cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One-session mindfulness meditation: A randomized controlled study of effects on cognition and mood.

Participants in previous studies of brief mindfulness meditation (MM) are often tested immediately following a meditation session, making it difficult to separate several days of training from one-session effects. The current study examined the effects of a single session of 25 min of MM compared with a sham meditation (sham M) and a book-listening control. One session of both MM and sham M had a significant effect on state mindfulness compared with the control. Several mood subscales as well as total distress score on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were also significantly different from control. However, neither meditation condition had significant effects on any of the attention and working memory tasks. These results indicate that one session of meditation was not sufficient to affect the cognitive tasks used in this study. Both MM and sham M positively affected mood states and heightened state mindfulness.
Optical state transfer via optomechanical dark mode

We demonstrate an optomechanical dark mode that converts fields between two optical modes, but is decoupled from the mechanical oscillator. The dark mode can enable mechanically-mediated quantum-state-transfer, without cooling the mechanical system to its ground state.
Mineral dielectric constants and the oxide additivity rule

The 1 MBz dielectric constants of a variety of synthetic aluminate garnets: Y_3Al_5 O_(12), Ho_3Al_5 O_(12), Y_(2.93)Nd_(.07)Sc_2Al_3 O_(12) and Gd_(2.95)Nd_(.05)Sc_(1.98)Cr_(.02)Al_3 0_(12) and several silicates: CaB_2Si_2 O_8 (danburite), Ca_3Al_2Si_3 O_(12) (grossular) and Mg_2Al_4Si_5 O_(18) (cordierite) were determined using the two-terminal method with edge corrections. These data and polarizabilities derived from the published single crystal dielectric constants of simple oxides were used to compare compound polarizabilities obtained from the Clausius-Mosotti equation and the oxide additivity rule.
Bioturbation and Manganese Cycling in Hemipelagic Sediments

The activities of infaunal macrobenthos have major influences on the types, rates and distributions of diagenetic reactions involving manganese in relatively carbon-rich deep-sea and nearshore sediments. In some non-sulphidic hemipelagic deposits of the eastern equatorial Pacific (Panama Basin) biogenic reworking drives internal cycles of manganese, which can apparently account for up to ca. 100% of organic carbon oxidation and reduction of 0 2 supplied (diffusively) to the sea floor. Heterotrophic (carbon-based) manganese reduction is stimulated by simultaneous mixing of reactive organic matter and manganese oxide into suboxic-anoxic deposits. In sulphidic sediments, biogenic reworking must also enhance a lithotrophic pathway (sulphur-based) pathway of manganese reduction by promoting contact of manganese oxides and iron sulphides. Particle reworking dramatically alters the balance between aerobic and anaerobic decomposition pathways, promoting the utilization of 0 2 in the reoxidaton of reduced metabolites rather than direct oxidation of carbon. Irrigated burrows create microenvironments, which increase manganese reduction—oxidation and deplete Mn2+ from deeper pore waters. This may increase net Mn 2+ production rates by removal of metabolites and potential co-precipitants with Mn 2+ . The occurrence and geometry of manganese oxide encrusted biogenic structures imply specific adaptations of infauna to manganese based microbial activity in hemipelagic sediments like the Panama Basin.
The absence of direct antimicrobial activity in extracts of cytotoxic lymphocytes

Abstract An important mechanism used by the immune system in resisting infections by intracellular pathogens is the destruction of host cells by cytolytic lymphocytes. Whether these lymphocytes display a more direct antimicrobial action remains unclear. We have attempted to answer this question by testing extracts of cytolytic lymphocytes, prepared by cell fractionation, against three bacterial species — Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium , and Listeria monocytogenes . We also tested these extracts against two viruses — pseudorabies virus and vesicular stomatitis virus. The extracts showed negligible ativity against the test organisms under the conditions used.
Transition probability cell cycle model with product formation.

A cell cycle population model based on the transition probability model of Smith and Martin (1973) has been extended to include product synthesis and export. The model handles two probable mechanisms. In the direct production model, the product is the protein. In the transcription model, the product is the specific mRNA. The protein is synthesized by translation of the specific mRNA and subsequently exported. In either case, the cell density is jointly distributed in the primary product and maturity age in the cell cycle. This extended model also is capable of describing a large range of conditions, including substrate dependent batch and continuous cultures. With the use of unity maturity-velocity (but the transition rate a function of limiting substrate), the model is shown to exhibit a negative growth association between the specific productivity of monoclonal antibodies from hybridomas and the dilution rates of a chemostat. Possibilities of maturity age dependent transcription and translation are considered, and the results show that these features can amplify the specific productivity negative association with specific growth rate. While this model may provide a partial elucidation of monoclonal antibody productivity in a chemostat, the present work provides a proper framework with which probable cell cycle dependent product formation can be analyzed rigorously with a comprehensive computational model.
Depletion of excessive liver iron stores with desferrioxamine.

SUMMARY TO determine the therapeutic effect of long-term, intensive iron chelation therapy, we studied liver iron content and histology in four children with thalassaemia major during 52-83 months of intensive therapy with desferrioxamine. The initial biopsies obtained prior to or within 21 months after beginning chelation therapy had Grade IV iron staining, with heavy iron deposition present in parenchymal and reticuloendothelial cells. Subsequent biopsies, obtained when serum ferritin levels had fallen to 71-246 μg/1, contained Grade 0 or Grade I stainable iron. Little or no iron was present in parenchymal or reticuloendothelial cells. The liver iron concentration, measured by magnetic susceptibility, returned to normal or nearly normal levels. Hepatic fibrosis did not progress during treatment with desferrioxamine. These findings demonstrate that intensive and sustained chelation therapy with desferrioxamine will remove excessive liver iron and preserve hepatocellular structure.
Behavioral/cognitive conceptualizations of post-traumatic stress disorder

The paper reviews and considers the existing cognitive and behavioral accounts for the acquisition and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder. Mowrer's two-stage theory as applied to rape victims and Vietnam veterans is critically reviewed. It was concluded that traditional S-R learning theories can adequately account for fear and avoidance consequent to a traumatic event, as well as the greater generalization as compared to simple phobics. However, these theories do not explain the remaining PTSD symptoms. The literature on experimental neurosis predicts that uncontrollable and unpredictable events produce responses that are highly reminiscent of PTSD irrespective of stimulus intensity and complexity. An additional shortcoming of S-R theory is the difficulty in incorporating meaning concepts which are so central to PTSD. Evidence for the necessity of a theory to accommodate meaning concepts is the finding that perceived threat is a better predictor of PTSD than actual threat. Therefore, we have presented a theoretical framework developed by Foa & Kozak (1986) which accommodates meaning concepts in explaining mechanisms of fear reduction and adapted this theory to PTSD.
Solution structure of the RNase H domain of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in the presence of magnesium.

This paper presents the first solution structure of the RNase H domain of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) determined by NMR methods. The solution conditions in this study were at physiological pH in the presence of Mg2+. An investigation of the dependence of the 1H−15N HSQC spectrum of the RNase H domain on [Mg2+] indicates that Mg2+ produces significant, global effects on the amide chemical shifts, implying that divalent metal ion binding is important for stabilizing the structure of the isolated domain in solution. Analysis of amide shift data as a function of MgCl2 concentration using either a single- or two-site binding model indicated that the latter provided a significantly improved fit, with the KD for site A = 2.7−3.2 mM and KD for site B ∼ 35 mM, calculated on the assumption that site A is already occupied. Resonances of the [U-13C,15N]RNase H domain, measured at pH 6.8, in 80 mM MgCl2, were assigned and NOESY data collected in order to determine the structure. Assignment of the NOESY spectra us...
Pharmacology of the class 111 antiarrhythmic agent sematilide in patients with arrhythmias

Abstract Sematilide, a close structural analog of N-acetylprocainamide, prolongs cardiac action potentials in vitro, whereas it does not depress maximum action potential upstroke slope, a “class III” action. This report outlines an evaluation of the clinical pharmacologic actions of sematilide in 14 patients with chronic high-frequency nonsustained ventricular arrhythmias. In all, 36 intravenous infusions (range 0.15 to 1.5 mg/kg over 15 minutes) were administered in a dose-ranging, placebo-controlled study design. Sematilide prolonged rate-corrected QT (QTc) in a dose- and concentration-related fashion, did not alter PR or QRS, and slowed heart rate at high concentrations (≥2 μg/ml). The relations between dose and total area under the time-concentration curve, dose and peak plasma concentration, and peak plasma concentration and increase in QTc were linear (r = 0.66 to 0.92; p
Using the Speed-Accuracy Operating Characteristic to Visualize Performance with Pointing Devices

There is a nearly limitless variety of alternatives to the traditional computer mouse, including trackballs, track- pads, joysticks, head-mounted mouse emulators, and eye-gaze systems, each with its own unique strengths and limita- tions. Two key challenges in selecting the most appropriate pointing device are (1) collecting accurate, comparable data describing the client's performance with each device under consideration and (2) aggregating, analyzing and displaying the data in a format that allows the client, clinician and other interested parties to make an accurate decision. Tools exist for collecting data, but there has been limited research on how to visualize and compare performance data. The investiga- tor has been exploring the use of the speed-accuracy operating characteristic (SAOC) as a means of comparing perform- ance on computer pointing tasks between different pointing devices (e.g., mouse, trackball, touchpad). The SAOC is a graphical representation of the trade-off between speed and accuracy that has been used in a range of timed reaction tasks, including pointing tasks. The SAOC is easy for clinicians, clients and third-party payers to interpret, and provides an effi- cient means of summarizing and documenting performance but does not replace clinical judgement or eliminate the need for clinician-client interaction.
Investigating predictors of plant establishment during roadside restoration.

Ecological restoration on roadsides confers several ecological benefits, but also poses significant challenges. Native plants used in restoration efforts must survive compacted soil, harsh microclimates, prolific invasive species, and pollution from road salts and vehicle emissions. Criteria for both site and species selection need to be developed to assist practitioners in restoring roadside environments. We transplanted seedlings of 9 grassland plant species into plots within 8 highway interchanges surrounding Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. To see if they might predict plant performance in roadside restoration, we assessed 2 indices: the coefficient of conservatism (CC) as an index of affinity to undisturbed habitat; and the number of U.S. counties in which each species occurs as an index of distribution. We measured seedling survival, height, and biomass during the first growing season, and survival 1 year after transplant. We also measured soil characteristics, air temperature, and humidity at each interchange. We found that soil characteristics largely determined plant survival. Plants were more likely to survive in sandier soils than in soils rich in silt or clay that had high bulk density, high pH, and high conductivity. Although plant survival varied among species and interchanges, neither CC nor county-level distribution was a useful predictor of survival. Our results illustrate the importance of matching plant species with local soil characteristics when choosing restoration sites, and offer guidance to transportation officials considering roadside restoration with native plants, and practitioners working to restore any heavily disturbed site.
Matchings and cycle covers in random digraphs

Abstract Consider a random bipartite graph in which each of n white vertices is adjacent to exactly r of the n black vertices. We study the degree distribution of the black vertices and we find that if r = log(nωn) where ωn → ∞, then almost all of these graphs have no isolated black vertices, are connected and have a perfect matching. A consequence of this result is that a random digraph that is regular of outdegree r almost surely has a cycle cover.
Natural Killer Cells: Tolerance to Self and Innate Immunity to Viral Infection and Malignancy

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes whose ability to identify and kill virally infected and malignant cells while sparing normal cells was poorly understood until the late 1980’s and the introduction of the “missing self’ hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules during viral infection or malignant transformation triggers NK activation (1). Since this hypothesis was first proposed, much has been learned about NK cell surface receptors, their role in the molecular basis of missing-self recognition, and the mechanisms underlying NK cell tolerance. In this review, we will discuss these mechanisms, as well as their relevance to viral infection and tumor immunity and stem cell transplantation.
Effect of temperature and pore size on the hydraulic properties and flow of a hydrocarbon oil in the subsurface

Abstract Capillary pressure relationships in a porous medium determine the distribution of immiscible fluids under static conditions and can largely influence the movement of the fluids when the system is not at equilibrium. Theory predicts that for a given porous medium, the effect of different fluid properties or changes in temperature on capillary pressure are due to changes in interfacial tension and contact angle of the system. The capillary pressure-saturation curves measured here for hydrocarbon oil-water do not have a constant capillary pressure ratio with saturation when compared to the water-air system, and changes in ratio were found when comparing the water-air curves measured at different temperatures. Thus, the scaling theory based on interfacial tensions and contact angles does not adequately account for differences in capillary pressures due to different fluid pairs or temperatures. Also, the curves show the residual wetting and nonwetting phase saturations are greatly affected by temperature and sometimes by the fluid pair, which is not accounted for in the scaling theory and cannot be predicted. When the capillary pressure-saturation relationship is extended to the calculation of relative permeabilities and the prediction of fluid flow in the subsurface, the differences in measured and scaled capillary pressure curves lead to differences in the predicted flow rates and saturations of the immiscible fluids in the subsurface. Thus, care must be used when applying capillary pressure-saturation data from one fluid system to that of another, or when applying it to different conditions.
Urinary Oxalate Excretion Increases With Body Size and Decreases With Increasing Dietary Calcium Intake Among Health Adults

Urinary oxalate excretion increases with body size and decreases with increasing dietary calcium intake among healthy adults. Increasing dietary calcium intake decreases urinary oxalate excretion by increasing intestinal precipitation of dietary oxalate as calcium oxalate. This mechanism was speculated to account for the decreased prospective incidence of kidney stones as estimated dietary calcium intake, adjusted for caloric intake, increased among men in a recent large epidemiological study. To further assess the relationship between estimated diet calcium and urinary oxalate, we studied 94 healthy adults, 50 women and 44 men, ages 20 to 70 years with weights ranging from 47 to 104 kg while they ate their customary diets. Each subject completed a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and collected three 24-hour urines preserved with HCI. The urines were collected accurately as judged by a mean intrasubject CV for creatinine excretion of 9.8% and direct relations between urinary creatinine excretion and body wt (r = 0.62; P < 0.0001), or predicted urine creatinine content for sex, age and weight using the Cockcroft and Gault formulas (r = 0.76; P < 0.0001). Estimated diet calcium intake ranged from 6.8 to 68 mmol/day (272 to 2720 mg/day) and averaged 29.5 mmol/day (1180 mg/day). Individual mean urinary oxalate excretion ranged from 0.079 to 0.332 mmol/day (7 to 29 mg/day) and averaged 0.198 mmol/day (17 mg/day). Among all subjects, daily oxalate excretion was directly related to creatinine excretion as an estimate of lean body mass (r = 0.61; P < 0.0001). Thus, oxalate excretion among men averaged 0.228 0.051 SD mmol/day, a value significantly higher than the average among women of 0.173 0.045 mmol/day (P < 0.001). Daily urine oxalate excretion/creatinine decreased curvilinearly as estimated dietary Ca intake increased (r = —0.30; P = 0.0035) and as the ratio of estimated dietary calcium to dietary oxalate increased (r = —0.39; P = 0.0001). We conclude that body size is the major determinant of urinary oxalate excretion among healthy adults, presumably reflecting variations in endogenous oxalate synthesis with lean body mass. Increasing estimated diet calcium intake, especially up to the range of 15 to 20 mmol/day (600 to 800 mg/day) has an additional effect to decrease urinary oxalate excretion, presumably by limiting intestinal absorption of dietary oxalate.
Relative cancer risks of chemical contaminants in the great lakes

Anyone who drinks water or eats fish from the Great Lakes consumes potentially carcinogenic chemicals. In choosing how to respond to such pollution, it is important to put the risks these contaminants pose in perspective. Based on recent measurements of carcinogens in Great Lakes fish and water, calculations of lifetime risks of cancer indicate that consumers of sport fish face cancer risks from Great Lakes contaminants that are several orders of magnitude higher than the risks posed by drinking Great Lakes water. But drinking urban groundwater and breathing urban air may be as hazardous as frequent consumption of sport fish from the Great Lakes. Making such comparisons is difficult because of variation in types and quality of information available and in the methods for estimating risk. Much uncertainty pervades the risk assessment process in such areas as estimating carcinogenic potency and human exposure to contaminants. If risk assessment is to be made more useful, it is important to quantify this uncertainty.
Tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve

Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is present in many patients with heart failure. Valve replacement is necessary in patients in whom the valve is irreparable or in whom there is a high risk of late failure. The following manuscript and videos describe our approach to tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve.
Growth of epitaxical SiC layers onto on- and off-axis 6H-SiC substrates by ion beam deposition

Thin films of {beta}-SiC have been grown epitaxically onto on-axis (0001) 6H {alpha}-SiC substrates using ion beam deposition. The ion beam deposition technique involves the direct deposition of alternating layers of {sup 13}C{sup +} and {sup 30}Si{sup +}. The carbon and silicon ions were obtained from an ion implanter by decelerating mass-analyzed ion beams to 40 eV. The SiC substrate was held at {approximately}973 K. Thin films of {alpha}-SiC (a mixture of {alpha}-polytypes) were obtained following deposition onto off-axis ({approximately}2{degree}) 6H {alpha}-SiC. High resolution electron microscopy and Rutherford backscattering techniques were used to determine the structure and crystalline perfection of the resulting layers.
Intelligent Control of BRHL Based on MR Damper

Biped robot with heterogeneous legs (BRHL) is a new pattern humanoid robot. This paper first introduces the conception, research purpose and configuration of HRHL. Then coordinated dynamics model and magneto-rheological (MR) damper model are given. In the end, this paper discusses the control model of BRHL and gives combined control simulation. The result indicates that intelligent bionic leg controlled by MR damper can track artificial leg’s gait well.
Three-dimensional virtual learning environments for mediating social skills acquisition among individuals with autism spectrum disorders

In this paper we will discuss the unique possibilities of using three-dimensional virtual environments as an educational tool for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This paper will focus primarily on nonacademic skills such as social skills.
The Effects of Imputation Systems on Multinational Investment, Financing, and Income‐Shifting Strategies

The United States is one of a few remaining countries to tax distributed corporate earnings twice—once at the corporate level, and again at the individual level. In contrast, many other countries have adopted imputation systems that refund domestic corporate taxes through dividend tax credits. Consequently, foreign‐source income, which is often relieved from domestic corporate taxation, is generally ineligible for dividend tax credits. The paper develops a model to derive the investment, financing, and crossjurisdictional income‐shifting incentives of imputation‐based multinationals. The model indicates that imputation systems encourage firms to restrict their equity stakes in new foreign investments, and, ultimately, to expand their domestic investments. The results also reveal that imputation systems create incentives for firms to lever highly their foreign operations, use internal debt over equity finance, shift foreign taxable income into home jurisdictions, and to merge with or acquire purely domesti...
Mechanistic study on the oxidative coupling of amines to imines on K-10 montmorillonite

Abstract A mechanistic study of the K-10 montmorillonite-catalyzed microwave-assisted oxidative self-coupling of benzylamine and cross coupling of benzylamines with anilines and aliphatic amines is described. The coupling of benzylamines readily produced benzylidene benzylamines, while reactions of benzylamine with aliphatic amines and anilines resulted in benzylidene alkylamines and benzylidene anilines. The mechanism of the reaction has been investigated by varying reaction conditions, kinetic studies, thermogravimetric analysis and DRIFT spectroscopy. The data obtained clarified the steps of this multistep reaction sequence and a mechanistic scheme has been proposed.
Institutional Capital Flows and Return Dynamics in Private Commercial Real Estate Markets

This article examines the short- and long-run dynamics among institutional capital flows and returns in private real estate markets. At the aggregate U.S. level, we find evidence that lagged institutional flows significantly influence subsequent returns. When disaggregating by property type at the national level, we find that capital flows predict subsequent returns in the apartment and office sectors, but not in the retail and industrial markets. At the metropolitan level, we find that the flows help explain subsequent returns in a limited number of core business statistical areas (CBSAs), although these CBSAs collectively represent about 30% of institutional capital. We find no evidence that institutional returns are predictive of future capital flows at the national or CBSA level, suggesting that institutional investors are not chasing returns.
Quasiparticle Diffusion in Al Films Coupled to Tungsten Transition Edge Sensors

We report recent results obtained from several W/Al test devices on Si wafers fabricated specifically to better understand energy collection in phonon sensors used for the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) experiment. The devices under study consist of three different lengths of 250 \(\upmu \)m-wide by 300 nm-thick Al absorber films, coupled to 250 \(\upmu \)m x 250 \(\upmu \)m (40 nm thick) W-TESs at each end of the Al film. An \(^{55}\)Fe source was used to excite a NaCl reflector producing 2.6 keV Cl X-rays that were absorbed in our test device after passing through a collimator. The impinging X-rays broke Cooper pairs in the Al film, producing quasiparticles that we detected after they propagated into the W-TESs. We studied the diffusion of these quasiparticles in the Al, trapping effects in the Al film, and energy transmission at the Al/W interfaces.
Preliminary evidence for the structure of the concanavalin-A binding site on human lymphocytes that induces mitogenesis

Abstract The present study has utilized glycopeptides obtained from various serum glycoproteins to inhibit concanavalin-A induced human lymphocyte transformation. The best inhibitor was a human IgG 2 -derived glycopeptide whose carbohydrate component is a branched, oligosaccharide with α- N -acetyl-neuraminic acid, β-galactose, and β- N -acetyl-glucosamine in the peripheral positions, linked to a core of three α-mannoses and then through two N -acetyl-glucosamines, one bearing an α-fucose, to the peptide. This structure probably bears close resemblance to the site on lymphocytes which binds concanavalin-A and mediates mitogenesis.
Antibiotic resistance patterns of group B streptococci in late third-trimester rectovaginal cultures ☆

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of rectovaginal group B streptococcal isolates obtained from a heterogeneous obstetric population in the late third trimester. Study Design: We performed a prospective observational study of rectovaginal group B streptococcal isolates obtained in the late third trimester during routine screening over a 12-month period. All cultures were prepared in a selective broth medium for 18 to 24 hours before plating onto sheep blood agar. Susceptibility testing of all isolates was performed for ampicillin, cefazolin, clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin G, and vancomycin with the E-test method. Results: A total of 2111 consecutive rectovaginal cultures were performed in which group B streptococci were isolated from 574 (27.2%) different patients. The "antibiogram" of the susceptible percentage is as follows: vancomycin, 100%; ampicillin, 98.2%; penicillin G, 98.2%; cefazolin, 98.1%; clindamycin, 92%; erythromycin, 81%. Ten isolates (1.8%) demonstrated intermediate susceptibility to both ampicillin and penicillin G. Conclusion: Routine susceptibility testing of group B streptoccal isolates collected during pregnancy should be considered because of the emergence of antibiotic resistance among group B streptococcal strains. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:1125-6.)
Impairment in cochlear function produced by chloramphenicol and noise

Summary Ototoxic interaction between chloramphenicol and noise was studied in two separate investigations. In the first study, permanent ototoxicity was demonstrated in a group of rats which were subjected to short-duration, high-intensity noise and were then given chloramphenicol orally. The anatomical damage in this group was consistent with observed changes in cochlear round window recordings of cochlear microphonics at 4kHz and of the N1 component of the eighth nerve action potential. In the second study, a temporary depression in the function of the cochlea was observed in rats subjected to the noise-chloramphenicol regimen used in the first study. Depressions in recordings of the round window similar to those in the first study were seen only during the first five days of recordings. After the fifth day, the recordings of the round window were normal, indicating recovery from a temporary shift in threshold produced by chloramphenicol and noise. Incidence of purulent otitis media was found in 57 and 0% of the animals in the first and second studies, respectively. The combination of chloramphenicol and noise appears to be responsible for the production of temporary cochlear deficits. The addition of the third variable, otitis media, appears to result in permanent impairment of the cochlea.
The Role of Inside and Same‐Sex Influencers in the Choice of Nontraditional Occupations*

The role model approach to occupational choice predicts concern with sex appropriateness and reliance on same-sex influencers when individuals choose nontraditional occupations, while the opportunity structure approach predicts men and women respond equally to opportunity. Using data from male and female engineering and nursing students, this study evaluates both perspectives. Findings suggest the opportunity structure approach is more predictive of nontraditional choices, since male nurses and female engineers rely more on opposite sex influencers, many of whom are inside their chosen occupation. Implications for theory and social policy also are discussed.
Decontamination Efficacy of Combined Chlorine Dioxide with Ultrasonication on Apples and Lettuce

The bacterial reduction of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7-inoculated apples and lettuce by ClO2 at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 ppm with and without 170-kHz ultrasonic treatments for 3, 6, and 10 min, respectively, have been studied. The treatments of ClO2 at 20 and 40 ppm for 3, 6, and 10 min or at 5 and 10 ppm for 6 and 10 min with 170-kHz ultrasonication caused 3.115 to 4.253 log reductions in Salmonella and 2.235 to 3.865 log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 on inoculated apples. Using combined ClO2 and ultrasonication to treat 4.48 × 104 CFU/g Salmonella and 1.07 × 105 CFU/g E. coli O157:H7-inoculated lettuce, the bacterial reductions were 2.257 to 2.972 and 1.357 to 2.264 log, respectively. The residual ClO2 decreased with increasing treatment times, over 80% of ClO2 was detected after the 3-min treatment, and more than 70% remained after the 10-min treatment time. No bacteria were recovered from the posttreatment solutions of ClO2 or ClO2 combined with ultrasonication. The temperature of the ClO2 treatment was 20.1 °C, and it increased to 40.1, 44.9, and 50.3 °C, with 170-kHz ultrasonic treatments for 3, 6, and 10 min, respectively, on apples.
Analysis of Sporting Events Using Softbots

A supervised softbot utilized for analyzing, segmenting, and properly classifying video clips pertaining to a wide variety of sporting events is presented. First, selected action scenes (i.e., training sequences) of a given sporting event are automatically segmented into real-world objects representing the participants of the activity. These objects correspond to the players, the playing field (or court) and required equipment used within the event. The most active regions are manually selected and represent the training objects. Color and texture features are then extracted from each of the training objects tracked across several frames of the training sequence... An algorithm that matches features between objects in the training video and objects in all other sequences (within the same video) is performed and subsequently classifies the sequence as a candidate sporting sequence. Motion data is integrated into classification algorithm and provides a key feature necessary for identifying the degree of activity of the sporting clip. Only sequences that exhibit the same degree of motion as the training sequence will be classified as an active sports scene. The softbot system is tested on a wide range of sporting events with results provided.
Implementation of serum cardiac troponin I as marker for detection of acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background The goal of this prospective study was to assess whether cardiac troponin I (cTnI) could replace creatine kinase (CK)-MB mass as the serum biochemical marker for detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods And Results Over a 3-month period, 327 nonselected, consecutive patients were evaluated for AMI with the use of modified World Health Organization criteria including serial electrocardiographs and CK-MB mass determinations at admission and 6, 12, and 24 hours after admission. cTnI measurements were also made at all time points. Sixty-two (19%) patients were diagnosed with AMI. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for peak concentrations were equivalent or better for cTnI (100%; 96.3%) compared with CK-MB (88.2%; 93.2%) and total CK (73.5%; 84.6%), respectively. cTnI demonstrated 100% negative predictive accuracy for ruling out AMI. Further, cTnI maintained a high diagnostic sensitivity (>94%) up to 96 hours after onset of chest pain compared with CK-MB and total CK (both 50% sensitive) in patients with AMI. However, patients with documented Q-wave infarctions had a significantly longer clearance compared with non-Q-wave infarctions (†½ 24.2 vs 7.3 hours, respectively; P P r = 0.89) between increasing CK-MB mass and increasing cTnI for AMI specimens. Conclusions These findings have strongly supported our clinical implementation of cTnI, replacing CK-MB mass as the preferred marker for detection of AMI. (Am Heart J 1999;137:332-7.)
Stem cell factor induces eosinophil activation and degranulation: mediator release and gene array analysis

Eosinophils are effector cells that play an important role in the damage induced by the allergic process by releasing inflammatory mediators and proteolytic factors after activation. Stem cell factor (SCF) is a primary cytokine involved in hematopoiesis and mast cell differentiation, proliferation, and activation. Studies have also indicated that SCF is directly involved in pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation. In the present study, we examined the ability of SCF to activate murine eosinophils for increased mediator release and up-regulation of chemokines. Initial data demonstrated that eosinophils have significant levels of surface c-kit protein, SCF receptor. SCF-activated eosinophils degranulate and release eosinophil peroxidase and leukotriene C(4) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SCF was further shown to induce the release of CC chemokines, RANTES, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1beta), and C10 from eosinophils. To identify the extent of SCF-induced activation of eosinophils, we also performed gene array analysis using an array containing 1153 genes related to inflammation, including cytokines and their receptors, growth factors, structural and cytoskeletal genes, signal transduction genes as well as several other classes related to immune/inflammatory responses. The gene analysis indicated that more than 150 genes were significantly up-regulated in eosinophils after SCF stimulation. The gene array results were verified using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis to identify the expression of several chemokine and chemokine receptor genes. Altogether, these studies indicate that SCF is a potent eosinophil degranulator and activator that may play a number of roles during an inflammatory/immune response.
The effect of antibiotic drugs on the volume and composition of intestinal gas from beans

Healthy men were confined to a metabolic unit and fed bean meals to stimulate intestinal gas formation while under antibiotic medication. Periodic samples of flatus and breath were collected after the test meal for gas chromatographic analysis. Succinylsulfathiazole administration resulted in a two- to fourfold increase in intestinal hydrogen excretion in all subjects, while iodochlorhydroxyquin medication significantly reduced hydrogen excretion from the level of a bean meal to that of a bland diet. Neomycin reduced the hydrogen level in half of the subjects and raised it in the others. Thus, these antibiotic drugs can alter the activity of hydrogen-producing microorganisms.
Effects of Financial Innovations on the Money Demand Function: Evidence From Japan

A money demand function for Japan's economy has been estimated to explore if recent financial innovations have caused any statistically significant change in he structural relationship between the demand for money and its economic determinants. Our empirical results suggest that the process of financial innovation is less a problem than some economists believe. [310]
Y chromosome heterochromatin of differing lengths in two cell populations of the same individual

Objective To present a prenatal diagnosis report on a case where G-banding analysis of fetal metaphase chromosomes showed populations of cells with two different Y chromosomes; one with a short block of heterochromatin (Yqh−) and one with a longer block of heterochromatin (Yqh+). Methods These two populations of the Y chromosome were studied using fluorescent quinacrine banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). A chromosome paint corresponding to the euchromatic region of the Y chromosome, and probes corresponding to the SRY, DYZ1, and DYZ3 regions were used for this study. Results Both Y chromosomes appeared to be structurally normal by these analyses. Subsequent ultrasound examination at 20 weeks' gestation revealed normal male genitalia. Follow-up with a neonatal blood sample analysis confirmed the above findings. Conclusions This study reports a direct prenatal diagnosis case of two populations of the Y chromosome in the same individual. This apparent mosaicism may be explained by a postzygotic simple deletion or unequal crossover event between sister chromatids in the DYZ region. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A portable multi-flash kinetic fluorimeter for measurement of donor and acceptor reactions of Photosystem 2 in leaves of intact plants under field conditions.

A newly-developed field-portable multi-flash kinetic fluorimeter for measuring the kinetics of the microsecond to millisecond reactions of the oxidizing and reducing sides of photosystem 2 in leaves of intact plants is described and demonstrated. The instrumental technique is a refinement of that employed in the ‘double-flash’ kinetic fluorimeter (Joliot 1974 Biochim Biophys Acta 357: 439–448) where a low-intensity short-duration light pulse is used to measure the fluorescence yield changes following saturating single-turnover light pulses. The present instrument uses a rapid series of short-duration (2 μs) pulses to resolve a complete microsecond to millisecond time-scale kinetic trace of fluorescence yield changes after each actinic flash. Differential optics, using a matrix of optical fibers, allow very high sensitivity (noise levels about 0.05% Fmax) thus eliminating the need for signal averaging, and greatly reducing the intensity of light required to make a measurement. Consequently, the measuring pulses have much less actinic effect and an entire multi-point trace (seven points) excites less than 1% of the reaction centers in a leaf. In addition, bu combining the actinic and measuring pulse light in the optical fiber network, the tail of the actinic flash can be compensated for, allowing measurements of events as rapidly as 20 μs after the actinic flash. This resolution makes practical the routine measurement of the microsecond turnover kinetics of the oxygen evolving complex in leaves of intact plants in the field. The instrument is demonstrated by observing flash number dependency and inhibitor sensitivity of the induction and decay kinetics of flash-induced fluorescence transients in leaves of intact plants. From these traces the period-two oscillations associated with the turnover of the two-electron gate and the period-four oscillations associated with the turnover of the oxygen evolving complex can be observed. Applications of the instrument to extending our knowledge of chloroplast function to the whole plant, the effects on plants of environmental stress, herbicides, etc, and possible applications to screening of mutants are discussed.
MnSOD Protein Content Changes in Hypoxic/Hypoperfused Lung Tissue

Previous studies using an in vivo rabbit model in which lung tissue hypoxia/hypoperfusion was created by unilateral lung collapse for 7 days demonstrated a decrease in MnSOD activity in previously hypoxic/hypoperfused lungs. In the present study, we determined whether tissue hypoxia/hypoperfusion decreased MnSOD protein concentration or mRNA expression in the lung as well, changes that would suggest pretranslational regulation of enzyme activity. Expression of MnSOD may be critical in determining the degree of tissue injury during re-oxygenation because the mitochondrial electron transport system produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) both during hypoxia and re-oxygenation. We purified MnSOD protein from rabbit livers to a specific activity of ∼3,500 U/mg protein and found the amino terminal sequence nearly identical to those of the rat and human MnSOD proteins. Lung MnSOD protein content was quantitated by immunoassay, and MnSOD mRNA content was determined by slot blotting. Results from five control and ...
Overexpression of the TGF-β antagonist Smad7 in endometrial cancer

Abstract Objective We have shown that HER2/Neu may activate the Smad7 promoter in endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer cell lines. Elevated Smad7 levels could then antagonize the TGF-β pathway, leading to a reduction in tumor surveillance and potential cancer formation. Our aim was to determine if Smad7 was in fact overexpressed in endometrial cancers and whether Smad7 RNA levels correlated with tumor grade or clinical endpoints. Methods Snap-frozen endometrial cancer specimens from 16 patients with grade 1 disease and 23 patients with grade 3 disease were obtained. Additionally, the endometrium from 18 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications was collected as a control. RNA was extracted and subjected to quantitative real-time PCR to determine the degree of Smad7 RNA expression. Clinical outcomes including time to recurrence were recorded through retrospective chart review. Results Smad7 transcripts in the tumors were over 11-fold elevated on average than in controls ( P Smad7 RNA between grades 1 and 3 tumors. For the 19 patients who recurred, median time to recurrence was 56.3 months for those with low Smad7 expression versus 30 months for those with high Smad7 expression ( P Conclusion Smad7 appears to be upregulated in endometrial cancers compared to normal endometrium. Furthermore, high Smad7 gene expression was associated with a shorter time to recurrence. Given that many endometrial cancers have been shown to be TGF-β-unresponsive, Smad7 should be investigated as a potential target to restore TGF-β responsiveness and limit tumor growth.
ADP Inhibition of Myosin V ATPase Activity

Abstract The kinetic mechanism of myosin V is of great interest because recent evidence indicates that the two-headed myosin V molecule functions as a processive motor, i.e., myosin V is capable of moving along an actin filament for many catalytic cycles of the motor without dissociating. Three recent publications assessing the kinetics of single-headed myosin V provide different conclusions regarding the mechanism, particularly the rate-limiting step of the cycle. One study (De La Cruz et al., 1999, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 96:13726–13731) identifies ADP release as the rate-limiting step and provides a kinetic explanation for myosin V processivity. The others (Trybus et al., 1999, J. Biol. Chem. 274:27448–27456; Wang et al., 2000, J. Biol. Chem. 275:4329–4335) do not identify the rate-limiting step but conclude that it is not ADP release. We show experimental and simulated data demonstrating that the inconsistencies in the reports may be due to difficulties in the measurement of the steady-state ATPase rate. Under standard assay conditions, ADP competes with ATP, resulting in product inhibition of the ATPase rate. This presents technical problems in analyzing and interpreting the kinetics of myosin V and likely of other members of the myosin family with high ADP affinities.
Capsule commentary on Davis et al., Improving mammography screening among the medically underserved.

Davis et al.1 report on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of approaches to increase mammography screening among 1,181 women in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Louisiana. The three arms evaluated were enhanced usual care (i.e., recommendation for and scheduling of mammogram), health literacy informed education (i.e., enhanced usual care plus educational materials), and health literary+nurse support (i.e., health literacy informed education plus nurse navigation). While all significantly increased mammography screening rates over baseline, the health literacy+nurse support arm was the most effective. Surprisingly, health literacy informed education was less effective than enhanced usual care, leading the authors to speculate that education to increase knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and mammography may not be necessary in this population, many of whom had previously received a mammogram. An important strength of this study is the inclusion of a cost-effectiveness analysis. The Community Preventive Services Task Force has identified types of interventions that successfully increase mammography screening.2 Previous research has demonstrated that women reporting a provider recommendation were significantly more likely to receive a mammogram.3 Further, studies suggest that patient navigation facilitates mammography screening, particularly among the traditionally medically underserved.4 To increase the application of this work, there may be opportunities for public health entities to implement innovative approaches to identify women who need screening services, encourage participation, and monitor results.5 Importantly, the authors note that the nurse support arm may not be feasible for lower resource clinics. The navigation activities described in this study may be successfully completed by lay and other health professionals at lower cost. Caution is warranted before determining that women do not still require education to increase knowledge and awareness about screening mammography—the need for education may vary by the population being served. Additional research is needed to identify and monitor additional barriers and facilitators to receipt of routine screening in this population, determine the individual-level and system-level characteristics of effective patient navigation programs, and demonstrate how electronic medical records can be used more effectively to track patients in safety-net clinics, hospitals, and systems.
Ionically Bonded Filler-Elastomer Composites*

Tertiary amine-modified corn starches were converted to their basic or hydroxide form and combined with carboxylated butadiene–acrylonitrile copolymer and butadiene–styrene–sulfonic acid polymer to produce ionically bonded filler–elastomer composites. An increasing percentage of the elastomer fraction in the starch–elastomer composite is insolubilized as the starch-to-elastomer ratio increases. In addition to ionic bonding, a significant amount of elastomer is believed to be physically adsorbed onto the filler. The resulting composites are reprocessible, and some have sufficient tensile properties at room temperature for making rubber goods.