cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case report. Metastases to pineal gland

Metastases to the pineal gland is an uncommon event. Bronchogenic carcinomas are the most frequent source of the primary lesion. A case of small cell carcinoma of the lung with solitary metastases to the pineal gland is reported ; the literature is reviewed
Some parameters affecting Auger and photoelectron spectroscopy as an analytical technique.

Various possibilities of Auger and photoelectron spectroscopy as an analytical technique are discussed. In some applications simple electrostatic analyzers with coarse resolution may suffice and even be preferable. Typical spectra obtained with a hemispherical electrostatic analyzer of 0.6% energy resolution are presented and discussed. Such factors as sample thickness, sample potential, surface contamination, and incident angle of the exciting x rays have been found to affect the quality and character of the observed spectra. These results characterize some of the features, problems, and capabilities of applied Auger and photoelectron spectroscopy.
Leaf-litter herpetofaunal richness, abundance, and community assembly in mono-dominant plantations and primary forest of northeastern Costa Rica

Given current deforestation and land-use change in species-rich tropical for- ests, a pressing need in conservation biology is to understand how converted, human- modified landscapes support biodiversity. Here, we measured the species richness, abun- dance, and community composition of amphibians and reptiles in reference primary forest and mono-dominant plantations of three native tree species (Pentaclethra macroloba, Virola koschnyi, Vochysia guatemalensis) at La Selva Biological Station in the Caribbean lowlands of northern Costa Rica. Because these plantation species generate markedly different forest-floor habitats, we hypothesized that tree species would support different assemblages of leaf-litter herpetofauna. Primary forest, Virola, and Vochysia supported greater richness of frogs than Pentaclethra. Frog densities were significantly lower in Pentaclethra and Vochysia than in nearby primary forest. Using non-metric multidimen- sional scaling and permutational multivariate analysis of variance, we found Pentaclethra to support significantly different assemblages of frogs and lizards than primary forest reference sites, while Vochysia supported a unique assemblage of frogs. Our results suggest that some tree species plantations can support herpetofaunal assemblages comparable to primary forest in richness, community assembly, and abundance. While herpetofaunal community ecology varies among plantation species, our study provides a compelling example of how plantation landscapes can facilitate the restoration of native fauna on degraded landscapes.
Unexplained intraoperative hypotension, acute ischemic hepatitis, and pancreatitis associated with aortorenal bypass surgery.

A 69-year-old male smoker who had severe atherosclerotic renovascular disease associated with progressive deterioration of kidney function, poorly controlled hypertension, and a 5-cm solid fight renal mass was scheduled for partial nephrectomy and hepatorenal bypass. He had no history of other cardiovascular disease or prior abdominal surgery. The physical examination was unremarkable except for a blood pressure of 170/90 mmHg. Laboratory studies included normal white blood cell count, hematocrit, platelet count, liver function tests, and clotting characteristics. The blood urea nitrogen concentration was 25 mg/dL (normal, 8 to 25 mg/dL); creatinine, 2.2 mg/dL (normal, 0.7 to 1.4 mg/dL); and creatinine clearance, 25 mL/min. Carbon dioxide arteriography was performed 1 month before the surgery and showed bilateral proximal 80% renal artery stenosis. A lateral aortogram showed a mild proximal celiac trunk stenosis with patent splenic, hepatic, and superior mesenteric arteries, and occluded inferior mesenteric artery. The right hepatic artery originated from the superior mesenteric artery and had a 50% to 60% osteal stenosis. The preoperative electrocardiogram and thallium stress test were normal; a carotid duplex ultrasound showed a 40% to 59% stenosis of the fight internal carotid artery. Under general endotracheal anesthesia (induction and endotracheal intubation with 150 mg of propofol and 10 mg of vecuronium, and maintenance with oxygen, nitrous oxide, and isoflurane), a bilateral subcostal incision was made, and a Bookwalter retractor was positioned. At exploration, a decreased pulse was noted in the porta hepatis area; therefore, an aortorenal rather than a hepatorenal bypass was performed. After resection of the kidney mass under cold ischemia (duration, 45 minutes), the anterolateral side of the aorta was clamped, and an aortorenal bypass with a reversed greater saphenous vein graft was performed with warm ischemia time of 25 minutes. The patient received no systemic heparinization and only regional arterial heparin flushes (up to 1,000 U) were used during the revascularization. The operation lasted about 4 hours. During the first 2 hours, the systolic blood pressure was between 100 and ll0 mmHg, and a continuous intravenous dopamine drip (dose, 1 to 3 ~tg/kg/min) was administered. The central venous pressure was 15 to 18 mmHg. During the last 2 hours of the surgery, the systolic blood pressure was maintained between 90 to 100 mmHg (despite relatively low blood loss and light anesthesia with 0.2% to 0.3% isoflurane) with increased fluid administration, and dopamine and epinephrine infusions at 12 ~g/kg/min and 0.03 to 0.07 pg/kg/min, respectively. The estimated blood loss during the entire operation was 1,500 mL, and the patient received 2 U of packed red blood cells. In
Epidemiology, Seasonality, and Burden of Influenza and Influenza-Like Illness in Urban and Rural Kenya, 2007–2010

BACKGROUND The epidemiology and burden of influenza remain poorly defined in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2005, the Kenya Medical Research Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Kenya have conducted population-based infectious disease surveillance in Kibera, an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, and in Lwak, a rural community in western Kenya. METHODS Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens were obtained from patients who attended the study clinic and had acute lower respiratory tract (LRT) illness. Specimens were tested for influenza virus by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We adjusted the incidence of influenza-associated acute LRT illness to account for patients with acute LRT illness who attended the clinic but were not sampled. RESULTS From March 2007 through February 2010, 4140 cases of acute LRT illness were evaluated in Kibera, and specimens were collected from 1197 (27%); 319 (27%) were positive for influenza virus. In Lwak, there were 6733 cases of acute LRT illness, and specimens were collected from 1641 (24%); 359 (22%) were positive for influenza virus. The crude and adjusted rates of medically attended influenza-associated acute LRT illness were 6.9 and 13.6 cases per 1000 person-years, respectively, in Kibera, and 5.6 and 23.0 cases per 1000 person-years, respectively, in Lwak. In both sites, rates of influenza-associated acute LRT illness were highest among children <2 years old and lowest among adults ≥50 years old. CONCLUSION In Kenya, the incidence of influenza-associated acute LRT illness was high in both rural and urban settings, particularly among the most vulnerable age groups.
Training in lingual awareness during production of isolated syllables of English.

Summary.-The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to determine the effects of training on lingual awareness during the production of isolated syllables of English. 60 subjects were selected for ths investigation. They were placed into two groups of 30 individuals each. Group one (Trained) consisted of individuals who had rcce~ved training in articulation and phonetics (M age=22.7) Group two (Untrained) consisted of individuals who had not received training in articulation and phonetics (M ape = 18.8). The subjects in the Trained group were majors in speech-language pathology The procedure involved asking subjects to imitate the production of a syllabic, [hen describe where the tongue was located during that production. Following this request, subjects were given four multiple-choice questions to answer regarding (a) tongue height (high to low), (b) tongue position (front to back), (c) contact with the teeth, and (d) contact with other structures within the oral cavity. Mean scores ranged from 1.87 to 3.2 (on a scale of 4.0) for the group of Trained subjects versus 1.5 to 2.4 for the Untrained subjects. The Trained subjects had signiFicantly higher test scores on all phonemes (pc .05) with the exception of r and sh (p>.05). For both groups of subjects, the phonemes, r, sh, and I, were the most difficult to describe, while the phoneme t was described most accurately. Speaking is a complex motor-driven action guided by very efficient feedback systems. During the production of speech, the tongue moves rapidly within the oral cavity and comes in contact with other structures such as the hard and soft palate, alveolar ridge, and the teeth. There appears to be a constant monitoring of these movements, although it is not certain the exact nature of the feedback speakers receive during the articulation process. The process is efficient, however, because it allows speakers to focus on their ideas and to speak rapidly rather than concentrating on the complex mechanical movements involved in the act of spealung. Fairbanks (1954) suggested that tactile feedback provides speakers with a quick and efficient method for monitoring speech production. Tactile feedback is emitted when the articulators come into contact with one another to form a speech sound. The tip of the tongue touches the alveolar ridge for the production of the phonemes t and d. The lips come into contact with each other for the production of the phonemes p and b. Even the pharyngeal walls send a tactile feedback message to the brain as they come in contact with the velum for the production of the phonemes k and g.
Endocardial pockets of left atrium.

Abstract A case which exhibited eleven endocardial pockets of the left atrium secondary to chronic rheumatic mitral insufficiency is presented. The endocardial pockets consisted of thickened endocardial folds which usually had a semilunar contour. The concavity of the pockets was directed toward the apex of the heart. The pockets were composed of masses of smooth muscle cells and elastic and collagenous tissue in orderly arrangement and arose from the superficial portion of the endocardium. There was no vascularity, cellular exudate, or pigmentation of the endocardial pockets or surrounding endocardium. Prolonged regurgitation of blood and the resulting pressure are the most significant factors in the development of endocardial pockets.
Lack of chromosomal damaging effects by moderate doses of LSD in vivo.

Four schizophrenic children were treated with weekly doses of LSD-25 as part of a study of the effects of this drug on beharior. During the course of the study the karyotypes of each child were examined before, during, and after drug treatment to cvaluate the possibility of chromosome damage. There was no increased chromosomal damage notcd on exposure to LSD either at the time of treatment or up to one year later.
The regulation of school psychology: A historical perspective on certification, licensure, and accreditation

Abstract The historical development of regulatory practices in school psychology is traced for individual and institutional credentials. Certification from state departments of education, licensure by state psychology boards, and credentials administered by professional groups such as listing in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, certification in the National School Psychology Certification System, and the diplomate through the American Board of School Psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology are presented. National program accreditation of school psychology training programs as conducted by the American Psychological Association and the involvement of the National Association of School Psychologists in the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs is also presented from its early inception to the present. Regulation is a facet of the specialty's identity that reflects its basic aspirations, and given the current state to which it has evolved in school psychology, a call is made for the integration of credentials within a comprehensive regulatory system.
Modeling Mode Instabilities In High Power Fiber Amplifiers

We present a time dependent high fidelity model for modal instabilities in high-power fiber amplifiers based on a beam propagation combining local rate equations with a time-dependent temperature solver and a quantum defect heating source. Article not available.
Diketopyridylryanodine Has Three Concentration-dependent Effects on the Cardiac Calcium-release Channel/Ryanodine Receptor

By interacting with more than one site, ryanoids induce multiple effects on calcium-release channels. To date, the kinetics of interaction of only one of these sites has been characterized. Using C4,C12-diketopyridylryanodine in both [3H]ryanodine binding and single channel experiments we characterized another site on the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) with which ryanoids interact. Competitive binding of this ryanoid to RyR2 implied a minimal two-site binding model. At the single channel level, C4,C12-diketopyridylryanodine induced three distinct effects. At nanomolar concentrations, it increased channel open probability severalfold without inducing a subconductance. This effect was independent of membrane holding potential. As for other ryanoids, low micromolar concentrations of C4,C12-diketopyridylryanodine readily induced a subconductance state. The major subconductance had a current amplitude of 52% of fully open, it was reversible, and its time to induction and duration were voltage- and concentration-dependent, affording Hill slopes of >2. At higher micromolar concentrations C4,C12-diketopyridylryanodine induced long lasting, yet reversible shut states. Using a pharmacological strategy we have discerned an additional ryanoid-binding site on RyR2 that triggers an increase in channel activity. This site likely resides outside the strict confines of the transmembrane conducting pathway.
Bragg diffraction-limited photorefractive crystal-based correlators

Although thick volume photorefractive (PR) crystal offers promise in application to large-storage-capacity holographic memories, the thickness of the material also impairs the shift-invariant properties of the correlator. We discuss the influence of the angular and the wavelength selectivity in a thick PR crystal filter. The shift tolerances of Bragg diffraction-limited PR-based correlators are analyzed, which include the Vander Lugt, joint transform, and reflection-type (RC) correlators. We have shown that the RC correlator performs the best. A simple experiment to Illustrate the shift-invariant capability of PR-based reflection-type correlators is also described.
Probabilistic approach to model extraction from training data

Many of the approaches to automatic target recognition (ATR) for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images that have been proposed in the literature fall into one of two broad classes, those based on prediction of images from models (CAD or otherwise) of the targets and those based on templates describing typical received images which are often estimated from sample data. Systems utilizing model-based prediction typically synthesize an expected SAR image given some target class and pose and then search for the combination of class and pose which maximizes some match metric between the synthesized and observed images. This approach has the advantage of being robust with respect to target pose and articulation not previously encountered but does require detailed models of the targets of interest. On the other hand, template-based systems typically do not require detailed target models but instead store expected images for a range of targets and poses based on previous observations (training data) and then search for the template which most closely represents the observed image. We consider the design and use of probabilistic models for targets developed from training data which do not require CAD models of the targets but which can be used in a hypothesize-and-predict manner similar to other model-based approaches. The construction of such models requires the extraction from training data of functions which characterize the target radar cross section in terms of target class, pose, articulation, and other sources of variability. We demonstrate this approach using a conditionally Gaussian model for SAR image data and under that model develop the tools required to determine target models and to use those models to solve inference problems from an image of an unknown target. The conditionally Gaussian model is applied in a target-centered reference frame resulting in a probabilistic model on the surface of the target. The model is segmented based on the information content in regions of the target space. Modeling radar power variability and target positional uncertainty results in improved accuracy. Performance results are presented for both target classification and orientation estimation using the publicly available MSTAR dataset.
Stability of the Gd magnetic moment to the 500 GPa regime: An LDA+U correlated band method study

The evolution of the magnetic moment and various features of the electronic structure of fcc Gd are followed to reduced volume $V∕{V}_{o}=0.125$ using the $\mathrm{LDA}+\mathrm{U}$ correlated band method. The stability of the moment is substantial; crude estimates of this signature of a possible ``Mott transition'' in the $4f$ system suggest a critical pressure ${P}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}500\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. The $4f$ occupation is found to increase under pressure due to broadening and lowering of the minority states. This trend is consistent with the interpretation of x-ray spectra of Maddox et al. across the volume collapse transition at $59\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$, and tends to support their suggestion that the delocalization of the $4f$ states in Gd differs from the original abrupt picture, being instead a process that occurs over an extended range of pressure.
Homotypical ipsilateral cortical projections between somatosensory areas I and II in the cat

Abstract In 11 cats, small quantities of horseradish peroxidase conjugated to wheat germ agglutinin were placed into cortical zones of somatosensory area I representing the distal digits ( n = 3), distal toes ( n = 2), toes and digits ( n = 1), proximal forelimb ( n = 1), proximal hindlimb ( n = 1), trunk ( n = 2), and the face and nose ( n = 1). Reconstruction of the pattern of retrograde labeling in somatosensory area II revealed dense, heavily labeled patches of cells in regions that were precisely homotypical to the injection site as determined by electrophysiological recordings. This dense, homotypical patch of labeled cells was usually surrounded by a less densely populated fringe of labeled cells that bordered, but did not appear to enter, heterotypical zones. In two animals, however, some retrogradely labeled cells were found in the cortex representing somatotopic zones adjacent to the sites injected with horseradish peroxidase. These results indicated that somatosensory area II primarily sends homotypical projections to somatosensory area I. In a few cases, however, some retrogradely labeled cells may represent either homo- or heterotypical projections depending on how receptive field sizes and the areal extent of labeling in somatosensory areas I and II are interpreted.
New strategy for the synthesis of the taxane diterpenes: Formation of the A-ring and introduction of the C-1 hydroxyl group

Abstract The A-ring of the taxanes is conveniently made from an ester-sulfone condensation, and is compatible with the 1-hydroxyl group, thus completing the synthesis of the ABC-rings.
Deficiency analysis of female gametogenesis in maize

Plants produce female gametes through mitotic division in the multicellular, meioticolly reduced (haploid) megagametophyte phase. In flowering plants, the megagametophyte is the embryo sac; female gametogenesis or megagametogenesis comprises the ontogeny of the embryo sac. As a step toward understanding the role of embryo sac-expressed genes in megagametogenesis, development of normal, haploid embryo sacs in maize was compared with development of embryo sacs deficient for various small, cytologically defined chromosomal regions. This analysis allowed us to screen 18% of the maize genome, including most of chromosome arms 1L and 3L, for phenotypes due specifically to deletion of essential, embryo sac-expressed genes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of whole developing embryo sacs confirmed that normal megagameto-genesis in maize is of the highly stereotyped, bipolar Polygonum type common to most flowering plants examined to date. Deficiency embryo sac phenotypes were grouped into three classes, suggesting each deficient region contained one or more of at least three basic types of haploid-expressed gene functions. In the first group, three chromosome regions contained genes required for progression beyond early, free-nuclear stages of embryo sac development. Maintaining synchrony between events at the two poles of the embryo sac required genes located within two deficiencies. Finally, three chromosome regions harbored loci required for generation of normal cellular patterns typical of megagametogenesis. This analysis demonstrates that the embryo sac first requires postmeiotic gene expression at least as early as the first postmeiotic mitosis. Furthermore, our data show that a variety of distinct, genetically separable programs require embryo sac-expressed gene products during megagametogenesis, and suggest the nature of some of those developmental mechanisms. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fourier phase contrast multimodal optical microscopy for real time display of phase and fluorescence at the same time

Microorganisms, cells and thin tissue sections are transparent and not visible to view in ordinary microscope. Techniques such as phase contrast and Normarski/Differential interference contrast microscopy transform the phase variation information into intensity distribution to reveal the details of internal structures. Similarly fluorescence microscope uses intrinsic or extrinsic chromophores to reveal specific and hidden details. Advances achieved in recent years have greatly improved the versatility of microscopes to obtain more insightful information about different physiological functions that occur at cellular level. Understanding the cell response, involving both structural and functional changes within the cell, dictates ability to image cell structure and function at the same time. We report a novel optical Fourier phase contrast multimodal optical microscopy technique for real time display of phase and fluorescence features of biological specimens at the same time. It combines the principles of (a) Fourier phase contrast microscopy which exploits monochromaticity, intensity and phase coherence of the laser beam via optical Fourier transform and photoinduced birefringence of dye doped liquid crystal for phase contrast imaging, and (b) common-path multimodal optical microscopy for co-registered imaging of phase and fluorescence features of biological specimens in real time using a single optical path, single light source, and single camera with no requirement of image registration. Further the instrument also enables co-registered imaging of fluorescence and spatial filtering facilitating simultaneous display of structural and functional information. This comprehensive microscope has the capability of simultaneously providing both structural and functional information in a streamlined simplified design and may find applications in high-throughput screening and automated microscopy.
The effect of lead-time variability: The case of independent demand

Abstract We show in this study, through analysis and examples, the impact on stockouts and stockout risk if the variability of lead time in independent demand systems is ignored. In calculating safety stocks, we recommend that the compound distribution of demand during lead time, or a good approximation to it, be used. We motivate the article by a case study on lead-time variability at the U.S. Air Force and show the impact of lead-time variability by means of numerical examples and by marginal analysis. Having established that it is essential to consider lead-time variability, we take advantage of theoretical developments and show how to calculate reorder points and safety stocks in some common situations. It is important to use the proper form for the compound distribution of demand during lead time. A normal approximation to it will often yield significant errors. This is because the true distribution is usually very much skewed to the right.
Cultured cerebellar neurons: endogenous and exogenous components of purkinje cell activity and membrane response to putative transmitters

Abstract Modified explant cultures of fetal rat cerebellum were developed for electrophysiological and pharmacological studies, at the membrane level, of Purkinje neurons. The goals of the present series of experiments were to identify possible endogenous and exogenous components to the electrical activity of Purkinje neurons, to assess the sensitivity of these neurons to putative excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, and to characterize the membrane response to the transmitters. Intracellular recordings were made from Purkinje neurons, identified on a morphological basis, using conventional electrophysiological techniques. Virtually all Purkinje neurons displayed spontaneous activity. A contribution of both endogenous and exogenous components to the spontaneous activity was indicated by alterations in the pattern and amount of activity when the membrane potential was varied and by the characteristics of the individual potentials themselves. Several types of activity were considered to be endogenous: the most common type consisted of pacemaker-like potentials which generated a pattern of firing similar to that characterized as simple spike activity in previous in vivo studies; another type of endogenous activity consisted of large membrane depolarizations that evoked one or two spikes. These depolarizing responses were similar to the membrane response generated by climbing fiber input to Purkinje cells in vivo. The exogenous components to the spontaneous activity consisted of synaptic potentials including excitatory (EPSPs) and inhibitory (IPSPs) synaptic potentials and biphasic EPSP/IPSPs. Several putative transmitters thought to mediate these synaptic potentials were tested by focal micropressure application to determine if they could mimic the action of the endogenous transmitters. The putative transmitter glutamate depolarized the cultured Purkinje neurons and evoked action potentials, characteristics which were displayed by the excitatory synaptic potentials. The putative inhibitory transmitter GABA hyperpolarized the cultured Purkinje neurons and depressed activity, characteristics which were displayed by the inhibitory synaptic potentials. The putative inhibitory transmitters glycine and taurine were ineffective. Norepinephrine, the transmitter mediating the inhibitory input from the locus coeruleus to Purkinje neurons, was also tested. When applied in the μM range, NE effects were variable. When applied in the mM range, NE depressed the spontaneous activity in a manner suggestive of a presynaptic action.
Episodes in the institutionalization of medical sociology: a personal view.

I want first to thank George Reader for "standing up" for me.I I met George in 1953 at the Columbia University Bureau of Applied Social Research (BASR), where I had just joined the research staff of what became known as the "student-physician" project.2 It was my introduction to the world of medicine, and George was my first close physician colleague. I quickly discovered that George was not typical. A few months after I began working for the BASR, I was invited to lunch at the Pennsylvania Hospital in downtown south Philadelphia to talk about our research to members of the staff. My host, a large, beefy man in the ubiquitous white coat uniform of the hospital doctor, took me to the staff dining room. It was a friendly place, and I was introduced many times. "This is Dr. Bloom," he would say. "He's a soshiologist, ha-ha, whatever the hell that is!" I would have quit right there if it hadn't been for physicians like George Reader. As it happened, I stayed, moving before long to a faculty position in a medical school, and I have been working closely with doctors ever since. A few of these doctors, I have learned, not only understand us; they want us as full partners. In fact, they form a group within medicine, especially in medical education, who, as part of their dedication to a humane
Limiting factors in atomic resolution cryo electron microscopy: No simple tricks

To bring cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM) of large biological complexes to atomic resolution, several factors – in both cryoEM image acquisition and 3D reconstruction – that may be neglected at low resolution become significantly limiting. Here we present thorough analyses of four limiting factors: (a) electron-beam tilt, (b) inaccurate determination of defocus values, (c) focus gradient through particles, and (d) particularly for large particles, dynamic (multiple) scattering of electrons. We also propose strategies to cope with these factors: (a) the divergence and direction tilt components of electron-beam tilt could be reduced by maintaining parallel illumination and by using a coma-free alignment procedure, respectively. Moreover, the effect of all beam tilt components, including spiral tilt, could be eliminated by use of a spherical aberration corrector. (b) More accurate measurement of defocus value could be obtained by imaging areas adjacent to the target area at high electron dose and by measuring the image shift induced by tilting the electron beam. (c) Each known Fourier coefficient in the Fourier transform of a cryoEM image is the sum of two Fourier coefficients of the 3D structure, one on each of two curved ‘characteristic surfaces’ in 3D Fourier space. We describe a simple model-based iterative method that could recover these two Fourier coefficients on the two characteristic surfaces. (d) The effect of dynamic scattering could be corrected by deconvolution of a transfer function. These analyses and our proposed strategies offer useful guidance for future experimental designs targeting atomic resolution cryoEM reconstruction.
Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larval Development and Adult Fecundity on Five Grass Hosts

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), larvae were reared in the laboratory on five host plants and on artificial bean diet. The most suitable hosts for fall armyworm development, as determined by a host suitability index, were goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., and coastal bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. The least suitable host was yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L. Significant differences were noted in larval duration, consumption, pupal weight, pupal duration, adult longevity, and fecundity between larvae reared on the various host plants. Additionally, pupal duration (five of six treatments) and adult longevity (one of six treatments) were sex dependent. Females reared on all diets except artificial diet oviposited the greatest number of eggs on day 1 of oviposition. Those reared on artificial diet exhibited peak oviposition on day 2.
Dry and Wet Aging Effects on Palatability Attributes of Beef Loin and Rib Steaks from Three Quality Grades

Twenty Prime and 20 Choice IMPS 107 ribs, and 20 Prime, 20 Choice and 20 Select IMPS 179 short-cut strip loins were equally divided between dry aging and wet aging treatments. Steaks and Toasts, aged for 21 days, were evaluated by trained and consumer panels for sensory attributes. Some statistically significant palatability differences were observed due to treatment, grade and cut of loin and rib steaks by the trained panel, but no statistical differences in palatability attributes of loin steaks were detected by consumer panelists. A major difference between aging treatments, however, was the greater shrink and trim loss associated with dry aging.
Should all patients with indolent lymphoma be treated with rituximab maintenance therapy? An overview of the data.

Abstract Indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma remains a generally incurable malignancy. Administration of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy has become widely employed in this patient population. Although the addition of maintenance treatment after 1 course of single-agent rituximab prolongs time to progression in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a similar "duration of rituximab benefit" is observed when rituximab is administered at the time of relapse. Progression-free survival is clearly improved when rituximab is administered with chemotherapy whether it is given concomitantly, in a maintenance fashion, or both. In fact, the available data show a trend toward survival benefit with these strategies in some settings. Further follow-up will elucidate the effect of maintenance rituximab on long-term outcomes. For now, these initial data suggest that patients with indolent lymphoma might derive significant benefit from these novel therapeutic strategies.
Decreased natural killer (NK) susceptibility of human NK target cells after phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C treatment.

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) treatment of the human natural killer (NK) target cells Molt-4, Jurkat, and U937 reduced their susceptibility to killing by human NK cells in a dose-dependent fashion. This indicates that a cell surface Structure, anchored by a glycosyl-Phosphatidylinositol (G-P1) moiety, is important in NK cytotoxicity. In contrast, another common NK target cell line, K562, remained susceptible to NK killing after enzyme treatment, suggesting that distinct target structures are expressed by this cell line. PI-PLC treatment of Molt-4 cells also reduced their sensitivity to human lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells, suggesting that NK and LAK cells share common specificity in the killing of Molt-4. In contrast, PI-PLC had no effect on the killing of the LAK target cell line. Daudi, which is only weakly sensitive to unactivated NK cells. Killing of a variety of murine target cells by murine NK cells was not affected by PI-PLC treatment, but cross-species killing of Molt-4 by murine NK cells was inhibited by PI-PLC, suggesting a common mechanism in the killing of this human target cell line. The PI-PLC treatment of effector cells from either species did not reduce their NK activity. The reduction in sensitivity of the Molt-4, Jurkat, and U937 target cells probably results from a loss of a target specific G-PI linked membrane molecule, but other possible explanations for these results are also discussed.
Returns to acquirers of privatizing financial services firms: An international examination

Abstract While the literature reports improved performance for privatizing firms, banking markets are different. Many privatizing financial services firms face unique problems such as an overhang of problem loans and weak credit cultures and legal systems. We investigate the returns to successful bidders in privatization acquisitions of financial services firms, examine short-horizon performance, and test whether such acquisitions result in a change in risk for the bidding firm. Our results show that the cumulative abnormal returns to shareholders of bidding firms are positive, perhaps reflecting initial optimism that the foreign firm acquiring the privatizing firm would share in the success associated with privatization. Bidders also experience an increase in their total risk following the acquisition.
Use of the Valsalva Maneuver in Addition to Controlled Hypotension During Endovascular AVM Embolization: A Novel Approach to Reducing Distal Particle Embolization?

Study Objective: To report the use of a sustained Valsalva maneuver during deliberate hypotension in order to reduce the incidence of distal particle embolization during the neuroangiographic embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Design: Retrospective case series. Patients: 54 cases were studied involving 46 unique patients (20 male, 26 female) seen between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008. All patients were ASA class II-III and were undergoing neuroangiographically-assisted embolization for intracranial AVMs. Intervention: Immediately prior to the injection of the embolic substance, each patient received a dose of nitroglycerin to lower their systolic blood pressure from baseline (112146 mm Hg) to a target of 55 mm Hg. Next, mechanical ventilation was suspended and manual pressure was applied to the ventilation bag of the anesthesia circuit to maintain a constant airway pressure of 20 cm H2O. This simulated Valsalva maneuver was maintained for 15 seconds after the injection of the embolic material, at which point mechanical ventilation was resumed. Main Results: All patients tolerated the deliberate hypotension/Valsalva protocol well. 2 patients experienced a rupture of the AVM during the procedure. Case Study British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 2(3): 444-453, 2012 445 Conclusions: The distal embolization of the embolic material during intracranial AVM embolization is a potentially fatal complication of this procedure. Although our results represent a small case series, they suggest that the use of deliberate arterial hypotension in addition to a simulated Valsalva maneuver may enhance the safety and efficacy of intracranial AVM embolization. Further study, with rigorous control standards and monitoring, is warranted.
Molecular-beam epitaxial growth and surface diffusion.

We investigate the statistical properties of the surface of thin films grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). We present and analyze a simple model of MBE growth which incorporates surface diffusion and deposition in a physically correct manner. The short-time behavior does not correspond to that predicted by the continuum model of Villain, Das Sarma, and others. At long times, the model is governed by Kardar-Parisi-Zhang dynamics.
Parallel Newton type methods for power system stability analysis using local and shared memory multiprocessors

Both the very dishonest Newton (VDHN) and the successive over relaxed (SOR) Newton algorithms have been implemented on the iPSC/2 and Alliant FX/8 computers for power system dynamic simulation using complex generator and nonlinear load models. The main thrust is to explore the match between the algorithms, their implementation, and the machine architectures. For example, the less parallel but sequentially faster VDHN runs faster on the hypercube (iPSC/2) whereas the more parallel SOR-Newton requires data sharing more often because of the extra iterations and does better on the Alliant. The implementation on the hypercube requires significant manual programming to schedule the processors and their communication whereas the compiler in the Alliant recognizes parallel steps but only if the software is properly coded. The authors present these various considerations together with the results. >
On the Bias of 1-D TEM Inversions Over 3-D Structures For the Central Loop Configuration

the TDEM curve with respect to one-layer resistivity, that being the third layer in the profile indicated in Figure 1. In this map, the easterly direction is the time into the TDEM transient, and the north direction is the spacing between transmitter and receiver, in meters. The elevation as indicated by the contours on the map is the value of the derivative, in percent difference per 10 percent perturbation of the third layer resistivity. As is typical of all maps we have examined, there are two maxima in derivative amplitude, one occurring above the transition zone and the other occurring below the transition. This indicates that measurements made with either very short or very long separations will provide a high degree of resolution, but that intermediate separations will provide far less resolution. This phenomenon might be described as being a “blind zone” which will affect a TDEM curve over some intermediate range in time and spacing. Obviously, care must be taken that a zone of interest does not fall into the blind zone for the method. The peak in derivative value for late time appears generally to he somewhat larger than the peak in early time suggesting that the best resolution could be obtained with short offset measurements. This behavior is somewhat deceptive. Another factor to be considered is the strength of the induction from a given bed, as well as the derivatives mapped here. In late time the actual induction is far weaker, perhaps by many orders of magnitude than that observed at spacings which give a maximum derivative lying slightly above the transition behavior. Since accuracy must be better when the signal is stronger, we conclude that the most effective separation to use for optimum accuracy and resolution of a bed at a given depth is one that is approximately five times as great as the depth of burial of that bed.
Fingers-Closing and Other Rapid Conformational Changes in DNA Polymerase I (Klenow Fragment) and Their Role in Nucleotide Selectivity†

We have developed a FRET-based assay for the fingers-closing conformational transition that occurs when a binary complex of DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) with a primer-template binds a complementary dNTP and have used this and other fluorescence assays to place the fingers-closing step within the reaction pathway. Because the rate of fingers-closing was substantially faster than the rate of nucleotide incorporation measured in chemical quench experiments, fingers-closing cannot be the rate-limiting prechemistry step defined by earlier kinetic studies. Experiments using Ca (2+) instead of Mg (2+) as the metal cofactor suggest instead that the prechemistry step may involve a change in metal ion occupancy at the polymerase active site. The use of ribonucleotide substrates shows there is a base discriminating step that precedes fingers-closing. This earlier step, detected by 2-AP fluorescence, is promoted by complementary nucleotides (ribo- as well as deoxyribo-) but is blocked by mismatches. The complementary rNTP blocks the subsequent fingers-closing step. Thus, discrimination against rNTPs occurs during the transition from open to closed conformations, whereas selection against mismatched bases is initiated earlier in the pathway, in the open complex. Mismatched dNTPs accelerate DNA release from the polymerase, suggesting the existence of an early intermediate in which DNA binding is destabilized relative to the binary complex; this could correspond to a conformation that allows an incoming dNTP to preview the template base. The early kinetic checkpoints identified by this study provide an efficient mechanism for the rejection of mismatched bases and ribose sugars and thus enhance polymerase throughput.
Induction of serotonin secretion by cross-linking of surface receptors of a derivative of wheat germ agglutinin on human platelets.

Abstract A nonagglutinating derivative of wheat germ agglutinin has been prepared that binds to platelets and precipitates an antibody to the lectin. Platelets treated with this inactive derivative released serotonin when exposed to bivalent F(ab′) 2 , but not monovalent Fab, fragments of the lectin antibody. Bridging of platelet-bound Fab by an antibody again induced secretion. The F(ab′) 2 or Fab fragments plus IgG, without the derivative, did not induce secretion. This secretion was not affected by indomethacin showing a direct activation of platelets. Platelets treated with con A followed by F(ab′) 2 to con A did not secrete. In addition, lentil lectin failed to release platelet serotonin. The receptors of the lectin derivative are mobile on the platelet surface and their redistribution may lead to secretion.
The effect of choice of solvent on the extraction of cobalt(II) thiocyanate complexes

Abstract The extraction of cobalt(II) from aqueous HClO 4 NaNCS has been studied with a variety of ketones, alcohols, ethers and n -hexane. The order of increasing ability to extract cobalt(II) thiocyanates was found to be n -hexane, ethers, alcohols, ketones. The role of the solvent has been related to electron donor properties, steric factors and dissociation of the extracted complexes in the several solvents.
Discontinuous Solutions of Steady State, Viscous Compressible Navier-Stokes Equations

Abstract We study a steady-state, viscous, compressible Navier-Stokes flow in a rectangle Ω ≡ (0, 1) × (−1, 1) with the boundary condition ( u , v ) = (1, 0) for the velocity field ( u , v ) and the condition p (0, y ) = p 0 ( y ) for the pressure p on {0} × (−1, 1), which is the part of the boundary where the stream lines emanate. Under the condition that p 0 ( y ) has a jump at y = 0, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the solution having discontinuity along the stream line starting from the origin.
DEALING WITH MATURE EMPLOYEES

During the 20th Century much of the research and writing about the design of organizations and the behavior of individuals at work was based on some implicit, but commonly shared assumptions about the demographic characteristics of the work force. For example, until the late 20th Century it was common, and not incorrect, to assume that there were more men than women employees in some occupations, e.g. lawyers, doctors or constructions workers and the other way around in other occupations such as teaching or nursing. By the same token it was safe to assume that there were fewer older employees than younger ones, i.e., that the workforce in most organizations could be depicted by an age pyramid with few older employees at the top and many younger ones towards the bottom. The age of the oldest employees in most organizations could be predicted to be between sixty and sixty-five with few exceptions. By the same token it was safe to entertain some implicit assumptions about the way work was carried out. For example, for most of the 20th Century it was safe to assume that the older employees had more seniority and could be allowed more independence and less human supervision carrying out routine assignments. It was also common to assume that most workers left home for the work place in order to carry out their duties or that they knew most of their co-workers. Toward the end of the 20th Century many of the implicit assumptions about the workforce and work, such as those listed above, were not true any more. In America, for example, new legislation and court challenges of employment prac-