cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic speckle spatial coherence measurements utilizing a single-mode optical-fiber probe

The spatial coherence functions for light scattered by a suspension of particles undergoing Brownian motion are interrogated with a single-mode optical-fiber interferometer. The exposed core of a single-mode optical fiber is utilized as a mobile pointlike probe of the scattered optical field. Two such fiber probes, together with a three-coupler heterodyne interferometer, are used to measure the spatial coherence of fluctuations in the scattered light intensity, the heterodyne carrier amplitude, the intensity-weighted phase rate (IWPR), and the phase rate. Spatial coherence measurements for coherent particle motion are also presented for the IWPR and the phase rate. A theoretical analysis of the spatial coherence functions is developed and compared with the experimental results. The coherence function for fluctuations in the intensity and the IWPR that is due to Brownian particle motion exhibits a Gaussian functional form with a coherence lengths ξc of ~2 ± 1.2 μm at 1.0 kHz. This result is in good agreement with the theoretical result of 1.5 ± 0.9 μm based on the scattering volume dimensions and scattering geometry. Measurements of the phase-rate spatial coherence function for Brownian motion were inaccessible because of signal-to-noise-ratio limitations associated with the signal-processing electronics. The IWPR measurements for coherent particle motion exhibit a bandwidth-dependent coherence function, having a background level of 0.74 and a coherence length ξc of 4.5 μm at 1.8 kHz. The phase-rate coherence function for coherent particle motion was constant with a value of 0.5.
Structural characterization of a glycoprotein cellulase, 1,4-β-d-glucan cellobiohydrolase C from Trichoderma viride

Abstract A glycoprotein enzyme, 1,4-β- d -glucan cellobiohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.91) form C, was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a procedure which permitted isolation of gram quantities from a commercial Trichoderma viride culture filtrate preparation. Purified cellobiohydrolase C has an E280nm1% = 14.2 and degrades both microcrystalline and phosphoric acid-swollen cellulose to cellobiose. The cellobiohydrolase C contains 26.4, 4.8, 2.4 and 3.4 mol of mannose, glucose, galactose and glucosamine, respectively, per mol of enzyme (molecular weight, 48 400). Methylation analysis of cellobiohydrolase glycopeptides indicates an average carbohydrate chain length of two residues. Alkaline borohydride treatment of cellobiohydrolase C released neutral carbohydrate which is bound through an average of 16.7 O-glycosidic linkages to serine and threonine per molecule of enzyme. Glucosamine was not released from the protein by alkaline treatment. Analysis of alkaline borohydride-released carbohydrate by high pressure liquid chromatography demonstrated that an average enzyme molecule contains 8.8 mono-, 1.8 di-, 4.6 tri-, 1.2 tetra-, and 0.4 pentasaccharide chains. The linkages between the neutral monosaccharides are (1→6) as shown by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of partially methylated residues. The (1→6) linkage is consistent with the stability of the linkages to alkaline conditions and the destruction of all neutral carbohydrate by periodate. Action of α-mannosidase indicates that some oligosaccharide chains contain α-mannose as the terminal residue.
Ovarian stimulation and fertility preservation with the use of aromatase inhibitors in women with breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in women in the United States. Many breast cancer survivors are concerned that cancer treatment will compromise their reproductive potential. Despite this concern, most women receive limited information addressing preservation of fertility before initiating adjuvant chemotherapy. Historically, the supraphysiologic levels of estrogens associated with ovarian stimulation have precluded the use of assisted reproductive technologies in the presence of breast cancer. In an effort to mitigate the potential effects of elevated estrogen levels during ovulation induction, we developed a novel ovarian stimulation protocol for women with breast cancer, with the use of aromatase inhibitors. Our studies suggest that in the short term, aromatase inhibitors plus gonadotropins are safe and effective agents for ovarian stimulation in fertility preservation cycles. In this review, we outline the data supporting the use of aromatase inhibitors for ovarian hyperstimulation in women with breast cancer before initiating adjuvant chemotherapy.
Holistic evaluation of literacy development: Framing the process

Abstract Educators working out of a whole language perspective have become increasingly frustrated with an evaluation technology that is incompatible with their beliefs about teaching and learning. Many of these people have embarked on a search for alternative and, especially, more holistic means of evaluating student progress. In this article the author proposes a framework for holistic evaluation of literacy development that is based on principles derived from whole language theory. These are that evaluation should be (a) longitudinal, (b) contextual, and (c) collaborative. The author argues that evaluation should be longitudinal because literacy learning occurs over an extended period of time and is a result of the child's individual and unique interactions with the world of print. The author proposes that evaluation should be contextual because of the functional nature of literacy use and the role that context plays in the reader's construction of meanings. The author believes that evaluation should b...
Quantifying the Timing and Rate of Crustal Evolution: Global Compilation of Radiometrically Dated Detrital Zircon Grains

AbstractMultiple models (steady state, episodic, and early growth followed by crustal reworking) have been postulated to explain the evolution of Earth’s continental crust. An independent assessment of these models is now possible as a result of the massive numbers of detrital zircon grains that have been dated individually over recent years using U-Pb and Hf isotopes. A compilation of ∼200,000 published zircon dates reveals a global age distribution (U-Pb) with six prominent, statistically significant peaks: 3.2–3.0, 2.7–2.5, 2.0–1.7, 1.2–1.0, 0.7–0.5, and 0.3–0.1 Ga. In most cases, these peaks are recorded on all seven continents. Most of the peaks are detectable also in modern sediments. A comparison of grains with both U-Pb ages and Hf isotope model ages, available for ∼5100 detrital zircons, suggests that the age frequency distribution of detrital grains reflects predominantly episodic crustal recycling rather than crustal growth. The zircon age distributions and associated data provide consistent ev...
Long-Term Permeation Kinetics of Estradiol: (V) Development and Evaluation of Transdermal Bioactivated Hormone Delivery System

AbstractBased on the results of simultaneous skin permeation and bioconversion profiles, a Transdermal Bioactivated Hormone Delivery (TBHD) System was developed from the microreservoir partition-controlled drug delivery technology for the transdermal controlled delivery of estradiol prodrugs.Using the in vitro skin permeation apparatus developed earlier, the kinetics of release and skin permeation of estradiol prodrugs from the TBHD system and the regeneration of estradiol were simultaneously studied. Results indicated that all prodrugs are totally converted by the esterase to estradiol during the course of skin permeation.The release rate of estradiol was found to be first enhanced by the esterification of the OH groups at 3- and 17-position and then decreased as the alkyl chain length increased.The rate of regeneration of estradiol from the prodrugs was found to follow the order of: diacetate > valerate > heptanoate > acetate > cypionate.
Connecting the dots: Semi-analytical and random walk numerical solutions of the diffusion-reaction equation with stochastic initial conditions

We study a system with bimolecular irreversible kinetic reaction A+B->@A where the underlying transport of reactants is governed by diffusion, and the local reaction term is given by the law of mass action. We consider the case where the initial concentrations are given in terms of an average and a white noise perturbation. Our goal is to solve the diffusion-reaction equation which governs the system, and we tackle it with both analytical and numerical approaches. To obtain an analytical solution, we develop the equations of moments and solve them approximately. To obtain a numerical solution, we develop a grid-less Monte Carlo particle tracking approach, where diffusion is modeled by a random walk of the particles, and reaction is modeled by annihilation of particles. The probability of annihilation is derived analytically from the particles' co-location probability. We rigorously derive the relationship between the initial number of particles in the system and the amplitude of white noise represented by that number. This enables us to compare the particle simulations and the approximate analytical solution and offer an explanation of the late time discrepancies.
The synthesis of artificial sweeteners (phenylglycine-analogues of aspartame) in order to evaluate changes in the γ-glycophore component

Abstract In order to assess the role and function of the third component (X, or γ) in the AH, B glycophore that is a prerequisite for sweet taste, its identity and position in a series of dipeptides was studied. Four isomers of aspartyl-α-phenylglycine methyl ester 4 (isomers 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d) were synthesised and their taste reveals (1) the effect of the size of γ; (2) the effect of the position of γ; and (3) the effect of the nature of γ. Download : Download full-size image Sensory evaluation showed that, as expected, only the S,S isomer, 4b, tasted sweet while the other three isomers tasted bitter. These results agree with a theory proposed by Goodman et al., 1987 . Attempts to produce the analogous S-aspartyl-N-phenylglycine methyl ester, 7, by a similar route unexpectedly yielded a non-sweet dioxopiperazine derivative, 8, with a sour/bitter taste.
Added astroglia promote greater synapse density and higher activity in neuronal networks.

Astroglia are known to potentiate individual synapses, but their contribution to networks is unclear. Here we examined the effect of adding either astroglia or media conditioned by astroglia on entire networks of rat hippocampal neurons cultured on microelectrode arrays. Added astroglia increased spontaneous spike rates nearly two-fold and glutamate-stimulated spiking by six-fold, with desensitization eliminated for bath addition of 25 μM glutamate. Astrocyte-conditioned medium partly mimicked the effects of added astroglia. Bursting behavior was largely unaffected by added astroglia except with added glutamate. Addition of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline also increased spike rates but with more subtle differences between networks without or with added astroglia. This indicates that networks without added astroglia were inhibited greatly. In all conditions, the log–log distribution of spike rates fit well to linear distributions over three orders of magnitude. Networks with added astroglia shifted consistently toward higher spike rates. Immunostaining for GFAP revealed a linear increase with added astroglia, which also increased neuronal survival. The increased spike rates with added astroglia correlated with a 1.7-fold increase in immunoreactive synaptophysin puncta, and increases of six-fold for GABAAβ, two-fold for NMDA-R1 and two-fold for Glu-R1 puncta, with receptor clustering that indicated synaptic scaling. Together, these results indicate that added astroglia increase the density of synapses and receptors, and facilitate higher spike rates for many elements in the network. These effects are reproduced by glia-conditioned media, with the exception of glutamate-mediated transmission.
Web-based teaching and learner control: a research review

Abstract The premise of this paper is that the effectiveness of web in contributing to learning will be a function of web-model alignment and the appropriateness of the model to a particular learning situation. We begin with a discussion of the most commonly advocated models of learning. Then we review the research evidence on learner control in a web-based teaching environment and the conditions under which it can most effectively facilitate rather than impede learning. Future research directions are discussed as well.
Long tail kinetics in biophysics

Long tail kinetics describe a variety of data from complex, disordered materials that cannot be described by conventional kinetics. It is suggested that the kinetics of diffusive motion in complex biological media, such as cytoplasm or biomembranes, might also have long tails. The effects of long tail kinetics are investigated for two standard biophysical measurements, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). It is shown that long tail kinetic data would yield significantly distorted and misleading results when analyzed assuming conventional kinetics.
Impact of migration on the occurrence of new cases of Chagas disease in Buenos Aires city, Argentina

Fil: Moscatelli, Guillermo. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Ninos "Ricardo Gutierrez"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas; Argentina
Early Responsiveness to Intensive Behavioural Intervention Predicts Outcomes Among Preschool Children with Autism

Archival data from a private day‐school offering early intensive behavioural intervention based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis to preschoolers with autism (N = 29) were analysed longitudinally. Teacher reports on the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) were available up to 4 times and on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Classroom Edition (VABS‐CE), at 2 time points. Parent reports on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) were available at 2 time points. All assessments occurred approximately at 6‐month intervals. Children showed statistically significant progress across all skill domains on the ABLLS and on selected subscales and the composite scales of the VABS‐CE and ATEC. Gains were substantial for some children and minor for others. When divided into performance‐based groups, both higher‐performing and lower‐performing groups showed improvement over time, with greater improvement for the higher‐performing group. Nine of 16 children who had been dis...
Hormonal control of neuron number in sexually dimorphic spinal nuclei of the rat: IV. Masculinization of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus with testosterone metabolites

The spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) is a sexually dimorphic motor nucleus in the rat lumbar spinal cord. SNB motoneurons and their perineal target muscles are present in adult males but reduced or absent in females. This sexual dimorphism is due to the presence of androgen during development; females treated with testosterone (T) perinatally have a masculine SNB system. To assess whether masculinization of the SNB could involve the conversion of testosterone into its active metabolites, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estrogen, we examined the development of the SNB in females treated perinatally with estrogen alone or in combination with dihydrotestosterone. Counts of motoneurons in the developing SNB in all groups showed the typical prenatal increase followed by a differential postnatal decline; the incidence of degenerating cells reflected this decline. Motoneuron numbers and the frequency of degenerating cells in females treated with estrogen (E) alone did not differ from those of normal females, with both groups losing large numbers of motoneurons and having a high incidence of degenerating cells. In contrast, females treated with both estrogen and dihydrotestosterone did not show the female-typical decline in motoneuron number and had a low, masculine incidence of degenerating cells. By postnatal day 10, females treated with estrogen and dihydrotestosterone had a fully masculine SNB motoneuron number, suggesting that dihydrotestosterone alone or in conjunction with estrogen may be involved in the development of the sexually dimorphic SNB system.
The Cerenkov Self-Excitation of the Electron

A charged particle traversing a medium at super-light velocities may, besides emitting Cherenkov radiation, undergo transitions into its excited states. It is shown that the mu meson may be regarded as an excited state of the electron. The vacuum polarization in the vicinity of an atomic nucleus is shown to be capable of changing the refractive index from that of free space. A minimum Cherenkov energy is found for the self-excitation of the electron into a mu meson, in the immediate vicinity of a nucleus. (T.F.H.)
Abstract B15: Genetic variation in DNA repair pathway genes and melanoma risk

Reduced DNA repair capacity has been proposed as a predisposing factor for melanoma. We comprehensively evaluated 1465 genetic variants across 60 DNA repair-related pathway genes in relation to melanoma risk in a nested case-control study of 218 melanoma cases and 218 matched controls within the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS). We then genotyped the two variants with the smallest P value in two replication sets: 184 melanoma cases and 184 matched controls in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS); and 183 melanoma cases and 183 matched controls in the NHS. The SNP rs3219125 in the PARP1 gene was significantly associated with melanoma risk in the discovery set (odds ratio (OR) 3.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70-5.80) and in the HPFS replication set (OR, 1.92; 95%CI, 1.05-3.54), but not in the NHS replication set (OR, 1.07; 95%CI, 0.58-1.97), while in the joint analysis, the OR was 1.89 (95%CI, 1.34-2.68) for this polymorphism. Given that DNA repair protects against UV-induced melanoma, the sun-exposed body sites are more prone to insufficiency in DNA repair capacity. Thus, we further conducted subgroup analysis of this SNP by body sites and found that the increased risk of this variation was more pronounced among patients with lesions in head/neck (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.77-5.73 for head/neck, and OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.03-2.30 for other sites, P value for heterogeneity test = 0.036), which further suggested the involvement of this locus in the etiology of melanoma via its influence on DNA repair capacity. In addition, there were significantly fewer head/neck melanoma cases in the NHS replication set (20.4% in the discovery set, 28.1 % in the HPFS replication set, and 9.5% in the NHS replication set, P Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(14 Suppl):B15.
A coupled level set and volume-of-fluid method for sharp interface simulation of plunging breaking waves

Abstract A coupled level set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) method is implemented for the numerical simulations of interfacial flows in ship hydrodynamics. The interface is reconstructed via a piecewise linear interface construction scheme and is advected using a Lagrangian method with a second-order Runge–Kutta scheme for time integration. The level set function is re-distanced based on the reconstructed interface with an efficient re-distance algorithm. This level set re-distance algorithm significantly simplifies the complicated geometric procedure and is especially efficient for three-dimensional (3D) cases. The CLSVOF scheme is incorporated into CFDShip-Iowa version 6, a sharp interface Cartesian grid solver for two-phase incompressible flows with the interface represented by the level set method and the interface jump conditions handled using a ghost fluid methodology. The performance of the CLSVOF method is first evaluated through the numerical benchmark tests with prescribed velocity fields, which shows superior mass conservation property over the level set method. With combination of the flow solver, a gas bubble rising in a viscous liquid and a water drop impact onto a deep water pool are modeled. The computed results are compared with the available numerical and experimental results, and good agreement is obtained. Wave breaking of a steep Stokes wave is also modeled and the results are very close to the available numerical results. Finally, plunging wave breaking over a submerged bump is simulated. The overall wave breaking process and major events are identified from the wave profiles of the simulations, which are qualitatively validated by the complementary experimental data. The flow structures are also compared with the experimental data, and similar flow trends have been observed.
Probing Electrical Transport in Nanomaterials: Conductivity of Individual Carbon Nanotubes

A general approach has been developed to determine the conductivity of individual nanostructures while simultaneously recording their structure. Conventional lithography has been used to contact electrically single ends of nanomaterials, and a force microscope equipped with a conducting probe tip has been used to map simultaneously the structure and resistance of the portion of the material protruding from the macroscopic contact. Studies of individual carbon nanotubes demonstrate that the structurally most perfect nanotubes have resistivities an order of magnitude lower than those found previously and that defects in the nanotube structure cause substantial increases in the resistivity.
Research review. Interactions between environmental chemicals and drug biotransformation in man.

Many factors influence the metabolism of drugs in man. Besides genetic factors, environmental factors may play a significant role in explaining the variation observed in the rates of drug metabolism between different individuals. Intentional or unintentional exposure to environmental chemicals could enhance or inhibit the activity of hepatic mixed function oxidases that metabolise drugs and other foreign chemicals, as well as endogenous substrates such as steroid hormones. A major source of such exposure may be occupational. Exposure to the heavy metal, lead, has been shown to inhibit drug metabolism; whereas intensive exposure to chlorinated insecticides, and other halogenated hydrocarbons such as poly chlorinated biphenyls, has been shown to enhance the metabolism of test drugs such as antipyrine and phenylbutazone. An intentional source of exposure to foreign chemicals is cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke contains polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are known inducers of hepatic mixed function oxidases. A number of studies have shown that cigarette smoking can alter the pharmacological action and/or the metabolism of some drugs. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that cigarette smoking decreases the bioavailability of phenacetin and increases dosage requirements of theophylline by enhancing their rate of metabolism. Data, which are not very conclusive, indicate that heavy marijuana use may have an inhibitory effect on metabolism of some drugs and an inducing effect on others such as theophylline. Dietary factors may also play a significant role in the regulation of drug metabolism. Charcoat broiling which introduces polycyclic hydrocarbons into foods has been shown to enhance the metabolism of the test drug, antipyrine, and of such commonly used drugs as phenacetin and theophylline. Such intentional or unintentional exposure to environmental chemicals which may alter the rates of drug metabolism in man indicates the importance of individualisation of drug therapy.
A call to standardize preanalytic data elements for biospecimens.

Context.—Biospecimens must have appropriate clinical annotation (data) to ensure optimal quality for both patient care and research. Clinical preanalytic variables are the focus of this study. Objective.—To define the essential preanalytic variables (data fields) that should be attached to every collected biospecimen and to provide a complete list of such variables, along with their relative importance, which can vary, depending on downstream use, institutional needs, and information technology capabilities. Design.—The College of American Pathologists Diagnostic Intelligence and Health Information Technology Committee sponsored a Biorepository Working Group to develop a ranked list of the preanalytic variables for annotating biospecimens. Members of the working group were experts in anatomic, clinical, and molecular pathology; biobanking; medical informatics; and accreditation. Several members had experience with federal government programs, such as the National Cancer Institute's Biospecimens and Biorep...
Decision styles in judgments of applicant suitability

Students (N = 112) rank-ordered the suitability of three applicants for a graduate teaching assistantship position. Six rank-order combinations were possible, each indicating a different decision style. Contrary to expectations, groups in high- and low-conflict conditions preferred (51%) the applicant who had the highest lowest (Maximin or Wald decision strategy) score among the criterion categories.
The Impact of SOX Section 404 Internal Control Quality Assessment on Audit Delay in the SOX Era

This study analyzes the impact of internal control quality on audit delay following the implementation of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (2002) (SOX). Unlike prior studies of audit delay that obtain information about internal control strength via surveys, or use fairly crude proxies for internal control quality, our study employs external auditor assessments of internal control over financial reporting (ICOFR) that are publicly disclosed in SEC 10‐K filings under SOX Section 404. Thus, the empirical evidence provided in this study is both timely and reliable (i.e., not subject to small sample bias or weak proxies). Consistent with our expectation, we find that the presence of material weakness in ICOFR is associated with longer delays. The types of material weakness also matter. Compared to specific material weakness, general material weakness is associated with longer delays. Additional analyses indicate that companies with control problems in personnel, process and procedure, segregation of duties, and closing ...
The national health and nutrition examination survey and measurement of human exposure and body burden

Abstract The purposes and uses of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, are briefly described relative to environmental concerns. Questions are posed that essentially define barriers to incorporating important environmental exposure and burden assessments in future NHANES programs. Actions to aid in overcoming the barriers are proposed.
Generating Ideas About the Uses of Brainstorming: Reconsidering the Losses and Gains of Brainstorming Groups Relative to Nominal Groups

The virtue of using nominal groups compared to brainstorming groups for idea generation is questionable. Brainstorming groups presumably will develop higher levels of cohesiveness than nominal groups following an idea generation task. Furthermore, the productivity of nominal groups is apt to be limited over time. Nominal (N = 31) and brainstorming (N = 28) groups of three or four members performed an idea generation task for two 10-minute periods. Brainstorming groups reported higher levels of cohesiveness than nominal groups. Furthermore, only during the first 10-minute period did nominal groups generate more ideas than brainstorming groups.
Experiments in interactive panoramic cinema

For most of the past 100 years, cinema has been the premier medium for defining and expressing relations to the visible world. However, cinematic spectacles delivered in darkened theaters are predicated on a denial of both the body and the physical surroundings of the spectators who are watching it. To overcome these deficiencies, filmmakers have historically turned to narrative, seducing audiences with compelling stories and providing realistic characters with whom to identify. This paper describes several research projects in interactive panoramic cinema that attempt to sidestep the narrative preoccupations of conventional cinema and instead are based on notions of space, movement and embodied spectatorship rather than traditional storytelling. Example projects include interactive works developed with the use of a unique 360 degree camera and editing system, and also development of panoramic imagery for a large projection environment with 14 screens on 3 adjacent walls in a 5-4-5 configuration with observations and findings from an experiment projecting panoramic video on 12 of the 14, in a 4-4-4 270 degree configuration.
A review of treatment approaches for hyperactive behavior

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to review treatment approaches for hyperactive behavior of children. Both medical and psychological treatment techniques are examined. Chemotherapy with psychostimulant drugs is the more frequently employed treatment; however, a number of problems with this approach, such as negative side effects and the failure to affect scholastic achievement, have been demonstrated. Behavior modification has been the primary non‐medical management procedure. Although studies using behavior management techniques generally have employed adequate experimental designs, several problems, such as the absence of follow‐up data, are apparent. Directions for further research are suggested.
"They care but don't understand": family support of African American women with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE This study evaluated the relationship between perceived social support among African American women with type 2 diabetes and diabetes self-management. METHODS The sample included 12 African American female patients at a diabetes clinic in the southeastern United States. Focus group participants responded to questions related to social support and its influence on diabetes management. RESULTS Support comes particularly from family, but also friends and/or healthcare providers. The dual challenges of diabetes management and multicaregiving were an expected theme from the sessions. A unique emerging theme, however, was the women's perception of a lack of understanding of their needs by members of their social networks. Participants believed that those who provide support claim they care and try to be helpful but provide minimal physical assistance or emotional understanding of their needs, which could vary daily. Those who provide informational support seem to care but misunderstand the type of information actually needed and how best to deliver it. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare providers can help improve communication with these women by actively seeking to meet their support needs and educating families so that provisional support is more meaningful and diabetes management more attainable.
Proximal cues of pocket gopher burrow plugging behavior: influence of light, burrow openings, and temperature.

Burrow plugging is readily observed among mammals adapted for digging (i.e., fossorial mammals) as they create and maintain their burrows. We investigated the influence of light, burrow openings, and thermal environment as cues of pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama, Thomomys talpoides) behavior. When given free access to light and no light during artificial-burrow preference trials, both Thomomys spp. consistently plugged (i.e., avoided) light treatments. Burrow openings did not notably affect plugging behavior of T. mazama. Gophers (T. talpoides) plugged the artificial burrows within the light and cold (7 °C) treatments, but not within the no-light, and 18 or 31 °C treatments when light and temperature were varied independently. Whereas the presence of light and low ambient temperatures induce burrow maintenance by pocket gophers, these cues help meliorate adverse conditions within subsurface environs.
Impact of pulmonary artery pressure on exercise function in severe COPD.

Background Although pulmonary hypertension commonly complicates COPD, the functional consequences of increased pulmonary artery pressures in patients with this condition remain poorly defined. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of 362 patients with severe COPD who were evaluated for lung transplantation. Patients with pulmonary hemodynamics measured by cardiac catheterization and available 6-min walk test results were included. The association of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) with pulmonary function, echocardiographic variables, and 6-min walk distance was assessed. Results The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (mPAP, > 25 mm Hg; pulmonary artery occlusion pressure [PAOP], Conclusions Higher pulmonary artery pressures are associated with reduced exercise function in patients with severe COPD, even after controlling for demographics, anthropomorphics, severity of airflow obstruction, and PAOP. Whether treatments aimed at lowering pulmonary artery pressures may improve clinical outcomes in COPD, however, remains unknown.
CHARACTER RELEASE FOLLOWING EXTINCTION IN A CARIBBEAN REEF CORAL SPECIES COMPLEX

The Pleistocene extinction of the widespread organ-pipe Montastraea coral had measurable morphological and ecological effects on surviving lineages of the Montastraea''annularis'' species complex. Extinction of the organ- pipe Montastraea occurred after more than 500,000 years of dominance in the shallow-water reef habitat of Barbados. Extinction resulted in a morphological shift of the columnar Montastraealineage from thick to thin columns in modern reef environments. Pleistocene colonies of the columnar morphotype sympatric with organ-pipe Montastraea showed greater column widths than those in allopatry. We subjected our data to a number of criteria for interpreting the morphological shift as character release following lifting of competitive pressure after extinction. The morphological differences do not appear to be due either to chance or to physical properties of the marine environment. Differential local extinction and recolonization of four members of the species complex did not occur on Barbados, so that the species coexisted and appear to have coevolved between more than 600,000 and 82,000 years ago. The morphological shift is related to coral growth form and growth rate, and thus reflects the acquisition of a primary resource in corals— light. Character release occurred at the same oceanic Caribbean island (Barbados) where environments have fluctuated with similar variance throughout the period of coexistence. Not only has competition among living members of the Montastraea ''annularis'' species complex been convincingly demonstrated, but trends in relative abundance among fossil members of the species complex strongly suggest that a competitive hierarchy was operating during their Pleistocene coexistence on Barbados. We also observed an ecological analogue to character release on another Ca- ribbean island, Curacao. The distribution and abundance of living columnarM. annularis s.s. and massive M. faveolata from the leeward reef crest in Curacao is greater now than in the Pleistocene, when organ-pipeMontastraeadominated this shallow-water reef habitat. Extinction of the faster growing, shallow-water organ-pipe Montastraea resulted in higher abundance of the columnar Montastraea lineage in shallow-water habitats, where it shifted its morphology to one adapted to high light levels. The species extinction released surviving lineages from a competitive network that had resulted in lower rank abundance in the Pleistocene community and enhanced abundance of both columnar M. annularis s.s. and M. faveolata in modern communities. Full validation of our interpretation of character release must await experiments that demonstrate whether phenotypic differences between populations have a genetic basis. However, we believe the results of this study point to the important, yet heretofore neglected, role that biological interactions have played in the evolution of closely related reef coral species.
Isoflurane leakage from non-rebreathing rodent anaesthesia circuits: comparison of emissions from conventional and modified ports

Chronic exposure to low levels of fluorocarbon-based waste anaesthetic gas (WAG) has been linked to a multitude of human health problems. We have shown that isoflurane exhaust from passive gas-scavenging canisters is often quite high when using conventional rodent anaesthesia protocols and equipment. Another likely source of WAG build-up in rodent procedure rooms is leakage at the interface between the breathing circuit and the animal's face. We evaluated this possibility using three non-rebreathing circuits: traditional Bain, modified Bain, and Mapleson (type E). For the Mapleson E circuit, a conical rodent facemask was attached and used in one of two configurations: normal aperture, or aperture modified with a latex diaphragm (cut from an unpowdered surgical glove) to reduce the orifice diameter and tighten the seal. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized with isoflurane (5% for induction, 2% or 3.5% for maintenance) in oxygen (2 L/min for induction, 1 L/min for maintenance). Isoflurane leakage was assessed by real-time spectrophotometry. In 94% of the trials, three configurations - traditional Bain, modified Bain, and Mapleson E with unmodified mask - permitted isoflurane leakage approaching or exceeding 100 ppm at the face/port interface. In contrast, the Mapleson circuit with diaphragm-modified mask emitted significantly (P<or=0.0003) less isoflurane (peak of 9.5+/-1.7 ppm [mean+/-standard error]). These data indicate that (1) WAG leakage from standard rodent non-rebreathing circuits is substantial, and that (2) a simple, rapid, and economical modification to a conventional rodent facemask can significantly reduce WAG exposure to workers performing many rodent anaesthesia procedures in one session.
A Study on the Applicability of ECE Technique on Chloride Contaminated Concrete Retrofitted with FRP Strips

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the Electrochemical Chloride Extraction (ECE) technique, which has been proven to be an effective tool for removing chloride ions for regular concrete structures, can be effectively used for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) repaired concrete structures. FRP retrofit for deteriorated concrete structures is a highly successful practice, but alone it does not address the corrosion at its source: accumulated chloride ions from environmental sources such as de-icing salts. A total of 28 beams were tested, with testing variables including intermittent vs. continuous ECE techniques, different FRP repairing schemes, and applying ECE before and after FRP repair. Parameters monitored during the study included chloride content, pH value around the steel, and current resistance and density. The effectiveness of ECE was determined by changes in chloride levels and the pH value around the steel.
Thiazolidinedione induced thyroid associated orbitopathy

To describe an episode of thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO) following the initiation of thiazolidinedione (TZD). We report a female patient with a history of Graves' disease and stabilised thyroid associated orbitopathy for 2.5 years, who experienced rapid progression of TAO after the initiation of thiazolidinedione for glycemic control. Following the discontinuation of TZD, the patient experienced subsequent stabilisation of disease and normalization of vision. The medical history, ophthalmic findings, and clinical course are discussed. Thiazolidinediones may exacerbate TAO, and this should be taken into consideration when selecting treatment for diabetic patients with a history of autoimmune thyroid disorders.
Evolutionary Analysis of Sequence Divergence and Diversity of Duplicate Genes in Aspergillus fumigatus.

Gene duplication as a major source of novel genetic material plays an important role in evolution. In this study, we focus on duplicate genes in Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous filamentous fungus causing life-threatening human infections. We characterize the extent and evolutionary patterns of the duplicate genes in the genome of A. fumigatus. Our results show that A. fumigatus contains a large amount of duplicate genes with pronounced sequence divergence between two copies, and approximately 10% of them diverge asymmetrically, i.e. two copies of a duplicate gene pair diverge at significantly different rates. We use a Bayesian approach of the McDonald-Kreitman test to infer distributions of selective coefficients γ (=2Nes) and find that (1) the values of γ for two copies of duplicate genes co-vary positively and (2) the average γ for the two copies differs between genes from different gene families. This analysis highlights the usefulness of combining divergence and diversity data in studying the evolution of duplicate genes. Taken together, our results provide further support and refinement to the theories of gene duplication. Through characterizing the duplicate genes in the genome of A. fumigatus, we establish a computational framework, including parameter settings and methods, for comparative study of genetic redundancy and gene duplication between different fungal species.
EFFECT OF MOIST HOT AIR TREATMENT ON SOME POSTHARVEST QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF STRAWBERRIES

‘Northeaster’strawbenies were heated with moist hot air at 36, 39, 42, 45, 50 and 55C for 0, 20,40, 60, 80 or 100 min. Fruit were injured when exposed to temperatures 50C or higher, or durations of 60 min or longer at 45C. Treatment at 45C for 40 min or at 42C for 60-100 min resulted in the least decay incidence after 5 days at OC, 3 days at IOC, and I day at 20C. Heated strawberries in general had lower titratable acidig, higher soluble solitis content and higher levels offictose, glucose, and sucrose than nonheated samples. Heated fruit also had a higher soluble soliddacid ratio, but lower citric acid and malic acid content. The lightness measurements, L*, and chroma values, C*, were decreased by moist hot air treatment and the fruit were duller and less bright in appearance after heat treatment. Strawberries heated at 39C or lower temperatures had no discernable differences from nontreated fruit in quality attributes measured. However, fruit treated with 45C for 40 rnin or 42C for 60-1 00 rnin maintained better postharvest quality than other treatments.
Are age differences in sleep due to phase differences in the output of the circadian timing system

Our aim was to evaluate whether age-related changes in the phase of the output of the circadian timing system (CTS) can explain age differences in habitual bedtime/wake time and in sleep consolidation parameters. Analyses focused on a group of healthy elderly people (older than 70 years) with no sleep problems and with similar subjective sleep quality as a young control group. The 2-week sleep diary data and 24h laboratory temperature recordings were examined for 70 subjects (22 young men [YM], 19 old men [OM], 29 old women [OW]). Polysomnographic (PSG) sleep data recorded during temperature data acquisition were also available for 62 subjects. These analyses made use of our recently developed technique to demask temperature rhythm data. As expected, compared to the young subjects, older subjects showed earlier habitual bedtime and wake time, more disturbed sleep, and a tendency for an earlier minimum of the circadian temperature rhythm. Despite sleep consolidation differences, the groups showed very simi...
Software Considerations for Subscale Flight Testing of Experimental Control Laws

The NASA AirSTAR system has been designed to address the challenges associated with safe and efficient subscale flight testing of research control laws in adverse flight conditions. In this paper, software elements of this system are described, with an emphasis on components which allow for rapid prototyping and deployment of aircraft control laws. Through model-based design and automatic coding a common code-base is used for desktop analysis, piloted simulation and real-time flight control. The flight control system provides the ability to rapidly integrate and test multiple research control laws and to emulate component or sensor failures. Integrated integrity monitoring systems provide aircraft structural load protection, isolate the system from control algorithm failures, and monitor the health of telemetry streams. Finally, issues associated with software configuration management and code modularity are briefly discussed.
Social Facilitators and Inhibitors to Online Fluency

Studies of Internet use continue to show a gap between those with and without access to the Internet and its resources. However, recent work indicates that this is not a straightforward divide about access; instead there are many variants of access, use, and presence online. This paper examines these variants, bringing together primarily US and European studies on the digital divide to identify social facilitators and inhibitors to online use that can inform policy and practice. This paper reviews research on who is and is not online, where access is gained, and what promotes or inhibits use of the Internet. This leads to identification of a number of interrelated social and technical factors that underlie access differences, including technical and social infrastructures, social networks, and content
Maturation of cardiovascular control mechanisms in the embryonic emu (Dromiceius novaehollandiae).

Our understanding of avian embryonic cardiovascular regulation has been based on studies in chickens. The present study was undertaken to determine if the patterns established in chickens are generally applicable to the emu, a ratite bird species. We studied cardiovascular physiology over the interval from 60% to 90% of the emu’s 50-day incubation period. During this period, embryonic emus exhibit a slight fall in resting heart rate (from 171·beats·min ‐1 to 154·beats·min ‐1 ) and a doubling of mean arterial pressure (from 1.2·kPa to 2.6·kPa). Exposures to 15% or 10% O2 initially decreased heart rate during the first period of emu incubation studied [60% of incubation (60%I)] but increased heart rate in the 90%I group. Arterial pressure responded to hypoxia with an initial depression (‐1.6·kPa) at 60%I and 70%I but showed no response during the later periods of incubation (80%I and 90%I). In addition, tonic stimulation of both cholinergic and adrenergic (α and β) receptors was present on heart rate at 70%I, with the cholinergic and βadrenergic tone increasing in strength by 90%I. Arterial pressure was dependent on a constant β-adrenergic and constant α-adrenergic tone from 60%I to 90%I. A comparison with embryonic white leghorn chickens over a similar window of incubation revealed that emus and white leghorn chickens both possess an adrenergic tone on heart rate and pressure but that only emus possess a cholinergic tone on heart rate. Collectively, these data indicate that the maturation of cardiovascular control systems differs between white leghorn chickens and emus, inviting investigation of additional avian species to determine other patterns.