cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies of the Optical Properties of Metal-Pliable Polymer Composite Materials:

Polymer-nano-metallic-particle composites have demonstrated technological potential due to their unique optical and electrical properties. Herein, we report on composites prepared via physical vapor deposition of silver metal onto pliable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymer. Rapid Ag diffusion and nano-metallic-particle formation in a phase-separated surface layer of the PDMS creates unique sub-surface-based composites whose properties vary based on rate of deposition and average Ag thickness. Additionally, nanometallic-particle spacing can be altered with fair reproducibility and reversibility by physically manipulating the Ag-PDMS composite. The optical properties of the materials are studied by visible wavelength optical extinction spectrometry and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), including studies performed during physical manipulation. Direct current (DC) conductivity measurements were made during Ag deposition to study percolation conditions for the materials. Depth-profiling was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. Sample Raman spectral data collected with the composite as a SERS substrate are included. A practical technological characteristic of these composite materials arises from their potential to be molded into functional devices.
The histopathologic effects of balloon dacryoplasty on the rabbit nasolacrimal duct.

Purpose: To examine the histopathologic effects of balloon dacryoplasty on the nasolacrimal duct of the rabbit. Methods: Sixteen nasolacrimal ducts of 8 infant white New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 treatment groups: a control group, a 2 mm balloon dilation group, and a 3 mm balloon dilation group. The LacriCath balloon catheter (Quest, Medical, Allen, TX) was used for nasolacrimal duct dilation according to the manufacturer’s recommended human protocol. The rabbits were euthanized at 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment and the nasolacrimal ducts were harvested for histological examination. Results: There were no significant differences between treatment groups in the number of neutrophils in the lumen, epithelium, and stroma of the duct; the number of monocytes in the stroma of the duct; or in the number of red blood cells in the stroma of the duct. No differences were found in overall cellularity of any type in the nasolacrimal ducts of treated and untreated rabbits. Finally, no histopathologic signs of crush injury were evident. Conclusion: Balloon dacryoplasty does not induce significant inflammation or crush injury in the nasolacrimal duct of a rabbit model.
Physical Mechanisms for the Maintenance of GCM-Simulated Madden–Julian Oscillation over the Indian Ocean and Pacific

AbstractThe kinetic energy budget is conducted to analyze the physical processes responsible for the improved Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) simulated by the Iowa State University general circulation models (ISUGCMs). The modified deep convection scheme that includes the revised convection closure, convection trigger condition, and convective momentum transport (CMT) enhances the equatorial (10°S–10°N) MJO-related perturbation kinetic energy (PKE) in the upper troposphere and leads to a more robust and coherent eastward-propagating MJO signal. In the MJO source region, the Indian Ocean (45°–120°E), the upper-tropospheric MJO PKE is maintained by the vertical convergence of wave energy flux and the barotropic conversion through the horizontal shear of mean flow. In the convectively active region, the western Pacific (120°E–180°), the upper-tropospheric MJO PKE is supported by the convergence of horizontal and vertical wave energy fluxes. Over the central-eastern Pacific (180°–120°W), where convection is s...
Technical Services Report: Involving Users in Preservation Metadata. A Report of the ALCTS PARS Intellectual Access to Preservation Metadata Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, Philadelphia, January 2014

This is an electronic version of an article published as Potvin, Sarah, & Rowell, Chelcie. (2014). Involving Users in Preservation Metadata. A Report of the ALCTS PARS Intellectual Access to Preservation Metadata Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, Philadelphia, January 2014. Technical Services Quarterly, 31(3). Technical Services Quarterly is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/07317131.2014.908593
Suppression of neuro inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by glia maturation factor antibody.

Glia maturation factor (GMF), a protein primarily localized in the central nervous system (CNS) was isolated, sequenced and cloned in our laboratory. We previously demonstrated that GMF mediates the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the central nervous system of mice. In the present study we show that immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55 (MOG35-55) caused an early onset (day 7–9 post immunization) and severe EAE with a mean peak score of 3.5 ± 0.5 in mice. Neutralization of GMF with four injections of anti-GMF antibody 5 to 11 days postimmunization delayed the time of onset (day 12–14 post immunization) and significantly reduced the severity of EAE (mean peak score of 1.5 ± 0.4). Consistent with these clinical scores, histological examination of the CNS of these mice revealed profound differences between GMF-antibody treated mice and isotype matched control-antibody treated mice. Histological analysis of the spinal cord and brain showed severe inflammation and demyelination in the control antibody-treated mice whereas significantly reduced inflammation and demyelination was detected in GMF-antibody-treated mice at day 8, 16, and 24 post immunization. The decreased incidence and reduced severity of EAE in GMF-antibody-treated mice was consistent with the significantly reduced expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our overall results demonstrate that neutralization of endogenous GMF with an affinity purified GMF antibody significantly decreased the inflammation, severity and progression of immunization induced active, passive and relapsing-remitting EAE. Treatment of mice with isotype-matched control antibody did not have any effect on EAE. Taken together, these results demonstrate the critical role of GMF in EAE, and GMF antibody as a potent anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent for effectively suppressing EAE in mouse models of major types of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Patterns in Mie scattering

Abstract This work demonstrates that heretofore undisclosed patterns emerge when the Mie scattered intensity for an arbitrary sphere of radius R and refractive index m is plotted versus the dimensionless parameter qR, where q=4πλ−1sin(θ/2) is the scattering wavevector at scattering angle θ for wavelength λ. When the interference ripple structure is ignored, three power law regimes can appear. These regimes are dependent on the phase shift parameter ρ=2kR|m−1|, where k is the wave number, with the behavior having universal aspects for a given ρ. To explain these patterns use is made of a general concept that the scattered intensity is the square of the Fourier transform, i.e., the structure factor, of the illuminated portion of the scattering object. If we make an approximation that the illuminate portion of the sphere is an annular shell at large ρ, Fourier transformation of the shell and scaling arguments can explain these power laws and the length scales associated with their crossovers. However, such an approximation is severe and an exact explanation of the new patterns is still lacking.
Characterization of a microscale cyclical electrical field flow fractionation system

A microscale cyclical electrical field flow fractionation (CyElFFF) channel is characterized with regard to the effect of various operating parameters and comparison made to recent theoretical developments. Challenges associated with various operating conditions are reported along with some of the optimized operating parameters. The effect of retention wall choice, an offset voltage, relaxation steps, and flow rates, along with the basic operating parameters of voltage, frequency, and electrophoretic mobility are reported. Retention of polystyrene nanoparticle standards is accomplished and the first separations using this technique in a microscale system are also demonstrated. Relaxation steps and offset voltages are found to be effective in eliminating early peaks and in improving plate heights. Plate heights were also found to decrease with increasing flow rates, which is the opposite of the behavior seen in most existing chromatographic systems. The experimental results are compared to the analytical and empirical models of CyElFFF and found to be compatible. Suggestions are made for improving the separation and analysis methods used with CyElFFF.
The Role of Phosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis in the Regulation of the INO1 Gene of Yeast

In yeast, as in other eukaryotes, phosphatidylcholine (PC) can be synthesized via methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine or from free choline via the CDP-choline pathway. In yeast, PC biosynthesis is required for the repression of the phospholipid biosynthetic genes, including the INO1 gene, in response to inositol. In this study, we analyzed the effect of mutations in genes encoding enzymes involved in PC biosynthesis on the transcriptional regulation of phospholipid biosynthetic genes. We report that repression of INO1 transcription in response to inositol is clearly dependent on ongoing PC biosynthesis, but it is independent of the route of synthesis. Our results also suggest that intermediates in the phosphatidylethanolamine methylation and CDP-choline pathways are not responsible for generating the regulatory signal that results in repression of INO1 and other coregulated genes of phospholipid biosynthesis. Furthermore, repression of INO1 is not tightly correlated to the proportion of PC in the total cellular phospholipids. Rather, we report that when the rate of synthesis of PC becomes growth limiting, the addition of inositol fails to repress the phospholipid biosynthetic genes, but when the rate of PC synthesis is sufficient to sustain normal growth, the addition of inositol to the growth medium has the effect of repressing INO1 and other phospholipid biosynthetic genes.
Leptin responsiveness in chronically decerebrate rats.

Peripheral infusions of physiological doses of leptin decrease body fat mass, but it is not known whether this results from direct effects on peripheral tissue or activation of central leptin receptors. In this study, we infused chronically decerebrate (CD) rats, in which the forebrain was surgically isolated from the caudal brainstem, with 60 μg leptin/d or PBS for 14 d from ip mini-osmotic pumps. The CD rats were tube fed an amount of food equivalent to the intake of ad libitum-fed intact controls or 75% of this amount to account for their reduced energy expenditure. Control rats fed ad libitum or tube fed 75, 100, or 125% of their ad libitum intake also were peripherally infused with leptin or PBS. CD rats had a lower serum testosterone, energy expenditure, and lean body mass compared with controls but had increased levels of adiponectin and leptin and were obese. Leptin increased body fat and decreased energy expenditure during the light period in 100%-fed CD rats, but not 75%-fed CD rats. Leptin decr...
Ecological-agricultural perspective on the quality of pasture vegetation

One of the important goals of current research is to find a balance between the diversity of grass covers and their economically sustainable use for farming purposes. The aim of this study was to find relationships between the number of species (N), the Shannon-Wiener index (H), the forage value of vegetation (FV) and the proportion of grasses (G), legumes (L) and other forbs (F). Eleven extensively grazed pasture vegetations, located at the foothills of Sumava and Nove Hrady mountain ranges in South Bohemia, were selected with permanent plots marked out for phytosociological monitoring. The results proved a statistically confirmed positive correlation between the N and H factors and a negative correlation between these two diversity indicators and the forage value of vegetation. Pasture vegetations are significantly influenced by the proportion of grasses, legumes and other forbs. The average number of species and the Shannon-Wiener index increases with the growing proportion of other forbs while the forage value decreases. The observed pasture vegetations were predominantly evaluated as “good/valuable” and “very good/most valuable”.
Testosterone's Analgesic, Anxiolytic, and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects May Be Due in Part to Actions of Its 5α-Reduced Metabolites in the Hippocampus.

Although testosterone (T) may decrease anxiety and enhance cognitive performance, its mechanisms are not well understood. The authors hypothesized that if T's effects are mediated in part through actions of its 5alpha-reduced, nonaromatizable metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and/or its 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reduced metabolite 3alpha-androstanediol (3alpha-diol) in the hippocampus, then T, DHT, and 3alpha-diol administration should produce similar behavioral effects concomitant with elevating T metabolites in the hippocampus. Gonadectomized male rats administered T, DHT, or 3alpha-diol via Silastic capsules or intrahippocampal infusions had greater analgesia (tail flick, paw lick), less anxiety behavior (plus-maze, open field, defensive freezing), and better learning (inhibitory avoidance) compared with vehicle control rats. Only 3alpha-diol levels in the hippocampus were consistently elevated in conjunction with these behavioral effects.
Ostertag revisited: the inherited systemic amyloidoses without neuropathy.

Mutations in a number of plasma proteins, including transthyretin, apolipoprotein AI, fibrinogen Aα-chain, lysozyme, and apolipoprotein AII, are associated with hereditary systemic amyloidosis. Transthyretin amyloidosis is the most common and is usually associated with peripheral neuropathy. Mutations in the other proteins usually have no neuropathic consequences and, instead, cause principally renal and cardiac amyloidosis. Only the apolipoprotein AI glycine 26 arginine mutation may cause peripheral neuropathy and then in only some of the kindreds with this disease. This review is concerned with the non-neuropathic hereditary systemic amyloidoses. It strives to present a synopsis of the present day knowledge of these diseases including each feature of each precursor protein and its mutations; the clinical phenotype of the disease; and suggestions for treatment when feasible. The main objective is to increase awareness of these autosomal dominant diseases, enhance the chances of early diagnosis, enhance t...
The fusion pore interface: a new biological frontier.

Abstract The development of micro-voltammetry to detect the release of secretory products from single cells has yielded surprising information, which suggests that the release of secretory products is regulated after the fusion of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane. This technique has also been used to demonstrate that the release of secretory products can occur during transient fusion events, which leads one to question the current models for membrane recycling. In the past year, strong evidence has emerged in support of a role for rab3 and Gαi3 proteins in regulating a putative scaffold of proteins that cause bilayer fusion during exocytosis. These findings parallel the biochemical identification of several new cytosolic, secretory vesicle and plasma membrane proteins that may also play a role in regulating fusion.
A Note on Correlations Corrected for Unreliability and Range Restriction

This note describes a procedure for estimating the range restriction component used in correcting correlations for unreliability and range restriction when an estimate of the reliability of a predictor is not readily available for the unrestricted sample. This procedure is illustrated with a few examples.
Menorrhagia in Adolescents with Platelet Function Disorders: Family History Suggests Further Investigations

with Platelet Function Disorders: Family History Suggests Further Investigations Lawrence S. Amesse, MD, Ph.D, Teresa Pfaff-Amesse, MD, William T. Gunning, Ph.D, Nancy Duffy, RN, Philip Jones, MD, and James A. French, MD Section of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, and College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, and College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio; University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
Analysis of yagi-uda-type antennas

A method of analyzing Yagi-Uda-type antennas is presented. Since the Yagi-Uda array is a fairly well-known antenna, it is used as an example to demonstrate the application and accuracy of the method. However, the method of solution is not limited to a planar array, such as the Yagi, but can be applied to arrays of nonplanar linear elements. The approach taken in analyzing Yagi-Uda antennas is based on rigorous equations for the electric field radiated by the elements in the array. All interactions are taken into account. Calculated results are presented for the Yagi-Uda array that show excellent agreement with experimental results reported in the literature. In addition, the dependence of the far-field patterns on the phase velocity is shown. It is also demonstrated that the phase velocity is generally nonuniform along the array.
CADASIL Syndrome: A Genetic Form of Vascular Dementia

Mental disorders due to cerebral microvascular disease have been known for over 100 years. Recently, an autosomal dominant form of cerebral arteriopathy (CADASIL) has been described in association with a Notch3 family gene on the short arm of chromosome 19. CADASIL causes subcortical lacunar infarction and dementia in over 80% of cases and depression in a large proportion of patients. Clinically, CADASIL may appear to be very similar to hypertensive microvascular disease (Binswanger's disease), a condition that is seen in the elderly. This article reviews the clinical, pathologic, and genetic features of CADASIL. CADASIL is of interest to neurologists and psychiatrists because it is the first syndrome of vascular dementia and depression with an identified gene. How the gene causes the widespread arteriopathy is not yet known. Insights gained from the study of CADASIL should help us better understand its etiology, as well as the options for treatment of the more common forms of microvascular disease seen in the elderly.
Pulsed electric field inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 and non-pathogenic surrogate E. coli in strawberry juice as influenced by sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and citric acid ☆

Abstract Current FDA regulations require that juice processors achieve a 5 log CFU/ml reduction of a target pathogen prior to distributing products. Whereas thermal pasteurization reduces the sensory characteristics of juice, pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments can be conducted at lower temperatures and may preserve sensory characteristics. Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895) and a non-pathogenic E. coli (ATCC 35218), respectively, were inoculated into single-strength strawberry juice with or without 750 ppm sodium benzoate (SB), 350 ppm potassium sorbate (PS), and 2.7% citric acid (CA). Juice was treated at outlet temperatures of 45, 50 and 55 °C at a field strength of 18.6 kV/cm for 150 μs with a laboratory-scale PEF unit. Inactivation of surrogate E. coli at 45, 50, and 55 °C were 2.86, 3.12, and 3.79 log CFU/ml, respectively, in plain juice (pH 3.4), and 2.75, 3.52, and 5.11 with the addition of benzoic and sorbic acids (pH 3.5). Inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 under the same conditions were 3.09, 4.08, and 4.71 log CFU/ml, respectively, and 2.27, 3.29, and 5.40 with antimicrobials. E. coli O157:H7 in juice with antimicrobials and 2.7% CA (pH 2.7) treated with PEF was reduced by 2.60, 4.32 and 6.95 log CFU/ml at 45, 50 and 55 °C while the surrogate E. coli decreased by 3.54, 5.69, and 7.13 log under the same conditions. When juice (pH 2.7) was held for 6 h without PEF treatment, higher numbers of E. coli 35218 (7.17 log CFU/ml) were inactivated than of acid-resistant E. coli O157:H7 (3.89 log). Slightly greater PEF inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 than of the surrogate bacterium indicates that E. coli ATCC 35218 provides a margin of safety when used as a surrogate for O157:H7 in plain strawberry juice or in juice + SB + PS at 45–50 °C, or with SB + PS and CA at 55 °C.
Influence of the valency state on the determination of selenium in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract Several matrix modifiers have been investigated with respect to their stabilizing power for selenium in a graphite furnace. It was found that the different valency states of selenium are not stabilized to the same extent by frequently applied matrix modifiers like nickel or copper. This may be an explanation for pre-atomization losses and high characteristic mass data reported previously. Copper, mixed with magnesium nitrate, was found to be the best matrix modifier for selenium. Careful selection of the time-temperature program for thermal pretreatment in the graphite furnace is essential to avoid pre-atomization losses. A characteristic mass ( m 0 )of 18–20 pg/0.0044 A.s was obtained for selenium under optimized conditions.
Nanowire Thermocouple Characterization Platform

Thermocouples fabricated out of nanowires possess a high spatial and temporal resolution. Due to their small size, nanowires exhibit different physical properties from their bulk counterparts. One of these properties, the Seebeck coefficient, specifies how well the thermocouple converts a temperature gradient into an open-circuit voltage. We have developed a characterization platform, with which the Seebeck coefficient of nanowires can be measured as required for the calibration of nanowire thermocouples and optimization of their fabrication process.
Diagnostic Tests for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

A range of tests is available to the physician pursuing the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many times, these studies are unnecessary because the history is sufficiently revealing to identify the presence of troubling reflux disease. 1 However, this may not be the case and the clinician must decide which tests to choose to arrive at a diagnosis in a reliable, timely, and cost-effective manner (Table 1). Furthermore, the various esophageal tests need to be selected carefully depending upon the information desired. For example, identifying the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease is different from proving that the patient's symptoms are caused by reflux episodes. Additionally, defining that acid reflux exists may not be enough. To tailor appropriate medical or surgical therapy requires knowing whether complications of GERD are present as well as possible mechanisms by which abnormal GER occurs. A thorough and well-devised investigation strategy requires knowledge of testing procedures ranging from radiology and pathology to physiology and endoscopy. An informed background in these areas allows the clinician and investigator to address not only the presence of reflux and its correlation to patient symptoms but also the severity of esophageal injury and even the mechanisms by which the damage is done. By using the available tests judiciously, one can increase the opportunity of making a correct diagnosis of GERD and simultaneously limit the potential inconveniences or cost to the patient.
INSULIN-CAHBOHYDRATE RELATIONSHIP IN THE SHEEP FETUS

The relationship between plasma glucose [G], fructose [Fr] and immunoreactive insulin [IRI] in mother and fetus were studied in 7 pregnant ewes for periods up to 31 days, by means of chronically-placed arterial catheters. Maternal fasting (4 days) and re-feedtng were used to alter [G]. For both maternal and fetal plasma, [IRI] was linearly related to [G] in each animal (p < .001). The fetal response curves were shifted to the left of the maternal (at 10 μU/ml IRI, AG = 33.0 ±9.7 mg/dl, p < .001) but had the same slope (sensitivity). Fetal infusion of G designed to create an instantaneous rise of [G] in fetal plasma to a new steady level caused a rise of [IRI] but failed to show the initial rapid response of adult animals to the same type of stimulus. Although [Fr] decreased with fasting (Δ[Fr] = -62 ± 12 mg/dl on the fourth day of fast) and rose promptly on re-feeding or glucose infusion, fetal Fr infusions failed to cause any major change in [IRI]. It appears that in a fed and fast cycle, fetal insulin secretion is related to [G] by a mechanism as sensitive as in the adult. However, the characteristics which are peculiar to the fetus are a relatively high [IRI]/[G] ratio and the absence of rapid [IRI] response to instantaneous changes of [G].
Primary culture and immortalization of human fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells

Primary human fallopian tube secretory epithelial cell (FTSEC) cultures are useful for studying normal fallopian tube epithelial biology, as well as for developing models of fallopian tube disease, such as cancer. Because of the limited ability of primary human FTSECs to proliferate in vitro, it is necessary to immortalize them in order to establish a cell line that is suitable for long-term culture and large-scale in vitro experimentation. This protocol describes the isolation of FTSECs from human fallopian tube tissue, conditions for primary FTSEC culture and techniques for establishing immortal FTSEC lines. The entire process, from primary cell isolation to establishment of an immortal cell line, may take up to 2 months. Once established, immortal FTSECs can typically be maintained for at least 30 passages.
Extraction and Isolation of Lignin for Utilization as a Standard to Determine Lignin Concentration Using the Acetyl Bromide Spectrophotometric Method

Lignin extracted with acidic dioxane was investigated as a possible standard for quantitatively determining lignin content in plant samples using the spectrophotometric method employing acetyl bromide. Acidic dioxane lignins were analyzed for carbohydrate, total protein, nitrobenzene oxidation products, and UV spectral characteristics. Total carbohydrate content of isolated lignins ranged from 2.21 to 5.70%, while protein ranged from 0.95 to 6.06% depending upon the plant source of the original cell wall sample. Nitrobenzene analysis indicated differences in the amount of guaiacyl and syringyl units making up the lignins, but this did not alter the UV spectrum of lignin solubilized in acetyl bromide. Regression equations developed for the acetyl bromide method using the isolated lignins for all the plant samples were similar to each other. Lignin values obtained by the acetyl bromide method were similar to the lignin values obtained as acid insoluble residues following a Klason lignin procedure.
Perceptual causality problems reflexively resolved

Causal theories of perception typically have problems in explaining deviant causal chains. They also have difficulty with other unusual putative cases of perception involving prosthetic aids, defective perception, scientifically extended cases of perception, and so on. But I show how a more adequate reflexive causal theory, in which objects or properties X cause a perceiver to acquire X-related dispositions toward that very same item X, can provide a plausible and principled perceptual explanation of all of these kinds of cases. A critical discussion of David Lewis’s perceptual descriptivist views is also provided, including a defense of the logical possibility of systematic misperception or perceptual error for a perceiver, in spite of its empirical improbability.
Contingent effects of plant species on soils along a regional moisture gradient in the Great Plains

The central grassland region of the United States encompasses major gradients in temperature and precipitation that determine the distribution of plant life forms, which in turn may influence key ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics. One such gradient is the threefold increase in precipitation from the eastern Colorado shortgrass-steppe, in the rain shadow of the Rocky Mountains, to the tallgrass prairie in eastern Kansas. We investigated the relative roles of plant species and plant cover in influencing soil C and N cycling in three sites along this gradient. Plant cover (i.e., the presence or absence of an individual plant) was relatively more important than plant species in explaining variability in soil properties at the dry site, the Central Plains Experimental Range in␣northeastern Colorado. However, plant species explained relatively more of the variability in soil properties than did plant cover at the two wetter sites, Hays and Konza, in central and eastern Kansas. The wetter sites had more continuous plant cover, resulting in less plant-cover-induced variation in soil C and N, than did the dry site, which had distinct patches of bare ground. Plant species at the wetter sites had higher and more variable levels of tissue C:N than plant species at the dry site, due to both within species changes and changes in species composition. Aboveground tissue C:N was better correlated with net nitrogen mineralization rates at the wet sites than the dry site. Thus, tissue chemistry appears to exert more control on nitrogen dynamics at the wet than the dry sites. The results suggest that plant species traits that are relevant to nutrient cycling (e.g., tissue C:N ratios, spatial patterns, productivity) reflect environmental limitations as well as species' physiological potentials. Furthermore, a dominant environmental driver such as precipitation may ameliorate or exaggerate the importance of individual species traits for nutrient cycling.
Incidence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis with epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa treatment of anemia in patients with ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer.

Abstract Objectives. Recombinant epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa (r-HuEPO) have been shown to be safe and effective treatments for anemia, but recent reports have suggested an increased risk of thromboembolic events when these agents are used to treat chemotherapy-induced anemia among patients with breast or ovarian cancer. We examined the possible risk of such events among patients with ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinomas and chemotherapy-induced anemia. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed data over 10 years from women at one hospital with ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma and chemotherapy-induced anemia. The incidence and odds ratio for development of deep venous thrombosis, unadjusted and adjusted for baseline differences and risk factors, was assessed between patients who had received r-HuEPO versus no treatment for anemia. Results. Of the 364 women, 90 had received r-HuEPO and 253 had not. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis was 6.7% in the group that had received r-HuEPO and 5.1% in the group that had not (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–3.55). After adjustment for differences in age, body-mass index, prior thromboembolic disease or cancer, and tobacco use, the odds ratio for developing deep venous thrombosis with the use of r-HuEPO was 1.35 (95% CI, 0.49–3.75). Conclusions. The use of r-HuEPO was not associated with an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis in this population. A randomized trial is needed to further explore this issue and to detail the safety and efficacy of these agents in patients with various other cancers.
Spin-ordering quantum transitions of superconductors in a magnetic field.

We argue that recent neutron scattering measurements by Lake et al.[Science 291, 1759 (2001)] of the spin excitation spectrum of La{sub 2-{delta} }Sr{sub {delta} }CuO{sub 4} in a magnetic field can be understood in terms of proximity to a phase with co-existing superconductivity and spin density wave order. We present a general theory for such quantum transitions, and argue that their low energy spin fluctuations are controlled by a singular correction from the superflow kinetic energy, acting in the region outside the vortex cores. We propose numerous experimental tests of our theory.
THE FAMILIAL EFFECTS OF INCARCERATION

The basic family unit is an important institution whose scope and function has changed greatly over the past one hundred years. The contemporary form of the family is understood as “conjugal and nuclear.” This implies a greater emphasis than previously on individual roles and relationships within the private sphere of the contemporary family. Additionally, the family is understood to have lost many of its former functions, further separating itself from the external world. The separation has further stripped the family from many of the roles it once had, with traditional familial functions performed by other institutions.
Errors in Specimen Processing and the Potential Misdiagnosis of Acute Renal Failure in a 12-year-old Girl

Patient: 12-year-old girl. Chief Complaint: General malaise, fever, headache, and loss of appetite for the previous 4 days. Past Medical History: Unremarkable medical history until recently, when sudden onset of the current illness occurred. Medications: None. Physical Exam Findings: Besides observable malaise, physical examination produced no remarkable findings. The attending physician ordered a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP); thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); rapid group A streptococcus and rapid mononucleosis tests; and a complete blood count (CBC). Family History: Unremarkable family history. Social History: Patient stated she had recently joined her school’s volleyball team. Principal Laboratory Findings: See Table 1 and Table 2. 1. What abnormal findings are evident from the clinical and laboratory findings? 2. How could these findings be verified? 3. What are the possible causes for the abnormal laboratory findings in this patient? 4. What is the most likely cause for this patient’s test results? 5. What confirmatory testing would be helpful in confirming the cause? 6. Where can errors occur during this phase of testing, and how often do they occur? 7. What can be done to decrease these types of events in the future? 1. Other than the mononucleosis-like symptoms exhibited by the patient, no other abnormal findings were discovered during her physical evaluation. The laboratory values from her comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and her level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are shown in Table 1 (initial draw–aliquot). All the chemistry parameters were normal except for elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine/estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and potassium. The critical potassium result was repeated, verified and the ordering physician was notified. Results from the complete blood count (CBC) and rapid tests (Table 2) were all within normal range. 2. Because the abnormal chemistry results that suggested acute renal failure were unexpected findings, the ordering physician requested that the laboratory redraw a new specimen, since …
The chemical versatility of RNA

The ability of RNA to both store genetic information and catalyse chemical reactions has led to the hypothesis that it predates DNA and proteins. While there is no doubt that RNA is capable of storing the genetic information of a primitive organism, only two classes of reactions—phosphoryl transfer and peptide bond formation—have been observed to be catalysed by RNA in nature. However, these naturally occurring ribozymes use a wide range of catalytic strategies that could be applied to other reactions. Furthermore, RNA can bind several cofactors that are used by protein enzymes to facilitate a wide variety of chemical processes. Despite its limited functional groups, these observations indicate RNA is a versatile molecule that could, in principle, catalyse the myriad reactions necessary to sustain life.
Fomepizole for the treatment of pediatric ethylene and diethylene glycol, butoxyethanol, and methanol poisonings.

Introduction. The use and clinical efficacy of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor fomepizole is well established for the treatment of ethylene glycol and methanol poisonings in adults. Methods. A computerized search of the U.S. National Academy of medicine and EMBase databases was undertaken to identify published cases of patients treated with fomepizole. This search strategy identified 14 published cases related to the topic of this review: 10 due to ethylene glycol poisoning, 1 due to diethylene glycol poisoning, 1 due to butoxyethanol ingestion, and 2 due to methanol poisoning. The median age of these cases was 5.5 years old. Fomepizole in glycol and glycol ether poisoning. For the 10 ethylene glycol poisoned patients, the median recorded values of their arterial pH was 7.27 (range 7.03–7.38), serum bicarbonate concentration was 13 mEq/L (range 2–25), and ethylene glycol concentration was 2,140 mg/L (range 130–3,840). Eight of these patients were not hemodialyzed. The eight patients who were not hemod...
Histone Acetylation at the Single-Cell Level: A Marker of Memory CD8+ T Cell Differentiation and Functionality

Following stimulation, memory T (T M ) cells rapidly express many effector functions, a hallmark feature that allows them to provide protective immunity. Recent studies suggest that genes involved in this rapid recall response may maintain an open chromatin structure in resting T M cells via epigenetic modifications. However, these studies have mostly focused on a few loci, and the techniques used required a large number of cells. We have developed a flow cytometric assay measuring histone modifications in individual murine T cells in combination with lineage-specific markers. In this study, we show that the per-cell level of a marker of open chromatin, diacetylated histone H3 (diAcH3), increases as naive CD8 + T cells develop into T M cells, demonstrating a novel correlation between the differentiation state of a CD8 + T cell and its abundance of a specific histone modification. Furthermore, our results show that T M cells defective in rapid recall ability have less diAcH3 than their fully functional counterparts, indicating that the diAcH3 level of individual T M cells is a useful marker for assessing their functionality.
Homeostatic Competition Among T Cells Revealed by Conditional Inactivation of the Mouse Cd4 Gene

Absence of CD4 impairs the efficiency of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in response to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II–presented peptides. Here we use mice carrying a conditional Cd4 allele to study the consequences of impaired TCR signaling after the completion of thymocyte development. We show that loss of CD4 decreases the steady-state proliferation of T cells as monitored by in vivo labeling with bromo-deoxyuridine. Moreover, T cells lacking CD4 compete poorly with CD4-expressing T cells during proliferative expansion after transfer into lymphopenic recipients. The data suggest that T cells compete with one another during homeostatic proliferation, and indicate that the basis of this competition is TCR signaling.
CONSUMER ATTITUDES TOWARD THE USE OF GEOGRAPHICAL PRODUCT DESCRIPTORS AS A MARKETING TECHNIQUE FOR LOCALLY GROWN OR MANUFACTURED FOODS

Five focus group discussions were conducted in the four counties of Hawaii to investigate consumer attitudes toward product descriptors for: Kona Coffee, Kona Coffee Blend, Hawaii Coffee and Island Fresh. Results indicate that Kona Coffee was considered by consumers as an appropriate product descriptor for coffee products consisting only of 100% Kona coffee. Consumers also described the use of the following product descriptors as appropriate: Kona Coffee Blend, for coffee products containing at least 50% Kona coffee; Hawaii Coffee, for coffee grown only in Hawaii; and Island Fresh only for traditional, perishable foods that were grown, harvested, and/or slaughtered on the Islands (except milk, dairy products, and roasted whole coffee beans, which may also use the product descriptor). Consumer standards for a Kona Coffee Blend differ from those adopted by the industry in 1992. Because consumers at all five locations expressed similar views, results indicate that these findings could be representative of those of Hawaii residents. Results also indicate that Hawaii consumers are consistent with the rest of the nation and the Food and Drug Administration in their requirements for truthfulness in labeling. Consumers want to know label information is correct and accurate in order to assess quality in relation to price and make informed decisions.
Moving Software from Expense to Asset

Reuse is recognized in Motorola, as a major cycle time and cost reduction enabler. The software vision is to assemble products from pre-fabricated parts, with a bill of material for software. This paper will share details on an asset based development strategy and approach. The key aspects of this asset based development strategy are: i) a top down, management-sponsored approach ii) driven through key changes to the software development process and iii) supported by an infrastructure/repository tool. New processes are being developed and integrated into the software development environment, to support asset based development. As part of this effort, a set of evaluation criteria has been developed for evaluating the submitted assets and to minimize potential barriers to reuse; these criteria are also discussed in this paper.
RadioJockey: mining program execution to optimize cellular radio usage

Many networked applications that run in the background on a mobile device incur significant energy drains when using the cellular radio interface for communication. This is mainly due to the radio-tail, where the cellular radio remaining in a high energy state for up to 20s after each communication spurt. In order to cut down energy consumption, many recent devices employ fast dormancy, a feature that forces the client radio to quickly go into a low energy state after a fixed short idle period. However, aggressive idle timer values for fast dormancy can increase signaling overhead due to frequent state transitions, which negatively impacts the network. In this work, we have designed and implemented RadioJockey, a system that uses program execution traces to predict the end of communication spurts, thereby accurately invoking fast dormancy without increasing network signaling load. We evaluate RadioJockey on a broad range of background applications and show that it achieves 20-40\% energy savings with negligible increase in signaling overhead compared to fixed idle timer-based approaches.
Glossopharyngeal nerve injury complicating carotid endarterectomy

Injury can occur to several of the cranial nerves during carotid endarterectomy. Among these, glossopharyngeal nerve injury is an uncommon complication because it is remote from the field of dissection in most carotid procedures. From more than 2000 carotid operations four cases of symptomatic ninth cranial nerve injury were identified. Analysis revealed that dissection cephalad to the level of the hypoglossal nerve was a common feature of each and severe functional disability can result from glossopharyngeal nerve paresis. When mobilization of this nerve and division of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and styloid process become necessary for additional exposure, the risk of glossopharyngeal nerve injury increases. Specific recommendations are made regarding management and maneuvers to help reduce the incidence of this uncommon, yet potentially serious, complication.
Analyzing and Assigning Carbon-13 Chemical-Shift Tensors in α-L-Rhamnose Monohydrate Single Crystals

Abstract The carbon-13 chemical-shift tensors of α- L -rhamnose (6-deoxy- L -mannose) monohydrate (C6H12O5·H2O [10030-85-0]) are measured using two-dimensional chemical-shift correlation spectroscopy. The tensors and the orientation of the twofold axis along thebcrystallographic axis in the sample frame are obtained by symmetry-constrained fitting of the data.Ab initiogauge invariant atomic orbital computations of the chemical shielding are then used to assign the tensors to the carbons in the rhamnose molecule and to the two molecules in the unit cell. These computations are also used to find the direction of thebcrystallographic axis along the twofold axis and to make initial estimates of theaandccrystallographic axes in the sample. The finalaandccrystallographic axes are then determined with a 2D dipolar spectrum. A second independent method, 1D spectra taken with the applied field along directions perpendicular to the (011), the (110), and the (100) crystallographic planes, is used to confirm the result.
Vinyl addition polymerization of norbornene with cationic (allyl)Ni catalysts: Mechanistic insights and characterization of first insertion products

Several cationic (allyl)Ni(II) complexes were synthesized and shown to be highly active for (2,3)-vinyl addition polymerization of norbornene to yield polymers with low molecular weight distributions (MWDs) ranging from 1.4–1.9. In all cases slow initiation was followed by rapid propagation which prevents molecular weight control of the poly(norbornene). One of the intermediates in the polymerization process has been identified and characterized by NMR spectroscopy as the first insertion product resulting from the insertion of norbornene into the NiC allyl bond in cis-exo fashion. This insertion product was synthesized independently and NMR studies showed that the first insertion of norbornene into the NiC allyl bond is a reversible process. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2560–2573, 2009
Experience With Bovine Pericardium for the Reconstruction of the Aortic Arch in Patients Undergoing a Norwood Procedure

Background. The incidence of recurrent aortic arch obstruction after the Norwood procedure is between 0% and 36%. Allograft material is frequently used to enlarge the aorta; its use has been associated with the development of significant allosensitization. We report our experience using bovine pericardium for the reconstruction of the aortic arch in patients undergoing a Norwood procedure. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 33 consecutive patients evaluated for a second-stage procedure after an initial Norwood repair was performed. All patients underwent a cardiac catheterization. The presence of recurrent arch obstruction (gradient > 10 mm Hg) and its management were noted. Three consecutive patients were tested for anti-HLA antibodies at the time of their Fontan procedure. Results. The mean age at the time of the cardiac catheterization was 4.12 months (range, 2 to 7 months). The incidence of recurrent arch obstruction was 18.2% (6 patients). Four patients (12.1%) had distal obstruction, 1 patient (3%) had proximal obstruction, and 1 patient (3%) had mid-transverse arch obstruction. Five of the 6 patients underwent aortic arch reintervention consisting of four balloon dilatations and two surgical patch aortoplasties. Thirty-one patients advanced to a second-stage procedure, including 30 bidirectional Glenn anastomoses, and 1 Rastelli repair. No significant allosensitization was present in the patients tested. Conclusions. The use of bovine pericardium in the Norwood procedure is associated with an acceptable incidence of recurrent arch obstruction. Its availability, lower cost, and possible immunologic advantages make it an attractive alternative to allograft material.