cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical coherence tomography using the Niris system in otolaryngology

Objectives: To determine the feasibility and accuracy of the Niris Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system in imaging of the mucosal abnormalities of the head and neck. The Niris system is the first commercially available OCT device for applications outside ophthalmology. Methods: We obtained OCT images of benign, premalignant and malignant lesions throughout the head and neck, using the Niris OCT imaging system (Imalux, Cleveland, OH). This imaging system has a tissue penetration depth of approximately 1-2mm, a scanning range of 2mm and a spatial depth resolution of approximately 10-20μm. Imaging was performed in the outpatient setting and in the operating room using a flexible probe. Results: High-resolution cross-sectional images from the oral cavity, nasal cavity, ears and larynx showed distinct layers and structures such as mucosa layer, basal membrane and lamina propria, were clearly identified. In the pathology images disruption of the basal membrane was clearly shown. Device set-up took approximately 5 minutes and the image acquisition was rapid. The system can be operated by the person performing the exam. Conclusions: The Niris system is non invasive and easy to incorporate into the operating room and the clinic. It requires minimal set-up and requires only one person to operate. The unique ability of the OCT offers high-resolution images showing the microanatomy of different sites. OCT imaging with the Niris device potentially offers an efficient, quick and reliable imaging modality in guiding surgical biopsies, intra-operative decision making, and therapeutic options for different otolaryngologic pathologies and premalignant disease.
A Low Peripheral Blood White Blood Cell Count in Infants Younger than 90 Days Increases the Odds of Acute Bacterial Meningitis Relative to Bacteremia

UNLABELLED In relying on the peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) count to identify infants at high risk for acute bacterial meningitis and bacteremia, to the best of the authors' knowledge, it has not been reported previously whether high and low values of the test have similar implications for predicting these separate infections. OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationship between the peripheral WBC count and the odds of acute bacterial meningitis relative to bacteremia among sick infants aged 3 to 89 days. METHODS Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) and likelihood ratios at various intervals of the total peripheral blood WBC count were computed. RESULTS A pathogen was isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 72 infants aged 3 to 89 days. Fifty-two infants had growth of a pathogen from the blood only, and 20 had growth from the CSF. The most common bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (32) and group B streptococci (32). The AUC for the peripheral WBC count when differentiating between acute bacterial meningitis and bacteremia was 0.75 (95% CI = 0.63 to 0.88). The odds of acute bacterial meningitis relative to bacteremia were sevenfold higher for a peripheral WBC cutoff below 5,000 cells/mm(3) and threefold lower for a peripheral WBC cutoff at or above 15,000 cells/mm(3). CONCLUSIONS In young infants, the peripheral blood WBC count is useful for estimating the odds of acute bacterial meningitis relative to isolated bacteremia. A low peripheral blood WBC count should be considered a much more worrisome laboratory finding because it is associated with a relatively high risk for acute bacterial meningitis relative to the potential for bacteremia.
Top-down, bottom-up and physical controls on diatom-diazotroph assemblage growth in the Amazon River plume

Abstract. The nutrient-rich waters of the Amazon River plume (ARP) support dense blooms of diatom-diazotroph assemblages (DDAs) that introduce large quantities of new nitrogen to the planktonic ecosystem and, unlike other nitrogen-fixers, are likely to directly fuel vertical carbon flux. To investigate the factors controlling DDA blooms, we develop a five phytoplankton (cyanobacteria, diatoms, unicellular microbial diazotrophs, DDAs, and Trichodesmium), two zooplankton model and embed it within a 1/6° resolution physical model of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic. The model generates realistic DDA blooms in the ARP and also exhibits basin-wide primary production, nitrogen fixation, and grazing rates consistent with observed values. By following ARP water parcels with synthetic Lagrangian drifters released at the river mouth we are able to assess the relative impacts of grazing, nutrient supply, and physical forcing on DDA bloom formation. DDA bloom formation is stimulated in the nitrogen-poor and silica-rich water of the ARP by decreases in grazing pressure when mesozooplankton (which co-occur in high densities with coastal diatom blooms) concentrations decrease. Bloom termination is driven primarily by silica limitation of the DDAs. In agreement with in situ data, this net growth niche for DDAs exists in a salinity range from ∼20–34 PSU, although this co-occurrence is coincidental rather than causative. Because net growth rates are relatively modest, bloom formation in ARP water parcels depends critically on the time spent in this ideal habitat, with high DDA biomass only occurring when water parcels spent >23 days in the optimal habitat niche.
Clinical characteristics and management of late urinary symptom flare following stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Purpose: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly utilized as primary treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa). The late GU toxicity of SBRT has not been fully described. We characterize the clinical features of late urinary symptom flare (LUSF) and recommend conservative management approaches. Methods: Between Feb.08-Aug.11, 216 men with PCa were treated definitively with SBRT at GUH. Treatment was delivered using the CyberKnife (35 Gy-36.25 Gy in 5 fractions). The prevalence of CTC-graded toxicities and medication usage were assessed at each follow-up visit. Patient-reported symptoms were assessed using the AUA symptom score and the EPIC-26 at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. LUSF was defined as an increase in the AUA score of ≥ 5 points above baseline with a degree of severity in the moderate to severe range. The relationship between the occurrence of flare and pretreatment characteristics were examined. Results: Of the 216 patients, 29 (13.4%) experienced a late transient increase in the AUA score that met the criteria for LUSF. Among flare patients, median age was 66 yrs compared to 70 for those without flare (p = 0.007). In patients who experienced flare, CTC toxicities peaked at 9-18 months, and alpha-antagonist utilization peaked at 18 months (85%) before decreasing at 24 months. The EPIC urinary summary score of flare patients transiently declined between 6 months and 18 months before returning to baseline at two years post-SBRT. Clinically significant increases in frequency, weak stream and dysuria were seen at 12 months post-SBRT. Among flare patients, 42.9% felt that urination was a moderate to big problem at 12 months following SBRT. Conclusions: In this study, we characterize LUSF following SBRT. LUSF is a constellation of symptoms including frequency/urgency, weak stream and dysuria that transiently occurs 6-18 months post-SBRT. The maintenance of prophylactic alpha-antagonists may limit the bother associated with this syndrome.
Volatiles of Ripe Asian Pears (Pyrus serotina Rehder)

ABSTRACT The volatile components isolated from five cultivars (cvs) of Asian pears were analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. Seventeen compounds were identified of which toluene, ethyl butyrate, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, ethyl hexanoate, α-farnesene, and C19H40 were the major constituents in most cvs.
Exploration of the Impacts of Driving Frequencies on Damping Estimates

AbstractAccurate estimation of the damping in a structure has remained an important but challenging problem for the structural engineering community. The relative difficulty of damping estimation can be compounded when the excitation is not uniformly broadband or ambient in nature, such as when car traffic or large trains travel over a bridge. A bridge model that consisted of a series of simply supported (SS) stringers resting atop a larger girder was constructed using finite elements, and several simulations were conducted in which cars and trains crossed the bridge model. The presence of the cars and trains led to the appearance of driving forcing frequencies in the response. Driving frequencies are inherent to moving loads and proportional to the velocity of the moving loads and the length of the beam or bridge being crossed. The moving loads produced a pulse-like response in the SS stringers on the bridge model, and the resulting power spectral density (PSD) of the stringers showed that its power was ...
Molecular structure and function of Hv1 channels

Voltage-gated proton (Hv) channels have long been found with electrophysiological tools in many different cell types. However, the molecular identity of Hv channels was not discovered until 2006, when two labs independently demonstrated that the gene HVCN1 that codes for a protein called Hv1 or VSOP generates voltage-gated proton currents when expressed in heterologous cells. Surprisingly, the sequence of Hv1/VSOP was found to be homologous to the sequence of the voltage-sensing domain of voltage-gated K+ channels. Recent studies have led to our present understanding of the structure of Hv1/VSOP channels and the structural underpinnings of some of the functional properties of Hv1/VSOP channels, including voltage sensing, subunit cooperativity, permeation and selectivity, pH dependence, zinc inhibition and modulation by PKC of Hv1/VSOP channels. The cloned Hv1/VSOP channels display most of the properties of native voltage-gated proton channels. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying some of these properties are still unknown. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2012, 1:763–777. doi: 10.1002/wmts.49 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Wave-front estimation from wave-front slope measurements

The problem of wave-front estimation from wave-front slope measurements has been examined from a least-squares curve fitting model point of view. It is shown that the slope measurement sampling geometry influences the model selection for the phase estimation. Successive over-relaxation (SOR) is employed to numerically solve the exact zonal phase estimation problem. A new zonal phase gradient model is introduced and its error propagator, which relates the mean-square wave-front error to the noisy slope measurements, has been compared with two previously used models. A technique for the rapid extraction of phase aperture functions is presented. Error propagation properties for modal estimation are evaluated and compared with zonal estimation results.
Vocational behavior and career development, 1979: A review

Abstract Selected books and articles published in 1979 are summarized in this review of the literature on vocational behavior and career development. The articles are in journals representing the fields of vocational psychology, sociology, and organizational behavior. The topics covered include: perspectives on work; assessment measures; vocational aspirations-choice; job seeking and recruitment; occupational careers; motivations, needs, and goals; worker adjustment; work and the social structure; and interventions. The paper concludes with observations on literature trends and research needs.
Numerical continuation methods: a perspective

In this historical perspective the principal numerical approaches to continuation methods are outlined in the framework of the mathematical sources that contributed to their development, notably homotopy and degree theory, simplicial complexes and mappings, submanifolds defined by submersions, and singularity and foldpoint theory.
Radiographic imaging of inflammatory bowel disease.

Radiographic imaging studies have a major role in the evaluation of patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in the differentiation of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Imaging studies may be performed not only to confirm the presence of IBD, but also to assess the extent and severity of disease, rule out complications, and monitor the response to therapy. The ability to depict fine mucosal detail has made the double-contrast barium study an excellent technique for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease even in the early stages of these diseases. Cross-sectional imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and ultrasound, are valuable techniques for showing the effects of the inflammatory process not only on the wall of the bowel but also on other extraluminal structures in the abdomen. Barium studies and cross-sectional imaging studies have complementary roles in the work-up of IBD and its complications.
The effects of display errors and font styles upon operator performance with a plasma panel

The effects of manipulating discrete element error types and font types were determined on a reading performance task using a plasma panel display. Thirty male and 30 female college students attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University participated as subjects. The results demonstrate that reading performance is significantly degraded by the random addition or removal of discrete elements or lines of elements. Subjects made more errors with lower case characters than with upper case characters. Similarly, more errors were also made in the discrete element failure condition than with horizontal line or vertical line failure. The Huddleston font was found to be better than the Lincoln-Mitre and the font used on the HP2621A. Language: en
Rotational and hinge dynamics of discoidal high density lipoproteins probed by interchain disulfide bond formation.

Abstract To develop a detailed double belt model for discoidal HDL, we previously scored inter-helical salt bridges between all possible registries of two stacked antiparallel amphipathic helical rings of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. The top score was the antiparallel apposition of helix 5 with 5 followed closely by appositions of helix 5 with 4 and helix 5 with 6. The rationale for the current study is that, for each of the optimal scores, a pair of identical residues can be identified in juxtaposition directly on the contact edge between the two antiparallel helical belts of apoA-I. Further, these residues are always in the ‘9th position’ in one of the eighteen 11-mer repeats that make up the lipid-associating domain of apoA-I. To illustrate our terminology, 129j (LL5/5) refers to the juxtaposition of the Cα atoms of G129 (in a ‘9th position’) in the pairwise helix 5 domains. We reasoned that if identical residues in the double belt juxtapositions were mutated to a cysteine and kept under reducing conditions during disc formation, we would have a precise method for determining registration in discoidal HDL by formation of a disulfide-linked apoA-I homodimer. Using this approach, we conclude that 129j (LL5/5) is the major rotamer orientation for double belt HDL and propose that the small ubiquitous gap between the pairwise helix 5 portions of the double belt in larger HDL discoidal particles is significantly dynamic to hinge off the disc edge under certain conditions, e.g., in smaller particles or perhaps following binding of the enzyme LCAT. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in High Density Lipoprotein Formation and Metabolism: A Tribute to John F. Oram (1945–2010).
Roles of CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Proteins in Regulation of Liver Regenerative Growth

The expressions and activities of several CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) isoforms fluctuate in the regenerating liver. The physiological implications of these variations in C/EBP function remain poorly characterized in the setting of regeneration. However, lessons learned in various hepatocyte cell lines and by studying primary hepatocytes from transgenic C/EBPalpha-deficient mice suggest that the C/EBP isoforms are likely to influence proliferation, differentiated gene expression, and survival in mature, adult hepatocytes. In addition, these factors are potentially important modulators of liver nonparenchymal cell genes, including those that encode matrix molecules and growth factors that are required for successful liver regeneration. The possibility that members of the C/EBP family of transcription factors actively participate in many aspects of the regenerative response to liver injury is strengthened by growing evidence that many hepatocyte mitogens and co-mitogens regulate C/EBP activity. Furthermore, the C/EBPs themselves appear to regulate the expression of some of these growth regulators.
Methylphenidate exposure induces dopamine neuron loss and activation of microglia in the basal ganglia of mice.

Background Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant that exerts its pharmacological effects via preferential blockade of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET), resulting in increased monoamine levels in the synapse. Clinically, methylphenidate is prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy; although lately, there has been an increased incidence of its use in individuals not meeting the criteria for these disorders. MPH has also been misused as a “cognitive enhancer” and as an alternative to other psychostimulants. Here, we investigate whether chronic or acute administration of MPH in mice at either 1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg, affects cell number and gene expression in the basal ganglia.
Efficacy of washing meat surfaces with 2% levulinic, acetic, or lactic acid for pathogen decontamination and residual growth inhibition

Abstract We compared spray washing at 55.4 °C with 2% levulinic acid to that with lactic or acetic acid for decontamination of pathogenic bacteria inoculated onto meat surfaces, and their residual protection against later growth of pathogenic bacteria. The model systems included Escherichia coli O157:H7 on beef plate, Salmonella on chicken skin and pork belly, and Listeria monocytogenes on turkey roll. In the decontamination studies, acid washes lowered recoverable numbers of pathogens by 0.6 to 1 log/cm 2 as compared to no-wash controls, and only lactic acid lowered the number of pathogens recovered as compared to the water wash. Washing with levulinic acid at 68.3 or 76.7 °C did not result in additional decontamination of E. coli . Acetic acid prevented residual growth of E. coli and L. monocytogenes, and it reduced numbers of Salmonella on chicken skin to below recoverable levels. Overall, levulinic acid did not provide as effective decontamination as lactic acid nor residual protection as acetic acid.
ASSESSMENT OF THE HEMATOLOGICAL PHENOTYPE IN 34 CARRIERS OF THE|[beta]|-THALASSEMIA-101 C>T (SILENT?) MUTATION 111

The C>T mutation at position-101 from the cap site, within the distal CACCC box, is described as the most common silent β-thalassemia mutation in Mediterranean populations.
ES6-1: Oncofertility: Translation in Multiple Dimensions.

Cancer is now a disease with a variety of treatment options, which are leading to longer and more productive lives by survivors. Globally, there are 10 million people diagnosed with cancer. 10% of these newly diagnosed men and women are under the age of 45 years old. Infertility can be a consequence of many of the more aggressive chemo- and radiation therapies that prolong and save lives. The ability to easily preserve sperm prior to cancer treatment provides hope at the time of diagnosis and families later in life for male survivors. A notable example is Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong who has three children conceived using sperm frozen days before he underwent the massive chemo- and radiation therapy that saved his life. Unlike sperm, the female germ cell, the oocyte or egg must be retrieved surgically. Moreover, the vast majority of collected oocytes will be immature and cannot be used immediately by a woman who is ready to start a family. The overall hypothesis of the program is that effective fertility-extending options can be provided to young women undergoing life-preserving cancer treatment. The purpose of our work is to bring physicians, medical ethicists, social scientists and basic scientists together to develop new strategies for fertility preservation for female cancer survivors under the new discipline of oncofertility. At the basic science level, complex issues of ovarian function and preservation must be addressed including the problem of follicle growth and development in vitro. Our investigative group has developed a 3-dimensional system that supports follicle development, largely, we believe, because the links between the oocyte and its surrounding cells are maintained. The goal of our program and the broader Oncofertility Consortium is to explore and expand the reproductive options available to young people facing a fertility-threatening but life-preserving cancer treatment. This work is supported by NIH/NICHD Structure-Function Relationships in Reproductive Science, U54 HD041857; and, the Oncofertility Consortium, UL1DE019587 and RL1HD05829 http://oncofertility.northwestern.edu/ Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr ES6-1.
ADRENAL CONTROL OF ERECTILE FUNCTION AND NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN THE RAT PENIS

Penile erection is a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated process that has been shown to be androgen dependent in rats. Castration reduces the activity of the penile enzyme involved in NO synthesis, nitric oxide synthase (NOS). To determine whether adrenal androgens and/or corticosteroids contribute to this control, the following groups of Fischer 344 adult male rats (n = 5–7) were studied: 1) intact, 2) castrated, 3) adrenalectomized alone, 4) castrated/adrenalectomized, 5) castrated/adrenalectomized with aldosterone (1.25 mg/kg, sc) and hydrocortisone (12 mg/kg, sc), 6) castrated/adrenalectomized with dihydrotestosterone (1.2-cm SILASTIC-brand tubing pellet; Dow Corning, Midland, MI), 7) castrated/adrenalectomized with dehydroepiandrosterone (2-cm tubing), 8) castrated/adrenalectomized with aldosterone (1.25 mg/kg, sc), and 9) castrated/adrenalectomized with hydrocortisone (12 mg/kg, sc). After 1 week, EFS was applied, and the maximal intracavernosal pressure (MIP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. ...
QA/QC: challenges and pitfalls facing the microarray community and regulatory agencies

The scientific community has been enthusiastic about DNA microarray technology for pharmacogenomic and toxicogenomic studies in the hope of advancing personalized medicine and drug development. The US Food and Drug Administration has been proactive in promoting the use of pharmacogenomic data in drug development and has issued a draft guidance for the pharmaceutical industry on data submissions. However, many challenges and pitfalls are facing the microarray community and regulatory agencies before microarray data can be reliably applied to support regulatory decision making. Four types of factors (i.e., technical, instrumental, computational and interpretative) affect the outcome of a microarray study, and a major concern about microarray studies has been the lack of reproducibility and accuracy. Intralaboratory data consistency is the foundation of reliable knowledge extraction and meaningful crosslaboratory or crossplatform comparisons; unfortunately, it has not been seriously evaluated and demonstrate...
Resolution and reconstitution of glutamate decarboxylase from cerebellum

Brain glutamate decraboxylase (EC 4.1.1.15) catalyzes the biosynthesis of the postulated neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid according to the following chemical equation:L-glutamate →γ-aminobutyric acid+CO2. Hydroxylamine treatment of the decarboxylase at low ionic strength followed by Sephadex gel filtration resolves apoenzyme from cofactor (>90%). Pyridoxal phosphate completely restores activity. Sodium borohydride inactivates the holoenzyme, but not the apoenzyme. This supports the notion that pyridoxal phosphate is bound to the holoenzyme as a Schiff base. Moreover, salicylaldehyde, a reagent which reacts with amino groups, substantially inactivates the apoenzyme but not the holoenzyme. Reconstitution of the bovine cerebellar holoenzyme from apoglutatamate decarboxylase and pyridoxal phosphate occurs in seconds to minutes, which is much faster than that of the decarboxylase isolated fromE. coli. Native holoenzyme, apoenzyme, and reconstituted holoenzyme have identical molecular weights as estimated by Sephadex gel filtration.
Effects of carbon: Nitrogen ratio on anaerobic digestion of dairy manure

Abstract This study is the initial phase of an investigation designed to supply criteria for combining various agricultural wastes to produce maximum methane per unit volume of an anaerobic digester. The parameter investigated for establishing proper mixtures of manure and carbonaceous waste was the ‘available-carbon to nitrogen’ ratio (C:N). Available-carbon was defined as the total organic carbon minus the lignin carbon. Six four-litre laboratory digesters were operated for 11 months. Screened dairy cow manure, which had a C:N ratio of 8·0, was combined with glucose and later in the experiment, cellulose, to obtain C:N ratios varying between 8·0 and 51·7. The loading rate was also varied: 1·0, 1·5 and 2·0 kg Volatile Solids m −3 day −1 . With an increasing feed C:N ratio, the concentration of methane in the digester gas decreased (e.g. C : N = 8, CH 4 = 67%; C : N = 51·7, CH 4 = 51·7%). The greatest methane production per unit loading rate occurred when the C:N ratio of the feed was 25.
Organic thresholds and functional components in experimentally simulated exaggerated hearing loss

Previous studies on the relationship between functional overlays and underlying organic hearing levels in nonorganic hearing loss (NOHL) have relied upon the clinical resolution of the nonorganic portion of the loss. This study involved the first use of subjects with sensorineural losses in a simulated NOHL experiment. This is important because most adults with NOHLs have underlying sensorineural losses. Different configurations of the experimentally simulated functional components (the difference between the exaggerated and real thresholds) as a function of frequency were associated with (a) normal hearing; (b) losses becoming abruptly worse at 4000 Hz, and (c) sloping losses, respectively. Thus, the simulation data corroborate the observations made using clinical patients with resolved NOHLs, and provide further support for the notion that these patients typically employ a strategy involving the use of an internalized loudness-based anchor on a within-ear basis to generate their exaggerated audiograms. ...
Women narrate later life remarriage: Negotiating the cultural to create the personal

Narrative provides a window to experience in a way that is different from traditional research methods. In this study, narrative affords both a holistic vantage point on later life relationships, and at the same time, a “view from the inside”—older women's own accounts of single life, relationship development, and remarriage. The narratives were obtained in interviews with eight recently remarried women between the ages of sixty-five and eighty. A two-stage analysis addresses, first, the narrative content—the phenomenology of remarriage for these older women. The second stage focuses on process, analyzing how cultural-level narratives are drawn upon in the creation of the women's personal stories. Based upon these analyses, we discuss the ways that a narrative approach can inform our understanding of later life relationships, and we comment on the potential of narratives such as these to rewrite a script for older women's relationships.
The seven year itch? Mall shoppers across time

The present study investigates changes in the shopping behavior of today’s mall patrons as opposed to those in the early 1990s. Data collected in the sample surveys included respondents’ demographic attributes, shopping motivations, situational factors, and purchase behaviors. Although no differences were found between the demographics of the respondents in the earlier and later periods, we discovered significant differences in shopping patterns and purchase behaviors. Compared with the shoppers in the early 1990s, today’s mall patrons tend to be more leisure driven, they have a greater concern for merchandise selection, and they visit the mall less often but make more purchases per visit. The findings also reveal that situational variables are more likely to have an impact on shoppers’ purchase decisions today than they did before. Based on the study’s findings, we suggest a number of pragmatic strategies to aid store and mall managers in their marketing efforts with regard to consumers today.
Information and digital literacies: a review of concepts

The concepts of ‘information literacy’ and ‘digital literacy’ are described, and reviewed, by way of a literature survey and analysis. Related concepts, including computer literacy, library literacy, network literacy, Internet literacy and hyper‐literacy are also discussed, and their relationships elucidated. After a general introduction, the paper begins with the basic concept of ‘literacy’, which is then expanded to include newer forms of literacy, more suitable for complex information environments. Some of these, for example library, media and computer literacies, are based largely on specific skills, but have some extension beyond them. They lead togeneral concepts, such as information literacy and digital literacy which are based on knowledge, perceptions and attitudes, though reliant on the simpler skills‐based literacies
Performance Analysis of a Hybrid Raman Optical Parametric Amplifier in the O- and E-Bands for CWDM PONs

We describe a hybrid Raman-optical parametric amplifier (HROPA) operating at the O- and E-bands and designed for coarse wavelength division multiplexed (CWDM) passive optical networks (PONs). We present the mathematical model and simulation results for the optimization of this HROPA design. Our analysis shows that separating the two amplification processes allows for optimization of each one separately, e.g., proper selection of pump optical powers and wavelengths to achieve maximum gain bandwidth and low gain ripple. Furthermore, we show that the proper design of optical filters incorporated in the HROPA architecture can suppress idlers generated during the OPA process, as well as other crosstalk that leaks through the passive optical components. The design approach enables error free performance for all nine wavelengths within the low half of the CWDM band, assigned to upstream traffic in a CWDM PON architecture, for all possible transmitter wavelength misalignments (±6 nm) from the center wavelength of the channel band. We show that the HROPA can achieve error-free performance with a 170-nm gain bandwidth (e.g., 1264 nm–1436 nm), a gain of >20 dB and a gain ripple of <4 dB.
Phytochrome Pelletability Induced by Irradiation in Vivo TEST FOR IN VITRO BINDING OF ADDED [35S]PHYTOCHROME

Undegraded, highly purified [35S]phytochrome was immunoaffinity-purified either from dark control oat (cv. Garry) shoots or from etiolated oat shoots that were previously irradiated first with red and then with far-red light so that, if proper extraction conditions had been utilized, about 60% of the total phytochrome would have been pelletable. When [35S]phytochrome was added to extraction buffer immediately prior to homogenization of etiolated oat shoots, pelletability assays indicated that there was no preferential binding of [35S]phytochrome regardless of (a) whether it was purified from dark control or irradiated shoots, (b) whether it was added as phytochrome-red-absorbing form or phytochrome-far-red-absorbing form, or (c) whether it was added to dark control or red-irradiated shoots. Similarly, binding of [35S]phytochrome to resuspended pellets obtained from crude oat extracts was not specific for the source of [35S]phytochrome, for its form, or for the irradiation treatment given to intact shoots used to prepare the resuspended pellets. No evidence was obtained to support the hypothesis that phytochrome binds with specificity to particulate material in vitro under conditions used to assay for light-enhanced, in vivo-induced phytochrome pelletability.
Pathogenic mechanisms of B-lymphocyte dysfunction in HIV disease

HIV disease is associated with abnormalities in all major lymphocyte populations, including B cells. Aberrancies in the B-cell compartment can be divided into 3 broad categories: changes that arise as a result of HIV-induced immune activation, changes that arise as a result of HIV-induced lymphopenia, and changes that arise independently of these 2 parameters. We review recent developments in all 3 categories of abnormalities and highlight how observations made in the early years of the HIV epidemic are better understood today in large part because of the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy. Insight into the mechanisms of B-cell dysfunction in HIV disease has also been achieved as a result of increased knowledge of the B-cell subpopulations as they exist in healthy individuals, compared with their abnormalities in HIV-infected individuals. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of B-cell abnormalities in HIV disease can potentially lead to new strategies for improving antibody responses against opportunistic pathogens that afflict HIV-infected individuals and against HIV itself, in the context of both HIV infection and an antibody-based HIV vaccine.
Characterization of thermal radiation spectra in 2m pool fires

Abstract A mid-infrared spectrometer was used to measure the thermal radiation spectra within the turbulent flame brush and vapor dome of a 2 m diameter well-controlled pool fire. Fuels used include ethanol, an ethanol/toluene blend, JP-8, and heptane. These unique data provide insight into the relative contributions of soot and gas species emissions to the overall emission. They further assess the impact of absorption of thermal radiation from within the flame zone and the fuel rich region on the incident flux to the fuel pool. In addition, laboratory-scale experiments investigated the spectrally-resolved absorption of thermal radiation by the liquid fuel in the wavelength range of 1.3–4.8 μm, corresponding to the majority of the expected emitted radiation from the fire. The dominant emission in the ethanol fires was from water and carbon dioxide, the products of combustion; while, emission from soot dominated the thermal radiation spectra from the other three fuels. The overall intensity of the thermal radiation reaching the fuel surface for the three soot producing fuels was reduced due to absorption by cold water, carbon dioxide, fuel vapor (due to the C–H bond stretching), and soot. The transmission of thermal radiation through liquid fuel revealed that a significant fraction (>75% for JP-8 and >90% for ethanol) of the thermal radiation that reaches the fuel surface is absorbed within the first 3 mm. All fuels were particularly opaque in the 3.2–3.6 μm range and some fuels (heptane and JP-8) were relatively transparent at wavelengths less than 1.6 μm and from 1.85 to 2.1 μm, where a significant amount of thermal energy exists. These data sets provide a sound basis for assessing the thermal radiation incident upon the fuel surface and suggest the penetration depth of the incident flux through the liquid pool.
Theoretical limits of engine economy with alternative automotive fuels

Calculations have been made of the theoretical limits of engine efficiency for various fuels. Considered were methanol, ethanol, benzene, iso-octane, ethane and methane. The ideal Otto cycle was used for the calculations, since it represents the upper limit for fast-burn adiabatic engines. At the conditions explored, small differences in thermodynamic cycle efficiency of under 2 per cent exist among the various fuels. These differences can be explained by the thermodynamic properties of the fuel/air mixtures themselves.
A Textbook Case of the Nature of Science: Laws and Theories in the Science of Biology

The two concepts “law” and “theory” are among the most important elements of the nature of science. They represent both the tools and products of science itself. Unfortunately, the variable meanings and use of these terms in general discourse and in other school disciplines results in much confusion with respect to their proper application in a science context. The project included the design of a six-part model definition for “law” and “theory” based on a review of the literature of the philosophy of science with special reference to biology. These model definitions were then compared with those provided in a range of U.S. secondary school biology textbooks. The majority of all current major U.S. secondary school biology texts were reviewed and analyzed with respect to how the concepts of “law” and “theory” were defined and applied, in an attempt to determine whether students and teachers using such texts would gain an accurate impression of these terms and the distinction between them. This study focuses on biology instruction since a life science course is completed as a graduation requirement by virtually all U.S. high school students and as such serves as a widely shared educational experience across the nation. The term “law” is rarely defined in any text but various laws such as those found in genetics are frequently included as examples. The term “theory” is frequently defined but with a wide range of completeness of the definitions. Only rarely are theories in biology included as examples.
Outcomes of Medical Nutrition Therapy for Hyperlipidemia: Pilot for State-Wide Study

Abstract Establishing a benchmark of medical nutrition therapy outcomes for hyperlipidemia is important in obtaining reimbursement, job justification, and continuous improvement of dietitians' services. The model for a multi-site outcomes project was piloted at a preventive cardiology clinic. All new patients presenting to three registered dietitians from March 1 to December 31, 1998 were included if between 25–70 years of age and meeting the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel II criteria for treatment of hyperlipidemia or with triglycerides over 2.26mmpl/L. Exclusion criteria were triglycerides 11.3mmol/L, no lipid panel within the past three months, counseling by dietitian during past year, morbid obesity, elevated thyroid stimulating hormone, pregnancy or lactation, or with metabolic or medication changes since the last lipid profile. Twenty-four hour dietary recalls were analyzed using Nutritionist IV (First DataBank) for every fifth patient. Ninety-five patients (mean age 46.4 ± 13.7 years; 54 male, 41 female) were followed. Mean BMI at entry was 31±7kg/m 2 . Mean weight loss for all patients was 0.6±0.7 lb. per week. Mean initial nutrient intake was assessed as 2193±689 kcal, 26.9±7.3% fat, 6.9±2.0% saturated fat, 199±77mg dietary cholesterol. Mean nutrient intake post intervention was 1557±561 kcal, 20.2±6.0% fat, 5.4±2.7% saturated fat, 99±48mg cholesterol. There were no outcomes available for 20 patients. Of the remaining patients, 39 patients had elevated LDL-C, triglycerides less than 4.52mmol/L and were not taking lipid-lowering medication. These patients had a mean total cholesterol reduction of 10.7± 10.6%, triglyceride reduction of 3.9±43.5%, HDL-C reduction of 1.6±22.5%, and LDL-C reduction of 9.2±15.2% over 2.3±0.9 visits. Twenty-two patients had triglycerides between 4.52 and 11.3mmol/L. These patients had a mean triglyceride reduction of 51.6±19.6%. In the 14 patients on lipid-lowering medication, a lipid-lowering effect was observed in response to dietary changes on a consistent medication dose. Two patients required less medication as a result of diet therapy. This pilot demonstrated the impact of dietitian intervention on lipids and nutrition behavior. It was used as a model for an extensive multi-site outcomes study currently in progress to further establish medical nutrition therapy as a consistent, cost-effective, quality service throughout the state.
A 108Gb/s 4:1 multiplexer in 0.13/spl mu/m SiGe-bipolar technology

A -3.3-V half-rate clock 4:1 multiplexer implemented in a 210-GHz f/sub T/ 0.13-/spl mu/m SiGe-bipolar technology and operating up to 132 Gb/s is reported. Among many design challenges, the control of on-chop clock distribution was critical to achieve such a high data rate. At 100 Gb/s, the chip operates reliably down to -3.0-V supply voltage and up to 100/spl deg/C chip temperature. The circuit consumes 1.45 W from a -3.3-V supply voltage and exhibits less than 340-fs RMS jitter on the output data.
Two foliar idioblasts of taxonomic significance in Cercidium and Parkinsonia (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae)

Leaf anatomy was surveyed for idioblasts in Cercidium (eight to nine species) and Parkinsonia (four to six species), two problematic genera of caesalpinioid legumes variously merged and separated for over a century. Leaflets from 16 accessions (11 dried and five liquid-preserved) often species were cleared (protoplasts removed chemically) and stained, supplemented by resin-embedded sections and scanning electron microscopy. Four Parkinsonia species had large, dimorphic, living subepidermal idioblasts (SI)-one form adaxially restricted, the other form abaxial. The fifth species, P. africana, had tiny scalelike leaflets without idioblasts. Idioblast contents are unknown but visibly different from those of adjacent cells. All five Cercidium species lacked SIs, but instead had veinlet idioblasts (VI). These large idioblasts varied in size and abundance, but in C. floridum and C. texanum they were especially large, spheroidal to ovate, thick-walled, and devoid of protoplasm at maturity. VIs occurred mostly as pairs or clusters, with individual cells joined by a large gap resembling a simple perforation plate. Almost all VI units abutted minor veins, but no perforation plate joined the proximal VI to a tracheary element. Cells similar to SIs occur in other Caesalpinieae genera, but VIs are unique to Cercidium. The mutually exclusive distribution of SIs and VIs supports the view that Cercidium and Parkinsonia are different. Parkinsonia and Cercidium (Leguminosae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae) are closely related, often merged, genera. If interpreted as one genus (Parkinsonia), it comprises 12-15 species of shrubs or small trees currently placed in the informal "caesalpinia group" of tribe Caesalpinieae (Polhill and Vidal, 1981). If considered separately, there are eight or nine species of Cercidium, native to drier regions of southwestern North America, Central America, and South America. The four to six Parkinsonia species include about three in the Horn of Africa region, one in southern Africa, and one other species from warm regions of both Africa and the Americas (Brenan, 1963).
Rooting Characteristics and Canopy Responses to Drought of Turfgrasses Including Hybrid Bluegrasses

Drought stress is common among cool-season turfgrasses during summer in the U.S. transition zone. A 2-yr field study was conducted near Manhattan, KS, to evaluate rooting characteristics and effects of drought on canopy physiology and appearance of 'Apollo' Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) (KBG), 'Dynasty' tall fescue (Festuca arundincea Schreb.) (TF), and two hybrid bluegrasses (HBG) 'Reveille' and 'Thermal Blue'; HBG are genetic crosses between native Texas bluegrass (P. arachnifera Torr.) and KBG. Rooting characteristics were measured in the field and greenhouse under well-watered conditions to evaluate root contributions to drought avoidance. Two irrigation treatments in the field included: (i) 60% (water-deficit); and (ii) 100% (well-watered) evapotranspiration (ET) replacement. Ninety to 96% of all root length (0-80 cm) in the field and 74 to 80% of all root length (0-120 cm) in the greenhouse were in the upper 30 cm among Thermal Blue, Reveille, and KBG while in TF, only 86 and 70% of all root length in the field and greenhouse, respectively, were in the top 30 cm. In the field, tall fescue had 3 to 12 times greater root length in the lower profile (60-80 cm) among turfgrasses. Visual quality and gross photosynthesis (P g ) were greatest in TF among turfgrasses in both irrigation treatments. Reveille used more water from the 0 to 50 cm profile and performed better than Thermal Blue during water-deficit, but both HBG recovered from water-deficit slightly faster than KBG. Performances in visual quality and P g generally ranked: TF > Reveille 2 Thermal Blue = KBG.
Individual variation in ontogenetic niche shifts in habitat use and movement patterns of a large estuarine predator (Carcharhinus leucas)

Ontogenetic niche shifts are common among animals, yet most studies only investigate niche shifts at the population level, which may overlook considerable differences among individuals in the timing and dynamics of these shifts. Such divergent behaviors within size-/age-classes have important implications for the roles a population—and specific age-classes—play in their respective ecosystem(s). Using acoustic telemetry, we tracked the movements of juvenile bull sharks in the Shark River Estuary of Everglades National Park, Florida, and found that sharks increased their use of marine microhabitats with age to take advantage of more abundant resources, but continued to use freshwater and estuarine microhabitats as refuges from marine predators. Within this population-level ontogenetic niche shift, however, movement patterns varied among individual sharks, with 47 % of sharks exhibiting condition-dependent habitat use and 53 % appearing risk-averse regardless of body condition. Among sharks older than age 0, fifty percent made regular movements between adjacent regions of the estuary, while the other half made less predictable movements that often featured long-term residence in specific regions. Individual differences were apparently shaped by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including individual responses to food-risk trade-offs and body condition. These differences appear to develop early in the lives of bull sharks, and persist throughout their residencies in nursery habitats. The widespread occurrence of intraspecific variation in behavior among mobile taxa suggests it is important in shaping population dynamics of at least some species, and elucidating the contexts and timing in which it develops and persists is important for understanding its role within communities.
Looking in the Destination For What should have been Sought in the Source

The notorious but unimpeachably corroborated case of Pavlov’s mice raises, in capsule form, a variety of fascinating issues with far-reaching ramifications in several directions, but with particularly serious implications, several of which are well worth restating and pondering further (cf. Sebeok 1977b), both for the foundations and research methodology of contemporary semiotics.