraction dissociation processes are computed for very large total cross section sigma/sub T/. The only assumptions are the geometrical picture, and the Yukawa-type shape of the tail of the hadron distribution.
The masking level difference in chinchilla auditory cortex. Effects of inner hair cell loss.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to investigate responses from the unanesthetized chinchilla auditory cortex (AC) to conditions producing a masking level difference (MLD) in perceptual studies, both before and after inner hair cell (IHC) loss caused by carboplatin. Tungsten electrodes were chronically implanted in the right AC (active) and anterior cranium (common) in six adult chinchillas. Following a recovery period, AC responses were obtained from the unanesthetized animal placed in a passive restraint. Toneburst input/output functions were obtained. Tonebursts (500 Hz) ranged from 0 to 80 dB pSPL, in 10 dB steps, and were presented to the left ear, the right ear, binaural (in-phase) and binaural (out-of-phase). For the MLD series, responses to 70 dB pSPL, 500 Hz tonebursts and a continuous broadband noise (40–90 dB SPL, in 5 dB steps) were studied. Three MLD versus non-MLD conditions were obtained: SπN0/S0N0, SLN0/SLNL, and SRN0/SRNR. Following baseline data collection, each animal was given 75 mg/kg carboplatin intraperitoneally. Four to five weeks later, the electrophysiology protocol was followed again. At 5 weeks post-carboplatin, the animals were sacrificed, the cochleas were harvested, and cochleograms (hair cell loss across cochlear place) were constructed. For all conditions, response latencies increased and amplitudes decreased with decreasing toneburst level and increasing level of masking noise. Masked AC response thresholds were higher (better) for the MLD conditions than their respective non-MLD conditions. AC response latencies across masking noise level did not appear to vary systematically across conditions. Under some conditions, the MLD conditions showed larger amplitudes than their respective non-MLD conditions for equivalent masker levels. Post-carboplatin, cochleograms showed moderate IHC loss (on average, ∼40% loss in apex) with minimal outer hair cell loss. The differences in MLD versus non-MLD conditions in terms of masked threshold and response amplitude were often reduced post-carboplatin.
Clinical Evaluation of the Safety of Repetitive Intraoperative Defibrillation Threshold Testing

One goal of the initial implantation procedure for a cardioverter defibrillator is determination of the configuration and patch location with the lowest defibrillation threshold (DFT). To determine the safety of multiple defibrillation tests, an analysis of the intraoperative defibrillation threshold tests (DFTT) in our patients was performed. In 84 patients, the mean number of DFT trials was 5.27; the mean number of joules received was 275.0. The maximum number of shocks in one implant procedure was 50 for a total of 4,895 joules without complications. Four patients received 30 or more DFT shocks without complication. There were two complications related directly to the DFTT: one patient with severe noninflammatory cardiomyopathy developed electromechanical dissociation and was subsequently resuscitated and survived; the second patient with severe triple vessel coronary artery disease suffered an intraoperative myocardial infarction during testing and eventually died 22 days postoperatively. All patients received an ICD unit; six patients had DFTs of greater than 20 joules. Based on our experience, we followed the clinical status (heart rate, blood pressure, ECG changes, fluid status, total anesthesia time) during the DFTT to determine the extent and duration of our testing protocol. Multiple shocks due to repositioning of the leads in a stable patient should not prohibit extensive testing as adverse consequences do not appear to be cumulative.
The use of suicide substrates to select mutants of Escherichia coli lacking enzymes of alcohol fermentation

Mutants of Escherichia coli resistant to chloroethanol or to chloroacetaldehyde were selected. Such mutants were found to lack the fermentative coenzyme A (CoA) linked acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Most also lacked the associated fermentative enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Both types of mutants, those lacking acetaldehyde dehydrogenase alone or lacking both enzymes, mapped close to the regulatory adhC gene at 27 min on the E. coli genetic map. The previously described acd mutants which lack acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and which map at 63 min were shown to be pleiotropic, affecting respiration and growth on a variety of substrates. It therefore seems likely that the structural genes for both the acetaldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenases lie in the adhCE operon. This interpretation was confirmed by the isolation of temperature sensitive chloracetaldehyde-resistant mutants, some of which produced thermolabile acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase and were also found to map at the adh locus. Reversion analysis indicated that mutants lacking one or both enzymes carried single mutations. The gene order in the adh region was determined by three point crosses to be trp - zch:: Tn10 - adh - galU- bglY - tyrT - chlC.
Computer analysis of static bifurcation in power networks

The authors summarize an approach to the static bifurcation analysis of electric power networks which combines bifurcation theory with proven computational methods and a graphical representation of information which has intuitive appeal. The relationship between contour maps and static bifurcation of power system equilibrium equations is examined. Preliminary results identify the limitations as well as possibilities for enhancement of the generalized circle diagrams introduced by G.B. Price (1984). By combining symbolic and numerical computations this approach appears to be moving toward making power system static bifurcation analysis an intuitive and practical tool for power system operations analysis. >
Aluminum fractions in root tips of slash pine and loblolly pine families differing in Al resistance.

Aluminum (Al) distribution among several cellular fractions was investigated in root tips of seedlings of one Al-resistant and one Al-sensitive family of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) grown in nutrient solution containing 100 &#956M AlCl3 (pH 4) for 167 h. Aluminum present in 5-mm-long root tips was fractionated into cell-wall-labile (desorbed in 0.5 mM citric acid), cell-wall-bound (retained after filtering disrupted cells through 20-&#956 mesh) and symplasmic (filtrate following cell disruption) fractions. When averaged across both species, 12% of Al absorbed by root tips appeared in the symplasmic fraction and 88% in the apoplasmic fraction (55% as cell-wall-labile, and 33% as cell-wall-bound). On a fresh mass basis, total Al in root tips was lower in loblolly pine than in slash pine, lower in the Al-resistant slash pine family than in the Al-sensitive slash pine family, and lower in the Al-resistant families than in the Al-sensitive families across species. Although the data support the hypothesis that Al-resistant plants limit Al uptake to root apices, they do not exclude other mechanisms of Al resistance. Differential Al resistance between the species and between slash pine families may also be associated with the size of the total non-labile and cell-wall-labile Al fractions, respectively. We were unable to identify the basis for differential Al resistance in loblolly pine.
National trends in augmentation cystoplasty in the 2000s and factors associated with patient outcomes

Purpose: Augmentation cystoplasty is a major surgery performed by pediatric urologists. We evaluated national estimates of children undergoing augmentation cystoplasty in the United States for trends during the 2000s, and analyzed patient and hospital factors associated with outcomes.Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent augmentation cystoplasty registered in the 2000 to 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database were included. Estimates of total number of augmentation cystoplasties performed and patient and hospital characteristics were evaluated for trends. Hierarchical models were created to evaluate patient and hospital factors associated with length of stay, total hospital charges and odds of having a postoperative complication.Results: An estimated 792 augmentation cystoplasties were performed in 2000, which decreased to 595 in 2009 (p = 0.02). Length of stay decreased from 10.5 days in 2000 to 9.2 days in 2009 (p = 0.04). A total of 1,622 augmentation cystoplasties were included in the hierarchical mode...
Perspectives on the significance of altered glycosylation of glycoproteins in cancer

No abstract Abbreviations:Sia, sialic acid, type unspecified; Tn antigen, GalNAcα 1-O-Ser/Thr; T antigen, Galβ1-3GalNAcα-O-Ser/Thr; Sialyl LewisX, Siaα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; Sialyl Lewisa, Siaα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc; Sialyl-Tn antigen, Siaα2-6GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr; FucT, fucosyltransferase; ST, sialyltransferase.
Effects of dietary cholesterol and bile salt in the golden hamster

Abstract The effects of a diet containing 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.25 per cent bile salt were studied in hamsters. After feeding periods of sixteen to twenty-five weeks, the plasma cholesterol was significantly increased; in the liver an extremely high accumulation of the sterol and a severe fatty degeneration were observed. Sections of the aorta revealed an almost normal structure associated with considerable fatty infiltration. The effects observed in hamsters fed 1 per cent cholesterol without supplementation by bile salt were qualitatively similar, but somewhat smaller in extent. These results obtained with hamsters were compared with the effects of cholesterol feeding in three other species, i.e., the rat. rabbit, and chicken.
Regulatory Perspective on Embolic Protection Device Approval for Saphenous Vein Graft Stenting With a Single-Arm Trial Using Risk-Adjusted Prediction Model

The article by Coolong et al1 in this issue of Circulation identifies potential predictors of 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with embolic protection devices (EPDs). These predictors, angiographic estimates of plaque volume and SVG degeneration, were derived from patient-level data on 3958 patients enrolled in 6 clinical trials of SVG EPDs. As discussed in their article, the authors have incorporated these predictors into a model that seeks to accurately predict 30-day MACE rates for such devices. The authors make an intriguing proposal that their covariate-adjusted, historically derived model could be used to construct an objective performance goal for the evaluation of novel EPDs. The implementation of such a model seems an attractive goal not only because of savings in time and cost for future clinical trials but also because of the potential to allow effective devices to reach patients more expeditiously. However, putting the model into practice will likely need some additional forethought and further collaborative effort to ensure that the effectiveness and safety of these devices are adequately evaluated. Although the investigators did not submit the actual predictive model within their article, we appreciate this opportunity to provide our insight into how such a model could potentially be integrated into future trials supporting regulatory approval. Article p 790 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates devices in 3 classes, with the highest-risk devices in class III, moderate-risk devices in class II, and lowest-risk devices in class I. Medical devices in class III support or sustain human life, are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury. These devices reach the market through the premarket approval process. Because of the level of risk associated with class III devices, …
Kinetic study of end-group stabilization in hydrocellulose by hydrogen sulfide

Abstract The rate of stabilization of hydrocellulose and glucose against alkaline degradation by hydrogen sulfide was studied as a function of pH and H2S-concentration. The rate of this reaction increases to a maximum with an increase in pH from 3.5 to 6.3. The maximum rate is significantly enhanced by the presence of ammonia base. With increasing H2S-concentration, the stabilization rate increases in a sigmoidal manner. It is demonstrated that this kinetic pattern is in full accordance with the reaction mechanism proposed by Procter involving conversion to a thioalditol via a gem-dithiol intermediate.
IMPACTS OF MESOGRAZERS ON EPIPHYTE AND ENDOPHYTE GROWTH ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICALLY DEFENDED MACROALGE FROM THE WESTERN ANTARCTIC PENINSULA: A MESOCOSM EXPERIMENT(1).

It has been hypothesized that the extensive mesograzer community along the western Antarctic Peninsula regulates epiphytic algae as well as emergent filaments from endophytic species. Should grazing limit growth of fouling or potentially pathogenic microphytes, then Antarctic macrophytes may actually benefit from the remarkably high densities of mesograzer amphipods that occur in these waters. Although initially counterintuitive, the negative impacts of epi/endophyte fouling may outweigh stresses caused by limited amphipod grazing on chemically defended macrophytes by reducing stress from endo/epiphyte biomass. If so, then alleviating mesograzing stress should result in significant increases in endo/epiphytic biomass. To test this hypothesis, a mesocosm experiment was conducted. Individuals representing four common species of Antarctic macroalgae were placed in flow-through seawater mesocosms. Amphipods were added to five mesocosms at simulated natural densities, while the other five remained herbivore free. At the end of 7 weeks, endo/epiphytic growth on individual macrophytes was quantified. Most species of macroalgae demonstrated noticeably higher instances of endophyte coverage, epiphytic diversity, and diatom colonization in consumer-free mesocosms than in the presence of amphipods. These data suggest that macroalgae along the western Antarctic Peninsula rely on grazers to control populations of potentially harmful epiphytes. We hypothesize that the chemically defended macroalgal flora lives in mutualism with high densities of mesograzers, providing amphipods with shelter from predation while continually being cleaned of potentially harmful endo/epiphytes.
STOCHASTIC EQUIVALENCE OF CONVEX ORDERED DISTRIBUTIONS AND APPLICATIONS

We consider sufficient conditions for stochastic equivalence of convex ordered random variables. Our main results apply to all convex ordered distributions on the real line and improve on a recent result of Huang and Lin [8] for equality in distribution of convex ordered survival times. Illustrative applications include testing for equality in distribution with convex ordered alternatives and demonstrating several earlier results on stochastic equivalence as special cases.
Through-wall building image improvement via signature-based CLEAN

The radar signal processing involves post-processing of the received radar echoes to extract target information. There is an increasing interest to employ radar signals for information gathering and imaging of selected objects with the environment. A more focused interest relates to imaging of concealed items and through-wall imaging fits that category. The challenge faced in through-wall radar sensing relates to the attenuation and distortion of signals propagating through one or more walls prior to interacting with objects of interest. In addition, radar images obtained by near-field sideby scanning are heavily dominated by the scattering of the exterior walls and thereby obscuring the interior details which are of primary interest. This is illustrated in Figure 1.
Molecular Genetics of Growth and Development in Populus. IV. Mapping Qtls with Large Effects on Growth, Form, and Phenology Traits in a Forest Tree

We have mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for commercially important traits (stem growth and form) and an adaptive trait (spring leaf flush) in a Populus F2 generation derived from a cross between interspecific F1 hybrids (P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides). Phenotypic data were collected over a 2-year period from a replicated clonal trial containing ramets of the parental, F1, and F2 trees. Contrary to the assumptions of simple polygenic models of quantitative trait inheritance, 1-5 QTLs of large effect are responsible for a large portion of the genetic variance in each of the traits measured. For example, 44.7% of the genetic variance in stem volume after 2 years of growth is controlled by just two QTLs. QTLs governing stem basal area were found clustered with QTLs for sylleptic branch leaf area, sharing similar chromosomal position and mode of action and suggesting a pleiotropic effect of QTLs ultimately responsible for stem diameter growth.