cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Double-exchange mechanism for CrO 2

Band-structure calculations predict a gap of 1.5 eV in the minority-spin density of states of the half-metallic ferromagnet ${\mathrm{CrO}}_{2}.$ The magnitude of ${T}_{C},$ the magnons, and the activation gap in the resistivity cannot be explained with this band picture. We propose a double-exchange mechanism for two electrons per Cr site invoking strong Hund's rule correlations and the distortion in the ${\mathrm{CrO}}_{6}$ octahedra, which localize one electron into the $\mathrm{xy}$ orbital at each Cr site, while the electrons in the $\mathrm{xz}$ and $\mathrm{yz}$ orbitals are itinerant. The effective exchange interaction naturally leads to a ferromagnetic ground state with low-energy magnon excitations and several branches of excitations separated by energy gaps from the ground state, reducing ${T}_{C}.$ Quantum fluctuations suppress the orbital long-range order, giving rise to an orbital resonant valence bond-type ground state.
Disruption of Cortical Microtubules by Overexpression of Green Fluorescent Protein‐Tagged α‐Tubulin 6 Causes a Marked Reduction in Cell Wall Synthesis

It has been known that the transverse orientation of cortical microtubules (MTs) along the elongation axis is essential for normal cell morphogenesis, but whether cortical MTs are essential for normal cell wall synthesis is still not clear. In the present study, we have investigated whether cortical MTs affect cell wall synthesis by direct alteration of the cortical MT organization in Arabidopsis thaliana. Disruption of the cortical MT organization by expression of an excess amount of green fluorescent protein-tagged α-tubulin 6 (GFP-TUA6) in transgenic Arabidopsis plants was found to cause a marked reduction in cell wall thickness and a decrease in the cell wall sugars glucose and xylose. Concomitantly, the stem strength of the GFP-TUA6 overexpressors was markedly reduced compared with the wild type. In addition, expression of excess GFP-TUA6 results in an alteration in cell morphogenesis and a severe effect on plant growth and development. Together, these results suggest that the proper organization of cortical MTs is essential for the normal synthesis of plant cell walls. (Managing editor: Wei Wang)
MALE FETAL PIG LOWER URINARY TRACT FUNCTION. PART II: FREE VOIDING PATTERN CLOSE TO TERM AND IN THE NEWBORN

ABSTRACTPurpose:: We assessed the development of natural voiding function late in gestation and in the immediate postnatal period in a porcine model.Materials and Methods:: The study comprised 7 male fetal minipigs (median age 94 days, 0.88 gestation) and 7 male newborn pigs. In all pigs an ultrasonic probe was placed around the subcutaneous urethra and pressure catheters were placed in the bladder and rectum and in the amnionic cavity in the fetal pigs. The catheters were connected to pressure transducers as the flow probe was connected to a flow meter, and the recordings were sampled at a rate of 10 Hz on a personal computer.Results:: The newborns had a median voiding frequency of 3.3 times per hour while the fetuses voided a median of 5.9 times per hour (p = 0.16). Both groups voided with a staccato flow at a frequency of 1 to 2 Hz, indicating voiding dyscoordination between the detrusor and urethra. Maximum flow rate increased from median 4.4 ml per minute (range 2.0 to 8.8) in the fetal group to medi...
The cost of rationing medical care by insurance coverage and by waiting

This paper raises the question of the least-cost institutional mechanism to secure the value of certainty by reducing risk over the purchase of medical care. Two methods of reducing risk are evaluated: financing medical care with ‘complete insurance’, that is, ready access to medical care that is free at the point of purchase; and rationing by waiting time in a national health service that supplies a limited volume of medical care. The first system corresponds to the type of insurance held by most people in the United States, while the latter represents a stylized model of a national health service. The cost of over-utilization of services by insured consumers in the U.S. is substantial - larger on a per-family basis, and far larger for the nation, than the cost of under-utilization by those who lack insurance. The cost of rationing by waiting is estimated to be between $541 and $828 per family (in 1984 dollars). Thus, both systems involve costly mis-allocation of resources.
CHANGES IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN METROPOLITAN AREAS

Different types of farming in metropolitan areas show both negative and positive responses to urban and nonurban forces of change. The variety of impacts has been neglected by most spatial intensity models and land use studies. This study examines census data from 1949 to 1982 in seven major U.S. metropolitan areas for six commodity types to detect regular patterns of changes in sales value, area harvested, number of animals, and intensity of production. Results show large declines in dairy farming, followed by poultry and fruit and nuts; some recent recovery in vegetable crops; and steady increases in both low value field crops and high value horticultural specialties. A trend toward polarization of metropolitan agriculture is indicated. Results also show differences between inner and outer urban fringe areas and a decline in the differential in intensity of production between metropolitan and non-metropolitan agriculture.
Aetiology of non-diagnostic renal fine-needle aspiration cytologies in a contemporary series.

OBJECTIVES To determine the aetiology of non-diagnostic renal fine-needle aspiration cytologies (FNACs) in a contemporary series. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database of renal FNACs performed between 1995 and 2005. There were 118 patients with renal lesions that underwent FNAC. Indications for FNAC were indeterminate complex renal cysts, significant medical comorbidities, previous history of malignancy, multiple bilateral renal lesions, and suspected metastatic disease. A cytotechnologist was present during the FNA procedure to perform Diff-Quik staining and ensure an adequate sample of cells were obtained. Except for seven (six open, one ultrasound-guided), all of the FNACs were performed with CT guidance. RESULTS The median (range) number of passes for each FNAC session was 2.7 (1–6). Of the 16 FNACs performed for indeterminate complex renal cysts, nine (56%) were adequate with the cytodiagnosis of benign cysts. Of the seven inadequate specimens, three had benign cysts and another three were non-diagnostic due to acellularity. Therefore, the technical failure rate was 19% (3/16) for indeterminate complex renal cysts. The last patient had a cytodiagnosis of benign cyst and the final histological diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC; papilllary, grade III). Therefore, this represents a sampling error (false negative rate) of 0.8% (1/118). For the 102 solid renal masses, 22 (22%) had inadequate specimen by Diff-Quik staining. The technical failure rate (inability to obtain sufficient epithelial cells) was 16% (16). In 18 patients, immunocytochemistry (ICC) was used to differentiate primary renal parenchymal tumours from others such as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), lymphoproliferative, colon, and lung. There were two FNACs with misdiagnosis (2%), where ICC was not used. In both, the cytodiagnosis was TCC and the final histological diagnosis was RCC in one and atypical urothelium in another. CONCLUSIONS Non-diagnostic renal FNACs can be attributed to misdiagnosis (2%), sampling error (0.8%) and technical failure (16%).
Collaboration as a dimension of design innovation

This study of student teams learning to design in an engineering course highlights the role of collaborative interaction for understanding innovative design. A modelling approach was adopted to explore the arc of work and learning represented by the teams' final designs. The macro timescale process of design comprised mesoscale projects and microscale interactions and decisions. Social network analysis of student reflections on interactions and collaboration provided mesoscale summary statistics of team interactions at various time points along the design process. Teams viewed as having innovative initial design plans, who scored higher on microscale design skills of perspective-taking and who had higher team cohesion, tended to produce more innovative final designs. Implications for investigating and fostering collective and everyday creativity are discussed.
Managing hepatitis B coinfection in HIV-infected patients.

Since viral hepatitis is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV, it is critical to recognize and treat these patients appropriately. Hepatitis B infection is particularly difficult to manage as it changes with shifts in immune status. Inactive infection may flare up with restoration of CD4 cell count. In addition, many drugs used to treat HIV are also active against hepatitis B. Thus, patients may require therapy for both diseases or only for hepatitis B. The practicing physician must be aware of which drug to use with antiretrovirals and which can be used for hepatitis B alone. Current therapies for HIV that have hepatitis B activity include lamivudine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Therapies for hepatitis B without HIV activity are adefovir and entecavir. The major advances in the past year include emerging data on epidemiology, occult infection, genotypes, and newer therapies. Long-term management of hepatitis B includes monitoring for hepatocellular carcinoma. Two recent consensus conferences have provided excellent reviews of management of coinfection [1•,2].
Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) cells defective in the MutY-homologous glycosylase activity have a mutator phenotype and are sensitive to hydrogen peroxide.

The modified base 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-guanine (8-oxoG) is one of the most stable deleterious products of oxidative DNA damage because it mispairs with adenine during DNA replication. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the MutY homolog (SpMYH) is responsible for removing misincorporated adenines from A/8-oxoG or A/G mismatches and thus preventing G:C to T:A mutations. In order to study the functional role of SpMYH, an SpMYH knockout strain was constructed. The SpMYH knockout strain, which does not express SpMYH and has no A/8-oxoG glycosylase activity, displays a 36-fold higher frequency of spontaneous mutations than the wild type strain. Disruption of SpMYH causes increased sensitivity to H2O2 but not to UV-irradiation. Expression of SpMYH in the mutant cells restores the adenine glycosylase activity, reduces the mutation frequency, and elevates the resistance to H2O2. Asp172 of SpMYH is conserved in a helix-hairpin-helix superfamily of glycosylases. The SpMYHΔ strain expressing D172N SpMYH retained the mutator phenotype. Moreover, when D172N mutant SpMYH was expressed in the wild-type cells, the mutation frequency observed was even higher than that of the parental strains. Thus, a mutant SpMYH that retains substrate-binding activity but is defective in glycosylase activity exhibits a dominant negative effect. This is the first demonstration that a MutY homolog plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative DNA damage in eukaryotes.
HTSC Isotope Effect with Soft Lattice Modes

An attempt is made to understand the isotope effects measured by Zhao et al. in LaSrCuO in terms of a previous theory for high Tc superconductors, a theory based on pair coupling by soft lattice modes. In the theory, the lattice elastic energy originating with the ion-electron correlation limits the gap. Here we note that this elastic energy does not depend directly on the ionic masses. However, the mechanical lattice parameters in the neighborhood of a structural phase transition are so sensitive that the free energy of oscillation and, hence, the masses are able to have an influence. Minimization of the free energy of the solid with respect to the lattice deformation leads to an equation of state, as basis for finding the effects of the ionic mass changes. With the measured isotope effects at several values of doping as input to the calculation, we obtain, as output, very plausible results for the Fermi energy, the lattice softening, and the electron-phonon coupling constant.
Observation of sub-surface phenyl rings in polystyrene with vibrationally resonant sum-frequency generation

Abstract The use of vibrationally resonant sum-frequency generation (VR-SFG) spectroscopy to investigate the structure of surfaces and interfaces generally relies on the assumption that only the surface/interface is probed and that the vibrational mode assignments are known and correct. To make vibrational mode assignments, two fundamental aspects of the technique must be dealt with. First, not all vibrational modes observed in linear spectroscopic techniques, such as IR and Raman, are necessarily present in the VR-SFG spectrum. Second, while it is generally assumed that VR-SFG only probes the surface, this technique in actuality is sensitive to molecules in any environment with broken symmetry. Previously published assignments for the aromatic C H stretching modes of polystyrene surfaces are contradictory, and one purpose of this work is to revisit those assignments. In addition to thin films of polystyrene, we have collected VR-SFG spectra of dimethylphenyl silane, polystyrene covered with a layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and plasma-treated polystyrene to aid our mode assignments. Density functional theory calculations were also performed on styrene oligomers. Based on these experimental and theoretical results, we have determined that not all the expected vibrational modes are observed in the VR-SFG spectrum of polystyrene. We have also found that one particular mode, the ν 2 symmetric stretch, accounts for two of the observed peaks, one from the exposed surface and a second feature from a subsurface layer within the polymer thin film. These two features appear at separate frequencies (11 cm −1 separation) because this mode is very sensitive to the local density, which is higher in the bulk than at the surface. With these experimentally validated mode assignments, VR-SFG spectra in the aromatic C H stretching region can be interpreted more reliably. More importantly, these results demonstrate that great care must be taken in assigning VR-SFG spectra. These results also show that VR-SFG can be used to interrogate more than just free surfaces and buried interfaces; any area of broken symmetry is probed with this technique.
Turnover in Child Care Arrangements

This paper analyzes changes in child-care arrangements of a sample of children from the Youth Cohort of the National Longitudinal Surveys over the first three years of life. The analysis indicates that turnover in child-care arrangements is surprisingly low among this sample and is more common among families of higher socioeconomic status. Child-care turnover is positively correlated with mothers' employment turnover, but is not correlated with changes in mothers' marital status or additional births. Turnover in child-care arrangements is highly correlated over time, due mainly to the effects of observed variables and unobserved characteristics of the mothers. Copyright 1991 by MIT Press.
TASTE PREFERENCES IN THE VIRGINIA OPOSSUM

Dietary intake of distilled water versus solutions of sodium chloride, sucrose, sodium saccharin, and quinine hydrochloride (QHCl) was studied in the Virginia opossum. The study utilized a paired-c...
Storage capacity enhancement and reservoir management using water extraction: Four site case studies

Abstract Water extraction from carbon dioxide (CO2) storage reservoirs may be a method to enhance storage capacity and to actively manage storage reservoirs. Previous investigations into the use of water extraction have utilized homogeneous models to assess the feasibility of this technology. This study addressed water extraction based on four hypothetical CO2 storage sites, which varied with respect to heterogeneous lithology, variable structure, and complex internal geometry. The simulation results showed the increased CO2 storage capacity achieved through the use of water extraction varies greatly based on site conditions, ranging from 4% to 1300% in the four cases investigated. In all scenarios, water extraction reduced the maximum reservoir pressures approximately 10–20% during injection. In most scenarios, CO2 plume movement could also be influenced through the use of water extraction. The last two aspects may be very beneficial for risk management and monitoring, verification, and accounting practices for all of the CO2 storage projects.
The phacoemulsification learning curve: per-operative complications in the first 3000 cases of an experienced surgeon.

Purpose To assess the per-operative complications occurring during the first 3000 phacoemulsification cases performed by an experienced consultant surgeon. Methods A prospective analysis of 3000 consecutive cases performed without supervision between November 1992 and November 1998 was carried out. Data recorded for each case included details of per-operative complications, pre-operative best corrected visual acuity, nuclear density, history of previous pars plana vitrectomy, and whether phacoemulsification was performed as part of a phacotrabeculectomy procedure. Results The overall rate of vitreous loss was 1.3%. Nuclear fragments were lost to the vitreous in 6 cases (0.2%). The initial rate of vitreous loss was 4.0% in the first 300 cases falling to 0.7% in the last 300 cases. Capsulorhexis failure was the commonest per-operative complication observed, but the risk of subsequent posterior capsule rupture fell significantly from 9 of 45 (20.0%) in the first 100 cases to 1 of 49 (2.0%) in the next 2000 cases (p = 0.0061, Fisher's exact test). There was a significant increase in risk with denser cataracts, especially for capsulorhexis failure, rising to over 35% in the densest cases. The increases in posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss were less dramatic but nonetheless very significant. There was no significant increase in the risk of per-operative complications with phacotrabeculectomy, and no increased risk in patients who had previously undergone pars plana vitrectomy. Posterior capsule rupture occurred in 22 of 612 (3.6%) local anaesthesia cases compared with 31 of 2269 (1.4%) topical anaesthesia cases. Per- operative best corrected visual acuity of 6/9 or better was recorded in 2.0% of the first 1000 cases compared with 13.9% of the last 1000 cases. Conclusions (1) Per-operative surgical risks could be reduced to low levels during the learning curve, but complications continued to occur at a low frequency. (2) The risk of per- operative complications was not significantly elevated in previously vitrectomised eyes. (3) Nuclear density correlated significantly with per-operative complication risk. (4) The visual threshold for cataract surgery fell dramatically with increasing experience of phacoemulsification. (5) Topical anaesthesia was not associated with an increased risk of per-operative complications.
Gyrokinetic particle-in-cell calculations of ion temperature gradient driven turbulence with parallel nonlinearity and strong flow corrections

Nonlinear gyrokinetic calculations have been performed with the three-dimensional, global, toroidal, nonlinear, particle-in-cell, delta-f or δf, massively parallel UCla-CANada (UCAN) code. Their purpose is to study the effects of the parallel nonlinearity and of strong (externally imposed) sheared flow corrections on ion temperature gradient (ITG) driven turbulence (ITGDT) in tokamaks. These calculations show that the strong flow corrections have a qualitative effect on the saturation level of the fluctuations and on the heat flux. The re-activated parallel nonlinearity, in combination with zonal flows, leads to a quantitative reduction in saturation level and heat flux. This reduction does however decrease with increasing system size.
Validation and application of a module of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory for measuring multiple symptoms in patients with gastrointestinal cancer (the MDASI‐GI)

BACKGROUND: The M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) was developed as a brief yet comprehensive tool to assess patient-reported symptom severity and interference in patients with cancer. The authors report the development of an MDASI module for use in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer (the MDASI-GI). METHODS: Patients with GI cancer (N = 184) participated in module development and validation. The process included: 1) generating GI-specific candidate items with input from GI oncologists and from qualitative interviews with patients and adding those items to the core MDASI for testing; 2) dropping candidate GI items that lacked sensitivity; 3) validating the psychometric properties (validity, reliability, sensitivity) of the resulting MDASI-GI; and 4) conducting cognitive debriefing interviews with patients to confirm the questionnaire's ease of comprehension, relevance, and acceptability. RESULTS: Five GI-specific symptom items (constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, change in taste, and feeling bloated) were added to the original 19 MDASI symptom and interference items to form the MDASI-GI. Sixty-one percent of the sample had 1 or more moderate-to-severe symptom(s) (≥5 on a severity scale from 0 to 10). Cronbach α values were .80 and .87 for symptom severity items and interference items, respectively. Known-group validity (sensitivity) was supported by the ability of the MDASI-GI to detect significant differences in symptom and interference levels according to performance status (P < .001). Cognitive debriefing demonstrated that, for patients, the MDASI-GI was an easy-to-use and understandable tool. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that the MDASI-GI is a valid, reliable, and concise tool for measuring symptom severity and interference with function in patients with GI cancer. Cancer 2010.
Induction of tolerance to factor VIII inhibitors by gene therapy with immunodominant A2 and C2 domains presented by B cells as Ig fusion proteins

Up to 30% of patients with hemophilia A given therapeutic factor VIII (fVIII) can make inhibitory antibodies, the majority of which are reactive with its C2 and A2 domains. We have previously demonstrated that antigen-specific tolerance to several antigens can be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B-cell blasts transduced with immunoglobulin (IgG)-antigen fusion constructs. To apply this system to hemophilia A inhibitor formation, we created retroviral vectors expressing fVIII amino acids S2173-Y2332 (C2 domain) and S373-R740 (A2 domain) in frame with an IgG heavy chain backbone. These vectors were transduced into B-cell blasts to induce tolerance in both naive and fVIII-primed hemophilic (E16 fVIII-/-) mice. Thus, treatment of E16 fVIII-/- mice with B cells expressing fVIII C2 and A2 domains led to tolerance in terms of specific humoral response (including inhibitory antibody titers) and cellular responses to fVIII and its C2 or A2 domains. Moreover, a significant reduction in immune responses to fVIII could be achieved in immunized hemophilic mice with existing anti-fVIII titers. This hyporesponsive state persisted for at least 2 months and withstood additional challenge with fVIII. Further experiments, in which mice were treated with a depleting monoclonal anti-CD25, suggested that a regulatory T cell may be required for the tolerogenic effect of transduced B cells. These findings demonstrate that B-cell presentation of fVIII domains on an Ig backbone specifically prevents or decreases existing antibodies in hemophilia A mice. (Blood. 2005;105:4865-4870)
Steric selectivity in oxidations of diols

Abstract Oxidations of 2,2-disubstituted-1,4-butanediols by the combination of nickel(II) bromide and benzoyl peroxide and by trityl tetrafluoroborate produce β,β-disubstituted-γ-butyrolactones with exceptional selectivity.
On-chip electrochemistry: A nanofabricated platform for single nanowire battery electrochemistry

This effort focuses on nanofabricated devices that can be employed to probe the electrochemical behavior of individual nanowires (NWs) as lithiumion battery electrodes. The hybrid fabrication approach involves synergistic integration of bottom-up (dielectrophoresis) and top-down (silicon nanomachining) manufacturing processes. The structure lends itself to characterizing the electrical and structural transformations induced within individual nanowires during battery processes. Furthermore, the platforms are engineered to be compatible with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Advanced in-situ spectroscopic tools such as electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) provide further insights into the atomic-to-nanoscale structural changes in low-dimensional nanostructures associated with lithium insertion.
Compact-cluster expansion II: Finite nuclei

Abstract The compact-cluster formalism, described previously for an infinite system (nuclear matter of liquid 3He), is now extended to the case of closed-shell nuclei. The main concern here is with the new features arising from the fact that the one-body operators of the theory (self-energy insertions and propagator weighting factors) are no longer diagonal in the one-body indices. Two different aspects re explored: (i) the orthogonality of the intermediate-state orbitals to the occupied-state orbitals, and (ii) the mutual orthogonality among the occupied-state orbitals. The concept of self-consistency is also carefully examined. Formally exact treatments of both aspects are presented, as well as some approximations suitable for practical calcultions. For (i), it is demonstrated by explicit calculation that an “orthogonalized plane-wave” approximation should be quite satisfactory for most purposes. This provides a detailed justification for the “QeR−1Q” prescription for the treatment of the exclusion principle, as first proposed by C. W. Wong. Regarding (ii), it is shown that consistent “renormalized” formulation are possible with either a nonorthogonal set of orbitals, or with a strictly orthogonal set. The nonorthogonal formulation is conceptually simpler, and is the one best suited for Brueckner-Hartree-Fock calculations carried out in r space. The orthogonal formulation is more advantageous for calculations in which the occupied orbitals are expanded in terms of a harmonic-oscillator basis. The latter formulation is quite similar to a previous result of Balian and DeDominicis. A formal error in our previous discussion, pointed out by the latter authors, is also examined. It is shown that the set of all skeleton diagrams must be supplemented by certain “compensation skeletons” in order to ensure that the final energy expression includes every Goldstone diagram once and only once. It is argued that this complication does not invalidate any of the important and useful features of the compact-cluster approach.
Revision: Variance Inflation in Regression

Variance Inflation Factors (VIFs) are reexamined as conditioning diagnostics for models with intercept, with and without centering regressors to their means as oft debated. Conventional VIFs, both centered and uncentered, are flawed. To rectify matters, two types of orthogonality are noted: vector-space orthogonality and uncorrelated centered regressors. The key to our approach lies in feasible Reference models encoding orthogonalities of these types. For models with intercept it is found that (i) uncentered VIFs are not ratios of variances as claimed, owing to infeasible Reference models; (ii) instead they supply informative angles between subspaces of regressors; (iii) centered VIFs are incomplete if not misleading, masking collinearity of regressors with the intercept; and (iv) variance deflation may occur, where ill-conditioned data yield smaller variances than their orthogonal surrogates. Conventional VIFs have all regressors linked, or none, often untenable in practice. Beyond these, our models enable the unlinking of regressors that can be unlinked, while preserving dependence among those intrinsically linked. Moreover, known collinearity indices are extended to encompass angles between subspaces of regressors. To reaccess ill-conditioned data, we consider case studies ranging from elementary examples to data from the literature.
Application of fluorescence microscopy and image analysis for quantifying dynamics of maize pollen shed

The objective of this study was to develop a simple, rapid and accurate technique to quantify maize (Zea mays L.) pollen shed under field conditions, capitalizing on the capacity of pollen to fluoresce and recent improvements in microscopic methods for acquiring, processing, and analyzing fluorescence signals from biological systems. Pollen shed naturally by the tassels was captured daily on passive pollen traps placed at apical ear level. Fluorescence microscopy was used to generate digital images of the trapped pollen, and pollen density per unit area was counted using commercial imaging software. Visual confirmation of fluorescing pollen grains indicated high measurement accuracy (r 2 = 0.99) for the entire range of pollen shed densities typically encountered in the field. Pollen was randomly distributed across the surface of the pollen trap, and six to eight images per trap provided greater than 95% confidence for the mean trap value. The entire process of sample preparation, image capture, and image counting required less than 6 min per trap. The accuracy and ease of use of this technique make it ideal for characterizing the pattern of maize pollen production and dispersal under field conditions.
Persistence and movement of ethofumesate in soil

Summary: Persistence of ethofumesate [(±)2-ethoxy-2.3-dihydro-3,3-dimethylbenzofuran-5-yl-methansulphonate] in soil was associated with soil temperature. Ethofumesate applied at 4.5 kg/ha in November persisted about twice as long in soil as that applied the following March. In another field study, 88–91% of the herbicide had dissipated after 24 weeks in sandy loam soil, compared to 72–77% in loam soil when it was applied at rates of 2.2, 3.4, 4.5, and 9.0 kg/ha. The rate of degradation was independent of the initial rate of chemical applied. The time required for 50% of the herbicide to dissipate in sandy loam and loam soils was 7.7 and 12.6 weeks, respectively. The movement of ethofumesate in these two soils over a 24-weeks sampling period was confined mainly to the upper 7.5 cm of the soil profile. Resume: Persistance et mouvement de l'ethofumesate dans le sol Le persistance de l'ethofumesate [(±)2-ethoxy-2,3-dihydro-3, 3-dimethylbenzofuran-5-yl-methansulphonate] dans le sol depend de la temparature du sol. Epandu a 4.5 kg/ha en novembre l'herbicide est reste dans le sol environ deux fois plus longtemps qu'a la suite d'une application au mois de mars suivant. Dans une autre etude au champ I'ethofumesate a ete applique aux doses de 2,2; 3,4; 4,5 et 9.0 kg/ha; de 88 a 91% de l'herbicide avaient disparu au bout de 24 semaines dans un limon sableux contre 72 a 77% dans un sol limoneux. Le taux de decomposition etait independant de la dose initiale de produit epandue. La duree necessaire a la disparition de 50% de la quantite d'herbicide a ete de, 7,7 et de 12,6 semaines respectivement dans le limon sableux et dans le limon. Les deplacements de l'ethofumesate dans ces deux sols au cours d'une periode de prelevement de 24 semaines ont ete limites pour l'essentiel aux 7,5 cm superieurs du profil du sol. Zusammenfassung Persistenz und Transport ton Ethofumesat im Boden Die Persistenz von Ethofumesat [(±)2-Alhoxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethylbenzofuran-5-yl-methansulfonat] war von der Bodentemperatur abhangig. Ethofumesat mit 4,5 kg/ha im November angewendet, blieb etwa doppelt so lange im Boden wie bei einer Anwendung im Marz. In einem anderen Feldversuch mit folgenden Aufwandraten: 2,2, 3,4, 4,5 und 9,0 kg/ha, waren 88 bis 91% des Herbizids aus einem sandigen Lehmboden nach 24 Wochen verschwunden, in einem Lehmboden waren es 72 bis 77%. Die Abbaurate war von der Anfangskonzentration unabhangig. Die Zeit fur einen Abbau bis auf 50% der Aufwandmonge betrug im sandigen Lehmboden 7,7 und im Lehmboden 12,6 Wochen. Der Transport von Ethofumesat in diesen beiden Boden beschrankte sich innerhalb von 24 Wochen im wesentlichen auf die oberen 7,5 cm des Bodenprofils.
ACTION SPECTRUM AND THRESHOLD SENSITIVITY OF ENTRAINMENT OF ORCADIAN RUNNING ACTIVITY IN THE COCKROACH PERIPLANETA AMERICANA

— The interaction between the compound eye and the circadian timing system for running activity in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, has been investigated by measuring the action spectrum for entrainment of such behavior by imposed photic stimuli. Test wavelengths were selected which spanned the spectral range of the dichromatic retina of this insect and intensities of such lights for which half of a population of animals failed to be entrained (threshold) were determined. Stimuli were presented either with a 12:12 light–dark regime or for 12h/day on a continuous background of orange light. The latter procedure altered the balance of sensitivity in the two groups of color receptors in the eye. A comparison of the resulting action spectra and the spectral sensitivities of receptors and visual interneurons measured under similar conditions suggest that the entrainment mechanism is dominated by the receptor group most sensitive to long wavelength light. Furthermore, the eye-clock mechanism shows an extraordinarily high sensitivity to such stimuli. We estimate that a mean flux of about 5 photons/eye/s is sufficient to entrain the behavior. The implications of these results are discussed.
Stochastic coordinate descent Frank-Wolfe algorithm for large-scale biological network alignment

With increasingly "big" data available in biomedical research, deriving accurate and reproducible biology knowledge from such big data imposes enormous computational challenges. In this paper, we propose a highly scalable randomized coordinate descent Frank-Wolfe algorithm for convex optimization with compact convex constraints, which has diverse applications in analyzing biomedical data for better understanding cellular and disease mechanisms. We focus on implementing the derived stochastic coordinate descent algorithm to align protein-protein interaction networks for identifying conserved functional pathways based on IsoRank. The stochastic algorithm naturally leads to the decreased computational cost for each iteration. More importantly, we show that it achieves a linear convergence rate. Our numerical test confirms the improved efficiency of this technique for the large-scale biological network alignment problem.
Laminar and turbulent surgical plume characteristics generated from curved- and straight-blade laparoscopic ultrasonic dissectors.

Objective To characterize laparoscopic ultrasonic dissector surgical plume emission (laminar or turbulent) and investigate plume settlement time between curved and straight blades.
Parkinson's disease, depression, and electroconvulsive therapy: A clinical and neurobiologic synthesis

Summary ECT has been shown to be an effective intervention in a patient with both Parkinson's disease and severe affective illness. The actions of ECT on catecholamine transmission and receptor activity could account for both effects. Although ECT has long been established as a potent therapeutic tool in the treatment of certain specific affective illnesses, it should also be considered as a possible intervention or adjunct to therapy in Parkinson's disease that is unresponsive to traditional treatment. This would have particular clinical importance in light of the fact that most parkinsonian patients eventually become progressively refractory to l -dopa treatment. Further investigation with significant numbers of patients is required to assess the effectiveness and role of ECT in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Proton relaxation studies of water in concentrated dimyristoyllecithin—water systems

Abstract Proton relaxation studies have been performed on concentrated dimyristoyl-lecithin-water samples as a function of temperature. Both T 1 and T 2 data indicate a sharp increase in the mobility of the water at the hydrocarbon transition. In addition, there is the onset of an exchange process with a lifetime of a few milliseconds at this same temperature. It is suggested that this exchange encompasses diffusion over large distances and perhaps through the lipid bilayer.
Creep resistance of cast and aged Al–0.1Zr and Al–0.1Zr–0.1Ti (at.%) alloys at 300–400 °C

Cast and aged Al–0.1Zr and Al–0.1Zr–0.1Ti (at.%) alloys, upon compressive creep deformation at 300–400 °C, exhibit threshold stresses attributable to climb-controlled bypass of coherent Al3Zr and Al3(Zr1−xTix) precipitates. Al–0.1Zr–0.1Ti exhibits a smaller threshold stress than Al–0.1Zr, which is attributed principally to a reduced lattice parameter mismatch between the Al3(Zr1−xTix) precipitates and the matrix. The present alloys are less creep resistant than Al–Sc and Al–Sc–Zr/Ti alloys with similar precipitate radii and volume fractions.
Adsorption of CO on Pd1/W(110)

The properties of the system CO/Pd1/W(110) have been investigated. Unlike CO/Cuj/WfllO) there are no particular anomalies in ΔH or surface entropy Ss probably because Pd matches W in size much more closely than does Cu. Δ H decreases with coverage from 21 kcal/mol at low to 12 kcal/mol near saturation coverage. Ss is initially very high, 24 cal mol−1 K−1 and decreases with coverage. It is postulated that the high values at low coverage (and relatively high temperature) correspond to CO being a 2 D gas with additional low energy vibrational degrees of freedom. Isosteric desorption rate measurements yield Edes values lower than desorption enthalpies at θ ⩾ 0.35. The desorption measurements also yield first order frequency factors ν which show a very strong compensation effect: log ν versus Edes is linear over eleven orders of magnitude, i.e. from ν = 1018s−1 at low coverage, high Edes to ν ≈ 107s−1 high coverage, low Edes. The drop in Edes below desorption enthalpies is attributed to steep decreases in sticking coefficient s with increasing surface temperature. At moderate T, s ≈ 1 at low coverage, shows a plateau and then decreases steeply as θ increases. Work function rises nearly linearly with coverage to high values; Δφ = +620 meV at saturation coverage, CO/Pd = 0.77 or 1.1 × 1015 molecules cm−2. The He I UPS spectrum for CO on Pd1/W(110) shows a 5gs−1π peak near EF−8 eV, and is very similar to that of CO/Cu1/W(110). Differences in the binding energy of the O 1s peak for CO/W(110), CO/Cu1/W(110), and CO/Pd1/W(110) can be explained almost quantitatively by the differences in the work functions of these surfaces.
Safety of early air travel after treatment of traumatic pneumothorax

Background: Traumatic pneumothorax is a common condition treated in trauma centers and hospitals on a daily basis. Often these patients need to fly home after treatment. Current guidelines from Aero Space Medical Association recommend no air travel for two weeks. It is unclear that this amount of delay is necessary. Methods: We retrospectively identified 80 patients who travelled home after treatment or identification of traumatic pneumothorax. These cases were reviewed to determine the time between thoracostomy tube removal and commercial flight. Adverse outcomes were determined by review of the patients’ records. Results: 80 patients were reviewed including 5 patients with pneumothorax only visible on CT scan who were not treated with tube thoracostomy. None of the 80 patients developed flight related complications. The median number of days until flight after chest tube removal was 6. Fifty-eight patients (77.3%) flew within 9 days. Ten patients treated with tube thoracostomy had stable small residual pneumothoraces at the time of flight. None had problems and 8 of the 10 (80%) flew within 5 days. All 5 patients with small pneumothoraces seen on CT imaging only and treated without chest tubes were able to fly without encountering problems. Conclusion: Commercial flight of patients with treated or a small stable pneumothorax before 14 days appears to be safe. Strict adherence to Aerospace Medical Association guidelines is unnecessary and not supported by available evidence. Level of evidence; Retrospective review Level III Keywords: Pneumothorax; airtravel; trauma; Alaska (Published: 10 April 2014) Citation: Int J Circumpolar Health 2014, 73 : 24178 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v73.24178
Active and interactive cloud-based learning environment

The biggest challenge in developing an effective online learning environment is to map new technologies to proven teaching pedagogies and learning objectives. Pedagogies of engagement, such as discussions, debates, peer interaction, laboratories and other formats fostering student opinions, are often easily implemented in the classroom environment, but such interactive engagement techniques are rarely implemented in online courses. An effective e-learning platform should be able to promote interactive activities and collaborative learning by engaging students in the learning process. In this paper we will discuss the functionalities of some state of art online learning platforms. We will identify some shortcomings of current e-learning platforms. We also present the architecture of cloud based active and interactive learning platforms that supports problem based learning (PBL) and active learning strategies.
Trends in far-field holography

Abstract Far-field holography continues to be one of the most important tools for the study of micro-objects in a dynamic volume. The technique itself has been continuously refined. The general trends are outlined in this article.
Mutagenic activity of a nitrosated early Maillard product: DNA synthesis (DNA repair) induced in HeLa S3 carcinoma cells by nitrosated 1-(N-L-tryptophan)-1-deoxy-D-fructose.

HeLa S3 cells in suspension were incubated at 37°C with various concentrations of the Amadori compound 1-(N-l-tryptophan)-1-deoxy-d-fructose (Trp-Fru), of its nitrosated analogue NO-Trp-Fru and of sodium nitrite, for varying periods of time, and were assayed for viability (trypan blue exclusion test) and for intracellular DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. None of the compounds tested had any effect on cell viability, or on RNA and protein synthesis apart perhaps from a slightly inhibitory action. While Trp-Fru remained ineffective also as far as intracellular DNA synthesis was concerned, both NO-Trp-Fru and NaNO2 had a major effect on DNA synthesis. With NaNO2, stimulation of DNA synthesis occurred at concentrations above 1 mm in the growth medium, but with NO-Trp-Fru synthesis increased at concentrations below 1 μm. The excess DNA synthesis (i.e. synthesis above control activity) observed with NO-Trp-Fru and also with NaNO2 was due to DNA repair. This was verified by keeping the cells under conditions that prevented normal semi-conservative replication but permitted DNA repair (‘unscheduled DNA synthesis’). Two major routes are suggested by which NO-Trp-Fru could damage DNA.
Pulsed Laser Holography In Studies Of Bone Motions And Deformations

Principles of pulsed laser double-exposure hologram interferometry are discussed. In this presentation, emphasis is placed on biomedical applications of the method. Procedures for quantitative interpretation of images obtained during reconstruction of holograms are presented and illustrated with representative examples. The procedures for quantitative interpretation of holograms allow determination of translations, rotations, and strains of an object, including determination of and compensation for the object's rigid-body motions. A system for automated interpretation of holograms is also discussed. The results shown relate to in vitro and in vivo studies of tooth and bone motions.
Music on the timing grid: The influence of microtiming on the perceived groove quality of a simple drum pattern performance

In general, microtiming is considered to be an important factor for the perceived quality of rhythms. Our experiment analyzed the influence of early or late time shift of both bass drum and snare d...
Suitability of the noninvasive halo for cervical spine injuries: a retrospective analysis of outcomes.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Conventional halos (CHs) have been used since 1959 and have long been regarded as the standard for external stabilization of the injured cervical spine. Unfortunately, there use is associated with several significant complications including infection, pin loosening, dysphasia, dural and skull penetration, and pressure ulcers. Recently, a pinless noninvasive halo (NIH) (Seattle Systems/Trulife, Poulsbo, WA) was introduced with the goal of providing cervical spine stabilization and control approaching that of the CH in a less invasive fashion. The design of this orthosis could prove useful if it is found to produce the same outcomes with fewer complications than the CH. PURPOSE: To review outcomes of patients fitted with the NIH to determine its suitability for treating cervical spine injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PATIENT SAMPLE: Consisted of 19 patients fitted with NIHs as inpatients and followed as outpatients at a university-based level-1 trauma center. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data on fracture alignment and healing as assessed by imaging, neurological status, treatment complications, and patient demographics were collected. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients treated for cervical trauma at a universitybased level-1 trauma center by attending surgeons was performed. Subjects were identified for the study by reviewing inpatient fitting records of the Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Data regarding patient demographics, tobacco use, classification of injury, surgical treatment, total time in NIH, complications, fracture alignment, and neurological status were collected. RESULTS: Average time spent in the NIH was 79 days, all fractures successfully healed in acceptable alignment, and no neurologic deterioration was noted. Complications were limited to one case of occipital ulceration, two cases of noncompliance, (loosening straps), and one case of recurrent subluxation that was later resolved. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers preliminary data to support a larger scale, randomized trial with long-term follow-up to compare the clinical efficacy of the NIH to that of CHs in patients with cervical spine trauma. Biomechanical studies of the stability of the cervical spine in the NIH, currently underway, will help to assess the suitability of the NIH as an alternative to CHs. The complications encountered do not preclude further investigation of this device and patient tolerance of this treatment has been satisfactory. 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Functioning and activity participation restrictions among older adult, long-term cancer survivors.

This research examines how cancer and treatment sequelae combine with comorbidities to influence the physical functioning and activity participation restrictions reported by older adult (≥60), long-term survivors (5+ years) of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. The number of current comorbidities was the best predictor of functional difficulties and also a significant predictor of participation restrictions. Cancer stage at diagnosis and continuing cancer symptoms had direct effects on functional difficulties, and indirect effects through functional difficulties on participation restrictions. Clinicians working with older adult survivors need to be aware of the interplay between cancer and other health problems as they affect quality of life after cancer.