cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' in a host-free microbial culture is associated with microbial community composition.

Abstract 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' ('Ca. L. asiaticus'), the suspected causative agent of citrus greening disease, is one of many phloem-restricted plant pathogens that have not been isolated and grown in an axenic culture. In this study, infected Asian citrus psyllids were used to prepare a host-free source of 'Ca. L. asiaticus'. Host-free mixed microbial cultures of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' were grown in the presence of various antibiotic treatments to alter the composition of the microbial communities. Our hypothesis was that the presence of selected antibiotics would enhance or reduce the presence of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' in a host-free culture composed of a mixed bacterial population through changes in the microbial community structure. We determined how 'Ca. L. asiaticus' growth changed with the various treatments. Treatment with vancomycin (50 μg/mL), streptomycin (0.02 μg/mL), or polymyxin B (4 μg/mL) was associated with an increased abundance of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' of 7.35 ± 0.27, 5.56 ± 0.15, or 4.54 ± 0.83 fold, respectively, compared to untreated mixed microbial cultures, while treatment with 100 μg/mL vancomycin; 0.5, 1, or 2 μg/mL streptomycin; or 0.5 μg/mL of polymyxin B was associated with reduced growth. In addition, the growth of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' was associated with the microbial community composition of the mixed microbial cultures. A positive relationship between the presence of the Pseudomonadaceae family and 'Ca. L. asiaticus' growth was observed, while the presence of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' was below the detection limit in cultures that displayed high abundances of Bacillus cereus. Our findings offer strategies for developing effective axenic culture conditions and suggest that enrichment of the Bacillaceae family could serve as a paratransgenic approach to controlling citrus greening disease.
Pharmacokinetic properties of the temozolomide perillyl alcohol conjugate (NEO212) in mice

Background NEO212 is a novel small-molecule anticancer agent that was generated by covalent conjugation of the natural monoterpene perillyl alcohol (POH) to the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ). It is undergoing preclinical development as a therapeutic for brain-localized malignancies. The aim of this study was to characterize metabolism and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of NEO212 in preclinical models. Methods We used mass spectrometry (MS) and modified high-performance liquid chromatography to identify and quantitate NEO212 and its metabolites in cultured glioblastoma cells, in mouse plasma, brain, and excreta after oral gavage. Results Our methods allowed identification and quantitation of NEO212, POH, TMZ, as well as primary metabolites 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AIC) and perillic acid (PA). Intracellular concentrations of TMZ were greater after treatment of U251TR cells with NEO212 than after treatment with TMZ. The half-life of NEO212 in mouse plasma was 94 min. In mice harboring syngeneic GL261 brain tumors, the amount of NEO212 was greater in the tumor-bearing hemisphere than in the contralateral normal hemisphere. The brain:plasma ratio of NEO212 was greater than that of TMZ. Excretion of unaltered NEO212 was through feces, whereas its AIC metabolite was excreted via urine. Conclusions NEO212 preferentially concentrates in brain tumor tissue over normal brain tissue, and compared to TMZ has a higher brain:plasma ratio, altogether revealing favorable features to encourage its further development as a brain-targeted therapeutic. Its breakdown into well-characterized, long-lived metabolites, in particular AIC and PA, will provide useful equivalents for PK studies during further drug development and clinical trials with NEO212.
ICCAD-2020 CAD contest in X-value equivalence checking and benchmark suite

Equivalence checking is the practical industrial solution to sign-off digital functionality for large-scale circuits. However, when design contains implicit and explicit X-values, the complexity of equivalence checking increases and heuristics used in binary-value equivalence checking may not be applicable for X-value equivalence checking. The goal of the ICCAD 2020 CAD contest is to ask the good algorithm and heuristic to solve the X-value equivalence checking. In this contest, we provide the benchmark suites for contestant to evaluate their program. We hope the contest result can improve industry applications and bring more research interests.
The Omniscience Model: Reconciling the Processing Capability with the Processing Need

The Omniscience Model is an attempt to integrate all manner of relevant equations for predicting the future stock price with high precision. The first paper dealt with the potential equations available from all walks of science and business, and selected those that were predictive, as opposed to evaluative or descriptive. Another paper dealt with the available computer processing power. Another important factor is the lag (or interval) time between decisions. The purpose of this paper to understand the computing power necessary to make the number of calculations required by the model and compare that need with the processing power that could reasonably be expected to be available. Reconciling the two metrics could influence the lag time (the longer the lag the more time there is for calculation), if the need was greater than the availability.
Open versus minimally-invasive surgical techniques in pediatric renal tumors: A population-level analysis of in-hospital outcomes.

Summary Introduction Minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) has been adopted slowly in pediatric oncology. We attempted to describe contemporary national trends in MIS use; we hypothesized that adolescents (who are more likely to have relatively small renal cell carcinomas) would have a higher proportion of MIS than younger children (who are more likely to have relatively large Wilms tumors) and that this relationship would vary by region. Objective To explore whether pediatric urologic oncology outcomes vary by patient age or by surgical technique. Methods We queried the 1998–2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and included encounters in children aged ≤ 18 y, ICD-9 diagnostic code for renal tumor, and procedure code for open or MIS partial or radical nephrectomy. All analyses used weighted descriptive statistics and outcomes are compared based on age group ( 10 y) or surgery type; Wald-Chi square test was used for differences in proportions and unadjusted weighted ANOVA was used to test for differences in means. Results 9259 weighted encounters were included; 91% were 9 y, p Discussion The admission-based, retrospective design of NIS left us unable to assess long-term outcomes, repeated admissions, or to track a particular patient across time; this is particularly relevant for oncologic variables on interest such as tumor stage or event-free survival. We were similarly limited in evaluating the effect of pre-surgical referral patterns on patient distributions. Conclusion In this preliminary descriptive analysis, MIS techniques were infrequently used in children, but there was a higher proportion of MIS use among adolescents. There were similar proportions of surgery type across geographic regions within the United States. Whether this infrequent usage is appropriate is as yet unclear given the lack of Level I evidence regarding the relative merits of MIS and open surgery for pediatric and adolescent renal tumors.
Design and Analysis of A High Specific Power Outer Rotor Surface Mounted Permanent Magnet Machine Equipped with Additively Manufactured Windings

Electric and hybrid propulsion systems are an important tool to reduce global CO 2 emissions especially in aerospace applications. Permanent Magnet (PM) electric motors driving propellers (alone in a pure electric system or in conjunction with the engine in a hybrid system) are considered among the leading candidates in this transformation due to its relatively high Specific Power (SP). In this paper, an outer rotor surface mounted (PM) motor is targeting aerospace hybrid/electric propulsion applications and designed with asymmetrical stator teeth as well as non-uniform turns area for the stator windings. These two design features combines are a result of advancements in Additive Manufacturing (AM) as well as employing non-traditional designs. The proposed design is compared in terms of the electromagnetic performance to an inner-rotor design counterpart as well as another conventional version of the outer-rotor design. Also, a parametric study has been carried out to search for the maximum attenable SP as well as motor efficiency.
The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs

In the past decade, depression rates have skyrocketed, and one in four Americans will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. Where have we gone wrong? Dr. Stephen Ilardi sheds light on our current predicament and reminds us that our bodies were never designed for the sleep-deprived, poorly nourished, frenzied pace of twenty-first century life. Inspired by the extraordinary resilience of aboriginal groups like the Kaluli of Papua New Guinea, Dr. Ilardi prescribes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that harks back to what our bodies were originally made for and what they continue to need. The Depression Cure program has already delivered dramatic results, helping even those who have failed to respond to traditional medications.
Epidermolysis bullosa letalis. Report of three cases with particular reference to the histopathology of the skin.

Three cases of epidermolysis bulbosa letalis are described. The infants were born within 10 miles of one another and the three mothers were related, but showed no evidence of the disease. The fathers also were apparently healthy. At birth all the infants had bullous skin lesions. These progressed in spite of meticulous nursing care, massive doses of antibiotics, corticosteroid therapy and increased dietary protein. The babies became pyrexial and the levels of serum albumin decreased markedly. At necropsy none of the infants had any significant lesions apart from the skin. It therefore seems that loss of serum albumin and electrolytes, and dermal sepsis were responsible for the deaths. Corticosteroid therapy appeared to be of no value. Replacement of lost fluids, on the other hand, would seem to be logical in such cases and should probably be a routine procedure. Abnormalities were observed in the histology of the skin. The earliest lesion was a vesicular degeneration of the basal cells of the epidermis, followed by cleavage at the dermoepidermal junction. In the opinion of the authors, these early lesions produce a diagnostic histologic picture differing from other bullous dermatoses, except possibly some of the other variants of epidermolysis bullosa. A study of the epidermis in future cases of this disease by histochemistry or electron microscopy is likely to elucidate further the nature of the congenital defect in the basal part of the epidermis.
Duodenal Perforation: A Rare Complication of Neonatal Nasojejunal Tube Feeding

Continuous nasojejunal drip is a common method of feeding low-birthweight neonates because it is relatively free of complications and provides nutritional requirements. We recently encountered a case of duodenal perforation caused by a feeding catheter. Recommendations are made that can prevent this complication in the future.
The End of Securities Fraud Class Action

The purpose of securities law is to protect reasonable investors. Reasonable investors diversify. A diversified investor is protected against simple securities fraud by being diversified and needs no remedy at law. Moreover, the cost of litigating a securities fraud class action is a deadweight loss. Thus, diversified investors are not merely indifferent to securities litigation; diversified investors should be opposed to private actions for damages based on securities fraud unless insiders have extracted a gain.
Probability and Random Processes for Electrical and Computer Engineers

The theory of probability is a powerful tool that helps electrical and computer engineers to explain, model, analyze, and design the technology they develop. The text begins at the advanced undergraduate level, assuming only a modest knowledge of probability, and progresses through more complex topics mastered at graduate level. The first five chapters cover the basics of probability and both discrete and continuous random variables. The later chapters have a more specialized coverage, including random vectors, Gaussian random vectors, random processes, Markov Chains, and convergence. Describing tools and results that are used extensively in the field, this is more than a textbook; it is also a reference for researchers working in communications, signal processing, and computer network traffic analysis. With over 300 worked examples, some 800 homework problems, and sections for exam preparation, this is an essential companion for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Further resources for this title, including solutions (for Instructors only), are available online at www.cambridge.org/9780521864701.
Progressive villous atrophy of the ileum used as a urinary conduit.

Summary An ileal conduit used as a urinary bladder in man provides an unusual opportunity to follow the morphological and functional changes that occur in a segment of small intestine when its environment is modified and its function changed. The histological alterations in ileal bladder occurring at various intervals following surgical construction were studied. Twenty-four biopsies of ileal bladder mucosa were obtained from 22 patients from 1 week to nearly 6 years after surgery. Progressive villous atrophy was noted. The earliest changes were already present at 1 week. Blunting and broadening of the villi progressed to loss of villous structure and flattening of the mucosa. There was individual variation in the rate at which villous atrophy developed, but in most patients it was fairly complete by 2 years.
The functional anatomy, neurochemistry, and pharmacology of anxiety.

The functional anatomy of anxiety involves amygdala-based neurocircuits with critical reciprocal connections to the medial prefrontal cortex. Traumatic experiences leave emotional imprints involving the amygdala, with facilitated fear-conditioned associations involving declarative memory traces. Avoidance conditioning is an additional component. An understanding of the functional anatomy of anxiety allows for a new perspective on the various anxiety disorders. The neurotransmitters involved in these circuits are reviewed for their relevance to the pharmacologic choices in the treatment of anxiety. Potent serotonin reuptake inhibitors appear to have superior efficacy in many of the anxiety disorders, with indications that norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have an advantage in severe forms of major depression. Medications with dual effects--blocking reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine (e.g., clomipramine and venlafaxine XR)--have superior benefits in achieving remission in major depression and GAD. These medications may also offer a faster onset of action and theoretically superior benefits in patients with comorbid anxiety disorder and major depression.
Dose-limiting toxicity of rifabutin in AIDS-related complex: syndrome of arthralgia/arthritis

We studied the tolerance of humans to rifabutin, a rifamycin with antimycobacterial and in vitro anti-HIV activity. Sixteen subjects with AIDS-related complex were treated for 4-66 weeks with stepwise increasing oral doses of rifabutin from 300 to 2400 mg/day. The highest dose attained was twice that previously reported for humans. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of drug were detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography. A reversible syndrome of arthritis/arthralgia, not previously described, was seen in most (nine out of 10) of those given doses exceeding 1050 mg/day. Uveitis and aphthous stomatitis developed at doses of approximately 1800 mg in two of those with joint manifestations. Typical manifestations of Reiter's syndrome were not seen in any patient. An orange-tan skin pigmentation was almost universal. Other toxicities resembled those previously associated with rifampin. Serum levels did not approach those found to inhibit HIV significantly in vitro. No consistent antiviral or immunological effects were observed; even at the highest doses, rifabutin did not appear to inhibit cellular immunity. Rifabutin was well tolerated at daily doses blow 1 g.
Poster 26: Word Reading Compared to Demographics-Based Estimates of Premorbid IQ in Early Huntington Disease

Background Irregular word pronunciation is a common method of estimating premorbid intellect, because it is resistant to neurological insult/deterioration. However, emerging research suggests word reading ability declines in some neurodegenerative diseases, resulting in an underestimation of premorbid IQ. Misrepresentation of predisease intellect may affect clinical diagnosis and confound the selection of participants for clinical trials. An alternative method is the use of a demographically-based equation to estimate intelligence. Aim To compare the WRAT Reading Subtest (a pronunciation measure) and the Barona Index (a demographically-based regression equation) as estimates of premorbid IQ in individuals with mild to moderate Huntington disease (HD). Method Using participants (n = 73) pooled from two clinical trials and an outpatient HD clinic, we examined WRAT and Barona standard scores and their discrepancy, along with demographic and clinical characteristics. Results Mean age was 47.6 years (SD = 11.7), total functional capacity (TFC) was 9.6 (SD = 3.0), and total motor score (TMS) was 32.7 (SD = 15.8). Average WRAT standard score was 91.9 (SD = 11.9), while Barona was 108.0 (SD = 7.2), with a mean discrepancy of 16.1 (SD = 10.7; range –42.3 to +6.3). Although true premorbid IQ is unknown, this sample overrepresented higher levels of education (i.e., ∼22% of the sample had 16+ years, while ∼8% had p Discussion The WRAT produced premorbid IQ estimates lower than the Barona for 93% of participants and was below expectations given the sample's mean education. Unlike the Barona, the WRAT was associated with impaired motor functioning, suggesting that it may decline with disease. Therefore, the Barona Index may be a more appropriate measure of premorbid intelligence in persons with HD and should be considered for subject selection in clinical trials and clinical evaluation.
Current Techniques for Evaluation of Stallion Fertility

Although the most accurate test of a stallion’s fertility is to determine pregnancy rates in bred mares, time and financial limitations usually render this option impractical. Thus, there is a need for reliable, practical tests that can prospectively determine the potential fertility of a stallion. In this regard, a number of assays have been developed that are designed to prospectively assay a stallion’s breeding potential for relatively small investments of time and money. The most widely used tests are those that comprise the Society for Theriogenology’s Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE). However, new tests have emerged that complement the BSE and may improve the veterinarian’s ability to address the demands placed on today’s breeding stallions. This article will review the components of the standard BSE and will detail additional assays that have been proven or suggested to add additional information to the core tests that comprise the BSE.
Absence of detectable viremia in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from smallpox vaccinees: implications for blood safety.

BACKGROUND: Mass smallpox vaccination with live vaccinia virus has been considered as a preventive measure to counter bioterrorism involving smallpox. This has raised concerns about the possibility of vaccinia virus being transmitted from vaccinated blood donors to recipients. The results of this study could be used to define an appropriate deferral period for blood donors (vaccinated against smallpox) to ensure safety of the blood supply. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A procedure was developed to culture vaccinia virus from plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) of vaccinees enrolled in three smallpox vaccine clinical trials. A total of 665 plasma and PBMNC samples were obtained from 95 vaccinated subjects. RESULTS: Vaccinia viremia was not detected by virus culture from plasma and PBMNC samples of healthy vaccinees 3 to 56 days after vaccination under our assay conditions. Plasma viremia assay had a sensitivity of approximately 66 plaque-forming units per mL with a Vero cell culture assay. CONCLUSION: The results of this study present evidence that in the case of mass vaccination, the risk of transmission of vaccinia virus by blood transfusion would likely be low.
Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) flight tones: Frequency, harmonicity, spherical spreading, and phase relationships

Mosquito flight produces a tone as a side effect of wing movement; this tone is also a communication signal that is frequency-modulated during courtship. Recordings of tones produced by tethered flying male and female Aedes aegypti were undertaken using pairs of pressure-gradient microphones above and below, ahead and behind, and to the left and right over a range of distances. Fundamental frequencies were close to those previously reported, although amplitudes were lower. The male fundamental frequency was higher than that of the female and males modulated it over a wider range. Analysis of harmonics shows that the first six partials were nearly always within 1 Hz of integer multiples of the fundamental, even when the fundamental was being modulated. Along the front-back axis, amplitude attenuated as a function of distance raised to the power 2.3. Front and back recordings were out of phase, as were above and below, while left and right were in phase. Recordings from ahead and behind showed quadratic phase coupling, while others did not. Finally, two methods are presented for separating simultaneous flight tones in a single recording and enhancing their frequency resolution. Implications for mosquito behavior are discussed.
Validation of an Indicator of Mammalian Retinal Receptor Response: Absolute Threshold *

Images were formed on the retinas of living albino rats. The retinas were then removed and incubated in one of two media. The amount of light necessary to just induce a previously reported staining reaction was determined. This reaction is being evaluated as an indicator of individual retinal receptor response. A 5-min exposure to light at wavelength 500 mμ was employed. 7.0% and 11.4% bleaching of rhodopsin were estimated necessary in order to induce a threshold stain in the receptor ellipsoids following incubation in the respective media. Thus, most of the photosensitive pigment remains intact at the stain threshold. This characteristic should prove to be valuable in future studies.
A comparison of the morphology of lipid absorption in the jejunum and ileum of the adult rat.

Morphological aspects of lipid absorption were compared in the jejunum, mid- and terminal ileum. Physiological fatty chyme was injected into ligated segments of each of the intestinal regions in fasting rats. Tissues were removed at intervals from 5 to 30 minutes and prepared for electron microscopy. The results show the morphological pattern of lipid accumulation to be similar in the jejunum and mid-ileum. Both show evidence for considerable lipid absorption and transport. The terminal ileum, in contrast, displays an altered pattern of lipid distribution. Numerous lipid droplets begin to form at an early time period in the cytoplasmic matrix, as in the upper intestine. These droplets become larger and more numerous as absorption progresses. Lipid droplets in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, however, are present in considerably reduced size and numbers through the entire absorptive period examined, as compared to the upper intestine. Few droplets are present in the lamina propria. Considerably less transport of absorbed lipid is indicated. This morphological pattern appears to correlate with a reduced synthesis of triglycerides in the terminal ileum. The evidence suggests that triglyceride synthesis and the formation of membrane-bound droplets are related events as they normally occur in the upper small intestine.
The epidermal cell migration promoting activity of serum in guinea pig skin in vitro.

1. Explants of skin taken from albino guinea pigs have been cultured in the presence of various sera and serum substitutes in an attempt to define the “promoting activity” of serum for epidermal migrationin vitro. 2. On analysis autologous serum was found to be more effective in promoting migration than the non-autologous sera types investigated. 3. The serum factor(s) thought to be associated with migration are not destroyed by heating and are lost in dialysis. It seems that they are not complex high molecular weight substances. 4. Investigations with serum substitutes suggest that epidermal cell migrationin vitro is not dependant on the tonicity of the medium.
Simulation of Post-Thyroidectomy Treatment Alternatives for Triiodothyronine or Thyroxine Replacement in Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Patients

Background: As in adults, thyroidectomy in pediatric patients with differentiated thyroid cancer is often followed by 131I remnant ablation. A standard protocol is to give normalizing oral thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) after surgery and then withdraw it for 2 to 6 weeks. Thyroid remnants or metastases are treated most effectively when serum thyrotropin (TSH) is high, but prolonged withdrawals should be avoided to minimize hypothyroid morbidity. Methods: A published feedback control system model of adult human thyroid hormone regulation was modified for children using pediatric T4 kinetic data. The child model was developed from data for patients ranging from 3 to 9 years old. We simulated a range of T4 and T3 replacement protocols for children, exploring alternative regimens for minimizing the withdrawal period, while maintaining normal or suppressed TSH during replacement. The results are presented with the intent of providing a quantitative basis to guide further studies of pediatric treatment...
Quantitative Analysis of Amyloid-Integrated Biofilms Formed by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli at the Air-Liquid Interface

Bacterial biofilms are complex multicellular assemblies, characterized by a heterogeneous extracellular polymeric matrix, that have emerged as hallmarks of persistent infectious diseases. New approaches and quantitative data are needed to elucidate the composition and architecture of biofilms, and such data need to be correlated with mechanical and physicochemical properties that relate to function. We performed a panel of interfacial rheological measurements during biofilm formation at the air-liquid interface by the Escherichia coli strain UTI89, which is noted for its importance in studies of urinary tract infection and for its assembly of functional amyloid fibers termed curli. Brewster-angle microscopy and measurements of the surface elasticity (Gs′) and stress-strain response provided sensitive and quantitative parameters that revealed distinct stages during bacterial colonization, aggregation, and eventual formation of a pellicle at the air-liquid interface. Pellicles that formed under conditions that upregulate curli production exhibited an increase in strength and viscoelastic properties as well as a greater ability to recover from stress-strain perturbation. The results suggest that curli, as hydrophobic extracellular amyloid fibers, enhance the strength, viscoelasticity, and resistance to strain of E. coli biofilms formed at the air-liquid interface.
Method for the detection and quantitation of chitinase inhibitors in fermentation broths; Isolation and insect life cycle effect of A82516.

A new method of screening for chitinase inhibitors in crude fermentation broths as a means of discovering new insecticidal leads has been developed. In this procedure soluble Remazol brilliant violet 5R dye-coupled chitin degradation products released from insoluble chitin azure substrate by hydrolysis with Streptomyces griseus chitinase are filtered in 0.45 micron Millititer HA 96 well filtration plates and collected in 96 well microtiter plates. Inhibitors of this reaction are detected by a decrease in absorbance (570 nm) of the filtrate. A chitinase inhibitor, designated A82516, produced by culture A82516 was discovered using this screen. Purified A82516 was found to have an IC50 of 3.7 X 10(-6) M for S. griseus chitinase. At a test concentration of 0.27 mg/ml, A82516 was 100% effective in preventing development of house fly larvae to pupae. Allosamidin, a recently reported chitinase inhibitor in vitro, has spectral properties identical to A82516.
The osteopathic distinction: fact or fancy?

Since osteopathic medicine's inception its distinction has been proclaimed steadfastly in the osteopathic literature. The uniqueness has been claimed to reside in: (1) rigid adherence to A.T. Still's tenets; (2) osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT); (3) claims of “holism”; (4) “osteopathic principles”, (5) esoteric definitions; and (6) other suggested differences. None of these claims can be successfully defended. An aspect of the osteopathic distinction may lie in the didactic of OMTper se. Certain experiences in medical school contribute to the “reconstruction” of the student's view of the patient. Touch, through OMT, may be a quality that affects this change and helps make the osteopathic physician different. When blended with traditional medical modalities thismay result in a unique medical perspective. The ideal approach for the osteopathic profession would be an honest evaluation of its function in society and its uniqueness in medicine. The profession may discover a uniqueness withtouch as an integral part.
The isotopic composition of neodymium in the North Pacific

Abstract We have determined the isotopic composition of neodymium in two water column profiles in the western North Pacific and in bottom waters from three other locations in the North Pacific. The vertical profiles reveal that the water column is stratified with respect to isotopic composition. Mid-depths associated with Pacific Deep Water are uniform having ϵ Nd (0) ≈−3. Shallow waters are variable, but deep waters are less radiogenic having ϵ Md (0) = −4.4 to −5 in the western basin. The more negative bottom waters in the western North Pacific provide evidence for the advective transport of rare earth elements from Antarctic sources to this region. Bottom waters in the eastern North Pacific are more radiogenic ( ϵ Nd (0) = −3.3 to −3.8) indicating very little transport of REE from Antarctic sources to this basin. Overall, the isotopic composition of Nd in Pacific bottom waters appears to be conservative when compared to the silica distribution in spite of evidence for Nd removal. The findings are generally compatible with other parameters such as temperature, salinity and nutrient distributions. The presence of Nd isotopic signatures associated with Antarctic sources in these waters provides evidence for a small component of rare earth elements of North Atlantic origin in the bottom waters of the North Pacific. This is the first tracer evidence to corroborate the suggestion of Reid and Lynn (1971) that some of the temperature and salinity properties of the deep waters of the North Pacific originated in the Norwegian and Greenland Seas.
Knowledge Discovery from Area-Class Resource Maps: Data Preprocessing for Noise Reduction

Spatial data mining techniques have been investigated to extract valuable knowledge from natural resource maps. One challenge in applying general-purpose data mining algorithms to knowledge discovery from these maps is that the unavoidable existence of errors in traditional area-class resource maps introduces noise to the process and impacts the accuracy of the extracted knowledge. This paper examines the effect of data preprocessing in knowledge discovery from area-class resource maps. Presented here is a sampling method designed to obtain samples that exclude noise and are representative of the central concepts of the mapped classes. The method is based on selecting only the pixels that fall in modes of environmental histograms for each individual class. A case study in extracting knowledge from soil maps shows that data preprocessing plays an important role in the knowledge discovery process, and that the sampling method based on environmental histograms significantly improves the knowledge discovery performance.
Left ventricular function in cor pulmonale.

Twelve patients with severe chronic obstructive lung disease have been studied by catheterization of both sides of the heart. Elevation of the end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle has not been observed in any of these cases, even in the presence of systemic venons hypertension. A right-to-left shunt was present at the atrial level in one patient The concept of left ventricular dysfunction in cor pulmonale has been critically reviewed. We have found no evidence to support it.
Medicinal clay and spiritual healing

The varied mineralogical composition of earthy materials and the quantity of elements extracted by simulated stomach acid substantiate the diversity of materials consumed by humans practicing geophagy. Direct consumption of ‘edible earths’ for medicinal and spiritual purposes occurs worldwide and is deeply rooted in ‘folk medicine’ and religion. The legends associated with the healing powers of the clay from Chimayo, New Mexico, provide an excellent example of the roots of geophagy. The clay mineral assemblages revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis of 22 samples from New Mexico, North America, and other parts of the world are highly variable. One might be monominerallic kaolinite or smectite, and another, a complex mixture of illite, kaolinite, smectite, and chlorite or vermiculite. The quantities of elements (Al, Si, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Ti, P, S, Ba, Sr, Pb, Zn, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, V, Zr, Se, Mo, Be, Sb, and As) extracted by 0.12 M HCl varied from ~1.0 mg/g to the limit of detectability, 0.0001 mg/g. Potential long-term human health effects were evaluated with the Reference Dose Ratio (RDR). It divides the quantity of the element extracted from 50 g of the total sample by the recommended reference dose (RfD) reported in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA, USA) IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System) database. Median RDR values for Na, Cr, Sb, and As exceeded 1.0 indicating an abnormally high potential intake. Materials consumed by humans are so varied that caution should be used in comparing the results of one clay study with those of another without mineralogical and chemical data.
From Indignation to Indifference: Teacher Concerns About Externally Imposed Classroom Interruptions

Abstract In an era in which schools are expected to achieve more for their students, many teachers remain frustrated by the increasing results-driven demands made on them. A facet of teacher work life in which many feel disempowered is addressed in this study—the regular infringement of outside intrusions into the classroom learning environment A stratified random selection of teachers in the Canadian Province of Saskatchewan was surveyed regarding their experiences and feelings about such time-consuming episodes. This study was designed to provide supplementary data to an earlier investigation into the nature and frequency of externally imposed classroom interruptions by attempting to ascertain their perceived impact. The results dramatically illuminate the extent of the problem as well as the array of teacher perceptions of and reactions to it.
Estimation of solubility parameter components of solutes and polymers using heat of vaporization and heat of sorption of solutes

In a recent study, a two-dimensional solubility parameter model was used to correlate the heat of solution for solutes ranging from n-alkanes to alcohols, dissolved in isotatic polypropylene (PP), poly(ethyl ethylene) (PEE), and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). When literature data of solubility parameter components of solutes were used, the correlation had some scattering for solutes with low values of cohesive energy density. In this study, the components of solubility parameters of solutes and polymers were estimated from cohesive energy and heat of sorption of solutes. Good correlation was obtained for the specific heat of sorption (ΔU sorp /V) for solutes ranging from n-alkanes to alcohols, and PDMS had a polar component as previously estimated. Free volume effect in solution process may be the source of a small systematic deviation from the model.
Neutron diffraction of ordered PtMn3

Es werden zwei Neutronenbeugungsdiagramme von geordnetem PtMn3, aufgenommen ober- und unterhalb der Suszeptibiliatsanomalie bei 180°C, gezeigt. Sie stimmen mit der Deutung als Anderung der Spinkopplung uberein.
Rapid freezing injury in red spruce: seasonal changes in sensitivity and effects of temperature range

On calm, cold days in winter, sun-exposed needles of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) may warm 10 to 20 degrees C above ambient air temperature, and undergo rapid (>/= 1 degrees C min(-1)) fluctuations in temperature as light breezes or passing clouds alter the energy balance of the foliage. It has been proposed that the resulting rapid freeze-thaw cycles (freezing stress) cause a type of winter injury in montane red spruce that is characterized by necrosis of sun-exposed foliage. In autumn and winter, we monitored rapid freezing stress response of needle sections from 10 montane red spruce trees by subjecting needles to rapid freezing over the temperature span typically recorded in the field. In autumn, experimental rapid freezing stress produced severe injury only at temperatures considerably lower than expected for that time of year. In winter, rapid freezing caused occasional, moderate injury in fully hardened foliage of trees susceptible to both slow and rapid freezing. Seasonal changes in sensitivity to rapid and slow freezing were correlated, suggesting that environmental factors that are known to affect sensitivity to slow freezing may also affect sensitivity to rapid freezing. Experimental manipulation of the start and end temperatures of rapid freezing stress events showed that moderate to severe needle injury can occur in susceptible trees at temperature spans slightly more extreme than those typically recorded in the field. The extent of injury was similar at different starting temperatures if rapid freezing occurred over the same temperature span. Year-old foliage was consistently less sensitive to rapid freezing stress than current-year foliage, but some year-old foliage was damaged when the rapid freezing stress regime caused severe injury in current-year foliage. We conclude that rapid freeze-thaw cycles can explain light to moderate injury of current-year foliage, but they do not explain the more severe and widespread pattern of foliar damage that has occurred intermittently over at least the last 18 years.
Correction to “Self‐formed bedrock channels”

[1] In the paper ‘‘Self-formed bedrock channels’’ by Cameron W. Wobus, Gregory E. Tucker, and Robert S. Anderson (Geophysical Research Letters, 33, L18408, doi:10.1029/ 2006GL027182, 2006), the year of the reference by Whittaker et al. was incorrectly given as 1996. The year should be 2006 in the reference and in the two text citations. GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 33, L20402, doi:10.1029/2006GL028345, 2006
The biliogastric shunt: a method for simultaneous internal diversion of bile and enteric feeding in patients with cancer

Certain patients with malignant obstruction of the bile duct require permanent external biliary drainage. Decompression by this method can be effective but excessive bile losses can result in fluid and electrolyte imbalance and the tumor itself can cause profound anorexia, weight loss, and nutritional deficiency.1, 2 A previous report has shown that placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes can improve the quality of life for patients with cancer. We connected an external biliary drain to a PEG in two anorectic patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and obstructive jaundice creating an external biliogastric shunt. The shunt served to internalize bile flow through the stomach and the PEG was used for feeding. The technique and advantages of this method are discussed.
Pharmacokinetics, oral bioavailability and tissue distribution of azithromycin in cats

Azithromycin is the first of a class of antibiotics classified as azalides. In an initial experiment four cats were given a single dose of azithromycin 5 mg/kg orally (p.o.), followed 2 weeks later by a single intravenous bolus (i.v.) dose of 5 mg/kg. Subsequently, six cats were given [14C]azithromycin p.o. in a single dose of 5.4 mg/kg for the study of tissue distribution and metabolism. In both experiments, serial blood samples were collected and the plasma assayed for unchanged azithromycin to determine various pharmacokinetic parameters. After p.o. administration, bioavailability was 58% and absorption rapid with a tmax of 0.85 +/- 0.72 h and a Cmax of 0.97 +/- 0.65 microgram/mL. The harmonic mean terminal t1/2 after i.v. administration was 35 h. Tissue half-lives varied from 13 h in fat to 72 h in cardiac muscle. Three metabolites were identified in bile. Unchanged azithromycin accounted for 100% of the total radioactivity in lung and skin tissues when assayed. In comparison with other species, the bioavailability in cats is higher than in humans but lower than in dogs. As in the dog, > 50% of the azithromycin-related material in feline bile was unchanged azithromycin.
Blood groups, secretor phenomenon, and gastric cancer in various ethnic groups.

(1962). Blood groups, secretor phenomenon, and gastric cancer in various ethnic groups. Eugenics Quarterly: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 44-44.
Nickel-catalyzed autothermal reforming of jet fuel surrogates: n-Dodecane, tetralin, and their mixture

The potential of a nickel-ceria-zirconia based catalyst was examined for autothermal reforming of n-dodecane, tetralin and their mixture into a hydrogen-rich product stream suitable for high-temperature fuel cells. n-Dodecane and tetralin were chosen as representative compounds for alkanes and bicyclic compounds in jet fuel. It was possible to reach conversions greater than 90% for both components, as long as sufficiently high oxygen concentrations were maintained in the feed. Tetralin gave larger yields of reforming products than n-dodecane. During the transient start-up phase of the reactor, large temperature excursions were observed, suggesting that the reaction starts with complete combustion of fuel, giving way to autothermal reforming after a few minutes on stream. These high-temperature excursions during reactor start-up are large enough to change the catalyst surface areas. Interestingly, the mixture of tetralin and n-dodecane did not behave as a linear combination of the two pure components, but showed reforming characteristics similar to pure tetralin. The non-linear behavior of the mixture provides a caveat that investigations of single component model compounds may not be able to capture the reforming behavior of more complex fuel mixtures.
Synchronization in lattices of coupled oscillators

Abstract We consider coupled nonlinear oscillators with external periodic forces and the Dirichlet boundary conditions. We prove that synchronization occurs provided that the coupling is dissipative and the coupling coefficients are sufficiently large. The synchronization here is of an obvious type — the size of an attractor is comparable to the difference of the subsystems.
Response of corn to combinations of atrazine, propyl gallate and ozone

Abstract Growth chamber experiments were conducted to determine the influence of the air pollutant ozone (O3) [0.2 and 0.3 ppm (v/v)] on the growth of corn (Zea mays L.) treated with the herbicide atrazine (2.5 and 3.5 kg/ha) and the antioxidant propyl gallate (5 and 8 kg/ha). At both concentrations O3 at 0.3 ppm alone reduced dry weights of corn and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll a was more affected than chlorophyll b by O3 at 0.3 ppm alone and in combination with atrazine. Propyl gallate at both rates protected corn against O3 injury. The interaction between atrazine and O3 at 0.2 ppm was additive whereas at 0.3 ppm it was antagonistic. But combinations of atrazine and propyl gallate did not protect corn from O3 injury.
A scalable approach for throughput estimation of timing speculation designs

Timing speculation is a ‘better-than-worst-case’ design methodology that tunes a digital circuit to its common-case delay. The average throughput of a speculation-based circuit can be estimated using the probability with which input patterns result in timing errors. In this paper, we present a scalable approach to compute the exact probabilities of the occurrence of timing errors at the gate level. We use Timed Characteristic Functions (TCFs) to compute the exact values of the probabilities. In order to improve the scalability, we decompose large circuits into smaller sub-circuits and restrict the TCF computation to these sub-circuits. Instead of substituting the expression for TCF of one sub-circuit into another, we propagate only the computed error probabilities. We demonstrate our technique on gate level combinational circuits from MCNC benchmarks.
Accelerating rate calorimetry study on the thermal stability of interpenetrating network type poly(siloxane-g-ethylene oxide) polymer electrolyte

Abstract Safety study regarding an exothermic reaction at elevated temperature of comb-shaped siloxane polymer and its interpenetrating network type solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) are investigated. Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) is used to examine exothermic reactions. The thermal stability of the polymer electrolyte in the presence of charged electrodes is also monitored. Resulting data were compared with those of 1.0 M LiPF 6 in ethylene carbonate:ethyl methyl carbonate (3:7 by wt.) electrolyte. The self-heating exothermic reaction of mono comb-shaped siloxane polymer electrolyte starts at approximately 300 °C. Comparison of the heat generation profiles from ARC tests indicates that SPE reduces the intensity of exothermic reactions resulting from charged electrodes and electrolyte.
Distance Learning in Graduate Music Teacher Education Promoting Professional Development and Satisfaction of Music Teachers

The impact of a graduate distance learning music teacher education program on the professional development of in-service music teachers is evaluated through telephone interviews of 16 program gradu...
A course in personalized applications libraries

With the advent of micro/mini computers and timesharing facilities, personalized information systems are a reality. Computing courses are needed that can successfully raise the competency level of the general college student to the point where the computer can be used as a powerful tool. At present, curriculum development abounds, and is being extended, for courses that pertain to future applications and system programmers. However, curriculum development related to meeting degree tool requirements is centered only around the first course in computing, typically either an elementary programming course, or one which provides an introduction to computers and society. This paper describes a course in personalized applications libraries to be used as a follow-up to the typical first computing course, with the objective of enabling students to be more successful in realistically meeting tool requirements. The paper includes a course overview, catalog description, course outline, and a bibliography of related reference material.
Strong Diagonal Dominance by Quantitative Feedback Theory

This paper uses strong diagonal dominance theory to obtain a systematic solution to the MIMO-QFT problem by an n times solution of the SISO-QFT sensitivity constraint problem. This is analogous to the current MIMO-QFT formulation that requires an n times solution for the elements of the closed-loop transfer matrix. Of equal but independent interest is the establishment of the first early verifiable existence and uniqueness conditions for robust diagonal stabilizability