cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solution of the nitroxide spin-label spectral overlap problem using pulse electron spin resonance

Short-pulse saturation-recovery (SR) electron spin resonance (ESR) methods have been used to measure the lateral diffusion of a nitroxide-labeled cholesterol analogue (3-spiro-[2'-(N-oxyl-4',4'-dimethyloxazoladine)]-cholestane, CSL) in multilamellar liposomal dispersions. SR experiments were performed on samples containing 14NCSL:15NCSL pairs, and recovery signals were analyzed for initial conditions and multiexponential time constants by computer simulation. Rate equations describing the system were written and solved. The time constants contain combinations of electron spin lattice relaxation times Tle for both isotopes and the Heisenberg exchange rate constant Kx. We have investigated the complication that occurs from overlap of ESR spectral fragments from 14N and 15N moieties. The time constants of the multiexponential signals are independent of ESR line shape and position. From Kx, lateral diffusion constants of CSL in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) were calculated (D = 1.7 x 10(-8) at 27 degrees C and 2.7 x 10(-8) cm2/s at 37 degrees C). It is shown that short-pulse saturation-recovery methods are able to overcome the ESR spectral overlap problem that is encountered in conventional ESR and continuous wave electron-electron double resonance (CW ELDOR) studies of spin-spin interactions. The present method can be extended to more complex situations involving spin labels in different environments with physical and chemical exchange.
Severe hypertriglyceridaemia in a Greek infant: a clinical, biochemical and genetic study.

A 32-day-old girl with massive hypertriglyceridaemia and clinical signs of chylomicronaemia syndrome is described. Genetic study of the patient revealed compound heterozygosity for a common lipoprotein lipase gene mutation (G188E) and a novel missense mutation (M301R), consistent with reduced post-heparin plasma lipoprotein lipase immunoreactive mass observed. Conclusion: to the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a patient with a M301R mutation in the lipoprotein lipase gene. In addition, dietary therapy with medium-chain triglycerides was successful supporting the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach in familial chylomicronaemia syndrome.
Insulin Mediated Hemodynamic Responses in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHRs): Effect of Chromosome 4 Gene Transfer

The spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) is a widely studied model of essential hypertension and has been reported to exhibit alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Genetic linkage studies implicated that SHR carries deletion variant of Cd36 gene of chromosome 4, the gene that encodes fatty acid transporter. Thus it could be possible that primary genetic defect in SHR is compromised tissue utilization of fatty acid that would form the basis for the pathogenesis of hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and insulin-mediated responses. We measured both the hemodynamic and metabolic responses to insulin in SHR in comparison with the chromosome congenic spontaneous hypertensive rats (cSHRs) (rats in which piece of chromosome 4 containing wild type Cd36 was integrated into the SHR genome). A bolus infusion of insulin increased iliac conductance and decreased blood pressure in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. However, in SHR insulin did not reduce blood pressure as in WKY but after about 15 min it significantly enhanced blood pressure and reduced iliac conductance. Whereas in cSHR insulin did not reduce blood pressure as in WKY rats. However, pressor responses to insulin were eliminated by chromosome 4 gene transfer. Glucose clearance was significantly slower in both SHR and cSHR. Glucose tolerance test revealed that SHR are hyperinsulinemic and insulin resistant. These findings indicate that transfer of segment of chromosome 4 from Brown Norway rats onto spontaneous hypertensive background eliminates hyperinsulinemia and pressor effects of insulin.
Chronic exposure to an environmental hazard: Risk perceptions and self-protective behavior.

The risk perceptions and self-protective behavior of 282 immigrant farm workers (all of Mexican origin) in response to pesticide exposure were examined. Several variables were predicted to influence reactions, but some deviations from past studies were expected because cultural or socioeconomic factors could modify risk responses. In keeping with predictions, greater risk perceptions were associated with beliefs that past harm had occurred, future harm to self or offspring was likely, precautions were less effective, and cancer-causing agents were mostly unavoidable. Self-protective behavior was most likely for those receiving risk information, having greater perceptions of control over health and the occupational situation, and believing that precautionary methods were effective. The discussion considers variability in responses to chronic risk and the broader perspective offered by environmental hazard studies.
Escape of photoelectrons: a major energy resolution degrading mechanism in thin superconducting tunnel junction X-ray detectors

The authors consider the consequences of fabricating integral X-ray detectors with thin electrodes, 0.17 mu m for Nb and 0.25 mu m for Sn, with 6-keV photons incident. A simple geometric argument demonstrates that energetic electron loss during the first 1 ps of each event will cause less than the full energy of the incident photon to be captured in a large fraction of the events. This reduces the ultimate energy resolution the devices can achieve. Use of thicker absorbers (electrodes) is thus highly desirable, both from this point of view and to increase the quantum efficiencies of the devices. Nb electrodes should be about 0.8- mu m thick to reduce the escape probability of photoelectrons of energy >or=5 eV during the first 1 ps of an event. >
The Environmental Sensitivity Index and Oil and Hazardous Materials Impact Assessments: Linking Prespill Contingency Planning and Ecological Risk Assessment

ABSTRACT Scott, G.I.; Fulton, M.H.; DeLorenzo, M.E.; Wirth, E.F.; Key, P.B.; Pennington, P.L.; Kennedy, D.M.; Porter, D.; Chandler, G.T.; Scott, C.H., and Ferry, J.L., 2013. The environmental sensitivity index and oil and hazardous materials impact assessments: linking prespill contingency planning and ecological risk assessment. The oil spill Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) was developed by Miles O. Hayes and researchers at Research Planning Institute and at the University of South Carolina during the 1970s and has been used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assess, forecast, and mitigate oil spill impacts throughout coastal regions of the United States. The ESI delineates different habitats types within coastal ecosystems and prioritizes their vulnerability to oil spills based on the persistence of oil and the ecological sensitivity of marine animals and plants within each habitat type. More physically exposed habitats (e.g., rock headlands), have shorter oil spill p...
Drug permeation through thin‐model membranes III: Correlations between in vitro transfer, in vivo absorption, and physicochemical parameters of substituted benzoic acids

Comparative transfer-rate studies employing a series of benzoic acid analogs were conducted across a polymeric model biomembrane. Statistical correlations were sought between the determined in vitro transfer-rate constants and in vivo absorption data reported in the literature. Relationships with certain solubility-related parameters were also investigated. The in vitro transfer-rate constants were compared to in vivo absorption data reported in the literature for buccal and intestinal absorption. Significant correlations were obtained, indicating the strong association that exists between these two variables. The in vitro transfer rates of the benzoic acid derivatives were also shown to be statistically related to the reciprocal water solubility and the log partition coefficient of the substituent group on benzoic acid. No correlation was found between drug permeation, as expressed by the in vitro transfer-rate constant, and the molecular weight or volume of the compound, confirming the dominant role that solubility of the penetrating species plays in controlling permeation through this membrane system.
A background for the management of osteoarthritic knee pain

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common degenerative arthritis and is treated by a wide range of practitioners. Treatment planning requires knowledge of the knee joint components and the influence of systemic and environmental factors. The treatment of KOA has changed little in 50 years. We are entering a new stage where KOA is now being viewed as an organ in failure. Neurotransmission of pain is both peripheral and central. Medical treatment can influence both pathways. Current guidelines for treatment have more rigid criteria based on the literature. In the future, the use of genetic-based biomarkers, clinical patterns of response and imaging characteristics will likely create subgroups of individuals who could benefit from improved designer therapies.
Wideband radar polarimetry: low frequency-to-optical imaging--an essential tool in planetary enfironmental defense--the challenge of the next century, and a viable new role for the world militaries

Civilization as we know it is threatened by environmental degradation on a global scale which, if continued unchecked, will soon reach a critical mass that will devastate the Earth's ecological life support systems just as surely as could a full scale nuclear war. We summarize first-hand observations of the current ecological situation in Eastern Europe and around the world. We report on critical situations such as new diseases, the water supply and its contamination that have come to light only in recent years. We find that our greatest threat today is not from other nations trying to conquer us, but from our own capacity to destroy our environment and with it ourselves along with our planetary flora and fauna. Indeed, this is the greatest enemy of our times, one that we need to recognize and fight before we lose a battle that we did not foresee. To counter this imminent threat, we propose a new post-war role for the US military in a global environmental defense initiative in which our military capabilities would be restructured into a planetary environmental defense force.
Plasma Actuator for Wake Flow Control of High Camber Blades During Part Load Operation

Plasma actuators, composed of two electrodes with a constant or time-varying voltage difference applied between them are known to impart a directed momentum on the gas in the vicinity of one of the electrodes. This work focuses on a plasma actuator installed on one blade of a gas turbine blade cascade. These high-camber angle blades are used for transportation and stationary applications, and at partial load (i.e. low flow speeds) they exhibit flow separation on the suction side. A plasma actuator, optimized in terms of insulation thickness and applied voltage waveform, is placed on the suction-side, near the trailing edge of the blade, and airfoil plasma-off performance compared to plasma-on. Separation is detected via surface pressure measurements, and loss of stagnation pressure via measurements of total pressure with Pitot tubes. Flow directions are measured in a few cases as well. The actuator is found to decrease the stagnation pressure loss at most experimental conditions, and to increase the flow turning angle. Conclusions as to the plasma actuator effectiveness are derived from blade loss coefficients. The plasma actuator can reduce stagnation pressure losses by 50% with the most effective actuator of those investigated thus far in this cascade. An approximate ratio of electrical to dynamic forces is defined and calculated as a means of characterizing the relative magnitude of the plasma force required to avert separation. Since the loss is measured in the wake of the blade, the term “wake filling configuration” seems an appropriate description of this specific actuator location.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Hyperpolarized 3He diffusion MRI and histology of secreted frizzled related protein-1 (SFRP1) deficient lungs in a Murine model

Abstract Secreted frizzled related protein-1 (SFRP1) plays a key role in many diverse processes, including embryogenesis, tissue repair, bone formation, and tumor genesis. Previous studies have shown the effects of the SFRP1 gene on lung development using the SFRP1 knockout mouse model via histological and physiological studies. In this study, the feasibility of ADC (acquired via HP 3 He) to detect altered lung structure in the SFRP1 knockout (SFRP1 −/− ) mice was investigated, and compared to analysis by histology. This study consisted of two groups, the wild-type (WT) mice and the knockout (KO) mice with n = 6 mice for each group. 3 He ADC MRI and histology were performed on all of the animals. The global L m values of WT and KO mice were 35.0 ± 0.8 μm and 38.4 ± 3.8 μm, respectively, which translated to an increase of 9.58% in the L m of KO mice. The mean global ADCs for the WT and KO mice were 0.12 ± 0.01 cm 2 /s and 0.13 ± 0.01 cm 2 /s, respectively, which equated to a relative increase of 8.0% in the KO mice compared to the WT mice. In the sub-analysis of the anterior, medial and posterior lung regions, L m increased by 10.50%, 6.66% and 11.84% in the KO mice, respectively, whereas the differences in ADC between the two groups in the anterior, medial, and posterior regions were 7.3%, 8.3%, and 4.6%, respectively. These results suggest that HP MRI measurements can be used as a suitable substitute for histology to obtain valuable information about lung geometry non-invasively. This technique is also advantageous as regional measurements can be performed, which can identify lung destruction more precisely. Most importantly, this approach extends far beyond the specific pathology analyzed in this study, as it can be applied to many other pathological conditions in the lung tissue, as well to many other embryonic studies.
The finite power property for context-free languages

A language L is said to have the finite power property if there exists some positive integer n such that L* = ({A} u ~5)“. The problem of determining for which classes of languages the finite power property is decidable was first posed by J.A. Brzozowski in 1966. Simon [4j has developed a decision procedure for the class of regular languages. Our major result is to prove that this problem is undecidable for the class of context-free languages. As a preliminary, we will first establish the Unsolvability of the conceptually easier probfem of testing if L = L2 for context-free Pianguages.
Characteristics of the output from the dentate nucleus to spinal neurons via pathways which do not involve the primary sensorimotor cortex.

Experiments were performed to determine the action of the dentate output on neurons in the spinal cord mediated by pathways which do not involve the primary sensorimotor and premotor cortices. The dentate nucleus was electrically stimulated by stereotaxically placed electrodes in Rhesus monkeys whose contralateral sensorimotor and premotor cortices were ablated. The resultant changes in excitability of lumbar alpha motoneurons activated by Ia afferents from nerves innervating femoral, hamstring, gastrocnemius-soleus and peroneal muscles were measured by intracellular recordings and by determining the percent change in the amplitude of the monosynaptic reflex recorded from ventral roots. The effect of stimulation of the dentate nucleus on proprioceptive reflexes was determined by recording the changes in postsynaptic potentials evoked by selective stimulation of Ia and Ib afferent fibers. The results demonstrated that the dentate nucleus exerts a significant action on the excitability of spinal neurons via pathways which do not include the sensorimotor and premotor cortices. Whether the dentate stimulus produced an increase or decrease in the excitability of these neurons was dependent upon the site within the dentate nucleus at which the stimulus was applied, demonstrating that, in the decorticate preparation, the output from this nucleus is quite heterogeneous. In addition, stimulation of the dentate nucleus in these monkeys did not affect the Ia reflex pathway but significantly changed the amplitude of the inhibitory postsynaptic potential evoked by Ib afferents in lumbar alpha motoneurons.
ROLE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN THE LIGHT-INDUCED ASSIMILATION OF ACETATE BY CHLAMYDOBOTRYS.

THE green alga Chlamydobotrys (Volvocales) respires acetate but is unable to grow aerobically in the dark. In the light it can grow rapidly with acetate as its sole source of carbon1. Yet this alga shows a weak capacity for photosynthesis. The question arises whether the low rate of carbon dioxide reduction is only a residual ability, or whether the photosynthetic process has some significant part to play in the main metabolic pathway of acetate assimilation in Chlamydobotrys.
Thermoelastic Instability Including Surface Roughness Effects

A thermoelastic instability (TEI) analysis is presented for determining the threshold of instability in a friction pair consisting of a conducting surface rubbing against a rough surface with very low thermal conductivity. The theory predicts that TEI is initiated when the operating speed exceeds a limiting value of U * given by: U*/U s = 1 + ΛP' where U s is identical to the critical equation developed by Burton (1980) for highly loaded surfaces in contact defined as: U s = 2Ωk s /fαE. The dimensionless parameters on the right-hand-side of the above equation emerge from the consideration of the surface roughness and are defined as Λ = σΩE/2 X , and 3' = H o /F'. The results indicate that the magnitude of the applied load and the surface roughness characteristics tend to play an important role in the prediction of the onset of TEI instability.
The effects of selective mu1 opiate receptor blockade on breathing patterns in the fetal lamb.

ABSTRACT: The effects of naloxone and naloxonazine (an irreversible mu1, antagonist) administration on fetal breathing movement (FBM) patterns under control, physiologic conditions were studied in 10 fetal lambs with chronically implanted electromyogram electrodes in the diaphragm. Neither naloxone (6 mg/h) nor naloxonazine (34 mg) had any effect on the total number of diaphragmatic electromyogram bursts per hour, mean instantaneous breathing rate, or incidence of breathing. However, naloxonazine caused a more fragmented FBM pattern, as indicated by a significant increase in both the number of apneas and pauses per hour, along with decreased epoch duration. In addition, naloxonazine caused a significant reduction in the stability or regularity of the breathing rate. Naloxone had no effects on the dynamic pattern of the FBM. These results suggest that endogenous opiate peptides play a tonic role at the mu1 receptor to maintain both the continuity and stability of the FBM pattern in late gestation.
Experiences teaching an FPGA-based embedded systems class

I describe a two-year-old embedded systems design course I teach at Columbia University. In it, the students learn low-level C programming and VHDL coding to design and implement a project of their own choosing. The students implement their projects using Xilinx FPGAs and tools running on Linux workstations.The main challenges the students face are understanding and complying with complex and often poorly-documented interfaces and protocols, personal time management, and teamwork. While all real-world challenges, this class is often the first time the students encounter them, which makes the class quite challenging, but very practical.In this paper, I describe the structure of the class, the configuration of our teaching laboratory, some of the more successful projects, and give suggestions to instructors wishing to implement the class elsewhere.
The Main Statement Case: The Convergence of Business and Art in a New Venture

Danielle Auth and Matt Colgan founded The Main Statement in 2012. The venture began and remains a business that markets and sells unique locally produced gifts and accessories for women, men, kids, and home. The business attracts and caters to a very discerning clientele who appreciate sourcing, marketing, and selling local products made by artists and craftsmen. Although their passion is undeniable, the challenges they are facing are just as salient. Keys to future success include balancing the quality of the products offered within the business and the prices associated with them, as well as maintaining a commitment to only offer locally and regionally produced items. This case should be used in a pedagogical context and a practical context to discuss the challenges that arise from starting a business that is based on passion, not necessarily economic need.
Comparison of growth, respiration and feeding of juvenile Crepidula fornicata (L.) following natural or KCl-triggered metamorphosis

Abstract A variety of chemical treatments have recently been shown to induce larval metamorphosis for a number of benthic marine invertebrate species, but the influence of these inducers on subsequent growth and metabolism has not been examined. We induced larvae of the prosobranch gastropod Crepidula fornicata (L.) to metamorphose either naturally (by using adult-conditioned seawater and biologically filmed shell chips) or artificially (by elevating seawater KCl levels by 20 mM). Newly metamorphosed juveniles from the two treatments were reared up to 14 days on the unicellular flagellated alga Isochrysis sp. (clone T-ISO) and then tested for differences in growth rates, weight-specific respiration rates and weight-specific feeding rates. Treating larvae with KCl did not significantly alter juvenile growth or metabolism, suggesting that 20-mM elevations of KCl may be safely used to induce metamorphosis in this species.
A FLEXIBLE FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSE

(Author's summary.-Foreign language curricula are rigid in structure and limited in scope. An elastic course, involving little or no expense, is recommended as an addition to the curriculum. This course would supplement or complement the fixed curriculum, replace some of the smaller courses, and round out the student's language training. It could be utilized in universities, colleges, and high schools.)
Statistical analysis of CloudSat data for climate model parameterization

The development of realistic cloud parameterizations in climate models requires accurate characterizations of sub-grid distributions of thermodynamic variables. To this end, cloud liquid water content (CLWC) distributions are characterized with respect to cloud phase, cloud type, precipitation occurrence, and geo-location using CloudSat radar measurements. The probability density function (PDF) of CLWC is estimated using Maximum Likelihood Estimation. The best-estimated PDF of CLWC is found to closely follow either a gamma or a lognormal distribution depending on temperature (cloud phase), cloud type, precipitation, and geo-location. In the regions from the lower to mid-troposphere (altitudes of 1–6 km) and between the tropical and the subtropical latitudes where non-precipitating and pure-water phase clouds are dominant, the PDFs of CLWC are best described by lognormal distributions. In contrast, at altitudes above 6 km and in regions poleward of the midlatitudes, the CLWC exhibits a gamma distribution due to a high frequency of occurrence of supercooled liquid clouds, which results in the increased occurrence of low CLWC values. The data sub-sampling with respect to cloud phase and precipitation significantly affects the distribution characteristics of CLWC in some regions. After removing the contributions of supercooled water and precipitation the CLWC PDFs transition from gamma to lognormal distributions in two types of regions: (1) the high altitude and middle-to-polar latitude regions where the contribution of mixed-phase cloud is significant; (2) the region near the surface where the contribution of precipitating cloud is considerable. 1 2
The Diagnosis of Bilateral Stenosis of the Primary Pulmonary Artery Branches Based on Characteristic Pulmonary Trunk Pressure Curves A Hemodynamic and Angiocardiographic Study

The cardiac catheterization and angiocardiographic findings in 12 cases with bilateral stenosis of the primary pulmonary artery branches are described. Characteristic pressure tracings were consistently obtained from the main pulmonary trunk in all cases. These typical curves were reproduced in animal experiments. Associated lesions with left-to-right shunts and mild pulmonary valvular stenosis did not alter the characteristics of the curves. An attempt is made to explain these hemodynamic phenomena. These tracings obtained from the main pulmonary trunk appear to us to be diagnostic of bilateral stenosis of the main pulmonary arteries even if, as frequently happens, one is unable to enter both pulmonary artery branches during cardiac catheterization or to demonstrate definitely the stenosis of both pulmonary arteries by angiocardiography.
Echocardiographic study of the morphology and growth of the aortic arch in the human fetus. Observations related to the prenatal diagnosis of coarctation.

BACKGROUNDIn a study of normal and abnormal growth of the aorta before birth, high-resolution echocardiographic imaging of the aortic arch in 92 normal fetuses aged 16-38 weeks was used to establish normal values for aortic arch dimensions at varying gestational ages.METHODS AND RESULTSFrom long-axis views of the aortic arch, the internal diameter of the aortic root, ascending aorta, transverse aortic arch, aortic isthmus, proximal descending thoracic aorta, and left common carotid artery were measured. Correlation coefficients for the diameter of each aortic arch segment when related to gestational age varied from r = 0.87 to r = 0.94 (p less than 0.001 for each), and growth curves were derived from the third and 97th percentiles around each linear regression analysis. In most of the fetuses, there was progressive tapering of the aortic arch, with the smallest diameter being at the isthmus. The ratio of the transverse aorta, isthmus, descending aorta, and aortic root to the ascending aorta remained relat...
Controlling stress corrosion cracking in boiling water reactors

Abstract Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC) adjacent to girth welds in austenitic stainless steel piping systems has been a serious problem in Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) plants in the U.S. for more than a decade. Recent observations suggest that SCC problems also may limit the service life of many reactor internals in BWRs. A major research and development program on BWR pipe cracking was cofunded by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the General Electric Company (GE), and the BWR Owners Group for IGSCC Research between 1979 and 1988 and a similar program on reactor internals and vessel attachments began in 1989. A brief description is presented of the pipe cracking remedies that were developed during the earlier program, and the prospects of adapting these remedies for the protection of internals and attachments are discussed.
Aortic and large artery stiffness: current methodology and clinical correlations.

Current methodology for the in vitro determination of aortic and large artery stiffness is reviewed and involves three approaches: (1) the estimation of distensibility by pulse wave velocity measurement; (2) the estimation of distensibility from the fractional diameter change of a given arterial segment by imaging techniques (e.g., angiography, Doppler ultrasound) against pressure change; (3) the estimation of compliance by determining volume change against pressure change in the arterial system during diastolic runoff from the Windkessel model of the circulation. Clinical correlations may be summarized as follows: (1) age: a progressive stiffening on aging due to structural changes up to the seventh decade; (2) sex: a lower degree of stiffness in women until menopause, after which they show an accelerated stiffening, catching up with men by the seventh decade; (3) atherosclerosis: a dissociation between degree of stiffness and extent of atherosclerosis, with a suggestion that in advanced atherosclerosis the extensive calcification may lead to increased stiffness; (4) coronary disease: an inconsistent correlation by pulse wave velocity studies, but a strongly positive correlation by angiographic study of the aortic root; (5) diabetes mellitus: a significant correlation by pulse wave velocity study, particularly in the presence of advanced peripheral vascular disease; (6) hypertension (both essential and elderly patients with systolic): positive correlation but only referable to the stiffening effect of a higher mean arterial pressure (i.e., unrelated to structural changes), although an experimental study did show a loss of compliance unrelated to the mean arterial pressure level in baboons with chronic renovascular hypertension.
Glimepiride-induced prevention of diabetes and autoimmune events in the BB rat: revised.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether Glimepiride, an oral sulfonylurea drug, prevents the onset of diabetes in diabetic prone BB rats. S750181, a sulfonylurea drug that has minimal in vivo glucose metabolic effects, was also tested. In addition, the shortest period of sulfonylurea treatment required for prevention was determined. Eighty rats were studied for all treatment periods with 40 receiving a daily oral gavage dosage of Glimepiride and 40 receiving a daily oral gavage dosage of vehicle solution. Diabetes onset was monitored by glycosuria and blood glucose levels. In study I, with a treatment period of 35–142 days of age, Glimepiride-treated rats showed a 32% incidence of diabetes, whereas control rats had a diabetes incidence of 55% (p
Observing Infants’ and Toddlers’ Relationships and Interactions in Group Care

Caregiving relationships, and the daily interactions that build relationships, are central to the care and education of children under 3 years. From many perspectives, most importantly, the very young child’s, relationships create a vitally important context for daily experiences and opportunities for development. Perhaps more than any other time in life, for the infant or toddler, who I am with is every bit as important as where I am and what I am doing. Robert Hinde (Towards understanding relationships. Academic, New York, 1979) described the caregiver-infant relationship as a “funnel” for the child’s experience, in which the physical surroundings, people, objects, and events are filtered through the mediating care and protection of the adult. Another influential theorist of early relationships, Alan Sroufe (Emotional development: The organisation of emotional life in the early years. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1996), has suggested that children’s primary caregiving relationships create lasting impressions, including expectations for the self and the self in relation to others. This chapter is about relationships between adults and children in infant-toddler group child care and the quality of the daily interactions that build those relationships. While close relationships in adulthood can be studied by interviewing people about their significant others, for infants and toddlers it is through direct observations of interactions that insights are gained. The chapter focuses on what is currently known about specific kinds of caregiver-child interactions that are thought to contribute to supportive relationships in child care, and thus to favorable experiences and outcomes for children.
Nucleotide sequence of the Escherichia coli entE gene.

The Escherichia coli entE gene encodes a polypeptide necessary in the latter stages of biosynthesis of the siderophore enterobactin. The entE gene and adjacent DNA were sequenced. The predicted EntE polypeptide consists of 536 amino acids and has a Mr of 58 299 and a net charge of −7.33. Genetic evidence combined with this and previous sequencing data indicate that the genes entCEB(G)A are transcribed as unit from a promoter upstream of entC.
Design and implementation of mobile networking testbeds with personality profiles

Significant advances in mobile networks have taken place recently, specifically with regard to multi-hop wireless networks, including DTNs and sensor networks. A testing environment that is conducive to realistic evaluation of such networks and their protocols and services is critical. In our efforts toward realizing this goal, we propose a novel mobile testbed of two main components. The first consists of a network of robots with personality-mimicking, human-encounter behaviors, which is our focus for this work. The personality is built upon behavioral profiling of mobile users based on our extensive wireless-network analysis. The second component combines the testbed with human society using a new concept that we refer to as participatory testing utilizing crowd sourcing. We blend these two components in the design of our testbed to bridge the gap between controlled and uncontrolled environments. Our prototype testbed demonstrates a realistic mobile networking testbed that emulates human behavior based on profiles while providing a scalable and reproducible environment. In addition, we report on our initial actual implementation of the proposed testbed architecture using two iRobot Create, one HP iPAQ PDA and 9 Nokia tablet devices. Our initial results show that by incorporating personalities into the mobile nodes, they can use autonomous, distributed and efficient algorithms to identify communities based on profile similarity. Correlating such community identification with the mobility of the nodes can indeed result in behavior mimicking traced mobile communities in the real world. Our work is the first to investigate this direction and opens several promising opportunities for research in the area of mobile test beds with many variations in DTN evaluation and participatory networking.
Synthesis and lymphatic transport of intestinal apolipoprotein A-IV in response to graded doses of triglyceride

Factors regulating the intestinal synthesis and secretion of apoA-IV are incompletely understood. Although it is known that apoA-IV is stimulated by dietary lipid, it is not known whether graded doses of triglyceride elicit graded responses in apoA-IV synthesis and secretion. We used the chronic intestinal lymph-fistula rat to examine the effect of graded levels of intestinal triglyceride transport on secretion of apoA-IV into lymph and synthesis of apoA-IV in various regions of intestine. Rats were implanted with chronic duodenal and intestinal lymph duct cannulas and infused with lipid emulsions containing 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 mumol triolein (including [3H]triolein, 1.2 microCi), 8.7 mumol phosphatidylcholine, and 57 mumol sodium taurocholate in 3 ml phosphate-buffered saline (pH 6.4) at ml/h for 8 h. Lymph samples were collected for 1 h prior to and at 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h after the start of lipid infusion. Lymphatic output of triglyceride, phospholipid, and apoA-IV was measured. Steady-state (8 h) content of radioactive lipid was also measured in the lumen and the wall of the gut. In separate studies rats were given infusions of either 5% glucose in saline ("fasting") or triolein emulsion (10, 20, 40, 80 mumol/h) for 8 h after which incorporation of [3H]leucine into apoA-IV in isolated, in situ loops of duodenum, proximal jejunum, mid-distal jejunum, and terminal ileum was measured. Lipid output increased dose-dependently in response to triolein infusion, with steady-state lipid transport achieved by 5 h after start of lipid infusion. Total recovery of 3H-labeled lipid was similar for all triolein doses. Increase in lymphatic apoA-IV output lagged that of triglyceride by 3-4 h, but by 8 h showed graded increases with triolein dose. ApoA-IV synthesis (apoA-IV radioactivity immunoprecipitated by an apoA-IV monospecific antibody and expressed as % of trichloroacetic acid-precipitable [3H]leucine radioactivity) in the duodenum and proximal jejunum showed a 2-fold increase (compared with fasting) in response to 10 mumol triolein/h, but no further increase at higher doses. However, apoA-IV synthesis in mid to distal jejunum increased dose-dependently.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Ice ages and ecological transitions on temperate coasts

Organisms face continual fluctuations in global climatic processes to which they must adapt or perish. Considering that many species are key habitat formers and energy producers, such responses to climate change can have significant population, community and even ecosystem consequences. Paleo-records of ecosystem responses to past environmental variability have proven invaluable for studying impacts of climate change on natural systems, yet such records are almost completely lacking for temperate benthic marine systems. Here, we bring together recent advances in paleoclimatology, coastal geomorphology, paleoceanography and archaeology for a well-studied region (the Southern California Bight, USA). We argue that there is now enough evidence to show that late-Quaternary sea-level rise over the past 18 500 years has caused a large-scale ecological shift in this region from highly productive rocky reefs to less productive sandy shores. Our integrated approach has implications for other temperate coastlines and helps provide insight into the interactions between human culture, biological communities and their environments.
Real-time PCR in clinical microbiology: verification, validation, and contamination control

Abstract Real-time PCR is increasingly utilized in the clinical microbiology laboratory setting. Availability of a single set of guidelines for real-time PCR testing which incorporate all the necessary verification and validation recommendations set forth by accreditation agencies would be beneficial to laboratories acquiring this new technology. Presently, the challenges to the clinical microbiology laboratory for introducing real-time PCR test systems include what verification experiments are required and how many and which types of specimens should be tested. In addition, based on the regulations, the laboratory must determine what constitutes an acceptable quality control program. Contamination of specimens or samples in real-time PCR testing also needs to be addressed. Although real-time PCR test systems are closed systems, contamination from specimen-to-specimen or from previously-amplified product can lead to false-positive results causing delays in clinical diagnosis, along with wasting valuable time and resources.
Responses of Kentucky-31 Tall Fescue to Varying Forcipata local DeLong and Caldwell Infestation Levels: Field Study

Relationships between leafhopper feeding and the resulting effects on forage grasses have not been well defined. Therefore, the morphological and physiological responses of Kentucky-31 tall fescue to various population densities of Forcipata loca were examined in a 2-year field cage experiment. The detrimental effect of F. loca on tall fescue was reflected primarily in reduced forage quality rather than in yield reduction. Significantly higher neutral detergent fiber concentrations, significantly lower water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations, and significantly lower in vitro digestible dry-matter concentrations were observed. Increased fiber and decreased cell content reduced forage digestibility.
Duality in neurocomputational inductive inference: a simulationist perspective

Inductive inference is the process of inferring a description of a function from a finite subset of its graph. Connectionist inductive inference typically involves gradient descent algorithms in weight space. When inferring functions of unbounded sequences such algorithms run on recurrent nets and become computationally expensive. A broader framework for inductive inference is presented, and it is shown that such problems admit a dual approach, which can be phrased in terms of the simulation-as-homomorphism perspective in systems theory. Whereas the usual approach adapts the dynamics of the net to match the dynamics of the target system, the dual approach keeps the dynamics fixed and learns a homomorphism from the net to the target. The latter technique is promising because of its efficiency and its direct applicability to learning by continuous nonconnectionist system, such as neural fields. >
An EM algorithm for linear distortion channel estimation based on observations from a mixture of Gaussian sources

In this work, an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm is derived for maximum likelihood estimation of the autocorrelation function of a linear distortion channel as well as the level of additive noise, under the assumption that the source signal comes from a mixture of Gaussian sources. To facilitate parameter initialization in the EM algorithm, a correlation-matching based estimation algorithm is developed for the channel autocorrelation function. The proposed EM algorithm was evaluated on speech-derived simulated data of multiple autoregressive Gaussian sources and real speech of isolated digits under signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of 20 dB down to 0 dB. The algorithm is shown to produce convergent estimation results as well as estimates of signal statistics that lead to significantly improved classification accuracy under additive and convolutive noise conditions.
Invited Commentary: Subjective Health and the Dangers of Absent Individual Effects and Crude Contextual Proxies of Causal Mechanisms

G ERONTOLOGISTS (Diehl & Willis, 2003; Golant, 1998; Krause, 1996; Lawton, 1998; Wahl, Scheidt, & Windley, 2003) have often studied how the social and physical contexts of older persons influence their physical and psychological well-being. Theoretical writings by Lawton (1998) early argued that older persons with poorer functional health are more susceptible to environmental effects. More recently, research by epidemiologists (Balfour & Kaplan, 2002; Diez Roux, 2002; Oakes, 2004) has investigated how neighborhood attributes influence individual health outcomes. Establishing a residential context–individual outcome causal relationship is by far one of the most conceptually and statistically challenging types of analyses. Besides the need for a highly sophisticated statistical methodology, the investigator must avoid a variety of conceptual missteps. Most notably, there is the danger of omitting or mismeasuring individual-level or compositional variables that offer the ‘‘true’’ explanation for variations in individual health outcomes or of incompletely or incorrectly measuring the pertinent neighborhood effects. Both these failings can result in erroneous neighborhood statistical effects. Cagney, Browning, and Wen’s article (appearing in this issue) offers a highly competent statistical investigation of how a neighborhood’s social organization and socioeconomic status influence the self-rated health outcomes of White and AfricanAmerican older persons (age 55þ) in Chicago. I believe, however, that their analysis does not go far enough to conceptualize and measure the relevant individual-level variables and that their neighborhood variables are ‘‘crude proxies . . . for actual processes and mechanisms that may link specific characteristics of neighborhoods to the health of the persons who reside in them’’ (Diez Roux, 2002, p. 517).
Aortic Dissection: New Frontiers in Diagnosis and Management Part II: Therapeutic Management and Follow-Up

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in most Western societies and is increasing steadily in many developing countries. Aortic diseases constitute an emerging share of the burden. New diagnostic imaging modalities, longer life expectancy in general, longer exposure to elevated blood pressure, and the proliferation of modern noninvasive imaging modalities have all contributed to the growing awareness of acute and chronic aortic syndromes. Despite recent progress in recognition of both the epidemiological problem and diagnostic and therapeutic advances, the cardiology community and the medical community in general are far from comfortable in understanding the spectrum of aortic syndromes and defining an optimal pathway to manage aortic diseases.1–13 This comprehensive review is organized in two parts, with focus on etiology, natural history, and classification (with vascular staging) of aortic wall disease in Part I and emphasis on therapeutic management and follow-up in Part II. Both parts may help to better integrate the complexities of acute aortic syndromes.
Decision-making deficits in normal elderly persons associated with executive personality disturbances.

Background: The problems that some community-dwelling elderly persons develop in real-world decision- making may have disastrous consequences for their health and financial well-being. Investigations across the adult life span have identified personality as an important individual differences variable that is related to decision-making ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality characteristics, as rated by an informant, and complex decision-making performance among elderly persons. It was hypothesized that deficits in decision-making would be associated with personality characteristics reflecting weak executive functioning (Lack of Planning, Poor Judgment, Lack of Persistence, Perseveration, Lack of Initiative, Impulsivity, and Indecisiveness). Methods: Fifty-eight elderly persons participated. Their health and cognitive status were deemed intact via comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. The Iowa Scales of Personality, completed by an informant, was used to assess personality characteristics, and the Iowa Gambling Task, completed by the participant, was used to assess complex decision-making abilities. Results: Longstanding disturbances in executive personality characteristics were found to be associated with poor decision-making, and these disturbances remained predictive of poor decision-making even after taking into consideration demographic, neuropsychological, and mood factors. Acquired personality disturbances did not add significantly to prediction after longstanding disturbances were taken into account. Disturbances in other dimensions of personality were not significantly associated with poor decision-making. Conclusions: Our study suggests that attentiveness to the personality correlates of difficulties with aspects of executive functioning over the adult years could enhance the ability to identify older individuals at risk for problems with real-world decision-making.
The microbiology of foodborne disease outbreaks: an update.

Illnesses or diseases transmitted by food are referred to as foodborne illnesses and are the result of consumption of foods contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and/or their toxins, viruses, parasites, chemicals or other substances hazardous to human health. The recent literature has been reviewed. Terminology, sources, economics, prevention and control of foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States in recent years are reported. Bacterial foodborne outbreaks far outweigh those caused by other sources. Three contributing factors are responsible for more than 87% of the foodborne outbreaks for the period 1980–1985. Control of implicated microorganisms can reduce outbreaks of foodborne disease and assure a safe, wholesome and nutritious food supply.
Low power encoding for VLSI and ECC duals

Different branches of information theory are strongly related, and many classical problems are in some sense "duals" with their duality appearing in the Euclidean space (with Euclidean distance). The duality between low-power encodings and ECCs that is presented, has the novel aspect that it works with the Hamming distance.