cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood safety, socioeconomic status, and physical activity in older adults.

Background Neighborhood environment can have a substantial influence on the level of physical activity among older adults. Yet, the moderating influence of various measures of SES on the association between perceived neighborhood safety and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among older adults remains unknown. Purpose The study was designed to investigate the association between perceived neighborhood safety and LTPA in a nationally representative sample of older adults, and to evaluate SES characteristics as potential effect modifiers in the association between perceived neighborhood safety and LTPA. Methods Cross-sectional data from the 2004 Health and Retirement Study of older adults aged ≥50 years were used to examine the association between perceived neighborhood safety and LTPA. Differences in LTPA were evaluated across three measures of SES: education, household income, and household wealth. SES was also evaluated as a potential effect modifier in the association between perceived neighborhood safety and LTPA. The analysis was conducted in 2008. Results An SES gradient in LTPA was noted across measures of SES used in this study. After controlling for SES and demographic characteristics and functional limitations, older adults who perceived their neighborhood as safe had an 8% higher mean rate of LTPA compared to older adults who perceived their neighborhood as unsafe. The association was no longer significant when self-rated health was added. Additionally, SES was not a significant effect modifier in the association between perceived neighborhood safety and LTPA. Conclusions SES, demographic characteristics, and functional limitations substantially attenuated the positive association between perceived neighborhood safety and LTPA; however, with the inclusion of self-rated health, the association was no longer present. This finding suggets that self-rated health may mediate this association. The lack of significance in the interaction between perceived neighborhood safety and SES suggests that prevention efforts to increase physical activity among older adults should consider perceptions of neighborhood safety as a potential barrier regardless of SES.
Wide bandgap light-emitting devices materials and doping problems

The status of wide bandgap light-emitting devices based on ZnSe and on GaN based materials is reviewed. It can be noted that progress in this areas has been remarkably rapid in recent years, particularly in view of prior unsuccessful efforts over at least two or three decades. It is shown that recent progress can be attributed to a large extent to successful non-equilibrium doping both p-type ZnSe and GaN based materials.
A multi-criteria approach to CPA firm selection: a case study

The choice of a professional certified public accountant (CPA) firm is vital to organisational success. The appropriate selection of a CPA firm, and thus the ability to obtain relevant and useful professional advice, can either make or break a business. Evaluation and selection of a CPA firm represents a multi-criteria decision-making problem that entails both qualitative and quantitative criteria. This study proposes the use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a tool for assisting companies to evaluate various CPA firms. Data for our research project were collected from a non-profit organisation based in a large Western Washington city. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to test the robustness of the decision. We are hoping that our findings will be valuable to companies in their CPA firm selection decisions.
Homeostatic plasticity in the developing nervous system

Activity has an important role in refining synaptic connectivity during development, in part through 'Hebbian' mechanisms such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression. However, Hebbian plasticity is probably insufficient to explain activity-dependent development because it tends to destabilize the activity of neural circuits. How can complex circuits maintain stable activity states in the face of such destabilizing forces? An idea that is emerging from recent work is that average neuronal activity levels are maintained by a set of homeostatic plasticity mechanisms that dynamically adjust synaptic strengths in the correct direction to promote stability. Here we discuss evidence from a number of systems that homeostatic synaptic plasticity is crucial for processes ranging from memory storage to activity-dependent development.
Geophysics in the Bering Sea and surrounding areas: A review

Abstract The deep seismic profile of Shor (1964), and the shallow proflies made by Ewing et al. (1965), Scholl et al. (1966), and Moore (1964) are effectively the only direct evidence we have at present of the structure of the oceanic part of the Bering Sea. Indirect evidence in terms of gravity data, magnetic data, and bathymetry add a little to the picture, but it is still not detailed enough to determine even such fundamentals as whether the origin of this part of the sea is basically a continent becoming ocean, or an ocean becoming continent. There is more data available for the continental shelf areas of the Bering Sea, but even so, it has not been possible to do more than guess at the possible ages and rock types forming the shelf. The islands of the Aleutian Island Arc have only been studied on a reconnaissance basis, so data from here is almost as sparse as for the rest of the area, and that which exists is not sufficiently precise to enable it to support one theory of the origin of island arcs over any other. This review does not pretend to draw any real conclusions from the data presented, but merely to draw together most of the important results and conclusions of other authors.
Significant differences between individual subtest scaled scores and average scaled scores on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Revised

This paper presents age-referenced tables that are used for determining significant differences between individual subtest scaled scores and average subtest scores on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised (WPPSI-R). The tables provide differences required at the .05 and .01 levels of significance between any Verbal scale subtest and the average of Verbal scale subtests, any Performance scale subtest and the average of Performance scale subtests, and any subtest with the average of all subtests administered. The information presented is useful for WPPSI-R profile analysis.
Ammonium accumulation and ethylene evolution by tomato infected with root‐knot nematode and grown under different regimes of plant nutrition

Abstract Ammonium accumulation and ethylene evolution are common phenomena with plant tissues under physiological stress. Enhanced ethylene evolution has been detected with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) infected with root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). The present investigation addressed a linkage between ammonium accumulation and ethylene evolution by tomato infected with root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid & White (Chitwood)]. At 6 weeks after infection, an array of foliar symptoms resembling those of ammonium toxicity developed on infected plants. Increased severity of symptoms was accompanied by a concomitant increase in foliar ammonium accumulation and by enhanced ethylene evolution. Stimulation of ammonium accumulation appeared to precede ethylene evolution. Plants grown on different nutritional regimes showed different responses to nematode infection with respect to shoot growth and injury, ammonium accumulation, and ethylene evolution. Relative to nitrate nutrition, ammoni...
The morphology of the fourth abdominal ganglion of the hermit crab: A light microscope study.

The hermit crab, Pagurus pollicarus, has the same organization in its fourth abdominal ganglion as its macruran relatives in spite of the reduction in abdominal muscles, sensory receptors, and appendages. Connective axons are grouped into discrete bundles between which five groups of commissural fibers run to connect left and right sides. The neurites of ventral cell bodies run dorsally in characteristic groups between the connective bundles. The hermit crab fourth ganglion has two thirds as many cells as the crayfish and is laterally compressed. This reduction appears related to the reduction in the sizes of the ganglionic roots. The ventral fine fibered neuropil is larger on the left than the right side reflecting the loss of pleopods on the right side. The basic organization of decapod abdominal ganglia appears to permit considerable integrative flexibility within a relatively conservative morphological framework.
Mini workshop — P — 12 engineering education: Using Engineering Teaching Kits to address student misconceptions in science

The primary goal of this mini-workshop is to introduce participants to practical, validated methods of identifying and remediating student misconceptions concerning scientific concepts through the use of Engineering Teaching Kits (ETKs). ETKs are self-contained standards-based units grounded in the constructivist philosophy of education and the principles of guided inquiry and active learning. They were originally developed for use in middle schools, but the activities have proven scalable throughout P-12. By the end of the workshop, participants will be introduced to the literature on misconceptions; be able to identify appropriate methods for assessing misconceptions; and gain experience in using ETK activities to remediate misconceptions. Participants will have the opportunity to work with popular ETKs, HoverHoos and Save the Penguins, to accomplish these learning objectives. The instructors will provide discussion notes, appropriate references, and materials. Attendees will be registered with the ETK Collaborative web site for access to additional ETKs and supporting materials. This mini-workshop will be of interest to faculty and program staff involved in P-12 outreach activities, and to P-12 educators interested in developing integrated STEM curricula.
Rotational analysis of the C2Πr → A′2Δr electronic transition in LaO☆

Abstract Rotational analysis of the (0,0) and (1,1) bands of two violet-degraded band systems between 6500 and 6825 A has shown they are subbands of a 2 Π r → 2 Δ r electronic transition. The upper state is in common with the upper state of the previously known C 2 Π → X 2 Σ + transition. The transition is called C 2 Π r → A ′ 2 Δ r . The A ′ 2 Δ r state is probably the expected low-lying state deprived primarily from a (La dδ ) molecular orbital configuration. The absolute electronic term values, T e , of the C 2 Π r and A ′ 2 Δ r state were not determined.
Critical Thinking as an Educational Ideal

(1980). Critical Thinking as an Educational Ideal. The Educational Forum: Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 7-23.
Schmidt receives 2011 Climate Communication Prize: Response

Gavin A. Schmidt was awarded the 2011 Climate Communication Prize at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 7 December in San Francisco, Calif. The Climate Communication Prize is funded by Nature's Own, a purveyor of fossils, minerals, and handcrafted jewelry in Boulder, Colo. The prize honors an “AGU member-scientist for the communication of climate science, and highlights the importance of promoting scientific literacy, clarity of message, and efforts to foster respected and understanding of science-based values as they relate to the implications of climate change.”
Susceptibility variants for obesity and colorectal cancer risk: the Multiethnic Cohort and PAGE Studies

Obesity is a leading contributor to colorectal cancer risk. We investigated whether the risk variants identified in genome-wide association studies of body mass index (BMI) and waist size are associated with colorectal cancer risk, independently of the effect of obesity phenotype due to a shared etiology. Twenty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 15 loci (BDNF, FAIM2, FTO, GNPDA2, KCTD15, LYPLAL1, MC4R, MSRA, MTCH2, NEGR1, NRXN3, SEC16B, SH2B1, TFAP2B and TMEM18) were genotyped in a case–control study of 2,033 colorectal cancer cases and 9,640 controls nested within the multiethnic cohort study, as part of the population architecture using genomics and epidemiology consortium. Risk alleles for two obesity SNPs were associated with colorectal cancer risk—KCTD15 rs29941 [odds ratio (OR) for C allele = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83–0.98; p = 0.01] and MC4R rs17782313 (OR for C allele = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.22; p = 0.02). These associations were independent of the effect of BMI. However, none of the results remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. No heterogeneity was observed across race/ethnic groups. Our findings suggest that the obesity risk variants are not likely to affect the risk of colorectal cancer substantially.
Finding errors from reverse-engineered equality models using a constraint solver

Java objects are required to honor an equality contract in order to participate in standard collection data structures such as List, Set, and Map. In practice, the implementation of equality can be error prone, resulting in subtle bugs. We present a checker called EQ that is designed to automatically detect such equality implementation bugs. The key to EQ is the automated extraction of a logical model of equality from Java code, which is then checked, using Alloy Analyzer, for contract conformance. We have evaluated EQ on four open-source, production code bases in terms of both scalability and usefulness. We discuss in detail the detected problems, their root causes, and the reasons for false alarms.
Characterization of the glutamate dehydrogenase isoenzyme system in germinating soybean

Abstract Protein extracts from different soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv. Williams) organs contained four glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) isoenzymes (EC 1.4.1.2–1.4.1.4) when native polyacrylamide gels were stained for NAD-dependent activity. The four isoenzymes were designated GDH0, GDH1, GDH2 and GDH3. A combination of NAD- or NADP-specific GDH stains and immunoblot analysis of native polyacrylamide gels was used to characterize the four GDH isoenzymes. Isoenzymes GDH0, GDH1 and GDH2 demonstrated both NAD- and NADP-dependent activity, while GDH3 only had NAD-dependent activity. Based on the intensity of the different stains, GDH1 and GDH2 had greater activity with NAD than with NADP, while GDH0 had less activity with NAD than with NADP. Both GDH2 and GDH3 cross-reacted with rabbit serum raised against grape leaf NAD(H)-GDH, but the reaction was more intense with GDH3 than GDH2. Tissue print analyses were used to demonstrate the tissue-specific accumulation of GDH3 activity throughout the axis during germination in the dark. Negative controls (GDH stain solution lacking glutamate) and immunodetection with antiserum to grape NAD(H)-GDH validated the specificity of the NAD-GDH tissue print analyses. NAD-GDH activity was most abundant in the phloem of the hypocotyl hook with diffuse activity throughout the cortex. In addition, NAD-GDH activity was apparent in the epidermis of the hypocotyl hook. In the region of the hypocotyl below the hook and above the root hairs, enzyme activity was evident throughout the cortex and epidermis and absent in the vascular tissues. In the root, NAD-GDH activity was localized exclusively in the epidermal layer, particularly in the region of the functional root hairs. All other tissue types in this region of the root, including the xylem, phloem and cortex, were devoid of GDH activity. In emerging lateral roots, NAD-GDH activity was localized in the root tip and epidermis. Since only GDH3 was detected in these tissues, the data suggest that GDH3 may play a unique role in the mobilization of carbon or nitrogen in germinating seedlings.
Prophesying War: How Convincing is The Power Elite ?

No sociological study of the exercise of American power has matched the provocative influence of The Power Elite (1956), which was published when radical criticism of foreign policy was extremely rare. C. Wright Mills claimed that an interlocking directorate had assumed unprecedented authority since Pearl Harbor. He argued that, in making decisions of war and peace, key officials in the executive branch, leaders of the largest private corporations, and the dominant figures in the military constituted a cohesive group that could ignore popular will and the public interest. Mills was undoubtedly right that the emergence of the Pentagon in particular marked a discontinuity in the history of federal authority and of the balance of power in Washington. But no empirical evidence supports the thesis of The Power Elite, not only in the historical instances that he himself mentions, but in subsequent conflicts like the military intervention in Vietnam. Mills nevertheless merits praise for having challenged comforting assumptions about the benign and democratic direction of American statecraft.
Interference microscopy of onion epidermal nuclei in response to three fungal pathogens

Abstract Onion bulbs were injured on four sides with a sterile cork borer (5 mm diameter) and three such injuries were used as inoculation sites for Botrytis allii, Aspergillus niger and an unidentified neckrot fungus. Nuclei of cells in control tissue increased in size and dry mass as a result of wounding. Each of the fungi caused a decreased size and dry mass of host nuclei, with Botrytis allii being the most effective in this regard.
Liquid state 29Si NMR study on the sol-gel reaction mechanisms of ormosils

Sol-gel reaction mechanisms of organically modified silicates (ormosils) were conducted by liquid state 29Si NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy. Samples were prepared by mixing tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and water with isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Several series of solutions with different reaction times were examined by liquid state 29Si NMR spectroscopy. A new proposed site, D(Q), was assigned from the spectrum of the solution of the dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDES)/TEOS system. By the reaction between hydrolyzed TEOS and OSi(CH3)2O in the middle of PDMS chains as well as the silanol and groups, HOSi(CH3)2O, of PDMS, bonds between PDMS and TEOS were formed and the PDMS chains were found to exist also as chains (D) and/or cyclic D4 tetramers (D4C) during the reaction. Results of this study also display the expected effects of temperature, acid and water on the reaction rates. The higher the reaction temperature (room temperature to 70°C), the more copolymerization between PDMS and TEOS occurs. The water content (H2O/TEOS = 2 to 4) had little effect on the rate of copolymerization but significantly increased the rate of condensation of TEOS. Increasing acid content (HCl/TEOS = 0.1 to 0.3) increased the rates of both copolymerization and condensation of TEOS. Structural models of the sol-gel reaction mechanisms of ORMOSILs are proposed.
Goniocin from Goniothalamus giganteus: The first tri-THF annonaceous acetogenin

A novel cytotoxic Annonaceous acetogenin, the first member of this class of compounds having a tri-tetrahydrofuran (THF) moiety, has been isolated from Goniothalamus giganteus. The structure was elucidated by spectral data, and the absolute configuration was determined by advanced Mosher's methodology.
Self-report measures among transplant candidates: The impact of evaluative situations

Experiment 1 was a between-subjects design comparing transplant candidates completing self-report measures under an evaluative versus an anonymous research condition. A cardiac disease group and a healthy community group served as controls. Transplant candidates in the anonymous research condition reported significantly more depression, anxiety, and negative affectivity as compared with transplant candidates in the evaluative condition and community controls. In contrast, the evaluative transplant group (a) did not differ from the community controls on any of the self-report measures, and (b) reported significantly less depression than cardiac disease controls. Experiment 2 was a within-subjects design with transplant candidates completing self-report measures under both an evaluative and an anonymous research condition. Significantly greater anxiety was reported under the anonymous research condition. Social desirability was significantly related to change in self-reported anxiety and depression across conditions, but was unrelated to change in endorsement of personality characteristics.
Effect of large-dose progesterone on plasma levels of lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in males.

Eleven men with sexual deviation syndrome were hospitalized for treatmet with medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-provera). Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apo A-I and LDL apo B were measured before and during Depo- provera treatment. Ten normolipidemic and one mildly hypertriglyceridemic patient with 117 ± 17% ideal body weight were maintained on a regular hospital diet before and during the study. They received an average total dose of 1273 ± 467 mg Depo-provera by im injections over a mean period of 17 ± 6 days. In the whole group, Depo-provera significantly reduced the plasma total cholesterol by 12% (p < 0.0005), triglycerides by 24% (p < 0.005), LDL cholesterol by 13% (p < 0.01), LDL apo B by 15% (p < 0.05), and apo A-I by 7% (p < 0.05). Total HDL cholesterol, HDL2 cholesterol and HDL3 cholesterol did not change significantly. Excluding from the data analysis a normolipidemic patient who had a significant weight loss during the study and the hypertriglyceridemic patient, the fall in apo A-I during Depo-provera treatment was no longer statistically significant. We conclude that short-term, pharmacological doses of progesterone significantly reduce plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and LDL apo B in men.
Personality traits of females who participate in intercollegiate competition and nonparticipants.

The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule was administered to 30 females who participated in intercollegiate competition in individual sports, 30 females who participated in team sports, and 30 fema...
Wittgensteinian Tableaux, Identity, and Co-Denotation

Wittgensteinian predicate logic (W-logic) is characterized by the requirement that the objects mentioned within the scope of a quantifier be excluded from the range of the associated bound variable. I present a sound and complete tableaux calculus for this logic and discuss issues of translatability between Wittgensteinian and standard predicate logic in languages with and without individual constants. A metalinguistic co-denotation predicate, akin to Frege’s triple bar of the Begriffsschrift, is introduced and used to bestow the full expressive power of first-order logic with identity on W-logic in the presence of constants.
Physiologic variables affecting thromboxane B2 production in human whole blood

Thrombin-induced thromboxane (TX) A2 production in whole blood, as reflected by serum TXB2 measurements, has proven to be a simple and reproducible capacity-related index of platelet TXA2 production ex vivo. In the present study we have determined the influence of a number of physiologic variables on serum TXB2 measurements performed by radioimmunoassay in a group of 177 subjects undergoing evaluation for atherosclerosis risk factors. Serum TXB2 averaged 300±108 ng/ml in the whole group, with a normal distribution. No statistically significant correlation was found between serum TXB2 and the continuous variables examined (age, BMI, blood pressure, cigarettes, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and wine consumption) except for the number of platelets. Platelet TXB2 production did not differ between men and women (296±119 vs 302±100 ng/ml). We conclude that, within the limits of the examined variables, serum TXB2 is an easily measurable and highly reproducible capacity index primarily related to platelet cyclooxygenase and TX-synthase activity, which can be used for monitoring drug- or disease-induced changes of these enzyme activities.
Recurrent glomerulonephritis in human renal homografts

Recurrent glomerulonephritis in kidneys transplanted to glomerulonephritic recipients is becoming more obvious. It has been suggested that the disease process which caused the original disease in the recipient is also operative in the transplanted tissue. This study compared the ultrastructure and immunofluorescence of the native kidneys of four patients with their respective sequential, transplant biopsies. In each case, subepithelial humps and IgG, characteristic of a complex type of nephritis, were observed in both the original diseased kidneys and in the transplants. This would indicate that the immunopathologic process which caused the original glomerulonephritis and led to transplantation is also operative in the transplanted tissue.
Calcium gradients and exocytosis in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Abstract The relationship between the localized Ca 2+ concentration and depolarization-induced exocytosis was studied in patch-clamped adrenal chromaffin cells using pulsed-laser Ca 2+ imaging and membrane capacitance measurements. Short depolarizing voltage steps induced Ca 2+ gradients and small “synchronous” increases in capacitance during the pulses. Longer pulses increased the capacitance changes, which saturated at 16 fF, suggesting the presence of a small immediately releasable pool of fusion-ready vesicles. A Hill plot of the capacitance changes versus the estimated Ca 2+ concentration in a thin (100 nm) shell beneath the membrane gave n = 2.3 and K d = 1.4 μM. Repetitive stimulation elicited a more complex pattern of exocytosis: early pulses induced synchronous capacitance increases, but after five or more pulses there was facilitation of the synchronous responses and gradual increases in capacitance continued between pulses (asynchronous exocytosis) as the steep submembrane Ca 2+ gradients collapsed. Raising the pipette Ca 2+ concentration led to early facilitation of the synchronous response and early appearance of asynchronous exocytosis. We used this data to develop a kinetic model of depolarization-induced exocytosis, where Ca 2+ -dependent fusion of vesicles occurs from a small immediately releasable pool with an affinity of 1–2 μM and vesicles are mobilized to this pool in a Ca 2+ -dependent manner.
Nanotribological Simulations With Molecular Dynamics

The use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in nanotribology has made many advances in the past twenty years. While early simulations were limited to hundreds or thousands of atoms undergoing shear at 100 m/s, the current state of the art simulations in nanotribology approach millions of atoms with shear rates that can, in certain cases, match experiment. However, many of the exciting current simulations involve techniques that can be difficult for non-experts to understand. In this tutorial we hope to alleviate some of this confusion by reviewing the basic concepts that form the foundations of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This will include both a discussion of the method in general, was well as a focus on the use of MD in nanotribological simulations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Acoustic radiation force on a particle in a temperature gradient

After deriving a general expression for the acoustic radiation force on a small spherical particle of radius R in a standing wave field in a temperature gradient, attention is given to the case of a particle in a long tube chamber having a temperature gradient along the axis of symmetry. A simplification of the analysis is obtained through the introduction of the mass flux density potential. A general expression is presented for the time-averaged acoustic force; results of the new sample positions and restoring forces for a plane-wave mode are compared to the homogeneous case.
Buckthorn Neuropathy in Vitro: Evidence for a Primary Neuronal Effect

The neuropathy produced by toxins isolated from the buckthorn shrub (Karwinskia humboldtiana) has previously been proposed as a model for primary PNS demyelination in vivo. These toxins have been suggested to act through a metabolic effect on the Schwann cell. The aim of the present study was to use myelinated organotypic cultures of nervous tissue to dissect further the pathologic effects of these compounds. Combination cultures of mouse spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were exposed to buckthorn toxins T/496 or T/544 at doses of 1-5 microgram/ml for periods of 48 hours (h) to 14 days. Ultrastructural findings from toxin-treated cultures indicated a primary effect upon the PNS axon, both myelinated and unmyelinated. The effect was expressed mainly as a widening of the periaxonal space, and also as a redistribution of most axonal organelles to a marginal position within the axon or to their close association with stacks of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, leaving more central regions occupied largely by neurofilaments. These changes were followed by focal axonal swelling, floccular disruption of the axoplasm and, ultimately, Wallerian degeneration. Myelin degeneration and chromatolytic changes in ganglion cell bodies appeared to be secondary to axonal alterations. This tissue culture model reproduces many of the features of buckthorn intoxication in vivo. However, the present results suggest that the toxic effect is primarily upon the axon rather than the Schwann cell, and would appear to be consistent with an abnormality in axoplasmic transport.
Cadmium(II) complexation by a series of triazacycloalkanes ([x]aneN3, x = 9–12). An equilibrium and structural study

Abstract The complexation of Cd(II) by a series of triazacycloalkanes, ([x]aneN3, x = 9–12), has been studied in 0.10 mol dm−3 KNO3 aqueous solution at 298.2±0.1 K. Stabillitoy constants (βCdL) for the complexes decrease in magnitude with increasing number of atoms in theligand ring, and are several orders of magnitude smaller than corresponding βZnL values. Two complexes [Cd2([9]aneN3)2(μ-Cl)2Cl2] (1) and [Cd2([11]aneN3)2(μ-Cl)2Br2] (2) were synthesized, and the structures determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, with a = 7.657(2), b = 7.741(2), c = 17.750(2) A , α = 90.13(3), β = 94.65(3), γ = 90.76(3)° and V = 1048.5(5) A 3 for Z = 2 . Complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1 c with a = 8.144(2), b = 8.469(2), c = 18.480(4) A , β = 97.62(3)° and V = 1263.3(6) A 3 for Z = 2 . Both structures contain bridging di-μ-chloro groups separating six-coordinate Cd(II). Each Cd(II) is also bonded to a tridentate ligand and Cl (structure 1) or Br (structure 2).
Effect of calcium antagonist darodipine on the isolated human heart

Abstract Darodipine is a new light stable dihydropyridine calcium antagonist. In isolated large conductance vessels from experimental animals, darodipine blocks the potential-dependent but not the receptor-operated calcium channel. We studied the effects of darodipine in isolated human epicardial coronary arteries and in isolated right ventricular trabecula obtained from the explanted hearts of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation. In the coronary artery, the PD2′ for calcium was 9.7 and for carbachol was 9.5. In the cardiac muscle, the PD2′ for calcium was 6.5. Using 45Ca2+, darodipine blocked uptake in presence of potassium and histamine. We conclude that darodipine is (1) a potent calcium antagonist in the isolated human coronary artery, but not in ventricular myocardium, thus showing very pronounced target tissue selectivity, and (2) in contrast to findings obtained in rabbit aorta, it inhibits contraction and 45Ca2+ uptake mediated by both the potential-dependent and receptor-operated channels in the human epicardial coronary artery.
Chiral separations of transition metal complexes using capillary zone electrophoresis.

Abstract Several buffer additives that may facilitate chiral separation for optically active transition metal (TM) systems are investigated using capillary zone electrophoresis. The TM complexes evaluated exhibit considerable heterogeneity with respect to total complex charge (0 to 4+), ligand type, and identity of the central metal including Ru 2+ , Ni 2+ , Cr 3+ , and Co 3+ . threo -D s [+]-Isocitrate, potassium antimonyl- d -tartrate and dibenzoyl- l -tartrate are identified as the most efficient chiral selectors. Interestingly, TM complexes exhibiting a (3+) total complex charge exhibit a reversal of enantiomer elution order versus all other complexes when separated using the tartrate additives. Operating parameters including pH, temperature, and capillary length are discussed, and chiral separations of complex mixtures are demonstrated.
A BRIEF REVIEW AND CRITIQUE OF ZOOPLANKTON SAMPLING METHODS: COPEPODOLOGY FOR THE LARVAL ECOLOGIST

Abstract A brief review and critique of zooplankton sampling methods is presented. Both conventional and nonconventional methods are discussed with special emphasis on their potential application to ecological studies of marine invertebrate larvae.
Optical imaging by means of two-photon quantum entanglement.

A two-photon optical imaging experiment was performed based on the quantum nature of the signal and idler photon pairs produced in spontaneous parametric down-conversion. An aperture placed in front of a fixed detector is illuminated by the signal beam through a convex lens. A sharp magnified image of the aperture is found in the coincidence counting rate when a mobile detector is scanned in the transverse plane of the idler beam at a specific distance in relation to the lens.
Terpenoids of cardamom oil and their comparative distribution among varieties

Abstract The cold-pressed essential oils derived from three varieties of cardamom seeds and Oil of Cardamom, N.F. were investigated by a gas chromatographic procedure employing open tubular columns. The presence of α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, myrcene, α-terpinene, d -limonene, 1,8-cineole, methyl heptenone, γ-terpinene, trans -sabinene hydrate, linalool, β-terpineol, borneol, 4-terpinenol, α-terpineol, nerol, linalyl acetate, geraniol, 4-terpinenyl acetate, α-terpinyl acetate, neryl acetate, and nerolidol reported by earlier investigators was confirmed. In addition, the following previously unreported constituents were tentatively identified: camphene, α-phellandrene, camphor, citronellal, citral, citronellol, ascaridole, geranyl acetate, bisabolene, and farnesol. Identification of isolated fractions was accomplished by gas chromatographic retentions, peak enrichment techniques, and infrared spectroscopy. Qualitative and quantitative data on the composition of the oils examined are presented, and comparisons are drawn between the various oils.
Reconstruction of endocardial potentials from intracavitary probe potentials: a model study

An attempt was made to develop and test a mathematical method for reconstructing the potential distribution on the endocardial surface from cavitary potential data measured with a multielectrode intracavitary probe. Such a method will enhance the diagnostic capability of electrophysiologic studies and the ability to locate the site of origin of arrhythmias. The boundary element method combined with Tikhonov regularization was developed and tested on an idealized model of the probe-heart-torso volume conductor. The inverse solution restored stability and accuracy to the endocardial potentials in the presence of errors in estimating cavity geometry and probe position. >
Optically Active (aR)- and (aS)-Linear and Vaulted Biaryl Ligands: Deracemization versus Oxidative Dimerization

The copper-mediated deracemization of the C2-symmetric vaulted biaryl ligands VANOL and VAPOL has been investigated. In the course of the studies that have led to a more reliable procedure for this process, an unprecedented oxidative dimerization of these ligands has been uncovered. The structures of these oxidative dimerization products were elucidated by a series of NMR experiments, and these assignments were supported by other spectroscopic techniques as well as their chemical reactivity. This oxidative dimerization process was not observed for the linear biaryl ligands BANOL and BINOL, although the new deracemization procedure was effective for the generation of BINOL with high optical purity. The (aS)-enantiomers of BINOL, VANOL and VAPOL were accessible with a copper complex of (−)-sparteine, and the (aR)-enantiomeric series were accessible with a copper complex of O’Brien’s diamine. Both (−)-sparteine and O’Brien’s diamine give higher optical purities with VANOL and VAPOL than with BINOL, and this ...
Some remarks on the stability of time-domain electromagnetic simulations

Aspects of the stability of time-domain update schemes for electromagnetic problems are examined based on the consideration of system amplification matrices arising from the discretization of Maxwell's equations in the sequence space. We discuss time-domain stability for a given discretization scale and under three different assumptions of decreasing generality: general updates, general leapfrog updates, and reciprocal leapfrog updates.
Development and preliminary testing of the quality of spiritual care scale.

Abstract Context The provision of spiritual care is considered a key element of hospice and palliative care, but there is a paucity of empirically developed quality-of-care measures in this domain. Objectives To describe the development and reliability and validity of the Quality of Spiritual Care (QSC) scale in family caregivers. Methods We conducted analyses of interviews conducted that included the QSC scale with family members of residents who died in long-term care settings taken after the resident had died. To determine reliability and validity of the QSC scale, we examined internal consistency, concurrent construct validity, and factor analysis with promax rotation. Results Of 165 family caregivers of decedents who were asked whether they received spiritual care, 91 (55%) responded yes, and 89 of these (98%) completed at least 80% of the QSC items. Two items (i.e., satisfaction with and value of spiritual care) were perfectly correlated so the latter item was dropped in scale development. Factor analysis identified two factors, personal spiritual enrichment (mean pattern matrix loading = 0.77) and relationship enrichment (mean pattern matrix loading = 0.72). Reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87, and item-total correlations for all items were in excess of 0.55. Preliminary validity of the QSC was supported by significant and expected correlations in both direction and magnitude with items from validated instruments conceptually associated with the quality of spiritual care. Conclusion Preliminary testing of the QSC scale suggests that it is a valid and reliable outcome measure of the quality of spiritual care at the end of life.
Patterns of Protein-Fold Usage in Eight Microbial Genomes: A Comprehensive Structural Census

Eight microbial genomes are compared in terms of protein structure. Specifi- cally, yeast, H. influenzae, M. genitalium, M. jannaschii, Synechocystis, M. pneumoniae, H. pylori ,a ndE. coli are compared in terms of patterns of fold usage—whether a given fold occurs in a particular organism. Of the ,340 soluble protein folds currently in the structure databank (PDB), 240 occur in at least one of the eight genomes, and 30 are shared amongst all eight. The shared folds are depleted in all- helical structure and enriched in mixed helix- sheet structure compared to the folds in the PDB. The top-10 most common of the shared 30 are enriched in superfolds, uniting many non- homologous sequence families, and are espe- cially similar in overall architecture—eight having helices packed onto a central sheet. They are also very different from the common folds in the PBD, highlighting databank biases. Folds can be ranked in terms of expression as well as genome duplication. In yeast the top-10 most highly expressed folds are considerably different from the most highly duplicated folds. A tree can be constructed grouping genomes in terms of their shared folds. This has a remark- ably similar topology to more conventional classifications, based on very different mea- sures of relatedness. Finally, folds of mem- brane proteins can be analyzed through trans- membrane-helix (TM) prediction. All the genomes appear to have similar usage patterns for these folds, with the occurrence of a particu- lar fold falling off rapidly with increasing num- bers of TM-elements, according to a ''Zipf-like'' law. This implies there are no marked prefer- ences for proteins with particular numbers of TM-helices (e.g. 7-TM) in microbial genomes. Fur- ther information pertinent to this analysis is avail- able at http://bioinfo.mbb.yale.edu/genome. Pro- teins 33:518-534, 1998. r 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Commentary on: "A History of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Low Dose Radiation Research Program: 1998-2008".

This commentary provides a very brief overview of the book “A History of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Low Dose Radiation Research Program: 1998–2008” (http://lowdose.energy.gov). The book summarizes and evaluates the research progress, publications and impact of the U.S. Department of Energy Low Dose Radiation Research Program over its first 10 years. The purpose of this book was to summarize the impact of the program's research on the current thinking and low-dose paradigms associated with the radiation biology field and to help stimulate research on the potential adverse and/or protective health effects of low doses of ionizing radiation. In addition, this book provides a summary of the data generated in the low dose program and a scientific background for anyone interested in conducting future research on the effects of low-dose or low-dose-rate radiation exposure. This book's exhaustive list of publications coupled with discussions of major observations should provide a significant res...
Hereditary sideroblastic anemia with associated platelet abnormalities.

A 62 year old male (R.H.) presented with a mild anemia (Hb 11-12 gm%) and a history of multiple hemorrhagic episodes. The marrow had 40-50% sideroblasts. Marrow chromosomes were normal. His wife was hematologically normal, while one daughter, age 30 years, had a sideroblastic anemia (Hb 11-12 gm%) with 40-50% sideroblasts in the marrow. Her anemia was first noted at age 15 years. Administration of vitamin B6 did not correct the anemia in either the father or daughter. Platelet abnormalities inherited jointly with this disorder are described for the first time. Both R.H. and his daughter had prolonged bleeding times, with normal PTT, PT times, fVIII:C, fVIII:Ag levels, and vWF multimers, which may rule out a von Willebrand's disease. They have normal platelet numbers but abnormally low platelet adhesiveness and greatly depressed ADP, collagen, and epinephrine responsiveness. Response to ristocetin was in the low normal range, and aggregation with thrombin was normal. While desmopressin completely normalized R.H.'s bleeding time, none of these platelet parameters were improved. No differences in the SDS PAGE protein patterns of RH platelets could be detected in comparison to normal samples. His platelets took up and released serotonin (5HT) normally, and electron micrographs defined no morphological abnormalities. However, no ATP was released from platelets activated with collagen, and when followed by thrombin about fourfold greater ATP was released by control platelets as compared to RH platelets. The dense granule fraction derived from RH platelets contained about 20% the level of ATP, 40% the level of ADP, and 50% the level of 5HT detected in a normal sample. The results indicate that the bleeding disorder is related to a non-classical heritable storage pool defect. The connection between the inherited sideroblastic anemia and platelet defects is obscure.
Does PEG Use Cause Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) use is common in patients who undergo radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer to maintain weight and nutrition during treatment. However, the true effect of PEG use on weight maintenance and its potential impact on long-term dysphagia outcomes have not been adequately studied. This retrospective study looked at swallowing-related outcomes among patients who received prophylactic PEG vs. those who did not, and among patients who maintained oral diets vs. partial oral diets vs. those who were nil per os (NPO). Outcomes were assessed at the end of RT and at 3, 6, and 12 months post RT. A comprehensive review of patients’ medical charts for a 6-year period yielded 59 subjects with complete data. Results showed no difference in long-term percent weight change between the prophylactic PEG patients vs. all others, or between patients who, during RT, had oral diets vs. partial oral diets vs. NPO. However, those who did not receive prophylactic PEGs and those who maintained an oral or a partial oral diet during RT had significantly better diet outcomes at all times post RT. Dependence on a PEG may lead to adverse swallowing ability in post-irradiated head and neck cancer patients possibly due to decreased use of the swallowing musculature.
Acute pulmonary response of mice to multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

Widespread use of carbon nanotubes is predicted for future and concerns have been raised about their potential health effects. The present study determined the pulmonary response of mice to multi-w...
Electrochemical, Galvanic, and Mechanical Responses of Grade 2 Titanium in 6% Sodium Chloride Solution

Abstract The electrochemical, galvanic, and mechanical responses of grade 2 titanium in 6% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at different temperatures were investigated. The initial corrosion potential and cathodic reaction rate increased with decreasing pH and increasing temperature. The initial corrosion potential changed when titanium was coupled with other metals. Naval brass and alloy 600 (UNS N06600) anodically polarized titanium, while zinc and aluminum caused titanium to become a cathode. HY80 steel (UNS K31820), type 316 stainless steel ([SS] UNS S31600), and Monel K500 (UNS N05500, a copper-nickel alloy), polarized titanium anodically or cathodically depending upon temperature and pH. Hydrides formed on the titanium surface at potentials < ∼ −600 mVSCE to −700 mVSCE. Zinc at all temperatures and HY80 at high temperatures caused hydride formation in titanium when coupled galvanically with titanium. Mechanical tests showed an ≈ 10% decrease in ductility under prior and dynamic hydrogen charging cond...
Neutron imaging of ion transport in mesoporous carbon materials

Neutron imaging is presented as a tool for quantifying the diffusion of ions inside porous materials, such as carbon electrodes used in the desalination process via capacitive deionization and in electrochemical energy-storage devices. Monolithic mesoporous carbon electrodes of ∼10 nm pore size were synthesized based on a soft-template method. The electrodes were used with an aqueous solution of gadolinium nitrate in an electrochemical flow-through cell designed for neutron imaging studies. Sequences of neutron images were obtained under various conditions of applied potential between the electrodes. The images revealed information on the direction and magnitude of ion transport within the electrodes. From the time-dependent concentration profiles inside the electrodes, the average value of the effective diffusion coefficient for gadolinium ions was estimated to be 2.09 ± 0.17 × 10(-11) m(2) s(-1) at 0 V and 1.42 ± 0.06 × 10(-10) m(2) s(-1) at 1.2 V. The values of the effective diffusion coefficient obtained from neutron imaging experiments can be used to evaluate model predictions of the ion transport rate in capacitive deionization and electrochemical energy-storage devices.
Programming Fisher's Exact Method of Comparing Two Percentages

Exact solutions to many statistical problems are now possible through the use of high speed computing equipment. This paper describes the application of a high speed computer for determining the exact probability statement associated with the problem of comparing two percentages.