cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-pass Cr:ZnSe amplifier for broadband infrared undulator radiation

An amplifier based on a highly-doped chromium zinc-selenide (Cr:ZnSe) crystal is proposed to increase the pulse energy emitted by an electron bunch after it passes through an undulator magnet. The primary motivation is a possible use of the amplified undulator radiation emitted by a beam circulating in a particle accelerator storage ring to increase the particle beam’s phase-space density—a technique dubbed optical stochastic cooling (OSC). This paper uses a simple four energy level model to estimate the single-pass gain of Cr:ZnSe and presents numerical calculations combined with wave-optics simulations of undulator radiation to estimate the expected properties of the amplified undulator wave-packet.
Incidence and outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation and major bleeding complications: from the TREAT-AF study.

Optimal stroke prevention strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who experience a major bleed are poorly defined. We sought to estimate the effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulation (OAC) represcription after an OAC contraindication. TREAT-AF is a retrospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed AF (2004–2012), treated in the Veterans Health Administration. From this cohort, we identified patients with a contraindication to OAC after AF diagnoses, defined as incident intracranial bleeding, non-intracranial bleeding requiring hospitalization, or unrepaired cerebral aneurysm or aortic dissection. We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards to estimate the association of OAC prescription in the 90 days following OAC contraindication to ischemic stroke and rebleeding. Among 167,190 patients with newly diagnosed AF (70 ± 11 years, 1.7% female, CHA2DS2-VASc 2.7 ± 1.7), 19,285 patients (11.5%) had an incident bleed (n = 18,342) or an unrepaired cerebral aneurysm or aortic dissection (n = 943). For OAC-contraindicated patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 (N = 16,194), OAC was represcribed in 4075 patients (25%) and was associated with a higher risk of non-intracranial bleeding (HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.37–1.61; p < 0.0001) but no difference in intracranial bleeding. There was a trend toward decreased stroke risk (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.71–1.02; p 0.09). Development of contraindication to OAC after diagnosis of AF is common (11.5%), with most events requiring hospitalization. OAC reinitiation was associated with non-intracranial bleeding risk, with a trend toward reduced stroke risk. These data suggest that stroke prevention approaches after major bleeding events could be beneficial if bleeding risk can be successfully mitigated.
Leclercia adecarboxylata causing necrotising soft tissue infection in an immunocompetent adult

A 72-year-old woman presented with concern for a necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) 6 days after a tree branch impaled her left lower extremity while hiking in Hawaii. The wound was irrigated and closed at a local clinic in Hawaii. She completed a 5-day course of clindamycin. She presented to our emergency department 1 day after completion of antibiotics due to worsening erythema and malodorous drainage. Local wound exploration revealed bullae and easy dissection of fascial planes. CT scan revealed complex heterogeneous fluid and inflammatory stranding in the posterior calf. Clinical and radiographic findings raised concern for NSTI prompting initiation of broad spectrum antibiotics and urgent operative debridement. Wound cultures and deep tissues cultures returned positive for pansusceptible Leclercia adecarboxylata. She underwent two additional operative debridements and transitioned to negative pressure wound therapy during her hospitalisation. She was discharged home on oral amoxicillin/clavulanate on hospital day 6.
Tear Film Pharmacokinetics and Systemic Absorption Following Topical Administration of 1% Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Suspension in Dogs.

The study aimed to determine the tear film pharmacokinetics following topical administration of 1% prednisolone acetate – assessing whether 2 drops would provide a superior kinetic profile compared to 1 drop – and to determine the fraction of an eyedrop that reaches the systemic circulation in dogs. Two separate experiments were conducted in 8 healthy Beagle dogs: (i) Instillation of 1 drop (35 µL) or 2 drops (70 µL) of 1% prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension in each eye, followed by tear collections with Schirmer strips from 0 to 720 min; (ii) Instillation of 1 or 2 drops of 1% prednisolone acetate in both eyes 4 times daily for 3 days, followed by blood collection 10-15 min after each topical administration on Day 3. Tear and blood samples were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography to determine the levels of prodrug (prednisolone acetate), active metabolite (prednisolone) and total prednisolone (prednisolonetotal = prodrug + active metabolite). Prednisolone levels represented 10% and 72% of prednisolonetotal concentrations in tears and plasma, respectively, indicating a greater hydrolysis of prodrug in the blood vs. tear compartment. For eyes receiving 1 or 2 drops, tear film prednisolonetotal concentrations were high (~ 3.1 mg/mL) immediately following topical administration but rapidly decreased by ~45% at 1 minute and ~95% at 15 minutes. No differences were noted between 1 vs. 2 drops in tear film prednisolonetotal concentrations (including maximal concentration, Cmax) or residual drug levels in tears at any time point (P ≥ 0.097); however, instillation of 2 drops provided a higher average tear concentration (Cavg) and overall drug exposure to the ocular surface (AUClast) over the 12-h sampling period (P = 0.009). Average plasma prednisolonetotal concentration represented ≤ 2% of the dose applied to the ocular surface, and did not differ significantly for dogs receiving 1 drop (17 ng/mL) or 2 drops (20 ng/mL) 4 times daily for 3 days (P = 0.438). In sum, topical corticotherapy is beneficial for inflammatory conditions of the canine anterior segment given the relatively high concentrations achieved in tears, although caution is warranted to prevent unwanted local or systemic adverse effects.
American football uniforms elicit thermoregulatory failure during a heat tolerance test.

The Israeli Defense Force’s heat tolerance test (HTT) helps clinicians make return-to-activity decisions following exertional heatstroke. Participants fail the test and are “heat intolerant” if rec...
A Mixed Infection of Helenium Virus S With Two Distinct Isolates of Butterbur Mosaic Virus, One of Which Has a Major Deletion in an Essential Gene

Multiple carlaviruses infect various ornamental plants, often having limited host ranges and causing minor symptoms, yet often reducing yield or quality. In this study we have identified a mixed infection of butterbur mosaic virus (ButMV) and helenium virus S (HelVS) from a plant of veronica (Veronica sp.) showing foliar mosaic and distortion. Carlavirus-like particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and RNA from partially purified virions was amplified by random RT-PCR, yielding clones of 439-1,385 bp. Two partially overlapping clones including coat protein (CP) sequence, and two of four partial replicase clones, were closely related to ButMV-J (AB517596), previously reported only from butterbur (Petasites japonicus) in Japan. Two other partial replicase clones showed lower identity to multiple carlaviruses. Generic primers which amplify the 3'-terminal region of multiple carlaviruses yielded clones of three distinct sequences: (1) with 98% nt identity to HelVS; (2) ButMV-A, showing 82% nt identity to ButMV-J; and (3) ButMV-B, with 78% nt identity to each of ButMV-J and ButMV-A. Further amplification of upstream fragments revealed that ButMV-B had an internal deletion in TGB1, confirmed using isolate-specific primers. Near-complete genomes of both ButMV-A and ButMV-B were obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS), confirming the deletion within ButMV-B, which is presumably maintained through complementation by ButMV-A. HelVS was previously reported only from Helenium hybrids and Impatiens holstii. A near-complete HelVS genome was obtained for the first time by NGS from the same sample. Additional Veronica hybrids infected with HelVS were identified by TEM and RT-PCR, including cv. 'Sunny Border Blue' which was also subjected to NGS. This resulted in assembly of an 8,615 nt near-complete HelVS genome, with high identity to that from the mixed infection. The predicted CP sequence has 96% amino acid (aa) identity to HelVS from helenium (Q00556). Other ORFs show a maximum of 54% (TGB3) to 68% (NABP) aa identity to the equivalent ORFs of other carlaviruses. These results demonstrate for the first time maintenance by complementation of a carlavirus isolate with a major deletion in an essential gene, and confirm that HelVS is a distinct species in the genus Carlavirus.
Outcome of drug provocation testing in children with suspected beta-lactam hypersensitivity.

Background Suspicion of beta-lactam (BL) hypersensitivity is often based on parental report. Evaluation is important as incorrect labelling has clinical consequence. Objective To describe the outcomes of drug provocation test (DPT) in children with suspected hypersensitivity. Methods A retrospective study of patients who completed BL DPT from 1 August 2016 to 31 December 2017 at a paediatric allergy centre in Singapore. Suspected hypersensitivity reactions were classified as immediate (onset ≤1 hour) or delayed (onset > 1 hour). Patients with immediate reactions underwent skin prick test (SPT) followed by DPT if SPT was negative. Patients with delayed reactions underwent DPT directly. Results We identified 120 children who reported 121 suspected hypersensitivity reactions. The median age at reaction was 2.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 1.0-5.0 years) and the median age at DPT was 7.4 years (IQR, 4.2-11.1 years). The timing of suspected hypersensitivity reaction was immediate in 21% (25 of 121), delayed in 66% (80 of 121), and uncertain in 13% (16 of 121). Commonly implicated drugs were amoxicillin in 45% (54 of 121), amoxicillin-clavulanate in 37% (45 of 121), and cephalexin in 8% (10 of 121). Commonly reported symptoms were maculopapular rash 44% (53 of 121), urticaria 34% (41 of 121), and angioedema 22% (27 of 121). All SPTs (n = 26) were negative. There were 118 diagnostic DPTs to index drug and 3 DPTs to alternative drug. A negative challenge result was obtained in 93% (110 of 118) of diagnostic DPTs: 92% (96 of 104) and 100% (14 of 14) of DPTs to penicillin group and cephalosporins respectively. All challenge reactions were mild. Conclusion Our study supports the opinion that prior skin tests may not be necessary for children who report nonsevere reactions and directly performing diagnostic DPT is a safe approach in the evaluation of suspected childhood BL hypersensitivity.
Influence of Schirmer strip wetness on volume absorbed, volume recovered, and total protein content in canine tears.

Objective Determine the protein content and volume of tears sampled by Schirmer strips wetness ranging from 20 to 35 mm. Animals studied Ten healthy beagle dogs. Procedures Each dog underwent 20 tear collections per day (10 sessions in each eye, spaced by ≥1 h) for 4 separate days, providing 200 tear samples for each length of wetness evaluated: 20, 25, 30, and 35 mm. A Schirmer strip was placed in each eye until the selected mm-mark was reached, calculating the volume absorbed (VA) as the difference between the post- and pre-collection weight (assuming 1 mg~1 µL for tear fluid), and the volume recovered (VR) as the amount pipetted from the tube following centrifugation. Total protein content (TPC) was measured with infrared spectroscopy. Outcome measures were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Median values for VA (µL), VR (µL) and TPC (mg/mL) were as follows: 20 mm (18, 10, 5.94), 25 mm (22, 12.5, 5.97), 30 mm (25.5, 16, 5.89), and 35 mm (31, 22.5, 7.13). Both VA and VR were significantly greater (p 20-30 mm, but not among other groups (p = 1.000). Conclusions The study established normative data to consider when canine studies use Schirmer strips to collect tears for bioanalytical purposes (eg, proteomics, pharmacokinetics). Although 35 mm yielded higher VA and VR, the higher TPC could be explained by greater disruption of ocular surface homeostasis. Absorption to 20-30 mm is the suggested length of strip wetness for bioanalytical tear collection in dogs.
Kearns Sayre Syndrome: A Mitochondrial Disorder

Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a pleiotropic disorder caused by non-specific spontaneous deletion of a large amount of genetic material from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Aside from patients having mtDNA defects there are also autosomal mutations in nuclear DNA, indicating KSS is not caused by a single gene mutation, but is most likely the result of mutations in genes forming a common biochemical pathway. KSS is characterized by a wide array of symptoms including: ophthalmoplegia, pigmentary retinopathy, ataxia, cardiac conduction defects that later develop into cardiac complications, and brain abnormalities. This review considers the association of deletions in mtDNA with a decrease in mitochondrial function and the pathogenetic role of the dysfunctional mitochondria by analyzing different variants of the mitochondrial genome. Despite there being no curative treatment for these patients, some possible disease modifying therapies have been proposed such as folinic acid supplementation and intravenous arginine therapy.
A narrative review of the health disparities associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a cancer of the mesothelial lining of the pleura that has traditionally been associated with asbestos exposure in an industrial setting. Asbestos usage has fortunately been banned or phased out in most industrialized countries resulting in its decline in countries such as the United States. Despite this, MPM continues to place significant burden on its affected patients resulting in overall poor prognosis and survival. Questions arise as to what factors, especially what health disparities, contribute to the disease’s dismal prognosis. This article will present a narrative review of recent literature that identifies the impact age, sex, race, access to medical centers, and economics have on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MPM. As will be discussed, research has shown that factors including younger age, female sex, non-white race, private insurance, Medicare, and higher income have been associated with better survival in MPM. Whereas older age, male sex, white race, lack of insurance, and lower income are associated with worse survival. The identification of these and other health disparities related to MPM may allow for future research, clinical guidelines, and policies to be implemented to decrease the burden health disparities create in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with MPM.
Rational and Algebraic Expressions and Functions

As a natural continuation of the study of polynomials, in this chapter we introduce and discuss rational and algebraic expressions in a wide variety of settings. One of the main objectives of this chapter is to present the partial fraction decomposition in complete details; this is accompanied by a few Olympiad level problems. Asymptotes, briefly alluded to in treating hyperbolas in Section 8.4, are fully and rigorously developed here. Another main objective of this chapter is to extend the AM–GM inequality (Sections 5.4, 7.5) to the multivariate harmonic–geometric–arithmetic–quadratic mean inequalities. The AM–GM inequality along with its extensions is a cornerstone of analysis. It has a beautiful geometry which was known to the ancient Greeks, and it appears in a myriad problems such as multivariate extremal problems, factorization problems, etc. Among the literally hundreds of mathematical contest problems involving these means, we chose a representative sample to demonstrate the principal methods. The lesser known permutation (arrangement) inequality is also introduced here pointing out that it implies all the other classical inequalities such as the AM–GM, Cauchy–Schwarz (Sections 5.3, 6.7), and Chebyshev (Section 6.7) inequalities. Finally, we give a detailed (and somewhat more advanced) account on the greatest integer function along with some of Ramanujan’s formulas, and the Hermite identity.
The vectorcardiographic findings in left bundle branch block

Abstract In this report the characteristic of the vectorcardiograms recorded from 14 patients with left bundle branch block are presented. We have used the corrected lead system proposed by Frank, which possesses the advantage of true orthogonality We have recorded the scalar components of the vectorcardiogram on magnetic tape and reproduced the loop at a slow speed on the face of an oscilloscope. The use of an orthogonal lead system allows one to interpret with quantitative accuracy the spatial characteristics of the vectorcardiogram. The use of magnetic tape, with its advantage of time expansion, avoids the problem of center flare and leads to increased clarity of the initial and terminal events of the loop. The results of our study are presented in tabular form and compared statistically with the findings in 100 normal control subjects. The characteristics of the spatial vectorcardiogram in left bundle branch block are discussed, and a description of the genesis of the QRS complex is presented in relation to experimental data concerning the pathways of ventricular activation in this abnormal condition.
Modern Art, Cynicism, and the Ethics of Teaching

INTRODUCTION In his recent book, Mediumism: A Philosophical Reconstruction of Modernism for Existential Learning, Rene Arcilla makes an important and unique contribution to the ongoing conversation on aesthetic education. Arcilla’s book is especially distinctive in that it explores specifically how the genre of modernist art functions pedagogically. Starting from the received definition of modernism — the one famously put forth by the critic Clement Greenberg — as the movement in which artworks intentionally stress their medium, Arcilla highlights how modernist art brings the viewing subject into closer relation to her existential situation as a stranger to herself, thus igniting a quest for existential learning in which the self achieves a form of “presentmindedness” toward pure existence. This form of learning equips the self with the virtues of gratitude and generosity in the face of the givenness of existence, bringing the subject authentically to herself and others.
Glutamic-Aspartic Transaminase IX. EQUILIBRIA WITH GLUTAMATE AND α-KETOGLUTARATE

Abstract A detailed analysis is presented of the spectral changes produced in solutions of aminotransferases under the following experimental conditions: (a) the keto acid concentration is held constant; (b) the keto acid concentration; is made to be proportional to the free amino acid concentration; (c) no keto acid is added; (d) in places of keto acid, another amino acid substrate or substrate analogue is added which will react with either the phosphopyridoxal or phosphopyridoxamine form of the enzyme to form a complex absorbing at a unique wave length where neither free form absorbs. When these methods were used to determine the dissociation constants for glutamate and ketoglutarate complexes with the α isomer of the pig heart extramitochondrial glutamic-aspartic transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1), consistent results were obtained. erythro-β-Hydroxy-l-aspartate was shown to have a high affinity for the phosphopyridoxamine form of this enzyme. This behavior is unique, for neither l-aspartate nor l-glutamate reacts similarly. The phosphopyridoxamine form of the enzyme could be prepared, free of bound substrate, by dialysis first against radioactive glutamate and then against buffer. The spectra of enzyme-substrate complexes were compared for four different substrates. It is suggested that at least four species are indicated. If there are several species, the equilibria between them are not pH-sensitive. All of the results which were obtained were consistent with the pyridoxal-pyridoxamine enzyme hypothesis.
Digital dispersion compensation in optical coherence tomography

We present and experimentally demonstrate a novel dispersion compensation algorithm for optical coherence tomography that can account for both material and delay-line induced dispersion. It is a fast Fourier transform based algorithm that simultaneously corrects for the dispersion at all depths in a material, so that longer scan ranges are possible than can be compensated by optically correcting the dispersion at a particular depth. Such an algorithm becomes necessary when large bandwidth illumination or a large scan range is employed. We validate the algorithm by correcting the OCT measurements of a multilayered transparent PDMS (polydimethyl siloxane) microfluidic device.
Disclosure limitation through additive noise data masking: analysis of skewed sensitive data

A widely used method for confidentiality protection in statistical databases is to add zero mean noise to sensitive attribute values. Most studies assume that the attributes are normally distributed. Using an exponential random variable as an example, this article investigates the effect of additive noise data masking for attributes with skewed distributions. Examples of exponentially distributed sensitive attributes used for statistical analysis include the time between testing HIV positive and the manifestation of symptoms for AIDS and the time between consecutive arrests for repeat offenders. We analyze the issues of data quality and confidentiality protection. Our results indicate that skewed attributes are, in some sense, better protected than normally distributed attributes under additive noise data masking.
Site-specific phosphorylation by intracellular kinases determines the apoptotic activity of IGFBP-3 in prostate cancer

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 4393 The IGF axis is known to play an important role in the epidemiology of many tumors, including prostate, lung and breast cancers. IGFBP-3 promotes apoptosis in cancer cells by both IGF-dependent and -independent mechanisms. We have previously shown that IGFBP-3 is rapidly internalized and localized to the nucleus, where its interactions with the nuclear receptor RXRα are important in apoptosis induction. Proteomic and bioinformatic analysis of IGFBP-3 reveals multiple consensus phosphorylation sites for kinases including CK2, PKA, PKC and cdc2. We have previously reported that phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 (S156) by DNA-PK enhances its nuclear accumulation, and is essential for its ability to interact with RXR and induce apoptosis in cultured prostate cancer cells. Indeed, IGFBP-3-S156A is completely unable to induce apoptosis in 22RV1 prostate cancer cells. Using specific chemical inhibitors, we investigated the contribution of other protein kinases to the regulation of IGFBP-3-induced apoptosis. Preventing the activation of CK2 enhanced the apoptotic potential of IGFBP-3. Using web-based proteomics software, we mapped three potential CK2 phosphorylation sites in IGFBP-3: S167, S175 and S177. These sites were mutated to Ala, and the resulting constructs were transfected in to LAPC4 and 22RV1 prostate cancer cells. WtIGFBP-3, IGFBP-3-S175A and IGFBP-3-S177A induced apoptosis to a comparable extent; however, IGFBP-3-S167A was far more potently apoptosis-inducing. Interestingly, IGFBP-3-S167A was able to induce apoptosis even in the absence of active DNA-PK, and IGFBP-3-S156A was able to induce apoptosis when CK2 activity was inhibited chemically or by using siRNA. Together, these data reveal two key regulatory phosphorylation sites in the central region of IGFBP-3. Phosphorylation of S156 by DNA-PK promotes apoptosis, whilst phosphorylation of S167 by CK2 limits the ability of IGFBP-3 to induce apoptosis in prostate cancer. Interestingly, our data suggest that the anti-apoptotic phosphorylation event induced by CK2 is dominant. These studies reveal multi-site phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 that both positively and negatively regulate its apoptotic potential. Understanding such intrinsic regulation of IGFBP-3 action may enhance the development of potential cancer therapies.
Search for heavy-ion radioactivity from 241Am.

Using phosphate glass detectors capable of withstanding a background dose of \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{14}$ alpha particles per ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, we have searched for rare decay modes of $^{241}\mathrm{Am}$ involving emission of energetic heavy ions. Predictions of the branching ratio for $^{34}\mathrm{Si}$ emission relative to alpha decay of $^{241}\mathrm{Am}$ range from 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ to 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$. In a six-month exposure to 8 mg of $^{241}\mathrm{Am}$, with detectors subtending a solid angle of 2.51 sr, we detected no particles with $12\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}16$, from which we infer an upper limit ($2\ensuremath{\sigma}$) of 7.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$.
Noncommutative Deformations of Type A Kleinian Singularities and Hilbert Schemes

Let $H_{\mathbf{k}}$ be a symplectic reflection algebra corresponding to a cyclic subgroup $\Gamma \subseteq SL_2 \C$ of order $n$ and $U_{\mathbf{k}} = eH_{\mathbf{k}} e$ the spherical subalgebra of $H_{\mathbf{k}}$. We show that for suitable ${\mathbf{k}}$ there is a filtered $\Z^{n-1}$-algebra $R$ such that (1) there is an equivalence of categories $R-\mathrm{qgr} \simeq U_{\bf k}$-mod, (2) there is an equivalence of categories $gr R-\mathrm{qgr} \simeq \ttt{Coh}(Hilb_\Gamma \mathbb{C}^2)$. Here $ \ttt{Coh}(Hilb_\Gamma \mathbb{C}^2)$ is the category of coherent sheaves on the $\Gamma$-Hilbert scheme. and for a graded algebra $\mathcal{R},$ we write $ \mathcal{R}-\mathrm{qgr}$ for the quotient category of finitely generated graded $\mathcal{R}$-modules modulo torsion.
A Global Examination of Policies and Practices for Lifelong Learning

Continuous learning over the life course is necessary to successfully compete in a knowledge-based global economy. Workers are increasingly encouraged to remain in the labor force at older ages, which for many will require skills upgrading. While a wide range of individual and community factors play a role in whether older workers receive skills training and remain in the labor force, national policies and practices are also likely to have an influence. This nation-level study used OECD data to identify associations between participation in lifelong learning activities and outcomes such as labor force participation at older ages and income inequality. Countries with more hours spent in lifelong learning activities over the life course have higher labor force participation rates between the ages of 55 and 64 and have lower rates of income inequality. Recognizing lifelong learning as a shared responsibility among stakeholders is crucial to successful program implementation.
An inexpensive camera system for monitoring cavity nests

A variety of pole-mounted cameras have been developed for monitoring nest cavities. However, currently available camera systems may either be prohibitively expensive or difficult to assemble. I developed an inexpensive (<$500 US) and easily assembled camera system that allows researchers to monitor cavity nests from the ground. The system consists of a small camera, a cable connecting the camera to a ground-level power source and laptop computer, and a flexible neck connecting the camera to a telescoping pole. During a study of Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), I used this camera to inspect 16 nests and found that the images were clear and allowed accurate counts of eggs and nestlings. This camera system uses standard, off-the-shelf components, and can easily be altered. The design is not appropriate for humid or dense-canopy environments because of the inclusion of a laptop and its wired design. However, this design makes the system inexpensive and allows researchers to save, edit, and view nest inspection recordings. RESUMEN Una variedad de camaras montadas en poste se han desarrollado para el seguimiento de los nidos de cavidad. Sin embargo, los sistemas de camaras disponibles en la actualidad pueden ser prohibitivamente costosos o dificiles de montar. He desarrollado un sistema de camaras relativamente barata (<500 dolares EEUU) y facil de montar que permite los investigadores monitorear los nidos de cavidad desde la tierra. El sistema consiste de una pequena camara, un cable que conecta la camara a una fuente de energia a nivel del suelo y a una computadora portatil, y un cuello flexible que conecta la camara a un poste telescopico. Durante un estudio de Melanerpes erythrocephalus, utilice esta camara para inspeccionar 16 nidos y encontre que las imagenes eran claras y permitian conteos precisos de huevos y pichones. Este sistema de camara utiliza componentes estandares y accesibles, y puede ser facilmente alterado. El diseno no es adecuado para ambientes humedos o de dosel denso debido a la inclusion de una computadora portatil y su diseno alambrico. Sin embargo, este diseno hace que el sistema sea relativamente barata y permite los investigadores guardar, editar y ver las grabaciones de las inspecciones de nidos.
Pulmonary inflammation due to oxygen toxicity: involvement of chemotactic factors and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Although the pathogenesis off pulmonary oxygen toxicity is not fully understood, the fact that increased numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are found in the lung and that these increases coincide with the massive endothelial damage raises the possibility that PMN may contribute to lung injury caused by hyperoxia. In order to begin to elucidate a mechanism for this influx of PMN, we measured the chemoattractant activity for PMN of lung lavages of rats exposed to > 95% oxygen for various durations. We found that the chemoattractant activity of the lavages of the lungs of rats exposed to hyperoxia for 66 h was markedly increased (9.66 ±1.0 times greater) compared with activities in lavages of normoxic control rats. Furthermore, these increases in chemoattractant activity in lung lavages correlated well with increases in the number of PMN (7 times greater than that in normoxic control animals) in the alveolar lavages that occurred after the rats had been exposed to hyperoxia for 66 h. These increas...
Openness arrangements and psychological adjustment in adolescent adoptees.

This is the 1 st national study to examine whether the level of contact between adoptive and birth family members is associated with the behavioral and emotional adjustment of adolescents adopted in infancy (n = 92). Adoptive family members were interviewed twice, 8 years apart, to determine the level of contact taking place throughout adoptees' childhood and adolescence. The Child Behavior Checklist (T. M. Achenbach, 1991a) and Youth Self-Report (T. M. Achenbach, 1991b) were administered in adolescence. Adoptive parents' reports indicate no significant associations between openness and adolescent adjustment. Adoptees experiencing long-term direct contact reported significantly lower levels of externalizing than adoptees without contact. Adoption policies and legal procedures will best serve families by facilitating voluntary openness agreements that accommodate openness decisions on a case-by-case basis.
‘Push–Pull’ and spirobicyclic structures by reacting N-methyl cyclic ketene-N,X (X=S, O)-acetals with isocyanates and isothiocyanates

Abstract Nucleophilic N-methyl cyclic ketene-N,X (X=S, O)-acetals can react with electrophilic aryl isocyanates and aryl isothiocyanates to form ‘push–pull’ mono-adducts, di-adducts and spirobicyclic 6/5 ring compounds.
Equating Poisson and Normal Probability Functions to Derive Stirling's Formula

Abstract Often texts for introductory courses in probability or mathematical statistics make reference to Stirling's asymptotic formula (for a factorial) without presenting any proof or justification for the formula. A notable exception is Feller. In this article, we present a derivation of Stirling's formula based on the normal approximation of a Poisson probability that is considerably more accessible to the average student than Feller's approach. Besides illustrating a usage of the central limit theorem in conjunction with a continuity correction, the derivation lends itself to a mnemonic device for quickly obtaining Stirling's formula.
Time, space, and memory for order

Information about the order of items in a sequence can be conveyed either spatially or temporally. In the present investigation, we examined whether these different modes of presentation map onto compatible mental representations of serial order. We examined this issue in three immediate serial- recall experiments, in which participants recalled lists of let- ters in the temporal order in which they had appeared. Each letter in a to-be-remembered sequence was presented in a unique spatial position, with the order of these spatial posi- tions progressing from either left to right or right to left. In this way, the visually presented lists contained both temporal and spatial order information. Recall of the temporal order infor- mation was more accurate with congruent spatial order infor- mation—that is, when the letters progressed from left to right, following the typical reading direction ofEnglish—thanwhen the spatial order information was incongruent. These results suggest compatible representations of serial order when sequences are conveyed spatially and temporally.
Graphite Electrodes Containing Nanometer-Sized Metal Particles and Their Use in the Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites

Composite graphite/metal(0) electrodes were prepared by the absorbtion of organic solutions of metal carbonyls or aqueous solutions of metal salts into high-purity porous graphite rods. The metal carbonyls were converted to the CO-free metal(0) species by heating the composites under an atmosphere of N2 and then under reduced pressure at 1000 °C. The metal-salt-containing graphite rods were heated under an atmosphere of H2 at 1000 °C to reduce the salts to the corresponding metal(0) species. This procedure permitted dispersion of metal(0) throughout the graphite rod with average metal particle sizes in the range 6.2−11.6 nm by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Metals used were Ag, Co, Cu, Fe, La, Ni, and Pt. The composite graphite/metal(0) electrodes were vaporized in a plasma discharge apparatus under a helium atmosphere. The Co, Fe, Ni, and Pt all catalyzed single-walled nanotubule (bucky tube) growth. The soot material from the Co, Fe, and Ni-containing rods had a foam-rubber-like textur...
A manufacturable interposer MIM decoupling capacitor with robust thin high-K dielectric for heterogeneous 3D IC CoWoS wafer level system integration

A reliability proven high-K (HK) metal-insulator-metal (MiM) structure has been verified within the silicon interposer in a chip-on-wafer-on-substrate (CoWoS) packaging for heterogeneous system-level decoupling application. The HK dielectric has an equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 20A, intrinsic TDDB lifetime of 322 years at an operation voltage (V cc ) of 1.8V, and a leakage current (I LK ) below 1 fA/µm2 under +/−2V bias at 125°C. The measured unit area capacitance density for the single, 2- and 3-in-series Si-interposer HK-MiM combination is 17.2, 4.3 and 1.9 fF/µm2, respectively, with their corresponding I LK below 0.48, 0.19 and 0.09 fAmp/µm2. Process reliability related defect density (D 0 ) of the interposer HK-MiM is as low as 0.095% cm−2 as judged by a 10 years lifetime breakdown voltage (V bd ) criterion at V cc =3.2V. This low D 0 ensures the Si-interposer HK-MiM to be used in a large area over 1056 cm2 within the Si interposer. Moreover, the V bd tolerance of the HK-MiM can be drastically enhanced to be 9.75 and 14.25V, respectively, by 2- and 3-in-series HK-MiM configuration connection. At the package level during all steps of CoWoS processing, no distinguishable process induced damage (PID) and performance degradation (Cap., I LK & V bd tailing) were detected. Therefore, this high capacitance, low leakage, large area and reliability-proven Si-interposer decoupling capacitor (DeCAP) within CoWoS greatly enhances the merit of using Si-interposer HK-MiM capacitors for multi-chip system-level integration.
Periclase-lime refractories with increased concentration of carbon

On etudie l'influence d'additions de graphite cryptocristallin a 80,8% de C et d'un brai modifie sur les proprietes physico-mecaniques de refractaires de periclase et de periclase-chaux
The analysis of volatile liquid mixtures by thermal conductivity measurements on their vapors

Abstract The composition of solutions of volatile liquids can be determined by volatilization into a stream of inert gas and measurement of the thermal conductivity of the resulting gas mixture. The method is directly applicable to binary liquid mixtures which do not show maxima or minima in the conductivity-composition curve and, with modification, it may be applied to the analysis of other mixtures. The observed and calculated thermal conductivities for the acetone— water— nitrogen system showed good agreement that was typical of a number of systems
ATVB In Focus Role of ABCA1 in Cellular Cholesterol Efflux and Reverse Cholesterol Transport

About 30 years ago, John Glomset1 outlined the reverse cholesterol transport hypothesis, proposing that HDL and LCAT might have anti-atherogenic functions related to their ability to transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion. As the different molecules and pathways mediating the various steps of reverse cholesterol transport have been discovered, this hypothesis has been sustained and refined. Much remains to be learned, particularly in relation to molecular mechanisms, regulation, and metabolic integration of the different steps of reverse cholesterol transport. The plot is already thick but undoubtedly there are many new molecular players waiting in the wings. A particular challenge is to manipulate reverse cholesterol transport therapeutically in a way that will reduce atherosclerosis and its complications. See pages 712 and 720 This review series has been inspired by …
Neighborhood Relations in Suburban Scattered-Site and Clustered Public Housing

How does the level of dispersion of suburban public housing influence low-income residents' neighborhood relations? An in-person survey of 253 public housing residents in suburban Montgomery County, Maryland, provides the data to address this question. Controlling for factors that predict neighborhood interactions as well as differences between scattered-site and clustered residents, the findings suggest that residents scattered among nonpoor households know their more diverse neighbors. Scattered-site residents know no fewer neighbors and are no less embedded in their neighborhoods than their counterparts who live in small clusters of public housing. They differ very little in the amount of aid received from their neighbors. However, they feel less emotionally close to their neighbors. The implications of these findings for the provision of housing for the poor in nonpoor areas are discussed.
Organization Design: A Case Study on Matching Strategy and Structure

The structure of an organization is no longer viewed as a rigid definition of hierarchical levels and interrelationships among different groups. Managers use the organizational design process as a fundamental tool for implementing and communicating the strategic direction selected for the firm.
Endothelialization of vascular prosthetic surfaces after seeding or sodding with human microvascular endothelial cells

Abstract The rapid establishment of an endothelial cell (EC) monolayer on the luminal surface of small-diameter vascular grafts may be necessary to prevent early thrombosis and failure. We have studied procedures used to promote EC coverage of vascular grafts and have compared preclotting prosthetic surfaces with ECs in platelet-rich plasma (seeding) with plating ECs onto a preestablished clot (sodding). We evaluated the rate of monolayer formation, the subsequent resistance to shear stress, and the effects of EC growth factors (ECGF and heparin) on these functions. Woven Dacron was seeded or sodded at a density of 2 × 10 5 cells/cm 2 with human adult microvessel ECs derived from adipose tissue. In the presence of ECGF-heparin, the immediate establishment of an EC layer after sodding was observed, whereas seeded grafts required almost 48 hours for cells to reach the surface. In the absence of ECGF-heparin, sodded grafts still exhibited a complete monolayer of EC, whereas ECs were not observed at the surface of seeded grafts after 48 hours. After exposure to shear stress (up to 20 dynes/cm 2 ) for 2 hours, most freshly sodded EC remained attached; however, the loss of loosely adherent cells did occur. EC seeded grafts remained covered with fibrin matrix after exposure to shear stress. We conclude that the use of a microvessel sodding technique as an alternative to previously reported seeding techniques is necessary for the immediate formation of an EC monolayer before implantation. (J Vasc Surg 1989;9:788–95.)
Degree and Direction of Polarization of Multiple Scattered Light. 2: Earth’s Atmosphere with Aerosols

The degree of polarization, as well as the direction of the plane of polarization, were calculated by a Monte Carlo method for the reflected and transmitted photons from the earth's atmosphere. The solar photons were observed during multiple collisions with aerosols and the Rayleigh scattering centers in the atmosphere. The aerosol number density, as well as the ratio of aerosol to Rayleigh scattering, varies with height. The proportion of aerosol to Rayleigh scattering was appropriately chosen at each wavelength 0.4 microns and 0.7 microns; ozone absorption was included where appropriate. Three different aerosol number densities were used to study the effects of aerosol variations. Results are given for a solar zenith angle of 81.37 deg and a surface albedo of zero. The polarization of the reflected and transmitted photons was found to be sensitive to the amount of aerosols in the atmosphere at certain angles of observation.
Structural properties of high Tc epitaxial Y1Ba2Cu3Ox thin films

Abstract Epitaxial high T c Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O x thin films have been produced on SrTiO 3 (110) substrates by off-axis DC magnetron sputtering and oxygen anneal which have transition temperatures(R= 0) of 87 K. We have characterized the structural properties of these films using Bragg diffraction, grazing incidence diffraction and rocking curve X-ray characterization techniques along with TEM diffraction and lattice imaging which verified that these films are epitaxial in nature and not epiaxial or poly-epi. The c-axis lies in the plane of the substrate with the [1–10] direction also in the plane and normal to the c-axis; the [110] direction lies normal to the film surface. SEM and EMPA results have also been obtained on these films indicating that the main defect mechanisms are second phase precipitates that form at the surface during the anneal and microcracks that are perpendicular to the c-axis.
Nonuniform Sampling and Periodic Signal Detection

We discuss a search strategy for the discovery of periodically variable sources, using small numbers of observations (N ≤ 20) distributed nonuniformly over a finite observing window that is comparable in size to the underlying periods. We explore such topics as sampling-induced errors, magnitude errors, and random and optimal sampling. We give the algorithm designed for optimal sampling as originally employed in the discovery of variables stars using the Hubble Space Telescope. We discuss in some detail a figure of merit designed to describe various sampling strategies and explore what is required to measure quantities such as the mean magnitudes and amplitudes of variables in addition to their periods.
Epileptiform activity in chronically isolated cerebral cortex in humans

The ability of neuronally isolated human cerebral cortex to sustain epileptiform rhythms over long time intervals is unknown. We report here two patients after functional hemispherectomy for infantile hemiplegia and infantile meningoencephalitis. Both patients had intractable seizures. EEG performed early and up to 3 years after surgery showed persistent epileptiform activity in the isolated frontal cortex in both cases. This indicates that human isolated cortex retains its epileptogenic potential for years, independently of subcortical influences. Previous related animal and human studies are briefly reviewed.
Varieties of Religious Experience:Continuity and Change in Religious Involvement

The intent of the present study was to determine whether the selective aggregation of background data subgroups could be used to identify and control for differences across persons in the meaning of religious involvement. After background data subgroups had been clustered based on similarity in the variables related to religious involvement, two clusters were identified. One cluster contained individuals whose religious involvement was characterized by a functional, instrumental orientation, while the other was composed of individuals whose religious involvement was characterized by an affective, expressive orientation. Subsequently, causal models intended to describe continuity and change in religious involvement were constructed using individuals assigned to each cluster. It was found that different models were required to describe continuity and change in religious involvement in the instrumental and expressive clusters.
Survival of a Genetically Modified Root‐Colonizing Pseudomonad and Rhizobium Strain in an Acidic Soil

Maintaining threshold populations of inoculum microorganisms in the soil environment is important for such practical applications as biocontrol, plant growth-promotion, bioremediation, and nodulation. However, because of both technical and labor constraints in monitoring bacterial viability in nonsterile soils, few studies have reported on survival kinetics, particularly in relation to subtle alterations in soil acidity-related factors. A genetically modified strain Pseudomonas putida R20/lacZY or Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii 162S7a/ gusA was introduced into conditioned, nonsterile Gilpin (fine loamy, mixed mesic, Typic Hapludult) silt loam soil, limed at four low levels (pHw 4.71, 4.81, 4.92, and 4.99) or derivative soil solutions with highly correlated (R 2 $ 0.81) chemical properties. Immediate declines in viability of both strains were found in all soils, reaching 0.1 to 1% initial colony-forming unit (CFU) g 21 soil in 35 h for P. putida and in 68 h for R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii. Death rate constants (kd) for both strains were directly related to lime level (soil pH), although differences were not significant (P . 0.05) for the rhizobium. Use of soil solutions gave similar responses for both strains, but over much shorter incubation times. As with soils, kd values for both strains in soil solutions were directly related to lime level (solution pH). In both soil and soil solution experiments, survival (kd) was negatively correlated (R 2 $ 20.914) with pH and basic cation (Ca and Mg), and positively correlated (R 2 $ 0.933) with Al, concentrations. This relationship of viability to soil solution chemistry was broadly confirmed for both bacterial strains by use of fluorescent probes, suggesting increased cell membrane damage at lower pHs. These results demonstrate not only the alternative utility of using soil solutions, rather than nonsterile soils, for bacterial viability assessments, but also the positive effect of low-level liming (|0.28 pH unit increase) on survival of beneficial root-colonizing bacteria in acidic soils.