cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypnotic perturbation of perceived exertion: ventilatory consequences.

Abstract Five adult males cycled an electrically braked ergometer at a resistance of 100 watts for 20 minutes on four occasions. The treatments were counterbalanced and consisted of exercise in the control waking and hypnotic states, and the waking and hypnotic states with suggestions of heavy work. The dependent measures were perceived exertion, heart rate, V·O2, V·CO2, and VBTPS. A significant (p<.01) increase in perceived exertion accompanied the suggestion of heavy work, and subsequent suggestion of lighter work provoked a decrement (p<.01) in perception of effort. Alterations in heart rate, V·O2, or V·CO2 were not observed. However, the suggestion of heavy work in both the hypnotic and waking states was associated with an increase (p<.01) in ventilation, and furthermore, this elevation persisted through the following five minutes of work despite the fact that subsequent work was perceived as being less difficult.
The effects of exposure to a protein-and tryptophan-deficient diet upon taste-aversion learning

One group of 10 rats was maintained on a protein- and tryptophan-deficient diet of corn grits for the 50 days that followed weaning. During the subsequent 50 days, these animals were provided the normal diet of laboratory chow (diet reversal). At the conclusion of the diet-reversal phase, these animals and a comparable group of normally reared littermates received a pairing of novel saccharin and lithium chloride. Exposure to the experimental diet significantly retarded growth, while returning the deprived animals to the normal diet led to weight gain and growth. Reflecting the lack of lasting deficits produced by the experimental diet, comparable taste aversions were displayed by both groups.
DISSECTION OF THE HUMAN BRAIN AS A METHOD FOR ITS FRACTIONATION BY WEIGHT.

Twenty human brains were weighed as fresh specimens and for varying periods of time following fixation in 10% formol. Meninges and blood vessels were removed, the brain stem was trimmed uniformly and a final total cleaned brain weight was thereby obtained. Ten brains (group I) were specially dissected to determine the respective weights of eight brain subdivisions. Ten fixed brains (group II) were boiled for 20 minutes, then refixed in formol for 30 days. Group II specimens were then dissected into the same eight subdivisions. The use of standardized procedures and meticulous dissection yielded surprisingly uniform fractionation of the specimens in both groups I and II. This study indicates that precise gross dissection can be used as an accurate method of subdividing the human brain by weight.
Lessons Learned: How Early College High Schools Offer a Pathway for High School Reform

In 2002, Early College High Schools Initiative became a reality across the United States for students and educators looking for ways to improve student graduation rates, college attendance, and overall student achievement. This mixed method case study found that (a) the early college high school environment supported the academic success of disadvantaged and underrepresented students, (b) during subsequent conversations with teachers, students, and the administration, it was revealed that these stakeholders readily identified critical success factors, and (c) there was a high degree of agreement on what these factors were—high expectations, purposeful actions, and meaningful relationships.
Interaction of N-WASP with hnRNPK and Its Role in Filopodia Formation and Cell Spreading *

N-WASP is a member of the WASP family of proteins, which play essential roles in actin dynamics during cell adhesion and migration. hnRNPK is a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex, which has also been implicated in the regulation of cell spreading. Here, we identify a direct interaction between N-WASP and hnRNPK. We show that this interaction is mediated by the N-terminal WH1 domain of N-WASP and the segment of hnRNPK containing its K interaction (KI) domain. Furthermore, these two proteins are co-localized at the cell periphery in the spreading initiation center during the early stage of cell spreading. We found that co-expression of hnRNPK with N-WASP reverses the stimulation of cell spreading by N-WASP, and this effect is correlated with hnRNPK binding to N-WASP. Expression of hnRNPK does not affect subcellular localization of N-WASP protein. However, co-expression of hnRNPK with N-WASP reduced filopodia formation stimulated by N-WASP in spreading cells. Together, these results identify hnRNPK as a new negative regulator of N-WASP and suggest that hnRNPK may regulate the initial stage of cell spreading by direct association with N-WASP in the spreading initiation center.
Parental reports of 'MAMA' sounds in infants: an exploratory study.

This study investigated the use of ‘mama’ or similar sounds (collectively referred to as ‘MAMA’) by 75 infants less than six months of age. Parents were directed to listen for ‘MAMA’ sounds and to note the sounds made, the age of onset, whether the sounds appeared to be directed to any person or persons and whether they appeared to have a purpose. ‘MAMA’ began at a mode of two months, range two weeks to five months, was usually part of a cry, and was always interpreted as a ‘wanting’ sound. Most parents thought that the infant wanted some form of attention, but a minority thought it indicated hunger. Responses to a Structured Response Protocol indicated that some infants uttering ‘MAMA’ were satisfied if a favourite caretaker approached and paid attention to them while the remainder were satisfied if they were both paid attention to and picked up. The ‘MAMA’ cry appears to promote attention-giving behaviour by parents and other caretakers.
Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies for Exercise in European American Women in the Community

A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the facilitators, barriers, and strategies that contribute to exercise performance in European American (EA) women. Focus groups were used to obtain information about the experiences of EA women concerning physical activity in their daily lives. Sixteen women aged 35-50 were recruited to participate in one of two focus groups. Focus group transcripts were coded and content analyzed. Major facilitators identified were social support, accommodating schedule, self improvement, supportive environment, and individual factors. Major barriers were lack of family support, unaccommodating schedule, consequences of exercise, environmental barriers, and individual barriers. The findings of this study can be used to develop nursing interventions designed to decrease sedentary behavior in EA women.
Does balloon angioplasty improve quality of life in patients with hypertension and renal artery stenosis

Does balloon angioplasty improve quality of life in patients with hypertension and renal artery stenosis?
Assessing toddlers’ speech-sound discrimination

Abstract Objective Valid and reliable methods for assessing speech perception in toddlers are lacking in the field, leading to conspicuous gaps in understanding how speech perception develops and limited clinical tools for assessing sensory aid benefit in toddlers. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate speech-sound discrimination in toddlers using modifications to the Change/No-Change procedure [1] . Methods Normal-hearing 2- and 3-year-olds’ discrimination of acoustically dissimilar (“easy”) and similar (“hard”) speech-sound contrasts were evaluated in a combined repeated measures and factorial design. Performance was measured in d ′. Effects of contrast difficulty and age were examined, as was test-retest reliability, using repeated measures ANOVAs, planned post hoc tests, and correlation analyses. Results The easy contrast ( M = 2.53) was discriminated better than the hard contrast ( M = 1.72) across all ages ( p M = 3.13) discriminated the contrasts better than youngest ( M = 1.04; p M = 2.20; p = .037), who in turn discriminated the contrasts better than the youngest children ( p = .010). Test-retest reliability was excellent ( r = .886, p Conclusions The modifications implemented resulted, at least preliminarily, in a procedure that is reliable and sensitive to contrast difficulty and age in this young group of children, suggesting that these modifications are appropriate for this age group. With further development, the procedure holds promise for use in clinical populations who are believed to have core deficits in rapid phonological encoding, such as children with hearing loss or specific language impairment, children who are struggling to read, and second-language learners.
Influence of apple rootstocks and k and n fertilizers on leaf mineral composition and yield in a high density orchard

Abstract Leaf mineral composition of ‘Starkspur Golden Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) on six rootstocks: Seedling, M 1, M 7, M 26, MM 106, and OAR 1 was monitored in a high density orchard. Two levels of K and N fertilizers were applied as soil treatments for the two‐year study. N, P, and K concentrations decreased while Mg and Ca increased in scion leaves on all rootstocks during the 1981 growing season. A higher demand for K and P was observed in fruit tissue as cropping increased in some rootstocks, leading to lower leaf concentrations of these elements. Scion leaves on OAR 1 had significantly lower Ca than on M 7, MM 106 and M 1 and lower Mg than on M 26. Those on MM 106 had the highest levels of Ca in both years. Scion leaves on OAR 1 had higher B than other rootstocks. Scion leaves on M 26 had significantly higher Mg than those on M 1, MM 106 and OAR 1. Leaves on M 7 had at least 8% more Cu than other rootstocks. Soil applications of K significantly decreased Ca and Mg concentrations whil...
Feedback on Oral Presentations During Pediatric Clerkships: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effects of participating in structured oral presentation evaluation sessions early in pediatric clerkships on students9 subsequent presentations. METHODS: We conducted a single-blind, 3-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial during pediatric clerkships at Boston University School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Blocks of students at each school were randomly assigned to experience either (1) no formal presentation feedback (control) or a small-group presentation feedback session early in pediatric clerkships in which students gave live presentations and received feedback from faculty who rated their presentations by using a (2) single-item (simple) or (3) 18-item (detailed) evaluation form. At the clerkship end, overall quality of subjects’ presentations was rated by faculty blinded to randomization status, and subjects reported whether their presentations had improved. Analyses included multivariable linear and logistic regressions clustered on clerkship block that controlled for medical school. RESULTS: A total of 476 participants were evenly divided into the 3 arms, which had similar characteristics. Compared with controls, presentation quality was significantly associated with participating in detailed (coefficient: 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07–0.69) but not simple (coefficient: 0.16; 95% CI: −0.12–0.43) feedback sessions. Similarly, student self-report of presentation improvement was significantly associated with participating in detailed (odds ratio: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.11–4.18] but not simple (odds ratio: 1.89; 95% CI: 0.91–3.93) feedback sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Small-group presentation feedback sessions led by faculty using a detailed evaluation form resulted in clerkship students delivering oral presentations of higher quality compared with controls.
Chromatid Aberrations Induced by π− Mesons in Vicia Faba Root Meristem Cells

SummaryChromatid aberrations were induced in Vicia faba root meristem cells by 31, 92, and 117 rads of π− mesons at the peak of the depth–dose distribution. The irradiation was carried out under both aerobic and anoxic conditions. The yields of various types of aberrations were obtained in cells at 4-hour intervals up to 24 hours after irradiation. A rough estimate of the oxygen enhancement ratio indicated it was 1·8. In cells irradiated at the peak of the depth–dose distribution the aberrations were not distributed among cells according to random expectations. Too many cells had no aberrations and too many had multiple aberrations. This is a reflection of the way in which energy is dissipated when a π− meson stops and produces stars in the medium.
Continuous colorimetric monitoring of the fructose bisphosphate aldolase reaction.

A simple method for continuous spectrophotometric assay of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase is described. The method is based on the reactivity of the product triose phosphates with cyanide to form compounds capable of the reduction of cytochrome c. At the concentrations employed, cyanide, acting catalytically, reacts with the enediol tautomer of the triose phosphates to generate the reductants, which reduce cytochrome c causing increased absorbance at 550 nm. The rate of increase in the rate of appearance of 550-nm absorbance is directly proportional to the concentration of aldolase present. The procedure is particularly useful for Class I aldolases, since the assay must be run under mildly alkaline conditions.
Identification of sequence determinants that direct different intracellular folding pathways for aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-4.

Homologous aquaporin water channels utilize different folding pathways to acquire their transmembrane (TM) topology in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). AQP4 acquires each of its six TM segments via cotranslational translocation events, whereas AQP1 is initially synthesized with four TM segments and subsequently converted into a six membrane-spanning topology. To identify sequence determinants responsible for these pathways, peptide segments from AQP1 and AQP4 were systematically exchanged. Chimeric proteins were then truncated, fused to a C-terminal translocation reporter, and topology was analyzed by protease accessibility. In each chimeric context, TM1 initiated ER targeting and translocation. However, AQP4-TM2 cotranslationally terminated translocation, while AQP1-TM2 failed to terminate translocation and passed into the ER lumen. This difference in stop transfer activity was due to two residues that altered both the length and hydrophobicity of TM2 (Asn49 and Lys51 in AQP1 versus Met48 and Leu50 in AQP4). A second peptide region was identified within the TM3–4 peptide loop that enabled AQP4-TM3 but not AQP1-TM3 to reinitiate translocation and cotranslationally span the membrane. Based on these findings, it was possible to convert AQP1 into a cotranslational biogenesis mode similar to that of AQP4 by substituting just two peptide regions at the N terminus of TM2 and the C terminus of TM3. Interestingly, each of these substitutions disrupted water channel activity. These data thus establish the structural basis for different AQP folding pathways and provide evidence that variations in cotranslational folding enable polytopic proteins to acquire and/or maintain primary sequence determinants necessary for function.
Temperature dependence of the raman spectrum of DNA. II. Raman signatures of premelting and melting transitions of poly(dA)·poly(dT) and comparison with poly(dA‐dT)·poly(dA‐dT)*

The temperature dependence of the Raman spectrum of poly(dA)·poly(dT) (dA: deoxyadenosine; dT: thymidine), a model for DNA containing consecutive adenine·thymine (A·T) pairs, has been analyzed using a spectrometer of high spectral precision and sensitivity. Three temperature intervals are distinguished: (a) premelting (10 < t < 70°C), in which the native double helix is structurally altered but not dissociated into single strands; (b) melting (70 < t < 80°C), in which the duplex is dissociated into single strands; and (c) postmelting (80 < t°C), in which no significant structural change can be detected. The distinctive Raman difference signatures observed between 10 and 70°C and between 70 and 80°C are interpreted in terms of the structural changes specific to premelting and melting transitions, respectively. Premelting alters the low-temperature conformation of the deoxyribose-phosphate backbone and eliminates base hydrogen bonding that is distinct from canonical Watson–Crick hydrogen bonding; these premelting perturbations occur without disruption of base stacking. Conversely, melting eliminates canonical Watson–Crick pairing and base stacking. The results are compared with those reported previously on poly(dA-dT)·poly(dA-dT), the DNA structure consisting of alternating A·T and T·A pairs (L. Movileanu, J. M. Benevides, and G. J. Thomas, Jr. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 1999, Vol. 30, pp. 637–649). Poly(dA)·poly(dT) and poly(dA-dT)·poly(dA-dT) exhibit strikingly dissimilar temperature-dependent Raman profiles prior to the onset of melting. However, the two duplexes exhibit very similar melting transitions, including the same Raman indicators of ruptured Watson–Crick pairing, base unstacking and collapse of backbone order. A detailed analysis of the data provides a comprehensive Raman assignment scheme for adenosine and thymidine residues of B-DNA, delineates Raman markers diagnostic of consecutive A·T and alternating A·T/T·A tracts of DNA, and identifies the distinct Raman difference signatures for premelting and melting transitions in the two types of sequences. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers 63: 181–194, 2002; DOI 10.1002/bip.10022
Kinetics of mercuric chloride retention by soils.

A nonlinear multireaction model was used to describe kinetic data for HgCl₂ retention by five soils. A three-parameter version of the model consisting of a reversible nonlinear (nth order, n < 1) reaction and an irreversible first-order reaction was capable of describing HgCl₂ retention data for Cecil (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult) and Windsor (mixed, mesic Typic Udipsamment) soils at all initial solution Hg concentrations, and data for Norwood, [fine-silty, mixed (calcareous), thermic, Typic Udifluvent], Olivier (fine-silty, mixed, thermic Aquic Fragiudalt), and Sharkey (very-fine, montmorillonitic, nonacid, thermic Vertic Haplaquept) soils at initial solution Hg concentrations below 5 mg/L. A five-parameter version of the model, with an added reversible nonlinear reaction, provided a more accurate description of the retention data for the Norwood, Olivier, and Sharkey soils at initial solution Hg concentrations above 5 mg/L. The second reaction needed to describe the data at higher Hg concentrations suggests the presence of a second type of sorption sites, or a precipitation or coprecipitation reaction not encountered at lower Hg concentrations. Release of Hg from the soils was induced by serial dilution of the soil solution, but not all the soil Hg was reversibly retained. This was also indicated by the model. Release of soil Hg depended on the concentration of retained Hg with significant Hg release occurring only at high concentrations of retained Hg. A multireaction model is needed to describe Hg retention in soils because of the many solid phases that can remove Hg from solution. Joint contribution from the USDA Forest Serv. Intermountain Res. Stn.; Hatch Project 2469, Louisiana Agric. Exp. Stn. as Manuscript no. 89-09-3338; and U.S. Army CRREL.
Phosphorylation, but not alternative splicing or proteolytic degradation, is conserved in human and mouse cardiac troponin T.

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT), the tropomyosin binding subunit of the troponin complex, plays a pivotal regulatory role in the Ca2+-mediated interaction between actin thin filament and myosin thick filament. The post-translational modifications (PTMs) and alternative splicing of cTnT may represent important regulatory mechanisms of cardiac contractility. However, a complete characterization of PTMs and alternatively spliced isoforms in cTnT present in vivo is lacking. Top-down protein mass spectrometry (MS) analyzes whole proteins, thus providing a global view of all types of modifications, including PTMs and sequence variants, simultaneously in one spectrum without a priori knowledge. In this study, we applied an integrated immunoaffinity chromatography and top-down MS approach to comprehensively characterize PTMs and alternatively spliced isoforms of cTnT purified from healthy human and wild-type mouse heart tissue. High-resolution Fourier transform MS revealed that human cTnT (hcTnT) and mouse cTnT (mcTnT)...
Increased dietary sodium alters neural control of blood pressure during intravenous ANG II infusion

Increased dietary sodium enhances both excitatory and inhibitory blood pressure responses to stimulation of the central sympathetic nervous system (SNS) centers. In addition, long-term (hours to days) administration of ANG II increases blood pressure by activation of the SNS. These studies investigated the effects of increased dietary sodium on SNS control of blood pressure during 0- to 24-h infusion of ANG II in conscious, male rats consuming either tap water or isotonic saline (Iso) for 2 to 3 wk. The SNS component (evaluated by ganglionic blockade with trimetaphan) of both control blood pressure and the pressor response to intravenous ANG II was reduced in Iso animals. Furthermore, although the pressor response to intravenous ANG II infusion was similar between groups, the baroreflex-induced bradycardia during the initial 6 h of ANG II infusion was significantly greater, whereas the tachycardia accompanying longer infusion periods was significantly attenuated in Iso animals. These data suggest that in normal rats increased dietary sodium enhances sympathoinhibitory responses during intravenous ANG II.
Modeling of performance-related design trade-offs in multi-chip assemblies

The authors discuss the need for development of global performance measures for multi-chip microelectronic assemblies and systems. In particular, electrical performance measures of memory assemblies and their dependence on design parameters were studied. Models of pertinent components of electronic systems, such as off-chip drivers and receivers, and chip-to-chip signal transmission lines were used to evaluate essential properties of memory modules. The read access time was selected as a measure of performance of those modules. Using simple modeling this measure is related to basic parameters such as conductor geometry, substrate material thickness and permittivity, I/O pitch in chip carriers and chip access time. The specific memory module considered shows strong dependence of performance measure on materials used in its construction. The relationships between systems performance, materials properties, and geometry are described by analytic approximations; however, more accurate modeling will use look-up tables and specialized computer programs. Development of suitable computer support for system design based on developed models of performance is discussed. >
Themes in the Career Development of 1.5-Generation Hmong American Women:

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. September 2010. Major: Educational Psychology. Advisor: Michael P. Goh. 1 computer file (PDF), vi, 156 pages, appendices A-E.
Visually guided gradation of prey capture movements in larval zebrafish

A mechanistic understanding of goal directed behavior in vertebrates is hindered by the relative inaccessibility and size of their nervous systems. Here, we have studied the kinematics of prey capture behavior in a highly accessible vertebrate model organism, the transparent larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), to assess whether they use visual cues to systematically adjust their movements. We find that zebrafish larvae scale the speed and magnitude of turning movements according to the azimuth of one of their standard prey, paramecia. They also bias the direction of subsequent swimming movements based on prey azimuth and select forward or backward movements based on the prey's direction of travel. Once within striking distance, larvae generate either ram or suction capture behaviors depending on their distance from prey. From our experimental estimations of ocular receptive fields, we ascertain that the ultimate decision to consume prey is likely a function of the progressive vergence of the eyes that places the target in a proximal binocular "capture zone". By repeating these experiments in the dark, we demonstrate that paramecia are only consumed if they contact the anterior extremities of larvae, which triggers ocular vergence and tail movements similar to close proximity captures in lit conditions. These observations confirm the importance of vision in the graded movements we observe leading up to capture of more distant prey in the light and implicate somatosensation in captures in the absence of light. We discuss the implications of these findings for future work on the neural control of visually guided behavior in zebrafish.
Study of dose enhancement effects in the vicinity of high Z atoms with Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation

Dose enhancements in the vicinity of different high Z (HZ) materials in radiation therapy (RT) are studied by several groups. In this work, extensive and systematic Monte Carlo (MC) studies were performed with Geant4 toolkit focusing on factors that influence the dose enhancements, including the atomic number of HZ materials, the concentration of the HZ material, and the X-ray energies. Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), Gadolinium (Gd), and Iodine (I) are used in the study. A new method has been implemented to determine the individual contributions from pair production, Compton scattering and the photoelectric effect to the total dose. The dose enhancement ratios (DERs) and their contributions to the overall dose deposition are calculated for these processes. It is also shown in the study that with fixed X-ray energy and molar concentration, the DERs for these HZ materials are approximately linear proportional to their Z number. The DER increases linearly with HZ concentration; however, the slope of the increase depends on the X-ray energies. Analysis of the DERs from different processes reveals an interesting phenomenon: although the contribution from the photoelectric effect to the overall dose enhancement for X-rays in the MeV range is low, being normally less than 3%, the DER for the photoelectric effect from MeV X-rays are higher than that from X-rays in keV range.
α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone is contained in nerve terminals innervating thyrotropin-releasing hormone-synthesizing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and prevents fasting-induced suppression of prothyrotropin-releasing hormone gene expression

The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus has an essential role in mediating the homeostatic responses of the thyroid axis to fasting by altering the sensitivity of prothyrotropin-releasing hormone (pro-TRH) gene expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to feedback regulation by thyroid hormone. Because agouti-related protein (AGRP), a leptin-regulated, arcuate nucleus-derived peptide with α-MSH antagonist activity, is contained in axon terminals that terminate on TRH neurons in the PVN, we raised the possibility that α-MSH may also participate in the mechanism by which leptin influences pro-TRH gene expression. By double-labeling immunocytochemistry, α-MSH-IR axon varicosities were juxtaposed to ∼70% of pro-TRH neurons in the anterior and periventricular parvocellular subdivisions of the PVN and to 34% of pro-TRH neurons in the medial parvocellular subdivision, establishing synaptic contacts both on the cell soma and dendrites. All pro-TRH neurons receiving contacts by α-MSH-containing fibers also were innervated by axons containing AGRP. The intracerebroventricular infusion of 300 ng of α-MSH every 6 hr for 3 d prevented fasting-induced suppression of pro-TRH in the PVN but had no effect on AGRP mRNA in the arcuate nucleus. α-MSH also increased circulating levels of free thyroxine (T4) 2.5-fold over the levels in fasted controls, but free T4 did not reach the levels in fed controls. These data suggest that α-MSH has an important role in the activation of pro-TRH gene expression in hypophysiotropic neurons via either a mono- and/or multisynaptic pathway to the PVN, but factors in addition to α-MSH also contribute to the mechanism by which leptin administration restores thyroid hormone levels to normal in fasted animals.
Wound Infection in the Obese Pregnant Woman

Obesity has been linked as a risk factor for wound complications and is becoming a more common occurrence. We reviewed the risk factors, preventive strategies, and recommended management of wound complications in obese women undergoing cesarean delivery. The limited available data support the use of prophylactic antibiotic before cesarean delivery, closure of subcutaneous space >2 cm, and maintaining normothermia intraoperatively to help reduce the incidence of postoperative wound complications. Data regarding management of cesarean wound complications in the obese patient are sparse, but they do suggest either primary or secondary closure of wounds is preferred to healing by secondary intention. Antibiotics should be administered in the presence of cellulitis or systemic toxicity. Use of vacuum-assisted wound closure devices may be useful in wound management. There is a need for randomized controlled trials which evaluate the prevention and management of wound complications in obese women undergoing cesarean delivery.
Characterization of an In Vitro-Selected Amoxicillin-Resistant Strain of Helicobacter pylori

An amoxicillin-resistant (Amox(r)) strain of Helicobacter pylori was selected for by culturing an amoxicillin-sensitive (Amox(s)) strain in increasingly higher concentrations of amoxicillin, resulting in a 133-fold increase in MIC, from 0.03 to 0.06 microg/ml to 4 to 8 microg/ml. This resistance was stable upon freezing for at least 6 months and conferred cross-resistance to seven other beta-lactam antibiotics. beta-Lactamase activity was not detected in this Amox(r) strain; however, analysis of the penicillin-binding protein (PBP) profiles generated from isolated bacterial membranes of the Amox(s) parental strain and the Amox(r) strain revealed a significant decrease in labeling of PBP 1 by biotinylated amoxicillin (bio-Amox) in the Amox(r) strain. Comparative binding studies of PBP 1 for several beta-lactams demonstrated that PBP 1 in the Amox(r) strain had decreased affinity for mezlocillin but not significantly decreased affinity for penicillin G. In addition, PBP profiles prepared from whole bacterial cells showed decreased labeling of PBP 1 and PBP 2 in the Amox(r) strain at all bio-Amox concentrations tested, suggesting a diffusional barrier to bio-Amox or a possible antibiotic efflux mechanism. Uptake analysis of (14)C-labeled penicillin G showed a significant decrease in uptake of the labeled antibiotic by the Amox(r) strain compared to the Amox(s) strain, which was not affected by pretreatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, eliminating the possibility of an efflux mechanism in the resistant strain. These results demonstrate that alterations in PBP 1 and in the uptake of beta-lactam antibiotics in H. pylori can be selected for by prolonged exposure to amoxicillin, resulting in increased resistance to this antibiotic.
Analyzing the impact of supply and substrate noise on jitter in Gb/s serial links

In this paper, we quantify the impact of integrating large numbers of serializer-deserializer (SERDES) macros in an ASIC chip. The impact of core induced supply and substrate noise on peripheral high-speed SERDES macros is studied. Techniques are presented which help speed up the extraction of the detailed substrate network in a large SERDES macro, which is needed for accurate power supply noise analysis. We provide a simulation methodology for quantifying the impact of supply noise on the jitter performance of a SERDES macro placed in a large ASIC chip. We support this methodology with measurements made on a chip with a large number of SERDES macros and a core noise generator.
Deformation Characteristics of Quasicrystalline Al–Cu–Fe Alloys

The deformation characteristics of icosahedral Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystals were determined by high temperature creep experiments between 680 and 720 °C and 15 and 41 MPa. The deformation process was determined to be controlled by grain boundary mechanisms. Both the stress and grain size sensitivity exponents were found to be 2, suggesting that grain boundary sliding was the rate-controlling deformation mechanism. Microstructural analysis supported this conclusion, as no intragranular defects were produced during the deformation experiments.
Turbine engine research in the United States Air Force

Propulsion technology has always been a key to the successful development of aeronautics and has enabled new air vehicles throughout the aerospace industry. Yet advancements in propulsion have been dependent upon advancements in aerodynamics, thermodynamics and especially materials technologies. These advancements have required careful guidance in their application to propulsion through detailed technology development, a transition path and linkage to future systems. Since the late Thirties, the gas turbine engine has provided an enormous step forward in operational capability but with it has come an equal step in cost. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Propulsion Directorate (PR) has the mission to create and transition advanced air breathing, rocket propulsion and power technologies for military dominance of air and space. Its vision is to continue to be the world leader in military propulsion and power technology. This vision has been realized through coordinated research programs like the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) and should be secured for the future with the follow-on Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines, VAATE.
A Memoryless Robot that Assembles Seven Subsystems to Copy Itself

This paper presents a robot that can assemble exact functional replicas of itself from seven more basic parts/subsystems. The robot follows lines on the floor using light sensors and a simple control circuit without any onboard memory. It performs a self-replication task comparable in difficulty to those of previous self-replicating robots, but with a greatly simplified control system and reduced overall system complexity. Three methods are presented that quantify aspects of the complexity of the robot and the pattern of lines it follows. The complexity measures provide a way to compare existing self-replicating robot systems and to evaluate new designs. Robotic self-replication is an aspect of automated assembly that has not been studied extensively in hardware, and this work (which was the outcome of a project in a mechatronics course at JHU) is one step in a larger effort to quantify and demonstrate various aspects of this research area.
Hostility and Perceptions of Support in Ambiguous Social Interactions

The present study investigated whether a social information processing bias contributes to the inverse association between trait hostility and perceived social support. A sample of 104 undergraduates (50 men) completed a measure of hostility and rated videotaped interactions in which a speaker disclosed a problem while a listener reacted ambiguously. Results showed that hostile persons rated listeners as less friendly and socially supportive across six conversations, although the nature of the hostility effect varied by sex, target rated, and manner in which support was assessed. Hostility and target interactively impacted ratings of support and affiliation only for men. At least in part, a social information processing bias could contribute to hostile persons' perceptions of their social networks.
No Gell-Mann and Low eigenvalue in quantum electrodynamics

It is argued that the Gell-Mann and Low eigenvalue equation,ψ(x)=0 in quantum electrodynamics doesnot possess a nontrivial solution,x0≠0 and hence that quantum electrodynamics cannot be afinite field theory. This result reinforces the Baker-Johnson conjecture of 1979.
Limiting behavior of the affine scaling continuous trajectories for linear programming problems

We consider the continuous trajectories of the vector field induced by the primal affine scaling algorithm as applied to linear programming problems in standard form. By characterizing these trajectories as solutions of certain parametrized logarithmic barrier families of problems, we show that these trajectories tend to an optimal solution which in general depends on the starting point. By considering the trajectories that arise from the Lagrangian multipliers of the above mentioned logarithmic barrier families of problems, we show that the trajectories of the dual estimates associated with the affine scaling trajectories converge to the so called "centered' optimal solution of the dual problem. We also present results related to asymptotic direction of the affine scaling trajectories. We briefly discuss how to apply our results to linear programs formulated in formats different from the standard form. Finally, we extend the results to the primal-dual aMne scaling algorithm.
Psychological Resilience and the Onset of Activity of Daily Living Disability Among Older Adults in China: A Nationwide Longitudinal Analysis

collected in 2002 and 2005, this study examines whether higher levels of psychological resilience (measured by a 5-item scale) predict lower risk of ADL incidence during a 3-year follow-up and whether this effect varies by age. Results. Higher le vels of resilience at the baseline are significantly associated with reduced risk of becoming ADL disabled during the 3-year follow-up period, independent of baseline sociodemographic characteristics, family support, and health. Moreover, resilience by age interaction is detected. Higher levels of resilience are more protective against the onset of disability for the younger old (aged 65–84) than the oldest old (aged 85 and older). Discussion. Among older adults in China, psychological resilience is a protecti ve factor against ADL disability, and the benefits are particularly significant for older adults younger than 85 years.
Integrating Medical and Environmental Sociology with Environmental Health Crossing Boundaries and Building Connections through Advocacy

This article reviews the personal and professional processes of developing an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex issues of environmental health in their community, political-economic, social science, and scientific contexts. This interdisciplinary approach includes a synthesis of research, policy work, and advocacy. To examine multiple forms of interdisciplinarity, I examine pathways of integrating medical and environmental sociology via three challenges to the boundaries of traditional research: (1) crossing the boundaries of medical and environmental sociology, (2) linking social science and environmental health science, and (3) crossing the boundary of research and advocacy. These boundary crossings are discussed in light of conceptual and theoretical developments of popular epidemiology, contested illnesses, and health social movements. This interdisciplinary work offers a more comprehensive sociological lens for understanding complex problems and a practical ability to join wi...
BER performance comparison between CDMA and UWB for RF/wireless interconnect application

In ultra large-scale integrated (ULSI) circuits conventional approaches of hard-wired metal interconnects are encountering fundamental limits. In order to get beyond this problem different revolutionary interconnect approaches have been explored. One of the most feasible approaches is RF/wireless interconnects, which are based on low-loss and dispersion-free microwave signal transmissions, near-field capacitive coupling and modern multiple-access technologies like code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency domain multiple access (FDMA), time domain multiple access (TDMA), ultrawideband (UWB) etc. In this paper BER performance of multi-carrier CDMA (MC-CDMA) and UWB transceiver for RF/wireless interconnect system are compared. Besides, required electronic overhead for these two transceivers is also mentioned.
The effect of the tert-butylquinone metabolite of butylated hydroxyanisole on cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activity.

1. The t-butylquinone metabolite of BHA was shown to redox cycle with NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase leading to enhanced NADPH-oxidase activity for both the purified and liver microsome-bound flavoprotein. Likewise, addition of t-butylquinone (20-100 μM) strikingly inhibited electron transfer from the flavoprotein reductase to cytochrome P-450 of liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats.2. When the effect of t-butylquinone on metabolism of biphenyl was evaluated with liver microsomal fractions or isolated hepatocytes, t-butylquinone was less effective as an inhibitor then BHA alone or vitamin K3 (menadione). Addition of dicoumarol had little or no effect on the inhibitory potency of either t-butylquinone or vitamin K3 in isolated hepatocytes.3. t-butylquinone was not an effective reductant for exogenous oxidants, such as cytochrome c, in the presence of purified, cytosolic NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase). This property is most probably due to the lower rate of reoxidation of t-but...
Functional characterization of Fusarium verticillioides CPP1, a gene encoding a putative protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit.

Fusarium verticillioides produces the mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) on maize kernels. In this study, we identified a putative protein phosphatase gene CPP1 in F. verticillioides, and investigated its role in FB1 regulation. Previous work has shown that CPP1 expression is elevated in an FB1-suppressing genetic background. Thus, we hypothesized that CPP1 is negatively associated with FB1 production. To test this hypothesis, we generated a CPP1 knockout mutant, PP179, and studied the effects of gene deletion on FB1 biosynthesis and fungal development. PP179 showed elevated expression of FUM genes, and in turn produced higher levels of FB1 than the wild-type progenitor. Other significant mutant phenotypes included reduced radial growth on agar plates, reduced conidia germination rates, significantly increased macroconidia formation, and hyphal swelling. To verify that these phenotypes were directly due to CPP1 deletion, we complemented PP179 with the wild-type CPP1 gene. The complemented strain PPC4 showed FUM1 expression and FB1 production similar to that of the wild-type, providing evidence that CPP1 is negatively associated with FB1 biosynthesis. Other PP179 phenotypes, such as macroconidiation and hyphal swelling, were also restored to that of wild-type progenitor. Furthermore, we complemented F. verticillioides PP179 strain with Neurospora crassa wild-type ppe-1 gene, demonstrating that Cpp1 and PPE-1 proteins are functionally conserved. Pleiotropic effects of CPP1 deletion led us to hypothesize that CPP1 is associated with multiple downstream signalling pathways in F. verticillioides. Identification and functional characterization of downstream Cpp1-interacting proteins are necessary to better understand the complex regulatory mechanisms associated with Cpp1.
Electra KrF Laser Hibachi Foil Cooling with Near-Wall Jets

Active cooling of the transmission foil separating the vacuum diodes from the laser cell in the Electra KrF Laser is necessary to prevent its failure under repetitively pulsed (5Hz) operating conditions. This paper investigates the effectiveness of forced convection cooling using near-wall jets as a means of protecting the foil. Two different near-wall jet configurations are examined The first one uses a planar, 1mm-thick, high-speed jet flowing parallel to the laser gas stream along the entire width of the hibachi foil structure. The second one uses small, 0.8mm-diameter circular jets positioned in staggered locations, 12.7mm apart, along the ~30cm height of each of the 24 hibachi rib spans with flow perpendicular to the laser gas stream. Bench-top experiments simulating a single 3.4cm x30cm foil span between two neighboring ribs have been conducted. For both jet configurations, experiments have been performed at different jet velocities and heat inputs. The goal of these experiments is to demonstrate quantitatively that near-wall jets can effectively cool the Electra hibachi foil under prototypical pulsed operating conditions without adverse impact on beam quality or laser efficiency. Preliminary tests with a full-size hibachi on Electra have shown this to be true.
THE STRUCTURE OF PLASMALOGENS: VII. ANALYSIS OF MAMMALIAN LIVER LIPIDS AND THE INTERFERENCE OF VITAMIN A IN THE ANALYSIS.

Low values of the molar ratio of α,Β-unsaturated ether to aldehydogenic lipid found with lipid extracts of mouse and rat liver are shown to result solely from the presence in these extracts of vitamin A rather than of long-chain aldehydes or mixed acetals. Vitamin A interferes in the spectrophotometric determination of specific iodination of α,Β-unsaturated ethers because it absorbs some light at 355 mμ. The correction is made simply by using an appropriate sample blank. Vitamin A interferes much more seriously with the estimation of aldehydogenic lipids as p-nitrophenylhydrazones because of its transformation under the reaction conditions to anhydro vitamin A. The correction for this interference may be made by independent estimation of the vitamin A content (Carr-Price reaction), determining a standard curve for vitamin A subjected to the p-nitrophenylhydrazone procedure, and subtracting the appropriate value. The vitamin A content of liver is dependent on the species of animal as well as on diet. In the animals studied, the average level of interference of vitamin A in estimations of liver plasmalogen was 75% for the mouse, 50% for the rat, 8% for the rabbit, and negligible for guinea pig.
LOW-COST SHORE PROTECTION ON THE GREAT LAKES: A DEMONSTRATION/RESEARCH PROGRAM

Shore erosion is currently causing millions of dollars of damage to shoreline property along the Great Lakes (1,2). Erosion is caused by the energy of waves and currents which are produced by large wind storms. The erosion process on the Great Lakes is most severe when lake levels are near the top of their 6-foot (1.8 meter) range'for several years as is currently being experienced. The severe erosion process continues even after lake levels fall, as the bluffs have become unstable and waves from intense storms can still attack them. In order to alleviate the erosion damages to beaches and bluffs, shoreline owners must rely on shore protection methods. Effective methods of shore protection are designed to slow or stop the erosion process by dissipating wave energy and/or preventing bluff attack. However, the most effective methods are very expensive, costing over $200 per foot ($656 per meter) of shoreline. (Costs are calculated, for the purposes of this study, as the length of shoreline which is expected to be protected by the shore protection methods. For sites utilizing revetments, artificial nourishment, and seawalls, the length is the stretch of shoreline actually covered by the method. For locations utilizing groin systems and breakwaters, the system was designed to protect the entire length of the sites; the costs have been calculated on that basis. Whether these systems actually protect that length of shoreline is to be determined by this study.) Shoreline homeowners are usually not able to meet such expenses, and often resort to less efficient and costly alternatives. Private shoreline owners need accurate, reliable information about effective low-cost shore protective methods in order to reduce or alleviate the severe erosion damages to their shoreline.