cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaporization and thermal decomposition of transition metal salts in flameless atomic absorption spectrometry with a carbon tube atomizer

Abstract Vaporization and thermal decomposition of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu salts were investigated by measuring the absorption spectra observed when aqueous solutions of these salts were heated in the carbon tube atomizer. Gaseous metal halides are vaporized in the atomizer at temperatures above 300–500° C. SO 2 and NO are produced by thermal decomposition of metal sulfates and nitrates, respectively. The vaporization of metal halides is also confirmed by the spectra for solutions of metals in hydrochloric acid and for mixtures of metal nitrates and ammonium halides.
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery improves candidacy in morbidly obese patients awaiting transplantation

Abstract Background To evaluate, at a university tertiary referral center, the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with cirrhosis or end-stage lung disease (ESLD); and to determine whether these procedures help patients become better candidates for transplantation. Methods A retrospective review was performed of selected patients with end-stage organ failure who were not eligible for transplantation because of morbid obesity who underwent LRYGB or LSG. The prospectively collected data included demographics, operative details, complications, percentage of excess weight loss, postoperative laboratory data, and status of transplant candidacy. Results Of the 15 patients, 7 with ESRD underwent LRYGB and 6 with cirrhosis and 2 with ESLD underwent LSG. Complications developed in 2 patients (both with cirrhosis); no patient died. The mean follow-up was 12.4 months, and the mean percentage of excess weight loss at ≥9 months was 61% (ESRD), 33% (cirrhosis), and 61.5% (ESLD). Obesity-associated co-morbidities improved or resolved in all patients. Serum albumin and other nutritional parameters at ≥9 months after surgery were similar to the preoperative levels in all 3 groups. At the most recent follow-up visit, 14 (93%) of 15 patients had reached our institution's body mass index limit for transplantation and were awaiting transplantation; 1 patient with ESLD underwent successful lung transplant. Conclusion The results of this pilot study have provided preliminary evidence that LRYGB in patients with ESRD and LSG in patients with cirrhosis or ESLD is safe, well-tolerated, and improves their candidacy for transplantation.
Stability and inoculation of risk comparisons' effects under conflict: replicating and extending the "asbestos jury" study by Slovic et al.

Promotion or criticism of risk comparisons in risk communication has far exceeded empirical tests of their effects. Slovic et al. (1990) experimented with a hypothetical jury trial in which an asbestos-installing firm was accused of subjecting school occupants to unreasonable risk. A risk comparison sharply reduced subjects' estimates of risk and judgments that the firm was guilty, but a critique of the risk comparison had risk estimates and guilt judgments rebounding to the original (without risk comparison) level. Slovic et al. concluded that risk comparisons' effects were highly unstable, at least in conflict-ridden situations such as a jury trial. The present study replicates and extends this important study, using the same stimuli and questions. The respective effects of the risk comparison and the critique recurred, although much less sharply than in Slovic et al. Moreover, judgments of guilt, risk, and other aspects of the case seemed shaped more by demographics and beliefs about risk generically (e.g., about the likelihood of cancer after exposure to a carcinogen) than by either risk comparison or critique. A variant design, in which the defense's expert witness dismissed potential criticisms of the risk comparison, appeared to "inoculate" people against shifting their views after seeing the critique. Overall, these results show that risk comparisons might change some beliefs about risks in conflict and that "inoculation" can reduce vulnerability to criticism. However, the results also show strong limits on effects of both comparisons and their critiques: they shifted only a minority of judgments and had small effects relative to people's social locations and prior risk beliefs.
Resolve the virtual network embedding problem: A column generation approach

In this paper, we study the virtual network embedding (VNE) problem in the network virtualization context, which aims at mapping the virtual network requests of the service providers (SPs) to the substrate networks managed by the infrastructure providers (InPs). Given the NP-Completeness of the VNE problem, prior approaches primarily rely on solving/relaxing the link-based Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulations, which lead to either extensive computational time, or non-optimal solutions. In this paper, for the first time, we present a path-based model for the VNE problem, namely P-VNE. By analyzing the dual formulation of the P-VNE model, we propose a column generation process, with which an optimal solution to the VNE problem can be found efficiently (when embedded into a branch-and-bound framework).
Thermal stress characteristics and reliability impact on 3-D ICs containing through-silicon-vias

Thermal stresses in TSV structures have been measured using micro-Raman spectroscopy and precision wafer curvature technique as a function of temperature and during thermal cycling. The results were verified by finite element analysis (FEA) to characterize the thermomechanical behavior of the TSV structures. An initial nonlinear curvature behavior was observed and was attributed to grain growth, which was followed by a linear and reversible behavior. The impact of thermal stresses on the keep-out zone (KOZ) for devices near the TSVs was investigated.
Runners' Alcohol Use and Responses to the Brief Mast

Abstract We assessed drinking habits and responses to the Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (BMAST) in runners (student and nonstudent) participating in a 10-mi race. Questionnaires were sent to 1445 race registrants: 483 nonstudent men, 153 student men, 154 nonstudent women, and 105 student women responded (62% total response rate). We compared the student runners' responses to BMAST questions, as well as binge rates and family history of problem drinking, to those of a reference college-student (slightly younger) population from the same state (n = 3726). The male student-runner binge drinking rate was 50% and the women student-runner rate was 47.6%, similar to those of the comparison group. There was no difference in rates of an “alcoholic score” on the BMAST among student runners (10.4% men, 5.1% women) compared to other runners. Student runners were more likely to have sought help for their drinking compared to nonrunner students. Nearly 20% of subjects in the student groups (runners and nonru...
The self-image of adolescents with acute anorexia nervosa

The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire for Adolescents was administered to 30 female adolescents with a diagnosis of acute anorexia nervosa. Patients were divided into an early group (12 to 15 years; N=15) and a late group (16 to 19 years; N=15). The mean percent weight loss calculated as deviation from norm weight for age and height was 32%, and the mean duration of illness was 1.3 years, similar for both groups, whereas age of onset of anorexia was significantly ( P P P P P P P
The ecology of child treatment. A developmental/educational approach to the therapeutic milieu.

Many residential and day treatment programs for troubled children have experienced only limited success because of their inability to impact the child's total life sphere: family, peer group, school, and neighborhood. This has prompted the present move to deinstitutionalizechildren's mental health services—a movement which is sound in its underlying purpose, but which sometimes falls prey to the notion that merely altering the location of treatment from the ward or institution to the community setting will dramatically alter its results. It will not. This paper begins with the assumption that the focusof child treatment is as important as the locusand attempts to identify the critical elements in a therapeutic communitybased program for the troubled child and his parents.
Bed bugs evolved unique adaptive strategy to resist pyrethroid insecticides

Recent advances in genomic and post-genomic technologies have facilitated a genome-wide analysis of the insecticide resistance-associated genes in insects. Through bed bug, Cimex lectularius transcriptome analysis, we identified 14 molecular markers associated with pyrethroid resistance. Our studies revealed that most of the resistance-associated genes functioning in diverse mechanisms are expressed in the epidermal layer of the integument, which could prevent or slow down the toxin from reaching the target sites on nerve cells, where an additional layer of resistance (kdr) is possible. This strategy evolved in bed bugs is based on their unique morphological, physiological and behavioral characteristics and has not been reported in any other insect species. RNA interference-aided knockdown of resistance associated genes showed the relative contribution of each mechanism towards overall resistance development. Understanding the complexity of adaptive strategies employed by bed bugs will help in designing the most effective and sustainable bed bug control methods.
Performance limitations from Coulomb interaction in maskless parallel electron-beam lithography systems

Proposed high throughput maskless multi-parallel electron beam systems require a large current, which can also potentially destroy the imaging quality due to Coulomb interaction effects. By using a Monte Carlo approach, we have studied the beam current limitation set by Coulomb interaction among electrons at 0.1 micrometers resolution under a variety of column lengths and acceleration voltages for both a blanker aperture array system and a photocathode system. By taking into account the limits from the resist sensitivity and the freedom of system parameter selection, the throughput performance is evaluated in terms of an upper limit and a lower limit, and the feasible system configurations are suggested for achieving the desired throughput as well as 0.1 micrometers resolution. Some results for SCALPEL are also obtained, and the comparison of different lithography tools are discussed.
Universal Preschool – Developmentalists Enter the Fray

The rich alchemy of hunch and evidence has long shaped causal accounts of what social contexts and psychological experiences spur healthy child development. But when it comes to the controversial notion of state-run universal preschool, respected developmentalists are drifting onto thin ice. Jean Piaget, writing from the Sorbonne in 1957 and drawing from Johann Comenius, the 17th century philosopher, argued that ‘if the child is really a being in the process of spontaneous development, then individual study, independent exercises, and the transformation of capacities with age are possible’ [Piaget, 1967, p. 15]. Then, Piaget couldn’t resist contrasting his child-centered theory with the school’s mechanical notion of growth, simply focusing on ‘verbal and mnemonic transmission of adult knowledge through the teacher’s words to the pupil’s mind’ [Piaget, 1967, p. 15]. He was prophetic in the light of No Child Left Behind and enforced didactics now found in many contemporary public schools. Yet the casual blending of evidence on children’s growth with claims about institutions that aim to serve them can be risky. Witness how several respected developmentalists have jumped on the universal preschool bandwagon, including stellar thinkers like Deborah Stipek, Ruby Takanishi, and Ed Zigler. They have argued that the government should provide free preschool for all children, rather than focusing public dollars on poor children, the dominating priority over the past half-century. These and fellow scholars have been enlisted by well-heeled foundations to write op-eds and testify before legislative committees, that is, to lend legitimacy to a singular policy. Their heartfelt aims are virtuous. Indeed, the early childhood movement owes much to the work of developmentalists and allied social scientists, harking back to work of Arnold Gessell, Robert Hess, and Prof. Zigler – prompting the creation of Head Start. But the policy question today is no longer whether public action is desirable in lifting the early growth of young children, age 0–5, the issue is which children significantly benefit and through what kinds of preschool organizations. And the scientific question of how young children benefit from preschool classrooms – via what social and motivational processes – remains vastly undertheorized, beyond the
Campground Manager and User Perceptions of Risk Associated with Negative Human–Black Bear Interactions

Negative human–black bear interactions in New York's Adirondack Park campgrounds pose risk management challenges. Communication is one tool available to modify human behavior and reduce associated risks, but knowledge of constructs influencing risk perception among key stakeholder groups is needed to design effective risk communication approaches. We interviewed managers (n = 14) and users (n = 40) at 7 Adirondack Park campgrounds to characterize risk perceptions between groups. We identified eight constructs influencing risk perceived by users and/or managers with three constructs congruent between groups, and five constructs divergent. We discuss how congruencies and shared understanding across groups, and explicit recognition by risk communicators of differences between groups, may offer opportunities to maximize successes of risk communication efforts in campgrounds.
Role of atomic resonances in the ionization of potassium atoms in slow collisions with He(2 1,3S).

Cross sections have been calculated for the Penning ionization of ground-state potassium atoms in collisions with metastable He(2 /sup 1,3/S) atoms for the range of center-of-mass-system energies 0.01 eVless than or equal toEless than or equal to1.0 eV. The cross sections were calculated using ab initio ptical potentials. The real part of the optical potential was obtained by adjusting the potential curve resulting from a configuration-interaction (CI) calculation performed on the HeK molecule so as to include the correct van der Waals asymptotic form. The imaginary part was obtained by performing a Stieltjes moment analysis of a discrete (L/sup 2/) representation of the HeK/sup +/+e/sup -/ continuum generated in a CI procedure. The calculated cross section for He(2 /sup 3/S) scattered from K at E = 0.032 eV is in good agreement with stationary afterglow measurements at room temperature. A nearly degenerate core-excited state of potassium (which has a curve crossing with the He(2 /sup 3/S)K molecular state) is then explicitly included in a Landau-Zener formulation which further increases the calculated cross section, but it still agrees well with the room-temperature measurements. Elastic differential cross sections for He(2 /sup 1/S) on K are also reported.
Increased immunoreactive calcitonin in idiopathic hypercalciuria.

Abstract Serum immunoreactive calcitonin concentration (iCT) was determined in nine subjects with idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH), prior to and during oral phosphate supplementation (500 mg qid) to test the hypothesis that a renal phosphate leak was the primary defect resulting in IH in these patients. Prior to the oral phosphate supplementation, serum ICT was significantly elevated in the IH group, when compared to 26 normal individuals (75 ± 7 vs 45± 4 pg/ml, mean ± SE, P
Fractal patterns in auditory nerve-spike trains

The authors discuss the following topics: traditional renewal point process models; long-term correlations; self-similarity of neuronal firing rates; power-law behavior of the Fano-factor time curve; change in the firing pattern induced by the presence of a stimulus; neural information processing with fractal nerve spikes; biophysical origin of the fractal behavior; fractal point-process model; short-term correlations. >
OPC accuracy enhancement through systematic OPC calibration and verification methodology for Sub-100nm node

New generation DRAM devices such as high speed Graphic DRAMs demand smaller size transistors and very precise CD control. However, the application of very high NA and aggressive Resolution Enhancement Techniques (RETs) increases Isolated-dense bias and leaves very small process window for isolated transistor patterns. It implies that a very aggressive and also very delicate OPC work is required for these new generation devices. A novel measurement system which can compare CD SEM image with CAD data has been developed and we were able to systematically calibrate OPC modeling and verify modeling accuracy by connecting this measurement system with OPC tools. In this paper, the functions of the novel measurement system are presented and the application to the OPC calibration and OPC accuracy verification are presented. This novel measurement system was very useful for 2D model calibration. We were able to enhance OPC accuracy through this systematic OPC calibration and verification methodology.
Intraoperative monitoring and postoperative imaging of hepatic cryosurgery.

Because intraoperative sonography displays segmental anatomy, allows discovery of more lesions than previously suspected from preoperative imaging, surgical inspection, or palpation, and permits more certain diagnosis of problematic masses, it facilitates surgical decision-making when liver resection or cryoablation is anticipated. Intraoperative sonography provides a guidance modality to accurately place cryosurgery probes in liver masses. More precise treatment of metastatic and primary tumors of the liver is possible with cryoablation because intraoperative sonography provides a means of monitoring the growth of the enlarging freeze zone to insure adequate surgical margins. Postoperative detection of acute complications after cryosurgery is best done with computed tomography. Normally cryosurgery defects shrink with time and lose the peripheral contrast opacification seen after surgery. Gas collections, seen as a result of tissue necrosis, must be discriminated from infection. Tumor recurrence can be detected well with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging following hepatic cryosurgery. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 14:129–155, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Simple Method of producing Visible Patterns of Tape-recorded Sounds

WHILE visiting our laboratory, R.-G. Busnel of France directed our attention to a brief note by Pasquinelly1 on making visible the magnetically oriented areas on tape recordings by immersing the tape in a viscous liquid suspension of ferromagnetic powder and draining off the excess. We have found a modification of this method useful for studying sounds of animals recorded on magnetic tape. Immersion proved unsuitable, because it did not produce clear patterns, and the recorded tapes were difficult to clean afterward.
Vortex phase transitions in 21/2 dimensions

A phase diagram is mapped out for a “21/2”-dimensional vortex lattice model in which vortex filaments lie in a plane, while both the velocity field and the Green function are three-dimensional. Both positive and negative temperatures are considered. Various qualitative properties of turbulent states and of the super-fluid λ transition are well verified within the limitations of the model; the percolation properties of vortex transitions are exhibited; the differences between superfluid and classical vortex motion are highlighted, as is the importance of topological constraints in vortex dynamics; an earlier model of intermittency is verified.
Coronavirus infection of the central nervous system: host–virus stand-off

Several viruses infect the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), some with devastating consequences, others resulting in chronic or persistent infections associated with little or no overt pathology. Coronavirus infection of the murine CNS illustrates the contributions of both the innate immune response and specific host effector mechanisms that control virus replication in distinct CNS cell types. Despite T-cell-mediated control of acute virus infection, host regulatory mechanisms, probably designed to protect CNS integrity, contribute to the failure to eliminate virus. Distinct from cytolytic effector mechanisms expressed during acute infection, non-lytic humoral immunity prevails in suppressing infectious virus during persistence.
A survey of pharmacy experiential learning in substance dependence

Abstract Objective The role of pharmacists in managing patients with substance use disorders has expanded, since the passage of the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000. However, pharmacy experiential education in substance dependence has never been systematically assessed. Methods An online survey was administered to the administrators of experiential education in all American Council of Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE)-accredited schools of pharmacy. Results Of 73 schools that responded (79.3% response rate), ten (13.7%) offered a sole-standing substance dependence experiential education opportunity and two (2.7%) included substance dependence experiential learning as part of their curricular requirement. The greatest barriers to substance dependence experiential learning were lack of preceptors and qualified sites. Conclusion The extent of pharmacy experiential education in substance dependence is limited and variable. Further research is necessary to determine whether overcoming identified barriers would increase the availability of substance dependence experiential learning offerings.
Information Perspectives of the Haseman-Elston Method

The Haseman-Elston regression approach can be viewed as a special case in a larger framework in which independent sibling pairs are ascertained, perhaps based on their phenotypes. Using likelihood arguments in an idealized setting, expressions are obtained for the inherent linkage information contained in the phenotype distributions. The results provide insight and analytic results that apply to general phenotype distributions and can be used to judge the effects of various data transformations and selective sampling of extreme phenotypes.
Rhodium catalyzed reactions of bicyclic hydrocarbons. products, mechanism, and the nature of the catalyst

Abstract The rhodium complexes Rh(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl and Rh(PPh 3 ) 2 (CO)Cl catalyze the ring opening of endo -6-carbomethoxybicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene (I) forming the five possible isomeric carbomethoxycyclohexadienes II–VI. The rate of the reaction is dramatically accelerated by the presence of O 2 , and the dioxygen complex [Rh(PPh 3 ) 2 (Cl)O 2 ] 2 has been shown to be an active catalyst precursor for the reactions. A mechanism involving theintermediacy of cyclohexadienylrhodium hydride complexes accounts for the products formed and their subsequent interconversions.
Places of degree one in function fields over finite fields

Abstract An algebraic approach to finding an upper bound for the number of places of degree one is presented. In certain cases the bound is better than the Weil bound. A new relation connecting the multiplicities of the places (as zeros of the differentials of first kind) is given.
Creating a Diverse Spiritual Community: Reflections from a Spirituality and Social Work Practice Class

SUMMARY This essay is a reflection on the group processes established in a diverse Spirituality and Social Work Practice Class. Implications for social work education are provided.
Circadian Ovulatory Rhythms in Japanese Quail: Role of Ocular and Extraocular Pacemakers

Previous studies have shown that the circadian system of Japanese quail is composed of multiple photic inputs and multiple oscillators. Among these are extraretinal photoreceptors that mediate both circadian and photoperiodic responses and circadian pacemakers in the eyes that, via neural and hormonal outputs, help to maintain rhythmicity of central circadian clocks (presumably located in the suprachiasmatic area of the hypothalamus). Furthermore, a component of the central circadian system is influenced by reproductive hormones. Under certain conditions, the circadian system of female quail can be induced to split into two circadian components: one driven by ocular pacemakers and one driven by feedback from reproductive hormones. Importantly, ovulation is either inhibited or permitted as these two oscillators (or sets of oscillators) constantly change internal phase relationships with each other, suggesting an “internal coincidence” mechanism in the control of ovulation. The oviposition patterns of quail...
A Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Adrenalectomies

Objective: To compare the relative merits of conventional transabdominal and posterior methods with a laparoscopic approach for adrenalectomy. Design: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive series of patients having unilateral adrenalectomy for lesions less than 10 cm in diameter. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Ten patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy; 11, transabdominal adrenalectomy; and 13, posterior adrenalectomy. Main Outcome Measures: Operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and postoperative parenteral analgesic need. Results: There was no significant difference in the operative time for laparoscopic and anterior adrenalectomy (mean±SD, 212±77 minutes vs 174±41 minutes), but the time for posterior adrenalectomy was significantly shorter (139±36 minutes) ( P P Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may take longer to perform than conventional open approaches but it has clear-cut advantages in shortening postoperative hospital stay and lessening postoperative analgesic requirements. It may be the preferred method for most patients requiring adrenalectomy. (Arch Surg. 1995;130:489-494)
A multi-scale full-spectrum correlated-k distribution for radiative heat transfer in inhomogeneous gas mixtures

A multi-scale full-spectrum correlated-k distribution model has been developed and tested for radiative transfer calculations in absorbing/emitting molecular gases. The gas or gas mixture is broken up into different groups by separating different absorbing species and, for each specie, by collecting them into spectral groups according to the lower level energy of their spectral lines. Like all k-distribution methods as well as the full-spectrum correlated-k (FSCK) model, the new model may be used with any arbitrary radiative transfer equation solver. Results for one- and two-dimensional inhomogeneous gas mixtures with varying temperature and mole fraction fields are presented and compared with line-by-line benchmarks and the FSCK model, showing very good accuracy in situations with severe temperature gradients and/or sharp mole fraction ratio changes.
NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE INVESTIGATIONS IN MICROSOMAL RIBONUCLEIC ACIDS OF NORMAL AND ROUS SARCOMA VIRUS-INFECTED TISSUES.

A characterization of nucleotide sequence in ribonucleic acids (RNAs) in tumors would be of importance to the understanding of the structure of these molecules in neoplastic tissues. Methods for the separation of mono- and oligonucleotides liberated with ribonuclase digestion by ion exchange chromatography have been developed and applied to amino acid acceptor RNAs with promising results. This communication describes an investigation of some nucleotide sequences in microsomal RNA extracts from normal and Rous sarcoma virus-infected tissues. These are initial studies of a program designed to analyze the structure of the nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs of normal and tumor cells.
SPEED, ACCURACY, AND FLEXIBILITY TRADE-OFFS IN ON-LINE CHARACTER RECOGNITION

An on-line character recognizer was improved by making trade-offs on computation speed, recognition accuracy, and flexibility. Firstly, the error rate was halved by increasing computation precision at the expense of speed, achieving a character recognition accuracy of 97.3 percent. Secondly, without loss of accuracy, computation speed was increased by an order of magnitude over the original speed, to 85 characters/second on the IBM System 370/Model 3081. This was done by using a fast linear match to narrow the character choices for a slow but accurate elastic (non-linear) match. Some loss in flexibility resulted, however, because the linear match requires the same number of handwritten strokes for input and prototype characters. Also, the error rate of elastic matching was found to be about half that of linear matching.
Interspecies Pharmacokinetic Scaling and the Evolutionary-Comparative Paradigm

(1984). Interspecies Pharmacokinetic Scaling and the Evolutionary-Comparative Paradigm. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 15, No. 5-6, pp. 1071-1121.
The use of touch‐sensitive screen in interactive morphometry

SUMMARY We propose the use of a touch-sensitive screen as a tool to facilitate acquisition of data both in point counting and morphometric planimetry. It obviates the use of a ‘correspondence image’ required with many planimetric devices in which the means for data acquisition and display are separate. The touch-sensitive screen offers operational advantages over the light pen. The characteristics of this new graphical input device, its assembly and basic operational considerations are introduced and discussed.
Dynamic scaling and spontaneous symmetry breaking at the gel point.

The gel point is a continuous transition between fluid and solid states, and therefore exhibits a variety of scaling laws for the linear viscoelastic behavior. These are derived, together with a scaling law for the nonlinear shear relaxation modulus and a sum rule, valid in both fluid and solid states, which has a counterpart in superconductivity. Our results are generic consequences of both dynamic critical phenomena and spontaneous symmetry breaking, and therefore are not equivalent to some previous predictions, based on an analogy with percolation.
Expression in cowpea seedlings of chimeric transgenes after electroporation into seed-derived embryos.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp) embryos mechanically isolated from mature seeds and incubated in the presence of plasmid DNA harboring chimeric gus genes were shown to germinate into seedlings expressing β-glucuronidase activity in a variety of tissues, including the apical meristem. Embryo electroporation in the presence of DNA and protectants such as spermine and LipofectinTM increased both the proportion of embryo-derived seedlings expressing the chimeric gene and the level of gene expression. Microscopic observations of thin sections showed that the blue crystals representing the end product of transgene activity on X-glu were exclusively located inside the treated cells. Histological localization of the blue dye crystals varied with the promoter used to drive the transgene.
RecA-mediated strand invasion of DNA by oligonucleotides substituted with 2-aminoadenine and 2-thiothymine

Sequence-specific recognition of DNA is a critical step in gene targeting. Here we describe unique oligonucleotide (ON) hybrids that can stably pair to both strands of a linear DNA target in a RecA-dependent reaction with ATP or ATPgammaS. One strand of the hybrids is a 30-mer DNA ON that contains a 15-nt-long A/T-rich central core. The core sequence, which is substituted with 2-aminoadenine and 2-thiothymine, is weakly hybridized to complementary locked nucleic acid or 2'-OMe RNA ONs that are also substituted with the same base analogs. Robust targeting reactions took place in the presence of ATPgammaS and generated metastable double D-loop joints. Since the hybrids had pseudocomplementary character, the component ONs hybridized less strongly to each other than to complementary target DNA sequences composed of regular bases. This difference in pairing strength promoted the formation of joints capable of accommodating a single mismatch. If similar joints can form in vivo, virtually any A/T-rich site in genomic DNA could be selectively targeted. By designing the constructs so that the DNA ON is mismatched to its complementary sequence in DNA, joint formation might allow the ON to function as a template for targeted point mutation and gene correction.
Antibacterial activity of hydrolyzed red blood cells in vitro.

SummaryRed blood cells of various animals were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis in alkaline medium, the resulting products exhibiting in vitro marked antibacterial activities. The latter covered a relatively wide spectrum of most gram-positive and a few gram-negative organisms. The highest activity was displayed by hydrolysates of human and bovine hemoproteins. Hydrolyzed bovine hemoglobin powder likewise exhibited antibacterial properties. These antibacterial products are heat-resistant and water-soluble. Their optimum activity lies in the pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. It is assumed that the active principle of the crude substance is a peptide-amino acid complex. This complex proved to be nontoxic to guinea pigs and albino mice. Its relation to other antibiotics is discussed.
A consistently formulated QUICK scheme for fast and stable convergence using finite-volume iterative calculation procedures

Abstract Previous applications of QUICK for the discretization of convective transport terms in finite-volume calculation procedures have failed to employ a rigorous and systematic approach for consistently deriving this finite difference scheme. Instead, earlier formulations have been established numerically, by trial and error. The new formulation for QUICK presented here is obtained by requiring that it satisfy four rules that guarantee physically realistic numerical solutions having overall balance. Careful testing performed for the wall-driven square enclosure flow configuration shows that the consistently derived version of QUICK is more stable and converges faster than any of the formulations previously employed. This testing includes the relative evaluation of boundary conditions approximated by second- and third-order finite-difference schemes as well as calculations performed at higher Reynolds numbers than previously reported.
Treatment of macular degeneration with proton beams.

Subfoveal neovascular membranes (SNVMs) are a leading cause of severe visual loss in the elderly in the United States. Previously, the only treatment that could halt progression of this disease was laser photocoagulation, which was, however, accompanied by immediate reduction in visual acuity. A single narrow proton beam was used to irradiate 45 patients to either 8 or 14 Cobalt Gray Equivalent. The alignment technique and dosimetry of these treatments are described. The proton beam direction, range, and modulation were planned with the assistance of an eye-specific planning program. A single anterior beam was used, with patients looking nasally toward a blinking fixation light at an angle of 30°. Patients were aligned using a light field projected through a slit collimator. Patients’ positions were monitored during treatment with a short-focal-length camera. Depth dose in a flat phantom was measured with a small-diameter parallel plate ionization chamber. Lateral profiles were measured at several depths with silver halide film. Each treatment session lasted 15 min, of which 1 min consisted of beam delivery. The proton beam stopped in the orbital cavity, delivering no primary proton dose to the brain. Dose to the center of the lens of the involved eye was less than 0.5% of the dose delivered to the macula. Treatments of SNVMs with proton beams require only a short visit to the hospital, little immobilization effort, and a minimal amount of treatment room and beam time. Compared to previous treatment trials using x-ray beams, the dose to nonocular tissues is reduced significantly.
Pulse oximetry values in healthy term newborns at high altitude.

Abstract Background: Normal reference values for pulse oximetry saturation (POS) have been established for healthy term newborns at sea level; however, normal values for POS have not been clearly defined for infants born at high altitudes. Objective: To determine reference values of POS during the 1st day of life in a sample of healthy term newborns born at >3500 m above sea level. Design/methods: A prospective cohort study in healthy term infants with a normal cardiopulmonary examination and an Apgar score of ≥8 was conducted in a community hospital in La Paz, Bolivia during August and September 2006. POS on the right hand, heart rate and respiratory rate were measured at 1, 12 and 24 hours after birth. Exclusion criteria were congenital malformations and having received supplemental oxygen during the 1st day of life. Results: 122 mothers and their infants were included. Mean (SD) birthweight was 3195 (416) g and 74.6% were born by vaginal delivery. Mean (SD) SpO2 at 1 hour in 84 infants was 88.7% (4.6) ...
New developments on the mechanisms of action of antineoplastic drugs.

Abstract During the past few years, great strides have been made in elucidating the basic mechanisms of action of antineoplastic compounds. These mechanisms have importance not only for clinical usage of the drugs, but also as examples of unique interactions between drugs and biological systems. An improved understanding of the cytotoxicity of newer compounds such as the anthracyclines and bleomycin, as well as more established antimetabolites such as methotrexate and the fluoropyrimidines, may aid efforts to design new compounds and new therapeutic regimens. This report will review the significant recent advances in understanding the actions of these four commonly used antitumor agents.
Vector analysis of rotary motion perception.

Five displays with light dots at two or three rim locations on a wheel that rolled inside a hoop of twice the wheel’s diameter were observed. In this arrangement the motion paths of the rim dots are straight and are apparently more readily perceived than the cycloids on which rim dots move when the wheel rolls on a plane. Circular dot motion, the apparent result of vector analysis, is, however, often perceived as an alternative to linear dot motion. New findings that had been obtained in experiments with two of Johansson’s motion patterns that demonstrated vector analysis were shown to apply to this rolling wheel display. They are here presented in the context of a recent interpretation of Johansson’s findings. It regards the simultaneously perceived motions that Johansson’s displays yield as the direct result of two kinds of proximal stimulation, made possible by vector analysis taking place between distal and proximal stimulation. The following findings are reported. Adding a stationary dot in the periphery of the displays increased linear and decreased circular perceived motion when the displays were freely viewed. The perception of linear motion, which is given by subject-relative stimulation, and the perception of circular motion, which is given as orientation change, can combine to form perceived elliptic motion paths. This happened frequently, regardless of whether the linear motion was given by means of ocular pursuit or as retinal image path.
Real-time co-registered imaging using a novel hand-held optical imager

Several hand-held based optical imaging devices have been developed towards breast imaging, which are portable, patient-comfortable, and use non-ionizing radiation. The devices developed to date are limited in that they have flat probe faces and are incapable of real-time coregistration (as needed for 3-D tomographic imaging). A hand-held based optical imager has been developed in our lab, which has unique features of (i) simultaneous over sequential source illumination, which enables rapid data acquisition, (ii) a flexible probe face, which enables it to contour to any tissue curvature, and (iii) self coregistration facilities towards 3-D tomographic imaging. Real-time coregistration is demonstrated using the imager via fluorescence-enhanced studies in the continuous-wave mode, performed on slab phantoms (filled with 1% Liposyn solution) and in vitro samples (chicken breast). Additionally, preliminary studies were conducted using curved phantoms. In all cases, a 0.45-cc target filled with 1 μM Indocyanine green was used to represent a tumor. Real-time 2-D surface images of the phantom were obtained via multiple scans at different target depths. Preliminary surface imaging studies demonstrated that the summation of multiple scans distinctly differentiated the target from artifacts (up to 3 cm deep), which was not possible from individual scans.
Psychometric evaluation of the body investment scale for use with adolescents

We conducted two studies to examine the psychometric properties of the Body Investment Scale (BIS; Orbach & Mikulincer, 1998) in U.S. adolescent samples. The BIS was designed to assess bodily experiences that are associated with suicide-related behaviors. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with data from a combined sample of 204 high school adolescents (83 boys, 121 girls) and 197 psychiatric inpatient (101 boys, 96 girls) adolescents provided moderate support for the oblique four-factor solution: Body Feelings (ρ=.86, 95% CI=.83–.89), Body Touch (ρ=.71, 95% CI=.65–.76), Body Care (ρ=.78, 95% CI=.71–.81), and Body Protection (ρ=.78, 95% CI=.73–.82); robust comparative fit index=.88 and the robust Tucker Lewis Index=.83. The second-order factor model also provided moderate fit to the data. In Study 2, results of the CFA with data from adolescent psychiatric inpatients (N=205; 101 boys, 104 girls) provided additional support for the four-factor solution. In addition, results of the receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analyses showed that scores on the Body Feelings and Body Protection scales were most useful in differentiating the responses of suicidal and nonsuicidal adolescents, all Cohen's d values >.30. The study also examined associations between scores on the BIS scales and the validation self-report measures of hopelessness, suicide-related behavior, and reasons for living. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 259–276, 2010.
The 249Bk(p, t)247Bk reaction

Abstract The 249 Bk(p, t) 247 Bk reaction was performed with a 15 MeV proton beam from the Princeton University AVF cyclotron. The outgoing tritons were magnetically analyzed by a QDDD spectrometer. A DWBA analysis was performed, and a good L = 0 angular distribution was observed populating the 7 2 + [633] bandhead in 247 Bk. Levels up to the 15 2 member of this rotational band were populated at 41, 84, 137, 196 and 265 keV. No other peaks were observed. The absence of strength in the 5 2 + [642] band is shown to be consistent with the degree of mixing expected from calculation of the Coriolis interaction. The ground state of 249 Bk is discussed in terms of the gap in the neutron Nilsson levels at N = 152.
Epidemiology of death in the PICU at five U.S. teaching hospitals

Objective:To determine the epidemiology of death in PICUs at 5 geographically diverse teaching hospitals across the United States.Design:Prospective case series.Setting:Five U.S. teaching hospitals.Subjects:We concurrently identified 192 consecutive patients who died prior to discharge from the PICU
Authorship patterns in marine mammal science, 1985-1993

Authorship studies in such disciplines as physics and economics show that with the passage of time there has been an increase in the number of authors per paper, indicating a trend toward more collaboration. In this study, a search was run on the Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts database to identify marine mammal science papers published from 1985 to 1993. A total of 1308 papers published in scientific journals was examined. There were weak but statistically significant trends in the increase in the number of authors per paper as well as in the number of multi-authored papers written by authors from different institutions, with the passage of time. Possible reasons for these results include the increasing specialization of researchers necessitating collaboration, more access to electronic means of communication, and more competition for research funds. Confounding factors in this analysis include the possibility that different journals have different publication patterns and regional vs. national/international journal differences.
Economic Analysis of Protein Testing for Selection

Abstract The expected change in dollar return from incorporating milk, fat, and protein records in a selection index (Index 1) was compared to that from an index utilizing just milk and fat records (Index 2) under pricing systems paying for milk, fat, and protein. Dollar return 1 was superior to dollar return 2 when there was either no payment for protein or high payment for protein. For sire selection the expected changes in dollar return for the two indices were equal at a price for protein of $.88 per kg whereas for cow selection the returns were equal at a protein price of $2.65 per kg. At all other protein prices for both sire and cow selection, dollar return 1 exceeded dollar return 2. Economic analyses of the costs and potential benefits of dollar return 1 compared to dollar return 2 were made for a variety of protein prices and costs of protein testing. Selection programs leading to dollar return 1 have a small economic advantage over those programs for genetic improvement leading to dollar return 2 when the cost of measuring protein is low or nil. Testing costs above $.01 per cow per month overwhelm the difference in economic return. Furthermore, realistic payments for protein lead to less economic advantage than no payment. Measuring protein has its greatest advantage at unrealistically high prices for protein. Increasing the genetic trend in milk yield above 45kg will increase the economic feasibility of protein testing.
Rare earth fiber lasers

Abstract With the development of low-loss fibers and the availability of laser pump sources, there has been a renewed interest in rare earth doped glasses in fiber form. Of particular interest have been neodymium emitting at 1.06 and 1.33 μm and erbium at 1.55 μm. The last two wavelengths are in the wavelength windows now used in fiber-optic telecommunications. The interest in neodymium emitting at 1.06 μm is for the same reason as that in large neodymium glass systems, i.e. mainly for its efficient conversion of pump to laser light output. After a review of the early work on fiber lasers, the current activity with various rare earth fibers is described. The laser devices to be described are continuous wave oscillators, amplifiers, modelocked outputs, super-luminescent sources, and second-harmonic generators.
Prostaglandin levels in endometrial jet wash specimens in patients with dysmenorrhea before and after indomethacin therapy.

Abstract A patient with functional primary dysmenorrhea of over two years duration was subjected to the endometrial jet wash technique during the period of active menstrual flow. Prostaglandin F analysis of the jet washings revealed significantly elevated levels during menstruation over normal control levels. Following indomethacin therapy, jet wash prostaglandin F levels were dramatically reduced and the patient became asymptomatic. A cause and effect relationship between prostaglandin F and dysmenorrhea is suggested by these studies
Effect of oral contraceptives on urinary metabolite excretions after administration of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine sulfate.

Abstract The metabolism of orally administered doses of L-tryptophan and L-kynurenine sulfate has been compared in 18 women using an estrogen-containing oral contraceptive, and 12 controls who were not taking any steroid preparations. Both compounds produced higher urinary excretions of several intermediates of the tryptophan-nicotinic acid ribonucleotide pathway in the oral contraceptive users than in the controls, indicating that these steroids have an effect beyond the tryptophan oxygenase-mediated step. Increases in the ratio of 3-hydroxykynurenine to 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid excreted were consistent with an inhibition of kynureninase, due to impaired pyridoxal phosphate function, but only tryptophan loading caused an elevated xanthurenic acid excretion. This difference may have been due to an influence of the kidney on kynurenine metabolism.