cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of reconstituted collagen hollow fibre membranes

Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) methods were employed to study the structure of reconstituted collagen hollow fibre membranes and the changes that ensue upon entry of water. The tails of the SAXS curves were analysed and were shown to obey Porod's Law. WAXS and water absorption measurements as a function of relative humidity were combined with density measurements to determine the relative volume fractions of water in the “free” and “bound” states. Treating the hollow fibre as a two phase system and employing Porod's Law, average length parameters transverse to the fibre axis were extracted for the collagen fibrils and the water filled pores. All this information was synthesized to yield a model of the structural changes in the hollow fibre caused by water. Implications of such a model for qualitative and quantitative prediction of changes in properties were studied.
Family of Origin and Current Relationship Influences on Codependency

This study investigated codependency in Caucasian individuals within the framework of Bowen's Family Systems Theory. The sample consisted of a group of couples, in which one member of the couple was a recovering alcoholic in an aftercare program, and a group of matched, comparison couples. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Friel Co-dependency Assessment Inventory, and the Personal Authority in the Family System (PAFS) Questionnaire. The findings confirmed that codependency levels were higher in clinical than in comparison couples. Moreover, within the clinical group, there was little difference between alcoholics and their spouses with respect to dysfunction in their families of origin, current families, or their codependency levels. The findings further suggested that the etiology and function of codependency are different in clinical and nonclinical families. In the clinical sample, the family of origin and current relationship characteristics were related to codependency in patterns consistent with previous theory and research. For the nonclinical sample, however, the findings contradicted conventional codependency theory. The findings suggest that, in contrast to clinical populations, codependency in nonclinical populations has some links with favorable characteristics of family functioning.
On the complexity of coordinated display of multimedia objects

A multimedia presentation can be represented as a collection of objects with temporal constraints that define when the objects are rendered. The display of a presentation is termed coordinated when the display of its objects respects the pre-specified temporal constraints. Otherwise, the display might suffer from failures that translate into meaningless scenarios. For example, a chase scene between a dinosaur and a jeep becomes meaningless if the system fails to render the dinosaur when displaying the scene. A previous study (M.L. Escobar-Molano et al., IEEE Trans. Knowledge Data Eng. 8 (3) (1996) 508–511) introduced a resource scheduling technique that guarantees a coordinated display of a presentation for single-disk architectures. This technique minimizes both latency and memory requirements and has a worst case time complexity O(nlgn). This paper extends the previous study to multi-disk architectures and demonstrates the following: (1) the computation of a resource schedule that supports a coordinated display and yields the minimum latency is NP-hard, and (2) the computation of the minimum memory requirements to support a coordinated display within a pre-specified latency is NP-hard.
Revised method for quantitating dietary fibre components.

A modification to existing methods of fibre separation and quantification has been proposed. The scheme involves lipid removal with diethyl ether; removal of water-soluble components and quantification of water-soluble fibre components; removal of water-insoluble starch; protein removal; pectin analyses; water-insoluble hemicellulose quantification; cellulose quantification; and lignin quantification. Simultaneous equations were used to compensate for hexose absorption at the same wavelength as pentoses. Recovery values for individual steps ranged from 90% using a low methoxy pectin to 98% using cornstarch, cellulose, agar or carrageenan. The scheme was used to analyse fibre components in seven wheat brans, maize bran, oat bran, soya bean hulls, potato and apple. Recoveries of fibre and other proximate analyses ranged from 95.9 to 104.7%. Remaining methodological problems are also discussed.
A cross-modal weapon focus effect: The influence of a weapon's presence on memory for auditory information.

To examine whether a weapon's presence impairs witnesses' memory for auditory information (as it impairs memory for visual information), we conducted two experiments in which undergraduates watched one version of a videotape depicting a male target who held either a weapon or a neutral object and conversed with a female character. The semantic content of his remarks was either easy or difficult to comprehend. The weapon's presence did not affect voice identification accuracy or memory for the target's vocal characteristics (e.g., pitch, loudness, speech rate) but did worsen memory for semantic content in the Difficult Comprehension condition. Our results can be explained by multiple resource models of attention, which propose separate resource "pools" for different sensory modalities.
AKT pathway genes define 5 prognostic subgroups in glioblastoma

Activity of GFR/PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitors in glioblastoma clinical trials has not been robust. We hypothesized variations in the pathway between tumors contribute to poor response. We clustered GBM based on AKT pathway genes and discovered new subtypes then characterized their clinical and molecular features. There are at least 5 GBM AKT subtypes having distinct DNA copy number alterations, enrichment in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and patterns of expression for PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling components. Gene Ontology terms indicate a different cell of origin or dominant phenotype for each subgroup. Evidence suggests one subtype is very sensitive to BCNU or CCNU (median survival 5.8 vs. 1.5 years; BCNU/CCNU vs other treatments; respectively). AKT subtyping advances previous approaches by revealing additional subgroups with unique clinical and molecular features. Evidence indicates it is a predictive marker for response to BCNU or CCNU and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors. We anticipate Akt subtyping may help stratify patients for clinical trials and augment discovery of class-specific therapeutic targets.
Dynamics of the ozonation of phenol—I. Experimental observations

Abstract This first paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the ozonation of phenol in a semi-batch reactor, in which mass-transfer kinetics of ozone into solution and the kinetics of the reaction between molecular ozone and phenol are considered separately. Attention has been given to distinguishing between direct and indirect reaction pathways involving ozone. Intermediates and final products of the reaction have been measured as a function of time using high pressure liquid chromatography.
Simple, rapid procedure for isolating serum albumin

Abstract Albumin can be rapidly and easily isolated from bovine or rat serum by precipitation with polyethylene glycol (mol. wt. 5700–6700). The albumin is electrophoretically pure as shown by disc gel electrophoresis. Serum is treated with powdered polyethylene glycol (25%, w/v) and all other serum proteins are precipitated and albumin remains in the supernatant. Albumin can be isolated from serum in approximately 40% yield and polyethylene glycol can be readily removed by gel filtration or more slowly by dialysis.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLANE AND SOLID GEOMETRY

Traditional geometry concerns itself with planimetric and stereometric considerations, which are at the root of the division between plane and solid geometry. To raise the issue of the relation between these two areas brings with it a host of different problems that pertain to mathematical practice, epistemology, semantics, ontology, methodology, and logic. In addition, issues of psychology and pedagogy are also important here. To our knowledge there is no single contribution that studies in detail even one of the aforementioned areas.In this paper our major concern is with methodological issues of purity and thus we treat the connection to other areas of the planimetry/stereometry relation only to the extent necessary to articulate the problem area we are after.Our strategy will be as follows. In the first part of the paper we will give a rough sketch of some key episodes in mathematical practice that relate to the interaction between plane and solid geometry. The sketch is given in broad strokes and only with the intent of acquainting the reader with some of the mathematical context against which the problem emerges. In the second part, we will look at a debate (on “fusionism”) in which for the first time methodological and foundational issues related to aspects of the mathematical practice covered in the first part of the paper came to the fore. We conclude this part of the paper by remarking that only through a foundational and philosophical effort could the issues raised by the debate on “fusionism” be made precise. The third part of the paper focuses on a specific case study which has been the subject of such an effort, namely the foundational analysis of the plane version of Desargues’ theorem on homological triangles and its implications for the relationship between plane and solid geometry. Finally, building on the foundational case study analyzed in the third section, we begin in the fourth section the analytic work necessary for exploring various important claims about “purity,” “content,” and other relevant notions.
A novel case of Raoultella planticola urinary tract infection.

Raoultella species are Gram-negative, non-motile bacilli primarily considered to be environmental bacteria (Bagley et al.; Curr Microbiol 6:105–109, 1981). R. planticola has rarely been documented as a cause of human infections and has never been reported to cause urinary tract infections. We report the first case of R. planticola cystitis.
Longitudinal tensile behavior of h4lm graphite in nitrogen to 2750 °C

Abstract Data are presented on the ultimate tensile strength, 0,2% yield strength, and permanent elongation of a molded H4LM graphite tested in the longitudinal orientation (“across the grain”) in static nitrogen, at a nominal engineering strain rate of 0.005/min, at temperatures from ambient to 2750°C. Under these conditions ultimate strength increases quite regularly with temperature to a maximum near 2500°, where it is almost three times the room-temperature value, then falls off sharply. Yield strength coincides with ultimate strength to about 2400°, then decreases rapidly with higher temperature. Permanent elongation in advance of fracture remains very small to above 2375°, is about 1 % at 2500°, and increases to about 10% at 2750°. A change in fracture behavior is noted at about 2500°C, which correlates with the observed elongation increase, and may explain the reversal in slope of the strength vs . temperature curve.
Diversity among Populations of Switchgrass Based on RAPD Markers

Information on the amount of genetic diversity in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of breeding programs and germplasm conservation efforts. This study characterized and assessed genetic diversity by means of RAPD markers among 14 populations representing upland and lowland switchgrass ecotypes. Forty-five of 128 primers produced polymorphic markers among sets of genomic DNA pooled from individual genotypes of each population. Five primers were selected to amplify a total of 91 polymorphic loci among genotypes. The RAPD markers were scored for presence or absence of bands to generate distance matrices for cluster analysis. Overall similarity was 65% among population compared to 81% within populations. Blackwell and Caddo were the most similar populations (78%) based on RAPD markers, whereas Alamo and Forestburg were the most divergent (53%). Cluster analysis clearly segregated populations into two main groups (putatively based on ecotype) and united individual genotypes within a population into discrete groups within the larger clusters. Although the relationship between ploidy level and ecotype remained unclear, RAPD profiles can be used to identify switchgrass populations and may be useful in predicting relationship between experimental germplasm sources and released populations. 50 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
The Response to Lidocaine in Bronchial Asthma

The effect of aerosol administration of lidocaine (40 mg and 100 mg doses) was examined in 22 patients with stable asthma. The initial response in all was a fall of approximately 20 percent in expiratory air flow rates within five minutes after administration of the drug. Thereafter, a bimodal response occurred. Group 1 (12 patients) continued to exhibit this reduction, with the following maximal decreases after ten minutes of delivery of the drug: –24.6 percent decrease in the forced vital capacity (FVC); –38.0 percent decrease in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1.0 ); and 42.6 percent decrease in the maximal midexpiratory flow rate (MMEFR). Group 2 (ten patients) manifested a significant improvement in airway resistance, with the following maximal increases at approximately 45 minutes after administration: 11.8 percent increase in FVC; 25.2 percent increase in FEY 1.0 ; and 41.0 percent increase in MMEFR. These changes were greatest with the 100 mg dose of lidocaine. Intravenously administered lidocaine (1 mg/kg of body weight) aborted the initial bronchoconstriction in all patients but was only mildly effective as a bronchodilator. Lidocaine was also capable of protecting against challenge with methacholine chloride. The possible mechanisms of this divergent response are discussed.
Intracranial Vasculitis and Multiple Abscesses in a Pregnant Woman

Cerebral vasculitis is an unusual disorder with many causes. Infectious causes of cerebral vasculitis are predominantly bacterial or viral in nature. Purulent bacterial vasculitis is most often a complication of severe bacterial meningitis. The patient is a 25-year-old African American female, 25 weeks pregnant, who presented to the neurology service after a consult and referral from an outside hospital. She had a 1-month history of right sixth nerve palsy. Initial workup included a negative lumber puncture and a noninfused magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three days later, the patient developed right-sided migraine headaches and right third nerve palsy. The angiogram revealed diffuse irregularity and narrowing of the petrous, cavernous, and supraclinoid portions of the internal carotid and right middle cerebral arteries. Shortly thereafter, an MRI examination revealed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement and abscess and a right parietal subdural empyema. Infectious vasculitis secondary to purulent meningitis has a rapidly progressive course and presents with cranial nerve palsy with involvement of the cavernous sinus. Although the association of this disease with pregnancy has not been established, it should be recognized that the early imaging studies may be negative or discordant and follow-up imaging might be necessary.
Niche shock: And how to survive it

Unless we recognize what is unique about today's business environment, our best laid plans are almost sure to end in frustration, and perhaps failure. We're living in an unusual era, one in which the drama of rampant economic change is being performed under the subtle constraints of slow economic growth. Consider three fundamentals—people, jobs, and income. As you can see in Exhibit 1, all have been growing slowly in the 1980s as compared with prior decades. Yet, as I write this, the nightly news is announcing another economic milestone—U.S. consumers now have over 500 makes and models of VCRs to choose from. Exhibit 2 provides a picture of year‐to‐year changes as well as a five‐year moving average to demonstrate that the trend in U.S. growth rates is definitely downward, and that the variability above and below this trend has been increasing in the last decade.
Mesh generation/refinement using fractal concepts and iterated function systems

A novel method of mesh generation is proposed which is based on the use of fractal concepts to derive contractive, affine transformations. The transformations are constructed in such a manner that the attractors of the resulting maps are a union of the points, lines and surfaces in the domain. In particular, the mesh nodes may be generated recursively as a sequence of points which are obtained by applying the transformations to a coarse background mesh constructed from the given boundary data. A Delaunay triangulation or similar edge connection approach can then be performed on the resulting set of nodes in order to generate the mesh. Local refinement of an existing mesh can also be performed using the procedure. The method is easily extended to three dimensions, in which case the Delaunay triangulation is replaced by an analogous 3D tesselation.
Reproductive health: a global perspective.

Reproductive health is the ability 1) to regulate and control fertility (family planning and infertility) 2) for all women to have a safe pregnancy and childbirth and 3) for the newborn to experience a healthy infancy and freedom from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Modern medicine which increased life expectancy and reduced the death rate and an increase in births have resulted in rapid global population growth. Urbanization in developing countries adds to the burden of rapid population growth. In the 1970s social scientists and governments confronted rapid population growth by focusing on family planning but by the 1980s they learned that contraceptive technology alone did not slow population growth. Thus they integrated maternal and child health with family planning and focused on maternal and child health. In 1987 various groups formed the Safe Motherhood Initiative to reduce maternal mortality. The Initiative incorporates adequate primary health care and family planning comprehensive prenatal care help of trained delivery personnel for all women in childbirth and effective access to maternity hospital services for women with high-risk pregnancies and for women in dire emergencies. Many of the problem of and obvious solutions to maternal mortality are social or cultural (e.g. lack of transportation). Family planning programs strive to prevent unwanted pregnancies help achieve birth spacing and help couples limit family size so as to reduce maternal mortality. Infertility is highest in those areas of the world where fertility is also highest (e.g. sub-Saharan Africa) due to the high incidence of STDs which cause infertility. Further HIV infection is also highest in these same areas. Improved education and condom use prevent the spread of both STDs and HIV. Womens status must be raised worldwide so the comprehensive reproductive health programs can succeed. All the worlds obstetrician-gynecologists should actively promote improvement of womens status and support the concept of reproductive health.
SQUIRE and the evolving science of healthcare improvement

The SQUIRE (Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines seek to improve the reporting of studies of healthcare improvement work,1 but are interventions in a field of science that is itself rapidly evolving.2–4 SQUIRE differs in this regard from reporting guidelines for studies that are based on more stable methodologies, for example, randomised clinical trials (CONSORT) or systematic reviews (PRISMA). SQUIRE in 2008 probed relatively unfamiliar territory for editors, reviewers and authors, including those associated with journals apparently focused on healthcare improvement. The pilot study reported by Howell et al 5 offers a perspective on that interaction. They counted the number of SQUIRE elements that appeared in four selected journals before (2006–2008) and after (2010–2012) publication of SQUIRE. Included among the journals were 3 of the 17 journals that suggest using the guidelines.6 They found no difference in SQUIRE elements in this relatively small study sample. These findings are in contrast with the positive effect that was reported when an early version of CONSORT guidelines for clinical trials was assessed.7 This different outcome may be related to more articles and higher impact journals examined over a longer study period in the CONSORT evaluation. In any event, a report such as that by Howell et al , raises by implication questions that may apply uniquely to editorial expectations and publication guidelines for an evolving science. Well before manuscript preparation, how do authors use SQUIRE for design of their improvement initiatives—including the planning of the studies and incorporation of appropriate methodologies—that are conveyed in their reports? How does the aspiring author apply publication guidelines when the field itself is actively evolving? Given …
Incorporation of the troponin regulatory complex of post-ischemic stunned porcine myocardium reduces myofilament calcium sensitivity in rabbit psoas skeletal muscle fibers.

Decreased calcium sensitivity of tension in post-ischemic myocardium is thought to be a mechanism of depressed function in stunning. The purpose of this study was to determine if the decrease in calcium sensitivity of tension results from ischemia and/or reperfusion-induced alterations in the thin filament regulatory troponin. The experiments utilized an open-chest porcine model of regional LAD myocardial stunning that has previously been shown to cause a decrease in calcium sensitivity of tension in permeabilized myocytes. Stunning was induced by 45 min of low-flow ischemia to the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery perfusion bed, which was followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Regional LAD function after reperfusion was 0.5±2.8%, as assessed by systolic wall thickening (v23.9±4.1% thickening in control,P<0.001). Core biopsy samples from control circumflex and stunned LAD myocardium were acquired from each heart (n=9) after LAD reperfusion, and were used to obtain purified troponin complexes. Isometric tension–pCa relationships were measured in permeabilized psoas skeletal fibers before and after partial exchange of cardiac troponin from either control circumflex (n=6) or stunned LAD (n=8) myocardium for endogenous skeletal troponin. Calcium sensitivity of tension as assessed by pCa50(i.e. pCa for half-maximal tension) was unchanged after exchange of troponin from control circumflex myocardium (pCa50=5.98±0.02v5.96±0.06), but there was a significant decrease in calcium sensitivity of tension after exchange of troponin from stunned LAD myocardium (pCa50=5.97±0.07v5.82±0.05,P<0.05). We conclude that the decrease in calcium sensitivity of tension in postischemic stunned myocardium is, in part, due to ischemia and/or reperfusion-induced alterations in the cardiac troponin regulatory complex.
Synthesis of [11C]FEDAA1106 as a new PET imaging probe of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor expression

Abstract Peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is associated with neuroinflammation and tumor progression. [ 11 C]DAA1106 and [ 18 F]FEDAA1106 are two promising radioligands for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of PBR. This study was designed to develop a new radiolabeled analog of [ 11 C]DAA1106 and [ 18 F]FEDAA1106, [ 11 C]FEDAA1106, for PET imaging of PBR expression in brain and cancer. Precursor N -(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)- N -(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)-5-hydroxybenzyl)acetamide ( 9 ) was synthesized in multiple steps with moderate to high chemical yields. Precursor 9 was labeled by [ 11 C]CH 3 OTf and isolated by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification to provide target radioligand N -(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)- N -(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)-5-[ 11 C]methoxybenzyl)acetamide ([ 11 C]FEDAA1106, [ 11 C] 10 ) in 60–70% radiochemical yields, decay corrected to end of bombardment (EOB), based on [ 11 C]CO 2 . The specific activity of the target radiotracer [ 11 C] 10 was in a range of 111–185 GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis (EOS).
Transmission of neonatal listeriosis in a delivery room.

• Two cases of neonatal listeriosis occurred In a hospital within a two-week period. Both infants were infected with the same organism, Listeria monocytogenes , type 1a, bacteriophage type 6 (lysotype 1652). Both infants were born in the same delivery room, 17 hours apart. The index patient became septic shortly after birth and died after 48 hours despite antibiotic therapy. The mother of the index patient was febrile and had chorioamnionitis. The second infant became ill with meningitis at 13 days of age. Neither infants nor mothers were attended by the same medical or nursing staff nor were they in the same labor or postpartum areas or nurseries. However, both infants were resuscitated in the same delivery room after birth by means of laryngoscope, suction catheter, and emergency resuscitation (Ambu) bag. Although it was hospital policy to clean and sterilize resuscitation equipment after use, the equipment had only been wiped with alcohol between patients in this instance, since sterile replacement equipment was not available during the early-morning hours when the index birth occurred. Therefore, we believe the contaminated resuscitation equipment was the source of infection in the second infant. This episode emphasizes the importance of appropriate disinfection of respiratory resuscitation equipment to prevent nosocomial infection due to L monocytogenes , an unusual but important pathogen in neonates. ( AJDC 1985;139:903-905)
SHORT SELLING: THE MUTUAL FUND ALTERNATIVE

Short selling allows investors to shape prospective investment return opportunities along desired lines, offers the ability to hedge factors such as unanticipated inflation, provides a means to exploit perceived return anomalies, and facilitates the equilibrium pricing of securities. Currently, a short position can be created directly, with options, or with futures contracts. Each procedure has some advantages and some drawbacks with respect to the others. The alternative of mutual fund short selling in the family of funds framework neither dominates nor is dominated by existing methods. Implementation would, therefore, augment investor welfare.
Design of multicategory multifeature split decision trees using perceptron learning

Abstract The decision tree methodology is an important nonparametric technique for building classifiers from a set of training examples. Most of the existing top-down decision tree design methods make use of single feature splits at successive stages of the tree design. While computationally attractive, single feature splits generally lead to large trees and inferior performance. This paper presents a new top-down decision tree design method that generates compact trees of superior performance by using multifeature splits in place of single feature splits at successive stages of the tree development. The multifeature splits in the proposed method are obtained by combining the concept of information measure of a partition with perceptron learning. Several decision tree induction results for a broad range of classification problems are presented to demonstrate the strengths of the proposed decision tree design methods.
Voriconazole and sirolimus coadministration after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract Sirolimus is increasingly used in transplantation for prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease and organ rejection. Voriconazole is contraindicated when used concomitantly with sirolimus because of a substantial increase in sirolimus drug exposure with unadjusted dosing, but voriconazole is also considered the best initial treatment of invasive aspergillosis and other fungal infections. Patients who received voriconazole and sirolimus concomitantly were identified by a review of the medical records of all allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients at our institution from September 1, 2002, to June 1, 2005. Data including baseline characteristics, indications for both drugs, and potential adverse effects were evaluated. Eleven patients received voriconazole and sirolimus concomitantly for a median of 33 days (range, 3-100 days). In 8 patients whose sirolimus dose was initially reduced by 90%, trough sirolimus levels were similar to those obtained before the administration of voriconazole; no obvious significant toxicity from either drug was observed during coadministration. Serious adverse events were observed in 2 patients in whom sirolimus dosing was not adjusted during voriconazole administration. Sirolimus and voriconazole may be safely coadministered if there is an empiric initial 90% sirolimus dose reduction combined with systematic monitoring of trough levels.
Cdc42 and RhoB Activation Are Required for Mannose Receptor-mediated Phagocytosis by Human Alveolar Macrophages

Human alveolar macrophages (AMs) phagocytose Pneumocystis (Pc) organisms predominantly through mannose receptors, although the molecular mechanism mediating this opsonin-independent process is not known. In this study, using AMs from healthy individuals, Pc phagocytosis was associated with focal F-actin polymerization and Cdc42, Rac1, and Rho activation in a time-dependent manner. Phagocytosis was primarily dependent on Cdc42 and RhoB activation (as determined by AM transfection with Cdc42 and RhoB dominant-negative alleles) and mediated predominantly through mannose receptors (as determined by siRNA gene silencing of AM mannose receptors). Pc also promoted PAK-1 phosphorylation, which was also dependent on RhoGTPase activation. HIV infection of AMs (as a model for reduced mannose receptor expression and function) was associated with impaired F-actin polymerization, reduced Cdc42 and Rho activation, and markedly reduced PAK-1 phosphorylation in response to Pc organisms. In healthy AMs, Pc phagocytosis was partially dependent on PAK activation, but dependent on the Rho effector molecule ROCK. These data provide a molecular mechanism for AM mannose receptor-mediated phagocytosis of unopsonized Pc organisms that appears distinct from opsonin-dependent phagocytic receptors. Reduced AM mannose receptor-mediated Cdc42 and Rho activation in the context of HIV infection may represent a mechanism that contributes to the pathogenesis of opportunistic pneumonia.
Parallel optical coherence tomography system

We present the design and procedures for implementing a parallel optical coherence tomography (POCT) imaging system that can be adapted to an endoscopic format. The POCT system consists of a single mode fiber (SMF) array with multiple reduced diameter (15 microm) SMFs in the sample arm with 15 microm center spacing between fibers. The size of the array determines the size of the transverse imaging field. Electronic scanning eliminates the need for mechanically scanning in the lateral direction. Experimental image data obtained with this system show the capability for parallel axial scan acquisition with lateral resolution comparable to mechanically scanned optical coherence tomography systems.
A comparison of CAD models for radiation from rectangular microstrip patches

A comparison of radiation models for a rectangular patch antenna is made. The dominant mode electric current model and magnetic current model are each applied to the cases of a rectangular patch on an infinite substrate, and a patch on a substrate which is truncated at the edges of the patch. It is noted that exact agreement is obtained between the two models for the case of a resonant patch, for both the infinite substrate and truncated substrate cases. The effects of dielectric truncation on the radiation patterns is discussed and the electric current model is also extended to include the effects of feed-probe radiation and radiation from higher-order modes on the patch.
Enantiomers of Diclofop-Methyl and Their Role in Herbicide Mechanism of Action

Abstract The effects of the enantiomers R(+) and S(−)diclofop and cerulenin, an inhibitor of fatty acid biosynthesis, on root growth, absorption of [ 14 C]acetate, its incorporation into cellular lipids, and changes to lipid components in susceptible oat roots indicate that the in vivo inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and lipid biosynthesis may not be the primary mechanism of action of diclofopmethyl. Tissue responses to diclofop were not due to selective uptake of enantiomers, molecular inversion, or metabolism and detoxification of the herbicide. Both enantiomers depolarized membrane potential of oat cells, resulting in reduced uptake of [ 14 C]acetate but its in vivo incorporation into cellular lipids was unaffected. Cerulenin was most effective in inhibiting lipid biosynthesis in vivo . However, oat root growth was inhibited significantly by R(+)diclofop but only slightly by cerulenin and S(−)diclofop. Both enantiomers and cerulenin caused lipid profile changes with decreased levels of phospholipids in oat root tips relative to control within 3 hr. Cerulenin may cause a decrease in phospholipid biosynthesis by limiting the levels of free fatty acids as substrates, but this does not appear to be the mechanism for R(+) and S(−)diclofop. The role of oxidative membrane catabolism by free radical lipid peroxidation and its coupling to the effect of diclofop on the transmembrane proton gradient are discussed as the most likely mechanism of action of diclofopmethyl. The proposed mechanism explains the reversal of phytotoxicity by auxinic herbicides, lipoxygenase inhibitors, and free radical scavengers.
Detection of gastric conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown after cervical esophagogastrostomy: the use of computed tomography scan versus early endoscopy

Concern over potential injury to the anastomosis has limited the use of early postoperative endoscopy to diagnose conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown. Alternatively, a computed tomography (CT) scan has been suggested as a noninvasive means for identifying these complications. This study aimed to compare CT scan with early endoscopy for diagnosing gastric conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown after esophagectomy with cervical esophagogastrostomy. Between 2000 and 2007, 554 patients underwent an esophagectomy and gastric pull-up with cervical esophagogastrostomy at the University of Southern California. Records were reviewed to identify patients who had undergone endoscopy and CT scan within 24 h of each other during the first three postoperative weeks for suspicion of an ischemic conduit or anastomotic breakdown. The accuracies of CT scan and endoscopy in diagnosing an ischemic conduit were compared. A total of 76 patients had endoscopy and CT scan for clinical suspicion of conduit ischemia or anastomotic breakdown. Endoscopy was performed without complications in all 76 patients. The postoperative endoscopic findings were normal in 24 of the patients, and none subsequently experienced an ischemic conduit or anastomotic breakdown. Evidence of ischemia was present in 28 patients, 7 of whom had black mucosa throughout the gastric conduit with the anastomosis still intact and required removal of their conduit. The remaining 24 patients had partial or complete anastomotic breakdown. On the CT scan, 23 of the 76 patients showed evidence of conduit ischemia (n = 9) or anastomotic breakdown (n = 14). There was no evidence of ischemia or anastomotic breakdown on CT scan for the 24 patients with normal endoscopy or for 3 of the 7 patients who had their conduit removed for graft necrosis. A normal CT scan does not rule out the possibility of an ischemic gastric conduit after esophagectomy. Early endoscopy is a safe and accurate method for assessing conduit ischemia.
CNT-reinforced ceramics and metals

Recent research on the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into ceramic and metal matrices to form composite structures is briefly reviewed, with an emphasis on processing methods, mechanical performance, and prospects for successful applications.
Outsiders in Nursing Education: Cultural Sensitivity in Clinical Education

Cultural competence is a stated value of nursing and nursing education. However, some institutional and traditional practices in nursing education can unintentionally impede nurses from achieving cultural competence. Both the literature and interviews with nurse educators show that despite educators' intentions to treat all students the same, nontraditional students may feel singled out and may in fact be singled out for closer scrutiny because of their difference from the demographic norms of nursing students. To ensure that the nursing profession reflects the composition of the patient population it serves, nurse educators must first acknowledge the Eurocentric culture of nursing education and, then, work to change the environment in which students are recruited, learn, and take on the role of beginning practicing nurses.
Single-electron transistor analyticI–Vmodel for SPICE simulations

We present an analytic model for the I–V characteristics of a single-electron transistor, which may be incorporated in a conventional circuit simulator, such as SPICE. Our model takes as its input the physical SET characteristics (capacitances and tunnel resistances, which may be determined experimentally), and it yieldsI –V curves which are in excellent agreement with the ones obtained from full-scale Monte Carlo simulations.
Microstructure and grain-boundary characterization of HIP'ed high-purity silicon nitride

Laser synthesized, ultrafine silicon nitride was densified via hot isostatic pressing (HIP'ing) without any oxide-sintering-aid additions. HIP'ing was performed on exposed samples made from powder that had been exposed to the atmosphere, thereby picking up an oxide surface layer; and unexposed samples made from powders processed entirely under glove-box conditions, i.e. with minimal oxygen contamination. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies indicate that the exposed Si3N4 powder samples, HIP'ed at temperatures in excess of the melting point of SiO2, densified via a solution-reprecipitation mechanism, with an intergranular glassy phase of high-purity SiO2. In contrast, samples of unexposed Si3N4 powder had to be HIP'ed to 2050°C to achieve a density of ∼ 70%ρTh (where ρTh is the theoretical density of silicon nitride). In this state, the sample consisted of equiaxed β-Si3N4 grains, with localized high-density regions. These regions had clean grain boundaries.
Reductions of Organic Functional Groups Using NaBH4 OR NaBH4/LiCl in Diglyme at 125 TO 162 °C

Abstract Reduction of nitro, amide, carboxylate, ester and nitrile functional groups to -NH2, -CH2NH2, -CH2OH, -CH2OH and -CH2NCHPh, respectively were achieved using NaBH4 or NaBH4/LiCl in diglyme at 125—162 °C. This greatly extends the range of functional group types which can be considered generally reducible by borohydride.
Parvovirus B19 Infection in an Isolated Pancreas Transplant Recipient

We report an isolated pancreas transplant recipient on immunosuppressive therapy with parvovirus B19 infection. He presented with a chronic transfusion-dependent anemia, unresponsive to erythropoietin therapy. Bone marrow cytomorphology was highly suggestive of parvovirus pure red cell aplasia, which was confirmed with polymerase chain reaction positive for parvovirus B19 DNA from peripheral blood. The anemia responded briskly and reticulocyte counts improved from 0.0% to 17.0% within 1 week after the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin. We discuss the difficulty of serological diagnosis in such cases, the importance of using techniques that directly identify the virus, and taking measures that may prevent recurrence.
The effect of pronunciation practice on anagram difficulty

A comparison was made of the solution difficulty of anagrams differing in pronounceability but having the same solutions, either with or without prior pronunciation practice with the anagrams. Anagrams rated easier to pronounce had faster pronunciation speeds and lower solution probabilities. Pronunciation practice increased reading speed and reduced solution probability. It was suggested that pronounceability reflects Ss’ tendencies to deal with an anagram as a unit rather than as a sequence of letters, and the results were related to comparisons of word and nonsense anagrams.
Ornithine-δ-aminotransferase in lactating bovine mammary glands

Abstract The Occurrence and subcellular distribution of ornithine-δ-aminotransferase have been studied in lactating bovine mammary glands. The enzyme is localized in the mitochondria and has a unique thermal reaction profile that distinguishes it from putative liver and kidney isozymes. The enzyme concentration in the gland correlates well with a role in the conversion of ornithine into the proline precursor, L-Δ 1 -pyrroline-5-carboxylate. However, an unusually high Michaelis constant for the mitochondrial enzyme (8.4m M ) raises the question of enzyme efficiency in vivo such that this pathway needs to be considered in estimating barriers to protein secretion into milk.
Capacity of measured ricean and rayleigh indoor MIMO channels at 2.4 GHz with polarization and spatial diversity

In this paper, we analyze the impact of polarization diversity on the capacity of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels in indoor environments. A channel measurement campaign was conducted at 2.4 GHz to measure the co-polarized and cross-polarized subchannels under line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) channel conditions. We analyze the measured data in terms of Ricean K-factor, cross-polar discrimination (XPD) and subchannel correlations. A major contribution of this paper is that in these measured channels, we observe a coincidence of low K factors and high XPD. In such channels, MIMO systems employing polarization diversity incur SNR and diversity deficits, when compared to spatial configurations. On the other hand, our results indicate that polarization diversity can substantially lower the subchannel correlations for compact configurations, even in a LOS scenario. We draw a fair comparison in terms of capacity, between spatial MIMO configurations and systems using polarization diversity. We analyze the performance of 2times2 and 4times4 MIMO configurations for a range of values of inter-element spacing
Factors Contributing to Antilisterial Effects of Raw Egg Albumen

Sensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A and Brie-1 to several factors in raw egg albumen was investigated. A concentration of ca 15% of albumen in trypticase soy broth was listeristatic after 24 hr at 35°C, and listericidal effects were observed at higher concentrations. Supplementation of albumen with iron or biotin did not reverse the inhibition. Preheating of albumen (50–80°C) caused progressive loss of antilisterial effects. Supplementation of broth with lysozyme (>1 mg/mL) produced antilisterial effects that were enhanced at pH 9; conalbumin (>6 mg/mL) suppressed cell growth, while ovomucoid (>2 mg/mL) was inhibitory only at pH 9. Results inferred that antilisterial effects of albumen were caused primarily by lysozyme and were enhanced by ovomucoid, conalbumin, and alkaline pH.
Radiation exposure during head repositioning for multiple shot Gamma Knife treatment with APS

Leksell Gamma Knife (LGK) stereotactic radiosurgery is performed all over the world. Two-hundred-one narrow Co-60 photon beams are focused at a point; hence, many shots are required to cover a complicated or large target volume. The automatic positioning system (APS) enables us to deliver many shots without entering the treatment room. The treatment couch moves out 23 cm to a defocused position during the automatic head repositioning. Since the patient’s head stays inside the LGK unit, additional exposure to the patient is expected. This paper presents the results of radiation dose measurements during the head repositioning (intra-shot dose) when using the APS system. We built a 16-cm diameter solid phantom for the APS system. The phantom holds one ionization chamber and nineteen TLD chips for dose measurements. We created a treatment plan, for which there were nine shots with the 18-mm helmet and the shots were placed at the nodes of 3×3 grids in the horizontal plane crossing the beam focus point. The phantom moved by 2 cm between shots eight times. Measurements showed that the total intra-shot dose to the center of the phantom was 14 cGy for Co-60 sources producing a dose rate of 310.7 cGy/min. The intra-shot dose per repositioning varied from 0.4 cGy to 4.7 cGy (the average was 1.74 cGy), depending on the shot locations relative to the measurement point. The additional radiation dose during the couch in and out was 0.3 cGy. The results showed that the intra-shot repositioning with the APS system adds small but not negligible dose to the dose expected for the manual repositioning method.
X-Ray microanalysis of monovalent electrolyte contents of quiescent, proliferating as well as tumor rat hepatocytes

Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis was carried out on normal and regenerating liver as well as on 3924 A hepatoma cells. Specimens were quickly removed from the sacrificed animals, frozen in liquid isopentane, fractured still in the frozen state and freeze-dried under vacuum. The dried samples were examined in secondary electron image mode, and the X-ray spectra were recorded by means of an EDAX 707A system. Sodium and chlorine contents were higher both in nuclei and cytoplasms of regenerating and tumor hepatocytes than in normal liver. Moreover, hepatoma cells showed higher sodium and chlorine contents than did normal proliferating hepatocytes. Potassium contents did not show any differences among the experimental models. The increased sodium content and the resulting increased Na:K ratios of proliferating normal and tumor cells were not due to a generalized increase of these parameters in all the cells, but to the presence of new cell populations with high Na content and high Na:K ratios. Findings of present work are consistent with the hypothesis that high sodium content is associated with mitogenesis. Moreover, the much higher concentration of sodium in tumor cells as compared with normal proliferating hepatocytes supports the hypothesis that the concentration of this ion is related to oncogenesis of hepatocytes.
POLYPHONIC MUSICAL SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT FOR DATABASE SEARCH

Finding the best matching database target to a melodic query has been of great interest in the music IR world. The string alignment paradigm works well for this task when comparing a monophonic query to a database of monophonic pieces. However, most tonal music is polyphonic, with multiple concurrent musical lines. Such pieces are not adequately represented as strings. Moreover, users often represent polyphonic pieces in their queries by skipping from one part (the soprano) to another (the bass). Current string matching approaches are not designed to handle this situation. This paper outlines approaches to extending string alignment that allow measuring similarity between a monophonic query and a polyphonic piece. These approaches are compared using synthetic queries on a database of Bach pieces. Results indicate that when a monophonic query is drawn from multiple parts in the target, a method which explicitly takes the multi-part structure of a piece into account significantly outperforms the one that does not.