cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parity-time–symmetric microring lasers

The ability to control the modes oscillating within a laser resonator is of fundamental importance. In general, the presence of competing modes can be detrimental to beam quality and spectral purity, thus leading to spatial as well as temporal fluctuations in the emitted radiation. We show that by harnessing notions from parity-time (PT) symmetry, stable single–longitudinal mode operation can be readily achieved in a system of coupled microring lasers. The selective breaking of PT symmetry can be used to systematically enhance the maximum attainable output power in the desired mode. This versatile concept is inherently self-adapting and facilitates mode selectivity over a broad bandwidth without the need for other additional intricate components. Our experimental findings provide the possibility to develop synthetic optical devices and structures with enhanced functionality.
Reactive tracer tests to predict dense nonaqueous phase liquid dissolution dynamics in laboratory flow chambers.

Reactive tracer tests were conducted to evaluate the relationship between contaminant mass reduction, Rm, and flux reduction, Rj, in laboratory experiments with porous media contaminated with a den...
Erratum to “Ocean-wave coupled modeling in COAMPS-TC: A study of hurricane Ivan (2004)” [Ocean Modelling Volume 69 (2013) 181-194]

1463-5003/$ see front matter Published by Elsevier Ltd. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2013.09.005 DOI of original article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2013.06.003 ⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 228 688 5631; fax: +1 228 688 4759. E-mail address: travis.smith@nrlssc.navy.mil (T.A. Smith). Travis A. Smith a,⇑, Sue Chen , Timothy Campbell , Paul Martin , W. Erick Rogers , Sasa Gabersek , David Wang , Suzanne Carroll , Richard Allard a Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, United States Naval Research Laboratory, 7 Grace Hopper Ave., Monterey, CA 93943, United States QinetiQ North America, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, United States
Indole to phenolate energy transfer, the alkaline quenching mechanism of β-trypsin fluorescence

Abstract Evidence that indole to phenolate energy transfer causes the decrease in β-trypsin fluorescence with increasing alkalinity is obtained indirectly from viscosity, lifetime, wavelength dependence and chemical modification studies which either exclude or minimize the involvement of other possible mechanisms.
ADP-ATP carrier of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a mitochondrial import signal between amino acids 72 and 111.

The ADP-ATP carrier (also referred to as the adenine nucleotide translocator) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is encoded by a nuclear gene, translated in the cytosol, and imported into the mitochondrial inner membrane. In order to study the determinants of mitochondrial import, a series of fusion proteins, consisting of the first 21, 72, and 111 amino acids of the ADP-ATP carrier, joined to mouse dihydrofolate reductase were generated. Dihydrofolate reductase is a cytosolic protein that does not bind mitochondria. The reticulocyte lysate reaction containing the 35S-methionine-labeled protein was incubated with mitochondria in a buffer containing 3% BSA. Following incubation for import, the reactions were treated with 1 mM PMSF or 25 μg/ml proteinase K; mitochondria were reisolated and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The 21 and 72 amino acid hybrid proteins showed a low level of binding to mitochondria: the bound form was entirely protease accessible. The 111 amino acid hybrid protein was imported to a protease-protected location within mitochondria. It is concluded that the first 72 amino acids of the ADP-ATP carrier do not suffice to import the protein into mitochondria and that the region between amino acids 72 and 111, a region that contains a transmembrane-spanning domain, constitutes at least part of the mitochondrial import signal.
Thermal comfort characteristics in naturally ventilated, residential apartments in a hot-dry climate of India

This paper deals with analysing the thermal comfort performance of apartment units in a typical hot, dry climatic region, through real-time monitoring and dynamic simulation adopting Environmental Systems Performance – research (ESP-r) thermal simulation software. Real-time monitoring of thermal comfort parameters was carried out in representative units for a period of six months between January and June (winter to summer). The measured data were analysed and used to validate the simulated results obtained from the ESP-r model, which was subsequently used to establish the prevailing comfort characteristics and the thermal comfort response of the residential units. Thermal comfort predictions through Fanger’s expected Predicted Mean Vote (ePMV), Tropical Summer Index (TSI) and comfort temperature (Tcomf) exhibited a significant variation. During summer, ePMV and Tcomf estimated higher amount of heat discomfort (50% and 62%, respectively) compared to TSI index, which estimated 76% tolerable conditions when ...
Application of the CLEAN Detector to low signal to noise ratio targets

This paper expands on the author's previous work by adapting the CLEAN algorithm to address low signal to noise (SNR) targets. The Reformulated CLEAN Detector is presented which is shown to allow the detection of low SNR targets in the presence of large targets. Performance results are presented that show how good performance can be attained by combining the correlator, CLEAN Deconvolver and Reformulated CLEAN Detector
Electrochemical titrations of a ferredoxin-ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase complex.

Abstract Potentiometric titrations employing an electrochemical thin-layer cell indicate that complex formation between ferredoxin and ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase alters the midpoint oxidation-reduction potentials of both proteins. The midpoint potential of ferredoxin in the complex becomes 22 ± 6 mV more negative compared to ferredoxin alone while the midpoint potential of ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase becomes 23 ± 4 mV more positive on complex formation.
Effect of naloxone on cigarette smoking

Several recent studies have tried to link endogenous opioid peptides (endorphins) with smoking reinforcement. Karras and Kane (1980) showed a one-third decrease in smoking after administration of the opiate antagonist naloxone. However, Nemeth-Coslett and Griffiths (1986) failed to replicate this result with use of a wide range of doses. The current study was an attempt to replicate Karras and Kane's results using 10 male chronic smokers. Each subject received naloxone (10 mg sc) or placebo in a double-blind, cross-over design (cross-over interval 6–14 days) after overnight abstinence from tobacco use. Naloxone reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by 16% in the first 1/2 hour smoking period, with a 10% reduction in carbon monoxide level 1 hour later. Naloxone had no effect on subjective and physiological variables and did not cause any signs of a tobacco withdrawal syndrome. These results are consistent with those of Karras and Kane, and suggest a role for endorphins in smoking reinforcement. Inconsistent results across studies may be due to methodological factors, such as differences in smoking deprivation time and postnaloxone administration testing intervals because naloxone has a short half-life.
Dose related effects of pentobarbital on somatosensory evoked responses and recovery cycles

Abstract The interrelationships among the amplitude of primary evoked somatosensory responses, the recovery cycle of these responses and dose level of pentobarbital sodium were investigated. Although pentobarbital reduced both the amplitude and the degree of recovery of evoked potentials, only the recovery changes during the relative unresponsive period provided a dose sensitive indicator. Amplitude was affected only at maximum dose levels. These results were discussed in relation to previous work on the effects of state of alertness on the recovery cycle and to the formulation of King et al. (1957) with regard to the mechanism of action of barbiturates. It was concluded that state of alertness and barbiturates probably affect the recovery cycle through mechanisms in the brain stem reticular formation that are at least partially independent. Low doses of barbiturates probably affect reticular mechanisms controlling recovery and higher doses probably exert an additional, depressant action on the thalamic relay nuclei.
Effect of acetic acid on lipid accumulation by glucose-fed activated sludge cultures

BACKGROUND: The effect of acetic acid, a lignocellulose hydrolysis by-product, on lipid accumulation by activated sludge cultures grown on glucose was investigated. This was done to assess the possible application of lignocellulose as low-cost and renewable fermentation substrates for biofuel feedstock production. RESULTS: Biomass yield was reduced by around 54% at a 2 g L−1 acetic acid dosage but was increased by around 18% at 10 g L−1 acetic acid dosage relative to the control run. The final gravimetric lipid contents at 2 and 10 g L−1 acetic acid levels were 12.5 ± 0.7% and 8.8 ± 3.2% w/w, respectively, which were lower than the control (17.8 ± 2.8% w/w). However, biodiesel yields from activated sludge grown with acetic acid (5.6 ± 0.6% w/w for 2 g L−1 acetic acid and 4.2 ± 3.0% w/w for 10 g L−1 acetic acid) were higher than in raw activated sludge (1–2% w/w). The fatty acid profiles of the accumulated lipids were similar with conventional plant oil biodiesel feedstocks. CONCLUSIONS: Acetic acid enhanced biomass production by activated sludge at high levels but reduced lipid production. Further studies are needed to enhance acetic acid utilization by activated sludge microorganisms for lipid biosynthesis. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Antimicrobial Activities of Leaf Extracts of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) on Two Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria

Aim. To determine the antimicrobial potential of guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extracts against two gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) and two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) which are some of foodborne and spoilage bacteria. The guava leaves were extracted in four different solvents of increasing polarities (hexane, methanol, ethanol, and water). The efficacy of these extracts was tested against those bacteria through a well-diffusion method employing 50 μL leaf-extract solution per well. According to the findings of the antibacterial assay, the methanol and ethanol extracts of the guava leaves showed inhibitory activity against gram-positive bacteria, whereas the gram-negative bacteria were resistant to all the solvent extracts. The methanol extract had an antibacterial activity with mean zones of inhibition of 8.27 and 12.3 mm, and the ethanol extract had a mean zone of inhibition of 6.11 and 11.0 mm against B. cereus and S. aureus, respectively. On the basis of the present finding, guava leaf-extract might be a good candidate in the search for a natural antimicrobial agent. This study provides scientific understanding to further determine the antimicrobial values and investigate other pharmacological properties.
Uptake coefficient of H 2 O 2 on ice

Abstract. H 2 O 2 uptake coefficients on ice surfaces, over a temperature range from 190 to 220 K, have been studied in a flow reactor coupled with a differentially pumped quadrupole mass spectrometer. The initial uptake coefficient increases with an increase in H 2 O 2 pressure and a decrease in temperature. The results were analyzed using surface kinetics, and the analysis shows that the uptake involves both H 2 O 2 adsorption and surface aggregation. H 2 O 2 desorption kinetics supports lateral attractive interactions among adsorbed H 2 O 2 on ice. The result can be used to model the heterogeneous H 2 O 2 loss on snow/ice surfaces and cirrus clouds as a function of the H 2 O 2 concentration and temperature.
Atomic-Level Alloying and De-alloying in Doped Gold Nanoparticles

Atomically precise alloying and de-alloying processes for the formation of Ag-Au and Cu-Au nanoparticles of 25-metal-atom composition (referred to as Ag(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 and Cu(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 , in which R = CH2CH2Ph) are reported. The identities of the particles were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy (MALDI-MS). Their structures were probed by fragmentation analysis in MALDI-MS and comparison with the icosahedral structure of the homogold Au25(SR)18 nanoparticles (an icosahedral Au13 core protected by a shell of Au12(SR)18). The Cu and Ag atoms were found to preferentially occupy the 13-atom icosahedral sites, instead of the exterior shell. The number of Ag atoms in Ag(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 (x = 0-8) was dependent on the molar ratio of Ag(I)/Au(III) precursors in the synthesis, whereas the number of Cu atoms in Cu(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 (x = 0-4) was independent of the molar ratio of Cu(II)/Au(III) precursors applied. Interestingly, the Cu(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 nanoparticles show a spontaneous de-alloying process over time, and the initially formed Cu(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 nanoparticles were converted to pure Au25(SR)18. This de-alloying process was not observed in the case of alloyed Ag(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 nanoparticles. This contrast can be attributed to the stability difference between Cu(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 and Ag(x)Au(25-x)(SR)18 nanoparticles. These alloyed nanoparticles are promising candidates for applications such as catalysis.
Human sleep and EEG through a cycle of methadone dependence

The effects of oral methadone on EEG and sleep were studied in 6 male postaddicts. Continuous nocturnal measurement of EEG, EMG and EOG was used to define sleep patterns. Period analysis and power spectral analysis were performed on each 8 min sample of daytime (eyes closed) EEG. Both sleep and EEG were studied during a predrug control period, during the methadone induction phase (45-60 mg/day), stabilization phase (100 mg/day), and then 6; 10, 13, 18 and 22 weeks after withdrawal. One subject did not complete the last two withdrawal sessions. While on methadone, subjects reported that they slept more and also showed an increase in slow wave activity and a decrease in fast wave activity of their EEG during this time. Nocturnal sleep was not markedly altered during the chronic administration of methadone. Subjects reported an increase in dreaming soon after withdrawal, and then 3-5 weeks of nocturnal isnomnia. At the 6th week after withdrawal, slow wave activity in the daytime EEG was decreased, fast wave activity was increased, and mean EEG frequency was increased. REM sleep and delta sleep were increased during withdrawal. These data provide further evidence that chronic administration of narcotic analgesics may induce persistent functional changes in the central nervous system.
Electron Cryomicroscopy of IP3R1 Calcium Release Channel

The inositol 1, 4, 5 - trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is an intracellular Ca2+ release channel that mediates ligand-gated release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) into the cytoplasm. IP3R1 is the predominant type in the cerebellar ER membrane where it forms homotetramers with a Mr over 1.2 MDa. The gating of IP3R1 channel is still poorly understood due to the lack of high-resolution structure of the channel complex. Although several low-resolution 3D structures of the IP3R1 were reported, these 3D maps are broadly consistent in the overall size and shape. To achieve a reliable structure of IP3R1 channel at higher resolution, substantial improvements were made to cryo-specimen preparations that allowed acquiring electron images of ice-embedded channel protein, which exhibit substantially improved contrast and image quality. The structure of IP3R1 was analyzed under conditions favoring the closed channel conformation, i.e. in the absence of the two co-agonists, Ca2+ and IP3. Ice-embedded IP3R1 particles were imaged at 60,000X magnification on a JEOL 2010F electron cryomicroscope with a Gatan 4k x 4k CCD camera. Image processing and the reconstruction were performed using EMAN. The improved map clearly exhibits more structural detail in both the cytoplasmic and membrane-spanning regions of the channel, connected through the stalk-like region. Available x-ray structures of the IP3-binding core region (pdb code: 1N4K) and the ligand binding suppressor domain (pdb code: 1XZZ) were docked into the cryo-EM density map to interpret visualized structural domains. Currently, structural analysis of IP3R1 in other physiologically relevant functional states is being performed to reveal the gating mechanism of the IP3R1 channel.This research is supported by grants from NIH (R01GM072804, P41RR02250).
Grain boundary segregation of impurities in neutron irradiated and thermally aged vanadium alloys

Abstract A comparison of intergranular impurity segregation induced during neutron irradiation (9.8 × 1024 n/m2: E > 0.1 MeV at 438°C for 2120 h) and thermal ageing has been made in V-20 wt% Ti alloys undoped, P-doped and S-doped all containing residual C and O. Intergranular S segregation in an undoped alloy and S desegregation in a S-doped alloy occurred during neutron irradiation. Thermal ageing produced a large increase in the S segregation in the undoped and S-doped alloys. However, unirradiated, thermally aged and irradiated P-doped alloys showed little S segregation. The P-doped alloy had much smaller P segregation than the S segregation in the undoped and S-doped alloys. The grain boundary enrichment of C, O and Ti was reduced during the irradiation but promoted by the thermal ageing. The defect/impurity interaction affecting the impurity solubility and fluxes is considered to control the intergranular impurity segregation during the irradiation.
Whispering gallery mode lithium niobate microresonators for photonics applications

We review various photonics applications of whispering gallery mode (WGM) dielectric resonators and focus on the capability of generating trains of short optical pulses using WGM lithium niobate cavities. We introduce schemes of optical frequency comb generators, actively mode-locked lasers, and coupled opto-electronic oscillators where WGM cavities are utilized for the light amplification and modulation.
Information, physics, and computation

This paper presents several observations on the connections between information, physics, and computation. In particular, the computing power of quantum computers is examined. Quantum theory is characterized by superimposed states and nonlocal interactions. It is argued that recently studied quantum computers, which are based on local interactions, cannot simulate quantum physics.
The Vector Quantum

THE shift, recently discovered by A. H. Compton, in the spectral lines due to the scattering process, or rather the explanation of the shift proposed (Phys. Rev. p. 483, vol. 21, No. 5, May 1923) by Compton on the basis of the scattering of one quantum by one electron, furnishes considerable support for a corpuscular theory of radiation. On the basis of a corpuscular theory, an effect, recently discovered by the present writer (NATURE, September 8, 1923) takes on a new significance. The effect was discovered by taking photographs by Wilson's cloud expansion method, of the tracks of photo-electrons ejected by plane polarised X-rays. Such photographs bring out the fact that most of the photo-electrons are ejected nearly parallel to the electric force of the radiation. Variations in direction of ejection on all sides of the electric force may be accounted for by the initial momentum of the electron in its atomic orbit.
Bone remodeling surrounding primary teeth in skeletally immature dogs.

Abstract Objective: To quantify remodeling in the bone surrounding fully erupted primary teeth and to compare bone remodeling in the primary and permanent dentitions. Materials and Methods: Two bone sections were obtained bilaterally from the maxilla and mandible of the primary molar region of approximately 5-month-old male beagle dogs. Histomorphometric methods were used to estimate the osteonal remodeling in the alveolar and basal regions of the tooth supporting bone. The following variables were calculated: mineral apposition rate (MAR, µm/d), mineralizing surface/bone surface (MS/BS, %), bone formation rate (BFR, %/y), and erosion surface/bone surface (ES/BS, %). Comparisons were made between jaws (maxilla vs mandible) and bone types (alveolar vs basal), and data analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer tests. Remodeling (BFR) surrounding primary teeth was compared to existing data from bone surrounding permanent teeth. Results: The mean and standard deviation BFR values (%/y) were as...
Upper limit on the mass of the electron neutrino

The historic detection by the Kamiokande-II collaboration1 and the IMB collaboration2 of neutrinos from the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) supernova provides the first opportunity to determine the mass, , of the electron neutrino from astronomical observations. Here we show that , is less than 11 eV, provided only that propagation effects have not conspired to sharpen, by more than a factor of two the narrow pulse-width of neutrinos, observed by the Kamiokande-II collaboration from the LMC supernova. This result improves on the laboratory limit on and confirms the view that electron neutrinos do not constitute the major component of the matter density of the Universe.
An inconsistency in the maximum strain theory for failure of biaxially stressed composite materials

Abstract The maximum strain theory may be used to predict the fracture load and mode of failure of composite materials. The theory is intended to be valid for an arbitrary biaxial load state. However, calculations using the off-axis test geometry demonstrate that the theory may give incorrect fracture predictions under compressive loading.
Epigenetics: Connecting Environment and Genotype to Phenotype and Disease

Genetic information is encoded not only by the linear sequence of DNA, but also by epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure that include DNA methylation and covalent modifications of the proteins that bind DNA. These "epigenetic marks" alter the structure of chromatin to influence gene expression. Methylation occurs naturally on cytosine bases at CpG sequences and is involved in controlling the correct expression of genes. DNA methylation is usually associated with triggering histone deacetylation, chromatin condensation, and gene silencing. Differentially methylated cytosines give rise to distinct patterns specific for each tissue type and disease state. Such methylation-variable positions (MVPs) are not uniformly distributed throughout our genome, but are concentrated among genes that regulate transcription, growth, metabolism, differentiation, and oncogenesis. Alterations in MVP methylation status create epigenetic patterns that appear to regulate gene expression profiles during cell differentiation, growth, and development, as well as in cancer. Environmental stressors including toxins, as well as microbial and viral exposures, can change epigenetic patterns and thereby effect changes in gene activation and cell phenotype. Since DNA methylation is often retained following cell division, altered MVP patterns in tissues can accumulate over time and can lead to persistent alterations in steady-state cellular metabolism, responses to stimuli, or the retention of an abnormal phenotype, reflecting a molecular consequence of gene-environment interaction. Hence, DNA epigenetics constitutes the main and previously missing link among genetics, disease, and the environment. The challenge in oral biology will be to understand the mechanisms that modify MVPs in oral tissues and to identify those epigenetic patterns that modify disease pathogenesis or responses to therapy.
Intravenous anti‐D as a treatment for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) during pregnancy

This pilot study assessed the safety and efficacy of intravenous anti-D in eight Rh(D)-positive women with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The median pretreatment platelet count was 28 x 109/l. The patients received one to seven anti-D infusions at a mean dose of 62.7 micro g/kg, and the response rate to anti-D was 75%. A haemoglobin decrease of > 2.0 g/dl occurred only once. Fetal hydrops was not identified by ultrasonography. The direct antiglobulin test was positive in three out of seven Rh+ newborns, none of whom was anaemic or jaundiced. Anti-D is effective and appears to be safe for both mother and fetus.
Constraining Particle Evolution from Wall Losses, Coagulation, and Condensation-Evaporation in Smog-Chamber Experiments: Optimal Estimation Based on Size Distribution Measurements

A goal of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) experiments performed in smog chambers is to determine the condensation of SOA onto suspended particles. Complicating the calculation of the condensation rate are uncertainties in particle wall-loss rates. Wall-loss rates generally depend on particle size, turbulence in the bag, the size and shape of the bag, and particle charge. In analyzing smog-chamber data, some or all of the following assumptions are commonly made regarding the first-order wall-loss rate constant: (a) that it is constant during an experiment; (b) that it is constant between experiments; and (c) that it is not a strong function of particle size for the relatively narrow size distributions in smog chamber experiments. Each of these assumptions may not be justified in some circumstances. We present the development and evaluation of the Aerosol Parameter Estimation (APE) model. APE is an inverse model that solves the aerosol general dynamic equation to determine best estimates for the size-depend...
A new look at life and job satisfaction with sunbelt MBA's

Work and extra-work correlates of life and job satisfaction for a sample of MBA graduates (N=1495) are compared to those for a probability sample from the general public using the Rice, Near, Hunt model for analysis. For both groups, the unique relationship between life and job satisfaction is quite weak, however, predictability of job satisfaction is significantly different for MBA's.1
Patterning and hardening of gold black infrared absorber by shadow mask deposition with ethyl cyanoacrylate

Patterning of gold-black infrared absorbing films by stencil lithography and hardening by polymer infusion is reported. Gold black nano-structured films are deposited through a thin metal shadow mask in a thermal evaporator in ~400 mTorr pressure of inert gas, followed by ethyl cyanoacrylate fuming through the same mask to produce rugged IR absorptive patterns of ~100 micron scale dimensions. Infrared absorptivity is determined by transmission and reflectivity measurements using a Fourier spectrometer and infrared microscope. Results indicate that the optimized hardening process reduces the usual degradation of the absorptivity with age. This work has potential application to infrared array bolometers.
Numerical integration of thermal noise in relativistic hydrodynamics

Thermal fluctuations affect the dynamics of systems near critical points, the evolution of the early universe, and two-particle correlations in heavy-ion collisions. For the latter, numerical simulations of nearly ideal, relativistic fluids are necessary. The correlation functions of noise in relativistic fluids are calculated, stochastic integration of the noise in $3+1$-dimensional viscous hydrodynamics is implemented, and the effect of noise on observables in heavy-ion collisions is discussed. Thermal fluctuations will cause significant variance in the event-by-event distributions of integrated ${v}_{2}$ while changing average values even when using the same initial conditions, suggesting that including thermal noise will lead to refitting of the hydrodynamical parameters with implications for understanding the physics of hot QCD.
Electro-partitioning with composite ion-exchange material: an innovative in-situ heavy metal decontamination process

Selective in-situ removal of heavy metals from a contaminated soil/sludge combines the benefits of: (a) being a low risk operation since the soil/sludge is not excavated and transported, (b) being economically prudent since only the target contaminant is removed, and (c) providing the possibility of reuse/recycle of the heavy metals since they are selectively removed. However, the main problem faced in such a process is inserting a material into the soil/sludge which can selectively remove heavy metals from the background of other ions which are much higher in concentration than the target heavy metals but are innocuous from a regulatory point-of-view. The affinity of chelating ion-exchange resins toward heavy metal cations is well established but their morphology (spherical beads of diameter <5 mm) is unsuitable for use in an in-situ process. This communication explores the use of a novel material termed composite ion-exchange material (CIM) which allows microspheres of chelating resins to be entrapped in a Teflon® network, thus producing a thin sheet (≈0.5 mm) which can be easily introduced into or withdrawn from a soil/sludge sample. The CIM is used in a physico-chemical process where application of DC potential gradient forces the heavy metal cations to move toward the cathode and consequently contact the CIM sheet wrapped around the cathode. The strong affinity of chelating exchangers inside the CIM forces selective uptake of the heavy metals from the contaminated solid phase. After passage of current for a determined amount of time, the CIM is withdrawn from the soil/sludge and chemically regenerated, thus allowing the heavy metals to be concentrated in an acid solution. This communication presents preliminary results of experiments performed to explore the use of this process and also discusses modifications required to achieve higher suitability.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Salivary Gland Cancer Survival

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Disease-specific survival according to race and ethnicity. End points assessed included age at diagnosis, sex, tumor grade, tumor size at diagnosis, extension at diagnosis, lymph node involvement at diagnosis, and treatment. Results were further analyzed by histologic subtype of SGCA. RESULTS Of 11 007 patients with SGCA, 1073 (9.7%) were black, and 1068 (9.7%), Hispanic. Whites’ mean age at diagnosis was 63 years vs 53 and 52 years for blacks and Hispanics, respectively (P < .001). Twenty-year disease-specific survival rates for all SGCA histologic subtypes combined for whites, blacks, and Hispanics were 78%, 79%, and 81%, respectively. Unadjusted survival curves showed no significant difference between blacks and whites and an apparent advantage for Hispanics. However, multivariable Cox regression models controlling for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics showed poorer disease-specific survival vs whites for blacks (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22 [95% CI, 1.03-1.46]; P = .03) but not for Hispanics (HR, 0.97 [0.79-1.19]; P = .77). The overall disease-specific survival disparity was due to poorer disease-specific survival for blacks vs whites with mucoepidermoid (P =. 03) and squamous cell carcinomas (P = .05). Less surgical treatment for blacks than whites (57.26% vs 76.94%; P < .001) was a source of the survival disparity for squamous cell but not mucoepidermoid SGCA. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Black race is a risk factor for poorer disease-specific survival for patients with mucoepidermoid or squamous cell carcinoma, whereas Hispanic ethnicity has no effect. Differing treatment between black and white patients affects survival in squamous cell but not mucoepidermoid SGCA. Differences in chemotherapy treatment, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, tumor genetic factors, and environmental exposures are potential but unproven additional sources of the racial survival disparities for mucoepidermoid and squamous cell SGCA.
Malassezia furfur infections.

Malassezia furfur, previously known as Pityrosporum obiculare, is a lipophilic saprophytic yeast that preferentially colonizes the skin of the scalp, chest, and back. Three clinical syndromes have been associated with M furfur infections: intravenous line sepsis associated with lipid infusions; folliculitis, most often in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and less commonly in steroid-treated patients with diabetes mellitus; and tinea versicolor, a superficial dermatosis seen in healthy young adults. Most cases of M furfur seen in the hospital are AIDS patients with folliculitis and intravenous line sepsis in neonates receiving lipid emulsions. The genus Malassezia consists of two saprophytic yeast-like organisms: M furfur and Malassezia pachydermatitis. M furfur, predominantly a yeast, is a fastidiously lipophylic member of the normal skin flora in 90% of humans. It is present as filamentous structures in the skin where the organism is associated with tinea versicolor and folliculitis. M pachydermatitis is a yeast most often associated with dogs, where it has been reported to cause otitis externa. Recent reports have implicated this organism in human infections as well.
Association of Physical Activity with Survival among Ambulatory Patients on Dialysis: The Comprehensive Dialysis Study

Summary Background and objectives Despite high mortality and low levels of physical activity (PA) among patients starting dialysis, the link between low PA and mortality has not been carefully evaluated. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The Comprehensive Dialysis Study was a prospective cohort study that enrolled patients who started dialysis between June 2005 and June 2007 in a random sample of dialysis facilities in the United States. The Human Activity Profile (HAP) was administered to estimate PA among 1554 ambulatory enrolled patients in the Comprehensive Dialysis Study. Patients were followed until death or September 30, 2009, and the major outcome was all-cause mortality. Results The average age was 59.8 (14.2) years; 55% of participants were male, 28% were black, and 56% had diabetes mellitus. The majority (57.3%) had low fitness estimated from the HAP score. The median follow-up was 2.6 (interquartile range, 2.2–3.1) years. The association between PA and mortality was linear across the range of scores (1–94). After multivariable adjustment, lower adjusted activity score on the HAP was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–1.39 per 10 points). Patients in the lowest level of fitness experienced a 3.5-fold (95% confidence interval, 2.54–4.89) increase in risk of death compared with those with average or above fitness. Conclusions Low levels of PA are strongly associated with mortality among patients new to dialysis. Interventions aimed to preserve or enhance PA should be prospectively tested.
ADEPTS: adaptive intrusion response using attack graphs in an e-commerce environment

Distributed systems with multiple interacting services, especially e-commerce systems, are suitable targets for malicious attacks because of the potential financial impact. Compared to intrusion detection, automated response has received relatively less attention. In this paper, we present the design of automated response mechanisms in an intrusion tolerant system called ADEPTS. Our focus is on enforcing containment in the system, thus localizing the intrusion and allowing the system to provide service, albeit degraded. ADEPTS uses a graph of intrusion goals, called I-GRAPH, as the underlying representation in the system. In response to alerts from an intrusion detection framework, ADEPTS executes algorithms to determine the spread of the intrusion and the appropriate responses to deploy. A feedback mechanism evaluates the success of a deployed response and uses that in guiding future choices. ADEPTS is demonstrated on a distributed e-commerce system and evaluated using a survivability metric.
Commutant lifting for linear time-varying systems

In this paper, we study two robust control problems for possibly infinite dimensional (i.e., systems with an infinite number of states) linear time-varying (LTV) systems using a framework based on a version of the commutant lifting theorem developed for nest algebras. The approach is purely operator theoretic and does not use any state space representation. The two problems studied include the optimal disturbance attenuation and the optimal mixed sensitivity problems for LTV systems. The proposed solutions are given in terms of projections of time-varying multiplication operators. The latter are computed explicitly.
Ultrafast rotational wave packet dynamics observed through third harmonic conversion of a femtosecond probe pulse

We observe rotational wave packet dynamics in CO2 through third harmonic generation (THG). The conversion efficiency of THG is modulated by the wavepacket through ultrafast perturbations to linear and third-order optical susceptibilities.
Trends in Midwife‐Attended Births in the United States, 1989‐2009

Introduction: Data on attendance at birth by midwives in the United States have been available on the national level since 1989. Rates of certified nurse-midwife (CNM)–attended births more than doubled between 1989 (3.3% of all births) and 2002 (7.7%) and have remained steady since. This article examines trends in midwife-attended births from 1989 to 2009. Methods: The data in this report are based on records gathered as part of the US National Standard Certificate of Live Birth from a public use Web site, Vital Stats (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/VitalStats.htm), that allows users to create and download specialized tables. Results: Between 2007 and 2009, the proportion of all births attended by CNMs increased by 4% from 7.3% of all births to 7.6% and a total of 313,516. This represents a decline in total births attended by CNMs from 2008 but a higher proportion of all births because total US births dropped at a faster rate. The proportion of vaginal births attended by CNMs reached an all-time high of 11.4% in 2009. There were strong regional patterns to the distribution of CNM-attended births. Births attended by “other midwives” rose to 21,787 or 0.5% of all US births, and the total proportion of all births attended by midwives reached an all-time high of 8.1%. The race/ethnicity of mothers attended by CNMs has shifted over the years. In 1990, CNMs attended a disproportionately high number of births to non-white mothers, whereas in 2009, the profile of CNM births mirrors the national distribution in race/ethnicity. Discussion: Midwife-attended births in the United States are increasing. The geographic patterns in the distribution of midwife-attended births warrant further study.
Imaging via inversion of ellipsoidal projections of solutions to the linear acoustic wave equation (medical ultrasound)

Backscattered energy from a medium with nearly constant velocity measured by an omnidirectional source-sensor comes from spherical shells centered at the source-sensor location. If source and sensor locations differ, the energy comes from ellipsoidal shells. To image the scattering potential or reflectivity of the medium, backscattered energy must be projected onto ellipsoids with a weighting factor dependent on the eccentricity of the ellipsoid. Eccentricity is the ratio of the separation of source and sensor to the path length from source to scatterer to sensor. Because path length changes with time, this weighting factor is, in general, time-dependent. It is consistent only if the source and sensor location are the same, in which case its value is unity. To estimate scattering potential or reflectivity at a given site, the backscattered signal which could have arisen from that site as measured by a given source-sensor pair is weighted by that pair's time-dependent ellipsoidal factor, then the weighted backscattered signals are averaged over all available source-sensor pairs. >
Modest diet-induced weight loss reduces macrophage cholesterol efflux to plasma of patients with metabolic syndrome.

Background Obesity-linked metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a dyslipidemic profile that includes hypertriglyceridemia and low plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL initiates reverse cholesterol transport via macrophage cholesterol efflux (MCE). Some hypothesize that dyslipidemic patients have impaired reverse cholesterol transport. MCE to patient plasma, a metric of HDL function, inversely correlates with atherosclerotic burden. Paradoxically, MCE to plasma of hypertriglyceridemic subjects is higher than that to normolipidemic (NL) plasma. Objective Although weight loss reduces dyslipidemia, its effect on MCE to the plasma of obese patients with MetS is unknown. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that reducing dyslipidemia with weight loss reduces the MCE capacity of MetS plasma to that of NL plasma. Methods Cholesterol efflux (MCE) from THP-1 macrophages to plasma from NL controls and to obese patients with MetS before and after weight loss was measured. Results MCE to plasma of obese patients with MetS was higher than that of control plasma ( P = .006). Weight loss in patients with MetS (mean, –9.77 kg) reduced dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and systolic blood pressure. HDL cholesterol was unchanged, and apolipoprotein A-I decreased with weight loss. Weight loss in patients with MetS normalized MCE ( P r 2 = 0.13–0.38). Chromatography showed that macrophage cholesterol initially associates with HDL but accumulates in apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins at later times. Conclusions Although the initial acceptor of MCE is HDL, the elevated apolipoprotein B lipoproteins are a cholesterol sink that increases MCE in patients with MetS. Weight loss results in decreased apolipoprotein B lipoproteins and decreased MCE to plasma of patients with MetS.
Response of Durum Wheat Seedlings to Salinity

Salinity is an important source of abiotic stress, limiting crop performance in most arid and semi-arid areas of the world. This research was conducted to determine the effects of salinity on physiological parameters of durum wheat ( Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes. The research was conducted in the tissue culture laboratory at the Agriculture Faculty of Dicle University. The study consisted of one durum wheat commercial cultivar, five local cultivars and four advanced genotypes. There were three replications in a split-plot experimental design. Genotypes were germinated in four NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 mM) in plastic boxes. There were statistically assured significant differences among the genotypes for all salt concentrations and all observed parameters (coleoptile length, seedling length, root length, seedling fresh weight, root fresh weight, seedling dry weight, root dry weight, germination rate and seedling vigor). There was significant decrease in all examined parameters depending on the increase of salt concentration. The â€˜Sorgulâ€™ genotype was most tolerant to salinity, in terms of root length and root dry weight, whereas â€˜Altintoprak 98â€™ was most tolerant as measured by the impact of salinity on coleoptile length, seedling fresh weight, germination rate and seedling vigour. The â€˜Beyaziyeâ€™ genotype was the most sensitive to salinity-induced stress. The results from this study demonstrated differences among durum wheat genotypes for seedling parameters measured in the presence of salinity stress.
NET PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND PHENOLOGY ON A SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WATERSHED

Net primary production (NPP) is an important function of plant communities which has not often been examined seasonally in a forested ecosystem. The major objective of the study was to measure above-ground NPP seasonally and relate it to phenological activity on a hardwood forest watershed at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, North Carolina. NPP was estimated as the increase in biomass, estimated from regression equations on diameter. Diameter increases were measured by venier tree bands. Phenological observations were made on bud break, leaf emergence, flowering, mature fruit, leaf senescence, and leaf fall. The species studied intensively were Acer rubrum, Quercus prinus, Carya glabra, Cornus florida, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Liriodendron was found to be the most productive species per individual, but Quercus prinus was the most productive per unit ground area. The total watershed estimate of aboveground NPP was 8,754 kg ha/sup -1/yr/sup -1/ and included 47.9 percent leaves, 33.2 percent wood, 7.8 percent bark, 4.8 percent reproductive tissues, 4.2 percent loss to consumers, and 2.1 percent twigs. Increases in leaf biomass were most rapid in the spring, but woody tissue production peaked in June and continued through August. Since leaf production peaked in the spring, the plants' photosynthetic machinery was activated earlymore » in the growing season to support woody tissue production, which followed the period of rapid leaf growth, and reproductive activity. Flowering occurred during the leaf expansion period except for Acer rubrum, which flowered before leaf emergence. Fruit maturation occurred during late summer to early fall, when there were no additional biomass increases. Acer rubrum was an exception as its fruit matured during the period of leaf expansion.« less
Framework of integrating 2D points and curves for tracking of 3D non-rigid motion and structure

We present a method for 3D non-rigid motion tracking and structure reconstruction from 2D points and curve segments from a sequence of perspective images. The 3D locations of features in the first frame are known. The 3D affine motion model is used to describe the nonrigid motion. The results from synthetic and real data are presented. The applications include: lip tracking, MPEG4 face player, and burn scar assessment. The results show that: 1) curve segments are more robust under noise (observed from synthetic data with different Gaussian noise level); and 2) using both feature yields a significant performance gain in real data.
Ultrastructural and cytologic studies of the sporozoites of four Eimeria species.

SYNOPSIS. Studies were made with the light microscope of live sporozoites of E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. ellipsoidalis as well as sporozoites fixed with Schaudinn's, Stieve's and Zenker's fluids, methanol and ethanol saturated with picric acid. Sporozoites were stained with Giemsa, bromphenol blue, modified PAS-AO, Feulgen, Harris’hematoxylin and eosin Y, and iron hematoxylin. Sporozoites of the above species as well as those of E. auburnensis and E. bovis were also fixed with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide or negatively stained for study with the electron microscope. Living sporozoites had gliding, pivoting, flexing, and probing movements. Each sporozoite of each species was covered by a pellicle consisting of an outer limiting unit membrane that was continuous around the sporozoite and an inner membrane that terminated at the polar ring. Twenty-four subpellicular microtubules were longitudinally arranged just beneath the inner membrane. At the anterior end of the sporozoites was a protruded or retracted conoid composed of spirally-arranged fibrillar structures, 2 rings anterior to the conoid, and the polar ring, a thickening at the anterior termination of the microtubules and inner membrane. Other organelles observed with the electron microscope were a nucleus with or without a net-like nucleolus, club-shaped organelles, refractile bodies, micronemes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria with tubular cristae, micropores, lipoid-like bodies, oval polysaccharide bodies and ribosomes. The fine structure of these sporozoites is compared to that of related Sporozoa.