cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sintering characteristics of Bi2O3 added MgOCaOAl2O3SiO2 glass powder

The coalescence, crystallization processes, and sintering characteristics of the MgOCaOAl2O3SiO2 (MCAS) composite glass, which contains different amounts of Bi2O3 addition as a sintering aid, are investigated in this study. X-ray diffraction studies find that cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18) and anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) are the two mainly crystalline phases. The recrystallization rates of cordierite and anorthite are both sintering temperature and Bi2O3 concentration dependent. The dielectric constants of MCAS glass ceramics are also a function of sintering temperature and amount of Bi2O3 addition. To densify MCAS glass ceramics, the needed sintering temperature will decrease with the increase of Bi2O3 addition, but both the dielectric constants and the thermal expansion coefficients of densified MCAS glass ceramics increase with the amount of Bi2O3 addition.
Ultrastructural effects of T-2 mycotoxin on rat hepatocytes in vitro.

Abstract L. R. Trusal and J. C. O'Brien . Ultrastructural effects of T-2 mycotoxin on rat hepatocytes in vitro. Toxicon 24, 481 – 488, 1986. — Cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with several doses of T-2 mycotoxin for either 1 or 12 hr and with or without a 12 hr recovery period. Inhibition of protein synthesis and release of lactate dehydrogenase were measured and correlated with ultrastructural changes, as assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that at a dose of 0.01 μg/ml protein synthesis was inhibited 75% within 1 hr, but recovered to near control levels with or without the continual presence of toxin. At the higher toxin dose of 1.0 μg/ml hepatocytes were able to recover from a 1 hr, but not a 12 hr, exposure. Cell damage, as assessed by release of lactate dehydrogenase, lagged behind inhibition of protein synthesis. Only at a T-2 concentration of 1.0 μg/ml for 12 hr followed by a 12 hr recovery period was release of lactate dehydrogenase significantly elevated over control values. Under the same parameters, protein synthesis was inhibited 94%. The ultrastructural appearance of the cell membrane, nucleus, lysosomes, peroxisomes and smooth endoplasmic reticulum remained unchanged. The two organelles which appeared altered by T-2 exposure were the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria. Endoplasmic reticulum changes were limited to degranulation of attached ribosomes without dilation of the cisternae. Alterations were seen as early as 1 hr at a T-2 dose of 0.01 μg/ml. After a dose of 1.0 μg/ml T-2 for 12 hr some mitochondria displayed one or more non-membrane-bound translucent foci, some of which contained electron-dense cores.
Effect of salivary fistulas on free flap failure: a laboratory and clinical investigation.

Objectives: Infection is associated with free flap failure in patients undergoing microvascular flap reconstruction. This study investigates the association between infection arising from salivary fistulas, microvascular thrombosis, and free flap failure. Study Design: Prospective laboratory investigation and retrospective clinical investigation. Methods: The effect of saliva-induced infection on the patency of microvascular thrombosis was studied in an experimental animal model and in a clinical series of patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck. In the laboratory phase of this study, rat femoral artery anastomoses were inoculated with freshly collected rat saliva to simulate a postoperative salivary fistula. The incidence of femoral artery thrombosis was determined. In the clinical arm of this study, the incidence of salivary fistulas and resulting clinical outcome in 588 head and neck free flap reconstructions were examined. Results: In the animal experiment, arterial patency was 95% after 10 days for both the control group and the salivary contamination group. In the clinical series, 24 patients developed salivary fistulas during the postoperative period. No cases of microvascular thrombosis were attributed to salivary fistula formation. Conclusions: Postoperative salivary fistulas do not appear to be strongly associated as a contributory factor toward free flap failure in head and neck reconstruction. On the basis of our current understanding of this condition, we describe a rational approach for management of patients who develop salivary fistulas after microvascular head and neck reconstruction.
On finite amplitude waves in heterogeneous elastic solids

Abstract The perturbation technique of the ‘stretching of the coordinates’ is used to obtain first and second order perturbation solutions of finite amplitude plane waves which propagate into an elastic half-space whose material property varies in the direction of the propagation. The interaction between nonlinearity and heterogeneity is discussed, and the results are illustrated by means of two examples: the longitudinal waves propagating in an elastic half-space with harmonic heterogeneity; the shear wave in a half-space whose property varies as A [1 + ϵ ( X / L ) n ], where A, ϵ ⪡ 1, L, and n are constants, and X denotes the initial particle position measured normal to the plane boundary.
Some effects of cerebellar stimulation

Rats were tested for approach and escape to cerebellar stimulation. None of the quantitative measures taken indicated that the stimulation was either rewarding or aversive. Face washing, face quivering, and freezing were observed during the escape trials, suggesting that the stimulation may not have been altogether neutral
Theory of photoproduction of pions from 11B and 16O

Abstract Gauge invariance and the partially conserved axial-vector current hypothesis are used in the soft-pion approximation for the processes γ + 11 B → 11 C + π − and γ + 16 O → 16 N + π − , where the final nuclei are in the ground state. The nuclei in the processes are treated as “elementary” particles, the nuclear form factors required being obtained from corresponding beta-decay and electron-scattering experiments. A sum rule is obtained for the total cross sections for the processes γ + 11 B → 11 C + π − and γ + 11 B → 11 Be + π + , final nuclei being in the ground or excited states. Comparison is made with previous theoretical calculations and experimental results.
Profiling lymphocyte interactions at the single-cell level by microfluidic cell pairing

Establishing a successful immune response requires cell-cell interactions, where the nature of antigen presentation dictates functional outcomes. Methods to study these interactions, however, suffer from limited throughput and a lack of control over cell pairing. Here we describe a microfluidic platform that achieves high-throughput deterministic pairing of lymphocytes with a defined contact time, thereby allowing accurate assessment of early activation events for each pair in controlled microenvironments. More importantly, the platform allows the capture of dynamic processes and static parameters from both partners simultaneously, thus enabling pairwise-correlated multiparametric profiling of lymphocyte interactions over hundreds of pairs in a single experiment. Using our platform, we characterized early activation dynamics of CD8 T cells (OT-1 and TRP1 transnuclear (TN)) and investigated the extent of heterogeneity in T-cell activation and the correlation of multiple readouts. The results establish our platform as a promising tool for quantitative investigation of lymphocyte interactions.
CO 2 Laser Technology For Space Applications

Optical technologies are going to challenge state of the art RF communication systems in future IOL, ISL and deep space scenarios. In addition, electrooptical systems are being considered by ESA and various national space agencies for space operational solid earth and atmospheric LIDAR and navigtion applications. This paper summarizes the present status of the CO2 laser technology development and emphasizes the potential of emerging CO2 hardware components and subsystems for future optical space mission scenarios.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sinoatrial Nodal Cell Ryanodine Receptor and Na+-Ca2+ Exchanger : Molecular Partners in Pacemaker Regulation

The rate of spontaneous diastolic depolarization (DD) of sinoatrial nodal cells (SANCs) that triggers recurrent action potentials (APs) is a fundamental aspect of the heart's pacemaker. Here, in experiments on isolated SANCs, using confocal microscopy combined with a patch clamp technique, we show that ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) release during the DD produces a localized subsarcolemmal Ca(2+) increase that spreads in a wavelike manner by Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release and produces an inward current via the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX). Ryanodine, a blocker of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release channel, in a dose-dependent manner reduces the SANC beating rate with an IC(50) of 2.6 micromol/L and abolishes the local Ca(2+) transients that precede the AP upstroke. In voltage-clamped cells in which the DD was simulated by voltage ramp, 3 micromol/L ryanodine decreased an inward current during the voltage ramp by 1.6+/-0.3 pA/pF (SEM, n=4) leaving the peak of L-type Ca(2+) current unchanged. Likewise, acute blockade of the NCX (via rapid substitution of bath Na(+) by Li(+)) abolished SANC beating and reduced the inward current to a similar extent (1.7+/-0.4 pA/pF, n=4), as did ryanodine. Thus, in addition to activation/inactivation of multiple ion channels, Ca(2+) activation of the NCX, because of localized sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release, is a critical element in a chain of molecular interactions that permits the heartbeat to occur and determines its beating rate.
Segmented Frequency-domain Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements: Minimizing the Effects of Photobleaching Within a Multi-component System

This study introduces a newly developed frequency segmentation and recombination method for frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime measurements to address the effects of changing fractional contributions over time and minimize the effects of photobleaching within multi-component systems. Frequency segmentation and recombination experiments were evaluated using a two component system consisting of fluorescein and rhodamine B. Comparison of experimental data collected in traditional and segmented fashion with simulated data, generated using different changing fractional contributions, demonstrated the validity of the technique. Frequency segmentation and recombination was also applied to a more complex system consisting of pyrene with Suwannee River fulvic acid reference and was shown to improve recovered lifetimes and fractional intensity contributions. It was observed that photobleaching in both systems led to errors in recovered lifetimes which can complicate the interpretation of lifetime results. Results showed clear evidence that the frequency segmentation and recombination method reduced errors resulting from a changing fractional contribution in a multi-component system, and allowed photobleaching issues to be addressed by commercially available instrumentation.
A Simple Solution to Embedding Library Content Into Every Online Course

Even though the university library is not typically regarded as an instructional department, it has much to offer in terms of instructional resources and services. Incorporating these resources int...
APM 08279+5255: Keck Near- and Mid-Infrared High-Resolution Imaging

We present Keck high-resolution near-IR (2.2 μm; FWHM ~ 0."15) and mid-IR (12.5 μm; FWHM ~ 0."4) images of APM 08279+5255, a z = 3.91 IR-luminous broad absorption line quasi-stellar object with a prodigious apparent bolometric luminosity of 5 × 10^(15) L_☉, the largest known in the universe. The K-band image shows that this system consists of three components, all of which are likely to be the gravitationally lensed images of the same background object, and the 12.5 μm image shows a morphology consistent with such an image configuration. Our lens model suggests that the magnification factor is ~100 from the rest-frame UV to mid-IR, where most of the luminosity is released. The intrinsic bolometric luminosity and IR luminosity of APM 08279+5255 are estimated to be 5 × 10^(13) L_☉ and 1 × 10^(13) L_☉, respectively. This indicates that APM 08279+5255 is intrinsically luminous, but it is not the most luminous object known. As for its dust contents, little can be determined with the currently available data because of the uncertainties associated with the dust emissivity and the possible effect of differential magnification. We also suggest that the lensing galaxy is likely to be a massive galaxy at z ~ 3.
Validity of resting energy expenditure estimated by an activity monitor compared to indirect calorimetry.

The use of activity monitors (triaxial accelerometers) to estimate total energy expenditure in kilocalories is dependent on the estimation of restingenergy expenditure (REE). However, the REE estimated by activity monitors has not been validated against more precise techniques, such as indir-ect calorimetry (IC). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare REE estimated by the Actical activity monitor (ActMon) to thatmeasured by IC and standard prediction equations of REE. Fifty healthy adults between 18 and 43 years of age were measured for weight andpercentage of body fat using a digital scale and bioelectrical impedance. The REE estimated by the ActMon was only 129kJ/d higher, but notstatistically different (P.0·05), than the REE measured with IC. Using multiple linear regression, there was a positive relationship for men,but not for women, between fat mass (kg) and percentage of body fat and the difference in REE estimated by the ActMon compared to IC(P,0·001). Therefore, in the cohort studied, the use of an activity monitor to estimate REE is valid when compared to IC, but not to a standardprediction equation of REE.Activity monitors: Resting energy expenditure: Validation: Indirect calorimetry: Body composition
Resonance Raman spectroscopic characterizations of horseradish peroxidase. Observations of the FeIV = O stretching vibration of Compound II

Abstract Resonance Raman spectra of the various six-coordinate low-spin forms of horseradish peroxidase isoenzymes are studied in the 600 to 1000 cm−1 vibrational region. Bands are observed which are sensitive to coordinating ligands and the identity of isoenzymes. The FeIV = O stretching vibration of Compound II is observed at 779 cm−1 and confirmed by an 18O-induced isotopic shift to 743 cm−1.
Stable alterations in HeLa cell mitochondria following ethidium bromide treatment

Abstract This study describes the isolation of three HeLa cell clones after exposure of HeLa cells to ethidium bromide (EB) in culture medium for either 14 days, or 14 days plusreexposure for 30 days. All three EB-induced clones differed from the parental HeLa cell in various physical properties of their mitochondria. The ratio of mitochondrial DNA component I to component II was altered in clone HeLa-2A. In addition, the cytochrome content of the respiratory chain a + a3, b and C1 decreased, while the cytochroms c content remained unchanged. The amount of cytochromes b and c1; which were not reduced by KCN treatment, but were reduced by dithionite, increased in clone HeLa-2A. The ultrastructure of HeLa-2A cells revealed several alterations characteristic of EB treatment. Some mitochondria had enlarged profiles, a reduced number of cristae and a more lucent electron density of the matrix. Other mitochondria were tightly packed with cristae, which occasionally showed a whorled configuration. These changes were observed 4 months (20–25 passages) after the omission of EB from the medium.
The −16 region of Bacillus subtilis and other gram-positive bacterial promoters

The Bacillus subtilis alpha-amylase promoter amy P contains an essential TGTG motif (-16 region) upstream of the -10 region. Mutations of this region significantly reduced in vitro promoter strength. A -15 G-->C transversion eliminated transcription from amy P by both B.subtilis and Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP). A second alpha-amylase promoter ( amy P2) also required the -16 region for function. To determine conserved sequences in promoters containing -16 region elements, sequences of 64 B.subtilis promoters with the second TG motif of the -16 region were aligned and analyzed. Unlike the E.coli class of 'extended -10 promoters', with a similar TG motif but lacking a -35 region, the -16 region promoters contain highly conserved -35 regions. They also contain conserved A n and T n tracts upstream of the -35 region. In addition, we analyzed all available gram-positive bacterial promoter compilations to determine the generality of the -16 region. From this analysis, the -16 region TRTG motif (R = purine) appears to be a basic element found in a large portion of gram-positive bacterial promoters and is, in the case of at least the alpha-amylase promoters, necessary for transcription by the major form of B.subtilis and E.coli RNAP.
The effect of acute exercise on cognitive performance in children with and without ADHD

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder that affects approximately 11% of children in the United States. Research supports that a single session of exercise benefits cognitive performance by children, and a limited number of studies have demonstrated that these effects can also be realized by children with ADHD. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute exercise on cognitive performance by children with and without ADHD. Methods: Children with and without ADHD were asked to perform cognitive tasks on 2 days following treatment conditions that were assigned in a random, counterbalanced order. The treatment conditions consisted of a 30-min control condition on 1 day and a moderate intensity exercise condition on the other day.Results Exercise significantly benefited performance on all three conditions of the Stroop Task, but did not significantly affect performance on the Tower of London or the Trail Making Test. Conclusion: Children with and without ADHD realize benefits in speed of processing and inhibitory control in response to a session of acute exercise, but do not experience benefits in planning or set shifting.
The use of phenurone in the treatment of epilepsy.

Summary 1. One hundred four patients with epilepsy were treated with Phenurone. Forty-five, or 43 per cent, were either completely controlled or markedly improved. 2. Twenty-eight patients, or 27 per cent, developed untoward reactions while taking Phenurone. It was necessary to discontinue the Phenurone in thirteen of these patients. 3. Personality changes were the most distressing side reactions observed. 4. Toxic hepatitis was encountered in one case.
Impact of rapid ventricular pacing during percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty in patients with critical aortic stenosis: should we be using it?

Background: Rapid ventricular pacing (RP) during percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) facilitates balloon positioning by preventing the “watermelon seeding” effect during balloon inflation. The clinical consequences of RP BAV have never been compared with standard BAV in which rapid pacing in not used. We evaluated the immediate results and in-hospital adverse events of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing BAV with and without RP. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with severe AS undergoing retrograde BAV. Patients who underwent BAV with RP were compared to those who did not receive RP during BAV. Procedural outcomes, complications, and in-hospital adverse events were compared between both groups. Stratified analyses were performed to evaluate RP in pre-specified subsets for confounding and effect modification. Results: Between January 2005 and December 2008, 111 consecutive patients underwent retrograde BAV at Massachusetts General Hospital. Sixty-seven patients underwent BAV with RP. Nearly 90% of patients were NYHA class III or IV and the mean AVA was 0.64 cm2. Baseline characteristics and balloon sizes were similar in the two groups. The average post-BAV AVA was smaller in the RP group compared to the no-RP group (0.87 v. 1.02 cm2, p = 0.02). Pre and post-cardiac output, in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, frequency of cardiopulmonary arrest, vasopressor use, and major complications were similar in the two groups. Conclusions: 1) RP allows precise balloon placement during BAV. 2) RP BAV is associated with lower post-BAV AVA. 3) RP BAV may be safely performed in patients with high-risk cardiac features. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Skeletal muscle cytosol [3H]methyltrienolone receptor binding and serum androgens: effects of hypertrophy and hormonal state.

Abstract Normal, castrated, and hypophysectomized male rats underwent compensatory hypertrophy of plantaris muscles following surgical removal of their synergistic gastrocnemius muscles. The increases in muscle wet weights above control values, determined when the muscles were in stable-state hypertrophy, were as follows: normal 50%, castrated 50%, and hypophysectomized 32%. There were marked differences in concentration of serum androgens between surgical groups, yet no increases in testosterone or 5α-dihydrotestosterone were observed as a result of hypertrophy. The amount of testosterone binding to serum proteins (approx 94%) was reduced only in hypophysectomized animals that underwent muscle growth. Cytosol androgen receptor specific binding (fmol/mg protein), measured using saturating concentrations of [3H]methyltrienolone (R1881) at 4°C for 20 h for exchange with endogenous steroid, was significantly increased in hypertrophied muscles of normal, (1.77 ± 0.17 vs 1.16 ± 0.21), castrated (2.27 ± 0.20 vs 1.46 ± 0.03) and hypophysectomized (6.23 ± 0.56 vs 3.64 ± 0.30) animals. Receptor dissociation constants (Kd) were approx 10−10 M in all groups and were not altered by the hypertrophy. These findings show that a major adaptation to skeletal muscle enlargement is an augmentation of cytosol [3H]methyltrienolone receptor binding capacity. This effect occurs in a normal or androgen deficient state.
Aneurysmal Bulging of the Interatrial Septum in a Newborn Infant with Arteriovenous Fistula and Congestive Heart Failure

Aneurysmal bulging of the interatrial septum into the left atrium is usually associated with obstructive right-sided lesions in newborn infants. We report aneurysmal bulging resulting from sustained, high blood flow during intrauterine life due to an intrathoracic arteriovenous fistula.
Wavelength dependence of proton-exchanged LiNbO3 integrated optic directional couplers from 1.5um - 1.65um

Construction of a four node prototype, multi-wavelength, multi-hop, photonically switched packet network is under way at the University of Colorado. The data will occupy approximately 20 nm bandwidth centered on the erbium doped fiber amplifier gain window, 1.55 mm. The wavelength behavior of the directional couplers to be used in the switching nodes of this network is an important consideration. We describe the wavelength dependence of a series of directional couplers fabricated using the annealed, proton exchange (APE) technique. Measurements of crosstalk in the cross state, i.e. no voltage applied, versus wavelength for the range, 1.50 mm -1.65 mm are presented. It is shown that the data fit a simple expression for the crosstalk over the entire 150 nm range, using a simple first order wavelength dependence for the phase difference parameter.
Intrinsic autoimmune capacities of hematopoietic cells from female New Zealand hybrid mice.

Most systemic autoimmune diseases occur more frequently in females than in males. This is particularly evident in Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythromatosis (SLE) and thyroid autoimmunity, where the ratio of females to males ranges from 20:1 to 8:1. Our understanding of the etiology of SLE implies important roles for genetics, environmental factors and sex hormones, but the relative significance of each remains unknown. Using the New Zealand hybrid mouse model system of SLE, we present here a new fetal liver chimera-based system in which we can segregate effects of immune system genes from that of sex hormones in vivo. We show that female hematopoietic cells express an intrinsic capacity to drive lupus-like disease in both male and female recipient mice, suggesting that this capacity is hormone independent. Particularly, only chimeric mice with a female hematopoietic system showed significantly increased numbers of germinal center B cells, memory B cells and plasma cells followed by a spontaneous loss of tolerance to nuclear components and hence elevated serum antinuclear autoantibodies. A protective effect of testosterone was noted with regard to disease onset, but not disease incidence. Thus, genetic factors encoded within the female hematopoietic system can effectively drive lupus-like disease even in male recipients.
A rapid method for isolation of antigenically active human cell surface antigens associated with β2-microglobulin using a monoclonal antibody

Abstract Serologically and biochemically pure HLA antigens and other β2-microglobulin-associated proteins were isolated using a rapid immunoprecipitation technique with a monoclonal anti-β2-microglobulin reagent A88. Elution of the immunoprecipitate with β2-microglobulin isolated from kidney patients proved to be efficient. Analysis of the eluate showed that the antigen preparation does not contain any immunoglobulins, retains antigenic activity and can be used for protein micelle formation. This method of preparation of human β2-microglobulin-associated membrane antigens has several advantages over classical immunoadsorbent techniques.
Searching, Merging, and Sorting in Parallel Computation

We study the number of comparison steps required for searching, merging, and sorting with P processors. We present a merging algorithm that is optimal up to a constant factor when merging two lists of equal size (independent of the number of processors); as a special case, with N processors it merges two lists, each of size N, in 1.893 lg lg N + 4 comparison steps. We use the merging algorithm to obtain a sorting algorithm that, in particular, sorts N values with N processors in 1.893 lg N lg lg N/lg lg lg N(plus lower order terms) comparison steps. The algorithms can be implemented on a shared memory machine that allows concurrent reads from the same location with constant overhead at each comparison step.
Initiation of a pulsed-beam free-electron--laser oscillator

A one-dimensional linear analysis is presented of the startup of a free-electron--laser oscillator. The model treats electron-beam pulses of arbitrary shape and many significant three-dimensional effects are included heuristically. A closed equation is derived for the ensemble-averaged electromagnetic energy density matrix which contains the spontaneous emission as a source, and which represents the small gain per pass and losses via coefficient matrices. Numerical solutions are compared with the Stanford experimental results.
Effectively Disciplined Schools: Three Themes From Research

Research on school discipline indicates that administrators can provide a positive school environment conducive to good student behavior. The key to the successful development of such an environment is a total school effort facilitated by the leadership of the principal.
Four-block problem: stable plants and rational weights

It is shown that for a large class of multivariable infinite-dimensional stable plants, and rational weights, the four-block problem reduces to finding the singular values of a certain operator defined by Feintuch and Francis (1986), via the singular system which is studied by Foias and Tannenbaum (1988), and Ozbay and Tannenbaum (1988).
Neurocomputing strategies in structural design — decomposition based optimization

The present paper introduces a scheme utilizing neurocomputing strategies for a decomposition approach to large scale optimization problems. In this scheme the modelling capabilities of a backpropagation neural network are employed to detect weak couplings in a system and to effectively decompose it into smaller, more tractable subsystems. When such partitioning of a design space is possible (decomposable systems), independent optimization in each subsystem is performed with a penalty term added to an objective function to eliminate constraint violations in all other subsystems. Dependencies among subsystems are represented in terms of global design variables, and since only partial information is needed, a neural network is used to map relations between global variables and all system constraints. A featuresensitive network (a variant of ahierarchical vector quantization technique, referred to as the HVQ network) is used for this purpose as it offers easy training, approximations of an arbitrary accuracy, and processing of incomplete input vectors. The approach is illustrated with applications to minimum weight sizing of truss structures with multiple design constraints.
Strongly enhanced minority lifetimes in single silicon nanowires by surface passivation

Nanosized materials, especially nanowires, have unique optical properties[1] and have been widely investigated as important building blocks for energy harvesting applications such as solar cells.[2] However, due to the large surface-to-volume ratio, recombination of charge carriers through the surface states of nanowires has been found to reduce the carrier diffusion lengths in nanowires a few orders of magnitude[3], often resulting in low efficiency.[4] Reducing the recombination by surface passivation is crucial to develop high performance nanosized optoelectronic devices, but remains largely unexplored.[5] Here we show that a thin layer of amorphous silicon (a-Si) coated on a single-crystalline silicon nanowire (sc-SiNW), forming a core-shell structure in-situ in the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process, reduces the density of surface states nearly 2 orders of magnitude and thereby increases the minority carrier lifetime ∼100 times. We found that individual core-shell nanowire devices have a strongly enhanced sensitivity to modulated light, compared to nanowire without shells, mainly due to surface passivation effects.
Circadian rhythm of responsiveness in crayfish visual units.

Metal microelectrodes were implanted in the optic nerve of the crayfish, Procambarus clarki, and the activity of the sustaining fibers (units which react tonically to changes in illumination) was continuously recorded over periods up to 8 weeks. In animals kept in darkness, the response to periodic test light pulses was found to vary in a circadian manner. The duration of the cycles varied between 22 24 hr, with a phase of high responsiveness during the subjective night, which abruptly changed to one of low responsiveness at subjective dawn. The phase, amplitude, and shape of the cycles were modifiable by light pulses. The spontaneous activity of these units in darkness showed a similar fluctuation, and so did the electroretinogram amplitude, the spontaneous motor activity of the animal, as indicated by records from mechanoreceptive and activity fibers (units which are activated, directly or indirectly by body movements), and the motor responsiveness to light. The time course of these cycles suggests that they are driven by a common “clock,” through humoral mechanisms.
Cheiro‐oral syndrome because of cerebral abscess

Cheiro-oral syndrome usually results from acute small vessel disease with expected favorable outcome. Simultaneous ipsilateral perioral and hand involvement may be not only due to anatomic proximity but also due to differential sensory threshold. A separate compensatory physiologic mechanism may explain the rarity of slower evolving lesions in producing the cheiro-oral syndrome. Cerebral abscess, surgically treatable with subacute presentation, may produce an identical clinical syndrome.
Emergency use of a customized tracheostomy tube for pediatric patients

This article describes how to make a customized tracheostomy tube in an emergency setting for a pediatric patient. This is particularly critical when a commercial customized tracheostomy tube cannot be readily obtained.
A Liver Biopsy Technique for Electrophoretic Evaluation of Largemouth Bass

Abstract Sixty-four brood size largemouth bass were live biopsied by incision below the pectoral fin and excision of liver tissue to be used in electrophoretic evaluation of individual genetic status. Fifty-four of these fish subsequently were stocked into six brood ponds for production of known intrasubspecific and intersubspecific genetic crosses. Spawning occurred in each pond, indicating minimal effect of biopsy on spawning behavior and physiology. Survival was 81% at the termination of the experiment. All incisions were completely healed and a subsample of biopsied fish revealed no gross or histologic tissue abnormalities.
Isomerized fat and serum cholesterol in swine.

SummaryAdult sows were fed a purified diet and in alternate 3-week periods were fed the diet either with a low fat or a high fat (40% of calories) content. In the high fat periods hydrogenated fats were compared with natural plant fat mixtures designed to have the same fatty acid composition. The difference in the fats studied was in their content of isomerized fatty acids. Also triolein was compared with trielaidin. The hydrogenated fats gave the same serum cholesterol response as their corresponding natural plant fat mixtures. Trielaidin gave a lower (P<0.05) serum cholesterol response than triolein.
The effect of microalloying additions on the tensile properties of polycrystalline NiAl

The presently evaluated 0.1 at. pct Fe and Ga additions to NiAl, while beneficial in the case of monocrystalline NiAl ductility, does not improve ductility in the polycrystalline case; it also has little effect on tensile properties. A similar microalloying addition of Zr, by contrast, significantly depressed the tensile ductility of NiAl, and nearly doubled the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT). The dependence of tensile properties on temperature was in all cases similar; tensile elongations remained low and constant until the BDTT was reached, and then dramatically increased.
Objective tinnitus in benign intracranial hypertension: an update.

Benign intracranial hypertension should be suspected in all patients with pulsatile-objective tinnitus, especially when the patient is a young, obese female with headaches and/or visual disturbances
SPECTRA OF SOLAR IMPULSIVE ELECTRON EVENTS OBSERVED NEAR EARTH

A statistical survey of the spectral shapes of 62 solar impulsive electron events detected in the ~ 1 to 300 keV range near Earth by the three-dimensional Plasma and Energetic Particles experiment on the WIND spacecraft is presented. The electron peak flux spectra generally show a broken power-law dependence with a steepening above ~ 60 keV. The break in the spectrum is pronounced with averaged power-law indices below and above the break of δlow = 1.9 ± 0.3 and δhigh = 3.6 ± 0.7, respectively, and an averaged ratio δlow/δhigh of 0.54 with a standard deviation of 0.09. Two correlations are found: (1) δlow and δhigh are linearly correlated (correlation coefficient of 0.61), (2) The peak fluxes around the break energy and δlow are anticorrelated (coefficient 0.74), with larger events having flatter spectra below the break. Whether the observed spectral breaks are direct signatures of the solar acceleration processes or whether they are due to transport effects from the Sun to Earth is currently not understood.
Rhinosinusitis and comorbidities.

A variety of systemic conditions impact the incidence, severity, prognosis, and treatment approach in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The controversy surrounding the impact of allergic rhinitis on CRS continues, but it is reasonable to consider and treat allergic sources of inflammation in any patient with CRS. CRS is more severe in patients with aspirin sensitivity but improves—at least temporarily—to the same degree as in non-aspirin-sensitive patients, given appropriate therapy. Polypoid rhinosinusitis in cystic fibrosis patients is characterized by compromised mucociliary clearance and infection with staphylococcal and pseudomonal organisms. Affected individuals require frequent antibiotic treatment, saline lavage, and repeated surgeries. Rhinosinusitis is among the most common infectious complications of humoral immunodeficiency, which is not uncommon in patients with refractory CRS. The treatment approach in immunodeficiency includes aggressive antibiotic treatment and intravenous immunoglobulin. Specific diagnosis of comorbid systemic conditions with CRS will facilitate appropriate management.
The association between distribution and octopodid morphology: implications for classification

Abstract The Octopodidae occur in virtually all benthic marine habitats; however, species in the family show little overt morphological differentiation. Subfamilies are currently defined by the presence or absence of an ink sac and the number of sucker rows (the presence of an ink sac and a single row of suckers are primitive characters) (Voss, 1988b); subfamily depth ranges are cited in the diagnoses. Examination of external octopodid morphology through principal components analysis reveals that octopodid morphology correlates with geographic distribution. Low-latitude, shallow-water octopuses typically have narrower bodies and larger suckers on longer arms than do deep sea and high-latitude species. Sucker size inversely correlates with depth distribution, as studies of sucker functional morphology predict (Kier & Smith, 1990). The same characters contribute in a very similar manner to the discrimination of species when grouped by subfamily and when grouped by mean depth distribution. That depth distributions, which correlate with morphology and with the loss of the ink sac, contribute to the definition of these subfamilies, suggests that the subfamilies constitute phenetically similar rather than monophyletic groups. Cladistic analysis is required to reassess octopodid phylogeny.
Absence of renotropic effects on the administration of pure adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

A RENOTROPIC action of purified adrenocorticotropic hormone in rats has been reported by Reiss (1944). The preparation used by him contained 24 to 48 cortic-lipoid units per mg. A 35% increase in kidney weight (expressed in relation to body weight) was observed 24 hours after the injection of 8 mg. When a total dose of 12 mg. was given in 3 injections, with autopsy after 48 hours, the kidney weight increase was even greater, 48%. The rats used weighed 44 gm. The gross and microscopic changes noted by Reiss pointed to injurious effects on the kidneys. These changes were detected within 4 hours, and were maximal within 12 hours after the beginning of injections. In all the work with ACTH carried out in this laboratory, no increase in kidney weights has been noted.
Dehydration of Onion Cells: A Comparison of Freezing vs. Desiccation and Living vs. Dead Cells

Measurements were made of the amount of liquid water present in the epidermal cells of onion at various degrees of dehydration caused by slow extracellular freezing and by desiccation. This was achieved by using a pulsed NMR spectrometer during freezing stress and by weighing the epidermal pieces during desiccation. Measurements were made on the extent of cell survival by direct microscopic observation (plasmolysis and protoplasmic streaming). Onion epidermal cells (Allium cepa L. cv. Downing Yellow Globe) were found to survive freezing temperatures as low as –20°C and an equivalent desiccation stress. This equivalence opposes the reports by others on Hordeum vulgare and on Solanum sp. of greater injury by freezing than by an equivalent dehydration due to desiccation. The discrepancy -has been explained in terms of the limitations of the conductivity method used by those authors to evaluate the injury. The freezing and desiccation curves correspond to the equation: Lt=L0Δtm/t+Lu where Lt and L0 are the amounts of liquid water at temperature t and O°C respectively. Δtm is the freezing point depression of the cell sap and Lu is the amount of liquid water which does not freeze. These results demonstrate that the dehydration of onion cells during both freezing and desiccation duplicates the dehydration of ordinary aqueous solutions. This was equally true for living and dead cells, and suggests that the negative turgor invoked by others is not significantly involved in the dehydration of living Allium cepa epidermis cells. An explanation is proposed for these contradictory results.
Cesium fluoride-assisted reactions of syn and anti n-fluoro-1-cyano-1-fluoromethanimine with chlorine and bromine [1]

Abstract The CsF-assisted reactions of syn and anti -NCCFNF with Cl 2 and Br 2 and the uncatalyzed addition of ClF are described. Chlorine reacts only with the imine function, whereas Br 2 reacts with both carbon-nitrogen multiple bonds. The more reactive syn isomer is isomerized to the anti - isomer under the reaction conditions. Six new compounds are reported and their structures assigned by 19 F NMR and infrared spectroscopy: Cl 2 NCF 2 CF 2 NClF I , NCCF 2 NClF II , NCCF 2 NFBr III, syn - BrNCFCFNF IV, syn -Br-NCFCF 2 NBrF V , and syn -BrNCFCF 2 NClF VI .
Metastasizing Hepatoma in a Hog (Sus Scrofa)

The literature on the occurrence of hepatoma in animals was reviewed in another communication (1) in which were described two cases of primary carcinoma of the liver of cattle. From information obtained from published reports it is evident that primary carcinoma of the liver is not one of the common tumors of the lower animals. It has been observed in the following species: dogs, horses, cattle, cats, hogs, woodchucks, and chickens. The most comprehensive description of the disease appears to have been contributed by Trotter, who observed 119 cases among 39,704 cattle that were examined at necropsy during one year at a Glasgow, Scotland, abattoir (2). That the disease is of infrequent occurrence in swine is evident from the figures accompanying Sticker's report (3). Among 1,206 primary carcinomas of domesticated animals only 35 had their origin in the liver and but one of these occurred in a hog. My collection of neoplasms of swine consists at the present of 110 specimens and only 2 of these are tumors which arose from the parenchymal cells of the liver. One of the tumors, which was obtained several years ago, was situated rather deeply in the left central lobe. The tumor nodule was approximately 4 cm. in diameter and was icteric. Metastasis had not occurred and microscopically there was no convincing evidence of an aggressive malignant type of growth. This tumor was therefore considered a benign hepatoma. The other liver-cell tumor which was obtained from a hog was of particular interest because of the multiplicity of the hepatic lesions and the occurrence of pulmonary metastasis.
AO-OCT with reference arm phase shifting for complex conjugate artifact-free imaging of in vivo retinal structures

We summarize the performance of an AO-OCT system with reference arm phase shifting for complex conjugate artifactfree imaging of in vivo retinal structures. As a complex conjugate artifact removal (CCR) method we used a previously reported technique requiring constant phase shifts between consecutive A-scans. In our system these shifts were generated by continuous beam path-length changes from offsetting the pivot point of the scanning mirror placed in the system reference arm. In order to reconstruct the complex spectral fringe pattern we used Fourier transformation along the transverse axis and a filtering algorithm. The suppression ratio of mirror complex artifact images was assessed based on acquired in vivo CCR AO-OCT images. Finally, potential problems and limitations connected with this acquisition scheme and data processing algorithms are discussed.
L-Carnitine prevents mitochondrial damage induced by octanoic acid in the rat choroid plexus.

Abstract Cytochrome oxidase activity was investigated histochemically in the choroid plexus epithelium. Intense staining for the enzyme was exclusively limited to the mitochondria. Rats treated with octanoic acid displayed extensive ultrastructural disruptions in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus. Mitochondria were fewer in number and more disrupted compared to the control. The enzyme activity was greatly reduced. However, pretreatment with an equimolar dose of l -carnitine followed by octanoic acid injection produced little alteration of either ultrastructure or enzyme staining. This study suggests that l -carnitine supplementation may restore mitochondrial function of the choroid plexus subjected to toxic organic anions in metabolic disorders, and may be useful in the prevention of metabolic encephalopathy.
CORDIC-based VLSI architectures for digital signal processing

The evolution of CORDIC, an iterative arithmetic computing algorithm capable of evaluating various elementary functions using a unified shift-and-add approach, and of CORDIC processors is reviewed. A method to utilize a CORDIC processor array to implement digital signal processing algorithms is presented. The approach is to reformulate existing DSP algorithms so that they are suitable for implementation with an array performing circular or hyperbolic rotation operations. Three categories of algorithm are surveyed: linear transformations, digital filters, and matrix-based DSP algorithms. >
Structural equation modeling of pesticide poisoning, depression, safety, and injury.

ABSTRACT The role of pesticide poisoning in risk of injuries may operate through a link between pesticide-induced depressive symptoms and reduced engagement in safety behaviors. The authors conducted structural equation modeling of cross-sectional data to examine the pattern of associations between pesticide poisoning, depressive symptoms, safety knowledge, safety behaviors, and injury. Interviews of 1637 Colorado farm operators and their spouses from 964 farms were conducted during 1993–1997. Pesticide poisoning was assessed based on a history of ever having been poisoned. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. Safety knowledge and safety behaviors were assessed using ten items for each latent variable. Outcomes were safety behaviors and injuries. A total of 154 injuries occurred among 1604 individuals with complete data. Pesticide poisoning, financial problems, health, and age predicted negative affect/somatic depressive symptoms with similar effect...
Identification, Long-Run Relations, and Fundamental Innovations in a Simple Cointegrated System

This paper examines the roles played by innovations identified from a simple four-variable VAR characterized by cointegration. Using knowledge of cointegration rank and “textbook” relations that link macroeconomic aggregates, we identify distinct “real” and “nominal” innovations that dictate the long-run behavior of the model. We also examine the explanatory power of transitory innovations that are orthogonal to these permanent shocks. One of the permanent shocks displays all the characteristics of a technology or “supply” innovation, while one of the transitory innovations—identified by imposing short-run price rigid-ity—is interpretable as a “demand” side impulse. The permanent nominal shock bears the imprint of an innovation in aggregate inflation expectations. Historical decomposition and comparison with variables that are external to the model reveals the relative importance of the shocks at various episodes.
Attoscience: Conducting the beat

The ability to generate intense attosecond pulses of light promises unprecedented opportunities to study the lightest and fastest of all chemically relevant particles — electrons. Two techniques demonstrate progress towards measuring and controlling their attosecond dynamics.
A Convenient System for Esterification of Fatty Acids

A compact apparatus for the methanolysis of lipids and esterification of fatty acids is described. The apparatus is designed to permit the complete preparation of small quantities of fatty esters, without sample transfer, for study by thin-layer or gas-liquid chromatography.