cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preliminary assessment of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with bladder cancer

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of imaging of bladder cancer with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scanning. We studied 12 patients with histologically proven bladder cancer who had undergone surgical procedures and/or radiotherapy. Retrograde irrigation of the urinary bladder with 1000–3710 ml saline was performed during nine of the studies. Dynamic and static PET images were obtained, and standardized uptake value images were reconstructed. FDG-PET scanning was true-positive in eight patients (66.7%), but false-negative in four (33.3%). Of 20 organs with tumor mass lesions confirmed pathologically or clinically, 16 (80%) were detected by FDG-PET scanning. FDG-PET scanning detected all of 17 distant metastatic lesions and two of three proven regional lymph node metastases. FDG-PET was also capable of differentiating viable recurrent bladder cancer from radiation-induced alterations in two patients. In conclusion, these preliminary data indicate the feasibility of FDG-PET imaging in patients with bladder cancer, although a major remaining pitfall is intense FDG accumulation in the urine.
Effects of dietary cholesterol and fat, sex and sire on lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity in baboons

Abstract We analyzed the effects of dietary cholesterol, type of dietary fat, sex and sire progeny family on lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity in 80 adult baboons. The animals were the progeny of 80 dams and 6 sires and were randomly assigned at birth to breast feeding or to one of three formulas containing 0.02, 0.30 or 0.60 mg cholesterol/ml. After weaning at 4 months of age the animals were fed one of four diets that were either high or low in cholesterol with 40% of the calories from either saturated or unsaturated fat. The fractional and molar rates of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity were measured at 7–8 years of age by an HPLC method. Infant diet (breast vs. formula feeding or level of cholesterol in formula) had no effect on enzyme activity later in life. The adult diets that were high in cholesterol decreased the fractional lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase rate by 20% / compared to diets low in cholesterol (7.89 vs. 9.84%/h, P
Psychiatric consequences of actual versus feared and perceived bed bug infestations: a case series examining a current epidemic

Bed bugs have plagued humans since the beginning of history and have been mentioned in classical Greek writings dating back to the era of Aristotle as well as in medieval European texts. With the introduction of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in the 1950s, bedbugs were virtually eradicated in the United States. However, with the ban of DDT in 1972, increasing resistance to pesticides over the last 70 years and increased frequency of national and international travel, bed bugs have now become a public health concern in urban areas across the United States. Anecdotes, blogs, bed bug summits, and articles (over 27,000 published in summer 2010) about infestations are ubiquitous. They evidence the increasing anxiety about infestations, have resulted in comparisons to H1N1, and are likely correlated to the surge in associated mental health symptoms including, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anxiety and insomnia. The popular media has even linked bed bugs with paranoia and psychosis, though reports have not been confirmed in the medical literature. Since the mid-1990s, anecdotal and newspaper reports and, later, medical journals have demonstrated a resurgence in bed bugs both in the United States and abroad. Literature has indicated that infestations have been increasingly common in areas in which they had been eradicated, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States (reviewed in). In 2009, Goddard and deShazo systematically reviewed the medical consequences of bed bug bites and examined the issues of pest control and eradication. While a variety of medical sequelae of bed bug bites have been reported, including cutaneous and rare systemic reactions,
Empirical Support for the Effectiveness of Respite Care in Reducing Caregiver Burden: A Single-Case Analysis

This article examines the effectiveness of respite care in reducing feelings of entrapment and resentment experienced by a 69-year-old daughter who was sole caregiver for her frail, 99-year-old mother. Outcome measures collected weekly over a 2-month period included caregiver reports of amount and enjoyment of time away from home and attitude toward mother. An experimental single-system (ABAB) design allowed comparison of caregiver burden during times when respite care was and was not available. All measures evidenced statistically significant changes in predicted directions when respite care was in place. Issues discussed include operationalization of burden and the clinical significance of findings. The case study offers an exemplar of how empirical support for respite care can be garnered to promote social welfare policies and programs that are responsive to the needs of families pursuing caregiving functions.
Crosstalk Analysis between Interconnects in High-Speed Server Packages

This paper discusses crosstalk analysis between interconnects in high-speed server packages. Over the last decade, the scaling of the CMOS transistors has enabled the design of microprocessors operating at multi-gigahertz frequencies. For meeting the high bandwidth demands and low-power requirements, digital technologies are quickly moving to gigabit data rate and sub-voltage range signaling levels. However, this higher speed performance comes at a price, which means that signal integrity becomes a significant portion of the design effort. Especially, crosstalk analysis between interconnects in high-speed packages has become critical for design optimization of signal interconnects in system. This paper investigates importance of crosstalk analysis for IBM's high-speed server packages. For an efficient crosstalk analysis between interconnects in highspeed digital systems, an IBM's internal tool called PATS (package analysis tool suite) was used to investigate crosstalk over 1000 signal nets. The ISNRR (integral of squared noise ramp response) method has been developed to quantify crosstalk accurately and used to analyze IBM's organic modules for high-speed applications.
The ecological role of zooplankton in a Long Island salt marsh

The role of zooplankton in a salt marsh ecosystem was studied in Flax Pond, Old Field, N. Y., a 30-hectare tidal pond adjacent to Long Island Sound. Various marine crustaceans accounted for over 95% of the zooplankton caloric biomass in all but three months, in which ctenophores (Mnemiopsis leidyi) accounted for about 20%. Mass balance analysis of crustacean biomass showed a seasonal trend with increased “consumption” by the marsh from July to November. Analysis of groups (or species) for all months showed total numbers were reduced by passing through, or interacting with, the marsh. The most abundant group for each sample date also was significantly reduced from outflowing waters for all months, as were the group copepodids and miscellaneous calanoids from July to November. The energy requirements for the crustacean zooplankton community could have been supplied amply by the estimated standing crop of phytoplankton in the marsh. Phytoplankton net primary production was low, but it was ample to satisfy crustacean energy needs in all months. Crustaceans and phytoplankton alone were not enough to support estimated ctenophore nutrition requirements in summer. Therefore, detritus may also have been an important ctenophore food source.
Hexose infusions in Cebus monkeys: Effects on uric acid metabolism

Abstract High dosage, sustained infusions of glucose, galactose, mannose, and fructose were performed in the New World monkey Cebus albifrons. Infusion of fructose led to a rapid increase in plasma and urine uric acid in each experiment with subsequent return toward base-line values despite further increases in fructose concentration. Concurrent isotopic studies of uric acid turnover showed a prompt increase in uric acid pool size during fructose infusions in two monkeys. These data are consistent with accelerated catabolism of a limited pool of preformed purines. The other three hexoses studied also lead to increased uric acid excretion with smaller increases in plasma concentration, although the mechanism of this increase is less clear. In one turnover study, no effect of glucose infusion on uric acid pool size was detected. All four hexoses led to a prompt increase in uric acid clearance. This early rise, however, was not sustained despite progressively increasing glycosuria.
Comparative, three-dimensional anterior sensory reconstruction of Aphelenchus avenae (nematoda: Tylenchomorpha).

The anterior sensory anatomy (not including amphids) of the nematode Aphelenchus avenae (Tylenchomorpha) has been three-dimensionally reconstructed from serial, transmission electron microscopy thin sections. Models, showing detailed morphology and spatial relationships of cuticular sensilla and internal sensory receptors, are the first computerized reconstruction of sensory structures of a Tylenchomorpha nematode. Results are analyzed with respect to similarly detailed reconstructions of Rhabditida outgroup nematodes, Acrobeles complexus (Cephalobomorpha) and Caenorhabditis elegans (Rhabditomorpha). Homologies identified in A. avenae demonstrate the general conservation of the anterior sensory system between freeliving nematodes and the largely plant parasitic Tylenchomorpha. A higher degree of similarity is shown between A. avenae and A. complexus, with common features including: the presence of a second, internal outer labial dendrite (OL1); a second cephalic dendrite in the female (CEP2/CEM); an accessory process loop of inner labial dendrite 1; and terminus morphology and epidermal associations of internal sensory receptors BAG and URX. Unique to A. avenae is a pair of peripheral, lateral neurons of unknown homology but with axial positions and intercellular relationships nearly identical to the “posterior branches” of URX in A. complexus. Knowledge of homologies and connectivity of anterior sensory structures provides a basis for expansion of the experimental behavioral model of C. elegans to the economically important nematodes of Tylenchomorpha. J. Comp. Neurol. 517:616–632, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Atrial inflow can alter regurgitant jet size: In vitro studies

Recent studies have attempted to predict the severity of regurgitant lesions from color Doppler jet size, which is a function of orifice momentum for free jets. Jets of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, however, are opposed by flows entering the atria. Despite their low velocities, these counterflows may have considerable momentum that can limit jet penetration. The purpose of this study was to address the hypothesis that such counterflow fields influence regurgitant jet size. Steady flow was driven through 2.4-and 5.1-mm-diameter circular orifices at 2 to 6 m/s. At a constant orifice velocity and flow rate, the velocity of a uniform counterflow field was varied from 5 to 30 cm/s. Jet dimensions were measured by both fluorescent dye visualization and Doppler color flow mapping. The results showed that despite its relatively low velocities, counterflow dramatically curtailed jet length and area. Jet dimensions were functions of the ratio of jet to counterflow momentum. Thus, atrial inflow may participate in determining jet size and can alter the relation between jet size and lesion severity in mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.
The current STATe of biomarkers to predict the response to anti-angiogenic therapies.

Commentary to:Activated STAT3 is a mediator and biomarker of VEGF endothelial activationShao-Hua Chen, Danielle A. Murphy, Wiem Lassoued, Gavin Thurston, Michael D. Feldman, William M.F. Le
Trends and topics in Early Intensive Behavioral Interventions for toddlers with autism

Abstract The use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to treat persons with autism goes back several decades. Many specific target behaviors and intervention strategies have been developed. In the last two decades the most heavily studied of these methods has been Early Intensive Behavioral Interventions (EIBI). This package of ABA methods is unique in two ways. First, a broad range of target behaviors are trained for 20–40 h per week. This training is much more treatment per week than what is described in most ABA studies. Second, the children treated are typically 2–3 years of age, which is younger than for most ABA research. Reviews of EIBI have typically focused on the efficacy of the methods. These are important, but at present we argue that these methods are effective. This paper is different in that it looks at current trends such as generalization, parent training, factors that mitigate against effective treatment and the need for follow-up and booster treatment.
Nutrition at the worksite: An overview

Abstract Nutrition programs for employee health promotion have grown rapidly in the past five years. These programs most often focus on weight control, cafeteria-based nutrition education, and cholesterol reduction. This paper presents an overview of the current status of worksite nutrition programs, including a review of research and programs reported in the professional literature; a conceptualization of program elements; and a discussion of planning and evaluation of these programs. Special advantages for nutrition education at the worksite include the potential to harness social support and social influence; availability of a daily eating situation; and opportunities for follow-up, monitoring, and reinforcement of messages. While the long-term benefits of worksite nutrition programs remain unproven, there is evidence that worksite nutrition programs can be effective in changing behavior and improving health status.
Spin relaxation in photo-excited triplet states via vibronic excitation: rotation of spin axes

Abstract We present a model for the effect of promotion to an excited vibronic level on triplet spin coherence and spin-lattice relaxation. A general case is considered in which the zero field splittings and the fine structure axes orientations differ in the vibrationless triplet and the vibronic level. The expressions obtained are found to be functions of both the zero field splittings of the states involved and of the angles relating the spin axes. We compare the results to those of recent experimental investigations.
Gradient diffusion and protein solubility: use of dynamic light scattering to localize crystallization conditions

Abstract The gradient diffusivity, D , of proteins is measured with conventional dynamic light scattering instruments. In the low volume fraction limit, D is a linear function of volume fraction and can be written: D / D 0 =1+ D 2 φ , where D 0 is the limiting low volume fraction diffusivity and D 2 characterizes the pair contributions of hydrodynamic drag and osmotic compressibility on diffusivity. As the strength of particle attraction increases, D 2 becomes increasingly negative. Here we demonstrate that the sensitivity of D 2 to attractions can be used as a method to guide in the location of the crystallization slot and suggest a titration method that can be used to rapidly identify solution conditions placing the protein within this slot.
POLICING AND HUMANITARIANISM IN FRANCE: IMMIGRATION AND THE TURN TO LAW AS STATE OF EXCEPTION

Taking the issue of immigration in France as the entry point to a discussion of law and order, this essay examines what this focus on law and order masks: the manner in which law, in certain critical realms, operates according to the logic of exception, rather than as a regime of normative justice based on general rules and rights. Joining the renewed debate on Carl Schmitt's political theories while rejecting his larger political project, I suggest that the significance of this point is not primarily legal, but political. I locate my argument in the context of changing notions of both sovereignty and political power, suggesting that the situation in France constitutes just one instance of a larger struggle over sovereign power by national and transnational institutions. I focus on two specific and complementary spaces of what I have called ‘juridical indeterminacy’, each of which illustrates the enactment of this differently configured rule of law. These are policing and humanitarianism. In particular, I...
Femtosecond photoexcitation dynamics in polydiacetylene 4BCMU film

Femtosecond pulses were used to study photoexcitation dynamics in polydiacetylene 4BCMU film. Ultrafast photoinduced dichroism and optical Kerr gate responses were observed. These measurements allowed estimation of the diffusion constant (D ∼ 0.1 cm2/s), the nonlinear index of refraction (n2 ∼ 10−8 esu), and third-order susceptibility (δχ(3) ∼ 6 × 10−10 esu), in the film. We also found that the sign of the photoinduced transmission signal was dependent on the pump energy at the low energy absorption edge of the film. Possible explanations are proposed.
BAC end sequences and a physical map reveal transposable element content and clustering patterns in the genome of Magnaporthe grisea.

Abstract Transposable elements (TEs) are viewed as major contributors to the evolution of fungal genomes. Genomic resources such as BAC libraries are an underutilized resource for studying genome-wide TE distribution. Using the BAC end sequences and physical map that are available for the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea , we describe a likelihood ratio test designed to identify clustering of TEs in the genome. A significant variation in the distribution of three TEs, MAGGY, MGL, and Pot2 was observed among the fingerprint contigs of the physical map. We utilized a draft sequence of M. grisea chromosome 7 to validate our results and found a similar pattern of clustering. By examining individual BAC end sequences, we found evidence for 11 unique integrations of MAGGY or MGL into Pot2 but no evidence for the reciprocal integration of Pot2 into another TE. This suggests that: (a) the presence of Pot2 in the genome predates that of the other TEs, (b) Pot2 was less transpositionally active than other TEs, or (c) that MAGGY and MGL have integration site preference for Pot2. High transition/transversion mutation ratios as well as bias in transition site context was observed in MAGGY and MGL elements, but not in Pot2 elements. These features are consistent with the effects of a Repeat-Induced Point (RIP) mutation-like process occurring in MAGGY and MGL elements. This study illustrates the general utility of a physical map and BAC end sequences for the study of genome-wide repetitive DNA content and organization. Index Descriptors: Transposon; Transposable element; Rice blast; Magnaporthe grisea ; Pyricularia grisea ; BAC library; Physical map
Nonlinear photonic crystal microdevices for optical integration.

A four-port nonlinear photonic crystal system is discussed that exhibits optical bistability with negligible backscattering to the inputs, making it particularly suitable for integration with other active devices on the same chip. Devices based on this system can be made to be small Oλ3 in volume, have a nearly instantaneous response, and consume only a few milliwatts of power. Among many possible applications, we focus on an all-optical transistor and integrated optical isolation.
The patient, the mother, the therapist an interactional triangle in the treatment of the autistic child

Abstract The psychotherapy process of an autistic child (from age 3 1 2 to 6) is discussed. Based on the developmental history, and the clinical observations during psychotherapy, an attempt is made to present the patterns of communication and interaction as they developed from the original mother-child interaction through the development and changes in the child-therapist communication patterns. These changes were paralleled by changes in the mother-child interaction and in the mother-therapist interaction. The early unpredictable system of mother-child communication consisted of a mixture of aggression and rejection appearing at random. Through the initiation of psychotherapy, this reverberating pathological interaction changed to an interactional triangle between: child-therapist, mother-child and mother-therapist. Presently the child uses meaningful non-verbal communication, but does not use vocalization to convey messages. The therapy is still going on. The term of “jargon communication” is proposed to define the global expressive disorder in autism. The distorted language (or the lack of it) and other pathological motor manifestations, representing a non-verbal gestural jargon, lead to the “jargon communication”.
Chromium(III) Hydroxide Solubility in The Aqueous Na+-OH−-H2PO−4-HPO2−4-PO3−4-H2O System: A Thermodynamic Model

Chromium(III)-phosphate reactions are expected to be important in managing high-level radioactive wastes stored in tanks at many DOE sites. Extensive studies on the solubility of amorphous Cr(III) solids in a wide range of pH (2.8–14) and phosphate concentrations (10−4 to 1.0 m) at room temperature (22±2)°C were carried out to obtain reliable thermodynamic data for important Cr(III)-phosphate reactions. A combination of techniques (XRD, XANES, EXAFS, Raman spectroscopy, total chemical composition, and thermodynamic analyses of solubility data) was used to characterize solid and aqueous species. Contrary to the data recently reported in the literature,(1) only a limited number of aqueous species [Cr(OH)3H2PO−4, Cr(OH)3(H2PO4)2−2), and Cr(OH)3HPO2−4] with up to about four orders of magnitude lower values for the formation constants of these species are required to explain Cr(III)-phosphate reactions in a wide range of pH and phosphate concentrations. The log Ko values of reactions involving these species [Cr(OH)3(aq)+H2PO−4⇌Cr(OH)3H2PO−4; Cr(OH)3(aq)+2H2PO−4⇌Cr(OH)3(H2PO4)2−2; Cr(OH)3(aq)+HPO2−4⇌Cr(OH)3HPO2−4] were found to be 2.78±0.3, 3.48±0.3, and 1.97±0.3, respectively.
Effect of pressure on viscosity-dependent dye fluorescence

Abstract The fluorescence of the dyes crystal violet, auramine-O and eosin-Y has been studied as a function of pressure in glycerol and polyvinylalcohol at room temperature. The strong pressure sensitivity observed for the substituted methane dyes is related to the viscosity change of the fluid medium.
Photoluminescence characteristics of Fe 2+ doped ZnSe polycrystal with quantum cascade laser pumping

The Photoluminescence spectra and lifetime of Fe2+ doped ZnSe crystal with quantum cascade laser pumping is measured. At room temperature the photoluminescence lifetime is ∼ 0.38 μs, which increases to ∼ 100 μs at 80K.
First Report of Occurrence of Sclerotinia Blight on Petunia in Louisiana.

Petunia × hybrida Wave series cultivars were observed with symptoms of tan to brown stem lesions, wilt, and branch death in a demonstration/trial planting at Burden Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA, during January and February 2000. Disease signs included the presence of white, cottony mycelia on infected stems and the presence of black sclerotia. Seventeen of 131 plants were infected on 20 February and included individuals of cvs. Wave Purple, Wave Rose, Wave Misty Lilac, Wave Pink, Tidal Wave Hot Pink, and Tidal Wave Cherry. Isolations were made by placing diseased stem sections on acidified potato-dextrose agar. A fungus that produced white mycelia and black sclerotia was consistently isolated from infected stems and identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Pathogenicity tests were done by pipetting 1 to 2 ml of blended mycelia and sclerotia (one plate culture blended in 100 ml distilled water) at the base of flowering-age Wave series plants. Plants were held for 3 days in a dew chamber maintained at ...
Effects of dispersive electrode position and surface area on electrical parameters and temperature during radiofrequency catheter ablation

Abstract This study demonstrated that the location of the dispersive electrode has no significant effect on impedance, voltage, current delivery, and tip temperature during radiofrequency catheter ablation. In addition, the study also showed that doubling the surface area of the dispersive electrode resulted in lower impedance, higher current delivery, andincreased tip temperatures, particularly when the baseline impedance was >100 Ω. These findings may have important implications for optimizing radiofrequency energy delivery using currently available radiofrequency generators.
Design and analysis of asymptotically optimal randomized tree embedding algorithms in static networks

The problem of dynamic tree embedding in static networks is studied in this paper. We provide a unified framework for studying the performance of randomized tree embedding algorithms which allow a newly created tree node to take a random walk of short distance to reach a processor nearby. In particular, we propose simple randomized algorithms on several most common and important static networks, including d-dimensional meshes, d-dimensional tori, and hypercubes. It is shown that these algorithms, which have small constant dilation, are asymptotically optimal for embedding healthy trees. Our analysis technique is based on random walks on static networks. Hence, analytical expressions for expected load on all the processors are available.
Optical designs for improving performances of aerosol sensing micro-pulse lidars

This paper addresses current design improvement issues of aerosol sensing Micro-Pulse Lidars (MPL). MPLs are designed to adhere to eye-safety restrictions while achieving acceptable signal to noise ratios (SNR). This method is realized by reducing the per pulse energy of the laser and employing a narrow receiver field-of-view (FOV). Due to the narrow FOV requirement, only a partial return signal is measured until the laser beam propagates a distance where the receiver FOV fully overlaps the laser beam. This is called the full overlap distance and is usually 4 km or more for reasonable MPL parameters. Accurate MPL measurements are typically only possible beyond this distance. The fraction of laser beam energy that is within the receiver FOV versus range is called the overlap function. The causes of the overlap function are discussed. An overlap related problem with current MPL designs is that the majority of the atmospheric aerosols are located below an altitude of 4 km to 5 km, within the partial overlap region. Another problem is that the overlap function is not thermally constant. This introduces errors in the experimentally derived overlap function and system constant factor, ultimately leading to errors in the retrieved lidar signal.
Ring contraction of a two-carbon bridged spiropentane

Abstract The diazoketone derived from tricyclo[4.1.0.0 1,3 ]heptan-4-one on photolysis in dimethylamine leads to a novel product that appears to be formed via a cyclopropylcarbene rearrangement followed by dimethylamine addition and the cleavage of one of the cyclobutane rings. In a matrix at 15K, photolysis led to the loss of the 2085 cm −1 diazo band and the formation of a new band at 2117 cm −1 which is characteristic of a small ring ketene such as cyclopropylketene.
Fluorescence Quenching of Tryptophan and Tryptophanyl Dipeptides in Solution

We report measurements of fluorescence quantum yields of tryptophan, tryptophanylaspartate and tryptophanylarginine in several solvents as well as in aqueous solutions over a wide range of pH. We aim to test a computational model developed by Callis and coworkers of fluorescence quantum yield, which postulates that quenching in tryptophan arises from energy loss due to an electron transfer from the aromatic system of tryptophan to one of the amides in the protein backbone. Since the electron transfer state is expected to be high in energy, normally this would not be a possible outcome, but because of its large dipole, such a state should be more accessible in polar solvents. In addition, conditions of low (high) pH, which result in a net positive (negative) charge for the terminal amine (carboxyl) should result in an increase (decrease) of electron transfer rates and low (high) quantum yields. The observed results confirm the predictions of the model.
Purification of mouse and human interferons: detection of subunit structure.

Abstract During the purification of mouse and human interferons, multiple active components have been detected. Mouse interferon was purified over 500-fold by differential precipitation, centrifugation, gel chromatography, and isoelectric focusing. On electrofocusing, two molecular forms (A and B) were noted. Form B (pI 7.35) had a molecular weight of about 38,000 and Form A (pI 7.15), which was equally active, a molecular weight of 19,000. Purified Form B was dissociable into Form A, but the reverse reaction occurred to a much lesser extent. Human interferon, purified about 1500-fold, is also composed of multiple molecular forms. Form B (pi 5.60) had a molecular weight of about 24,000 and Form A (pi 5.35), which may contain up to 85% of the total activity, a molecular weight of 12,000. Both forms appear to have equal specific activities. The dissociation of both human and mouse interferons into subunits appeared to take place during dialysis versus low salt (0.01 M tris pH 7.A). The data are consistent w...
Estimation of components of genetic variance and heritability for flowering time and yield in gerbera using Derivative-Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFRML)

Additive genetic components of variance and narrow-sense heritabilities were estimated for flowering time (FT) and cut-flower yield (Y) for six generations of the Davis Population of gerbera using Derivative-Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFRML). Additive genetic variance accounted for 54% of the total variability for FT and 30% of the total variability for Y. The heritability of FT (0.54) agreed with previous ANOVA-based estimates. However, the heritability of Y (0.30) was substantially lower than estimates using ANOVA. The advantages of DFRML and its applications in the estimation of components of genetic variance and heritabilities of plant populations are discussed.
Ambiguity associated with use of singlet oxygen trapping agents in myeloperoxidase-catalyzed oxidations.

Abstract It is shown that hypochlorous acid preferentially oxidizes 2,5-dimethylfuran, histidine, β-carotene and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane in the presence of hydrogen peroxide without intermediary formation of singlet-excited molecular oxygen. It is therefore highly unlikely that the protective action of these compounds towards myeloperoxidase-catalyzed chlorination reactions is due to singlet oxygen deactivation or removal, and putative evidence based upon these effects for singlet oxygen participation in bactericidal reactions of myeloperoxidase-containing leukocytes is equivocal.
Sporadic breast cancer in young women: prevalence of loss of heterozygosity at p53, BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Previous studies have shown that breast cancers have more aggressive pathologic features in young women. In order to examine genetic alterations associated with early-onset breast cancer, 31 patients with no known family history, aged 26-35 years at diagnosis, were examined for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 3 key chromosomal intervals: 17p (p53), 17q 21 (BRCA1) and 13q12-13 (BRCA2) using polymerase chain reaction analysis of polymorphic microsatellite markers. These were compared with 31 patients aged 55-72 years that were matched for size, type and grade. All young breast cancer cases exhibited LOH for at least 1 marker and 20 cases (64.5%) exhibited LOH at 1 or more markers from each interval. The frequency of LOH detected for each of the markers was as follows 17p: p534N (33.3%), D17S796 (36.7%), D17S799 (63.3%) and D17S513 (59.3%); 17q: D17S855 (64.5%), THRA1 (46.7%) and D17S579 (33.3%); and 13q: D13S260 (74.2%), D13S171 (47.6%) and D13S267 (40.0%). These frequencies are higher than those observed at the 3 markers studied in the matched postmenopausal patients: D17S799 (41.4%), D17S855 (35.5%), D13S260 (30.0%). These differences in frequency of LOH were statistically significant for the D17S855 and D13S260 markers (p < 0.025 and p < 0.001 respectively). Although there were more grade III carcinomas (21 of 31 cases), there was no correlation between number of alterations and high grade in younger cases. These data suggest that LOH at these regions could be related to early-onset sporadic breast cancer.
Arthropod Prey‐Predator Ratios in a Sagebrush Habitat: Methodological and Ecological Implications

A 3-yr study of arthropod prey-predator ratios, based on species richness and density, was conducted in undisturbed and in intensively managed sagebrush habitats in southeastern Wyoming. Using simulated data sets, Bartlett's regression generated sig- nificantly more accurate prey-predator ratios than either simple ratios or ordinary least squares, so Bartlett's regression was used for analysis of field data. Both richness and density ratios were generally constant across taxonomic groups (insects, arachnids, and all arthro- pods) in both undisturbed and managed habitats. Prey-predator richness ratios ranged from 1.18 to 2.36 and were considered temporally and spatially constant in undisturbed habitats. The more sensitive density ratios ranged from 2.23 to 7.77, and showed significant variation in time and space. Herbicide application significantly decreased the prey-predator richness ratios in the treatment year, but the ratios increased the following year. Mowing also decreased richness ratios, but the changes were not significant. Although spatial and temporal heterogeneity prevented determination of valid control for assessing the impact of disturbances on most density ratios, the management practices appeared to have in- creased prey-predator ratios in the treatment and posttreatment years.
Experimental demonstration of a second-order memristor and its ability to biorealistically implement synaptic plasticity.

Memristors have been extensively studied for data storage and low-power computation applications. In this study, we show that memristors offer more than simple resistance change. Specifically, the dynamic evolutions of internal state variables allow an oxide-based memristor to exhibit Ca2+-like dynamics that natively encode timing information and regulate synaptic weights. Such a device can be modeled as a second-order memristor and allow the implementation of critical synaptic functions realistically using simple spike forms based solely on spike activity.
Specific and nonspecific dimer formation in the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of oligonucleotides

Specific and nonspecific noncovalent dimer ions of oligonucleotides (ODNs) were observed when mixtures of complementary or noncomplementary strands were analyzed via negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Dimer formation was concentration dependent and nearly always occurred when the concentration of ODN exceeded 100 µM. Dimers were observed even for short-length ODNs for which the melting temperature (T m) was well below the experimental temperature and which, therefore, would not be expected to form stable solution duplexes. The abundance of the heterodimer ions seems to correlate with the number of expected hydrogen bonds from Watson-Crick base pairing. As the energy of the incoming ion beam (orifice potential) was increased, the absolute and relative abundance of the dimer ions unexpectedly increased.
The longitudinal piezoelectric effect in rochelle-salt crystals

The piezoelectric coefficient d11' relating the compressional stress in any direction to the resulting polarization in the same direction is given from well-known transformation formulae. When the x' axis, with respect to which d11' is defined, makes equal angles with the three crystallographic axes, this longitudinal effect is a maximum. A plate cut with its normal in this direction is designated as "L-cut". Experiments made with a number of such plates are described, including their use as microphones and as sound-emitters at acoustic frequencies, as piezoelectric resonators for thickness vibrations, and as sources of ultrasonic waves. By a static method the value of d11' was found to be from 5400×10-8 to 6300×10-8 electrostatic units.
Expanding the Analyte Set of the JPL Electronic Nose to Include Inorganic Species

An array-based sensing system based on 32 polymer/carbon composite conductometric sensors is under development at JPL. Until the present phase of development, the analyte set has focused on organic compounds (common solvents) and a few selected inorganic compounds, notably ammonia and hydrazine. The present phase of JPL ENose development has added two inorganics to the analyte set: mercury and sulfur dioxide. Through models of sensor-analyte response developed under this program coupled with a literature survey, approaches to including these analytes in the ENose target set have been determined.
System Design Considerations For Laser Scanning

AbstractEvery laser scanning system combines a variety of optical and electronic components toachieve a particular set of quality, throughput and cost goals. In optimizing such asystem there is a vital need to make the hest use of the capabilities of each component.This can only be achieved when there is a mutual understanding, among the various membersof the design team, of the significant considerations - advantages, limitations andtradeoffs - in each other's field.This paper will review some of the significant factors affecting the opticalconfiguration of a laser scanning system. It represents an optical engineer's attempt torelate the tradeoffs at his disposal to the mechanical and electronic engineering peopleon the design team.The laser spot itself is defined and resolution guidelines are presented. Alternativeoptical configurations are briefly reviewed. A nomograph is then presented for developingpreliminary system design parameters for rotating polygon scanners.IntroductionThose of you who have attended Leo Beiser's popular minicourses on laser scanning willrecognize one or two of his illustrations in my presentation. I have added a little moreinformation to each, and I use them here with his permission.A laser scanning system is a sophisticated and often complex piece of equipment,involving a wide range of technology. The specification and design of such a systemrequires a high degree of coordination among several distinct disciplines. To obtain anoptimal system it is crucial that the members of the design team - optical, mechanical andelectronic - understand the basic considerations that go into determining its majorfeatures.The major aspects of the scanning system which are dictated by its application areusually those implied in figure 1. In addition there is always a set of performance goalsrelating to speed, resolution, cost and physical size. The particular configurationchosen will reflect the relative importance of each of these goals.In this paper I will obviously not be able to tie together all of the relevant factors,but I will try to shed some light on two areas where I think it will be most helpful.These areas are the specification of resolution and the evaluation of major tradeoffs inthe optical configuration.The emphasis here will be on systems that read or write in a frame format, regardlessof whether this is achieved by; a) dual (x -y) deflection of the spot, b) combination ofrepeated linear sweep with media feed, or c) continuous helical sweep (as in a rotatingdrum scanner). In all of these cases I refer to the sweep direction as the direction ofcontinuous spot motion, and to the feed direction as the direction perpendicular to the
Developing the next generation of entrepreneurs

It is clear that much of the world's technological innovation originates from the domain of the startup, an arena in which the United States has historically played a major role. However, while business and other schools have traditionally offered courses in entrepreneurship, only about one third of all new businesses ever reach profitability and less than half of all new startups survive more than five years. Much of the attrition of small businesses is a result of poor preparation of the founders and the failure of academia to treat entrepreneurship as something more than a purely academic subject. A new program at Hofstra University focuses on a fresh approach to preparing Computer Science and Engineering students in entrepreneurship by providing a curriculum specifically designed to meet the myriad challenges encountered by entrepreneurs in the “real” world.
Observation on intrarenal and intraperitoneal pressures in patients with tense ascites: feasibility of unassisted ascites drainage into the urinary system

SummaryFeasibility of unassisted drainage of tense ascites into the urinary system was studied by measuring pressures in the peritoneal cavity and renal pelvis. It was done in patients with refractory debilitating non-loculated ascites due to either cirrhotic portal hypertension (n=1) or intraperitoneal spread of colon carcinoma (n= 1). The pressures were measured before, during and after ascites decompression. It was found that intrarenal pressure (a) approximated intraperitoneal, (b) changed as a function of intraperitoneal, and (c) was always between 3 and 7cm H2O higher than intraperitoneal. Therefore, unassisted drainage of the ascitic fluid into the renal pelvis could not be achieved. Nevertheless, the obtained data may be of value for better understanding of renal physiology in tense ascites.
Is There any Observational Evidence for Non-Gaussian Primordial Density Fluctuations?

A brief review of tests of observational data and a report on recent numerical experiments is used to argue that there is little motivation from observational data for non-Gaussian primordial density fluctuations. Any such motivation must come at this time from the wish to consider a specific theoretical model.
What Are Bottlenose Dolphins Doing on Land? An Activity Teaching the Scientific Method through the Unique Behavior of Strand Feeding

All scientists use the scientific method to investigate the unknown by developing a hypothesis, designing an experiment, collecting data, and interpreting findings. The purpose of this activity is to teach middle school students about the scientific method and foraging ecology as they investigate a foraging behavior (strand feeding) of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). We tested this activity on middle school students and found that the activity promoted student inquiry, ingenuity, and critical thinking as the students used the scientific method to answer questions about strand feeding.
Obsidian blade production for craft consumption at kaminaljuyu

The interpretation of craft activity in Mesoamerica has been hindered by difficulties in recognizing and defining the archaeological signatures associated with obsidian blade production and consumption. Theoretical advances and experimental approaches have improved our understanding, but few studies have investigated the role of obsidian blade production in craft activity using empirical data from archaeological assemblages. The present study addresses this problem by presenting an analysis of obsidian flakes and blades recovered from a workshop refuse context at Kaminaljuyu, Guatemala. Technological and use wear analyses suggest that core-shaping by-products in the form of irregular percussion and pressure blades were used in craft activity. Fine blades were underrepresented in the assemblage, suggesting that cores or blades left the workshop as finished goods. These analyses demonstrate that the actual behavior of artisans likely did not conform exactly to the dichotomous theoretical categories of production and consumption that archaeologists routinely use.
Segregation in Social Networks

The intuitive literature on segregation is reviewed and a segregation measure, S, is constructed to embody existing intuitions. S measures segregation over a network of symmetrical social relations. Distributional problems are explored and two kinds of applications are illustrated.
Gas transport in polymers based on bisphenol‐A

Permeation measurements for CO2, CH4, O2, N2, and He were made with three polymers based on bisphenol-A, namely a polyhydroxyether, a polyetherimide, and a polyarylate. Measurements were also made for CO2 and CH4 in polysulfone. The data for CO2, CH4, and N2 plus previous data for these gases in polycarbonate and polysulfone were combined with equilibrium gas sorption data and analyzed with the dual mode/partial immobilization model and the more recent gas-polymer-matrix model. A comparison of the two models was done on the basis of physical interpretations of the resulting parameters. The diffusion coefficient for the Henry's law population was related to the kinetic diameter of the gas. The infinite dilution, Henry's law, and Langmuir diffusion coefficients were related to the free volume of the polymer. The work suggests a means for order-of-magnitude estimation of diffusion coefficients from polymer density and molecular structure.
A new control method for single-dc-source cascaded H-bridge multilevel converters using phase-shift modulation

Multilevel converters have gained popularity in high-power applications due to their low switch voltage stress and modularity. Cascaded H-bridge converters are a promising breed of multilevel converters, which generally require several independent dc sources. Using phase-shift modulation, a new control method for cascaded H-bridge multilevel converters with only one independent dc source per phase is presented in this paper. Unlike the conventional approaches, the proposed method has a wide voltage regulation range over the capacitors replacing the dc sources in the H-bridge converter cells.
Inferring Interaction Networks using the IBP applied to microRNA Target Prediction

Determining interactions between entities and the overall organization and clustering of nodes in networks is a major challenge when analyzing biological and social network data. Here we extend the Indian Buffet Process (IBP), a nonparametric Bayesian model, to integrate noisy interaction scores with properties of individual entities for inferring interaction networks and clustering nodes within these networks. We present an application of this method to study how microRNAs regulate mRNAs in cells. Analysis of synthetic and real data indicates that the method improves upon prior methods, correctly recovers interactions and clusters, and provides accurate biological predictions.
Nocardia asteroides necrotizing scleritis associated with subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection.

Purpose: To report a case of Nocardia asteroides infection after subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection. Design: Case report. Results: An 80-year old female received a subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection for postcataract surgery cystoid macular edema. Shortly after, the patient developed a chronic red eye that progressed to a fulminant necrotizing scleritis. Eventual scleral biopsy revealed Nocardia asteroides infection, which improved after 5 months of systemic antibiotic therapy. Conclusions: Subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection should be recognized as a cause of serious infectious scleritis.
Characteristics of antiplasticized thermosets: Effects of network architecture and additive chemistry on mechanical fortification

A new class of molecular additives is investigated for epoxy-based crosslinked polymers. These additives are shown to increase modulus and yield stress in the cured networks. In order to elucidate the mechanisms for reinforcement of epoxy thermosets, the effects of additive chemistry and network architecture are considered. Both model and commercial epoxy networks are studied, thereby probing the effect of molecular weight between crosslinks, Mc, on reinforcement. Additionally, the family of phosphates being studied ranges in molecular weight, solubility parameter and density. These parameters are demonstrated to strongly influence the degree of reinforcement and correlate with the ability of the additive to reduce mobility of the polymer network. Mechanisms of reinforcement are discussed. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2125–2133, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.