cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Average atom and detailed configuration accounting calculations of bremsstrahlung in aluminum plasmas

Abstract We have calculated sample bremsstrahlung spectra emitted from continuum electrons of specific kinetic energy in hot, dense aluminum plasmas, using three different theoretical approaches for modeling the scattering from ions in these environments. The models include the effects of neighboring ions solely through the potential seen by an electron in the vicinity of a given ion. We consider a Thomas-Fermi average atom approach (TFAA), a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium average atom approach (NLTEAA), and a detailed configuration accounting approach (DCA). The calculations were done for a plasma temperature of 500 eV and for plasma densities of 10 20 and 10 23 ions/cm 3 . Results for isolated neutral atoms and nearly stripped isolated ions are presented for comparison. The isolated ions considered were ground-state ions with the same total bound electronic charge as in the plasma approaches. The calculations were performed for incident electron kinetic energies of 100 and 500 eV and 1 and 10 keV. In the low-density case, the TFAA approach gives somewhat different results from the DCA and NLTEAA approaches, reflecting corresponding differences in the potentials. In this case, comparisons of bremsstrahlung cross sections for nearly stripped isolated ions with corresponding plasma results showed better agreement than comparisons between the plasma approaches. In the high-density case, the two average-atom approaches show good agreement with each other and with the DCA approach, reflecting greater similarity among the potentials. However, in the high-density case, the bremsstrahlung process is not as well represented by an isolated ion as at low density. The neutral atom spectrum is quite different from the plasma spectra and from the ionic spectra in all cases.
The NH2 Terminus of RCK1 Domain Regulates Ca2+-dependent BKCa Channel Gating

Large conductance, voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels regulate blood vessel tone, synaptic transmission, and hearing owing to dual activation by membrane depolarization and intracellular Ca2+. Similar to an archeon Ca2+-activated K+ channel, MthK, each of four α subunits of BKCa may contain two cytosolic RCK domains and eight of which may form a gating ring. The structure of the MthK channel suggests that the RCK domains reorient with one another upon Ca2+ binding to change the gating ring conformation and open the activation gate. Here we report that the conformational changes of the NH2 terminus of RCK1 (AC region) modulate BKCa gating. Such modulation depends on Ca2+ occupancy and activation states, but is not directly related to the Ca2+ binding sites. These results demonstrate that AC region is important in the allosteric coupling between Ca2+ binding and channel opening. Thus, the conformational changes of the AC region within each RCK domain is likely to be an important step in addition to the reorientation of RCK domains leading to the opening of the BKCa activation gate. Our observations are consistent with a mechanism for Ca2+-dependent activation of BKCa channels such that the AC region inhibits channel activation when the channel is at the closed state in the absence of Ca2+; Ca2+ binding and depolarization relieve this inhibition.
Characterization of the Arginine Deiminase Operon of Streptococcus rattus FA-1

The arginine deiminase system (ADS) is of critical importance in oral biofilm pH homeostasis and microbial ecology. The ADS consists of three enzymes. Arginine is hydrolyzed by AD (ArcA) to generate citrulline and ammonia. Citrulline is then converted to ornithine and carbamoylphosphate via ornithine carbamoyltransferase (ArcB). Finally, carbamate kinase (ArcC) transfers a phosphate from carbamoylphosphate to ADP, yielding ATP. Ammonia production from this pathway protects bacteria from lethal acidification, and ATP production provides a source of energy for the cells. The purpose of this study was to initiate a characterization of the arc operon of Streptococcus rattus, the least cariogenic and sole ADS-positive member of the mutans streptococci. Using an arcB gene fragment obtained by degenerate PCRs, the FA-1 arc operon was identified in subgenomic DNA libraries and sequence analysis was performed. Results showed that the genes encoding the AD pathway in S. rattus FA-1 are organized as an arcABCDT-adiR operon gene cluster, including the enzymes of the pathway, an arginine-ornithine antiporter (ArcD) and a putative regulatory protein (AdiR). The arcA transcriptional start site was identified by primer extension, and a sigma(70)-like promoter was mapped 5' to arcA. Reverse transcriptase PCR was used to establish that arcABCDT could be cotranscribed. Reporter gene fusions and AD assays demonstrated that the operon is regulated by substrate induction and catabolite repression, the latter apparently through a CcpA-dependent pathway.
Invisible in Aging Research Arab Americans, Middle Eastern Immigrants, and Muslims in the United States

Recent worldwide events have focused greater attention on the Middle East. Little is known about the diverse populations of older persons living in the United States who have Middle Eastern origins and/or practice Islam. Stereotypes and backlash can negatively influence the quality of life for mid- and later-life individuals and their families. Gerontologists can improve conditions by incorporating new knowledge of these groups into research, policy, and practice to dispel stereotypes and provide appropriate services. This article focuses on the demographic characteristics and diversity among mid- and later-life Arab Americans, Muslims, and Middle Eastern immigrants and their descendants. Further research is needed to shed light on the family support, social patterns, housing environments, health care needs, service utilization, and quality of life among immigrants and their descendants across the life course.
Effects of Repeated Reading and Listening-While-Reading on Reading Fluency

AbstractThe development of reading fluency is an important goal of reading instruction. Two approaches that are effective in fostering fluency are the methods of repeated reading and reading-while-listening. In this study, the effectiveness of the two approaches in promoting fluency for third-grade students was compared. Subjects practiced reading one passage independently and another passage while listening to a fluent oral rendition. Each treatment consisted of a pretest, two practice sessions, and a posttest. Both approaches resulted in significant gains in reading speed and word recognition accuracy. However, no significant differences between methods were detected. Implications for classroom reading instruction are discussed.
In situ to invasive carcinoma transition: escape or release

To identify molecular alterations involved in the initiation and progression of breast carcinomas in all cell types composing the breast, we generated Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) libraries from purified epithelial, myoepithelial, endothelial cells, infiltrating leukocytes, and fibroblasts from normal breast tissue, and in situ and invasive breast carcinomas. Based on these SAGE data and follow-up studies using mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we determined that dramatic gene expression changes occur not only in the epithelial (cancer) cells, but in various stromal cells as well. We found that the most consistent and dramatic gene expression changes during breast tumor progression occur in myoepithelial and myofibroblasts cells and the majority of aberrantly expressed genes encode secreted proteins or cell surface receptors. Interestingly the receptors for several chemokines upregulated in myoepithelial cells and/or myofibroblasts are expressed by epithelial cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that these stromal chemokines enhance the growth, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro. Based on these data we propose that abnormal paracrine interactions between epithelial and myoepithelial/myofibroblasts cells, mediated in part by chemokines, may play a role in breast tumorigenesis and the progression of in situ carcinomas to invasive tumors.
Further studies on diazoxide suppression of insulin release from abnormal and normal islet tissue in man.

In previous reports,'j2 we described studies of the effects of diazoxide, given in combination with trichlormethiazide, on plasma insulin and blood glucose levels in healthy subjects and in patients with functioning islet cell tumors of the pancreas. From these studies, we have concluded: ( a ) that decreased insulin secretion, as well as a failure of appropriate increases in insulin secretion, are involved in the mechanisms by which diazoxide and trichlormethiazide induce hyperglycemia; (b) that these compounds inhibit insulin release induced by the administration of glucose and leucine; and (c) that these benzothiadiazines also increase blood glucose by mechanisms that do not involve alterations in plasma insulin. Graber and coworker^,^,^ Seltzer and Allen5 and Marks and coworkerss have also reported that diazoxide decreases plasma levels of insulin in patients with beta-cell tumors of the p a n ~ r e a s , ~ , ~ , ~ in healthy subjects4j5 and in diabetic pat i e n t ~ . ~ , ~ Frerichs and associate^,^ and Howell and TaylorE have shown by in vifro experiments that diazoxide causes an inhibition of insulin secretion induced by glucose. The studies described in this paper had the following objectives: 1. To extend observations of diazoxide's effect on plasma insulin and blood glucose in patients with pancreatic islet cell tumors. 2. To investigate in these patients the relation between any changes in plasma and urinary levels of catecholamines and changes in levels of plasma insulin during administration of diazoxide. 3. To ascertain the effect of diazoxide on insulin secretion induced by glucagon, tolbutamide and arginine in addition to that induced by glucose and leucine. The results of these studies indicate that: (a ) diazoxide is a potent, rapid, and consistent inhibitor of pancreatic insulin release, (b) diazoxide increases blood glucose by decreasing insulin secretion as well as by activating extrapancreatic mechanisms, (c) these effects of diazoxide on plasma insulin and blood glucose may be observed without concomitant increases in plasma or urinary levels of catecholamines, ( d ) diazoxide is an effective agent for the alleviation of hypoglycemia due to functioning pancreatic islet cell tumors, and (e) diazoxide is a useful agent for studying possible differences in mechanism by which nutrients, hormones and pharmacologic agents induce the release of insulin.
Corrosion Fatigue of Structural Steels in Seawater and for Offshore Applications

The design of fixed platform structures for deeper water and more hostile environments places increased emphasis on the consideration of long-life (> 10 6 cycles) corrosion-fatigue behavior of low- and medium-strength structural steels in seawater. An interpretive review of available information on this technical area has been conducted, with separate consideration given to both fatigue-crack initiation and propagation. Emphasis is placed upon weldments because welded tubular joints are the areas of main concern in the fatigue evaluation of conventional offshore platform-type structures. Effects of strain range or range of stress intensity, stress ratio, cycling frequency, and type of loading spectrum are addressed. Also, environmental effects of oxygen level, temperature, pH, cathodic polarization, and high hydrostatic pressure are covered. The merits of cathodic protection in mitigating corrosion-fatigue damage are discussed in detail. Finally, results of this review are used to develop recommendations of the variables to be included in future experimental studies of long-life corrosion-fatigue resistance of such steels in seawater.
Isolated Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolus Diagnosed by Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography

A 45-year-old man presented with increasing pain and swelling in his left calf after a long-distance flight. Ultrasound of the lower extremities revealed deep venous thrombosis in the left popliteal, posterior tibial, and peroneal veins. A regimen of low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin was initiated. During a blood draw, the patient had a syncopal episode. The patient’s vital signs were …
Promotion of CO oxidation on PdO(101) by adsorbed H2O

Abstract We investigated the influence of adsorbed H 2 O on the oxidation of CO on PdO(101) using temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS), reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We find that water inhibits CO adsorption on PdO(101) by site blocking, but also provides a more facile pathway for CO oxidation compared with the bare oxide surface. In the presence of adsorbed H 2 O, the oxidation of CO on PdO(101) produces a CO 2 TPRS peak that is centered at a temperature ~ 50 K lower than the main CO 2 TPRS peak arising from CO oxidation on clean PdO(101) (~ 330 vs. 380 K). RAIRS shows that CO continues to adsorb on atop-Pd sites of PdO(101) when H 2 O is co-adsorbed, and provides no evidence of other reactive intermediates. DFT calculations predict that the CO oxidation mechanism follows the same steps for CO adsorbed on PdO(101) with and without co-adsorbed H 2 O, wherein an atop-CO species recombines with an oxygen atom from the oxide surface lattice. According to DFT, hydrogen bonding interactions with adsorbed H 2 O species stabilize the carboxyl-like transition structure and intermediate that result from the initial recombination of CO and O on the PdO(101) surface. This stabilization lowers the energy barrier for CO oxidation on PdO(101) by ~ 10 kJ/mol, in good agreement with our experimental estimate.
Cytoskeletal components of the adherens junctions between the photoreceptors and the supportive Müller cells.

The outer limiting "membrane" (OLM) of the vertebrate retina comprises a series of heterotypic adherens junctions between the photoreceptors and the supportive Muller cells. These junctions appear to support the photoreceptors, which in teleosts, anurans, and birds are motile, and thus help them maintain their orientation with respect to incoming light. In an unusual role for this type of junction, they also provide a semipermeable barrier, preventing the diffusion of some proteins out of the extracellular space that surrounds the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we examined the association of actin, myosin, alpha-actinin, and vinculin with the OLM junctions of the adult chicken retina. Vinculin was detected close to the plasma membrane in the cytoplasmic plaques of the junctions, as it was in the adherens junctions of the retinal epithelium. Labelling of actin, myosin, and alpha-actinin was spread more throughout the plaques and was distributed unevenly about the junctions; labelling was much more extensive in the Muller cells than in the photoreceptors. Thus, the junctions of the OLM show similarity to the other adherens junctions in that their cytoplasmic plaques contain actin, myosin, alpha-actinin, and vinculin. But the large aggregation of actin, myosin, and alpha-actinin in the Muller cells, and their resulting asymmetrical distribution about the junctions, is unusual, and possibly an adaptation for the special function of the OLM junctions, in providing both structural support for the motile photoreceptors and a semipermeable barrier.
Number needed to screen to detect adenomas, advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer is higher in women than in similarly aged men

Commentary on: M Ferlitsch, K Reinhart, S Pramhas, et al.. Sex-specific prevalence of adenomas, advanced adenomas, and colorectal cancer in individuals undergoing screening colonoscopy.JAMA2011;306:1352–8.
Texture Moment for Content-Based Image Retrieval

In this paper, a novel low-level feature, named texture moment, is designed to characterize the texture properties of grayscale images for content-based image retrieval. At first, seven attributes are defined for each pixel by applying seven orthogonal templates on its eight neighborhoods. The templates are derived from local Fourier transform. Then, the mean and variation of those seven attributes are calculated for all interior pixels respectively to form a 14-D feature vector. As this feature is highly complementary to other color features, properly combining it with color features together may produce good image retrieval results. Therefore, two feature combinations are also provided. Experiments on 5,000 general-purpose images demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed texture moment feature and two feature combinations.
Distributed phased array antenna panels for the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C

The distributed phased array design allows the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) to be electronically steered +or-23 degrees , which, when combined with the fixed mechanical tilt angle, gives SIR-C an illumination tilt angle range of 17-63 degrees off nadir. The SIR-C antenna panels and feed assembly, the antenna transmit/receive circuits, and the panel electronics are discussed. >
Transduction-Like Gene Transfer in the Methanogen Methanococcus voltae

Strain PS of Methanococcus voltae (a methanogenic, anaerobic archaebacterium) was shown to generate spontaneously 4.4-kbp chromosomal DNA fragments that are fully protected from DNase and that, upon contact with a cell, transform it genetically. This activity, here called VTA (voltae transfer agent), affects all markers tested: three different auxotrophies (histidine, purine, and cobalamin) and resistance to BES (2-bromoethanesulfonate, an inhibitor of methanogenesis). VTA was most effectively prepared by culture filtration. This process disrupted a fraction of the M. voltae cells (which have only an S-layer covering their cytoplasmic membrane). VTA was rapidly inactivated upon storage. VTA particles were present in cultures at concentrations of approximately two per cell. Gene transfer activity varied from a minimum of 2 x 10(-5) (BES resistance) to a maximum of 10(-3) (histidine independence) per donor cell. Very little VTA was found free in culture supernatants. The phenomenon is functionally similar to generalized transduction, but there is no evidence, for the time being, of intrinsically viral (i.e., containing a complete viral genome) particles. Consideration of VTA DNA size makes the existence of such viral particles unlikely. If they exist, they must be relatively few in number;perhaps they differ from VTA particles in size and other properties and thus escaped detection. Digestion of VTA DNA with the AluI restriction enzyme suggests that it is a random sample of the bacterial DNA, except for a 0.9-kbp sequence which is amplified relative to the rest of the bacterial chromosome. A VTA-sized DNA fraction was demonstrated in a few other isolates of M. voltae.
Initiation of V(D)J recombination in vivo: role of recombination signal sequences in formation of single and paired double‐strand breaks

In V(D)J recombination, double-strand breaks (DSBs) are introduced at recombination signal sequences (RSSs) which consist of three distinct elements: a heptamer, a 12 or 23 nucleotide spacer and a nonamer. Efficient DSB formation requires a 12/23 RSS pair and occurs at both RSS in a temporally coupled fashion (coupled cleavage). It remains unknown which RSS elements are important for coupled cleavage. Furthermore, it has not been established whether some RSS components are critical only for cleavage in cis, with others mainly promoting cleavage in trans at the partner RSS. We investigated these questions by analyzing the effects of RSS mutations on the formation of DSBs in vivo. The abundance of DSBs in cis (at the mutant RSS) and in trans (at the consensus RSS) was determined using an established ligation-mediated PCR assay. We also developed a Southern blotting approach that allows the first direct measurement of dual and single RSS cleavage in vivo. Our results demonstrate that the heptamer, spacer and nonamer elements are all required for coupled cleavage in vivo. These studies also provide evidence for cleavage events involving a single RSS both in mutant substrates and in substrates containing a consensus 12/23 RSS pair.
A theory-based pragmatism for discovering and classifying newly divergent bacterial species

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses bacterial species. There is always a question whether bacteria exists. Bacterial systematists have argued about whether the species they recognize are defined properly, and whether they are using the best criteria for demarcating species. The classification scheme of bacterial systematics focuses on finding species that are significantly different from one another in DNA sequence identity, genome content, and physiology, but places almost no emphasis on ensuring that each individual species is homogeneous in any characteristic. Bacterial species form and diversity within species is constrained. Ecotypes are founded when a single individual acquires a mutation (or a recombination event) that changes its ecology, through utilizing a new set of resources, thriving under a new set of environmental conditions, or adopting some other change in lifestyle. One ecotype may contain multiple sequence clusters and each sequence cluster deemed to be an ecotype must be confirmed to be ecologically distinct. When one does not know ahead of time which organisms within a suspected ecotype are likely to be different, attempts to identify ecological differences can be expensive and time-consuming. A protocol for selecting ecotypes has been set which is pragmatic because it identifies the likely ecotypes through universally available and applicable techniques of genomics and DNA sequencing, as well as computer algorithms to recognize the ecotypes from sequence diversity patterns. Microbiologists outside of systematists would benefit from systematics that would recognize the most recent products of bacterial speciation.
Lens-enhanced phased array antenna system for high directivity beam-steering

This paper investigates a hybrid steerable antenna topology composed of a small phased array and a significantly larger planar lens-array. The phased array antenna creates an electronically steerable beam, and the lens-array further confines the beam to enhance its directivity. The feasibility of this approach is examined via a 60 GHz design example based on a 4 × 4 phased array and a 24 × 24 lens-array. It is observed that adding the lens-array improves the directivity by 2.5–6 dB for beams within 45° of the boresight direction. Since the lens consumes no power and it may be manufactured inexpensively, this improvement comes at very little cost. The overall depth of the system in this example is 1 cm, which is quite small compared to typical lens-based systems. These characteristics make the proposed topology suitable for applications in laptop computers, tablets PC's, PDAs, flat screen TVs and similar products.
High-speed, ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography of acute macular neuroretinopathy.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare, macular disorder of unknown aetiology. Patients with AMN are typically young women who present with paracentral scotomata in one or both eyes corresponding to red wedge-shaped parafoveal lesions. The retinal location of the lesion in patients with AMN is not clear. High-speed, ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (hsUHR-OCT) is an investigational research prototype instrument capable of producing cross-sectional images of the retina; it supports an axial resolution of about 3.5 μm compared with about 10 μm in Stratus OCT (Dublin, California, USA)1 which enables enhanced imaging of intraretinal morphology including photoreceptor inner segments, outer segments and the external limiting membrane.2 We report a patient with AMN who underwent imaging with hsUHR-OCT suggesting …
The effect of task complexity and conflict handling styles on computer-supported negotiations

Prior research has indicated that groups using Negotiation Support Systems (NSS) achieve better outcomes than face-to-face groups. However, these studies indicate that the main source of value added is provided by the Decision Support System (DSS) component, with very little additional value provided by the electronic communication component. This study examines the value added by the electronic communication component, taking into consideration task complexity and conflict handling style of the participants. Both these are likely to impact the extent to which computer-support enhances negotiation outcomes.
A novel 2-D programmable photonic time-delay device for millimeter-wave signal processing applications

We describe a novel programmable photonic true time-delay device that has the properties of low loss, inherent two dimensionality with a packing density exceeding 25 lines/cm/sup 2/, virtually infinite bandwidth, and is easy to manufacture. The delay resolution of the device is on the order of femtoseconds (microns in space) and the total delay exceeds one nanosecond (30 cm in space). >
Dynamics of animal movement in an ecological context: dragonfly wing damage reduces flight performance and predation success

Much of our understanding of the control and dynamics of animal movement derives from controlled laboratory experiments. While many aspects of animal movement can be probed only in these settings, a more complete understanding of animal locomotion may be gained by linking experiments on relatively simple motions in the laboratory to studies of more complex behaviours in natural settings. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, we examined the effects of wing damage on dragonfly flight performance in both a laboratory drop–escape response and the more natural context of aerial predation. The laboratory experiment shows that hindwing area loss reduces vertical acceleration and average flight velocity, and the predation experiment demonstrates that this type of wing damage results in a significant decline in capture success. Taken together, these results suggest that wing damage may take a serious toll on wild dragonflies, potentially reducing both reproductive success and survival.
New BP Cage Species

Continuing Studies of Cage Compounds Containing Boron and Phosphorus Atoms have Led to the Discovery of New Five-Atom Cages Containing not Only B and P Atoms, but also Group 14 Elements Si, Ge and Sn, as well as Transition Metal Atoms Ni, Pd and Pt. The Syntheses of These Interesting Compounds are Summarized.
Domestic Violence at the Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender: Challenges and Contributions to Understanding Violence Against Marginalized Women in Diverse Communities

This article provides a comprehensive review of the emerging domestic violence literature using a race, class, gender, sexual orientation intersectional analysis and structural framework fostered by women of color and their allies to understand the experiences and contexts of domestic violence for marginalized women in U.S. society. The first half of the article lays out a series of challenges that an intersectional analysis grounded in a structural framework provides for understanding the role of culture in domestic violence. The second half of the article points to major contributions of such an approach to feminist methods and practices in working with battered women on the margins of society.
Potentiation of the cGMP‐induced Guinea pig acrosome reaction by zinc

The addition of 8 bromo cGMP (10 mM) immediately (approximately 2 min) upon suspension of Guinea pig sperm in glucose-free BWW medium induces a significant number of acrosome reactions within minutes. The simultaneous addition of micromolar concentrations of ZnCl2 (25-1000 microM) potentiates the cGMP effects. Mid-micromolar concentrations were able to dramatically increase the percentage of acrosome reactions by a factor of 6.5 over 8 bromo cGMP alone. The induction of acrosome reactions was dependent upon external Ca++, and it is suggested that in this species Zn++ functions by affecting cyclic nucleotide metabolism and/or Ca++ flux.
Location Estimation in Ad Hoc Networks with Directional Antennas

With the development of location aware sensor applications, location determination has become an increasingly important middleware technology. Numerous current technologies for location determination of sensor nodes use the received signal strength from sensor nodes using omnidirectional antennas. However, an increasing number of sensor systems are now deploying directional antennas due to their advantages like energy conservation and better bandwidth utilization. In this paper, we present techniques for location determination in a sensor network with directional antennas under different kinds of deployment of the nodes. We show how the location estimation problem can be solved by measuring the received signal strength from just one or two anchors in a 2D plane with directional antennas. We implement our technique using Berkeley MICA2 sensor motes and show that it is up to three times more accurate than triangulation using omnidirectional antennas. We also perform Matlab simulations that show the accuracy of location determination with increasing node density
ONLINE SPECIMEN CATALOG AVAILABLE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

The specimen catalogue of the Collection of Fossil Vertebrates in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Wyoming in Laramie is now available on the World Wide Web. The URL for the site is http://paleo.gg.uwyo.edu. The construction of …
Frequency-comb referenced spectroscopy of v4- and v5-excited hot bands in the 1.5 μm spectrum of C2H2

Abstract Doppler-free transition frequencies for v4- and v5-excited hot bands have been measured in the v1 + v3 band region of the spectrum of acetylene using saturation dip spectroscopy with an extended cavity diode laser referenced to a frequency comb. The frequency accuracy of the measured transitions, as judged from line shape model fits and comparison to known frequencies in the v1 + v3 band itself, is between 3 and 22 kHz. This is some three orders of magnitude improvement on the accuracy and precision of previous line position estimates that were derived from the analysis of high-resolution Fourier transform infrared absorption spectra. Comparison to transition frequencies computed from constants derived from published Fourier transform infrared spectra shows that some upper rotational energy levels suffer specific perturbations causing energy level shifts of up to several hundred MHz. These perturbations are due to energy levels of the same rotational quantum number derived from nearby vibrational levels that become degenerate at specific energies. Future identification of the perturbing levels will provide accurate relative energies of excited vibrational levels of acetylene in the 7100–7600 cm−1 energy region.
Resonances in the /sup 16/O+/sup 12/C fusion cross section between E/sub c. m. / = 12 and 20 MeV

A careful survey has been made of the $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ + $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ fusion cross section from ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=12 \mathrm{to} 20$ MeV in order to determine which resonances in $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ appear strongly in the total fusion cross section. Resonances which contribute 60-80 mb to the total fusion cross section are observed at ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=13.15, 14.7, 18.0, \mathrm{and} 18.5$ MeV. An additional six resonances which contribute 30-50 mb are observed. The resonances have widths in the range 150-300 keV. All appear to correspond to resonances which have been reported previously from studies of individual reaction channels.
Reactions against the megaloschizonts of Leucocytozoon simondi Mathis and Leger in ducks.

Numerous investigators, particularly Wickware (1915), O'Roke (1934), Huff (1942), Fallis et al (1951), Chernin (1952a, b, and c), and Cowan (1955), have contributed to our knowledge of various phases of the life cycle and pathological processes of Leucocytozoon simondi; but very little, if any, information pertaining to the nature of the host reactions has been published. The present report presents observations made during a study by Cowan (1954 and 1955) of the development of the very large schizonts found in the tissues during the early stages of parasitemia, which Huff (1942) designated as megaloschizonts.f These observations are confined to reactions against the parasite and do not deal with pathology caused by the infection.
Genetic Polymorphisms Influence Cognition in Patients Undergoing Carotid Interventions.

While carotid interventions help decrease the risk of stroke, nearly 40% of patients experience cognitive deterioration. Genetic polymorphism in apolipoprotein E ( ApoE ) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) have been implicated in cognitive impairment; however, it is unclear whether they may influence cognitive changes in patients undergoing carotid intervention. In this study, we seek to assess the role of genetic polymorphisms in carotid intervention-related cognitive change. Polymorphisms related to cognitive function were chosen for this preliminary analysis. Over 2 years, patients undergoing carotid interventions were prospectively recruited. Patients underwent neuropsychological testing 2 weeks prior to and at 1 month following their procedure. Saliva samples were collected for genetic analysis. Logistic regressions were used to identify associations between polymorphisms and cognitive measures. A total of 91 patients were included; all were male with an average age of 70 years. The majority of patients exhibited hypertension (95%) and a history of smoking (81%). Presence of ApoE 4 allele was associated with depression ( p = 0.047). After correcting for age and genetic polymorphisms in BDNF and serotonin transporter ( 5-HTT ), ApoE 4 allele was associated with depression ( p = 0.044) and showed a trend with baseline cognitive impairment ( p = 0.10). Age ≥ 70 years was associated with baseline cognitive impairment after adjusting for the three genetic polymorphisms ( p = 0.03). Patients with ApoE 4 and BDNF A polymorphisms performed less well on the visual and verbal memory measures, respectively. Polymorphisms in ApoE and BDNF may provide insight on cognition in patients undergoing carotid interventions; however, the mechanism of this relationship remains unclear.
Song Development by Black-Capped Chickadees (Parus Atricapillus) and Carolina Chickadees (P. Carolinensis)

AnSTRACT.--Do songs of songbirds, which learn to sing, provide reliable clues to genetic identity in zones of secondary contact? How do some songbird species maintain such highly stereotyped songs throughout extensive geographic ranges? These two questions were addressed with a study of song development by Carolina and Black-capped chickadees (Parus carolinensis and P. atricapillus). In one hand-reared, mixed group in the laboratory, male Carolina Chickadees produced better imitations of a tape-tutored Black-capped Chickadee fee-bee song than did two male Black-capped Chickadees. In another mixed group, a male Black-capped Chickadee produced a better imitation of tape-tutored Carolina Chickadee song elements than did the Carolina Chickadee males themselves. Black-capped Chickadees in an additional experiment were tutored with normal fee-bee songs and with fee-fee, bee-bee, and bee-fee songs; these males also produced highly abnormal songs, although songs of males within groups converged on one another, reinforcing ideas that social interactions are crucial for the song learning process. These data thus reveal that song in secondary contact zones of these chickadees is probably not a good indication of genotype. The feat of Black-capped Chickadee song stereotypy in nature, together with other features of their singing behavior (e.g. social and hormonal determinants of singing, subsong by both sexes but loud songs only from males), remain both puzzling and fascinating. Received 21 January 1992, accepted 14 November 1992. SONGS OF closely related bird species, especially in allopatry, are usually unmistakable to human listeners. Thus, throughout most of its geographic range, the Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus) utters a remarkably stereotyped fee-bee song (actually fee-bee-ee; see below), a two-noted whistle, with the first whistle slightly higher in frequency than the second (review in Hailman 1989). Likewise, the song of the congeneric Carolina Chickadee (P. carolinensis) is immediately recognizable. It typically consists of an even number of whistles, often four, with each odd-numbered whistle higher in frequency than the immediately following even-numbered whistle (Ward and Ward 1974). Songs of each male and songs from location to location seem more variable than do the songs of the Black-capped Chickadee, yet nowhere in allopatry would one confuse songs of the two species.
Genetic Improvement as Related to Size of Breeding Operations

Abstract AN IMPORTANT question frequently asked by commercial poultry breeders is: How many breeding pens do I need to do a good job of breeding? The answer to this question would seem all the more pertinent at this time since Lerner and Dempster (1951) showed that nothing is gained, in fact something is lost, from a multiple shift scheme of sire testing, as compared to testing more thoroughly a single group of males. Thus, breeders with only a few breeding pens cannot expect to compensate for this apparent deficiency by using more males on those pens they do have available. On the other hand, the belief is apparently common among larger breeders that they are able to exert an enormous selection pressure because they have a large scale breeding operation with many breeding pens. Actually, the same percentage replacements are needed in a large flock as in a small one. Adding . . .
Application of Tiny-oil Ignition Technology to 300 MW Power Units

An introduction is being presented to the working principle,structural features and control logic of tiny-oil ignited burner.Combined with its actual application to a 300 MW power unit in Huarun Electric Power Company,the operation experience and existing problems are respectively summarized and analyzed,while corresponding countermeasures proposed.Study results show that as an oil-saving technology,the application of tiny-oil ignition technology to large pulverized coal-fired boiler may help to realize stable combustion and oil-saving target.
Isolation and identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae from diseased giant pandas

The cotton swab with pathogenic bacteria were obtained through the nasal cavity of several diseased giant pandas fed in China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda,then used for the bacteria cultivation,observing colony morphology,biochemical test,the hemolytic test and the animal pathogenicity test.The results showed that the pathogenic bacteria was isolated and identified as Streptococcus pneumoniae,the isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae was highly sensitive to vancomycin,chloromycetin,penicillin,ampicillin,erythromycin,carbencillin,amoxicillin and etc.It was moderate sensitive to ciprofloxacin,kanamycin,tetracycline,showing a resistance against streptomycin and doxycycline.
Molecular Evidence of Viral-Like Biochemical Activities in Human Genitourinary Malignancies

AbstractWe have demonstrated previously that core structures of urine samples from patients with genitourinary malignancies contain ribonucleic acid-directed deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase and a high molecular weight ribonucleic acid. If these particles originated from the existing genitourinary malignancies then the malignancies should contain similar characteristics. We examined 13 prostatic carcinomas, 4 bladder carcinomas, 1 urethral carcinoma and 1 hypernephroma. Positive reactions were noted in 10 of the 13 prostatic carcinomas (77 per cent), all 4 bladder carcinomas, the 1 urethral carcinoma and the hypernephroma with the simultaneous detection assay. The control samples consisted of 7 tissues of benign prostatic hypertrophy, and tissue from 2 normal bladders and 1 normal kidney. None of these tissues showed a positive response. Tritium labeled deoxyribonucleic acid probes synthesized from the malignant tissues hybridized to the polysomal ribonucleic acids but not to the corresponding normal tiss...
Medical audit by clinical rounds.

The authors describe a system of medical care evaluation (or audit) that is an alternative to systems requiring extensive electronic data processing and is of practical use on psychiatric services....
Prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis and other serovars in ovaries of layer hens at time of slaughter

Ovaries aseptically collected from commercial layer hens at time of slaughter were assayed for Salmonella as an indication of systemic infection of birds within a flock. Birds were randomly selected at the time of slaughter from 42 flocks from seven southeastern states and Pennsylvania. Ovaries were pooled, four per pool, mascerated, and Salmonella , isolates were recovered by conventional methods. Thirty-two of 42 flocks (76.2%) were positive at >10% infection rate based on sampling methods. Fifteen different serovars were detected in flocks. Salmonella heidelberg was the predominant serovar, representing 56.5% of the salmonellae detected. However, S. agona , S. oranienburg , S. mbandaka , S. kentucky , S. montevideo , S. london , S. typhimurium , S. infantis , S. schwarzenqrund , S. ohio , S. cerro , S. anatum , and Salmonella untypeable were also found. S. enteritidis , phage type 23 was recovered from only one (2.4%) of the flocks. Single and multiple serovar infections were found with up to five serovars recovered from a single flock. Twenty-one positive flocks (50%) were positive with a single Salmonella serovar; of these S. heidelberg represented 76.2%. An overall mean of 26.6% of the pooled ovary samples within each infected flock was positive for salmonellae, with an overall range of 0-100%. The significance of Salmonella serovars other than S. enteritidis found at the levels reported has yet to be determined.
Pathological stage is higher in older men with clinical stage B1 adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

AbstractWe examined the relationship between age and pathological stage in 444 consecutive patients who underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Pathological stage of cancer was determined postoperatively as organ-confined, capsular penetration (cancer through prostatic capsule), seminal vesicle involvement or lymph node metastases. Patient age ranged from 34 to 75 years. The majority of the patients had clinical stage B1 disease with induration confined to less than 1 lobe of the gland. In this group a statistically significant (p equals 0.001, chi-square test for trend) correlation between increased age and higher pathological stage was found. We also found that older men with clinical stage B1 disease had a statistically significant trend toward higher Gleason grade. An explanation for our findings might be the masking of prostatic induration by benign prostatic hypertrophy, clearly a disease of aging men. We suggest ...
Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in pheromonebaited traps near crop field edges in Georgia, USA

Abstract Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are economic pests of cotton. Our specific objective for this 3 yr study was to use traps baited with Euschistus pheromone to monitor stink bugs in habitats near cotton and peanut field edges in Georgia, USA, before, during, and after crop growth and development. Plant-feeding stink bugs captured in traps included Euschistus servus (Say), E. tristigmus (Say), Chinavia hilaris (Say), Nezara viridula (L.), Hymenarchys nervosa (Say), E. ictericus (L.), Thyanta custator custator (F.), E. quadrator Rolston, Brochymena quadripustulata F., Proxys punctulatus (Palisot), and Oebalus pugnax (F.). Two predatory stink bug species, Podisus maculiventris (Say) and Euthyrhynchus floridanus (L.), also were captured. Euschistus servus was the predominant species captured, followed by E. tristigmus. In both cotton and peanut, traps with a pyramid-shaped base captured significantly more E. servus and E. tristigmus nymphs and adults than traps with a bamboo pole base, suggesting ...
Meningitis as Complication of Currarino Syndrome

Two infants presenting within a period of weeks with gram negative meningitis and diagnosed with Curranino syndrome are reported from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, and Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA.
Unexplained Serum Ferritin Elevations in Primary Care Patients with Elevated Serum Ferritin Concentrations and High Normal Transferrin Saturations.

Non-HFE primary iron overload exists in African Americans and other ethnic groups, but the prevalence and spectrum of clinical manifestations are not known. In the HEIRS (Hereditary Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening) Study, participants were considered for further evaluation if the serum ferritin concentration was elevated and the transferrin saturation was more than 45% for women or 50% for men. We hypothesized that these screening criteria would miss a substantial number of African Americans and members of other ethnic groups with increased iron stores. In the process of screening 21,231 predominantly African-American and Hispanic primary care patients at the Howard University field center of the HEIRS Study, we identified 161 non-HFE-C282Y homozygotes ≥ 25 years of age with serum ferritin concentrations above the 97.5 percentile for the population (>700 ng/ml for men and >500 ng/ml for women) but transferrin saturations in the upper part of the normal range (35–50% for men and 30–45% for women). Of the 123 participants we were able to contact, 68 (55%) participated in a clinical evaluation, including 64 African Americans, three Hispanics and one Asian American with a mean ± SD age of 57 ± 13 years. Thirty-eight (56%) were females, 6 (9%) were HFE H63D heterozygotes and 2 (3%) were C282Y heterozygotes. Seven patients (10%) had normal serum ferritin concentration on repeat testing while 42 (62%) had potential reasons for elevated serum ferritin concentration other than a primary increase in body iron including (sequentially) multiple blood transfusions (>10 lifetime; n = 4), abnormal liver function tests (hepatitis C positive or AST >60 IU/L and AST>ALT; n = 17), hemoglobin One of the patients with unexplained elevated serum ferritin concentration (an African American) had a diagnostic liver biopsy showing 2-3+ hepatocellular iron and heavy iron deposition in Kupffer cells and is on phlebotomy therapy; the others have been advised to have diagnostic liver biopsy or quantitative phlebotomy. We conclude that there are substantial numbers of African Americans with elevated serum ferritin concentration and normal transferrin saturation who have transfusional iron overload or a probable primary increase in body iron stores.