cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fever burden and functional recovery after subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE Fever is associated with worse outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage, but there are few prospective data to quantify this relationship. METHODS We prospectively enrolled consecutive aneurysmal or cryptogenic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients and recorded the highest core temperature each calendar day for Day 0 (the day of hemorrhage) through Day 13. Fever burden was defined as the daily highest core temperature minus 100.4 degrees F, summed from admission through Day 13 (temperatures <100.4 degrees F did not contribute to or subtract from fever burden). Outcomes were assessed at 14 days or at the time of hospital discharge with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale, and at 28 days and 3 months with the modified Rankin Scale. Improvement was analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS We prospectively enrolled 94 patients. From 14 days to 28 days to 3 months, functional improvement was related to cumulative fever burden, admission neurological grade, aneurysm obliteration procedure, admission computed tomographic score, vasospasm, and external ventricular drainage. Good-grade patients had worse functional outcomes with increased fever burden, and poor-grade patients improved more over time when fever burden was higher (time by World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade by fever burden interaction, P < 0.001). Patients with vasospasm (P = 0.04) and patients with higher computed tomographic scores (P = 0.002) had worse 14-day outcomes but improved more over time. Bacteremia and ventriculitis were uncommon (<or=5%) and were not associated with higher fever burden. CONCLUSION Cumulative fever burden was associated with worse outcomes in good-grade patients and potential late recovery in poor-grade patients. Effective fever control in febrile subarachnoid hemorrhage patients may improve functional outcomes and hasten recovery.
Kinetics of the Cl–H2 system. II. Abstraction vs exchange in D+HCl

The gas phase reaction of D with HCl was studied at room temperature by the method of flash photolysis, with resonance fluorescence detection of D, H, and Cl atoms. The D and Cl atoms were observed to decay exponentially, whereas no H atom signal from the exchange reaction was detectable. From the calibrated sensitivity of the H atom detector, an upper limit of 0.002 was set for the ratio of rate constants for the exchange vs abstraction channels.
Theory of the Valence Band Structure of Germanium in an External Magnetic Field

The energies of the magnetic sub-bands associated with the ${V}_{1}$ and ${V}_{2}$ valence bands in germanium have been calculated as a function of ${k}_{z}$, the propagation constant parallel to the external magnetic field. Warping of the ${V}_{1}$ and ${V}_{2}$ bands was neglected. Sub-bands belonging to the ${1}^{+}$ and ${2}^{+}$ ladders (light holes) have minima at ${k}_{z}=0$ and show quantum effects consisting of a decrease in curvature as the valence band edge is approached. Sub-bands belonging to the ${2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ladder (heavy holes) also have minima at ${k}_{z}=0$, but the curvatures increase near the valence band edge. The ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ heavy hole sub-bands show very marked quantum effects. The sub-band minima occur at values of ${k}_{z}$ different from zero, and local maxima appear at ${k}_{z}=0$. The peculiar nature of the ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ magnetic sub-bands may lead to observable effects in various magneto-optic phenomena in germanium.
Use of a priori knowledge for character recognition

Research and applications in recognition of machine-printed characters have been active for more than 30 years. It is believed to be a solved problem when the quality of the text is acceptable (minimum fragmented or touching characters). However, when characters are broken or touching, character segmentation still poses a challenge in machine reading. Yet, humans are capable of recognizing very degraded characters with and without context. This paper presents a system for recognizing degraded machine-printed characters. This system relies on a priori knowledge of character shapes. Because classification performance is strongly dependent on the input feature set, this paper focuses on the creation of features from curvature estimation. A set of `clean'' characters from multiple fonts was used to emphasize our belief that a set of clean characters can be used to build an inference engine to recognize noisy characters. The word `noisy'' is used in the generic sense to indicate variations not found in the training set, such as shape variation of new fonts, or broken and touching characters. In addition, we present some concepts on the design of an inference engine that can recognize very degraded images. The inference engine is an assembly of networks (neural and knowledge-based) in which each network stores a flexible representation of a character. The topological features used allow approximate matching for position, direction, curvature, and piecewise incomplete stroke. An image begins to be recognized as soon as some features are detected. Excited networks help to focus attention on uncovering, reinforcing, or ignoring neighboring features. Ultimately, the networks activities are stabilized, and the output consists of a ranked list of possible candidates.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Comparative Study of Cardiopulmonary Bypass with Nonblood and Blood Prime

Abstract A prospective study of cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgical patients undergoing similar types of operations compared 50 consecutive perfusions utilizing a clear, balanced, electrolyte-protein prime with 50 consecutive perfusions utilizing a solution containing 1,000 ml. of blood. Significant findings were: The oxygenation and perfusion capabilities during bypass were similar and satisfactory in both groups. The postoperative coagulation studies were essentially the same. The postoperative plasma hemoglobin was 83 mg. per 100 ml. with nonblood prime and 138 mg. per 100 ml. with blood prime; and 12 hour postoperative blood loss was 353 ml. with nonblood prime and 455 ml. with blood prime—22% less in the nonblood prime group. Total blood requirements during hospitalization averaged 1,500 ml. in the nonblood prime group and 3,500 ml. in the blood prime group. The use of nonblood prime and autotransfusions reduces postoperative blood loss, demands on blood bank facilities, risk of serum hepatitis, transfusion reactions, and coagulation abnormalities.
A new look at light hydrocarbon separations on commercial alumina PLOT columns: Column selectivity and separation

Alumina-coated porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns are widely used for analyses of light hydrocarbons (C1 to C6). There is, however, a need for improved selectivity for complex analyses such as the determination of impurities in high purity petrochemical products. Some commercial alumina PLOT columns do not have sufficient selectivity for such analyses. The selectivity of four commercial alumina PLOT columns is evaluated for analyses of propylene and ethylene, and differences in column selectivity discussed. Requirements of column selectivity and retention are presented for several applications including the analysis of refinery gas, transformer oil gas, and fuel gas.
Olfactory perception in honeybees: Concatenated and mixed odorant stimuli, concentration, and exposure effects

Here we present results obtained from 7 different series of experiments, all employing odor conditioning of proboscis extension in worker honeybees and each designed to address a particular question involving olfactory perception. The questions relate to: temporal complexity of odor cues; effects of concentration, suppression, and/or potentiation in mixture perception; acquisition and extinction rates, as well as levels of generalization associated with aliphatic compounds that have the same functional groups or same alkyl radical length; and the effects of continuous exposure to odorants in the first several days of adult life on various learning and discrimination tasks involving olfactory perception. From the data obtained in these experiments we were able to conclude the following: First, worker honeybees have a limited ability to perceive complex temporal odor-quality patterns in olfactory stimuli — they learn to associate the quality of only the last part of the stimulus with a sucrose reward. Second, we confirm that citral is qualitatively different in several perceptual contexts involving odor learning and conditioning and our results help elucidate the nature of these differences as they relate to learning, discrimination, mixture perception, and continuous exposure to particular odorants. Third, we appear to have uncovered some important perceptual differences between functional groups attached to the first as opposed to the second carbon atom of alkyl radicals. Finally, we failed to uncover any significant effects relating to continuous exposure to odorants during the first several days of a worker's adult life, despite evidence that considerable sensory development takes place during this period. Thus ontogenetic changes to the peripheral system due to environmental effects appear to leave basic perceptual systems unaltered.
Abstract 780: Knockdown of p53 increases tumorigenicity of human breast cancer cells.

The tumor suppressor p53 is mutated or functionally inactivated in ∼ 70% cancer. p53 causes cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, or induces apoptosis in response to stress. Although knockdown of p53 has been shown to increase tumorigenicity of human colon and lung cancer cells, it is not known whether knockdown of p53 in human breast cancer cells can indeed lead to increased tumorigenicity. We show that knockdown of p53 in human breast cancer cells significantly increases tumorigenicity in vivo and colony formation on soft agar in vitro. Our ongoing studies are elucidating the underlying mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that knockdown of p53 increases tumorigenicity of human breast cancer cells. Our results highlight the importance of the tumor suppressor p53 in human breast cancer. Citation Format: Fang Liu, Tanima Roy, Jae Young So, Amanda Smolarek, You-Rong Lu, Nanjoo Suh. Knockdown of p53 increases tumorigenicity of human breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 780. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-780 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Anaesthetic management of a child with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is a rare inherited disease in which progressive ossification of striated muscles leads to severe disability and respiratory impairment early in life and there are associated characteristic congenital skeletal malformations. Although this condition may prove demanding for the anaesthetist, few reports are available regarding anaesthesia in paediatric patients. We review the clinical features of the disease relevant to anaesthesia and describe the perioperative care of an 18-month-old boy with FOP who underwent endoscopic third-ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus associated with a brainstem mass. We emphasize the importance of an appropriate anaesthetic management of these patients, as inadequate care may lead to exacerbation of the disease with permanent sequelae.
Elimination of systematic mass measurement errors in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based proteomics using regression models and a priori partial knowledge of the sample content.

The high mass measurement accuracy and precision available with recently developed mass spectrometers is increasingly used in proteomics analyses to confidently identify tryptic peptides from complex mixtures of proteins, as well as post-translational modifications and peptides from nonannotated proteins. To take full advantage of high mass measurement accuracy instruments, it is necessary to limit systematic mass measurement errors. It is well known that errors in m/z measurements can be affected by experimental parameters that include, for example, outdated calibration coefficients, ion intensity, and temperature changes during the measurement. Traditionally, these variations have been corrected through the use of internal calibrants (well-characterized standards introduced with the sample being analyzed). In this paper, we describe an alternative approach where the calibration is provided through the use of a priori knowledge of the sample being analyzed. Such an approach has previously been demonstrat...
The 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin: The Response of America's Black Press

(1983). The 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin: The Response of America's Black Press. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 54, No. 3, pp. 278-292.
Soyfoods, soybean isoflavones, and bone health: A brief overview

Soyfoods have received considerable attention during the past 5 years for their role in disease prevention, especially in relation to heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. However, limited research also suggests that soy protein favorably affects renal function. Much of the research interest in soy is aimed at establishing the physiological effects of isoflavones. Isoflavones are diphenolic compounds that have a very limited distribution in nature. Soybeans and soyfoods are, for practical purposes, the only nutritionally relevant dietary sources of isoflavones. Isoflavones are weak estrogens in that they bind to estrogen receptors, but they also have important nonhormonal properties as well. Initial speculation that soyfoods, and in particular isoflavones, might promote bone health was based on the estrogenic properties of isoflavones and the similarity in structure between isoflavones and the osteoporosis drug, ipriflavone, which is a synthetic isoflavone. In ovariectomized rodents, isoflavones retard bone loss almost as effectively as estrogen. Most research, but not all, also indicates that soyfoods rich in isoflavones favorably affect bone turnover and spinal bone mineral density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. However, studies conducted thus far have been of short duration and involved small numbers of subjects. Furthermore, no studies have actually examined the effect of soy feeding on fracture risk. Thus, although the data in general are encouraging, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the relationship between soy consumption and bone health. In addition to a possible direct effect of isoflavones on bone tissue, soy protein when substituted for animal protein may indirectly enhance bone strength. Several studies have found that in comparison with animal protein, soy protein decreases calcium excretion, a result of the lower sulfur amino acid content of soy protein. Although the high potassium content of soy is a consideration, the evidence clearly indicates that clinicians should consider recommending that their renal patients incorporate soyfoods into their diet.
Design of a reversible single precision floating point multiplier based on operand decomposition

Reversible logic is a promising field of research that finds applications in low power computing, quantum computing, optical computing, and other emerging computing technologies. Further, floating point multiplication is one of the major operations in image and digital signal processing applications. The single precision floating-point multiplier requires the design of efficient 24×24 bit integer multiplier. In this work, we propose a new reversible design of single precision floating point multiplier based on operand decomposition approach. To design the reversible 24×24 (A×B) bit multiplier (assume A and B are of 24 bits each), the operands are decomposed into three partitions of 8 bits each. Thus, the 24×24 bit reversible multiplication is performed through nine reversible 8×8 bit Wallace tree multipliers, whose outputs are then summed. We propose a new reversible design of the 8×8 bit Wallace tree multiplier that has been optimized in terms of quantum cost, delay, and number of garbage outputs. Wallace tree multiplication consists of three conceptual stages: Partial product generation, partial product compression using 4∶2 compressors, full adders, and half adders, and then the final addition stage to generate the product. In this work we perform optimization at each of these three stages. For the first stage, we have proposed a new generalized reversible partial product generation circuitry. For the second stage we have proposed a new reversible 4∶2 compressor design for use in the compression tree. Finally, for the summation stage we have carefully chosen and arranged the reversible half adders and full adders in such a way to yield an efficient multiplier optimized in terms of quantum cost, delay, and garbage outputs. We have also illustrated the reversible design of 24×24 bit multiplier using the proposed 8×8 bit reversible Wallace tree multiplier.
A variable-length channel quantizer for multicast networks with two users

We investigate the channel quantization problem for two-user multicast networks where the transmitter is equipped with multiple antennas and either receiver is equipped with only a single antenna. Our goal is to design a global quantizer to minimize the outage probability. It is known that any fixed-length quantizer with a finite-cardinality codebook cannot achieve the same minimum outage probability as the case where all nodes in the network know perfect channel state information (CSI). To achieve the minimum outage probability, we propose a variable-length global quantizer that knows perfect CSI and sends quantized CSI to the transmitter and receivers. With a random infinite-cardinality codebook, we prove that the proposed quantizer is able to achieve the minimum outage probability with a low average feedback rate. Numerical simulations also validate our theoretical analysis.
Fabrication and Design of a Nanoparticulate Enabled Micro Forceps

A novel fabrication process and design optimization method for a micro forceps is presented. This work is part of a larger research effort to design and fabricate nanoparticulate enabled surgical instruments. The micro forceps is a monolithic compliant mechanism that due to its two-dimensional design can be manufactured using the new fabrication process. The process begins with fabrication of an array of molds on refractory substrates using a modified UV lithography technique. In parallel, engineered ceramic nanocolloidal slurries are prepared for gel-casting into the molds. Mold infiltration takes place via a squeegee technique adapted from screen printing with excess slurry removed using an ethanol wipe. Finally, the photoresist molds are removed with a reactive ion etch (RIE) step, and ceramic parts sintered to full density. Employing this manufacturing technique for the compliant micro forceps design is advantageous because a large number of parts can be produced with a large aspect ratio (≥40:1), sharp edges (∼ 1 μm), and a resolution of 2 μm. Two optimization problems are formulated to determine the effect of dimensional parameters and material strength on the performance of the compliant micro forceps. First, performance is sensitive to small changes in the geometry, indicating that dimensions and shrinkage rates must be carefully controlled during processing. Second, performance can also be improved by using very large aspect ratios and/or improvements in material strength. A sample part manufactured using the new process is presented.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The transport and fate of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in soybean and corn

Abstract Root uptake, transpiration stream translocation, and metabolism of 3 H-TCDD and 14 C-2-chlorobiphenyl in hydroponically grown soybean and corn were investigated. Approximately 70% of the TCDD and 3% of the 2-chlorobiphenyl added to the growth solution were adsorbed by the roots. Translocation of TCDD from contaminated roots to shoot tissue was undetectable for both species. Volatility of TCDD from the growth solution was the significant mechanism of foliar contamination. Metabolism of TCDD was insignificant in all experiments with soybean, but the results of one of two corn experiments suggest the possibility of TCDD degradation in the plant-microbial system. Relative to TCDD, both transpirational translocation and metabolism of 2-chlorobiphenyl were significant transport and fate mechanisms.
The pathogenicity of bacillus botulinus

The early work of van Ermengem 1 indicated that B. botulinus or its spores are not pathogenic in themselves. This view was soon confirmed by others and emphasized by the statements that this organism does not thrive at the body temperature and therefore could not produce toxin within the body of warm blooded animals. In other words, it is commonly asserted that botulism is always due to toxin preformed in the food. It has, however, been recently shown that B. botulinus may grow and produce toxin in vitro at 37 C. In fact this is the optimum temperature for most strains of this organism. The question naturally arises, can the spores germinate in the body? Have they invasive power? Can toxin be formed within the body? In short, is B. botulinus pathogenic? The answers to these questions have practical as well as theoretical importance.
Probability of diameter two for Steinhaus graphs

Abstract A Steinhaus graph is a graph with n vertices whose adjacency matrix ( a i,j ) satisfies the condition that a i,j ≡ a i − 1, j − 1 + a i − 1, j (mod 2) for each 1 i j ≤ n . It is clear that a Steinhaus graph is determined by its first row. In “Almost all Steinhaus graphs have diameter two”, J. Graph Theory 16 (1992) 213–219 it is shown that almost all Steinhaus graphs have diameter two. Here we generalize to the case where the j th entry of the first row has probability p j of being 1. Under reasonable conditions it is shown that the probability measure of the set of Steinhaus graphs with diameter two approaches 1 as the number of vertices in the graph approaches infinity.
Hemoglobin A1c assay variations and implications for diabetes screening in obese youth

Background Standardization of the hemoglobin A1c (A1c) assay has led to its increasing utilization as a screening tool for the diagnosis of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in youth. However, significant A1c assay variability remains and has implications for clinical management. Objective To describe our center's experiences with A1c results in youth and to evaluate inter-method differences and their clinical implications. Subjects Seventy-five youth (aged 10–18 yr old), body mass index (BMI) ≥85th‰ participated. Methods Seventy-two participants had two A1c values performed on the same sample, one via immunoassay (DCA Vantage Analyzer, A1c1) and the other via high performance liquid chromatography (Bio-Rad Variant II, A1c2). Nineteen had A1c run on two immunoassay devices (A1c1 and Dimensions Vista, A1c3). Results Mean age of participants was 13.9 years, BMI% 97.89%, 33% male, 16% white, 21% black, and 61% Hispanic (H). Mean A1c1 was 5.68% ± 0.38 vs. a mean A1c2 of 5.73% ± 0.39, p = 0.049. Concordance in diabetes status between methods was achieved in 79% of subjects. Nineteen subjects with A1c3 results had testing performed an average of 22 ± 9 days prior to A1c1. Mean A1c3 was 6.24% ± 0.4, compared to a mean A1c1 of 5.74% ± 0.31, (p < 0.0001). A1c1 was on average systematically −0.5 ± 0.28 lower compared to A1c3. There was poor agreement in diabetes classification between A1c1 and A1c3, with a concordance in classification between methods of only 36.8%. Conclusions Clinically significant inter-method A1c variability exists that impacts patient classification and treatment recommendations. In the screening of obese youth for diabetes, A1c results should be interpreted with caution.
Immobilized microbe bioreactors for waste water treatment

The application of adapted microbial populations immobilized on a porous diatomaceous earth carrier to pre-treat and reduce toxic concentration of volatile organics, pesticides, petroleum aliphatics and aromatics has been demonstrated for several industrial sites. In the pre-treatment of industrial effluents and contaminated groundwaters, these bioreactors have been used to optimize and reduce the cost of conventional treatment systems, i.e. steam stripping, carbon adsorption and traditional biotreatment. Additionally, these systems have been employed as seeding devices for larger biotreatment systems. The cost effective utilization of an immobilized microbe reactor system for water supply regeneration in a microgravity environment is presented. The feasibility of using immobilized biomass reactors as an effluent treatment technology for the biotransformation and biodegradation of phenols, chlorinated halocarbons, residual oils and lubricants was evaluated. Primary biotransformation tests of two benchmark toxicants, phenol and ethylene dichloride at concentrations expected in life support effluents were conducted. Biocatalyst supports were evaluated for colonization potential, surface and structural integrity, and performance in continuous flow bioreactors. The implementation of such approaches in space will be outlined and specific areas for interfacing with other non-biological treatment approaches will be considered for advanced life support, tertiary waste water biotreatment.
Break Points Narrative Interruption in the Life of Billie Jean King

This article explores intertextual representations of Billie Jean King, focusing on the announcement of her relationship with Marilyn Barnett in 1981 as a disruptive moment that occasioned remedial...
The Effect of Branched Chain Amino Acids on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function in Young and Elderly Adults

Context: A reduction in maximal mitochondrial ATP production rate (MAPR) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abundance occurs with age in association with muscle weakness and reduced endurance in elderly people. Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) have been extensively used to improve physical performance. Objective: The objective was to determine whether an 8-h infusion of BCAA enhances MAPR equally in healthy young and elderly adults. Methods: Using a crossover study design, we compared the effect BCAA vs. saline infusion in 12 young (23.0 ± 0.8 yr) and 12 elderly (70.7 ± 1.1 yr) participants matched for sex and body mass index. Skeletal muscle MAPR and mtDNA abundance were measured in muscle biopsy samples obtained before and at the end of the 8-h infusion. Results: In young participants, MAPR with the substrates glutamate plus malate (supplying electrons to complex I) and succinate plus rotenone (complex II) increased in response to BCAA infusion, relative to a decline in MAPR in response to the saline infusion. In contrast, MAPR was unaffected by BCAA infusion in the elderly participants. Moreover, mtDNA abundance was lower in the elderly compared with the young participants but was unaffected by the BCAA infusion. Insulin and C-peptide concentrations declined over time during the saline infusion, but these declines were prevented by the BCAA infusion. Conclusions: BCAA increased skeletal muscle MAPR in the young participants in comparison with saline, but this effect was not seen in the elderly participants indicating, that unlike in the young, BCAA does not increase muscle mitochondrial function in the elderly.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K Supports Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Replication by Regulating Cell Survival and Cellular Gene Expression

The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) is a member of the family of hnRNPs and was recently shown in a genome-wide small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen to support vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) growth. To decipher the role of hnRNP K in VSV infection, we conducted studies which suggest that the protein is required for VSV spreading. Virus binding to cells, entry, and nucleocapsid uncoating steps were not adversely affected in the absence of hnRNP K, whereas viral genome transcription and replication were reduced slightly. These results indicate that hnRNP K is likely involved in virus assembly and/or release from infected cells. Further studies showed that hnRNP K suppresses apoptosis of virus-infected cells, resulting in increased cell survival during VSV infection. The increased survival of the infected cells was found to be due to the suppression of proapoptotic proteins such as Bcl-XS and Bik in a cell-type-dependent manner. Additionally, depletion of hnRNP K resulted in not only significantly increased levels of T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen 1 (TIA1) but also switching of the expression of the two isoforms of the protein (TIA1a and TIA1b), both of which inhibited VSV replication. hnRNP K was also found to support expression of several cellular proteins known to be required for VSV infection. Overall, our studies demonstrate hnRNP K to be a multifunctional protein that supports VSV infection via its role(s) in suppressing apoptosis of infected cells, inhibiting the expression of antiviral proteins, and maintaining the expression of proteins required for the virus.
CMOS Well drive-In in NH 3 for reduced lateral diffusion and heat cycle

CMOS n-well drive-in performed in an NH 3 ambient is described. Experimental results on the reduction of heat cycle and lateral diffusion as well as the effects on device characteristics and latch-up are discussed.
Flow cytometric determination of degraded deoxyribonucleic acid in granulosa cells to identify atretic follicles during preovulatory maturation in the pig.

Granulosa cells of individual follicles were analyzed by DNA fluorescence flow cytometry to determine how the percentage of cells with degraded DNA and the distribution of cells in the phases of the cell cycle (Go/G,, S,, G,/M) related to the incidence of morphological atresia and to changes in follicular steroid concentrations. Follicles were dissected from ovaries recovered at slaughter on Days 1, 3, 5, or 7 of altrenogest-synchronized preovulatory maturation. Twenty-one follicles with debris among their isolated granulosa cells were classified as morphologically atretic (MA); 92 follicles with debris-free granulosa cells were classified as morphologically healthy (MH). Granulosa cells were prepared for flow cytometry by fixation in 80% ethanol and staining with propidium iodide (PI) containing RNase. DNA fluorescence intensity was determined by use of the 488-nm line of an argon laser. A subpopulation of granulosa cells with degraded DNA (Ao cells), containing less fluorescence than the Go/G, peak, was found in the DNA histogram of every follicle. The percentage of A cells ranged from 0.02 to 83.6% per follicle. The percentage of Ao cells was inversely related to the percentage of Go/G, cells (r = -0.9611,p = 0.0001). The percentage of Ao cells (mean ± SEM) was greater (p = 0.0001) in MA (45.9 6.3%) than in MH follicles (5.3 + 1.6%). Follicular estradiol-171 was less in MA than in MH follicles, but androstenedione or progesterone did not differ significantly. A follicle biochemical health classification was derived from the percentage of Ao granulosa cells in the DNA histogram; 27 follicles were biochemically atretic (BA) with 10% Ao cells (mean 44.5 5.0%), while 86 follicles were biochemically healthy (BH) with < 10% Ao cells (mean 2.2 + 0.4% ). The percentage of BA follicles per pig was greater (p = 0.0001) on Day 5 (47%) than on any other day (10-22% ). Compared to BH follicles, BA follicles contained a reduced percentage of Go/G, and S+G2 /M cells and less estradiol-17[ and androstenedione (p s 0.05). The increased incidence of granulosa cells with low DNA fluorescence, measured by flow cytometry, is a new, biochemical marker for atretic follicles in the pig.
Low-loss RF transport over long distances

Electromagnetic RF energy can be transported over a kilometer or more using antennas, but the efficiency is low unless the injecting and receiving antennas are extremely large. Other means of transporting RF energy such as waveguides and coaxial lines are cumbersome, heavy, costly, and suffer large attenuation. This paper offers a different system for long-distance RF transportation. The key is to use nonradiating electromagnetic surface waves that propagate along thin metallic strips. This means of moving RF energy between two points is simple, inexpensive, lightweight, and has low attenuation. For example, the attenuation is less than 2 dB/km for an Al foil 6-cm wide and 0.002-cm thick. Thus, efficient guidance of surface waves over distances of many kilometers requires neither large antennas, waveguides, nor coaxial lines. Moreover, electric interference with the surroundings is minimized due to the large reduction in the radial extension of the electric field, and the conversion of the radiating electromagnetic waves to surface waves and back is efficient (up to 90%).
Correlations due to localization in quantum eigenfunctions of disordered microwave cavities

Statistical properties of experimental eigenfunctions of quantum chaotic and disordered microwave cavities are shown to demonstrate nonuniversal correlations due to localization. Varying energy E and mean free path l enable us to experimentally tune from localized to delocalized states. Large level-tolevel inverse participation ratio (I2) fluctuations are observed for the disordered billiards, whose distribution is strongly asymmetric about I2. The spatial density autocorrelations of eigenfunctions are shown to spatially decay exponentially and the decay lengths are experimentally determined. All the results are quantitatively consistent with calculations based upon nonlinear sigma models. PACS numbers: 73.23. – b, 05.45.Mt, 73.20.Dx, 73.20.Fz The universal properties of quantum chaotic systems have been extensively studied in terms of their eigenvalue and eigenfunction statistics [1]. In random matrix theory (RMT), the Gaussian distribution of eigenfunction amplitudes c r leads to the universal Porter-Thomas (PT) distribution for the densities jcj 2 , which has been observed in microwave cavities [2] as well as other systems. However, nonuniversality has important manifestations, for instance, due to periodic orbits which lead to scars in eigenfunctions, and localization arising from quantum interference in diffusion. While there have been many theoretical treatments, from semiclassical periodic orbit theories [1] to nonlinear sigma models [3], there have been few experimental studies of eigenfunctions because of their lack of accessibility. In this paper, we present several striking manifestations of localization in experimental eigenfunctions of disordered microwave billiard cavities. Localization due to boundary or impurity scattering results in correlations that affect statistics and spatial correlations of the eigenfunctions in several measures, leading to deviations from their universal values for quantum chaotic systems. The moments of the density distribution, In R jC¯ rj 2n d 3 r ,i n particular, the inverse participation ratio I2 (IPR), and their distributions PIn In, are important measures of the properties of the chaotic and disordered eigenfunctions. In chaotic billiards, I2 has a mean value I2 close to that of the universal two-dimensional 2D limiting value of 3.0, with small level-to-level fluctuations dI2 o I2, resulting in a nearly symmetric distribution about I2. In disordered billiards not only is the mean value I2 ? 3.0, but the fluctuations are also much greater dI2 I2. The IPR distribution for the disordered billiards is strongly asymmetric about I2, and is quantitatively consistent with the calculations based upon the nonlinear sigma models of supersymmetry, parametrized by a conductivity g [4,5]. Spatial correlations are studied in terms of the density autocorrelation jCrj 2 jCr 0 j 2 and are shown to die out more rapidly in the disordered billiards compared with
Translational recruitment of Xenopus maternal mRNAs in response to poly(A) elongation requires initiation factor eIF4G-1.

Abstract Xenopusoocytes accumulate maternal mRNAs which are then recruited to ribosomes during meiotic cell cycle progression in response to progesterone and coincident with poly(A) elongation. Prior to stimulation, most protein synthesis (∼70%) does not require intact translation factor eIF4G (B. D. Keiper and R. E. Rhoads, 1997,Nucleic Acids Res.25, 395–402). In the present study we have addressed the requirement of eIF4G in the recruitment of mRNAs during meiosis. Cleavage of eIF4G by coxsackievirus protease 2A inhibited progesterone-induced meiotic progression in 88% of the oocytes; prevented the recruitment of maternal mRNAs encoding cyclin B1, c-Mos, D7, and B9; and disrupted the association of eIF4G with poly(A)-binding protein. Poly(A) elongation, however, was not inhibited by eIF4G cleavage. Injection of MPF restored meiotic cell cycle progression to >60% of the oocytes but not the recruitment of cyclin B1 or B9 mRNA. Previously recruited maternal mRNAs were removed from polyribosomes following subsequent cleavage of eIF4G, indicating that eIF4G is required both to recruit and also to maintain maternal mRNAs on polyribosomes. The expression of a cleavage-resistant variant of human eIF4G-1 (G486E) significantly restored the ability to synthesize c-Mos in response to progesterone and to translate exogenous β-globin mRNA, indicating that the inhibition by protease 2A is due to cleavage of eIF4G alone. These results indicate that intact eIF4G is required for the poly(A)-dependent recruitment of several maternal mRNAs (cyclin B1, c-Mos, D7, and B9) during meiotic cell cycle progression but not for the synthesis of most proteins.
Adaptive robust constrained matched filter and subspace detection

A minimax methodology for formulating adaptively robust and sensitive matched filter and subspace detectors is provided, where the signal and interference of structured noise are partially known. The signal and interference subspaces are assumed to reside in conical regions of the measurement space, and the gain parameters can have bounded magnitude. It is shown that the minimax approach permits the design of a rich variety of matched filter and subspace detectors that vary in the degree of robustness and sensitivity.
Memory technology trend and future challenges

Challenges in scaling semiconductor memory technologies are reviewed with special focus on DRAM and NAND Flash where technology scaling-down is at risk below 20nm. Some recent progress on overcoming scaling challenges of current and new memory technologies are introduced as well as some of the possible technology replacements are reviewed.
A probabilistic-physics-of-failure/short-time-test approach to reliability assurance for high-performance chips: models for deep-submicron transistors and optical interconnects

This paper deviates from strictly empirical chip reliability approaches and uses instead a chip reliability methodology based on probabilistic-physics-of-failure (PPoF) principles. We derive the failure-time distribution of both deep-submicron transistors and optical interconnects owing to the presence of a common defect activation energy distribution. We show how short-time device degradation can be used to extract the tails of the semi-symmetric failure-time distribution (important for long-term reliability qualification). Applying novel reliability qualification rules based on this failure-time distribution, "latent failures" can then be avoided through design changes for reliability.
The role of SiH3 diffusion in determining the surface smoothness of plasma-deposited amorphous Si thin films: An atomic-scale analysis

Device-quality hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films grown under conditions where the SiH 3 radical is the dominant deposition precursor are remarkably smooth, as the SiH 3 radical is very mobile and fills surface valleys during its diffusion on the a-Si:H surface. In this paper, we analyze atomic-scale mechanisms of SiH 3 diffusion on a-Si:H surfaces based on molecular-dynamics simulations of SiH 3 radical impingement on surfaces of a-Si:H films. The computed average activation barrier for radical diffusion on a-Si:H is 0.16 eV. This low barrier is due to the weak adsorption of the radical onto the a-Si:H surface and its migration predominantly through overcoordination defects; this is consistent with our density functional theory calculations on crystalline Si surfaces. The diffusing SiH 3 radical incorporates preferentially into valleys on the a-Si:H surface when it transfers an H atom and forms a Si-Si backbond, even in the absence of dangling bonds.
Body image struggles and breast cancer care: an under-recognized and undertreated issue with important implications for all patients

SUMMARY Body image encompasses the relationship between perceptions, cognitions, behaviors and emotions regarding the body and its functions. Breast cancer treatment can have a profound impact on body image, with body image issues occurring throughout diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Despite this, a potential disconnect exists between breast cancer care providers and patients with respect to understanding and addressing body image difficulties. This article provides an overview of body image issues related to breast cancer treatment and offers recommendations that will enable healthcare providers to assist patients who are struggling with body image issues. More emphasis must be placed on the importance of body image as a means of improving the quality of care for all breast cancer patients.
Organizational Productivity as a Function of Group Composition: A Self-Attention Perspective

Abstract Organizational productivity was studied from the perspective of self-attention theory. The other-total ratio is an algorithm that has previously been established to predict the effect of group composition on the individual's self-attention processes and resultant social behaviors. The other-total ratio was derived for subordinates in each of the 58 offices of a federal agency (where other-total ratio = supervisors / [supervisors + subordinates]). Organizational productivity increased as the subordinates' other-total ratios increased (i.e., as the number of subordinates decreased relative to the number of supervisors). This variation in organizational productivity as a function of group composition was found to be independent of any effect of employees' workload.
THE AGE OF THE LAGUNA HULE EXPLOSION CRATER, COSTA RICA, AND THE TIMING OF SUBSEQUENT TEPHRA ERUPTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM LAKE SEDIMENTS

The eruption of the Laguna Hule explosion crater formed the depression now occupied by LagunaHule (10°17’50” N, 84°12’43”) and two other lakes, and apparently deposited volcanic tephra in nearby Laguna MariaAguilar (10°18’09” N, 84°11’24”). AMS radiocarbon dates on leaves and small wood fragments in sediment coresfrom Laguna Hule and Laguna Maria Aguilar confirm and extend the results of prior radiocarbon dating of wood involcanic deposits from the Hule explosion crater and Volcan Congo. Taken together, the new and prior results indi-cate that the Hule maar formed between 2950 and 2471 calibrated (cal.) years B.P. Lake sediments began to accu-mulate near the present northeastern peninsula in Laguna Hule within a few centuries of the formation of the maar.At least twice since the formation of the lake, a volcanic eruption within or near the crater deposited tephra in the lakebasin that was preserved as a thin layer in the lake sediments. This tephra possibly originated from an intramaaricsubsidiary cone. Extrapolating from sedimentation rates calculated from two AMS radiocarbon dates on leaves inHule core sediments suggests that the earlier eruption occurred about 1740 cal. years B.P. and the more recent erup-tion occurred about 670 cal. years B.P.
The N-end rule and regulation of apoptosis

The ubiquitin-dependent N-end rule pathway targets proteins for degradation through their destabilizing N-terminal residues. This pathway is known to control the import of peptides, chromosome stability and cardiovascular development. A new report identifies yet another function of the N-end rule pathway: the regulation of apoptosis through degradation of Drosophila melanogaster DIAP1.
Alumni access policies in public university libraries

This paper explores the current library access policies for alumni at a public university system using document analysis, observations and interviews. We found that alumni are specifically addressed in only two library access policies, and borrowing privileges through cards, on-site access and restricted access to electronic resources are common elements in the policies for community users. There are opportunities to expand and standardize services, and we recommend addressing alumni in policies as a separate user group.
Outcome of paediatric intensive care survivors

The development of paediatric intensive care has contributed to the improved survival of critically ill children. Physical and psychological sequelae and consequences for quality of life (QoL) in survivors might be significant, as has been determined in adult intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Awareness of sequelae due to the original illness and its treatment may result in changes in treatment and support during and after the acute phase. To determine the current knowledge on physical and psychological sequelae and the quality of life in survivors of paediatric intensive care, we undertook a computerised comprehensive search of online databases for studies reporting sequelae in survivors of paediatric intensive care. Studies reporting sequelae in paediatric survivors of cardiothoracic surgery and trauma were excluded, as were studies reporting only mortality. All other studies reporting aspects of physical and psychological sequelae were analysed. Twenty-seven studies consisting of 3,444 survivors met the selection criteria. Distinct physical and psychological sequelae in patients have been determined and seemed to interfere with quality of life. Psychological sequelae in parents seem to be common. Small numbers, methodological limitations and quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity hamper the interpretation of data. We conclude that paediatric intensive care survivors and their parents have physical and psychological sequelae affecting quality of life. Further well-designed prospective studies evaluating sequelae of the original illness and its treatment are warranted.
Vaccines to combat smoking

Background: Current US FDA-approved biological therapies for treating smoking target central nervous system processes. Although these therapies have had some success, relapse within a year is still high. Clearly additional strategies are needed to aid individuals in maintaining abstinence. Objective/methods: We briefly discuss promising research using vaccines to combat smoking and then identify some potentially important directions for future research. Results/conclusions: Immunization with a nicotine vaccine generates drug-specific antibodies that sequester some of the nicotine in the peripheral circulation preventing it from entering the brain, thus decreasing its addictive effects. Albeit promising, much more research is necessary to identify more efficacious vaccine designs and formulations, as well as optimal immunization regimens. A further understanding of the factors contributing to the substantial individual differences in immunogenicity to these vaccines and how to best use vaccines in combinat...