cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thiazides and Hypertension in the Elderly

The declining use of diuretics in the treatment of elderly hypertensive patients described in the report by Monane and colleagues in this issue of Hypertension is lamentable but understandable. Lamentable because meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials in elderly hypertensive patients have shown that diuretic-based treatment leads to an impressive reduction in morbidity and mortality from stroke and coronary heart disease, as well as all-cause mortality.1 2 Elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension (≥160/<90 mm Hg) enjoy the same benefit from diuretic-based therapy as patients with elevations of both systolic and diastolic pressures.3 Lamentable because these randomized clinical trials have influenced most of the recent national guidelines that recommend prescribing a diuretic in a low dose preferentially in the initiation of antihypertensive therapy, especially for …
Consistent description of 11 Be and 12 Be and of the 11 Be( d , p ) 12 Be reaction

Simple wave functions for ${}^{11,12}$Be have been around for a long time. They have been tested against many independent processes involving (and properties of) these nuclei. All are consistent, except ${}^{11}$Be($d$,$p$), where the discrepancy is a 4.7\ensuremath{\sigma} effect for the 2${}^{+}$ state and 15\ensuremath{\sigma} for the ground state. Here, we propose a resolution to this dilemma.
The 1959 West Point Conference on Mechanisms Concerned with Conception: A Landmark Event in Endocrinology

Few among us are privileged to participate in research symposia that have profound and direct influences on both the direction of scientific inquiry and on subsequent industrial developments. The Symposium on Mechanisms Concerned with Conception, held at West Point, NY in July 1959 under the auspices of the Population Council and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, was such a conference and those of us who attended knew almost immediately that a number of important developments in the endocrine world were about to occur. The list of 70-odd invited participants in the conference now reads like a Who's Who of Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology. Many are now retired and a number are deceased. Without exception they have made lasting contributions to the field. Gregory Pincus reported the results of the first large scale clinical trials with orally active ovulation-inhibiting steroids, and it was clear that a contraceptive drug industry was likely to develop.
An immunohistochemical investigation of the human neostriatum in huntington's disease

The neostriatum of 7 autopsied patients with Huntington's disease (HD) was examined immunohistochemically using purified antibody against calcineurin, which may be present only in the medium-size spinous neurons of the mammalian striatum. This study revealed a marked loss of calcineurin-positive cells in the caudate nucleus and the putamen in all HD patients, compared with control subjects, and there was some variation among the HD patients. Four HD patients showed significantly lower density of calcineurin-positive cells in the caudate nucleus than in the putamen. The remaining calcineurin-positive cells in the caudate nucleus and the putamen had a mosaic-like pattern, demonstrating a subregional difference in distribution. This finding suggests that there are subregional as well as compartmental differences in the vulnerability of the calcineurin-positive cells in the striatum of patients with HD.
An FPGA-based platform for accelerated offline spike sorting.

Abstract There is a push in electrophysiology experiments to record simultaneously from many channels (upwards of 64) over long time periods (many hours). Given the relatively high sampling rates (10–40 kHz) and resolutions (12–24 bits per sample), these experiments accumulate exorbitantly large amounts of data (e.g. 100 GB per experiment), which can be very time-consuming to process. Here, we present an FPGA-based spike-sorting platform that can increase the speed of offline spike sorting by at least 25 times, effectively reducing the time required to sort data from long experiments from several hours to just a few minutes. We attempted to preserve the flexibility of software by implementing several different algorithms in the design, and by providing user control over parameters such as spike detection thresholds. The results of sorting a published benchmark dataset using this hardware tool are shown to be comparable to those using similar software tools.
Selenium flux effects on Cu(In, Ga)Se 2 growth rate, and control by in-line X-ray fluorescence

In-line X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is demonstrated for Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) co-evaporation source control. XRF is found to accurately measure film composition for direct metals source control, as well as an indirect monitor for selenium rate using the nature of the self-limiting diselenide. It was found that below an optimum Se flux value, the film growth rate is limited by the Se atom availability, while a higher Se overpressure reduces the growth rate by gas phase scattering. This correlation allows the growth rate to act as a monitor and possible control mechanism for production scale CIGS thermal evaporation. It is also possible to use the thickness measured by XRF as a feedback control for the Se overpressure.
Alternatives to splay trees with O(log n) worst-case access times

Splay trees are a self adjusting form of search tree that supports access operations in O(log n) amortized time. Splay trees also have several amazing distribution sensitive properties, the strongest two of which are the working set theorem and the dynamic finger theorem. However, these two theorems are shown to poorly bound the performance of splay trees on some simple access sequences. The unified conjecture is presented, which subsumes the working set theorem and dynamic finger theorem, and accurately bounds the performance of splay trees over some classes of sequences where the existing theorems' bounds are not tight. While the unified conjecture for splay trees is unproven, a new data structure, the unified structure, is presented where the unified conjecture does hold. This structure also has a worst case of O(log n) per operation, in contrast to the O(n) worst case runtime of splay trees. A second data structure, the working set structure, is introduced. The working set structure has the same performance attributed to splay trees through the working set theorem, except the runtime is worst case per operation rather than amortized.
Spin-on-glass for 200 nm trench isolation structures

Technologies for utilizing spin-on-glass (SOG) in trench isolation are discussed. Two trench isolation technologies: a trench filled with SOG and a polysilicon filled trench planarized by SOG, are examined. The authors have successfully filled and planarized trenches as small as 200 nm without cracking or void formation using a polysiloxane SOG. Furnace, rapid thermal processing, and Si implant anneal technologies were all investigated, and all demonstrated useful results. An etchback process for the SOG planarized, polysilicon filled trench is presented. Finally, a phenomenological model for planarizing narrow width trenches is developed.
Coupling of cell volume and membrane potential changes to fluid secretion in a model of renal cysts

Coupling of cell volume and membrane potential changes to fluid secretion in a model of renal cysts. Renal tubular epithelia ordinarily absorb NaCl and water, although recent evidence indicates that renal cysts secrete fluid. We have utilized the experimental advantages offered by cultured cysts, formed in a collagen matrix by propagating Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, to investigate the mechanisms involved in fluid secretion by this renal epithelium. The rate of fluid transport (adduced from changes in cavity volume), cell volume and changes in membrane potential were measured simultaneously in isolated cysts. Under basal conditions, cysts absorbed fluid (-0.83 ± 0.34 × 10 −6 ml/min/cm 2 cavity surface area, N=23). AVP and IBMX changed the direction of net fluid transport to secretion (4.24 ± 0.49 × 10 −6 ml/min/cm 2 . Cell volume initially fell 7.4 ± 0.5% and remained stable thereafter as secretion continued. Membrane electrical potential (bis-oxonol epifluorescence) hyperpolarized in 13 cysts and depolarized in 6, the mean change was 1.9 ± 3.1%. Fluid secretion was abolished by 0.1mM ouabain. Secretion was not affected by 0.1mM DIDS and cell pH (bis-carboxyethyl-carboxyfluorescein epifluorescence) was not altered by the induction of secretion, suggesting that secretion is not dependent on Cl-HCO 3 exchange. Barium, in the presence of AVP and IBMX, depolarized the cell membrane potential (bis-oxonol fluorescence increased 22.3 ± 0.03%), reversed secretion to absorption (from 3.21 ± 0.93 to -1.52 ± 0.61 × 10 −6 ml/min/cm 2 ), and increased cell volume 2.7 ± 0.5%. Bumetanide (100 µM) reduced fluid secretion from 4.49 ± 1.23 to -0.75 ± 0.55 × 10 −6 ml/min/cm 2 , further reduced cell volume 4.4 ± 1.2% and hyperpolarized the membranes (bis-oxonol fluorescence fell 24.3 ± 5.0%). In the absence of AVP and IBMX bumetanide had no effect on fluid transport, cell volume or membrane potentials. We conclude that AVP reversed the direction of fluid transport in these cultured renal epithelial cysts from absorption to secretion by stimulating a coordinated interaction of basolateral and apical K, Cl and Na transport mechanisms.
Signs and symptoms from nicotine gum abstinence.

This study examined and compared withdrawal signs and symptoms from cessation of 0, 2 and 4 mg nicotine gum. In addition, a comparison was made between nicotine gum versus cigarette withdrawal symptoms. Smokers first underwent cigarette deprivation for 4 days and then were randomly assigned to 0 (N=16), 2 (N=25), and 4 (N=21) mg gum. They were asked to chew the gum for 1 month and then to undergo a 4-day nicotine gum deprivation period. The results showed a number of significant changes occurring after deprivation from 4 mg gum, one change from 2 mg gum, and no changes from 0 mg gum. There were no significant differences in severity of withdrawal among the various doses of nicotine gum. There were more severe symptoms of withdrawal from cigarette as opposed to 4 mg nicotine gum deprivation.
Descriptive characteristics of a colon disease family registry at an urban hospital

Abstract Background : Hospital registries are an important component of cancer screening efforts of individuals and communities. This paper describes the structure and goals of a Colon Disease Family Registry at a metropolitan hospital. Patient characteristics, differences between gastrointestinal diseases among probands, subjective distress in relation to perception of colorectal cancer, and quality of life were examined. Methods : Participants were patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC) and inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease representing a range of colonic diseases. A total of 630 probands were recruited into the registry and administered a questionnaire. Results : Of the 630 probands, 198 (31.4%) were diagnosed with CRC, 36 (5.3%) with FAP or HNPCC and 272 (43.2%) with UC or Crohn's. The majority of all three groups had some level of college education, was white, and reported a household income greater then $70,000. The Impact of Event Scale score was found to be of notable significance when categorized by relation to proband ( p p ≤0.000). On the quality of life item, the largest difference was between FAP or HNPCC and UC or Crohn's without CRC. Conclusion : Subjective distress scores were higher for CRC probands in comparison to probands with other colorectal diseases. Quality of life was relatively high for all probands. Psychological distress should be explored in more depth and more frequently to screen for any concomitant psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic symptoms that have been linked to a cancer diagnosis.
Implementation of Universal Behavioral Health Screening in a University Health Setting

Universal screening at university health centers can facilitate early identification and treatment of behavioral health problems common among college students. This article describes the (a) process of implementing behavioral health screening at a university health center and (b) results of universal screening for depression, suicidal ideation, alcohol misuse, tobacco use, and sleep problems. We discuss the decision points involved in screening, including what to screen for, whom to screen, how to implement the screening measure, and how to deal with patients who screen positive. During the Spring and Fall 2010 academic semesters, 4,126 screening questionnaires were completed by students (62 % female) accessing a university health center. Each semester, 9–13 % of students screened positive for depression, 2.5–3 % for suicidal ideation, and 33–38 % for alcohol misuse, while 10 % wanted help with smoking cessation and 12–13 % with sleep problems. The results suggest that behavioral health screening in a university health center can help identify students with behavioral health concerns to increase access to care.
The effects of a novel nicotinic receptor antagonist N,N-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide (bPiDDB) on acute and repeated nicotine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine in rat nucleus accumbens

Abstract The present study examined the effects of the novel nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, N,N′-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide (bPiDDB), after acute and repeated nicotine treatment on extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in rat nucleus accumbens (NAcc), using in vivo microdialysis. Acute nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc) injection produced an increase (232% of basal) in extracellular DA, which was attenuated by pretreatment with the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine (4 mg/kg, sc). Pretreatment with bPiDDB (1 or 3 mg/kg, sc) dose-dependently reduced the increase in extracellular DA produced by nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc), but not by amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, sc). Basal levels of NAcc DA increased in animals that had been pretreated with nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, sc) for 5 days compared to saline. In addition, nicotine challenge further increased extracellular DA (237% of basal). The increase in DA in NAcc following repeated nicotine was blocked by pretreatment with mecamylamine (4 mg/kg, sc) and bPiDDB (1 or 3 mg/kg, sc). These results indicate that bPiDDB likely acts as an antagonist at neuronal nAChRs to inhibit DA release in NAcc after acute or repeated nicotine administration. The ability of bPiDDB to inhibit the effect of nicotine in NAcc, combined with previous studies showing decreased nicotine self-administration in rats provides support for bPiDDB as a potential lead compound for the development of a novel pharmacotherapy for nicotine dependence.
Opposing signals from the Bcl6 transcription factor and the interleukin-2 receptor generate T helper 1 central and effector memory cells

Listeria monocytogenes infection generates T helper 1 (Th1) effector memory cells and CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7)(+) cells resembling central memory cells. We tracked endogenous L. monocytogenes-specific CD4(+) T cells to determine how these memory cells are formed. Two effector cell populations were already present several days after infection. One highly expressed the T-bet transcription factor and produced Th1 memory cells in an interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor-dependent fashion. The other resided in the T cell areas, expressed CCR7 and CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5), and like follicular helper cells depended on the Bcl6 transcription factor and inducible costimulator ligand on B cells. The CCR7(+)CXCR5(+) effector cells produced similar memory cells that generated diverse effector cell populations in a secondary response. Thus, Th1 effector memory and follicular helper-like central memory cells are produced from early effector cell populations that diverge in response to signals from the IL-2 receptor, Bcl6, and B cells.
Children's motor activity: Reliability and relationship to attention and behavior

This study examines the relationships between activity level, as measured using solid‐state actigraphs, continuous‐performance test‐measured attention, and behavior ratings in 73 nonreferred children. Activity level and attention, after controlling for age, were unrelated to each other, but were both related to teacher ratings of inattention and overactivity. Furthermore, activity level and attention were differentially related to IQ, academic achievement, and other teacher and parent ratings of behavior. These data suggest that objectively assessed activity level and attention are independent in nonreferred children. Further studies using these measures in clinical groups are necessary.
QED effects in high-Z few-electron atoms

Abstract Calculations of quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects in high-Z few-electron atoms are reviewed. Attention is focused on the specific example of the ground state of one- and two-electron uranium. Based on currently available theoretical results from QED, the energy level of the 1S state of hydrogen-like uranium is E(1S) = −131815.0(6) eV and the energy level of the 11S0 state in helium-like uranium is E(11s0) = −261383(4) eV. The effects considered here are relevant to the innermost level in heavy neutral atoms as well.
On the recent calving of icebergs from the Ross ice shelf

Abstract The year 2000 has witnessed the calving of several remarkably large icebergs in the Ross and Weddell seas of Antarctica, including the calving of B-l 5, possibly the largest iceberg yet to be observed. Here we present satellite imagery that records the calving, and precursor events leading up to the detachment of B-l 5 from the Ross Ice Shelf in late March 2000. These images suggest that the evolution of a network of large rifts on the ice shelf over the decade prior to calving has controlled both the time of calving and the giant size of B-15. What controls this evolution in turn remains a mystery.
Control of symptoms of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome by self-monitoring

Abstract An 11-yr-old male, diagnosed as having Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, was treated by self-monitoring therapy. A five-step procedure of successively refined control was employed. Symptom emissions were decreased both in the therapeutic setting and in the natural environment. Control was demonstrated through employment of a multiple-baseline design. Follow-up sessions conducted 1·5 months and 12 months after the termination of therapy indicated that the symptom behavior rate remained lowered in the therapeutic setting. Reports from the subject's parents and teachers indicated that the symptom behavior rate had decreased to zero in the natural environment.
Correlation of minimum coronary lumen diameter with left ventricular functional impairment induced by atrial pacing

To understand whether quantitative measurement of minimal coronary luminal diameter is a better method than percent diameter narrowing for assessing the functional impairment of myocardial contractility produced by coronary artery stenoses, measurements were made from 37 stenotic segments in 27 patients with coronary artery disease and from corresponding segments in 10 subjects without coronary artery narrowing. An assessment of the reliability of the 2 types of measurements was made by correlating them with the physiologic parameters of both segmental wall motion and global ejection fraction response induced by atrial pacing. Digitally acquired coronary angiograms were used to facilitate quantitative analysis. Measurements by edge detection and videodensitometry correlated closely (r = 0.94). Percent diameter narrowing correlated moderately with the change in ejection fraction (r = -0.41) or with the change in segmental wall motion (r = -0.44). The measurement of minimal lumen diameter correlated with the change in global ejection fraction (r = 0.61) and did so even better with the change in segmental wall motion (r = 0.78, p less than 0.05). A minimal lumen diameter of less than or equal to 1.5 mm identified patients likely to have a functional impairment during atrial pacing as assessed by either global ejection fraction or segmental wall motion defects. We conclude that minimal coronary luminal diameter provides a better method than percent diameter narrowing calculations to measure the anatomic severity of coronary artery narrowing.
Using baby books to increase new mothers' safety practices.

Abstract Objective To determine whether educational baby books are an effective method for increasing low-income, first-time mothers' safety practices during their child's first 18 months. Methods Primiparous women (n = 167) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: an educational book group, a noneducational book group, or a no-book group. Home visits and interviews measured safety practices when women were in their third trimester of pregnancy (baseline) and when their children were 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months of age. Results Women in the educational book group had fewer risks in their homes and exercised more safety practices than the no-book group (– 20% risk reduction; effect size=−.30). When the safety practices involved little time or expense (eg, putting away sharp objects), the educational book group was significantly more likely to engage in these behaviors than the no-book group (40% higher practices; effect size=0.19) or noneducational book group (27% higher practices; effect size=0.13). However, no differences were found between groups for behaviors that required high effort in time, money, or hassle (eg, installing latches on cabinets). Conclusions Educational baby books appear to be an easy and low-cost way to increase the safety practices of new mothers, especially if the practices involve little to no time, money, or hassle.
Performance and prospects of Rag genes for management of soybean aphid

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an invasive insect pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabaceae)] in North America, and it has led to extensive insecticide use in northern soybean-growing regions there. Host plant resistance is one potential alternative strategy for managing soybean aphid. Several Rag genes that show antibiosis and antixenosis to soybean aphid have been recently identified in soybean, and field-testing and commercial release of resistant soybean lines have followed. In this article, we review results of field tests with soybean lines containing Rag genes in North America, then present results from a coordinated regional test across several field sites in the north-central USA, and finally discuss prospects for use of Rag genes to manage soybean aphids. Field tests conducted independently at multiple sites showed that soybean aphid populations peaked in late summer on lines with Rag1 or Rag2 and reached economically injurious levels on susceptible lines, whereas lines with a pyramid of Rag1 + Rag2 held soybean aphid populations below economic levels. In the regional test, aphid populations were generally suppressed by lines containing one of the Rag genes. Aphids reached putative economic levels on Rag1 lines for some site years, but yield loss was moderated, indicating that Rag1 may confer tolerance to soybean aphid in addition to antibiosis and antixenosis. Moreover, no yield penalty has been found for lines with Rag1, Rag2, or pyramids. Results suggest that use of aphid-resistant soybean lines with Rag genes may be viable for managing soybean aphids. However, virulent biotypes of soybean aphid were identified before release of aphid-resistant soybean, and thus a strategy for optimal deployment of aphid-resistant soybean is needed to ensure sustainability of this technology.
Massive propranolol overdose. Successful treatment with high-dose isoproterenol and glucagon

Abstract Circulatory collapse and cardiorespiratory arrest occurred in a 40-year-old woman following massive propranolol ingestion. Conventional therapy with sympathomimetic drugs and cardiac pacing were ineffective in restoring blood pressure; however, high-dose isoproterenol (200 μg per minute) and glucagon rapidly brought her blood pressure under control. Despite an initial protracted period of drug-resistant hypotension requiring continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient recovered completely and left the hospital within three days. Thus, high-dose isoproterenol and glucagon may be lifesaving in cases of severe beta blocker overdose.
The retention of fish larvae in estuaries: among-tide variability at Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, USA

Sixty-eight tides were sampled consecutively to study the retention of fish larvae transported into estuaries. The experiment was conducted at Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, USA, in March 1996. The inlet is primarily tide-driven and meteorological forcing has a minor influence. Four species of winter-spawning fish were abundant in the samples: Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus; Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus; spot, Leiostomus xanthurus; and pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides. Across-shore winds significantly affected flow and physico-chemical characteristics of the water. Across-shore winds also positively influenced the larval retention provided larvae did not present a clear tidal rhythm of vertical migration within the water column and that winds pushed in the water during flood tides. The retention of larvae migrating vertically in respect to the direction of the flow was independent of meteorological forcing of the water.
DUAL‐METRIC MEASUREMENT OF THE IMPACT OF COMPLEXITY ON DECISION QUALITY*

Both sophisticated and unsophisticated subjects were provided either a simple or a complex cue set at random on which to base decisions. A dual-metric approach that consisted of measuring interrater consistency and cross-item variance for each subject category was used to compare the decision quality of the subjects. Although complexity and decision quality were inversely related, the sophisticated subjects performed relatively better using the complex cue set; the unsophisticated subjects performed better using the simple cue set. These findings support the notion that decision-maker and task compatibility are important to the assessment of decision quality.
Evidence for Dedolomitization and Mixing in Paleozoic Carbonates Near Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Multiport ground-water sampling systems in five deep core holes near DOE's Y-12 facility at Oak Ridge, Tennessee provide data on the three-dimensional distribution of ground-water types and chemical evolution processes. Interpretation of ground-water chemistry, coupled with data on the primary and authigenic mineralogy from drill core, indicates the ground water evolves chemically by three main processes: (1) open system dissolution of calcite and dolomite at shallow depths to produce Ca-Mg-HCO3 waters; (2) irreversible dissolution of gypsum, which causes dedolomitization and leads to the formation of Ca-Mg-SO4 waters at deeper levels; and (3) mixing with deep brines to form saline Na-Ca-Cl waters. Evidence for dedolomitization included the precipitation of authigenic calcite in gypsum dissolution cavities, decrease in ground-water pH, and increases in dissolved Ca, Mg, and SO4. In this study, we document the dedolomitization process along a relatively short (< 2000 ft) flow path in low permeability Paleozoic carbonates. Mixing of the shallower ground water with an Na-Ca-Cl brine thought to be present at depth can account for the progressive increase in salinity of ground water with depth and the precipitation of authigenic barite and celestite. The mixing process could be a combination of diffusion from below, diffusion from older matrix water into fractures, or advective mixing.
Thermomechanical modeling of polycrystalline SMAs under cyclic loading, Part I: theoretical derivations

A generic form of Gibbs free energy for polycrystalline Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) is first obtained in this work, by forming the increments of both elastic potential energy and Gibbs chemical energy over a Representative Volume Element (RVE) with respect to an infinitesimal increment of martensite. A set of internal state variables, i.e., martensitic volume fraction, macro-transformation strain, and back and drag stresses due to both martensitic phase transformation and its interaction with plastic strains, are introduced. The evolution of these internal state variables during phase transformation is proposed based on the micromechanical analysis over the RVE. Four primary mechanisms governing the transformation induced hardening effect are discussed. It is concluded that the back and drag stresses related to plastic deformation do not remain constant, but they vary during phase transformation, even though the local plastic residual stresses are assumed to be constant. The initial material heterogeneity of SMAs, which is essential for the initiation of the phase transformation, is modeled by an initial residual stress field, which can be described by a probability distribution function. In this Part I of a four-part paper, the theoretical derivations are presented. Specific cases of the thermomechanical response of SMAs predicted by the model will be presented in Part II, together with experimental results for phase transformation at constant plastic strains. Experimental results and model predictions for cyclic loading of SMAs with evolving plastic strains will be considered in Part III, while the modeling of minor hysteresis loops of SMAs will be presented in Part IV of this series of four papers on SMAs.
Improvement of spatial resolution in reflectance near-infrared imaging by laser-beam interference

The authors studied the use of destructive interference of two diffusive photon-density waves for localization of an absorbing body and a fluorescent probe embedded in a scattering medium. The effect of the position of the embedded objects on the magnitude and phase of the light re-emitted from the medium was evaluated theoretically and experimentally. The objectives, accomplished with an asymmetrical laser-beam arrangement, were to reduce sensitivity to absorbing bodies located in superficial layers, while maintaining sensitivity to those lying deeper; and to establish a confined region of maximum sensitivity in which the distance of an absorbing body could be determined via phase measurement. Intensity and phase data were acquired with a modified frequency-domain spectrometer at modulation frequencies up to 600 MHz. Fluorescent probes were spatially localized with a symmetrical laser-beam arrangement. Magnitude and phase images acquired with a gated intensified CCD camera further defined the probe location. Simulations and experiments show potential applications to imaging.
Structure and evolution of isolated giant gaseous protoplanets

A model is developed describing the structure and evolution of isolated giant gaseous protoplanets in the mass range 0.3-4.5 Jovian masses. The central region of protoplanets of mass less than about 1 Jovian mass is, at some evolutionary epoch, thermodynamically favorable to the liquefaction of major interstellar grain components. All protoplanets studied are convective throughout most of their interior. In addition, it was found that the thermal contraction time depends sensitively on the surface opacity (at T less than 200 K).
The category of the religious: The Blindspot of contemporary media theory?

This essay addresses the prospects of an approach to contemporary theory‐building which would take account of the realms of meaning, ontology and cultural practice traditionally in the province of religion. Beginning with an assessment of the germinal social theory of Durkheim, Weber and Marx, the investigation develops an interpretation of contemporary social and cultural life which conceives of “the religious” as radically located within “the secular.” Such a situation necessarily implicates some received understandings, particularly in the area of secularization and the larger Enlightenment project. Implications for media theory and research are explored, along with a set of implications for public and democratic discourse.
Influence of temperature on colonization of spring barleys by vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

The effects of three soil temperatures on growth of spring barleys (Hordeum vulgare L.) and on their root colonization by vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi from agricultural soils in Montana (USA) or Syria at different inoculum concentrations were tested in soil incubators in the greenhouse. The number of mycorrhizal plants as well as the proportion and intensity of roots colonized increased with higher soil temperatures. VAM fungi from Montana, primarily Glomus macrocarpum, were cold tolerant at 11°C while those from Syria, primarily G. hoi, were heat tolerant at 26°C. Inoculum potential of Montana VAM fungi was higher than Syrian VAM fungi in cool soils. Harmal, selected from Syrian barley land races, had the highest colonization by mycorrhizal fungi of the cultivars tested.
Characteristics of first-time alcohol treatment seekers: the COMBINE Study.

Objective: The current study compared alcoholics who entered treatment for the first time with those who had reported one or more prior treatment experiences using a large sample (N = 1,362) of alcoholics who entered the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism-sponsored COMBINE (Combining Medications and Behavioral Interventions) Study of pharmacological and behavioral treatment efficacy. Method: Participants were categorized into three prior-treatment groups: (1) treatment naive (n = 691, 50.73%), (2) one to two prior treatments (n = 380, 27.90%), or (3) three or more prior treatments (n = 291, 21.37%). Groups were compared at baseline on multiple drinking and psychosocial variables. Results: The treatment-naive group was more likely to be female, educated, married, and employed. They reported the lowest levels of drinks per drinking day, average drinks per day, alcohol dependence, craving, and alcohol-related consequences; but, they had the oldest age at onset of alcohol problems. Both the tr...
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: an epidemic of gadolinium toxicity.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a devastating systemic fibrosing disorder that afflicts patients with renal dysfunction. Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that gadolinium-containing contrast agents (GCCAs) trigger the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Hence, this condition is most appropriately called gadolinium-associated systemic fibrosis (GASF). In this report, we review the history of GASF, its association with prior GCCA exposure, its clinicopathologic features, the relevant pharmacology of GCCAs, the likely role of GCCAs in its pathogenesis, and potential treatments.
Green light emitting diodes with high internal quantum efficiency InGaN/GaN self-organized quantum dots grown by RF-Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Self-Organized green InGaN/GaN quantum dots with high internal quantum efficiency have been grown by RF-Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy. Green light emitting diodes based on these dots were fabricated and electroluminescence spectra were measured.
Phagocytosis, Bacterial Killing, and Metabolism by Purified Human Lung Phagocytes

Phagocytic and bactericidal activities of purified polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), monocytes (MNs), or alveolar macrophages (AMs) from the same individuals for Staphylococcus aureus strain 502A or Escherichia coli strain ON2 were compared in vitro. Factors that may influence these activities were evaluated. The bactericidal activity of S. aureus and E. coli of PMNs was greater than that of MNs or AMs. Two factors were identified that may account for this result. (1) The rate of phagocytosis of opsonized S. aureus and E. coli was greater by PMNs. (2) The nonmitochondrial oxygen burst after nonparticulate stimulation was much greater by PMNs. Qualitative differences in opsonic requirements for ingestion of S. aureus by PMNs, MNs, and AMs were also identified. In contrast to PMNs or MNs, phagocytosis of S. aureus by AMs was not opsonin-dependent. The results suggest that mononuclear phagocytes may adapt their opsonic requirements to facilitate uptake of S. aureus. Despite this adaptation, their bactericidal capability remains limited when compared with PMNs.
Solar cycle variations in the neutral exosphere inferred from the location of the Venus bow shock

Solar UV and EUV varies significantly during the solar cycle. Pioneer Venus can measure this variation both directly and indirectly. A direct measure of the EUV is obtained from the photoelectron current of the Langmuir probe when the spacecraft is in the solar wind. The indirect measure is by monitoring the location of the Venus bow shock. The UV and EUV both heat the upper atmosphere and ionize it. When solar activity is high, the upper atmosphere should be ionized more rapidly. This effect adds a greater number of planetary ions to the magnetosheath plasma as it flows by Venus. It is this increase in mass flow that causes the Venus bow shock to move away from its solar minimum location. Pioneer Venus has now monitored the location of the bow shock for an entire solar cycle. The bow shock location is well correlated with the variation in EUV flux as measured by the Langmuir probe. The bow shock is farther from Venus than expected from the sunspot number or 10.7 cm solar radio flux, indicating that solar UV radiation may be even stronger at the present time than would be predicted from the relationships determined during the previous solar cycle.
Inverse relationship between D/H fractionation in cyanobacterial lipids and salinity in Christmas Island saline ponds

Abstract Sediments from 28 saline and hypersaline (salinity 13.6–149.2) ponds on Christmas Island (Kiritimati), in the Central tropical Pacific Ocean, were investigated for the effect of salinity on the D/H ratios of lipid biomarkers. Hydrogen isotope ratios (expressed as δD values) of total lipid extracts, and individual hydrocarbons heptadecane, heptadecene, octadecane, octadecene, diploptene, and phytene from cyanobacteria, became increasingly enriched in deuterium as salinity increased, spanning a range of 100‰, while lake water δD values spanned a range of just 12‰. Net D/H fractionation between lipids and source water thus decreased as salinity increased. Isotope fractionation factors (αlipid–water) were strongly correlated with salinity, and increased in all compound classes studied by up to 0.0967 over a salinity range of 136. Differences in the hydrogen isotopic composition of lipids derived from three biosynthetic pathways (acetogenic, mevalonate, and non-mevalonate) remained similar irrespective of the salinity. This suggests that the mechanism responsible for the observed αlipid–water–salinity relationship originates prior to the last common biosynthetic branching point, the Calvin Cycle. We propose that a decrease in the exchange of intra- and extra-cellular (ambient) water resulting from down-regulation or closure of water channels (aquaporins) within cyanobacterial cell membranes, and subsequent isotopic enrichment of the intracellular water, likely resulting from metabolic reactions. These findings imply that caution must be exercised when attempting to reconstruct source water δD values using lipid δD values from environments that may have experienced salinity variations. On the other, hand our results can be used to establish a paleo-salinity proxy based on lipid δD, if additional constraints on source water δD values can be made.
Method for Bi-directional Conversion between Fundamental Gaussian Beams and Spatially Polarized Beams using a Spatial Light Modulator

We describe a method for bi-directional conversion between fundamental Gaussian beams and spatially polarized beams using a spatial light modulator with angular sliced phase pattern.
Characterization of carboxypeptidase I of mung bean seeds

There is a carboxypeptidase in mung bean seeds that is localized in the protein bodies, the same vacuoles in which seed storage proteins are sequestered. This carboxypeptidase, called carboxypeptidase I (or Cpase I) has been purified by a series of ion-exchange and gel filtration columns. The pure enzyme consists of a single polypeptide chain with a MW of 41700 by SDS-PAGE or 42000 by size-exclusion HPLC. It has a pl of 4.36 and is a serine carboxypeptidase as shown by its inactivation by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and its resistance to other proteolytic inhibitory reagents. A survey of its activity with Cbz-dipeptides shows preference for C-terminal amino acids that are large, hydrophobic residues, and a small aliphatic amino acid such as alanine, but not glycine, at the penultimate amino acid residue. Cpase I can convert a trypsin inhibitor of the mung bean to its proteolytic intermediate lacking four amino acid residues at its C-terminus. This proteolytic intermediate is detected in the mung bean cotyledons during early growth. Levels of both the activity and immunological cross-reacting forms of this enzyme start high and decrease during early growth.
Multiplication of Bacteriophage

As part of a study of how viruses grow, we have been, making series of electron micrographs which demonstrate essential steps in the multiplication of the virus-like bacteriophages.
Near-field nano-optics for industry and research

Near-field nano-optics is reviewed with applications in industry and research. It is shown that systems with numerical apertures around 2.5 and light-spot diameters less than 50 nm are feasible.
Infected globulomaxillary cyst

Abstract A cyst, occurring in the anterior region of the maxilla, is reported. Although it contained both stratified, squamous, and ciliated columnar epithelium, and separated the second incisor and canine roots, a diagnosis of dentoperiosteal cyst was made because of pulpless teeth in the area. The clinical, radiographic, and microscopic evidences are more compatible with a diagnosis of infected globulomaxillary cyst.
Helium Bubble Survey of a Parachute-Opening Flowfield Using Computer Graphics Techniques

Neutrally buoyant helium-filled soap bubbles were used to determine fluid particle pathlines and velocities in the airstream surrounding an 18-in. nominal diameter flat circular parachute model. The bubbles, dynamically indistinguishable from the air that they displaced and highly reflective because of their soap film outer surface, were photographed in two orthogonal planes by high-speed motion picture cameras. Positions of matched bubble pairs from the two views were entered into computer files frame by frame by projecting the films onto a digitizing tablet and using a light pen. This information, along with the film frame rates, was used to timedifferentiate the pathlines to produce velocity data. Some 3000 bubble-frame pairs generated velocity plots covering the region near the canopy for times between 7=0 and steady-state conditions.
Future technology trends in airbreathing propulsion.

Technology trends in airbreathing propulsion, discussing noise control for subsonic jet transports, turbine blade cooling, etc
On the Oscillations of a Circuit Having a Periodically Varying Capacitance

A previous theoretical study of a dissipationless oscillatory circuit having a periodically varying capacity predicted the existence of several interesting types of oscillations. An experimental investigation of such a circuit was therefore made. The results of this investigation are presented in this paper. The dissipation was reduced to a minimum by means of an associated vacuum tube in a regenerative connection. An auxiliary condenser and rotating commutator produced the periodic capacity variation. The nature of the oscillations was studied by means of oscillograph and meter measurements of the currents in the several parts of the circuit and by the use of headphones. A quite good agreement with theory was found, consistent with the deviations of the experimental conditions from the theoretically postulated ones. The oscillations were generally of a complicated nonsinusoidal character, but assumed a substantially sinusoidal form for certain adjustments of the circuit. The frequency of these sinusoidal oscillations was twice that of the capacity variation. Periodic oscillations were found to occur when, approximately, α = 2ω 0 /n, n = 1, 2, 3, ..., where ω 0 is the natural angular velocity of the circuit for the mean capacity value and α is the angular velocity of the capacity variation. Failure of all oscillations for certain circuit adjustments was related to the inherent loss of energy in the switching method employed for varying the capacity. The theory had predicted certain unstable conditions for which the amplitude should increase without limit.
Ta and T1 bladder cancer: location, recurrence and progression.

An analysis of 58 patients who presented with their first superficial bladder tumour(s) stage Ta or T1 and who were followed prospectively is presented. Tumour characteristics which correlated well with the likelihood of new tumour occurrence were invasion of lamina propria, multiplicity, size equal to or greater than 3 cm and abnormal selected mucosal biopsies. Positive urinary cytology and higher grade tumours correlated, though less strongly. Development of higher grade or stage in subsequent tumours (i.e. progression) was associated with initial tumour multiplicity. While initial tumours were rarely found on the dome (5.2%), new tumour occurrences involved the dome in 29% of patients.
Artificial substrates for oviposition and larval development of the pepper weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a major pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum spp.) and other cultivated and wild species within the family Solanaceae. Laboratory study of this insect, as well as its biological control agents, will be greatly facilitated by an artificial rearing system that does not rely on pepper fruit. An egg collection method and amendments to a standard larval diet were investigated for use in the rearing of this weevil. Spherical sachets made of Parafilm or netting enclosing leaves of pepper, American black nightshade, eggplant, tomato, potato, and jasmine tobacco induced oviposition. Tomato, potato, and jasmine tobacco leaves were accepted despite the fact that these are not oviposition hosts for pepper weevils in the wild. A standard larval diet formula was modified in an attempt to improve egg hatch, larval survival, developmental time, and adult mass. The diet formula was modified with the addition of freeze-dried jalapeno pepper powder, an additional lipid source, alternate protein sources, and the removal of methyl paraben. None of the aforementioned treatments resulted in a significant improvement over the standard diet. Egg hatch was greater when eggs were incubated on moist paper towels rather than in diet; thus, placement of neonates rather than eggs into diet improved production of adults. Suggestions for more efficient rearing of weevils on the currently available diet and future directions for the development of an artificial rearing system for pepper weevil are discussed.
Sojourn in an elliptical domain

Abstract We extend results of Maejima (1984) concerning the time that a two-dimensional stationary Gaussian process spends in an elliptical domain. Here: (a) the process may be cross-correlated while the domain is elliptical; (b) the cross-correlations do not vanish asymptotically; (c) a functional limit theorem is obtained.