cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase by marine bacterioplankton: Assay optimizations and efficacy for assessing nitrogen to carbon metabolic balance in situ

Expression of glutamate metabolism enzymes, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and glutamine synthetase (GS) are proposed to yield information on the nitrogen (N) to carbon (C) metabolic balance within bacterioplankton communities. Whole-cell assay conditions were optimized, and reactions were linear with time and biomass. Enzyme activities were assayed in seawater cultures from four ecosystems of contrasting trophic state amended with different regimes of glucose, amino acids, and ammonium (NH4+) to validate expression patterns of GDH and GS in various combinations of N and C limitation or excess. In three of four experiments, glucose amendment enhanced GS expression by 2-fold but repressed GDH by 10% to 40% relative to the control. In contrast, addition of amino acids or NH4+ resulted in 20% to 90% repression of GS and enhanced GDH expression by 20% to 900%. The GDH:GS activity ratio (×10−3) ranged from 6 to 22 in glucose added treatments and 63 to 264 in NH4+-amended treatments and appears to be a more sensitive index of bacterial N bioavailability relative to C supply than either enzyme alone. Cluster analysis was used to identify the condition of ambient bacterio-plankton by matching enzyme expression with the validation results. This enzymatic approach overcomes some of the biases and limitations of other methods for assessing N metabolism in marine bacteria while providing unique information to further understand constraints of bacterioplankton respiration, production, and N flux.
Heavy-quark potential at finite temperature from a string picture.

The heavy-quark potential at finite temperature is calculated from a string picture, where the string is regulated on the lattice. While the potential agrees exactly with those found previously in special cases such as the zero-temperature limit, the oscillational modes do add several interesting new terms at finite temperature.
Interferometry on Mira in the Mid-Infrared: Cyclic Variability of the Continuum Diameter and the Effect of Spectral Lines on Apparent Size

The size and variability of the continuum photosphere of o Ceti have been measured with 11 μm heterodyne interferometry to an accuracy of about 1%. Narrow bandwidths (~0.17 cm-1) were used to avoid spectral lines and measure continuum only. The resulting 11 μm diameter of o Cet is larger than the previously measured visible and near-infrared sizes. In addition, variations in the diameter with phase and a possible elongation have been observed. Visibilities were also measured at wavelengths known to contain strong H2O spectral contamination, giving larger apparent stellar sizes and information on the distribution of hot H2O gas.
The Alien Limb Phenomenon & Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (P03.257)

Objective: To report clinical features of patients with alien limb phenomenon (ALP) associated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Background CJD is a rare prion disease that destroys cortical and subcortical neurons. The classic clinical signs of CJD are rapidly progressing dementia, ataxia, and myoclonus. Although ALP has been described in a few patients with CJD, there are no large case series assessing ALP caused by CJD. The neuroanatomic correlate of ALP in CJD is unknown. Design/Methods: Using the Mayo Clinic Medical Records Linkage system and the authors9 personal case series, we identified all patients evaluated at our institution between 1/1/1996-7/28/2011 with concomitant ALP and CJD. Only patients meeting strict clinical criteria for ALP and CJD were included. Results: We identified 13 patients, including six women. The median age at onset of CJD symptoms was 69 years (range 39-73). Two patients were classified as possible CJD, five as probable CJD, and six as definite CJD (with pathologic confirmation). The median time to onset of ALP symptoms was 0.5 weeks (range 0-16 weeks). The ALP afflicted the left side in nine patients and only one patient in that group was left hand dominant. The median time to death from CJD symptom onset was 10.5 weeks (range 8-64 weeks). In four patients ALP was the sole presenting neurologic sign. In four others it was the initial manifestation coexisting with other deficits. ALP prompted three other patients to seek initial evaluation. ALP was either initially or eventually accompanied by ipsilateral hemineglect, ideomotor apraxia and/or cortical sensory loss in nine patients. The contralateral parietal lobe demonstrated T2 hyperintensity and/or restricted diffusion in all eight patients who had abnormal MRI neuroimaging. Conclusions: ALP can be a feature of CJD. Isolated or early ALP should trigger suspicion of CJD. The neuroanatomic correlate of ALP in CJD appears to be the contralateral parietal lobe. Disclosure: Dr. Rubin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Graff-Radford has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boeve has nothing to disclose. Dr. Josephs has nothing to disclose. Dr. Aksamit has nothing to disclose.
Use of an Anti-gravity Treadmill in the Rehabilitation of the Operated Achilles Tendon: A Pilot Study

Achilles surgical patients were evaluated using an "anti-gravity" Alter-G (AG) treadmill that allows for reduction of weightbearing pressure on the lower extremity. We studied our hypothesis, which was based on our prior clinical findings, that being able to run on the AG treadmill at 85% of body weight is sufficient to clear patients to run with full body weight outside. Patients undergoing Achilles tendon rupture or insertional repair surgery were prospectively studied. They were compared with a control group that had similar surgeries and a similar rehabilitation program during the same time period: the variable was not using the AG treadmill. The criteria for the study group to be allowed to run outside was being able to run for at least 10 minutes on the AG at 85% of body weight. Each group had 8 patients who underwent surgery for 2 complete tendon ruptures and 6 insertional repairs. There was no significant difference between the AG and control group as to age and postoperative follow-up. AG patients began their initial run on the treadmill at 70% of their body weight at 13.9 ± 3.4 weeks, 85% at 17.6 ± 3.9 weeks, and outside running at 18.1 ± 3.9 weeks. The control group's return to running outside time was 20.4 ± 4.1 weeks. This was not significantly different (p = .27). We confirmed our hypothesis that being able to run at 85% of body weight after Achilles surgery was sufficient to clear patients to run outside.
On the concept of transmissibility for randomly excited elastic structures.

Der Vergrosserungsfaktor (auch Transmissibilitat oder Resonanzfunktion genannt) ist eine wohldefinierte Grosse bei deterministisch erregten Schwingungen von Systemen mit einem Freiheitsgrad. Die begriffliche Deutung dieser Grosse kann jedoch nach dem Permanenzprinzip erweitert werden. Es ist somit moglich, diesen Begriff auch auf zufallserregte Schwingungen von Systemen mit einer unendlichen Zahl von Freiheitsgraden anzuwenden. Im allgemeinen fuhrt aber eine solche Erweiterung auf zwei verschiedene Arten von Transmissibilitat: spezifische Transmissibilitat und Gesamt-Transmissibilitat. Bei akustischen Problemen wird danach die Quadratwurzel des Quotienten aus Ausgangs-Energiespektraldichte uber Eingangs-Energiespektraldichte als spezifische Transmissibilitat bezeichnet, wohingegen die Gesamt-Transmissibilitat gegeben ist durch das Verhaltnis der quadratischen Mittelwerte von Ausgangs-Druck zu Eingangs-Druck.
CONTROL OF SEX RATIO IN RABBITS BY ELECTROPHORESIS OF SPERMATOZOA.

The control of the sex ratio by artificial insemination with electrophoretically separated spermatozoa was studied in rabbits. Of 201 inseminations only 31 litters were kindled. The difference of the sexes produced by anode and cathode spermatozoa was significant (p less than .001). There were 62 successful predictions for female progeny (71.3%) and 51 successful predictions for male offspring (63.7%). However in the blind-test data the successful prediction for females was 69.4% while the success for males was only 53.4%. 4 of 14 litters produced by anode sperm insemination were all female. This indicates that when electrophoresis works well the predicted results are likely to be supported but when it does not work well an approximate 1:1 ratio obtains. The major possible explanation for the electrophoretic separation of spermatozoa is that the X and Y-bearing sperm have different surface proteins although factors such as temperature and the effect of the electrical field on sperm structure should also be considered.
Family and Politics: Three Generations (1790-1890)

This essay views nineteenth-century Latin American politics through the lens of kinship deemphasizing individuals, political organizations, and in stitutions. Politics is observed through the activities of families and the family itself is seen as the fundamental enterprise rather than the family hacienda (landed estate) or commercial exporting business. With this perspective, the family can be seen expanding from an urban enterprise to an urban-rural one; extending its authority through political posts obtained in the city (military com manders, justices of the peace in areas of their rural estates). The spatial com ponents of political power—local to regional to national—are also revealed by observing families as they attempt through marriage, political office, and trans portation investments to extend their reach to a national level.
Comparison of cytogenetic effects of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene and 1,2:3, 4-diepoxybutane in mouse, rat and human lymphocytes following in vitro G0 exposures.

To understand better the species differences in carcinogenicity caused by 1,3-butadiene (BD), we exposed G0 lymphocytes (either splenic or peripheral blood) from rats, mice and humans to 3, 4-epoxy-1-butene (EB) (20 to 931 microM) or 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB) (2.5 to 320 uM), two of the suspected active metabolites of BD. Short EB exposures induced little measurable cytogenetic damage in either rat, mouse, or human G0 lymphocytes as measured by either sister chromatid exchange (SCE) or chromosome aberration (CA) analyses. However, DEB was a potent inducer of both SCEs and CAs in G0 splenic and peripheral blood lymphocytes. A comparison of the responses among species showed that the rat and mouse were approximately equisensitive to the cytogenetic damaging effects of DEB, but the situation for the human subjects was more complex. The presence of the GSTT1-1 gene (expressed in the erythrocytes) reduced the relative sensitivity of the lymphocytes to the SCE-inducing effects of DEB. However, additional factors also appear to influence the genotoxic response of humans to DEB. This study is the first direct comparison of the genotoxicity of EB and DEB in the cells from all three species.
Ocean circulation in the Bering Sea marginal ice edge zone from acoustic doppler current profiler observations

Abstract A quantitative description of vertical plane circulation in the Bering Sea marginal ice zone (MIZ) is presented. The analysis consists of ocean current observations supported by an analytic; model with biological and nutrient observations as corroborative support for the circulation. Horizontal currents were acquired with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) along five cross-sections through the MIZ in April-May 1987. Tidal current calculations, using a coincident current meter mooring for calibration, were subtracted from the ADCP data to extract the residual horizontal currents. Vertical currents were then calculated through continuity in which along-ice variability was assumed to be negligible. The results reveal circulation cells in each of two fronts associated with the MIZ. The most energetic upwelling (∼2–3 m day-) occurs primarily within the two fronts, while the most energetic downwelling (∼1 m day') occurs in the stratified water between the two fronts. In support of the observed and modeled circulation, maxima in both the mean chlorophyll as well as the mean integrated chlorophyll/nitrogen ratio from these same five cross-sections coincide with upwelling while a relative minimum in both chlorophyll and the chlorophyll/nitrogen ratio coincides with downwelling. The positive correlation between the biological and chemical observations and the mean vertical flow corroborate the existence of persistent vertical circulation cells associated with the Bering Sea MIZ frontal structure as well as suggesting that the technique of using ADCP measured velocities in the calculation of vertical flow is valid.
LDA-1: A Ubiquitous Noncollagenous Lamina Densa Component of Basement Membrane Detected by Monoclonal Antibody Technique

Using monoclonal antibody technology, a new basement membrane antigen, designated as LDA-1, has been identified. This antigen is expressed in all human tissues thus far examined; within skin it is detectable not only within the dermal-epidermal junction but also within dermal vascular and appendageal basement membranes. In addition to human skin, LDA-1 is also detectable within rabbit but not monkey, rat, mouse, guinea pig, or cow skin. This antigen has been ultrastructurally localized to the lamina densa and to a much lesser extent, the adjacent sublamina densa region. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) revealed no cross-reactivity between LDA-1 and type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In vitro enzymatic studies suggest that LDA-1 is noncollagenous in nature.
Sol-gel processing of oriented SrTiO3 thin films

Abstract Sol-gel processing was employed to fabricate multilayered SrTiO3 thin films onto fused silica, Si (100) and SrTiO3 (110) substrates. A Sr-Ti alkoxide precursor solution, chemically modified with diisopropanolamine, was hydrolyzed and spin-coated onto these substrates. These films were annealed at 300 °C and then heated to 650 °C for 1 h in air, which resulted in the formation of phase pure crystalline SrTiO3. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that partially oriented films were deposited onto fused silica and Si (100), while highly oriented film was formed on SrTiO3 (110). A typical microstructure of the film deposited on SrTiO3 (110) and heated at 650 °C for 1 h showed the presence of submicrometer grains on the order of 0.05 to 0.1 μm. The thickness of a single coating measured from the cross section of the SEM micrograph was about 0.1 to 0.2 μm.
JOSEPH BOOTH, PROPHET OF RADICAL CHANGE IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AFRICA, 1891-1915

There are many qualitative and quantitative ways of assessing the roles of missionaries in technical, institutional and ideological change. One could count the number of converts, guess at the degree of commitment to a new ideology, note the impact of health services, see the alteration of the material culture, including providing employment and a market economy, investigate the varying impacts of education, and assess the effectiveness of combatting traditional institutions and ideology. In general one could look at the degree of social, individual or institutional change along a yardstick of modernization, westernization, or enlargement of scale. Here I am not so much concerned with effect, although it is mentioned occasionally. I am more concerned with cause-Booth's frequently unsuccessful attempts to bring about change. Joseph Booth fits into a vital role in the religious phenomena-the prophetic tradition of calling on his own people to fulfil the commandments of God and reform society, not so much for their own salvation, but to meet the command of evangelism and to institute in Africa a society consistent with the Mosaic code and the Love ethic. However, Booth's prophetic call was not just a religious or moral one; it was for Africa for the Africans, with all the political implications involved.
Evidence of Multiple Electrohydrodynamic Forces Acting on a Colloidal Particle near an Electrode Due to an Alternating Current Electric Field

Total internal reflection microscopy was used to monitor the elevation of 4−7.5 μm diameter particles near an electrode in response to an oscillating electric field with amplitude up to 8.5 kV/m. The media were 0.15 mM electrolyte solutions of HNO3, NaHCO3, and KOH, and the frequency band was 40 Hz to 10 kHz. Polystyrene−sulfonate particles were used in bicarbonate and KOH solutions, while polystyrene−amine particles were used in nitric acid. At frequencies less than 500 Hz, large oscillations in elevation at the driving frequency with small superimposed Brownian excursions were observed. At frequencies above 1 kHz, deterministic oscillations in elevation were negligible compared to Brownian fluctuations, which allowed transformation of histograms of elevations into potential energy profiles. The ac field drew the particle closer on average to the electrode in KOH solutions (compared to the no-field average elevation) and the field pushed the particle farther from the electrode in NaHCO3. In HNO3 a revers...
A model for the off-on transition in thin ZnTe films

Thin ZnTe films show memory switching characteristics. The transition between the high-resistive off-state and the low-resistive on-state is explained here as a thermal instability. To describe this, an electro-thermal model differing from the existing ones is worked out for the specific case of a ZnTe-on glass structure. The numerically obtained results agree well with the measured off-on transition parameters.
Rigid, flexible and impossible zeolite and related structures

The flexibility or otherwise of periodic tetrahedral TX2 frameworks formed by corner-sharing regular TX4 tetrahedra is discussed. In particular, when T–X–T angle constraints are included, a suitable embedding can often only be found, if at all, in an symmetry less than the maximum possible for that topology. Examples illustrating this are adduced.
Estuarine boundary layer mixing processes : insights from dye experiments

A series of dye releases in the Hudson River estuary elucidated diapycnal mixing rates and temporal variability over tidal and fortnightly time scales. Dye was injected in the bottom boundary layer for each of four releases during different phases of the tide and of the spring–neap cycle. Diapycnal mixing occurs primarily through entrainment that is driven by shear production in the bottom boundary layer. On flood the dye extended vertically through the bottom mixed layer, and its concentration decreased abruptly near the base of the pycnocline, usually at a height corresponding to a velocity maximum. Boundary layer growth is consistent with a one-dimensional, stress-driven entrainment model. A model was developed for the vertical structure of the vertical eddy viscosity in the flood tide boundary layer that is proportional to u 2 /N, where u * and N are the bottom friction velocity and buoyancy frequency above the boundary layer. The model also predicts that the buoyancy flux averaged over the bottom boundary layer is equal to 0.06N u 2 or, based on the structure of the boundary layer equal to 0.1NBLu 2 , where NBL is the buoyancy frequency across the flood-tide boundary layer. Estimates of shear production and buoyancy flux indicate that the flux Richardson number in the flood-tide boundary layer is 0.1–0.18, consistent with the model indicating that the flux Richardson number is between 0.1 and 0.14. During ebb, the boundary layer was more stratified, and its vertical extent was not as sharply delineated as in the flood. During neap tide the rate of mixing during ebb was significantly weaker than on flood, owing to reduced bottom stress and stabilization by stratification. As tidal amplitude increased ebb mixing increased and more closely resembled the boundary layer entrainment process observed during the flood. Tidal straining modestly increased the entrainment rate during the flood, and it restratified the boundary layer and inhibited mixing during the ebb.
Direct numerical simulation of two-dimensional turbulent natural convection in an enclosed cavity

A two-dimensional direct numerical simulation of the natural convection flow of air in a differentially heated square cavity was performed for a Rayleigh number of 10 10 . The simulation was commenced from isothermal and quiescent conditions and was allowed to proceed to a statistical steady state. Two-dimensional turbulence resulted without the introduction of random forcing. Good agreement of mean quantities of the statistically steady flow is obtained with available experimental results. In addition, the previously proposed (George & Capp 1979) − $\frac{1}{3}$ and $+\frac{1}{3}$ temperature and velocity variations in the buoyant sublayer are confirmed. Other statistics of the flow are consistent with available experimental data. Selected frames from a movie generated from the computational results show very clearly turbulence production via the sequence from initial instability, proceeding through transition, and eventually reaching statistical steady state. Prominent large-scale structures are seen to persist at steady state.
A triple-band unidirectional coplanar antenna for 2.4/3.5/5-GHz WLAN/WiMax applications

A triple-band unidirectional coplanar antenna is developed for WLAN/WiMax wireless applications. The triple-band planar antenna consists of a top-loaded dipole for the 2.4-GHz band, two longer dipoles for 3.5-GHz band, and 2 shorter dipoles for the 5-GHz band. The triple-band antenna is printed on a coplanar substrate. The antenna achieves a similar directional radiation pattern at all of the three frequency bands with gains of 7.5 dBi for the lowest band, 8.5 dBi for the middle band, and 9–10 dBi for the highest band.
Theoretical considerations on the cost of illness

This paper explores the measurement of the cost of illness from a theoretical perspective. It is shown that under a wide range of circumstances the aggregate willingness to pay ex ante to reduce the probability of an illness exceeds (1) the consumer surplus gained ex post from such a reduction, and also (2) the sum of medical expenditure saved and output gained. These results are of interest because they provide a stronger basis for presuming that conventional empirical studies estimate lower bounds on the true cost of illness, and because they hold even if medical insurance distorts expenditure decisions.
Design and expression of a short peptide as an HIV detection probe

To explore a low-cost novel probe for HIV detection, we designed and prepared a 50-amino acid-length short fusion peptide (FP-50) via Escherichia coli in vivo expression. It was employed as a novel probe to detect HIV-1 gp120 protein. The detectable level of gp120 protein using the FP-50 peptide was approximately 20–200 times lower than previously published methods that used a pair of monoclonal antibodies. Thus, this short peptide is a very promising component for detection of gp120 protein during early stages of HIV infection.
Risk of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Veteran Patients to Whom Proton Pump Inhibitors Were Dispensed

Background Observational studies linking proton pump inhibitor (PPI) exposure with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) have reported either modest or no associations. Accordingly, we studied PPI exposure and CAP in veteran patients, using a retrospective, nested case-control design. Methods From linked pharmacy and administrative databases of the New England Veterans Healthcare System, we identified 71985 outpatients newly prescribed PPIs between 1998 and 2007; 1544 patients met criteria for CAP subsequent to PPI initiation; 15440 controls were matched through risk-set sampling by age and time under observation. Crude and adjusted odds ratios comparing current with past PPI exposures, as well as tests for interactions, were conducted for the entire and stratified samples. Results Current PPI use associated with CAP (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.29 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.15-1.45]). Risks were not substantially altered by age or year of diagnosis. Dementia (n = 85; P = .062 for interaction) and sedative/tranquilizer use (n = 224; P = .049 for interaction) were likely effect modifiers increasing a PPI-CAP association; conversely, for some chronic medical conditions, PPI-associated CAP risks were reversed. PPI exposures between 1 and 15 days increased CAP risks, compared with longer exposures, but PPI initiation also frequently occurred shortly after CAP diagnoses. Prescribed PPI doses >1 dose/day also increased PPI-associated CAP risks. Conclusions Among the veterans studied, current compared with past PPI exposures associated modestly with increased risks of CAP. However, our observations that recent treatment initiation and higher PPI doses were associated with greater risks, and the inconsistent PPI-CAP associations between patient subgroups, indicate that further inquiries are needed to separate out coincidental patterns of associations.
Treating the metabolic syndrome: acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibition

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors (abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinaemia, atherogenic dislipidaemia, hypertension, hypercoagulability) that together increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease and Type-2 diabetes. Inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), with its resultant inhibition of fatty acid synthesis and stimulation of fatty acid oxidation, has the potential to favourably affect, in a concerted manner, a multitude of cardiovascular risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Studies in ACC2 knockout mice and in experimental animals treated with isozyme-nonselective ACC inhibitors have demonstrated the potential for treating metabolic syndrome through this modality. A variety of structurally diverse, mechanistically distinct classes of ACC inhibitors have been disclosed in the scientific and patent literature. Isozyme-nonselective ACC inhibitors may provide the optimal therapeutic potential for beneficially affecting metabolic syndrome. However, demonstration of the full potential of isozyme-selective inhibitors, once identified, should reveal advantages and liabilities associated with single isozyme inhibition. Whereas demonstrating clinical efficacy of an ACC inhibitor should be straightforward, the heterogeneity of the patient population and absence of established guidelines regarding approval end points for agents simultaneously affecting multiple aspects of metabolic syndrome will pose developmental challenges for initial market entries.
Spontaneous symmetry breakdown with mass splitting

We reexamine the problem of muon-electron mass splitting in finite quantum electrodynamics caused by dynamical breakdown of ''isospin'' symmetry. Our conclusion reinforces the assertion of Arnowitt and Deser that the mass splitting can indeed arise dynamically without the need for elementary scalar fields.
Effects of season and low-level air pollution on physiology and element content of lichens from the U.S. Pacific Northwest

Lichens were collected from three low-elevation sites in the western Cascade Range: HJ Andrews, OR (clean) and Bull Run, OR, and Pack Forest, WA (moderately enhanced nitrogen and sulfur deposition). The latter sites were within 50 km of Portland and Seattle/Centralia urban-industrial areas, respectively. Tissue concentrations of sulfur, nitrogen, and other macronutrients; rates of net carbon uptake; concentrations of photosynthetic pigments; and thallus density were correlated with season and seasonal changes in Platismatia glauca. Ion concentrations in precipitation and total wet deposition were measured from natural settings. Concentrations of depositional ions in precipitation, including NO3- and NH4+, were generally highest at Bull Run and Pack Forest; SO4(2-) concentrations and acidity were highest at Pack Forest. Total wet deposition was higher in the winter rainy season than the dry summer season at all three sites. Lichens adapted physiologically and morphologically to the higher light intensity and the warm, dry climate of summer through decreased optimal water content for CO2 uptake, increased concentrations of carotenoids and increased thallus density. Compared to the clean site, the sites with enhanced deposition were associated in P. glauca with year-round higher tissue concentrations of N, S, K, and Na; higher concentrations of total chlorophyll and carotenoids; higher OD435/415 ratios; higher CO2 uptake and lower thallus density in summer; and a general absence of other sensitive lichens. These results indicate that moderate levels of fertilizing air pollutants can stimulate carbon uptake and provide protection against chlorophyll degradation in air pollution-tolerant lichens of the Pacific Northwest, especially during the dry summer season.
Sound Intensity Levels of a University Wellness Center

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sound intensity levels of a university-based wellness center. This research was initiated in response to the explosion of wellness centers being renovated and constructed across the nation at the university level and the need to entertain participants during fitness activities with some type of auditory sound. Measurements were taken in the wellness center under three conditions: quiet, music on, and music on/active. The intensity levels varied depending on the condition. Although the sound intensity was at an acceptable level during the quiet and music on condition, intensity levels reached an unacceptable level during the music on/active condition when not controlled by an administrator. This study provides a heightened awareness of the risks of possible hearing loss and promotes a role for professionals in health and human performance to collaborate with professionals in communication disorders in setting a safe intensity level of all audio systems.
Mechanisms of Obligatory Intracellular Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum

SUMMARY Anaplasma phagocytophilum persists in nature by cycling between mammals and ticks. Human infection by the bite of an infected tick leads to a potentially fatal emerging disease called human granulocytic anaplasmosis. A. phagocytophilum is an obligatory intracellular bacterium that replicates inside mammalian granulocytes and the salivary gland and midgut cells of ticks. A. phagocytophilum evolved the remarkable ability to hijack the regulatory system of host cells. A. phagocytophilum alters vesicular traffic to create an intracellular membrane-bound compartment that allows replication in seclusion from lysosomes. The bacterium downregulates or actively inhibits a number of innate immune responses of mammalian host cells, and it upregulates cellular cholesterol uptake to acquire cholesterol for survival. It also upregulates several genes critical for the infection of ticks, and it prolongs tick survival at freezing temperatures. Several host factors that exacerbate infection have been identified, including interleukin-8 (IL-8) and cholesterol. Host factors that overcome infection include IL-12 and gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Two bacterial type IV secretion effectors and several bacterial proteins that associate with inclusion membranes have been identified. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying A. phagocytophilum infection will foster the development of creative ideas to prevent or treat this emerging tick-borne disease.
Altered Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Gene Expression and Function and Vascular Disease Risk in the Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) metabolizes epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and represents a novel therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease treatment. We investigated the relationship among sequence variation in the sEH gene (Ephx2), sEH function, and risk of end-organ injury in strains of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRs) differing in their susceptibility to develop brain vascular disease. Brain Ephx2 expression was significantly lower in stroke-prone (SHR/A3) than in stroke-resistant (SHR/N) SHRs (5-fold; P P P
Open aneurysm repair in elderly patients not candidates for endovascular repair (EVAR): Comparison with patients undergoing EVAR or preferential open repair

The authors reviewed a 2-year experience with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair to determine if patients who were excluded from endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) because of anatomic criteria (Group III) represented a higher risk for subsequent open aneurysm repair than either patients undergoing EVAR (Group II) or those patients who preferentially underwent open repair (Group I). Between January 2001 and December 2003, 107 patients underwent AAA repair. Open repair was recommended in patients <70 years of age and without significant comorbidities (Group I). There were 35 patients in Group I; 72 patients were evaluated for EVAR; 29 patients underwent EVAR (Group II), and 43 were excluded and underwent open repair (Group III). Exclusion criteria were those recommended by the graft manufacturers. Patients in Group I were significantly younger than those in Groups II and III (p < 0.0001). Gender, incidence of diabetes, and hypertension were similar in all groups. Patients in Group III had a greater incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) than those in Groups I and II, trending toward statistical significance (p = 0.06). Aneurysm size in Group II was statistically smaller than in Group I or III. Group III had significantly more complications (25.6% vs 5.7% and 6.9%) than either Group I or II (p < 0.015). Cardiac complications were similar in all groups. Three patients in Group III required prolonged intubation and 3 in Group III developed renal insufficiency. A history of CAD was predictive of complications (21.8% vs 5.8%, p < 0.024), as was inclusion in Group III. There were 2 deaths in this series, both in Group III. Length of stay was significantly less in Group II (4.17 +/-2.36 days) than in Group I (6.57 +/-1.84 days) or Group III (12.30 +/-9.82 days) (p = 0.0001). Open aneurysm repair can be safely performed in younger good-risk patients (Group I) with results equivalent to EVAR (Group II) but with slightly longer length of stay (LOS). In older patients with suitable anatomy EVAR can be performed with minimal morbidity and short LOS. Older patients not suitable for EVAR (Group III) constitute a higher risk group of patients because of increased incidence of CAD and the need for more complex repairs. However, the mortality rate in this group was only 4.6%.
'Dying from' to 'living with': Framing institutions and the coping processes of African American women living with HIV/AIDS

How do HIV-positive individuals transition from believing and behaving as though they have a ‘death sentence’ to interpreting and coping with HIV as a chronic but manageable illness? Using interview data collected from 30 HIV-positive African American women beginning in 2005, we reveal how and why interactions with non-profit and government institutions help to explain variation between those who thrive and those who do not following an HIV diagnosis. We argue that ‘framing institutions’ shape the form and tenor of coping trajectories by offering initial information about one’s HIV status, a conceptual framework for understanding what it means to have HIV, language to talk about one’s condition, and resources to begin restructuring one’s life in the wake of a diagnosis. Ultimately, we highlight how a diverse array of non-profit and government institutions not only play a critical part in helping women cope with HIV but also renegotiate their self-conceptions as black women in the wake of receiving another stigmatizing social marker. In short, organizational ties shape women’s movement from beliefs and behaviors that suggest that they are ‘dying from’ this disease to attitudes and actions consistent with the notion that they can ‘live with’ HIV.
The London Clay Surface in Part of Suffolk

The pre-Pliocene sub-aereal surface of the London Clay in the Orford area of Suffolk is discussed. It is shown that south of Aldeburgh the slope of the London Clay towards the north must be less than previously thought and that prior to the deposition of the Coralline Crag a major river ran approximately from south to north in the area studied. This river course may help to explain the sudden drop of the London Clay surface north of Aldeburgh which has not been fully accounted for previously.
A satellite‐based assessment of transpacific transport of pollution aerosol

[1] It has been well documented that pollution and dust from east Asia can be transported across the North Pacific basin, reaching North America and beyond. In this study, we assess the transpacific transport of ‘‘pollution aerosol’’ (defined as a mixture of aerosols from urban/industrial pollution and biomass burning) by taking advantage of the much improved measurement accuracy and enhanced new capabilities of satellite sensors in recent years. A 4-year (2002 to 2005) climatology of optical depth for pollution aerosol was generated from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations of fine- and coarse-mode aerosol optical depths. The pollution aerosol mass loading and fluxes were then calculated using measurements of the dependence of aerosol mass extinction efficiency on relative humidity and of aerosol vertical distributions from field campaigns and available satellite observations in the region. We estimated that about 18 Tg/a pollution aerosol is exported from east Asia to the northwestern Pacific Ocean, of which about 25% reaches the west coast of North America. The imported flux of 4.4 Tg/a to North America is equivalent to about 15% of local emissions from the United States and Canada. The pollution fluxes are largest in spring and smallest in summer. For the period we have examined the strongest export and import of pollution particulates occurred in 2003, largely because of record intense Eurasia boreal forest fires in spring and summer. The overall uncertainty of pollution fluxes is estimated at a factor of 2. Simulations by the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) and Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) models agree quite well with the satellite-based estimates of annual and latitude-integrated fluxes, with larger model-satellite differences in latitudinal and seasonal variations of fluxes.
Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanofiber Arrays: An Electrical and Genetic Substrate for Tissue Scaffolding

We present a discussion of the use of vertically- aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) as nanoscale elements that directly interface to biological whole-cell systems. VACNFs are compatible with a large subset of microfabrication processes, thereby enabling their incorporation into mesoscale hybrid systems that provide addressability of the VACNFs as either bulk electrode material, or as individually addressed nanoelectrodes. These VACNF devices are compatible with cell cultures, and electrochemical addressability of nanofibers can be maintained for extended periods within cell cultures. We present results that demonstrate possible use of VACNF devices as electrical and genetic substrates for tissue scaffolding applications.
A deterministic annealing algorithm for entropy-constrained vector quantizer design

In this paper, we develop a deterministic annealing approach for the design of entropy-constrained vector quantizers. Here, the quantization problem is reformulated within a probabilistic setting and the principle of maximum entropy is invoked. The resulting method is connected to statistical physics in two important respects. First, there is annealing in the process controlled by a "temperature" parameter, useful for avoiding local optima of the cost. Second, the number of distinct codevectors grows by a sequence of phase transitions as the temperature is varied. When the temperature is lowered to zero, the method searches for the optimal entropy-constrained vector quantizer. Conditions for bifurcation in the process provide insights into the "right" codebook size for a given problem. >
Circular short backfire antenna modeling

The first three-dimensional analysis of a short backfire antenna (SBA) is described using the vector-mode-matching method. The computation is efficient for a model that uses only the first harmonic, cos phi , and that deforms the path of numerical integration. This model is useful for SBA computer-aided designs. A larger directivity than previously reported is obtained with the aid of this model. The theoretical predictions of the radiation pattern yield better agreement than previous methods when compared with measurements performed on a prototype. >
Elucidation of Viscosity Reduction Mechanism of Nano Alumina Suspensions with Fructose Addition by DSC

Control of the rheological properties of the nanoparticle suspensions is challenging. In this study influence of the solids content and the fructose addition on the viscosity of nano alumina suspensions have been investigated by low temperature differential scanning calorimetry (LT-DSC), rheometry, and zeta potential measurements. Analysis of the water melting events in LT-DSC revealed useful information for explaining the rheological behavior of the nanoparticle suspensions. It was shown that the bound water layer has a negligible effect on the viscosity of micrometer-size particle suspension while it increases the effective solid content of alumina nanoparticle suspensions significantly leading to high viscosities. The presence of fructose modifies the bound water layer, decreases the effective solids content, hence resulting in viscosity reduction. Fructose addition lowers the pH of the suspension, but has a negligible effect on the zeta potential. The origin of the bound water, and electrostatic and steric effects of the fructose addition on the viscosity are discussed.
Studies of pathologic vasoconstriction (vasospasm) in microvascular surgery.

Characterization and resolution of microvascular spasm were investigated in 170 studies with the use of tail or femoral arteries of the rat. Topical epinephrine reliably produced vasospasm and topical vasodilators which included 2% and 20% lidocaine (Xylocaine) and 0.75% bupivacaine (Marcaine) were applied to resolve the vasoconstriction. Extensive vessel dissection was necessary to obtain significant resolution of vasospasm, and adventitial stripping was associated with even more impressive results. Local anesthetics appear to have a concentration dependent ability to resolve vasospasm, and 20 % Xylocaine is the most effective agent yet studied.
On classifiability of wavelet features for EEG-based brain-computer interfaces

Given their multiresolution temporal and spectral locality, wavelets are powerful candidates for decomposition, feature extraction, and classification of non-stationary electroencephalographic (EEG) signals for brain-computer interface (BCI) applications. Wavelet feature extraction methods offer several options through the choice of wavelet families and decomposition architectures. The classification results of EEG signals generated from imagined motor, cognitive, and affective tasks are presented using support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, indicating that these methods are suitable for imagined motor, cognitive and affective classification. Classifier performances of better than 80% for six imagined motor tasks, and for two affective tasks were achieved. Three cognitive tasks were successfully classified with 70% accuracy. The methods can be used with a variety of EEG signal reference methods and electrode placement locations. Wavelet features performed satisfactorily in the presence of noise when the classifiers were presented with contaminated training data.
Cloud Predictions Diagnosed from Global Weather Model Forecasts

Abstract Observed cloud characteristics, such as cloud cover, type, and base and top altitude, are of interest to the U.S. Air Force operational community for mission support. Predictions of such cloud characteristics are useful in support of a variety of mission activities. In this paper, a model output statistics approach to diagnosing these cloud characteristics from a forecast field generated by a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model is presented. Cloud characteristics information obtained from the air force RTNEPH cloud analysis supplied the cloud predictands, and forecast fields from the MM5 mesoscale numerical weather prediction model provided the weather variable predictors. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) were used to develop the predictand–predictor relationships using 10 days of twice-daily cloud analyses and corresponding forecasts over a theater-scale grid. The consequent relationships were then applied to subsequent gridded forecast fields to...
Ethnography and Empire through an Envoy’s Eye: The Manchu Official Akedun’s (1685-1756) Diplomatic Journeys to Chosǒn Korea

Akedun’s 1725 album Fengshi tu [ Diplomatic Paintings ] is an extraordinary example of the diplomatic painting genre popular during the High Qing era (1661-1796) that represents imperial delegations through the commissioners’ eye-witness experiences. Created after his four journeys to Chosǒn Korea, this album constructs a narrative in which Akedun carries out the role of an imperial ambassador while it captures ethnographic details of the lived places, curious customs, and courteous peoples of Korea. By rendering an imperial image of the Manchu Qing court, the album commemorates the amelioration of the Qing-Chosǒn relations after they had fraught confrontations during the Manchu’s post-conquest period. I argue that the Manchu ambassador Akedun keenly established his persona as an orthodox Confucian scholar in order to justify his position as a civil court-official whose missions were to negotiate for a mutual respect between the two regimes in the process of reaffirming an overarching Qing imperial order.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hiatal hernia.

High-resolution sonography of the fetus allows a detailed examination of fetal anatomy and the recognition of an increasing number of congenital anomalies. Several anatomic anomalies involving the fetal thoracic cavity have been described, including pleural effusion, lung sequestration, bronchogenic cysts, congenital adenomatoid lung malformation, neoplasms, and diaphragmatic hernia. We describe the prenatal diagnosis of hiatal hernia with ultrasonography