cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of boundary conditions on quantum-anti-dots in the presence of a magnetic field

Abstract Many people have studied the conductance properties through an array of anti-dots, especially since the observation of Weiss oscillations. In most cases, however, in which the recursive Greenźs functions are used on a spatial lattice, periodic boundary conditions are employed. In this paper, we analyse the effects of boundary conditions and magnetic field on the conductance behavior in a number of anti-dot-shaped, GaAs/AlGaAs 2DEG quantum systems. The effect of periodic boundary conditions causes a reduction in the overall conductance. The effect of changing the boundary conditions is more profound for lower numbers of anti-dots.
Femtosecond Multicolor Pump−Probe Study of Ultrafast Electron Transfer of [(NH3)5RuIIINCRuII(CN)5]- in Aqueous Solution

Femtosecond multicolor pump−probe spectroscopy on the prototypical intramolecular electron-transfer compound ([(NH3)5RuNCRu(CN)5]-; RuRu) in aqueous solution is reported for the first time with sufficient time resolution and spectral coverage to monitor the complete spectral dynamics. From the dynamic absorption spectrum, constructed from the pump−probe data obtained over a wide range of probe wavelengths (570−1300 nm), accurate measurement of the electron transfer (ET) time (1/kET) have been obtained by a global analysis of the data. The data have lead to new insights on the role of solvent and solute nuclear motions in the ET process. Additionally, pump−probe experiments with variable wavelength pump pulses have revealed the presence of a pump wavelength-dependent dynamic feature at early time, which has been assigned to stimulated emission from nonequilibrium excited states.
31P nmr spin‐lattice relaxation studies of deoxyoligonucleotides

Temperature-dependent conformational transitions of deoxyoligonucleotides have been monitored by measuring 31P chemical shifts, spin-lattice relaxation times (T1), and 31P-{H} nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOEs). The measured NOE ranged from 30 to 80%, compared to the theoretical maximum of 124% for a dipolar relaxation mediated by rapid isotropic rotation. The observed 3′-5′ phosphate diester 31P T1 showed a similar temperature dependence over the range 2–75°C for both double- and single-stranded oligonucleotides, and for dinucleotides. The results show that dipole–dipole interactions dominate the internucleotide phosphate relaxation rate in oligonucleotides. The same is true of terminal phosphate groups at low temperature; but at higher temperature another process, possibly due to contamination by paramagnetic ions, becomes dominant. The rotational correlation time τR calculated from the dipole–dipole relaxation rate of the internucleotide phosphate in d(pA)2 at 16°C is τR = 5.0 × 10−10 sec, implying a Stokes radius for isotropic rotation of 7.6 A. The T1 and NOE values for the double-helical octanucleotide d(pA)3pGpC(pT)3 are consistent with dominance of dipole–dipole relaxation and isotropic rotation of a sphere of radius 14 A, a reasonable dimension for the double helix. Activation energies for the rotation of dinucleotides range from 4 to 6 kcal/mol, close to the value of 4 kcal/mol expected for isotropic rotation. In order to test the possible effect of internal motion of correlation time τG on the results, we considered a model in which the nucleotide chain rotates about the P-O bonds. Comparison of the calculation with our experimental results shows that internal motion with τG ≅ 10−9 sec, as found from other studies to be present for large nucleic acids, would not influence out T1 and NOE values enough to be distinguished from isotropic rotation. However, we can conclude that τG cannot be as fast as 10−10 sec, even for dinucleotides.
The polyribosomal synthesis of collagen

Abstract The formation of collagen, on polyribosomes has been studied. Collagen was identified its characteristic content of hydroxyproline, which is derived metabolically by from proline. [ 14 C]Proline was injected into chick embryos and nascent collagen was measured in sucrose density gradients by the isolation of protein-bound [ 14 C]hydroxyproline. The results indicate that collagen is synthesized on very large polysomes. Ribonuclease, puromycin and dodecyl sulfate studies indicate that the nascent peptide chains already contain hydroxyproline suggesting that hydroxylation occurs prior to complete peptide chain assembly. There is suggestive evidence that the large polysomes may result from the aggregation of nascent collagen peptide chains.
CHRONIC PULMONARY DISEASE IN A CHILD WITH THE EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME

The presence of chronic pulmonary disease is an uncommon finding in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The patient discussed herein presented with severe irreversible obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by marked hyperinflation, an increase in static lung compliance, and tracheal dilatation. A largely normal lung biopsy ruled out chronic pulmonary emphysema. Despite the similarity of this patient to those with the Mounier-Kuhn syndrome, the degree of tracheobronchial enlargement was not as great as is usually seen in this disorder although these anatomic changes may develop with time. The findings in this case demonstrate that any site within the tracheobronchial tree may be involved in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and further emphasize the need to determine the degree of reversibility of obstructive lung disease in children.
Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding properties, and solution thermochromism of platinum(II) complexes of the ethidium cation: Regiospecificity in a DNA-promoted reaction

The reaction of (Pt(NH 3 ) n Cl 4-n ] (n-2) (n=1, 2, and 3) complexes with 1 equiv of the ethidium (Etd) cation afforded cis-(Pt(NH 3 ) 2 (Etd)Cl] 2+ , trans-(Pt(NH 3 ) 2 (Etd)Cl] 2+ , cis-(Pt(NH 3 )(Etd)Cl 2 ] + , and (Pt(NH 3 ) 63 (Etd)] 3+ , in which Etd is coordinated to platinum through one of its two exocyclic amino groups. These N3 and N8 linkage isomers were separated by reverse-phase HPLC
Central mediation and differential blockade by cannabinergics of the discriminative stimulus effects of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant in rats

Rationale Discovery of an endocannabinoid signaling system launched the development of the blocker rimonabant, a cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist/inverse agonist. Due to untoward effects, this medication was withdrawn and efforts have been directed towards discovering chemicals with more benign profiles.
Conceptual Change—Multiple Routes, Multiple Mechanisms: A Commentary on Ohlsson (2009)

This article presents a commentary on Stellan Ohlsson's (2009) theory of conceptual change by resubsumption and competitive evaluation of cognitive utility. We note two features of Ohlsson's theory that we think are particularly strong. We then argue that Ohlsson's theory explains one route to conceptual change but that there are many other routes to conceptual change that require mechanisms other than Ohlsson's. We discuss a number of these multiple routes to conceptual change. Theories of conceptual change should attempt to explain the broad diversity of routes along which conceptual change occurs.
Subunit-specific redox modulation of NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

AbstractWe have examined the effects of oxidizing and reducing agents on a number of subtypes of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Oocytes were injected with cRNA for the e1 subunit from mouse to express homomeric receptors or with e1 in combination with either e1, e2, e3 or e4 subunits to express heteromeric receptors. All heteromeric combinations resulted in receptors that were affected by the redox reagents, dithiothreitol (DTT) and 5-5-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). However, the effects on the small currents from homomeric receptors were quite variable. The e1/e3 combination showed a greater enhancement by DTT than any of the other combinations. All four receptors expressed showed both a component of persistent potentiation and a slowly reversible component. The reversible component was largest for e1/e3. Additional experiments were done with S-nitrosocysteine (SNOC), a nitric oxide donor that may affect NMDA receptors by oxidation. SNOC had transient effects ...
Type IV collagenases in tumor invasion and metastasis

The invasion and metastasis of cancer cells is a complex multistep process involving destruction of basement membranes as an early event in the metastatic cascade. Recent evidence implicates secreted matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, such as type IV collagenases, as playing a central role in this tumor cell mediated extracellular matrix proteolysis. Two distinct type IV collagenase enzymes are now recognized. Immunohistochemical and biochemical studies of several human tumors show correlations between invasive potential and the 72 kDa type IV collagenase enzyme. Studies in rodent tumor models suggest that the 92 kDa type IV collagenase may play an important role in these models, but data on human tumors and human tumor tissue is lacking. Evidence suggest that the regulation of the 72 kDa type IV collagenase enzyme activity may occur at many levels, including transcriptional mechanisms, extracellular activation of latent enzyme and specific inhibitors of active enzyme. Thus the invasion of human tumor cells through basement membranes may be the result of net type IV collagenolytic activity that is the result of a balance of activated enzyme species and inhibitors.
Republican theory and political dissidence in Ioannes Lydos

The treatise of Ioannes Lydos On the Magistracies of the Roman State contains an argument against the legitimacy of the Roman emperors and in favour of the political freedom of the Republic. This argument targets Justinian in particular, whom Lydos compares to tyrants such as the early kings of Rome and the dynasts of the Republic. While most of the essay examines the details of Lydos' text, some consideration is given to its historical context and the range and nature of political dissidence in early Byzantium.
Evaluating the verbal, quantitative, and problem‐solving skills of students entering the accounting curriculum

From a roundup of recent literature on the effectiveness of the current accounting curriculum in the USA, identifies a consensus that additional education is needed to better prepare students for their careers in the accounting profession and seeks to determine which areas need to be addressed if substantial improvement is to be achieved within the curriculum; analyses data collected from the results of students’ tests undertaken over three consecutive semesters at a US Midwest university to assess students’ quantitative, verbal and problem‐solving skills, and finds that performance in the latter two areas was consistently less impressive than in the former. As each of these areas is seen as important to accounting careers, suggests that more attention should be paid to communication and problem‐solving skills as part of the curriculum, although not at the expense of technical skills; tabulates and briefly discusses a number of other findings from the research, for example with regard to gender differences across the skill areas.
Corticostriatal connectivity and its role in disease

Corticostriatal projections are essential components of forebrain circuits and are widely involved in motivated behaviour. These axonal projections are formed by two distinct classes of cortical neurons, intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons. Convergent evidence points to IT versus PT differentiation of the corticostriatal system at all levels of functional organization, from cellular signalling mechanisms to circuit topology. There is also growing evidence for IT/PT imbalance as an aetiological factor in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric and movement disorders - autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases and major depression are highlighted here.
Genetics may play a factor in oral health.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Genetic and environmental factors in oral health among twins. Rintakoski K, Kaprio J, Murtomaa H. J Dent Res 2010;89(7):700-4. Reviewers John Pham, DDS, Francesco Chiappelli, PhD Purpose/Question Is there a genetic component to oral diseases? Source of Funding The Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics Type of Study/Design Retrospective cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
On the relationship between work contexts, mandates and compliance behaviours of supervisors

Abstract If we are to understand the inner workings of organizational life, the role of compliance with policies and its influence on organizational behaviour is an enlightening area of study. This is particularly true in the area of change management. This paper presents theoretical arguments and empirical evidence regarding supervisor compliance with a performance appraisal system in three different segments of a large state university. This study exposes the dynamic relationship between organizational mandates, organizational contexts, and compliance behaviours of individuals in organizations in the context of an organizational change. Results from 278 supervisors suggest that compliance varies by the work context rather than organizational mandate. The authors discuss future research avenues and implications for practitioners.
Melanoma targeting property of a Lu-177-labeled lactam bridge-cyclized alpha-MSH peptide

The purpose of this study was to determine the melanoma targeting property of 177Lu-DOTA-GGNle-CycMSHhex in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice. 177Lu-DOTA-GGNle-CycMSHhex exhibited high receptor-mediated melanoma uptake and fast urinary clearance. The tumor uptake of 177Lu-DOTA-GGNle-CycMSHhex was 20.25 ± 4.59 and 21.63 ± 6.27% ID/g at 0.5 and 2 h post-injection, respectively. Approximately 83% of injected dose cleared out the body via urinary system at 2 h post-injection. 177Lu-DOTA-GGNle-CycMSHhex showed high tumor to normal organ uptake ratios except for the kidneys. The tumor/kidney uptake ratios of 177Lu-DOTA-GGNle-CycMSHhex were 2.76 and 1.74 at 2 and 24 h post-injection. The melanoma lesions were clearly visualized by SPECT/CT using 177Lu-DOTA-GGNle-CycMSHhex as an imaging probe at 2 h post-injection. Overall, high melanoma uptake coupled with fast urinary clearance of 177Lu-DOTA-GGNle-CycMSHhex underscored its potential for melanoma treatment in the future.
Effects of emission reduction surface seal treatments on pest control with shank-injected 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin

Abstract The phase-out of methyl bromide for preplant soil fumigation has resulted in an increased reliance on combinations of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in many annual and perennial cropping systems in California. However, these fumigants also can have negative environmental and human health consequences and considerable research has been conducted on methods to minimize emission of these products from the soil to the atmosphere. To ensure that pest control efficacy is not compromised by emission reduction techniques, this research was conducted to simultaneously evaluate the effects of several surface seal techniques on fumigant emissions and the efficacy of soil-borne pest control with a mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin. Results indicated that the interaction between emission reduction techniques and pest control efficacy can be complicated. For example in the 2006 trial, some surviving nematodes were observed in plots with both high (manure plus high density polyethylene film) and intermediate (pre-irrigation) 1,3-D cumulative emissions which suggested that emission loses are not solely responsible for some pest control failures. Weed control tended to be better with plastic film treatments and worse with pre-fumigation soil moisture manipulations but was affected less than expected by intermittent water seals. Although pest control clearly was affected by surface seal techniques, especially in shallow soil layers, some differences in nematode and weed control could not be explained solely by surface seals. These results underline the complex interactions among soil moisture and other environmental factors, application techniques, and emission reducing surface seal treatments. As new techniques and technologies become available to reduce fumigant emissions, we recommend that research include pest control efficacy evaluations before any emerging techniques are required by regulators or implemented by growers.
Parent as a Teacher Inventory: Factor Analyses for Fathers, Mothers, and Teachers

Strom (1974) developed the Parent as a Teacher Inventory (PAAT) to measure parents' feelings and beliefs regarding interaction with their young children. Parents indicate their level of agreement with 50 Likert-type statements. A factor analysis was performed on the responses of 615 parents of preschool children. In addition, items were slightly re-worded and given to 267 early childhood teachers. Results indicated that 33 of the 50 PAAT items are included in 5 separate factors for fathers; 29 items are included in 5 factors for mothers; and 35 items are in 5 factors for teachers. Next, two techniques comparing factor structures were employed to determine if this instrument could be used in a comparative manner among fathers, mothers and/or teachers. These analyses strongly support the idea of factor congruence across the three samples.
Dynamic light scattering of thin disks: Coupling of diffusive motions

Intensity-intensity autocorrelation functions (Gvv(2)(τ)) of bentonite suspensions using vertically polarized incident and scattered light were measured as a function of scattering angle at two different wavelengths. Apparent diffusion coefficients D(≡〈ΓK2〉 as determined by the cumulants expansion) were compared with recent theoretical developments which took into account both particle polydispersity and anisotropic translational diffusive motions. Our results suggest that the anisotropy in translational diffusive motions, as well as the coupling between anisotropic translational diffusion and rotational diffusion, does not have a significant influence on the average characteristic linewidth, especially at small scattering angles. On the contrary, the simpler theory (without anisotropic diffusion) agrees better with experiments. Thus, although it is correct to take into account the anisotropy in translational motions, higher-order interactions should perhaps also be considered in order to improve the theoretical predictions.
Investigation Strategies for Laminitis Problem Herds

Abstract Lameness in dairy cows is the result of many disease conditions, and a systematic approach is required to diagnose the predominant causes and identify important risk factors. Lameness prevalence can be quantified using locomotion scoring systems. Entire herds can be scored quite easily as they walk access lanes. If lameness prevalence exceeds 15% of the herd, it is important to differentiate the cause. Improved hoof-health recording systems have become commonplace among many professional hoof trimmers, which has made it easier to monitor the prevalence of infectious and noninfectious causes of lameness. If laminitis and its associated claw horn lesions are identified as a major problem, environmental and ruminal acidosis risk factors should be assessed. Environmental risk factors for laminitis include aberrant and excess standing behavior, exposure to concrete and hard floor surfaces, and abrupt introduction to confinement systems from pastures or bedded packs. Total daily time spent by cows in holding areas and parlors can be assessed, emphasizing the longest times for the last individual cows to come through the parlor. Stall usage indices are being developed to identify poorly designed or maintained free stalls. The diagnosis of ruminal acidosis is made with a combination of clinical signs, ration evaluation, ruminal-fluid analysis, feces examination, or milk fat indicators. Rumenocentesis is a direct measure of rumen pH that can provide diagnostic information, provided that adequate samples are collected. This paper presents a clinical approach to investigations of lameness problem herds and discusses strengths and weaknesses of various tests to identify risk factors for laminitis.
Enhanced Forced Convection in a Square Channel With Two-Stage Corona Wind Generator

In this study, enhancement in forced convection inside a square channel by a two-stage electrohydrodynamic (EHD) gas pump has been examined by numerical simulations. The EHD gas pump with 28 emitting electrodes in each stage has been evaluated for a wide range of operating voltages starting from the corona threshold voltage up to 28 kV for further improvement in its performance over that of a single-stage. To achieve the maximum enhancement in heat transfer, the emitting electrodes of the corona wind generator are flush mounted on the channel walls so that the corona wind produced directly perturbs the boundary layer. The results show that EHD technique has a great potential for applications in thermal management.© 2012 ASME
A search for factors related to successful performance by Rebuild America partnerships

Abstract Under the sponsorship of the US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) studied the Rebuild America program for the purpose of identifying key factors associated with successful operations. This involved performing a quantitative analysis of the relationships between program results and selected characteristics of the partnerships as well as soliciting opinion data from partnership representatives regarding the factors related to good performance. The statistical analysis revealed that partnership age and the number of projects per partnership were both positively related to all the results measures tested, by themselves and in the presence of each other. The factors most frequently mentioned by the interviewed partnership representatives as influencing good partnership performance were: general assistance from the Rebuild America representative; open communications among all partners; existence of a “champion” for the partnership; support from the relevant city or state government; effective marketing to attract new partners; strong community interest; quick return on investment; interaction with other community organizations; and continuity of funding. A full discussion of all study findings can be found in the ORNL Report entitled an examination of Rebuild America partnership accomplishments and the factors influencing them (ORNL/CON-490, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN).
A new, simple model for organic ferromagnetism and the first organic ferromagnet

Abstract A new and simple model is presented for an organic ferromagnet containing segregated stacks of radical ions. This new model gives a conceptual framework for selecting candidate molecules, and hence appears to be a promising, general guide for designing new organic ferromagnetic materials. The discovery of the first organic ferromagnet is reported. It is based on a polymer obtained from reacting s-triaminobenzene with iodine. The reaction is complex and the resulting polymer is not very reproducible. Nevertheless, on a number of occasions a ferromagnet material has been obtained. This material remains ferromagnetic to high temperatures, until it decomposes near 400°C.
Early Regional Response of Apoptotic Activity in Newborn Piglet Brain Following Hypoxia and Ischemia

Responses of selected neuroregulatory proteins that promote (Caspase 3 and Bax) or inhibit (Bcl-2, high Bcl-2/Bax ratio) apoptotic cell death were measured in the brain of piglets subjected to precisely controlled hypoxic and ischemic insults: 1 h hypoxia (decreasing FiO2 from 21 to 6%) or ischemia (ligation of carotid arteries and hemorrhage), followed by 0, 2 and 4 h recovery with 21% FiO2. Protein expression was measured in cortex, hippocampus and striatum by Western blot. There were no significant differences in expression of Caspase-3 between sham operated, hypoxic and ischemic groups. There were significant regional differences in expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in response to hypoxia and ischemia. The changes in Bcl-2/Bax ratio were similar for hypoxia and ischemia except for striatum at zero time recovery, with ischemia giving lower ratios than hypoxia. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was also lower for the striatum than for the other regions of the brain, suggesting this region is the more susceptible to apoptotic injury.
Stuttering and syllable stress

Abstract Eighteen adult stutterers read two lists each of 16 bisyllabic words. In one list, stress appeared on the first syllable; in the second, the “same” words carried second syllable stress. There proved to be no significant difference in proportion between stressed and unstressed syllables associated with stuttering. This investigation appears to dispute the proposition that stressed syllables provide the focal points of stuttering (Wingate, 1976).
Treatment of Bacterial Meningitis with Intravenous Amoxicillin

Eleven children with bacterial meningitis were treated intravenously with amoxicillin sodium to evaluate the efficacy of the parenteral form of amoxicillin for this serious infection and to measure the penetration of the drug into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The infecting organisms were Haemophilus influenzae in nine cases and Streptococcus pneumoniae in two. Nine patients had optimal responses to amoxicillin sodium, 200 mg/kg per day for 14 days. Bacteria were also eradicated from CSF of the other two, but one experienced fever and culture-negative CSF pleocytosis after cessation of amoxicillin, and the other developed H. influenzae empyema 2 weeks after termination of therapy. By comparison, 7 of 10 children with meningitis responded optimally to ampicillin (nonrandomized design) during the period of study. The mean peak CSF concentration of amoxicillin was 3.14 mug/ml (ca. 7% of the concomitant mean peak serum level) early during therapy. However, meningeal penetration of the drug declined to a mean peak of 0.63 mug/ml on the final day of therapy. Mild transient neutropenia, noted in five patients, was the most common side effect of amoxicillin sodium therapy; five patients treated with ampicillin also experienced reversible neutropenia. Thus, intravenous amoxicillin sodium provided therapy for bacterial meningitis comparable to that of ampicillin in this limited case-control study.
Temporal association of cannabis use with symptoms in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis.

Background Cannabis use is reported to increase the risk for psychosis, but no prospective study has longitudinally examined drug use and symptoms concurrently in clinical high risk cases.
Tension in the culture dish: Microfilament organization and migratory behavior of quail neural crest cells

We have investigated one aspect of the migratory behavior of quail neural crest (NC) cells by comparing the organization of microfilament bundles and the ability to distort migratory substrata by NC, somite, and notochord cells in vitro. In contrast to the numerous cytoplasmic stress fibers in somite-derived fibroblasts and notochord cells revealed by rhodamine-phalloidin staining and thin-section electron microscopy, microfilaments in NC cells are restricted to the cell cortex. To test the relative degrees of tension generated by these cell types on the underlying substratum, cells were cultured in collagen gels and on distortable silicone rubber sheets. Explanted somites and notochords produced dramatic radial alignment of 750 micrograms/ml collagen gels, whereas neural crest cells only aligned gels of lower concentrations. Fibroblasts did not migrate individually from explanted somites and notochords into 250 micrograms/ml collagen gels as readily as into higher concentration collagen lattices. In contrast, neural crest cells migrated into matrices of low concentration as well as into higher concentration collagen gels. Neural crest cells and their pigmented derivatives did not distort silicone rubber sheets, whereas somite and notochord-derived fibroblasts wrinkle this substratum after 4 days in culture. Thus, the differences in organization of the actin cytoskeleton reflect the tractional force exerted by these cells on their substratum. We hypothesize that the migratory behavior of NC cells in vivo may be related to their ability to translocate through embryonic extracellular matrices while generating relatively weak adhesions with the substratum, whereas the stronger forces generated by other embryonic cell types upon the delicate extracellular matrix may restrict their migration and may be associated with other morphogenetic events.
Sex ratios of commercially reared biological control agents

Abstract We purchased samples of 27 parasitoids, six coccinellid beetles, and the predatory midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) from commercial insectaries and scored the sex ratios from groups of approximately 200 individuals from each of these samples. Parasitoid sex ratios ranged from all female to 0.77 (proportion males), and none of the predator sex ratios differed significantly from 0.5. Among the parasitoids, we found no significant effect of taxonomic affiliation (family, superfamily) or life history (gregarious vs solitary development) on the sex ratio. The pteromalid parasitoids Muscidifurax raptorellus (Kogan and Legner), M. zaraptor (Kogan and Legner), and Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) and the eulophid Diglyphus isaea (Walker) all had significantly male-biased sex ratios, and an additional five species that did not have male-biased sex ratios had sex ratios that had a higher proportion of males than reported in the literature. These were Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov (Braconidae), Dacnusa sibirica Telenga (Braconidae), Eretmocerus nr. californicus Howard (Aphelinidae), Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko (Trichogrammatidae), and Pediobius foveolatus (Crawford) (Eulophidae). This suggests that it may be possible to increase the proportion of females produced by these species under conditions of commercial rearing. In the rest of the species studied (74% of species purchased), sex ratios either conformed to most published reports or had a higher proportion of females. We discuss the sex ratios of each species or group of species separately and review potential explanations for the sex ratios that we found, as well as implications of the results for mass rearing.
Inhibition of herpes simplex virus transformed and nontransformed cells by acycloguanosine: mechanisms of uptake and toxicity.

Abstract the toxic effects of acycloguanosine (acGuo), a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus (HSV) replication, were analyzed in HSV-transformed and nontransformed cells of different mammalian species. Large inter- and intraspecies variations in acGuo sensitivity were observed. In the transformed cells, the expression of the HSV thymidine kinase (TK) activity increased acGuo sensitivity by at least 10-fold, and this enhanced sensitivity was associated with a 10-fold increase in the uptake and phosphorylation of acGuo to its triphosphate (acGTP). In contrast, in the nontransformed cells, the presence or absence of the cellular TK activity did not have a significant effect on acGuo sensitivity. However, deoxyguanosine (dGuo) reversed the inhibitory effects of aeGuo on nontransformed cells, in association with decreased formation of acGTP. Thus, the major pathway for uptake and phosphorylation of acGuo in nontransformed cells does not involve TK activity, as it does in HSV transformed cells. Instead, it appears that the pathway for acGuo metabolism in nontransformed cells shares a common step with the pathway for dGuo uptake and phosphorylation. This cellular pathway for acGuo metabolism could determine the acGuo sensitivity of viruses other than HSV.
Adaptive robust control of uncertain systems with measurement noise

Abstract A class of dynamical systems with time-varying uncertainty is considered. The nominal portion (i.e. the portion without uncertainty) of the system is stabilizable. The uncertainty is either assumed to satisfy the matching condition or is close to matching. Moreover, the uncertainty is to be cone-bounded. The bound is, however, unknown. The control design is only based on the deterministic properties related to the bound of uncertainty. The feedback information is the state with measurement noise.
Nexos literarios comparativos entre Antônio da Fontoura Xavier y Rubén Darío

El poeta brasileno Antonio da Fontoura Xavier (1856-1922) ha sido citado como una de las fuentes del poema "Salutacion al Aguila" (1906) del modernista nicaraguense Ruben Dario (1867-1916). El presente articulo ofrece algunos datos que iluminan la obra de Fontoura Xavier, particularmente de su libro Opalas (1905) y su poema "A Aguia Pellada" (1890), fuente mencionada por el propio Dario.
Design of frozen-wave and injected-wave microwave generators using optically controlled switches

The continuing development of optically controlled bulk high power semiconductor switches with sub-ns closure times and sub-ns synchronization has made the direct generation of microwave energy feasible. The object of this paper are to 1) describe two transmission line approaches for generation of multiple cycles of high power microwave energy using optically controlled switches 2) describe the optically controlled switch requirements for each approach 3) compare the point design performance of the above types of direct high power microwave generators and 4) draw several conclusions from this system study. I.
Determination of minor elements in soil profiles by neutron activation analysis

Soil samples are often used in an effort to place a suspect at a particular location, i. e., material from the suspect's shoes, clothes, car, etc. is compared with soil from the crime area. The trace element concentration in both samples has been used to establish identity; this has been obtained usually by use of neutron activation analysis. In rural areas and farms more than half a dozen different kinds of soil may be present, and each soil may consist of several horizons. Horizons in turn may be broken down into sub-horizons or transitional layers, depending upon the humus present and the amount of weathering. Thus it would appear that comparison of soil samples would require rather exhaustive knowledge of the terrain, depth, and history of the samples area since variations of the elements in the soil are affected by eluviation (washing out) or illuviation (washing in). Such variations are illustrated by showing the change of concentration of elements with soil depth. Even though most forensic applications require comparisons of only the top inch or two of soil, the samples must be classified as to depth and type of soil since man often change the soil profile (ploughing, construction, etc.), or nature does (rain, decay, etc.). We have collected a number of soil samples from a several square mile area in both the horizontal and vertical profile. These soils were dried, thoroughly mixed, and portions, irradiated for one minute (for short half-life induced activities), and one week (for long half-life activities) at a flux of ∼10 n·cm−2·sec−1. Standards were irradiated in the same manner as samples. A number of elements were determined non-destructively; chemical separation was performed to determine others. Our results indicate great variation (factors of two or more occur in the concentration of many trace elements in going from the surface to several inches below. Similar variations occur in the horizontal plane. These data ind ate that comparison of soil samples by use of trace element concentrations is subject to considerable uncertainty. If large variations can be found within a small sampling area, the statistical significance of apparent agreement between two samples appears highly questionable.
Active Vibration Confinement of Flexible Structures Using Piezoceramic Patch Actuators

A new full state feedback control strategy is proposed to confine the vibratory motion of flexible structures. The purpose of active vibration confinement is to prohibit structural vibration initiated at some part of a structure from being transferred into a vibration sensitive portion of the structure. It allows more effective vibration suppression especially when control authority is limited. The distributed system is discretized using the finite element method and the control force is calculated such that the closed-loop mode shapes have reduced amplitudes in the concerned area. The derived control algorithm is based on the assumption that all the state variables are known in real time. To obtain this information, a full-state observer, using small segments of piezoelectric film as sensors, is utilized. The proposed approach is demonstrated by an experiment where two PZT patch actuators confine the vibration of a pinned-pinned beam using two PVDF patches as sensors. Both simulation and experiment resul...
Blood flow dynamics reflect degree of outflow tract banding in Hamburger-Hamilton stage 18 chicken embryos.

Altered blood flow during embryonic development has been shown to cause cardiac defects; however, the mechanisms by which the resulting haemodynamic forces trigger heart malformation are unclear. T...
Status of the Pediatric Clinical Trials Enterprise: An Analysis of the US ClinicalTrials.gov Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical trials are the gold standard for generating evidence-based knowledge in medicine. Recent legislation requiring trials to be registered at ClinicalTrials.gov has enabled evaluation of the clinical trial enterprise as a whole, which was previously not possible. The purpose of this study was to create a snapshot of the pediatric clinical trial portfolio. METHODS: All interventional trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov from July 2005 to September 2010 were included. Pediatric (ie, enrolling patients aged 0–18 years) trial characteristics, therapeutic area, location, and funding were described. Secondary objectives included describing pediatric trials over time and comparison with nonpediatric trials. RESULTS: During this time, 5035 pediatric trials were registered compared with >10 times as many nonpediatric trials. Neonates/infants were eligible for enrollment in 46.6% of trials versus children (77.9%) and adolescents (45.2%). Nearly one-half of pediatric trials enrolled CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the ClinicalTrials.gov data set allows description of the current scope of pediatric trials. These data may be useful to stakeholders in informing decisions regarding the conduct of trials in children and provide insight into mechanisms to advance pediatric trial infrastructure and methodology toward improving child health.
Estimation of the degree of hydration of blended cement pastes by a scanning electron microscope point-counting procedure

Abstract A scanning electron microscope (SEM) point-counting technique was employed to study the hydration of plain portland and blended cement pastes containing fly ash or slag. For plain portland cement pastes, the results for the degree of cement hydration obtained by the SEM point-counting technique were consistent with the results from the traditional loss-on-ignition (LOI) of nonevaporable water-content measurements; agreement was within ±10%. The standard deviation in the determination of the degree of cement hydration via point counting ranged from ±1.5% to ±1.8% (one operator, one sample). For the blended cement pastes, it is the first time that the degree of hydration of cement in blended systems has been studied directly. The standard deviation for the degree of hydration of cement in the blended cement pastes ranged from ±1.4% to ±2.2%. Additionally, the degrees of reaction of the mineral admixtures (MAs) were also measured. The standard deviation for the degree of fly ash reaction was ±4.6% to ±5.0% and ±3.6% to ±4.3% for slag. All of the analyses suggest that the SEM point-counting technique can be a reliable and effective analysis tool for use in studies of the hydration of blended cement pastes.
EFFECT OF SUBSTANCE P AND OTHER TACHYKININS ON ARTERIAL PRESSURE IN GUINEA‐PIGS

The blood pressure and respiratory effects of i.v. administration of the tachykinins substance P (SP), physalaemin (P), eledoisin (E) and kassinin (K) and purported antagonists of SP were compared in guinea-pigs anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Tachykinins caused a dose-dependent decrease in diastolic and systolic pressure with systolic pressure decreased more than diastolic. Heart rate was not affected. Duration of response was directly related to dosage. These data are in agreement with observations that tachykinins decrease peripheral vascular resistance in other species. Tachyphylaxis did not develop to the vascular actions of tachykinins. Comparison of ED50's demonstrated a rank order of potency of SP greater than P congruent to E greater than K suggesting that the vascular receptor for SP is of the SP-P type. Analysis of the regression lines for log dose of tachykinin vs. percent decrease in diastolic blood pressure revealed similar slopes for SP and E and for P and K. The maximal response caused by P was greater than that caused by SP, E or K. These observations are not consistent with postulated classifications of tachykinins or tachykinin receptors suggesting that undefined tissue factors may have affected the relative in vivo potencies of these peptides. Apnoea occurred with K and E throughout the effective dosage range. SP caused apnoea only in doses in excess of those causing maximal vasodilation. P did not cause apnoea. These observations suggest that the SP-receptor mediating respiratory depression is of the SP-E type.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Basic Block Distribution Analysis to Find Periodic Behavior and Simulation Points in Applications

Abstract: Modern architecture research relies heavily on detailed pipeline simulation. Simulating the full execution of an industry standard benchmark can take weeks to months to complete. To overcome this problem researchers choose a very small portion of a program's execution to evaluate their results, rather than simulating the entire program. In this paper we propose Basic Block Distribution Analysis as an automated approach for finding these small portions of the program to simulate that are representative of the entire program's execution. This approach is based upon using profiles of a program's code structure (basic blocks) to uniquely identify different phases of execution in the program. We show that the periodicity of the basic block frequency profile reflects the periodicity of detailed simulation across several different architectural metrics (e.g., IPC, branch miss rate, cache miss rate, value misprediction, address misprediction, and reorder buffer occupancy). Since basic block frequencies can be collected using very fast profiling tools, our approach provides a practical technique for finding the periodicity and simulation points in applications.
The importance of symmetry and virtual views in three-dimensional object recognition

Abstract Background: Human observers can recognize three-dimensional objects seen in novel orientations, even when they have previously seen only a relatively small number of different views of the object. How our visual system does this is a key problem in vision research. Recent theories and experiments suggest that the human visual system might store a relatively small number of sample two-dimensional views of a three-dimensional object, and recognize novel views by a process of interpolation between the stored sample views. These sample views may be collected during a training phase as the visual system familiarizes itself with the object. Results Here, we investigate whether constraints on the shapes of objects commonly encountered in the real world can reduce the number of training views required for recognition of three-dimensional objects. We are particularly concerned with the constraint of object symmetry. We show that if an object is bilaterally symmetrical, then additional ‘virtual views' can automatically be generated from one sample view by symmetry transformations. These virtual views should make it more easy to recognize novel views of a symmetric than an asymmetric object, when a single sample view has been seen. Recognition should be particularly facilitated when the novel views are close to the virtual view. We present psychophysical results that bear out these predictions. Conclusion Our results show that the human visual system can indeed exploit symmetry to facilitate object recognition, and support the model for object recognition in which a small number of two-dimensional views are remembered and combined to recognize novel views of the same object. These results raise questions about how symmetry is recognized, and symmetry transformations implemented, in real, biological neural networks.
Letter by Chhabra and Spodick regarding article, "Treatment of acute and recurrent idiopathic pericarditis".

We read with great interest the publication by Lilly in a recent issue of Circulation .1 Lilly has provided a brief yet comprehensive review of the management of acute and recurrent pericarditis. Lilly has recommended that corticosteroids should never be used as a primary line of therapy in acute or recurrent idiopathic pericarditis, unless the disease symptoms are refractory to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine. It is indeed true for the most practical purposes because the steroids have been shown to increase …
Layer Transfer of FDSOI CMOS to 150mm InP Substrates for Mixed-Material Integration

A low-temperature wafer bonding process has been developed to extend a silicon 3D circuit integration process to mixed-material systems. As part of this effort a functional FDSOI CMOS layer was transferred to a 150 mm diameter InP wafer without significantly affecting circuit operation. InGaAs and InGaAsP layers grown in a commercial OMVPE reactor had excellent characteristics for both 150 mm and 50 mm diameter substrates. These results suggest that it is feasible to build a near-IR imager with a tight pixel pitch by transferring a readout layer fabricated in SOI to an InGaAs/InP detector wafer
Who can speak for the emergently ill? Testing a method to identify communities and their leaders.

Objectives: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires researchers to consult with the community prior to conducting research with exception from informed consent, but little is known about whether people support this and, if they do, who researchers should consult. We sought to determine if people could identify communities and leaders of those communities who researchers should consult with to represent their views about research that requires an exception from informed consent. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional interview study using a convenience sample of patients seeking care in an urban emergency department (ED) to determine if people belonged to specific communities and, if they did, if they could identify communities and leaders appropriate for consultation. Descriptive statistics were used to represent our findings. Results: Most of the 262 participants approached for the study completed the interview (199; 76%). Of those interviewed, 122 (61%) were African American, 54 (27%) were white, 83 (42%) were male, and the mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age was 36.2 ± 14.4 years. Most, (194; 97%), identified that they belonged to a community and most (177; 89%), said that researchers could consult at least one of their communities for consultation about an exception from informed consent study. Participants typically named geographic and religious-affiliated communities and leaders as appropriate for consultation. Conclusion: Most participants identified a community and a leader of that community who researchers could consult about research with exception from informed consent. Geographic and faith-based organizations could play an important role in consultation.