cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of national wetland inventory maps to inventory wetlands in the southern Blue Ridge of Virginia

The area of wetlands in the U.S. is being estimated as part of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Minimal information is available to verify the effectiveness of NWI maps to inventory wetlands or delineate jurisdictional wetlands. We evaluated the use of NWI maps (1∶24,000 scale) to inventory and delineate jurisdictional wetlands in the Virginia Blue Ridge. Each wetland identified in the Woolwine and Meadows of Dan NWI maps was field-checked to determine if the areas met the criteria as a jurisdictional wetland. Of the 171 palustrine wetlands identified, 91% met the criteria. Jurisdictional wetlands were delineated in four 2.5-minute study areas. Two study areas, located in the Blue Ridge Highlands region, contain 91.8 and 109.3 hectares of jurisdictional wetlands. The NWI maps indicated 2.5 and 17.4 hectares of wetlands in these two study areas. A similar but smaller discrepancy occurred in the areas mapped in the Blue Ridge Escarpment region. We concluded, because of the small scale that photo interpreters must work with and the number of wetlands located in dense woodlands, that NWI maps may not adequately inventory wetlands in the Blue Ridge. This conclusion was based on a detailed study of 22% (6888 ha) of the area covered on the NWI maps. Predominant plant species in the forested, scrub-shrub, and emergent wetlands were red maple (Acer rubrum), speckled alder (Alnus rugosa), and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), respectively, Wetland soils were classified as Typic Humaquents and Humaqueptic Fluvaquents.
Endotoxin-induced acceleration of ovum transport in rabbits.

Salmonella enteritidis-Boivin endotoxin (1–20 μg/kg) induced accelerated oviductal ovum transport in rabbits in a dose-related manner. Indomethacin prevented this effect. Levels of prostaglandin E and F in uterine vein blood increased following endotoxin injection.
Ascorbic acid turnover in the mosue following acute ozone exposure

Abstract Swiss Webster mice were continously exposed to an atmosphere containing 1.5 ppm ozone (O3) for 5 dyas. Control mice breathed filtered air. Immediately following the exposure period each mouse was then injected with [1-14C] ascorbic acid. The rate of disappearance of [1-14C] ascorbic acid and the levels of total ascorbic acid were determined in serum, lung, liver, and the remaining carcass over a 9-day period. O3 exposure caused transient 3ecreases in the ascorbic acid levels in liver and serum, whereas lung ascorbic acid levels increased. The apparent biological half-life of ascorbate in carcasses (minus lung and liver) from O3-exposed mice, was significantly prolonged. Significant changes were also observed in the net flux of ascorbic acid in all tissues examined. The results indicated that the change in ascorbic acid levels in a given tissue appeared to reflect changes in the rate of ascorbic acid degradation, its mobilization or tissue compartmentalization, rather than increased synthesis in response to O3 exposure.
Development of InAsSb-based light-emitting diodes for chemical sensing systems

Mid-infrared (3--6 {micro}m) LED`s are being developed for use in chemical sensor systems. As rich, InAsSb heterostructures are particularly suited for optical emitters in the mid-infrared region. The authors are investigating both InAsSb-InAs multiple quantum well (MQW) and InAsSb-InAsP strained layer superlattice (SLS) structures for use as the active region for light emitting diodes (LED`s). The addition of phosphorus to the InAs barriers increases the light and heavy hole splitting and hence reduces non-radiative Auger recombination and provides for better electron and hole confinement in the InAsSb quantum well. Low temperature ( 100 {micro}W at 4.0 {micro}m for SLS active regions. These LED`s have been used to detect CO{sub 2} concentrations down to 24 ppm in a first generation, non-cryogenic sensor system. They will report on the development of novel LED device designs that are expected to lead to further improvements in output power.
Evaluation of Coefficient Alpha for Multiple-Component Measuring Instruments in Complex Sample Designs

A readily applicable procedure for point and interval estimation of coefficient alpha is outlined for complex sample designs, in cases where this coefficient is close to composite reliability. As a by-product, point and interval estimation of the change in alpha due to measuring instrument revision is also possible. This approach can be used as an aid for scale construction and development in empirical investigations involving analyses of complex sample survey data, in particular for secondary data analyses from large-scale studies. The procedure is illustrated with data from an educational survey.
Regulation of the Soluble Form of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Specific lsocitrate Dehydrogenase from Lactating Bovine Mammary Gland: Effects of Metabolites on Activity and Structure

Abstract The cytosolic form of NADP + isocitrate dehydrogenase, a primary source of the NADP + required for de novo fatty acid synthesis in lactating bovine mammary gland, was studied to determine possible mechanisms of regulation by metabolites. The enzymatic reduction of NADP + exhibits lag-burst (hysteretic) kinetics that are eliminated by the noncatalytic binding of the substrate, a complex (1:1) of a metal ion (Mn 2+ or Mg 2+ ) and isocitrate. Preincubation of the enzyme with metal-citrate complex also nearly abolished the lag or activation time. In steady-state experiments, analyses of velocity versus metal-citrate complex as a binding isotherm, following the assumptions of Wyman's theory of thermodynamic linkage, showed that binding of metal-citrate complex could both stimulate and inhibit the enzyme. This analysis suggested hyperactivation by binding to sites with an average dissociation constant of .25m M , inhibition by binding to sites with an average dissociation constant of 3.83m M , and modulation (reactivation) by binding to sites with an average dissociation constant of 1.54m M . Conformational changes induced by the binding of ligands were assessed using circular dichroism. The results suggest that binding of metal-isocitrate induces a conformational transition involving tyrosyl residues that is related to the altered kinetic processes. Reexamination of Michaelis-Menten kinetics using nonlinear regression analysis also demonstrated hyperactivation of enzyme activity by metal-isocitrate with a dissociation constant equal to 21 μ M (which is nearly seven times greater than the Michaelis constant). Concentration ranges observed for these transitions are compatible with physiological conditions, suggesting that complexes of metal-citrate and metal-iswitrate serve to modulate the activity of NADP + isocitrate dehydrogenase.
Resonant tunneling diode stability and its consequences for high frequency operation

The existence of negative resistance in double barrier resonant tunneling structures has led to the proposal of various applications for these devices. For many of these applications, stability is an important consideration. This paper will discuss the effect that various device parameters have on stability and on the capability of high frequency device operation. It is concluded that the circuit and device conditions required for stable operation greatly reduce the amount of power that can be produced by these devices at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Magnetic Field Effects on Geotactic Responses in Drosophila Melanogaster

A wide range of organisms have the ability to sense Earth's magnetic field and use it as a method of orientation. The biophysical mechanism of this sixth sense is not well understood with two mechanisms currently discussed, one based on iron-oxide particles (magnetite mechanism) and, alternatively, a mechanism based on the sensitivity of electron spins (radical-pair mechanism). One of the challenges hindering progress towards conclusive identification of the magnetoreceptors is the lack of experimental assays with genetic models demonstrating sensitivity to the direction of earth-strength magnetic fields.Here, we present results from two assays testing the effect of magnetic fields on geotactic responses of fruit flies, Drosophila Melanogaster. We are investigating Canton-S wild type fruit flies as well as two strains selected for positive ('Lo') and negative ('Hi') geotaxis. Experiments in a vertical nine-level geotaxis Hirsch maze assay show a significant effect of reversing the direction of the magnetic field on the responses of Canton-S strains. Under a double strength Earth field and a zero field, there was no significant effect. We also tested effects of a strong inhomogeneous field and one end of the maze. In a second assay, we began testing the Canton-S strain in a two-armed T-maze to allow for better comparison with previously published assays and we report preliminary results. Effects on geotaxis can potentially pave the way towards identifying a role of cryptochromes, a putative magnetoreceptor in the radical pair mechanism, because Hi and Lo strains have been shown to differ strongly in their cryptochrome expression.
Modification of mammary carcinogenesis and tissue peroxidation by selenium deficiency and dietary fat.

Abstract This study investigates the interdependence of selenium and unsaturated fat intake as modifiers of 1. the incidence of mammary tumors induced by 7, 12‐dimethylbenz (a) anthracene; and 2. the lability of mammary tissue to lipid peroxidation. Results suggest that there is an association between susceptibility of the mammary gland to carcinogenesis and its lability to peroxidation, and that both parameters are intimately regulated by fat intake in conjunction with the selenium status of the animal.
Age, depression, and friendship: Development of a general friendship inventory

Recent research has yielded conflicting results with regard to the role of social activity and elderly well‐being. The current study addresses two issues related to elderly life satisfaction. First, it has been argued that previous research has focused on quantitative elements of social activity and that future efforts need to focus on qualitative attributes. To date, there has been no way to systematically assess friendship quality. In previous research a general inventory of friendship scale has been developed as a multidimensional instrument that can be used with both young and elderly samples. However, this examination suggests a unidimensional structure with face validity based on friendship dedication, reciprocity, mutual benfit, and strength. The current research also provides predictive and construct validity for a revised 12 item scale by finding that friendship relationships are related to reported levels of depression across age groups. Finally, a relationship was found between friendship stren...
Influence tactics used by subordinates: A theoretical and empirical analysis and refinement of the Kipnis, Schmidt, and Wilkinson subscales.

The research of Kipnis, Schmidt, and Wilkinson (1980) is critiqued and their subordinate influence subscales examined in four studies. In the first, the subscale items were given to 34 judges, who rated each item for dimensionality. In the second, the 27 items plus several additions were administered to a sample of 251 employed MBA students, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. A third study used a similar sample (N=281) and the same analyses
System entropy analysis

A number of entropy models of social systems have been developed recently. Unfortunately, the complementarity of these approaches remains largely unanalysed, due to terminological and conceptual differences among them. There is an urgent need for a meta‐theoretical framework that will facilitate the analysis and comparison of all social entropy models. System entropy analysis (SEA), as presented here, is designed to fill this need. It is a second‐order, meta‐analytic tool which analyses each approach in terms of its major concepts, its basic units of analysis, its definition and measurement of entropy, and its specification of microstates and macrostates. First discusses the need for SEA, and then specifies its structure. Concludes with an application of SEA to the comparison and integration of three entropy approaches: synergetics, complexity theory and social entropy theory (SET).
Eigenstructure approach to directions-of-arrival estimation in IR detector arrays.

On propose un algorithme de sous espace pour l'estimation a haute resolution des directions des emetteurs IR
Kinetic Study of the Antiport Mechanism of an Escherichia coli Zinc Transporter, ZitB

Abstract ZitB is a member of the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family that mediates efflux of zinc across the plasma membrane of Escherichia coli. We describe the first kinetic study of the purified and reconstituted ZitB by stopped-flow measurements of transmembrane fluxes of metal ions using a metal-sensitive fluorescent indicator encapsulated in proteoliposomes. Metal ion filling experiments showed that the initial rate of Zn2+ influx was a linear function of the molar ratio of ZitB to lipid and was related to the concentration of Zn2+ or Cd2+ by a hyperbola with a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 104.9 ± 5.4 μm and 90.1 ± 3.7 μm, respectively. Depletion of proton stalled Cd2+ transport down its diffusion gradient, whereas tetraethylammonium ion substitution for K+ did not affect Cd2+ transport, indicating that Cd2+ transport is coupled to H+ rather than to K+. H+ transport was inferred by the H+ dependence of Cd2+ transport, showing a hyperbolic relationship with a Km of 19.9 nm for H+. Applying H+ diffusion gradients across the membrane caused Cd2+ fluxes both into and out of proteoliposomes against the imposed H+ gradients. Likewise, applying outwardly oriented membrane electrical potential resulted in Cd2+ efflux, demonstrating the electrogenic effect of ZitB transport. Taken together, these results indicate that ZitB is an antiporter catalyzing the obligatory exchange of Zn2+ or Cd2+ for H+. The exchange stoichiometry of metal ion for proton is likely to be 1:1.
Pulmonary disease among inpatient decedents: Impact of schizophrenia

Abstract Objectives Determine the risk associated with schizophrenia for common pulmonary illness (pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)) during the last year of life. Methods Inpatient decedents in Veterans (VA) hospitals in 2002 ( N = 27,798) were identified. Logistic regression modeled diagnosis of pulmonary illness in either the final year or final admission as a function of schizophrenia, smoking history and other covariates. Results Among decedents, 943 (3%) had schizophrenia, 3% were women, most were white (76%) or African–American (18%), and average age at death was 72.4 years (SD 11.5). Three-fifths received VA outpatient care in the year prior to death. Among those with schizophrenia, only two-fifths had outpatient care. Pneumonia was more common among schizophrenia patients (38% vs 31%) as was COPD (46% vs 38%). In models controlling for history of smoking and other covariates, schizophrenia was a risk factor for pulmonary disease in the last year of life (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.6–2.2) but less so for final-stay pulmonary disease (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.7). Conclusions VA inpatient decedents with schizophrenia were at increased risk for pneumonia and COPD, independent of smoking indicators. Clinicians treating schizophrenia patients need to be especially alert to potential comorbid medical conditions and ensure vulnerable patients receive appropriate care.
Pooled analysis of data from multiple quantitative trait locus mapping populations

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on pooled data from multiple populations (pooled analysis) provides a means for evaluating, as a whole, evidence for existence of a QTL from different studies and examining differences in gene effect of a QTL among different populations. Objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a method for pooled analysis and (2) conduct pooled analysis on data from two soybean mapping populations. Least square interval mapping was extended for pooled analysis by inclusion of populations and cofactor markers as indicator variables and covariate variables separately in the multiple linear models. The general linear test approach was applied for detecting a QTL. Single population-based and pooled analyses were conducted on data from two F2:3 mapping populations, Hamilton (susceptible) × PI 90763 (resistant) and Magellan (susceptible) × PI 404198A (resistant), for resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean. It was demonstrated that where a QTL was shared among populations, pooled analysis showed increased LOD values on the QTL candidate region over single population analyses. Where a QTL was not shared among populations, however, the pooled analysis showed decreased LOD values on the QTL candidate region over single population analyses. Pooled analysis on data from genetically similar populations may have higher power of QTL detection than single population-based analyses. QTLs were identified by pooled analysis on linkage groups (LGs) G, B1 and J for resistance to SCN race 2 whereas QTLs on LGs G, B1 and E for resistance to SCN race 5 in soybean PI 90763 and PI 404198A. QTLs on LG G and B1 were identified in both PI 90763 and PI 404198A whereas QTLs on LG E and J were identified in PI 90763 only. QTLs on LGs G and B1 for resistance to race 2 may be the same or closely linked with QTLs on LG G and B1 for resistance to race 5, respectively. It was further demonstrated that QTLs on G and B1 carried by PI 90763 were not significantly different in gene effect from QTLs on LGs G and B1 in PI 404198A, respectively.
Interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin for the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: Cohort study of 38 patients

Aim: Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) is universal following liver transplantation. Patients are often treated with interferon and ribavirin in an attempt to eradicate the virus. We describe our experience with 38 patients with recurrent HCV from a single liver transplant program. Methods: Between October 2000 and November 2001, 38 patients with recurrent HCV were treated with interferon alpha 2b 3 million units three times a week and ribavirin 1000–1200 mg per day. HCV RNA and liver biopsies were performed before treatment at the end of treatment (EOT), and 6 months after EOT in patients who were HCV RNA negative at EOT. Results: There were 29 males and nine females. Median age was 49 years. In total, 34 patients were genotype 1 and two each were genotype 3 and 4. Six patients received HCV positive donors and 24 patients (63%) completed treatment. The most common indication for discontinuation of treatment was severe fatigue in 14 patients (37%). On intention to treat analysis, a sustained biochemical and virological response occurred in 10 patients (26%). Unchanged or improved fibrosis scores were present in 37% of patients, of whom 71% were non-responders to therapy. Conclusions: Interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin were poorly tolerated in this series of recurrent HCV patients, with sustained HCV eradication occurring in only 26% of patients. However, the majority of non-responders demonstrated unchanged or improved fibrosis scores, suggesting that a subset of patients may benefit from maintenance antiviral therapy to prevent the development of cirrhosis.
Action Of Round Tools On Aspherics

When a rigid polishing tool is moved in a radial direction on an aspheric surface, it will not fit the surface throughout the stroke. The nonuniform pressure under the tool as a result of this misfit will result in a nonuniform removal of material and thus alter the shape of the aspheric surface. This result may be avoided by providing for some flexibility in the tool. A tool consisting of a rigid backing, a soft resilient layer, a thin layer of selected flexural rigidity and finally a thin layer of polishing pitch will provide such flexibility. For a given aspheric the material and thickness of the controlling layer may be selected, depending on tool size and shape and the stroke desired so that the variation of pressure on the optical surface may be made acceptably small. However, sufficient rigidity is retained to provide rapid smoothing action. Thus, the use of such tools result in smooth aspheric surfaces. Some large optical mirrors are constructed of thin face plates separated by a ribbed core structure in the interests of light weight. Because the face plate deflects under the polishing pressure, the areas over the ribs are polished away faster than other areas. The composite tool described here reduces this effect as the resilient layer is made softer and the tool larger. Properly designed tools then permit the polishing and smoothing of large aspherics with thinner face plates and thus, lighter than has been required by previous polishing methods.
Effect of Air Flow on Heat Transfer in Walls

An analytical model to characterize the air leakage effects on the heat transfer within a permeable one-layered wall is presented. The general solution to the steady-periodic problem is presented. Temperature profiles and heat flux variations within the wall are analyzed. The effect of air flows on heat transmission through the wall are discussed using a parametric analysis. The thermal advantages of intentionally circulating air through building walls--to provide ventilation--are analyzed and discussed. In particular, their thermal performance of dynamic walls integrated in a whole building is analyzed as a function of the infiltration rate and the building thermal load. It is found that the dynamic walls can achieve energy savings of up to 20 percent of total building thermal load.
Highly reliable CVD-stacked oxynitride gate dielectric fabricated by in-situ rapid thermal multiprocessing

High-quality CVD stacked oxynitride gate dielectrics have been fabricated by in-situ rapid thermal multiprocessing. Bottom thin oxynitrides were formed by RTP of Si in the NO or N 2 O ambient, followed by RT-CVD deposition of SiO 2 films using SiH 4 and N 2 O. The stacked dielectrics were then subjected to in-situ rapid thermal annealing in an O 2 ambient. Results show that CVD stacked oxynitride gate dielectrics have improved endurance to interface state degradation, higher charge to breakdown values, and significantly reduced defect densities compared to control thermal gate oxide.
Spin waves in antiferromagnetically coupled bimetallic oxalates.

Bimetallic oxalates are molecule-based magnets with transition-metal ions M(II) and M'(III) arranged on an open honeycomb lattice. Performing a Holstein–Primakoff expansion, we obtain the spin-wave spectrum of antiferromagnetically coupled bimetallic oxalates as a function of the crystal-field angular momentum L2 and L3 on the M(II) and M'(III) sites. Our results are applied to the Fe(II)Mn(III), Ni(II)Mn(III) and V(II)V(III) bimetallic oxalates, where the spin-wave gap varies from 0 meV for quenched angular momentum to as high as 15 meV. The presence or absence of magnetic compensation appears to have no effect on the spin-wave gap.
A behavioral feeding program for failure-to-thrive infants

Abstract Infants acquire the ability to discriminate environmental contingencies at an early age. Paradoxically, in the case of infants classified as failure-to-thrive, maladaptive feeding behavior often becomes a part of the infant's repertoire despite the detrimental consequences of such behavior for the infant's health (e.g. weight loss, growth failure). Due to the chronic nature of the infant's behavior, the majority of successful behavioral treatments for this disorder rely on aversive procedures. While these procedures are effective in eliminating maladaptive feeding patterns, they fail to directly establish normal eating behavior. The feeding program reported here was designed not only to eliminate maladaptive feeding patterns but additionally, to promote normal eating behavior. Specifically, this feeding program consisted of a package of procedures including: (1) the use of music to mask the introduction of feeding time and to consequate eating behavior; and (2) the use of a time-out procedure to consequate food refusal behavior and to prevent mother-infant interactions which may have been maintaining the feeding problem. An AB design with replication was used to assess the effectiveness of this feeding program with 3 infants diagnosed as nonorganic failure-to-thrive. Partial withdrawal probes were implemented to demonstrate the functional relationship between the music component of the program and the infant's eating behavior. Upon implementation of the feeding program all 3 infants demonstrated rapid increases in rate of food acceptance and reductions in rate of vomiting and gag responses. In addition, rate of food acceptance was found to increase or decrease in relation to the presence or absence of music.
Identification of a maize nucleic acid-binding protein (NBP) belonging to a family of nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins

Abstract A cDNA encoding a nuclear-encoded chloroplast nucleic acid-binding protein (NBP) has been isolated from maize. Identified as an in vitro DNA-binding activity, NBP belongs to a family of nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins which share a common domain structure and are thought to be involved in posttranscriptional regulation of chloroplast gene expression. NBP contains an N-terminal chloroplast transit peptide, a highly acidic domain and a pair of ribonucleoprotein consensus sequence domains. NBP is expressed in a light-dependent, organ-specific manner which is consistent with its involvement in chloroplast biogenesis. The relationship of NBP to the other members of this protein family and their possible regulatory functions are discussed.
The helical hydrophobic moment avoids prolines in phospholipid-binding proteins.

Summary Proline residues appear to punctuate the distribution of amphiphilic phospholipid-binding regions of apolipoproteins. We have applied a quantitative test to this hypothesis and shown that the magnitude of the helical hydrophobic moment around proline residues is reduced in lipid-binding proteins and peptides.
Placental Syncytium Forms a Biophysical Barrier against Pathogen Invasion

Fetal syncytiotrophoblasts form a unique fused multinuclear surface that is bathed in maternal blood, and constitutes the main interface between fetus and mother. Syncytiotrophoblasts are exposed to pathogens circulating in maternal blood, and appear to have unique resistance mechanisms against microbial invasion. These are due in part to the lack of intercellular junctions and their receptors, the Achilles heel of polarized mononuclear epithelia. However, the syncytium is immune to receptor-independent invasion as well, suggesting additional general defense mechanisms against infection. The difficulty of maintaining and manipulating primary human syncytiotrophoblasts in culture makes it challenging to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of host defenses in this unique tissue. Here we present a novel system to study placental pathogenesis using murine trophoblast stem cells (mTSC) that can be differentiated into syncytiotrophoblasts and recapitulate human placental syncytium. Consistent with previous results in primary human organ cultures, murine syncytiotrophoblasts were found to be resistant to infection with Listeria monocytogenes via direct invasion and cell-to-cell spread. Atomic force microscopy of murine syncytiotrophoblasts demonstrated that these cells have a greater elastic modulus than mononuclear trophoblasts. Disruption of the unusually dense actin structure – a diffuse meshwork of microfilaments - with Cytochalasin D led to a decrease in its elastic modulus by 25%. This correlated with a small but significant increase in invasion of L. monocytogenes into murine and human syncytium. These results suggest that the syncytial actin cytoskeleton may form a general barrier against pathogen entry in humans and mice. Moreover, murine TSCs are a genetically tractable model system for the investigation of specific pathways in syncytial host defenses.
In-situ study of the stiffness of alumina thin films during vapor deposition

The evolution of the biaxial modulus of amorphous alumina thin films has been studied insitu during electron-beam evaporation at 400°C on Si and sapphire substrates. A constant value of 197 ± 30 GPa was measured up to a thickness of 1.17 μm when depositing at 3 A/s. This value was identical to that of films thinner than 0.30 μm deposited at an average rate of 6 A/s. Above 0.30 μm, the modulus in these films decreased continuously to a value of 50 ± 8 GPa at a final thickness of 2.05 μm. Based on their refractive indices, the films deposited at 6 A/s are 30% less dense than those deposited at 3 A/s. This density deficit is insufficient to account for the modulus decrease; the remainder is probably the result of slit-like microcracks.
NaCl preference in the gerbil

Gerbil preference levels for salt solutions were determined by using the single-stimulus method. The concentration resulting in the largest acceptance was 0.9%, even though gerbils can utilize salt solutions as high as 6%. Since the single-stimulus method correlates well with other preference measures, these results should generalize to other testing procedures.
Significance and Immunoassay of 9- and 13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic Acids

Linoleic acid, the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the diet, can be metabolized by cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and P450 enzymes. The monohydroxy lipoxygenation products of linoleic acid, 9- and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (9(S)- and 13(S)-HODEs), are the most widely distributed of the known linoleic acid metabolites. These compounds exhibit interesting biological activities, including regulation of platelet function, maintenance of vascular thromboresistance and transduction of the cellular responses to certain growth factors. In view of their biological significance, we have produced polyclonal antibodies for the first time to these bioactive lipids to develop an easy, inexpensive, sensitive, specific and rapid enzyme immunoassay method for these bioactive lipids.
Elastic constants and dimensions of imprinted polymeric nanolines determined from Brillouin light scattering

Elastic constants and cross-sectional dimensions of imprinted nanolines of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on silicon substrates are determined nondestructively from finite-element inversion analysis of dispersion curves of hypersonic acoustic modes of these nanolines measured with Brillouin light scattering. The results for the cross-sectional dimensions, under the simplifying assumption of vertical sides and a semicircular top, are found to be consistent with dimensions determined from critical-dimension small-angle x-ray scattering measurements. The elastic constants C11 and C44 are found to be, respectively, 11.6% and 3.1% lower than their corresponding values for bulk PMMA. This result is consistent with the dimensional dependence of the quasi-static Young's modulus determined from buckling measurements on PMMA films with lower molecular weights. This study provides the first evidence of size-dependent effects on hypersonic elastic properties of polymers.
Normal head impulse test differentiates acute cerebellar strokes from vestibular neuritis

Objective: To test the diagnostic accuracy of the horizontal head impulse test (h-HIT) of vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function in distinguishing acute peripheral vestibulopathy (APV) from stroke. Most patients with acute vertigo, nausea/vomiting, and unsteady gait have benign APV (vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis) as a cause. However, some harbor life-threatening brainstem or cerebellar strokes that mimic APV. A positive h-HIT (abnormal VOR) is said to predict APV. Methods: Cross-sectional study at an urban, academic hospital over 6 years. Consecutive acute vestibular syndrome patients at high risk for stroke underwent structured examination (including h-HIT), neuroimaging, and admission. Stroke was confirmed by neuroimaging (MRI or CT). APV was diagnosed by normal MRI and appropriate clinical evolution in follow-up. Results: Forty-three subjects enrolled. One had an equivocal h-HIT. Patients with APV had a positive h-HIT (n = 8/8, 100%). Most patients with stroke had a negative h-HIT (n = 31/34, 91%). However, contrary to conventional wisdom, three patients with stroke (9%) demonstrated a positive h-HIT (1 vestibulocerebellar, 1 pontocerebellar, 1 pontocerebello-labyrinthine stroke). Conclusions: Patients with lateral pontine and cerebellar strokes can have a positive horizontal head impulse test (h-HIT), so the sign’s presence cannot be solely relied upon to identify a benign pathology. Additional clinical features (e.g., directionality of nystagmus, severity of truncal instability, nature of hearing loss) must be considered in patients with acute vestibular syndrome with a positive h-HIT before a central localization can be confidently excluded. Nonetheless, the h-HIT remains a useful bedside test—in acute vestibular syndrome patients, a negative h-HIT (i.e., normal VOR) strongly suggests a central lesion with a pseudo-labyrinthine presentation.
High‐efficiency power production from coal with carbon capture

A zero-emissions power plant with high efficiency is presented. Syngas, produced by the gasification of coal, is shifted to produce H2 which in turn fuels stacks of solid oxide fuel cells. Because the fuel cells maintain separate anode and cathode streams, air can be used as the oxygen source without diluting the fuel exhaust with nitrogen. This enables recovery of CO2 from the exhaust with a very small energy penalty. As a result, an absorption-based CO2 recovery process is avoided, as well as the production of large quantities of high-purity O2, allowing a high overall thermal efficiency and essentially eliminating the energy penalty for carbon capture. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Plasma Fatty Acid Composition and 6-Year Incidence of Hypertension in Middle-aged Adults The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

The association of baseline fatty acid composition in plasma cholesterol esters with 6-year incidence of hypertension was examined in middle-aged Minneapolis participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (1987-1995). Compared with those who were never hypertensive (n = 1,975), incident hypertensives (n = 413) had statistically significantly higher baseline levels of palmitic (16:0) and palmitoleic (16:1n7) acids but lower levels of linoleic (18:2n6) acid and the polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio (P/S ratio). Among polyunsaturated fatty acids, levels of dihomo-gamma-linolenic (20:3n6) and arachidonic (20:4n6) acids were statistically significantly higher in incident hypertensives, compared with normotensives. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, smoking status, ethanol intake, education level, physical activity, and baseline systolic blood pressure in separate models, the odds ratio estimates of incident hypertension for an interquartile increment of a fatty acid in cholesterol esters were 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.51) for 16:0, 1.11 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.28) for 16:1n7, 1.01 (95% CI: 0.85, 1.21) for 20:3n6, 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.27) for 20:5n3, 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.96) for 18:2n6, and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.99) for the P/S ratio. The authors conclude that reduced levels of linoleic acid and the P/S ratio and elevated levels of palmitic and arachidonic acids are associated with a higher risk of hypertension.
Gas chromatography of several indole derivatives

Abstract The determination by gas chromatography of indoles that are aromatic acids requires the preparation of volatile derivatives such as the methyl esters. This has been done successfully by diazomethane methylation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-carboxylic acid (ICA), indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-OH-IAA) and other related compounds (1–5). Other indoles such as ethylindole 3-acetate and indole-3-acetonitrile have sufficient vapor pressures to allow direct chromatography at temperatures low enough to prevent decomposition (1, 3). Conditions for gas chromatography of many indoles have been reported by several workers (1–5). The objective of the present report is to demonstrate that trifluoroacetylation of indoles accompanied by gas chromatography and electron capture analysis of the derivatives offers a more sensitive method of detecting these compounds. This method of detection is compared with flame ionization detection.
Histochemical demonstration of glycogen in corneal endothelium.

Abstract Glycogen in fixed corneal endothelium was readily demonstrable by means of acetic anhydride-dimethyl sulfoxide oxidation and subsequent reaction with Schiff's reagent. While the particulate endothelial glycogen may also be demonstrated in sections oxidized by periodic acid and lead tetraacetate, the amount of Schiff positive glycogen was markedly reduced. It is concluded that corneal endothelium contains glycogen and that it may be a moiety of relatively low molecular weight.
Lack of alpha-1-adrenergic receptor-mediated downregulation of angiotensin II receptors in neuronal cultures from spontaneously hypertensive rat brain.

Neuronal cells from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rat brains were established in culture to compare the expression of angiotensin II (Ang II) specific receptors and their regulation by norepinephrine (NE). Neurons from SH rat brains possess twice more Ang II specific receptors and expressed a proportional increase in Ang II stimulated [3H]-NE uptake compared with WKY neurons. NE caused a dose-dependent decrease in125I-Ang II binding in WKY neurons, an effect not observed when neurons from SH rat brains were incubated with NE. These observations suggest that the lack of NE-induced downregulation of Ang II receptors in neuronal cultures is genetically regulated.
Biology of Ixodes dentatus Neumann (Ixodidae).

Ixodes dentatus was named and illustrated in manuscript by Marx, but the first published description was by Neumann[2][1] in 1899, based only on the female. The male, nymph, and larva were described by Smith[3][2]. Nuttall[4][3] described all stages of a new variety of this species, I. dentatus spinipalpis , from western Canada. The typical I. dentatus , which differs from the variety spinipalpis in all stages, occurs in the eastern part of the United States and is the subject of this study. [1]: #fn-2 [2]: #fn-3 [3]: #fn-4
DARK MATTER IN THE GALAXY

I will first review the evidence that our Milky Way Galaxy contains a substantial amount of dark matter, and what is known about the spatial distribution of this material, from rotation curve decompositions and from analysis of the vertical force law in the solar neighborhood. All data are consistent with no significant unidentified material in the Galactic disk, requiring that the dark matter be in a spatially-extended distribution. Brown dwarfs, or sub-stellar objects, are often discussed as possible dark-matter candidates, especially in view of the implication from nucleosynthesis calculations that dark baryons exist. The somewhat discour-aging status of recent searches for brown dwarfs is reviewed, together with present understanding of the low-mass stellar initial mass function. I discuss a long-term survey of the motions and chemical abundances of Galactic stars which will provide constraints on the Galactic potential well and the history of Galaxy formation.
Highly Robust Estimation of the Autocovariance Function

In this paper, the problem of the robustness of the sample autocovariance function is addressed. We propose a new autocovariance estimator, based on a highly robust estimator of scale. Its robustness properties are studied by means of the influence function, and a new concept of temporal breakdown point. As the theoretical variance of the estimator does not have a closed form, we perform a simulation study. Situations with various size of outliers are tested. They confirm the robustness properties of the new estimator. An S-Plus function for the highly robust autocovariance estimator is made available on the Web at http://www-math.mit.edu/~yanyuan/Genton/Time/time.html. At the end, we analyze a time series of monthly interest rates of an Austrian bank.
Periodic Calcium Waves in Cardiac Myocytes Enhance Susceptibility to Arrhythmia Triggers

Intracellular calcium (Ca) waves in cardiac myocytes can cause delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs), which are known triggers of cardiac arrhythmias. How these Ca waves are modulated by diffusive Ca-mediated coupling among Ca release units (CRUs) and promote DADs is not fully understood. Here, we hypothesized that myocytes are most susceptible to DADs due to periodic Ca wave activity at intermediate levels of Ca overload. To test this hypothesis, we strengthened CRU coupling by progressively raising intracellular free [Ca] and studied the transition from Ca sparks to waves using both confocal Ca imaging experiments in permeabilized mouse ventricular myocytes and computer simulations of a homogeneous 3D array (100x20x10) of diffusively-coupled CRUs. As free Ca was increased in experiments from 100 nM to 1,500 nM, intracellular Ca release activity evolved through four stages: Stage 1- random sparks and macrosparks arising from multiple sites; Stage 2- irregular aborted Ca waves arising from multiple sites; Stage 3- periodic full Ca waves arising from a small number of sites mostly near cell borders; Stage 4- high frequency “fibrillatory” Ca waves exhibiting mixed focal and reentrant features. Raising virtual intracellular Ca in computer simulations reproduced Stages 1-3 but not Stage 4, which may require spatial heterogeneities to occur. In both experiments and simulations, Stage 3 produced the largest whole-cell Ca transients and most synchronous Ca release, making this intermediate stage of Ca overload the most likely to generate DADs of sufficient amplitude to trigger arrhythmias. High frequency “fibrillatory” waves under severe Ca overload in Stage 4 diminished Ca transient amplitudes and reduced Ca release synchrony. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ventricular myocytes are most susceptible to DADs when intracellular Ca overload is intermediate rather than mild or severe.
Chemokine signaling in development and disease

Chemokines are a group of small, secreted molecules that signal through G protein-coupled receptors to promote cell survival and proliferation and to provide directional guidance to migrating cells. CXCL12 is one of the most evolutionary conserved chemokines and signals through the chemokine receptor CXCR4 to guide cell migration during embryogenesis, immune cell trafficking and cancer metastasis. Here and in the accompanying poster, we provide an overview of chemokine signaling, focusing on CXCL12, and we highlight some of the different chemokine-dependent strategies used to guide migrating cells.
Serum lipoproteins of killer whales

Abstract 1. 1. Concentration distributions of serum lipoproteins of captive killer whales, Orcinus orca (four males and three females), have been characterized by analytic ultracentrifugation. High density lipoproteins (HDL) comprise the major portion (50–70 per cent) of their serum lipoproteins. The concentration of serum low density lipoproteins (LDL) was equal to or greater than normal human values. 2. 2. Lipid compositions of the ultracentrifugal classes (total very low density lipoprotein, VLDL, LDL and HDL) were determined. The lipid composition of LDL was very similar to that reported for humans. 3. 3. Electrophoretic lipoprotein patterns were also determined. Two distinct alpha bands were detected. The presence of alpha lipoproteins with d ∣ 1·063 g/ml is discussed in terms of VLDL metabolism. 4. 4. In the electron microscope the killer whale HDL seem “face on” are 70–130 A in diameter with a subunit configuration similar to human HDL. Individual subunits are approximately 40A across and 75A long. Killer whale LDL are similar to those from human serum and are approximately spherical particles 200–220A in diameter.
The effect of plasma‐sprayed calcium phosphate ceramic coatings on the metal ion release from porous titanium and cobalt‐chromium alloys

Bone tissue ingrowth in porous materials is enhanced by the deposition of bioactive calcium phosphate ceramic linings onto the pore walls. These bioactive coatings can be deposited using several methods which yield a variety of coating efficiencies and thereby influence the mechanisms and kinetics of ion release from the metal. We analyzed the effect of plasma-spraying hydroxyapatite onto titanium and cobalt-chromium alloys by measuring the release of Ti, Al, V, Co, and Cr in vitro. Plasma-sprayed coatings significantly reduced the Ti and Al release from titanium-based alloy specimens. The tendencies of release from the cobalt-based specimens are less pronounced. The data substantiate that neither localized enhanced passive dissolution of metal ions nor ceramic shielding of the metal occurs. The Scanning Auger Electron Microprobe Spectroscopic data suggest that the dissipation of thermal and kinetic energy of the ceramic particle at the time of impact can produce compositional and structural changes in the metal surfaces. The resulting effects are significant for the titanium alloy but less significant for the Co-Cr alloy system.
Undernutrition in medical outpatients

This article discusses the epidemiology, predisposing factors, and etiology of undernutrition in geriatric patients receiving ambulatory care. It presents the major aspects of the clinical evaluation of undernutrition in older adults. Interdisciplinary assessment of nutritional risk in the outpatient setting and the formulation of an outpatient nutritional intervention model are also discussed.
Photoelectric photometry of HD 116994

HD 116994 period, discussing harmonic analyses made of light and color curves, visual magnitude estimation, pulsation theory results and observation result tables
A new function for the RNA-editing enzyme ADAR1

ADAR1 catalyzes the deamination of adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA. This RNA-editing enzyme is now shown to be involved in hematopoiesis, where it acts to suppress interferon signaling and to block premature apoptosis.
Genomic structure of mouse IA-2: comparison with its human homologue.

Aims/hypothesis. IA-2 is a transmembrane protein with a tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-like structure and a major autoantigen in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Because the nucleotide sequence of human and mouse IA-2 cDNA are closely related, it seemed likely that the genomic organization of the two molecules would be similar. To test this possibility the current experiments were initiated to characterize and compare the genomic structure of mouse and human IA-2.¶Methods. IA-2 cDNA was used to screen a 129SVJ mouse genomic library. We selected and mapped 7 overlapping clones. The subcloned inserts were used to determine intron-exon junctions by direct sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction mapping were used to estimate the size of the introns.¶Results. The mouse IA-2 gene and the 5' upstream regulatory region were isolated and the intron-exon junctions determined. Mouse IA-2 encompasses approximately 20 kb and encodes 23 exons. Both the 3' and 5' ends were mapped by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and a 2 kb 5'-upstream region was shown to have functional promoter activity.¶Conclusion/interpretation. Comparison of the genomic structure of mouse and human IA-2 shows that they have the same number of exons and nearly identical intron-exon junctions. The region around the major transcription start site of mouse IA-2 is similar to human IA-2 and other transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatases. It is concluded that human and mouse IA-2 are highly conserved and derived from a common ancestral gene. [Diabetologia (2000) 43: 1429–1434]