cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluid dispersion—generalization and comparison of mathematical models—II comparison of models

Abstract Part I of this paper discussed methods for experimentally finding dispersion coefficients for each of the two important classes of dispersion models. We treated the models as if they were completely separate. Now these models are interrelated and are also related to the more general models which do not assume plug flow and constant values for dispersion coefficients. However, in some cases certain conditions must be satisfied for the relationships between models to hold. The purpose of this paper is to consider these interrelationships and restrictions, thus justifying the use of the simpler models in place of the more cumbersome ones.
Use of telemedicine to provide pediatric critical care inpatient consultations to underserved rural Northern California

Abstract Objective To report a novel application of telemedicine and to assess the resulting quality and satisfaction of care. Study design An existing telemedicine program was evaluated through the use of a nonconcurrent cohort design. Cohorts of patients were compared by means of the Pediatric Risk of Mortality, version III (PRISM III), to adjust for severity of illness and assess risk-adjusted mortality rates. Satisfaction and quality of care surveys administered to the pediatric patient's parents and providers were also analyzed. Results Telemedicine consultations (n = 70) were conducted on 47 patients during a 2-year period. Patients receiving telemedicine consultations were sicker than the average pediatric patient cared for in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 180) and compared with historic control pediatric patients (n = 116) (mean PRISM III score of 9.6 versus 7.7 and 7.5, respectively). PRISM III–standardized mortality ratios were consistent among the same cohorts of patients (0.24, 0.36, and 0.37, respectively). Overall satisfaction and perception of quality of care was high among parents and rural health care providers. Conclusions This study demonstrates that a regional pediatric ICU-based telemedicine program providing live interactive consultations to a rural adult ICU can provide quality care that is considered highly satisfactory to a select group of critically ill pediatric patients.
Kentucky Bluegrass Response to Potassium and Nitrogen Fertilization

The response of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) to potassium (K) fertilization has been inconsistent. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of K fertilization across varying nitrogen (N) rates and clipping management on Kentucky bluegrass clipping yields, quality, tissue K concentrations, apparent N recovery, and N use efficiency. A 2 × 4 x 4 factorial was arranged in a split-plot design and repeated across two years. Main plots were clipping treatments (returned vs. removed) and subplots were N rates (0, 98, 196, and 294 kg ha -1 yr -1 ) in combination with K rates (0, 81, 162, and 243 kg ha -1 yr -1 ). There was no positive effect of K on clipping yields and quality even though soil extractable K levels tested low. Higher K rates, however, increased N recovery and use efficiency for all but the highest N rate. Tissue K response to K fertilization was nonlinear. Yield and quality responses were not correlated to tissue K concentration. Nonexchangeable K levels were high in the native soil, and may have provided an additional source of K for bluegrass. The results suggest that extractable K values alone may not adequately predict available K to Kentucky bluegrass in this sandy loam soil.
Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Acetone Oxime Adsorbed on CuZSM-5 and on HZSM-5

Abstract The reactions of acetone oxime, a proposed reaction intermediate for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with propane on CuZSM-5 and on HZSM-5, have been studied with 13 C and 15 N solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR). The carbon- and/or nitrogen-containing surface species, as well as the products formed under conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium, have been monitored and identified. In the absence of NO and after heating to 150–200°C, the main hydrolysis products of adsorbed acetone oxime on CuZSM-5 are acetone and hydroxylamine, while the main hydrolysis products on HZSM-5 are acetic acid and methylamine. In addition, N 2 and N 2 O are formed from acetone oxime adsorbed on both HZSM-5 and CuZSM-5. In the presence of 15 NO, the observation of mixed-labeled 14 N 15 NO and 15 N 14 NO shows that new N–N bonds are formed over CuZSM-5 and HZSM-5 between two different nitrogen atoms: one from gaseous 15 NO molecules and the other from adsorbed acetone oxime and/or acetone oxime hydrolysis products. When 15 NO and unlabeled acetone oxime are reacted on CuZSM-5, the 14 N 15 NO/ 15 N 14 NO ratio is approximately 3, suggesting that the NO bond of gas-phase NO remains intact when it reacts with acetone oxime to form N 2 O. It is also found that the formation of new N–N bonds from the reaction of NO and acetone oxime occurs at room temperature on CuZSM-5, but not until ∼150°C on HZSM-5.
Gel-derived amorphous cesium-aluminosilicate powders useful for formation of pollucite glass-ceramics

Amorphous powders in the Cs2O–Al2O3−SiO2 system were prepared by sol-gel processing. Gels made from TEOS, Al-chelate, and Cs-acetate were dried and calcined to obtain molecularly mixed powders of analyzed compositions in the range useful for conversion to pollucite (CsAlSi2O6) glass-ceramics. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the powders. A typical amorphous powder of analyzed chemical composition (in wt.%) = 28.05Cs2O, 37.77SiO2, and 37.96Al2O3 was found to have a glass transition temperature of 945 °C and a glass crystallization temperature of 1026 °C. Preliminary experimental results of densification and crystallization of the amorphous powders show pollucite/mullite phases to be present.
Ethanol-induced conditioned place preference is expressed through a ventral tegmental area dependent mechanism.

The authors examined the role of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the expression of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). After cannulas were implanted, male DBA/2J mice underwent an unbiased Pavlovian-conditioning procedure for ethanol-induced CPP. Before preference testing, the mice were injected intra-VTA (Experiments 1 and 3) or intra-NAc (Experiment 2) with the nonselective opioid antagonist methylnaloxonium (0-ng, 375-ng, or 750-ng total infusion; Experiments 1 and 2) or the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA B ) agonist baclofen (0-ng, 25-ng, or 50-ng total infusion; Experiment 3). Intra-VTA methylnaloxonium or baclofen decreased ethanol-induced CPP, whereas intra-NAc methylnaloxonium had no effect. These findings indicate that the conditioned rewarding effect of ethanol is expressed through a VTA-dependent mechanism that involves both opioid and GABA B receptors.
Supraneural and pterygiophore insertion patterns in carangid fishes, with description of a new Eocene carangid tribe, †Paratrachinotini, and a survey of anterior anal-fin pterygiophore insertion patterns in Acanthomorpha

ABSTRACT The complete supraneural and dorsal and anal pterygiophore insertion patterns of over 900 specimens representing all 145 extant taxa of the Carangidae are reported, as well as those of several specimens comprising seven taxa among the other four carangoid families: Rachycentridae, Coryphaenidae, Echeneidae, Nematistiidae. The patterns of the carangids were variously partitioned and the resulting groups analyzed for the sequential arrangement of supraneurals and dorsal and anal pterygiophores and for total numbers of pterygiophores. Both procedures generate characters bearing on the intrarelationships and differentiation of the various taxa. The composition of the first dorsal-fin pterygiophore in carangoids and other perciform fishes is discussed briefly. Depending on the taxon, there is evidence that supports findings that this element originates from one or two separate cartilages. Evidence is presented that the first dorsal-fin pterygiophore of the carangid Parastromateus niger variously compr...
Effect of homogeneity on viscosity in capillary extrusion of polyethylene

The change in melt flow properties, as determined by melt index measurement, as a function of shear history, has been measured for linear polyethylene. It is shown that a drop in melt index occurs when a polymer sample which has had no previous shear history is melted and subjected to shear mixing. This fact is attributed to a molecular homogenization of a previously unmixed blend. An analytical model of the laminar flow in a pipe of concentric adjacent fluids with different viscosities is presented. The model indicates that the effective viscosity of this non-homogeneous system is much lower than the viscosity of fan intimate blend of the same viscosity of an intimate blend of the same viscosity fluids.
Structure of the int-5, a novel MMTV integration genomic locus containing mouse early transposon LTR homology region

Previous studies have reported the cloning and identification of the int-5, a novel mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) integration locus involved in mammary tumorigenesis. Here we report the characterization of the 5.5 kb region from this novel MMTV integration site. Our results show that the region after the MMTV integration site, a 258 bp sequence is homologous (100%) to the mouse early transposon (mETn) long-terminal repeat and other sequences of the this transposon are not present in the 5.5 kb region. Our results also show for the first time the tumor specific expression of mETn and expression of the region downstream of the MMTV integration site that is homologous to mETn-LTR in D2 mammary tumors.
Judged constitutionality of functional psychosis disorder classifications.

Stone, L. A. Judged constitutionality of functional psychosis disorder classifications. Scand. J. Psychol., 1968, 9, 252–256.—Psychiatrists (N = 37) made magnitude estimations and category scale evaluations of 15 psychiatric classification stimuli with respect to their own opinions regarding biogenic predisposition associated with the stimuli. The scale from category judgments was a logarithmic transformation of the magnitude estimation scale. Judgmental variability, in subjective unit measurement, was linearly and positively related to subjective magnitude. The underlying judgmental continuum was tentatively Classified as prothetic. The results were in line with those obtained in several previous studies.
Expression of cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) in rat testes following chronic cocaine administration.

Objective: c-AMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), one of the nuclear factors involved in the regulation of gene expression by cAMP, has an important role in spermatogenesis. Our recent study has shown that chronic administration of cocaine to male rats results in disruption of spermatogenesis, including reduction of germ cells. 1 As a further step toward understanding this process, we have studied the role of CREM in cocaine-induced testicular damage. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were administered cocaine hydrochloride subcutaneously daily for 90 days. Control animals received equal volumes of normal saline daily for 90 days. Testes were removed after 15, 30, 90 days of cocaine administration. Total RNA was extracted from the testes and subjected to RT-PCR. Testicular tissue was also homogenized in a lysis buffer, and Western blotting was performed using anti-CREM antibody. Results: RT-PCR analysis detected a single fragment of approximately 520 base pairs (bp) in control testes at all time points. The cocaine-treated testes showed reduced expression of CREM fragment. Western blot analysis using CREM antibodies confirmed the RNA data. There were reduced CREM proteins in the cocaine-treated testes compared with controls. Conclusions: The CREM gene is essential for spermatogenesis. Our results indicate that the reduction in testicular CREM expression may be one of the mechanisms responsible for disruption or impairment of spermatogenesis in the testes following chronic cocaine administration.
Short term follow-up of culprit only revascularization versus total revascularization in primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel disease

Background : Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease are common. It is unknown whether complete revascularization in these patients is superior. Objectives : This study evaluated the short term outcome of culprit only revascularization compared to total revascularization in the setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with STEMI. Methods : The study included 40 patients with acute STEMI who were presented within 12 h from onset of symptoms. All patients had multivessel disease on emergency coronary angiography. Primary PCI was performed in all patients. According to study protocol, patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (20 patients) included patients who underwent culprit artery only revascularization, while group B (20 patients) had total revascularization. In-hospital and 30 days outcome (mortality, re-infarction, heart failure, recurrence of angina symptoms, cerebrovascular stroke, need for revascularization) were reported. Results : All cause mortality was reported in one patient from group B (5%). No re-infarction. Recurrence of ischemic symptoms was reported in 15% of patients (25% versus 5% in groups A and B respectively, P=0.2). Heart failure was evident in 15% of all patients (15% in each group). Composite end point of adverse cardiovascular events was reported in 37.5% of all patients (40% versus 35% in groups A and B respectively, P = 0.5). Contrast induced nephropathy was evident in 47.5% of patients (10% versus 35% in groups A and B respectively, P = 0.08), subacute stent thrombosis occurred in 2 patients (5%), (10% in group B but not in group A, P = 0.4). Conclusion : Both treatment strategies carry equivalent short term outcome among patients with STEMI treated with PPCI.
An improved theory of metering in an intermeshing corotating twin‐screw extruder

An improved analysis of flow in the screw elements of an intermeshing corotating twin screw extruder is presented. The new theory based on an isothermal Newtonian fluid model allows explicit consideration of the geometry of the intermeshing region. Flow rates are computed as a function of the pressure gradients and screw speeds. Both left-handed and right-handed screws are considered.
Constructing a logic of plausible inference

Cox?s theorem provides a theoretical basis for using probability theory as a general logic of plausible inference. The theorem states that any system for plausible reasoning that satisfies certain qualitative requirements intended to ensure consistency with classical deductive logic and correspondence with commonsense reasoning is isomorphic to probability theory. However, the requirements used to obtain this result have been the subject of much debate. We review Cox?s theorem, discussing its requirements, the intuition and reasoning behind these, and the most important objections, and finish with an abbreviated proof of the theorem.
Applications of calcium-sensitive photoproteins in experimental biology.

—Calcium-sensitive photoproteins are “precharged bioluminescent proteins that are triggered to emit light by binding Ca2+ or certain other inorganic ions. Neither molecular oxygen nor any organic cofactor is required. The first such protein to be described was aequorin, and for various reasons that has been the one most widely studied. Photoproteins have been used as Ca2+-indicators both in vitro and in living cells. Their chief advantages for this are (1) ease of signal detection, (2) high sensitivity, (3) relative specificity for Ca2+, and (4) lack of toxicity. Difficulties in the experimental use of the photoproteins stem from (1) their one-time reactivity, (2) their large molecular size, (3) their scarcity, (4) the influence of experimental conditions on the sensitivity to Ca2+, (5) the nonlinearity of the relation between [Ca2+] and light intensity, and (6) the limited speed with which light intensity follows sudden changes in [Ca2+]. Photoproteins have now been used as intracellular calcium indicators in more than two dozen types of cells, and experience with the method is rapidly growing. They are also useful in the determination of calcium binding constants for other substances in vitro, and as models for studies of receptor-ligand interactions in general.
Measuring the impact of professional accreditation on student experiences and learning outcomes

This research uses a conceptual model to examine the influence of a change in accreditation standards on a representative national sample of 203 engineering programs at 40 institutions. Based on data collected from more than 140 program chairs, 1,200 faculty, 4,300 graduates of 2004, and 5,400 graduates of 1994, the study investigates the differential impact of the change in accreditation standards on programs reviewed in different years during the period of transition. Despite significant variation across most of the measures and groups in 1994 (before the introduction of the new accreditation criteria), the 2004 evidence demonstrates a surprisingly uniform level of student experiences and outcomes. These findings suggest that engineering accreditation is beginning to accomplish its quality assurance goals.
Implementation of hierarchical F-channels for high-performance distributed computing

High performance distributed computing systems require high performance communication systems. F-channels and Hierarchical F-channels address this need by permitting a high level of concurrency like non-FIFO channels while retaining the simplicity of FIFO channels critical to the design and proof of many distributed algorithms. In this paper, we present counter-based implementations for F-channels and Hierarchical F-channels using message augmentation-appending control information to a message. These implementations guarantee that no messages are unnecessarily delayed at the receiving end.
Alternative scale measures and the behaviour of average costs in steam electric generation

Abstract A lack of consensus exists in studies of electricity generation concerning the appropriate measure of scale: cumulative output or generation capacity. This paper argues that the correct measure of scale is dictated by the technical characteristics of the output and institutional constraints. While for many products cumulative output is appropriate, the inability to store electricity and the institutional requirement that instantaneous demand be satisfied suggests that generation capacity is the correct measure of scale. This study estimates two models of coal-fired plant technology under emissions constraints using alternative measures of scale. The results indicate that models which use cumulative output to represent scale over-estimate the extent of economies of scale. There isalso evidence that emission constraints have reduced economies of scale.
For all kids' sakes: comparing children's television policy-making in Australia, Canada and the United States

For decades television policy makers around the world have recognized the influence television exerts on its audience, particularly youth. In response, nations have devised broadcast policies to attempt to control the medium. Each nation has carefully designed domestic children's television policies by assessing and balancing fundamental ideological, political and economic factors. As television evolves into an integrated global medium, regional and international declarations and resolutions are being proposed. The author explores whether these proposed universal guidelines represent a convergence of domestic children's television policies or merely normative strategies. Children's television policies in Australia, Canada and the United States are compared to test this convergence hypothesis. These policies are then plotted on a matrix that represents regulatory evolution through time and across political and economic lines. This matrix illustrates graphically the trends in children's television policies ...
Optical Spectral Classification of Major Mergers: OH Megamaser Hosts versus Nonmasing (Ultra)Luminous Infrared Galaxies

We investigate the types of nuclear environments that produce OH megamasers (OHMs) with a study of the optical spectra of 40 OHM host galaxies and a control sample of 30 nonmasing (ultra)luminous infrared galaxies ([U]LIRGs). The optical spectrophotometry provides spatially resolved spectra of multiple nuclei in a few of these merging systems. Of the 40 OHMs classified, 33% are starbursts, 42% are LINERs, and 25% are Seyfert 2 galaxies; the classification of the nonmasing control sample is similar. The OHM fraction in mergers does not depend on nuclear classification, and there are no distinguishing spectral properties to differentiate OHMs from nonmasing mergers; OHM galaxies appear to represent the same optical population as the (U)LIRGs. There are likewise few trends between OHM host-galaxy properties and the properties of the OHMs they produce. OHMs do appear to be somewhat blueshifted with respect to their hosts, particularly LINERs, and Seyfert and LINER hosts tend to produce broader OH emission-line profiles than pure starburst hosts. This suggests that OHMs are in some cases associated with outflows and that the phase space available for masing in LINER and Seyfert hosts is larger than in pure starbursts. The paucity of significant correlations between OHMs and the optical properties of their hosts is presumably due to the severe dust extinction found in (U)LIRGs, especially at the high-density sites of molecular masing.
The effect of stoichiometry on the microstructure and properties of lead lanthanum titanate thin films

Thin films of Lead Lanthanum Titanate (PLT) corresponding to 28 at. % of La were prepared by the metal-organic decomposition (MOD) process. The films were fabricated from two solutions of different composition. The composition of the first solution was determined, assuming that the incorporation of La3+ in the PbTiO3 structure gives rise to A-site or Pb vacancies, whereas for the composition of the other solution the creation of B-site or Ti vacancies was assumed. The effect of excess lead on the microstructure and the optical and electrical properties was studied for 0% to 20% excess PbO. The x-ray diffraction patterns of all films at room temperature indicated a cubic structure with a lattice constant of 3.92 A. Optical and electrical measurements showed the films made assuming B-site vacancies had better properties. In general, excess PbO was found to improve the optical transmittance as well as the electrical properties of films. However, in films assuming the formation of B-site vacancies, PLT showed improved electrical properties only up to 5–10% excess PbO, while higher PbO additions had a deleterious effect. The films had a high resistivity, good relative permittivity, low loss, very low leakage current density, and high charge storage density. A type-B film with 10% excess Pb had a relative permittivity of 1340 at 100 kHz and a charge storage density of around 16.1 μC/cm2 at a field of 200 kV/cm at room temperature.
Age, race, sex, stage, and incidence of cutaneous lymphoma.

Abstract Background The incidence of the T- and B-cell CLs has been well documented, but information pertaining to racial incidence by age, and by burden of disease (stage) have not been extensively documented. Materials and Methods The SEER 2004-2008 public use database was investigated. The relative incidence of CL in different races and age groups was examined. Univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression was performed for the likelihood of presenting at a higher stage. Results Of 4496 patients diagnosed with CL between 2004 and 2008; 1713 patients were diagnosed with MF, 1518 with non-MF cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and 1265 patients with cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. For MF, there was a trend for females to be less likely to present with a higher T-stage (T3-T4) than males (odds ratio [OR], 0.73) on multivariate analysis (P = .06). For race, AA had a significantly increased risk of presenting with higher T-stage (T3-T4) MF (OR, 1.72) on multivariate analysis (P = .02), compared with white patients. For white, AA, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American/other/unknown, the mean age at diagnosis was 59.2, 51.5, 51.3, and 53.8. These groups presented at a significantly different age than white (P = .0001, 0.0001, and 0.0006). Conclusion Nonwhite racial groups present with MF at an earlier age compared with white, and AA have increased risk of presenting with higher T-stage compared with white. These findings have significant implications regarding need for earlier diagnosis and understanding the reasons for racial disparity in age and stage of presentation.
Interference by luteolin, quercetin, and taxifolin with chloroplast-mediated electron transport and phosphorylation

The effects of luteolin, quercetin, and taxifolin on light induced phosphorylation and electron transport in isolated, greenhouse-grown, spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) thylakoids were investigated. Luteolin and quercetin interacted with components associated with both the ATP-generating pathway and the electron-transport pathway. However, the action of taxifolin involved only the phosphorylation pathway. Interference with the phosphorylation pathway was evidenced by the greater sensitivity of phosphorylation than oxygen uptake in coupled whole-chain electron transport, inhibition of the light-activated Mg2+-ATPase, and inhibition of the Ca2+-ATPase associated with CF1. The following order of decreasing inhibitory effectiveness was exhibited: luteolin > quercetin >>> taxifolin. On the electron-transport pathway, luteolin and quercetin interfered with the activity of the QB-protein complex as evidenced by inhibition of the partial reaction with diphenylcarbazide as the electron donor and 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol as electron acceptor; alteration of the chlorophyll fluorescence transients; and competitive displacement of radiolabeled atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine].
Plastic Bronchitis : A Management Challenge

Plastic bronchitis is an uncommon and underdiagnosed entity, characterized by recurrent expectoration of large, branching bronchial casts. We describe a 39-year-woman with no prior lung disease who had episodic wheezing, severe dyspnea with expectoration of large and thick secretions, branching in appearance, which she described as resembling squid. A comprehensive evaluation revealed no specific cause and a diagnosis of idiopathic plastic bronchitis was made. In plastic bronchitis the bronchial casts may vary in size from small segmental casts of a bronchus to casts filling the airways of an entire lung. Plastic bronchitis can therefore present as an acute life-threatening emergency if mechanical obstruction of major airways occurs. The casts are differentiated into type I, inflammatory casts, or type II, acellular casts. The type I inflammatory casts are often associated with bronchial disease and often have an acute presentation. The acellular type of cast production is often chronic or recurrent. Numerous systemic illnesses are associated with plastic bronchitis, but often, as in our patient, no underlying cause can be identified. The treatment of plastic bronchitis includes acute therapy to aid the removal and expectoration of casts, and specific short- or long-term treatments attempting to address the underlying hypersecretory process. The therapeutic options are supported only by anecdotal evidence based on case reports as the rarity and heterogeneity of plastic bronchitis confounds systematic investigations of its treatment. Improved understanding of the regulation of mucus production may allow for new treatment options in plastic bronchitis and other chronic lung diseases characterized by hypersecretion of mucus.
Nuclear Cross Sections for 270-Mev Neutrons

The total cross sections of eleven different elements were measured for the neutrons resulting from the bombardment of a 2-in. Be target by the 350-Mev protons of the 184-in. cyclotron. Bismuth fission ionization chambers served as the neutron detectors and had an estimated mean neutron detection energy of 270 Mev for the measurements. The attenuating materials were placed inside the concrete shielding and the monitor was placed to one side of the attenuators. The detector was placed about 30 ft. from the attenuators in line with the target and the attenuators. Collimators in the concrete shielding and a concrete block immediately behind the attenuating materials limited the detection of neutrons scattered through small angles to 20 min. "Poor" geometry cross sections of carbon, copper, and lead were measured by placing a shallow fission chamber behind attenuators of large cross-sectional area over which the neutron flux was uniform. The inelastic cross section is at least half the total for all three elements.
Comprehensive 4‐year follow‐up on a case of maternal heterodisomy for chromosome 16

Uniparental disomy for chromosome 16 has been previously identified in fetal deaths and newborn infants with limited follow-up. Thus there is a lack of information about the long-term effects of maternal uniparental disomy 16 on growth and development. We present a case of maternal heterodisomy for chromosome 16 and a comprehensive 4-year physical and cognitive evaluation. Cytogenetic analysis of chorionic villus obtained at 10 weeks gestation for advanced maternal age showed trisomy 16. At 15 weeks, amniocentesis demonstrated low level mosaicism 47,XY,+16[1]/46,XY[25]. Decreased fetal growth was noted in the last 2 months of pregnancy and the infant was small for gestational age at birth. Molecular studies revealed only maternal alleles for chromosome 16 in a peripheral blood sample from the child, consistent with maternal uniparental heterodisomy 16. Although short stature remains a concern, there appears to be no major cognitive effects of maternal disomy 16. Clinical evaluation and follow-up on additional cases should further clarify the role of placental mosaicism and maternal disomy 16 in intrauterine growth retardation and its effects on long-term growth in childhood.
Remote detection of buried mines

Illumination and polarization enhancement at optical wavelengths due to photometric backscattering by particulate surfaces can potentially be exploited for identifying soils disturbed by the burial of landmines, traversed by vehicles, and possibly for identifying environments prone to dust hazards. Laboratory and field measurements of reflected visible and near infrared light at phase angles from 3° to 0° demonstrate observations at these low angles are sensitive to grain size and packing for surfaces composed of particles as small as a few microns. Finer-grained materials tend to increase in reflectance more than do larger-grained surfaces and do so over a smaller range of phase angles, with a maximum brightness at or near 0° phase. Particulate surfaces also linearly polarize light; though the relationship is more complex, with high-albedo materials exhibiting a negative polarization of a few percent at one or few degrees phase. There is no intrinsic compositional dependency, and related albedo variations may be constrained using multiple wavelengths.
Respiratory Q10 of marigold (Tagetes patula) in response to long-term temperature differences and its relationship to growth and maintenance respiration

Acclimation of respiration to temperature is not well understood. To determine whether whole plant respiration responses to long-term temperature treatments can be described using the Q10 concept, the CO2 exchange rate of marigolds (Tagetes patula L. ‘Queen Sophia’), grown at 20°C or 30°C, was measured for 62 days. When plants of the same age were compared, plants grown at 20°C consistently had a higher specific respiration (Rspc) than plants grown at 30°C (long-term Q10= 0.71–0.97). This was due to a combination of greater dry mass at 30°C and a decrease in Rspc with increasing mass. When plants of the same dry mass were compared, the long-term Q10 was 1.35–1.55; i.e. Rspc was higher at 30°C than at 20°C. Whole plant respiration could be accurately described by dividing respiration into growth and maintenance components. The maintenance respiration coefficient was higher at 30°C than at 20°C, while the growth respiration coefficient was lower at 30°C, partly because of temperature-dependent changes in plant composition. These results suggest difficulties with interpreting temperature effects on whole plant respiration, because conclusions depend greatly on whether plants of the same age or mass are compared. These difficulties can be minimized by describing whole plant respiration on the basis of growth and maintenance components.
An immunoassay for chlorinated dioxins in soils

Abstract An immunoassay for chlorinated dioxins in soils is described. This immunoassay utilizes a competitive ELISA with a dioxin-specific monoclonal antibody and an avidin-biotin amplification system on aqueous solutions obtained after extraction of the matrix and an effective clean-up procedure. It's sensitivity has been shown on oil-soaked, composite California soils spiked with variable amounts of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin.
Sequence complexity of nuclear and polysomal RNA in leaves of the tobacco plant

Abstract The first measurements are reported of the sequence complexity of nuclear and polysomal RNA contained within the cells of a higher plant. Polysomal RNA from tobacco leaves was prepared by a procedure which minimized contamination with nuclear RNA. Hybridization of 3 H-cDNA complementary to polysomal poly(A) RNA with an excess of tobacco DNA indicated that >95% of the poly(A) mRNA was transcribed from single-copy sequences. RNA excess hybridization reactions with polysomal poly(A) RNA and 3 H-cDNA revealed the presence of three abundance classes in the poly(A) mRNA. The best least-squares solution indicated that these classes comprise 9, 52, and 39% of the poly(A) mRNA and contain sequences present an average of 4500, 340 and 17 times per cell. Hybridization reactions containing an excess of nuclear or total polysomal RNA and 3 H-single-copy DNA indicated the complexity of these RNA populations to be 1.19 × 10 8 nucleotides (nuclear) and 3.33 × 10 7 nucleotides (polysomal). Thus only 28% of the nuclear RNA sequence diversity (27,000 average-sized mRNA sequences) is represented in leaf polysomes. These results suggest that there is a general similarity in the basic transcriptional processes of metaphytan and metazoan cells.
Measurement of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by a variety of fungi including Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Penicillium species. The presence of mycotoxins in sinonasal tissue and secretions and any possible link to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) or other diseases of the head and neck have not been reported. The authors performed an exploratory study to determine the presence and levels of mycotoxins in the sinonasal tissue and secretions of 18 subjects undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Using commercial enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kits, samples were analyzed for the following mycotoxins: aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin, and fumonisin. All specimens were negative for aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and fumonisin. Four (22%) of 18 specimens were positive for ochratoxin. The clinical significance of this finding remains to be determined.
Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 enzymes by constituents of St. John's Wort, an herbal preparation used in the treatment of depression.

Commercially available St. John9s wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) extracts, preparations that are used in the treatment of depression, were examined for the potential to inhibit human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activities, specifically CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. Crude extracts demonstrated inhibition of each of these five enzymes, with CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 being more sensitive than CYP1A2 and CYP2C19. Extracts were fractionated by HPLC, and each of the fractions was tested for inhibition of these five CYPs to identify individual constituents with inhibitory activity. Several fractions were shown to possess inhibitory activity, including the fractions containing hyperforin (the putative active antidepressant constituent), I3,II8-biapigenin, and hypericin. Hyperforin and I3,II8-biapigenin were isolated from the extract, and inhibition constants for the five CYP activities were measured. In addition, three other constituents, hypericin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, were tested for inhibitory activity toward the CYP enzymes. The flavonoid compound I3,II8-biapigenin was shown to be a potent, competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP1A2 activities with K i values of 0.038, 0.32, and 0.95 μM, respectively. Hyperforin was a potent noncompetitive inhibitor of CYP2D6 activity ( K i = 1.5 μM) and competitive inhibitor of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 activities ( K i = 1.8 and 0.48 μM, respectively). Hypericin also demonstrated potent inhibition of several CYP activities. These in vitro data indicate that St. John9s wort preparations contain constituents that can potently inhibit the activities of major human drug-metabolizing enzymes and suggest that these preparations should be examined for potential pharmacokinetic drug interactions in vivo.
Stimulus and site specific induction of hiccups in the oesophagus of normal subjects.

Background—Hiccups that are induced by a large meal have been suggested to result from gastric overdistension. The role of the oesophagus in precipitating hiccups has never been defined. Aims—To determine the involvement of oesophageal mechanoreceptors in the hiccup reflex. Methods—Ten normal healthy subjects were prospectively evaluated at a university affiliated hospital. Controlled inflation of a polyethylene bag in the proximal and distal oesophagus was carried out using slow ramp and rapid phasic distensions, by an electronic distension device. Results—Hiccups were induced in four subjects only during rapid phasic distensions and only in the proximal oesophagus. The mean (SEM) minimal volume threshold for the hiccup reflex was 32.5 (4.8) ml, which was above the perception threshold. Hiccups appeared during inflation and resolved after deflation. Conclusions—Sudden rapid stretch of the mechanoreceptors in the proximal oesophagus can trigger the hiccup reflex in normal subjects. Only rapid distensions above a determined volume threshold will predictably induce hiccups in a given subject. This mechanism may play a role in the physiological induction of hiccups. Keywords: hiccups; oesophageal mechanoreceptors; electronic distension device; phasic distension; ramp distension; perception thresholds
Physiological Correlates of Mental Activity: Eye Movements, Alpha, and Heart Rate During Imagining, Suppression, Concentration, Search, and Choice

Rapid eye movements (REMs), EEG alpha, and tonic heart rate (HR) were measured during 6 types of cognitive tasks—imagining a liked person, suppressing thoughts of the person, searching one's mind for alternative solutions, arithmetic involving little concentration, problems involving high concentration, and choosing a preferred activity. The latter 3 required verbalization, the former 3 did not. Only suppression and search did not differ significantly from each other on at least one physiological variable. Imagining, suppression, and search yielded few REMs, high alpha, and low HR. High concentration yielded many REMs, low alpha, and high HR. Choice yielded many REMs, low alpha, and intermediate HR. Low concentration yielded few REMs, low alpha, and high HR. Suppression produced somewhat less alpha than imagining but did not differ significantly in REMs.
High performance sub-100 nm Si thin-film transistors by Pattern-controlled crystallization of Thin channel layer and High temperature annealing

In this work, we report the fabrication of high performance thin-film transistors (TFTs) down to sub-100 nm regime using Pattern-controlled crystallization of Thin channel layer and High temperature annealing (PaTH). High temperature is used to improve the film quality. Thin body thickness (Tsi) is used to suppress the short channel effects. The devices showed superior switching properties and device-to-device uniformity over conventional poly-Si TFTs.
Assessing the safety and compatibility of silver based wound dressings in a magnetic resonance environment

Introduction: Silver dressings are an integral part of the management of burn patients. Package inserts assert a lack of compatibility and safety with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and recommend removal prior to any MRI procedure, although there is no clear evidence to support this recommendation. Dressing removal is associated with increased pain, anxiety, stress, and analgesia use. This study was to determine whether these products produce MRI image distortion or if the agitation of the silver particles generates enough heat which might produce further skin damage. Methods: Hind limbs from euthanized pigs were used in a 7 T MRI scanner with three standard silver wound dressings. Images were obtained with both dry and wet dressings. Temperature was assessed before and during MRI by probes inserted between the dressing and skin. Images were independently reviewed by a radiologist and MR physicist for distortion. Results: None of the dressings exhibited significant temperature increases nor produced significant distortion that influenced imaging quality. Conclusion: Our data suggests silver containing wound dressings do not cause a significant increase in dressing temperature or image distortion and thus their removal is not warranted for clinical MRI examinations.
Hemorrhagic complications with prasugrel therapy for vascular neurointerventional procedures

Two recent papers have evaluated the safety and efficacy of prasugrel in suspected clopidogrel non-responders in the neurointerventional population.1 ,2 In both papers the platelet response to clopidogrel was assessed preprocedurally and prasugrel was administered to patients meeting the criteria for inadequate platelet inhibition. The first found a statistical trend towards increased hemorrhagic complications with prasugrel while the second reported similar complication rates between prasugrel and clopidogrel. We commend the authors for these valuable contributions to the literature, highlighting the delicate balance between thrombosis and hemorrhage that must be maintained in the care of neurointerventional patients. We wish to advance the following comments. Since the FDA warning in March 2010 about the diminished effectiveness of clopidogrel in patients unable to fully convert the drug into its active form, there has been growing interest in the topic of clopidogrel response and routine point-of-care patient testing. There is good data to suggest that the variability in clopidogrel response has important clinical sequelae, with increased rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in poor responders.3 ,4 However, no standard method exists to measure the platelet effects of clopidogrel, which leads to significant intra- and inter-individual variability in this continuous parameter.5 Such variability makes dichotomisation into clopidogrel responders and non-responders especially problematic. Both studies use the VerifyNow technology (Accumetrics Inc, San Diego, California, USA) which uses an …
Biomaterial properties of titanium in dentistry

Abstract Background Among various dental materials and their successful restorative uses, titanium provides an excellent example of integrating science and technology involving multiple disciplines of dentistry including biomaterials, prosthodontics and surgical sciences. Titanium and its alloys have emerged as a material of choice for dental implants fulfilling all requirements biologically, chemically and mechanically. Several excellent reviews have discussed the properties of titanium and its surface characteristics that render it biocompatible. However, in most patients, titanium implants are used alongside several other metals. Presence of different metals in the same oral environment can alter the properties of titanium. Other influencing factors include intra-oral pH, salivary content, and effect of fluorides. Highlight This review discusses the effect of the above-mentioned conditions on the properties of titanium and its alloys. An extensive literature search encompassing the properties of titanium in an altered oral environment and its interaction with other restorative materials is presented. Specific conditions that could cause titanium to corrode, specifically due to interaction with other dental materials used in oral rehabilitation, as well as methods that can be employed for passivation of titanium are discussed. Conclusion This review presents an overview of the properties of titanium that are vital for its use in implant dentistry. From a restorative perspective, interaction between implant restoration metals, intra-oral fluorides and pH may cause titanium to corrode. Therefore, in order to avoid the resulting deleterious effects, an understanding of these interactions is important for long-term prognosis of implant restorations.
Treatment of taste and odor causing compounds 2-methyl isoborneol and geosmin in drinking water: a critical review.

Problems due to the taste and odor in drinking water are common in treatment facilities around the world. Taste and odor are perceived by the public as the primary indicators of the safely and acceptability of drinking water and are mainly caused by the presence of two semi-volatile compounds − 2-methyl isoborneol (MIB) and geosmin. A review of these two taste and odor causing compounds in drinking water is presented. The sources for the formation of these compounds in water are discussed alongwith the health and regulatory implications. The recent developments in the analysis of MIB/geosmin in water which have allowed for rapid measurements in the nanogram per liter concentrations are also discussed. This review focuses on the relevant treatment alternatives, that are described in detail with emphasis on their respective advantages and problems associated with their implementation in a full-scale facility. Conventional treatment processes in water treatment plants, such as coagulation, sedimentation and chlorination have been found to be ineffective for removal of MIB/geosmin. Studies have shown powdered activated carbon, ozonation and biofiltration to be effective in treatment of these two compounds. Although some of these technologies are more effective and show more promise than the others, much work remains to be done to optimize these technologies so that they can be retrofitted or installed with minimal impact on the overall operation and effectiveness of the treatment system.
Importance of Myocardial Reserve in Determining Changes in Heart Rate during Levarterenol Infusion

Levarterenol-induced hypertension may slow, increase or produce no change in the cardiac rate of persons with cardiovascular disease. The degree of cardiac disability at least partly determines the type of response.
Hyperpolarized 13C MR for Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer

Hyperpolarization using dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization has emerged as a versatile method to dramatically improve the MR signal of low-sensitivity nuclei. This technique facilitates the study of real-time metabolism in vitro and in vivo using (13)C-enriched substrates and has been applied to numerous models of human disease. In particular, several mechanisms underlying prostate cancer have been interrogated using hyperpolarized (13)C MR spectroscopy. This review highlights key metabolic shifts seen in prostate cancer, their study by hyperpolarized (13)C MR spectroscopy, and the development of new platforms for metabolic study.