cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect in vitro of anterior pituitary hormones on glucose metabolism and pyridine nucleotide levels of lactating rat mammary gland.

Abstract The levels of oxidized and reduced pyridine nucleotides in the mammary gland of the Wistar rat at various stages of pregnancy and lactation have been measured. The content of all four nucleotides increased considerably with the onset of lactation, reaching a maximum at the 13th day of lactation. The greatest percentage increase was in that of TPN + . There was a similar increase in the rate of oxidatioon of [ I - 14 C]-glucose by slices of mammary gland with the onset of lactation, also reaching a maximum at the 13th day. Incubation of mammary gland slices with growth hormone, prolactin, ACTH and thyroid-stimulating hormone, respectively, did not reveal any significant effect upon the oxidation of [ I - 14 C]glucose or upon the levels of the pyridine nucleotides. Incubation of mammary-gland slices in bicarbonate buffer resulted in an increase in [ I - 14 C]glucose oxidation and a smaller increase in 14 C (from [ I - 14 C]glucose) incorporation into fatty acids, compared with phosphate buffer. Phenazine methosulphate increased [ I - 14 C]glucosee oxidation and decreased 14 C incorporation into fatty acids in both buffers, these effects being associated with an enormous increase in TPN + levels, but no change in TPNH levels. It is concluded that phenazine actually increases the synthesis of TPN + and does not simply increase the reoxidation of TPNH. Further, it is suggested that the increased glucose oxidation observed during lactation is the result of increased TPN + synthesis rather than increased regeneration from TPNH following upon the increase in lipogenesis.
Stabilization of the speckle pattern of a multimode fiber undergoing bending.

The propagation of light in a multimode optical fiber waveguide results in speckle, a complicated mapping of the input field onto the output field. The speckle pattern changes as the fiber undergoes twists and bends. We show theoretically and demonstrate experimentally that changes in the mapping caused by bends in one region of the fiber can be compensated with bends applied along a fixed region of the fiber. In this way the output speckle pattern of the fiber can be stabilized. In this method it is supposed that the modes evolve adiabatically without intermixing and that the analytical dependence of perturbed propagation eigenvalues of the modes follows R−2 behavior, where R is the local value of bend radius.
Hybridizing conversational and clear speech to determine the degree of contribution of acoustic features to intelligibility

Speakers naturally adopt a special “clear” (CLR) speaking style in order to be better understood by listeners who are moderately impaired in their ability to understand speech due to a hearing impairment, the presence of background noise, or both. In contrast, speech intended for nonimpaired listeners in quiet environments is referred to as “conversational” (CNV). Studies have shown that the intelligibility of CLR speech is usually higher than that of CNV speech in adverse circumstances. It is not known which individual acoustic features or combinations of features cause the higher intelligibility of CLR speech. The objective of this study is to determine the contribution of some acoustic features to intelligibility for a single speaker. The proposed method creates “hybrid” (HYB) speech stimuli that selectively combine acoustic features of one sentence spoken in the CNV and CLR styles. The intelligibility of these stimuli is then measured in perceptual tests, using 96 phonetically balanced sentences. Resu...
Nutrient pulsing as a regulator of phytoplankton abundance and community composition in Galveston Bay, Texas

Abstract Galveston Bay, Texas, is a large shallow estuary with a watershed that includes 60% of the major industrial facilities of Texas. However, the system exhibits low to moderate (2–20 μg l −1 ) microalgal biomass with sporadic phytoplankton blooms. Both nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) limitation of phytoplankton growth have been proposed for the estuary. However, shifts between N and P limitation of algae growth may occur due to annual fluctuations in nutrient concentrations. The primary goal of this work was to determine the primary limiting nutrient for phytoplankton in Galveston Bay. Nutrient addition bioassays were used to assess short-term (1–2 days) phytoplankton responses (both biomass and community composition) to potentially limiting nutrients. The experimental bioassays were conducted over an annual cycle using natural water collected from the center to lower part of the estuary. Total phytoplankton biomass increased in the nitrate (10 μM) additions in 11 of the 13 bioassays, but no significant increases were detected in the phosphate (3 μM)-only additions. Bioassay results suggest that the phytoplankton community was usually not phosphate limited. All major groups increased in biomass following nitrate additions but diatoms increased in biomass at a faster rate than other groups, shifting the community composition toward higher relative abundance of diatoms. The results of this study suggest that pulsed N input events preferentially favor increases in diatom biomass in this estuary. The broader implications of this study are that N pulsing events, primarily due to river discharge, play an important role in structuring the phytoplankton community in the Galveston Bay estuary.
Prevalence and treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura of childhood in Sweden

The frequency and treatment of children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in Sweden were characterized using a national enquiry based on a questionnaire. Seventy-five children diagnosed as having chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura on 1 September 1993 were identified. The prevalence in children between 0.5 and 15.5 years of age was calculated to be 4.6/100 000. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 5 years and the male/female ratio was 1:1.2. Almost half of the patients (43%) were not treated at all during the disease. Steroids (43%) and intravenous immunoglobulin (25%) were most commonly used. Only two children were splenectomized.
Enzymes involved in the repair of damaged DNA.

The progress that has been made in our understanding of the enzymatic mechanisms by which modified nucleotides in DNA are recognized and repaired is due, in part, to the developments that have been made in photobiology and photochemistry. It was these areas of activity that led to the identification of the primary ultraviolet irradiation photoproducts formed in nucleic acids. The initial discovery of pyrimidine cyclobutane dimers (1,2) led to an understanding of their chemical properties which allowed identification of such products in DNA irradiated either in vivo or in vitro. As a consequence of this acquired technology, the fate of these photochemical products during repair could be studied in vivo and in vitro.
Quantitation of FAD-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase activity by photoreduction.

NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase binds two flavin cofactors, FMN and FAD, per molecule of reductase. We have developed an assay to quantitate the reduction activity of FMN-bound flavoprotein. This Trislight assay system takes advantage of the ability of photoactivated flavins to release electrons to acceptors. In turn, electrons derived from Tris buffer restore the flavin to the unexcited, ground state which can again undergo photoactivation to release another electron. FMN-bound reductase, supplied with reducing equivalents from a Tris-light electron generating system, reduces ferricyanide at a rate of 1.8 mumol/min/ nmol reductase. Holoreductase in this system is able to catalyze ferricyanide reduction at a rate of 1.6 mumol/ min/nmol reductase, while FAD-bound reductase has no activity. The 8-NH2-FAD and 8-OH-FAD analog-reconstituted FMN-bound reductase catalyzes the reduction of ferricyanide at rates of 0.43 and 0.28 mumol/min/ nmol reductase, respectively. The riboflavin-reconstituted FMN-bound reductase catalyzes ferricyanide reduction at a rate of 1.1 mumol/min/nmol reductase. FAD or its analogs at the concentrations used to reconstitute enzymatic activity do not support the reduction of ferricyanide in the Tris-light system in the absence of reductase protein. The free flavins, i.e., FMN, 8-OH-FAD, 8-NH2-FAD, and riboflavin, are able to support ferricyanide reduction at a rate of 0.40, 0.52, 0.87, and 0.16 mumol/min/nmol flavin, respectively. This is the first report of an enzymatic assay specific for FMN-bound NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase activity in the absence of its FAD cofactor. Moreover, this report describes the use of an assay procedure based on the provision of reducing equivalents by a Tris-light system which may be useful for other flavin redox enzymes in the absence of reduced pyridine nucleotides or biopterin cofactors.
Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele

Fetal intervention for myelomeningocele (MMC) may improve hydrocephalus and hindbrain herniation associated with the Arnold-Chiari II malformation and may reduce the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting. As of now, there is little evidence that prenatal repair of MMC improves neurologic function. MMC is the first nonlethal disease under consideration and study for fetal surgery. As a result, potential improvements in outcome must be balanced with maternal safety and well-being, in addition to that of the unborn patient.
Where Did They Go Wrong? An Analysis of the Failure of Knowledgeable Internet Consumers to Detect Deception Over the Internet

This paper uses an information-processing model of deception detection to understand the reasons underlying Internet consumers' success and failure at detecting forms of intentional deception that occur on the Internet. Eighty MBA students visited either a real commercial site or a deceptive copycat (“page-jacking”) site. The deceptive site was identical to the clean site except that it contained six deceptive manipulations (e.g., forged favorable quotes from authoritative sources). This study compares the information processing behavior of four groups of subjects: those who detected the deception, those who missed it, those who correctly identified the real site as non-deceptive, and those who incorrectly believed that the real site was deceptive. It was found that (1) priming subjects to generate the hypothesis of deception weakly facilitates detection success, (2) competence at evaluating the hypothesis of deception is a strong differentiator between successful and unsuccessful detectors, and (3) successful detectors rely on “assurance” cues and heavily discount “trust” cues. Unsuccessful detectors do the opposite.
Decay energies of gaseous fission products and their daughters for A = 88 to 93 and A = 138 to 142

Decay energies for several mass-separated activities of Kr, Xe, and daughters have been reported previously. At the time of these measurements, the plastic scintillation detector used could be calibrated accurately only to 5 MeV. Using recently available decay energies for Rb and Cs fission products, the calibration curve for ..beta.. energies above 5 MeV has been redetermined. Redetermined Q/sub ..beta../ values are reported for 23 fission products, and comparison is made with various atomic mass predictions.
Technical Communication and the World Wide Web. Edited by Carol Lipson and Michael Day. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 2005. 355 pp

In Technical Communication and the World Wide Web, editors Carl Lipson and Michael Day attempt to present a realistic picture of the many-sided task of writing for the Web. All things considered, i...
The effect of a pericardial effusion on the shunt across an atrial septal defect

The interatrial shunt across a large atrial septal defect is influenced mainly by right ventricular compliance and not by the pressure difference between the two atria. Factors such as right ventricular infarction, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, pneumonectomy, and lobectomy have been reported to affect the magnitude of shunting
An Interview With Anthony J. Cernera, President of Sacred Heart University

Dr. Anthony J. Cernera has been the president of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, since 1988. Beginning in 1997, the university started to add online degree programs and coursesmore than a dozen in all, including a doctorate in physical therapy and one in nursing practice, set to launch this fall. Enrollment has more than doubled. eLearn Magazine interviewed Cernera, who is also president of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, about how and why SHU has committed to online students.
GENETIC ASPECTS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN ANIMALS.

When the incidences and types of cardiovascular disease present in various species, breeds, and strains, or families of animals are compared, certain differences are apparent. It is often difficult, however, to separate hereditary from environmental influences. Studies of vascular disease in zoo animals have shown that changing environmental conditions can alter the incidence of certain types of lesions in various species. Species differences, however, in resistance to diet-induced atherosclerosis appear to be genetically determined. The prevalence and types of congenital cardiac malformations appear to differ from species to species, but further systematic study is required. Arterial blood pressure is higher in the giraffe and turkey than in other species, and normal variants in cardiac rhythm are characteristic of the dog, horse, and mole. Relatively high incidences of specific cardiovascular diseases are found in certain breeds of animals. The White Carneaux, Autosexing King, and Silver King breeds of ...
Testing the performance and compatibility of degummed soybean heating oil blends for use in residential furnaces

Degummed soybean heating oil (SHO) is a renewable energy resource, which can reduce dependence on foreign oil and create a new market for the soybean industry. This study demonstrated that SHO 20 (20% degummed soybean oil and 80% No. 2 fuel oil) is suitable for application in residential furnaces without modification. The tests conducted were: fuel properties, seal compatibility, long-term storage, and laboratory and field combustion. The physical property tests showed that the kinematic viscosity (0.0346 cm
Effective Myocardial Salvage with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Late Diagnosed Acute Post-Traumatic ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background: Acute post-traumatic ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rare but potentially disastrous in patients with blunt cardiac injury. Sometimes the diagnosis is delayed. Failed myocardial salvage by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 9 h after the onset of post-traumatic STEMI has been described. Objective: We present a case report of a patient in whom effective myocardial salvage with PCI was obtained in a late diagnosed acute post-traumatic STEMI. Case Report: We report the case of a young man who was involved in a motorcycle crash, who had a delayed diagnosis of post-traumatic STEMI. Diagnostic coronary angiography was performed to guide treatment strategy. An occluded left anterior descending artery due to a dissection, and an intimal flap at the first diagonal branch were found. A PCI was done 18 h after the onset of the event with striking and immediate improvement of the regional left ventricular wall motion and ejection fraction. Conclusion: After blunt thoracic injury, there is the possibility of an acute post-traumatic STEMI being present when facing a patient with clues of blunt cardiac injury. If the diagnosis of acute post-traumatic STEMI is clinically strong, the patient should be managed individually according to the clinical scenario. Early recognition and prompt management are vital when dealing with patients suffering post-traumatic STEMI.
Organic/Inorganic Langmuir−Blodgett Films Based on Metal Phosphonates. 4. Thermal Stability1

The thermal stability of metal phosphonate Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) films formed from the amphiphiles octadecylphosphonic acid (OPA) and an azobenzene-derivatized phosphonic acid, (4-(4‘-tetradecyloxyphenyldiazenyl)phenyl)butylphosphonic acid (A4), with divalent and trivalent metal ions has been examined. These films are characterized by the formation of a metal phosphonate continuous lattice in the polar region of the transferred bilayers. The behavior of the films upon heating and with temperature cycling was studied with attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-FTIR, transmission FTIR, absorbance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. A reversible transition is observed between 40 and 50 °C in each film, and this process is assigned as a premelting transition in analogy to similar transitions observed in previously studied LB films. Irreversible disordering of the organic networks is observed for each film at higher temperatures, occurring near 150 °C in the lanthanum octadecylphosphonate film, near 140 °C in th...
Light nuclei and nuclear matter

Abstract We review some of the recent progress In the traditional nonrelatlvlstic many-body theory of nuclei. The topics discussed Include the models of two- and three-nucleon Interactions, charge distributions, momentum distributions of nucleons, nucleon clusters (such as d + d in 4 He) and excess pions In A = 3, 4 nuclei and nuclear matter. Approximate treatments of heavy nuclei are also briefly discussed.
Intraflagellar Transport Inhomogeneity in Chlamydomonas IMP3 Mutant

Genetic disorders that affect the development or function of flagella and their associated signalizing pathways are collectively known as ciliopathies. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is the process that is responsible for the regulation of flagellar growth and signaling. In this study, we perform a single-molecule fluorescence imaging investigation of IFT in a Chlamydomonas mutant (IMP3) that exhibits unexplained phenotypes of slower flagellar regeneration and anterograde IFT speed. Using TIRF microscopy and two-color imaging, we show that the loading and unloading of flagellar membrane signaling proteins is compromised in the IMP3 mutant. We first use BBS4-GFP to quantify IFT speed changes in Chlamydomonas, we then use two-color imaging of IFT20-mCherry and PKD2-GFP to verify that these speed changes correspond to the loading and unloading of cargo membrane signaling proteins onto and from IFT trains, respectively. Preliminary results suggest that the IMP3 mutant is less efficient at the loading of transmembrane cargo proteins onto IFT trains, thus consequently generating a signaling defect.
Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene delivery attenuates hypertension and protects against renal injury in deoxycorticosterone-salt rats

To demonstrate potential therapeutic effects of kallikrein gene delivery in salt-induced hypertension and renal diseases, we delivered adenovirus carrying the human tissue kallikrein gene (Ad.CMV-cHK) into deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. A single intravenous injection of Ad.CMV-cHK caused a delay in the rise of blood pressure that began 2 days post gene delivery and lasted for more than 23 days. A maximal blood pressure reduction of 50 mm Hg was observed in rats receiving kallikrein gene delivery, as compared to rats receiving adenovirus containing the luciferase gene (Ad.CMV-Luc) (172 ± 5 vs. 222 ± 13 mm Hg, n = 6, P < 0.01). Throughout the experimental period, a blood pressure reduction of at least 32 mm Hg was observed in the DOCA-salt rats injected with Ad.CMV-cHK as compared to DOCA-salt rats receiving control adenovirus. Immunoreactive human tissue kallikrein levels were detected in rat serum and urine post gene delivery. Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene delivery caused a significant reduction in urinary excretion, urinary protein levels and body weight. Morphological examination of the kidney showed that kallikrein gene transfer significantly reduced DOCA-salt-induced glomerular sclerotic lesions, brush border disruption of proximal tubules, tubular dilatation and protein cast accumulation. These findings showed that the expression of human tissue kallikrein via gene delivery has protective effects against hypertension and renal injury in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats.
124 DYNAMIC EXERCISE TESTING WITH ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY CORRELATES IN THALASSEMIA MAJOR (Thai)

27 patients aged 5-28 yrs. with Thal were studied by exercise testing (ET) (Bruce protocol) and by M mode echocardiography (Echo). Hemoglobin (Hgb) was determined 1 hr. prior to ET. 19/27 had no digitalis therapy (DIG). Endurance time: 16/27 had low endurance time (END) ( 2 standard deviations below the PM) at maximal exercise (ME), not related to age or Hgb. 4/27 (2 boys, 2 girls) had increased HR at ME, not related to age or Hgb. EF and left ventricular internal diameter shortening on Echo were not predictors of HR. Dysrhythmias: 1/27 developed ventricular premature contractions (runs of 2 or 3) not seen on 24 hr. taping or standard ECG. 1/27 showed atrial premature beats. 1/27 on DIG showed sinus arrests during recovery. ST segments-T waves: No changes of ischemia were noted. Conclusions: (a) 60% of patients with Thal showed decreased END that correlated with decreased Hgb (<11 gms.%); (b) HR was not related to Hgb, age or DIG and was unexpectedly low in 1/3 of the patients; (c) myocardial function by Echo was not a predictor of exercise response; (d) an ischemic response was not identified; (e) dysrhythmias were uncommon; (f) Echo and ET showed less myocardial dysfunction than expected by the natural history of Thal with acquired hemachromatosis.
High dose rate gynecological applications - radiobiological considerations based on the α-β model

Abstract We compare the relative efficacy of high dose rate (HDR) and low dose rate (LDR) irradiation in gynecological implants, using formulations based on the linear-quadratic (α-β) model. We consider both acute reaction and late effect as endpoints in evaluating equivalence for HDR and LDR treatments, at Point A (as defined in the text) and at other locations. We define a therapeutic factor Γ as an index for relative efficacy, with Γ > 1 indicating a gain in substituting HDR for LDR. It is found that Γ
Cultural variance as a challenge to global public relations: A case study of the Coca-Cola scare in Europe

Abstract On June 14, 1999, school children in Belgium became ill after drinking Coca-Cola. The Belgian government ordered a recall of all bottles of Coca-Cola and banned the sale of all related Coke products. In a rush to safeguard the health of their publics, the governments of Spain and France banned the sale of Coca-Cola soft drinks. However, other nations near Belgium, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, did not ban sales of Coke products. Why did some nations rush to ban products made by Coca-Cola while other nations waited for more information about the crisis? One answer may be found in an examination of the cultural dynamics of these six nations. The purpose of this article was to explore cultural variability, especially uncertainty avoidance and power distance, and to examine how it affects public response to crisis. An analysis of the national cultures of each of these countries showed that publics who live in nations that are high in uncertainty avoidance and power distance tend to react more strongly, and more quickly, to perceived threats. Maureen Taylor is assistant professor in the Department of Communication at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
DEACTIVATION OF PLATINUM CATALYSTS BY POISONS: A STUDY OF BEHAVIOR OF AFTERBURNER CONVERTORS

Abstract An experimental study of oxidation of carbon monoxide in a tubular reactor packed with a commercial Pt/Al2O3 catalyst was performed. The effect of the poisoning of the catalyst on the exit conversion was investigated. Tetraethyllead (TEL) and CS2 were used as catalyst poisons. It was shown that on a fresh catalyst and for higher concentrations of CO two steady state operations may exist, i.e. hysteresis phenomena occur. For a weakly by TEL, deactivated catalyst the operation characteristics of the bed may be improved. A strong deactivation by TEL results in small hysteresis loop which finally disappears. It was shown experimentally that deactivation by CS2 may result in excessive hot spots. This deactivation is reversible. After ceasing the poison in the feed and on temporary increasing the inlet temperature the activity of the bed packed with Pt/Al2O3 catalyst restors.
Lipid peroxidation and Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of unknown etiology that is diagnosed by a constellation of clinical signs and is treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, which reduces the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms. Interestingly, IVIG has also been shown to reduce inflammation in experimental models of atherosclerosis as measured by a decrease in the size of atherosclerotic plaques and fatty streaks in Apo E-deficient mice [3]. Markers of endothelial cell damage in acute KD include high levels of plasma endothelin, E-selectin, and factor VIII antigen [1, 2]. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and antibodies to this immunogenic molecule are elevated in patients with systemic vasculitides and atherosclerosis [4, 5]. To determine if OxLDL antibodies and antigens might also be markers for the endothelial cell damage in KD, we compared the levels of antibodies to OxLDL (malondialdehyde-LDL IgG and IgM) and oxidized phospholipid epitopes (E06) in 20 acute KD patients (median age, 3.8 years; range, 1.2–6.0 years) and two ageand gender-matched groups: 40 healthy and 20 febrile, hospitalized pediatric controls. Of the KD patients, 2 had had recurrent KD and 7 had coronary artery ectasia or aneurysms documented by echocardiography. Sera from the KD patients were obtained prior to IVIG administration. Antibodies to MDA-LDL were captured with MDA-LDL coated on microtiter wells; then the bound immunoglobulin was detected with labeled anti-human IgG or IgM secondary antibodies [4]. To measure the E06 epitope on LDL, a double sandwich antibody assay was used in which a plated anti-apoB-100 monoclonal (MB47) was used to capture the LDL and then oxidized phospholipids on LDL were detected with the use of biotinylated E06 antibody [4] (studies performed in the laboratory of Joseph Witztum, UCSD). No difference was seen by analysis of variance in the distribution of antibody levels or the E06 epitope among the three populations (Fig. 1). Surprisingly, a subset from each group showed highly elevated levels in each assay. To our knowledge, this is the first report of OxLDL antibody and E06 measurements in a pediatric population. It does not appear that OxLDL levels are useful in the diagnosis of KD or in the assessment of the clinical severity of KD given the overlap with control groups. Whether these assays may serve as indicators of genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis and ensuing coronary artery damage will require further study.
Stable Monte Carlo algorithm for fermion lattice systems at low temperatures.

We discuss Monte Carlo algorithms for fermion lattice systems based on exact updating of the fermion Green's function. A space and a space-time algorithm are shown to be limiting cases of a formulation that smoothly interpolates between them. This new formulation can to a large extent preserve the desirable features of both limits and suppress the undesirable ones.
Convective heat losses in flat‐plate collectors

Utilisation d'une approche simple par correlation pour le calcul des coefficients de transfert de chaleur par convection dans les collecteurs solaires plans a toutes les latitudes. Comparaisons des coefficients de perte de chaleur totale du couvercle avec une approche empirique proposee recemment
Social Effects on Duration in Restaurants

A nonreactive observational study in full-service restaurants showed group size to be positively correlated with length of stay. Among the serendipitous findings were the role of reading in lengthening duration and the paucity of lone diners in full-service restaurants.
Inequalities for quermassintegrals on k-convex domains

Abstract In this paper, we study the Aleksandrov–Fenchel inequalities for quermassintegrals on a class of non-convex domains. Our proof uses optimal transport maps as a tool to relate curvature quantities of different orders defined on the boundary of the domain.
The influence of waves on landing patterns within a diverse Sumatran spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.) fishery

The distribution of Indo-Pacific spiny lobster populations is known to be influenced by oceanic hydrodynamics and terrestrially generated turbidity. The distinct pattern of artisanal landings for six lobster species (Panulirus homarus, P. longpipes longipes, P. ornatus, P. penicillatus, P. polyphagus, P. versicolor) on the west coast of Aceh Province is described. The observed pattern was influenced by availability of a variety of habitats and variability in environmental conditions affecting fisher access to lobster habitats. Relatively constant access to wave ‘protected’, soft sediment habitats and affiliated species (e.g. P. homarus) was in stark contrast to more wave ‘exposed’ habitats and oceanic/reef species (e.g. P. pencillatus, P. versicolor) which may be difficult to access during the high wave energy dominated wet season. This study adds to the growing body of research on the impacts of weather on fishing fleets and potential changes in landings that may result as a consequence of climate change.
Integrated materials design of organic semiconductors for field-effect transistors

The past couple of years have witnessed a remarkable burst in the development of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), with a number of organic semiconductors surpassing the benchmark mobility of 10 cm2/(V s). In this perspective, we highlight some of the major milestones along the way to provide a historical view of OFET development, introduce the integrated molecular design concepts and process engineering approaches that lead to the current success, and identify the challenges ahead to make OFETs applicable in real applications.
Matrix Discriminant Analysis With Application to Colorimetric Sensor Array Data

With the rapid development of nano-technology, a “colorimetric sensor array” (CSA) that is referred to as an optical electronic nose has been developed for the identification of toxicants. Unlike traditional sensors that rely on a single chemical interaction, CSA can measure multiple chemical interactions by using chemo-responsive dyes. The color changes of the chemo-responsive dyes are recorded before and after exposure to toxicants and serve as a template for classification. The color changes are digitalized in the form of a matrix with rows representing dye effects and columns representing the spectrum of colors. Thus, matrix-classification methods are highly desirable. In this article, we develop a novel classification method, matrix discriminant analysis (MDA), which is a generalization of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for the data in matrix form. By incorporating the intrinsic matrix-structure of the data in discriminant analysis, the proposed method can improve CSA’s sensitivity and more impor...
Upper bounds for theL p -norms of martingales

Let (f n ) be a martingale. We establish a relationship between exponential bounds for the probabilities of the typeP(|f n |>λ·‖T(f n )‖∞) and the size of the constantC p appearing in the inequality ‖f *‖ p ≦C p ‖T *(f)‖ p , for some quasi-linear operators acting on martingales.
The effect of force and conformance on tactile intensive and spatial sensitivity

The effect of force on intensive and spatial processing was examined with three measures of tactile sensitivity. One of the measures based on intensive cues is the smooth-grooved (SM/GV) task, and the two other measures based on spatial cues are the grating orientation and gap detection tasks. Measures were made at two locations that vary in sensitivity and in the density of innervation of the primary afferent fibers, the right index fingerpad and the palmar surface of the proximal phalanx (fingerbase). At each location, psychometric functions were generated for each of the three measures for two forces (50 and 200 g). The results indicated that increasing force led to marked improvement on the task that relied on intensive cues; however, on the tasks that relied on spatial cues, force had no effect on performance. Biomechanical measures were made of the depth to which the skin invades the grooves of the contactors (conformance) at the two test sites, with the two forces, and with different groove widths. Conformance was found to be a joint function of force and groove width. Further, performance on the SM/GV task could be predicted by the amount of conformance. The psychophysical results are consistent with the view that increasing conformance increases neural activity in the primary afferent fibers, and that this increase in neural activity improves SM/GV performance, but has little effect on the quality of the spatial image.
Lead-210 and polonium-210 in ocean water profiles of the continental shelf and slope south of New England

Concentration profiles of 210Pb and 210Po were measured on a traverse of the continental shelf and slope during the first phase of the SEEP (Shelf Edge Exchange Processes) program. Results from the upper 100 m show low concentrations of dissolved 210Pb over the shelf (<2dpm/100 kg) and increasing concentrations progressing into the slope water, where concentrations 10dpm/100 kg are found. This trend reflects the more efficient removal of 210Pb from the water column over the shelf. The deep waters over the slope show the commonly observed 210Pb deficiency, relative to 226Ra, due to removal by chemical scavenging. Vertical profiles indicate somewhat intensified scavenging of 210Pb near the sediment-water interface. Flux calculations for the shelf show an imbalance such that the input of atmospheric 210Pb must be compensated by an export of 210Pb off the shelf. This provides an important constraint on models that would predict the fate of materials introduced to the continental shelf. Over the slope, on the other hand, a good vertical flux balance is maintained, indicating that inputs of 210Pb to the slope water by cross-frontal particle transport or by exchange across the Gulf Stream may be unimportant. Results for 210Po in the surface waters show strong depletion, relative to 210Pb, in the dissolved form and enrichment in the particulate form, indicative of particulate transport out of the surface layer. Evidence for release of 210Po is seen in a sub-surface layer, centered at 50–100 m, where 210Po is enriched in the dissolved form and depleted in the particles.
A performadox in truth-conditional semantics

An argument is developed at some length to show that any semantical theory which treats superficially nonperformative sentences as being governed by performative prefaces at some level of underlying structure must either leave those sentences semantically uninterpreted or assign them the wrong truth-conditions. Several possible escapes from this dilemma are examined; it is tentatively concluded that such hypotheses as the Ross-Lakoff-Sadock “Performative Analysis” should be rejected despite their attractions.
Transport in a Magnetic Field. II. The Transport Equations for an Electron Gas

The gauge-independent formalism of the previous discussion is applied to the construction of transport equations on the density, spin density, and current density of a degenerate electron gas. Interactions are included in a self-consistent field approximation. Scattering events are treated in a relaxation-time approximation. Three kinds of rf driving fields are considered: transverse magnetic, longitudinal electric, and transverse electric.
Masked deposition techniques for achieving multilayer period variations required for short-wavelength (68-A) soft-x-ray imaging optics.

Practical issues in the development of multilayer coatings for reflective imaging systems operating at λ ≈ 68 A are discussed. The 1% bandpass of Ru/B4C multilayers at this short wavelength imposes stringent tolerances with which the actual multilayer period variation across the curved surfaces must match the ideal period variation for a 20× demagnifying Schwarzschild objective. New deposition techniques that use masks to correct the period variation across the curved surfaces of each optic have been developed to ensure reflectance over the entire clear aperture. The narrow bandpass together with steep lateral period gradients and steeply curved surfaces requires improved metrology for an acceptable period variation to be obtained and the overlap of the reflectance peaks on the two mirrors to be verified.
Surface studies of beta and beta″ alumina ceramics

Abstract The interface between ceramic electrolytes and liquid Na, S and NaSx in Na-S batteries can make substantial contribution to the resistance and are potential sources of high electrical stress and current density. Using Rutherford backscattering we have examined the atomic composition at surfaces of selected experimental beta and beta″ ceramics, and using nuclear reaction analysis have obtained depth concentration profiles of Na. H and Li have also been detected. the composition in the surface is often very different than in the interior, and ion scattering potentially can provide insights into the atomistic mechanisms contributing to interfacial resistance.
Human Bladder Smooth Muscle Cell Damage in Disturbed Oxygen Tension

Objective To characterize human bladder smooth muscle cell reactions to disturbed oxygen tension. Clinical studies have shown a close correlation between bladder ischemia and lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly patients. Materials and Methods Confluent cultured human bladder smooth muscle cells were incubated under normoxia, continuous hypoxia, and oxidative stress (hypoxia/reoxygenation) conditions using a computerized oxycycler system. After 48 hours, cell samples were collected and processed for fluorometric assessment of oxidative injury, enzyme immunoassay of antioxidant capacity, and transmission electron microscopy. Results Lipid peroxidation was found in cell hypoxia and oxidative stress, whereas protein oxidation was evident in oxidative stress only. Cell antioxidant capacity decreased in oxidative stress but remained unchanged in hypoxia. Oxidative products were present in cell oxidative stress only, whereas nitrosative products increased in both hypoxia and oxidative stress conditions. Forty-eight hours of hypoxia and oxidative stress had no effect on cell senescence. Thickened deformed cell membrane, swollen mitochondria, and enlarged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were found in cell hypoxia. Partially lost cell membrane with increased caveolae, swollen mitochondria with degraded cristae, splintered ER, and increased lysosomes were evident in cell oxidative stress. Conclusion Human bladder smooth muscle cells are highly reactive to nonconforming oxygen tension. Reactions to hypoxia are consistent with cell survival signaling to cope with lack of oxygen. Changes in oxidative stress indicate extensive damage and deterioration of the subcellular elements. Hypoxic and oxidative damage may be an important mechanism of smooth muscle degeneration in bladder conditions with disturbed oxygen tension.
Transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of senile dementia in the United States and Europe. At present, there is no effective treatment. Given the disease's prevalence and poor prognosis, the development of animal models has been a high research priority. Transgenic modeling has been pursued on the basis of the amyloid hypothesis and has taken advantage of mutations in the amyloid precursor protein and the presenilins that cause familial forms of Alzheimer's disease. Modeling has been most aggressively pursued in mice, for which the techniques of genetic modification are well developed. Transgenic mouse models now exist that mimic a range of Alzheimer's disease–related pathologies. Although none of the models fully replicates the human disease, the models have contributed significant insights into the pathophysiology of β-amyloid toxicity, particularly with respect to the effects of different β-amyloid species and the possible pathogenic role of β-amyloid oligomers. They have also been widely used in the preclinical testing of potential therapeutic modalities and have played a pivotal role in the development of immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease that are currently in clinical trials. These models will, without a doubt, continue to play central roles in preclinical testing and be used as tools for developing insights into the biological basis of Alzheimer's disease. Mt Sinai J Med 77:69&–81, 2010. © 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
The Application of GIS in Environmental Health Sciences: Opportunities and Limitations

Understanding the complex spatio-temporal relationships between environmental pollution and disease and identifying exposures to environmental hazards in high-risk populations are essential elements of an effective environmental and public health management program. Modern computer technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS), provide cost-effective tools for evaluating interventions and policies potentially affecting health outcomes. GIS analysis or display of environmental health data is also helpful in explaining disease patterns in terms of relationships with social, institutional, technological, and natural environments. This paper examines major issues related to the application of GIS in environmental health sciences. Specifically, the paper presents and discusses the basic principles, potential benefits, and major limitations of GIS in environmental health research. A real-world example application involving development and implementation of a prototype system called EMPHASIS (EnvironMental and Public Health datA analySIs System) to facilitate management, analysis, display, and presentation of environmental, socio-demographic, and health outcome data in Iowa is described. From the discussions and the example application, it is concluded that GIS can significantly add value to environmental and public health data in areas such as exploratory data analysis, hypotheses generation, confirmatory data analysis, and decision-making. The widespread adoption of GIS in these areas, however, is impeded by issues such as inconsistent spatial scales of the data, data quality and currency, lack of appropriate statistical functions for data analysis and interpretation, and data security and confidentiality.
Graduate training in cellular engineering at UMass Amherst: The Institute for Cellular Engineering (ICE) IGERT program

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Institute for Cellular Engineering (ICE) has developed a novel interdisciplinary graduate training program in cellular engineering, the NSF-funded ICE IGERT program. Engineering cellular form and function is the basis for many ventures in the biomedical and biotechnology industries in Massachusetts and across the U.S., including design of bioremediation processes for contaminated site cleanup, generation of artificial organs and tissues, and production of biologic pharmaceuticals. Students focus in one of three interrelated cellular engineering thrust areas: 1) Applied Systems Biology, 2) Cell Delivery and 3) Protein Engineering. Key features of the program include a unifying course to train both life scientists and engineers/physical scientists in the fundamentals of cellular engineering, hands-on laboratory modules on state-of-the-art techniques, a weekly research seminar series with mentoring component, and formal professional development activities including team-building and ethics. This IGERT is unique in that the leadership is all-female and the faculty participants are 45% female and 15% non-white, and we recruit diverse students through collaboration with the Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NEAGEP) program. The primary outcome of this novel training program is establishment of a well-trained diverse workforce in state-of-the art technologies that is poised to be leaders in cellular engineering both in academia and industry.
Species contributions to PM2.5 mass concentrations: Revisiting common assumptions for estimating organic mass

(2001). Species Contributions to PM2.5 Mass Concentrations: Revisiting Common Assumptions for Estimating Organic Mass. Aerosol Science and Technology: Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 602-610.
Perspective: Stem cells react! Cell lineages as complex adaptive systems

It may be argued that adult stem cell processes or, more precisely, the cell lineages that arise from them, represent complex reactive or adaptive systems. Approaching hematopoietic and other stem cell lineages from this perspective has direct bearing on current debates regarding the plasticity of these lineage systems as well as on interpretation and modeling of clinical data regarding many diseases.
Work–Family Conflict, Children, and Hour Mismatches in Australia

This article helps integrate research on work hours and work—family issues by examining how work—family conflict is related to the desire for more and fewer hours of work. Using the first wave of the Household Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia survey, we find that work-to-family conflict is associated with a desire for fewer hours of work. Family-to-work conflict, however, is only weakly associated with desired work hour changes, and we find some evidence that it makes women want to increase the number of hours they work. We also find evidence of moderating effects: Work-to-family conflict is more likely to make women want fewer hours when they have preschool children. We conclude that many working parents see work hour reductions as a way to cope with work—family conflict but that people prefer different coping strategies depending on their gender and family situation.
Cumulative Neighborhood Risk of Psychosocial Stress and Allostatic Load in Adolescents

The authors examined the impact of cumulative neighborhood risk of psychosocial stress on allostatic load (AL) among adolescents as a mechanism through which life stress, including neighborhood conditions, may affect health and health inequities. They conducted multilevel analyses, weighted for sampling and propensity score-matched, among adolescents aged 12-20 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2006). Individuals (first level, n = 11,886) were nested within families/households (second level, n = 6,696) and then census tracts (third level, n = 2,191) for examination of the contextual effect of cumulative neighborhood risk environment on AL. Approximately 35% of adolescents had 2 or more biomarkers of AL. A significant amount of variance in AL was explained at the neighborhood level. The likelihood of having a high AL was approximately 10% higher for adolescents living in medium-cumulative-risk neighborhoods (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.09), 28% higher for those living in high-risk neighborhoods (adjusted OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.30), and 69% higher for those living in very-high-risk neighborhoods (adjusted OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.68, 1.70) as compared with adolescents living in low-risk areas. Effect modification was observed by both individual- and neighborhood-level sociodemographic factors. These findings offer support for the hypothesis that neighborhood risks may culminate in a range of biologically mediated negative health outcomes detectable in adolescents.