cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Number of cardiac cycles required to accurately determine mean velocity of blood flow in the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk.

Abstract Instantaneous blood flow for any site measured by Doppler echocardiography is calculated as the instantaneous product of flow area (cm 2 ) and mean velocity (cm/s). Flow area is calculated from diameter measurements (d 2 /4 × π) in great vessels. Blood flow per unit time is computed by summing the instantaneous products over time. A high correlation of diameter measurements compared with angiographic measurement in the aorta has been reported (r = 0.97; standard error of the estimate = 0.75 mm). Accordingly, the expected error (±2 standard deviations) induced by inaccurate aortic measurement should be about 7% for a 20-mm aorta. 1 Mean velocity measurements are determined in a variety of ways, but the probability of measurement error has not been evaluated in a systematic manner. Off-line methods require hand digitization of the modal velocity of a number of heartbeats recorded on a strip-chart recording. Although numerous beats can be digitized with relative ease, this method requires a computer separate from the ultrasonograph, a digitizing pad and software program. Another method for determining mean velocity requires that velocity traces be digitized on the ultrasonoscope by establishing a number of points with a joystick or attempting to trace over them with a trackball. Both of these input mechanisms are tedious and few echocardiographers digitize more than 1 or 2 cardiac beats with this method. Finally, approximation formulas using ejection time and amplitude have been suggested. 2 However, the number of cardiac beats that should be included for any of these methods to achieve the lowest error has not been established. We have digitized 5 or more beats to keep variation in flow due to respiration and other physiologic factors to a minimum. 3 In this study, we estimated the magnitude of error introduced if fewer than 6 beats are used in determination of mean velocity in the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery of normal persons.
The Dermatophyte, Microsporum Gypseum, As A Saprophyte and Parasite1

Vanbreuseghem (1) recently described a selective procedure for isolating keratinophilic fungi from soil. The method extends the work of Karling (2), who first used keratin in various forms as bait for the isolation of chytrids from soil and water. Vanbreuseghem placed hair filaments upon the surface of moistened soil in which Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Ctenomyces interdigitalis), T. rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum had been grown. After a few days, the hair bait became visibly overgrown by mycelium which was noted to be penetrating the hair shafts by means of “perforating organs” (Vanbreuseghem, 3).f Cultures made from the invaded hair yielded T. rubrum and E. floccosum, but were negative for T. mentagrophytes.
Bovine Mastitis Pathogens in New York and Pennsylvania: Prevalence and Effects on Somatic Cell Count and Milk Production

Milk samples were collected from 108,312 dairy cows during 1601 farm visits made between January 1991 and June 1995. The herd visits were made by personnel from the Central Laboratory of the Quality Milk Promotion Services at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) to farms located in central New York and northern Pennsylvania. Dairy Herd Improvement Association records were available for 32,978 cows in 327 herds. Intramammary infections, as defined by positive milk cultures, were present in 48.5% of all cows and in 36.3% of cows in herds enrolled in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Over 75% of the intramammary infections were caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus spp. other than Strep. agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Mean days in milk at the time of diagnosis, linear score of the somatic cell count, cost of milk loss per lactation, and milk production effects were calculated for 24 etiologic agents of bovine mastitis.
Food Aversion Learning in Lambs with or without a Mother: Discrimination, Novelty and Persistence

Abstract The livestock industry suffers substantial losses from animals eating poisonous plants. Research on learned food aversions will enhance understanding of the abilities of livestock to detect and avoid toxic foods. This study sought to determine: (1) whether lambs and ewes can be aversively conditioned to avoid palatable foods; (2) whether learned aversions persist; (3) whether aversive conditioning affects how lambs and ewes respond to novel food; (4) the influence of the mother on the lambs' learned food aversions. The results clarified several points. (1) The treatment group of sheep learned to avoid rolled barley (RB) and rabbit pellets (RP) containing 2% lithium chloride (LiCl), a non-lethal gastrointestinal poison. However, they always sampled small amounts of RB and RP that contained LiCl, and increased consumption when foods no longer contained LiCl. Conversely, the control group of sheep accepted RB and RP containing 2% sodium chloride (NaCl) and increased the amount ingested during each exposure. Alfalfa pellets, the basal diet, were consumed readily and entirely by treatment and control groups throughout the study. (2) Learned aversions persisted for at least 60 days. (3) Treatment and control animals ingested small amounts of RB and RP when they were novel foods. Poisoning made ewes and lambs, but not orphans, more neophobic than unpoisoned sheep. Ewes spent less time at food boxes than lambs, suggesting that poisoning made ewes more neophobic than lambs. (4) Lambs separated from their mothers spent less time at food boxes than orphaned lambs, but both groups ate the same amount. That sheep learned about the consequences of ingesting foods and that they remembered for at least 60 days is evidence that diet selection can be manipulated. If sheep have an inherent tendency to sample noxious feeds, however, they will avoid particular foods only if they are always noxious. Conversely, if the sampling behavior of sheep was an artifact of the procedures and sheep can be conditioned to avoid totally a particular food, it will be feasible to train sheep to avoid foods such as poisonous plants. Further research is necessary to clarify this aspect, to more fully elaborate the learning abilities of sheep, and to assess the implications for management.
Assist Devices Fail to Reverse Patterns of Fetal Gene Expression Despite β-Blockers

Background Heart failure is associated with reversal to a fetal gene expression pattern of contractile and metabolic genes. Substantial recovery of ventricular function with assist devices is rare. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of assist devices on fetal gene expression and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a transcriptional factor in hypoxic signaling. Methods Human heart tissue was obtained from the left ventricular apex at the time of assist device implantation and again from the left ventricular free wall during cardiac transplantation. Non-failing tissue was obtained from unused hearts from human donors. Gene expression was measured with the Affymetrix 133 plus 2 Array. HIF-1α was measured by Western blotting with commercially available antibodies. Results Heart failure was associated with a decrease in α-myosin heavy chain and sarcoplasmic reticulum-Ca 2+ adenosine triphosphatase messenger RNA expression along with an increase in skeletal tropomyosin. This pattern persisted after assist device therapy. Heart failure was also associated with abnormalities in regulatory metabolic genes including glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). These patterns also persisted after assist device therapy despite a reduction in atrial natriuretic peptide expression and normalization of HIF-1α. Conclusions Failure of assist devices to produce sustained recovery of myocardial contractile function may be due in part to persistent fetal transcriptional patterns of contractile and metabolic genes.
Dynamic characteristics of west Florida Gulf Coast beaches

Abstract During 1962 fifteen beach stations were established along the Florida coast and monitored at monthly intervals. Observations of beach profiles, sediments, wave conditions, water characteristics and wind speed and direction were recorded. Techniques closely followed those of a nearly contemporaneous study on California beaches ( Ingle , 1966). This made possible a comparison of beach conditions in a low- and medium-energy environment (Florida) with a high-energy environment (California). Average wave conditions in Florida range from low ripples in the low-energy eastern segment near Keaton Beach, to over 30 cm wave height along the broad arc from Cape San Blas to the Alabama-Mississippi peri-delta region. Maximum wave heights reach 100 cm and more along the Pensacola shore and approach the average condition for high-energy beaches. Longshore current velocities, however, are surprisingly constant and range from 30 to 150 cm/sec in the general area. The much larger waves of the California coast produce essentially the same range of current velocities. This is a function of the increase in dimensions of a surf zone as larger waves necessarily break farther offshore, thus the larger amount of water moved in translation is balanced by the increased area. Statistical studies of the sediment textural parameters confirm the observations of Schiffman (1965) regarding the greater variation in texture occurring in the swash zone than in other parts of the beach system. Some evidence suggests that sediment composition differences east and west of Cape San Blas reflect different sources. Magnitudes of profile changes are approximately a direct function of wave height up to average heights of 30 cm and more. Thereafter, increasing wave height apparently does not markedly increase the rate of sand level variation. Volumes of sand transported in longshore drift, however, are directly related to wave height, but show considerable variation from month to month and day to day. Net sand transport is to the west and apparently is actively prograding the large spits of the area from Mobile Bay to Pensacola. Wave energy decreases west of Mississippi Sound and transport diminishes.
Comparison of Digital to Analog Converters in 0.20 μm SOI and 0.13 μm CMOS Process

Abstract Biasing and threshold adjustments are crucial for the correct operation and sensitivity of 3T based pixel detectors. The latest generation of pixel detectors detectors designed at the University of Hawaii (UH) have adjustable triggering thresholds by including on chip 8-bit R-2R Digital to Analog Converters (DAC). The DAC is the ﬁrst designed at UH to be manufactured in a 0.20 μm SOI CMOS technology. The DAC has additionally been fabricated in a 0.13 μm CMOS technology. The inclusion of such structure allows comparison between fabrication runs as well as fabrication technologies. Simulations and preliminary results are included, as well as comparisons between fabrication technologies.
RNA affinity tags for purification of RNAs and ribonucleoprotein complexes.

Intrinsic affinity tags are useful tools for the study of macromolecular targets. Although polypeptide affinity tags are routinely used in purification and detection of protein complexes, there has been a relative lack of powerful RNA affinity tags that can be embedded within RNA sequences. Here, the preparation and use of two RNA affinity tags against Sephadex or streptavidin are described. The two tags have different strengths that make them appropriate for slightly different uses. One is a high-affinity ligand for streptavidin that can be specifically eluted by competition with biotin under otherwise native binding conditions. The other tag binds selectively to Sephadex beads, and can be eluted by competition with the soluble dextran that composes Sephadex. When properly placed within another RNA molecule, the tags can be used to effect dramatic purification of RNA or ribonucleoprotein complexes from complex mixtures of cellular RNA.
Experimentally induced life-history evolution in a natural population

LIFE-HISTORY theory predicts that reduced adult survival will select for earlier maturation and increased reproductive effort; conversely, reduced juvenile survival will select the opposite1#150;5. This is supported by laboratory studies6–10 and comparative data from natural populations11–15. Laboratory studies may support a theory, but cannot assess its importance in natural populations, and comparative studies reveal correlations, not causation16. Long-term perturbation experiments on natural populations resolve both problems. Here we report the findings of a long-term study of guppies (Poecilia reticulata), in which the predictions of life-history theory are supported. Life-history differences among populations of guppies are closely associated with predator species with which guppies live13,17–21. The predators apparently alter age-specific survival because they are size-specific in their choice of prey21–23. Crenicichla alta (a cichlid), the main predator at one class of localities, preys predominantly on large, sexually mature size classes of guppies22–24. Rivulus hartii(a killifish), the main predator at another class of localities, preys predominantly on small, immature size classes. Guppies from localities with Crenicichla mature at an earlier age, have higher reproductive effort, and have more and smaller offspring per brood than those from localities with just Rivulus. These differences are heritable, and correspond with theoretical predictions17–19. To prove that predation caused this pattern, we perturbed a natural population of guppies by changing predation against adults to predation against juveniles. This resulted in significant life-history evolution in the predicted direction after 11 years, or 30–60 generations.
PCB-95 Modulates the Calcium-Dependent Signaling Pathway Responsible for Activity-Dependent Dendritic Growth

Background: Non-dioxin-like (NDL) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) promote dendritic growth in hippocampal neurons via ryanodine receptor (RyR)-dependent mechanisms; however, downstream signaling events that link enhanced RyR activity to dendritic growth are unknown. Activity-dependent dendritic growth, which is a critical determinant of neuronal connectivity in the developing brain, is mediated by calcium ion (Ca2+)-dependent activation of Ca2+/calmodulin kinase-I (CaMKI), which triggers cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-dependent Wnt2 transcription. RyRs regulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ signals, but whether RyRs promote dendritic growth via modulation of this signaling pathway is not known. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that the CaMKI–CREB–Wnt2 signaling pathway couples NDL PCB-enhanced RyR activity to dendritic arborization. Methods and Results: Ca2+ imaging of dissociated cultures of primary rat hippocampal neurons indicated that PCB-95 (2,2´,3,5´6-pentachlorobiphenyl; a potent RyR potentiator), enhanced synchronized Ca2+ oscillations in somata and dendrites that were blocked by ryanodine. As determined by Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, PCB-95 also activated CREB and up-regulated Wnt2. Blocking CaMKK, CaMKIα/γ, MEK/ERK, CREB, or Wnt2 prevented PCB-95–induced dendritic growth. Antagonism of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors with bicuculline (BIC) phenocopied the dendrite-promoting effects of PCB-95, and pharmacological antagonism or siRNA knockdown of RyR blocked BIC-induced dendritic growth in dissociated and slice cultures of hippocampal neurons. Conclusions: RyR activity contributes to dynamic remodeling of dendritic architecture in response to NDL PCBs via CaMKI–CREB–Wnt2 signaling in rats. Our findings identify PCBs as candidate environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, especially in children with heritable deficits in calcium signaling associated with autism.
Electron microscopic localization of hydrolytic enzymes in osteoclasts

Acid glycerophosphatase activity (pH optimum, 5.0) has been found within osteoclasts by numerous workers but relatively few studies have been concerned with the neutral hydrolytic enzymes that have pH optima around 7.2. Evidence is presented in this paper to show that neutral enzyme activity can be demonstrated withp-nitrophenyl phosphate, ATP andp-chloranilidophosphonate as substrates. Activity against β-glycerophosphate, inorganic trimetaphosphate orp-nitrocatachol sulphate as substrates was found to be limited to an acid pH range. Electron microscopic evidence indicated that many of the hydrolytic enzymes were present within single membrane-bound bodies, vacuoles, Golgi elements, and the agranular endoplasmic reticulum of the osteoclast. This reticulum was dilated to form large lysosomes. Such activity was distingly different from the function of the Golgi membrane in its formation of primary lysosomes. The relationships between lysosomes, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and extracellular release of enzyme through the specialized ‘ruffled’ border are shown and discussed.
Surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea in acromegaly with mandibular prognathism and macroglossia: a treatment dilemma

Acromegaly is a rare disease resulting from chronic growth hormone excess largely owing to a growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. Males and females appear to be equally affected, with an annual incidence of 3 to 4 per million. The diagnosis of the disease often occurs late, with an average age of 40 years, owing to its insidious onset and slow progression. 1 The prominent cosmetic features include enlarged extremities, thickened skin, widened nose, prominent cheekbones, course facial lines, and, occasionally, frontal bossing. The oral manifestations include mandibular overgrowth, resulting in prognathism, maxillary widening, dental malocclusion, macroglossia, and enlarged lips. 2 Systemic manifestations, including rheumatologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic consequences, determine the prognosis. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been reported with a frequency of 60%. 3 The treatment of acromegaly is directed at reducing the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels to normal values and excising the adenoma. The present available therapies for acromegaly include transphenoidal surgery, radiotherapy, and medical therapy. 4 Although many of the systemic manifestations of acromegaly can be relieved with growth hormone homeostasis, relevant OSA remains. This can often be attributed to skeletal and soft tissue craniofacial changes that remain despite treatment of the primary condition. The treatment dilemma arises when attempts are made to correct the facial deformities by reducing hyperplastic bone, resulting in a decreased posterior airway space and worsening OSA. 3
Factors affecting oxidative phosphorylation by subcellular particles isolated from cotton seedling hypocotyls.

Properly prepared mitochondrial fractions from plant sources are capable of incorporating inorganic phosphate into high energy bonds upon the oxidation of members of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (3, 6, 7). Oxidative phosphorylation has been demonstrated in preparations from a wide variety of plant sources. This author reported that a high concentration of BSA3 in the grinding medium was necessary for cotton seedling particulate preparations to oxidize Krebs cycle intermediates (12). Because of this unusual requirement for BSA in the isolation technique, the study was extended to determine the influence of this material on oxidative phosphorylation. Certain other factors in the isolation and measurement technique were also considered.
Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on fatty acid composition in muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of lambs.

Lambs (n = 48) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate effects of inclusion of oil containing PUFA in high-concentrate diets (with or without) and duration of oil supplementation (pre- vs. postweaning) on CLA concentration of muscle and adipose tissue. Lambs were fed preweaning creep diets (with or without oil) corresponding to the dietary lactation treatment diet (with or without oil) of the dam. Dams blocked by lambing date and rearing type were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 lactation dietary treatments with or without oil supplementation. Creep diets contained approximately 70% concentrate and 30% roughage and were provided to lambs for ad libitum intake. At weaning (58.7 ± 2.5 d of age), lambs (n = 48) were randomly assigned within preweaning treatment groups to 1 of 2 postweaning dietary treatments (with or without oil) and 16 pens in a randomized block design, blocked by sex and BW. Postweaning diets were formulated to contain approximately 80% concentrate and 20% roughage and were fed once daily for ad libitum intake. Soybean and linseed oil (2:1, respectively) replaced ground corn and provided 3% additional fat in pre- and postweaning diets. Lambs were slaughtered at 60.3 ± 4.2 kg of BW. A subcutaneous fat (SQ) sample was obtained within 1 h postmortem and a LM sample at the 12th rib was obtained 24 h postmortem, and both were analyzed for fatty acid profile. Feedlot performance and carcass measurements were not affected (P ≥ 0.26) by oil supplementation. Total CLA content of LM and SQ was not affected (P ≥ 0.08) by oil supplementation pre- or postweaning, but trans-10, cis-12 CLA was greater (P = 0.02) in SQ from lambs supplemented with oil postweaning. Total PUFA content in LM was greater (P = 0.02) in lambs supplemented with oil pre- or postweaning as a result of increased concentrations of 18:2cis-9, cis-12 and longer chain PUFA. Conversely, pre- and postweaning oil supplementation resulted in less (P = 0.04) MUFA content in LM. Only postweaning oil supplementation increased (P = 0.001) SQ PUFA content. Feeding oils containing PUFA to lambs pre- and postweaning did not increase CLA content of muscle, whereas postweaning oil supplementation minimally increased CLA concentration of SQ fat. Inclusion of soybean and linseed oil in pre- and postweaning diets increased total PUFA content of SQ fat and muscle tissue without adversely affecting growth performance or carcass characteristics.
On the Diameter of Wenger Graphs

Let q be a prime power, \(\mathbb{F}_{q}\) the field of q elements, and n≥1 a positive integer. The Wenger graph Wn(q) is defined as follows: the vertex set of Wn(q) is the union of two copies P and L of (n+1)-dimensional vector spaces over \(\mathbb{F}_{q}\) , with two vertices (p1,p2,…,pn+1)∈P and [l1,l2,…,ln+1]∈L being adjacent if and only if li+pi=p1li−1 for 2≤i≤n+1. Graphs Wn(q) have several interesting properties. In particular, it is known that when connected, their diameter is at most 2n+2. In this note we prove that the diameter of connected Wenger graphs is 2n+2 under the assumption that 1≤n≤q−1.
Electron Sagnac gyroscope in an array of mesoscopic quantum rings

Abstract The Sagnac effect is an important phase coherent effect in optical and atom interferometers where rotations with respect to an inertial frame are measured in the interference pattern. We analyze the Sagnac effect in a serial array of mesoscopic ring shaped electron interferometers comprised of rings with half-circumferences comparable to the mean free path. The entire array is, however, much larger than the phase coherence length. Phase coherent transport at the level of individual rings leads to a measurable Sagnac effect in the conductance of the chain. We use the signal to noise ratio (SNR) to determine the number of rings needed to measure a desired rotation rate.
The Type I Interferon Pathway

The type I interferon (IFN-α/β) signal transduction pathway is not only the first-characterized Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, but one of the best studied in molecular detail. IFN-α-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) is atypical for STAT-containing complexes, because it requires interaction with an additional factor, IFN regulatory factor 9 (IRF9), to provide specific DNA binding. Type I IFN is the main innate antiviral cytokine, and the outcome of ISGF3 activation is establishment of the cellular antiviral state, in which cells are able to inhibit the replication of a broad range of virus types providing a general resistance to infection. It is increasingly evident that other branches of the innate and adaptive immune systems activate IFN-α/β signaling, indicating its importance in various stress responses. The Connections Map provides an overview of this canonical pathway, with an interpathway relation to the Toll-like Receptor Pathway, which stimulates the production of type I interferons in response to microbial pathogens. Science Viewpoint D. S. Aaronson, C. M. Horvath, A road map for those who don9t know JAK-STAT. Science 296 , 1653-1655 (2002). [Abstract] [Full Text]
Across-reinforcement blocking effects in a mediational test of the CS's general signaling property

Abstract Rats received Pavlovian aversive (shock) conditioning in which white noise was established for independent groups as a CS+, CSo, or CS−. Then, in an easy (light-dark) T-maze discrimination, the CS was presented either immediately following choice (Locus 1) or at the food cup in the goal (Locus 3), contingent upon either a food-reinforced (right) or nonreinforced (wrong) response. When presented at Locus 3, the CS+ facilitated and the CS− retarded learning for CS/right subjects, with these effects being exactly reversed but somewhat less pronounced for CS/wrong subjects. However, when the CS was presented at Locus 1, the CS+ and CS− effects for both response contingencies were attenuated. These findings oppose an interpretation of the CS's function as a general cue or transformed signal for the presence or absence of the new appetitive reinforcer and argue instead for across-reinforcement blocking effects: By signaling in the presence of food reinforcement an outcome (safety or shock) which is consonant with or discrepant from the “good” outcome obtained, the CS− blocks (retards) and the CS+ counterblocks (enhances) the association of food reinforcement and the S D ; conversely, in the presence of nonreinforcement (a “bad” outcome), the CS− counterblocks and the CS+ blocks inhibitory conditioning to the S Δ . As in Kamin's (1968) original research, such effects are attenuated when the CS is presented early in the compound, distal to the reinforcer.
Correlation of regional formaldehyde flux predictions with the distribution of formaldehyde-induced squamous metaplasia in F344 rat nasal passages

Squamous epithelium lines the nasal vestibule of the rat, rhesus monkey, and human. Respiratory, transitional, and olfactory epithelia line most areas posterior to the nasal vestibule. Inhaled formaldehyde gas induces squamous metaplasia posterior to the nasal vestibule and does not induce lesions in the nasal vestibule in rats and rhesus monkeys, indicating that squamous epithelium is resistant to irritant effects of formaldehyde and that squamous metaplasia may be an adaptive response. If squamous metaplasia is determined by formaldehyde dosimetry rather than by tissue-specific factors, squamous epithelium may be protective by absorbing less formaldehyde than other epithelial types. In a previous study, a three-dimensional, anatomically accurate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the anterior F344 rat nasal passages was used to simulate inspiratory airflow and inhaled formaldehyde transport. The present study consisted of two related parts. First, the rat CFD model was used to test the hypothesis that the distribution of formaldehyde-induced squamous metaplasia is related to the location of high-flux regions posterior to squamous epithelium. Regional formaldehyde flux into nonsquamous epithelium predicted by the CFD model correlated with regional incidence of formaldehyde-induced squamous metaplasia on the airway perimeter of one cross-sectional level of the noses of F344 rats exposed to 10 and 15 ppm formaldehyde gas for 6 months. Formaldehyde flux into nonsquamous epithelium was estimated to vary by an order of magnitude depending on the degree of formaldehyde absorption by squamous epithelium. These results indicate that the degree to which squamous epithelium absorbs formaldehyde strongly affects the rate and extent of the progression of squamous metaplasia with continued exposure to formaldehyde. In the second part of this study, the CFD model was used to predict squamous metaplasia progression. Data needs for verification of this model prediction are considered. These results indicate that information on the permeability of squamous epithelium in rats, monkeys, and humans is important for accurate prediction of uptake in regions posterior to the nasal vestibule.
Assessing Phytase Activity in Forested and Agricultural Soils using TInsP5 as a Substrate Analog

The usefulness of the chromophoric substrate analog of phytic acid, 5-O-[6-(benzoylamino)hexyl]-D-myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,6-pentakisphosphate (TInsP 5 ) for measuring phytase activity (PA) was recently demonstrated for a limited number of soils using a macroassay approach. In this investigation, we assessed PA in several previously untested forested and agricultural soils. The TInsP 5 molecular probe (wavelength of most intense light absorption, λ max = 226 nm) permits direct measurement of the phytase-catalyzed dephosphorylation reaction by quantifying production of intermediate probe species using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (RP-HPLC/UV). Soil-generated phosphorylated probe intermediate species were characterized or identified with RP-HPLC with diode array detector and RP-HPLC/UV/mass spectrometry (MS). Results of the MS analysis showed that the RP-HPLC system is capable of distinguishing between phosphorylated probe intermediate species at the regio-isomeric level. Chromatographic profiles of soil-generated intermediates were established and a streamlined microassay approach for measuring PA was used to examine the influence of assay pH on soil PA. The chromatographic profiles of probe intermediate species produced in the soils tested were comparable to those previously observed. Recognizable chromatographic profiles of the intermediates will undoubtedly facilitate data interpretation among soils. Experimental data gathered in this investigation indicated that microbial populations tend to produce phytate-degrading enzymes exhibiting pH optima corresponding to the soil pH. The PA assay was responsive to environmental conditions.
Reaction of sulfur dioxide with Ag(110)–p(2×1)-O: a LEED, TPRS, and STM investigation

Abstract STM has been combined with LEED, TPRS, XPS, and EELS to further the understanding of the chemical and structural changes accompanying the reaction of SO 2 (g) with oxygen adsorbed on Ag(1 1 0). At 300 K sulfur dioxide reacts with the p(2×1) oxygen overlayer to yield a surface covered by sulfite in a c(6×2) arrangement with six sulfite species per unit cell; i.e., SO 2 (g)+O(a)→SO 3 (a). This reaction appears to involve rearrangement of the “added” silver in the original p(2×1)-O structure to precipitate new islands of sulfite-covered surface on top of the original surface. Overall, sulfite disproportionates according to 6SO 3 (a)→2SO 2 (g)+4SO 3 (a)+2O(subsurface) upon heating to 500 K. This heating yields a surface with a p(1×1) LEED pattern, which is shown to consist of irregular, narrow rows of c(3×2) unit cells aligned 22° from the [0 0 1] direction, separated by domain boundaries. Continued heating to 600 K results in the further loss of SO 3 (a), yielding a surface covered with sulfate in a p(3×2) structure, with one sulfate moiety per unit cell. The results of these experiments suggest the following surface reaction for the conversion of sulfite to sulfate: 6SO 3 (a)→4SO 2 (g)+2SO 4 (a)+2O(subsurface). A detailed two-dimensional depiction of the surface with substrate registry is proposed.
Neutron powder diffraction study of silver subfluoride

Neutron powder diffraction measurements have been made at a number of different temperatures from room temperature to 20 K on a sample of silver subfluoride. The anti-CdI2 structure has been confirmed and no evidence of a crystallographic phase transformation was discovered. The author reports the first measurements of the thermal parameters, strain, grain size, thermal expansion coefficients and vacancy density in this peculiar compound.
Piscine macrophage aggregate parameters as health monitors: effect of age, sex, relative weight, season and site quality in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The utility of macrophage aggregate (MA) parameters as indicators of fish health and/or environmental stress was tested in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) collected from Par Pond, a cooling reservoir for the Savannah River nuclear power plant. Initially, the effects of sex, age and season were evaluated using relative weight (Wr) in both healthy (Wr > 80) and stressed (Wr < 80) bass. There was no sex effect. A number of MA parameters, primarily hepatic and splenic no./mm2 increased linearly with age in the healthy fish. These correlations were not apparent in the stressed bass. A comparison of stressed and healthy fish of the same age showed that stressed bass had significantly more aggregates in liver and spleen as well as higher relative amounts of hepatic iron. The only seasonal difference noted in healthy bass was that fish collected in the spring had significantly less relative iron than those collected in the fall. We then tested the sensitivity of these parameters by comparing fish of similar age and Wr from two sites — the Hot Dam area which is thermally impacted and the Cold Dam arca, an unimpacted site. Fish collected from the impacted area had significantly more aggregates in the liver than those collected from the Cold Dam area. Thus, we believe these parameters to be very sensitive indicators of environmental stress.
Are you sitting too comfortably? Using the praxis of positioning to move between the activities of therapy-supervision and the identities of therapist-supervisor.

Practitioners extending their repertoire to include supervising the practice of others may see it as an additional professional activity which may be accommodated within their current identities. F...
Latitudinal extent of large-scale structures in the solar wind

Abstract. Comparison of solar wind observations from the ACE spacecraft, in the ecliptic plane at ~ 1 AU, and the Ulysses spacecraft as it orbits over the Sun’s poles, provides valuable information about the latitudinal extent and variation of solar wind structures in the heliosphere. While qualitative comparisons can be made using average properties observed at these two locations, the comparison of specific, individual structures requires a procedure to determine if a given structure has been observed by both spacecraft. We use a 1-D hydrodynamic code to propagate ACE plasma measurements out to the distance of Ulysses and adjust for the differing longitudes of the ACE and Ulysses spacecraft. In addition to comparing the plasma parameters and their characteristic profiles, we examine suprathermal electron measurements and magnetic field polarity to help determine if the same features are encountered at both ACE and Ulysses. The He I l 1083 nm coronal hole maps are examined to understand the global structure of the Sun during the time of our heliospheric measurements. We find that the same features are frequently observed when both spacecraft are near the ecliptic plane. Stream structures derived from smaller coronal holes during the rising phase of solar cycle 23 persists over 20°–30° in heliolatitude, consistent with their spatial scales back at the Sun. Key words. Interplanetary physics (solar wind plasma)
The Effects of the Paraphrasing Strategy on the Reading Comprehension of Middle School Students at Risk for Failure in Reading

Reading is an important component of academic success and a skill required for many adult responsibilities. Many strategies exist that claim to increase reading comprehension. However, in contrast to foundational reading skills (e.g., vocabulary, fluency, decoding), there is relatively little research that has been done on reading comprehension strategies. This study investigated the use of self-regulated strategy development paired with the “RAP” paraphrasing strategy as a way to increase reading comprehension. Participants were three sixth-grade students from a midwestern state. Results indicate that use of the RAP paraphrasing strategy increased reading comprehension.
Covering the vocabulary of technical abstracts using standard and specialized dictionaries

Natural language applications such as information retrieval systems will increasingly rely on standard dictionaries (in machine-readable form) as a source of lexical information. It is therefore important to determine how well the dictionar ies cover the text that such systems are likely to encounter. Data gathered from an examination of computer science and library and information science abstracts show that the techni cal terms from the domains are not well covered by standard dictionaries Coverage improves with the use of specialized computer science and library and information science dictio naries, although there is great variation in their performance However, these dictionaries were not designed for automatic text processing, and so this paper concludes with a discussion of the difficulties of incorporating such dictionaries into natu ral language processing systems.
Comparison of texture features derived from static and respiratory-gated PET images in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: PET-based texture features have been used to quantify tumor heterogeneity due to their predictive power in treatment outcome. We investigated the sensitivity of texture features to tumor motion by comparing static (3D) and respiratory-gated (4D) PET imaging. Methods: Twenty-six patients (34 lesions) received 3D and 4D [ 18 F]FDG-PET scans before the chemo-radiotherapy. The acquired 4D data were retrospectively binned into five breathing phases to create the 4D image sequence. Texture features, including Maximal correlation coefficient (MCC), Long run low gray (LRLG), Coarseness, Contrast, and Busyness, were computed within the physician-defined tumor volume. The relative difference (d3D-4D) in each texture between the 3D- and 4D-PET imaging was calculated. Coefficient of variation (CV) was used to determine the variability in the textures between all 4D-PET phases. Correlations between tumor volume, motion amplitude, and d3D-4D were also assessed. Results: 4D-PET increased LRLG (51%–2%, p,0.02), Busyness (57%–19%, p,0.01), and decreased MCC (51%–2%, p,7.5610 23 ), Coarseness (55%–10%, p,0.05) and Contrast (54%–6%, p.0.08) compared to 3D-PET. Nearly negligible variability was found between the 4D phase bins with CV,5% for MCC, LRLG, and Coarseness. For Contrast and Busyness, moderate variability was found with CV59% and 10%, respectively. No strong correlation was found between the tumor
Scale economies and trade

While previous research has shown that industries with high-scale economies more frequently have low rather than high intra-industry trade shares, this study provides strong support for other predictions of modern trade models. Industries with high-scale economies more frequently have high rather than low export and import shares. A finding that high-scale economies is associated with low net export shares may be due to the role scale economies play in generating both high industry export and import shares. Theoretical and empirical studies should focus attention on relationships among scale economies, trade flows and net exports.
The impact of IT on SMEs in the United States

Recent spectacular technological advances and breakthroughs have generated dramatic increases in information availability and have made the effective use of modern information technology a critical, competitive business tool. For this study a survey instrument was developed to evaluate the impact of information technology on small and medium enterprises in the USA. The results provide useful insight into the use of information technology by both manufacturing and service SMEs.
A Computational Model of Aging and Calcification in the Aortic Heart Valve

The aortic heart valve undergoes geometric and mechanical changes over time. The cusps of a normal, healthy valve thicken and become less extensible over time. In the disease calcific aortic stenosis (CAS), calcified nodules progressively stiffen the cusps. The local mechanical changes in the cusps, due to either normal aging or pathological processes, affect overall function of the valve. In this paper, we propose a computational model for the aging aortic valve that connects local changes to overall valve function. We extend a previous model for the healthy valve to describe aging. To model normal/uncomplicated aging, leaflet thickness and extensibility are varied versus age according to experimental data. To model calcification, initial sites are defined and a simple growth law is assumed. The nodules then grow over time, so that the area of calcification increases from one model to the next model representing greater age. Overall valve function is recorded for each individual model to yield a single simulation of valve function over time. This simulation is the first theoretical tool to describe the temporal behavior of aortic valve calcification. The ability to better understand and predict disease progression will aid in design and timing of patient treatments for CAS.
The role of thyroid eye disease and other factors in the overcorrection of hypotropia following unilateral adjustable suture recession of the inferior rectus (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis).

Purpose Overcorrection of hypotropia subsequent to adjustable suture surgery following inferior rectus recession is undesirable, often resulting in persistent diplopia and reoperation. I hypothesized that overcorrection shift after suture adjustment may be unique to thyroid eye disease, and the use of a nonabsorbable suture may reduce the occurrence of overcorrection.
Dopamine-Induced Alterations in Coronary Hemodynamics in Dogs

The effect of intravenous infusions of dopamine on left circumflex coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen consumption in doses ranging from 5 to 100 µg/kg/min was studied in 17 open-chest dogs anesthetized with chloralose. Flow was measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter. Dopamine caused a progressive and linear increase of coronary flow that was proportional to increases in myocardial oxygen consumption up to a dose of 80 µg/kg/min; at this dose, the increase over control was 365% (28 to 129 ml/min). These changes accompanied marked increases in stroke volume, left ventricular dP/dt, and mean systolic ejection rate. Mean aortic pressure and heart rate changed little at doses below 10 µg/kg/min, but increased steadily with doses over the range of 15 to 40 µg/kg/min. Dopamine is a potent stimulator of coronary blood flow and myocardial contractility. The fact that the increased coronary flow was proportional to increases in myocardial oxygen consumption indicates that the induced coronary vasodilation is secondary to increased myocardial oxygen demands, rather than the result of primary coronary vasodilation.
Easing The Adoption And Use Of Electronic Health Records In Small Practices

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 recognizes that to improve health through the use of electronic health records, smaller medical practices and those serving disadvantaged populations will need support. Some of this support is likely to come from Regional Health Information Technology Extension Centers, which offer technical assistance, guidance, and information on best practices. Such support programs already exist, and ARRA funding will influence how they spread. The National Committee for Quality Assurance surveyed these programs and convened a discussion among program leaders and users. We describe how programs address barriers to adopting electronic health records by assessing readiness, setting expectations, and helping with work-flow redesign. We also highlight challenges.
EndoButton drill bit failure

Abstract A case of an EndoButton drill bit failure associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus gracilis autograft is reported. The distal 10 mm flutes of the drill bit sheared off prior to graft passage. This event was likely related to repeated use of this bit, which is intended for single use only. This case highlights another potential pitfall associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 3 (March), 2002: pp 322–324
A Comparison of Anglo‐American and Mexican‐American Jurors' Judgments of Mothers Who Fail to Protect Their Children from Abuse1

Two studies were conducted to determine if people with an individualist cultural background differ from those with a collectivist cultural background (Triandis, 1990) in their adjudication of mothers who fail to protect their children from abuse. In the first study, 452 students evaluated the case of a mother accused of failure to protect her son from physical abuse. In the second study, an additional 334 subjects considered a case of a mother's failure to protect her daughter from sexual abuse. While the verdicts depended on the gender of the juror, female jurors were significantly more likely to convict the defendant; the verdict was independent of ethnicity. However, ethnicity did influence sentencing and whether the juror recommended that the defendant serve time. The results are discussed in terms of cultural influences on discretionary decisions.
Utilization of PMU data to evaluate the effectiveness of voltage stability boundary and indices

Intelligent and effective monitoring of power system stability in control centers is one of the key issues in smart grid technology to prevent unwanted power system blackouts. Voltage stability contingency analysis is one of the important monitoring tools for control center operation in smart grid era. With the advent of Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) technology, real time monitoring of voltage stability of power system is now a reality. This work utilizes real-time PMU data to derive voltage stability boundary and indices to monitor the voltage stability related contingency situation in power systems. It uses PMU data to calculate two voltage stability indices that indicates relative closeness to the instability by producing numerical indices. The IEEE 39 bus system was modeled and run on a Real-time Digital Simulator (RTDS) which streamed PMU data over the Internet using IEEE C37.118 standard and was used to calculate the voltage stability boundaries and indices in real-time.
Control and scale model simulation of sensor-guided LHD mining machines

Work has been underway on the development of autonomous (tele-managed) LHD (load, haul, and dump) mining machines. Previous work has shown that ultrasonic sensors exhibit several characteristics which make them a reasonable choice for sensor-based navigation in underground mining operations. The authors discuss recent work done to develop control algorithms for use with these sensors, experiments with a scale model of an LHD miner to verity the ultrasonic-based control and modeling methods, and approaches to developing real-time task level control models. Experimental testing of a scale-model system indicates that acceptable behavior can be achieved if the speed is kept low and a deadband is introduced into the control algorithm. Transition logic appears to be a useful tool for describing the control system at a task level. >