cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a 356-mm Minimum Length Limit on the Population Characteristics and Sport Fishery of Smallmouth Bass in the Shoals Reach of the Tennessee River, Alabama

Abstract The Shoals Reach, a 20-km section of the Tennessee River below Wilson Dam, Alabama, has a national reputation as an excellent fishery for smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. To protect and enhance this smallmouth bass fishery, a 356-mm minimum total length (TL) limit was established in this region in 1991. We sampled smallmouth bass in the fall of 1995 and spring of 1996 to determine if the regulation had any effects on the population characteristics of this fishery. A creel survey was conducted during 1996 to estimate angler effort, catch, and harvest of smallmouth bass, and to evaluate angler values, opinions, and practices. Electrofishing catch rates for juvenile (<280-mm TL) and adult (≥280-mm TL) smallmouth bass significantly (P < 0.05) increased compared with preregulation data (1988). Growth rates in 1995–1996 were higher for fish younger than age 3 than in 1988; however, otoliths were used to age fish in 1995–1996, whereas scales were used in 1988. Length indices showed a high proportio...
Differential effects of cocaine and methamphetamine on neurotensin/neuromedin N and preprotachykinin messenger RNA expression in unique regions of the striatum.

This study employed in situ hybridization to directly compare the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine on neurotensin/neuromedin N and preprotachykinin messenger RNAs in distinct striatal regions. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats received a single administration of 15mg/kg methamphetamine (s.c.) or 30mg/kg cocaine (i.p.) and were killed 30min or 3h later. Methamphetamine and cocaine produced significant increases in preprotachykinin messenger RNA in the striatum after 3h, but often in different subregions. Both drugs produced similar effects on preprotachykinin messenger RNA in the rostral striatum. However, methamphetamine produced significant increases in all regions of the caudal striatum, whereas cocaine-induced preprotachykinin messenger RNA expression was limited to dorsal regions of this striatal area. Methamphetamine also produced a significant increase in preprotachykinin messenger RNA in the caudal striatum after 30min, whereas cocaine had no significant effect on preprotachykinin messenger RNA at this early time-point. The pattern of changes in neurotensin/neuromedin N messenger RNA caused by methamphetamine and cocaine after 3h was even more distinct. Cocaine produced significant increases in neurotensin/neuromedin N messenger RNA in all regions of the rostral striatum, whereas methamphetamine had no effect in these areas. Furthermore, in more caudal sections, cocaine predominantly affected neurotensin/neuromedin N expression in dorsal aspects of the striatum, whereas methamphetamine significantly increased neurotensin/neuromedin N messenger RNA in all regions. There was much less effect of either drug on neuropeptide expression in the nucleus accumbens. The only significant effect was an increase in neurotensin/neuromedin N messenger RNA in the core region 3h after methamphetamine administration. These results indicate that methamphetamine and cocaine increase preprotachykinin and neurotensin/neuromedin N messenger RNAs in distinct regions of the striatum. The ability of methamphetamine and cocaine to alter neuropeptide messenger RNA expression in unique regions of the striatum may be important for the long-term effects of these drugs, such as sensitization, since the striatum is not homogeneous in its connections and function.
The Racial Canons of American Sociology: Identity Across the Lifespan as Biracial Alternative

The utilization of racial canons in American sociology has dictated traditional models of identity. Biracial Americans are consistently identified based upon the presumed race category of their African heritage. The result is that biracial Americans are ambiguous pertaining to racial identity without consideration of their lifespan experience, i.e.: social, cultural, and familial. To enable a more applicable model of identity will require that sociologists terminale the use of racial canons as a dictate of identity. Accordingly, development across the lifespan is heretofore both commensurate with biracial identity and the unique biracial experience.
Sex investment ratios in monogyne and polygyne populations of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta

Both monogyne (single queen per colony) and polygyne (multiple queens per colony) populations of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta are good subjects for tests of kin selection theory because their genetic and reproductive attributes are well-characterized, permitting quantitative predictions about the degree to which sex investment ratios should be female-biased if workers and not queens control reproductive allocation. In the study populations, an investment ratio of 3 females: 1 male is predicted (a proportional investment in females of 0.75) in the monogyne form, whereas a proportional investment in females between 0.637 and 0.740 is expected in the polygyne form. To test these predictions, colonies from a single population of each social form were collected and censused during three different seasons. Consistent with their alternative modes of colony founding, monogyne colonies invested more in reproduction (sexual production) and less in growth/maintenance (worker production) than did the polygyne colonies. Overall, the sex investment ratios were female-biased in both forms, although there was considerable seasonal variation. After adjusting for sex-specific energetic costs, the proportional investment in females was 0.607 in the monogyne population, a value in between those expected under complete control by either the queen or the workers. However, when combined with data from four other previously studied monogyne populations in the U.S.A., the mean investment ratio did not differ significantly from the value predicted if workers have exclusive control. In the polygyne population, the proportional investment in females of 0.616 was consistent with the level of female bias expected under partial to complete worker control, although the potential influence of two confounding factors — possible contact with monogyne colonies and the preponderance of sterile diploid males — weakens this conclusion somewhat. Taken as a whole, the sex investment ratios of monogyne and polygyne populations of S. invicta are consistent with at least partial worker control. Of several ultimate and proximate explanations that have been proposed to explain inter-colonial variation in the sex investment ratio, only the effect of the primary sex ratio (female-determined eggs: male-determined eggs) laid by the queen appears to account for the observed variation among monogyne colonies. In the polygyne population, there is limited support for the hypothesis that greater resource abundance favors investment in females.
Characterization of Lhx9, a novel LIM/homeobox gene expressed by the pioneer neurons in the mouse cerebral cortex

In order to explain the phenotype observed in Lhx2 mutant embryos, we previously proposed that an Lhx2 related gene might exist. We now have cloned a new LIM/homeobox gene called Lhx9. Lhx9 is closely related to Lhx2 and is expressed in the developing central nervous system (CNS). Lhx9 and Lhx2 have expression patterns that overlap in some areas but are distinct in others. Thus, in some developmental domains these two highly related proteins may be functionally redundant. Lhx9 is expressed in the pioneer neurons of the cerebral cortex, while Lhx2 is expressed throughout the cortical layers. Postnatally, Lhx9 is expressed in the inner nuclei of the cerebellum, while Lhx2 is in the granular layer. In the developing limbs, both genes are highly expressed in a similar pattern. Based on the expression pattern and the developmental regulation of Lhx9, we propose that Lhx9 may be involved in the specification or function of the pioneer neurons of the cerebral cortex. We show that both Lhx9 and Lhx2 bind the LIM domain binding protein Ldb1/Nli1/Clim2.
Use of an insertable loop recorder in a myotonic dystrophy patient.

Loop Recorder Use in Myotonic Dystrophy. The case of a 66-year-old woman with myotonic dystrophy is presented. This patient underwent implantation of an insertable loop recorder as a participant in a clinical trial. At 1-month follow-up, interrogation of the insertable loop recorder revealed multiple episodes of wide complex tachycardia. She underwent electrophysiologic study, which revealed moderate His-Purkinje disease, focal atrial tachycardia, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. Successful radiofrequency ablation of the focal atrial tachycardia and implantation of a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator was performed.
Commissioning results of the ReA EBIT charge breeder at the NSCL: First reacceleration of stable-isotope beams

Abstract ReA is a reaccelerator of rare-isotope beams at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). The rare isotopes are produced by fast projectile fragmentation. After production, they are separated in-flight and thermalized in a He gas “catcher” cell before being sent to ReA for reacceleration to a few MeV/u. One of its main components is an electron-beam ion trap (EBIT) employed to convert injected singly charged ions to highly charged ions prior to injection into linear-accelerator structures. The ReA EBIT features a high-current electron gun, a long trap structure, and a two-field superconducting magnet to provide both the high electron-beam current density needed for fast charge breeding and high capture probability of injected beams. This paper presents recent commissioning results. In particular, 39 K + ions have been injected, charge bred to 39 K 16 + and extracted for reacceleration up to 60 MeV. First charge-breeding results of beams injected from a commissioning Rb ion source in the NSCL’s beam “stopping” vault are also presented.
Clinical Trials of HIV Vaccines

Development of a preventive vaccine for HIV is the best hope of controlling the AIDS pandemic. Evidence from natural history studies and experiments in animal models indicates that immunity against HIV is possible, suggesting that vaccine development is feasible. These studies have shown that sufficient levels of neutralizing antibody against HIV can prevent infection, although the effect is type-specific. In contrast, HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity has broad cross-reactivity, and although CTL activity alone cannot prevent HIV infection, it can control the level of viremia at a low level. Evaluation of candidate vaccines in human trials has focused on approaches that can safely elicit HIV-specific antibody and T cell responses. Current strategies have been unable to induce antibody with broad neutralizing activity against primary HIV isolates. However, recombinant poxvirus and DNA vaccines have elicited CTL responses that are broadly cross-reactive against primary HIV isolates from diverse clades. Future advances will require the discovery of new immunogens that can induce neutralizing antibody, as well as efficacy trial evaluation of regimens optimized for CTL induction.
Administration of Hypothermic Cardioplegia in the Presence of Aortic Regurgitation

Two technical maneuvers are presented to make the administration of cardioplegia feasible in the presence of moderate aortic valve incompetence. In the first maneuver, the cardioplegic solution is administered through a double-lumen balloon catheter inserted retrograde through the aortic wall and the aortic valve into the left ventricle; the inflated balloon obstructs the aortic orifice while the solution is injected through the proximal hole. In the second, after proximal anastomoses of the saphenous vein grafts are performed, the portion of the aorta from which the vein grafts rise is excluded by double cross-clamping and the cardioplegic solution is injected into this excluded segment.
A process model of attachment-friend linkages: hostile attribution biases, language ability, and mother-child affective mutuality as intervening mechanisms.

This study identified mechanisms through which child–mother attachment security at 36 months was associated with mother- and teacher-reported friendship quality at 3rd grade. Data from a subsample of 1,071 children (536 boys) participating in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development were used. Separate structural equation models were tested for mother and teacher reports of peer functioning. For both models, the total indirect effect between attachment security and friendship quality was significant. Tests of specific indirect effects indicated that attachment security was associated with friendship quality via greater mother–child affective mutuality and better language ability at 54 months and fewer hostile attributions (teacher model only) and greater peer competence at first grade. The findings highlight interpersonal and intrapersonal mechanisms of attachment–friend linkages.
Novel Structures from Arc-Vaporized Carbon and Metals : Single-Layer Carbon Nanotubes and Metallofullerenes

By covaporizing metals with carbon in a fullerene generator, diverse fullerene-related structures can be produced. Adding cobalt to the graphite anode leads to the production of single-layer carbon nanotubes. We find that the relative abundance of tubes with different diameters can be successfully altered by the presence of various catalyst promoters such as sulfur, bismuth, or lead. If Sc is covaporized in the arc, many Sc-containing metallofullerenes form abundantly. Purified Sc3@C82 has been obtained by HPLC techniques, and its dynamics have been investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The unusually large, strongly temperature-dependent linewidths and the temperature-dependent hyperfine coupling suggest that the Sc atoms form a trimer which rapidly reorients within the C82 cage.
CHANGES IN FUNCTIONALITY OF SOY-BASED EXTRUDATES DURING SINGLE-SCREW EXTRUSION PROCESSING

The effects of defatted soy flour content, feed moisture, screw speed and temperature on the functionality of soy-based extrudates were studied. Defatted soy flour and corn flour were mixed with ratios from 10% up to 30% of soy flour. The moisture contents of the blends (wet basis) have three levels: 15%, 18% and 21%. The barrel temperatures and screw speeds of the single screw extruder were controlled from 155 to 185°C and 180 to 220 rpm range, respectively. Shear force, color of the extrudates, expansion ratio, bulk density and water absorption were measured. Higher soybean flour content significantly increased shear force, bulk density and Hunter a* values and significantly decreased expansion ratio and Hunter L* values. High feed moisture significantly increased bulk density and Hunter L* values while significantly decreasing shear force and Hunter a* values. High process temperature significantly increased shear force and Hunter a* values and decreased bulk density. Increasing screw speed resulted in...
Vertical Crustal Motion Derived from Satellite Altimetry and Tide Gauges, and Comparisons with DORIS Measurements

A somewhat unorthodox method for determining vertical crustal motion at a tide-gauge location is to difference the sea level time series with an equivalent time series determined from satellite altimetry, To the extent that both instruments measure an identical ocean signal, the difference will be dominated by vertical land motion at the gauge. We revisit this technique by analyzing sea level signals at 28 tide gauges that are colocated with DORIS geodetic stations. Comparisons of altimeter-gauge vertical rates with DORIS rates yield a median difference of 1.8 mm/yr and a weighted root-mean-square difference of2.7 mm/yr. The latter suggests that our uncertainty estimates, which are primarily based on an assumed AR(l) noise process in all time series, underestimates the true errors. Several sources of additional error are discussed, including possible scale errors in the terrestrial reference frame to which altimeter-gauge rates are mostly insensitive, One of our stations, Male, Maldives, which has been the subject of some uninformed arguments about sea-level rise, is found to have almost no vertical motion, and thus is vulnerable to rising sea levels. Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of COSPAR.
Sources of bovine tuberculosis in the United States

Despite control and eradication efforts, bovine tuberculosis continues to be identified at low levels among cattle in the United States. We evaluated possible external sources of infection by characterizing the genetic relatedness of bovine tuberculosis from a national database of reported infections, comparing strains circulating among US cattle with those of imported cattle, and farmed and wild cervids. Farmed cervids maintained a genetically distinct Mycobacterium bovis strain, and cattle occasionally became infected with this strain. In contrast, wild cervids acted as an epidemiologically distinct group, instead hosting many of the same strains found in cattle, and the data did not show a clear transmission direction. Cattle from Mexico hosted a higher overall richness of strains than US cattle, and many of those strains were found in both US and Mexican cattle. However, these two populations appeared to be wellmixed with respect to their M. bovis lineages, and higher resolution data is necessary to infer the direction of recent transmission. Overall patterns of both host and geographic distributions were highly variable among strains, suggesting that different sources or transmission mechanisms are contributing to maintaining different strains. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Is Africa different

Abstract Africa's macroeconomic response to external shocks was significantly differrent from that of other developing countries during 1976–1986. Nonparametric tests that correct for differing initial conditions indicate significantly lower economic growth in African economies. Average inflation was also significantly lower, while current-account deficits were larger. Economic policies in African countries are characterized by significantly larger budget deficits and government current expenditure as a share of gross domestic product and by greater inward orientation. African economies in the CFA Franc Zones are distinguished by relatively lower inflation, budget deficits, and less reduction in investment/GNP ratios.
Altered visual experience and acute visual deprivation affect predatory targeting by infrared-imaging Boid snakes.

Abstract Boid and Crotaline snakes use both their eyes and infrared-imaging facial pit organs to target homeothermic prey. These snakes can target in complete darkness, but the eyes can also effectively direct predatory strikes. We investigated the behavioral correlates of boid snakes’ simultaneous use of two imaging systems by testing whether congenital unilateral visual deprivation affects targeting performance. Normally sighted Burmese pythons exhibited average targeting angle of zero (on the midline axis of the head), but three unilaterally anophthalmic Burmese pythons targeted preferentially on the sighted side. A unilaterally anophthalmic amethystine python also targeted on the sighted side, and a unilaterally anophthalmic Brazilian rainbow boa tended to target on the sighted side, though its mean targeting angle was not significantly different from zero. When unilaterally anophthalmic Burmese pythons were temporarily blinded, mean strike angle changed to that of normally sighted snakes. These results show that while infrared-imaging snakes can shift between visual and infrared information under acute experimental conditions, loss of part of the visual field during development results in abnormal predatory targeting behavior. In contrast, normally sighted snakes subjected to temporary unilateral blinding do not target preferentially on the sighted side. Therefore, while loss of part of the visual field may be compensated for by infrared input in normal snakes, partial absence of visual input during development may alter central organization of visual information. Conversely, absence of half the visual field during development does not alter targeting performance based upon infrared input alone, suggesting that organization of the central infrared map does not depend upon normal organization of visual input.
Low frequency depression of H-reflexes in humans with acute and chronic spinal-cord injury

We measured low-frequency depression of soleus H-reflexes in individuals with acute (n=5) and chronic (n=7) spinal-cord injury and in able-bodied controls (n=7). In one acute subject, we monitored longitudinal changes in low-frequency depression of H-reflexes over 44 weeks and examined the relationship between H-reflex depression and soleus-muscle fatigue properties. Soleus H-reflexes were elicited at 0.1, 0.2, 1, 5, and 10 Hz. The mean peak-to-peak amplitude of ten reflexes at each frequency was calculated, and values obtained at each frequency were normalized to 0.1 Hz. H-reflex amplitude decreased with increasing stimulation frequency in all three groups, but H-reflex suppression was significantly larger in the able-bodied and acute groups than in the chronic group. The acute subject who was monitored longitudinally displayed reduced low-frequency depression with increasing time post injury. At 44 weeks post injury, the acute subject's H-reflex depression was similar to that of chronic subjects, and his soleus fatigue index (assessed with a modified Burke fatigue protocol) dropped substantially, consistent with transformation to faster muscle. There was a significant inverse correlation over the 44 weeks between the fatigue index and the mean normalized H-reflex amplitude at 1, 5, and 10 Hz. We conclude that: (1) the chronically paralyzed soleus muscle displays impaired low-frequency depression of H-reflexes, (2) attenuation of rate-sensitive depression in humans with spinal-cord injury occurs gradually, and (3) changes in H-reflex excitability are generally correlated with adaptation of the neuromuscular system. Possible mechanisms underlying changes in low-frequency depression and their association with neuromuscular adaptation are discussed.
Is there more to learn about functional vitamin D metabolism

Abstract The state of information on the enzymes responsible for the conversion of vitamin D3 to 1α,25-dhydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), the metabolic active form responsible for the well-known function of vitamin D on calcium metabolism and bone mineralization has been briefly reviewed. There remains an unidentified enzyme responsible for 25% of the 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D3, while 75% of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) arises from CYP2R1. The well-established suppression of multiple sclerosis (MS) by sunlight has been confirmed using the mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This suppression results from a narrow band of ultraviolet light (300–315 nm) that does not increase serum 25-OH-D3. Thus, UV light suppresses EAE by a mechanism not involving vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency unexpectedly suppresses the development of EAE. Further, vitamin D receptor knockout in susceptible mice also prevents the development of EAE. On the other hand, deletion of CYP2R1 and the 1α-hydroxylase, CYP27B1, does not impair the development of EAE. Thus, either vitamin D itself or a heretofore-unknown metabolite is needed for the development of a component of the immune system necessary for development of EAE. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘17th Vitamin D Workshop’.
Number of Traps and Behavior of Excited Electrons in Luminescent Materials

The number of traps per unit volume in different types of luminescent materials, and the prolonged lifetimes of excited electrons due to trapping, were studied by means of curves of the rise of fluorescence with time under constant high-energy electron and alpha-particle excitation. These rise curves were taken after various dark decay periods and after different infrared irradiation conditions. They were found to be different in shape for different types of phosphors. Lifetimes longer than one week were found to occur in most of the zinc cadmium sulfides. The number of traps per unit volume responsible for lifetimes longer than about a minute was found to be of the order of ${10}^{15}$ (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ mole fraction) in the zinc cadmium sulfides, and the number responsible for lifetimes longer than a week was of the same order of magnitude. There is no direct correlation between infrared stimulability and the number of traps in which electrons remain for some time. Substances with extremely high stimulability (Fonda type) and those with extremely low stimulability both contained about the same number of these traps per unit volume. Materials with large concentrations of Ni exhibited no more such traps than those with smaller concentrations. Lack of phosphorescence is caused either by the preponderence of excited electrons of very long lifetime or by the radiationless recombination of electrons of short lifetime. Examples of each are given. It was found further that most of the electrons which remain in traps for long periods could be ejected by infrared radiation of wavelength greater than 1.25 \ensuremath{\mu}, indicating that retrapping of both electrons and positive holes is of major importance. The different effects of alpha particle excitation and electron excitation on the filling of the traps is discussed.
Mechanical Performance of Ferritic Martensitic Steels for High Dose Applications in Advanced Nuclear Reactors

Ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels are considered for core applications and pressure vessels in Generation IV reactors as well as first walls and blankets for fusion reactors. There are significant scientific data on testing and industrial experience in making this class of alloys worldwide. This experience makes F/M steels an attractive candidate. In this article, tensile behavior, fracture toughness and impact property, and creep behavior of the F/M steels under neutron irradiations to high doses with a focus on high Cr content (8 to 12) are reviewed. Tensile properties are very sensitive to irradiation temperature. Increase in yield and tensile strength (hardening) is accompanied with a loss of ductility and starts at very low doses under irradiation. The degradation of mechanical properties is most pronounced at <0.3T M (T M is melting temperature) and up to 10 dpa (displacement per atom). Ferritic/martensitic steels exhibit a high fracture toughness after irradiation at all temperatures even below 673 K (400 °C), except when tested at room temperature after irradiations below 673 K (400 °C), which shows a significant reduction in fracture toughness. Creep studies showed that for the range of expected stresses in a reactor environment, the stress exponent is expected to be approximately one and the steady state creep rate in the absence of swelling is usually better than austenitic stainless steels both in terms of the creep rate and the temperature sensitivity of creep. In short, F/M steels show excellent promise for high dose applications in nuclear reactors.
Fracture toughness of unidirectional short-fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract Consideration is given to achieving a feasible basis on which linear elastic fracture mechanics may be employed to measure toughness of short-fiber-reinforced composite materials. While the critical stress intensity factors may not entirely represent the fracture conditions on the boundary of the process zone at the crack tip, the modified Griffith criterion can be practically employed to assess the brittle fracture and splitting of these materials. Experiments performed on uniaxially oriented, short-glass-fiber/epoxy indicated that toughness is only slightly affected by fiber volume fraction or aspect ratio within the limits tested. When a crack is initiated perpendicular to the fibers, the strain energy release rate is nearly an order of magnitude higher than when a crack is initiated parallel to the fibers.
Effect of tautomerization on the fast-atom bombardment tandem mass spectra of azo dyes

The effect of tautomerization on the collision-induced dissociation of negative ions produced from sulfonated azo dyes by fast-atom bombardment (FAB) was studied by analyzing the product ion spectra of several related compounds. The mechanisms by which azo dyes fragment were found to depend on the formation and stability of tautomers. The extent of tautomerization was affected by the number and location of hydroxy groups on the dye, as well as by the FAB matrix. Ions that retained a sodium were often inhibited from forming tautomers and gave different product ions. Substitution of deuterium for hydrogen on the hydroxy groups aided in the identification of ions having more than one possible structure and provided verification of proposed mechanisms. Mechanisms involving ions retaining a sodium were verified by substituting potassium for the sodium.
Three-dimensional fatigue crack propagation analysis using the boundary element method

Abstract The boundary element method and interactive computer graphics together make possible the analysis of general, three-dimensional linear elastic crack propagation. A program called the Fracture Editor has been developed for this purpose. The pre-processing, post-processing and fracture prediction capabilities of this program make up a general purpose fracture propagation processor. The function of the Fracture Editor is described in detail. These functions include file management, fracture propagation prediction, automatic crack front updating, interactive remeshing, attribute editing, mesh inspection, and post-processing of results. An example problem, fatigue crack propagation in a crane runway girder, is included. Predictions concerning crack front shape and size as a function of number of cycles of applied load are made with the Fracture Editor.
Computationally Efficient Methods for Calculating the Ideal Solution for MOLP Problems

This paper presents the results of an investigation into computational considerations that are relevant to large-scale multiobjective linear programming (MOLP) problems. Four approaches to obtaining a representation of the ideal solution are compared. Statistics on the number of simplex iterations and CPU time required are analysed for a set of randomly generated multiobjective linear programming problems. Recommendations are made based on the analysis of these results which are applicable to many MOLP solution algorithms.
Depressive symptoms in children with cystic fibrosis and parents and its effects on adherence to airway clearance

Background Little is currently known about the co-morbidity of depression and cystic fibrosis (CF) and there is currently no empirical research on the effects of depressive symptoms on adherence in children and adolescents with CF. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with CF and their parents, and determine whether depressive symptoms in the child and/or parent was associated with adherence to airway clearance. We also evaluated whether children's perceptions of relational security with a parent were associated with adherence to airway clearance. Methods Participants included 39 children with CF ages 7–17 years and their primary caregivers. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). The Relatedness Questionnaire assessed the quality of parent–child relational security. Adherence to airway clearance was measured using the daily phone diary (DPD), an empirically validated adherence measure for youth with CF. Results Rates of depressive symptoms were elevated in children with CF and their parents (29% for children; 35% for mothers; 23% for fathers). Child depressive symptoms were significantly associated with lower rates of adherence to airway clearance, after controlling for demographic variables (r = −0.34, P = 0.02). Child depressive symptoms were associated with worse perceptions of parental relationships (t(35) = 3.2; P = 0.002) and the quality of this relationship was also related to worse adherence (r = 0.42, P = 0.005). Conclusions A large percentage of youth with CF and their parents reported elevated symptoms of depression. Children scoring in the depressed range on a standardized screening measure and those with less secure parent–child relationships were at greatest risk for poor adherence. Thus, depressive symptoms and family relationships are appropriate targets for adherence promotion interventions, which may ultimately improve health outcomes. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2010; 45:756–763. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sialosyltransferase activity and specificity in the biosynthesis in vitro of sialosylgalactosylceramide (GM4) and sialosyllactosylceramide (GM3) by rat astrocytes, neuronal perikarya, and oligodendroglia

Total homogenates of astrocytes, neuronal perikarya, and oligodendroglia isolated from rat brain exhibited sialosyltransferase activity in the biosynthesis in vitro of GM3 from lac-cer and CMP-NeuNAc. This activity was highest in neuronal perikarya. In contrast, only oligodendroglia were found to be capable of catalyzing the transfer of NeuNAc from CMP-NeuNAc to gal-cer to form GM4. This activity was about three fold higher in oligodendroglia from 10-day-old rat brain than in those from 60-day-old animals; an intermediate activity was observed in oligodendroglia from 20-day-old rats. Purified preparations of myelin from 14-day-old rat cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord did not show activity in the synthesis of either GM3 or GM4.
Effects of castration on LH-RH patterns in intrahypophysial microdialysates.

A microdialysis system was used to monitor LH-RH patterns in the extracellular fluid of the adenohypophysis of testes-intact and short-term castrate rats. Male rats received guide cannulae implants fitted with stylets that extended into the anterior pole of the anterior pituitary gland. At the same time, animals were either castrated or received sham surgeries. On day 4 following surgeries, microdialysis probes were inserted into the guide cannulae and artificial CSF was pumped through the system at a flow rate of 2.5 μl/min. Continuous samples were obtained from each animal over 5- or 10-min intervals throughout 4–7 sessions. Placements of probe tips were verified by histological examination of stained tissue sections. In vitro tests of microdialysis probe performance revealed an exchange rate of 4% at the 2.5 μl/min flow rate. In vivo patterns of LH-RH in microdialysates obtained from sham-operated and castrate rats were pulsatile, as determined by the computer algorithm ULTRA. Pulses of LH-RH occured at a higher frequency (P < 0.05) in the castrates (1.30 ± 0.26pulses/h n = 6) versus the sham-castrates (0.87 ± 0.06pulses/h, n = 11). Mean LH-RH pulse amplitude (castratesδ0.24 ± 0.03 pg,testes-intactΔ 0.42 ± 0.06pg) and mean LH-RH levels (castrate0.37 ± 0.04 pg/10 min, intact0.48 ± 0.06 pg/10 min), however, were not significantly changed by castration (Δ =difference between trough and peak LH-RH value of an LH-RH pulse). Our observations are in direct agreement with previous LH-RH release measurements using hypothalamic push-pull perfusion, and support the contention that negative feedback actions of gonadal hormones are mediated, in part, via suppression of LH-RH pulse generation. These findings also confirm the usefulness of microdialysis in monitoring hypothalamic neurosecretory signals following delivery via the portal vasculature, viz. in the extracellular spaces of the anterior pituitary gland.
Wavelet-Radon domain dealiasing and interpolation of seismic data

Spatial aliasing is unavoidable in some seismic data and has serious effects on the performance of multichannel data processing and migration. Antialias filtering produces distortion of the signal through the removal of high-frequency information. In contrast, dealiasing produces an unaliased estimate of the signal at all frequencies present in the original time series. A new dealiasing algorithm is developed by exploiting the properties of seismic wavefields in the wavelet-Radon transform domain, specifically the overlap of information between wavelet scales at the same frequency. The effectiveness of the wavelet-Radon dealiasing algorithm is demonstrated through the processing of both synthetic and field seismic data.
Oxidative stability and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of linoleic acid encapsulated in cyclodextrins

The effects of α- and β-cyclodextrin (CD) on the oxidative stability of linoleic acid (LA) at 35°C were studied by measuring headspace oxygen depletion in airtight 35-mL serum bottles. LA was encapsulated in α-CD or β-CD in an aqueous solution during homogenization at 8000 rpm for 1 min and then dried under vacuum for 60 h at room temperature. Headspace oxygen was measured by thermal conductivity gas chromatography. The rate of oxygen depletion for the control, which contained LA only, was 93.8 µmole/L·h. The rates of oxygen depletion for LA, encapsulated at a 1:1 mole ratio (mole CD/moles LA) in α-CD and β-CD, were 13.8 and 111 µmoles/L·h, respectively. When LA was encapsulated in α-CD and β-CD at a 2:1 mole ratio (moles CD/moles LA), the rates of oxygen depletion were 0.573 and 53.9 µmoles/L·h, respectively. Although α-CD protected LA from reaction with oxygen at both ratios, the rate of oxygen depletion by LA encapsulated in β-CD at a 1:1 mole ratio was not statistically different from the control. β-CD protected LA from reaction with oxygen at a 2:1 mole ratio. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the complexes formed from 1:1 mole ratios of LA and CD indicated that LA was encapsulated in α-CD or β-CD.
Effect of trapping on hydrogen permeation

Approximate solutions were obtained to the nonlinear partial differential equations derived by A. McNabb and P. K. Foster for a general model of diffusion-plus-trapping. The finite-difference method was applied to their equations for boundary conditions appropriate to hydrogen permeation and evolution in a plane. Solutions are shown to be stable and to converge to the exact solutions in certain limiting cases. The effect of trapping on hydrogen permeation and evolution was explored for a range of parameter values from computer generated tables of concentrations of diffusing and trapped hydrogen. General characteristics of the transient stages of permeation in the presence of trapping are inferred from the results.
The scattering of waves by a large sphere for impedance boundary conditions

Abstract A method is presented for obtaining the amplitude of waves scattered by a by a sphere whose radius is large compared with the wavelength. Impedance boundary conditions are imposed on the surface of the sphere. The solution is characterized by both a discrete and continuous spectrum with the discrete spectrum expressed in terms of the radial modes, or eigenfunctions. It is shown that the discrete spectrum is cancelled by the continous spectrum after the first few terms. Thus, a rapidly converging solution is obtained, consisting of only the first few radial modes and a definite integral. Numerical examples are given for the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions in the forward direction. The frequency dependent correction terms obtained for the shadow region are in agreement with earlier results, obtained by more laborious methods.
Improving the performance of technologists and users on interdisciplinary teams: an analysis of information systems project teams

As the technological dimension of society becomes more complex (Huber, 1984), the role played by technologists will become more important. And as this occurs, the question of motivating these individuals also becomes more important. Little prior empirical research has examined the impact of motivation on the performance of technologists--those workers who work primarily with technology in their job. Potential differences between technologists and nontechnologists in organizations which may effect the impact of motivation on performance include: (1) there tends to be a definable and measurable end-point to their tasks: (2) the work of the technologists will have a major impact on a major portion of the organization; and (3) they are preoccupied with things rather than organizational issues (von Heydebrand 1985, Medcof 1985).
Smokeproof towers in center core structures

Smokeproof towers located on exterior walls utilize space that is considered desirable by landlords and tenants. The author discusses investigations into the possibility of interior smokeproof towers doing the job equally as well as exterior towers.
Phylogeny of courtship and male-male combat behavior in snakes.

Background Behaviors involved in courtship and male-male combat have been recorded in a taxonomically broad sample (76 species in five families) of snakes in the clade Boidae + Colubroidea, but before now no one has attempted to find phylogenetic patterns in such behaviors. Here, we present a study of phylogenetic patterns in such behaviors in snakes. Methodology/Principal Findings From the literature on courtship and male-male combat in snakes we chose 33 behaviors to analyze. We plotted the 33 behaviors onto a phylogenetic tree to determine whether phylogenetic patterns were discernible. We found that phylogenetic patterns are discernible for some behaviors but not for others. For behaviors with discernible phylogenetic patterns, we used the fossil record to determine minimum ages for the addition of each behavior to the courtship and combat behavioral repertoire of each snake clade. Conclusions/Significance The phylogenetic patterns of behavior reveal that male-male combat in the Late Cretaceous common ancestors of Boidae and Colubridae involved combatants raising the head and neck and attempting to topple each other. Poking with spurs was added in Boidae. In Lampropeltini the toppling behavior was replaced by coiling without neck-raising, and body-bridging was added. Phylogenetic patterns reveal that courtship ancestrally involved rubbing with spurs in Boidae. In Colubroidea, courtship ancestrally involved chin-rubbing and head- or body-jerking. Various colubroid clades subsequently added other behaviors, e.g. moving undulations in Natricinae and Lampropeltini, coital neck biting in the Eurasian ratsnake clade, and tail quivering in Pantherophis. The appearance of each group in the fossil record provides a minimum age of the addition of each behavior to combat and courtship repertoires. Although many gaps in the story of the evolution of courtship and combat in snakes remain, this study is an important first step in the reconstruction of the evolution of these behaviors in snakes.
Martian regolith as space radiation shielding.

Mars exploration crews will be exposed to such high radiation dosages in route from earth that as to sharply reduce the allowable dose they should receive while on the Martian surface. An account is presently given of the possibility of using Martian regolith as crew shielding to maintain very low short-term dose limits. NASA-Langley's nucleon and heavy-ion transport computer codes are used to predict the propagation and interaction of the free-space nucleons and heavy ions through the Martian atmosphere and then through various thicknesses of regolith. The largest reduction in dose occurs in the first 15-20 cm of regolith material.
A model of the thermoelastic growth of martensite

Eshelby's continuum elastic model of the strain field of a coherent inclusion in an infinite matrix is adapted to describe the strain field associated with a circular plate of ellipsoidal cross-section transformed martensitically. Initially, the plate and the austenitic matrix are assumed to be elastically Isotropic, but with different moduli. The model is also used to calculate the strain field of a pair of parallel, ellipsoidal, martensite plates and of a single, isolated, square, flat plate. Finally, the treatment is extended to reveal the effects of elastic anisotropy. A criterion for thermoelastic growth of an isolated plate of martensite in terms of the permissible plastic yielding is proposed. Using the model of the strain fields, contours of the yield envelopes associated with an isolated plate of martensite formed in Fe3Pt are calculated as a function of the atomic order in the parent, austenitic phase. It is concluded that thermoelastic growth is to be expected when the long-range order, S, is greater or equal to 0.2, in agreement with experimental observations. The equilibrium thickness of an isolated thermoelastic plate at Ms and the associated chemical driving force are found to be much smaller than for plates formed irreversibly. Quantitatively, the predictions of the model applied to the ‘ordered’ alloy are in good agreement with experimental measurements. Clearly, Invar elastic softening is a major factor determining thermoelastic behavior in Fe3Pt. In addition, the model is used to explore the reduction in elastic accommodation strain which can be achieved by the interactions of two or more plates arranged edge-to-edge or in stacks of self-accommodating plates. The influence of the shape of the individual plates is also discussed. Calculations using the anisotropic model for an isolated plate in the form of an oblate spheroid show that the effects of the large elastic anisotropy, which develops on cooling partially ordered Fe3Pt, on the equilibrium thickness of the thermoelastic plate and the chemical driving force at Ms are surprisingly small.
Dynamics of actin and alpha-actinin in the tails of Listeria monocytogenes in Infected PtK2 Cells

Listeria monocytogenes can penetrate and multiply within a variety of cell types, including the PtK2 kidney epithelial line. Once released within the cytoplasm, L. monocytogenes acquires the capacity for rapid movement through the host cell [Dabiri et al., 1990: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 87:6068-6072]. In the process, actin monomers are inserted in proximity to one end of the bacterium, forming a column or tail of actin filaments [Sanger et al., 1992: Infect. Immun. 60:3609-3619]. The rate of new actin filament growth correlates closely with the speed of bacterial migration. In this study we have used fluorescently labeled actin and alpha-actinin to monitor the movement and turnover rate of actin and alpha-actinin molecules in the tails. The half-lives of the actin and alpha-actinin present in the tails are approximately the same: actin, 58.7 sec; alpha-actinin, 55.3 sec. The half-life of alpha-actinin surrounding a dividing bacterium was 30 sec, whereas its half-life in the tails that formed behind the two daughter cells was about 20-30% longer. We discovered that the speeds of the bacteria are not constant, but show aperiodic episodes of decreased and increased speeds. There is a fluctuation also in the intensities of the fluorescent probes at the bacterium/tail interface, implying that there is a fluctuation in the number of actin filaments forming there. There was no strong correlation, however, between these fluctuating intensities and changes in speed of the bacteria. These measurements suggest that while actin polymerization at the bacterial surface is coupled to the movement of the bacterium, the periodic changes in intracellular motility are not a simple function of the number of actin filaments nucleating at the bacterial surfaces.
Present Status and Future Trends in Electric Vehicle Propulsion Technologies

In this paper, the current status and the requirements of primary electric propulsion components-the battery, the electric motors, and the power electronics system-are reviewed. The future trends in the electric propulsion systems, battery charging, and the types of power trains are presented. Possible future electric vehicle powertrain systems based on lithium air battery and plug-in fuel cell vehicles are also discussed.