cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bats and frogs and animals in between: evidence for a common central timing mechanism to extract periodicity pitch

Widely divergent vertebrates share a common central temporal mechanism for representing periodicities of acoustic waveform events. In the auditory nerve, periodicities corresponding to frequencies or rates from about 10 Hz to over 1,000 Hz are extracted from pure tones, from low-frequency complex sounds (e.g., 1st harmonic in bullfrog calls), from mid-frequency sounds with low-frequency modulations (e.g., amplitude modulation rates in cat vocalizations), and from time intervals between high-frequency transients (e.g., pulse-echo delay in bat sonar). Time locking of neuronal responses to periodicities from about 50 ms down to 4 ms or less (about 20–300 Hz) is preserved in the auditory midbrain, where responses are dispersed across many neurons with different onset latencies from 4–5 to 20–50 ms. Midbrain latency distributions are wide enough to encompass two or more repetitions of successive acoustic events, so that responses to multiple, successive periods are ongoing simultaneously in different midbrain neurons. These latencies have a previously unnoticed periodic temporal pattern that determines the specific times for the dispersed on-responses.
Assignment of pronoun reference: Evidence that young readers control cohesion

Both experimental studies and studies using natural texts have been made to determineyoung readers' ability to comprehend anaphora, and especially pronoun reference. Many researchers conducting experimental studies have found that children have not yet developed control of reference. They have advocated direct instruction in anaphora to aid comprehension. However, researchers conducting research using Reading Miscue Analysis procedures, in which children read complete stories, have found that young readers do quite well with pronoun reference. Their findings suggest that direct instruction in anaphora is unwarranted. The present study, using miscue data from 24 second and 32 sixth graders,supports the latter view. These readers made few substitutions for pronouns while reading complete stories, and they frequently corrected their miscues. The study identifies five specific text features and two strategies readers use to infer pronoun reference. The data indicate that most miscues result from readers' overgeneralizing strategies, applying them at inappropriate points in texts. To refine their strategies for determining reference, readers need more opportunities to transact with various types of texts rather than direct instruction in the comprehension of anaphora.
Continuum theory of vacancy-mediated diffusion

We present and solve a continuum theory of vacancy-mediated diffusion (as evidenced, for example, in the vacancy driven motion of tracers in crystals). We restrict our attention to ultralow vacancy densities, so that a tracer only experiences a single vacancy over the time scales of interest. Results are obtained for all spatial dimensions, and reveal the strongly non-Gaussian nature of the tracer fluctuations. In integer dimensions, our results are in complete agreement with those from previous exact lattice calculations. We also extend our model to describe the vacancy-driven fluctuations of a slaved flux line.
DNA Immobilization on GaP(100) Investigated by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

Understanding changes in the properties of semiconductor materials after immobilization of biomolecules on the surface is essential for the fabrication of well-tuned and programmable devices. The work examines changes in the properties of gallium phosphide (GaP) after modification with an organic linker, a single stranded DNA, and its complementary strand. We investigated changes in surface potential with Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Analysis revealed that a more ordered adlayer of ssDNA was present when a lower concentration of linker molecule was used. KPFM data combined with coverage data obtained from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) further confirmed this result. Successful hybridization with the complementary strand was confirmed by both KPFM and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that one can control the amount of DNA on the surface by changing the initial concentration of the organic linker, and thus modulate the surface potential of the semiconductor material.
Achieving reductions in greenhouse gases in the US road transportation sector

Abstract It is well established that GHG emissions must be reduced 50 to 80% by 2050 in order to limit global temperature increase to 2 °C. Achieving reductions of this magnitude in the transportation sector is a challenge and requires a multitude of policies and technology options. The research presented here analyzes three scenarios: changes in the perceived price of travel, land use intensification, and increases in transit. Elasticity estimates are derived using an activity-based travel model for the state of California and broadly representative of the US. The VISION model is used to forecast changes in technology and fuel options that are currently forecast to occur in the US for the period 2000–2040, providing a life-cycle GHG forecast for the road transportation sector. Results suggest that aggressive policy action is required, especially pricing policies, but also more on the technology side, especially increases in the carbon efficiency of medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
COPD: psychosocial and psychophysiological issues.

Abstract The treatment of the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) described here is one in which psychosocial assets are increased, the effect of life change is minimized, and the emotional defenses are utilized to cope with the disease process. Problems in the patient's environment are surmounted when the patient maintains a therapy program that allows him or her to meet the requirements of daily living.
Diffuse lung disease: diagnostic accuracy of CT in patients undergoing surgical biopsy of the lung.

PURPOSE: To determine if there is a subset of patients undergoing surgical biopsy for diffuse lung disease in whom accurate diagnosis can be made with computed tomography (CT) only. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two chest radiologists retrospectively reviewed the CT scans of 85 patients in whom surgical biopsy for diffuse lung disease was performed. Thin-section CT images were available in 58 (68%) of the 85 cases. By consensus, the radiologists listed the three most likely diagnoses in order of probability and rated their level of confidence in the first choice. RESULTS: Each of 85 patients with diffuse lung disease had one of 16 diseases. In 79 (93%) cases, the correct diagnosis was one of the three choices. In 54 (64%) cases, the correct diagnosis was the radiologists' first choice. A high level of confidence in the first choice was reached in 20 (24%) cases; all 20 cases were forms of chronic lung disease. In 18 (90%) of these 20 cases, the first choice was correct. CONCLUSION: In a subset of patients with d...
Studies on the mechanism of action of local anesthetics on proton translocating ATPase from Mycobacterium phlei

We have measured the inhibitory potencies of local anesthetics (procaine, lidocaine, tetracaine and dibucaine) on ATP-mediated H+-translocation, Ca2+-transport and ATPase activity in membrane vesicles from Mycobacterium phlei. Procaine and lidocaine up to 1 mM concentration did not inhibit ATP-dependent H+-translocation, Ca2+-transport and ATPase activity. However, tetracaine and dibucaine at 0.2 mM concentration caused dissipation of the proton gradient, measured by the reversal of the quenching of fluorescence of quinacrine, and inhibition of active Ca2+-transport. Tetracaine (1 mM) inhibited membrane-bound ATPase activity without affecting solubilized F1-ATPase activity. Studies show that these local anesthetics do not prevent the inactivation of F0-F1 ATPase by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD). Binding of [14C]DCCD to F0-proteolipid component remained unchanged in the presence of tetracaine indicating that DCCD and tetracaine do not share common binding sites on the F0-proteolipid sector. The inhibition of H+-translocation and membrane-bound ATPase activity by tetracaine was substantially additive in the presence of vanadate.
Seeds of a Tychonic Revolution: Telescopic Observations of the Stars by Galileo Galilei and Simon Marius

Because early telescopic astronomers did not understand the spurious nature of star images formed by their telescopes, their observations of the stars yielded data that apparently confirmed the geocentric Tychonic world system. Both Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) and Simon Marius (1570–1624) obtained such data. Galileo backed Nicholas Copernicus (1473–1543) despite his data. Marius supported Tycho Brahe (1546–1601) on the basis of his data.
Combined thermal and primary ionization effects on a bacterial virus.

Abstract 1. 1. The bombardment of dry T-1 bacteriophage by deuterons at temperatures between 90 °K. and 400 °K. shows a variation in inactivation cross section which is small below room temperature and rises more rapidly above 300 °K. 2. 2. Irradiation of dry T-1 bacteriophage by x-rays at temperatures between − 80 °C. and 110 °C. shows a constant inactivation volume up to 40 °C. followed by an exponential rise fitting an exponential e −18, 600/ RT . 3. 3. Irradiation of wet T-1 bacteriophage by x-rays in 3% broth shows a sharp increase in inactivation volume above 50 °C. 4. 4. Simultaneous heat and radiation is more effective than separate heating before and after. 5. 5. The data do not fit a purely “point heat” hypothesis. 6. 6. These results are discussed in terms of a tentative hypothesis that in the dry state the simultaneous breaking of three adjacent bonds of energy 9300 cal./mole will inactivate the virus.
Total folate in enriched cereal-grain products in the United States following fortification

The full compliance date for mandatory folic acid fortification of enriched cereal-grain products in the United States was 1 January, 1998. There is currently a great interest in determining the effectiveness of this measure, which was instituted to increase the folate intakes of women of child-bearing age to reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube birth defect. We surveyed 83 enriched cereal-grain products that are required to be fortified with folic acid under the new regulations and an additional 79 foods that contain enriched cereal-grain ingredients or that are currently fortified with folic acid. Products were collected and analyzed between February 1998 and April 1999. Total folate was determined by microbiological assay using a tri-enzyme digestion. We compared analyzed values for total folate with amounts required by Federal regulations and/or with label declarations of folate content. For many enriched cereal-grain products, there were significant differences between amounts of folate found on analysis and amounts required by Federal regulations. In part because of this, label declarations of folate content were also in error. The high values found in some enriched cereal-grain products may represent manufacturers' averages as well as the presence of higher-than-expected levels of endogenous folates. These results indicate that reliable food composition databases cannot be developed without extensive new data on the actual concentrations of folate in recently fortified enriched cereal-grain products as well as in products containing enriched cereal-grain ingredients. Reliance on older data bases or on compositional information that has a weak analytical underpinning will lead to unsound estimates of folate intake, and hence, of the potential impact of the new fortification program.
Full-Scale Evaluation of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Aggregate Roads

A full-scale test section was constructed and trafficked by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to evaluate the performance of geosynthetic reinforced aggregate road sections constructed with marginal base materials over a typical subgrade. Eight instrumented aggregate road sections—including three different aggregate base materials and two different geosynthetics—were constructed. The mechanistic response and permanent surface deformation of each pavement section were monitored at selected intervals during trafficking, and the data were analyzed to determine the benefit of using geotextiles or geogrids to reinforce aggregate roads. The test section's results indicated that the geosynthetics improved the performance of the reinforced pavement sections compared with unreinforced sections for all aggregate base materials. The mechanistic response in terms of surface deflection, deflection at the top of the subgrade, and vertical stress at the top of the subgrade was favorably consistent w...
Oxygen delivery during extreme anemia with ultra-pure earthworm hemoglobin.

Abstract Aim Lumbricus terrestris (earthworm) erythrocruorin (LtEc) is a naturally occurring extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) with high molecular weight (3.6 MDa), low autoxidation rate, and limited nitric oxide (NO) dioxygenation activity. These properties make LtEc a potential candidate for use as red blood cell (RBC) substitute, i.e. Hb-based oxygen carrier (HBOC). Previous studies have shown that small amounts of LtEc can be safely transfused into mice, rats, and hamsters without eliciting major side effects. Therefore, this study was designed to understand oxygen (O 2 ) transport to tissues and systemic/microvascular hemodynamics induced by LtEc during anemic conditions. Main methods Hamsters fitted with dorsal window chambers were hemodiluted to 18% hematocrit (Hct) using 6 g/dL dextran 70 kDa (Dex70). Hemodilution was then continued to 11% Hct using 10 g/dL LtEc, 6 g/dL Dex70 or 10 g/dL human serum albumin (HSA). Blood pressure, heart rate, blood gas parameters, microvascular hemodynamics, microvascular blood flow, functional capillary density (FCD), intravascular pO 2 and perivascular pO 2 were studied. Key findings LtEc maintained blood pressure without inducing vasoconstriction while increasing microvascular perfusion and FCD relative to Dex70 and HSA. LtEc increased blood O 2 carrying capacity and maintained systemic and microvascular parameters without decreasing arteriolar diameter or increasing vascular resistance with during extreme anemia. LtEc increased O 2 delivery compared to conventional plasma expanders. Significance LtEc or synthetic molecules that replicate the characteristics of LtEc could be effective O 2 carriers with potential to be used in transfusion medicine to prevent tissue anoxia resulting from severe anemia.
Laxity in healthy and osteoarthritic knees

OBJECTIVE Although it is a cause of osteoarthritis (OA) in animal models, laxity in human knee OA has been minimally evaluated. Ligaments become more compliant with age; whether this results in clinical laxity is not clear. In theory, laxity may predispose to OA and/or result from OA. Our goals were to examine the correlation of age and sex with knee laxity in control subjects without OA, compare laxity in uninvolved knees of OA patients with that in older control knees, and examine the relationship between specific features of OA and knee laxity. METHODS We assessed varus-valgus and anteroposterior laxity in 25 young control subjects, 24 older control subjects without clinical OA, radiographic OA, or a history of knee injury, and 164 patients with knee OA as determined by the presence of definite osteophytes. A device was designed to assess varus-valgus laxity under a constant varus or valgus load while maintaining a fixed knee flexion angle and thigh and ankle immobilization. Radiographic evaluations utilized protocols addressing position, beam alignment, magnification, and landmark definition; the semiflexed position was used, with fluoroscopic confirmation. RESULTS In the controls, women had greater varus-valgus laxity than did men (3.6 degrees versus 2.7 degrees; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] of difference 0.38, 1.56; P = 0.004), and laxity correlated modestly with age (r = 0.29, P = 0.04). Varus-valgus laxity was greater in the uninvolved knees of OA patients than in older control knees (4.9 degrees versus 3.4 degrees; 95% CI of difference 0.60, 2.24; P = 0.0006). In OA patients, varus-valgus laxity increased as joint space decreased (slope -0.34; 95% CI -0.48, -0.19; P < 0.0001) and was greater in knees with than in knees without bony attrition (5.3 degrees versus 4.5 degrees; 95% CI of difference 0.32, 1.27; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Greater varus-valgus laxity in the uninvolved knees of OA patients versus older control knees and an age-related increase in varus-valgus laxity support the concept that some portion of the increased laxity of OA may predate disease. Loss of cartilage/bone height is associated with greater varus-valgus laxity. These results raise the possibility that varus-valgus laxity may increase the risk of knee OA and cyclically contribute to progression.
Real-Time PCR Method for Detection of Zygomycetes

Zygomycete infections can be devastating in immunocompromised hosts. Difficulties in the histopathologic differentiation of this class from other filamentous fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp.) may lead to delays in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, thereby significantly affecting patient outcome. A real-time PCR assay was developed to detect species of the zygomycete genera Absidia, Apophysomyces, Cunninghamella, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Saksenaea in culture and tissue samples. Primers and fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probes were designed to detect a 167-bp conserved region of the multicopy zygomycete cytochrome b gene. A plasmid containing target sequence from Mucor racemosus was constructed as a positive control. The analytical sensitivity of the assay is 10 targets/μl, and a specificity panel consisting of other filamentous fungi, yeasts (Candida spp.), and bacteria demonstrated no cross-reactivity in the assay. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay from culture isolates were 100% (39/39) and 92% (59/64), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity determined using a limited number of fresh tissue specimens were both 100% (2/2). The sensitivity seen with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues was 56% (35/62), and the specificity was 100% (19/19). The speed, sensitivity, and specificity of the PCR assay indicate that it is useful for the rapid and accurate detection of zygomycetes.
Incorporating patients with chronic heart failure into outpatient cardiac rehabilitation: practical recommendations for exercise and self-care counseling-a clinical review

PURPOSE: A recent policy change from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services includes coverage of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with reduced ejection fraction. This article provides a framework by which CR programs can incorporate disease-specific services for patients with CHF who participate in CR. DISCUSSION: Cardiac rehabilitation should include self-care counseling that targets improved education and skill development (eg, medication compliance, monitoring/management of body weight). Various tools are available for assessing exercise tolerance (eg, stress test with gas exchange and 6-minute walk), health-related quality of life, and other outcome-related parameters. Exercise should be prescribed in a manner that progressively increases intensity, duration, and frequency, to a volume of exercise equivalent to 3 to 7 metabolic equivalent task (MET)-hr per week. The benefits of exercise training are limited by patient adherence; therefore, CR providers need to identify the adherence challenges unique to each patient and address each accordingly. To optimize the referral of patients with CHF to CR, program staff should develop strategies to raise both health care provider and patient awareness about the benefits of CR, as well as work collaboratively to set up system-based approaches to CR referral. CONCLUSIONS: The referral of patients with CHF to CR will increase in 2014 and beyond, due partly to a policy change from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that allows coverage for CR. These patients should be integrated into existing programs, with the intent of providing both standard CR services and CHF-specific education and disease management activities that target improved outcomes.
Optimally designed narrowband guided-mode resonance reflectance filters for mid-infrared spectroscopy

An alternative to the well-established Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, termed discrete frequency infrared (DFIR) spectrometry, has recently been proposed. This approach uses narrowband mid-infrared reflectance filters based on guided-mode resonance (GMR) in waveguide gratings, but filters designed and fabricated have not attained the spectral selectivity (≤ 32 cm(-1)) commonly employed for measurements of condensed matter using FT-IR spectroscopy. With the incorporation of dispersion and optical absorption of materials, we present here optimal design of double-layer surface-relief silicon nitride-based GMR filters in the mid-IR for various narrow bandwidths below 32 cm(-1). Both shift of the filter resonance wavelengths arising from the dispersion effect and reduction of peak reflection efficiency and electric field enhancement due to the absorption effect show that the optical characteristics of materials must be taken into consideration rigorously for accurate design of narrowband GMR filters. By incorporating considerations for background reflections, the optimally designed GMR filters can have bandwidth narrower than the designed filter by the antireflection equivalence method based on the same index modulation magnitude, without sacrificing low sideband reflections near resonance. The reported work will enable use of GMR filters-based instrumentation for common measurements of condensed matter, including tissues and polymer samples.
Optimizing Disease Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem worldwide. It is the fourth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in the US, and is projected to rank seventh in burden of disease worldwide by 2020. In contrast with a number of chronic diseases, COPD is most often associated with one or more co-morbid conditions, and this requires a complexity of care that demands an even higher level of coordination of care. The coordination that characterizes disease management enables physicians to identify and treat all co-morbid conditions that, if not addressed, could seriously compromise the care of COPD. The requirements for high-quality 21st century care are stringent; some examples are (i) patient-centered care; (ii) adherence to evidence-based medicine that seeks standardization of care; (iii) integration of myriad medical disciplines and the care of multiple physicians; (iv) patient empowerment through collaborative self-management and shared decision making; (v) ongoing home monitoring and feedback to allow for early intervention; and (vi) formalized efforts to improve patient-physician and patient-nurse communication.
Long-lasting proactive effects of a single ECS

Abstract The performance of naive rats and mice which had been administered ECS at various times before testing in the presence or absence of light was shown, in 3 experimental situations, to depend upon the interaction of ECS with light. The animals behaved as though light had become more aversive to them after ECS treatment. This effect was found to last for at least 1 week and could be induced with both transcorneal and transpinneal ECS administration. This change in light sensitivity was shown to affect the behavior of mice in a passive avoidance apparatus and the behavior of rats in a bar-pressing situation. The question arises as to whether other stimuli, e.g. foot shock, can similarly interact with proactive ECS treatment.
Numerical studies on the effect of temperature on the unsaturated hydraulic response of geotextiles

Abstract A series of coupled thermo-hydraulic simulations were performed on a soil–geotextile column to understand the effect of temperature on suction distribution throughout the soil column and on the hydraulic performance of the geotextile as a drainage/capillary barrier layer. Two different constant temperatures of 0 °C and 38 °C and a temperature gradient of 4 °C along the column were modeled. Changing the temperature from 0 °C to 38 °C did not have a significant effect on the suction head distribution in the soil–geotextile column. The temperature gradient resulted in appreciable thermal vapor flow and changes in suction head and hydraulic conductivity of the geotextile. During drainage, the temperature gradient and lower temperature at the top of the column increased suction in the geotextile and its ability to function as a capillary barrier. During capillary rise, the temperature gradient and lower temperature at the top of the column decreased the suction in the geotextile and its ability to function as a capillary barrier. Changing the direction of the thermal gradient reversed the water vapor flow direction and its effect on the suction in the geotextile. A temperature gradient did not have a noticeable effect on the suction head of the geotextile when positive pore pressure was developed in the geotextile and adjacent soil during drainage.
Epigenetic targets for novel therapies of lung diseases

In spite of substantial advances in defining the immunobiology and function of structural cells in lung diseases there is still insufficient knowledge to develop fundamentally new classes of drugs to treat many lung diseases. For example, there is a compelling need for new therapeutic approaches to address severe persistent asthma that is insensitive to inhaled corticosteroids. Although the prevalence of steroid-resistant asthma is 5-10%, severe asthmatics require a disproportionate level of health care spending and constitute a majority of fatal asthma episodes. None of the established drug therapies including long-acting beta agonists or inhaled corticosteroids reverse established airway remodeling. Obstructive airways remodeling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), restrictive remodeling in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and occlusive vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension are similarly unresponsive to current drug therapy. Therefore, drugs are needed to achieve long-acting suppression and reversal of pathological airway and vascular remodeling. Novel drug classes are emerging from advances in epigenetics. Novel mechanisms are emerging by which cells adapt to environmental cues, which include changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation of transcription and translation by noncoding RNAs. In this review we will summarize current epigenetic approaches being applied to preclinical drug development addressing important therapeutic challenges in lung diseases. These challenges are being addressed by advances in lung delivery of oligonucleotides and small molecules that modify the histone code, DNA methylation patterns and miRNA function.
Leading by Leveraging Culture

Organizational culture can be a powerful force that clarifies what's important and coordinates the work of employees without the costs and inefficiencies of close supervision. Culture also identifies an organization's distinctive competence to external constituencies. In order to effectively employ culture as a leadership tool, managers must recruit and select employees who fit the firm's culture, socialize and train employees to share the firm's values, and reward employees whose efforts reflect and reinforce the firm's culture. In addition, managers must both act and be perceived as acting in ways that are consistent with the values they want employees to share.
A Critique of Faunal Analysis; Inconsistency among Experts in Blind Tests

Abstract Fish faunal specialists with doctoral degrees independently evaluated samples of fish bones, teeth, and scales from a coastal archaeological site in San Luis Obispo County, California (CA-SLO-165). The considerable variation in interpretation raises serious questions regarding the accuracy of reporting and the usefulness of the data generated. Little agreement at the species level, wide differences in the total numbers of specimens in a given taxon, apparently inaccurate identifications, placements of specimens in excessively specific or overly general categories were typical inconsistencies. Recommendations for minimizing problems include having faunal work done by a specialist with biological knowledge of the specific animal group, and geographic region, identifying the reference collection used in the evaluation, stipulation of the criteria used for distinguishing similar species, and the location of the storage facility for the sample. Second opinions should be solicited and unreviewed data appearing in the “grey literature” should not be cited. A vigorous review process, rather than the reader, should select for credible information.
Optical-potential parameters for 3He

Abstract Angular distributions of elastically scattered 3 He at 15 MeV have been measured for 12 C, 13 C, 16 O, 18 O, 20 Ne, 22 Ne, 24 Mg, 26 Mg, 28 Si, 29 Si, 32 S, 36 Ar, 40 Ar, 40 Ca and 48 Ca. Optical-model parameters have been determined.
Membrane Depolarization Prevents Cell Invasion by Bordetella pertussis Adenylate Cyclase Toxin

Adenylate cyclase toxin from Bordetella pertussis is a 177-kDa calmodulin-activated enzyme that has the ability to enter eukaryotic cells and convert endogenous ATP into cAMP. Little is known, however, about the mechanism of cell entry. We now demonstrate that intoxication of cardiac myocytes by adenylate cyclase toxin is driven and controlled by the electrical potential across the plasma membrane. The steepness of the voltage dependence of intoxication is comparable with that previously observed for the activation of K+ and Na+ channels of excitable membranes. The voltage-sensitive process is downstream from toxin binding to the cell surface and appears to correspond to the translocation of the catalytic domain across the membrane.
Cellular cadmium responses in subpopulations T20 and T27 of human lung carcinoma A549 cells.

Abstract Subpopulations T20 and T27, cloned from the human lung carcinoma line A549, differ significantly in their Cd 2+ cytotoxic response. T27 has an LC 50 of 31 μM Cd 2+ and a cytotoxic response threshold of 5 μM Cd 2+ , whereas the T20s LC 50 is 15 μM Cd 2+ and there is no observed threshold for cytotoxicity. Cadmium-induced metallothionein (MT) synthesis, cadmium accumulation, glutathione (GSH) content, and Cd 2+ -induced changes in GSH content were studied in T20 and T27 in an attempt to determine the mechanism(s) causing differential cytotoxic response. MT synthesis measured by following Cd 2+ -induced [ 35 S] incorporation into MT was found not to differ between T20 and T27. There is, however, a difference in Cd 2+ accumulation between the two subclones. T20 and T27 cells were exposed to 5 μM Cd 2+ for different times or to different concentrations of Cd 2+ for 8 h. The T27 subline, which is the more Cd 2+ resistant, was found to accumulate significantly more Cd 2+ -both as a function of time exposed to Cd 2+ and as a function of Cd 2+ concentration. The two subpopulations were found to have comparable initial GSH contents, but showed different Cd 2+ -induced changes in [GSH] when the cells were exposed to 5 μM Cd 2+ . T27 cells maintained their GSH content following Cd 2+ exposure but T20 cells showed a Cd 2+ -induced decrease in GSH content. The results indicate that the difference in Cd 2+ cytotoxic response between A549-T20 and A549-T27 cells is not attributable to alterations in MT synthesis nor to a difference in initial GSH content. Relative Cd 2+ cytotoxicity also does not in these cells correlate with relative Cd 2+ accumulation. The fact that T27 cells accumulate more Cd 2+ and yet are more Cd 2+ resistant than T20 cells suggests that T27 cells have a much more effective non-MT mechanism to handle intracellular Cd 2+ . This may involve different GSH metabolism and/or yet undefined molecular factors.
A Lyapunov-Based Piezoelectric Controller for Flexible Cartesian Robot Manipulators

A Lyapunov-based control strategy is proposed for the regulation of a Cartesian robot manipulator, which is modeled as a flexible cantilever beam with a translational base support. The beam (arm) cross-sectional area is assumed to be uniform and Euler-Bernoulli beam theory assumptions are considered. Moreover, two types of damping mechanisms; namely viscous and structural dampings, are considered for the arm material properties. The arm base motion is controlled utilizing a linear actuator, while a piezoelectric (PZT) patch actuator is bonded on the surface of the flexible beam for suppressing residual beam vibrations. The equations of motion for the system are obtained using Hamilton's principle, which are based on the original infinite dimensional distributed system. Utilizing the Lyapunov method, the control force acting on the linear actuator and control voltage for the PZT actuator are designed such that the base is regulated to a desired set-point and the exponential stability of the system is attained. Depending on the composition of the controller, some favorable features appear such as elimination of control spillovers, controller convergence at finite time, suppression of residual oscillations and simplicity of the control implementation. The feasibility of the controller is validated through both numerical simulations and experimental testing.
Model-based global assessment of OTEC resources with data validation off Southeast Florida

As part of an ongoing effort to create a publicly accessible GIS database that characterizes the global OTEC resource, more than two years of daily HYCOM (Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model) temperature data were processed. This global dataset was used to estimate annual and seasonal averages of the temperature gradient between the sea surface and water at 1000 m depth, a parameter commonly used for quantifying OTEC potential. Periodic annual variation was also explored. At locations where the depth was less than 1000 m, the temperature difference was evaluated between the sea surface and near bottom water. These data show that the mean temperature difference can be as high as 26.5˚C and commonly varies by less than 5˚C annually. These HYCOM-based estimates were then compared against thermal profile measurements made during 58 sets of CTD casts performed off Southeast Florida.
Macroglossia associated with brainstem injury.

Background Macroglossia has been reported in patients undergoing posterior fossa neurosurgical procedures and is thought to be as a result of venous engorgement from intubation or mechanical positioning during these prolonged procedures.
17O nuclear magnetic resonance studies of some amino acids at natural abundance

17O chemical shifts of four amino acids at natural abundance have been obtained. Sensitivity was enhanced by accumulating a large number of scans or employing high concentrations at elevated temperature. Routine memory overflow was avoided by using a combination of solvent suppression and phase alternating pulse sequences.
On the upper bounding approach to thermal convection at moderate Rayleigh numbers, II. Rigid boundaries

Abstract Numerical solutions for two upper bounding problems for thermal convection in a horizontal layer of fluid contained between perfectly conducting rigid boundaries are presented. Problem I was first introduced by Howard (1963) and yields an upper bound on the heat transport which is independent of Prandtl number. The numerical solutions of this problem indicate that the boundary layer approach used by Howard overestimates this upper bound somewhat; in addition, solutions with two horizontal wavenumbers, first discussed by Busse (1969), exist for Rayleigh numbers larger than 32400. These solutions are also investigated, and a transition to solutions with three horizontal wavenumbers is found to occur at a Rayleigh number of about 63000. Problem II, which is valid for large Prandtl number fluids, yields an upper bound on the heat transport which is smaller than that given by Problem I. No transitions to solutions with multiple horizontal wavenumbers occur for Rayleigh numbers as large as 10 6 .
Results of varying the ratio of largemouth black bass and bluegills in the stocking of experimental farm ponds

Abstract During the period 1943 to 1946, several combinations of largemouth black bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) were stocked in ponds on the station grounds at Leetown, West Virginia. These ponds were fertilized with 12–5–5, inorganic fertilizer, but when water blooms failed to control the submerged vegetation, sodium arsenite or copper sulfate was occasionally used for this purpose. Bluegill-bass ratios varying from 8:1 to 15:1 were used. Inventories of ponds showed that approximately 199 pounds of edible fish per acre could be produced annually in well managed ponds at Leetown regardless of the stocking ratio employed. The average size of bluegills varied inversely with the number stocked. The smallest bluegills, produced in the 15:1 bluegill-bass ratio, averaged about 5.7 inches in fork length, compared with about 6.5 inches from the 8:1 ratio. Largemouth bass failed to make good growth in the 15:1 ratio, averaging only 9.3 inches compared with 10.2 inches in the 8:1 r...
Medical and Social Dynamics of College Women's Interactions with Their Gynecologists

Using data collected from twenty in-depth interviews with female college students from SUNY Geneseo, a small selective public college in western New York, this paper examines the nature of college women's clinical interactions with their gynecologists. The author focuses on the female patient's role as a passive participant. The general finding was that, although some women do take an active role in the clinical interaction, most readily accept the doctor's authority and their own vulnerability without question. A majority of the interviewees reported that they did not have any questions for their gynecologist and stressed their own focus on “just getting it [the exam] over with,” while those who did report asking questions characterized themselves as exceptionally strong women. The author offers possible explanations for the women's disinterest and discusses the implications for the women's health movement.
Belief and Behavior Aspects of the EAT-26: The Case of Schoolgirls in Belize

This study investigates components of eating attitudes in a sample of Belizean schoolgirls and argues for separate analysis of eating beliefs and eating behaviors using the EAT-26 in populations undergoing rapid cultural change. The EAT-26 was utilized in a novel manner, preserving the ethnographic and empirical distinction between belief and behavior components of eating attitudes. Participants included a sample of secondary schoolgirls (n = 80) undergoing acculturative stress. Participants reported more disordered eating beliefs than behaviors. Respondents having higher belief scores than behavior scores were more likely to prefer thinner body build and to be concerned about boys’ assessments of their bodies. Girls with higher behavior scores were less likely to report eating when hungry and stopping when full. In conclusion, discriminant validity was found between attitudinal and behavioral aspects of the EAT-26 as evidenced by face validity and patterns in predicting body image preference and desired weight change. Such a distinction has implications for assessing risk for disordered eating among populations undergoing acculturative stress. Among such populations, while behavioral symptoms might be absent or present in subclinical levels, disordered beliefs associated with psychological distress or potential precursors to eating-disordered behavior might be detected and should be investigated further.
Duration-reduction of avoidance sessions as negative reinforcement.

Five rats were exposed to a shock-postponement procedure in which responses on each of two levers initially had equivalent effects. After an initial training sequence that ensured at least some responding on each lever, an additional consequence was made conjointly operative on the previously less-preferred lever for each animal. Each response on this lever continued to postpone shock, but also reduced the session duration by one minute. The conjoint contingencies were operative until, through session-shortening responses and the passage of time, the session was scheduled to end in two minutes; during the final two minutes the session-shortening contingency was disabled while the shock-postponement contingency continued to be operative on both levers. When responding shifted to a predominance on the session-shortening lever, the conjoint contingency was shifted to the other lever; for four of the five rats this reversal was followed by two additional reversals. Two of the rats' responding showed clear, strong, and unambiguous sensitivity to the session-shortening contingency. The responding of two others was also systematically controlled by that contingency, but the effects were less clearcut. The fifth animal showed an initial shift when session-shortening was introduced, but its subsequent behavior proved insensitive to reversals of procedure. The results clearly indicate a sensitivity of behavior to events on a time scale quite distinct from that of immediate consequences. They also support an interpretation of avoidance sessions, considered in their entirety, as events whose contingent relationship to behavior can affect that behavior—even in the absence of stimuli that delineate those relationships. Finally, these results support an interpretation of aversively based conditioning within a broader context, analogous to the “open versus closed economy” interpretation of appetitively controlled behavior.
Effect of Low Dose Irradiation of Pork Loins on the Microflora, Sensory Characteristics and Fat Stability

The effects of low dose (100 krad) irradiation on microflora, sensory characteristics, and development of oxidative rancidity of vacuum packaged pork loins was investigated after irradiation and during low temperature (4°C) storage up to 21 days. Irradiation reduced numbers of mesophiles, psychrotrophs, anaerobic bacteria (P<0.01), and staphylococci (P<0.05), with the effect on mesophiles and psychrotrophic spoilage organisms the greatest. Effect of irradiation on sensory characteristics of pork loin was minimal with no detectable differences between irradiated and nonirradiated pork after 14 days of storage. Irradiation of pork did not affect cooking loss or thiobarbituric acid values.
Spatiotemporal, Kinematic, and Kinetic Effects of a Peroneal Nerve Stimulator Versus an Ankle Foot Orthosis in Hemiparetic Gait

Background. The relative effect of a transcutaneous peroneal nerve stimulator (tPNS) and an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) on spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of hemiparetic gait has not been well described. Objective. To compare the relative neuroprosthetic effect of a tPNS with the orthotic effect of an AFO using quantitative gait analysis (QGA). Design. In all, 12 stroke survivors underwent QGA under 3 device conditions: (1) no device (ND), (2) AFO, and (3) tPNS. A series of repeated-measures analyses of variance (rmANOVAs) were performed with dorsiflexion status (presence or absence of volitional dorsiflexion) as a covariate to compare selected spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters for each device condition. Post hoc pairwise comparisons and/or subset analysis by dorsiflexion status were performed for significant effect. Results. Stride length was improved with both the AFO (P = .035) and the tPNS (P = .029) relative to ND. Those with absent dorsiflexion had longer stride lengt...
Catastrophic Femoral Neck Failure after THA with the Accolade® I Stem in Three Patients

We report a series of three femoral stem failures, each occurring at the head-neck junction, with all patients experiencing limited and painful ambulation, leading to subsequent revision arthroplasty. All patients were male with high-offset femoral stems and increased head lengths, and each had undergone primary THA at a minimum of 7 years before presentation (average, 94 months). There were no associated deep infections or cases of aseptic loosening in the cohort. There is a paucity of similar reports in the literature regarding femoral stem failure at the head-neck junction. When failures of titanium stems have been reported, failure has been attributed to material design and geometry, laser etching, overload, implant alignment, and patient characteristics. Catastrophic failures of femoral stems at the head-neck junction are a rare cause for revision after THA. Component material and design, surgical technique, and patient factors may contribute.
Molecular Advances in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic disease (ADPKD) is the most common form of inherited kidney disease that results in renal failure. The understanding of the pathogenesis of ADPKD has advanced significantly since the discovery of the 2 causative genes, PKD1 and PKD2. Dominantly inherited gene mutations followed by somatic second-hit mutations inactivating the normal copy of the respective gene result in renal tubular cyst formation that deforms the kidney and eventually impairs its function. The respective gene products, polycystin-1 and polycystin-2, work together in a common cellular pathway. Polycystin-1, a large receptor molecule, forms a receptor-channel complex with polycystin-2, which is a cation channel belonging to the TRP family. Both polycystin proteins have been localized to the primary cilium, a nonmotile microtubule-based structure that extends from the apical membrane of tubular cells into the lumen. Here we discuss recent insights in the pathogenesis of ADPKD including the genetics of ADPKD, the properties of the respective polycystin proteins, the role of cilia, and some cell-signaling pathways that have been implicated in the pathways related to PKD1 and PKD2.
Hypercomplex Liquid Crystals

Hypercomplex fluids are amalgamations of polymers, colloids, or amphiphilic molecules that exhibit emergent properties not ob- served in elemental systems alone. Especially promising building- blocks for assembly of hypercomplex materials are molecules with anisotropic shape. Alone, these molecules form numerous liquid crystalline phases with symmetries and properties that are funda- mentally different from those of conventional liquids or solids. When combined with other complex fluids, liquid crystals form materials with diverse emergent properties. In equilibrium, the interactions, dimensions, and shapes of these hypercomplex materi- als can be precisely controlled. When driven far from equilibrium, these materials can deform and even spontaneously flow in the ab- sence of external forces. Here we describe recent experimental accomplishments in this rapidly developing research area. We em- phasize how the common theme underlying these diverse efforts is their reliance on the basic physics ofmolecular liquid crystals devel- oped in the 1970s.
aprABC: a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex‐specific locus that modulates pH‐driven adaptation to the macrophage phagosome

Following phagocytosis by macrophages, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) senses the intracellular environment and remodels its gene expression for growth in the phagosome. We have identified an acid and phagosome regulated (aprABC) locus that is unique to the Mtb complex and whose gene expression is induced during growth in acidic environments in vitro and in macrophages. Using the aprA promoter, we generated a strain that exhibits high levels of inducible fluorescence in response to growth in acidic medium in vitro and in macrophages. aprABC expression is dependent on the two-component regulator phoPR, linking phoPR signalling to pH sensing. Deletion of the aprABC locus causes defects in gene expression that impact aggregation, intracellular growth, and the relative levels of storage and cell wall lipids. We propose a model where phoPR senses the acidic pH of the phagosome and induces aprABC expression to fine-tune processes unique for intracellular adaptation of Mtb complex bacteria.