cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Iron in Sphaerotilus and the Associated Inhibition

The distribution of iron between the sheaths and the cells of iron-inhibited Sphaerotilus cultures was determined. The experiment was conducted with different soluble iron forms as inhibitors. The growth inhibition was found to be related to the iron sorbed by the cells rather than by the sheaths. At the 90% inhibition level, iron sorbed by the cells ranged from 13 to 15 mg/g of organism for all three inhibitors tested. For 50% inhibition, the iron sorbed by the cells ranged from 7 to 8 mg/g of organism. The iron sorbed by the sheaths varied widely, ranging from 23 to 118 mg/g of organism at the 90% inhibition level and from 11 to 61 mg/g at the 50% inhibition level. The degree of inhibition is closely related to the amount of iron sorbed by the cells, which in turn is a function of the type of iron compound or complex used. The solubility of the iron is a major consideration.
The role of prehealth student volunteers at a student-run free clinic in New York, United States.

PURPOSE The medical student-run Einstein Community Health Outreach Clinic provides free healthcare to the uninsured adult population of New York, the United States. During the summer, prehealth student volunteers are recruited to assist with clinic operations. METHODS We designed a survey study to identify the baseline characteristics of the volunteers between June and August of 2013 and 2014 in order to evaluate the influence of working in a medical student-run free clinic on their education, impressions, and career goals. RESULTS A total of 38 volunteers (response rate, 83%) participated in the study. The volunteers were demographically diverse and interested in primary care specialties and community service. CONCLUSION After the Einstein Community Health Outreach program, the volunteers showed an improved understanding of the healthcare process and issues relevant to uninsured patients. They also developed favorable attitudes towards primary care medicine and an increased level of interest in pursuing careers in primary care.
A statistical learning framework for groundwater nitrate models of the Central Valley, California, USA

Summary We used a statistical learning framework to evaluate the ability of three machine-learning methods to predict nitrate concentration in shallow groundwater of the Central Valley, California: boosted regression trees (BRT), artificial neural networks (ANN), and Bayesian networks (BN). Machine learning methods can learn complex patterns in the data but because of overfitting may not generalize well to new data. The statistical learning framework involves cross-validation (CV) training and testing data and a separate hold-out data set for model evaluation, with the goal of optimizing predictive performance by controlling for model overfit. The order of prediction performance according to both CV testing R2 and that for the hold-out data set was BRT > BN > ANN. For each method we identified two models based on CV testing results: that with maximum testing R2 and a version with R2 within one standard error of the maximum (the 1SE model). The former yielded CV training R2 values of 0.94–1.0. Cross-validation testing R2 values indicate predictive performance, and these were 0.22–0.39 for the maximum R2 models and 0.19–0.36 for the 1SE models. Evaluation with hold-out data suggested that the 1SE BRT and ANN models predicted better for an independent data set compared with the maximum R2 versions, which is relevant to extrapolation by mapping. Scatterplots of predicted vs. observed hold-out data obtained for final models helped identify prediction bias, which was fairly pronounced for ANN and BN. Lastly, the models were compared with multiple linear regression (MLR) and a previous random forest regression (RFR) model. Whereas BRT results were comparable to RFR, MLR had low hold-out R2 (0.07) and explained less than half the variation in the training data. Spatial patterns of predictions by the final, 1SE BRT model agreed reasonably well with previously observed patterns of nitrate occurrence in groundwater of the Central Valley.
Responding to the need for sleep among survivors of interpersonal violence: a randomized controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioral insomnia intervention followed by PTSD treatment

Sleep disturbance is a common feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but is not a focus of standard PTSD treatments. Psychological trauma exposure is associated with considerable physical and mental health morbidity, possibly due to the alterations in neuroendocrine function and inflammation observed in trauma exposed individuals. Although PTSD treatments are efficacious, they are associated with high drop-out rates in clinical trials and clinical practice. Finally, individuals with PTSD stemming from exposure to interpersonal violence represent an especially under-treated population with significant sleep disturbance. Community-based participatory research was utilized to design and prepare a clinical trial that randomizes recent survivors of interpersonal violence who have PTSD, depression, and insomnia to receive either: (1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) followed by Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma, or (2) attention control followed by CPT. Outcome measures include subjective and objective measures of sleep, clinician-administered PTSD and depression scales, inflammatory cytokines, and salivary cortisol. Assessments are conducted at baseline, following the sleep or control intervention, and again following CPT. The design allows for: (1) the first test of a sleep intervention in this population; (2) the comparison of sequenced CBTi and CPT to attention control followed by CPT, and (3) assessing the roles of neuroendocrine function, inflammatory processes, and objective sleep markers in mediating treatment outcomes. The study's overarching hypothesis is that treating insomnia will produce reduction in insomnia, PTSD, and depression severity, allowing patients to more fully engage in, and derive optimal benefits from, cognitive processing therapy.
Identification of Endogenous Sympathetic Neuron Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP): Depolarization Regulates Production and Secretion through Induction of Multiple Propeptide Transcripts

The vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)/secretin/glucagon family of peptides displays numerous physiological roles in autonomic nervous system development and function. The regulated endogenous production and release of PACAP peptides in sympathetic neurons of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was investigated. The two posttranslationally processed forms of PACAP, PACAP27 and PACAP38, were identified in rat adult, neonatal, and cultured SCG neurons. PACAP38 levels were ∼5–10 fmol/adult SCG and ∼2 fmol/neonatal SCG; PACAP27 levels were comparable. The authenticity of peptide immunoreactivity in these tissues was verified by coelution with synthetic PACAP in reverse-phase HPLC analysis. Reverse transcription-PCR and sequence-specific hybridization revealed PACAP mRNA in adult, neonatal, and cultured SCG neurons; in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunocytochemistry localized the PACAP peptide and proPACAP mRNA to a subset of the SCG neuronal population. Basal and stimulated release of endogenous PACAP38 from cultured sympathetic neurons was established, suggesting that these peptides may function as signaling molecules at target tissues. Chronic depolarization with 40 mm potassium stimulated the PACAP secretory rate 10- to 20-fold, with concomitant increases in cellular PACAP peptide and mRNA levels. When examined using Northern analysis, depolarizing conditions not only stimulated the 2.2 kb form of PACAP mRNA, but also induced the expression of a shortened, 0.9 kb, transcript. Further reverse-transcription PCR analysis demonstrated that this smaller transcript was not identical to the unique testicular message. These studies identify PACAP38 and PACAP27 as regulated endogenous releasable peptides contributing to the functional diversity and phenotypic plasticity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Using azobenzene incorporated DNA aptamers to probe molecular binding interactions

The rational design of DNA/RNA aptamers for use as molecular probes depends on a clear understanding of their structural elements in relation to target−aptamer binding interactions. We present a simple method to create aptamer probes that can occupy two different structural states. Then, based on the difference in binding affinity between these states, target−aptamer binding interactions can be elucidated. The basis of our two-state system comes from the incorporation of azobenzene within the DNA strand. Azobenzene can be used to photoregulate the melting of DNA-duplex structures. When incorporated into aptamers, the light-regulated conformational change of azobenzene can be used to analyze how aptamer secondary structure is involved in target binding. Azobenzene-modified aptamers showed no change in target selectivity, but showed differences in binding affinity as a function of the number, position, and conformation of azobenzene modifications. Aptamer probes that can change binding affinity on demand ma...
Micromechanics for Fiber Volume Percent With a Photocure Vinyl Ester Composite.

Micromechanics for fiber volume percent (Vf) from 0.0Vf to 54.0 Vf were conducted using (3 mm long × 9 μm diameter) high-purity quartz fibers in a visible-light vinyl ester particulate-filled photocure resin. MTS fully articulated four-point bend fixtures were used with a 40 mm test span and 50 × 2 × 2 mm3 sample dimensions. Specimens were tested following the combined modified ASTM standards for advanced ceramics ASTM-C-1161–94 and polymers ASTM-D-6272–00 for modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength. Experimental data provided reliable statistical support for the dominant fiber contribution expressed through the rule-of-mixtures theory as a valid representation of micromechanical physics. The rule-of-mixtures micromechanics described by Vf could explain 92, 85, and 78% of the variability related to modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength respectively. Statistically significant improvements with fiber addition began at 10.3Vf for modulus, 5.4Vf for flexural strength, and 10.3Vf for yield strength, p < 0.05. In addition, correlation matrix analysis was performed for all mechanical test data. An increase in Vf correlated significantly with increases in modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength as measured by the four-point bending test, p < 10−10. All mechanical properties in turn correlated highly significantly with one another, p < 10−9. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:294–310, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of remote energy absorption in determining Jc value

Abstract The effect of remote energy absorption in determining the critical J- integral value ( J c ) which characterizes the crack initiation is investigated for several methods. It is shown that the remote energy absorption can affect the accuracy of the experimentally determined J c values and that eliminating the remote energy term in the early stage of the procedure can help to yield consistent J c values. Transformation of the loading lines due to the remote energy absorption shows that the enclosed area between the loading curve and the crack initiation locus line, which is the essential energy for crack propagation, is independent of remote energy absorption. Consistent J c values can be determined utilizing the enclosed area between the loading curve and the locus line regardless of the amount of remote energy absorption. It is verified experimentally by determining J c values for two different loading configurations which have different amounts of remote energy absorption.
Bad blood: The Tuskegee syphilis study and legacy recruitment for experimental AIDS vaccines

For African Americans, medical research often connotes exploitation and cruelty, making recruiting African Americans to participate in HIV vaccine trials particularly daunting. But infusing adult education principles into such efforts is both increasing African American participation and helping heal the legacy of the Tuskegee experiment.
The risk of subsequent maltreatment allegations in families with substance-exposed infants☆,☆☆

Abstract Objective: This study seeks to: (1) assess the relationship between identified prenatal substance use and the risk of subsequent maltreatment allegations among families involved with child protective services; and (2) compare the types of safety threats encountered by children whose parents had substance-exposed infant (SEI) allegations to the types of safety threats faced by children whose parents had other types of allegations. Method: Survey data from a probability sample of parents were linked to state administrative data over a 33-month time frame. Cox regression models were conducted to assess the relative risk of subsequent allegations associated with parents whose child welfare case opened following an SEI allegation (the SEI group) compared to parents whose case opened following other types of allegations. Results: The likelihood of subsequent allegations is greater among parents in the SEI group. However, the increased risk stems almost entirely from subsequent SEI-related allegations. Parents in the SEI group are not more likely to incur other types of allegations such as physical abuse or lack of supervision. Conclusions: An increased risk of subsequent maltreatment has been used to justify opening child protective cases on the basis of an SEI allegation alone. By looking closely at the types of subsequent allegations as well as the incidence of subsequent allegations, this research helps to clarify the maltreatment risks associated with SEI cases.
Quality of life in small island nations in the Indian Ocean

Quality of Life (QOL) is a difficult yet valuable concept to use in regional analysis. It is more telling than purely economic measures, such as per capita GNP, but requires caution in the choice of indicators. The Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) is used to evaluate the small island developing countries (SIDCs) of the Indian Ocean. It employs infant mortality, life expectancy at age one, and literacy, which are broadly indicative of a wider range of social and physical attributes. In the Indian Ocean, a bimodalism of results is seen, with Reunion, Mauritius, and Seychelles consistently performing very well, while Maldives and Comoros perform poorly. Other QOL measures are examined as supplementary indicators. The PQLI is seen as an excellent comprehensive device for regional QOL analysis.
Perchlorate disrupts embryonic androgen synthesis and reproductive development in threespine stickleback without changing whole-body levels of thyroid hormone.

Perchlorate, an environmental contaminant, disrupts normal functioning of the thyroid. We previously showed that perchlorate disrupts behavior and gonad development, and induces external morphological changes in a vertebrate model organism, the threespine stickleback. Whether perchlorate alters these phenotypes via a thyroid-mediated mechanism, and the extent to which the effects depend on dose, are unknown. To address these questions, we chronically exposed stickleback to control conditions and to three concentrations of perchlorate (10, 30 and 100 ppm) at various developmental stages from fertilization to reproductive maturity. Adults chronically exposed to perchlorate had increased numbers of thyroid follicles and decreased numbers of thyrocytes. Surprisingly, T4 and T3 levels in larval, juvenile, and adult whole fish chronically exposed to perchlorate did not differ from controls, except at the lowest perchlorate dose, suggesting a non-monotonic dose response curve. We found no detectable abnormalities in external phenotype at any dose of perchlorate, indicating that the increased number of thyroid follicles compensated for the disruptive effects of these doses. In contrast to external morphology, gonadal development was altered substantially, with the highest dose of perchlorate causing the largest effects. Perchlorate increased the number both of early stage ovarian follicles in females and of advanced spermatogenic stages in males. Perchlorate also disrupted embryonic androgen levels. We conclude that chronic perchlorate exposure may not result in lasting adult gross morphological changes but can produce lasting modifications to gonads when compensation of T3 and T4 levels occurs by thyroid follicle hyperplasia. Perchlorate may therefore affect vertebrate development via both thyroidal and non-thyroidal mechanisms.
Beyond reliability and validity: analysis of selected quality-of-life instruments for use in palliative care.

The purpose of this study was to review quality-of-life instruments for their potential usefulness in the palliative care setting. Conceptualizations of quality of life throughout history, and contemporary conceptualizations of quality of life were briefly discussed. The specific conceptualizations of six quality-of-life measurement tools (the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36], the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QLQ-C30, the Quality of Life Index [QLI], the Hospice Quality of Life Index [HQLI], the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire [MQOL], and the Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index [MVQOLI]) were evaluated. The origins, target populations, acceptability of individual items, completion time, number of questions, type of response format, and type of scoring of each instrument were discussed, and evidence of the instruments' reliability, validity, and responsiveness were reviewed. The researcher or clinician should consider all of these factors w...
Preschool behavior can predict future psychiatric disorders.

Little is known about how to identify young children who will develop future psychiatric disorders and who might, therefore, benefit from early evaluation or treatment. To address this problem, a follow-up study (mean 11.5 years later) of 88 normal 3–5-year-old children was conducted to determine the relationship between behavior problem ratings in preschool and subsequent psychiatric disorders. Children with higher ratings of overall behavior disturbance were found to have increased risk for developing future psychiatric disorders. By using a score which reflects overall behavioral dysfunctions, it may be possible to screen for young children requiring future psychiatric evaluation or treatment.
Crystal structure of the T877A human androgen receptor ligand-binding domain complexed to cyproterone acetate provides insight for ligand-induced conformational changes and structure-based drug design.

Cyproterone acetate (CPA) is a steroidal antiandrogen used clinically in the treatment of prostate cancer. Compared with steroidal agonists for the androgen receptor (AR) (e.g. dihydrotestosterone, R1881), CPA is bulkier in structure and therefore seemingly incompatible with the binding pockets observed in currently available x-ray crystal structures of the AR ligand-binding domain (LBD). We solved the x-ray crystal structure of the human AR LBD bound to CPA at 1.8A in the T877A variant, a mutation known to increase the agonist activity of CPA and therefore facilitate purification and crystal formation of the receptor·drug complex. The structure demonstrates that bulk from the 17α-acetate group of CPA induces movement of the Leu-701 side chain, which results in partial unfolding of the C-terminal end of helix 11 and displacement of the loop between helices 11 and 12 in comparison to all other AR LBD crystal structures published to date. This structural alteration leads to an expansion of the AR binding cavity to include an additional pocket bordered by Leu-701, Leu-704, Ser-778, Met-780, Phe-876, and Leu-880. Further, we found that CPA invokes transcriptional activation in the L701A AR at low nanomolar concentrations similar to the T877A mutant. Analogous mutations in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and progesterone receptor were constructed, and we found that CPA was also converted into a potent agonist in the M560A GR. Altogether, these data offer information for structure-based drug design, elucidate flexible regions of the AR LBD, and provide insight as to how CPA antagonizes the AR and GR.
A natural extension of the Pythagorean equation to higher dimensions

The Pythagorean equation is extended to higher dimensions via circulant matrices. This form allows for the set of solutions to be expressed in a clean yet non-trivial way. The cubic case, namely the equation x3+y3+z3−3xyz=1, was studied by Ramanujan and displays many interesting properties. The general case highlights the use of circulant matrices and systems of differential equations. The structure of the solutions also allows parametrized solutions of the Fermat equation in degrees 3 and 4 to be given in terms of theta functions.
Design and performance of novel printed-circuit spurline bandpass filters

Novel spurline bandpass filters are presented. Approximate design equations are derived. Two microstrip spurline bandpass filters employing two- and three-conductor spurline resonators, with passbands centered near 5 GHz, have been designed and tested with less than 1- and 1.3-dB insertion losses and more than 20- and 15-dB return losses in the passbands, respectively. Good agreement between the measured and calculated results has been observed. The filters behave very similar to the conventional open-circuited shunt-stub bandpass filters, but are more compact and less radiative, sensitive to the adjacent objects, and dispersive, making them more attractive. >
Measurements and predictions of light scattering by clear coatings.

Comparisons are made between calculated and measured angle-resolved light-scattering distributions from clear dielectric isotropic epoxy coatings over a range of rms roughness conditions, resulting in strongly specular scattering to diffuse scattering characteristics. Calculated distributions are derived from topography measurements performed with interferometric microscopes. Two methods of calculation are used. One determines the intensity of scattered light waves with a phase integral in the Kirchhoff approximation. The other is based on the reflection of light rays by locally flat surfaces. The angle-resolved scattering distributions for the coatings are measured with the spectral trifunction automated reference reflectometer (STARR) developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Comparisons between measured and calculated results are shown for three surfaces with rms roughness values of approximately 3, 150, and 800 nm for an angle of incidence of 20°.
Strategic responses to school accountability measures: It's all in the timing

Abstract The adoption of state accountability testing in the 1990s coincided with the movement of some school start dates from September into August. Using data from Wisconsin, this paper connects these phenomena, showing that some low-scoring districts advanced their school start dates to allow their students more time to prepare for exams. I use a 2001 Wisconsin state law that restricted districts to start dates after September 1st to identify the effects of this extra time on student achievement. Extra classroom days are associated with small increases in Math scores for 4th graders, but not average reading or language scores. Extra classroom time may also have increased third grade reading scores for students in the upper portion of the ability distribution.
Coexistence of endometriosis in women with symptomatic leiomyomas.

Objective To investigate the coexistence of endometriosis in women presenting with symptomatic leiomyomas. Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary university medical center. Patient(s) We reviewed the medical records of 131 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy or hysterectomy. All patients were consented for possible concomitant diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Intervention(s) All patients underwent laparoscopic myomectomy or hysterectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s) The main outcome measure of the study was the presence or absence of endometriosis. Result(s) Of the 131 patients, 113 were diagnosed with endometriosis and fibroids, while 18 were diagnosed with fibroids alone. Patients with fibroids were on average 4.0 years older than those with endometriosis and fibroids (41 vs. 45). Patients with both diagnoses were also more likely to present with pelvic pain and nulliparity than those with fibroids alone. Conclusion(s) An overwhelming majority of patients with symptomatic fibroids were also diagnosed with endometriosis. Overlooking the concomitant diagnosis of endometriosis in these women may lead to suboptimal treatment of the patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of surgical treatments on symptom resolution.
Transport of polyamines in Drosophila S2 cells: kinetics, pharmacology and dependence on the plasma membrane proton gradient

Polyamine transport activities have been described in diverse multicellular systems, but their bioenergetic mechanisms and molecular identity remain unclear. In the present paper, we describe a high-affinity spermine/spermidine transport activity expressed in Drosophila S2 cells. Ion-replacement experiments indicate that polyamine uptake across the cell membrane is Na+-, K+-, Cl-- and Ca2+-independent, but pH-sensitive. Additional experiments using ionophores suggest that polyamine uptake may be H+-coupled. Pharmacological experiments show that polyamine uptake in S2 cells is selectively blocked by MGBG {methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) or 1,1'-[(methylethanediylidine)-dinitrilo]diguanidine} and paraquat (N,N-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridylium), two known inhibitors of polyamine uptake in mammalian cells. In addition, inhibitors known to block the Slc22 (solute carrier 22) family of organic anion/cation transporters inhibit spermine uptake in S2 cells. These data and the genetic tools available in Drosophila will facilitate the molecular identification and further characterization of this activity.
Right Ventricular Hypertrophy I. Correlation of Isolated Right Ventricular Hypertrophy at Autopsy with the Electrocardiographic Findings

The electrocardiograms of 22 cases showing isolated right ventricular hypertrophy at autopsy were examined for changes suggestive of right ventricular hypertrophy. Only 5 of 22 cases fulfilled at least one of the criteria of Sokolow and Lyon and only three could be diagnosed as having right ventricular hypertrophy by the criteria of Myers, Klein and Stofer. Factors contributing to the development of electrocardiographic changes of right ventricular hypertrophy are discussed.
Fishwaste Compost Effects on Rhododendron Growth and Nitrogen Leaching and Transformation

Availability and leachability of N in fishwaste compost should be considered before it is used as growing media for nursery stock. This study examined N availability and leaching, and transformation of organic N constituents in fishwaste compost (HGF) as well as the effect of the compost on growth of rhododendron (Rhododendron fortunei 'Scintillation'). With an initially high inorganic N concentration, the compost enhanced growth of rhododendron during its first flush of growth. Because of extensive N leaching, this beneficial effect was short-lived. Periodic additions of N fertilizer at 150 mg N kg -1 were required to improve growth of rhododendron. Approximately 45% of inorganic N present initially in the HGF was leached regardless of the proportions of HGF in the mixtures. With N uptake by the plants representing a small fraction of inorganic N added, the inorganic N lost not accounted for probably was lost by denitrification and/or ammonia volatilization. Most N fertilizer applied as NH 4 NO 3 to 100% bark was also leached. Concentrations of labile amino acids changed significantly in 4 mo, from 53.6% to <5% of total organic N in the HGF. Similar reduction also occurred for amino sugars. Even with such a magnitude of change in the two labile N fractions, there was no marked increase in inorganic N in the leachate 2 wk after transplanting and in growth of rhododendron. A large proportion of amino acids and amino sugars present in the compost initially were probably transformed to a more stabilized organic N form.
MRAC for systems with sinusoidal parameters

Present adaptive control schemes are formulated to estimate constant parameters. In certain circumstances, however, time-varying parameters may need to be estimated. This paper presents a method for estimating parameters that vary sinusoidally based upon the passivity/hyperstability formulation.
A method for the removal of tungsten carbide rings.

Abstract Background The removal of metal rings from fingers is a well-described process that often employs a toothed cutting wheel or bolt cutters to sever the ring and allow it to be pried open. However, tungsten carbide (TC) rings are impervious to these traditional ring-cutting devices. Study Objectives We sought to describe a method for removal of TC rings from cadaveric fingers and characterize potential complications of the technique. Methods On cadaveric fingers, we placed TC rings and created a snug fit by injecting a fluorescein and saline solution. The rings were removed by a controlled crushing technique using a pair of locking pliers. Fingers were inspected under magnification and using an LED (light-emitting diode) black light, and X-ray studies of each finger were obtained. Injuries were characterized. Results Six rings were applied and successfully removed from six cadaveric fingers through controlled ring shatter. After ring removal, two fingers demonstrated superficial ( Conclusion Removal of a TC ring can be performed through controlled crushing using locking pliers. Superficial lacerations and retained debris are potential complications.
Comparison of electrophoretic mobility and membrane sialic acid content of erythrocytes from adult and umbilical cord blood.

Extract: Determinations of cell electrophoretic mobility at low ionic strength and of ghost sialic acid content show that erythrocytes from umbilical cord blood and from adult donors are identical in these two glycoprotein-related properties. Using streak deflection electro-phoresis in 16.5 mM Tris-acetic acid buffer, pH 7.4, no increased streak width indicating electrophoretic heterogeneity could be detected when mixed suspensions of adult and umbilical cord blood erythrocytes were compared with suspensions of adult cells alone. Sialic acid content of 100 nmol/mg protein were obtained for both populations of cells.
Effect of resolution on the apparent fractal dimension of jagged force-displacement relationships and other irregular signatures

Abstract The apparent fractal dimension of computer simulated and experimental jagged force-displacement curves was determined using the Richardson and Kolmogorov algorithms. The curves analyzed had a wide range of amplitudes and a variety of temporal resolutions. Despite the fact that curves whose points are uniformly spaced (i.e. recorded at a constant sampling rate) are not truly fractal, both algorithms could be successfully employed, as judged by the linearity of their corresponding plots. The apparent Kolmogorov dimension of the simulated curves was generally smaller than that calculated from the Richardson plot. There was however a good agreement between the two in the experimental curves. Both dimensions increased in unison with the curve fluctuation's amplitude and resolution, indicating that the apparent fractal dimension is a consistent measure of jaggedness. In all the cases, the relationship between the apparent fractal dimension and the resolution could be described by simple empirical models which could be used interchangeably to calculate the asymptotic apparent fractal dimension at infinite resolution. Consequently, the record of real instruments with a finite resolution determined by technical and physical considerations could be used to estimate the ‘ultimate jaggedness’ of the force-displacement relationship or any other digitized signature. The same method can be used, through interpolation, to estimate the curve's jaggedness at any desired resolution for the sake of comparison. Without such an adjustment, the jaggedness of different curves when expressed in terms of their apparent dimension is meaningful only if they have been recorded at the same resolution.
EFEITO DE EMBALAGENS COM ATMOSFERA MODIFICADA SOBRE OS ASPECTOS MICROBIOLÓGICOS E SENSORIAIS DE GOIABAS MINIMAMENTE PROCESSADAS

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes embalagens na qualidade microbiologica e sensorial de goiabas ‘Kumagai’ e ‘Pedro Sato’ minimamente processadas. Mix de goiabas ‘Kumagai’ e ‘Pedro Sato, em rodelas foram embaladas em diferentes materiais de embalagem e armazenadas a 5oC por seis dias. Os materiais de embalagem utilizados foram: potes de polietileno tereftalato (PET); filme de polipropileno 52µm; filme poliolefinico da Cryovac PD-900 58 µm; filme de PVC 17µm. Avaliou-se a contagem de microrganismos aciduricos, coliformes totais e a 45oC e presenca/ausencia de Salmonella. Para avaliacao sensorial aplicou-se o teste de aceitacao. As goiabas minimamente processadas e acondicionadas em embalagem de PVC e PP obtiveram maior aceitacao sensorial referente ao atributo aparencia. A aceitacao sensorial referente ao atributo sabor das goiabas minimamente processadas foi positiva em todos os tratamentos. A embalagem nao influenciou os aspectos microbiologicos dos produtos, que apresentaram baixa contagem microbiana.
The Role of Bound Water in the Stability of the Triple-Helical Conformation of (Pro-Pro-Gly)10

Abstract There is significant experimental evidence for bound water in collagen and related polymers. (Pro-Pro-Gly)10, {(PPG)10} is a polymer that forms a collagen-like triple-helical structure in aqueous solution. Like collagen, (PPG)10 adopts a structure in which side chains are mostly exposed to solvent, and the backbone polar groups are limited in their ability to form hydrogen bonds with each other. (PPG)10, like collagen, also has many of its backbone polar groups in positions that inhibit complete solvation in aqueous solution; thus the necessity of bound waters for stabilization of the structure. We have constructed a model for bound waters in (PPG)10, based on an examination of the geometry and steric environment of the backbone polar groups. As will become clear, the number of bound waters is determined by the geometry of the backbone carbonyl groups and the steric crowding surrounding them. In this model, each water forms one hydrogen bond with each of two backbone carbonyls from a glycine and ...
Reference-Free Transducer Self-Diagnosis Scheme Development

A self-sensing scheme, which allows using Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) materials for simultaneous sensing and actuation, has been developed in the context of structural health monitoring (SHM). Based on the self-sensing scheme developed, a time response of the PZT transducer coupled with a mechanical response of the host structure is successfully extracted while the same PZT transducer is excited by a specific input signal. Then, the measured PZT response is used for detecting transducer defects such as PZT cracking and debonding. In order to improve the reliability of transducer diagnosis, the reference-free transducer self-diagnosis scheme based on the developed self-sensing scheme is proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed self-diagnosis scheme is examined using PZT wafers instrumented on a fixed-free aluminum beam.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Observation of a “forbidden” level crossing in the n = 2 state of atomic hydrogen

The hyperfine interaction permits weak electric dipole coupling between the Zeeman levels α(22S12, mJ = = +12and d(22P32, mJ = −32) of atomic hydrogen. This coupling is employed to detect the αd crossing an thereby to measure a fine structure interval. A method for producing polarized protons is also discussed.
Residential density and transportation emissions: Examining the connection by addressing spatial autocorrelation and self-selection

This paper examines the effect of residential density on CO2 equivalent from automobile using more specific emission factors based on vehicle and trip characteristics, and by addressing problems of spatial autocorrelation and self-selection. Drawing on the 2006 Puget Sound Regional Council Household Activity Survey data, the 2005 parcel and building database, the 2000 US Census data, and emission factors estimated using the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator, we analyze the influence of residential density on road-based transportation emissions. In addition, a Bayesian multilevel model with spatial random effects and instrumental variables is employed to control for spatial autocorrelation and self-selection. The results indicate that the effect of residential density on transportation emissions is influenced by spatial correlation and self-selection. Our results still show, however, that increasing residential density leads to a significant reduction in transportation emissions.
Validation of cine phase‐contrast MR imaging for motion analysis

The accuracy of cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for motion analysis was evaluated. By using a rotating phantom and postprocessing algorithm for phase tracking, errors arising during data acquisition were identified and compensation methods were developed. A spatially varying background phase offset in the velocity images was found to be due to eddy current-induced fields. The magnitude of the offset was in the range of 0–20 cm/sec, which is of the same order of magnitude as cardiac contractile velocities. Background offset is thus an important source of error in tracking cardiac motion. Study of different tracking algorithms revealed the need for an integration scheme using motion terms higher than velocity. Also, considerable improvement in the accuracy and stability of the predicted trajectories was obtained by averaging the trajectories proceeding both forward and backward in time from the starting point. With the algorithm developed, the motion of the phantom was tracked through a complete rotation of the phantom to an accuracy of 2 pixels.
Youths living away from families in the US mental health system: Opportunities for targeted intervention

This study examines the clinical characteristics of youths who lived away from families at the time of admission to specialty mental health services, and investigates the association between type of nonfamily living situation and admission to residential versus outpatient programs. Of 3995 youths sampled from 1598 mental health programs in the United States, 14% lived away from their own families, either in foster care, group care settings, or correctional settings, or were emancipated. As a group, youths living away from families were more seriously emotionally disturbed and more likely to receive treatment in residential care programs. Youths who lived in foster care were more likely to be admitted to outpatient programs, while youths who lived in group care settings or correctional settings were more likely to be admitted to residential care programs, controlling on demographic and clinical characteristics. Targeting resources to enhance the availability and therapeutic capacity of foster care may facilitate community living, and decrease time spent in institutional settings.
On approximate solutions for the deformation of plane anisotropic beams

Abstract Plane deformation of anisotropic beams with narrow rectangular cross sections exhibits coupling of stretching, bending and transverse shearing. For anisotropic cantilever beams with a stiff end-cap under end forces and an end couple, assessments were made for approximate solutions by comparing these with numerically exact finite element (FE) solutions. Specific attention is given to point-wise or approximate satisfaction of the end-fixity conditions. As approximate methodologies, (i) the elementary polynomial form of Airy's stress function for the plane stress problem in a rectangular region, (ii) a Timoshenko-type beam theory, and (iii) the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory were selected. Among these, only the polynomial form of Airy's stress function violates the point-wise end-fixity conditions. Both the polynomial Airy stress function and the Timoshenko-type beam theory successfully model the effects of transverse shear deformation and the coupling of stretching and transverse deflection. Analytical solutions demonstrate that the normal shear coupling effect increases linearly with the thickness-to-span ratios in axial normal stress and axial displacement, while the coupling manifests quadratically in transverse displacement. The comparison of end displacements with the numerically exact FE solutions indicates that the polynomial form of Airy's stress function is no better than the Timoshenko-type beam theory. Similar conclusions were reached for the problem of uniformly loaded cantilever beams. It has been found that the accurate prediction of the deformation of thick anisotropic beams with significant normal-shear coupling requires the use of higher order theories.
Creation of an atlas of filter positions for fluence field modulated CT.

Purpose: Fluence field modulated CT (FFMCT) and volume of interest (VOI) CT imaging applications require adjustment of the profile of the x-ray fluence incident on a patient as a function of view angle. Since current FFMCT prototypes can theoretically take on an infinite number of configurations, measuring a calibration data set for all possible positions would not be feasible. The present work details a methodology for calculating an atlas of configurations that will span all likely body regions, patient sizes, patient positioning, and imaging modes. The hypothesis is that there exists a finite number of unique modulator configurations that effectively span the infinite number of possible fluence profiles with minimal loss in performance. Methods: CT images of a head, shoulder, thorax, abdominal, wrist, and leg anatomical slices were dilated and contracted to model small, medium, and large sized patients. Additionally, the images were positioned from iso-center by three different amounts. The modulator configurations required to compensate for each image were computed assuming a FFMCT prototype, digital beam attenuator, (DBA), was set to equalize the detector exposure. Each atlas configuration should be different from the other atlas configurations. The degree of difference was quantified using the sum of the absolute differences in filter thickness between configurations. Using this metric, a set of unique wedge configurations for which no two configurations have a metric value smaller than some threshold can be constructed. Differences in the total number of incident photons between the unconstrained filters and the atlas were studied as a function of the number of atlas positions for each anatomical site and size/off-centering combination. Results: By varying the threshold used in creating the atlas, it was found that roughly 322 atlas positions provided an incident number of photons within 20% of using 19 440 unique filters (the number of atlas entries ranged from 7213 to 1). Additionally, for VOI applications implemented with a single VOI region, the number of required filter configurations was expressed in a simple closed form solution. Conclusions: The methodology proposed in this work will enable DBA-FFMCT and DBA-VOI imaging in the clinic without the need for patient specific air-scans to be performed. In addition, the methodology proposed here is directly applicable to other modulator designs such as piecewise linear, TomoTherapy multi leaf collimators, 2D fluid arrays, and inverse geometry CT.
A Civilized Gaul: Caesar’s Portrait of Piso Aquitanus (De Bello Gallico 4.12.4-6)

A literary analysis of the portrait of Piso Aquitanus (Gal. 4.12), a Gaul killed together with his brother in a cavalry engagement with the Usipetes and Tencteri in 55 bce. The portrait is first discussed against the literary tradition of heroic brothers in epic and in historiography. The function of the portrait is then examined in relation to the depiction of Gauls and Germans in Book Four. From this perspective, the portrayal of Piso’s courage and devotion can be seen to promote Caesar’s underlying aims of justifying, on the one hand, his harsh suppression of the barbarous Germans, and, on the other, his enlistment of “civilized” Gauls in the cause of Rome.1
A 2000-year reconstruction of forest disturbance from southern Pacific Costa Rica

Abstract We reconstruct prehistoric and historic human forest disturbance and vegetation change in southern Pacific Costa Rica, in the vicinity of the Las Cruces Biological Station and the La Amistad International Park and Biosphere Reserve. Pollen and charcoal in sediments from Laguna Santa Elena reveal a nearly continuous record of human alteration of these tropical forests over the past two millennia. The basal portion of the core shows nearly intact premontane forests approximately 1800 cal. year B.P., although there is evidence of human presence on the landscape in the form of maize pollen and charcoal. Clearing for agriculture resulted in the dominance of disturbance taxa in the watershed beginning at least 1400 cal. year B.P. The pollen record reveals a possible, brief hiatus in human occupation of the watershed at approximately 540 cal. year B.P., although secondary succession began to occur in the Laguna Santa Elena watershed prior to that time, beginning about 700 cal. year B.P. Three eruptions of nearby Volcan Baru, which we date to approximately 610, 1080, and 1440 cal. year B.P., apparently had little direct effect on the prehistoric populations in the immediate vicinity of the lake. Historic and modern land clearance has perpetuated a modern vegetation assemblage of disturbance and successional taxa.
Evaluation of Different Stocking Densities for Hybrid Striped Bass in Small-Scale Recirculation Systems

Abstract The maximum density of fish that can be grown in an aquacultural system is an important factor determining the economic feasibility of individual operations. We conducted two separate studies with reciprocal-cross hybrid striped bass (striped bass Morone saxatilis × white bass M. chrysops) reared in a recirculating-water system. Densities initially established in the first experiment were 0.8, 1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 2.3, and 2.7 kg/m3. At the end of 70 d, weight gain, feed efficiency, survival, and dress-out were not significantly different among density groups. Standing crop increased significantly as stocking density increased; the highest density obtained was 28 kg/m3. In the second experiment, initial densities of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 kg/m3 were established. After 86 d, mean weight gain, feed efficiency, and dress-out were not significantly different. Standing crop increased significantly with increasing density; the highest mean value was 55.5 kg/m3. Ash concentrations in the muscle o...
Faecal uric acid as an indicator in the determination of food utilization

Abstract The impracticability or impossibility of quantitatively separating uneaten food and faeces is the major obstacle to the measurement of the consumption and utilization of food by the grain-feeding insects frequently used in nutritional studies. This difficulty can be overcome by using faecal uric acid as an indicator for the indirect determination of the proportions of uneaten food and faeces in a mixture. A small sample of faeces is separated and analysed for uric acid. The remaining mixture is homogenized and an aliquot is analysed for uric acid. Since the food contains no uric acid the weight of faeces present can be calculated by dividing the total weight of uric acid in the mixture by the weight of uric acid per weight of faeces. In a comparison the uric acid method gave results almost identical with those obtained by the painstaking manual separation of food and faeces.