cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of gamma irradiation on the microbiological, physical and sensory qualities of diced tomatoes

Abstract Diced Roma tomatoes were treated with gamma irradiation and evaluated for changes in microbial, physical, chemical and sensory properties. Dosages for Trial 1 were 0.0, 0.39, 0.56 and 1.82 kGy and in Trial 2, 0.0, 0.50, 1.24 and 3.70 kGy. Irradiation at 3.70 kGy resulted in no aerobic populations through day 12 and significantly fewer colonies through day 15 whereas yeast and mold populations experienced a 2 log reduction through day 12. Color, titratable acidity, and °Brix were not significantly affected by irradiation. Tissue firmness decreased with increasing dose but not with storage time. Treatment with 3.7 kGy decreased firmness by 50% and 20% with 0.5 kGy, however, the reduced firmness induced by 0.50 kGy was undetected by a 9 member trained sensory panel. A significant ( p ⩽0.05) inverse correlation between changes in texture and water-soluble pectin (WSP) was determined while total pectin remained relatively constant and oxalate soluble pectin content decreased slightly with irradiation dose. The significant inverse correlation between the loss of firmness and WSP indicates that the changes in WSP play an important role in the tissue softening of tomatoes, This study indicates that irradiation at 0.5 kGy can reduce microbial counts substantially to improve microbial shelf life without adverse effects on sensory qualities.
Heparin-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia

Following subcutaneous therapy with heparin, the patient developed signs and symptoms of vascular occlusion in both legs. This was accompanied by thrombocytopenia and platelet aggregation when the patient's platelets were incubated with heparin. The clinical features and implications of this syndrome are discussed.
Newborn hearing screening follow-up: factors affecting hearing aid fitting by 6 months of age.

Purpose To determine the extent to which the goal of hearing aid fitting by 6 months of age is being achieved and to identify barriers to achieving that goal. Method Screening and follow-up records...
A comparative immunochemical study of the serum proteins of several galapagos iguanids

Abstract 1. 1. The serum proteins of three species of Galapagos iguanas, Amblyrhynchus cristatus, Conolophus pallidus and Conolophus subcristatus , and one mainland South American species, Iguana iguana , were studied by means of immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. 2. 2. A. cristatus , the Galapagos marine iguana, was found to be immunologically more closely related to the Galapagos terrestrial iguanas C. pallidus and C. subcristatus , than to the mainland species I. iguana . 3. 3. A. cristatus deme differences were not observed with the techniques employed.
1/f noise of Sb-based p-channel HFETs

The 1/ f noise of antimonide-based p -channel HFETs has been measured for the first time. The devices are fabricated with an InAlSb/AlGaSb barrier and a strained In 0.41 Ga 0.59 Sb quantum-well channel, yielding a channel hole mobility of 1020 cm 2 /V s and a sheet density of 1.6 10 12 cm m2 . The low-frequency noise spectrum in the linear region has a pure 1/ f slope with no generation-recombination component. The Hooge parameter, alpha H , varies between 3times10 -4 and 9times10 -3 depending on the gate bias.
Studies on hymenopteran parasites of Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) (diptera, agromyzidae), a pest of Cajanus cajan spreng., in India

Four hymenopteran species viz.Ormyrus orientalis Walker (Ormyridae),Euderus lividus (Ashmead) (Eulophidae),Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomidae) andSenegalella sp. (Torymidae) were reared and studied as parasites ofMelanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) (Dipt., Agromyzidae) in India. The biology ofM. obtusa and their parasites is briefly described. A view is given on the possibility of using these parasites for biological control.
Investment banker reputation and two-stage combination carve-outs and spin-offs

Abstract This study examines whether investment banker reputation impacts the initial period returns of two stage combinations (carve-outs followed by spin-offs). All prior literature regarding investment banker reputation is based on single-stage events (IPOs). An analysis is conducted of all completed two-stage carve-outs/spin-offs from 1981 to 2002. Findings indicate that underwriters for two-stage combinations retain their reputation in contrast with the single-stage findings of Carter et al. [Carter, R.B., Dark, F.H., Piwowar, M.S., 2002. IPOs and underwriter reputation: Redeeming the value of reputation. Working Paper, Iowa State University] that investment bankers redeemed (cashed-in) their reputation. Also, this study finds that the Carter et al. reputation factors dominate the Loughran and Ritter [Loughran, T., Ritter, J.R., 2002. Why don’t issuers get upset about leaving money on the table in IPOs? The Review of Financial Studies 15 (2), 413–443] reputation factors.
We Care--Virtually and in Person: A User-Centered Approach to Assessment, Implementation and Promotion of Library Resources and Services to a Remote Graduate Campus

ABSTRACT The article relates how the Brooklyn Campus Library of Long Island University, despite limitations of physical distance and the varying conditions of the remote graduate campus at Westchester, makes every effort to face each challenge creatively with practical solutions for implementation. We share our findings and experiences—what worked and what did not—and what remains to be done in terms of supporting the curricula and bringing library resources and services to a mixture of remote site users. The authors recount how the gap between reality and the ideal is reduced and unique issues relevant to remote users are resolved by the Brooklyn Campus Library, in collaboration with other units of Long Island University. We relate how we combine library instruction with our marketing efforts to promote library resources and services. We also analyze survey data and interlibrary loan statistics to assess our success. The article contributes to the ongoing discussion of improving and promoting library res...
Potential risks to ring-necked pheasants in California agricultural areas using zinc phosphide

Both wild-caught (32) and pen-reared (29) ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were studied using radio-telemetry in agricultural areas including: milo (sorghum — Sorghum vulgare), rice (Oryza sativa), corn (Zea mays), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), melon (Cucumis melo), and weeds. Following capture, demographic data collection, and radio-collaring, they were released into agricultural habitats near Meridian and Nicolaus, CA. After 7 days of acclimation, habitat use and mortality of radio-collared birds were monitored daily using radio-telemetry with Global Positioning Satellites units to record their locations. Randomly selected Meridian alfalfa fields (≈160 acres) were treated with 2% zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) on steamed rolled oat (SRO) baits for vole control, whereas, Nicolaus alfalfa fields (≈160 acres) were treated with placebo baits. After ≈5 weeks of radio-tracking during September and October 1996, no pheasants were killed as a result of the Zn3P2 baiting. Baits lost substantial potency (>30%) during their exposure to field conditions after 24 h. Most pheasants died from avian or mammalian predation (n=34, 85%) with pen-reared pheasants more vulnerable to predation than wild pheasants. All mortalities were found in habitats other than alfalfa; upon dissection, they did not have SRO baits (either control or treated) in their gastrointestinal tracts.
Predictors and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with antepartum discharge against medical advice

To determine predictors and pregnancy outcomes associated with antepartum discharge against medical advice (AMA D/C). Retrospective cohort study of state-level maternal and infant hospital discharge data linked to vital statistics data for antepartum admissions in California from 1995 to 2005. (N = 203,250). After adjusting for comorbid conditions, the odds of AMA D/C for Black women were twice that of white women (OR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.70-2.35). Publicly insured women had 3.5 times the odds of AMA D/C compared to privately insured women (OR = 3.54, 95% CI 3.02-4.15). AMA D/C was also higher among substance abusers and women with mental illness (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.43-2.67 and OR = 4.45, 95% CI 3.81-5.21 respectively). Most notably, AMA D/C tripled the odds of fetal death in patients admitted for pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR = 3.08, 95% CI 1.36-6.98) and increased the odds of neonatal morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.70 and small-for-gestational-age OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.15-1.89) in patients admitted with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Vulnerable populations and patients with comorbid medical and mental illnesses are at increased risk for AMA D/C and its associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Targeted interventions and resources to support at-risk populations are needed.
Cost-Effectiveness of Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer in the United States

Introduction A randomized trial has demonstrated that lung cancer screening reduces mortality. Identifying participant and program characteristics that influence the cost-effectiveness of screening will help translate trial results into benefits at the population level. Methods Six U.S. cohorts (men and women aged 50, 60, or 70 years) were simulated in an existing patient-level lung cancer model. Smoking histories reflected observed U.S. patterns. We simulated lifetime histories of 500,000 identical individuals per cohort in each scenario. Costs per quality-adjusted life-year gained ($/QALY) were estimated for each program: computed tomography screening; stand-alone smoking cessation therapies (4–30% 1-year abstinence); and combined programs. Results Annual screening of current and former smokers aged 50 to 74 years costs between $126,000 and $169,000/QALY (minimum 20 pack-years of smoking) or $110,000 and $166,000/QALY (40 pack-year minimum), when compared with no screening and assuming background quit rates. Screening was beneficial but had a higher cost per QALY when the model included radiation-induced lung cancers. If screen participation doubled background quit rates, the cost of annual screening (at age 50 years, 20 pack-year minimum) was below $75,000/QALY. If screen participation halved background quit rates, benefits from screening were nearly erased. If screening had no effect on quit rates, annual screening costs more but provided fewer QALYs than annual cessation therapies. Annual combined screening/cessation therapy programs at age 50 years costs $130,500 to $159,700/QALY, when compared with annual stand-alone cessation. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of computed tomography screening will likely be strongly linked to achievable smoking cessation rates. Trials and further modeling should explore the consequences of relationships between smoking behaviors and screen participation.
DEMONSTRATION OF A METABOLIC GRID AT AN EARLY STEP IN THE STREPTONIGRIN BIOSYNTHETIC PATHWAY IN STREPTOMYCES FLOCCULUS

The enzyme activities which catalyze the conversion of tryptophan to beta-methyltryptophan by two different routes have been demonstrated in cell-free extracts of streptonigrin-producing Streptomyces flocculus. The first route involves direct methylation of tryptophan by a C-methyltransferase. The second involves transamination of tryptophan to indolepyruvate, methylation of indolepyruvate to beta-methylindolepyruvate, followed by a reverse transamination reaction to yield beta-methyltryptophan. The direct methylation route was confirmed by the fact that the methyltransferase activity is still present after the transaminase has been inactivated by hydroxylamine treatment. The L-tryptophan C-methyltransferase has been purified 30-fold by ammonium sulfate precipitation and a Sephadex G-150 column. The indolepyruvate C-methyltransferase activity copurified with the tryptophan C-methyltransferase activity, but the transaminase did not. These results show that a metabolic grid exists for the first antibiotic-committed step of the streptonigrin biosynthetic pathway.
Clinical genetics in pediatric physical therapy practice? The future.

PURPOSE: This article provides a review of the current state of incorporating genetic information into clinical practice and looks to the future, which is just around the corner. KEY POINTS: The explosion of genetic information spurred by the Human Genome Project has resulted in a literal revolution in the use of genetic information in a clinical practice setting. Currently, information from the Human Genome Project is being used in the area of genetic diagnostics, and in genetically engineered biopharmaceuticals. Although this information is only in the infancy of its development, its direct incorporation into clinical practice already has affected the day-to-day services provided by practically all health care specialties. SUMMARY: The rapid development of genetic information requires those in clinical practice to maintain their currency in genetic information so that they can refer patients to appropriate genetic professionals.
Chemical Reactions of Organic Molecules Adsorbed at Ice 1. Chlorine Addition to Propene

Chemical reactions that are promoted or catalyzed by the surface or near surface regions of ice particles in type II polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) have been shown to play a role in the annual sequence of events that ultimately opens the Antarctic ozone hole. A new ice-catalyzed chemical reaction is reported, namely the addition of Cl{sub 2} to the C--C double bond of propene (C{sub 3}H{sub 6}) to form 1,2-dichloropropane. The reaction, which was investigated with temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD), was carried out on ultrathin (10--100 monolayer thick) films of ice deposited on single-crystal metal substrates under ultrahigh vacuum. The Cl{sub 2}-addition product was identified as 1,2-dichloropropane on the basis of its fragmentation pattern in the mass spectrometer. 1,2-Dichloropropane formation occurs below 150 K, and no chlorohydrin (e.g., 2-chloro-1-propanol) evolution is ever observed. The reaction of coadsorbed propene and chlorine is very different from what occurs in aqueous solutions, where chlorohydrin formation occurs readily. Possible mechanisms of the ice-surface-catalyzed reaction are discussed.
Myosin heavy chain expression in developing rat intrafusal muscle fibers

The immunocytochemical expression of several isoforms of myosin heavy chains (MHC) was determined in developing intrafusal and extrafusal fibers of the soleus muscle of prenatal and postnatal rats. At the onset of spindle assembly, both bag2 intrafusal myotubes and primary extrafusal myotubes bound a slow-twitch MHC antibody, whereas the bag1 and chain myotubes expressed a fast-twitch MHC isoform identical to that expressed by secondary extrafusal myotubes. Subsequently, developing intrafusal fibers began to express unique myosin isoforms, and ceased to express some of the myosin isoforms present initially. The initial similarity in MHC composition of intrafusal and extrafusal fibers suggests that these two kinds of mammalian muscle cell originate from a common pool of bipotential myotubes. Differences in MHC expression by intrafusal and extrafusal fibers in adult muscles might result from the effect of sensory neurons on the developing intrafusal myotubes.
Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of Trypansoma cruzi replication

We report the outcome of a high-throughput small-molecule screen to identify novel, nontoxic, inhibitors of Trypansoma cruzi, as potential starting points for therapeutics to treat for both the acute and chronic stages of Chagas disease. Two compounds were identified that displayed nanomolar inhibition of T. cruzi and an absence of activity against host cells at the highest tested dose. These compounds have been registered with NIH Molecular Libraries Program (probes ML157 and ML158).
National Narratives and Migration: Discursive Strategies of Inclusion and Exclusion in Jordan and Lebanon

National narratives play a key role in state consolidation and identity construction. This article proposes four factors that may affect how a regime chooses to portray the role of migrants and migration in official historical narratives: the relationship of emigrants to the colonial versus the post-independence state; the relationship between migration and sending state economic development; and the relationship between migrants and the home state elite – either benign neglect or instrumentalization. Taking Jordan and Lebanon as cases, the presentation examines school textbooks as key sources of the national narrative to discern their treatment of major population movements. It concludes with an evaluation of the four factors, finding greatest support for that of instrumentalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The prevalence of confirmed maltreatment among US children, 2004 to 2011.

IMPORTANCE Child maltreatment is a risk factor for poor health throughout the life course. Existing estimates of the proportion of the US population maltreated during childhood are based on retrospective self-reports. Records of officially confirmed maltreatment have been used to produce annual rather than cumulative counts of maltreated individuals. OBJECTIVE To estimate the proportion of US children with a report of maltreatment (abuse or neglect) that was indicated or substantiated by Child Protective Services (referred to as confirmed maltreatment) by 18 years of age. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) Child File includes information on all US children with a confirmed report of maltreatment, totaling 5 689 900 children (2004-2011). We developed synthetic cohort life tables to estimate the cumulative prevalence of confirmed childhood maltreatment by 18 years of age. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The cumulative prevalence of confirmed child maltreatment by race/ethnicity, sex, and year. RESULTS At 2011 rates, 12.5% (95% CI, 12.5%-12.6%) of US children will experience a confirmed case of maltreatment by 18 years of age. Girls have a higher cumulative prevalence (13.0% [95% CI, 12.9%-13.0%]) than boys (12.0% [12.0%-12.1%]). Black (20.9% [95% CI, 20.8%-21.1%]), Native American (14.5% [14.2%-14.9%]), and Hispanic (13.0% [12.9%-13.1%]) children have higher prevalences than white (10.7% [10.6%-10.8%]) or Asian/Pacific Islander (3.8% [3.7%-3.8%]) children. The risk for maltreatment is highest in the first few years of life; 2.1% (95% CI, 2.1%-2.1%) of children have confirmed maltreatment by 1 year of age, and 5.8% (5.8%-5.9%), by 5 years of age. Estimates from 2011 were consistent with those from 2004 through 2010. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Annual rates of confirmed child maltreatment dramatically understate the cumulative number of children confirmed to be maltreated during childhood. Our findings indicate that maltreatment will be confirmed for 1 in 8 US children by 18 years of age, far greater than the 1 in 100 children whose maltreatment is confirmed annually. For black children, the cumulative prevalence is 1 in 5; for Native American children, 1 in 7. Language: en
Growth of GaN on (100)Si Using a New C-H and N-H Free Single-Source Precursor

We have demonstrated growth of crystalline GaN on Si substrates by using, for the first time, a novel inorganic precursor Cl 2 GaN 3 and ultra-high-vacuum chemical vapor deposition techniques. Cross-sectional electron microscopy of the highly conformal films showed columnar growth of wurtzite GaN while Auger and RBS oxygen- and carbon-resonance spectroscopies showed that the films were pure and highly homogeneous. In addition to the high growth rates of 70–500 A per minute, the low deposition temperature of 550–700 °C, and the nearly perfect GaN stoichiometry that we obtain, another notable advantage of our method is that it provides a carbon-free growth environment which is compatible with p-doping processes.
Angular selective window systems: Assessment of technical potential for energy savings

Abstract Static angular selective shading systems block direct sunlight and admit daylight within a specific range of incident solar angles. The objective of this study is to quantify their potential to reduce energy use and peak demand in commercial buildings using state-of-the art whole-building computer simulation software that allows accurate modeling of the behavior of optically-complex fenestration systems such as angular selective systems. Three commercial systems were evaluated: a micro-perforated screen, a tubular shading structure, and an expanded metal mesh. This evaluation was performed through computer simulation for multiple climates (Chicago, Illinois and Houston, Texas), window-to-wall ratios (0.15–0.60), building codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and 2010) and lighting control configurations (with and without). The modeling of the optical complexity of the systems took advantage of the development of state-of-the-art versions of the EnergyPlus, Radiance and Window simulation tools. Results show significant reductions in perimeter zone energy use; the best system reached 28% and 47% savings, respectively, without and with daylighting controls (ASHRAE 90.1-2004, south facade, Chicago, WWR = 0.45). Angular selectivity and thermal conductance of the angle-selective layer, as well as spectral selectivity of low-emissivity coatings, were identified as factors with significant impact on performance.
Echocardiographic demonstration of coronary sinus diverticula in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Coronary sinus (CS) diverticula have been reported to be the anatomic basis of some posteroseptal accessory atrioventricular pathways. During 1 year, 53 patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome referred to our center for catheter ablation were found to have posteroseptal or left posterior accessory pathways. The accessory pathway was associated with an anomaly of the CS in seven patients (13%), including six diverticula of the CS or its branches and one aneurysmal CS. Four of the CS diverticula were visualized by transesophageal echocardiography. Diverticular appear as echolucent, contractile pouches on the epicardial surface of the posteroseptal or posterior left ventricle that connect to the CS by an isthmus. Previous reports have suggested that accessory pathways associated with CS aneurysms have rapid conduction times and may be associated with an increased risk of rapid ventricular response during atrial fibrillation and sudden death; five of our seven patients had a short preexcited R-R interval in the range of 172 to 225 msec during atrial fibrillation. In summary, many, if not the majority, of CS diverticula associated with preexcitation can be visualized by transesophageal echocardiography.
Training in adolescent health for nurse practitioners.

Abstract Nurse practitioners who received fellowship training in adolescent health care were surveyed regarding their fellowship experience and postfellowship education and employment activitites. Sixteen of 21 former fellows responded. Seventy-five percent had completed master's degrees at the time of response, and all who were employed as nurse practitioners reported spending time with adolescents and adolescent health. Reported deficits in the training program reflected those of surveyed physicians serving adolescents and physician fellows training in adolescent health. Respondents wanted more training in substance abuse, nutritional mangement, counseling and lecturing skills, chronically ill or disabled teens, and management of adolescent pregnancy. The experience of specialty training for nurse practitioners remains rare, and such training should be considered an important adjunct to graduate nursing education.
Exonucleolytic proofreading of leading and lagging strand DNA replication errors.

Abstract We have asked whether exonucleolytic proofreading occurs during simian virus 40 origin-dependent, bidirectional DNA replication in extracts of human HeLa cells. In addition, we have compared the fidelity of leading and lagging strand DNA synthesis. In a fidelity assay that scores single-base substitution errors that revert a TGA codon in the lacZ alpha gene in an M13mp vector, providing an excess of a single dNTP substrate over the other three dNTP substrates in a replication reaction generates defined, strand-specific errors. Fidelity measurements with two vectors having the origin of replication on opposite sides of the opal codon demonstrate that error rates for two different A.dCTP and T.dGTP mispairs increase when deoxyguanosine monophosphate is added to replication reaction mixtures or when the concentration of deoxynucleoside triphosphates is increased. The data suggest that exonucleolytic proofreading occurs on both strands during bidirectional replication. Measurements using the two simian virus 40 origin-containing vectors suggest that base substitution error rates are similar for replication of the leading and lagging strands.
Theoretical Models of Mercury Dissolution from Dental Amalgams in Neutral and Acidic Flows

This article reports an experimental and theoretical investigation of mercury dissolution from dental amalgams immersed in neutral (noncorrosive) and acidic (corrosive) flows. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric measurements of Hg loss indicate that in neutral flow, surface oxide films formed in air prior to immersion persist and effectively suppress significant mercury release. In acidic (pH 1) flows, by contrast, oxide films are unstable and dissolve; depending on the amalgam’s material composition, particularly its copper content, two distinct mercury release mechanisms are initiated. In low copper amalgam, high initial mercury release rates are observed and appear to reflect preferential mercury dissolution from unstable Sn8Hg (γ2) grains within the amalgam matrix. In high copper amalgam, mercury release rates are initially low, but increase with time. Microscopic examination suggests that this feature reflects corrosion of copper from grains of Cu6Sn5 (η′) and consequent exposure of Ag2Hg3 (γ1) grains; the latter serve as internal mercury release sites and become more numerous as corrosion proceeds. Three theoretical models are proposed in order to explain observed dissolution characteristics. Model I, applicable to high and low copper amalgams in neutral flow, assumes that mercury dissolution is mediated by solid diffusion within the amalgam, and that a thin oxide film persists on the amalgam’s surface and lumps diffusive in-film transport into an effective convective boundary condition. Model II, applicable to low copper amalgam in acidic flow, assumes that the amalgam’s external oxide film dissolves on a short time scale relative to the experimental observation period; it neglects corrosive suppression of mercury transport. Model III, applicable to high copper amalgam in acidic flow, assumes that internal mercury release sites are created by corrosion of copper in η′ grains and that corrosion proceeds via an oxidation-reduction reaction involving bound copper and diffusing hydrogen ions. The models appear to capture the correct time dependence of each dissolution mechanism and to provide reasonable fits to the experimental data.
The role of serendipity in my career in mineral physics: 1963-2013

Abstract My career in mineral physics has taken me on a journey from the California Institute of Technology to Columbia University to the Australian National University and finally to Stony Brook University over the course of the past 50 years. This path has been largely governed by serendipity [i.e., a series of happy accidents or pleasant surprises]. The goal of this paper is to share with young scientists the concept that it is not always possible to predict your career path and you should be prepared to take advantage of serendipitous events.
Imaging objects in tissuelike media with optical tagging and the diffuse photon differential transmittance

In a proof-of-concept experiment, we optically tagged objects embedded in an inhomogeneous and multiple-scattering medium and measured the difference between the transmitted diffuse photons at two optical wavelengths, one at and the other off a sharp absorption peak of the exogenous contrast agent. We demonstrated that the visibility of tagged objects was significantly enhanced in comparison with that of untagged objects. From our analysis it seems possible to use dual-wavelength differential transmittance spectrometry together with monoclonal-antibody-delivered optical contrast agents to detect tumors as small as 0.1–0.3 cm in size and embedded as deeply as a few centimeters beneath a tissue surface.
MOLECULAR ORIENTATION IN QUANTASOMES. II. ABSORPTION SPECTRA, HILL ACTIVITY AND FLUORESCENCE YIELDS.

Abstract The absorption spectrum of spinach quantasomes is compared with those of whole chloroplasts and intact leaves. Using the scattered-transmission technique, it is shown that the absorption maximum at 678.5 mμ in spinach leaves is not shifted in the preparation of isolated chloroplasts or by sonication and separation of small quantasome aggregates. The effects of several organic compounds and surface-active agents on the absorption spectra, chlorophyll fluorescence and Hill-reaction activity of quantasomes fall into two general classes. Added acetone, methanol, urea or sodium dodecyl sulfate induce a loss in Hill activity at appreciably lower concentrations than are required to give a pronounced fluorescence increase or blue shift in the absorption maximum at 678 mμ. On the other hand, quantasomes treated with Triton X-100 retain Hill activity at higher concentrations of the non-ionic detergent than are necessary to produce pronounced absorption and fluorescence changes. The principal conclusions reached are: (1) the position of the chlorophyll maximum in the red is not a sensitive measure of the ability of photosynthetic materials to carry out the Hill reaction, (2) energy diverted from normal photochemical pathways does not in general immediately appear as enhanced fluorescence, and (3) detergent concentrations comparable to the chlorophyll concentrations of quantasome aggregates are capable of profound effects on physical properties.
Long-Term Renal Function Outcomes after Radical Cystectomy

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term natural history of renal function after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion and determined factors associated with decreased renal function.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 1,631 patients who underwent radical cystectomy between 1980 and 2006. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated preoperatively and at various intervals after surgery. A renal function decrease was defined as a greater than 10 ml per minute/1.73 m2 reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Multivariate analysis was done to evaluate the association of clinicopathological features, incontinent vs continent diversion type and postoperative complications with decreased renal function.Results: A total of 1,241 patients (76%) underwent incontinent diversion and 390 (24%) underwent continent diversion. Median followup after radical cystectomy in patients alive at last followup was 10.5 years (IQR 7.1, 15.3). The median preoperative estimated glomerular filtr...
Integrated CVD–PVD Al plug processing for sub-half micron features

Abstract We have successfully integrated Al plugs into a 0.25- μ m CMOS flow using two different chemical vapor deposition (CVD) Al metallization process schemes. Both process schemes utilized CVD Al grown from dimethyl aluminum hydride (DMAH) followed by physical vapor deposition (PVD) Al–Cu deposition at a wafer temperature of less than 400°C. One process consisted of a 600-A CVD Al liner followed by PVD Al–Cu and in situ reflow. The second process involved deposition of 2000 A of CVD Al to fill the vias and blanket PVD Al–Cu to provide copper doping. Analysis of morphology, texture, and grain size revealed a strong dependence on the nucleation layer, with Ti nucleation layers demonstrating the smoothest Al morphology and strongest Al(111) preferred orientation. While the CVD TiN layers yielded a larger grain size than the PVD layers, Al films on CVD TiN had a random grain orientation with no preferred texture. While the reflow process produced repeatable void-free fill on contacts and vias with aspect ratios >3:1, the blanket process was prone to occasional voiding. Mean via and contact resistances for wafers processed through a 0.25- μ m CMOS flow using the CVD–PVD reflow process were 1.91 Ω and 1.56 Ω, respectively, with lower resistance and tighter distributions than W in both cases. For the contact level process, reverse bias diode leakage was comparable to W. Based on the blanket film properties, robust fill, and electrical performance, the CVD Al/PVD Al–Cu reflow process is a potential replacement for the current W plug process.
Role of leukocyte activation in patients with venous stasis ulcers

Abstract Alteration in leukocyte activation has been implicated as an etiological factor in the development of chronic venous stasis ulcers (CVSU). The purpose of this study was to determine differences in expression of cell surface activation markers on circulating leukocytes and systemic, soluble, serum cytokine levels between healthy controls and patients with CVSU. Twenty-three patients were separated into two groups. Group I consisted of 12 healthy, adult, age-matched male patients with no venous disease. Group II consisted of 11 adult male patients with CVSU who underwent air plethysmography (APG) and duplex scanning to determine the severity of venous insufficiency. All patients had measurements of systemic, serum-based, soluble IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and β2 microglobulin levels. Using fluorescence flow cytometry, we measured the percentage of lymphocytes (CD3), monocytes (CD14), and granulocytes (CD15) expressing various cell surface activation markers. By APG and duplex scan, all group II patients exhibited venous insufficiency, with a mean venous filling index of 6.9 ± 3.9 sec. Relative to group I, group II patients demonstrated a decreased expression of the CD3+/DR+ (13.3 ± 1.5, P ⩽ 0.01) and CD3+/CD38+ (31.1 ± 2.1, P ⩽ 0.04) markers on T-lymphocytes and an increased expression of CD14+/CD38+ (99.6 ± 0.2, P ⩽ 0.008) markers on monocytes. Circulating neutrophils showed no evidence of activation. In addition, a significant elevation in the T-helper to T-suppressor ratio (2.9 ± 0.6, P ⩽ 0.0001) between groups I and II was observed. IL6 was elevated in group II, while TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and β-2 microglobulin demonstrated no significant difference between groups. Our data demonstrate a down-regulation of CD3+/DR+ and CD3+/CD38+ markers on circulating T-lymphocytes, increased activation of CD14+/CD38+ circulating monocytes, and increased levels of soluble serum IL-6 in the systemic circulation of group II patients. The lack of systemic neutrophil activation suggests that their involvement in the pathogenesis of CVSU occurs locally in the microcirculatory environment of the affected limb. These observations also suggest that the ulcer itself may cause cellular dysfunction.
Oxide minerals in a layered kimberlite-carbonate sill from Benfontein, South Africa

The lower sill at Benfontein, South Africa, shows a high degree of magmatic sedimentation to kimberlite, oxide-carbonate, and carbonate layers. The iron-titanium oxide minerals are similar in the carbonate-rich and silicate-rich layers and are represented by titaniferous Mg-Al chromite, Mg-Al titanomagnetite, magnesian ilmenite, rutile, and perovskite. The spinel crystallization trend was toward enrichment in Mg and Ti and depletion in Cr; this trend is similar to that observed in many kimberlites. The ilmenite has Mg and Cr contents within the range observed in kimberlites and lacks the Mn enrichment observed in ilmenites from carbonatites. Perovskite in silicate-rich and carbonate-rich layers shows similar total REE contents and LREE enrichment and lacks the remarkable Nb enrichment observed in perovskite from carbonatites. These new data on the iron-titanium oxide minerals in the lower Benfontein sill do not support a genetic relationship between kimberlites and carbonatites.
Molecular Systematics of Montieae (Portulacaceae): Implications for Taxonomy, Biogeography and Ecology

DNA sequence data from nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, including the 5.8s coding region, and plastid trnK/matK were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Montieae (Portulacaceae), and a revised classification for the group based on monophyly is proposed. Montieae consists of the sister clades Claytonia and Montia. In Claytonia, there is strong support for the following clades: section Limnia, all annuals except the perennials C. sibirica and C. palustris; section Rhizomatosae, high elevation or high latitude perennials with rhizomatous or caudicose growth habits; and section Claytonia, species with spheric or obconic underground perennation structures. All analyses recover clades of Montia circumscribed as sections Montiastrum, Australiensis, and Montia. Heenan's Australasian Neopaxia is placed robustly in Montia section Australiensis, a clade limited primarily to Australia and New Zealand. DIVA and MacClade reconstruct the ancestral area for Montieae as western North America. Beringian taxa of Claytonia section Rhizomatosae are derived from low latitude western North American ancestors adapted to persistently wet, alpine habitats. Although we infer that section Claytonia had multiple shifts to northern high latitudes and potentially to eastern North America from western North America, relationships among clades in this section have limited support. Habitat reconstructions show that the pleisiomorphic condition for moisture regime in section Claytonia is largely maintained over shifts in elevation/latitude.
Remarks on the validity of the theorem of minimum entropy production

Abstract It is pointed out that the recently published observations of Hunt, Hunt and Ross on the Validity of the theorem of minimum entropy production are a matter of their particular interpretation.
Kinetics of Aqueous-Phase Hydrogenation of Lactic Acid to Propylene Glycol

The kinetics of aqueous-phase hydrogenation of lactic acid to propylene glycol over a 5 wt % Ru/carbon catalyst have been characterized in a stirred batch reactor. A thorough analysis of mass-transfer resistances based on measurements of hydrogen solubility and gas−liquid mass-transfer coefficients, application of correlations in the literature, and intraparticle diffusion calculations show that mass-transfer resistances are negligible at the temperatures (403−423 K) and hydrogen pressures (6.8−13.6 MPa) studied. A Langmuir−Hinshelwood (L−H) model is proposed and used to fit lactic acid conversion kinetics. The kinetic model provides insight into the catalytic reaction mechanism and forms the basis for design and further investigation of the aqueous-phase hydrogenation.
Novel uses of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis and classification of soft tissue tumors

Immunohistochemistry plays a key role in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumors. Until recently, however, the primary purpose of immunohistochemistry in this context was simply to attempt to demonstrate a line of differentiation. Unfortunately, most traditional markers (predominantly directed against cytoplasmic determinants) show relatively limited specificity. Over the last decade or so, much more specific immunohistochemical markers for soft tissue tumors have been developed. This review will provide an update of some of the most useful new diagnostic markers, which are significantly changing clinical practice for surgical pathologists, separated into three general categories: (1) lineage-restricted transcription factors, (2) protein correlates of molecular alterations, and (3) diagnostic markers identified by gene expression profiling.
Three dimensional constitutive relations for ferroelectric materials in the presence of quasi-static domain switching

We propose, in this paper, three dimensional constitutive relations for the stress and the electric displacement for ferroelectric materials taking into account the changing material properties which occur during quasi-static domain switching. These constitutive relations are characterized for the ceramic PZT 65/35 via experimental results entailing acoustic, electromechanical and electrical measurements. We also establish the correspondence of these constitutive relations to the standard relations in the literature which describes the responses of poled ferroelectric materials in the absence of domain switching.
Duck-Rabbits in Social Analysis: A Tale of Two Cultures

This article differentiates between three approaches to methodological diversity: monism, pluralism, and eclecticism. It suggests that in advancing a set-theoretic understanding of qualitative research, A Tale of Two Cultures makes an unusually strong argument for robust pluralism. The article antici- pates three types of critiques that are likely to be made of the book: Monists will argue that pluralism is an illusion; quantitative researchers will suggest that Goertz and Mahoney inaccurately describe quantitative methods; and qualitative researchers will express doubts as to whether their tradition can be best understood using set theory. The article mainly focuses on the third of these responses, and suggests that even if A Tale of Two Cultures is not always convincing as a descriptive account of current practices, it holds considerable promise as a prescriptive agenda.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vaccine Development: Recent Advances in the Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Platform “Spotty Business”

For human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine development, a central focus is developing a vaccine that primarily drives strong and broad CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This focus is largely due to the difficulty in generating cross-neutralizing antibodies against the diverse array of HIV viral envelopes (9, 40, 78, 139). The ability of CD8+ T cells to impact or control viral replication is supported by model primate studies and is reiterated by studies of immune control in infected individuals. For example, Cao et al. (28) reported that HIV-1-infected long-term nonprogressors exhibited high levels of HIV-specific CTLs. In addition, HIV-1-infected patients with high levels of virus-specific CTLs exhibited lower viral loads, slower CD4+ T-cell declines as measured in peripheral blood, and relatively stable clinical statuses (23, 81, 108, 112). Preclinical studies conducted with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected monkeys showed that upon their in vivo depletion of CD8+ T cells, a rapid and dramatic increase in viremia was observed (70, 131). While no correlates of immunity for protection against HIV-1 have been concretely established, these data as well as those of others (6, 13, 137) strongly suggest that CD8+ T cells are important in controlling viral infection and may be an important component of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. In this review, we summarize recent advances in HIV vaccine development utilizing various platforms that target the induction of cellular immunity. In particular, we draw inferences, as appropriate, for the induction of cellular immune responses at mucosal as well as systemic sites.
Using Cooperative Mediation to Solve Distributed Constraint Satisfaction Problems

Distributed Constraint Satisfaction (DCSP) has long been considered an important area of research for multi-agent systems. This is partly due to the fact that many real-world problems can be represented as constraint satisfaction and partly because real-world problems often present themselves in a distributed form. In this paper, we present a complete, distributed algorithm called asynchronous partial overlay (APO) for solving DCSPs that is based on a cooperative mediation process. The primary ideas behind this algorithm are that agents, when acting as a mediator, centralize small, relevant portions of the DCSP, that these centralized subproblems overlap, and that agents increase the size of their subproblems along critical paths within the DCSP as the problem solving unfolds. We present empirical evidence that shows that APO performs better than other known, complete DCSP techniques.
Extent of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is Associated with Both Short-Term and Long-Term Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

David H. Stone, MD,1 Philip P. Goodney, MD,1 Jeffrey Indes, MD,2 Jeffrey Kalish, MD,3 Andres Schanzer, MD,4 Randall De Martino, MD,1 Andrew Hoel, MD,1 Daniel B. Walsh, MD,1 Jack L. Cronenwett, MD,1 Brian W. Nolan, MD1. 1Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; 2Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn; 3Boston Medical Center, Boston, Mass; and 4University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass
Efficient geometric algorithms on the EREW PRAM

We present a technique that can be used to obtain efficient parallel geometric algorithms in the EREW PRAM computational model. This technique enables us to solve optimally a number of geometric problems in O(log n) time using O(n/log n) EREW PRAM processors, where n is the input size of a problem. These problems include: computing the convex hull of a set of points in the plane that are given sorted, computing the convex hull of a simple polygon, computing the common intersection of half-planes whose slopes are given sorted, finding the kernel of a simple polygon, triangulating a set of points in the plane that are given sorted, triangulating monotone polygons and star-shaped polygons, and computing the all dominating neighbors of a sequence of values. PRAM algorithms for these problems were previously known to be optimal (i.e., in O(log n) time and using O(n/log n) processors) only on the CREW PRAM, which is a stronger model than the EREW PRAM. >
A self-planning methodology for planetary robotic explorers

Planetary robotic explorers must plan and re-plan their actions as new mission and environmental information becomes available. Here an online action plan generation procedure is proposed. Action plans are scripts that include navigation, sensing, and task instructions. The plans are constructed from physically realizable actions, called action modules, that are assembled to produce a successful action plan. The approach is based on a hierarchical selection process, which includes a genetic algorithm, to select a feasible action plan. The proposed methodology attempts to fully utilize the physical capability in rugged terrain, while minimizing the risk of mission failure. The method is demonstrated in the context of an example task and some guidelines are presented.