cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bipolar molecular composites: a new class of high-electron-mobility organic solids

We describe high electron mobility in organic solids in the form of bipolar molecular composites of N,N'-bis(1,2-dimethylpropyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (NTDI) and tri-p-tolylaniine (TTA). The electron mobility in the NTDI/TTA composites is ~2 x 10 cm2/Vs, which is a factor of 4 to 6 higher than in pure NTDI and isone of the highest values reported for disordered organic solids. The field and temperature dependencies of the charge mobility can be described using the disorder formalism due to Bassler and co-workers, which provides an estimation of the energy width σ of the hopping site manifold. Analysis of the data gave σ=0.081 and 0.060 eV for the electron and hole mobilities in a NTDI/TTA composite of 0.5510.45 molar ratio. The energetic disorder for electron transport in the bipolar composites is substantially lower than for pure NTDI, which is 0.093 eV. The results suggest that the observed enhancement arises from a substantial reduction of energetic disorder in the electron transport manifold of the bipolar composites. The reduction of energetic disorder may be due to intermolecular charge transfer between NTDI and TTA. Such a charge transfer could stabilize the electron transport manifold by better charge delocalization, and consequently, less energetic disorder. Another possible reason for the observed enhanced electron mobility is the reduction of NTDI dimers that can act as carrier traps by the presence of TTA molecules in the bipolar composites. These results also suggest that bipolar composites represent a promising new class of high electron mobility organic solids.
Applications of Airway Pressure Release Ventilation

The purpose of this review is to cover the definition and mechanism of airway pressure release ventilation, its advantages, and applications in acute lung injury.
Increased Lysis of Stem Cells but Not Their Differentiated Cells by Natural Killer Cells; De-Differentiation or Reprogramming Activates NK Cells

The aims of this study are to demonstrate the increased lysis of stem cells but not their differentiated counterparts by the NK cells and to determine whether disturbance in cell differentiation is a cause for increased sensitivity to NK cell mediated cytotoxicity. Increased cytotoxicity and augmented secretion of IFN-γ were both observed when PBMCs or NK cells were co-incubated with primary UCLA oral squamous carcinoma stem cells (UCLA-OSCSCs) when compared to differentiated UCLA oral squamous carcinoma cells (UCLA-OSCCs). In addition, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were also lysed greatly by the NK cells. Moreover, NK cells were found to lyse human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs), human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) significantly more than their differentiated counterparts or parental lines from which they were derived. It was also found that inhibition of differentiation or reversion of cells to a less-differentiated phenotype by blocking NFκB or targeted knock down of COX2 in monocytes significantly augmented NK cell cytotoxicity and secretion of IFN-γ. Taken together, these results suggest that stem cells are significant targets of the NK cell cytotoxicity. However, to support differentiation of a subset of tumor or healthy untransformed primary stem cells, NK cells may be required to lyse a number of stem cells and/or those which are either defective or incapable of full differentiation in order to lose their cytotoxic function and gain the ability to secrete cytokines (split anergy). Therefore, patients with cancer may benefit from repeated allogeneic NK cell transplantation for specific elimination of cancer stem cells.
Defining and Modeling State-Dependent Dynamic Systems

A state-dependent dynamic system is one in which (1) the marginal effect of x on y at time t () depends on the prior value of the dependent variable , and (2) the persistence of the dependent variable () depends on xt . We present a methodological strategy for dealing with state-dependent dynamic systems and demonstrate the consequences of ignoring state-dependence. As an applied example, we find evidence of state-dependence in the relationship between presidential approval and economic performance: high unemployment rates are most damaging to presidential approval among presidents with the highest initial approval ratings.
Antibody response to pneumococcal vaccination as a function of preimmunization titer

Background The interpretation of an adequate response to the unconjugated 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine for serotypes having high preimmunization titers remains challenging. Objectives We sought to determine whether high preimmunization titers preclude a 4-fold or greater response to vaccination. Moreover, we sought to determine the effect of the following covariates on this response: absolute preimmunization titer value, age, sex, serum IgG level, and serum IgG subclasses. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who were seen in our immune disorders clinic between 2001 and 2007 who had received the unconjugated 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of different covariates, including preimmunization titer values, age, sex, IgG levels, and IgG subclass values, on the odds of a 4-fold or greater antibody response. Results Per serotype, 10% to 40% of subjects with a high preimmunization titer attained at least a 4-fold response to vaccination. However, the odds of a 4-fold or greater response were found to decrease as a function of the absolute preimmunization titer value with an absolute value for each serotype beyond which the odds ratio approached zero. Conclusion High pneumococcal preimmunization titers do not necessarily preclude a 4-fold or greater response to vaccination. However, there appear to be serotype-specific preimmunization titer values, ranging from 4.4 to 10.3 μg/mL, above which a 4-fold or greater response would not be expected. This response does not seem to be significantly affected by age, sex, IgG level, or IgG subclass value.
Automatic Quantitation of Regional Myocardial Wall Motion and Thickening From Gated Technetium-99m Sestamibi Myocardial Perfusion Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Abstract Objectives. We developed an automatic quantitative algorithm for the measurement of regional myocardial wall motion and wall thickening from three-dimensional gated technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomographic images. Background. The algorithm measures the motion of the three-dimensional endocardial surface using a modification of the centerline method, as well as wall thickening using both geometry (gaussian fit) and partial volume (counts). Methods. The algorithm was tested using a “variable thickness” heart phantom, and the quantitative results were compared with visual segmental assessment of myocardial motion and thickening in 79 clinical patients with a wide range of ejection fractions (6% to 87%). Results. Phantom measurements of simulated motion and thickening were accurate regardless of the camera used (dual or triple detector), the angular span of reconstructed data (180° or 360°), the amount of motion (3 or 6 mm) or the amount of thickening (33%, 50% or 100%). Quantitative measurements of segmental motion and thickening in the patients were correlated with visual scores (r = 0.668, exact agreement 72.6%, kappa 0.433 and r = 0.550, exact agreement 74.7%, kappa 0.408, respectively). Significant inverse linear relations exist between the global (summed) visual motion score and the average quantitative motion, and between the global (summed) visual thickening score and the average quantitative thickening. Automatic quantitative ejection fraction measurements correlated extremely well with average quantitative motion (r = 0.929) and thickening (r = 0.959). Conclusions. Our algorithm is accurate and may be the first automatic technique for the quantitative three-dimensional assessment of regional ventricular function in cardiology.
Predictors of mortality in younger and older patients with heart failure and preserved or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Abstract Background Although half of elderly patients with heart failure have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), little is known about predictors of mortality in this group. Methods We reviewed the charts of 400 patients hospitalized at an academic medical center in 1999 with a principal discharge diagnosis of heart failure. Patients were divided into 4 groups on the basis of age ≥75 or Results A total of 373 patients (mean age 69.1 years, 56.0% female, 47.5% nonwhite) underwent echocardiography to assess LVEF. Of these, 216 patients were Conclusion In patients with heart failure, predictors of mortality vary by age and by the presence of preserved or reduced LVEF. Traditional predictors of mortality in patients with reduced LVEF may not apply to elderly patients with preserved LVEF.
Mainechip: A new chipping potato variety for cool storage processing

TheMaineChip potato variety is medium-maturing and has round, whiteskinned, white-fleshed tubers with shallow eyes, high specific gravity and moderate yields. Its major use is expected to be as a storage chipping variety since sugar build-up in storage is slow, and reconditioning is possible. This variety can be chipped directly from 7 C storage.MaineChip does not show the net necrosis caused by potato leafroll virus and is moderately tolerant to verticillium wilt (Verticillium alboatrum) and rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia solani). It is also moderately resistant to blackspot and shatter bruise. Hollow heart is its major internal quality defect, being a problem in ten of the twenty-nine regional tests conducted over five years.
Analysis of oxygen binding-energy variations for BaO on W

Abstract Interatomic Auger analyses have been made of different forms of BaO layers on W substrates. Variations in Auger spectroscopy energies of the Ba4dBa5pO2p interatomic Auger transition were found to be largely governed by the O2p binding energy of the BaO adsorbate. This was illustrated by comparing results of the Auger data values with values derived from O2p binding energies using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Very good agreement was observed not only for the W〈100〉 substrate but also for the W〈110〉 substrate which showed two oxygen-induced electronics state. Variations in binding energy were noted for different states of BaO lattice formation and for different amounts of oxidation, ranging from the transition of Ba to BaO and continuing to the BaO 2 stoichiometry and beyond. Effects were also reported for adsorbate alignment and thermal activation (i.e., reduction) of the oxidized state. An empirical relationship was found suggesting that the more tightly bound the O2p states of the BaO adsorbate were, the lower its work function would be. This link between binding energy and work function was observed to be valid not only for cases of poisoning by oxidation, but held as well during reactivation by the subsequent reduction of the oxide. In addition, this relationship also appeared to predict the low work function obtained through the introduction of substances such as Sc to the BaO-W system. Possible qualitative reasons which might contribute to this are discussed in terms of enhanced dipole effects and shifts in band structure.
Comparing cognitive, relational and stress mechanisms underlying gender differences in recovery from bereavement-related internalizing problems

Four putative mediators underlying gender differences in youths' recovery from bereavement-related internalizing problems were examined in a sample (N = 109; age range = 8–16 years at the initial assessment) of parentally bereaved youth: intrusive thoughts about grief, postdeath stressors, negative appraisals of postdeath stressors, and fear of abandonment. A three-wave parallel process longitudinal growth model design was employed. Changes in internalizing problems and mediators were measured as a function of months since the death. Girls showed stability in depression symptoms and a slight rise in anxiety symptoms; boys' trajectories of symptoms of anxiety and depression declined. Girls' higher initial levels of postdeath stressors, threat appraisals and fear of abandonment mediated their higher level of internalizing problems 14 months later. Girls' higher initial fear of abandonment also mediated additional growth in anxiety relative to boys.
Prediction of electromigration failure in W/Al-Cu multilayered metallizations by 1 f noise measurements

Abstract Low frequency noise measurements were performed on five different wafers of multilevel W/Al-Cu metallization layers fabricated following the same process. The purpose of the study was to establish a correlation between the mean-time-to-failure (MTF) and low-frequency noise—magnitude and spectral shape—observed in these thin films. The spectral shape was found to be in the form 1 f γ where 0.8 1 f Noise parameters such as the current exponent and the noise magnitude coefficient extracted from the data using the recently proposed model agree closely with those obtained from independent noise measurements on similar samples from the same wafers.
Isozymes of aspartate aminotransferase in tissues and blood of man.

Abstract Available literature on the characteristics of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases has been briefly reviewed. Our own studies have concerned themselves with the isozymes of aspartate aminotransferase in the tissues and blood of man. The anionic (supernatant) and the cationic (mitochondrial) isozymes of liver and heart have been prepared, and antisera to each of the isozymes from heart have been produced. The values for K m( l -aspartate ) were the same for the anionic isozyme of heart or liver and were distinctly higher than the values that were obtained for the cationic components. Conversely, the values for Km(α-ketoglutarate) were the same for the anionic isozyme of heart or liver and were distinctly lower than the values that were obtained for the cationic components. Antiserum to each of the two isozymes from heart inhibited the homologous isozyme from heart or liver specifically and practically completely. Hemolysates of washed human mature erythrocytes yielded, in general, one band, anionic in migration. This component had values for K m( l -aspartate ) and Km(α-ketoglutarate) and immunochemical characteristics that were essentially the same as those obtained for the anionic component of liver or heart. The observation that a cationic band was present in the blood of an individual after blood donation led to the study of experimentally produced reticulocytosis in rabbits. The total erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase activity increased five- to sixfold, and a cationic mitochondrial isozyme appeared. The relationship of the electrophoretic pattern of aspartate transaminase in human tissues to the electrophoretic pattern in the serum was also studied. Starch paste electrophoresis was performed on homogenates of forty specimens from ten different tissues and two tumors. The aminotransferase was distributed into two main areas, one in the region of the gamma globulin and the other in the alpha-beta globulin region. The serum aspartate aminotransferase in four normal persons and in twenty patients with neoplastic disease with elevated serum enzyme activity was completely confined to one area—the alpha-beta globulin region. Fourteen patients also exhibited a cationic component in the serum. The appearance of this component appeared to be associated with an acute phase of the patient's disease and its disappearance with the subsidence of this phase. The general role of the cationic, mitochondrial and the anionic, supernatant isozymes in regulation of cell metabolism is discussed briefly.
Native and invasive plant interactions in wetlands and the minimal role of invasiveness

The effects of invasive plants on plants native to areas that are being invaded can be quite variable, depending on the species of the invasive plant involved as well as the physical characteristics of the location being invaded. My study focuses on the effects of Phragmites australis Linnaeus (common reed) and Lythrum salicaria L. (purple loosestrife) on the same native plant community. Uninvaded plots dominated by native plants Typha angustifolia L. (narrowleaf cattail) and Typha latifolia L. (broadleaf cattail) served as the control. I surveyed percent cover of species during early summer and midsummer for 3 years in six Hudson River freshwater tidal wetlands (sites). Differences in species richness, composition and abundance were small, but significant among invaded and uninvaded plots and among sites. However, these differences remained significant when data for dominant species (invasive and native) were removed. Differences in native plant species abundance were attributed to invasive plant species-specific characteristics and differences in species richness and composition were attributed to physical location (zonation) in these freshwater tidal marshes. “Invasive” status of a dominant plant species was less important in invasive plant–native plant interactions than species-specific characteristics and zonation. Further research into the effects of site and land-use on invasive plant impacts is recommended.
Four-wave mixing in silicon coupled-cavity resonators with port-selective, orthogonal supermode excitation.

We propose coupled-cavity triply-resonant systems for degenerate-pump four-wave mixing (FWM) applications that support strong nonlinear interaction between distributed pump, signal and idler modes, and allow independent coupling of the pump mode and signal/idler modes to separate ports based on nonuniform supermode profile. We demonstrate seeded FWM with wavelength conversion efficiency of −54 dB at input pump power of 3.5 dBm, and discuss applications of such orthogonal supermode coupling.
First Report of Crown Rot of Gazania rigens Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Louisiana

Gazania rigens (L.) (treasure flower, Asteraceae) is grown as a winter and summer annual bedding plant in Louisiana and the lower southern United States. In March 2006, cv. Kiss Mix was observed in a wholesale nursery with symptoms of leaf yellowing, wilt, crown rot, and death. White mycelia and black sclerotia were present on some infected and dead plants. The plants had been grown outdoors and approximately 2% of 1,120 plants had been lost. Petiole and crown tissue from infected plants were surface disinfected in 70% ethyl alcohol, and sections were placed on acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA). A fungus that produced white mycelia and black sclerotia consistently grew from tissue pieces. Other characteristics included production of numerous sclerotia (32 to 71 per dish from 10 dishes) that were oval to oblong and formed in a ring at the periphery of culture dishes. Sclerotia measured 3 to 7 mm long (mean = 4.4, standard error = 0.15, N = 50) × 2 to 4 mm wide (mean = 3.0, standard error = 0.06, N = 50). Cells of sclerotial rinds were globose and lacked erect tomentum hyphae (1). Growth rate of the fungus at 26°C on PDA ranged from 1.3 to 3.1 cm/day (mean = 2.2, standard error = 0.05, N = 45) and mycelia covered the dishes after 3 days (2). On the basis of these characteristics, the fungus was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. Fungal inoculum for pathogenicity tests was grown on twice-sterilized wheat grains and 1 g of 10-day-old inoculum, consisting of fungus mycelia and sclerotia, was placed at the base of six G. rigens cv. Daybreak Mix plants. Inoculated and noninoculated control plants were placed in a dew chamber held at 22°C for 48 h and then moved to a greenhouse where temperatures ranged from 20 to 25°C. Leaf yellowing, wilt, and crown rot developed after 3 to 4 days on all inoculated plants followed by death after 6 days. S. sclerotiorum was reisolated from all inoculated plants. Noninoculated plants remained healthy. Sclerotinia crown rot of G. rigens was first reported in the United States from California (3) and has also been reported from Italy and Argentina (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Sclerotinia crown rot on G. rigens in Louisiana. References: (1) L. M. Kohn. Phytopathology 69:881, 1979. (2) G. Li et al. Mycol. Res. 104:232, 2000. (3) V. M. Muir and A. H. McCain. Calif. Plant Pathol. 16:1, 1973. (4) S. M. Wolcan. J. Plant Path. 86:263, 2004.
Effect of Mill Plate Setting and Number of Dynamic Steeping Stages for an Intermittent Milling and Dynamic Steeping (IMDS) Process for Corn

ABSTRACT Effect of corn degermination mill parameters (clearance between mill plates and rpm) were assessed on the broken germ and number of whole kernels in mash so as to optimize the cracking procedure for the intermittent milling and dynamic steeping (IMDS) process. The dynamic steep time and number of intermittent milling stages for the IMDS process were also optimized for maximum starch recovery. A comparison was made between the IMDS and the conventional steeping process for fraction yields. A clearance of 0.45–0.48 cm between the plates gave the most optimum processing conditions (minimum broken germ and least amount of whole kernels in mash after cracking). Effect of rpm on germ damage and kernel cracking was not significant when optimum clearance between the degermination plates was maintained. Two stages of intermittent milling with a dynamic steep time of 30 min or higher was recommended because it produced the highest yield of starch and germ. Comparison of the IMDS process with the convention...
In vivo propagation of a microsporidan pathogenic to insects

Abstract Equivalent numbers of spores were produced when the microsporidan Nosema necatrix was propagated in either Trichoplusia ni or Heliothis zea. Maximum spore production was obtained at an inoculum level of 1 × 105 spores/ml. Larvae inoculated 5 days post-hatching contained 1.6 × 109 spores/gram larva after an incubation period of 21 days. Temperature optima for the parasite are 21–26°C in both hosts.
A Theoretic Analysis of the Effects of Dipole Eccentricity upon the Manifest Vectors, the Manifest QRS Loops and the Potential of the Central Terminal

Assuming homogeneous conductivity and a limitless medium, a theoretic analysis accomplished by employing a model leads to the conclusion that dipole eccentricity produces a systematic error in the magnitude and direction of the instantaneous manifest vectors, the manifest QRS loops and the potential of the central terminal. Exaggeration of the electrical rotation of the heart and other electrocardiographic problems are discussed as possible manifestation of dipole eccentricity. Certain correlations applying to spatial vectorcardiography are made from simultaneous study of the theoretic back potential, the AP lead of the cube, and the potential of the central terminal.
O EFEITO KAGEMUSHA. AS ARMAS DE FOGO PORTUGUESAS E O ESTADO NO SUL DA ÍNDIA NO INÍCIO DA ÉPOCA MODERNA

The present paper examines the extent of the spread of the use of firearms in Southern India in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the role played by the Portuguese, especially by private Portuguese. The sources used are largely European, supplemented however by some literary material in Telugu and Sanskrit, generated in the courts of the so-called “Nayaka” kingdoms of 16th and 17th century Tamilnadu. Using these, it is hoped to shed light not merely on the actual use of firearms, but on how they were perceived in the south Indian polities of the period.
Cytokinesis failure in clathrin-minus cells is caused by cleavage furrow instability

The role of membrane traffic during cell division has only recently begun to be investigated. A growing number of trafficking proteins seem to be involved in the successful completion of cytokinesis. Clathrin was the first trafficking protein to be shown to be essential for cytokinesis in Dictyostelium. Here we investigate the nature of the cytokinesis defect of Dictyostelium clathrin null cells. We found that adherent clathrin null cells do form cleavage furrows but cannot maintain a consistent rate of furrow ingression. Clathrin null cells are completely defective in cytokinesis when placed in suspension. In these conditions, the cells develop an abnormal division morphology that consists of two lateral “furrows” on either side of a bulging equatorial region. Cells expressing GFP-myosin II were examined at various stages of cytokinesis. Clathrin null cells show multiple defects in myosin organization and localization that parallel the striking failure in furrow morphology. We postulate that this morphology is the result of contraction at the rear of the presumptive daughter cells in concert with incomplete furrow ingression. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 48:213‐223, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interpretation of 3p-core-excitation spectra in Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni

Recent measurements of the 3p-core-excitation spectra of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni are interpreted with an atomic model. The dispersion like line shape observed in these metals is attributed to the interference of 3p63dN → 3p53dN+1, which decays to 3p63dN−1ϵf via a super Coster-Kronig transition, with the direct excitation of 3p63dN → 3p63dN−1 ϵf. The overall width of the line and some weaker features associated with it are related to the multiplet splittings of 3p53dN+1. The more symmetric line shape found for Cr, which is thought to be due to the absence of a large local moment, is explained in terms of the greater number of multiplets that contribute for a small moment (S=12) as compared to a large moment (S=52).
Internal friction and transmission electron microscopy studies of magnesium—II. Electron microscopy

Abstract Thin film transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction studies on pure and doped Mg were undertaken with the objective of correlating them with internal friction investigations. Small amounts (1%) of plastic deformation with slip primarily in the basal plane increased the dislocation density by a factor of about 100. The dislocations were generally very smooth and long. Hexagonal networks of dislocations were found, mostly in subgrains. {10 1 2} 〈10 1 1〉 twins were found in specimens deformed by compression along the basal plane. Precipitates of Ni were observed and identified, as MgNi2. Pinning effects of Li and Ni were also studied.
Successful medical treatment of presumed Candida endocarditis in critically ill infants

Few infants have been reported who survived fungal endocarditis; all have required both surgical and intensive antifungal therapy. We describe three infants, two weighing Candida endocarditis without surgery. Two had Candida parapsilosis , an agent not previously reported as a cause of neonatal endocarditis. All three infants were treated with amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine. Despite administration of 44, 38, and 48 mg/kg amphotericin B, respectively, no nephrotoxicity was noted; 5-flucytosine therapy was stopped in one infant because of thrombocytopenia. One infant died of an unrelated cause 6 months later; there was no evidence of Candida or endocarditis at autopsy. The other two infants are thriving 2 and 3 years after the completion of antifungal therapy; no remaining evidence of endocarditis is present on echocardiography. We conclude that antifungal therapy without surgery is an option for Candida endocarditis in critically III infants.
The existence of k-factors in squares of graphs

Let G be a simple connected graph and k a positive integer such that (i) k|V(G)| is even, (ii) @d(G)>=k. Then G^2 contains a k-factor.
Sufficient conditions for the extension ofC R structures

LetM be a smoothC R manifold of dimension 2n − 1 such that at each point, either the Levi form has at least 3 positive eigenvalues or it hasn − 1 negative eigenvalues. IfD is a smoothly bounded subdomain ofM, then there is a smoothly bounded integrable almost complex manifoldX of dimension 2n such thatM is contained in the boundary ofX and such that theC R structure thatM inherits as a subset ofX coincides with the original structure ofM.
X-ray observations of grain boundary diffuse scattering

Presentation des mesures de diffusion en diffraction associees a la reflexion du joint de torsion [001] dans Au. L'origine de cette diffusion en diffraction n'est pas determinee
Modified Coherent Rotation Model For Fiber-Optic Magnetometers Using Magnetostrictive Transducers

We propose a modified coherent rotation model to describe recently observed phenomena in the magnetostrictive responses of Metglas transducers used in fiber-optic magnetometers. A technique to extract the values of the transducer parameters is described. Predictions of the performance of a cylindrical transducer based on the measured values for the transducer parameters are presented and compared to the experimental result.
Calibration of x-ray CCDs with an erect-field grating spectrometer in the 0.2- to 1.5-keV band

X-ray CCDs developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratories for the AXAF CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) have been calibrated in the 0.25 - 1.5 keV spectral range using an erect-field grating spectrometer and an electron impact x-ray source in our laboratory. A combination of the spectrometer with an x- ray CCD on high resistivity substrate allows efficient order separation, and measurement of the CCD energy scale and spectral response function as essentially continuous functions of energy over the spectrometer passband. The CCD energy scale is found to be linear to approximately 0.5% in this spectral band. Relative variations in the detection efficiency of the CCD can also be studied with this system. A near edge structure is detected in the CCD response around the oxygen K absorption edge. Comparison of these results with the data acquired with a synchrotron radiation source and monochromator confirms that these structures are features of the detector response. The edge structure allows us to measure the absolute dispersion relation of the spectrometer (and hence the zero-point of the CCD energy scale) with a precision better than 1 eV. We also detect considerable structure in characteristic nitrogen and oxygen emission lines from the electron impact source. We discuss likely mechanisms for the production of this structure.
Flow Dynamics and Stability in a Severe Rainband

Abstract Observations of a severe form of rainband, which is comprised of a line of strong but shallow convection, suggest that the environment into which it moves is nearly neutrally stratified with respect to moist convection. A simple two-dimensional model of a severe rainband has been developed to explore how the cold air at the base of the rainband modifies local stability as it underruns the saturated surface layer. This dynamic lifting is found to have two distinct effects. First, the lifted fluid contains regions of absolute and conditional instability. Then it also reorganizes the midtroposphere into a sequence of elevated inversions set between unstable layers. This latter effect results from the intense “lee wave” response in the air flow. The elevated inversions would appear to cap the severe moist convection, establishing the rainband character rather than allowing the deep cellular convection of squall lines. The flow disturbances end abruptly at the steering level (a critical level for the ...
The Clinic and the Tearoom

Although the clinical and the sexual are commonly treated as antithetical realms of experience, queer commentary teaches that the clinic is a positively sexual space and that clinical intimacy is a creative form of sexual intimacy. Contrary to writers such as Engelhardt, the clinic is a space where queer publics are forged, and the barriers between moral friends and moral strangers potentially dissolve, but only to the extent that one is disposed to allow oneself to enjoy experiences of identification that confound the ideals of human dignity typically invoked in writings about sexual ethics on the one hand and clinical medical ethics on the other hand.
Radical trachelectomy with laparoscopic lymphadenectomy: review of oncologic and obstetrical outcomes.

AbstractPurpose of reviewFertility preservation in early cervical cancer by radical trachelectomy is gaining in acceptance as more cases are published in the literature. Controversies regarding technique and patient management are beginning to emerge as the procedure moves from being a new surgery t
Initial Efficacy of Project ImPACT: A Parent-Mediated Social Communication Intervention for Young Children with ASD

Project ImPACT is a parent-mediated social communication intervention for young children with ASD that was developed in community settings to encourage dissemination. A single-subject, multiple-baseline design was conducted across 8 preschoolers with ASD and their mothers to examine the efficacy of the model for improving parent intervention fidelity and child spontaneous language. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the relationship between parent fidelity and child language within session. All parents increased their use of the intervention techniques. Improvements in spontaneous use of language targets were observed for 6 of the 8 children. There was a significant association between parents' use of the intervention strategies and their child's spontaneous language use.
The metabolism of Bayer 9017 in calves.

The metabolism and elimination of Bayer 9017 (0,0 -diethyl 0 -[4-(methylthio)-3-xylyl] phosphorothioate) were studied in 2-week-old calves following 2 methods of application. One calf was treated orally with Bayer 9017 and a 2nd calf was treated dermally. The calves were killed 24 hours after treatment, and tissue samples were taken. Bayer 9017 was rapidly metabolized and ex-following both methods of treatment. The peak concentration of radioactivity occurred in the blood 12 hours post treatment following both oral and dermal treatment. Analysis of extracts of the tissue samples showed oxidation of Bayer 9017 had occurred at both the thiophosphoryl and thioether moieties, with 5 oxidation products being formed. In muscle, the parent compound was the organophosphorus ester present in the highest concentration. The oxygen analogue was the primary oxidative metabolite. Oxidation of the thioether moiety proceeded more rapidly following conversion of Bayer 9017 to its oxygen analogue. Much of the radioactivity in the tissues after 24 hours was present as the hydrolytic products of Bayer 9017 and its oxidative metabolites. Hydrolysis occurred at the P-O-aryl bond to produce the corresponding xylenols. These xylenols were rapidly conjugated and excreted, largely as water soluble conjugates. The urine served as the primary route of elimination from both calves. More than 97% of the radioactivity in the urine was in the-form of degradation products that would not extract into chloroform. Very little, less than 0.4% of the administered dose, was excreted in the feces during the 24-hour period following either method of treatment.
Initial Management and Follow-up of Melanocytic Iris Tumors*

Abstract Purposes: To identify clinical variables prognostic for prompt excision of melanocytic iris tumors and to determine the clinical factors predictive of enlargement of those tumors managed initially by observation. Methods: A retrospective study of 285 patients evaluated in a referral center over a 15-year interval (1972-1986). Results: Thirty-six lesions were excised promptly, whereas 249 were observed. Eighty-nine percent of the 36 promptly excised tumors were malignant melanomas on histopathologic examination. Five clinical variables were associated strongly with prompt excision: largest basal tumor diameter greater than 3 mm; presence of pigment dispersion; prominent tumor vascularity; elevated intraocular pressure; and tumor-related ocular symptoms. In the observed group, the actuarial 5-year rate of lesion enlargement was 6.5% (standard error=2.1 %). Of the ten lesions that enlarged, six were excised and evaluated histopathologically. Five of these six lesions were malignant melanomas on histopathologic study. Largest basal tumor diameter was the only clinical variable strongly predictive of lesion enlargement. Only two patients died of metastatic uveal melanoma, and both were in the promptly treated group. Conclusions: Most melanocytic iris tumors are benign and do not enlarge appreciably when followed or lead to metastatic disease. However, even prompt locally effective treatment (excision) is insufficient to prevent metastasis in some patients. Clinical features of the iris lesion appear to enable clinicians to differentiate reasonably well between probable malignant melanomas, for which prompt treatment seems appropriate, and benign nevi, for which observation with periodic follow-up is likely to be the best management.
A generalized polar decomposition

Abstract Let G ⊆ GL(n,C) be a matrix group and ƒ:G→G an antiautomorphic involution of G; then ƒ naturally defines a subgroup G ƒ = {A ∈ G:Aƒ(A) = I} . For many classical groups, every member of G belongs to a left (right) coset of Gf represented by a generalized symmetric matrix B = ƒ(B) . The paper remarks on the generalized existence of a polar decomposition and its numerical computation. The relationship between the map Φ(X) = X −1 ƒ(X) and the subgroups conjugate to Gƒ is discussed.
NEW PARTY CHALLENGES AND PARTISAN CHANGE: The Effects of Party Competition on Party Loyalty

It has long been established that changes in the electorate can have an impact on party systems, sometimes leading to the creation of new parties and the elimination of old ones. We contend, however, that changes in the party system may cause voters to reassess their party identification absent of any long-term change in the overall makeup or attitudes of the electorate. As a case in point, we demonstrate that changes in the Canadian party system in the late 1980s (specifically the advent of the right-wing Reform Party) led to a decline in party loyalty among supporters of the right-center Progressive Conservative Party. We discuss the implications of these findings for the study of party systems and partisan change.
Triggering of Nocturnal Arrhythmias by Sleep-Disordered Breathing Events

Objectives This study sought to evaluate respiratory disturbances as potential triggers for arrhythmia in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Background SDB is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) as well as a predilection for sudden cardiac death during nocturnal sleeping hours. However, prior research has not established whether respiratory disturbances operate as triggers for nocturnal arrhythmias. Methods Overnight polysomnograms from the Sleep Heart Health Study (n = 2,816) were screened for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and NSVT. We used the case-crossover design to determine whether apneas and/or hypopneas are temporally associated with episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or NSVT. For each arrhythmia, 3 periods of sinus rhythm were identified as control intervals. Polysomnograms were examined for the presence of respiratory disturbances, oxygen desaturations, and cortical arousals within a 90-s hazard period preceding each arrhythmia or control period. Results Fifty-seven participants with a wide range of SDB contributed 62 arrhythmias (76% NSVT). The odds of an arrhythmia after a respiratory disturbance were nearly 18 times (odds ratio: 17.5; 95% confidence interval: 5.3 to 58.4) the odds of an arrhythmia occurring after normal breathing. The absolute rate of arrhythmia associated with respiratory disturbances was low (1 excess arrhythmia per 40,000 respiratory disturbances). Neither hypoxia nor electroencephalogram-defined arousals alone increased arrhythmia risk. Conclusions Although the absolute arrhythmia rate is low, the relative risk of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and NSVT during sleep is markedly increased shortly after a respiratory disturbance. These results support a direct temporal link between SDB events and the development of these arrhythmias.
Structural and electrophysiological properties of nymphal and adult insect medial neurosecretory cells: AnIn vitro analysis

Abstract Medial neurosecretory cells (MNSC) from protocerebral nuclei of nymphal and adult cockroaches were cultured in a chemically defined medium in combination with embryonic organs or ovaries from the same species, for periods ranging between 2 and 12 weeks. Under these conditions, neurosecretory cells show vigorous outgrowth of large diameter axons, which differs in many respects from that previously observed from other neuronal embryonic, nymphal and adult explants cultured in the same medium. MNSC explants exhibit spontaneous unit electrical activity which is characterized by a low rate of discharge (1/sec) and regular interspike intervals. This activity contrasts with the spontaneous bursting discharges observed in long-term cultures of the neurosecretory cell population of the corpora cardiaca from nymphal and adult cockroaches.
Steroid avoidance in renal transplantation.

Purpose of reviewThe recent surge in the use of steroid-avoidance protocols for pediatric renal transplant recipients has been fueled by the numerous adverse side effects of steroids and development of alternatives for successful immunosuppression. Steroid-avoidance protocols were first attempted in
Contrasting histoarchitecture of calcified leaflets from stenotic bicuspid versus stenotic tricuspid aortic valves.

Abstract Preliminary findings from clinical trials of percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty and intraoperative debridement of calcific deposits in patients with aortic stenosis have suggested that calcified, congenitally bicuspid aortic valves may be less amenable to these techniques than are calcified tricuspid aortic valves. Accordingly, we evaluated the histoarchitecture of calcific deposits in 30 operatively excised aortic valves. Light microscopic sections taken through the calcified aortic valve leaflets disclosed two principal types of histoarchitectitre. In 11 aortic valves nodular calcific deposits were superimposed on an underlying fibrotic aortic valve leaflet (type A); in 17 valves calcific deposits were diffusely distributed throughout the body (spongiosa) of the aortic valve leaflets (type B). Two aortic valves could not be classified histologically. These histologic subtypes were not randomly distributed with regard to gross valvular morphology. All 14 bicuspid valves (100%) were type B; in contrast, 11 (69%) of 16 tricuspld aortic valves were type A, and only 3 (19%) of 16 tricuspid valves were type B (p Thus, the histoarchitectural distribution of calcific deposits is different for bicuspid than for tricuspid stenotic aortic valves. The more diffuse distribution of calcium throughout the body of calcified bicuspid aortic valve leaflets may render these valves less amenable to operative and percutaneous valvuloplasty than are calcified tricuspid aortic valve leaflets on which calcific deposits are typically superimposed in nodular form.
Tumor progression and metastasis from genetic to microenvironmental determinants: A Workshop of the Tumor Progression and Metastasis NIH Study Section in Honor of Dr. Martin L. Padarathsingh, May 31, 2006, Georgetown, Washington, DC

A Workshop of the Tumor Progression and Metastasis NIH Study Section In Honor of Dr. Martin L. PadarathsinghMay 31, 2006, Georgetown, Washington, DC
Oxidation kinetics and its influence on the near-surface effect of diffusion

Abstract Kinetic equations are derived which describe the effect of thermal fluctuations upon tracer oxides on the surface of diffusion specimens. The rate of metal oxide reduction by such fluctuations is shown to be consistent with observations on the near-surface effect (NSE) of diffusion. In particular, the theory is shown to explain the NSE for diffusion of 60 Co in Ag, 72 Ga in Ga, and 65 Zn in Cu; furthermore, experimental confirmation is found for the diffusion of 233 U in Au.
Steroscopic discrimination in infants.

The ability to make discriminations of binocular disparity was investigated in 2-month-old infants by two methods: (a) fixation preference between patterns differing in the disparity they contained, and (b) recovery from habituation of high-amplitude sucking when there was a change in disparity in the visual reinforcer. The stimuli were random-dot stereograms. The results for both methods indicated that at least some infants of this age could perform stereoscopic discriminations and that both techniques were feasible for development for longitudinal studies of stereoscopic vision.
An Effective Method For Increasing the Catch-Rate of Pitfall Traps

Abstract Pitfall traps are widely used by researchers to survey a variety of terrestrial taxa. To test a method for improving the results of pitfall traps, we built a Y-shaped drift fence with six pitfall traps on each arm. We improved the pitfall traps by staking four pieces of aluminum flashing around each of the traps to increase their effective area. For experimental purposes, we used the aluminum flashing wings every other day. Traps without flashing caught a total of 395 reptiles and amphibians representing 15 species, and traps with the flashing caught a total of 624 reptiles and amphibians representing 20 species.
Azithromycin and the Risk of Cardiovascular Complications.

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the literature to assess the incidence and true clinical relevance of recent Food and Drug Administration warnings regarding QT prolongation with azithromycin, given its widespread use, with over 40 million US outpatient prescriptions written in 2011. A literature search of MEDLINE (1946 to May 2013) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 to May 2013) was conducted using the terms azithromycin, QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, arrhythmia, and cardiovascular death. A bibliographic search was also performed. Several relevant studies and case reports were identified and reviewed. One cohort study revealed an increased risk of cardiovascular death with azithromycin compared to no antibiotic, especially in those with higher cardiovascular risk. Another cohort study comparing azithromycin, penicillin V, and no antibiotic in a younger Danish population with less cardiac risk found no increased cardiovascular death associated with azithromycin use. The maj...
The Yeast a-factor Transporter Ste6p, a Member of the ABC Superfamily, Couples ATP Hydrolysis to Pheromone Export

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins transport a diverse collection of substrates. It is presumed that these proteins couple ATP hydrolysis to substrate transport, yet ATPase activity has been demonstrated for only a few. To provide direct evidence for such activity in Ste6p, the yeast ABC protein required for the export of a-factor mating pheromone, we established conditions for purification of Ste6p in biochemical quantities from both yeast and Sf9 insect cells. The basal ATPase activity of purified and reconstituted Ste6p (V(max) = 18 nmol/mg/min; K(m) for MgATP = 0.2 mm) compares favorably with several other ABC proteins and was inhibited by orthovanadate in a profile diagnostic of ABC transporters (apparent K(I) = 12 microm). Modest stimulation (approximately 40%) was observed upon the addition of a-factor either synthetic or in native form. We also used an 8-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ATP binding and vanadate-trapping assay to examine the behavior of wild-type Ste6p and two different double mutants (G392V/G1087V and G509D/G1193D) shown previously to be mating-deficient in vivo. Both mutants displayed a diminished ability to hydrolyze ATP, with the latter uncoupled from pheromone transport. We conclude that Ste6p catalyzes ATP hydrolysis coupled to a-factor transport, which in turn promotes mating.