cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PERIODONTAL LESIONS IN THE SYRIAN HAMSTER. III. FINDINGS RELATED TO AN INFECTIOUS AND TRANSMISSIBLE COMPONENT.

Abstract Three strains of hamsters are produced by the NIH Animal Production Center, the golden, the cream, and the albino. An active type of periodontal disease develops in golden and cream animals when they are fed a high carbohydrate diet, but it does not develop in the albino hamster tested under similar conditions. However, the disease can be readily induced in “noninfected” albino animals by an inoculation of scrapings of subgingival plaque from affected animals, and once acquired, either by direct inoculation or other contamination, it can be transmitted from generation to generation. Filamentous bacteria have been recovered from cultures of the plaque material in high numbers. In histological sections filamentous organisms are found deep in the gingival pockets, often surrounded by inflammatory cells. Under certain dietary conditions, the same organisms apparently invade the root surfaces and produce changes which might be classified as root surface caries. If the diet be changed, e.g. to one composed of commercial laboratory chows, the soft subgingival plaque will mineralize and form typical subgingival calculus. Periodontal lesions can be produced separately or together with enamel caries because different bacterial components are apparently associated with the two diseases.
Total subaxial reconstruction.

Object Certain cervical spinal conditions require decompression and reconstruction of the entire subaxial cervical spine. There are limited data concerning the clinical details and outcomes of patients treated in this manner. The object of this study was to describe the specific technique employed to perform a total subaxial reconstruction and review the postoperative outcomes following surgery. Methods The author performed a review of data prospectively collected in 27 consecutive patients undergoing complete anterior decompression and reconstruction of the anterior cervical spine and followed by posterior instrumented arthrodesis with or without decompression. Results There were 16 men and 11 women whose mean age was 59 years (range 35–86 years). The minimum follow-up was 12 months and the mean follow-up period for all patients was 26 months. One patient underwent C2–7 surgery, and in all others the procedure crossed the cervicothoracic junction. Following surgery patients remained intubated for an aver...
Effect of depth of house fly pupae in poultry manure on parasitism by six species of Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera).

The recoveries of pteromalid parasites from house fly, Musca domestica L., pupae placed in accumulated poultry manure at the surface and at depths of 3, 5, 10 and 15 cm were determined weekly for 10 weeks in two types of caged-layer poultry houses. No parasites were recovered from fly pupae at the 15 cm depth. Muscidifurax raptor Girault and Sanders and Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) were the first and second most abundant house fly pupal parasites collected on the surface and 3 cm beneath the surface of the poultry manure in narrow and high-rise caged-layer poultry houses. From house fly pupae 5 cm deep, P. vindemiae was rarely recovered while 5 to 12% of the parasites recovered at that depth were M. raptor. Spalangia cameroni Perkins was the most abundant Spalangia species and was recovered mostly from pupae at 5 and 10 cm deep in the manure in both houses. Other, less abundant, Spalangia species (S. endius Walker and S. nigroaenea Curtis) were recovered from fly pupae to a depth of 10 cm beneath t...
Investigation of scum type growing defects on attenuated PSM and its prevention

The abnormal growing defect (we called this defect 'scum haze defect') in the photomask which is generated during the wafer lithography process is very important issue on semiconductor industry. Because wafer yield loss could be caused by the mask CD variation and the transmittance loss due to the growing defects on the photomask, many studies have been done about the mechanism and the solution of the general type growing defects such as haze and Cr migration so far, However we still need to clarify some abnormal types of the growing defects such as scum haze defect. In this paper, we investigated the generation mechanism and prevention techniques of the scum haze defect on the attenuated phase shift mask. This defect composed of CrOx is caused by the increase of the accumulated exposure energy on photomask. This phenomenon is remarkably similar to the Cr migration on binary mask. But, the apparent difference is that this scum type defect is observed on the attenuated phase shift mask which mainly consists of MoSiON film, and it is difficult to control this defect because of its irregular generation characteristic. Additionally, this defect is not generally removed through the conventional wet cleaning process but it only could be removed by a kind of plasma treatment. In this study, the difference of generation mechanism between the scum haze defect and the general haze was discussed, and the optimal process for controlling scum haze defect in the mask manufacturing was described.
Vertical nanopillars for in situ probing of nuclear mechanics in adherent cells

Arrays of vertical nanopillars are used to study the deformability of the cell nucleus and its mechanical coupling with the cell membrane.
Host-plants shape insect diversity: phylogeny, origin, and species diversity of native Hawaiian leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Nesophrosyne).

Herbivorous insects and the plants on which they specialize, represent the most abundant terrestrial life on earth, yet their inter-specific interactions in promoting species diversification remains unclear. This study utilizes the discreet geologic attributes of Hawai‘i and one of the most diverse endemic herbivore radiations, the leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Nesophrosyne), as a model system to understand the role of host–plant use in insect diversification. A comprehensive phylogeny is reconstructed to examine the origins, species diversification, and host–plant use of the native Hawaiian leafhoppers. Results support a monophyletic Nesophrosyne, originating from the Western Pacific basin, with a sister-group relationship to the genus Orosius. Nesophrosyne is characterized by high levels of endemicity according to individual islands, volcanoes, and geologic features. Clades demonstrate extensive morphologically cryptic diversity among allopatric species, utilizing widespread host–plant lineages. Nesophrosyne species are host–plant specific, demonstrating four dominant patterns of specialization that shape species diversification: (1) diversification through host switching; (2) specialization on widespread hosts with allopatric speciation; (3) repeated, independent shifts to the same hosts; and, (4) absence or low abundance on some host. Finally, evidence suggests competing herbivore radiations limit ecological opportunity for diversifying insect herbivores. Results provide evolutionary insights into the mechanisms that drive and shape this biodiversity.
Tropical Forest Management in the Asia-Pacific Region

Tropical deforestation in the Asia-Pacific Region has accelerated in Lhe last decade, seriously depleting the forest resource base. Most forest loss results from agricultural clearing, but is generally preceded by forest degradation from destructive logging (Southeast Asia) or overuse of forest resources (South Asia). Tropical forests are highly variable, requiring a system of classification to guide management objectives; one such system is ecological life zone mapping. Forestry operations should reflect the need for both conservation and production. Most Asia-Pacific forests are managed on variations of a selection system. Logging damage is the most important forestry-sector threat to commercial forestry, reducing both future timber production and the availability of non-timber products. The short duration of logging concession agreements, nontransferability of concession contracts, and undervaluation of forest resources all contribute to forest "mining" practices. Alternative forest management methods ...
EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE RESPIRATION RATES OF STIGMAS OF SELF‐INCOMPATIBLE AND SELF‐COMPATIBLE OENOTHERAS

SUMMARY Measurements were made of the rates of respiration of self-incompatible stigmas of Oenothera which had been heat treated for 5 minutes at 45°C and 50°C, and of self-compatible stigmas at 50°C. Fifty-degree treatment, which causes partial inactivation of self-incompatibility, lowered the respiration rate to about one-half that of the untreated controls. Forty-five-degree treatment, which does not affect self-incompatibility, had little effect on the respiration rate. Heat treatment had less effect on the respiration rates of self-compatible Oenotheras. The correlation between the effect of heat treatment of lowering respiration rate and overcoming self-incompatibility indicates that normal metabolic level may be necessary for self-incompatibility.
Umbilical venous D-dimer concentrations with and without labor.

Abstract Objective: To determine if labor activates the fetal fibrinolytic system. Methods: A total of 59 umbilical venous blood samples were collecting following vaginal delivery at term (n = 20), cesarean delivery following labor at term (n = 12), vaginal delivery before term (n = 18), and cesarean delivery without labor (n = 9). D-dimer concentrations, a sensitive marker of fibrinolysis, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and compared between groups by Kruskel-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests, with significance defined as P Results: There were no significant differences in median D-dimer concentrations between newborns delivered vaginally or by cesarean after term labor or preterm labor. There were significant differences in median umbilical venous D-dimer concentrations in subjects delivered vaginally or by cesarean after term or preterm labor compared with term subjects without labor delivered by cesarean (427, 773, and 326 versus 87 ng/mL, P = .01). Conclusion: Elevation of umbilical plasma D-dimer concentrations in laboring patients suggests activation of fetal fibrinolysis before delivery.
Tense Past: Cultural Essays in Trauma and Memory

Tense Past: Cultural Essays in Trauma and Memory. PAUL ANTZE and MICHAEL LAMBEK, eds. New York: Routledge, 1996. xxxvii + 266 pp., notes, references, contributors, indexes.
The Effect of Pressure on the Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer of Polyhydroxyflavone‡

The effect of pressure on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) is studied in three polyhydroxyflavones: 3,7-dihydroxyflavone, 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (galangin), and 3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxy-flavone (fisetin), dissolved in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and cellulose acetate (CAC). The unusual photophysical properties of polyhydroxyflavone in PAA are interpreted in terms of protonation of the carbonyl oxygen. We calculate the ratio of the equilibrium constant at elevated pressure to that at 1 atm, K (p)/K (0), and the difference of partial molar volume between the normal state and the phototautomer, ΔV. The results indicate that pressure effectively suppresses intramolecular proton transfer in polyhydroxyflavone. K (p)/K (0) and ΔV show a strong pressure dependence in the range of 10-30 kbar.
Wax On, Wax Off: Pubic Hair Grooming and Potential Complications

Pubichairgrooming isbecomingan increasinglycommonpracticeamong women of all societies and demographic groups. In the United States, womenaremore likely togroomfor reasons that are sexuallydrivenand aremore likely to stopgroomingwhen lacking a current sexual partner. Further, pubic hair removal is significantly associated with a greater interest in sex and having a casual sex partner. Waxing is apopularepilation technique forpubichair removal,which involves applying hot wax to an area of skin that is then covered with muslin. The muslin is quickly removed, extracting the wax and unwanted hairs from the pubic area. Although relatively safe, waxing can cause microtrauma to the skin and its underlying structures with reported complications that include folliculitis, local spread of infection, burns, and syringoma development. Waxing-inducedfolliculitisofthepubicarea isacommoncomplication, usually secondary to infectionwithStaphylococcusaureus,Streptococcus pyogenes, orPseudomonasaeruginosa. The sourceof infectionmaybe normalskin flora,autoinoculation,contaminationofwaxingtools,orcolonizationof the individualperformingtheprocedure.Other infectionscan occur, andone reportdescribedawomanwithpoorly controlled insulindependent diabetesmellituswhodevelopedherpes simplex virus reactivationandsubsequentgroupAstreptococcustoxicshocksyndromefollowinga“Brazilian”bikiniwax.Anotherreportdescribedthedevelopment ofsyringomas in thegroin regionofa31-year-oldman,whichwasthought to be an inflammatory, hyperplastic response to repetitivewaxing. Pubichairwaxingcanalsocauseburns,withmostbeingsuperficialorpartialthicknessburns.Severeburnsrequiringdebridementandsplit skingrafting have been described following the use of self–waxing kits. Waxingcausesdeficits in themucocutaneousbarrier thatmaybesufficient for viral entry and transmission, potentially increasing the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One study demonstrated a correlation between sexually transmitted molluscum contagiosumand theuseof pubic hair removal practices. Still, there is a paucityofdataregardingtransmissionofotherviralagents, likelycomplicated bytheasymptomaticgenital sheddingofherpessimplexvirusesand long latency periods of human papillomaviruses. Becauseof itspopularity, healthpractitioners shouldbeawareof the potential dermatologic and systemic complications associatedwithpubic hairwaxing.While it has been shown that pubic hairwaxing directly correlates with increased sexual prevalence, more studies are necessary to further elucidate the risk of STI transmission after waxing. Individualswhowax their pubic hair shouldbe informedof this possible risk and perhaps be advised to abstain from sexual activity for a certain period of time after waxing.
Tungstate Stimulates Adenylate Cyclase

Tungstate stimulates adenylate cyclase (E.C.4.6.1.1) in ovarian homogenates of the rat; maximal stimulation (∼3-fold) is achieved at a concentration of 1 mM. This stimulation of cAMP production cannot be explained by the inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity or of ATP hydrolysis. Activation of adenylate cyclase by tungstate is rapid and reversible. The effects of tungstate and hCG on cyclase activity are additive, but tungstate does not augment fluoride-stimulated activity. At higher concentrations (5 and 10 mM), tungstate inhibits basal as well as hCG- and fluoride-stimulated cyclase activity in an irreversible manner. After solubilization by Lubrol-PX, the cyclase enzyme is inhibited by tungstate at concentrations ranging from 0.1-10 mM. Tungstate also activates adenylate cyclase in the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver of the rat. This suggests that tungstate activation of adenylate cyclase is a general phenomenon and may be mediated by a similar mechanism in different tissues. Tungstate p ovi...
THE INHIBITION OF THE BACTERIOSTATIC ACTION OF SULFONAMIDE DRUGS BY SUBSTANCES OF ANIMAL AND BACTERIAL ORIGIN

Sulfonamide inhibitor has been demonstrated in extracts of fresh normal muscle, pancreas, and spleen of certain animals. When autolysis of tissues takes place the amount of inhibitor is greatly increased. Fresh liver from beef, rabbit, and guinea pig is free of active inhibitor, although inhibitor is demonstrable in autolysates of this tissue. Fresh rabbit kidney is likewise free of active inhibitor. Following acid hydrolysis extracts of fresh rabbit liver and kidney cause sulfonamide inhibition. Normal human urine contains little or no active inhibitor. However, upon acid hydrolysis, inhibitor is uniformly present. Sulfonamide inhibitor is present in some, but not all, sterile serous effusions occurring during certain diseases. Inhibitor was found uniformly in pus. None was found in blood serum. In certain species of bacteria the inhibitor is found in the cells only and is not demonstrable in the culture medium, whereas in other species, the inhibitor is found in the culture supernatant, and the cells themselves are relatively free. The development of sulfapyridine fastness in a strain of Pneumococcus Type I is accompanied by a greatly increased production of sulfonamide inhibitor.
Approaching the Basis Set Limit in Density Functional Theory Calculations Using Dual Basis Sets without Diagonalization

Dual basis sets are employed as an economical way to approximate self-consistent field (SCF) calculations, such as Kohn−Sham density functional theory (DFT), in large basis sets. First, an SCF calculation is performed in a small subset of the full set of basis functions. The density matrix in this small basis is used to construct the effective Hamiltonian operator in the large basis, from which a correction for basis set extension is obtained for the energy. This correction is equivalent to a single Roothaan step (diagonalization) in the large basis. We present second order nonlinear equations that permit this step to be obtained without explicit diagonalization. Numerical tests on part of the Gaussian-2 dataset, using the B3LYP density functional, show that large-basis results can be accurately approximated with this procedure, subject to some limitations on the smallness of the small basis. Computational savings are approximately an order of magnitude relative to a self-consistent DFT calculation in the...
On bounded solutions of almost periodic linear differential systems

has an almost periodic solution with frequency module contained in the joint frequency module of A and f whenever it has a bounded solution. The method of proof was his so-called minimax method. Favard’s result has been extended to equations in Banach space and partial differential equations (Amerio and Prouse [ 11, Sibuya [ 171, Sell [ 151, Zhikov and Levitan [ 191). However, apart from some results of Bochner [3] and Cameron [4] (cf. also Fink [ 10, p. 1081) no conditions have been given which ensure that bounded solutions of the homogeneous system (1) itself are almost periodic. As shown by an example of Lillo [ 13, p. 4061 (cf. also Bochner [3, p. 285]), it can happen that all the solutions of (1) are bounded, that all systems in the hull have the Favard property and still no nontrivial solution is almost periodic. It is the main purpose of this paper to show nevertheless that Favard’s minimax method can be used to show that under certain conditions some bounded solutions of (1) are almost periodic. In particular if A(t) = [a,(t)] is real with u*,(f) > 0 for i #j and all systems in the hull have the Favard property, then (1) has a nontrivial almost periodic solution if it has a nontrivial bounded solution whose components are nonnegative. This
Con: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be routinely administered for postoperative analgesia after cardiac surgery.

NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs) are nonspecific inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX), which is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. COX exists in two forms: a constitutive form that is present in normal conditions in healthy cells (COX-1) and an inducible form (COX-2), which is the major isozyme induced by and associated with inflammation. NSAIDs are nonspecific inhibitors of both forms of COX, but they vary in their ratio of COX-1 to COX-2 inhibition.1 COX-2 inhibitors more specifically inhibit the inducible form of the enzyme, leaving COX-1 activity intact. Two COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib and rofecoxib) have been introduced in the United States.
Gold Nanoframes: Very High Surface Plasmon Fields and Excellent Near-Infrared Sensors

The sensing efficiency or factor of noble metal nanoparticles is defined as the wavelength shift of the surface plasmon resonance extinction peak position per unit change in the refractive index of the surrounding medium. The sensitivity of different shapes and sizes of gold nanoparticles has been studied by many investigators and found to depend on the plasmon field strength. As a result, the sensitivity factors were found to be larger for hollow nanoparticles than for solid ones of comparable dimensions. This is due to the strong plasmonic fields resulting from the coupling between the external and internal surface plasmon fields in the hollow nanoparticles. In the present paper, the sensitivity factors of a large number of gold nanoframes of different size and wall thickness have been determined by experimental and theoretical computation (using the discrete dipole approximation method). The dependence of the sensitivity factors and the plasmon field strength on the wall thickness and the size of the n...
Reactor kinetics: Integral equation formulation☆

Abstract The non-linear reactor kinetics equations are reduced to an integral equation for the neutron density which appears particularly suitable for computer applications. The computer programme described consists primarily of summing operations and appears to lead to better stability for equivalent time steps than other existing approaches. Any number of delayed neutron groups can be handled easily.
The path integral for dendritic trees

We construct the path integral for determining the potential on any dendritic tree described by a linear cable equation. This is done by generalizing Brownian motion from a line to a tree. We also construct the path integral for dendritic structures with spatially-varying and/or time-dependent membrane conductivities due, for example, to synaptic inputs. The path integral allows novel computational techniques to be applied to cable problems. Our anlaysis leads ultimately to an exact expression for the Green's function on a dendritic tree of arbitrary geometry expressed in terms of a set of simple diagrammatic rules. These rules providing a fast and efficient method for solving complex cable problems.
Olfactory receptor based piezoelectric biosensors for detection of alcohols related to food safety applications

Abstract Our major goal in developing intelligent quality sensors is to detect bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella in the packaged beef. Olfactory sensing of specific volatile organic compounds released by the bacterial pathogens is one of the unique ways for determining contamination in food products. This work aims at developing a biomimetic piezoelectric olfactory sensor for detecting specific gases (alcohols) at low concentrations. The computational simulation was used to determine the biomimetic peptide-based sensing material to be deposited on the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor. Tripos/Sybyl®8.0 was used to predict the binding site of an olfactory receptor and determine the binding affinity as well as orientation of the selected ligands (specific molecules) to the olfactory receptor. The designed polypeptide sequence based on the simulation program was synthesized and used as a sensing layer in the QCM crystal. The developed QCM sensors were sensitive to 1-hexanol as well as 1-pentanol as predicted by the simulation algorithm. The estimated lower detection limits of the QCM sensors for detecting 1-hexanol and 1-pentanol were 2–3 ppm and 3–5 ppm, respectively. This study demonstrates the applicability of simulation-based peptide sequence that mimics the olfactory receptor for sensing specific gases.
Properties of azoferredoxin purified from nitrogen-fixing extracts of Clostridium pasteurianum.

Abstract Azoferredoxin has been purified 34–35 fold from N 2 -fixing extracts of Clostridium pasteurianum by three steps of protamine sulfate fractionation and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration. The protein contains two nonheme iron atoms and two acid-labile sulfide groups per molecular weight of 40 000. It is decolorized by the sodium salt of O -((3-hydroxymercuri-2-methoxypropyl)carbamyl)phenoxyacetic acid (mersalyl) and the effect of mersalyl on its spectrum is similar to the effect of mersalyl on the spectrum of ferredoxin. Azoferredoxin is cold labile and the rate of cold inactivation is decreased in the presence of 10% ethanol or 10% acetone. Exposure of azoferredoxin to O 2 for 5 min causes complete inactivation. The effect of cold inactivation on azoferredoxin is different from that of oxidation as shown by distinct differences in spectral changes, measurable Fe 2+ content and mercury titratable sulfhydryl and sulfide groups of the protein.
Free products, cyclic homology, and the Gauss–Manin connection

Abstract We use the techniques of Cuntz and Quillen to present a new approach to periodic cyclic homology. Our construction is based on ( ( Ω • A ) [ t ] , d + t ⋅ i Δ ) , a noncommutative equivariant de Rham complex of an associative algebra A . Here d is the Karoubi–de Rham differential and i Δ is an operation analogous to contraction with a vector field. As a byproduct, we give a simple explicit construction of the Gauss–Manin connection, introduced earlier by E. Getzler, on the relative periodic cyclic homology of a flat family of associative algebras over a central base ring. We introduce and study free-product deformations of an associative algebra, a new type of deformation over a not necessarily commutative base ring. Natural examples of free-product deformations arise from preprojective algebras and group algebras for compact surface groups.
Modeling of gas injection in fractured reservoirs

Gas injection into a naturally fractured reservoir is simulated using a mathematical model which includes convective and capillary forces. The study conducted for both a single matrix block and a stack of matrix blocks shows that recovery of oil from low permeability matrix can be optimized by commencement of gas injection early in the productive life of the reservoir. Furthermore, by manipulating the pressure distribution in the system through temporarily shutting in the production wells when GOR's are high, the ultimate oil extraction from the matrix blocks may be improved. 14 refs.
Fragrance material review on sclareol

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of sclareol when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Multi-scale comparisons of cliff vegetation in Colorado

We developed a nested vegetation sampling protocol to sample the plant diversity on south-facing cliffs and cliff bases in Jefferson County, Colorado. The multi-scale plots included three nested spatial scales, 1 m2, 20 m2, and 40 m2. We compared plant species richness and species diversity among large cliffs, medium cliffs, small cliffs, and non-cliff sites using Hill's diversity numbers (N 0, N 1, and N 2) for the 1-m2 quadrats. Species richness (N 0) was calculated for the 20-m2 and 40-m2 plots. Our results indicate that plant species diversity on the cliff faces did not increase with increasing cliff area. This pattern was consistent at all three sampling scales. A model selection was run to determine if plant species diversity values on the cliff faces were associated with cliff variables. None of the cliff variables measured were good predictors of diversity at the 1-m2 scale. However, at the 20-m2 scale, canyon differences and a positive relationship with increasing cliff surface roughness explained 70% of the variability in species richness. Although most plant species sampled on the cliff faces were also found in the base plots, 13 species were sampled only on the cliff faces. Additionally, dry south facing cliffs support a mix of xeric and mesic plants indicating that cliffs may provide unique microenvironments for plant establishment.
Development of Political Parties in the United States, 1679-1948

(1948). Development of Political Parties in the United States, 1679-1948. The Social Studies: Vol. 39, No. 6, pp. 261-267.
Preschool children's problem-solving interactions at computers and jigsaw puzzles

Abstract Preschool children's interactions while working on problem-solving tasks were investigated. In Study I, preschool children were observed working on learning games at a computer. Sharing, verbal and nonverbal instruction, and initiation of interaction were recorded. Sixty-three percent of the children's time at the computer was spent with a peer, and they often spontaneously shared and instructed each other.Age-related increases in time spent at the computer, as well as in self-initiation of interaction and sharing, were evident. No differences were found between boys' and girls' activities at the computer. In Study II, children were observed while working with jigsaw puzzles. In this context, children worked with peers just 7% of the time, and exhibited far fewer instances of cooperative interaction. The results of the research indicate that preschool children can engage in cooperative social interaction and instruction, and that under certain circumstances this activity may aid problem-solving. The research provides evidence that even children younger than school age can work effectively at computers. Moreover, the findings contradict common stereotypes about gender differences and social isolation from effects of computers.
Perturbation analysis of the M/M/1 queue in a markovian environment via the matrix-geometric method

In this paper, we consider a family of M(t)/M/1 queues in which customers arrive according to nonhomogenous Poisson processes with intensity We assume that λt(e) is an irreducible finite-state Markov process. Based on the matrix-geometric method, we use perturbation analysis to obtain the second order approximations for the expected queue length for two cases where e is small and where e is large. Using these approximations, we show that the expected waiting times are strictly decreasing in e when e is small. In the case where e is large, we show that the expected waiting times are strictly decreasing in e if the intensity process is dynamically reversible. These results partially answer a question posed by Rolski
Two-color cross-correlation of fs-laser pulses by two-photon induced photoconductivity for near and far field optical measurements

Two-color two-photon induced photoconductivity in a GaAsP diffusion type photodiode is demonstrated by measuring femtosecond cross-correlation functions for widely separated wavelength pairs of 775 and 1300 nm. Results are obtained for a range of tunable wavelengths and average powers of the incident lasers by measuring the two-photon induced photocurrent as a function of the optical delay between the pulses. The temporal autocorrelation of femtosecond laser pulses in the near-field of a small diameter aluminum coated optical fiber tip is also obtained with the same photodiode method for single colors.
Dilutional And Modified Ultrafiltration Reduces Pulmonary Hypertension After Operations For Congenital Heart Disease: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract Objective: A prospective randomized study was performed to test whether removal of endothelin-1, by ultrafiltration techniques, will reduce pulmonary hypertension after operations for congenital heart disease. Methods : Twenty-four patients with pulmonary hypertension (systolic pulmonary/systemic arterial pressure ratio > 60%) undergoing cardiac operations were randomized into a control group ( n = 12) having conventional ultrafiltration and an experimental group ( n = 12) undergoing dilutional ultrafiltration during and modified ultrafiltration after cardiopulmonary bypass. Plasma endothelin-1, nitric oxide metabolites, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were assayed before bypass, 10 minutes into bypass, after bypass, and 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours after the operation in both groups, as well as in the ultrafiltrates and after modified ultrafiltration in the experimental group. Both groups received α-blockers (chlorpromazine and/or prazosin) postoperatively using the same guidelines. Results: The ultrafiltrates contained significant amounts of endothelin-1 (1.81 ± 0.86 pg/ml, dilutional, and 6.44 ± 1.82 pg/ml, modified ultrafiltrate). Endothelin-1 and the pulmonary/systemic pressure ratio were significantly lower in experimental compared with control patients. Nitric oxide metabolites and cyclic guanosine monophosphate increased similarly in both groups for 12 hours after the operation ( p = not significant). Three of 12 control patients (25%) but no experimental patients had pulmonary hypertensive crises ( p = 0.07). The experimental patients required significantly less ventilatory support (67 ± 47 hours vs 178 ± 139 hours for control patients, p = 0.048). Conclusions: Dilutional and modified ultrafiltration reduce endothelin-1 and the pulmonary/systemic pressure ratio postoperatively and may become an important adjunct for preventing pulmonary hypertension after operations for congenital heart disease in high-risk patients. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:517-27)
e-Health intervention development: a synopsis and comment on "What Design Features are Used in Effective e-Health Interventions? A Review Using Techniques From Critical Interpretive Synthesis".

In this synopsis and commentary on the Morrison and colleagues article published in Telemedicine and e-Health (18:2, 137–144, 2012), we provide a brief review of effective design features of e-Health interventions as well as a discussion on future directions. The Internet is being used more frequently to deliver health behavior interventions; however, it is unclear which design features contribute to intervention outcomes. Morrison and colleagues conducted a review using critical interpretive synthesis techniques to identify design features that mediate the effects of e-Health intervention outcomes. A total of four design features were identified (social context and support, contacts with intervention, tailoring, and self-management) that may mediate the effect of the intervention on outcomes. This review provides a preliminary conceptual framework to guide future evaluations of the effects of e-Health design features on intervention outcomes. Future research should target optimizing e-Health interventions to determine which design features should be included as well as how they contribute to outcomes.
Marked stereospecificity in a new class of anticonvulsants.

Abstract N -Acetyl- d,l -alanine-N-benzylamide andN-acetyl- d,l -phenylglycine-N-benzylamide are two novel anticonvulsants that selectively block maximal electric shock-induced tonic extensor seizures in mice. For both compounds, the anticonvulsant activity is due to the d -stereoisomer, and the l -stereoisomer is virtually inactive as an anticonvulsant. The marked stereoselectivity of these anticonvulsants may make them very useful pharmacological tools for the study of the mechanism(s) of anticonvulsants that selectively inhibit maximal electric shock-induced seizures.
Using advanced manufacturing to produce unmanned aerial vehicles: a feasibility study

This paper reports on a feasibility study to explore the impact of advanced manufacturing on the production and maintenance of a 3D printed, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in theatre. Specifically, this report focuses on fused deposition modeling (FDM), the selective deposition of a molten thermoplastic. FDM is already a forward deployed technology, primarily used for printing custom tools and replacement parts. The authors ask if it is feasible to expand the printers’ capacity to produce aerial platforms; the reduction in logistics and labor could significantly decrease costs per unit and enable far more platform customization and specialized deployment scenarios than are available in existing aircraft. The University of Virginia and The MITRE Corporation designed and built a prototype, 3D printed UAV for use as an aerial sensor platform. This report • Discusses the printed aerial platform, summarizes the design process, and compares printing methods • Describes the benefits and limitations to selecting FDM printers as the technology both for deployment as well as UAV design • Concludes with the current state and future expectations for FDM printing technologies relevant to UAV production. Our findings suggest that although 3D printing is not yet entirely field-ready, many of its advantages can already be realized.
Vertebral artery to common carotid artery bypass in Takayasu's disease with delayed cerebral ischemia.

Takayasu's Arteritis is a progressive occlusive disease of the aortic arch and its branches. It may need several bypass procedures along with or without endovascular techniques. Case Descriptions. A twenty-six year old woman who had a history of Takayasu's Arteritis, and had a Gore-Tex Dacron Y-graft from the ascending aorta to the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries 18 years before, is presented. She presented with recurrent hemispheric ischemia and transient ischemic attacks and severe long segment stenosis in the left common carotid artery. She was successfully treated with a saphenous vein graft bypass from the left vertebral artery to the common carotid artery. The stenosis of the brachiocephalic graft was succesfully treated by angioplasty. Three months follow up showed stenosis of the left VA immediately proximal to the proximal anastomosis which was managed successfully with angioplasty. Conclusions. The surgical treatment of Takayasu's Arteritis with bypass procedures needs a complex overview and follow up. A regular follow up is mandatory for evaluation and planning of appropriate management, in view of the progressive nature of the disease process.
Does Pancreatic Stump Closure Method Influence Distal Pancreatectomy Outcomes

Pancreatic fistula remains the primary source of morbidity following distal pancreatectomy. Previous studies have reported specific methods of parenchymal transection/stump sealing in an effort to decrease the pancreatic fistula rate with highly variable results. The aim of this study was to determine postoperative outcomes following various pancreatic stump-sealing methods. All cases of distal pancreatectomy were reviewed at a single institution between January 2008 and June 2011 and were monitored with complete 30-day outcomes through ACS-NSQIP. Pancreatic stump-sealing method was used to create three operation groups (suture, staple, or saline-linked radiofrequency). Two- and three-way statistical analyses were performed among the operation groups. Two hundred three patients underwent distal pancreatectomy. The most common diagnoses included chronic pancreatitis, adenocarcinoma, and IPMN. The suture, staple, and SLRF groups included 90 (44 %), 61 (30 %), and 52 (26 %) patients, respectively. Overall complications (range 31–38 %) and pancreatic fistula (range 25–26 %) were similar with each pancreatic closure technique. Operative technique was not associated with an increased need for postoperative interventions or hospital readmission. Postoperative outcomes after distal pancreatectomy are unaffected by the use of SLRF sealing of the pancreatic stump when compared to traditional suture or reinforced stapling techniques.
Inclusion of synthetic DNA templates of similar length and base composition to PCR-amplified products in restriction enzyme digestions: An efficient aid in characterization of point mutations

Because of a subtle anomaly we encountered upon an analytical gel while characterizing a point mutation in an exon of a patient, we decided to perform expensive and time-consuming procedures to characterize the anomaly. Although initial and subsequent Southern blots and PCR analyses of this patient's mutation suggested that his mutation lay directly within a TaqI recognition site, further characterization revealed that the mutation actually lay in a base immediately outside the recognition site. Had we included an appropriate double-stranded DNA control in the restriction enzyme digestion of this patient's PCR-amplified exon, we could have arrived at the correct conclusion as to the location of the mutation without incurring high costs and time loss. This brief report depicts the use of DNA controls of appropriate length and base composition as a means of avoiding erroneous conclusions and expense in routine mutational analyses in the clinical setting.
Postpartum thrombotic microangiopathic syndrome.

Abstract Objective Characterization of syndromes for patients with life-threatening, progressively worsening hemolysis-elevated-liver-enzymes-and-platelet (HELLP) syndrome-like diseases and with thrombotic microangiopathies. Retrospective study design Patients who underwent postpartum plasma-exchange (PPEX) for preeclampsia-related, and microangiopathy/coagulopathy illnesses unresponsive to medical therapy between 1994 and 2008 in our center and elsewhere. Results Nine patients were treated with PPEX in our center with 78% maternal survival. Treatment with PPEX increased platelet levels ( p =0.048), decreased serum lactic dehydrogenase ( p =0.0012) and aspartate aminotransferase ( p =0.0001). Conclusion Nineteen patients from publications combined with our patients suggest five categories of postpartum thrombotic microangiopathy syndrome that exhibit HELLP syndrome criteria and respond to PPEX.
An overview of tree-ring width records across the Northern Hemisphere

Abstract This review describes the structure and characteristics of the Northern Hemisphere tree-ring width network, and examines the associations between these data and key aspects of local climate and the global climate system. Even though all ring-width records describe the same aspect of tree growth, there are major regional differences in the nature and clarity of climate information preserved within these data across the hemisphere. In North America, many chronologies record climate variability during the growing season but winter precipitation also exerts a considerable and sometimes dominant control on tree-ring formation. Almost all ring-width records from Europe and Asia reflect the influence of climate during summer, with the effects of temperature being more prominent than precipitation. Mapping teleconnection patterns associated with major climate modes show that ENSO and the AMO have stronger and more consistent effects on tree growth than do the PDO, PNA, and NAO. The ENSO teleconnection, which seems to be communicated principally through its effect on winter precipitation, is evident within the highest number of ring-width records overall and is particularly strong in western North America. The AMO's expression in ring width is consistent across drought sensitive-records from the American Southwest and central Rocky Mountains, which may reflect its influence on moisture flux into the western interior of North America during summer. In comparison, the ring-width responses to the PDO, PNA, and NAO are less spatially coherent across the network and appear be connected through a more complex chain of causes linking climate modes, local climate and seasonal tree growth. Because the Northern Hemisphere ring-width network is now so large, it is more crucial than ever to ensure our understanding of tree–environment relations is not influenced by decisions to include or exclude certain records. As an initial step, it would be helpful if paleoclimate reconstructions derived from tree rings described more explicitly the criteria used to select ring-width records as potential predictors and specified those records excluded by that screening.
Type III Heart Block with Peripheral Use of the AngioJet Thrombectomy System

The authors describe the occurrence of type III heart block in a patient undergoing a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt recanalization with use of the AngioJet thrombectomy system.
Analytical inversions in remote sensing of particle size distributions. 3: Angular and spectral scattering in the Rayleigh-Gans-Born approximation for particles of various geometrical shapes

Analytical inverse formulas are provided for reconstructing the size distribution of particulates whose scattering patterns can be adequately described by the Rayleigh-Gans-Born (or Shifrin) approximation. The formulas hold for arbitrary polarization states at incidence and scattering of light and for angular or spectral measurements. The particle shapes considered are spheres, spherical shells, thin disks (which may be randomly oriented), and thin rods. Circular cylinders and ellipsoids can also be encompassed by our formulas if these particles are described in terms of equivalent spheres having the same volume.
Fully renormalized kinetic theory. III. Density fluctuations

The fully renormalized kinetic theory (FRKT) previously discussed by the author in the case of self-diffusion is extended to the case of density fluctuations. In the theory techniques are developed for calculating classical phase-space time-dependent correlation functions. The method centers around the development of an exact expression for the memory function associated with the phase-space-correlation function. This exact expression is written in a compact and symmetric form that is convenient for making approximations. It is shown explicitly how one can make contact with the Boltzmann-Enskog approximation for the memory function which is valid for moderate densities, as well as the terms which lead to the much-discussed ${t}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{2}{3}}$ long-time behavior. The most striking difference between self-diffusion and the case of density fluctuation arises in the region of the critical point. It is shown in the theory how to make contact with the mode-mode coupling results of Kawasaki. From a formal point of view the development of the FRKT is carried forward three important steps in this paper. It is shown how to relate the memory function to the two-particle source function in a more powerful and direct method than the projection-operator approach developed in FRKT I. After a simple rearrangement, the memory function is written in a far more symmetric form than in FRKT I, and finally it is shown how the ideas of connectedness and cumulants can be successfully introduced into the theory.
In-Situ Study of Ti/TiN Stability under Nitrogen Anneal

The effectiveness of a TiN capping layer to prevent the conversion of α-titantium to titanium nitride when annealed in a nitrogen ambient has been studied over the temperature range 300-700°C using in-situ high temperature diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Over the time range of interest (four hours), no evidence of Ti reaction was observed at 300°C. At 450°C. nitrogen was found to diffuse into the Ti to form a Ti(N) solid solution. Above 500°C the titanium is transformed to a second phase: however this reaction follows two different kinetic paths, depending on the annealing temperature. Below 600°C. the reaction proceeds in two stages, with the first stage consisting of Ti(N) formation, and the second stage consisting of the conversion of the Ti(N) with a transformation mechanism characteristic of short range diffusion (grain edge nucleation). Above 600°C, a simple linear transformation rate is observed.