cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy Of Us-Fnac Of Axillary Lymph Nodes In Patients With Primary Breast Cancer Using Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy As Standard Reference.

Background: The advent of US guided FNAC in the investigation of adenopathy has become a suitable and commonly practiced minimally invasive procedure which is safe, simple, quick, highly cost effective and innocuous. Nowadays, in modern days FNAC is done in almost all cases due to its high specificity, Positive predictive value (PPV) and no complications resulting in fewer SNLB and directly proceeding with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy or ALND. Methods: A total of 160 females between ages 30–60 years who had clinical palpable breast lump, newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer with palpable axilla nodes were included. Patients who already received neoadjuvant therapy and whose biopsy does not yield enough specimens and needs repeat biopsy were excluded. All the patients were then undergoing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration. Afterwards, all patients were gone through axillary surgery for the definite histopathology report. FNAC results were compared with pathology after SLNB. Results: Mean age was 46.61±8.75 years. In 67 FNAC positive patients, 61 were True Positive and 06 were False Positive. Among, 93 FNAC negative patients, 18 were False Negative whereas 75 were True Negative. Overall sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of US guided FNAC of suspicious axilla nodes in patent with primary breast carcinoma was 77.22%, 92.59%, 80.65%, 91.04% and 85.0% respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that US guided FNAC of suspicious axilla nodes in patient with primary breast carcinoma has quite acceptable diagnostic accuracy. Keywords : Breast malignancy; fine needle aspiration cytology; axillary lymph node dissection; Aentinel lymph node biopsy; sensitivity
Abdominal skeletal muscle index as a potential novel biomarker in adult Fontan patients

Background Fontan palliation results in a chronic multisystem disorder with diminished exercise capacity and increased risk of muscle wasting. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility of skeletal muscle mass measurements in Fontan patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging liver surveillance to compare muscle mass with a historic control and to assess its correlation with cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods Skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were measured at T12 and L3. A young, healthy historic cohort was used as a comparison group. Results Forty patients with a Fontan circulation (mean age, 25.5 ± 7.9 years; 50% were men) were included. Measurements of SMA and SMI were feasible and highly reproducible. Mean SMA and SMI were significantly lower in women compared with men at both T12 (SMA: 25.1 ± 4.9 cm2 vs 33.5 ± 8.4 cm2, P < 0.001; SMI: 9.7 ± 2.1 cm2/m2 vs 11.3 ± 2.7 cm2/m2, P = 0.045) and L3 (SMA: 121 ± 12 cm2 vs 162 ± 24 cm2, P < 0.001; SMI: 46.9 ± 7.0 cm2/m2 vs 54.5 ± 7.4 cm2/m2, P = 0.002). Mean SMI at L3 was significantly lower in the male Fontan population compared with the healthy historic cohort (54.5 ± 7.4 cm2/m2 vs 60.9 ± 7.8 cm2/m2, P < 0.001), but was similar for women (46.9 ± 7.0 cm2/m2 vs 47.5 ± 6.6 cm2/m2, P = 0.692). SMI at L3, but not at T12, was positively correlated with peak oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse, and workload. Four patients (10%) met criteria for muscle wasting in the sarcopenic range based on L3 measurements. Conclusions Abdominal skeletal muscle mass can be reproducibly determined on surveillance liver magnetic resonance imaging scans. Muscle wasting appears to occur commonly in Fontan patients. Further research is needed to better define the value of SMI as a biomarker in the Fontan population.
Technology and Its Value from the Perspective of Process Theory

The perspective of process theory is a special research perspective adopted by modern Chinese philosophy of technology research. The analysis of a technological process includes two interrelated aspects: one is the diachronic analysis of technology and other is the synchronic analysis of technology, which demonstrates specific states of technology under certain temporal and spatial conditions. Technological value is generated through the process from purposiveness to natural function with purpose, then to effectiveness. How to keep the balance among production, waste, livelihood and life is a major issue in the development of technology and economy from the perspective of process theory.
Coda: Flying Over

This chapter reflects upon our projections about, and expectations for, the future of the Airworld. It analyzes the uncertainty and fear of obsolescence that characterizes our imaginary of air travel and aerial infrastructures. The chapter further underscores the central paradox of air mobility fiction in the broader context of travel literature. While recounting the circulation of passengers across the globe, air travel narratives surprisingly uncover experiences of immobility.
Optical Modeling of Thin Film Perovskite Solar Cells

In this work we conduct optical modeling of a perovskite based p-i-n junction thin film photovoltaic cell. The model is based on the Transmission line theory and provides the means for fast and accurate optimization.
Far reach of Fusobacterium nucleatum in cancer metastasis

Approximately 8 years ago, two groups independently reported enrichment of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues.1 2 Since this discovery, intense research interests have been drawn to the bacterium in the context of CRC. The association between Fn and CRC has been confirmed in numerous studies, and several Fn-driven pro-oncogenic mechanisms have been proposed based on observations from preclinical models.3 Notably, much of our knowledge regarding the involvement of Fn is at the primary CRC development stage. How Fn might impact CRC metastasis—the late stage of carcinogenesis that really determines poor prognosis in patients—is relatively unexplored, despite detection of the bacterium in CRC metastases to the liver and lymph nodes.1 2 4 The first evidence that Fn is important for CRC metastasis emerged in 2017, when it was shown that Fn presence correlated with successful establishment of CRC patients-derived xenografts in mice.4 Yet, the molecular process underlying Fn-dependent metastatic tumour formation was undefined. Earlier this year, three research groups, using a similar in vitro experimental design, reported that Fn infection enhanced migration of human CRC-derived HCT116 cells, although each group proposes distinct mechanisms.5–7 These include induction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CXCL1),5 upregulation of caspase …
Cyanobacteria in early soil development of deglaciated forefields: Dominance of non-heterocytous filamentous cyanobacteria and phosphorus limitation of N-fixing Nostocales

Abstract Cyanobacteria are integral to soil development in the earliest stages of primary succession by fixing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) essential for organismal growth. In this study, we examined soil cyanobacterial communities at the earliest stage of succession (
Electrical Safety and Device Calibration

Summary The fidelity of all monitored data is influenced by the characteristics of the transducer system. In the case of invasive catheters, the tubing used and any air bubbles in the tubing have a great influence on the values displayed on the screen. Low compliant tubing and absence of air bubbles keep the natural frequency and the damping coefficients high, and are essential to accurate output. The fidelity of analog displays is also limited by the frequency response and the damping characteristics of the writing instrument used. An instrument with little mass (low inertia) will be able to follow rapidly moving signals without damping the high frequencies present in the signal. The amplifier used to amplify the signals produced by the transducer must also be of high quality. Digitally processed signals are plagued with calibration problems, too. All digital filters, just like analog filters, introduce phase shifts into the signal. These shifts are different for each frequency, and they will distort the physiologic signal, which contains many frequency components. Even more important, digitally analyzed signals use many complex algorithms to separate noise from signal, and to decompose each signal into its important segments (systolic, diastolic, mean pressures, P wave, QRS, ST segment). These algorithms are not perfect, and, in certain circumstances, can cause erroneous numbers to appear on the monitors.
Highly confined phonon polaritons in monolayers of oxide perovskites

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are able to strongly confine light hybridized with collective excitations of atoms, enabling electric-field enhancements and novel spectroscopic applications. Recently, freestanding monolayers of oxide perovskites have been synthesized, which possess highly infrared-active phonon modes and a complex interplay of competing interactions. In this study, we evaluate central figures of merit for phonon polaritons in the tetragonal phases of the 2D perovskites SrTiO$_3$, KTaO$_3$, and LiNbO$_3$, using density functional theory calculations. Specifically, we compute the 2D phonon-polariton dispersions, the propagation-quality, confinement, and deceleration factors, and we show that they are comparable to those found in the prototypical 2D dielectric hexagonal boron nitride. Our results suggest that monolayers of oxide perovskites are promising candidates for polaritonic platforms in the terahertz spectral range that enable possibilites to control complex phases of matter through strongly enhanced electromagnetic fields.
Analyzing Service Divide in Academic Libraries for Better Serving Disabled Patrons Using Assistive Technologies

Academic libraries invest thousands of dollars in assistive technologies (AT) for enhancing the delivery of information services to disabled patrons. However, offering AT might not result in their use by the patrons who need them, thereby leading to a service divide. The analysis of qualitative responses, including more than 1,400 quotations, elicited from academic library administrators and librarians in 186 public universities across the United States, reveals that academic libraries encounter 51 challenges related to the knowledge and skills of librarians, hardware and software concerns, institutional factors, finances, and external actors, when serving disabled patrons with AT. Finally, the researchers propose 15 solutions for bridging this service divide.
Racial Residential Segregation and Race Differences in Ideal Cardiovascular Health among Young Men

Background: Race disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) related morbidity and mortality are evident among men. While previous studies show health in young adulthood and racial residential segregation (RRS) are important factors for CVD risk, these factors have not been widely studied in male populations. We sought to examine race differences in ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) among young men (ages 24–34) and whether RRS influenced this association. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from young men who participated in Wave IV (2008) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 5080). The dichotomous outcome, achieving ideal CVH, was defined as having ≥4 of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 targets. Race (Black/White) and RRS (proportion of White residents in census tract) were the independent variables. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: Young Black men had lower odds of achieving ideal CVH (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.92) than young White men. However, RRS did not have a significant effect on race differences in ideal CVH until the proportion of White residents was ≥55%. Conclusions: Among young Black and White men, RRS is an important factor to consider when seeking to understand CVH and reduce future cardiovascular risk.
A seasonal electric barrier blocks invasive adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and reduces production of larvae

Abstract Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) control is achieved in the Laurentian Great Lakes by applying lamprey-specific pesticides (lampricides) to habitats containing larval sea lamprey. Lampricide treatments cost less and are more effective in watersheds where dams block adult sea lamprey migration and limit larval distribution relative to watersheds with no barriers to migration. However, dams impound water and can block movement of valued fishes, outcomes that are untenable for some stakeholders. Here, a seasonal and non-physical barrier of pulsed direct electrical current was tested to block adult sea lamprey while also monitoring the movement and mortality of non-target fish species. The electric barrier was operated in the Black Mallard River, a tributary to northern Lake Huron, March through August 2016–2018. The electric field blocked adult sea lamprey; 1056 adult sea lamprey were captured downstream of the electric field and two were captured upstream of the electric barrier over the three-year study. In 2018, larval sea lamprey abundance upstream of the barrier was about 50% less than historical averages, and genetic analysis found that roughly 98% of larvae upstream of the barrier were spawned in years prior to barrier installation. When the barrier was electrified, non-target fish species were blocked, and a small percentage (
Nonlinear nanoelectrodynamics of a Weyl metal.

Chiral Weyl fermions with linear energy-momentum dispersion in the bulk accompanied by Fermi-arc states on the surfaces prompt a host of enticing optical effects. While new Weyl semimetal materials keep emerging, the available optical probes are limited. In particular, isolating bulk and surface electrodynamics in Weyl conductors remains a challenge. We devised an approach to the problem based on near-field photocurrent imaging at the nanoscale and applied this technique to a prototypical Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4. As a first step, we visualized nano-photocurrent patterns in real space and demonstrated their connection to bulk nonlinear conductivity tensors through extensive modeling augmented with density functional theory calculations. Notably, our nanoscale probe gives access to not only the in-plane but also the out-of-plane electric fields so that it is feasible to interrogate all allowed nonlinear tensors including those that remained dormant in conventional far-field optics. Surface- and bulk-related nonlinear contributions are distinguished through their “symmetry fingerprints” in the photocurrent maps. Robust photocurrents also appear at mirror-symmetry breaking edges of TaIrTe4 single crystals that we assign to nonlinear conductivity tensors forbidden in the bulk. Nano-photocurrent spectroscopy at the boundary reveals a strong resonance structure absent in the interior of the sample, providing evidence for elusive surface states.
In vivo effects of Caliban/Sdccag1 on growth of human lung cancer cells in a mouse model of lung cancer

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 908 Caliban (from Drosophila)/Sdccag1 (from mouse and human) can function as a tumor suppressor in human lung cancer cells. We previously demonstrated that Caliban is a bipartite nuclear export mediator, working through the Exportin pathway, and identified a 28 amino acid peptide, termed HDA, which serves as cargo and can be used as a biomarker for Caliban activity. In the absence of Caliban function, HDA fusion proteins accumulate in the nucleus; however, in its presence, they are actively exported to the cytoplasm. In order to determine the mechanism by which Caliban functions as a tumor suppressor, we have produced a knockout fly and are producing a knockout mouse as model systems for tumorogenesis. We previously described the stable integration of the fly Caliban gene into the human lung cancer cell line, A549, and demonstrated the cell’s reduced invasiveness and ability to form colonies on soft agar. Here, we also document this property of the Caliban gene in an in vivo mouse model, where lung tumor cells were implanted subcutaneously into athymic nude mice and monitored for their tumor growth for five weeks. We observed that in 2 of 11 mice with Caliban expressing A549 cells (line Clbn-S), tumors did not grow during the course of the experiment. Tumor size in Caliban expressing A549 tumor bearing mice was significantly smaller (17.4 mm2 ± 2.7) compared to their parental A549 tumor bearing mice (100.0 mm2 ± 8.8), indicating that the presence of the fly Caliban gene can prevent or retard tumor formation. This and the change of gene expression as monitored by microarray analysis will be discussed in more detail. The ability of Caliban to prevent tumor formation by lung cancer cells in mice suggests that Caliban expression could be developed as an anti-cancer therapy.
Experimental method of generating electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beams

The purpose of this research effort is to experimentally generate an electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beam from two coherent linearly polarized plane waves. As such, the approach uses a sequence of mutually correlated random phase screens on phase-only liquid crystal spatial light modulators at the source plane. The phase screens are generated using a published relationship between the screen parameters and the desired electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model source parameters. The approach is verified by comparing the experimental results with published theory and numerical simulation results. This work enables the design of an electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model source with prescribed coherence and polarization properties.
Evaluating the efficiency of long-term forecasts with limited information: Revisions in the IEW poll responses

Abstract An analytical technique based on an adaptive expectations model of incorporating current information into long-term forecast, is developed and applied to IEW respondents revisions of reported oil price forecasts. Current year weights implicit in their revisions have mean values ranging from 0.27 through 0.67 depending upon the forecast horizons and the assumed base cases. Since the revisions suggest greater perceived importance of current changes for longer forecast, though, some doubt is cast upon the efficiency of their revisions.
The Hasse—Weil L-Function of an Elliptic Curve

At the end of the last chapter, we used reduction modulo p to find some useful information about the elliptic curves E n : y 2 = x 3 -- n 2 x and the congruent number problem.
Managing Aggressive Behavior in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, occurring in 2% to 3% of the U.S. population. Borderline personality disorder is found in 2% of the U.S. population. These disorders denote the endpoints on a spectrum of compulsive and impulsive disorders. One endpoint marks compulsive or risk-aversive behaviors characterized by overestimation of the probability of future harm, highlighted by OCD. The other endpoint designates impulsive action characterized by the lack of complete consideration of the negative results of such behavior, such as borderline and antisocial personality disorders. This article examines studies testing the efficacy of different medications in treating compulsive and impulsive disorders. Mood stabilizers such as divalproex, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and neuroleptics have documented efficacy in treating aggression and affective instability in impulsive patients.
Implementation of a programmable artificial neuron using discrete logic

The authors present a digital neural model that permits high-density implementation of an integrated circuit with completely programmable weights. The digital model is derived from general analog neural models by analyzing their logical characteristics. After digitizing the analog neuron, the weights are expressed using logical values without losing the capabilities of the analog neurons. This permits the weights to be used as inputs; consequently, the logical values of the weights can be dynamically changed and also can be implemented with common discrete logics. To utilize the capability of dynamically variable weights, a learning algorithm was implemented in a network of digital neurons. The learning algorithm and simulation studies are briefly discussed. >
Tissue factor activity in hela cells measured with a continuous chromogenic assay and elisa reader

Tissue factor activity expressed by Hela cells cultured in 96-well plates has been quantitated in situ using a continuous spectrophotometric assay. Following the assay, cells assayed without physical disruption remained as viable as cells not subjected to the assay. Very little (or no) tissue factor was expressed in nondisrupted cells relative to that available in cells disrupted by freeze-thawing and sonication. Total tissue factor activity (that available in disrupted cells) decreased not as a simple function of time after subculturing, but was inversely related to cell density.
SAW1 is required for SDSA double-strand break repair in S. cerevisiae

SAW1, coding for Saw1, is required for single-strand annealing (SSA) DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in Saccharomycescerevisiae. Saw1 physically associates with Rad1 and Rad52 and recruits the Rad1-Rad10 endonuclease. Herein we show by fluorescence microscopy that SAW1 is similarly required for recruitment of Rad10 to sites of Synthesis-Dependent Strand Annealing (SDSA) and associates with sites of SDSA repair in a manner temporally overlapped with Rad10. The magnitude of induction of colocalized Saw1-CFP/Rad10-YFP/DSB-RFP foci in SDSA is more dramatic in S and G2 phase cells than in M phase, consistent with the known mechanism of SDSA. We observed a substantial fraction of foci in which Rad10 was localized to the repair site without Saw1, but few DSB sites that contained Saw1 without Rad10. Together these data are consistent with a model in which Saw1 recruits Rad1-Rad10 to SDSA sites, possibly even binding as a protein-protein complex, but departs the repair site in advance of Rad1-Rad10.
Social behaviour of mother and infant vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)

Abstract Mother-infant relations in wild vervet monkeys ( Cercoopithecus aethiops ) and relations of mothers with other group members were studied in the Masai-Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya. Vervet infants are more precocious than other cercopithecines in the following: ventral clinging to the mother declines faster and earlier than in other species; infants are weaned earlier; infants spend less time in non-aggressive contact with their mothers; mothers groom their infants less; and other group members handle infants earlier than in other species. The social contacts of mothers with other group members change radically after parturition. There are many more contacts with immature females, who devote considerable attention to newborn infants.
The Balanced Scorecard: A Potential Tool for Supporting Change and Continuous Improvement in Accounting Education

Rapid changes in the technological and competitive environment are posing serious challenges to accounting education. Meeting these challenges will require accounting educators and programs to undergo fundamental changes and to continuously seek ways to increase the value of their contributions. This article illustrates how the balanced scorecard may be used by accounting educators to stimulate, guide and sustain such continuous improvement efforts. Survey and interview responses from 69 accounting department heads are generally supportive of the balanced scorecard's potential applicability and benefits to accounting programs. These department heads also provide suggestions on the items that can comprise an effective balanced scorecard for an accounting department, as well as factors that can affect its successful implementation.
The Interplay of Communication Device Output Mode and Interaction Style between Nonspeaking Persons and Their Speaking Partners

This study sought to determine how augmentative communication device output modes differentially affected various aspects of interactions between nonspeaking persons (NSPs) and their speaking partn...
Geometries of knowledge

This contribution is part of the special series of Inaugural Articles by members of the National Academy of Sciences elected on April 30, 1996.
The mechanism of interfacial mass transfer of calcium in the system: Di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid in dodecane-dilute nitric acid

Abstract Through a study of the kinetics and equilibria of the interfacial mass transfer of this system and correlating it with studies of interfacial tension vs concentration data, it has been possible to determine a consistant and revealing mechanism of extraction. This mechanism is as follows: The subscripts A, I and O indicate the environment of the species—the aqueous phase, the interface, or the organic phase. HDEHP is di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid and DEHP is the corresponding base. Mass transfer studies were performed under conditions of a quiescent constant interface with moderate stirring in one or both phases. The effects of changes in interfacial area, temperature and the stirring rate in each phase on the rate parameters, k1, k2 and k −2 k −1 , and the distribution ratio were determined and are discussed. The salient features of the proposed mechanism are threefold: (1) HDEHP and generally all extractants have important interfacial activity; (2) the actual complexation of calcium ion does not occur in the aqueous phase but at the interface; and (3) there is a structured layer of water at the interface that impedes the progress of calcium ion from the bulk aqueous phase to the interface.
Resolving discourse deictic anaphora in dialogues

Most existing anaphora resolution algorithms are designed to account only for anaphors with NP-antecedents. This paper describes an algorithm for the resolution of discourse deictic anaphors, which constitute a large percentage of anaphors in spoken dialogues. The success of the resolution is dependent on the classification of all pronouns and demonstratives into individual, discourse deictic and vague anaphora. Finally, the empirical results of the application of the algorithm to a corpus of spoken dialogues are presented.
Low-energy fractures without low T-scores characteristic of osteoporosis: a possible bone matrix disorder.

Background: Osteoporotic fractures commonly occur after low-energy trauma in postmenopausal women with reduced bone quantity documented by low bone mineral density (BMD). Low-energy fractures, however, have also been reported to occur in premenopausal women with normal or near-normal BMD, suggesting the existence of a bone quality abnormality. Methods: Bone quality and quantity were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of three groups of premenopausal white females: (1) twenty-five subjects with low-energy fracture(s) and BMD in the normal range (t-scores > −2.0), (2) eighteen subjects with low-energy fracture(s) and BMD in the osteoporotic range (t-scores ≤ −2.5), and (3) fourteen healthy volunteers (controls). Bone quality was assessed with use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and histomorphometry in iliac crest bone samples obtained from all subjects; bone quantity was assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry and histomorphometry. Results: The collagen crosslinking ratio in the non-low-BMD subjects with fractures was 13% greater than the ratio in the low-BMD subjects with fractures and 14% greater than the ratio in the controls (p < 0.001 for both). Cancellous bone volume was 29% greater (p < 0.01) and trabecular separation was 31% less (p < 0.01) in the non-low-BMD subjects with fractures than in the low-BMD subjects with fractures; the values in the non-low-BMD subjects did not differ from those in the controls. Bone turnover did not differ among the groups, and osteomalacia was not present in any subject. Thus, the non-low-BMD subjects with fractures maintained bone quantity, but the collagen crosslinking ratio, a parameter of bone quality, was abnormal. In contrast, the low-BMD subjects with fractures did not have this collagen crosslinking abnormality but did have abnormal bone quantity. Conclusions: This study highlights a collagen crosslinking abnormality in patients with low-energy fractures and nonosteoporotic t-scores. Reports have indicated that altered collagen crosslinking is associated with subnormal fracture resistance. A finding of nonosteoporotic bone mass in a patient with low-energy fractures would justify assessment of bone material quality, which currently requires a bone biopsy. Further studies are needed to search for possible noninvasive tests to diagnose abnormal crosslinking. Since no specific therapies for abnormal collagen crosslinking are currently available, studies are also needed to explore novel therapeutic modalities to reverse the underlying collagen crosslinking abnormality. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Conventional PCR Detection and Real-Time PCR Quantification of Reniform Nematodes

Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is a relatively recent introduction into the continental United States that can cause major yield losses on a variety of important crops including cotton and soybeans. DNA sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of this nematode were used to design primers for conventional and real-time PCR, as well as a TaqMan probe. These primers amplified DNA of reniform nematode isolates from a wide geographic range but did not detect genetically related species or other pathogenic nematodes found in production fields including Meloidogyne incognita and Heterodera glycines. Both SYBR green and TaqMan assays reliably quantified as little as 100 fg of reniform nematode DNA, and could be used to quantify as few as five reniform nematodes. An inexpensive and rapid DNA extraction protocol for high throughput diagnostic assays is described.
Serial position, primacy and the von Restorff isolation effect

The von Restorff Isolation Effect was studied in serial learning where the ordinal position of the isolated items was manipulated. Also, for different groups of Ss, the starting position in the serial list on Trial I was either at Item I (structural beginning) or at Item 5 (temporal beginning). Isolating the fifth item in the structural beginning treatment accelerated the learning of that item, with minimal effects when the first or last item was isolated. The data supported an hypothesis that perceptual isolation changes the order in which the isolated item is learned rather than accelerating the learning of that item as a response. Similar effects were found for the temporal beginning treatments when Item 1 or 8 was isolated. However, isolation of Item 5 retarded the learning of that item. The latter results were attributed to Ss confusion in selecting between Item 5 and 1 as the anchor point in the list.
Charge transient and optical absorption measurements of characteristic gap states in phosphorus doped a-Si:H

Abstract Recent electron capture experiments claim that the emission prefactor γ n decreases exponentially with trap energy and that the characteristic peak in the gap - state distribution of a - Si:H is ≈ 0.5 eV below the conduction band, rather than at ∼ 0.8 eV as found in other studies. Arguments are presented demonstrating that an exponential dependence of γ n on energy can result from an overly - simplified analysis of the trap filling process in a capacitance transient measurement. Furthermore, it is shown that within experimental uncertainty electrical and optical measurements yield the same peak densities over a range of phosphorus doping concentrations.
Analysis of static and time-varying polarization errors in the multiangle spectropolarimetric imager.

Multiangle Spectropolarimetric Imager (MSPI) sensitivity to static and time-varying polarization errors is examined. For a system without noise, static polarization errors are accurately represented by the calibration coefficients, and therefore do not impede correct mapping of measured to input Stokes vectors. But noise is invariably introduced during the detection process, and static polarization errors reduce the system’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by increasing noise sensitivity. Noise sensitivity is minimized by minimizing the condition number of the system data reduction matrix [Appl. Opt.41, 619 (2002)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.41.000619]. The sensitivity of condition numbers to static polarization errors is presented. The condition number of the nominal MSPI data reduction matrix is approximately 1.1 or less for all fields. The increase in the condition number above 1 results primarily from a quarter wave plate and mirror coating retardance magnitude errors. Sensitivity of the degree of linear polarization (DoLP) error with respect to time-varying diattenuation and retardance error was used to set a time-varying diattenuation magnitude tolerance of 0.005 and a time-varying retardance magnitude tolerance of ±0.2°. A Monte Carlo simulation of the calibration and measurements using anticipated static and time-varying errors indicates that MSPI has a probability of 0.9 of meeting its 0.005 DoLP uncertainty requirement.
Sensitivity of landscape metrics to classification scheme

Landscape metrics are a standard tool in the study and monitoring of landscape pattern and change, but their statistical properties and behaviour across a range of classification schemes and landscapes, as well as their sensitivity to changing landscape patterns, are still not fully understood. We therefore investigated the sensitivity of 24 metrics to a number of land cover classes for three Arizona landscapes with different spatial patterns. To do so, we applied unsupervised classification of remotely sensed data with two different nominal spatial resolutions to generate maps containing 2–35 classes. We calculated metric values for these thematic maps and classified the metrics into six groups using principal components analysis. For each group, the nature and sensitivity of responses to differences in resolution, landscape pattern, and classification detail were assessed. Our results indicated that many metrics behaved predictably with increasing classification detail, increasing or decreasing at rates...
The salty and burning taste of capsaicin.

The tongue is a kind of funny organ. From a physiological point of view, you can place solutions on the tongue that will be toxic to most any cell, and the tongue will give information, in a hopefully reversible manner, about the solution's chemical composition and whether it should be ingested.
Status of Splittail in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Estuary

Abstract Analysis of data from four extensive fish surveys in the Sacramento–San Joaquin estuary indicated that splittail Pogonichthys macrolepidotus, endemic to the Central Valley of California, declined by 62% over a 13-year period. Splittails are now found mostly in the estuary, a fraction of their former range. In a gill-net survey in August 1994, 50% of the splittails taken in the estuary were from the Suisun Bay area, and 50% were just upstream in shallow, well-vegetated areas. Splittails migrate into freshwater to spawn, and river outflow carries juveniles into productive, shallow, low-salinity areas downstream. The high correlation of abundance of young with river outflow (average r 2, 0.60) and a weak stock–recruitment relationship (r 2 = 0.22) indicate that spawning success depends on favorable environmental conditions created by high outflows, such as the number of days that lowland areas remain flooded in the spring. A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated that splittails prefer sha...
Positive-, negative-, and orthogonal-phase-velocity propagation of electromagnetic plane waves in a simply moving medium: Reformulation and reappraisal

Abstract Reformulating the issue of planewave propagation in a simply moving, dielectric-magnetic medium that is isotropic in the co-moving reference frame, using the Lorentz transformations of electric and magnetic fields and not the Minkowski constitutive relations–we reaffirm that plane waves which have positive phase velocity in the co-moving frame of reference can have negative phase velocity in certain non-co-moving frames of reference. Furthermore, this phenomenon occurs whether the medium is dissipative or not. For a fixed propagation direction, orthogonal phase velocity arises only at a unique velocity of the non-co-moving frame.
Experimental determination of validated, critical interfacial modes I and II energy release rates in a composite sandwich panel☆

Abstract A validated experimental approach to obtaining critical mode I and mode II energy release rates for interfacial failure in a sandwich composite panel is outlined in this paper. By modifying the geometry of the sandwich structure to align the face sheet-core interface to coincide with the neutral axis, it is possible to obtain critical mode I and mode II energy release rates by conducting Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and End Notch Flexure (ENF) tests, respectively. The values so obtained were used to predict the crack growth histories of modified DCB and ENF tests, and a Single Leg Bend (SLB) test, using a discrete cohesive zone method (DCZM). In addition, the influence of material and geometry were also analyzed.
Renin Release: Relation to Renal Sodium Load and Dissociation From Hemodynamic Changes

The relations between renin release and renal hemodynamics, renal sodium load, and sodium and water balance were studied during hyponatremia, hypernatremia, mercurial natriuresis, norepinephrine infusion, and reduction in renal perfusion pressure. Significant reciprocal relations were found between renin secretory activity and the renal arterial plasma sodium concentration, the filtered sodium load, and urinary sodium excretion; however, no significant, or even consistent, relations were found between renin release and any hemodynamic parameter or sodium or water balance. During bilateral stimulation of renin release, unilateral restoration of the filtered sodium load inhibited ipsilateral renin release, without demonstrable changes in hemodynamics, while renin release from the contralateral kidney continued unabated. However, this inhibition was not seen unless the filtered sodium load and urinary sodium excretion rose to control levels even though renal venous plasma sodium concentrations exceeded 170 mEq/liter. Thus, renin release can be dissociated from hemodynamics and sodium and water balance, but not from some function of the filtered sodium load. We propose that renin secretory activity is controlled by an intrarenal, but extravascular, sodium-sensitive mechanism and that the stimulus is a function of the sodium flux across the macula densa into the interstitium surrounding the contiguous juxtaglomerular cells.
Collision Tumor of Primary Laryngeal Mucosal Melanoma and Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma with IL-17A and CD70 Gene Over-Expression

The most common primary malignancy of the larynx is the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The primary malignant melanoma is quite rare in this location. Less than 60 cases of laryngeal melanomas have been reported to date. To our knowledge, collision primary malignant melanoma and invasive squamous cell carcinoma in the vocal cords has not been reported. We report a 53-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with a collision tumor of laryngeal melanoma and invasive SCC. Multiple Th17 pathway related genes including CTLA-4, IL-17A-F, PLZF, FoxP3, RorγT, CD27, and CD70 were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (Rt–PCR) in this case. Both IL-17A and CD70 genes were detected in this case of collision tumor. The results may define useful biomarkers for early diagnosis of mucosal melanoma and open an immunotherapeutic field for clinical management with the potential benefit from the immunomodulators that enhance both genes.
Persistent fetal circulation: An evolving clinical and radiographic concept of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

The roentgenographic presentations of 11 newborn infants with hypoxemia secondary to pulmonary vasospasm and subsequent right-to-left shunting of blood through the foramen ovale and/or ductus arteriosus (persistent fetal circulation) are described (P. F. C. Syndrome). One infant had radiographically normal lungs, while ten had pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities including hyaline membrane disease [4], meconium aspiration syndrome [4], or an ill defined pattern of retained lung fluid [2]. The roentgenographic appearance of the lungs, however, was discordant with the severe hypoxemia observed in most. Heart size was variable but some degree of cardiomegaly was commonly present. Tolazoline, a potent vasodilator, was useful diagnostically and may have resulted in increased survival. An expanded clinical and roentgenographic concept of the PFC syndrome is suggested.
Failed back surgery.

Jason Mixter, a neurosurgeon, and Joseph Barr, an orthopedist first described the clinical, operative, and pathologic findings in patients with lumbar disc herniations [1]. We reported a 50-year follow-up, in 1985, of one of their patients, “K.N.”[2]. In 1946, Dr. Mixter wrote, “K.N. is of particular interest as he is the first patient in whom a ruptured intervertebral disc was recognized as such and as a cause for sciatica. Therefore, he is the man who started all the damn trouble.” Part of the “damn trouble” to which Mixter referred was the failures that followed lumbar disc surgery. Failed low back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a hodgepodge of diagnoses that follow all types of low back surgery. Slipman and his associates are quite correct in stating it is “an imprecise term encompassing a heterogeneous group of disorders that have in common pain symptoms after lumbar surgery”[3]. They have devised a taxonomy of clinical diagnoses that could account for the failures. In a retrospective review, they culled out 197 charts and concluded that a pathoanatomic causation for continued or recurrent postoperative pain could be identified in 186 (94.4%) patients. For many reasons, I disagree with their conclusion. One potential benefit, but also a potential problem, in their scheme is the delineation of “surgical” and “nonsurgical” conditions. The logical conclusion is, “if you have a ‘surgical’ diagnosis, the appropriate treatment is surgical.” In reality, a number of their surgical diagnoses do not necessarily require another operation. For example, pseudoarthrosis is listed as …
More standardization skullduggery

As a follow-up to the May/June Micro Law column on abuse of the standard-setting process, I now turn to Rambus' version of the previously summarized Secret Squirrel saga. A jury in Richmond, Virginia, found that with the aid of a secret informant (designated Secret Squirrel) inside the Joint Electronic Devices Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard-setting group, Rambus engaged in industrial-grade standardization skullduggery. The jury found that Rambus defrauded JEDEC and the dynamic RAM (DRAM) industry badly enough to warrant a verdict of $3.5 million in punitive damages. The jury also awarded Infineon $1 in compensatory damages. The court then reduced the $3.5 million punitive damages verdict to $350,000 because under Virginia law punitive damages cannot exceed that amount. Rambus has now filed papers explaining why it is not guilty of fraud and asking the court to overturn the verdict. Some of Rambus' arguments raise fundamental questions about the patent system's policies and the operative function of the law of fraud.
Creep-Rupture Properties and Life Evaluation of Low Hardness Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel

Creep-rupture properties of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel with 140~150HB low hardness were studied. Results showed that the creep-rupture properties of the experimental steel deteriorate badly and decreased with experimental temperature increasing. The life evaluation was carried out based on the experimental results, that provides guidance for material evaluation and operation supervision.
COPPER-NICKEL ALLOY IN THE BLANSKO CHONDRITE

Both Fe and Ni were measured in microprobe analyses of a large copper metal rim that formed by exsolution from a large troilite grain contained within an iron-nickel metal grain in the H-group chondrite, Blansko. The Fe content of the copper can be accounted for largely by secondary fluorescence by Cu-Kα of Fe radiation from the adjacent metal, however, fluorescence by Cu-Kβ of Ni radiation cannot significantly account for the observed Ni content. Therefore, the copper actually alloys up to 2% Ni, with a concentration gradient dropping to 0.7% away from the copper-metal interface.
A polisher for patch pipets.

The design and construction of a novel apparatus to fire polish patch-clamp recording pipets is described. The device positions the polishing filament in the field of view of the high-power polishing objective and uses the mechanical stage of the microscope to hold the electrode, climinating the need for a micromanipulator to hold either the filament or electrode.
Optical absorbance and optical rotatory dispersion studies on calf thymus nucleohistone

Abstract Optical absorption and optical rotatory dispersion studies of native nucleohistone and of nucleohistone fully or partially and selectively dissociated into DNA and histone, show that (1) the conformation of whole histone mixtures as well as of individual histone fractions is highly ionic strength dependent and that the conformation of histone in association with DNA approximates that of free histone in solutions of high ionic strength; (2) the conformation of DNA in native nucleohistone is altered as compared to free DNA; and (3) neither lysinerich histone I nor non-histone protein is responsible for the conformational characteristics of DNA in nucleohistone.
Infant sleeping arrangements and cultural values among contemporary Japanese mothers.

We examined infant sleeping arrangements and parenting ethnotheories of Japanese mothers in 2008 and 2009. Based on Greenfield's theory of social change and human development, we predicted that social change in Japan over the last decades (higher economic and education level, urbanization, complex technology, more women in the work force) would lead to a decline in mother-infant cosleeping, compared with published findings concerning Japanese sleeping arrangements in the 1960s and 1980s. We also predicted that the practice of having babies sleep in their own beds and/or own rooms would be supported by ethnotheories stressing infant independence and other values adaptive in an urban, technologically sophisticated, relatively wealthy, and highly educated populace. Fifty-one Japanese mothers’ comments posted on Internet parenting forums were analyzed. Contrary to our hypothesis, cosleeping was as frequent among Japanese mothers in 2008-2009 as it had been in the 1960s and 1980s. However, analysis of the values of cosleeping mothers revealed frequent discrepancies between values and practices. In contrast, the minority of mothers whose babies slept alone in a separate room all expressed consonant ethnotheories. Our qualitative analysis indicates that it is not always easy for Japanese mothers to construct values for child rearing and gender roles that integrate traditional infant care practices with current sociodemographic conditions.
Behind the PV price declines

SOLAR ENERGY prices saw double-digit declines in 2013, with PV pricing expected to drop another 3 – 12 per cent when this year's totals are tallied. The experts at LBNL and NREL explain what's driving the trend.