cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIRECT ISOLATION OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID FROM CELLS.

THERE are now available several variations of a few reliable methods for the isolation of DNA from tissues. Generally they are based on the preliminary saline extraction of the tissue, in a method first used by Mirsky and Pollister1. The DNA of the nucleoprotein is isolated with one of a number of different reagents, resulting in a preparation of DNA which is considered by all present criteria to be similar to the native material of the cell. Among the many reagents which have been used for the deproteinization of the nucleoprotein have been octyl alcohol–chloroform mixtures2, the detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate3,4 and more recently phenol and p-amino salicylate5, and phenolphthalein diphosphate6. All these methods have been of considerable use in providing DNA which has been shown by various tests to retain biological activity. However, most of the present methods for obtaining DNA from mammalian cells suffer from the same disadvantage. They all permit possible enzyme degradation during the preliminary washing and fractionation of the tissue prior to the extraction of the nucleic acids.
Health literacy issues surrounding weight management among African American women: a mixed methods study.

Background Individuals with limited health literacy (LHL) have poorer health outcomes and have difficulty understanding and complying with recommendations to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The present study examined the association between health literacy (HL) and sources of dieting information, the weight-loss methods used and the information needed to manage weight among African American women. Methods This mixed method study included seven focus groups and a survey of 413 African American women. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between HL category and sources of dieting information, weight-loss methods and information needed to lose weight. Thematic analysis was used to analyse focus group data. Results Women with LHL were significantly more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) than those with AHL (P < 0.05). Compared to respondents with LHL, those with adequate health literacy (AHL) are more likely to rely on information obtained from the Internet (P < 0.001), although they are less likely to rely on information obtained from the television (P < 0.05). They also are significantly more likely to participate in physical activity to lose weight (P ≤ 0.002). In addition, women with AHL were significantly less likely to want information on portion control (P = 0.002). Major qualitative themes were the importance of television and the Internet as major sources of health information, the use of healthy and unhealthy weight-loss methods, and being overwhelmed by the plethora of dieting information. Conclusions HL may affect BMI among AA women, where they access dieting information and the types of information needed to manage their weight.
Morphodynamics of rivers strongly affected by monsoon precipitation: Review of depositional style and forcing factors

Abstract Rivers that receive significant amounts of their surface water supply from monsoon precipitation characteristically experience seasonal floods, and display seasonally highly variable discharge, controlled by the monsoon trough passage and its related cyclones. The intense summer rainfall causes high-magnitude floods, whereas rivers only transmit a low base flow during the dry winters. For many rivers in the sub-humid to arid subtropics, bordering the monsoon domain, the monsoon rain is also the main source of surface water recharge. However, such rivers may receive monsoon rain and transmit discharge only during abnormal or strengthened monsoon seasons. This annual discharge variability or range, as compared to the mean annual discharge, distinguishes the monsoonal and subtropical rivers from the rivers in equatorial tropics and temperate perennial precipitation zones, where the annual range is relatively small compared to the annual mean discharge. This review explores the effects of this seasonal and yearly variable rainfall, and the resultant highly peaked discharge pattern on river morphodynamics, and presents a comparison of modern and ancient monsoonal and subtropical river deposits. The field datasets and literature analyses discussed herein provide recognition criteria for monsoon-controlled river deposits, by documenting the diversity of the sedimentary facies, macroforms (bar forms), and architectural elements common in ancient and modern monsoon-controlled rivers. The review demonstrates that seasonal and inter-annual precipitation range is a key control on river morphodynamics, and resultant sedimentary facies characteristics, rather than the specific climate zone or average annual precipitation.
Preliminary studies of the histopathological responses to Tu-13% Cu casting alloys

A preliminary study of some of the biological properties of a new dental casting alloy (Ti-13% Cu) was undertaken by employing the skeletal muscle implantation test in rabbits. Routine histopathological and chemical analysis techniques were utilized to study in vivo tissue reactions of skeletal muscle to this alloy. A moderately thick, somewhat cellular fibrous connective tissue capsule surrounded the implants after 2 wk. Remodelling of the fibrous tissue into a thin acellular tissue capsule occurred at 52 wk after implantation. Chemical analyses failed to detect deposition of either Ti or Cu corrosion products at the implant sites or within major organs.
Asymmetric bending of annular plates

Abstract An isotropic, variable thickness, annular plate with clamped edges is bent by prescribing a rotation of the inner edge about a diameter, with the outer edge held fixed. The potential energy formulation of von Karman plate theory and the Ritz method are employed to calculate solutions for deformation and stress. The external moment is obtained with Castigliano's theorem. Solutions are presented to show the effect of a large rotation on the bending and membrane stresses in the plate and to show how these stresses are affected by the thickness distribution.
Hepatic and renal function with successful long-term support on a continuous flow left ventricular assist device

Introduction Data regarding the long-term clinical effects of a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) on hepato-renal function is limited. Hence our aim was to assess changes in hepato-renal function over a one-year period in patients supported on a CF-LVAD. Methods During the study period 126 patients underwent CF-LVAD implant. Changes in hepato-renal laboratory parameters were studied in 61/126 patients successfully supported on a CF-LVAD for period of one year. A separate cohort of a high-risk group (HCrB) of patients (56/126) with a serum creat>1.9mg/dL (168μmol/L) (75th percentile) or a serum bil>1.5mg/dL (25.65μmol/L) (75th percentile) was created. Changes in serum creatinine and bilirubin were analysed at regular intervals for this group along with the need for renal replacement therapy. Results Baseline creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) for the entire cohort was 1.4[1.2,1.9mg/dL] [123.7(106,168)μmol/L) and 27[20,39.5mg/dL] [9.6(7.1,14.1)mmol/L] respectively. After an initial reduction at the end of one month [1(0.8,1.2)mg/dL; 88(70,105)μmol/L] ( p p =0.0003). The serum bilirubin normalised from a [1(0.7,1.55)mg/dL] [17(18.8,25.7)μmol/L) to 0.9(0.6,1.2)mg/dL [15.4(10.2,20.5) μmol/L] ( p =0.0005) and continued to decline over one year. Improvement in the synthetic function of the liver was demonstrated by a rise in the serum albumin levels to reach 4.3[4.1,4.5] [43(41,45)gm/L] at the end of one year ( p The baseline serum creatinine and bilirubin for the high-risk cohort (HCrB) was 1.9(1.3,2.4)mg/dL [168(115,212)μmol/L] and 1.7(1.00,2.4)mg/dL [29(17.1,68.4)μmol/L] respectively. The high-risk cohort (HCrB) demonstrated a trend towards higher 30-day mortality ( p =0.06). While the need for temporary renal replacement therapy was higher in this cohort (16% vs. 4%; p =0.03), only 3% need it permanently. A significant reduction in creatinine was apparent at the end of one month [1.1(0.8,1.4)mg/dL; 97(70.7,123.7)μmol/L] ( p p =0.0005 compared to the pre-operative baseline. Conclusion Hepato-renal function demonstrates early improvement and then remains stable in the majority of patients on continuous flow left ventricular assist device support for one year. High-risk patients demonstrate a higher 30-day mortality and temporary need for renal replacement therapy. Yet even in this cohort, improvement is present over a period of one year on the device, with a minimal need for permanent haemodialysis.
Carotid artery–sparing repair of a cavernous carotid artery pseudoaneurysm: Case illustration

Carotid artery (CA) injury after transsphenoidal and endoscopic sinus surgery is a well-recognized but fortunately rare complication.1 It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates5 and is more common in cases of repeated surgery, cavernous sinus invasion, prior radiotherapy, and anatomical anomalies of the sphenoid and cavernous sinuses.4 It usually results in CA stenosis, occlusion, or pseudoaneurysm formation followed by serious complications, such as stroke and caroticocavernous fistulas.5 Direct surgical repair is difficult, and treatment may require parent vessel sacrifice and possibly vascular bypass.5 We describe the successful treatment of a cavernous‐CA pseudoaneurysm with a novel CA-sparing approach. This 62-year-old woman with recurrent esthesioneuroblastoma underwent endoscopic tumor resection. A CA injury occurred intraoperatively. Hemostasis was rapidly achieved by packing the bleeding site with cottonoid and packing strip gauze within the sphenoid sinus. Postoperative angiography performed immediately after surgery revealed a 2-mm pseudoaneurysm at the anterior genu of the left cavernous internal CA (ICA) with minimal stenosis (Fig. 1 left). Eight days after the initial arterial injury, repeat angiography demonstrated persistence of the aneurysm. To repair the arterial defect and preserve the CA, an endovascular stent was placed across the puncture site to restore its normal caliber and to provide a buttressing surface for surgical repair by graft apposition (Fig. 1 right). Subsequently, with the aid of the operating microscope, a small piece of autologous fascia lata graft was placed directly over the arterial puncture site via a transnasal‐transsphenoidal approach and bound using BioGlue (CryoLife, Inc., Kennesaw, GA), a two-component (bovine serum albumin and glutaraldehyde) surgical adhesive that is used as an adjunct to open surgical repair of large vessels, such as the aorta, femoral artery, and CA. 2
Simulation-based optimization—convergence analysis and statistical inference

In this paper we consider optimization problems where the objective function is not given explicitly and should be estimated, say by a Monte Carlo simulation. We discuss convergence properties and statistical inference of the so-called “stochastic counterpart” approach to such simulation-based optimization. This method is based on generation of a large sample and subsequent solution of a constructed approximation of the “true” program by deterministic methods of nonlinear programming. The required “stochastic counterpart” approximation can be constructed, for example, by the likelihood ratio-score function techniques. We discuss relative efficiency of the stochastic counterpart and stochastic approximation methods and show that for smooth unconstrained problems both methods produce asymptotically equivalent estimators provided the stochastic approximation estimators are calculated for an optimal choice of the corresponding stepsizes. We also discuss a few examples of nonsmooth and constrained problems and...
Postnatal development of the cerebellar cortex in the rat. 3. Maturation of the components of the granular layer.

The migration of granule cells and the maturation of the various elements of the granular layer were studied in the cerebellar cortex of rats aged 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 21 and 30 days with histological, histochemical, autoradiographic and electron microscopic techniques. The bulk of the granule cells are formed during the second week, but due to the time required for their migration and the lag in the formation of dendrites, few glomerular synapses are formed with mossy fibers before the beginning of the third week and the process is still in progress at 30 days, long after the dissolution of the external germinal layer. The maturation of Golgi cells is a protracted process. Their axons synapse with granule cell dendrites as soon as the glomeruli begin to mature. Evidence was obtained that mossy fibers synapse with the dendrites of Golgi cells. Towards the end of the second week the Lugaro cells are formed and synapses appear on their somata during the third week. Among these synapses the recurrent collaterals of Purkinje cell axons were identified. The Lugaro cells may be the primary targets of the infra and supraganglionic plexuses formed by these collaterals. In conclusion it was suggested that there are three major, successive stages in the neurogenesis of the cerebellar cortex, the morphogenic, synaptogenic and gliogenic. However, in the large Purkinje cell the synaptic maturation of one region (the soma) may begin before the morphogenic and synaptogenic maturation of the entire cell (the dendrites) is completed.
Effects of supplemental UV-B radiation on primary photosynthetic carboxylating enzymes and soluble proteins in leaves of C3 and C4 crop plants

Effects of increased UV-B radiation on activities of primary photosynthetic carboxylating enzymes and on contents of soluble proteins were studied in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv. Bragg), pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Little Marvel), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. Rutgers), and sweet corn (Zea mays L. cv. Golden Cross Bantam). The purpose was to evaluate the responses of agronomic crops to increases in solar UV-B radiation. Plants were grown and exposed under greenhouse conditions for 6 h daily to supplemental UV-B radiation which was provided by Westinghouse FS-40 fluorescent sun lamps filtered with 0.127-mm film of cellulose acetate (UV-B treated) or Mylar S (Mylar control). Three UV-B levels were tested: 1.09 (treatment T1), 1.36 (treatment T2), and 1.83 (treatment T3) UV-Bseu where 1 UV-Bseu equals 16.0 mW-m2 weighted by EXP-[(λ-265)/21]2. These UV-B levels corresponded to 6%,21%, and 36%, respectively, of decrease in stratospheric ozone content, based on the interpolations of UV-B irradiances at a solar elevation angle of 60°. Leaves of plants of soybean, pea, and tomato exposed to UV-B radiation were generally low in RuBP carboxylase activity. On a fresh weight basis, all three UV-B radiation levels significantly reduced the enzyme activity in soybean and pea, whereas tomato plants showed significant reduction in RuBP carboxylase activity only when exposed to 1.83 and 1.36 UV-Bseu. An apparent decrease in soluble proteins was observed in leaf extracts of soybean and pea plants exposed to 1.36 and 1.83 UV-Bseu whereas higher amounts of proteins were detected in leaves of tomato plants grown under UV-B radiation. Leaves of sweet corn plants grown under Mylar control were low in PEP carboxylase activity and proteins as compared with those of control plants receiving no supplemental UV and UV-B treatment. Activities of PEP carboxylase in crode extracts from leaves of sweet corn were significantly suppressed under 1.36 and 1.83 UV-Bseu as compared with the no UV control. Some stimulation of PEP carboxylase activity was observed in corn plants exposed to 1.09 UV-Bseu.
Topiramate improves deficit symptoms in a patient with schizophrenia when added to a stable regimen of antipsychotic medication.

Topiramate was shown to attenuate the severity of negative symptoms (e.g., emotional withdrawal) in a patient with schizophrenia when added to his stable regimen of antipsychotic medication. Topiramate was administered for a period of 12 weeks; during the first 4 weeks, dosage was adjusted to the maximal tolerated dose ( i.e., 175 mg/d), and, thereafter, this dosage was maintained for 8 weeks. Topiramate was studied because of recent data and hypotheses suggesting that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction, dampened GABAergic inhibition, and excessive stimulation of the kainic acid (KA)/alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) class of glutamate receptors occur in at least some patients with schizophrenia, especially those with persistent negative symptoms and progressive psychosocial deterioration. Topiramate is a recently approved and marketed medication for the treatment of seizure disorders, whose mechanism of action includes potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission and antagonism of KA/AMPA glutamate receptors. This case is presented because of the dramatic response of negative symptoms to the addition of topiramate. The severity of negative symptoms was assessed formally with the Negative Scale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The negative symptoms of schizophrenia are usually resistant to most behavioral and pharmacologic interventions.
Comparative Out-of-Sequence Estimation Techniques for Multi-Sensor Target Tracking

In this paper, performance comparisons are carried out between two out-of-sequence estimation filtering techniques based on the principles of the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and the Sigma-point Kalman filter (SPKF), in a mobile platform tracking application where distributed radars are used to estimate both linear and highly nonlinear movements of an aircraft. Two scenarios were considered: 1) aircraft movements fit a white noise acceleration model; and 2) aircraft movement follows a coordinated turn model with unknown turn rate. In addition, we evaluate the individual performance of the out-of-order filters against the ideal cases obtained by running the EKF and SPKF with reordered measurements in a chronological sequence. Simulation results show that the algorithms used for dealing with out-of-sequence measurements closely resemble the performance of the non-out-of-order filters. In terms of estimation accuracy, the out-of-order algorithm based on the SPKF outperforms the one based on the EKF when a highly nonlinear aircraft movement is observed. For nearly linear systems, there is not a significant difference between the two approaches.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Pd on Pt(111) Electrode: an Electron Spectroscopy–Electrochemistry Study

Ultrathin palladium films, at coverages that ranged from one half to eight monolayers, were prepared, one layer at a time, on a well-defined Pt(111) single-crystal electrode surface by surface-limited redox replacement reaction (galvanic exchange) of Cu initially coated via underpotential deposition. Adlayers produced by the galvanic-exchange method were completely free of any residual Cu after the displacement-by-Pd step. Analysis of the current-potential profiles in the hydrogen-adsorption region indicated that at one monolayer coverage, the film was essentially pure terrace, devoid of steps, which did not exhibit hydrogen absorption. At higher coverages, a Stranski–Krastanov growth mode was manifested by the emergence of a voltammetric peak characteristic of hydrogen adsorption–desorption at step sites. Peaks diagnostic of hydrogen adsorption on both terrace and steps persisted even at a Pd-film thickness of eight monolayers; the intensities were considerably diminished, however, which indicated that hydrogen absorption into the now-bulk-like film had become dominant.
Squeezing carbon nanotubes

In this paper we briefly review the high pressure Raman studies on single and double walled carbon nanotubes focussing on the perssure dependence of the low frequency radial breathing vibrational modes. Previous work on single walled carbon nanotube bundles have shown that the normalized pressure-induced frequency shift, Φ = (1/ω R ) (dω R /dP) ∼ D 2 , where ω R is the radial mode frequency and D is the nanotube diameter. We show here that the R-modes due to the inner tubes in double walled carbon nanotubes, have a very small, diameter independent value for Φ, as predicted for the case of isolated tubes.
Image representation by sign information

Image representation by sign data in its most general context is considered for the case when f is a two-dimensional signal. The authors study conditions under which f is determined by its sign or, in other words, by its quantization to 1 bit of information. This study is carried out in two different directions. First, theoretical results are presented that set an algebraic condition under which real zero-crossings uniquely specify a band-limited image. An interesting paradigm arising in theoretical computer vision is then posed: are the zero-crossing of f convolved with a Laplacian-of-a-Gaussian at a single channel enough for unambiguously representing f? Second, the problem of the completeness of the representation when the position of the zero-crossings is known only approximately is addressed. It is shown that when sign(f) is sampled, significant ambiguities are introduced in the representation. Experimental results are presented which were obtained from an iterative algorithm devised to reconstruct real images from multiscale sign information. >
Positive Emotions in Traumatic Conditions: Mediation of Appraisal and Mood for Military Personnel

The current study examines the relative contributions of cognitions and moods with U.S. military personnel under traumatic stress conditions. Soldiers exposed to traumatic stress conditions reporte...
Polarization of T.A. and T.O. phonon assisted recombination luminescence in stressed silicon

Abstract We measure the polarization of electron-hole exciton recombination in Si as a function of stress in the direction [001]. We find a polarization of the T.O. replica much larger than that of the T.A. replica. We interpret this effect as the result of interference betweeb the two recombination channels which use as intermediate states the conduction state Γ 15c and the valence state Δ 5V , this second channel being weakly allowed for T.A. phonons because of the proximity of the Δ 5V state to the X 4 state. Detailed comparison with the experimental curves allowes an estimate of the ratio of conduction and valence phonon matrix elements for T.A. and T.O. phonons.
In vitro analysis of the frontal and ingluvial ganglia from nymphal specimens of the cockroach Periplaneta americana.

Abstract The two main ganglia of the stomatogastric system, the frontal and the ingluvial ganglia, were dissected out from 4–6-month-old nymphs pf the cockroach Peri-planeta americana and cultured in a synthetic medium for periods ranging between 2 and 7 weeks under 3 different conditions: (a) multiple explants were cultured alone, (b) the nymphal ganglia were cultured in the presence of intact brain, thoracic ganglia and foregut explants dissected out from embryos of the same species, and (c) they were cultured in the presence of nerve cells dissociated from brain and thoracic ganglia of cockroach embryos. In all instances, both ganglia became firmly attached to the surface of the cover slide laid at the bottom of the culture vessels. Ganglia of the first experimental group failed, however, to produce nerve fiber outgrowth short or long periods of culture and their nerve cell population underwent progressive deterioration. At the end of the first month in vitro, only dead cells and cellular debris were found in the explants. Ganglia of the second and third groups produced a profuse nerve fiber outgrowth, starting in the second week of incubation and increasing progressively in subsequent weeks. Ganglia of both groups became interconnected and also established connections with embryonic organs and with dissociated embryonic nerve cells. Histological studies of ganglia of the second and third groups at the end of the first month of culture showed that nerve cells were in excellent condition. The results of these experiments, the first of this kind on ganglia of the mature insect stomatogastric system, offer a baseline for more extensive investigations of the structural and functional properties of the nerve cell populations of these ganglia.
Index of Suspicion in the Nursery

A 2.6-kg infant was born at 38 weeks’ gestation to a 16-year-old G1P0 woman. The prenatal history included maternal Chlamydia infection. The baby was delivered via emergent cesarian section because of nonreassuring fetal heart tones. His Apgar scores were 7 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. He exhibited tachypnea and hypoxia at birth, with a respiratory rate of 80 to 100 breaths/min, grunting, chest retractions, and coarse breath sounds. Other than a mild systolic ejection murmur, the remainder of the physical examination findings were normal. The baby's A-a gradient (a measure of the difference in the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveolar spaces and the arterial blood) was elevated, initially 473 mm Hg on 100% Fio2. Chest radiographs showed no signs of acute air space disease for the first several postnatal weeks. Over the next several months, the infant continues to have a respiratory rate of 60 to 90 breaths/min, with increased work of breathing, gradually requiring increases in supplemental oxygen to achieve an Spo2 in the mid-90s. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan performed at 2 weeks of age showed attenuation of the pulmonary vasculature and hyperinflation of the lungs. Although motion artifact limited the evaluation, the chest CT showed no focal lung opacities and no other anatomic defects. Repeated echocardiography revealed a small patent foramen ovale (left-to-right shunt) and normal ventricular size and function. Multiple therapies are tried without obvious …
Polyester–polycarbonate blends. VI. Branched aliphatic polyesters

Polycarbonate blends with poly(pivalolactone) were found to be completely immiscible based on the glass transitional behavior observed by thermal analysis. Crystallinity of the poly(pivalolactone) was unaffected by blending with polycarbonate. The heat of mixing of low molecular weight analogs of this system, ethyl pivalate and diphenyl carbonate, were found to be endothermic, in contrast to exothermic mixing observed for similar linear esters. Methyl branching adjacent to the ester carbonyl is believed to shield the specific interaction of this unit with the aromatic carbonate structure which leads to exothermic mixing and miscibility of similar unbranched esters with polycarbonate. Blends of poly(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene succinate) were found to be partially miscible with polycarbonate because the shielding is not so great since the methyl groups are further removed from the ester group.
Ultrahigh frequency operation of ion-implanted GaAs metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors

High‐performance, ion‐implanted GaAs metal‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors for operation in the frequency range 10–60 GHz have demonstrated noise figures of 1.15 dB at 12 GHz and 1.63 dB at 18 GHz. A single‐stage amplifier has demonstrated a noise figure of 2.8 dB with 8.3‐dB associated gain at 30 GHz and a gain of 6 dB at 60 GHz.
Utilization of a multiprocessor in command and control

The U. S. Naval Research Laboratory has been engaged for the past four years in the application of a polymorphic multiprocessor to command and control problems. The system achieved the high reliability with minimal redundancy that motivated its development. Linkage at run time of independently compiled and allocated elements was achieved primarily through the use of indirect addressing. A simple software technique was used for dynamic memory allocation. Dynamic reallocation proved unnecessary when memory fracturing or checkerboarding was found to be minor, but would have been useful in allowing roll-out in case of transitory memory overloads. The memory protection scheme implemented in the hard-ware was ineffective and the system must be treated as a monoprogrammed single processor machine during program debugging.
Spatiotemporal variation of fruit digestible-nutrient production in Florida’s uplands

Abstract We examined annual total digestible nutrient (TDN) production by fruits of eight species ( Quercus chapmanii , Quercus geminata , Quercus inopina , Quercus laevis , Quercus myrtifolia , Carya floridana , Sabal etonia , Serenoa repens ) that account for the major proportion of TDN production by fruits and seeds in Florida’s xeric upland associations (southern ridge sandhill, sand pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods). Mean annual fruit TDN of all species combined over a 27-year span in sandhill and scrub and 24 years in scrubby flatwoods was highest (45.4 kg/ha) and least variable across years in sandhill, intermediate in scrubby flatwoods (28.8 kg/ha), and lowest (14.2 kg/ha) and most variable in scrub. Oaks accounted for the major proportion (68–76%) of fruit TDN in all associations. Among oaks, Q. myrtifolia was the major producer (24–56%) and Q. laevis the poorest (0.2–3%). Although annual combined fruit TDN production varied similarly among associations across years, annual fruit TDN production of C. floridana , oaks, and palmettos within associations was not significantly correlated with the single exception of C. floridana vs. oaks in scrubby flatwoods. Among plant groups, correlations between fruit TDN productions across associations were significant for oaks in all cases and for C. floridana in most contrasts, but palmetto fruit TDN production was not significantly correlated across associations. Seven of eight species exhibited significant periodicities in fruit TDN production in one or more association ranging from 2.0 to 4.8 years. Potential vertebrate consumers of fruit TDN production recorded on the study area include 15 mammals, five birds, and one reptile.
HIV disease in children. The many ways it differs from the disease in adults.

PREVIEWWhen it occurs in children, HIV disease has many unique features. For example, there is no specific CD4+ T-lymphocyte count that defines the condition, as there is in patients over age 13. A positive HIV antibody test is not diagnostic of HIV infection in infants, because virtually all babies born to HIV-positive mothers have positive results at first. Because children do not yet have protective antibodies against common bacteria, they are far more prone to severe recurrent infections than are adults. Young children require substantially more medication per body weight and have greater caloric and micronutrient requirements than do adults. In this article, Dr Church clarifies all of these aspects of pediatric HIV disease, and more.
Quantum spectroscopy of an organic material utilizing entangled and correlated photon pairs

By utilizing entanglement property of photons the entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA) effect of an organic material, porphyrin dendrimer, is demonstrated through the comparison of the property of entangled photons to the property of quantum-correlated photons. The ETPA showed a cross-section 31 orders of magnitude higher than the cross-section of the classical two-photon absorption (TPA). This high cross-section is comparable to the cross-section of the resonant single-photon absorption. The entangled absorption effect is compared to the correlated TPA effect to determine the degree of correlation between the entangled and quantum correlated photon pairs. The experimental data describe the different degree of correlation of the non-entangled and entangled photon pairs by demonstrating linear and nonlinear relationship of the absorbed photon flux to the input photon flux. The linearity of the ETPA is an interesting quantum effect because the two-photon absorption is an inherently nonlinear process. Virtual state spectroscopy is also demonstrated as a novel spectroscopic method to investigate the properties of the virtual state from non-monotonic behavior of the cross-section which is represented by controlling temporal property of the entanglement. These results from the quantum spectroscopy methods show a unique quantum property which is not feasible to detect using classical methods.
Stability of a matrix polynomial in discrete systems

Two sufficient conditions that the determinant of a nonsingular real ( m \times m ) matrix polynomial of n th order has all its roots inside the unit circle have been obtained. These conditions are represented in terms of rational functions of the coefficient matrices. Therefore, these conditions do not require the computation of the determinant polynomial. The first condition is given in terms of the positive definiteness of an ( mn \times mn ) symmetric matrix, while the second condition is expressed by the positive definiteness of an ( m \times m ) Hermitian matrix which is a function of z, |z| \leq 1 . The first condition implies the second, and hence is more restrictive than the second.
Standardized guidelines for surveillance bronchoscopy reduce complications in lung transplant recipients.

Abstract Background The role of surveillance bronchoscopy in the care of lung transplant recipients remains controversial. Although there are no controlled studies to suggest a survival advantage, many transplant physicians support the practice. The procedure is generally safe but is associated with some complications. A review of practices at our institution revealed significant variation in patient preparation, management of risk related to the procedure, and in the technical aspects of the bronchoscopy itself. In an effort to minimize these differences and potentially improve outcomes, a standard set of procedural guidelines for all bronchoscopies was adopted in January 2000. Methods Reports from 1,028 surveillance bronchoscopies performed in our outpatient facility from January 1999 to December 2001 were reviewed. Baseline patient data and procedure-related complications were identified. Specific complications recorded included oversedation, the need for prolonged supplemental oxygen, major and minor bleeding, pneumothorax, bronchospasm, vomiting, arrhythmia, hypotension and death. Differences between groups were analyzed using chi-square or Student's t -tests as appropriate. Results The incidence of complications after the introduction of the guidelines (2000 and 2001) was significantly lower than in the year prior (1999) (1.95% vs 6.45%, p p = 0.006) and of sedation-related complications (0.97% vs 2.90%, p = 0.04). Conclusions The use of a standardized set of guidelines for surveillance fiber-optic bronchoscopy reduces complication rates. Similar guidelines should be considered by transplant centers performing the procedure.
Field measurements of soot volume fractions in laminar partially premixed coflow ethylene/air flames

Abstract The conditions under which soot is formed vary widely and depend upon several factors, including pressure, temperature, fuel type, combustor geometry, and extent of premixing. Although it is known that partially premixed flames (PPFs) can become either more or less sooting than their nonpremixed or premixed counterparts, the impact of partial premixing on soot formation across a large equivalence ratio and flow range is still inadequately understood. Comprehensive experimental data are relatively sparse for this important configuration. Herein, we report on soot formation in various ethylene/air PPFs utilizing full-field light extinction. The dimensionless extinction coefficient K ext is an important calibrated constant for the determination of the soot volume fraction for this measurement technique. We find that a value of K ext = 7.1 provides results that are in good agreement with benchmark literature data for a nonpremixed flame. We examined the soot microstructures for two flames established at ϕ = ∞ (i.e., nonpremixed) and 5. In both cases, the primary particles were found to be nearly spherical. In case of the nonpremixed flame the average primary soot particle diameter was ∼35 nm, but for the ϕ = 5 flame it was ∼20 nm. However, the parameter responsible for the value of K ext is the average aggregate size and not that of the primary particles. The aggregate sizes are similar for the two flames. We consider this as verification of a constant K ext value over the entire equivalence ratio range. The addition of air to the fuel stream produces an initial increase in the flame height. Further air addition gradually decreases the flame height, which is followed by a more rapid decrease with larger premixing. Likewise, the peak soot concentration first increases with small amounts of air addition (or partial premixing of the fuel stream) and reaches a maximum value at ϕ ∼ 24 . With further air addition, as ϕ decreases below a value of 20, the soot volume fraction considerably decreases.
Transverse tensile and creep modeling of continuously reinforced titanium composites with local debonding

Abstract A new, widely applicable model for local interfacial debonding in composite materials is presented. Unlike its direct predecessors, the new model allows debonding to progress via unloading of interfacial stresses even as global loading of the composite continues. The primary advantages of this new model are its accuracy, simplicity, and efficiency. In order to apply the new debonding model to simulate the behavior of composite materials, it was implemented within the generalized method of cells (GMC) micromechanics model for general periodic multi-phased materials. The time- and history-dependent (viscoplastic) transverse tensile and creep behavior of SiC/Ti composites, which are known to be subject to internal fiber–matrix debonding, was then simulated. Results indicate that GMC's ability to simulate the transverse behavior of titanium matrix composites has been significantly improved by the new debonding model. Further, the present study has highlighted the need for a more accurate time, temperature, and rate dependent constitutive representation of the titanium matrix behavior in order to enable predictions of the composite transverse response, without resorting to recalibration of the debonding model parameters.
Energy-based and oxygen-based biodiesel blend level estimation methods for diesel engines

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, or other sources, and it can be made into biodiesel blends by mixing with conventional diesel. To achieve optimal engine combustion as well as minimal emissions with biodiesel blends, on-board blend level estimation system is one of the prerequisites. The paper explores two possible approaches of estimation: 1) oxygen-based method, which differentiates diesel and biodiesel by evaluating oxygen fraction in exhaust; 2) energy-based method, which estimates the blend level by taking advantages of the fact that biodiesel has lower calorific content than diesel. By measuring injected fuel mass and calculating net heat release based on measurement of in-cylinder pressure, energy content of the fuel was estimated, thus was the biodiesel blend level. In oxygen-based method, wideband oxygen sensor can be utilized to measure exhaust oxygen concentration. The influence of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on this method and its estimation accuracy were also analyzed and demonstrated. A high-fidelity, direct injection, diesel engine model was developed in GT-Power for validation purpose. Through simulations, the effectiveness of these two estimators was evaluated and their accuracies were compared.
Synovial sarcoma, a primary liver tumor – A case report

An 18-year-old female presented with a mass involving the liver which was resected. Microscopically, it was diagnosed as monophasic synovial sarcoma. Cytogenetic study (FISH) revealed translocation t(X; 18), confirming the diagnosis.
Energy Absorption Is Reduced With Oleic Acid Supplements in Human Short Bowel Syndrome

Background: Oleic acid premeal supplements have been described as a method to trigger the ileal brake and thus lengthen transit time and the opportunity for nutrient absorption. The aims of this study were to determine whether oleic acid supplements would lengthen transit time and improve absorption of nutrients in study participants with short bowel syndrome as well as affect diarrhea or patient weight.Methods: A double-blind, controlled, random-order crossover trial was conducted in 8 study participants with longstanding and severe short bowel syndrome, employing blue food color appearance, breath hydrogen testing, and radio-opaque markers as measures of transit time. Absorption of energy, protein, fat, and fluid was conducted by classic nutrient balance methods. Diarrhea was estimated by daily stool weight and number of bowel actions. Although 8 patients were enrolled, only 7 completed the study.Results: Transit time was not significantly different between oleic acid and placebo treatment, although pep...
Origin of the Word ‘Neutron’

THE word ‘neutron’ has been attributed to Rutherford by Glasson1 and to W. D. Harkins2 by Glasstone3. It appears likely that it was not used by either Rutherford or Hawkins before about 1920. In both cases, the neutron was a hypothetical combination of a hydrogen nucleus (also called a ‘positive electron’ or ‘proton’) and an ordinary negative electron.
Nanoengineered silicon/silicon dioxide nanoparticle heterostructures

Abstract Engineering control of nanostructures is becoming increasingly important as nanotechnology applications develop and as device features shrink. In many nanotechnology-driven applications, bottoms-up fabrication of devices offers many inherent advantages over conventional top-down approaches typically employed today. In order to be commercially viable, bottoms-up fabrication methodologies must rely upon the synthesis and assembly of nanoengineered structures. The silicon nanoparticle-based floating-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor is an example of a device that incorporates nanostructures and is an attractive candidate for terabit cm−2 density nonvolatile memory applications. However, variability in the size, location, and interface electronic quality of the nanoparticles in an ensemble limits device performance. To reduce device variability, the Si nanoparticle layer can be fabricated using a bottoms-up approach. Aerosol Si nanoparticles are synthesized by thermal decomposition of silane gas in a reactor optimized to produce spherical, single-crystal, nonagglomerated nanoparticles. The aerosol nanoparticles are size-classified with a differential mobility analyzer to produce narrow size distributions. Uniform oxide layers in the nanometer thickness range are then formed on the Si nanoparticles, either by thermal oxidation or by aerosol vapor phase tetraethylorthosilicate deposition. Electronic measurements indicate that high temperature thermal SiO2 and deposited tetraethylorthosilicate-derived SiO2 form shells of sufficient quality and thickness to isolate electrically adjacent nanoparticles from each other. Photoluminescence measurements used to probe the Si/SiO2 interface indicate the presence of a high quality interface between deposited tetraethylorthosilicate oxide and Si nanoparticles.
Bioreductive alkylating agent porfiromycin in combination with radiation therapy for the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Porfiromycin (methyl mitomycin C) has been shown in laboratory studies to have increased preferential cytotoxicity to hypoxic cells and therefore may provide enhanced therapeutic efficacy over mitomycin C when used in combination with radiation therapy (RT). The purpose of the two clinical studies reported here is to evaluate the concomitant use of porfiromycin with RT in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Between October 1989 and July 1992, 21 patients presenting with locally advanced stage III/IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were entered into a phase I toxicity trial evaluating porfiromycin as an adjunct to RT. Patients were eligible if they had biopsy documented squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with a low probability of cure by conventional means. Patients were treated with standard fractionated daily RT to a total median dose of 63 Gy, with porfiromycin administered on days 5 and 47 of the course of RT. Upon completion of this phase I trial, a phase III trial was initiated in November 1992 randomizing patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck to RT with mitomycin C vs. RT with porfiromycin. There is no radiation only arm in this current trial. To date, 75 patients have been entered on this trial and acute toxicity data are available on 67 patients (34 porfiromycin, 31 mitomycin C) who have completed their entire course of treatment. Median follow-up of the 21 patients enrolled in the phase I porfiromycin trial is 58.5 months. Of the 21 patients, 5 were treated at a dose of 50 mg/M2, 4 at 45 mg/M2, and the final 12 at 40 mg/M2, which appeared to result in acceptable acute hematological and nonhematological toxicities. As of December 1995, 14 of the 21 patients have died with disease and 7 remain alive and free of disease, resulting in a 5-year actuarial survival of 32%. Of the patients enrolled to date in the phase III randomized trial of mitomycin C vs. porfiromycin, there have been no statistically significant differences between the two arms with respect to white blood cell count (WBC), platelet, or hemoglobin nadirs. Acute nonhematological toxicities including mucositis, epidermitis, odynophagia, and nausea have also been comparable. Two patients in this current randomized trial died during treatment, apparently of nondrug-related causes. We conclude that the bioreductive alkylating agent porfiromycin has demonstrated an acceptable toxicity profile to date. Final analysis of the phase I trial, which revealed a 5-year no evidence of disease survival rate of 32% in patients with locally advanced disease and a low probability of cure, appears encouraging. We anticipate completion of the current ongoing trial comparing mitomycin C to porfiromycin in the next 2 years. Further investigations, including large-scale multiinstitutional trials employing bioreductive alkylating agents or other hypoxic cell cytotoxins as adjuncts to RT, are warranted. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 5:235–245, 1997 © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Delayed levorotation of the heart in traumatic pericardial rupture

Traumatic pericardial rupture, with complicating cardiac herniation, is an extremely uncommon condition with a high mortality rate. We are reporting our experience with a case of blunt trauma to the chest, secondary to high-impact motor vehicle collision. The preoperative diagnosis of ascending aortic transection was made on subsequent imaging studies for which surgical repair was elected. Upon thoracotomy, a posterior pericardial tear was found to be associated with laterally displaced cardiac axis. Delayed levorotation of the cardiac axis in traumatic pericardial rupture is an uncommon finding and needs to be recognized in a timely manner.
A feminist analysis of organizational research on sex differences

Based on a survey of empirical research on gender in organizations published over a twenty-year period, we argue that, cumulatively, studies of sex difference tend to neglect organizational features. Drawing on concepts from feminist theory about gender as a system, as identity, and as power, we outline how greater attention to the links between gender identity and organizational structures and practices would enrich the field. We conclude with a research agenda that retains a focus on the individual while incorporating an analysis of the impact of organizations.
Simulations of a specific inhibitor of the dishevelled PDZ domain

The dishevelled (Dvl) PDZ domain is believed to play an essential role in the canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways, which are involved in embryo development as well as in tumorigenesis. Also, it binds directly to frizzled (Fz) receptors. An organic molecule (NSC668036) from the National Cancer Institute small-molecule library has been identified to be able to bind to the Dvl PDZ domain. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to provide detailed analyses of the binding between them.