cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-resolution spectra of atmospheric water vapor in the near-IR using Raman-shifted alexandrite laser

We have developed a pulsed, narrow line Raman shifted alexandrite laser to produce tunable near-IR radiation in the 1140 nm absorption band of water vapor. With the first Stokes Raman conversion in hydrogen, the full tuning range of alexandrite, 730-790 nm, can potentially cover the wavelength range 1050 1200 nm. The application to differential absorption lidar, DIAL, is the vertical profiling of humidity and temperature in the atmosphere. This paper reports the application of Raman-shifted alexandrite radiation for new quantitative measurements of the strengths and widths of water vapor absorption lines between 8865 and 8915 cm -1 . Alexandrite wavelength determination was obtained with oxygen A-band rotational lines near 765 nm. Similar applications and studies of the water vapor band near 940 nm can be readily carried out by Raman-shifting in deuterium.
Estimation and statistical validation of event-invariant nonlinear dynamic models of hippocampal CA3-CA1 population activities

To develop hippocampal prosthetic devices that can restore the memory-dependent cognitive functions lost in diseases or injuries, it is essential to build a computational model that sufficiently captures the transformations of multiple memories performed by hippocampal sub-regions. A universal model with a single set of coefficients for all memories is desirable, since it can transform the memories without explicitly knowing what those memories represent and thus avoids switching between multiple models for multiple memories in implementation. In this study, we test the feasibility of such universal models of hippocampal CA3-CA1 by estimating the multi-input, multi-output (MEMO) nonlinear dynamic models using input (CA3) and output (CA1) spike trains recorded during multiple behavioral events representing multiple memories from rats performing a delayed nonmatch-to-sample task. We further statistically evaluated the model performances of the MEMO models on the different events. Results show that the models accurately replicate the output spike patterns during those events, and thus can be used as event-invariant nonlinear dynamic models that continuously predict the ongoing CA1 spatio-temporal patterns as the ongoing CA3 spatio-temporal patterns unfold.
Quantification of oxygenated species on a diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface

Abstract This paper discusses the use of chemical derivatization methods for surface chemical composition analysis of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films synthesized through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The main challenge in applying chemical derivatization reactions for titration of organic functional groups on the DLC surface is that sub-surface oxygenated species are not accessible to the derivatizing agent. As a simple approximation, a functional group that can be quantified unambiguously with XPS can be used as an internal reference to estimate the accessible-to-inaccessible ratio, and this information can be used to estimate the total amount of other functional groups from the chemical-derivatization-assisted XPS analysis. The use of this principle to obtain the surface composition of hydroxyl, ether, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups in the oxidized surface region of the DLC film was demonstrated.
Development of overweight associated with childbearing depends on smoking habit: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate whether childbearing leads to development of overweight in women and to evaluate the role of other known risk factors. Research Methods and Procedures: A prospective, multicenter observational study, the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study from 1986 to 1996, examined subjects at baseline and in follow-up years 2, 5, 7, and 10. Included were 998 (328 black and 670 white) nulliparous women, age 18-30 years, who were not overweight at baseline. Relative odds for incident overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) associated with parity change (0, 1, or 2+) and risk factors were estimated using discrete-time survival models adjusted for baseline and time-dependent covariates. Results: Parity change-association with development of overweight depended on smoking habit (interaction, p < 0.001). In multivariate adjusted models, 1 and 2+ births vs. 0, respectively, were associated with increased risk for development of overweight among never smokers [odds ratio (OR) = 2.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.80, 3.93, and 2.10, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.56] and decreased risk among current smokers (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.96, and 0.36, 95% CI: 0.08, 1.65). Risk was increased for black vs. white race (OR = 3.49; 95% CI: 2.59, 4.69), frequent weight cycling (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.04), and high school education or less (OR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.50, 3.26) and was decreased for highest physical activity quartile (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.90). Discussion: Childbearing contributes to development of overweight in nonsmokers but not in smokers, where development of overweight is less likely in women who bear children. Race, education, and behaviors are important factors in development of overweight in young women.
Growth-step-selective incorporation of boron on the calcite surface

Abstract Ion microprobe analyses of as-grown{10 1 4} faces of B-doped calcite single crystals show that boron oxyanions are incorporated differentially between nonequivalent vicinal faces that compose spiral growth hillocks. The step-selective incorporation pattern for boron anions is opposite to that observed for the tetrahedral anions SO42− and SeO42−. Independent work has shown that a tetrahedrally coordinated boron species is preferentially incorporated at the surface during growth, yet the boron in the bulk calcite is predominantly trigonally coordinated. Hence, there is a change in nearest-neighbor coordination of boron at the surface during incorporation. A possible explanation for the step-selective incorporation of boron lies in a surface-site control over the mechanism or rate of this coordination change. The findings demonstrate that multiple, structurally distinct surface anion sites exist on calcite {10 1 4} faces, and inherent differences in these sites influence element incorporation and possibly surface kinetics. This behavior parallels the known differences for incorporation among surface cation sites and further confirms that trace and minor element partitioning is strongly affected by the structural aspects of mineral surfaces. Such site selectivity and associated effects on potential coordination changes may be intrinsic to crystal growth and impurity incorporation.
Letters: Numerical optimization of a sum-of-rank-1 decomposition for n-dimensional order-p symmetric tensors

In this paper, we present a sum-of-rank-1 type decomposition and its differential model for symmetric tensors and investigate the convergence properties of numerical gradient-based iterative optimization algorithms to obtain this decomposition. The decomposition we propose reinterprets the orthogonality property of the eigenvectors of symmetric matrices as a geometric constraint on the rank-1 matrix bases, which leads to a geometrically constrained eigenvector frame. Relaxing the orthogonality requirement, we developed a set of structured-bases that can be utilized to decompose any symmetric tensor into a similar constrained sum-of-rank-1 decomposition.
Pre-emptive transplants for patients with renal failure: an argument against waiting until dialysis.

Background. Pre-emptive kidney transplants have not been favored in some centers because of concern about possible increased noncompliance and allegedly inferior long-term results. We analyzed our experience with pre-emptive kidney transplants to determine whether such concerns are justified. Patients and Methods. Between January 1, 1984, and June 30, 1998, we performed 1849 adult primary kidney transplants: 385 pre-emptive (recipients not undergoing dialysis, ND) and 1464 non-pre-emptive (recipients undergoing dialysis, D). Results were subdivided by donor source: cadaver (CAD) and living donor (LD). ND recipients tended to be younger, but otherwise, the two groups were similar. Posttransplantation quality of life in recipients was evaluated using the nationally standardized Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The posttransplantation employment status of the recipients was also evaluated. Results. The patient survival rate 5 years posttransplantation was significantly better for ND (vs. D) recipients for both CAD (92.6% vs. 76.6%, P =0.001) and LD (93.3% vs. 89.5%, P =0.02) transplants. The 5-year patient survival rate was significantly higher for ND recipients compared with recipients undergoing dialysis for 2 years pretransplantation for both CAD (P =0.0005) and LD (P =0.0001) transplants. The graft survival rate 5 years posttransplantation was similar between ND and D recipients for CAD transplants, but significantly better for ND (vs. D) recipients of LD transplants (92.3% vs. 84.8%, P =0.006). For CAD transplants, the 5-year graft survival rate was not different when ND recipients were compared with recipients undergoing dialysis for 2 years pretransplantation; for LD transplants it was significantly higher for ND recipients compared with recipients undergoing dialysis for 2 years pretransplantation (P =0.04). The incidence of acute and chronic rejection was no different between ND and D recipients for either CAD or LD transplants, and it was also not affected by the pretransplantation time undergoing dialysis. Graft loss secondary to the recipient’s discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy (a crude estimate of compliance) was similar between ND and D recipients. Five years posttransplantation, the SF-36 scores regarding the recipient’s quality of life and the employment status were similar for ND compared with D recipients, regardless of donor source. Conclusions. ND recipients do not seem to have higher rates of noncompliance than D recipients. Results for ND recipients seem to be superior than for D recipients, supporting the contention that renal failure patients should, if possible, undergo transplantation before dialysis.
The bladder neck in neurological degenerative disorders

Bladder neck incompetence occurs frequently in the Shy-Drager syndrome. The behavior of the bladder neck in patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, however, has not been well defined. Complete urodynamic studies were performed on 48 patients with urgency incontinence and one of the following neurological diagnoses: Parkinson's disease (13 patients), Shy-Drager syndrome (13 patients), and multiple sclerosis (22 patients). Complete studies were also performed on 73 patients with no neurological diagnoses and no incontinence. None of the patients had ever undergone prior transurethral surgery. All patients with a neurological diagnosis had detrusor hyperreflexia on cystometrogram. Bladder neck function was evaluated with fluoroscopy as well as with intraluminal-pressure measurements utilizing a 10 French triple-lumen catheter. Only 11 (22%) of the neurological patients had an incompetent bladder neck on fluoroscopy (6 with Shy-Drager, 3 with Parkinson's, and 2 with multiple sclerosis). Mean bladder neck pressures of the 48 neurological patients were as follows: Parkinson's: 12 cm H2O, SE = 5; multiple sclerosis: 15 cm H2O, SE = 1.2; and Shy-Drager: 7 cm H2O, SE = 2. Bladder neck incompetence, commonly seen in Shy-Drager and strongly suggestive of sympathetic dysfunction, is uncommon in incontinent patients with other degenerative neurological disorders and detrusor hyperreflexia.
Sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands.

Abstract Although sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands is not an uncommon clinical finding, few cases have been reported in the literature. In the eleven cases reviewed here, nine were found in the buccal mucosa. A high percentage of the patients were edentulous, and most of them were past the age of 39. More than 90 per cent of the patients were Caucasians, and the majority were men. A large percentage of the patients had a history of calcifications elsewhere in the body.
Ecological Genetics of the Salamander Desmognathus guadramaculatus from Disturbed Watersheds in the Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve Cluster

: Ecological and genetic properties of the largely aquatic salamander, D. quadramaculatus, were assessed in paired control and logged watersheds in two forests of the Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve Cluster. Salamanders were larger but relatively less abundant in watersheds of the more extensive and more recently cut forest. Genetic diversity derived from electrophoretic analyses of 14 loci was lower in the forest where the time available for population recovery was least. Populations in relatively undisturbed watersheds in both forests, however, tended to exhibit lower heterozygosity levels than those in previously logged watersheds, but the differences were not as striking. Confounding effects from elevation differences among watersheds were also detected. An analysis of the six subpopulations using Wright's F statistics showed moderate levels of genetic differentiation among the subpopulations. The genetic and ecological differences among populations between the two reserves are interpreted in relation to recent ideas of bottleneck theory and genetic diversion, the history of disturbance and patch dynamics, and population viability and reserve structure. Resuman: Las propiedades ecologicas y geneticas de la mayoria de las salamandras acuaticas, D. quadramaculatus, fueron evaluadas en cuencas de control y cuencas taladas en dos bosques del sur de la Reserva de la Biosfera en las Montan Apalaches. Las salamandras eran mayores, pero relativamente menos abundantes en las cuencas del bosque mas extenso y recientemente talado. La diversidad genetica derivada del analisis electroforetico de 14 loci fue menor en el bosque donde el tiempo disponsible para el restablecimiento de la poblacion era menor. Sin embargo, las poblaciones en las cuencas relativamente intactas de ambos bosques, tendian a exibir niveles de heterozigosidad menores que las encontradas en cuencas previamente taladas, pero la diferencia no era tan impresionante. Tambien se detectaron efectos desconcerta-dores entre las diferencias de elevacion de las cuencas. Un analisis de las seis sup-poblaciones, usando el metodo estadistico de Wright F. mostro niveles moderados de diferenciacion genetica entre las sub-poblaciones. Las diferencias geneticas y ecologicas entre las poblaciones que se encuentran entre las dos reservas, se intetpretan de acuerdo a las ideas recientes de la teoria de “cuello de botella” y diversidad genetica la historia de la alteracion y dinamica de la tierra, y la viabilidad de la poblacion y estuctura de la reserve.
Autocatalytic activation of the proenzyme form of the Cls subunit of the first component of complement

Abstract The autocatalytic activation of the proenzyme form of the Cls subunit of the first component of complement is reported for the first time. Incubation of the purified proenzyme at 37° and pH 7.4 results in the evolution of esterolytic activity according to a second-order autocatalytic rate law. The lag phase portion of the sigmoidal activation curve can be shortened either by increasing the proenzyme concentration or by addition of the activated Cls subunit.
A manifesto for theory in environmental studies and sciences

Environmental studies and sciences (ESS), an inherently practical field, nonetheless demands greater attention to its theoretical assumptions as a necessary step toward continued intellectual and pedagogical development and real-world relevance. This need for theory arises from the status of ESS as an integrative interdiscipline—one practitioners of ESS celebrate, yet with considerably greater challenges in achieving inclusivity and coherence than other interdisciplinary fields face. Three examples are briefly raised here: the definition of environment in ESS, how environmental actors are conceptualized, and the identity of ESS as a problem-oriented field. These three examples are initial priorities requiring better theorization, with many intellectual resources ESS can draw upon to address them. We close by reminding the reader that theories are ideas that take us places, not just idle speculation, and by advocating “theory across the (ESS) curriculum.” In addition to the three examples we cover, we invite the reader to join us in identifying and evaluating other current theoretical assumptions in ESS, in reframing ESS on more robust theoretical grounds, and in integrating this work into the curriculum.
THE STANDARDIZATION OF TYPHOID-PARATYPHOID VACCINE.

Data from other workers have been quoted which show that the baneful effect upon infants of milk of high prepasteurized bacterial content has been recognized and elucidated. Data are given covering observations in Baltimore of three years' duration, in the first two of which this hypothesis seems to be supported while in the last year it is not. REFERENCES 1. Studies from the Rockefeller Institute for, Medical Research, Reprints, Vol. 2, 1924; Arch. Pedsa., Dec., 1903. 2. Scholberg, H. A., and Wallis, R. L. McK. Chemical changes produced in milk by bacteria and their relation to the epidemic diarrhea of infants. Local Government Board. Medical Officer's Report, 1909-1910, vol. 39, pp. 504-43. 3. Ayres, S. H. and Mudge, C. S. Milk powder agar for the determination of bacteria in milk. J. Bacteriol., 5, 565-588 (1920). 4. Standard Methods of Milk Analysis of the A.P.H.A. and A.O.A.C., 1923, p. 17. 5. Van Slyke, L. L. Modern methods of testing milk aiid milk products, p. 160. 6. Swenarton, J. C., and Shrader, J. H., Comprehensive Bacteriological Study of the Milk Supply of Baltimore. 7. Bishop, F. C. Fly Traps and Their Operation, Bull. 734, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 8. Niven, J. Manchester Health Officer's Reports (1904-1908): Reference from Reprint No. 155, Pub. Health Rep., Dec. 5, 1913, edition of May, 1923.
The Relative Contribution of Fiber Properties to Variations in Yarn Strength in Upland Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L

We found that the relative contribution of fiber properties in predicting yarn strength in commercial cultivars of Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., was influenced mainly by the type of varibility in the population under study. Whenever the sources of variation in a population were genetic, environmental, and genotype X environment interaction, the order of fiber properties affecting yam strength were: fiber strength (T1), fiber length, and fiber fineness. For such a population, fiber length distribution, as reflected in 50% span length, mean length, and mean length of drawing sliver contributed more to yam strength than the longer measurements—2.5% span length, upper-half mean length, and upper-half mean length of drawing sliver. In the absence of the genetic source of variation (within a cultivar) the contribution of fiber properties to yarn strength differed from one cultivar to another, suggesting an interaction between each cultivar and its environment.
Who Liberalizes? Explaining Preferential Trade Liberalization

Despite the growth in research on preferential trade arrangements (PTAs), few studies have systematically explored why some PTAs have been more successful than others at liberalizing trade among members. In this paper I test four hypotheses concerning intra-PTA liberalization: a regional system structure hypothesis, an international institutions hypothesis, a domestic institutions hypothesis, and an economic hypothesis. Although all four types of variables are statistically significant, only international institutions have substantively large effects on intra-PTA liberalization. This suggests that policymakers have considerable latitude to promote integration, as the impact of “choice” variables such as international institutions far outweighs that of “given” factors such as regional system structure or the nature of member economies.
Single spin Toffoli-Fredkin logic gate

The Toffoli–Fredkin (TF) gate is a universal reversible logic gate capable of performing logic operations without dissipating energy. Here, we show that a linear array of three quantum dots, each hosting a single electron, can realize the TF gate, if we encode logic bits in the spin polarization of the electrons and allow nearest neighbor exchange coupling. The dynamics of the TF gate is realized by selectively driving spin resonances in the coupled spin system with an ac magnetic field. The conditions for gate operation are established, and an estimate of the switching speed and gate error are provided.
Parathyroid Hormone-mediated Regulation of Na+-K+-ATPase Requires ERK-dependent Translocation of Protein Kinase Cα

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) inhibits Na+-K+-ATPase activity by serine phosphorylation of the alpha1 subunit through protein kinase C (PKC)- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent pathways. Based on previous studies we postulated that PTH regulates sodium pump activity through isoform-specific PKC-dependent activation of ERK. In the present work utilizing opossum kidney cells, a model of renal proximal tubule, PTH stimulated membrane translocation of PKCalpha by 102 +/- 16% and PKCbetaI by 41 +/- 7% but had no effect on PKCbetaII and PKCzeta. Both PKCalpha and PKCbetaI phosphorylated the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit in vitro. PTH increased the activity of PKCalpha but not PKCbetaI. Coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that treatment with PTH enhanced the association between Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit and PKCalpha, whereas the association between Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit and PKCbetaI remained unchanged. A PKCalpha inhibitory peptide blocked PTH-stimulated serine phosphorylation of the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit and inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Pharmacologic inhibition of MEK-1 blocked PTH-stimulated translocation of PKCalpha, whereas transfection of constitutively active MEK-1 cDNA induced translocation of PKCalpha and increased phosphorylation of the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit. In contrast, PTH-stimulated ERK activation was not inhibited by pretreatment with the PKCalpha inhibitory peptide. Inhibition of PKCalpha expression by siRNA did not inhibit PTH-mediated ERK activation but significantly reduced PTH-mediated phosphorylation of the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit. Pharmacologic inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase blocked PTH-stimulated ERK activation, translocation of PKCalpha, and phosphorylation of the Na+-K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit. We conclude that PTH stimulates Na+-K+-ATPase phosphorylation and decreases the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase by ERK-dependent activation of PKCalpha.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with peripherally inserted central catheters.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are increasingly used in hospitalized patients. The benefit can be offset by complications such as upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who received a PICC while hospitalized at the Methodist University Hospital (MUH) in Memphis, TN. All adult consecutive patients who had PICCs inserted during the study period and who did not have a UEDVT at the time of PICC insertion were included in the study. A UEDVT was defined as a symptomatic event in the ipsilateral extremity, leading to the performance of duplex ultrasonography, which confirmed the diagnosis of UEDVT. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was defined as a symptomatic event prompting the performance of ventilation-perfusion lung scan or spiral computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Among 777 patients, 38 patients experienced 1 or more venous thromboembolisms (VTEs), yielding an incidence of 4.89%. A total of 7444 PICC-days were recorded for 777 patients. This yields a rate of 5.10 VTEs/1000 PICC-days. Compared to patients whose PICC was inserted in the SVC, patients whose PICC was in another location had an increased risk (odds ratio = 2.61 [95% CI = 1.28-5.35]) of VTE. PICC related VTE was significantly more common among patients with a past history of VTE (odds ratio = 10.83 [95% CI = 4.89-23.95]). CONCLUSIONS: About 5% of patients undergoing PICC placement in acute care hospitals will develop thromboembolic complications. Thromboembolic complications were especially common among persons with a past history of VTE. Catheter tip location at the time of insertion may be an important modifiable risk factor. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:417–422. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Evaluation of mixed-effects models for predicting Douglas-fir mortality

Abstract We examined the performance of several generalized linear fixed- and mixed-effects individual-tree mortality models for Douglas-fir stands in the Pacific Northwest. The mixed-effects models accounted for sampling and study design overdispersion. Inclusion of a random intercept term reduced model bias by 88% relative to the fixed-effects model; however, model discrimination did not substantially differ. An uninformed version of the mixed model that used only its fixed effects parameters produced predicted mortality values that exceeded the fixed-effects model bias by 31%. Overall, we did not find compelling evidence to suggest that the mixed models fit our data better than the fixed-effects model. In particular, the mixed models produced fixed-effects parameter estimates that predicted unreasonably high mortality rates for trees approaching 1 m in diameter at breast height.
Dynamic behavior in a delayed stage-structured population model with stochastic fluctuation and harvesting

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a stage-structured population model involving gestation delay is investigated within stochastically fluctuating environment and harvesting. Firstly, the stability and Hopf bifurcation condition are described on the delayed population model within deterministic environment. Secondly, the stochastic population model systems are discussed by incorporating white noise terms to the deterministic system model. Finally, numerical simulations show that the gestation delay with larger magnitude has ability to drive the system from stable to unstable within the same fluctuating environment and the frequency and amplitude of oscillation for the population density is enhanced as environmental driving forces increase. These indicate that the magnitude of gestation delay plays a crucial role to determine the stability or instability and the magnitude of environmental driving forces plays a crucial role to determine the magnitude of oscillation of the population model system within fluctuating environment.
Complications of intrathecal baclofen pumps in children: experience from a tertiary care center.

Background/Aims: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is useful in treating spasticity and dystonia but it has many complications, more so in children. The main aim of the study was to look at the complications of ITB pumps in children with the goal of future prevention. Methods: Charts of all patients ≤21 years with an ITB pump, implanted by a single pediatric neurosurgeon, at a single center, between 1996 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Data regarding an ITB test trial were also recorded. Results: During 1996-2011, 119 children (mean age 13.2 years) underwent ITB pump placement; 84% had spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. The gross motor function classification system level was ≥4 for most. The pump was removed in 5 (4.2%) patients due to inefficacy. The mean follow-up was 38 months. Mechanical complications requiring pump and/or catheter revision occurred in 19.3% and infections in an additional 21.8%. Seven patients (6%) had meningitis. No complication was noted after 72 months of initial pump insertion, even after pump reinsertion. Conclusion: There is a need for better infection control as well as better pump, catheter and surgical technology to lower the complications of ITB pumps in children.
IDENTIFICATION OF TWO ADDITIONAL EXONS AT THE 3' END OF THE AMELOGENIN GENE

Alternative splicing of the amelogenin gene generates a family of proteins secreted by ameloblasts that are primarily responsible for tooth enamel formation. Here the presence of two additional exons, downstream of exon 7, which are followed by an alternate polyadenylation site, is reported. Long polymerase chain reaction was used with a rat genomic amelogenin template to amplify sequences downstream from the primary polyadenylation site. Within the amplified sequences, two exons of 45 bp (exon 8) and 110 bp (exon 9) were identified. The presence of these additional exons in the human and mouse genome was indicated by Southern blot analysis. Antibodies raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to a sequence encoded by exon 9 positively stained ameloblasts in sections of developing murine and porcine unerupted teeth. These results suggest that an amelogenin protein(s) that includes sequences derived from exons 8 and 9 is synthesized by the ameloblasts.
Development of a series fault model for DC microgrids

Series faults are self-sustained arcs produced in series with the normal path of supply power. The electromagnetic transients produced by these series faults are of interest during the design and analysis of existing and forthcoming dc microgrids. This paper presents a preliminary series fault simulation model to predict the electromagnetic transients introduced by series faults. Experimental results are compared with simulation results. The simulation results show the random nature of the arc, quenching attempts, arc energy consumption, and the influence of inductive loads.
Theoretical basis for identification and measurement of air contaminants using an array of sensors having partly overlapping selectivities

Abstract The objective of this paper is to provide a theoretical basis for the selection and effective use of an array of chemical sensors for a particular application. The array is to be used in conjunction with a microprocessor in a small portable device capable of detecting, identifying and quantifying any of a large number N of hazardous compounds, either singly or in mixtures of up to A such compounds. A compact array of S different sensors is used, each of which can operate in M differently selective modes so as to yield P=MS parameters, or data channels. The minimum number of parameters required to identify the compounds solely on the basis of the presence or absence of significant signals in the various channels is determined by the inequality For example, P ⩾ 18 or P ⩾ 22 for N = 100 and A = 3 or 4, respectively. A computational approach is proposed to first eliminate all candidate compounds whose known response patterns do not overlap the channels exhibiting the strongest signals. The remaining candidate compounds are then quantified by solving simultaneous linear equations. A determinant, which is used to solve the simultaneous equations, provides a measure of the selectivity and/or non-redundancy of the set of channels exhibiting the strongest signals. This determinant is also inversely proportional to the experimental error or to the required accuracy of the measurements. By computing the values of this determinant for various mixtures, the selectivities and/or non-redundancies of alternative sets of P parameters with respect to a given set of N hazardous compounds can be evaluated and compared.
Fast and Accurate Computation of the Exact Confidence Limits for the Common Odds Ratio in Several 2 x 2 Tables

Abstract Mehta, Patel, and Gray proposed a network algorithm for the exact confidence limits of the common odds ratio in several 2 × 2 tables. Their algorithm was implemented in the StatXact and Egret statistical packages and further discussed by Vollset, Hirji, and Elashoff. The need to evaluate polynomials of potentially very high degrees, however, poses some numerical difficulties. This article presents a method that cuts the degree of polynomials by at least one half. Two other modifications to further stabilize and speed the computation are also proposed.
Oogamy: Inventing the Sexes

The male-female dichotomy has evolved independently in nearly all lineages of multicellular organisms. Why this should be the case is still uncertain, but recent studies of mating-type genes in green algae open a promising new way to explore molecular-genetic aspects of the evolution of dichotomous sexes.
Electron microscopic studies of the state of myosin aggregation in the vertebrate smooth muscle cell.

Glycol dehydration followed by rehydration prior to conventional fixation appears to demonstrate the essential identity of the thick filaments observed in unfixed, glycol dehydrated and conventionally fixed smooth muscle. Observed differences in the solubilities of actin and myosin filaments also suggest that the thick filaments of smooth muscle are not formed by the apposition of actin filaments or by the deposition of myosin upon actin filaments. Evidence that the thick filaments of smooth muscle are not formed by an unnatural aggregation of smaller myosin aggregates or by the dissociation of myosin “ribbons” during tissue preparation is also reported. Examinations of smooth muscle contracted or relaxed by pharmacological agents appear to indicate that the myosin content of smooth muscle is aggregated into filaments in both the contracted and relaxed cell.
Bounds and approximations for elastic wave speeds in cubic crystals

Unlike an isotropic elastic medium, the wave speeds in an anisotropic medium depend on the direction of wave propagation. In this paper, bounds are developed on the speeds of waves propagating along an arbitrary direction in a cubic crystal through an additive split of the acoustic tensor into two parts, the eigenproperties of which are trivial to determine. The bounds are obtained by applying the minimax property of eigenvalues. Linear estimates of the wave speeds are obtained from a first-order expansion of the eigenvalues of the acoustic tensor, with respect to an anisotropy index, about the value of that index for which anisotropy vanishes.
Simulation of heat and moisture transfer through a surface residue—soil system

Abstract A simulation model suitable for describing the dynamic aspects of mass and energy transfer in a soil—residue—atmosphere system has been developed and used to determine soil heat and water budgets. The model has been programmed in BASIC and uses numerical methods suitable for microcomputer applications. It displays a fundamental coupling of the surface residue to the soil—atmosphere system, and uses network analysis to describe heat and moisture transfer. Short-wave and long-wave radiative transfer, changes in energy status, rainfall interception by the residue, infiltration, redistribution, evaporation, and drainage are all accounted for. Daily input requirements include global short-wave radiation, maximum and minimum air temperatures, average wind speed, precipitation, and temperature and water content deep within the soil. General site, residue, and soil characteristics are also needed. Surface residues are treated as a thin layer with uniform horizontal distribution and residue loading rate is 3000 kg ha−1. Application of the model to energy and water budget studies using environmental data recorded at Pullman, WA during 1981/82 is discussed. Simulation results indicate that for the Pullman conditions surface residues decreased evaporation by roughly 36% when compared with simulations of bare soil evaporation. Monthly trends, however, indicate that the effectiveness of residues in conserving soil moisture decreases as the length of rain-free periods increases.
Superblock stories, or, ten episodes in the history of public housing

This essay analyzes ten disparate but linked moments in the history of the depiction of the spaces of public housing. Investigating the image of public housing that emerges from a range of cultural forms and practices – from hip-hop to literature to social reform to urban planning to boogaloo – the essay inhabits the perspectives of a host of different actors with an interest in the life of public housing. By surveying a range of attitudes towards public housing from different moments in its history, it hopes to renew a vision of the public goals at the heart of its creation. Understanding the creative use of public housing's superblock spaces offers a way to imagine a form of shared ownership over its fate.
An 8-bit single-ended ultra-low-power SAR ADC with a novel DAC switching method

An 8-bit single-ended ultra-low-power successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with a novel DAC switching method is designed and fabricated in a 0.35-µm BCD (bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) technology. The switching method uses V R /2, rather than V R , as the only reference voltage to digitize the input signals with the amplitude range of (0, V R ). The scheme is also compared with other switching methods in MATLAB. Compared with the conventional switching method, the proposed design reduces the average power consumption in the DAC during digitizing by 87.5%. Measurement results show that at the power supply of 1.4 V and the reference voltage of 1 V and with the sampling rate of 2 kS/s, the ADC can digitize the input signal with a full-scale range of 2 V, resulting in a signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) of 48.2 dB at the frequencies larger than its Nyquist bandwidth (1 kHz). It consumes 101 nW and reaches a figure of merit of 227 fJ/(conversion-step). The ADC is targeted to be used as part of the ultra-lowpower analog front-end circuit of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Persistence of depressive symptoms in diabetic adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level and pattern of persistent depressive symptoms among adults with diabetes and identify factors associated with increased risk of being persistently depressed. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A self-report depression symptom inventory was administered to 245 patients at two initial time points--the beginning and end of a comprehensive outpatient diabetes education program--and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Only 13% of subjects were persistently depressed (i.e., exceeded the criterion for depression symptoms at all three time points). The rate of being depressed at follow-up was 10% for those negative for depression symptoms at either of the initial time points, 36% for those positive at one initial time point, and 73% for those positive at both initial time points (P
Award winner of the resident essay contest, Ohio Chapter, American College of Surgeons Utility of lymphoscintigraphy for lymphatic mapping in breast cancer: A prospective study

Abstract Purpose: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification using lymphatic mapping is gaining popularity in the management of invasive breast cancer. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the utility of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy (LS) in patients undergoing intraoperative lymphatic mapping (ILM). Methods: On the day of surgery, patients were injected with 400 μCi Tc-99m sulfur colloid (filtered) around the tumor or the biopsy cavity (100 μCi in each quadrant). The patients undergoing needle localization biopsy received a single injection of 400 μCi. Imaging was performed for 30 minutes and after 2 hours following the injection to trace the movement of radionuclide. A biplanar imaging technique was utilized for the localization of the sentinel node. The patients were then taken to the operating room, where ILM was performed utilizing a hand-held gamma detector probe (GDP) and isosulfan blue dye (IBD). Any sentinel nodes were identified and removed; subsequently, a standard axillary node dissection was performed. Results: One male and 24 female patients (n = 25) enrolled in and completed the study. Primary breast tumor sites were in the following quadrants: upper outer (15), lower outer (2), upper inner (3), lower inner (2), and central (3). A SLN was identified by ILM in 23 25 (92%) patients. None of the patients with a histologically negative SLN had axillary metastasis. Preoperative LS identified a suspected sentinel node (SN) in 17 25 (68%) patients. In all 17 of these patients, at least 1 SN was also identified by ILM. Intraoperative findings correlated with the LS (all axillary nodes) in all but one of these patients; ILM located an axillary SN in this patient in whom LS revealed a supraclavicular node. An axillary SLN was identified by ILM in 6 8 patients with negative LS. Furthermore, LS did not identify any drainage to internal mammary nodes, even in 8 patients with medial and central lesions. Conclusions: Although LS has value in identifying the draining lymphatic basin, negative LS does not preclude the identification of a SLN by ILM. LS does not appear to provide additional information to the surgeon performing ILM and, therefore, its routine use in breast cancer patients is not justified. However, its role in identifying internal mammary nodes needs further evaluation.
Evaluating video layout strategies for a high-performance storage server

We propose a systems approach to providing video service that integrates the multiresolution data generated by scalable compression algorithms with the high-bandwidth, high-capacity storage provided by disk arrays. We introduce two layout strategies for storing multiresolution video data on magnetic disk arrays, which vary in the degrees of parallelism and concurrency they use to satisfy requests. Our simulation results show that the storage of multiple video resolutions allows a video file server to satisfy considerably more user requests than a server that stores a single resolution of video data.
Identification of endothelin-1 in the pathophysiology of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in U.S. men, and advanced, hormone-refractory disease is characterized by painful osteoblastic bone metastases. Endothelin-1, more commonly known as a potent vasoconstrictor, is a normal ejaculate protein that also stimulates osteoblasts. We show here that plasma immunoreactive endothelin concentrations are significantly elevated in men with metastatic prostate cancer and that every human prostate cancer cell line tested produces endothelin-1 messenger RNA and secretes immunoreactive endothelin. Exogenous endothelin-1 is a prostate cancer mitogen in vitro and increases alkaline phosphatase activity in new bone formation, indicating that ectopic endothelin-1 may be a mediator of the osteoblastic response of bone to metastatic prostate cancer.
Islamic Alchemy According to Al-Khwarizmi

A travers ses travaux rediges en arabe, et qui furent traduits en anglais, Al-Khwaarizmi presente ses decouvertes en chimie au Moyen Age, et revele sa culture logique
ORION 2.0: A Power-Area Simulator for Interconnection Networks

As industry moves towards multicore chips, networks-on-chip (NoCs) are emerging as the scalable fabric for interconnecting the cores. With power now the first-order design constraint, early-stage estimation of NoC power has become crucially important. In this work, we present ORION 2.0, an enhanced NoC power and area simulator, which offers significant accuracy improvement relative to its predecessor, ORION 1.0.
Debunking the myth that whole-genome sequencing infringes thousands of gene patents

The fear that human gene patents pose a threat to whole-genome sequencing is based largely on widely held misconceptions.
EVALUATION OF THE FLUORESCEIN DIACETATE (FDA) VITAL DYE VIABILITY TEST WITH HAMSTER AND BOVINE EMBRYOS

Abstract A study was undertaken to determine: (1) the potential toxicity of a fluorogenic vital dye, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), on hamster and bovine pre-implantation embryos; and (2) whether a correlation exists between the fluorescence of an embryo and its ability to continue development. For the toxicity trial, hamster eight-cell embryos were randomly assigned to one of three groups (control, FDA+UV light or UV light only), and early bovine blastocysts to either a control or FDA+UV light group. Embryos were cultured for 24 h and scored for development to the blastocyst stage. Embryos of both species developed equally well in vitro regardless of whether or not they had been exposed to FDA and UV light. Treated and untreated control embryos from both species were transferred to synchronized recipients. Similar numbers of pregnancies resulted after transfer of treated and untreated embryos from both species. In the second experiment, the proportions of fluorescing embryos were compared using two groups of hamster eight-cell embryos: (1) freshly collected embryos; and (2) cultured embryos that failed to develop. Significantly more of the fresh eight-cell embryos fluoresced than did the cultured, undeveloped embryos. No false negative results were obtained (embryos that developed but failed to fluoresce). However, approximately half of the non-developing, cultured embryos showed varying degrees of fluorescence (false positive). Embryos showing “false positive” fluorescence may be viable, but incapable of further development due to deficiencies of the culture medium. The procedures used in the FDA viability assay were not detrimental to development of late cleavage stage mammalian embryos and thus seem suitable for rapid screening of manipulated embryos for potential damage. However, further work is needed to establish the significance of the false positive results encountered in this study.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RNA SYNTHESIS AND HEMOGLOBIN SYNTHESIS IN AMPHIBIAN ERYTHROPOIESIS : Cytochemical Evidence.

A cytochemical study of the relationship between RNA synthesis and hemoglobin synthesis has been performed on splenectomized newts, Triturus viridescens. Employing radioautography, labeled cytidine was incorporated into the RNA of the early developmental stages but was not incorporated in the later stages. Labeled leucine was incorporated into the cellular protein of all stages except mature erythrocytes but was incorporated at a higher level in the later stages. Microphotometric measurements of azure B binding to cytoplasmic RNA revealed a sharp initial increase between the stem cell and proerythroblast followed by a rapid decrease between the basophilic and polychromatophilic stages. The loss of cytoplasmic RNA became more gradual in the late stages and, in the mature erythrocyte, little or no cytoplasmic RNA could be detected. Measurements of cytoplasmic total protein, using fast green staining at pH 2.0, and of heme showed that both curves increased similarly with development, indicating net hemoglobin synthesis. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that, as the stem cell differentiates along erythrocytic lines, a stable "messenger" RNA specifying the production of a given type or types of hemoglobin is formed. This complex probably becomes associated with ribosomal RNA and is retained throughout the process of RBC differentiation.