cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leg muscle activation evoked by floor stiffness perturbations: A novel approach to robot-assisted gait rehabilitation

Robotic devices have been used in a variety of rehabilitation protocols, including gait rehabilitation after stroke. However, robotic intervention in gait therapy has only produced moderate results compared to conventional physiotherapy. We suggest a novel approach to robotic interventions which takes advantage of inter-limb coordination mechanisms. We hypothesize the existence of a mechanism of inter-leg coordination that may remain intact after a hemiplegic stroke that may be utilized to obtain functional improvement of the impaired leg. One of the most significant advantages of this approach is the safety of the patient, since this does not require any direct manipulation of the impaired leg. In this paper, we focus on designing and applying unilateral perturbations that evoke contralateral leg motions through mechanisms of inter-leg coordination. Real-time control of floor stiffness is utilized to uniquely differentiate force and kinematic feedback, creating novel perturbations. We present results of repeatable and scalable evoked muscle activity of the contralateral tibialis anterior muscle through unilateral stiffness perturbations. We also present a mathematical model that accurately describes the relationship between the magnitude of the stiffness perturbation and the evoked muscle activity, that could result in model-based rehabilitation strategies for impaired walkers. The novel methods and results presented in this paper set the foundation for a paradigm shift of robotic interventions for gait rehabilitation.
Distinguishing the drivers of trends in land carbon fluxes and plant volatile emissions over the past 3 decades

Abstract. The terrestrial biosphere has experienced dramatic changes in recent decades. Estimates of historical trends in land carbon fluxes remain uncertain because long-term observations are limited on the global scale. Here, we use the Yale Interactive terrestrial Biosphere (YIBs) model to estimate decadal trends in land carbon fluxes and emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and to identify the key drivers for these changes during 1982–2011. Driven by hourly meteorology from WFDEI (WATCH forcing data methodology applied to ERA-Interim data), the model simulates an increasing trend of 297 Tg C a−2 in gross primary productivity (GPP) and 185 Tg C a−2 in the net primary productivity (NPP). CO2 fertilization is the main driver for the flux changes in forest ecosystems, while meteorology dominates the changes in grasslands and shrublands. Warming boosts summer GPP and NPP at high latitudes, while drought dampens carbon uptake in tropical regions. North of 30° N, increasing temperatures induce a substantial extension of 0.22 day a−1 for the growing season; however, this phenological change alone does not promote regional carbon uptake and BVOC emissions. Nevertheless, increases of leaf area index at peak season accounts for ~ 25 % of the trends in GPP and isoprene emissions at the northern lands. The net land sink shows statistically insignificant increases of only 3 Tg C a−2 globally because of simultaneous increases in soil respiration. Global BVOC emissions are calculated using two schemes. With the photosynthesis-dependent scheme, the model predicts increases of 0.4 Tg C a−2 in isoprene emissions, which are mainly attributed to warming trends because CO2 fertilization and inhibition effects offset each other. Using the MEGAN (Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature) scheme, the YIBs model simulates global reductions of 1.1 Tg C a−2 in isoprene and 0.04 Tg C a−2 in monoterpene emissions in response to the CO2 inhibition effects. Land use change shows limited impacts on global carbon fluxes and BVOC emissions, but there are regional contrasting impacts over Europe (afforestation) and China (deforestation).
Peptidoglycan composition and taxonomy of group D, E, and H streptococci, and Streptococcus mutans

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the peptidoglycan from the cell wall of groups D, E, and H streptococci, and Streptococcus mutans, was determined. In group D, S. faecalis and the closely related species S. liquefaciens and S. zymogenes were separated from S. faecium and the closely related species S. durans on the basis of their peptidoglycan composition. A relationship among S. bovis, S. equinus, and some strains of S. mutans was indicated by the presence in each of a similar peptidoglycan containing threonine. Threonine was released from the S. mutans polymer as a threonine-lysine dipeptide. Hydrolysis of the dipeptide at 100 C for 24 hr in 6 n HC1 was required to break the peptide bond. Motile group D streptococci possessed a peptidoglycan of the same composition as S. faecium. Group E and H strains were also similar in the composition of their peptidoglycan. The results demonstrate that peptidoglycan composition can be used to (i) aid in the division of members of an immunological group into subgroups, and (ii) indicate a relationship between members of the same genus which are not related on an immunological basis.
Acid etch of automotive clearcoats II. Comparison of degradation chemistry in laboratory and field testing

A laboratory test procedure was developed to quantitatively evaluate the acid etch resistance of automotive clearcoats. Here we attempt to verify that the conditions used in the laboratory test reproduce the field degradation chemistry to assure that the test is evaluating realistic performance characteristics. In this study we applied X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as a tool to determine if degradation products are observable which can be used to verify the consistency of the field and laboratory degradation processes for acrylic melamine-based clearcoats.
Barley putative hypersensitive induced reaction genes: genetic mapping, sequence analyses and differential expression in disease lesion mimic mutants

The hypersensitive response (HR) is one of the most-efficient forms of plant defense against biotrophic pathogens, and results in localized cell death and the formation of necrotic lesions; however, the molecular components of pathways leading to HR remain largely unknown. Barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare L.) cDNAs for putative hypersensitive-induced reaction (HIR) genes were isolated based on DNA and amino-acid homologies to maize HIR genes. Analyses of the cDNA and genomic sequences and genetic mapping found four distinct barley HIR genes, Hv-hir1, Hv-hir2, Hv-hir3 and Hv-hir4, on chromosomes 4(4H) bin10, 7(5H) bin04, 7(5H) bin07 and 1(7H) bin03, respectively. Hv-hir1, Hv-hir2 and Hv-hir3 genes were highly homologous at both DNA and the deduced amino-acid level, but the Hv-hir4 gene was similar to the other genes only at the amino-acid sequence level. Amino-acid sequence analyses of the barley HIR proteins indicated the presence of the SPFH protein-domain characteristic for the prohibitins and stomatins which are involved in control of the cell cycle and ion channels, as well as in other membrane-associated proteins from bacteria, plants and animals. HIR genes were expressed in all organs and developement stages analyzed, indicating a vital and non-redundant function. Barley fast-neutron mutants exhibiting spontaneous HR (disease lesion mimic mutants) showed up to a 35-fold increase in Hv-hir3 expression, implicating HIR genes in the induction of HR.
IgE regulation and roles in asthma pathogenesis

Asthma and the predisposition to produce IgE are inherited as linked traits in families. In patients IgE levels correlate with asthma severity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The concept that IgE plays a critical role in asthma pathogenesis has driven the development of IgE blockers, which are currently being introduced into clinical use. This review focuses on the mechanisms whereby IgE participates both in immediate hypersensitivity responses in the airways and in the induction of chronic allergic bronchial inflammation. The molecular genetic events that give rise to IgE production by B cells and the cellular and cytokine factors that support IgE production in the bronchial mucosal microenvironment are discussed. It is clear that much remains to be learned regarding the roles of IgE in asthma and the genetic and environmental influences that lead to its production. Over the next few years, the emerging experience with anti-IgE in patients will provide a more complete understanding of the mechanisms whereby IgE contributes to disease, as well as the therapeutic potential of its inhibition.
Application of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to the Study of Fly Ash

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to identify and determine the oxidation states of a number of major and minor elements present on the surface of fly ash particles. With the use of a sputtering-etching procedure, relative concentrations as a function of depth were obtained for Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Na, C, O, and S. The concentrations of Na, C, O, and S were found to decrease and Si, Al, and Fe were found to increase upon sputtering to a depth of approximately 50 A.
Nuclear Deterrence: An Alternative Model

Deterrence is often described as two armed opponents facing each other but neither attacking because of the threat of retaliation by the other. This mistake lies in an imagery that sees the opposing parties as though each were individual persons or small groups. This article views strategic conflict as emerging from large-scale systems containing many individuals performing many different roles. By examining the adaptive tendencies of these systems, an alternate perception of moral and rational deterrence is developed.
Dependence of thermoluminescence and exoelectron emission on the ceramic character of BeO

Abstract Cold-pressed pellets of unfired BeO, called Thermalox 995, have been fired at temperatures between 400° and 1900°C. The thermally stimulated exoelectron emission (TSEE), thermoluminescence (TL), and electron paramagnetism (EPR) have been measured and correlated with sintering and grain growth. Changes in TL and TSEE sensitivity are as much as five, and two and a half orders in magnitude, respectively. The changes in concentration of the paramagnetic trapping centers correlate fairly well with the changes in TL sensitivity showing that the two are intimately related. The TSEE data show a markedly different trend; the traps are of a different type from those producing TL and are not detected by EPR. The most satisfactory radiation dosimeters are obtained after firing at 1300°C when the mean grain size is about 7 μm. The commercially available ceramic disks of Thermalox 995, with grains about double this size, are close to being in an optimum condition for TL-TSEE dosimetry. Dosimeters with a mean g...
Analysis of haloacetic acids in drinking water using post-column reaction-ion chromatography with on-line internal standardization

A post-column reaction-ion chromatography analyzer (PCR-IC) with automated internal standardization (IS) has been optimized to determine nine haloacetic acid (HAAs) species in drinking water while operating in near real-time with a one hour analysis time. The IS-PCR-IC method requires minimal sample preparation that consists of passing water samples through cartridges to remove anions and introducing the pretreated samples into the on-line channel of the automated instrumentation. Two sets of water samples have been analyzed and method detection limit (MDL), accuracy and precision measurements have been conducted prior to the water sample analysis. The experimental MDL values for the HAA species ranged from 1.4 to 7.8 μg L−1; the accuracy ranged from 75.9 to 112%; and the precision ranged from 6.2 to 34.6%. The concentration of each HAA and the Total HAAs found in these water samples were determined using internal standardization and the results were compared to USEPA Method 552.3. The bias estimates between these two methods for Total HAA9 range from −8.3 to 12.5 μg L−1.
Functional Analysis and Association State of Water Channel (AQP-1) Isoforms Purified from Six Mammals

Aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) or CHIP28 occurs in glycosylated (glyCHIP) and non-glycosylated (CHIP) forms and solubilization in octyl-beta-D-glucoside (OG) results in a tight association of glyCHIP and CHIP to form a heterodimer. The tight association did not permit separation of the two forms by affinity chromatography. We examined the mechanism of the tight association by enzymatic removal of sugar moieties, utilized organic solvents for preferential solubilization and purified CHIP28 from six mammals for inspection of glycosylation and association state in OG. Removal of terminal saccharides sustained the dimeric state of human CHIP28, while endo-glycosidases induced the transition into monomers, without leaving an affinity tag for separation purposes. Separation was achieved by preferential solubilization of non-glycosylated CHIP28 in CHCl3/MeOH/H2O mixtures. The two CHIP28 forms were solubilized in SDS, chromatographed in OG, and reconstituted into proteoliposomes; pf values were 1.5 and 1.6 x 10(-14) cm3/s (10 degrees C). Among erythrocytes from cow, pig, sheep, rabbit, dog, and horse CHIP28, one out of two molecules was glycosylated and High Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography (HPSEC) analysis also indicated heterodimers in OG; functional analysis of reconstituted proteoliposomes gave single channel water permeabilities, pf's, ranging from 2.0-3.4 x 10(-14) cm3/s (10 degrees C). The results indicate that CHIP28 structure, function, and association in OG are conserved among mammals and establish procedures to obtain glycosylated and non-glycosylated CHIP28 in functional form.
Spin relaxation in lateral quantum dots: Effects of spin-orbit interaction

We report results of calculations of the effect of spin-orbit interaction on electron spin relaxation in a lateral quantum dot. Our study is motivated by puzzling results of high source-drain transport measurements of singlet-triplet transitions of two electrons in lateral and vertical devices that show a strong asymmetry as a function of the applied magnetic field. Using exact diagonalization techniques, we investigate the influence of the spin-orbit interaction on the energy levels of a two-electron droplet and we show that the spin-orbit interaction strongly affects the expectation values of the total and $z$-projection spins of the two-electron system. We then evaluate the energy relaxation rates for the two-electron droplet through the emission of longitudinal acoustic phonons and show that they are strongly dependent on the spin energy levels involved in the process. Our study shows that the spin-orbit interaction provides an effective coupling between the spin-polarized triplet states and the singlet state. However, the transition involving the spin singlet and the unpolarized triplet component is very weak even in the presence of spin-orbit interaction. The calculated scattering rates from the excited states to the ground state of the two-electron system clearly confirm this picture and reveal a microsecond time scale for the single-triplet relaxation through spin-orbit-mediated acoustic phonon emission and the relaxation mechanism presents a built-in magnetic field asymmetry, in qualitative agreement with experimental findings.
Kernel density estimation with geographically masked points

Geographic masking displaces points to hide their identities. It has been used in health-related studies to protect patients' confidentialities. The main concern in this process is the balance between the protection of confidentiality and the preservation of the original spatial pattern. However, there is paucity in literature on quantification of this balance. We conducted a preliminary research on the most commonly used geographic masking method, the point dithering method, intending to quantify the original spatial pattern preserved under different dithering thresholds. We performed kernel density estimation (KDE) using a series of bandwidths to create density surfaces from both the original points and the dithered points, and then calculated Pearson's correlation coefficients between a density surface of the original points and its corresponding surfaces of the dithered points created with the same bandwidth. Using simulated data in New Hampshire, our test reveals a clear relationship between the bandwidth of KDE and the dithering threshold: When the bandwidth is 5 times the dithering threshold, the density surfaces of the original points and the dithered points are almost identical (in most cases the correlation coefficient ≫ 0.99). This relationship provides reference for choosing appropriate bandwidth in point pattern analysis, such as cluster detection, when working with dithered points.
Variable aggregation rates in colloidal gold: Kernel homogeneity dependence on aggregant concentration

Dynamic light scattering is used to study the dependence of the aggregation kernel homogeneity \ensuremath{\lambda} on the aggregant concentration [HCl] for aqueous gold sols. We find the cluster growth kinetics are well described by a powerlaw, ${R}_{\mathrm{app}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sim}}{t}^{z/D}}$, where ${R}_{\mathrm{app}}$ is the measured apparent radius, D the cluster fractal dimension, and z=1/(1-\ensuremath{\lambda}) for all aggregant concentrations. The values for the dynamic exponent z, and hence the homogeneity \ensuremath{\lambda}, are functions of HCl concentration. We find the larger HCl concentrations yield a fast-aggregation regime characterized by \ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\simeq}-0.6. Smaller HCl concentrations yield a continuum of aggregation regimes characterized by homogeneities evolving from \ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\simeq}-0.6 towards 1.0. Our results do not support the view that aggregation in gold colloids is based on two limiting regimes, diffusion-limited and reaction-limited aggregation.
Dislocations in evaporated single crystal tin films

Abstract Dislocations in evaporated single crystal tin films have been investigated by means of the electron microscope. The operation of the following slip systems was directly observed: (121) [101], (101) [101], (100) [011], (110) [111] and (001) [hkl]. (001) slip has not been reported previously and may occur only in thin films. (110) [001] and (100) [001] slip were not observed, possibly because of unfavorable diffraction conditions in the [001] oriented films. Most of the dislocations had screw character. The following cases of screw dislocation cross-slip between different slip systems were observed: (100) [011] ↔ (011) [011], (100) [011] ↔ (211) [011] and (011) [011] ↔ (211) [011]. Cross-slip between non-parallel planes of the same slip system was observed in only one case: (121) [101] ↔ (121) [101]. A consideration of the available qualitative evidence suggests that the stacking fault energy in tin is relatively high.
Conflicting phylogenetic signals at the base of the metazoan tree

Summary A phylogenetic framework is essential for under-standing the origin and evolution of metazoan development. Despite a number of recent molecular studies and a rich fossil record of sponges and cnidarians, the evolutionary relationships of the early branching metazoan groups to each other and to a putative outgroup, the choanoflagellates, remain uncertain. This situation may be the result of the limited amount of phylogenetic information found in single genes and the small number of relevant taxa surveyed. To alleviate the effect of these analytical factors in the phylogenetic recons-truction of early branching metazoan lineages, we cloned multiple protein-coding genes from two choanoflagellates and diverse sponges, cnidarians, and a ctenophore. Comparisons of sequences for α-tubulin, β-tubulin, elongation factor 2, HSP90, and HSP70 robustly support the hypothesis that choanoflagellates are closely affiliated with animals. However, analyses of single and concatenated amino acid sequences fail to resolve the relationships either between early branching metazoan groups or between Metazoa and choano-flagellates. We demonstrate that variable rates of evolution among lineages, sensitivity of the analyses to taxon selection, and conflicts in the phylogenetic signal contained in different amino acid sequences obscure the phylogenetic associations among the early branching Metazoa. These factors raise concerns about the ability to resolve the phylogenetic history of animals with molecular sequences. A consensus view of animal evolution may require investigations of genome-scale characters.
Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum associated with aortic coarctation

Pulmonary atresia with intact septum is itself a rare congenital abnormality, albeit known to be associated with other cardiac and non-cardiac anomalies. The combination of right- and left-sided obstructive lesions, however, is extremely rare. We describe a patient having pulmonary atresia with intact septum associated with aortic coarctation, which to the best of our knowledge has been previously described on but one occasion.
Plaque-Associated Neuronal Proteins: A Recurrent Motif in Neuritic Amyloid Deposits throughout Diverse Cortical Areas of the Alzheimer's Disease Brain

Diffuse and neuritic plaques are sites of accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides (A beta) in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Although amyloid fibrils are formed from A beta, the contribution of other plaque-associated proteins and peptides to the pathogenesis of AD amyloidosis is unknown. To pursue this issue, we sought to identify proteins and peptides that were consistently associated with neuritic plaques in six different cortical areas of AD and control brains. We accomplished this by using quantitative, single and double label immunohistochemistry and a panel of antibodies to proteins or peptides that are known to be associated with neuritic plaques in the AD hippocampus. Our data showed that the molecular composition of neuritic plaques in association, limbic, sensory, and motor cortex was similar regardless of the type of cortex in which they were found or the apolipoprotein E genotype of the patient. Further, proteins and peptides associated with neuritic plaques in the cortical areas of the AD brain studied here were similar to those found in neuritic plaques of the AD hippocampus. Specifically, in addition to A beta 1-40 and A beta 1-42, these plaques contained immunoreactivity for other domains in A beta precursor proteins, neurofilament and tau proteins, as well as phosphotyrosine residues. We conclude that the recurrent association of a distinct group of neuronal and other proteins and peptides with neuritic plaques suggests that these plaque-associated components play a mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis in AD.
Induction of NADPH‐diaphorase/nitric oxide synthase in the brainstem trigeminal system resulting from cerebellar lesions

Recent evidence indicates that NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) can be induced in cerebellar afferent neurons following mechanical, thermal, or chemical damage to the cerebellar cortex (Saxon and Beitz [1994] Neuroreport 5:809-812). The present study reports on the induction of NADPH-d/NOS in neurons of the brainstem trigeminal complex (BVC). Three groups of rats were used: Group I received a unilateral glass micropipette lesion into the vermal/paravermal region of the cerebellar cortex, group II received a concurrent injection of fluoro-gold along with the pipette lesion, and in group III the cerebellar cortex on one side was aspirated. Following survival times of 7-120 days, animals were processed for NADPH-d histochemistry. All three groups showed projection-specific induction of NADPH-d in different regions of the brainstem trigeminal complex. Induced neurons were distributed throughout the ipsilateral subnucleus interpolaris, principal trigeminal nucleus, and intertrigeminal nucleus. Subnucleus oralis contained a small number of induced neurons localized to the ipsilateral dorsomedial portion of the subnucleus. Projection-specific induction was confirmed by the presence of neurons double-labeled for NADPH-d and Fluoro-Gold. Although the functional consequences of NADPH-d/NOS induction remain to be elucidated, the induction of these enzymes in precerebellar neurons suggests that nitric oxide may play a role in the neuronal response to target specific lesions.
Benton, Pollock, and the Politics of Modernism: From Regionalism to Abstract Expressionism

In this acclaimed revisionist study, Erika Doss chronicles an historic cultural change in American art from the dominance of regionalism in the 1930s to abstract expressionism in the 1940s. She centers her study on Thomas Hart Benton and Jackson Pollock, Benton's foremost student in the early thirties, charting Pollock's early imitation of Benton's style before his radical move to abstraction. By situating painting within the evolving sociopolitical and cultural context of the Depression and the Cold War, Doss explains the reasons for this change and casts light on its significance for contemporary culture. "A welcome addition to the growing body of literature that deals with the art and culture of the depression and cold war eras. It is a pioneering work that makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of a puzzling conundrum of American art?the shift from regionalism to abstract expressionism."?M. Sue Kendall, Winterthur Portfolio "An important scholarly contribution. . . . This book will stand as a step along the way to a better understanding of the most amazing transition in the art of our tumultuous century."?James G. Rogers, Jr., Art Journal "A valuable and interesting book that restores continuity and political context to the decades of depression and war."?Marlene Park, American Historical Review
Solar-assisted microbial fuel cells for bioelectricity and chemical fuel generation

Abstract Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an electrochemical device that uses electrogenic bacteria as biocatalysts to decompose organic matter while simultaneously generating bioelectricity. Besides electricity, the bio-electrons generated in the microbial electrogenesis process at the anode can also be used to produce chemical fuels, such as hydrogen gas. However, microbial electrohydrogenesis process does not occur spontaneously due to the thermodynamic barrier for the conversion from protons to hydrogen gas, and therefore an electrical bias has to be supplied to supplement the energy required for the proton reduction. The requirement of external bias adds to the complexity and cost for hydrogen production, making microbial electrohydrogenesis less attractive as a cost-effective energy solution. Alternatively, the energy required to overcome the barrier can be provided by a renewable energy source such as solar light, which is a promising approach that could fundamentally address this issue. Recently, a number of solar-assisted microbial fuel cells have been demonstrated by coupling the conventional MFC with photosynthetic bacteria, semiconductor photoelectrodes, solar cell or photoelectrochemical cell. In these devices, solar energy was utilized to facilitate bioelectricity or hydrogen generation. The demonstration of these new solar-assisted MFC devices opens up new opportunities in the recovery of chemical energy in wastewater for chemical fuel production. This article highlights the recent accomplishments in the solar-assisted MFC technology and discusses the current challenges and future opportunities in the field.
μSR and high T c superconductivity

Some implications of μSR experiments on high temperature superconductors are discussed. The possible relationship between the observation of spin freezing and the tendency of mobile holes to phase separate is considered. Measurements of the magnetic penetration depth as a function of doping are shown to imply that a non-retarded, or high energy scale pairing interaction is responsible for high temperature superconductivity. The depression of the transition temperature at high doping is associated with a crossover away from the regime in which a charge-transfer gap is relevant.
Expression of lethal mutations in progeny of irradiated mammalian cells.

SummaryThe cloning efficiency of the progeny of CHO and BALB/3T3 cells surviving acute exposures of 100–1000 cGy of X-rays was examined by three different experimental protocols. A dose-dependent decrease in cloning efficiency was observed with both cell types up to 13–15 population doublings after exposure. This decrease persisted for longer times after high radiation doses; for example, the cloning efficiency of the progeny of 3T3 cells 28 population doublings after irradiation with 1000 cGy was 44 per cent of that in parallel non-irradiated controls. Confluent holding under conditions which allowed the repair of potentially lethal damage had no effect on this phenomenon. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that large numbers of lethal mutations may be expressed among the progeny of surviving cells for many generations after irradiation.
The mechanisms of Co(II) oxidation on synthetic birnessite

Studies of the adsorption of Co(II) on synthetic birnessite have been carried out at pH 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10. At pH values of 4, 6 and 7 cobalt(II) is oxidized to Co(III) while at pH 8 and 10 surface cobalt corresponds to Co(II). The Co(II) produced at pH 8 and 10 appears to be Co(OH)2 produced via precipitation on the MnO2 surface. The oxidizing agent is identified as surface Mn(IV) from a comparison of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic results for samples prepared at pH 6.5 under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The identification of Mn(III) is accomplished by comparing the Mn 2p core electron binding energies and the Mn 3s multiplet splitting values with the results for a variety of manganese oxides.
Putting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines Into Practice to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

In 2008, the federal government of the United States issued its first-ever physical activity guidelines for Americans. These guidelines were based on a large body of scientific evidence, including evidence showing that physical activity can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The guidelines encourage any amount of physical activity, and ideally encourage 150 min/wk of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 min/wk of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or the equivalent in moderate plus vigorous activities. Physical activity can be accumulated in bouts of at least 10 min in duration to count toward the total. Amounts of physical activity exceeding the target are associated with additional risk reductions in cardiovascular disease. Although there are risks associated with physical activity, primarily musculoskeletal injuries, the benefits of physical activity clearly outweigh the risks. To minimize these risks, a “start low and go slow” approach is recommended. Physical activity is indeed a “best buy” for public health.
Calcium efflux from barnacle muscle fibers. Dependence on external cations.

Calcium-45 was injected into single giant barnacle muscle fibers, and the rate of efflux was measured under a variety of conditions. The rate constant (k) for 45Ca efflux into standard seawater averaged 17 x 10–4 min–1 which corresponds to an efflux of about 1–2 pmol/cm2·s. Removal of external Ca (Cao) reduced the efflux by 50%. In most fibers about 40% of the 45Ca efflux into Ca-free seawater was dependent on external Na (Nao); treatment with 3.5 mM caffeine increased the magnitude of the Nao-dependent efflux. In a few fibers removal of Nao, in the absence of Cao, either had no effect or increased k; caffeine (2–3.5 mM) unmasked an Nao-dependent efflux in these fibers. The Nao-dependent Ca efflux had a Q10 of about 3.7. The data are consistent with the idea that a large fraction of the Ca efflux may be carrier-mediated, and may involve both Ca-Ca and Na-Ca counterflow. The relation between the Nao-dependent Ca efflux and the external Na concentration is sigmoid, and suggests that two, or more likely three, external Na+ ions may activate the efflux of one Ca+2. With a three-for-one Na-Ca exchange, the Na electrochemical gradient may be able to supply sufficient energy to maintain the Ca gradient in these fibers. Other, more complex models are not excluded, however, and may be required to explain some puzzling features of the Ca efflux such as the variable Nao-dependence.
Small fetal abdominal circumference in the second trimester and subsequent low maternal plasma glucose after a glucose challenge test is associated with the delivery of a small-for-gestational age neonate.

Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of a combination of the 1 h 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) and second-trimester ultrasound measurement of fetal abdominal circumference (AC) in identifying patients who will go on to deliver small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates. The individual predictive power of these tests has been indicated by previous studies, but this study examines the combined use of these indicators in predicting SGA. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 576 consecutive patients with singleton gestations examined over a 3-year period. Patients' electronic medical records were abstracted to obtain the result of the GCT, the fetal AC measured by ultrasound examination between 18 and 22 weeks' gestation, and the birth weight. SGA and small AC were defined as birth weight or AC < 10th percentile for gestational age, according to published nomograms. A low GCT was defined as < 100 mg/dL. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The prevalence of SGA in the study population was 8.7% (50/576). The frequency of SGA neonates was significantly higher in patients with a low GCT (27/207) in the second trimester than in those with a normal GCT (23/369) (13% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.005). Similarly, the frequency of SGA neonates was higher among patients with fetal AC < 10th percentile than among those with a normal fetal AC on second-trimester ultrasound examination (17% vs. 8%, P = 0.08), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Of interest, among patients with both a small fetal AC and a low GCT the incidence of SGA neonates was 32% (6/19), but there were no SGA neonates among those with a small AC and normal GCT (0/17) (P = 0.014). Among patients with a small fetal AC the sensitivity of using low GCT to predict subsequent delivery of a SGA neonate was 100%, with a specificity of 57%, positive predictive value 32% and negative predictive value 100%. Conclusions Small AC on routine second-trimester anomaly sonogram should trigger a closer evaluation of maternal GCT. If the GCT is also low, more intensive surveillance for the possible development of a SGA infant is warranted. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical Implications of an Error Analysis of Second Language Phonology Production.

An error analysis approach is used to investigate the second language (English) phonology of two native speakers of Hungarian. The study provides evidence relevant to a number of issues in second language phonology. While evidence for both phonetic (sound) transfer and phonological (rule) transfer is found, it is argued that there are limitations on what can transfer from the native language to the target language. The analysis also reveals the application of unmarked rules in second language phonology production. These rules occur in neither the native nor the target language. The data are used to approach a substantive characterization of the notion of degree of foreign accent. The error analysis approach is contrasted with the autonomous system analysis approach, and it is argued that each provides unique information and that both must be used together to arrive at a more complete understanding of second language phonology.
Does protein synthesis decline in lithium-treated sea urchin embryos because RNA synthesis is inhibited?

Abstract Vegetalization of sea urchin embryos by Li+ is characterized by rates of protein synthesis which are normal during cleavage, and decline after hatching. This paper tests the hypothesis that Li+ interferes with RNA synthesis during cleavage, resulting in the decline in protein synthesis at hatching when newly synthesized mRNA becomes critical for further normal development. Treatment with Li+ does cause a decline in the incorporation of [3H]guanosine into RNA. However, this decline could be accounted for by reduced uptake of the labeled precursor with a concomitant reduction in precursor pool specific activity. Therefore, reduced protein synthesis after hatching in Li+-treated embryos cannot be accounted for by a comparable reduction in RNA synthesis.
Bilateral phacomorphic angle-closure glaucoma in a highly myopic patient secondary to isolated spherophakia

Abstract Background Angle closure most commonly occurs in older hyperopic patients as a result of primary relative pupil block. Less frequently, angle closure occurs in highly myopic patients with conditions other than primary relative pupil block. This report presents the diagnosis, pathophysiologic mechanism, and management of a patient with both high myopia and bilateral advanced phacomorphic angle-closure glaucoma caused by isolated spherophakia. Case A 40-year-old asymptomatic man with very high myopic astigmatism presented with chronic angle closure and an intraocular pressure of 42 mmHg in both eyes. Additionally there was a nonmyopic fundus and 24-mm axial length, with a clear crystalline lens protruding through the pupillary plane in each eye, confirmed by B-scan ultrasonography. Gonioscopy and A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography identified the pathogenesis of intraocular pressure elevation, angle closure, and high myopia to be lenticular in origin. Initial medical therapy and subsequent laser iridotomy relieved the pupil block angle closure and successfully lowered intraocular pressure. Conclusion Angle closure can occur in highly myopic eyes. Careful gonioscopy and ultrasonography can lead to the correct diagnosis and tailored management for these eyes. Phacomorphic angle-closure glaucoma from spherophakia is associated with Weill-Marchesani syndrome as well as a few other uncommon syndromes. Isolated pseudophakia is a rarely reported cause of phacomorphic angle closure.
Advanced mesospheric temperature mapper for high-latitude airglow studies.

Over the past 60 years, ground-based remote sensing measurements of the Earth’s mesospheric temperature have been performed using the nighttime hydroxyl (OH) emission, which originates at an altitude of ∼87 km. Several types of instruments have been employed to date: spectrometers, Fabry–Perot or Michelson interferometers, scanning-radiometers, and more recently temperature mappers. Most of them measure the mesospheric temperature in a few sample directions and/or with a limited temporal resolution, restricting their research capabilities to the investigation of larger-scale perturbations such as inertial waves, tides, or planetary waves. The Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM) is a novel infrared digital imaging system that measures selected emission lines in the mesospheric OH (3,1) band (at ∼1.5 μm) to create intensity and temperature maps of the mesosphere around 87 km. The data are obtained with an unprecedented spatial (∼0.5 km) and temporal (typically 30″) resolution over a large 120° field of view, allowing detailed measurements of wave propagation and dissipation at the ∼87 km level, even in the presence of strong aurora or under full moon conditions. This paper describes the AMTM characteristics, compares measured temperatures with values obtained by a collocated Na lidar instrument, and presents several examples of temperature maps and nightly keogram representations to illustrate the excellent capabilities of this new instrument.
Deformation and cracking behavior of glasses indented with diamond tips of various sharpness

Abstract The indentation response of glasses is termed “normal”, “anomalous”, or in some cases “intermediate” depending on the deformation mechanism and cracking response of the glass. A typical normal glass, e.g. soda–lime silicate, deforms to a large extent by a shearing mechanism and forms median/radial and lateral cracks when indented with a Vickers tip. A typical anomalous glass, e.g. fused silica, deforms primarily by densification and has a high tendency to form ring/cone cracks that can accompany median/radial and lateral cracks when indented with a Vickers tip. Intermediate glass types take on some characteristics of both normal and anomalous behavior when indented with a Vickers tip. These intermediate glasses deform with more densification and less shear than normal glasses, but do not form the ring/cone cracks typical of anomalous glasses. Glasses with this intermediate behavior require high loads to initiate crack systems originating in subsurface, i.e. median/radial and lateral cracks. It is demonstrated that the deformation and cracking response of glasses is dependent on both glass structure and contact geometry. As contacts become sharper the deformation mechanism transitions toward plastic deformation, i.e. shear, for all glass types. On the other hand, blunter contacts promote greater densification. The transition from normal to anomalous deformation and cracking behavior is shown for each glass type by indenting with a series of four-sided pyramidal indenter tips with angles of 100°, 110°, 120°, 136° (Vickers), 150°, 160°, and 170°.
Studies on analogs of the luteinizing releasing hormone towards elucication of the release mechanism

Abstract Seven new analogs of the luteinizing releasing hormone (LRH) have been synthesized and assayed towards elucidation of conformation-backbone-sequence-activity relationships and the release mechanism. Proximity between the positive charge of protonated Arg in LRH and a companion negative charge on the receptor site may be important in an ionic reaction which is proposed as part of the release mechanism. This proposal is supported by the low activity of Des-Leu 7 -LRH which could have a positive charge too remote for a normal ionic reaction. The pGlu-hexapeptide sequence released LH; the pGlu-heptapeptide sequence was inactive. Four other peptides showed no activity or the uniquely low activities of the second category.
54—CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CORTICAL STRUCTURES OF KERATIN FIBRES BY UREA-BISULPHITE SOLUBILITY

The urea-bisulphite-solubility test has been examined to determine its utility for characterizing the cortical structures of keratin fibres with respect to their ortho-para natures. Low values for urea-bisulphite solubility (ca. 15%) are exhibited by human hair, previously considered a para fibre; intermediate values (45—55%) by crimped, apparel wool fibres, previously considered ortho-para with bilateral asymmetry; and high values (ca. 75%) by kid mohair, previously considered chiefly ortho. The results of measurements of rates of fibre attack by the urea-bisulphite reagent and of microscopical observations of the treated fibres are in accord with these views. The urea-bisulphite solubilities have also been measured for B.A. fleece and Lincoln wools, cashmere, vicuna, and alpaca; the results are discussed. The effect of prior heating of a crimped, apparel wool has been found to be that of decreasing urea-bisulphite solubility; the solubility decreases smoothly with increasing times of heating, and the ef...
Safe trajectory tracking for the two-aircraft system

This paper presents a trajectory tracking scheme with safe collision conflict resolution for the case of two aircraft at a fixed altitude. The proposed scheme allows each aircraft to optimize its discretized trajectory independently with the use of limited position information from the other aircraft over a receding time horizon. The aircraft objective function, to be minimized over each time horizon, represents distance deviations from the flight plan discretized trajectory and the contribution of a barrier function that acts in the case of relative distance proximity between aircraft. Aircraft are modeled by a discrete kinematic model subject to bounds on velocity and angular velocity. The optimization is performed using a sequential quadratic programming method which allows for minimization of a scalar nonlinear function subject to multiple nonlinear equality constraints (kinematic model) and multiple inequality constraints (velocity constraints and safety conditions). For special symmetric cases where the proposed scheme fails (singular cases) a limit cycle method is implemented to modify segments of the flight plan desired trajectories leading to feasible solutions in terms of the optimization process.
Pulsatile Release of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Ovariectomized Rats Is Inhibited by Porcine Follicular Fluid (Inhibin)

While the pulsatile release of LH in ovariectomized animals has been well established, little information exists concerning the pulsatile release of FSH and the factors involved in its regulation. The present studies analyzed the characteristics of episodic FSH secretion and examined the effects of ovarian feedback signals on that pattern. From conscious unrestrained ovariectomized rats, blood was collected at 10-min intervals for a period of 3 h. A pulsatile pattern of FSH was observed in the plasma of control rats, with an average frequency of 4 peaks/3, h, while LH oscillations occurred at an average of almost 6 peaks per 3 h. The injection of porcine follicular fluid (PFF; 0.5 ml), a source of inhibin, reduced FSH peak frequency to 2.5 peaks/3 h (P less than 0.005). In the third hour of blood sampling, PFF also significantly lowered the average FSH peak amplitude (P less than 0.05), the trough value, and the average mean value for that hour. In contrast, none of these parameters for LH was altered by PFF. Estradiol benzoate (EB; 20 micrograms, sc, 24 h before bleeding) significantly reduced LH peak frequency, mean trough value, and average mean value, whereas it only reduced the mean FSH average value and mean trough value. Combined treatment with EB and PFF synergized to decrease the mean value, trough value, peak frequency, and peak amplitude of episodic LH release. Pituitary responsiveness to LHRH was evaluated after the treatments described above. PFF inhibited the response of FSH to LHRH, but not that of LH. EB by itself potentiated the release of both hormones. The combined EB/PFF treatment resulted in a decreased pituitary response in terms of FSH and LH compared to that of the EB-treated control group. We conclude that the release of FSH occurs in a pulsatile fashion and, further, that this pattern of release is regulated by PFF (inhibin). It was also shown that an intriguing synergism between estradiol and inhibin exists to suppress LH release.