cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal tolerance and routine oxygen consumption of convict cichlid, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus , acclimated to constant temperatures (20 °C and 30 °C) and a daily temperature cycle (20 °C → 30 °C)

Organismal temperature tolerance and metabolic responses are correlated to recent thermal history, but responses to thermal variability are less frequently assessed. There is great interest in whether organisms that experience greater thermal variability can gain metabolic or tolerance advantages through phenotypic plasticity. We compared thermal tolerance and routine aerobic metabolism of Convict cichlid acclimated for 2 weeks to constant 20 °C, constant 30 °C, or a daily cycle of 20 → 30 °C (1.7 °C/h). Acute routine mass-specific oxygen consumption ( $$\dot{M}$$ O2) and critical thermal maxima/minima (CTMax/CTMin) were compared between groups, with cycle-acclimated fish sampled from the daily minimum (20 °C, 0900 h) and maximum (30 °C, 1600 h). Cycle-acclimated fish demonstrated statistically similar CTMax at the daily minimum and maximum (39.0 °C, 38.6 °C) but distinct CTMin values, with CTMin 2.4 °C higher for fish sampled from the daily 30 °C maximum (14.8 °C) compared to the daily 20 °C minimum (12.4 °C). Measured acutely at 30 °C, $$\dot{M}$$ O2 decreased with increasing acclimation temperature; 20 °C acclimated fish had an 85% higher average $$\dot{M}$$ O2 than 30 °C acclimated fish. Similarly, acute $$\dot{M}$$ O2 at 20 °C was 139% higher in 20 °C acclimated fish compared to 30 °C acclimated fish. Chronic $$\dot{M}$$ O2 was measured in separate fish continually across the 20 → 30 °C daily cycle for all 3 acclimation groups. Chronic $$\dot{M}$$ O2 responses were very similar between groups between average individual hourly values, as temperatures increased or decreased (1.7 °C/h). Acute $$\dot{M}$$ O2 and thermal tolerance responses highlight “classic” trends, but dynamic, chronic trials suggest acclimation history has little effect on the relative change in oxygen consumption during a thermal cycle. Our results strongly suggest that the minimum and maximum temperatures experienced more strongly influence fish physiology, rather than the thermal cycle itself. This research highlights the importance of collecting data in both cycling and static (constant) thermal conditions, and further research should seek to understand whether ectotherm metabolism does respond uniquely to fluctuating temperatures.
New techniques for creating parthenogenetic larvae of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus for gene expression studies

BACKGROUND Sea urchins are model organisms for studying the spatial-temporal control of gene activity during development. The Southern California species, Lytechinus pictus, has a sequenced genome and can be raised in the laboratory from egg to egg in 4 to 5 months. RESULTS Here, we present new techniques for generating parthenogenetic larvae of this species and include a gallery of photomicrographs of morphologically abnormal larvae that could be used for transcriptomic analysis. CONCLUSIONS Comparison of gene expression in parthenogenotes to larvae produced by fertilization could provide novel insights into gene expression controls contributed by sperm in this important model organism. Knowledge gained from transcriptomics of sea urchin parthenogenotes could contribute to parthenogenetic studies of mammalian embryos.
Robots as Surgical Assistants: Wher We Are, Wither We Are Tending, and How to Get There

This paper concerns the use of “robotic” technologies and systems to significantly improve the ability of human clinicians to perform surgery and other interventional procedures. We discuss briefly several possible taxonomies and adopt one of them to structure a brief overview of the field, using the different roles that robotic systems can play as an organizing principal. Our discussion emphasizes the complementary capabilities of robots and humans, and includes short sections on “intern replacements”, telesurgical systems, robotic navigational aids, precise positioning systems and precise path systems. We conclude with a few remarks on the essential collaboration between clinical end users and robotics technology researchers that is crucial to future progress in this emerging field.
Effect of aging on gastric and duodenal mucosal prostaglandin concentrations in humans.

Abstract The effect of aging on gastric and duodenal mucosal prostaglandins has not been reported. Gastric and duodenal mucosal prostaglandin concentrations were measured in 46 healthy adults, 35 of whom were relatively young (21–40 years old) and 11 of whom were considerably more elderly (aged 52–72 years). Mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained endoscopically from the fundus, antrum, duodenal bulb, and postbulbar duodenum, and extracts were assayed for prostaglandin F 2α and E 2 concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Older age was associated with significantly lower fundic, antral, and postbulbar duodenal prostaglandin concentrations. A second experiment was performed in 20 additional subjects (9 younger, 11 older) to determine whether lower mucosal concentrations in older subjects were reproducible and, if so, whether reduced gastric mucosal prostaglandins would have a physiological counterpart, namely increased gastric acid secretion. As in the original experiment, fundic, antral, and postbulbar mucosal prostaglandin levels were significantly lower in older subjects than in younger subjects. Mean basal acid output was significantly higher in older than younger subjects (9.8 ± 2.5 vs. 4.8 ± 1.6 mmol/h). It is concluded that gastric and duodenal prostaglandin concentrations decline with aging in humans and that the decline in fundic mucosal prostaglandins is associated with an increase in gastric acid secretion.
Image Quality Metrics

Images produced on monitors, printers, copiers, and films contain a variety of elements, including text, graphics, and pictorial segments. As viewers evaluate the quality of images, they may notice that various image elements are not well formed or do not communicate the desired intent. Examples of some of the most significant deficiencies seen in images that have pictorial segments include lack of clarity in details, noise in areas expected to be smooth, loss of information in highlights or darker areas, and inaccurate representation of color. These characteristics form the basis for defining sharpness, graininess, tone scale, and color rendition, respectively. These four attributes are significant factors that viewers consider when judging image quality. In images containing text and graphics, perception of quality is critically affected by roughness of edges or lines that should be smooth, blurred edges, or nonuniform density. These defects in image rendering. In addition to the imperfections described, artifacts are often introduced into the images because of mechanical or material problems during imaging. In this article, physical and perceptual aspects of image quality are discussed. Objective methods, which relate the design parameters to the physical parameters of the image are reviewed. Psychophysical methods that are used to characterize the percept in terms of the underlying perceptual or physical scale are then reviewed. Finally, the problem of formulating and validating computational models of image fidelity is discussed. Keywords: objective measurement; attributes; images; subjective methods; models
System Monitoring with Real-Time Contrasts

Traditional process-monitoring techniques are challenged by a variety of increasingly complex factors. A new monitoring method based on real-time contrasts (RTC) is presented.
THE INSE OPEN READING FRAME OF IS1 IS NOT REQUIRED FOR FORMATION OF COINTEGRATES

The role of the insE open reading frame in transposition of IS1 was reexamined by using an insE nonsense mutation that does not alter the amino acid sequence of InsA inhibitor or InsAB transposase. The mutant was active in all strains tested, showing that insE is not essential for formation of cointegrates.
Affinity purification of human brain tissue factor utilizing factor VII bound to immobilized anti-factor VII☆☆☆

An efficient procedure for affinity purification of human tissue factor apoprotein that requires binding of only microgram quantities of human factor VII to anti-factor VII agarose is described. Factor VII was added to a 2% Triton X-100 extract of acetone brain powder in the presence of calcium. The resultant factor VII/tissue factor/calcium complex was bound to anti-factor VII-agarose, and the bound tissue factor was then eluted with EDTA. The eluate was passed through anti-goat IgG-agarose to remove contaminating goat IgG that leaks from the anti-factor VII column. Yield (units of activity) was 27%; specific activity was 2400 U/mg, which corresponds to that reported by others. The purified apoprotein migrated as a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with an apparent molecular weight of 47,000. Immunostaining with a goat anti-tissue factor IgG raised against the purified material yielded a major band of the same apparent molecular weight. Factor VII remains bound to the column and, therefore, for subsequent use preincubation of tissue factor with factor VII and calcium is not required. Thus, the present purification procedure markedly reduces the amount of factor VII needed as affinity ligand to purify tissue factor apoprotein.
Testing the USA EPA's ISCST-Version 3 model on dioxins: a comparison of predicted and observed air and soil concentrations

Abstract The central purpose of our study was to examine the performance of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) nonreactive Gaussian air quality dispersion model, the Industrial Source Complex Short-Term Model (ISCST3) Version 98226, in predicting polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans concentrations (subsequently referred to as dioxins and furans, or CDD/Fs) in both air and soil near the Columbus Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy Facility (CMSWTE) in Columbus, OH. During its 11 yr operation, the CMSWTE was estimated to be emitting nearly 1 kg of CDD/F Toxic Equivalents (TEQs) per year, making it one of the highest single emitters of dioxin in the United States during its operation. An ambient air-monitoring study conducted in 1994, prior to its shutdown in December of 1994, clearly identified high dioxin air concentration in the downwind direction during two sampling events. In one of the events, the CMSWTE stack was concurrently monitored for dioxins. A soil sampling study conducted in 1995/1996 was similarly able to identify an area of impacted soil extending mainly in the predominant downwind direction up to 3 km from the CMSWTE. Site-specific information, including meteorological data, stack parameters and emission rates, and terrain descriptions, were input into ISCST3 to predict ground-level 48-h concentrations which could be compared with the 48-h measured air concentrations. Predicted annual average dry and wet deposition of particle-bound dioxins were input into a simple soil reservoir model to predict soil concentrations that would be present after 11.5 yr of emissions, which were compared to measured concentrations. Both soil- and air-predicted concentrations were generally within a factor of 10 of observations, and judged to be reasonable given the small number of observations and the uncertainties of the exercise. Principal uncertainties identified and discussed include: source characterization (stack emission rates of dioxins), meteorological data, and atmospheric and soil fate and transformation processes of the dioxins
Resident Fathers’ Perceptions of Their Roles and Links to Involvement with Infants

Using a sample of resident fathers in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study- Birth Cohort (nine-month study), this study examined how fathers’ perceptions of the importance of the father role to children are associated with father involvement with infants in five domains: caregiving activities, paternal warmth, nurturing activities, physical care, and cognitively stimulating activities. Results indicated that there are differentials in fathers’ role perceptions based on fathers’ sociodemographic characteristics such as race, marital status, education, and SES. Results of Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) models indicated that more positive role perceptions are generally positively associated with father-child activities in five domains. Results from this study may have important implications for the development of parenting programs intended to assist fathers in meeting societal expectations for fatherhood and for enhancing the development of children.
Disposal of Nonhazardous Oil Field Wastes into Salt Caverns

Bedded and domal salt deposits occur in many states. If salt deposits are thick enough, salt caverns can be formed through solution mining. These caverns are created either incidentally as a result of salt recovery or intentionally to create an underground chamber that can be used for storing hydrocarbon products or disposing of wastes. This paper evaluates the legality, feasibility, and suitability of disposing of nonhazardous oil and gas exploration, development, and production wastes (hereafter referred to as oil field wastes, unless otherwise noted) in salt caverns.
The importance of strategic leadership.

For decades, business executives have concentrated on the art and techniques of management. But in today's competitive times, more is required. Successful executives must be leaders as well.
Treatment challenges for inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in the setting of acute retroviral syndrome: case report and review of the literature.

This is a case of a 20-year-old male with acute retroviral syndrome and concurrent acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (IDP) progressing to chronic IDP. Whereas the patient followed a relapsing and remitting course prior to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), he demonstrated gradual and sustained clinical improvement in the ten months of follow-up after ART was combined with chronic corticosteroids and intermittent plasmapheresis. This case presents and addresses multiple challenges for the treatment of IDP in the setting of acute HIV infection to include: timing of initiation and selection of appropriate ART, the potential risk for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, ART initiation in the setting of severe gastroparesis with jejunostomy placement, and the effect of plasmapheresis on the levels of antiretroviral therapy.
Propeller Noise from a Light Aircraft for Low-Frequency Measurements of the Speed of Sound in a Marine Sediment

The sound from a light aircraft in flight is generated primarily by the propeller, which produces a sequence of harmonics in the frequency band between about 80 Hz and 1 kHz. Such an airborne sound source has potential in underwater acoustics applications, including inversion procedures for determining the wave properties of marine sediments. A series of experiments has recently been performed off the coast of La Jolla, California, in which a light aircraft was flown over a sensor station located in a shallow (approximately 15 m deep) ocean channel. The sound from the aircraft was monitored with a microphone above the sea surface, a vertical array of eight hydrophones in the water column, and two sensors, a hydrophone and a bender intended for detecting shear waves, buried 75 cm deep in the very-fine-sand sediment. The propeller harmonics were detected on all the sensors, although the s-wave was masked by the p-wave on the buried bender. Significant Doppler shifts of the order of 17%, were observed on the microphone as the aircraft approached and departed from the sensor station. Doppler shifting was also evident in the hydrophone data from the water column and the sediment, but to a lesser extent than in the atmosphere. The magnitude of the Doppler shift depends on the local speed of sound in the medium in which the sensor is located. A technique is described in which the Doppler difference frequency between aircraft approach and departure is used to determine the speed of sound at low-frequencies (80 Hz to 1 kHz) in each of the three environments, the atmosphere, the ocean and the sediment. Several experimental results are presented, including the speed of sound in the very fine sand sediment at a nominal frequency of 600 Hz, which was found from the Doppler difference frequency of the seventh propeller harmonic to be 1617 m/s.
Controlled drug release from silicone coated tablets: preliminary evaluation of coating techniques and characterization of membrane permeation kinetics

Abstract Investigations were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using a silicone elastomer as coating material to control the release of drugs from the oral tablet. A two-component silicone elastomer system was utilized to coat tablets fabricated from progesterone and some of its hydroxyl derivatives both with and without a binder. Several coating techniques were explored for application of polymer dispersion onto tablet surfaces on a laboratory scale. The effects of these methods on drug release were found to differ. The effect of tablet binder content on the release of drug was also evaluated. Another goal was to study the effects of drug structure on steroid permeation through the resulting applied silicone coatings.
Preserved learning and memory in mice following chemotherapy: 5-Fluorouracil and doxorubicin single agent treatment, doxorubicin–cyclophosphamide combination treatment

Clinical studies suggest that chemotherapy is associated with long-term cognitive impairment in some patients. A number of underlying mechanisms have been proposed, however, the etiology of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction remains relatively unknown. As part of a multifaceted approach, animal models of chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment are being developed. Thus far, the majority of animal studies have utilized rats, however, mice may prove particularly beneficial in studying genetic risk factors for developing chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment. Thus, C57BL/6J mice were treated once a week for three weeks with saline, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (D&C), doxorubicin (Dox), or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Recent and remote contextual fear conditioning and novel object recognition (NOR) was assessed. Despite significant toxic effects as assessed by weight loss, the chemotherapy treated mice performed as well as control mice on all task. As are some humans, C57BL/6J mice may be resistant to at least some aspects of chemotherapy induced cognitive decline.
The Singer's Breath: Implications for Treatment of Persons with Emphysema

This study investigated the effects of group singing instruction on the physical health and general wellness of senior citizens with emphysema. Subjects (n = 7) participated in 6 weeks of group vocal instruction, which emphasized breath management techniques. Dependent measures reflected physical health, functional outcomes, and quality of life. No significant differences were found on measures of physical health (FEV1, inspiratory threshold, distance walked, and The DUKE physical health subscale). Measures of functional outcomes each showed a significant change across time. Results of the ANOVAs for breath management (extent of counting) and breath support (intensity of speech) were significant (p < .038 & p < .000 respectively). Descriptive analyses showed a clear and dramatic shift in breathing mode from clavicular to diaphragmatic breathing that was maintained 2 weeks after the treatment period. Quality of life measures (subjective scales and The Duke Health Profile) yielded mixed results. Findings of this study suggest that vocal instruction, inclusive of breathing exercises, may help to improve the quality of life for senior citizens with emphysema. Subjects in this study responded positively to the instruction and further investigation of the treatment method is warranted.
Effects of piretanide in normal subjects

Piretanide is a new loop diuretic similar to furosemide in pharmacologic properties and approximately six times as potent. We gave 3-, 6-, and 12-mg oral doses to 21 normal subjects and collected serial blood and urine samples for assessment of the drug's kinetics and dynamics. There was no evidence for dose-dependent elimination with the doses we used. Peak serum concentrations and urinary excretion rates appeared between 30 and 60 min. Elimination t½s were 60 to 90 min. Approximately 45% of a dose was recovered unchanged in the urine. Renal clearance rate was 90 to 100 ml/min and oral clearance was 200 ml/min. Examination of the relationship between urinary excretion rate of piretanide and sodium excretion allowed determination of potency at the tubular level. The piretanide dose that induced half-maximal response was 12.1 ± 2.6 μg/min; it is 69.8 μg/min for furosemide and 1 μg/min for bumetanide. Piretanide kinetics, therefore, resemble those of furosemide and bumetanide, but piretanide is five or six times as potent as furosemide and one tenth as potent as bumetanide. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 34, 324–330; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.175
State Medical Board Members' Attitudes About the Legality of Chronic Prescribing to Patients With Noncancer Pain: The Influence of Knowledge and Beliefs About Pain Management, Addiction, and Opioid Prescribing

Abstract Context In the United States, physicians' practice is regulated at the state level, with medical board members distinguishing legitimate medical practice from unprofessional conduct. For this process to be effective, regulators should have knowledge and beliefs that conform to current standards of practice and medical understanding. Past research has demonstrated that some board members continue to view the prolonged prescribing of opioid analgesics to treat noncancer pain as being unlawful or unacceptable medical practice, especially when the patient with pain has a history of substance abuse. Objectives This study was designed to determine whether relevant clinical or policy issues can adequately explain regulators' attitudes about the legality of opioid prescribing for patients with noncancer pain. Methods A total of 277 questionnaires were obtained from a national sample of medical board members. Using binomial logistic regression procedures, the predictive significance of 12 factors related to four variable domains was explored: 1) beliefs about opioid addiction and diversion, 2) beliefs and knowledge about federal and state policy, 3) clinical beliefs about opioid prescribing, and 4) demographic characteristics. Results Separate logistic regression models were computed to determine the extent that knowledge and beliefs contribute to attitudes about the legality of chronic opioid therapy for noncancer pain and for noncancer pain with a history of substance abuse. Three variables demonstrated statistical significance in both regression models: 1) characterizing addiction in terms of physiological phenomena, 2) believing regulatory policy is useful to improve pain relief, and 3) incorrectly believing that federal law limits the amount of Schedule II medication that can be prescribed at one time. When considering the legality of prescribing opioids for patients with noncancer pain, the following additional factors had a notable influence: viewing addiction as common when treating pain with opioids ( P =0.030), considering it very important for a board to have a regulatory policy about pain treatment ( P =0.038), doubting the legitimacy of more than one opioid prescription for a single patient ( P P =0.038). Alternatively, for patients with noncancer pain and a history of abuse, only one other factor was significant: reporting the adequacy of their training in pain management as "poor" ( P =0.012). Conclusion Study results showed that the parsimonious regression models used in this study reasonably explained such attitudes. Suggestions were offered for achieving more comprehensive insight about the factors that can shape regulators' attitudes about prescribing legality.
The honest subrecursive classes are a lattice

The relation of honest subrecursive classes to the computational complexity of the functions they contain is reviewed. It is shown that the honest subrecursive classes are a distributive lattice under the partial ordering of set inclusion. The meet and join operations of the lattice are effective, and every honest subrecursive class is the greatest lower bound of two setwise incomparable honest subrecursive classes.
Determinants of the total cosine of the spatial angle between the QRS complex and the T wave (TCRT): implications for distinguishing primary from secondary T-wave abnormalities

Abstract Background Contrary to intuitive expectations and dissimilar from that which occurs in the atria, left ventricular (LV) depolarization and repolarization proceed in opposite directions, creating a concordance of the spatial QRS complex and T-wave angles (QRS-T). By defining the determinants of QRS-T, it might be possible to distinguish a primary (caused by an abnormality of repolarization) from a secondary (caused by a delay in ventricular depolarization) T-wave abnormality. Methods and Results From a near-consecutive series of 154 patients (age, 60 ± 16 years; 81 females) in sinus rhythm, Doppler echocardiographic and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) findings were related to the total cosine of the angle subtended by the spatial QRS complex and T wave (TCRT). Using the QRS complex and T-wave angles in the frontal and horizontal planes, TCRT was obtained from the table cited in the article of Helm and Fowler ( Am Heart J 1953;45:835). TCRT correlated negatively with age, QRS duration (QRS), interventricular septal thickness (IVS) and posterior wall thickness, LV mass, LV cross-sectional area (CSA), LV relative wall thickness (RWT), left atrial dimension, and atrial velocity time integral (all, P P P Conclusions The determinants of TCRT can be quantified and expressed as a regression that may be used to distinguish primary from secondary T-wave abnormalities.
A note on invariant measures for HJM models

This note analyzes the mean-reverting behavior of time-homogeneous Heath-Jarrow-Morton (HJM) forward rate models in the weighted Sobolev spaces {Hw}w. An explicit sufficient condition is given under which invariant measures exist for the HJM dynamics. In particular, every HJM model with constant volatility and market price of risk has a family of invariant measures parametrized by the distribution of the long rate.
Time-frequency analysis of pediatric murmurs

Technology has provided many new tools to assist in the diagnosis of pathologic conditions of the heart. Echocardiography, Ultrafast CT, and MRI are just a few. While these tools are a valuable resource, they are typically too expensive, large and complex in operation for use in rural, homecare, and physician's office settings. Recent advances in computer performance, miniaturization, and acoustic signal processing, have yielded new technologies that when applied to heart sounds can provide low cost screening for pathologic conditions. The short duration and transient nature of these signals requires processing techniques that provide high resolution in both time and frequency. Short-time Fourier transforms, Wigner distributions, and wavelet transforms have been applied to signals form hearts with various pathologic conditions. While no single technique provides the ideal solution, the combination of tools provides a good representation of the acoustic features of the pathologies selected.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract 5069: c-Abl contributes to Mdm2-Mdmx complex formation protecting p53 levels

This study was designed to better understand the signaling events through c-Abl kinase that impact p53 activity. The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a key protein in maintaining the integrity of the genome by inducing either cell cycle arrest or apoptosis following cellular stress signals. Two human family members, Mdm2 and Mdmx, are primarily responsible for inactivating transcription initiation of p53 or destabilizing p53 through ubiquitination. In response to genotoxic stress, post-translational modifications to Mdm2 and Mdmx relieve inhibition on p53, which is in part mediated through the c-Abl kinase. c-Abl is necessary for maintaining p53 expression levels and for maximal accumulation of p53 following DNA damage. While p53 is not a direct substrate of c-Abl there are c-Abl phosphorylation sites present in Mdm2 and Mdmx. Considering that c-Abl regulates both Mdm2 and Mdmx, we designed this study to understand the role of c-Abl phosphorylation of Mdm2 in protecting p53 activity. We hypothesized that protection of p53 would be linked to Mdm2-Mdmx complex formation and modulated by c-Abl phosphorylation. Here we present a mechanism of p53 stabilization whereby c-Abl promotes Mdm2-Mdmx heterodimer complex formation. For this study we used multiple complementary approaches including: recombinant in vitro protein assays, therapeutic drug treatments of cells and targeted mutagenesis of Mdm2 phosphorylation sites to show the role of c-Abl in protecting p53. Additionally, blocking c-Abl phosphorylation has therapeutic implications in treatment of disease through modulation of p53 activity. There are several small molecule inhibitors that affect c-Abl activity, such as imatinib, and a better understanding of the mechanistic role of c-Abl in the stoichiometric balance between Mdm2 and Mdmx may lead to better approaches for engaging p53 activity. This could lead to improvements in current disease treatment and the development of novel therapeutics for cancers harboring wild-type p53. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5069.
Redistribution of energy available for ocean mixing by long-range propagation of internal waves

Ocean mixing, which affects pollutant dispersal, marine productivity and global climate1, largely results from the breaking of internal gravity waves—disturbances propagating along the ocean's internal stratification. A global map of internal-wave dissipation would be useful in improving climate models, but would require knowledge of the sources of internal gravity waves and their propagation. Towards this goal, I present here computations of horizontal internal-wave propagation from 60 historical moorings and relate them to the source terms of internal waves as computed previously2,3. Analysis of the two most energetic frequency ranges—near-inertial frequencies and semidiurnal tidal frequencies—reveals that the fluxes in both frequency bands are of the order of 1 kW m-1 (that is, 15–50% of the energy input) and are directed away from their respective source regions. However, the energy flux due to near-inertial waves is stronger in winter, whereas the tidal fluxes are uniform throughout the year. Both varieties of internal waves can thus significantly affect the space-time distribution of energy available for global mixing.
Clinical review 63: Diabetes and pancreatic cancer: clues to the early diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy.

PURPOSE: To review the relationship between pancreatic cancer and diabetes, particularly as this pertains to the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Data sources: Studies published from 1985 to 1992 identified by computerized literature searches of Index Medicus and Medline and hand searches of referenced articles. Study selection: Selected epidemiology studies were those exploring the relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Data extraction: Data concerning the risk of developing pancreatic cancer given a history of diabetes was evaluated with particular attention given to the duration of diabetes before a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The characteristics of diabetes presenting within the 2 yr before the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer were also investigated. Results of data synthesis: Whereas diabetes is a risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer, the diagnosis of a pancreatic tumor in some cases is preceded by a brief history of diabetes, which appears to be caused by the mal...
STITCHER: Dynamic assembly of likely amyloid and prion β-structures from secondary structure predictions.

The supersecondary structure of amyloids and prions, proteins of intense clinical and biological interest, are difficult to determine by standard experimental or computational means. In addition, significant conformational heterogeneity is known or suspected to exist in many amyloid fibrils. Previous work has demonstrated that probability-based prediction of discrete β-strand pairs can offer insight into these structures. Here, we devise a system of energetic rules that can be used to dynamically assemble these discrete β-strand pairs into complete amyloid β-structures. The STITCHER algorithm progressively ‘stitches’ strand-pairs into full β-sheets based on a novel free-energy model, incorporating experimentally observed amino-acid side-chain stacking contributions, entropic estimates, and steric restrictions for amyloidal parallel β-sheet construction. A dynamic program computes the top 50 structures and returns both the highest scoring structure and a consensus structure taken by polling this list for common discrete elements. Putative structural heterogeneity can be inferred from sequence regions that compose poorly. Predictions show agreement with experimental models of Alzheimer’s amyloid beta peptide and the Podospora anserina Het-s prion. Predictions of the HET-s homolog HET-S also reflect experimental observations of poor amyloid formation. We put forward predicted structures for the yeast prion Sup35, suggesting N-terminal structural stability enabled by tyrosine ladders, and C-terminal heterogeneity. Predictions for the Rnq1 prion and alpha-synuclein are also given, identifying a similar mix of homogenous and heterogeneous secondary structure elements. STITCHER provides novel insight into the energetic basis of amyloid structure, provides accurate structure predictions, and can help guide future experimental studies. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of various holographic techniques for imaging through biological tissue

Five different holographic methods for imaging through biological tissue, as well as other highly scattering media, are described.
Secondary procedures for elbow flexion restoration in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy.

Even though total absence of elbow flexion in obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is rare, weakness is a frequent problem. Numerous procedures for elbow flexion restoration in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy have been described. In this study, children with OBPP who underwent secondary reconstruction for elbow flexion restoration were studied. A retrospective review of 15 patients (16 elbows) who underwent 16 pedicled and eight free-muscle transfers for elbow flexion restoration was conducted. The mean follow-up period was 8.4 ± 2.9 years (range, 25 months to 12.2 years). The mean age at operation (elbow surgery) was 5.4 ± 1.9 years. The total arc of elbow motion was the result of the active elbow flexion less the flexion contracture. There was significant improvement in biceps muscle power from an average grading of 2.49 ± 0.80 preoperatively to 3.64 ± 0.46 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Thirteen of 16 elbows (81%) achieved good and excellent results (≥M3+); and three elbows (19%) fair results (M3− or M3). The average arc of motion was significantly improved from 36° ± 25° preoperatively to 94° ± 26° postoperatively (p < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative average elbow flexion contracture was 10.9° ± 8.9° and 20° ± 12.2°, respectively. Pedicled and/or free-muscle transfers can significantly improve elbow flexion in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Choice of the procedure should be individualized and determined on the basis of the type of paralysis, availability of donor muscles, previous reconstruction, and experience of the surgeon.
On visual access to letter case and lexical/semantic information.

Four experiments were designed to investigate automatic processing of letter case and lexical/ semantic information under forward and backward masking conditions that disallowed a visible image. Stimulus displays were letter string pairs; the letter case for each pair matched or mismatched, and the relationship between the two strings within pairs varied. Experiment I required direct Same-Different responses to stimulus pairs, and the results indicate that tasks requiring direct responses to stimulus inputs cannot distinguish between conscious response biases and unconscious use of information. Experiments 2 and 3 employed an indirect index of automatic prerecognition analyses of verbal-linguistic parameters and showed that, with 30-msec pre- and postmasked presentations, letter case, orthographic regularity, and lexical/semantic information are all analyzed in unconscious operations. Experiment 4 demonstrated that, under the viewing conditions of Experiments 2 and 3, subjects had no awareness of the stimulus input.
Integrated analysis of well logs and seismic data to estimate gas hydrate concentrations at Keathley Canyon, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Accurately detecting and quantifying gas hydrate or free gas in sediments from seismic data require downhole well-log data to calibrate the physical properties of the gas hydrate-/free gas-bearing sediments. As part of the Gulf of Mexico Joint Industry Program, a series of wells were either cored or drilled in the Gulf of Mexico to characterize the physical properties of gas hydrate-bearing sediments, to calibrate geophysical estimates, and to evaluate source and transport mechanisms for gas within the gas hydrates. Downhole acoustic logs were used sparingly in this study because of degraded log quality due to adverse wellbore conditions. However, reliable logging while drilling (LWD) electrical resistivity and porosity logs were obtained. To tie the well-log information to the available 3-D seismic data in this area, a velocity log was calculated from the available resistivity log at the Keathley Canyon 151-2 well, because the acoustic log or vertical seismic data acquired at the nearby Keathley Canyon 151-3 well were either of poor quality or had limited depth coverage. Based on the gas hydrate saturations estimated from the LWD resistivity log, the modified Biot–Gassmann theory was used to generate synthetic acoustic log and a synthetic seismogram was generated with a fairly good agreement with a seismic profile crossing the well site. Based on the well-log information, a faintly defined bottom-simulating reflection (BSR) in this area is interpreted as a reflection representing gas hydrate-bearing sediments with about 15% saturation overlying partially gas-saturated sediments with 3% saturation. Gas hydrate saturations over 30–40% are estimated from the resistivity log in two distinct intervals at 220–230 and 264–300 m below the sea floor, but gas hydrate was not physically recovered in cores. It is speculated that the poor recovery of cores and gas hydrate morphology are responsible for the lack of physical gas hydrate recovery.
Human and natural predators combine to alter behavior and reduce survival of Caribbean spiny lobster.

Fishing disturbance can have indirect negative effects on animal behavior and survival, but receives little attention compared to measures of direct fisheries extraction. We quantified changes in the density of Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus when exposed to experimental human disturbance and injury typical of sport-diver harvest attempts in the field. A complementary study in a large seawater arena quantified lobster sheltering behavior and survival when exposed to the single and combined effects of human disturbance and triggerfish Balistes capriscus predators. Human disturbance and injury of lobsters in the field caused lobsters to emigrate from shelters that had been typically occupied over successive days. Similarly, both the presence of triggerfish predators and human disturbance promoted decreased lobster shelter fidelity to individual shelters in the arena. Overall shelter use and gregariousness increased in the presence of natural triggerfish predators but not as a function of human disturbance. Decreased shelter use and gregariousness by lobsters when exposed to human disturbance may have contributed to their decreased survival when exposed simultaneously to triggerfish. These results highlight how human disturbance and injury of lobsters can alter their behavior and reduce subsequent survival in the presence of their natural predators, and illustrate the need to incorporate the negative effects of sport-divers into models that estimate population demographic rates.
The usefulness of glutaraldehyde‐carbohydrazide copolymerization in biological specimen stabilization for scanning electron microscopy

Biological specimens can be prepared for scanning electron microscopy by means of copolymerizing the fixing agent glutaraldehyde with carbohydrazide prior to air drying. Such preparations are more stable in the electron microscope, show less internal cellular disruption and retain more of their native elemental composition than specimens prepared by means of dehydration and critical-point drying. Specimens observed in the scanning electron microscope can often be recovered for thin sectioning with no additional embedment, and can then be observed by means of transmission elecltron microscopy. The preparation (termed GACH) can be performed in almost any laboratory with no specialized equipment and, for the most part, may be carried out at room temperature. The technique appears to provide the promise of further research applications in scanning electron microscopy which may employ conjugated procedures of immunocytochemistry and cathodoluminescence as well as X-ray microanalysis in limited situations.
Behavior analysis and life-span developmental psychology☆

Abstract Five criticisms of developmental behavior analysis are examined as a means of inquiring into its relation to the life-span perspective in developmental psychology. (a) It allegedly attributes all developmental phenomena to learning. If so, the criticism refers not to the approach but to its practitioners. (b) It allegedly views children as passive organisms, which is true in that real self-determination is denied but false in that operant behavior is “active.” (c) It is alledgedly merely descriptive. Actually, it is explanatory from its own viewpoint. (d) It allegedly cannot deal with complex interactions, which is true for mechanistic versions of behavior analysis but not for contextualistic versions. (e) Its findings have harmful effects in practical applications. If so, the criticism again refers not to the approach but to the practitioners.
A Heterogeneous Array of Off-Chip Interconnects for Optimum Mechanical and Electrical Performance

Demand for off-chip bandwidth has continued to increase. It is projected by the Semiconductor Industry Association in their International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors that by the year 2015, the chip-to-substrate area-array input-output interconnects will require a pitch of 80 μm. Compliant off-chip interconnects show great potential to address these needs. G-Helix is a lithography-based electroplated compliant interconnect that can be fabricated at the wafer level. G-Helix interconnects exhibit excellent compliance in all three orthogonal directions, and can accommodate the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the silicon die and the organic substrate without requiring an underfill. Also, these compliant interconnects are less likely to crack or delaminate the low-k dielectric material in current and future integrated circuits. The interconnects are potentially cost effective because they can be fabricated in batch at the wafer level and using conventional wafer fabrication infrastructure. In this paper, we present an integrative approach, which uses interconnects with varying compliance and thus varying electrical performance from the center to the edge of the die. Using such a varying geometry from the center to the edge of the die, the system performance can be tailored by balancing electrical requirements against thermomechanical reliability concerns. The test vehicle design to assess the reliability and electrical performance of the interconnects is also presented. Preliminary fabrication results for the integrative approach are presented and show the viability of the fabrication procedure. The results from reliability experiments of helix interconnects assembled on an organic substrate are also presented. Initial results from the thermal cycling experiments are promising. Results from mechanical characterization experiments are also presented and show that the out-of-plane compliance exceeds target values recommended by industry experts. Finally, through finite element analysis simulations, it is demonstrated that the die stresses induced by the compliant interconnects are an order of magnitude lower than the die stresses in flip chip on board (FCOB) assemblies, and hence the compliant interconnects are not likely to crack or delaminate low-k dielectric material.
Latent Class Analysis: An Alternative Perspective on Subgroup Analysis in Prevention and Treatment

The overall goal of this study is to introduce latent class analysis (LCA) as an alternative approach to latent subgroup analysis. Traditionally, subgroup analysis aims to determine whether individuals respond differently to a treatment based on one or more measured characteristics. LCA provides a way to identify a small set of underlying subgroups characterized by multiple dimensions which could, in turn, be used to examine differential treatment effects. This approach can help to address methodological challenges that arise in subgroup analysis, including a high Type I error rate, low statistical power, and limitations in examining higher-order interactions. An empirical example draws on N = 1,900 adolescents from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health. Six characteristics (household poverty, single-parent status, peer cigarette use, peer alcohol use, neighborhood unemployment, and neighborhood poverty) are used to identify five latent subgroups: Low Risk, Peer Risk, Economic Risk, Household & Peer Risk, and Multi-Contextual Risk. Two approaches for examining differential treatment effects are demonstrated using a simulated outcome: 1) a classify-analyze approach and, 2) a model-based approach based on a reparameterization of the LCA with covariates model. Such approaches can facilitate targeting future intervention resources to subgroups that promise to show the maximum treatment response.
The Effect of Two Different Rations and Two Management Practices on Certain Nutrients in Poultry Meat

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE purpose of this study was to compare the nutritive value of uncooked, meat and livers from 9-week-old broilers which had been fed a practical and a semi-synthetic ration while they were being maintained on wire screens or on a floor with built-up litter. Twenty broilers were fed a semi-synthetic ration while housed on wire screens, 15 were fed a practical ration while housed on wire screens and 15 were fed the practical ration but housed on built-up litter. Methods of handling, the composition of the diets, physical characteristics of the carcasses and organoleptic data were presented earlier (Kahlenberg et al., 1961). The left halves of the carcasses had been used for palatability studies; the right halves were used for nutritive evaluation. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The right halves of six carcasses were removed from the freezer, at random, to represent each of the three groups of birds. They were thawed…