cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parameter variations and the effects of hydrogen: An experimental investigation in a lean premixed low swirl combustor

Abstract With a global focus on the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and harmful pollutant emissions, new technologies have been raised offering reduced emissions with the combustion of alternative and renewable fuels. Low swirl combustion and the addition of highly reactive fuels into the fuel stream are two methods that have been shown to meet these challenges. In the present study, the thermo-acoustic behavior of a lean premixed low swirl combustor is examined by the variation of several parameters: the equivalence ratio, bulk velocity, chamber pressure, and the addition of hydrogen into the fuel mixture. It is reported that the natural modes of the chamber employed shift upwards for both fuel mixtures examined when increasing the equivalence ratio. As additional heat is dumped into the chamber, the increase in acoustic energy is being pumped through these natural modes. An increase in the bulk velocity is found to have opposite effects on these dominant acoustic modes for the two mixtures investigated. The methane mixture shows negative shifts in frequency when increasing the bulk velocity, whereas the hydrogen-methane mixture displays upward-shifting frequencies. Elevating the chamber pressure results in an increase in the acoustic modes for both mixtures, although the trend is more consistently linear for the hydrogen-methane flames.
Chemical catalyst interference in the winkler titration determination of dissolved oxygen—a method for correction

Abstract A new procedure involving the measurement of a chemical blank is introduced to correct the cobalt interference effect associated with the Winkler titration analysis for dissolved oxygen. Unsteadystate reaeration studies employed for mechanical aerator evaluation tests show that when sodium sulfite is used in the presence of a cobalt ion catalyst to deoxygenate the test basin water, a chemical interference is detected in the Winkler determination of dissolved oxygen content. The source to which this influence is attributed is a chemical precipitate that forms in the reaeration process. Evidence suggests that the cobalt (II) ion is oxidized to the (III) oxidation state forming a cobalt (III) hydroxide in the alkaline test environment. Upon acidification of the test samples during the Winkler procedure, the cobalt (III), a powerful oxidizing agent, is released and in turn effects an increase in the amount of free iodine released and measured by titration. The additional iodine liberated in this manner yields erroneous oxygen concentration values which are then used to calculate the oxygen mass transfer coefficient. Considerable deviation from the true value of the coefficient can result.
FUNCTIONAL INTRASPLENIC OVARIAN TRANSPLANTS IN MONKEYS1

The inactivation of estrogens by the liver has been generally assumed for animals of all species although few species have been investigated with this question in view. Zondek (1934) first demonstrated that rat’s liver destroyed the normally occurring estrogens and numerous investigators have extended this observation to other species of rodents. And, conversely, Talbot (1939) by chemically destroying liver function showed a subsequent rise in circulating estrogens. However, few experiments have been conducted on the hepatic inactivation of estrogens by primates. Twombly and Taylor (1942) observed that in 17 of 22 tests in which estradiol was incubated with human liver there was little inactivation of the hormone. The hepatic tissue from the other five human donors was about half as effective in destroying estradiol as was rat’s liver. In the monkey, intrasplenic implantation of pellets of estrone and estradiol was followed by reddening of the sex-skin and alteration of the vaginal smear, as promptly and ...
Site-directed Mutagenesis of ATP Binding Residues of Biotin Carboxylase INSIGHT INTO THE MECHANISM OF CATALYSIS

Abstract Acetyl-CoA carboxylase catalyzes the first committed step in fatty acid synthesis in all plants, animals, and bacteria. The Escherichia coli form is a multimeric protein complex consisting of three distinct and separate components: biotin carboxylase, carboxyltransferase, and the biotin carboxyl carrier protein. The biotin carboxylase component catalyzes the ATP-dependent carboxylation of biotin using bicarbonate as the carboxylate source and has a distinct architecture that is characteristic of the ATP-grasp superfamily of enzymes. Included in this superfamily are d-Ala d-Ala ligase, glutathione synthetase, carbamyl phosphate synthetase,N 5-carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase, all of which have known three-dimensional structures and contain a number of highly conserved residues between them. Four of these residues of biotin carboxylase, Lys-116, Lys-159, His-209, and Glu-276, were selected for site-directed mutagenesis studies based on their structural homology with conserved residues of other ATP-grasp enzymes. These mutants were subjected to kinetic analysis to characterize their roles in substrate binding and catalysis. In all four mutants, theK m value for ATP was significantly increased, implicating these residues in the binding of ATP. This result is consistent with the crystal structures of several other ATP-grasp enzymes, which have shown specific interactions between the corresponding homologous residues and cocrystallized ADP or nucleotide analogs. In addition, the maximal velocity of the reaction was significantly reduced (between 30- and 260-fold) in the 4 mutants relative to wild type. The data suggest that the mutations have misaligned the reactants for optimal catalysis.
Elevational and age gradients in hawaiian montane rainforest: foliar and soil nutrients

Soils and plants were sampled along an elevational gradient from 265-1675 m on a 133-and a 3100-year-old lava flow on Mauna Loa, Hawai'i. Soil organic matter and nutrients accumulated more rapidly at low elevation on the young flow, but reached higher levels at higher elevation on the old flow. Foliar nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were less and specific leaf weight greater for Metrosideros polymorpha leaves collected at high versus low elevations and on the young versus the old flow. Foliar δ13C was strongly correlated with specific leaf weight across the range of sites sampled.
Prevalence, demographics, and health outcomes of comorbid asthma and overweight in urban children.

Background. Asthma and overweight are epidemic in urban children but the relationship between these conditions is not fully understood. This study presents demographic and risk profiles of comorbidity for overweight asthmatic children, characterizes morbidity by comparing health outcomes among overweight asthmatics and healthy weight asthmatics, and examines socioeconomic factors associated with comorbidity. Objective. To construct a demographic profile of overweight asthmatic children in an urban setting and identify factors that contribute to prevalence. Method. Cross-sectional study of 5250 children in New York City public elementary schools using a parent-report questionnaire on body mass index, socioeconomic status, asthma, and asthma-related outcomes. Results. Prevalence of overweight (body mass index ≥ 85th percentile for age and gender) was 50.9%. The prevalence of overweight and ever being diagnosed with asthma was 10.9%. The prevalence of overweight with current asthma was 6.2%. Overweight curre...
Cleavage of active peptides by a lung enzyme.

Ein Enzym (Angiotensin I «converting enzyme» oder Kininase II; DH) wurde aus Schweinelungen isoliert und gereinigt. DH splatet Dipeptide vom Carboxyterminus der Peptidsubstrate mit Einschluss von Bradykinin, Angiotensin I, B-Kette von Insulin und14C-DNS-Gly-Gly-Gly. Zu den besten Inhibitoren des Enzyms gehoren zwei kurzlich synthetisierte Peptide sowie Glutathion und Insulin. Die Experimente deuten auf ein einziges Enzym hin, das alle erwahnten Substrate hydrolysiert.
A three-pronged simonesque approach to modeling and simulation in deviant “bi-pay” auctions, and beyond

In order to employ and exhibit our Simon-inspired approach to computational economics, and specifically defend our version of the view that even logically untrained humans are rational, albeit no more than “boundedly” so, we provide two models, both rooted in computational logic, of how it is that logically untrained humans perform in a seemingly irrational fashion in a particular “deviant” auction (the bi-pay auction).
Capnometry in Emergency Medicine

Capnometers measure carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in expired air and provide clinicians with a noninvasive measure of systemic metabolism, circulation, and ventilation. If two of these systems are held relatively constant, changes in CO 2 excretion will reflect the third. CO 2 measurement has been advocated as a method of ensuring endotracheal intubation. Because the air in the esophagus has very low levels of CO 2 , the use of capnometers may help prevent unrecognized esophageal intubation in prehospital and emergency department settings. In patients with normal perfusion and ventilation, end-tidal CO 2 measurements closely reflect alveolar PCO 2 . Capnometry may decrease the need for frequent arterial blood gas measurements. A sudden change in end-tidal CO 2 measurement may indicate decreased lung perfusion and an early shock state. Thus, capnometry may be useful to monitor critical patients in the ED. In addition, capnometry has potential usefulness as a noninvasive indicator of the efficacy of on going CPR efforts. End-tidal CO 2 has been shown to correlate with cardiac output, perfusion pressures, and successful resuscitation in experimental models of cardiac arrest. Further clinical studies are needed to define the role of capnometry in emergency medicine.
Zooplankton Grazing and Phytoplankton Abundance: an Assessment Before and After Invasion of Dreissena Polymorpha

The introduction of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha into Lake Erie raises the question of whether it competes with the existing zooplankton community for phytoplankton. In this study, we approached this question by examining the role of zooplankton grazing in influencing Lake Erie abiotic conditions and biotic interactions during 2 years of varying zebra mussel abundances. In situ grazing experiments (32P-labeled yeast cells) revealed that cladoceran species contributed >85% of zooplankton community grazing rate, whereas copepods accounted for 200 mL L−1 d−1) calculated from the models between June and early July coincided with the high Secchi transparencies found during these periods (clear-water phase) in both the year with few zebra mussels (1988) and the year with abundant mussels (1989). The impact of Daphnia grazing on the phytoplankton community is negative, directly reducing edible algal volume to <5 mL m−3. The release of Daphnia grazing pressure in August was followed by an increase in edible phytoplankton in both nearshore and offshore areas of both years. High edible algal volumes and low Secchi transparencies in August were in contrast to what we would expect if adult zebra mussels that were present throughout 1989 or veligers that were abundant in late July and August were able to overgraze phytoplankton. We concluded that the pulsed Daphnia grazing still controlled edible algal density and water transparency in 1989, even though Dreissena polymorpha was abundant in the lake in 1989.
Novae Gesneriaceae Neotropicarum XVI: Pearcea pileifolia, a New Species of Gesneriaceae from South America

A new species of Gesneriaceae (tribe Gloxinieae) is described from Ecuador and Peru in South America. Pearcea pileifolia J. L. Clark & L. E. Skog is vegetatively distinctive from all other species of Pearcea Regel by its oblong leaf blades with crenate to serrate margins and markedly anisophyllous, opposite leaves with the smaller leaf in a pair reduced to a scalelike appendage. Observations of the bivalved fruit dehiscence and the resulting appearance of winged appendages in P. pileifolia and other congeners are discussed.
The Homeless Texts of Persianate Modernity

This article explores modernity as an ethos, rather than a historical period, allowing us to reconstruct joint Indian and Iranian ‘stories vanished from memory’. The story this article traces is the flourishing of the sciences in Persian during the first three decades of the 19th century at a time when Mughal India was seen to be in a state of decline. This article argues that the texts were rendered ‘homeless’ by their lack of inclusion into either Indian or Iranian nationalist accounts of modernity. I also extrapolate from the Foucauldian notion of heterotopia as alternate site of the ‘real’ as a ‘ countersite’ to explore the production of modernity. Heterotopias thus mark sites of crossing between peoples, cultures, and knowledge systems, in this case, between Indian and Iranian translations and readings of Persian texts.
Magnetohydrodynamic flow in a curved pipe

The flow of conductive fluids in highly conductive curved pipes is studied analytically in this paper. The flow is assumed to be steady state, laminar, and fully developed. Coupled continuity, Navier–Stokes, and appropriate Maxwell equations are solved in toroidal coordinates. The dimensionless parameters of the problem are Dean number K and Hartmann number Ha. For low Hartmann numbers [Ha2∼θ(1)], the solution is expanded in a power series of K and Ha2. For intermediate Hartmann numbers [Ha2∼θ(1000)], the solution is expressed as a power series of K. The axial velocity contours are shown to be shifted towards the outer wall. For low Ha, these contours are nearly circular. The effect of a strong transverse magnetic field is to enhance the compression of fluid towards the outer wall. The secondary flow field comprises a symmetric pair of counter‐rotating vortices. A strong magnetic field is found to confine the secondary flow streamlines to a thin layer near the tube wall. The secondary flow rate in the near‐wall boundary layer is increased by the magnetic field. This increase in flow rate raises the possibility of efficient convective cooling of curved first wall tubes in magnetic confinement fusion reactors (MFCR).
Effects of L-DOPA on putrescine levels in the brain and the liver of the rat

Abstract The pharmacological effects of several amino acid precursors of putative neurotransmitters on putrescine levels in the brain and the liver of the rat were studied. L-DOPA increased brain and liver putrescine levels in a dose-dependent manner that reached its maximum effect in 4–6 h. The increase in liver putrescine was associated with a concomitant increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity. L-5-hydroxytryptophan increased liver putrescine but had no effect on brain putrescine levels. D-DOPA and D-5-hydroxytryptophan were both ineffective in altering brain or liver putrescine. The effects of L-DOPA persisted after hypophysectomy and were not associated with changes in tissue levels of S-adenosylmethionine. The repeated administration of L-DOPA for periods of 48 and 96 h resulted in a sustained elevation of putrescine levels in the brain but not in the liver.
Calyceal diverticulum rapidly progressing to renal abscess.

Abstract A case of renal abscess due to a rapidly enlarging calyceal diverticulum is described.
Effect of chromium and lead on degradation of South Louisiana crude oil in sediment

Abstract The effect of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) on degradation of South Louisiana Crude oil in sediment collected from a produced water discharge site was measured in laboratory microcosms under oxidized and reduced conditions. Chromium was added to the sediment at rates of 0 to 5,000 μ,g, g‐1 sediment. Lead was added at rates from 0 to 2,500 μ,g, g‐1 sediment. The effect on degradation of alkane petroleum hydrocarbon fractions was determined over time. Metal content had no impact on total hydrocarbon degradation content based on changes in concentration. Even on a percentage basis, which normalizes for differences in hydrocarbon concentrations no statistical influence of Cr (5,000 μ,g, g‐1) and Pb (2,500 μ,g, g‐1) on degradation could be measured under reducing conditions. A more sensitive analysis of metal impact on degradation depicted by an analysis of reduction of selected alkane fractions also showed little effect on degradation. Only degradation of octadecane was shown to be statistically inhibi...
A note on the Raman spectra of water-bearing albite glasses

The Raman spectra of albite glasses with 4.5 and 6.6 weight percent water have been obtained, and are compared with that of a dry sample. The hydrous glasses show bands near 3600 cm^(−1) due to O-H stretching, and a previously unreported weak band near 1600 cm^(−1) due to bending of molecular H_2O. Other weak spectral features are discussed, and the effect of dissolved water on the aluminosilicate framework vibrations is considered.
Hyper-IgE syndrome, or not☆

Abstract Rationale The underlying immunodeficiency of the hyper-IgE syndrome is unclear and patients characterized as having this disorder may have a different immunodeficiency disease altogether. We present a patient with many of the classic clinical characteristics of hyper-IgE syndrome but an immunologic profile that differs from previously reported cases. Methods The patient is a 34 year old male diagnosed with hyper-IgE syndrome as a child based on his clinical presentation of recurrent Staphylococcus aureus soft tissue and pulmonary infections with resultant pneumatocele formation, eczematoid dermatitis, characteristic facial features, and elevated IgE level (10,000 IU/mL). Radiologic studies and laboratory immunologic profile were obtained on referral as an adult. Results White blood cell count and differential were normal but flow cytometry revealed a moderate B lymphopenia. Mitogen studies showed a normal proliferation response. Candida skin test was positive. Serum immunoglobulin levels were normal except for an elevated IgE of 1461, and anti-pneumococcal and anti-tetanus toxoid antibody titers were at a normal (protective) post-vaccination concentration. Immune response to the neoantigen bacteriophage phi X174 showed an adequate primary antibody response in the first week followed by a sharp decrease in the following three weeks; secondary antibody response was also poor with a relatively low percentage of IgG. Chest CT revealed cystic bronchiectasis. Conclusions This patients immunologic profile and finding of bronchiectasis are distinctly uncharacteristic of hyper-IgE syndrome. The diagnosis of hyper IgE syndrome may be better made after adequate response to Bacteriophage challenge.
Physiological changes in rat hypothalamic CRF: Circadian, stress and steroid suppression

Abstract Hypothalamic CRF-like immunoreactivity was measured in the a.m. and p.m., after systemic dexamethasone administration or after either stress in adult male rats. Measurement of plasma corticosterone levels revealed the expected circadian rhythmicity, suppression after dexamethasone administration and increase after ether stress. The hypothalamic content of CRF-like immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in the p.m. and after dexamethasone administration. However, no change in hypothalamic CRF-like immunoreactivity was observed after ether stress. The results are consistent with an increased release in the p.m. and decreased synthesis of hypothalamic CRF after systemic dexamethasone administration. The observation that there is no change in content of hypothalamic CRF-like immunoreactivity after ether stress could be due to the fact that the animals were stressed by handling. The results show that this immunoreactivity present in the hypothalamus is altered by changes in the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis and thus suggest that this peptide is a physiologically significant CRF in the rat.
WRENMining: Large-Scale Data Collection for Human Contact Network Research

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have come a long way to reach their ubiquitous state known today through scalable cost, low-power optimizations, and data management. As WSNs scale in size, the necessity for system designs - from low-level hardware implementations to data collection and management procedures - to account for handling extensive amounts of data is crucial. Several prominent papers address these issues for limited deployments of less than 200 nodes, but there are little resources available for multiple consecutive deployments of over 500 nodes.We present the engineering perspective on sensor data collection, management, and processing while collaborating with epidemiologists for the Wireless Ranging Enabled Node (WREN) network system for human contact research. The WREN and all supporting systems (base stations, software, and data procedures) sustain multiple high density, mobile deployments with fast turnovers. The WRENs completed 13 deployments over a period of 8 months to mine over 35 million contact points. We present our design considerations, challenges/experiences, and solutions to account for and correct time synchronization issues, along with our methodology for collecting, managing, and processing data.
Nonlinear Matched Filter Based Optical Correiation

A nonlinear matched filter based optical correlation is presented. The nonlinear filter is produced by applying a nonlinear transformation to the linear matched filter.
Interferon induction of (2′–5′) oligoisoadenylate synthetase in diploid and trisomy 21 human fibroblasts: Relation to dosage of the interferon receptor gene ( IRFC )

Trisomy 21 human fibroblasts are more sensitive to human interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) than are diploid controls, consistent with the location of the gene (IFRC) which codes for the IFN-alpha receptor on chromosome 21. When compared in the antiviral assay, the difference in sensitivity is five- to tenfold, much greater than the 50% difference in IFRC gene dosage. An understanding of the mechanism by which this amplification of gene dosage occurs is relevant to the specific pathology of Down's syndrome and as a model system for studying the pathogenic effects of chromosomal aneuploidy. The enzyme (2'-5') oligoisoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase), which is believed to be central to the interferon-induced antiviral response, is induced 50% more in trisomy 21 fibroblasts than in diploid controls. Thus the amplification in response occurs subsequent to the binding of IFN-alpha to its receptor and the triggering of the first set of intracellular events, the latter exemplified by the induction of 2-5A synthetase. Similar results were obtained with IFN-gamma, consistent with other evidence which indicates that a gene coding for a separate IFN-gamma receptor is also located on chromosome 21.
Electron-track autoradiography of radioactive frog embryos.

BETA-TRACK autoradiographs offer advantages over other methods of autoradiography, especially when small quantities of weak emitters such as carbon-14 are used1. If, in addition, the autograph and tissue can be viewed as a unit, a further advantage is gained2. Such preparations permit detection of the characteristic tracks in the presence of heavy background fog; eliminate the problem of spurious interpretation due to the reduction of the silver grains by tissue constituents3; require far less radioactivity for detection than other methods of autoradiography; permit viewing at high magnifying power with consequent localization of radioactivity to small areas; and eliminate matching of tissue and autograph. Beta tracks, due to their tortuous path, do not permit determination of a point source.
Yellow-head disease caused by a newly discovered Mattesia sp. in populations of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta.

Recent surveys conducted in Florida, USA to determine the presence of Thelohania solenopsae revealed a new protozoan in S. invicta populations. The pathogen was first observed in workers collected from southwest Alachua Co., Florida. Large workers and female alates exhibited atypical yellow-orange colouration in the head and sometimes in the thorax, hence the designation yellow-head disease. The abdomen of the infected ants is normally as dark as those of older ants. Examination of the body contents of the ants showed many spindle-shaped, paired oocysts in the cuticle in all body regions and inside different body parts including the head and appendages. Further morphological examination of the oocysts identified the pathogen as belonging to the genus Mattesia. Notes on the distribution and pathogenesis of the protozoa are presented.
SDI and Organizational Politics Of Military R&D

While the Reagan administration's decision to pursue the Strategic Defense Initiative was not the result of organizational or bureaucratic pressures, these factors are becoming increasingly important in determining the nature of the program. The creation of the SDI Organization as an independent office within the Department of Defense has provided promoters of this effort with a bureaucratic base from which to increase budgets and power in the decision-making process. Being highly centralized and independent, however, the SDIO can serve as the focus for congressional opponents and critics of SDI. In addition to diplomatic and technological developments, these organizational and bureaucratic factors will contribute significantly to determining the level of funding and the direction of the program in the "post-Reagan" period.
A Concise Review of Amyloidosis in Animals

Amyloidosis refers to a group of protein misfolding diseases characterized by deposition of a particular amyloid protein in various organs and tissues of animals and humans. Various types and clinical forms of amyloidosis, in which the pathology and pathogenesis is diverse depending upon the underlying causes and species affected, are reported in domestic and wild animals. The clinical findings are also quite variable consequent to the variation of the tissues and organs involved and the extent of functional disruption of the affected organs in various animal species. The affected organs may be enlarged and exhibit variable pallor grossly, or the amyloid deposit may be discernible only after microscopic examination of the affected tissues. Amyloid appears as a pale eosinophilic homogenous extracellular deposit in tissues. However, microscopic examination and Congo red staining with green birefringence under polarized light are needed to confirm amyloid and differentiate it from other apparently similar extracellular deposits such as collagen and fibrin. Identifying the type of amyloid deposit needs immunohistochemical staining, ultrastructural characterization of the amyloid fibril, and if feasible also genetic studies of the involved species for clinical and prognostic purposes. This paper provides a concise review of the occurrence of amyloidosis in domestic and wild animals.
Experimentation and Collaboration: Creating Serials for a New Millennium. Proceedings of the North American Serials Interest Group, Inc. 12th Annual Conference, May 29 - June 1, 1997, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

The Proceedings of the 12th Annual NASIG Conference consists of five pre-conference program workshop summaries, three plenary session papers, five project session papers, papers contributed at six ...
Foreign body removal with fine‐nosed forceps and assistance of image intensification

SUMMARY Foreign body removal has been developed as a routine radiology department service. Techniques, indications and hazards are described.
Generation of internally restricted random-dot patterns

The probability of a successful draw of a dot position within a random dot pattern is considered for the special case where a minimal city block distance is imposed separating any two dots within the random pattern. An analytical solution is derived and is tested against Monte Carlo simulations. The agreement is considered to be good, except at extremely low probabilities of a successful draw. An alternative method, based upon the utilization of successively coarser grids, is also given. Formulas are also provided for circular and for diamond-shaped separation regions.
Citizen science helps predict risk of emerging infectious disease

Engaging citizen scientists is becoming an increasingly popular technique for collecting large amounts of ecological data while also creating an avenue for outreach and public support for research. Here we describe a unique study, in which citizen scientists played a key role in the spatial prediction of an emerging infectious disease. The yearly citizen-science program called “Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Blitz” engages and educates volunteers in detecting the causal pathogen during peak windows of seasonal disease expression. We used these data – many of which were collected from under-sampled urban ecosystems – to develop predictive maps of disease risk and to inform stakeholders on where they should prioritize management efforts. We found that continuing the SOD Blitz program over 6 consecutive years improved our understanding of disease dynamics and increased the accuracy of our predictive models. We also found that self-identified non-professionals were just as capable of detecting the disease as were pro...
Assessment of DNA contamination from dried blood spots and determination of DNA yield and function using archival newborn dried blood spots.

Abstract Background Residual dried blood spots (DBS) from newborn screening programs are often stored for years and are sometimes used for epidemiological studies. Because there is potential for DNA cross-contamination from specimen-to-specimen contact, we determined contamination levels following intentional contact and assessed archival DBS DNA degradation after storage in an uncontrolled environment. Methods DBS from healthy adult females were rubbed with DBS from healthy or cystic fibrosis (CF)-affected adult males. Total human and male DNA was measured from the female DBS. Contamination levels were assessed using short tandem repeats (STRs). Female DBS contaminated with CF male DNA containing the F508del were analyzed for presence of this mutation. Archival DBS DNA amplification efficiency was determined using STR analysis. Results Most female DBS were contaminated, however only one specimen showed an incomplete STR profile consistent with contaminating CF-affected male DNA. Further testing by CF mutation screening was negative. DNA extracted from archival DBS showed robust amplification (range 100 bp–320 bp). Conclusions Lightly abrasive contact between DBS resulted in DNA cross-contamination. The contaminating DNA did not interfere in CF-mutation tests; however this should be determined for individual assays. Since DNA from archival DBS robustly amplifies, newborn DBS could provide an invaluable resource for public health studies.
Fabrication of microfluidic hydrogels using molded gelatin as a sacrificial element

This paper describes a general procedure for the formation of hydrogels that contain microfluidic networks. In this procedure, micromolded meshes of gelatin served as sacrificial materials. Encapsulation of gelatin meshes in a hydrogel and subsequent melting and flushing of the gelatin left behind interconnected channels in the hydrogel. The channels were as narrow as ∼6 µm, and faithfully replicated the features in the original gelatin mesh. Fifty micrometre wide microfluidic networks in collagen and fibrin readily enabled delivery of macromolecules and particles into the channels and transport of macromolecules from channels into the bulk of the gels. Microfluidic gels were also suitable as scaffolds for cell culture, and could be seeded by human microvascular endothelial cells to form rudimentary endothelial networks for potential use in tissue engineering.
Epidemiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Over Three Decades in Olmsted County, Minnesota

Background & Aims Data on secular trends and outcomes of eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) are scarce. We performed a population-based study to assess the epidemiology and outcomes of EE in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over the last 3 decades. Methods All cases of EE diagnosed between 1976 and 2005 were identified using the Rochester Epidemiology Project resources. Esophageal biopsies with any evidence of esophagitis and/or eosinophilic infiltration were reviewed by a single pathologist. Clinical course (treatment, response, and recurrence) was defined using information collected from medical records and prospectively via a telephone questionnaire. Incidence rates per 100,000 person years were directly adjusted for age and sex to the US 2000 population structure. Results A total of 78 patients with EE were identified. The incidence of EE increased significantly over the last 3 of the 5-year intervals (from 0.35 [95% confidence interval (CI)], 0–0.87] per 100,000 person-years during 1991–1995 to 9.45 [95% CI, 7.13–11.77] per 100,000 person-years during 2001–2005). The prevalence of EE was 55.0 (95% CI, 42.7–67.2) per 100,000 persons as of January 1, 2006, in Olmsted County, Minnesota. EE was diagnosed more frequently in late summer/fall. The clinical course of patients with EE was characterized by recurrent symptoms (observed in 41% of patients). Conclusions The prevalence and incidence of EE is higher than previously reported. The incidence of clinically diagnosed EE increased significantly over the last 3 decades, in parallel with endoscopy volume. Seasonal incidence was greatest in late summer and fall. EE also appears to be a recurrent relapsing disease in a substantial proportion of patients.
Relationships of yellow sugarcane aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) density to sorghum damage

Yield reductions, maturity delays, and stunting due to injury to seedling sorghum by yellow sugarcane aphid (YSCA), Sipha flava (Forbes), were investigated in field trials in Central Texas in 1983 and 1984. Regression analysis indicated that yield reductions were significantly related to both YSCA density and plant discoloration symptom ratings. Per panicle yield reduction of plants infested when they averaged 4–6 cm tall was 1.1 g or 2.5% per aphid and 6 g or 15% per unit increase in discoloration rating. Plant height was reduced 2.7% per aphid or 6% per unit increase in discoloration rating. Maturity was delayed 0.5 days per aphid and 1.5 days per unit increase in discoloration rating. Tolerance to YSCA injury increased greatly with very slight increases in plant height. Seedling sorghum plants 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 cm tall infested with an average of six aphids per plant had mean yield losses of 67, 30, and 7% respectively.
UPDATE ON PAIN MANAGEMENT FOR ADVANCED GENITOURINARY CANCER

Purpose: Pain is a significant problem in many patients with genitourinary malignancy at all stages of disease. Optimal pain control becomes a primary concern as disease progresses and other therapies are exhausted. The selection of the most appropriate therapy becomes difficult without an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pain and the available therapies.Materials and Methods: A review of the literature regarding the mechanisms and assessment of pain syndromes was performed. All available therapies were investigated with respect to conservative management with opioid medications and adjuvant drugs, and the indications for invasive techniques.Results: Increased understanding of the mechanisms and classification of pain syndromes has led to improved assessment and treatment. Despite these advances a significant number of patients have inadequate pain control and the education of treating physicians remains an important target for improving this situation.Conclusions: Opioid medication is the ma...
Intracellular free Ca2+ in the cell cycle in human fibroblasts: transitions between G1 and G0 and progression into S phase.

Abstract Intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) has been proposed to play an important part in the regulation of the cell cycle. Although a number of studies have shown that stimulation of quiescent cells with growth factors causes an immediate rise in [Ca2+]i (Rabinovitch et al., 1986; Vincentini and Villereal, 1986; Hesketh et al., 1988; Tucker et al., 1989, Wahl et al., 1990), a causal relationship between the [Ca2+]i transient and the ability of the cells to reenter the cell cycle has not been firmly established. We have found that blocking the mitogen-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i with the cytoplasmic [Ca2+]i buffer dimethyl BAPTA (dmBAPTA) also blocks subsequent entry of cells into S phase. The dose response curves for inhibition of serum stimulation of [Ca2+]i and DNA synthesis by dmBAPTA are virtually identical including an anomalous stimulation observed at low levels of dmBAPTA. Reversal of the [Ca2+]i buffering effect of dmBAPTA by transient exposure of the cells to the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin also reverses the inhibition of DNA synthesis 20-24 h later. Ionomycin by itself does not stimulate DNA synthesis. These data are consistent with the conclusion that a transient increase in [Ca2+]i occurring shortly after serum stimulation of quiescent fibroblasts is necessary but not sufficient for subsequent entry of the cells into S phase. This study is the first to show a direct relationship between early serum stimulated Cai2+ increase and subsequent DNA synthesis in human cells. It also goes beyond recent studies on BALB/3T3 cells by providing dose response data and demonstrating reversibility, which are strong indications of a cause and effect relationship.
EvoDroid: segmented evolutionary testing of Android apps

Proliferation of Android devices and apps has created a demand for applicable automated software testing techniques. Prior research has primarily focused on either unit or GUI testing of Android apps, but not their end-to-end system testing in a systematic manner. We present EvoDroid, an evolutionary approach for system testing of Android apps. EvoDroid overcomes a key shortcoming of using evolutionary techniques for system testing, i.e., the inability to pass on genetic makeup of good individuals in the search. To that end, EvoDroid combines two novel techniques: (1) an Android-specific program analysis technique that identifies the segments of the code amenable to be searched independently, and (2) an evolutionary algorithm that given information of such segments performs a step-wise search for test cases reaching deep into the code. Our experiments have corroborated EvoDroid’s ability to achieve significantly higher code coverage than existing Android testing tools.
Topographic organization and morphology of peripallidal and pallidal cells projecting to the striatum in cats.

Abstract Injections of small amounts of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or HRP coupled with wheat germ agglutinin within the caudate nucleus in adult cats resulted in retrograde labeling of neurons within the globus pallidus and within the fibers of internal capsule near the globus pallidus. These triangular and fusiform neurons, measuring 27–30 μm, project topographically to the striatum. The morphology and the location of some of the labeled neurons in these cases resemble the acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis described by other authors. The findings from this study support the existence of a projection from the globus pallidus and peripallidal region to the striatum in cats.
Meta-Representation in an Algebra I Classroom

We describe how 1 Algebra I teacher and her 8th-grade students used meta-representational knowledge when generating and evaluating equations to solve word problems. Analyzing data from a sequence of 4 lessons, we found that the teacher and her students used criteria for evaluating equations, in addition to other types of knowledge (e.g., different interpretations of the equal sign) previously reported in the literature. Moreover, the teacher and her students had trouble understanding one another's proposed algebraic models of problem situations due to differences in the criteria that each applied, and this impeded learning. These findings (a) extend an accumulating body of evidence for the role meta-representation plays in mathematics and science learning and (b) add a new dimension to researchers' growing understanding of what teachers must know in order to teach algebra and other complex mathematics and science topics effectively.
Discovery Versus Constructivist Interpretations of Identity Formation: Consideration of Additional Implications

The discovery and creation metaphors of identity formation respectively, are considered within the broader contexts of vitalistic and organismic philosophic assumptions about human development. Individual responsibility and accountability, it is argued, tends to be minimal according to the discovery view. Since one's true self or daimon is predetermined, the individual's role is limited to understanding and realizing that inner essence. From a constructivist view, however, individuals are more responsible for actively determining who they think they "really" are; one fixed answer does not preexist. The philosophic underpinnings of the discovery metaphor imply a dualistic conception of human nature that precludes the scientific investigation of potentially falsifiable hypotheses. The possibility is considered that individuals may have direct introspective access to their true selves, and that verbal reports can serve as the basis for operationalizing their identities.
Promoting health sciences journal content with Web 2.0: A snapshot in time

This study examined if health sciences journals incorporate Web 2.0 technologies that can be used to disseminate journal content using tools such as RSS feeds, Facebook, Twitter, and other social bookmarking tools. The study also examined if open access journals used Web 2.0 technologies more than traditional journals. Most journals offer RSS feeds and over half allowed readers to share journal content through social bookmarking tools. Approximately one quarter of journals had Facebook or Twitter accounts promoting journal content. Traditional journals were more likely to use Web 2.0 technology than open access journals.
Kinetic studies of the crystallization of nylon-6 block copolymers

The crystallization kinetics of nylon-6 and nylon-6 block copolymers (NBC's) containing 1–3 mole % poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, were measured under isothermal and linear cooling conditions. The Avrami equation was used to fit the data. The range of the Avrami index n was from 1.5 to 2.2 for the system studied in the temperature range from 400–454 K. Maximum rate of crystallization was observed in the above temperature range. Nylon-6 block copolymers showed the maximum crystallization rate at a lower temperature than nylon-6. When the soft segment exceeded 3 mole %, no crystallization was observed. Cooling rate studies showed the same tendency. The crystallization rate behavior of nylon-6 block copolymers was similar to the pure nylon.
Technical and economic impact of crosswell technology: Progress report

Conoco`s Crosswell Reservoir Characterization (CRC) team is using Decision and Risk Analysis (D and RA) to evaluate the potential economic impact of the authors` projects. D and RA can be a useful tool for refining the direction of a project and communicating the value of information in economic terms. Initial studies show that CRC has high potential economic value. Three steps were used to analyze the value of the CRC project. A high-level, industry-wide model was developed to look at the technical, application, and commercialization success of the technology. The team considered an infill drilling decision in shallow shelf carbonates as a detailed case. For that case, fully integrating crosswell information with supporting data (well logs, cores, production information, etc.) leads to a three-fold increase in expected value. The third step, a portfolio analysis of all crosswell applications, was initiated, but not completed. Given the potential broad application of CRC and the value obtained by the one detailed case, the technology is expected to have a very high value.
ITP: the bad actors

Comment on McMillan and Durette, page [956][1] Patients with ITP who relapse after splenectomy or who do not benefit at all from a splenectomy are “bad actors”—they can be most challenging to treat. Hematologists dealing with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients owe a great debt
Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Histology Specimens

Fine-gauge (22-G) transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has significantly added to the diagnostic yield of FOB, and in some institutions has become routine in staging bronchogenic carcinoma. Cytologic examination of the specimen obtained by 22-G TBNA, however, has several limitations. The mediastinal aspirate can be contaminated by tumor cells from respiratory secretions, giving false positive diagnoses of unresectability. The diagnosis of benign conditions can seldom be made. Using 18-G TBNA, we can obtain specimens for histologic examination from paratracheal, peribronchial, and carinal areas by FOB. Both 18-G and 22-G TBNA were performed in 34 patients with radiographic abnormalities involving mediastinal or hilar areas. Tissue for histologic examination was obtained in 17 patients (50 percent) using 18-G TBNA and was diagnostic in 11 (32 percent), including three patients with benign conditions. The overall diagnostic yield of 18-G TBNA was 41 percent (14/34 patients), increasing the yield of FOB from 50 percent to 58 percent. There were no false positive results and few minor complications. 18-G TBNA is effective in obtaining tissue for histologic examination and diagnosing benign conditions. In selected cases this technique increases the diagnostic yield of FOB.
Crevice Corrosion of Alloy 625 in Chlorinated ASTM Artificial Ocean Water

Abstract Factors controlling the initiation and propagation of crevice corrosion on alloy 625 (UNS N06625) in ocean water of ambient temperature were explored within the contexts of the Oldfield-Sutton model for critical crevice corrosion solution (CCS) development and the ohmic criterion for crevice corrosion initiation. Data supported an earlier claim that a critical potential drop must be exceeded to initiate crevice corrosion. Steady-state crevice corrosion propagation was found to be under ohmic control. Chlorine decreased the time required for initiation and possibly raised propagation rates in ASTM artificial ocean water. Addition of molybdate (MoO42−) to ocean water (simulating the dissolution of alloyed molybdenum [Mo]) delayed initiation and reduced propagation rates temporarily, but not sufficiently to explain fully the inhibiting effects of alloyed Mo. Beneficial effects on crevice corrosion susceptibility of alloyed Mo and equivalent chromium (Creq) concentration were examined critically in t...