cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity of multiple-pore membranes investigated with ion conductance microscopy

Heterogeneous conductance of individual pores on a porous membrane was studied with a four-electrode scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM). Application of a potential difference across the membrane resulted in migration of ions through nanopores, where subsequent conductance changes were measured by a nanopipet positioned above the nanopore as a change in pipet current. Current responses of single-pore membranes and individual pores within a multipore membrane were examined and demonstrated variations in ion current rectification (ICR) ratios due to the small differences in pore geometries.
Mosquito larvicidal activities of oil solutions and emulsifiable formulations containing lipophilic N-alkyl and N,N'-dialkylalkylenediamines.

Alkyl halides with various chain lengths were reacted with alkylenediamines such as propylenediamine (1,3-diaminopropane), putrescine, 1, 1, 4, 4-tetramethylputrescine, 1, 4-cyclohexane bis methylamine, and Duomeen® L-11 (N-(2-undecyl)propylenediamine) to provide effective larvicides against Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say, and Aedes aegypti (L.). Many of the amines were good surfactants with high solubilities in oil. They were conveniently formulated in emulsions with oil. The test emulsion was applied to the surface of 1 liter of water containing larvae in a pan. At the water surface the emulsion broke to form an oil film. Against 3rd instars of A. aegypti , the 48-h LD50 value was 860 μl of emulsion containing 5% Richfield Larvicide oil applied to the 465-cm2 surface of the water. Much lower LD50 values were obtained with emulsions containing amine in addition to oil. With emulsions containing 1% of various amines and 4% oil, the LD50 values in μl emulsion/465 cm2 were: 17 μl with N,N′-didecyl-1,4-cyclohexane bis methylamine; 20 μl with N-decyl Duomeen L-11; 23 μl with N-tetradecylpropylenediamine; 33 μl with N,N′-dinonyl-1,1,4,4-tetramethylputrescine; and 37 μl with oleylamine. By contrast, the LD50 value was 4.6 μl of emulsion containing only 0.04% Abate® (0, 0′-(thiodi- p -phenylene)0,0,-0′,0′-tetramethyl phosphorothioate) and 0.16% oil. Abate was 92 times as potent as the most active diamine, but this difference in potencies was reduced to 29-fold when larval exposure to the oil film during the 48-h test period was reduced to 2 h.
An inexpensive proportional wire chamber profile monitor for secondary beam lines

Abstract An electronic system used in association with a proportional wire counter has been used successfully to display beam profiles in secondary beam lines of the Zero Gradient Synchrotron. The electronic package is inexpensive and simplifies the tuning procedure for beam lines.
Intricacies for posttranslational tumor-targeted cytokine gene therapy

The safest and most effective cytokine therapies require the favorable accumulation of the cytokine in the tumor environment. While direct treatment into the neoplasm is ideal, systemic tumor-targeted therapies will be more feasible. Electroporation-mediated transfection of cytokine plasmid DNA including a tumor-targeting peptide-encoding sequence is one method for obtaining a tumor-targeted cytokine produced by the tumor-bearing patient’s tissues. Here, the impact on efficacy of the location of targeting peptide, choice of targeting peptide, tumor histotype, and cytokine utilization are studied in multiple syngeneic murine tumor models. Within the same tumor model, the location of the targeting peptide could either improve or reduce the antitumor effect of interleukin (IL)12 gene treatments, yet in other tumor models the tumor-targeted IL12 plasmid DNAs were equally effective regardless of the peptide location. Similarly, the same targeting peptide that enhances IL12 therapies in one model fails to improve the effect of either IL15 or PF4 for inhibiting tumor growth in the same model. These interesting and sometimes contrasting results highlight both the efficacy and personalization of tumor-targeted cytokine gene therapies while exposing important aspects of these same therapies which must be considered before progressing into approved treatment options.
Word-types, not word-tokens, facilitate extraction of phonotactic sequences by adults

Phonotactics-the permissibility of sound sequences within a word-correspond to lexical statistics, but controversy persists over which statistics are being tracked. In this study, lexical type and token counts were compared as they contributed to phonotactic extraction from an artificial lexicon. Young-adult participants were familiarized with a set of CVCCVC nonwords contextualized as a lexicon of Martian animal names. The type and token frequencies of word-medial consonant sequences within those names were varied systematically. Participants then rated new nonwords, containing the same medial sequences, on a 7-point scale for similarity to the Martian animal names. Higher ratings only followed high type frequency familiarization conditions, suggesting that word-types drove phonotactic extraction. Additionally, participants reversed the typical preference for high frequency English sequences, likely because they rated nonwords according to their membership to an unknown language. This finding suggests cognitively separable tracking of artificial language statistics and preexisting representations.
Structures in the Yeast Cell Revealed in Wet Mounts

Most of the structures which have been described in yeast cells can be made visible in the living cell with an ordinary light microscope.Many of the structures in yeast cells can be stained in temporary liquid mounts of unfixed cells by control of pH, oxidation-reduction potential and the ratio of cell concentration to the concentration of dye. All these factors are interrelated and altering one may require a change in another to obtain the most effective result. The preparations can be be freeze-dried and held for about a week for critical observation.At pH 8.1 filamentous structures inside the vacuole similar to those in unstained cells can be observed. At pH 11, the chromatin appears to disperse and to be precipitated on the wall of the vacuole. The precipitate subsequently peels off and appears as a tightly rolled tube moving freely in the vacuole. In cells with lobed vacuoles, the dispersed chromatin is equally distributed between the inter-communicating lobes and a “Peeling” from the wall appears in each lobe.When a solution of toluidine blue is allowed to dry slowly on a slide, long, thick, dark blue crystalloids are formed on evaporation of the solvent. The shape of the structure which appears in the vacuole may be influenced by the tendency of toluidine blue to form long, thick crystalloids, but, since the structures are almost invariably double, it appears that the crystalloidal structure of toluidine blue is not the only factor influencing their form. Toluidine blue stains the intravacuolar structures under conditions when metaphosphate is present in the cell.No birefringent structures are visible in the unstained yeast cell. The chromosome complexes stained with toluidine blue are spectacularly birefringent although the centrochromatin similarly stained is not.
Improved Immune Clonal Selection Algorithm and its Application in Power Network Planning

Power network planning is a NP hard problem difficult to be solved. It can be contributed to similar TSP problem. Aiming at the slow convergence speed of the traditional immune clonal selection algorithm (ICA), adaptive immune clonal selection algorithm without memory（AICA）and adaptive immune clonal selection algorithm with memory(AICAM) are proposed respectively based on the combination of adaptive algorithm of clonal probability, immune probability , and group disaster algorithm. The two proposed algorithms have been applied to Power network planning problem. The adaptive algorithm has strong global search ability and weak local search ability at early evolution. Global search ability is weakened and local search ability is enhanced with the process of evolution in order to find global optimal point. The application of group disaster algorithm can enhance the diversity of the population and avoid the premature problems to some extent. Simulation results indicate that compared with the traditional immune clonal selection algorithm(ICA), the proposed algorithms can enhance the diversity of the population, avoid the premature problems, and can accelerate convergence speed in some extent.
The acute lumbar disc herniation: Imaging diagnosis

The acute lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) can often be diagnosed on good quality MRI or CT examination. Myelography, discography, and postmyelography/postdiscography CT ordinarily are reserved for equivocal and protracted cases. MRI is recommended as the initial study of choice except for older patients for whom CT may be more valuable because of the high incidence of osteophytosis. Patients with acute herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) may have varied clinical symptoms depending on the level of the HNP, extent of the annulus tear/depth of penetration of nuclear material, and the direction of the disc herniation. HNP does not necessarily produce radiculopathy and may cause vague low back pain. This article reviews and analyzes the clinical symptoms and problems associated with HNP, as well as the pitfalls and differential diagnostic possibilities in interpretation.
Religion and interpersonal guilt: Variations across ethnicity and spirituality

In 246 college students, we found that ethnicity, religious affiliation, and religious or spiritual emphasis were significantly related to guilt. Ethnicities were compared, without regard to religion, on levels of interpersonal guilt, a construct that has been associated with a variety of psychological problems. There were significant differences found between ethnic groups, with Asian Americans higher in maladaptive interpersonal guilt than were European and Latin Americans. There were significant differences between groups of religious or spiritual affiliation, with Catholics and Protestants having higher levels of maladaptive interpersonal guilt than those with no religious affiliation. Within each ethnic group, we examined differences in guilt between religious groups, and between broader identification as religious (but not spiritual), spiritual (but not religious), spiritual and religious, or neither. There were significant differences between both religious affiliation groups and between broader re...
Tortuosity and anomalous diffusion in the neuromuscular junction.

The signal transfer from nerve to muscle occurs by diffusion across the neuromuscular junction. The continuum level analysis of diffusion processes is based on the diffusion equation, which in one dimension is $\ensuremath{\partial}c∕\ensuremath{\partial}t=D({\ensuremath{\partial}}^{2}c∕\ensuremath{\partial}{x}^{2})$, where $c$ is the molecular concentration and $D$ is the diffusivity. However, in confined systems such as the neuromuscular junction, the diffusion equation may not be valid, and even if valid the value of $D$ may be altered by the confinement. In this paper, Monte Carlo simulations are used to probe diffusion at the molecular level in a realistic model of a neuromuscular junction. The results show that diffusion is anomalous (i.e., not described by the diffusion equation) for time scales less than $\ensuremath{\sim}0.01\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{s}$, which is the time scale relevant for signaling processes in the synapse. At longer time scales, the diffusion is normal (i.e., described by the diffusion equation), but with a value of $D$ that is reduced by a factor of $\ensuremath{\sim}5$ times compared to the value for diffusion in open space. As the width of the synaptic cleft decreases, these effects become even more pronounced. The physical basis of these results is described in terms of the structure of the neuromuscular junction.
Biliverdin reductase: Characterization in the rat kidney and the inhibition of activity by mercuric chloride

Abstract The effects of metal ions on the activities of biliverdin reductase in the rat kidney and liver were examined; the pH optimum and the cofactor requirement for the enzyme activity in the kidney were also studied. The reduction of biliverdin IXα by biliverdin reductase in the rat kidney cytosol fraction could be supported by NADPH and NADH. The activity was optimal around pH 8.7 when NADPH was the cofactor. The activity with NADH was undetectable at this pH. NADH-dependent biliverdin reductase was optimal at pH 7.0, where the NADPH-dependent activity was negligible. Biliverdin reductase activity was not inducible in the kidney or liver in response to treatment of rats with metal ions—Co2−, Ni2−, Pb2+, Sn2−, Zn2−, Cd2+, and Cu2- or sodium selenite. Rather, both NADPH- and NADH-dependent activities in the kidney were decreased markedly in a time- and dose-related manner following the adminstration of HgCl2 (10–30 μmoles/kg, 24 hr). The pretreatment of rats (30 min) with sodium selenite (5 μmoles/kg) effectively blocked the Hg2+ (20 μmoles/kg. 24 hr) inhibition of the kidney cytosol biliverdin reductase activity. Similarly, in vitro Hg2+ was an effective inhibitor of the kidney biliverdin reductase. In addition, highly purified biliverdin reductase also was extremely sensitive to Hg2+ and the thiol reagent, 5, 5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). The inhibition of purified reductase by 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), but not by Hg2-, could be reversed by dithiothreitol.
Ankle brachial index screening in asymptomatic older adults.

Background Screening for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) by measuring ankle brachial index (ABI) in asymptomatic older adults is currently recommended to improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment and establish early treatment, but it is not clear if the strategy is useful in all populations. We examined the prevalence and independent predictors of an abnormal ABI ( Methods Baseline data collected between December 2001 and January 2004 among the healthy older controls enrolled in ADVANCE was examined. Frequency distributions and prevalence estimates of an abnormal ABI were calculated, using both standard and modified definitions of ABI. Stepwise logistic regression was used to examine independent predictors of ABI Results The prevalence of ABI P > .05). Compared with subjects who had a normal ABI (0.90-1.39), subjects with an ABI 10, and an FRS >20% ( P ≤ .02). Independent predictors of ABI 30 (all P values ≤.03), and when using the modified definition included currently smoking, physical inactivity, and hypertension (all P values ≤.04). Currently, smoking was the only significant variable for ABI P = .02), and indicated that prevalence of ABI Conclusions ABI screening in generally healthy individuals 60 to 69 years old may result in lower prevalence rates of a positive result than estimates based on studies in clinical populations. The modified definition for calculating ABI captured more asymptomatic adults with suspected peripheral arterial disease. More evaluation of the appropriate role of ABI screening in unselected populations is needed before routine screening is implemented.
Processing studies and thermal stability of addition polymers from 1,4,5,8‐tetrahydro‐1,4;5,8‐diepoxyanthracene and Bis‐dienes

1,4,5,8-Tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene reacts with various anthracene end-capped polymide oligomers to form Diels-Alder cycloaddition copolymers. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents, and dehydrate thermally at temperatures of 300–350°C to give thermal oxidatively stable pentiptycene units along the polymer backbone. Because of their high softening points and good thermal oxidative stability, the polymers are candidates for matrix resins for high temperature composite applications. To assess their usefulness for such applications, several parameters have been studied affecting the properties of the final polymer. These parameters include varying the formulated molecular weight of the end-capped prepolymers, and use of meta-substituted aromatic diamine in place of some of the para-substituted diamine. Processability of the resins was studied using rheometric spectrometry, and a processing scheme was devised. Finally, several formulations of neat resins were compression molded into coupons, and evaluated for longterm stability in air at 315 and 371°C. The best combination of good processability and thermal oxidative stability was obtained from polymers synthesized with small amounts of meta-diamine substitution and higher formulated molecular weight prepolymers.
Electron microscopy of acidic aerosols collected over the northeastern United States

Abstract As part of the acid precipitation experiment (APEX) conducted in the northeastern U.S. by the National Center for Atmospheric Research and cooperating universities, aerosols were collected from an aircraft in different seasons, locations and meteorological conditions. Particles were impacted on electron microscope grids for morphological analysis and thin-film chemical tests for sulfate and nitrate. Under most conditions the accumulation mode aerosols ( c . 0.1–1.0 μm diameter) collected in the boundary layer were composed of sulfate particles of uniform composition (i.e. an internally mixed aerosol), indicating that individual particle composition could be inferred from bulk measurements. Externally mixed aerosols (i.e. assemblages of different kinds of particles) were found to exist near certain sources (e.g. power plants), in urban plumes, and near fair weather cumulus clouds. Direct evidence of rapid oxidation of SO 2 to H 2 SO 4 in cloud droplets was obtained in samples collected near clouds in northern New York and central Illinois, and this represents a potentially major pathway for SO 2 oxidation in the lower troposphere.
Demography of Bouteloua gracilis in a mixed prairie: analysis of genets and individuals

1 We analysed a data set containing the locations and sizes of individual plants from five 1-m2 permanent quadrats that had been mapped annually from 1934 to 1972. We digitized each map and used geographical information software to evaluate annual recruitment and mortality, age structure, survivorship and longevity of genets and individuals of Bouteloua gracilis. 2 Ninety-one per cent of the years between 1938 and 1972 had at least one seedling recruited. An average of 10.3 genets died annually, although the variability among years was high (CV = 70%). The number of seedlings recruited each year was significantly correlated with the number of genets dying. Most genets died before age 10 and the average life span was 3.7 years, although some genets were much longer lived (> 38 years). 3 The average number of individuals per genet was 1.3. Excluding seedlings, 56% of the genets were represented by a single individual. The annual number of individuals in the 5 m2 ranged from 29 to 278. Average mortality of individuals was 25.8 per year and the variability among years was high (CV = 91%). 4 The plant community appeared to be relatively stable and openings created by mortality were recolonized by recruitment. Climatic variability did not have a large influence on demography.
Effect of temperature on moisture absorption in a bismaleimide resin and its carbon fiber composites

Abstract The effect of temperature on moisture absorption and hygrothermal aging in a commercial bismaleimide (BMI) resin and its composites are studied. The resin and composites display a two-stage diffusion behavior, with the first and second stages being diffusion- and relaxation-controlled, respectively. An increase in temperature accelerates moisture absorption in both the first and second stages. The activation energy of diffusion is very similar in the neat resin and composites, which suggests minimal interface effect on short term moisture diffusion. The equilibrium uptake of the diffusion-controlled first stage decreases with increasing temperature, indicating moisture absorption in the BMI resin is exothermic. The heat of absorption calculated from the temperature dependence of the quasi-equilibrium uptake is on the order of −3 kJ/mol. Although moisture absorption at relatively low temperatures is dominated by relaxation of the resin, significant chemical degradation occurs at 90 °C. The chemical degradation most likely involves the hydrolysis of imide units, resulting in depolymerization and chain scission.
Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of α-Iminoamides from Imidoyl Chlorides and a Carbamoylsilane

A series of pure imidoyl chlorides were converted into α-iminoamides by treatment with a carbamoylsilane under catalysis by palladium(0) complexes.
Gastric mucosal resistance to a repeated ethanol insult.

The luminal gastric mucosa of anesthetised rats was uniformly exposed to 70% ethanol for 30–45 seconds. Ninety-six per cent of the superficial epithelium was immediately destroyed. The mucosa was allowed to heal for 60 minutes, during which time 85% of the superficial mucosa had re-epithelialised. A thick gelatinous layer of necrotic cells and mucosal exudate formed over the restituted epithelium. To determine whether the mucosa could withstand a second ethanol insult, the same stomachs were re-exposed to 70% ethanol for 30–45 seconds and fixed for quantitative light microscopy. Significant damage to the newly formed epithelium was observed only when the gelatinous layer was first removed and then followed by a second ethanol insult. This resulted in uniform superficial damage to 92% of the mucosal surface with accompanying vascular stasis.
The impact of gender and left atrial blood stasis on adiponectin levels in non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Obesity is a risk factor for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Adiponectin, a unique biomarker of adipose tissue, has antiinflammatory, insulin-sensitizing, and antiatherogenic properties and is known to be higher in women. The relationship between adiponectin, gender, and thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation however is unknown. Methods The relationship between gender, adiponectin levels, and echocardiographic measures of blood stagnation and left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) was assessed in 209 patients with NVAF (55 women and 154 men; mean age 63±14years) compared to 70 normal sinus rhythm controls (29 women and 41 men; mean age 64±14years). Total adiponectin was measured by solid-phase ELISA. Demographic and clinical variables of CHADS 2 and CHA2DS2-VASc were collected, and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC), left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAEV) and left atrium volume index (LAVI) were measured prospectively. Results Elevated adiponectin was associated with advanced cardiovascular pathology and permanent arrhythmia but only in men with NVAF. In NVAF men, a step-wise increase in adiponectin levels was noted relative to increasing intensity of SEC and decreasing LAAEV. Adiponectin level >16657ng/ml predicted LAAT (OR: 3.66; 95% Cl: 1.21–11.48; p=0.022) after adjustment for CHADS2 score in men but not in women with NVAF. Conclusions There is a direct correlation between elevated adiponectin level and the degree of left atrial blood stasis in men but not in women with NVAF. High adiponectin levels can be used as an important variable in the prediction of LAAT.
Focusing on the optics

The flux-transfer efficiency of nonimaging optical systems is limited by etendue conservation. For symmetric optical systems a more stringent limitation is imposed. A concentrating photovoltaic system comprises collection/concentration optics and a solar cell.
Prevalence and biology of Furia gastropachae (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) in populations of forest tent caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)

Furia gastropachae comb. nov. (= Furia crustosa MacLeod et Tyrrell) a depuis longtemps ete associe a une diminution des populations de Malacosoma disstria Hubner, la livree des forets. Cependant, la frequence d'infection et son impact sur les populations hotes n'ont jamais ete documentes. Nous clarifions la nomenclature de cette espece, qui a ete appelee anterieurement E crustosa, et decrivons la morphologie des isolats de F. gastropachae en provenance du Maryland et de New York. Des epizooties de F gastropachae ont ete etudiees dans des populations de M. disstria de l'etat de New York et du Maryland (Etats-Unis d'Amerique). La prevalence de F. gastropachae chez les larves de la fin du cinquieme stade larvaire dans New York etait de 25,6 ± 7,8 % (moyenne ± ecart type). Par comparaison, le taux d'infection par le virus et le taux de parasitisme etaient, respectivement, de 22,2 ± 11,3 et 23,3 ± 8,4 %. Dans l'etat du Maryland, nous n'avons pas observe F. gastropachae dans les premiers stades larvaires et son incidence chez les larves des quatrieme et cinquieme stade etaient de 14,5 ± 7,3 et de 21,6 ± 17,6 % respectivement. Les parasitoides de l'ordre des dipteres representaient egalement d'importants ennemis naturels de ces deux derniers stades larvaires (38,3 ± 3,0 et 17,9 ± 1,4 % de parasitisme, respectivement). Le virus etait present dans moins de 5 % des larves recueillies. Furia gastropachae a demontre une tendance marquee a produire des spores de reserve chez les larves infectees: 100 % des larves recueillies dans l'etat de New York et >80 % des larves recueillies dans l'etat du Maryland comprenaient des spores de reserve, soit seules, soit en association avec des conidies. L'apparence des cadavres des larves tuees par des infections fongiques ou par des infections virales etait semblable. Des 13 especes de lepidopteres exposes a des conidies durant les bio-essais sur l'eventail des hotes de F. gastropachae, seulement 3,3 % de Danaus plexippus (L.) (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), 5,6 % de Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) et 3,7 % de Manduca sexta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) ont pu etre infectes par ce champignon.
Feasibility of using X-ray diffraction for on-line analysis of gypsum during wall board manufacturing

Abstract A preliminary study was conducted to determine the feasibility of developing an on-line x-ray diffraction (XRD) monitor to determine gypsum during wall board manufacturing. Samples of bassanite ( CaSO 4 1 2 H 2 O ) containing 0, 1, 3, and 5% gypsum (CaS04·2H20) were analyzed in the laboratory using an experimental on-line XRD monitor and a conventional x-ray diffractometer. Results of this study indicate that the development of a gypsum monitor is technically feasible. When sample packing was used, gypsum was detected in all of the samples containing added gypsum and the sensitivity was adequate to differentiate between each of the gypsum concentrations. Without sample packing, 1% gypsum could not be detected under the analytical conditions employed. The precision was reasonably good for these exploratory tests, with relative standard deviations ranging from 10–30%. Precision can probably be improved through instrument modifications. Once developed, an on-line gypsum monitor is anticipated to cost on the order of $75,000.
Superfluidity and phase separation in helium films

A vectorial generalization of the Blume-Emery-Griffiths model is proposed to describe superfluidity in films of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$-$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ mixtures, and is solved by an approximate renormalization scheme due to Migdal. In contrast to bulk mixtures, the line of superfluid transitions is connected to the phase-separation curve by a critical end point. The universal jump of the superfluid density, present in the pure $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ system, is preserved with increasing $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ concentrations $x$ until the critical end point occurs at $x\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.12$. At smaller $x$, phase separation causes a kink in the superfluid density versus temperature curve. No tricritical point occurs for any value of the model parameters, although an effectively tricritical phase diagram is obtained in a certain limit. Lines of constant superfluid density bunch up near the effective tricritical point, as predicted by tricritical scaling theory. This treatment also describes superfluidity in pure $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ films in the presence of two-dimensional liquid-gas phase separation. In addition we calculate the specific heat of the pure $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ system, using the recursion relations of Kosterlitz. This specific heat has a broad maximum above the superfluid transition temperature, corresponding to a gradual dissociation of vortex pairs with increasing temperature.
Thrombocytopenia in children with severe iron deficiency.

Purpose Thrombocytopenia has been reported in some children with severe iron deficiency anemia, but the validity of the association and the mechanism of the thrombocytopenia are not well established. Six children with severe iron deficiency and thrombocytopenia are described, and the literature is reviewed. Patients and methods Clinical, hematologic, and morphologic data were collected and analyzed for six patients referred for evaluation of severe microcytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Results The children ranged in age from 14 months to 17 years (median age 27 months) and were otherwise healthy. The iron deficiency was nutritional in four patients younger than 3 years of age and resulted from menstrual blood loss in two teenage girls. The mean initial hemoglobin was 2.5 g/dL (range 1.6-4.7) and the mean initial platelet count was 64 x 109/L (range 11-102). Bone marrow examinations were performed in three patients and showed increased numbers of megakaryocytes. After treatment with therapeutic doses of oral iron, all the patients showed rapid increases in their platelet counts. Conclusions These observations validate and extend previous reports of an association between severe iron deficiency and thrombocytopenia. The increased numbers of megakaryocytes and the extremely rapid increase in platelet counts after initiation of iron therapy suggest an essential role for iron in a late stage of thrombopoiesis.
Implementing a Structured Story Web and Outline Strategy to Assist Struggling Readers

The authors present an instructional strategy designed to assist struggling readers (with or without disabilities) in enhancing their reading comprehension and performance on reading tasks. This explicit, structured reading strategy was presented in a supportive manner in an inclusive, regular education classroom. In the case example described, a fourth-grade teacher used a structured story web and outline to teach students to organize basic information from reading passages. The strategy involved the creation of a structured web of factual details which was converted into a traditional outline format. Repeated use of this strategy throughout the school year resulted in improved performance on classroom-based reading assessments and on tests of reading comprehension by regular and special education students. The article also includes a description of a scaffolded approach to strategy instruction in which the teacher provides a gradual reduction of direct support to allow students to become independent users of the strategy. Jacob sighs and shifts uncomfortably in his chair. The rest of the class appears to be working diligently on the set of comprehension questions the teacher assigned to be answered after the students read a chapter from a young readers' novel. Story details and events seem to run together in a confused jumble for Jacob. His reading disability makes organizing key concepts difficult for him, and he struggles to make sense of even the most basic information, even though he can read the words and can understand the basic vocabulary within the text.
Porous Silicon Resonators for Improved Vapor Detection

This paper presents a microscale resonant sensor that has been fabricated with nanoscale pores for enhanced sensitivity to chemical vapors. By building resonators that are made of porous silicon, we take advantage of the increased area for molecular binding and improve the sensitivity of the resonators to the vapor concentration of interest. We present results for resonators whose surfaces are entirely porous silicon. We also examine the use of targeted regions of porosity to keep critical parts of the beam nonporous and mechanically stable while still maximizing surface area. Surface micromachining processes were used to fabricate the silicon resonator mass sensor, allowing nanostructured devices to be fabricated using only standard top-down processing techniques. We have demonstrated an improvement up to 261% and 165% in resonator sensitivity to isopropyl alcohol forfully porous resonators and partially porous resonators, respectively, as compared to nonporous silicon resonators. Combining this increased sensitivity with resonator quality factor suggests an improvement in minimum detectable resolution over the nonporous resonators by 41% and 56% for the fully porous and partially porous resonators, respectively.
Towards transient growth analysis and design in iterative learning control

In this article the problem of bounding transient growth in iterative learning control (ILC) is examined. While transient growth is not a desirable property, the alternative, robust monotonic convergence, leads to fundamental performance limitations. To circumvent these limitations, this article considers the possibility that some transient growth, if properly limited, is a viable and practical option. Towards this end, this article proposes tools for analysing worst-case transient growth in ILC. The proposed tools are based on pseudospectra analysis, which is extended to apply to ILC of uncertain systems. Two practical problems in norm-optimal ILC weighting parameter design are considered. Using the presented tools, it is demonstrated that successful design in the transient growth regime is possible, i.e. the transient growth is kept small while significantly improving asymptotic performance, despite model uncertainty.
The breakaway corrosion of FeCr alloys in atmospheres containing sulfur and oxygen

Abstract In several practical systems, metals may be exposed at elevated temperatures to environements containing O 2 and S 2 . It commonly happens that Cr 2 O 3 -forming alloys which oxidize protectively for considerable times can be identified; however, there is a risk that, at times which are short in relation to the required component lifetime but long in comparison with test exposures, the corrosion rate may be accelerated. This is called breakaway corrosion, and the object of this study is to investigate the mechanism of the breakaway so that the possibility of its happening can be estimated from short-term tests. It is suggested that breakaway involves the development of a “critical microstructure” characterized by considerable intrusions of relatively coarse Cr 2 O 3 fingers into he metal substrate. It is shown that these intrusions involve the progressive oxidation of a CrS “leader”. This also causes the oxide fingers to be porous, allowing gaseous species easy access to the reaction front.
Activity/composition relations in the ternary feldspars

Activity/composition relations are presented for high-structural state feldspars whose bulk compositions lie within the ternary system NaAlSi3O8 CaAl2Si2O8-KAlSi3O8. The expressions are parameterized from the data for coexisting feldspars of Seck (1971a) using an asymmetric regular solution approximation for the excess Gibbs free energy of mixing and an Al-avoidance model for the configurational entropy of solution. The solution properties of the plagioclase and alkali-feldspar binaries have been made to conform to the recent work of Thompson and Hovis (1979) and Newton et al. (1980). Using the proposed model the ternary feldspar solvus is extrapolated in temperature (up to 1,500° C) and pressure (up to 5kbars). A new two-feldspar geothermometer is presented which provides somewhat more reasonable estimates of crystallization temperatures than the equations and graphs of Stornier (1975), Powell and Powell (1977), Brown and Parsons (1981) and Haselton et al. (1983). In conjunction, some criteria are suggested for establishing the existence of “equilibrium” tie-lines between coexisting ternary feldspars in rhyolites and trachytes. Calculated values of the activity of KAlSi3O8 in plagioclase are examined in some detail. These compare favorably with independent estimates obtained from experimentally grown plagioclases precipitating at liquidus temperatures from igneous rocks of widely varying alkali contents.
Isolation, characterization and direct estimation of dazoxiben and its glucuronide from human plasma and urine.

1. The major metabolite of dazoxiben in human urine was isolated by XAD-2 and silica chromatography, then identified as a glucuronide conjugate by mass spectrometry and n.m.r. spectroscopy.2. Levels of dazoxiben and the metabolite in plasma were measured by extraction onto activated charcoal, followed by h.p.l.c. analysis.3. The method has been used to determine the pharmacokinetics of the drug and metabolite, after intravenous and oral administration of single 100 mg doses to man.
Evaluation of a Large Ge(Li) Detector for Low-Level Radionuclide Analysis

An evaluation of a 26.3% relative efficiency Ge(Li) detector for low-level radionuclide analysis has been made. The detector performance for sources mounted at the detector end cap was compared with the other smaller Ge(Li) detectors and with an opposed Ge(Li) two detector system. Factors studied included resolution, peak-to-Compton ratios, background, detection efficiency at the end cap, source geometry, and relative sensitivity. The 26.3% relative efficiency detector was found to give superior end cap efficiencies, peak-to-Compton ratios, and relative sensitivities without sacrificing performance in the other factors studied.
Lessons Learned with Extended-release Epidural Morphine after Total Hip Arthroplasty

An extended-release epidural morphine (EREM) has been introduced to improve postoperative pain management. Studies have shown the effectiveness of this agent in providing better pain control and patient satisfaction for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. We evaluated postoperative pain relief by comparing average daily pain scores and opioid use with those of the control group. Safety was measured by comparing the occurrence of postoperative complications, nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and respiratory depression between the two groups. Between February 2006 and March 2008, we selected 203 patients to receive EREM for THA. These patients were matched in a 2:1 ratio with patients undergoing THA and receiving spinal anesthesia. We retrospectively reviewed all major and minor postoperative complications from a prospective database. Patients receiving EREM had lower pain scores than patients not receiving EREM on Postoperative Day 1 (POD 1) but not POD 2, or POD 3. Patients receiving EREM experienced a slightly higher incidence of pulmonary embolism and supraventricular tachycardia. Patients receiving EREM also experienced more nausea and vomiting and pruritus. We found EREM provided better pain relief on POD 1 at the expense of a slightly higher incidence of side effects compared with spinal anesthesia alone.
Home and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of reviewWhereas blood pressures (BPs) obtained in the clinic have formed the basis of diagnosis and treatment of hypertension among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), home and ambulatory BP monitoring obtained outside the physician's office have emerged as viable alternatives for t
Measurement and analysis of invivo bone strains on the canine radius and ulna

A strain gauge rosette was bonded in vivo to one of 5 locations on the radius or ulna of 7 mongrel dogs. The strain patterns during gait were recorded daily for each animal for at least 7 days following implantation. Strain and stress patterns in the principal material directions were calculated for typical gait cycles. Stress calculations were made using an anistropic analysis which assumes that the bone surface is an orthotropic lamina. The results showed that significant longitudinal and shear stresses were present in the midshaft of the radius and ulna. Tensile longitudinal stresses were present on convex surfaces, and compressive stresses were present on concave surfaces. The calculated shear stresses were consistent with torsional loading of the radius in the direction of external rotation of the proximal bone end. Significant transverse stresses were calculated for the rosette bonded to the caudal aspect of the distal radius. The results of this study suggest that the in vivo loading conditions in the dog foreleg are complex. The use of single gauges to estimate stresses in the canine foreleg is therefore of limited value.
On waveform design for optimal target discrimination

Probability theory is applied to the problem of radar target discrimination. The theory is used to construct an excitation waveform (an enhanced discrimination pulse) which maximizes the posterior odds in favor of one target over the other. It is shown that the enhanced discrimination pulse has its spectrum concentrated near the frequency where the difference in the impulse spectrum of the two targets reaches a maximum. Enhanced discrimination pulses are calculated using analytical models of thin cylindrical targets and experimental data collected from simplified aircraft models.©1993 John Wiley & Sons Inc
Informatics at UC Irvine

Computer Science, as a single discipline, can no longer speak to the broad relevance of digital technologies in society. The Department of Informatics in the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Irvine, serves as the institutional home for research on relationships between technological, organizational, and social aspects of information technology. Here, we describe the research landscape of the Department of Informatics and its relation to the diverse field of Human-Computer Interaction.
The professional structure of Soviet medical care: the relationship between personal characteristics, medical education, and occupational setting for Estonian physicians.

OBJECTIVES. Using the Estonian example, this study provides data to describe the ways in which personal, educational, and occupational factors interacted to determine the professional structure of the Soviet health care system. METHODS. The study analyzes data gathered from a survey of 20% of the physicians in Estonia. It measures the frequencies of pertinent personal and occupational factors, and uses multivariate analysis to explore relationships between these factors. RESULTS. Most physicians in Estonia are women and work in urban settings. About half of the physicians work in hospitals, and one third work in large outpatient clinics called polyclinics. About one third work in primary care. Gender affects education, specialty, type of workplace, and administrative duties; nationality affects education and administrative duties. CONCLUSIONS. The Soviet system of health care derived its professional structure from a combination of personal and occupational factors. Those considering options for reform of...
Treatment of post-mastectomy pain syndrome with acupuncture: a case report

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a common and severe neuropathic pain syndrome arising after breast surgery. Since few effective allopathic treatments exist for PMPS, many patients may seek assistance from complementary and alternative medicine. Here, we report a case of a woman with severe and persistent PMPS who was successfully treated with acupuncture.
Occupational and environmental risk factors for chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review.

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent and disabling paranasal sinus disease, with a likely multifactorial etiology potentially including hazardous occupational and environmental exposures. We completed a systematic review of the occupational and environmental literature to evaluate the quality of evidence of the role that hazardous exposures might play in CRS. Methods We searched PubMed for studies of CRS and following exposure categories: occupation, employment, work, industry, air pollution, agriculture, farming, environment, chemicals, roadways, disaster, and traffic. We abstracted information from the final set of articles across 6 primary domains: study design; population; exposures evaluated; exposure assessment; CRS definition; and results. Results We identified 41 articles from 1080 manuscripts: 37 occupational risk papers, 1 environmental risk paper, and 3 papers studying both categories of exposures. None of the 41 studies used a CRS definition consistent with current diagnostic guidelines. Exposure assessment was generally dependent on self-report or binary measurements of exposure based on industry of employment. Only grain, dairy, and swine operations among farmers were evaluated by more than 1 study using a common approach to defining CRS, but employment in these settings was not consistently associated with CRS. The multiple other exposures did not meet quality standards for reporting associations or were not evaluated by more than 1 study. Conclusion The current state of the literature allows us to make very few conclusions about the role of hazardous occupational or environmental exposures in CRS, leaving a critical knowledge gap regarding potentially modifiable risk factors for disease onset and progression.
Stability of a non‐divergent Ekman layer

The stability of a non-divergent Ekman layer generated by the horizontal motion of a rigid lid lying on the surface of a rotating fluid is investigated for large α R where α is the wave number of the perturbation and R the Reynolds number. On the assumption that whenever instability occurs rolls are formed at an angle β to the direction of motion of the lid, it is shown that the solutions of the sixth order differential equations governing the perturbation fields can be expressed in terms of the four solutions of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation for a two-dimensional plane parallel flow. The velocity profile of this flow is obtained by projecting the velocity vector of the Ekman flow onto a vertical plane perpendicular to the rolls. As the angle β is varied, the nature of the instability (viz. inviscid or viscous) is discussed by examining the upper branch of the neutral stability curve for infinite Reynolds number. The Coriolis force which affects the structure of the perturbation fields does not influence the nature of the neutral stability curve which is similar to that of a plane parallel flow having the same velocity profile as the component of the Ekman layer flow perpendicular to the direction of the rolls. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1965.tb00194.x