cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First trimester transabdominal chorionic villus sampling--does the needle matter?

Purpose To compare first-trimester transabdominal chorionic villus samples (TA-CVS) when obtained by 20-gauge amniocentesis versus lancet needles. Methods This is a retrospective study of all women with viable singleton pregnancies undergoing TA-CVS from 01/01/2009 to 03/31/2011. All CVS were performed by a single operator using a freehand technique and amniocentesis needles from 01/01/2009 to 08/31/2010 and lancet needles from 09/01/2010 to 03/31/2011. All samples were processed by the same laboratory. Results There were no differences between groups regarding maternal age, weight, gestational age at CVS, indication for CVS, uterine position, or placental location. Lancet needles were associated with significantly larger samples (median 18 [range 3–40] versus 7 [range 1–33] mg, p < 0.0001), more successful in situ hybridization (96% versus 74.2%, p = 0.03), and faster result reporting (median 7 [range 5–12] versus 9 [range 6–26] days, p = 0.002). Conclusions Needle type may be clinically important when selecting 20-gauge TA-CVS needles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:385–388, 2012
Heat sensitivity and protein synthesis during heat-shock in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

Fifth instar larvae of the tobacco hornworm,Manduca sexta, tolerate 1-h exposures to temperatures as high as 42°C. Above 42°C, survival declines rapidly to 18% at 44°C and 0% at 48°C. As in other insects, the heat-shock response ofManduca sexta involves the induction of synthesis of heat-shock proteins very similar in size to theDrosophila heat-shock proteins (84, 73, 71, 27, 25, 23, and 22 kd). In the epidermis, heat-shock protein synthesis peaks at 42°C, correlating with the heat sensitivity of both the tissue itself and the intact larva. Some heat-shock proteins have different isoelectric forms depending on tissue. Also, the heat-shock proteins are synthesized over a wider range of temperatures in the imaginal discs and the fat body as compared to the epidermis. In contrast to dipteran insects,Manduca sexta does not exhibit a strong repression of non-heat-shock protein synthesis under tolerable conditions.
Communities Creating Healthy Environments: improving access to healthy foods and safe places to play in communities of color.

• Community organizing has promise as a viable public health strategy to impact childhood obesity.
X-ray fluorescence for heavy metal dust alarms in the industrial workplace

Abstract A new X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device for the analysis of dense particle-bearing aerosols at the worksite has been developed. It provides values of the mass concentration M of each element Z > 22 held in aerosols typical of “smokestack” or acute occupational exposures (mg/m 3 −g/m 3 ) on-site and in-time for corrective action before extensive harm to workers or the environment occurs. In operation the monitor irradiates the dispersed aerosol directly with the output of an interchangeable anode X-ray tube. The energy and number of returning XRF photons are used to identify the respective energies and abundances of the heavier elements contained within the aerosol. To date several specific apparatus configurations have been evaluated, mainly by comparing their relative sensitivities and minimum measurable mass concentrations as derived from data acquired with simulated target aerosols. These results are discussed along with the general principles behind the device, the target simulation, and the measurements themselves.
Physiological genomics special issue on animal functional genomics

this special issue of Physiological Genomics highlights 12 papers that reflect presentations made by 110 international delegates of the 2nd International Symposium on Animal Functional Genomics (2nd ISAFG) held May 16th-19th, 2006, at Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI). This was the second
Demonstration of Crohn's disease tissue-specific proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Theories on the etiology of Crohn's disease have included extrinsic agents and intrinsic bowel wall defects. We sought to determine the presence of immunoreactive antigens specific to Crohn's disease tissue by modifying the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tissue proteins were extracted from four patients with Crohn's disease and from four normal segments of colon from patients with colonic cancer. These tissue extracts were further purified on Con A Sepharose 4B affinity column. The glycoproteins eluted from this column were adsorbed by polystyrene plates as antigen and tested against 85 sera from patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, other diarrheal diseases, and normal subjects. Sera from 48 patients with Crohn's disease showed significantly greater recognition of Crohn's disease tissue glycoproteins than sera from 27 disease controls (P<0.0125) and 10 normal subjects. These Crohn's disease sera also showed preferential recognition of glycoproteins extracted from Crohn's disease tissue compared to glycoproteins from normal colonic tissue (P<0.0005). The nature of these immunoreactive proteins, whether extrinsic or intrinsic, is not yet known. The ELISA may help in further characterization of Crohn's disease tissue-specific glycoprotein(s) and to develop a clinically useful serological test.
Carcass Composition of Young Turkeys as Affected by Diethylstilbestrol and Thiouracil

Abstract IT IS difficult to obtain a good finish on young turkeys. It is the practice therefore, for producers to grow their birds to a mature body size in order to market a well-finished product. Since many consumers desire a turkey weighing eight to 12 pounds, it is believed consumption can be stimulated if a turkey this size can be properly finished. Many research workers have demonstrated the effects of diethylstilbestrol, administered in the form of a paste or pellet, in improving the finish in turkeys. Some of these workers are Stadelman (1951), Almquist and Merritt (1952), Smyth and Vondell (1955), and Adams (1956). Miner et al. (1959) studied the effect of diethylstilbestrol and dienestrol diacetate on turkey broilers and found growth response to be small and variable, however, the hormone treatments generally improved finish. Adams (1957) found that diethylstilbestrol as a paste or pellet produced better results than as a …
Physically based inversion of surface snow concentrations of H2O2 to atmospheric concentrations at South Pole

Inversion of chemical records archived in ice cores to atmospheric concentrations requires a detailed understanding of atmosphere-to-snow-to-ice transfer processes. A unique year-round series of surface snow samples, collected from November, 1994 through January, 1996 at South Pole and analyzed for H2O2, were used to test a physically based model for the atmosphere-to-snow component of the overall transfer function. A comparison of photochemical model estimates of atmospheric H2O2, which are in general agreement with the first measurements of atmospheric H2O2 at South Pole, with the inverted atmospheric record (1) demonstrate that the surface snow acts as an excellent archive of atmospheric H2O2 and (2) suggest that snow temperature is the dominant factor determining atmosphere-to-surface snow transfer at South Pole. The estimated annual cycle in atmospheric H2O2 concentration is approximately symmetric about the summer solstice, with a peak value of ∼280 pptv and a minimum around the winter solstice of ∼1 pptv, although some asymmetry results from the springtime stratospheric ozone hole over Antarctica.
Smoking and Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy is among the leading preventable causes of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Smoking prevalence among young women is the primary determinant of smoking prevalence during pregnancy. Smoking among women of childbearing age is associated with reduced fertility, increased complications of pregnancy, and a variety of adverse fetal outcomes. There is increasing evidence of lasting adverse effects on offspring. Guidelines for smoking cessation during pregnancy have been developed. This article reviews the epidemiology of smoking during pregnancy, the adverse effects of smoking on the mother, fetus, and offspring, and recommended approaches to smoking cessation for pregnant women.
Learning CUDA: lab exercises and experiences, part 2

The rise of multi-core computer hardware has introduced new urgency to learning parallel programming. In this presentation, we again focus on CUDA exercises suitable for undergraduate students. Trying to appeal to a wide audience of today's learners, we have developed a "Game of Life" exercise and an introductory CUDA summary. We discuss our classroom-test of the exercise, our experiences, and our lessons learned.
Charge conjugation invariance in η' (958)→π + π - γ

Abstract The charge asymmetry in the decay η′(958)→π+π−γ has been measured using η′ mesons produced in the reaction π−p→η′n at 2.1 GeV/c incident pion momentum. A value for the asymmetry of (−6.9±7.8%) was obtained, based on 295±31 events after background subtraction. This result is consistent with C invariance in this decay.
Human platelets efficiently kill IgG‐opsonized E. coli

Platelets are known contributors of hemostasis but have recently been shown to be important in inflammation and infectious diseases. Moreover, thrombocytopenia is often observed in patients with sepsis. We previously reported that platelets actively phagocytosed IgG-coated latex beads. In this study, the capacity of human platelets to participate in host defense against bacterial infections was determined by assessing their ability to kill Escherichia coli. Washed human platelets were incubated with unopsonized or IgG-opsonized E. coli and evaluated for binding and killing of E. coli. We found that although both unopsonized and IgG-opsonized E. coli were associated with platelets, only IgG-opsonized E. coli were efficiently killed unless platelets were activated by a potent agonist. The bactericidal activity was dependent on FcγRIIA, was sensitive to cytochalasin D, but was not due to reactive oxygen metabolites. These data suggest that platelets may play an important role in protection against infection.
Human keratinocyte-lymphocyte reactions in vitro

To extend our observation that recombinant gamma interferon (r-IFN-gamma) induces the synthesis and expression of HLA-DR antigen we have investigated 2 major areas including the modulation of r-IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression and the possible immunologic consequences of keratinocyte HLA-DR expression in vitro. The induction of keratinocyte HLA-DR expression was greater for continuous compared with pulse dosage (0.5-24 h) of r-IFN-gamma and was markedly decreased after trypsinization of attached monolayers into single cell suspensions. The r-IFN-gamma caused induction of HLA-DR and this was not influenced by either pretreatment with irradiation, PGE2, or indomethacin. Both HLA-DR+ and HLA-DR- cultured keratinocytes induced RNA synthesis and gamma interferon production by allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMLs) indicating mononuclear cell activation. However, this activation was not followed by significant mitogenesis and only slightly increased levels of [3H]thymidine incorporation (maximal = 5800 cpm) by the PBMLs was observed. Cultured keratinocytes apparently inhibit both lectin-driven and mixed-lymphocyte reactions by producing a soluble mediator which is not dialyzable, or inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin or anti-alpha, -beta, -gamma interferon antibodies. These results suggest that lymphocyte-keratinocyte reactions in vitro are complex and may be mediated by a variety of cytokines, lymphokines, and prostaglandins.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 245*

The available nuclear structure information for all nuclei with mass number A = 245 is presented. Various decay and reaction data are evaluated and compared. Adopted data, levels, and spin and state assignments are given.
Fly Ash Properties and Mercury Sorbent Affect Mercury Release from Curing Concrete

The release of mercury from concrete containing fly ashes from various generator boilers and powdered activated carbon sorbent used to capture mercury was measured in laboratory experiments. Release of gaseous mercury from these concretes was less than 0.31% of the total quantity of mercury present. The observed gaseous emissions of mercury during the curing process demonstrated a dependency on the organic carbon content of the fly ash, with mercury release decreasing with increasing carbon content. Further, lower gaseous emissions of mercury were observed for concretes incorporating ash containing activated carbon sorbent than would be expected based on the observed association with organic carbon, suggesting that the powdered activated carbon more tightly binds the mercury as compared to unburned carbon in the ash. Following the initial 28-day curing interval, mercury release diminished with time. In separate leaching experiments, average mercury concentrations leached from fly ash concretes were less than 4.1 ng/L after 18 h and 7 days, demonstrating that less than 0.02% of the mercury was released during leaching. 25 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.
Using Online Modules in a Multi-Modality Teaching System: A High-Touch, High-Tech Approach to Geriatric Education

Making geriatric education available to rural faculty/preceptors, students, and practitioners presents many challenges. Often the only options considered for educating those in the health professions about geriatrics are either traditional face-to-face courses or distance education programs. The purpose of this paper was to examine the use of Web-based modules or courses and other distance learning technology in concert with traditional learning modalities. The Mountain State Geriatric Education Center explored the use of a multi-modal approach within a high-touch, high-tech framework. Our findings indicate the following: it is important to start where participants are ready to begin; flexibility and variety are needed; soliciting evaluative feedback from participants is valuable; there is a need to integrate distance learning with more traditional modalities; and a high-tech, high-touch approach provides a format which participants find acceptable, accessible, and attractive. This assertion does not rule out the use of technology for distance education but rather encourages educators to take advantage of a wide range of modalities, traditional and technological, to reach rural practitioners, faculty, and students.
Cardiovascular disease: Still unresolved: warfarin in ESRD with atrial fibrillation.

Well-controlled oral anticoagulation lowers the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation; however, conflicting evidence exists on its benefits and risks in patients with end-stage renal disease. Shah and colleagues examined this question in a large cohort of patients on dialysis who were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
Synthesis of nona-deutero olivetol and nona-deutero cannabinoids

Copper (I) catalyzed Grignard cross coupling of alkyl bromides provided a facile synthesis of d9-olivetol [5-(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-2H9)pentyl-1,3-benzenediol] with high d9 incorporation levels and no detectable levels of d0 to d7 ions. The outcome of the coupling is dependent on which bromide is used as the Grignard reagent. d9-Δ9-THC and racemic d9-11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC suitable for GC/MS analysis were prepared from the olivetol.
The diagnosis and surgical treatment of double-chambered right ventricle

Abstract Background: Double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital anomaly. From January 1990 to February 1993, 60 patients with DCRV were identified among 1,094 patients with congenital defects of the heart who had open-heart surgery in our hospital. Thirty-six patients were males, and 24 were females, with a mean age of 9.3 years (from 3 to 28 years). Various cardiac anomalies were found to be associated with DCRV. The most common was ventricular septal defect (VSD); 52 patients (86.7%) had VSD, and 6 (10%) had other cardiac lesions. Aims: This study summarises our experience in diagnosing DCRV and surgical correction of the anomaly. Methods: Preoperative diagnosis of DCRV depended mainly on 2-dimensional echocardiography, cardiac catheterisation and cineangiography. Surgical correction consisted of resection of anomalous muscle bundles and correction of associated anomalies through a right ventriculotomy. Results: There was 1 hospital death (1.7%); 59 patients survived (98.3%). The pressure gradient of the right ventricle decreased from 49±23 mmHg (mean±SD) preoperatively to 16±6 mmHg postoperatively (p
Engaging in secondhand smoke reduction discussions with parents of hospitalized pediatric patients: a national survey of pediatric nurses in the United States.

Abstract Objective To identify individual- and system-level predictors and barriers associated with US pediatric nurses' routine counseling about child secondhand smoke exposure for parents of hospitalized children. Methods In 2008, members of the Society of Pediatric Nurses completed a questionnaire assessing demographic, hospital systems, and work attitudes related to the following outcomes: asking about child secondhand smoke exposure, informing about sources of secondhand smoke exposure, counseling about the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure, and advising a smoke-free home policy. Results Of 1475 eligible nurses, 888 completed the survey. We found that 39% asked, 43% informed, 29% counseled, and 25% advised parents. Nurses working in hospitals with mandatory prompts in the medical record to assess child secondhand smoke exposure, the availability of written materials for parent smokers, and regular secondhand smoke counseling training for nurses had increased odds of routinely engaging parents in secondhand smoke reduction best practices. Nurses reported parents' resistance to discussions about smoking, short hospital stays, and non-standardized care as the most common barriers to counseling parents. Conclusion System supports in hospitals significantly increases the odds of nurses engaging in child secondhand smoke reduction practices. Strengthening existing systems and introducing new policies are critical for nurses' engagement of parents in discussions about reducing child secondhand smoke exposure.
Stereoselective assembly of a 1,3-diene via coupling between an allenic acetate and a (B)-alkylborane: synthetic studies on amphidinolide B1.

The preparation of three fragments for the total synthesis of amphidinolide B1 has been described. The C16 stereochemistry was set by asymmetric allylic alkylation. C21 and C25 stereogenic centers were set by an enantioselective/diastereoselective double allylation reaction. The C9 configuration was set by an asymmetric heteroene reaction. A differentially substituted stereodefined 1,3-diene iodide was synthesized by iodide-mediated SN2‘ reaction. A novel stereoselective method to assemble a 1,3-diene by coupling an allenic acetate and (B)-alkylborane is also reported.
Physiological condition of overwintering female Anopheles freeborni in California (Diptera: Culicidae).

Studies were carried out on Anopheles freeborni Aitken in the lower Sacramento Valley of California from 1963 through early 1967 to determine the physiological condition of females which survive winter. Overwintering was accomplished by inseminated females that had undergone a reproductive diapause from September through December. Diapause was primarily characterized by the suspension of reproductive activity and buildup of fat body. The proportion of females taking blood during this critical period was low, but females which did so exhibited gonotrophic dissociation. Field studies indicated a strong possibility that decreasing photoperiod rather than low temperature initiated imaginal diapause. This possibility was supported by laboratory studies in which the proportion of long-day females that took blood meals was significantly greater than was the proportion of short-day females that fed. Additional studies with a laboratory colonized strain indicated that temperature also may play an influential part in controlling the onset of diapause.
Absence of Ordering in Certain Isotropic Systems

The method of Mermin and Wagner [Phys. Rev. Lett. 17, 1133 (1966)] is used to show that one‐ and two‐dimensional spin systems interacting with a general isotropic interaction H=12 ∑ ijn Iij(n) (Si·Sj)n, where the exchange interactionsIij(n) are of finite range, cannot order in the sense that 〈Oi〉=0 for all traceless operators Oi defined at a single site i. Mermin and Wagner have proved the above for the case n = 1 with Oi = Si, i.e., for the Heisenberg Hamiltonian. The proof allows us to rule out the possibility that a small isotropic biquadratic exchange (Si·Sj)2 could induce ferromagnetism or antiferromagnetism in a two‐dimensional Heisenberg system.
Effects of temperature variation on TSD in turtle (C. picta) populations

We formulate a two-sex model of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) for a freshwater turtle (C. picta) population. The aim is to understand how environmental temperature variations and nest heat conduction properties affect the long term dynamics of the population. This is a key to understanding how global temperature changes may affect their survival. With stochastic inputs of ambient temperature and solar radiation, the model uses the heat equation to determine the temperature in the egg layer in the nest; in turn, this determines the sex ratio in the egg clutch using a variable degree-day model. Finally, a nonlinear Leslie type, stage-based, two-sex model, is used to determine the long term male and female populations. A two-sex model is required because of different development rates for males and females. The model is flexible enough to enable other researchers to examine the effects of temperature variation variations on other species with TSD, e.g., crocodilians, reptilians, as well as other turtle species. It can be adapted to study effects of nest location, soil type, rain events, different incubation periods, and density effects, for example, the dependence of the mating function on the ratio of males to females and each’s contribution to the sex of hatchlings. Modifications can be easily made to fit a specific life history traits. The model is a beginning step in understanding the long term, high fitness shown by many reptile species with TSD, and it may suggest to experimentalists what data may be relevant to these issues; it can also be useful to wildlife managers in developing strategies for intervention if needed. Among the principal findings are that temperature variability and detailed nest heat conduction properties may buffer projected negative effects on a population. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Experimental analysis of metal coated dielectric waveguides

This paper concerns the experimental characteristics of metal coated dielectric waveguides with a rectangular surface corrugation. Waveguide are designed to operate at a second Bragg frequency of 90 GHz. The period, height and the duty cycle of a rectangular grating were calculated using the chosen frequency. A metallic layer of aluminum is sputtered on one side of the slab waveguide. The purpose of the metallic layer is to simulate a layer of high density plasma on the surface of the waveguide similar to that obtained by optical excitation of semiconductor structures. Experiments were performed to examine the far field radiation pattern, attenuation constant and the dispersion relation. Due to the presence of the plasma layer there will be an angular shift in the far field radiation pattern. We have observed angular shifts of about 20‡ in the radiation pattern of the waveguide before and after coating. Measurements are made in the frequency range of 88–95 GHz. This waveguide structure can be used to design an electronically steerable antenna and an electronic phase shifter operating in the millimeter-wave frequency band.
Self-luminescence of several fluorite-structure halides doped with curium or berkelium

Abstract The self-luminescence emission spectra of several fluorite-structure halides doped with 0.1 cation % 244Cm or 249Bk were measured in the range 14 × 105 to 50 × 105 m-1 (200–700 nm) between 295 and 600 K. The hosts studied included CaF2, SrF2, BaF2, and SrCl2 (for Cm) and BaF2 and SrCl2 (for Bk). The room-temperature spectra of the Cm-doped samples all have relatively sharp peaks at approximately 16.5 × 105 m-1 and broad, asymmetric bands with maxima near 35 × 105 m-1 (fluorides) or 28 × 105 m-1 (SrCl2). The sharp peaks are attributed to the Cm dopant and are stable to at least 600 K, while the broad bands appear to be associated with host anion centers and disappear on sample heating. The room-temperature spectrum of Bk-doped BaF2 also displays an anion- related band at 35 × 105 m-1, while that of Bk-doped SrCl2 has both an anion band at 28 × 105 m-1 and a peak at 19 × 105 m-1 (believed to be an additional host effect). The luminescence intensity of all samples decreased with room-temperature storage, but could be partially restored by annealing.
Induced sex change in black sea bass

Experiments were conducted to identify factors involved in sex change in the protogynous black sea bass Centropristis striata. Black sea bass maintained in the ratio of 8 females (F):0 males (M) for 9 months reversed sex while those kept at the ratios of 6F:2M or 4F:4M did not. Female black sea bass implanted with 1·0 mg 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) or 10 mg fadrozole (FAD) changed sex and began spermiating while those implanted with 0·1 mg 11-KT or 1·0 mg FAD underwent incomplete sex reversal. One fish implanted with 1·0 mg FAD initiated sex change but was not spermiating at the end of the study. One fish in the control group, the largest fish in the study, initiated sex change. These results suggest that the presence of males may restrict sex reversal in black sea bass and that high 17β-oestradiol:11-KT is required for maintaining ovarian function.
Reafference learning in the presence of exafference.

Reafference learning has been demonstrated most clearly in the case of position-constancy adaptation in which the only stimulus change is caused by the subject’s own movoment. The present study used the more ecologically representative training situation in which only part of the stimulus change is caused by the subject (reafference), while part of it is caused by an independent source (exafference). The exafference varied the space relation between subject movement and optical movement or the time relation between those two. In both cases, reafference learning was not affected by the exafference, and the subject’s varied training experience resulted in a fixed expected optical movement and a fixed expected time lag.
The 2644 Å band system of fluorobenzene

Abstract A successful rovibronic band analysis of the 1 B 2 ← 1 A 1 electronic transition in isotopic fluorobenzenes has been performed. Salient features of the analysis of the transition are presented and include discussions of prominent sequence bands, hot and cold bands and comparison of these results with new infrared results.
Spirocyclic sulfamides as β-secretase 1 (BACE-1) inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: utilization of structure based drug design, WaterMap, and CNS penetration studies to identify centrally efficacious inhibitors.

β-Secretase 1 (BACE-1) is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, we describe the discovery of a novel class of BACE-1 inhibitors represented by sulfamide 14g, using a medicinal chemistry strategy to optimize central nervous system (CNS) penetration by minimizing hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) and reducing P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated efflux. We have also taken advantage of the combination of structure based drug design (SBDD) to guide the optimization of the sulfamide analogues and the in silico tool WaterMap to explain the observed SAR. Compound 14g is a potent inhibitor of BACE-1 with excellent permeability and a moderate P-gp liability. Administration of 14g to mice produced a significant, dose-dependent reduction in central AβX-40 levels at a free drug exposure equivalent to the whole cell IC50 (100 nM). Furthermore, studies of the P-gp knockout mouse provided evidence that efflux transporters affected the amount of Aβ lowering versus that...
New Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou City, China

The Chinese government needed a public relations tool to promote this completely new major airport construction project to airline customers worldwide. The Architectural staff created the 3D exterior shell in FormZ. This was passed to the animation staff to detail the interior using 3D Studio Max. A seven-minute video shows how a passenger would travel from curbside through the terminal to aircraft boarding and then arriving passengers going thru to the baggage area. The 3D model was created and rendered using five-dual 933 PCs, the animation is 10,800 frames long and required six weeks to build and render. Copyright held by creator.
Determination of small amounts of zirconium--I: gravimetric procedures using mandelic acid and its derivatives

Abstract The limiting factors have been investigated for precipitation of zirconium at the milligram level by mandelic acid, p -bromomandelic acid and m -nitromandelic acid; the latter has only been briefly studied previously. Optimum conditions have been determined for quantitatively precipitating zirconium at 0.1- and 1-mg levels.
Translation of chloroplast-encoded mRNA: potential initiation and termination signals.

Abstract A survey of 196 protein-coding chloroplast DNA sequences demonstrated the preference for AUG and UAA codons for initiation and termination of translation, respectively. As in prokaryotes at every nucleotide position from -25 to +25 (AUG is +1 to +3) and for 25 nucleotides 5' and 3' to the termination codon an A or U is predominant, except for C at +5 and G at +22. A Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence (GGAGG or tri- or tetranucleotide variant) was found within 100 bp 5' to the AUG codon in 92% of the genes. In 40% of these cases, the location of the SD sequence was similar to that of the consensus for prokaryotes (-12 to -7 5' to AUG), presumed to be optimal for translation initiation. A SD sequence could not be located in 6% of the chloroplast sequences. We propose that mRNA secondary structures may be required for the relocation of a distal SD sequences to within the optimal region (-12 to -7) for initiation of translation. We further suggest that termination at UGA codons in chloroplast genes may occur by a mechanism, involving 16S rRNA secondary structure, which has been proposed for UGA termination in E. coli.
Energetics analysis of polyethylene crystallization: single crystal growth surfaces

Abstract Semiempirical energy calculations have been used to investigate the structure and energetics of molecular attachment and mobility on the {110} and {200} growth faces of polyethylene single crystals. The results indicate that, while the crystallographic position of the first nucleating segment on the {110} face is a low energy position, other dispositions of the molecule have somewhat lower energy. Growth layers nucleated by molecules in the lowest energy position are substantially different from the crystallographic structure. After inclusion of a few molecules however, this growth layer must undergo a rearrangement requiring the cooperative motions of several molecules in order to assume the now lower energy crystalline structure. Comparisons of the energies and mobility of molecular segments on the {110} and {200} growth faces indicate that there is a greater attraction of the segments to the {200} face, but that chain mobility is substantially greater on the {110} face. Correlation of these factors with the observed dependence of degree of truncation of polyethylene single crystals on crystallization temperature and the concentration of polymer in solution suggests that the nucleation energetics take precedence over factors of chain mobility, but the total truncation behaviour observed is probably the result of an interplay between these two factors. Energetics calculations also provide an explanation for the observed lower melting temperature of the {200} sectors.
Subelliptic estimates on compact semisimple Lie groups

Abstract In this paper, we consider a natural subelliptic structure in semisimple, compact and connected Lie groups, and estimate the constant in the so-called subelliptic Friedrichs–Knapp–Stein inequality, which has implications in the regularity theory of p -energy minimizers.
Calculation of thermodynamic derivatives from NPT computer simulation in combination with the Kirkwood-Buff theory

Abstract We report simulation results on argon-krypton mixtures using the difference method and calculate the Kirkwood-Buff integrals using its inversion procedure. The linearity of the integrals of the direct correlation functions C AB / C AA versus C BB / C AA of these mixtures was verified.
Ventilatory frequency and haemolymph acid-base status during short-term hypercapnia in the locust, Schistocerca nitens

Abstract In this study, I investigated the role of the locust ventilatory system in haemolymph acid-base regulation during short-term (50 min) exposure to elevated environmental carbon dioxide. In American locusts, Schistocerca nitens , abdominal pumping frequency increased linearly with inspired P CO 2 ( P 1 CO 2 ) to a P 1 CO 2 of 107 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pascals). Ventilatory frequency was strongly correlated with haemolymph acid-base variables, consistent with the hypothesis that changes in ventilatory frequency were caused by changes in haemolymph pH or P CO 2 . As inspired P CO 2 increased, the partial pressure gradient for carbon dioxide from haemolymph to air decreased, reducing the changes in haemolymph pH. Slopes of in vivo and in vitro buffer lines were statistically indistinguishable, suggesting that changes in haemolymph pH in vivo were due primarily to changes in haemolymph P CO 2 . The results of this study indicate that the locust ventilatory system plays the dominant role in limitation of changes in haemolymph pH during short-term hypercapnia.
Simulating open quantum systems by applying SU(4) to quantum master equations

We show that open quantum systems of two-level atoms symmetrically coupled to a single-mode photon field can be efficiently simulated by applying a SU(4) group theory to quantum master equations. This is important since many foundational examples in quantum optics fall into this class. We demonstrate the method by finding exact solutions for many-atom open quantum systems such as lasing and steady-state superradiance.
THE BRITISH ABILITY SCALES SPEED OF INFORMATION PROCESSING SUBTEST: WHAT DOES IT MEASURE?

Summary. Recent theory and research has focused on the relationship between speed of performing elementary cognitive operations and general intelligence. The developers of the British Ability Scales (BAS) included the Speed of Information Processing (SOIP) subtest as a measure of mental processing speed. To test the validity of the SOIP subtest, a group of 12-year-old children were given the BAS short-form, including the SOIP subtest, and a series of electronically timed reaction time (RT) tasks. Correlations between RT and SOIP were higher than correlations between RT and other BAS subtests, suggesting convergent and discriminant validity. A hierarchical factor analysis of the data shows that the BAS SOIP subtest is related more to speed of apprehension (RT) than to speed of making the motor response, or movement time (MT).
Equatorial Superrotation and Barotropic Instability: Static Stability Variants

Abstract Altering the tropospheric static stability changes the nature of the equatorial superrotation associated with unstable, low-latitude, westerly jets, according to calculations with a dry, global, multilevel, spectral, primitive equation model subject to a simple Newtonian heating function. For a low static stability, the superrotation fluxes with the simplest structure occur when the stratospheric extent and horizontal diffusion are minimal. Barotropic instability occurs on the jet's equatorward flank and baroclinic instability occurs on the jet's poleward flank. Systems with a high static stability inhibit the baroclinic instability and thereby reveal more clearly that the barotropic instability is the primary process driving the equatorial superrotation. Such systems produce a flatter equatorial jet and also take much longer to equilibrate than the standard atmospheric circulation.
Anti-VEGF therapy for the treatment of glaucoma: a focus on ranibizumab and bevacizumab

Introduction: Anti-VEGF therapy has been widely used in the treatment of ocular neovascular diseases. Because of their anti-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic properties, anti-VEGF antibodies such as bevacizumab and ranibizumab have emerged as an adjunctive treatment modality in glaucoma to improve success of conventional treatments. Areas covered: Ranibizumab is an anti-VEGF-A antigen binding fragment currently indicated in neovascular age-related macular degeneration as well as macular edema following retinal vein occlusion. Several off-label uses include the treatment of neovascular glaucoma to regress/suppress iris and iridocorneal angle neovascularization and the modulation of wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery. Bevacizumab is a full-length anti-VEGF antibody, which is also being used in aforementioned eye conditions off-label. An overview of these anti-VEGF antibodies and the results of preclinical and clinical studies regarding their use in the treatment of glaucoma are presented. Expert opi...
Co-Optimization and Analysis of Signal, Power, and Thermal Interconnects in 3-D ICs

Heat removal and power delivery have become two major reliability concerns in 3-D integrated circuit (IC) technology. To alleviate thermal problem, two possible solutions have been proposed: thermal-through-silicon-vias (T-TSVs) and micro-fluidic channel (MFC)-based cooling. In case of power delivery, a complex power distribution network is required to deliver currents reliably to all parts of the 3-D IC while suppressing the power supply noise to an acceptable level. However, these thermal and power networks pose major challenges in signal routability and congestion. This is because signal, power, and thermal interconnects are all competing for routing space, and the related TSVs interfere with gates and wires in each die. We present a co-optimization methodology for signal, power, and thermal interconnects in 3-D ICs based on design of experiments (DOE) and response surface methodology (RSM). The goal of our holistic approach is to improve signal, thermal, and power noise metrics and to provide fast and accurate design space exploration for early design stage. We also provide an in-depth comparison between T-TSV versus MFC-based cooling method and discuss how to employ DOE and RSM techniques to co-optimize the interconnects. Our DOE-based optimization found the optimal design point with less effort than a gradient search-based optimization.
The role of oxygen in CdS/CdTe solar cells deposited by close-spaced sublimation

The presence of oxygen during close-spaced sublimation (CSS) of CdTe has been previously reported to be essential for high-efficiency CdS/CdTe solar cells because it increases the acceptor density in the absorber. The authors find that the presence of oxygen during CSS increases the nucleation site density of CdTe, thus decreasing pinhole density and grain size. Photoluminescence showed that oxygen decreases material quality in the bulk of the CdTe film, but positively impacts the critical CdS/CdTe interface. Through device characterization, they were unable to verify an increase in acceptor density with increased oxygen. These results, along with the achievement of high-efficiency solar cells (13% AM1.5) without the use of oxygen, led them to conclude that the use of oxygen during CSS deposition of CdTe can be useful but is not essential.
Toward a behavioral economic understanding of drug dependence: delay discounting processes

Behavioral economics examines conditions that influence the consumption of commodities and provides several concepts that may be instrumental in understanding drug dependence. One such concept of significance is that of how delayed reinforcers are discounted by drug dependent individuals. Discounting of delayed reinforcers refers to the observation that the value of a delayed reinforcer is discounted (reduced in value or considered to be worth less) compared to the value of an immediate reinforcer. This paper examines how delay discounting may provide an explanation of both impulsivity and loss of control exhibited by the drug dependent. In so doing, the paper reviews economic models of delay discounting, the empirical literature on the discounting of delayed reinforcers by the drug dependent and the scientific literature on personality assessments of impulsivity among drug-dependent individuals. Finally, future directions for the study of discounting are discussed, including the study of loss of control and loss aversion among drug-dependent individuals, the relationship of discounting to both the behavioral economic measure of elasticity as well as to outcomes observed in clinical settings, and the relationship between impulsivity and psychological disorders other than drug dependence.
Integrals of the Vorticity Equation. Part II: Special Two-Dimensional Flows

Abstract In Part I, a general integral of the 2D vorticity equation was obtained. This is a formal solution for the vorticity of a moving tube of air in a 2D unsteady stratified shear flow with friction. This formula is specialized here to various types of 2D flow. For steady inviscid flow, the integral reduces to an integral found by Moncrieff and Green if the flow is Boussinesq and to one obtained by Lilly if the flow is isentropic. For steady isentropic frictionless motion of clear air, several quantities that are invariant along streamlines are found. These invariants provide another way to obtain Lilly’s integral from the general integral.
SPICE Simulation and Measurement of Emission Current from the Static Dissipator Devices at Switching Impulse

In the continued study of traditional and non-traditional types of lightning protection devices, an approach is developed to analyze the emission current due to space charge development at switching impulse voltage. Components of the SPICE model, the generator, dissipater, and air gap, allow for simulation of the emission current. The SPICE models, simulation results, and comparison of simulated emission current and measured results are presented
Lipid and lipoprotein profiles in youth with and without type 1 diabetes: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth case-control study.

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to compare the lipid profile and the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in youth with and without type 1 diabetes and explore the role of glycemic control on the hypothesized altered lipid profile in youth with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 512 youth with type 1 diabetes (mean duration 4.22 years) and 188 healthy control subjects aged 10–22 years in Colorado and South Carolina. SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH) participants with type 1 diabetes and healthy control subjects recruited from primary care offices in the same geographic regions were invited to attend a research visit. Fasting lipid profiles were compared between youth with type 1 diabetes (stratified according to categories of optimal [A1C <7.5%] and suboptimal [A1C ≥7.5%] glycemic control) and healthy nondiabetic youth, using multiple linear and logistic regression. RESULTS—Youth with type 1 diabetes and optimal A1C had lipid concentrations that were similar (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and LDL particle size) or even less atherogenic (HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and triglyceride–to–HDL cholesterol ratio) than those observed in nondiabetic youth, whereas youth with suboptimal glycemic control had elevated standard lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol). Youth with type 1 diabetes also had significantly elevated apolipoprotein B levels and more small, dense LDL particles than nondiabetic youth, regardless of glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS—Youth with type 1 diabetes have abnormal lipid levels and atherogenic changes in lipoprotein composition, even after a relatively short disease duration. As in adults, glycemic control is an important mediator of these abnormalities.
Survival analysis in patients with newly diagnosed primary glioblastoma multiforme using pre- and post-treatment peritumoral perfusion imaging parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate if peritumoral (PT) perfusion parameters obtained from dynamic susceptibility weighted contrast enhanced perfusion MRI can predict overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Twenty-eight newly diagnosed GBM patients, who were treated with resection followed by concurrent chemoradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy, were included in this study. Evaluated perfusion parameters were pre- and post-treatment PT relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Proportional hazard analysis was used to assess the relationship OS, PFS and perfusion parameters. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test were used to characterize and compare the patient groups with high and low perfusion parameter values in terms of OS and PFS. Pretreatment PT rCBV and rCBF were not associated with OS and PFS whereas there was statistically significant association of both posttreatment PT rCBV and rCBF with OS and posttreatment rCBV with PFS (association of PFS and posttreatment rCBF was not statistically significant). Neither the Kaplan-Meier survival estimates nor the log-rank test demonstrated any differences in OS between high and low pretreatment PT rCBV values and rCBF values; however, high and low post-treatment PT rCBV and rCBF values did demonstrate statistically significant difference in OS and PFS. Our study found posttreatment, not pretreatment, PT perfusion parameters can be used to predict OS and PFS in patients with newly diagnosed GBM.
Methotrexate pulmonary toxicity

Methotrexate is a commonly prescribed antineoplastic and immune modulating compound that has gained wide acceptance in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, sarcoidosis and a number of neoplastic disorders. Although generally considered safe and easy to use, methotrexate has been associated with a number of adverse reactions. Pulmonary toxicity has been well-described and may take a variety of forms. Pulmonary infiltrates are the most commonly encountered form of methotrexate pulmonary toxicity and these infiltrates resemble hypersensitivity lung disease. This discussion focuses primarily on low-dose methotrexate pulmonary toxicity and will discuss the diagnosis using clinical, pulmonary function, radiographical and pathological manifestations. Suggestions for clinical monitoring to detect adverse effects are given. In addition, management of pulmonary toxicity through discontinuation of the methotrexate, support and possibly the administration of corticosteroids is discussed.