cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of Morphotype Frequency Distributions in Populations of the Rotifer Asplanchna Sieboldi: Factors Influencing the Production of the Tocopherol‐Dependent Cruciform and Campanulate Morphotypes

When the diet of A. sieboldi contains tocopherol and certain types of prey, such as congeners, females develop into one of two morphotypes-cruciform or campanulate. The frequency with which these morphotypes can be produced in a population is a function of: the probabilities that the daughters of amictic (asexual) cruciforms and campanulates will be cruciform and campanulate; the probabilities that cruciforms and campanulates will be amictic and mictic; and the birth rates of amictic cruciforms and campanulates. These reproductive parameters were determined from labo- ratory observations on individuals from populations maintained on a diet of A. brightwelli with d-a- tocopherol at 10-7 mol/L. A Markovian model was developed and, when used with these data and initiated with a single amictic cruciform, showed that an equilibrium distribution of 34.8% amictic cruciforms, 51.0% mictic cruciforms, 8.5% amictic campanulates, and 5.7% mictic campanulates was approached at a rapidly decelerating rate and finally attained after 15 generations. Varying the inputs to this model showed that very high equilibrium frequencies of campanulates could be produced if most campanulates were amictic and had predominantly campanulate daughters, even if almost all daughters of cruciform parents were cruciform, but could not be produced even by dramatically increasing either the probability of cruciforms bearing campanulate offspring or the reproductive rate of amictic campanulates relative to that of amictic cruciforms. The high proportions of campanulates often observed in natural populations could not be produced if the reproductive parameters of the amictic cruciforms and campanulates were similar to those determined in this study, unless the cruciforms were preferentially eliminated through cannibalism or predation. Shifts in the frequency distributions of cruciforms and campanulates, such as have been noted in natural populations, could be due to: progressions to equilibrium distributions; variations in the types of prey available; changes in environmental factors that differentially affect the reproductive param- eters of the two amictic morphotypes; different intensities of selective, intermorphotypic cannibalism; successions of invertebrate and vertebrate predators that differentially ingest the two morphotypes; and clonal replacements that alter characteristics of the two morphotypes affecting reproduction and survival.
Preparation of transparent non-crystalline stoichiometric magnesium aluminate gel-monolith by the sol-gel process

Transparent non-crystalline stoichiometric magnesium aluminate gel-monolith was prepared by chemical polymerization reaction between aluminium alkoxide and magnesium salt. The reaction mechanisms of gel formation are discussed. The ovendried gel was freed from residual organics by chemical treatment with hydrogen peroxide solution. X-ray analysis of organic-free gel powder after heat treatment for 4h at 2000‡ C did not show any indication of phase separation. It is suggested that the use of sol-gel-derived powders could largely eliminate most of the problems associated with the conventional method of fabrication of optically transparent stoichiometric magnesium aluminate spinel.
Differential Regulation of Cathepsin S and Cathepsin L in Interferon γ–treated Macrophages

Cathepsin S (catS) and cathepsin L (catL) mediate late stages of invariant chain (Ii) degradation in discrete antigen-presenting cell types. Macrophages (Mphis) are unique in that they express both proteases and here we sought to determine the relative contribution of each enzyme. We observe that catL plays no significant role in Ii cleavage in interferon (IFN)-gamma-stimulated Mphis. In addition, our studies show that the level of catL activity is significantly decreased in Mphis cultured in the presence of IFN-gamma whereas catS activity increases. The decrease in catL activity upon cytokine treatment occurs despite the persistence of high levels of mature catL protein, suggesting that a specific inhibitor of the enzyme is up-regulated in IFN-gamma-stimulated peritoneal Mphis. Similar inhibition of activity is observed in dendritic cells engineered to overexpress catL. Such enzymatic inhibition in Mphis exhibits only partial dependence upon Ii and therefore, other mechanisms of catL inhibition are regulated by IFN-gamma. Thus, during a T helper cell type 1 immune response catL inhibition in Mphis results in preferential usage of catS, such that major histocompatibility complex class II presentation by all bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cell is regulated by catS.
Effects of nitrogen trifluoride on the properties of plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposited semi-insulating polysilicon films

Abstract The effects of nitrogen trifluoride (NF 3 ) in the reactant gas stream on the properties of plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposited (PECVD) semi-insulating polysilicon (SIPOS) films were investigated. The addition of NF 3 to the reactant gas stream resulted in a significant increase in the deposition rate. The presence of Si−F species in the SIPOS was revealed by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A gradual transformation of the Si−F species into Si−O x is observed in fluorinated SIPOS films deposited with a higher nitrous oxide flow rate, or alternatively, in films containing a higher oxygen content. The fluorinated SIPOS films exhibit both a larger magnitude and temperature dependence in their current densities than unfluorinated films and also exhibit two activation energies, one below and one above 230 K. However, a lower forward current density is obtained for a fluorinated SIPOS heterojunction compared with an unfluorinated SIPOS heterojunction. Furthermore, thermionic emission was found to be the predominant conduction mechanism in heterojunctions of fluorinated SIPOS on p-type crystalline silicon.
A single platelet aggregometric assay for pro-and antiaggregatory prostanoids.

Abstract A method is described for characterizing disaggregatory and proaggregatory prostanoids in a single assay. This “post-addition assay” consists of adding the test agent to PRP containing PGI2 (4–6 nM) 90 sec after an ADP challenge. The relative potencies of known inhibitors of ADP-induced aggregation were identical to the relative disaggragatory potencies determined by post-addition. The proaggregatory relative potencies for 16,16-Me2-PGE2,PGE2,PGH2 and 11α,9α-epoxymethano-15α-hydroxy-prostadienoic acid were 5.8 : 2 : 1.8 : 1, respectively, revealing the significant thrombosis promoting acitivity of PGE2 and its analogs.
EVALUATION OF CORN TORTILLAS SUPPLEMENTED WITH COTTONSEED FLOUR

The nutritional value of corn tortillas was substantially improved when supplemented with cottonseed flour (CSF) as noted by amino acid analysis and rat growth studies. This is probably attributable to improved contents of lysine and tryptophan. The leucine-isoleucine ratio also was improved. Rats showed the greatest weight gain from tortillas supplemented with 20 and 25% CSF. Protein efficiency ratio and net protein ratio values of the latter were not significantly different than those of casein. Tortillas supplemented with CSF showed an improved shelf life as noted by lower fat acidity values. There were no significant differences in acceptability of the supplemented tortillas.
Effects of preadaptation to restricted feeding and cimetidine treatment on gastric mucosal injury and wheel running during exposure to activity-stress

The relationship between gastric injury and wheel running was examined during an activity-stress (A-S) experiment. In Experiment 1, rats were preadapted to a 1-h restricted feeding schedule for either 0, 15, 25 or 35 days prior to entering activity wheels. All rats preadapted to the 1-h feeding schedule had significantly less gastric damage than rats without any preadaptation experience. Survival of A-S was related to the length of preadaptation experience. Regardless of preadaptation experience, rats increased daily running with the greatest increase occurring during the 6-h period preceding the feeding hour. In Experiment 2, rats were injected twice daily with cimetidine (100 mg, ip) or vehicle during the 6-h preceding the feeding session. Rats treated with cimetidine had less mucosal injury but had no increased survival when compared to rats injected with the vehicle. Cimetidine treated rats had essentially the same running pattern as controls. These results demonstrated that the process of mucosal injury did not stimulate excessive wheel running. The data also suggest that mucosal injury is not related to survival in A-S rats.
African Americans, the British working class and the American Civil War

(1996). African Americans, the British working class and the American Civil War. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 51-67.
Mechanisms that mediate stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation

Stem cells have two common properties: the capacity for self-renewal and the potential to differentiate into one or more specialized cell types. In general, stem cells can be divided into two broad categories: adult (somatic) stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Recent evidence suggested that tumors may contain "cancer stem cells" with indefinite potential for self-renewal. In this review, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms regulating embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and discuss how these mechanisms may be relevant in cancer cells.
Experimental and theoretical observations on the relationship between dislocation cell size, dislocation density, residual hardness, peak pressure and pulse duration in shock-loaded nickel

Abstract Dislocation density and dislocation cell sizes have been measured along with residual hardness in nickel shockloaded with peak pressures ranging from 80 to 460 kbar at a constant pulse duration of 2 μs, and similarly for 0.5 to 6 μs shock pulse duration at a constant peak pressure of 250 kbar. The dislocation cell size was found to be inversely proportional to the square root of the dislocation density ( d √ ρ ≅ 15), consistent with the “principle of similitude”, as well as to the peak pressure (i.e. P = k d ) in accordance with a widely observed empirical law. The residual dislocation cell size and dislocation density were observed to remain essentially constant in the range of 1–6 μs pulse duration, suggesting that the rate at which dislocations can move into cell configurations lies somewhat below this value. The residual hardness increases with decreasing cell size, but not linearly, and saturates over the range of shock pulse durations investigated at constant peak pressure. When these measurements are evaluated in terms of the mesh-length theory of work-hardening, an apparently good agreement is found and the data reveal a high degree of internal consistency within the limits of experimental error. However, the effective resolved shear stress on the active glide systems is found to be a constant but unexpectedly low fraction of the peak pressure, namely about 1 1/2%. Moreover. at the very high shock pressures used, the Peierls-Nabarro stress might have been too high to permit dislocations to move into the observed sub-boundary configurations. Consistent explanations for all of the observations are possible whether or not the Peierls stress under pressure should have been high. In the former case, the dislocation cells formed only at the very end of the shock, when the shock pressures were already well below their peak values. The low value of the computed flow stress arises because the shock generated an essentially hydrostatic pressure. There should have in fact been no slip if it had not been for small deviations from hydrostatic pressure conditions. The rate of work hardening appears to have been 3–4 times higher than for the same strain in tensile testing. Imperfect cell formation and a high rate of dislocation retention is believed to be responsible.
Comparison of fetal cell recovery from maternal blood using a high density gradient for the initial separation step: 1.090 versus 1.119 g/ml

The purpose of this study was to improve recovery of fetal nucleated erythrocytes (NRBCs) from maternal blood for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 27 women who had just undergone pregnancy termination at 6 to 23 weeks. Samples were split and mononuclear cells were isolated using Histopaque gradient at densities of 1.090 g/ml and 1.119 g/ml. CD45 depletion using magnetic activated cell-sorting, followed by flow-sorting with antibody to γ-globin and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, were used to evaluate the number of fetal NRBCs recovered. In samples separated with the 1.119 g/ml density gradient, the yield of true anti-γ haemoglobin positive cells (median, 14.9; range, 0–717.5) was significantly higher than that with the 1.090 g/ml density gradient (median, 4.9; range, 0–532.5). After FISH analysis, in the 14 samples in which the fetal karyotype differed from the mother, the median number of fetal NRBCs separated by the 1.119 g/ml density gradient was 22.9 (2–717.5), which was significantly higher than that by the 1.090 g/ml gradient (median, 11.5; range, 0–532.5, p=0.022). Increased density of the gradient used for the initial enrichment of fetal cells results in improved fetal cell recovery in fresh post-termination blood samples, which may permit better non-invasive detection of fetal cells in maternal blood. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective study of the relationship of mood and stress to pulmonary function among patients with asthma.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of psychosocial and other variables to pulmonary function over four months. Thirty-two patients with asthma kept daily records of pulmonary function and psychosocial variables for an average of 140 days. Data on other potential covariates of pulmonary function, as assessed by peak flow meters, were also collected (e.g., allergen exposure). Sixteen subjects (50%) had significant associations between pulmonary function and psychosocial variables. Between-subjects analyses showed small but significant associations between pulmonary function and other variables. These results confirmed previous reports of individual variability in the association of psychosocial variables with pulmonary function.
Succinate production and citrate catabolism by Cheddar cheese nonstarter lactobacilli.

Aims: To identify strains of Cheddar cheese nonstarter lactobacilli that synthesize succinate from common precursors and characterize the biochemical pathways utilized. Methods and Results: Whole cell incubations of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus zeae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, were used to identify strains that accumulated succinate from citrate, l-lactate, aspartic acid or isocitrate. In vivo13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C-NMR) identified the biochemical pathway involved at pH 7·0, and under conditions more representative of the cheese ripening environment (pH 5·1/4% NaCl/13°C). Enzyme assays on cell-free extracts were used to support the pathway suggested by 13C-NMR. Conclusions: The Lact. plantarum strains studied synthesize succinate from citrate by the reductive tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle at either pH 7·0 or pH 5·1/4% NaCl/13°C. Lactobacillus casei, Lact. zeae and Lact. rhamnosus strains lack one or more enzymatic activities present in this pathway, and do not accumulate succinate from any of the four precursors studied. Significance and Impact of the Study: The addition of Lact. plantarum strains to milk during cheese manufacture may increase the accumulation of the flavour enhancer succinate.
Quantitative assessment of auditory cortex responses induced by imager acoustic noise

A clustered volume acquisition functional MRI pulse sequence was modified to assess the response to the acoustic noise of echo-planar imaging in the auditory cortex and to determine whether it is possible to obtain data which is relatively free of acoustic contamination. The spatial location and strength (percent signal change) of cortical responses to the imager noise were examined by introducing extra gradient readouts, without slice excitation, to provide acoustic stimulation immediately prior to acquisition of a cerebral volume. The duration of acoustic stimulation was controlled by varying the number of extra gradient readouts. Slice acquisitions were clustered at the end of the repetition time (TR) period to prevent a response from being induced by the volume acquisition itself ("Intra-Acquisition Response"). The cerebral volumes were acquired using a long TR in order to limit the integration of the cortical response across volume acquisitions ("Inter-Acquisition Response"). Cortical responses were observed to be largest and most significant on the medial two-thirds of Heschl's gyrus, the location of primary auditory cortex. Mean signal changes induced by the imager noise were observed to be as high as 0.95%. A 2 sec delay prior to onset of the BOLD response was empirically determined. These results demonstrate that clustered volume acquisitions may be utilized for up to 2 sec of volume acquisition without inducing an appreciable Intra-Acquisition Response and can be used, with a sufficiently long TR, to provide data which are similarly free of any Inter-Acquisition Response.
Empirical Tests of the Neuman Systems Model: Relational Statement Analysis

To be a valid test of the Neuman systems model, researchers' relational statements must be congruent with Neuman's axioms and must also be congruent at the conceptual, theoretical, and operational levels. Guided by Cooper's five-stage integrative review method, 92 quantitative research studies (dissertations and journal articles) were collected and categorized according to an expanded version of Silva's levels of theory testing. Nine studies, with explicit relational statements, were analyzed at three levels of abstraction, and interpretations of the studies' results were explored. Recommendations are made for the establishment of a program of research.
Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World . By Mark Pendergrast. New York: Basic Books, 1999. Pp. xxi, 520. $27.50, cloth; $18.00, paper.

The history of coffee is a tale of romance and complexity, sometimes bitter, sometimes enlightened. Mark Pendergrast weaves this tale with the art of a master storyteller. From its legendary discovery in the ancient land of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), coffee became a source of stimulus for new ideas, work, and social controversy. Traded throughout the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century, the curious beverage was brought to the hands of Pope Clement VIII by priests who wanted to ban it. He tasted and replied: “Why, this Satan's drink is so delicious,… it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it” (p. 8). So the Western European romance with it began. By the eighteenth century, coffeehouses provided an egalitarian meeting place and a social context for emerging liberal institutions and the American and French Revolutions.
Out of Africa again and again.

The publication of a haplotype tree of human mitochondrial DNA variation in 1987 provoked a controversy about the details of recent human evolution that continues to this day. Now many haplotype trees are available, and new analytical techniques exist for testing hypotheses about recent evolutionary history using haplotype trees. Here I present formal statistical analysis of human haplotype trees for mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosomal DNA, two X-linked regions and six autosomal regions. A coherent picture of recent human evolution emerges with two major themes. First is the dominant role that Africa has played in shaping the modern human gene pool through at least two—not one—major expansions after the original range extension of Homo erectus out of Africa. Second is the ubiquity of genetic interchange between human populations, both in terms of recurrent gene flow constrained by geographical distance and of major population expansion events resulting in interbreeding, not replacement.
Behavioral and neurophysiological hallmarks of simian immunodeficiency virus infection in macaque monkeys

Macaque monkeys infected with various neurovirulent forms of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) represent highly effective models, not only of systemic acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS), but also neuroAIDS. Behavioral studies with this model have clearly established that SIV-infected monkeys show both cognitive and motor impairments resembling those that have been reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected humans. This paper combines data from a number of behavioral studies in SIV-infected macaque monkeys to obtain an overall estimate of the frequency of impairments in various motor and cognitive domains. The results were then compared to similar data from studies of HIV-infected humans. Whereas cognitive functions are most commonly impaired in HIV-infected humans, motor function is the domain most commonly impaired in SIV-infected monkeys. Electrophysiological studies in SIV-infected macaques have revealed deficits in motor-, somatosensory-, visual-, and auditory-evoked potentials that also resemble abnormalities in human HIV infection. Abnormalities in motor-evoked potentials were among the most common evoked potential deficits observed. Although differences in behavioral profiles of human HIV disease and SIV disease in monkeys exist, the results, nevertheless, provide strong validation for the use of macaque models for translational studies of the virology, immunology, pathophysiology, and treatment of neuroAIDS.
Trajectories of Combined Laboratory- and Real World-Based Speed of Processing in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES To characterize the trajectories of laboratory- and real world-based speed of processing (SOP) over 5 years using finite latent growth mixture modeling, and to explore associated baseline individual-level predictors and functional outcomes in 2,802 community-dwelling older adults from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly cohort. METHOD Laboratory- and real world-based SOP and functional outcomes were assessed over 5 years, and candidate individual-level predictors were collected at baseline. RESULTS After controlling for intervention assignment and demographic information, 4 distinct trajectories were identified: 4.6% of older adults had poor laboratory-based SOP and very poor real world-based SOP that both declined substantially over time; 17.9% had poor laboratory- and real world-based SOP that declined moderately; 38.7% had neutral laboratory- and real world-based SOP that maintained stable; and 37.9% had good laboratory- and real world-based SOP that declined slightly. Non-White, depression, subjective memory complaints, and vascular factors predicted the trajectories. The trajectories significantly differed in the rate of decline in basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and grip strength over time. DISCUSSION Heterogeneous trajectories of SOP exist in old age. Future interventions addressing SOP should target the vulnerable group with poor SOP over time.
Design, modeling and characterization of embedded capacitor networks for mid-frequency decoupling in semiconductor systems

Embedded passives are gaining in importance due to the reduction in size of consumer electronic products. Among the passives, capacitors pose the biggest challenge due to the large capacitance required for decoupling high performance circuits. This paper focuses on the characterization and modeling of embedded capacitors. Design and modeling of embedded capacitor networks for decoupling semiconductor systems in the mid-frequency band (100 MHz to 2 GHz) will be highlighted in this paper
Transplantation immunology: Solid Organ and bone marrow

Development of the field of organ and tissue transplantation has accelerated remarkably since the human MHC was discovered in 1967. Matching of donor and recipient for MHC antigens has been shown to have a significant positive effect on graft acceptance. The roles of the different components of the immune system involved in the tolerance or rejection of grafts and in graft-versus-host disease have been clarified. These components include antibodies, antigen-presenting cells, helper and cytotoxic T-cell subsets, immune cell-surface molecules, signaling mechanisms, and cytokines. The development of pharmacologic and biological agents that interfere with the alloimmune response has had a crucial role in the success of organ transplantation. Combinations of these agents work synergistically, leading to lower doses of immunosuppressive drugs and reduced toxicity. Reports of significant numbers of successful solid-organ transplantations include those of the kidneys, liver, heart, and lung. The use of bone marrow transplantation for hematologic diseases, particularly hematologic malignancies and primary immunodeficiencies, has become the treatment of choice in many of these conditions. Other sources of hematopoietic stem cells are also being used, and diverse immunosuppressive drug regimens of reduced intensity are being proposed to circumvent the mortality associated with the toxicity of these drugs. Gene therapy to correct inherited diseases by means of infusion of gene-modified autologous hematopoietic stem cells has shown efficacy in 2 forms of severe combined immunodeficiency, providing an alternative to allogeneic tissue transplantation.
Color Code Size for Searching Displays of Different Density

Twenty observers searched for three–digit numbers on displays ranging in density from 10 to 50 items coded in one through ten colors. Search times increased linearly with density and showed a curvi...
Frequency modulation of Ca2+sparks is involved in regulation of arterial diameter by cyclic nucleotides

Forskolin, which elevates cAMP levels, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and nicorandil, which elevate cGMP levels, increased, by two- to threefold, the frequency of subcellular Ca2+ release (“Ca2+ sp...
Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000.

ContextModifiable behavioral risk factors are leading causes of mortality in the United States. Quantifying these will provide insight into the effects of recent trends and the implications of missed prevention opportunities.ObjectivesTo identify and quantify the leading causes of mortality in the United States.DesignComprehensive MEDLINE search of English-language articles that identified epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies linking risk behaviors and mortality. The search was initially restricted to articles published during or after 1990, but we later included relevant articles published in 1980 to December 31, 2002. Prevalence and relative risk were identified during the literature search. We used 2000 mortality data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the causes and number of deaths. The estimates of cause of death were computed by multiplying estimates of the cause-attributable fraction of preventable deaths with the total mortality data.Main Outcome MeasuresActual causes of death.ResultsThe leading causes of death in 2000 were tobacco (435 000 deaths; 18.1% of total US deaths), poor diet and physical inactivity (400 000 deaths; 16.6%), and alcohol consumption (85 000 deaths; 3.5%). Other actual causes of death were microbial agents (75 000), toxic agents (55 000), motor vehicle crashes (43 000), incidents involving firearms (29 000), sexual behaviors (20 000), and illicit use of drugs (17 000).ConclusionsThese analyses show that smoking remains the leading cause of mortality. However, poor diet and physical inactivity may soon overtake tobacco as the leading cause of death. These findings, along with escalating health care costs and aging population, argue persuasively that the need to establish a more preventive orientation in the US health care and public health systems has become more urgent.
Biological Disposition of Noscapine I: Kinetics of Metabolism, Urinary Excretion, and Organ Distribution

Biologic disposition studies of noscapine in the rabbit, rat, and mouse indicate a rapid rate of biotransformation of this compound. When noscapine was administered intravenously to rabbits, it disappeared from the blood by first-order kinetics with a half-life of about 9 minutes. In mice, the drug was found to have a half-life of 8.8 minutes and a first-order rate constant of 7.9 × 10 −2 minutes −1 . Tissue distribution of noscapine in rats indicates that it is taken up by various organs within 1 minute after intravenous administration. High concentrations were found in the brain and the kidneys. However, the drug disappeared rapidly from most of the organs studied, especially from the brain which, at the end of 30 minutes, was virtually free of noscapine. Less than 1 per cent of the injected dose can be recovered unchanged from the urine of rabbits.
A promising new cryogenic seal candidate

The Space Shuttle carries more than 500,000 kg of Uquid oxygen (LO2) and 100,000 kg of liquid hydrogen (LH2) propellant. Seals for this main propellant system therefore must provide extremely high reliability under prolonged service at cryogenic temperatures. The chief threat to consistently reliable operation is not the cryogenic service itself, but the 325 K temperature variation encountered during each individual mission. Moreover, this reliability must be sustained during the entire 100-mission/ten-year projected life of the Space Shuttle.
A dye-binding assay for the spectrophotometric measurement of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP).

Large transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are found abundantly in the ocean and play an important role in many fields of marine ecology. Quantification of TEP by light microscopy, however, is labor-intensive and slow. Here we introduce a simple, semiquantitative method to determine the concentration of TEP colorimetrically. In this method TEP are first stained with alcian blue. The dye complexed with TEP is then redissolved and measured spectrophotometrically. Several independent tests of the method show that the concentration of TEP measured spectrophotometrically compares well with parallel light microscope counts. Fractionation experiments confirm that TEP are not generated as an artifact of filtration. Field data show that the concentration of TEP in different oceanic environments ranges from 10 to 500 μg liter -1 xanthan equivalent depending on season, depth, and plankton community composition.
Comparison of three preoperative skin preparation techniques in ponies

Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3 preoperative skin preparations (povidone-iodine [PI] removed with 70% isopropanol, and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate [CG] removed with either 70% isopropanol [CA] or sterile saline solution [CS]) in ponies. Eighteen ponies were randomly assigned to one of the 3 preoperative skin preparation groups. The skin of ponies was aseptically prepared with PI removed with alcohol, or 4% CG removed with either alcohol or sterile saline solution. The antimicrobial efficacy of each skin preparation technique was assessed quantitatively by culturing for surface bacteria with replicating organism detection and counting plates. The percentage of negative cultures, the percentage of cultures with >5 colony forming units (CFU) and the percentage bacterial reduction after the cleansing scrub, the sterile scrub, and the surgical procedures were compared. There was a significant difference between CG and PI in percentage bacterial reduction after the cleansing scrub, but no significant difference at any other time (sterile scrub, post operative skin sampling). In a comparison of the number of negative microbial cultures at each sampling point, there were no significant differences among the 3 skin preparation techniques. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups comparing the number of cultures with a high colony count (>5 CFU) after the cleansing scrub. Skin preparation with CS and PI resulted in significantly fewer cultures with >5 CFU after the sterile scrub than CA. Post operatively, CA had a higher number of samples with >5 CFU than CS and PI. PI removed with alcohol and 4% CS are equally effective in the reduction of skin bacteria after a sterile skin scrub in the operating room; however, CG was more effective in reducing bacterial numbers after the cleansing scrub. The number of cultures with high bacterial counts was greater post operatively, when alcohol was used as a rinse with chlorhexidine. In cases where a sterile scrub is not performed following a cleansing scrub, CG may be a better choice than PI. CA should not be used as a presurgical skin preparation method in ponies.
Efficacy and durability of autogenous saphenous vein conduits for lower extremity arterial reconstructions in preadolescent children.

Abstract Objective: Limb length discrepancies (LLDs) in growing children may accompany extremity arterial occlusions. Revascularization with vein grafts has been questioned because of degenerative graft changes observed at other sites. This study was undertaken to define vein graft durability and efficacy in lower extremity revascularizations in preadolescent children. Study Design: Fourteen children (10 boys, 4 girls) with a mean age of 7.3 years (range, 2-11 years) who underwent 16 lower extremity revascularizations with greater saphenous vein grafts were subjected to follow-up with graft ultrasonography, ankle/brachial indices (ABIs) with and without exercise, and limb length determinations. A mean of 5.7 years elapsed between the onset of ischemia and operation. Arterial occlusions resulted from cardiac catheterizations (11), arteritis (1), dialysis cannulation (1), and penetrating trauma (1). Indications for operation included LLD (6), claudication (4), both LLD and claudication (3), markedly diminished ABIs with a potential for LLD (2), and a traumatic transection with hemorrhage (1). The reconstructions with 15 reversed and one in situ vein grafts included iliofemoral (11), femorofemoral (1), aortofemoral (1), femoropopliteal (1), popliteal-popliteal (1), and popliteal-posterior tibial (1) arterial bypass grafts. Results: Among patent grafts available for follow-up, 36% (5 of 14) remained unchanged, 50% (7 of 14) developed nonaneurysmal dilatation, and 14% (2 of 14) exhibited nonprogressive aneurysmal expansion. One graft became occluded, and one graft was lost to follow-up. Collectively, the grafts manifest an 11.2% expansion at an average of 10.7 years postoperatively. ABIs increased from 0.75 preoperatively to 0.97, at an average of 11.0 years postoperatively. LLDs were reduced from 1.66 to 1.24 cm, at an average of 11.4 years postoperatively. Conclusion: Vein graft reconstructions of lower extremity arteries in preadolescent children are durable. They provide an efficacious means of restoring normal blood flow, and in 70% of children their preexisting LLDs were reduced. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:34-40.)
Violence Risk Assessment and Management in Outpatient Clinical Practice

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this review were to highlight fundamental distinctions between risk assessment in forensic versus therapeutic settings, review the best available evidence regarding key risk and protective factors for violence of particular relevance to clinicians in outpatient therapeutic settings, and describe an approach to evaluating and managing violence risk in outpatient treatment. METHOD: An integrative literature review was undertaken to examine violence risk and protective factors most relevant to outpatient clinicians in therapeutic settings. RESULTS: Based on the available research, the Integrative Outpatient Violence Risk Assessment and Management (IVRAM) model, a 5-step strategy for evaluating and managing violence risk in therapeutic contexts, is introduced. The IVRAM emphasizes the integration of nomothetic and idiographic data through a focus on empirically derived dynamic risk and protective factors in the context of an individualized anamnestic analysis. CONCLUSION: Clinicians working in forensic and therapeutic settings will increasingly benefit from the contributions of the other as the distinctions between risk assessment and risk management continue to decrease. Language: en
Rapid Reservoir Inundation Causes Complete Extirpation of the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) Along the Shoreline of Bull Shoals Lake in Northern Arkansas

The eastern collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) is a large saxicolous predatory lizard, which dwells in patchy, cedar glade environments characteristic of much of the Ozarks. The species can also be found in scattered populations along rocky shoreline habitats of large impoundment reservoirs of northern Arkansas. These lizards time their entrance into and exit from underground, overwintering retreats with decreasing and increasing ambient temperatures of the fall and spring months. During an average spring, several sustained days of warm temperatures from mid-March into April are the primary environmental cues for collared lizards to exit their shelters. Excessive winter/spring precipitation in the Arkansas Ozarks, however, can drastically alter reservoir hydrology of the impoundments on the White River system. In years of catastrophic flood conditions, such as in 2008, the rapid inundation of suitable shoreline habitats preceded the exiting of lizards from hibernation burrows; thus, these populations of collared lizards (i.e., those that occurred along both Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes) were effectively entombed in their hibernation burrows, which putatively resulted in a complete population crash of this species within exposed shoreline environments.
Semi-automated quantitation of Tc-99m pertechnetate trapping as an index of thyroid function

1950 Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a reproducible unbiased method to quantify thyroid function on a pertechnetate (Tc) thyroid scan. Methods 49 patients (9 males, 40 females; ages 19-83) who underwent Tc thyroid scans followed by 24 hour I-131 thyroid uptake measurements within 1 week analyzed. Each Tc scan was reviewed by a nuclear medicine physician who visually estimated thyroid function on the 4-6 minute images, expressed in terms of 24 hour I-131 uptake. This was performed using comparison with index Tc images that visually compared the uptake of Tc-99m in the thyroid gland vs. the salivary glands, in which the 24 hour I-131 uptake was known. Regions of interest were then drawn over thyroid gland, the salivary glands, and to the right of the sternum for background correction. The thyroid function was calculated by (thyroid counts-background counts)/(thyroid counts+ salivary gland counts). 24 hour I-131 uptake was used as the gold standard. The data was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation, Bland-Altman plots, and cumulative distribution analysis. Results The calculated Tc uptake had a stronger correlation with I-131 uptake with r= 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.98) compared with r= 0.79 (0.65-0.88) for the visual estimate (p Conclusions The semi-automated calculated Tc thyroid uptake provides a more accurate, reproducible, and un-biased quantitative estimation of thyroid function than by visual comparison with index images. This method can predict 24 hour I-131 uptake to within 10% accuracy.
Some Biological Regulators

It is mentioned in Chapter 7 that many of the homeostatic mechanisms exhibited by biological systems are servomechanisms (or regulators) in the strict sense in which these terms are employed in Chapter 8. That is, these mechanisms contain one or more feedback loops which allow the system to compute the deviation of the actual behaviour of the system from the desired behaviour. Thus, biological homeostats, like the servomechanisms and regulators discussed in Chapter 8, are mostly ‘error-actuated’ devices of one kind or another.
Urea Transport: It's Not Just "Freely Diffusible" Anymore.

In this section we feature some of the latest and most striking new findings in physiology, interpreting the term “physiology” in its broadest sense. In each instance, an effort will be made to place the new findings in perspective. Heinz Valtin Editor, trendsetters Urea transport has always
84 – Flavonoids in Beer and Their Potential Benefit on the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage and its consumption is characterized by a U- or J-shaped relation to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition to the ability of ethanol to elevate high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol, other constituents of beer, including flavonoids, may also contribute to its association with a reduced risk of CVD among moderate drinkers. Flavonoids are ubiquitous in plant-based foods and an integral part of any diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and/or beverages derived from them. Six classes of flavonoids, including 31 specific compounds, have been characterized in beer with a wide range of concentration, from 0.001 to 20 mg/l, likely due to variations in the barley and hops, brewing and stabilization processes, and duration of storage. The principal flavonoids in beer are isoxanthohumol, catechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, kaempferol, quercetin, procyanidin B3, and prodelphidins B3 and B9. Flavonoid intake has been demonstrated to impact an array of biochemical and functional actions in animal models and human studies that are associated with ameliorating CVD risk, such as reducing angiogenesis, cholesterol, inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombogensis as well as promoting vascular reactivity. Nonetheless, definitive studies on the direct contribution of flavonoids to the benefit of moderate beer consumption on CVD remain to be undertaken.
Data literacy training needs of biomedical researchers

Objective: The research investigated topic priorities for data literacy training for biomedical researchers and staff. Methods: An electronic survey was used to assess researchers’ level of knowledge related to data literacy skills and the relevance of these skills to their work. Results: Most respondents did not have any formal training in data literacy. Respondents considered most tasks highly relevant to their work but rated their expertise in tasks lower. Conclusion: Among this group, researchers have diverse data literacy training needs. Librarians’ expertise makes them well suited to provide such training.
Preliminary evidence of oxidation in standard oven drying of cotton: attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, colorimetry, and particulate matter formation

Currently, oven drying in air is often utilized to generate the percentage of moisture in cotton fibers. Karl Fischer Titration, another method for cotton moisture measurement, has been compared to...
Carbon-doped In2O3 films for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

Abstract Carbon-doped In2O3 films were synthesized by spray pyrolysis and evaluated for photoelectrocatalysis. All C-doped films showed cubic structure, and XPS confirmed carbon's presence and content. 13C SSNMR showed the presence of carbonate-type species. C-doped In2O3, compared to undoped, showed increased absorption in the 350–500 nm range with a red shift in the band gap transition. The photoactivity was evaluated under near-UV and visible light irradiation. The C-doped films exhibited photocurrent densities up to 1 mA/cm2, with a high contribution (40%) from visible light irradiation. Under the same irradiation conditions, C-doped In2O3 produced much greater photocurrent densities than the undoped films. Photocurrent densities of the C-doped films were determined as a function of the dopant source, its concentration, and film thickness. These results indicate the potential for further development of In2O3 photocatalysts, and provide useful information towards understanding the structure and enhanced photoelectrochemical properties of these new materials.
Employing Complex Kinetic Diagrams to Understand the Belousov-Zhabotinskii Reaction

In contrast to many physical phenomena such as a swinging pendulum, chemical reactions must approach equilibrium monotonically. However, far from equilibrium, concentrations of chemical species can oscillate during the time course of the reaction. This interesting branch of kinetics is exemplified by the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction. After an induction period, the color of the solution changes between clear and yellow with a period of two minutes for several hours. In this article, a general, convenient chemical kinetics solver is employed in conjunction with complex kinetic diagrams to understand the coupling of chemical reactions that yield chemical oscillations.
Structure of La2NiO4.18.

The published structure of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{NiO}}_{4+\mathit{y}}$ has unusually short (1.94 \AA{}) Ni-O bond lengths. We reexamined the structure of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{NiO}}_{4.18}$ using monochromatic synchrotron x-ray radiation. Rietveld refinement of the structure in space group Bbcm yielded Fourier synthesis (${\mathit{F}}_{\mathrm{obs}}$) maps that suggest a modified structural model for ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{NiO}}_{4.18}$. The refined structure contains chemically more reasonable interatomic distances (e.g., shortest Ni-O distance of 2.00 \AA{}). A comparison of this structure with that of the superconductor ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4+\mathit{y}}$ reveals disparities in the conduction planes of the two materials that may explain differences in electrical behavior.
Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography

Review of: Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography, by Laura Ingalls Wilder; ed-ited by Pamela Smith Hill.
Making Together: An Interdisciplinary, Inter-institutional Assistive-Technology Project

Faculty at the University of North Carolina Asheville partnered with local healthcare professionals and retirement home residents and administrators on an assistive-technology project. The Creative Fabrication introductory computer science course incorporated subject-matter experts from the healthcare community, older and differently abled “users,” medical students, and sculpture faculty. Over the semester, the class students created assistive devices to meet the needs of the retirement home residents. They prototyped their designs in foam and 3D modeling software and cast parts of their design in bronze or aluminum. User-centered design, the design process, and the importance of form and function were emphasized throughout the project.