cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of bluegill breathing rates to detect zinc

Abstract The presence of zinc at concentrations of 8.7, 5.22, 4.16 and 2.55 mg l −1 in dechlorinated municipal tapwater was detected by an increase in breathing rate or a change in breathing rate variance of bluegills. None of the fish exposed to the three lower concentrations died during the experiments. The criterion for detection was an arbitrary number of responses occurring at the same time. When the criterion was changed from a single response to three responses occurring at the same time, the number of false detections (“detections” occurring before zinc addition) decreased, but the lag between zinc addition and detection increased. Zinc concentrations of 0.035 and 0.076 mg l −1 (approximately 1/75 and 1/34 of 2.55 mg l −1 , respectively) did not appear to affect the reproduction and growth of bluegills in the laboratory, but 0.235 mg l −1 zinc (approximately 1/10 of 2.55 mg l −1 ) inhibited spawning in ripe bluegills and killed newly-hatched fry. An in-plant system for the prevention of fish kills caused by industrial spills probably could be developed by monitoring several biological functions of fish simultaneously to obtain informational redundancy and reduce error; by exposing test fish to higher waste concentrations than occur in the receiving stream as a safety factor; automating the collection and analysis of data to reduce lag time; and by choosing appropriate criteria for detection.
The pre-Achilles fat pad: An aid to early diagnosis of local or systemic disease

The normal pre-Achilles fat pad seen on the lateral radiograph of the ankle is a triangular lucency with sharp, gently curving borders. Changes in the sharpness or contour of the fat pad margins may be associated with local or systemic disease. Alteration of the fat pad often precedes recognizable bone or joint abnormalities. Careful scrutiny of the pre-Achilles fat pad on the lateral ankle radiograph should help in early detection of ankle or systemic disease.
Internal Friction and Microstrain in Polyethylene at 77 K

The stress−strain relationship of high-density polyethylene (PE) was measured with a strain sensitivity of 2 × 10-7 at 77 K. The internal friction was determined from hysteresis loops. It was concluded that below a strain of about 10-3 all the nonlinear strain came from the crystalline regions by the motion of screw dislocations. Two internal friction processes were discovered which were associated with (100) [001] and(010) [001] slip. The barrier to the motion of the dislocations is pinning by the rigid amorphous material surrounding the lamellar crystals.
Comparing the Paris Commune and the Gwangju Uprising

This paper examines similarities and differences between the Paris Commune and the Gwangju Uprising. Although separated by more than a century, these two events contained many dynamics in common: the spontaneous emergence of popular organs of democratic decision-making; emergence of armed resistance from below; attenuation of criminal behavior in the cities; existence of genuine solidarity and cooperation among the citizenry; suspension of hierarchies of class, power and status; and appearance of internal divisions among the participants. While in Paris a previously formed group (the National Guard) seized power on March 18, in Gwangju people spontaneously formed the Citizens' Army. The Paris Commune played a role in the Gwangju Uprising through the conscious memory of many participants.
An efficient three-dimensional aircraft recognition algorithm using normalized fourier descriptors

The Fourier descriptor method is a well-known method of describing the shape of a closed figure. Previous work with Fourier descriptors has suffered from either a loss of shape information, or excessive computation time in comparing an unknown contour to a known one. This paper presents a technique for normalizing Fourier descriptors which retains all shape information, and is computationally efficient. In recognizing three-dimensional objects, most of the computation time is typically spent in computing distances between an unknown feature vector and a library of feature vectors representing the objects of interest. An interpolation property of Fourier descriptors is described which permits a substantial reduction in the density of projections representing a three-dimensional object. These results are combined with certain others relating to accurate contour representation in a complete three-dimensional aircraft recognition algorithm.
Adaptive workspace biasing for sampling-based planners

The widespread success of sampling-based planning algorithms stems from their ability to rapidly discover the connectivity of a configuration space. Past research has found that non-uniform sampling in the configuration space can significantly outperform uniform sampling; one important strategy is to bias the sampling distribution based on features present in the underlying workspace. In this paper, we unite several previous approaches to workspace biasing into a general framework for automatically discovering useful sampling distributions. We present a novel algorithm, based on the REINFORCE family of stochastic policy gradient algorithms, which automatically discovers a locally-optimal weighting of workspace features to produce a distribution which performs well for a given class of sampling-based motion planning queries. We present as well a novel set of workspace features that our adaptive algorithm can leverage for improved configuration space sampling. Experimental results show our algorithm to be effective across a variety of robotic platforms and high- dimensional configuration spaces.
Stabilization policies in a disequilibrium growth model

The stabilization trade-off between Inflation and unemployment is investigated in a continuous time growth model where disequilibrium can occur in the labor market. The emphasis of the paper is on the policy implications of rational expectations, as an alternative to adaptive expectations. The rational expectations approach is useful in describing the way in which a particular policy plan alters economic agents' expectations of future inflation rates. It is shown that it is not possible to achieve an unemployment rate which is deterministically different from the equilibrium rate, when economic agents form expectations rationally.
DNA manipulators: caught in the act

DNA is a dynamic molecule that undergoes constant changes in the cell through interactions with numerous proteins. Several classes of enzyme are specialized in promoting DNA rearrangements, including site-specific recombinases, DNA helicases, transposases and DNA topoisomerases. Recent structures of protein-DNA reaction intermediates trapped in various states of DNA remodeling, complemented by biochemical and biophysical functional studies, have enhanced our understanding of their respective mechanistic pathways.
REDUCED HEART LIPID PEROXIDATION IN DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Nitrofurantoin induced pulmonary fibroais may result from free radical(FR) production and subsequent lipid peroxidation(LPO). Furazolidone(FZ), a nitrofuran antibiotic, causes a dilated cardiomyopathy(CM) in turlceys(TK); however, the mechanism of this CM is unknown. Our study was designed to determine if FR injury contributed to this CM. 40 TK were fed FZ (0.5mg/g of feed) starting at hatch. 16 survivors were evaluated by 2D echocardiography and blood presaure(BP) measurements at 5-8 wks. 5 birds with the most severe cardiac dilatation and left ventricular(LV) dysfunction were selected for study and sacrificed by decapitation. LV homogenates(with 1mM deferoxamine) were assessed for LPO by 2 methods: 1) The thiobarbituric acid reaction - malondialdehyde(MDA) production, nmol MDA/100mg prot; 2) Lipid hydroperoxide(HP), nmol/100mg prot. LV superoxlde dismutase(SOD, nitrite units/g wet wt) was also measured(Table). Systemic BP in FZ birds was reduced compared to control(CON) birds(72±12 vs 153±5mmHg, p<0.001). LV LPO was reduced in the FZ birds with severe cardiac dilation. SOD levels were similar in CON and FZ birds. In a separate study in which FZ was added to LV homogenatea in vitro (2-10mg/g wet wt), FZ did not increase MDA production(data not shown). Thus, although chronic FZ administration produced severe cardiac dilation and dysfunction, our data does not support FR damage as a mechanism for this CM. In fact, reduced LV LPO in FZ CM could be consistent with a protective mechanism.
Lymphomas of the oral soft tissues are not preferentially associated with latent or replicative Epstein-Barr virus†

Objectives Epstein-Barr virus is periodically shed in the saliva of persons infected by the virus. Epstein-Barr virus has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain subtypes of lymphoma, particularly high-grade lymphomas. Because high-grade subtypes represent the majority of lymphomas that arise in oral soft tissues, we hypothesized that Epstein-Barr virus might be preferentially associated with oral lymphomas. Study Design A series of 34 oral lymphomas were diagnosed according to the revised European-American classification scheme. They were examined for the presence of latent Epstein-Barr virus by EBER1 in situ hybridization and for expression of the Epstein-Barr virus replicative protein, BZLF1, by immunohistochemistry. Results Epstein-Barr virus EBER1 transcripts were detected in 11 of 31 oral lymphomas including 7 of 10 AIDS-related lymphomas and only 4 of 21 lymphomas that occurred in nonimmunocompromised persons. The Epstein-Barr virus-containing lymphomas were all high-grade histologic subtypes, that is, diffuse large cell, immunoblastic, or Burkitt's lymphomas. In contrast, Epstein-Barr virus was not detected in any of five low-grade oral lymphomas. In the single case of T-cell lymphoma in this study, EBER1 was expressed in the tumor cells. A switch from viral latency to replication, as measured by EBV BZLF1 expression, was identified in rare lymphoma cells in only four cases. This rate of viral replication was not higher than what has been reported in lymphomas arising at other anatomic sites. Although one of our lymphomas arose at a site of previous oral hairy leukoplakia, there was no other evidence that Epstein-Barr virus replication predisposed to development or persistence of oral lymphomas. Conclusions These data suggest that even though Epstein-barr virus is frequently found in oral secretions, neither latent nor replicative Epstein-Barr virus is present more commonly in oral lymphomas than in lymphomas arising in other anatomic sites, when controlling for immunodeficiency status.
Glutathione, metabolism and function via the gamma-glutamyl cycle.

Abstract The intracellular synthesis of glutathione and the breakdown of this ubiquitous tripeptide are linked by a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions which have been collectively termined the γ-glutamyl cycle. Earlier work on the γ-glutamyl cycle has been reviewed (1,2); this minireview summarizes the background of this area, the major previous findings, recent developments, and evidence that the γ-glutamyl cycle functions in amino acid transport.
The antenatal diagnosis of placental attachment disorders.

Purpose of review The incidence of placenta accreta is increasing as the number of cesarean sections increases. Separation of the placenta from the uterus in this situation may result in torrential bleeding. Antenatal diagnosis allows modification of the approach to delivery to conserve blood loss and avoid major medical problems. Recent findings Most of the imaging literature confines itself to patients who are at risk due to previous surgery and a placenta previa. In these patients, the most reliable sign of placenta accreta is the presence of irregular vascular spaces with arterial flow. In almost all patients, the signs needed for the diagnosis are present at the time of the screening examination at 18 weeks. Ultrasound is quite accurate in predicting severe placenta accreta in at-risk patients. Less severe cases, in which the placenta is solely difficult to separate, may not have any ultrasound findings. Nothing is known about the ultrasound appearance of placenta accreta in patients who have not had previous uterine surgery. Summary Antenatal identification of placenta accreta is possible with high sensitivity in patients with placenta previa and a previous cesarean section.
Temperature Dependence of the Rate Constant for the Reaction HCO + O2 → HO2 + CO at T = 200−398 K

The absolute rate constant for the reaction HCO + O2 has been measured over the temperature range T = 200−398 K in a discharge flow system at a pressure of 1 Torr (He). This study represents the first measurement of this rate constant at temperatures below T = 298 K. The decay of the HCO radical in the presence of excess O2 was followed by collision-free sampling photoionization mass spectrometry. The results were as follows: k1(200 K) = 5.3 ± 0.8, k1(222 K) = 4.8 ± 0.7, k1(250 K) = 4.4 ± 0.6, k1(298 K) = 4.0 ± 0.6, k1(398 K) = 4.5 ± 0.7 in units 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. Over the range T = 200−298 K, the data suggest a slight negative temperature dependence and may be represented by the Arrhenius expression k1 = (2.2 ± 0.2) × 10-12 exp[(170 ± 22)/T] cm3 molecule-1 s-1. For the related reaction HCO + NO at T = 298 K we measure k2 = (1.3 ± 0.2) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The results are compared with previous direct measurements of k1 and k2 and with recent theoretical calculations. For the HCO + O2 reac...
New Results for Rado's Sigma Function for Binary Turing Machines

A computer program was written and executed to search for better lower bounds to Rado's noncomputable sigma and shift functions for binary Turing machines. Former results in this search (called by Rado the Busy Beaver logical game) are reviewed and new bounds found by this program are presented.
Reciprocal regulation of RhoA and RhoC characterizes the EMT and identifies RhoC as a prognostic marker of colon carcinoma

Understanding how RhoC expression and activation are regulated is essential for deciphering its contribution to tumorigenesis. Here, we report that RhoC expression and activation are induced by the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colon carcinoma. Using LIM 1863 colon cancer cells, RhoC protein expression and subsequent activation were detected coincident with the loss of E-cadherin and acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics. Several Ets-1 binding sites were identified in the RhoC promoter, and evidence was obtained using chromatin immunoprecipitation that Ets-1 can regulate RhoC expression during the EMT. Interestingly, a marked decrease in RhoA activation associated with the EMT was observed that corresponds to the increase in RhoC expression. Use of shRNA established that RhoA inhibits and RhoC promotes post-EMT cell migration, demonstrating functional significance for their coordinate regulation. To assess the importance of RhoC expression in colon cancer, immunohistochemistry was performed on 566 colorectal tumors with known clinical outcome. The level of RhoC ranged from no expression to high expression, and statistical analysis revealed that elevated RhoC expression correlates with poor outcome as well as aberrant expression and localization of E-cadherin. These data provide one mechanism for how RhoC expression is regulated in colon carcinoma and substantiate its utility as a prognostic marker.
GAAA Tetraloop and conserved bulge stabilize tertiary structure of a group I intron domain

Abstract The 413 nucleotide self-splicing group I intron from Tetrahymena thermophila pre-rRNA contains a 160 nucleotide independently folding domain of RNA tertiary structure, the P4-P6 domain. This domain consists of sequence elements highly conserved among group I introns (P4 and P6) and peripheral extensions conserved in certain subgroups of these introns (P5abc and P6ab). The effect of mutation of selected bases on the formation of domain structure was analyzed using two probes: solvent-based Fe(II)-EDTA, which monitors backbone accessibility and dimethyl sulfate, which monitors availability of N (1) of adenine and N (3) of cytosine. A GAAA tetraloop and an adenosine-rich bulge were found to stabilize domain tertiary structure in a sequence-specific manner. A single base change in the GAAA tetraloop disrupted Fe(II)-EDTA protection both locally and in P6a, and a specific base-pair substitution in P6a similarly disrupted protection locally and in the tetraloop; thus remote elements of the secondary structure are linked in tertiary structure. Our model of the domain's tertiary structure is refined to include this long-range tertiary interaction. The interaction requires severe bending of the domain RNA such that sequences separated by approximately 50 bases of largely double-stranded RNA are in proximity in the tertiary structure. The bending causes or allows for contact between sequences of the conserved core and sequences of the P5 extension. Thus the P5 extension may serve to stabilize the structure of the intron core in vivo.
Intermediate valent metallic SmS and SmSe: A new puzzle

Abstract We have discovered that the R-T characteristic of so-called metallic SmS decreases with decreasing T at low temperatures for pressures exceeding≅20 kbar. This feature is reminiscent of a metal and in sharp contrast to the previously reported negative temperature coefficient at 10 and 20 kbar. The same fundamental change of the R-T dependence occurs in SmSe at ≅100 kbar.
The Big Picture: A Comparative Review of Several Interactive Web-Based Tools for Problem Analysis in Public Health

Review of : four web-based tools that complement courses in biology, public health, and global health, including: Gapminder, HealthMap, Worldmapper , and Food Environment Atlas .
Heat Conduction in Two-Dimensional Slabs Subjected to Spatially Decaying Laser Pulses

a = function, m 2 n b = function, 2 2 p =d Bi = Biot number, h= k or hL=2k cp = specific heat, J=kg K d = laser beam diameter, mm erf x = error function g = function, K=ns _ g000 = energy generation rate per unit volume, W=m _ g t = temporally decaying portion of the laser source _ g x = distribution of the laser source in the x direction _ g y = spatially decaying portion of the laser source in the y direction H = ratio of convection heat transfer coefficient to thermal conductivity (h=k), m 1 h = convective heat transfer coefficient, W=m K i = imaginary unit Io = laser peak power density, W=m 2 k = thermal conductivity, W=m K L = thickness of the slab, m M = normalization integral for the x direction, m m = temperature change with time N = normalization integral for the y direction, m n = real part of the refractive index R = surface reflectivity T = temperature, K t = time, ns T1 = external environment temperature, K T = temperature, T T1 = Io 1 R = k T max = maximum temperature within the slab t0 = dummy time variable for integration, ns W = half width of the plate, m X = eigenfunction for the x direction x = x coordinate, m x = distance, x x0 = dummy spatial variable for integration, m Y = eigenfunction for the y direction, m y = y coordinate, m y = distance, y y0 = dummy spatial variable for integration, m yT max = value of y at maximum temperature = thermal diffusivity, k= cp, m =s = eigenvalue in the x direction, m 1 = eigenvalue in the y direction, m 1 = difference = laser pulse fall-time parameter, s 1 = laser pulse rise-time parameter, s 1 = imaginary part of the refractive index = wavelength, nm = absorption coefficient, m 1 = density, kg=m = time, t 2
College men's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about the human Papillomavirus infection and vaccine.

Men enrolled in an urban university participated in focus groups (k = 6; n = 45) to explore knowledge about human papillomavirus and attitudes toward prophylactic vaccine. Results suggest that regardless of whether vaccines become available to men, educational efforts should include them, as men tend to have many misconceptions and do not perceive themselves to be vulnerable.
Lagrangian relaxation guided problem space search heuristics for generalized assignment problems

We develop and test a heuristic based on Lagrangian relaxation and problem space search to solve the generalized assignment problem (GAP). The heuristic combines the iterative search capability of subgradient optimization used to solve the Lagrangian relaxation of the GAP formulation and the perturbation scheme of problem space search to obtain high-quality solutions to the GAP. We test the heuristic using different upper bound generation routines developed within the overall mechanism. Using the existing problem data sets of various levels of difficulty and sizes, including the challenging largest instances, we observe that the heuristic with a specific version of the upper bound routine works well on most of the benchmark instances known and provides high-quality solutions quickly. An advantage of the approach is its generic nature, simplicity, and implementation flexibility.
Selenium Content of Venison, Squirrel, and Beef Purchased or Produced in Ohio, a Low Selenium Region of the United States

The selenium (Se) content (AOAC fluorometric method) of: 1) raw and cooked venison, squirrel, and beef from a low selenium region of the United States and 2) nonregion-raised beef was assessed and compared by region, species, and gender. For both raw and cooked meats, the Se content of venison was not different from region-raised beef (p >.05), and their contents were generally less than squirrel, which was less than nonregion-raised beef (p L'Ohio est une region des Etats-Unis ou le sol est pauvre en selenium, l'etat nutritionnel des habitants pouvant etre influence par ce phenomene. Le gibier (cerf, ecureuil gris) fait partie du regime alimentaire dans cette region. La teneur en selenium de la viande de gibier et de boeuf cuite et crue, produite dans l'Ohio est mesuree. Parallelement la viande de boeuf provenant d'autres regions et vendue dans l'Ohio est egalement analysee. La teneur en selenium du gibier et du boeuf de l'Ohio sont identiques, l'ecureuil etant plus riche, mais elle est inferieure a la teneur de la viande provenant des autres regions.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems and the Manufacturing-Marketing Interface: An Information Processing Theory View

The manufacturing–marketing interface has received substantial consideration in the operations management literature. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the role of information systems in facilitating manufacturing–marketing integration. As integrated cross-functional systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are well-suited to provide manufacturing–marketing integration. Based on information-processing theory, the central proposition of this paper is the greater the interdependence between manufacturing and marketing, the greater the benefit of ERP. Specifically, the first hypothesis (H1) states that the greater ERP-enabled coordination between manufacturing and marketing, the greater the benefit of ERP to the plant. The second hypothesis (H2) states that the degree to which ERP-enabled manufacturing–marketing coordination improvements are realized depends on the amount of interdependence between manufacturing and marketing. Using multiple regression, the model is tested on s...
Proteome-Wide Characterization of Protein Localization Dynamics in Escherichia Coli

Bacteria exhibit a surprising complexity of subcellular organization despite the absence of membrane-bound organelles and cytoskeletal motor proteins. To capture and analyze localization dynamics throughout the cell cycle at a proteome-wide scale, we combine time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and automated image analysis to capture the cell-cycle localization dynamics of nearly every protein in E. coli with non-diffuse localization. For each protein, we capture hundreds of complete cell cycles that facilitates both the quantitative analysis of cell-cycle dynamics and cell-to-cell variation in protein localization. Global analysis of the localization patterns not only recapitulates well-established localization patterns, but also reveals many significant variations in localization both spatially and temporally. We briefly explore one new global insight into protein localization that we believe will be of universal interest: Asymmetric partitioning of proteins at cell division. Although cell division in E. coli was long believed to be essentially symmetric, we have discovered a significant number of transcription factors that partition asymmetrically. This observation in E. coli suggests that processes like asymmetric cell division, which plays a central role in development, have primitive precursors in bacterial cells with even the simplest life cycles.
Translocation of Iron from Soybean Cotyledons

Soybean seeds, Glycine max L. Merrill, were produced by plants treated from anthesis to seed maturity with (59)Fe supplied as ferric ethylenediaminedi (o-hydroxyphenylacetate). Seed coats accounted for 7.4% of dry seed weight and had Fe concentrations 5 times greater than the embryos. After germinating 2 days, cotyledons contained 69.6% and radicles 5.0% of original seed Fe. Fractions of seed Fe unavailable to seedlings were: 19.8% in seed coats, 1.7% in germination paper, 0.1% in the water under germinating seeds, and 3.8% unaccounted for. Every 3 days seedlings received nutrient solution without Fe or with 10 mum ferric ethylenediaminedi (o-hydroxyphenylacetate) and developed as deficient Fe or normal Fe plants. The deficient Fe cotyledons on day 18 retained 13% of the labeled Fe originally present. Cotyledons of normal Fe plants retained 50 to 70% of their original Fe. Moreover, cotyledons of the normal Fe plants accumulated externally supplied Fe and finally contained twice the quantity of Fe originally present. Stem exudate collected above cotyledons of deficient Fe plants contained 5.3 mum(59)Fe. Electrophoresis of exudate showed that most of the (59)Fe migrated anodically as a single band and was in the position of ferric citrate.
Atomic mechanism of the Re and Ru strengthening effect on the γ-γ′ interface of Ni-based single-crystal superalloys: A first-principles study

A possible atomic mechanism underlying the Re- and Ru-induced strengthening effects on the n- n' interface in Ni-based single-crystal superalloys has been investigated using the DMol3 molecular orbital package based on density functional theory. The calculation of bonding properties has been performed on a cluster designed to model Re and Ru strengthening effects within the interface. The stronger Re(Ru)--Ni bonds are formed mainly as a result of (Re(Ru) d-(Ni d) hybridization, while the Ni--Ni bonding become weaker accompanying the Re(Ru) substitution. The vertical and horizontal bond orders for a local environmental cluster are proposed and developed for the description of the strengthening effect on the n- n' interface, with larger bond order values achieving better effect. Results show that both Re and Ru significantly strengthen the interface. It is also shown that the strengthening effect of Re is better than that of Ru, and this is explained in terms of the charge transfer of electrons between orbi...
Comparison of endoscopy and radiographic fluoroscopy in the evaluation of pediatric congenital airway abnormalities

In order to assess the accuracy of conventional dynamic radiographic studies compared to endoscopy in the diagnosis of congenital airway abnormalities, we performed a retrospective chart review for the period between July 1991 to June 1996. A total of 186 patients were identified who required hospitalization for their respiratory status as a result of a congenital airway abnormality. Of these, 19% had both endoscopy and conventional dynamic radiographic evaluation (airway fluoroscopy, barium esophagography, or both). Eleven percent had fluoroscopy only, 62% had endoscopy only, and 9% had neither. In those patients who underwent both endoscopic and conventional dynamic radiographic evaluation, endoscopy was considered to be the definitive procedure for diagnosis. Laryngomalacia was present in 94% of these patients. Thirteen patients had multiple sites of airway abnormalities on endoscopy, and a total of 51 abnormalities were identified. Dynamic radiographic evaluation was correct in four, was suggestive of the abnormality in 12, did not recognize an abnormality in 33, and suggested a different diagnosis (not corresponding to endoscopy) in two. Thus, airway fluoroscopy and/or barium esophagography were correct or suggestive in 16 of 51 abnormalities (31%). We conclude that endoscopy is required in the majority of hospitalized patients for the precise diagnosis of a congenital airway abnormality. Conventional dynamic radiographic studies are helpful to confirm a suspected diagnosis in patients with a strong clinical history and physical examination. When the diagnosis is not clear based on the patient presentation, endoscopy is more definitive than conventional dynamic radiography in identifying pediatric congenital airway abnormalities.
Age differences in spatial memory in a virtual environment navigation task

The use of virtual environment (VE) technology to assess spatial navigation in humans has become increasingly common and provides an opportunity to quantify age-related deficits in human spatial navigation and promote a comparative approach to the neuroscience of cognitive aging. The purpose of the present study was to assess age differences in navigational behavior in a VE and to examine the relationship between this navigational measure and other more traditional measures of cognitive aging. Following pre-training, participants were confronted with a VE spatial learning task and completed a battery of cognitive tests. The VE consisted of a richly textured series of interconnected hallways, some leading to dead ends and others leading to a designated goal location in the environment. Compared to younger participants, older volunteers took longer to solve each trial, traversed a longer distance, and made significantly more spatial memory errors. After 5 learning trials, 86% of young and 24% of elderly volunteers were able to locate the goal without error. Performance on the VE navigation task was positively correlated with measures of mental rotation and verbal and visual memory.
Currently available permeability and breakthrough data characterizing chemical warfare agents and their simulants in civilian protective clothing mater

Abstract The current analysis characterizes chemical protective clothing (CPC) that would be available to civilian emergency personnel responding to possible ne
Functional absence of neutral endopeptidase in mice promotes hapten uptake, maturation and function of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells

The bioavailability of neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) released from sensory nerves or immune cells during skin inflammation is effectively controlled by proteolytic peptidases. Acute inhibition or genomic deletion of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) results in a SP-dependent augmentation of murine allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) by affecting sensitization and elicitation phase. In this study, we address the hypothesis that absence of NEP may modulate ACD responses by affecting bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BmDC) maturation and function. BmDCs were generated from NEP-deficient mice (C57BL/6J-NEP–/–) or wild-type controls (C57BL/6J). FACS analysis revealed that d3, d6 and d7 NEP–/– BmDCs expressed significantly more DC cell-surface markers and costimulatory molecules compared to NEP+/+ mice BmDCs, in particular after BmDC maturation with LPS. In MLR utilizing d8 BmDCs pulsed 3 h in vitro with DNBS and T cells from in vivo DNFB-haptenized NEP–/– and NEP+/+ mice, BmDCs from NEP–/– animals promoted proliferation of T cells with higher efficacy compared to wild-type mice BmDCs. Likewise, T cells from NEP–/– mice demonstrated a higher proliferative response to Concavalin A stimulation or CD3/CD28 ligation compared to NEP+/+ mice. In addition, acute systemic NEP inhibition in NEP+/+ mice prior to sensitization with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) after 24 h significantly augmented uptake of FITC in the CD11c-positive DC fraction from regional lymph nodes but not from spleen compared to cells obtained from mice not treated with the NEP inhibitor. These data indicate that functional absence of NEP may significantly control cutaneous ACD inflammatory responses by promoting hapten uptake, DC maturation and T-cell stimulation.
Sleep Onset REM Periods during Multiple Sleep Latency Tests in Patients Evaluated for Sleep Apnea

Although 2 or more sleep onset rapid eye movement (REM) periods (2omSOREMPs) on a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) raise the possibility of narcolepsy, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also can have 2omSOREMPs, which may then cause diagnostic uncertainty. To explore what features among OSA patients predict 2omSOREMPs on an MSLT that follows nocturnal polysomnography, we reviewed data from 1,145 consecutively studied patients suspected or confirmed to have OSA rather than narcolepsy. Overall, 4.7% of the subjects had 2omSOREMPs. Variables that were independently predictive of 2omSOREMPs in logistic regression models included male gender (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.9 to 12.7), a 5-min decrease in the MSLT-derived mean sleep latency (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.3 to 2.8), a 90-min decrease in nocturnal latency to REM sleep (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1 to 2.5), and a 15-unit decrease in minimal recorded oxygen saturation (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3 to 2.0). We conclude that among patients suspected or confirmed to hav...
Delivering value in dermatology: insights from skin cancer detection in routine clinical visits

Background There are increasing demands to demonstrate and report on outcomes in dermatology. Skin cancer diagnosis through skin examination has been well studied, and is promising as a value-delivering intervention. Objective This study seeks to identify the rate of skin cancer diagnosis during routine visits to a large tertiary dermatology clinic. Methods Medical records of patients presenting for routine dermatologic care at Massachusetts General Hospital between March 28 and September 28, 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients given a diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) confirmed on biopsy specimen were identified. Billing data were used to identify the total number of patients evaluated during the study period. Results NMSC was diagnosed in 1266 skin biopsy specimens from 1047 (7.0%) of the 14,829 patients who presented for routine care. In all, 55% of patients with NMSC were men (mean age 70 years). Chief symptoms of patients with NMSC included general dermatologic concerns (37%), routine cancer screening (43%), and specific lesion(s) of concern (19%). Limitations Retrospective design and restriction to a single institution may limit the generalizability of our findings. Conclusion The incidence of NMSC in routine dermatology is high; these findings validate the value of care provided by dermatologists and highlight the likely increasing need for their diagnostic skills as the population ages in the United States.
Pediatric hepatic trauma: Does clinical course support intensive care unit stay?☆

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine if grade of liver injury predicts outcome after blunt hepatic trauma in children and to initiate analysis of current management practices to optimize resource utilization without compromising patient care. Methods: A retrospective review of 36 children who had blunt hepatic trauma treated at a pediatric trauma center from 1989 to present was performed. Hepatric injuries graded (AAST Organ Injury Scaling) ranged from grade I to IV. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), transfusion requirements, liver transaminase levels, associated injuries, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and survival were analyzed. Results: Mean (±SEM) age was 6.6 ± 0.8 years, mean grade of hepatic injury was 2.4 ± 0.2, mean ISS was 17 ± 2.6, mean GCS was 13 ± 1, and mean transfusion was 15.4 mL/kg of packed red blood cells (PRBC). There were three deaths with a mean ISS of 59 ± 9 and a mean GCS of 3 ± 0. Death was not associated with a high-grade liver injury, survivors versus nonsurvivors, 2.3 ± 0.2 versus 2.7 ± 0.3, but was associated with ISS, 13 ± 1.4 versus 59 ± 9 ( P = .005) and GCS, 14 ± 1 versus 3 ± 0 ( P = .005). Only one patient (grade III, ISS=43) underwent surgery. There were no differences in mean ISS or GCS between grades I to IV patients. The hepatic injury grades of patients requiring transfusion versus no transfusion were significantly different, 3.4 ± 0.2 versus 2.2 ± 0.2 ( P = 0.04). Abused patients had high-grade hepatic injuries and significant laboratory and clinical findings. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly higher in grade III and IV injuries than in grades I and II, 1,157 ± 320 versus 333 ± 61 ( P = .02) and 1,176 ± 299 versus 516 ± 86 ( P = .04), respectively. No children with grade I or II injury had a transfusion requirement or surgical intervention. There were no liver-related complications. Conclusions: Mortality and morbidity rates in pediatric liver injuries, grades I to IV, correlate with associated injuries not the degree of hepatic damage. ALT, AST, and transfusion requirements are significantly related to degree of liver injury. Low-grade and isolated high-grade liver injuries seldom require transfusion. Blunt liver trauma rarely requires surgical intervention. In retrospect, the need for expensive ICU observation for low-grade and isolated high-grade hepatic injuries is questionably warranted.
Electromodulation of the optical properties of metals

Abstract Multiple reflection methods provide a sensitive technique for electromodulation of the optical properties of thin metal films. Comparison with other methods including ellipsometry is included.
Comparisons of Composts with Low or High Nutrient Status for Growth of Plants in Containers

Abstract Composts may be incorporated into container mixes for several purposes, including to supply nutrients, add organic matter, or suppress plant diseases. The objective of this research was to assess the nutritional benefits of two composts derived in common from composted chicken manure and used in formulation of container media for growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The composts differed in extractable and total plant nutrients so that one of the composts was considered a nutrient‐rich material and the other a nutrient‐poor material. Media were formulated from soil or peat with the composts added in a progressive array of concentrations from a medium with no compost addition to a medium that was all compost. Half of the media were treated with a water‐soluble, complete fertilizer and half were left unfertilized. Optimum growth occurred in media in which compost did not exceed 25% of the volume. The beneficial effects of the composts on plant growth were associated with increased supp...
Nuclide distributions for Fe-like fragments in the 136Xe + 56Fe reaction

Abstract The nuclide distributions of Fe-like reaction products from the reaction 5.9 MeV/u 136 Xe on. 56 Fe were measured as a function of total kinetic energy loss at a laboratory angle of 55°. The first and second moments of N , Z and A were obtained in addition to the correlation coefficients and the isobaric variances. We compare these results for the Fe-like fragment to those implied by previous measurements of the secondary distribution of the Xe-like fragment. We incorporate the effects of particle evaporation on both the light and heavy complementary primary distributions. There is overall qualitative agreement, but the variances are somewhat smaller than those obtained previously even after correction for particle evaporation. Evaporation calculations are also performed on the primary distributions predicted by a nucleon exchange model, and yield distributions in good agreement with the present experimental data.
HEAT TRANSFER OPTIMIZATION OF A DISTRICT HEATING SYSTEM USING SEARCH METHODS

This study investigates the parameters that allow for the effective use of district heating. A basic objective of this study was to find a method for optimizing the location for the installation of satellite boilers based on eliminating high energy losses in the piping. This was achieved employing the Jacksonville Naval Air Station (NAS) as a study model and using a search method utilizing a standard computer spreadsheet program. Use of a computer spreadsheet to perform search methods allows all probable locations for satellite boilers to be analysed in order to find the optimum location or combination of locations to maximize savings. The annual cost of energy lost in the piping eliminated by using satellite boilers was compared to the additional annualized capital investment of satellite boiler installation. The study found that satellite boilers could save energy and costs if located where the demand was high and if separated by long distances from the district heating plant.
A matched survival analysis for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in the elderly.

Objective To determine whether elderly patients manifest poorer survivals for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx, oral tongue, and tonsil were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database for 1988 to 1998. For each primary site, patients were segregated into two age groups: 50 to 69 years of age and 70 years of age and older. For each case in the latter, elderly group, a reference group case was randomly matched for gender, year of diagnosis, cancer stage, extent of surgery, and radiation therapy. Overall survival and disease-specific survival were compared between the two groups with stage stratification with the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Cases of glottic carcinoma (1882), tongue carcinoma (426), and tonsillar carcinoma (200) in elderly patients were matched to the reference group. Overall mean survival differences were significant for glottic carcinoma (73.9 vs. 96.7 mo, elderly and younger groups, respectively) (P <.001) and tongue carcinoma (59.5 vs. 73.1 mo) (P = .002) but not for tonsillar carcinoma (46.0 vs. 54.4 mo) (P = .220). Disease-specific survival differences were significant but small in magnitude for glottic carcinoma (105.9 vs. 114.1 mo, respectively (P <.001) and tongue carcinoma (81.6 vs. 93.6 mo) (P = .009) but not for tonsillar carcinoma (71.5 vs. 70.7 mo) (P = .422). However, after stage stratification, elderly patients often did not exhibit statistically or practically significant poorer overall or disease-specific survivals. Conclusions Elderly patients do not necessarily exhibit clinically significant poorer survivals for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Age alone should not be used to determine treatment options for elderly patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
Performance comparison of cellular and multi-hop wireless networks: a quantitative study

In this paper we study the performance trade-offs between conventional cellular and multi-hop ad-hoc wireless networks. We compare through simulations the performance of the two network models in terms of raw network capacity, end-to-end throughput, end-to-end delay, power consumption, per-node fairness (for throughput, delay, and power), and impact of mobility on the network performance. The simulation results show that while adhoc networks perform better in terms of throughput, delay, and power, they suffer from unfairness and poor network performance in the event of mobility.We discuss the trade-offs involved in the performance of the two network models, identify the specific reasons behind them, and argue that the trade-offs preclude the adoption of either network model as a clear solution for future wireless communication systems. Finally, we present a simple hybrid wireless network model that has the combined advantages of cellular and ad-hoc wireless networks but does not suffer from the disadvantages of either.
Synchrony of oogenesis in laboratory‐maintained and wild populations of the purple sea urchin (Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus)

Cycles of oogenesis were studied in populations of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus by disaggregation of ovaries and measurement of the number of vitellogenic and mature oocytes. Average egg yields upon spawning were recorded. As reported by many previous authors, fecundity of intertidal S. purpuratus females is seasonal. Two peaks of fertility are observed per year in subtidal animals from a southern California location, and for some months of each year virtually none of these animals contain vitellogenic or mature oocytes. In contrast, a fraction of animals living at 50–70-foot depths in a kelp bed display vitellogenic and mature oocytes at all seasons of the year. Different individuals in these deep-water sea urchin populations are in different stages of the process of oogenesis at any one time, and their fecundity is not entrained with the seasons. Annual yield of eggs of average females in deep-water and intertidal populations is about the same. Groups of mature females derived from both deep-water and subtidal populations and held in our large scale laboratory S. purpuratus maintenance system (SpMS) resemble the deep-water populations. Reproductive cycles in these females are in different phases even within the same tank and remain so for at least several years. Initially synchronous populations eventually drift apart in phase when held in the SpMS in the absence of seasonal environmental stimuli. We show that in SpMS females the fertility of each group can be predicted from oocyte count data, and that it can to a large extent be controlled by the frequency of induced spawning.
Complementation of a Deletion in the Rubella Virus P150 Nonstructural Protein by the Viral Capsid Protein

Rubella virus (RUB) replicons with an in-frame deletion of 507 nucleotides between two NotI sites in the P150 nonstructural protein (DeltaNotI) do not replicate (as detected by expression of a reporter gene encoded by the replicon) but can be amplified by wild-type helper virus (Tzeng et al., Virology 289:63-73, 2001). Surprisingly, virus with DeltaNotI was viable, and it was hypothesized that this was due to complementation of the NotI deletion by one of the virion structural protein genes. Introduction of the capsid (C) protein gene into DeltaNotI-containing replicons as an in-frame fusion with a reporter gene or cotransfection with both DeltaNotI replicons and RUB replicon or plasmid constructs containing the C gene resulted in replication of the DeltaNotI replicon, confirming the hypothesis that the C gene was the structural protein gene responsible for complementation and demonstrating that complementation could occur either in cis or in trans. Approximately the 5' one-third of the C gene was necessary for complementation. Mutations that prevented translation of the C protein while minimally disturbing the C gene sequence abrogated complementation, while synonymous codon mutations that changed the C gene sequence without affecting the amino acid sequence at the 5' end of the C gene had no effect on complementation, indicating that the C protein, not the C gene RNA, was the moiety responsible for complementation. Complementation occurred at a basic step in the virus replication cycle, because DeltaNotI replicons failed to accumulate detectable virus-specific RNA.
Resumption of motor vehicle operation in vasovagal fainters

This study surveyed current practice patterns with respect to the manner by which cardiac arrhythmia specialists advise patients with vasovagal syncope regarding resumption of motor vehicle operation. Among 66 physician-respondents from 9 countries, 98% indicated that they rely on tilt-table testing to establish a diagnosis, and, if an effective treatment is found based on serial tilt-table testing, they recommend a 6- to 7-week symptom-free waiting period before advising return to driving. Language: en