cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OPTICAL LIMITING BASED ON DETERMINISTIC BEAM FANNING IN PHOTOREFRACTIVE MATERIALS

We propose passive optical limiting based on the photorefractive effect-induced asymmetric deterministic beam fanning in BaTiO3, and symmetric deterministic beam fanning due to a combination of photovoltaic and thermal effects in LiNbO3.
Permeability of a growing biofilm in a porous media fluid flow analyzed by magnetic resonance displacement-relaxation correlations.

Biofilm growth in porous media is difficult to study non-invasively due to the opaqueness and heterogeneity of the systems. Magnetic resonance is utilized to non-invasively study water dynamics within porous media. Displacement-relaxation correlation experiments were performed on fluid flow during biofilm growth in a model porous media of mono-dispersed polystyrene beads. The spin–spin T2 magnetic relaxation distinguishes between the biofilm phase and bulk fluid phase due to water–biopolymer interactions present in the biofilm, and the flow dynamics are measured using PGSE NMR experiments. By correlating these two measurements, the effects of biofilm growth on the fluid dynamics can be separated into a detailed analysis of both the biofilm phase and the fluid phase simultaneously within the same experiment. Within the displacement resolution of these experiments, no convective flow was measured through the biomass. An increased amount of longitudinal hydrodynamic dispersion indicates increased hydrodynamic mixing due to fluid channeling caused by biofilm growth. The effect of different biofilm growth conditions was measured by varying the strength of the bacterial growth medium. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1366–1375. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of the transfer RNA genes of bacteriophage T4 and transfer RNA synthesis in vitro

Abstract Non-glucosylated T4 DNA was restricted with the endonuclease EcoRI and the mixture of DNA fragments separated by gel electrophoresis and transcribed with purified Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Three purified fragments were shown to act as templates for tRNA synthesis. A smaller fragment, shown to be hybridizable to 32 P-labeled T4 tRNA was not transcribable. It was concluded that the promoter for T4 tRNA synthesis had been separated from the structural genes in the smaller fragment by EcoRI and that the distal portion of the tRNA gene cluster lacks internal promoters which display in vitro activity. Preparations of non-glucosylated T4 DNA were never fully restricted with EcoRI and when the larger purified fragments carrying the tRNA were restricted with excess enzyme only a slight cleavage to yield the smaller fragments was obtained. The property of the DNA-limiting complete restriction is not known.
The Education of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students: Repair or Radical Change

(2005). The Education of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students: Repair or Radical Change. Childhood Education: Vol. 82, No. 1, pp. 31-36.
Field-Dependent/Field-Independent Characteristics of Male and Female Basketball Players:

Witkin, Dyk, Faterson, Goodenough, and Karp in 1962 suggested two polar extremes of perceptual ability, field dependence and field-independence, which were seen as relatively permanent personality ...
Thermo-elastic stress analysis to predict design parameters of continuous casting

The continuous casting process is superior to conventional casting in several ways, including more uniform production, energy savings, higher productivity and foremost the ability to cast to a form that is directly rolled on finishing mills. Characteristics of the process, including solidification time of minutes versus hours for ingot casting and high stress development in the solidifying shell, are discussed. A generalized approach to modelling heat transfer, solidification and stress distribution in continuous casting were developed. Illustrated models of this application include a simulation of the casting process with a view towards predicting temperature ranges, stress distributions and the effects of the operating parameters. The ratio of maximum applied stress to yield stress is used as a basis to predict the location of the bending rollers and the radius of the curved portion. This stress ratio provides design engineers with a tool for predicting effective parameters on a continuous casting machine for new installation design.
Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on high affinity Ca2+-ATPase during hypoxia in cerebral cortical neuronal nuclei of newborn piglets

Previous studies have shown that during hypoxia, neuronal nuclear high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity is increased in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets. The present study tests the hypothesis that pretreatment with N-nitro-l-arginine (NNLA) will prevent the hypoxia-induced increase in high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity in cortical neuronal nuclear membrane of newborn piglets. We also tested the hypothesis that nitration is a mechanism of elevation of the high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity during hypoxia. Studies were performed in five normoxic, five hypoxic, and six NNLA-pretreated (40 mg/kg) hypoxic newborn piglets. Cerebral cortical neuronal nuclei were isolated and the high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity was determined. Further, normoxic samples were aliquoted into two sub-groups for in vitro nitration with 0.5 mM peroxynitrite and subsequent determination of the high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity. The activity increased from 309±40 nmol Pi/mg protein/h in the normoxic group to 520±108 nmol Pi/mg protein/h in the hypoxic group (P<0.05). In the NNLA-pretreated group, the activity was 442±53 nmol Pi/mg protein/h (P<0.05), which is 25% lower than in the hypoxic group. In the nitrated group the enzyme activity increased to 554±59 nmol Pi/mg protein/h (P<0.05). Thus peroxynitrite-induced nitration in vitro increased the high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity and NNLA administration in vivo partially prevented the hypoxia-induced increase in neuronal nuclear high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity. We conclude that the hypoxia-induced increase in nuclear membrane high affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity is NO-mediated and that nitration of the enzyme is a mechanism of its modification.
A Probe-Based Technique to Optimize Join Queries in Distributed Internet Databases

An adaptive probe-based optimization technique is developed and demonstrated in the context of an Internet-based distributed database environment. More and more common are database systems which are distributed across servers communicating via the Internet where a query at a given site might require data from remote sites. Optimizing the response time of such queries is a challenging task due to the unpredictability of server performance and network traffic at the time of data shipment; this may result in the selection of an expensive query plan using a static query optimizer. We constructed an experimental setup consisting of two servers running the same database management system connected via the Internet. Concentrating on join queries, we demonstrate how a static query optimizer might choose an expensive plan by mistake. This is due to the lack of a priori knowledge of the run-time environment, inaccurate statistical assumptions in size estimation, and neglecting the cost of remote method invocation. These shortcomings are addressed collectively by proposing a probing mechanism. An implementation of our run-time optimization technique for join queries was constructed in the Java language and incorporated into an experimental setup. The results demonstrate the superiority of our probe-based optimization over a static optimization.
Supracerebellar-supratrochlear and infratentorial-infratrochlear approaches: gravity-dependent variations of the lateral approach over the cerebellum.

Objective Lateral supracerebellar-infratentorial approaches are established for lesions in ambient cistern and posterolateral midbrain, but published surgical experiences do not describe results with this approach in the sitting position. Gravity retraction of the cerebellum opens this surgical corridor and dramatically alters exposure, creating 2 variations of the lateral supracerebellar-infratentorial approach: the supracerebellar-supratrochlear approach and the infratentorial-infratrochlear approach. Methods We reviewed our experience treating cavernous malformations and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the posteroinferior thalamus and posterolateral midbrain by use of supracerebellar-supratrochlear and infratentorial-infratrochlear approaches. Microsurgical technique, clinical data, radiographic features, and neurological outcomes were evaluated. Results During an 11-year surgical experience with 341 cavernous malformation patients and 402 AVM patients, 8 patients were identified, 6 with cavernous malformations and 2 with AVMs. Infratentorial-infratrochlear approaches were used in 4 patients (50%), including 3 with inferolateral midbrain cavernous malformations. Supracerebellar-supratrochlear approaches were used in 4 patients (50%), including 2 with posterior thalamic lesions surfacing on pulvinar. Resections were radiographically complete in all cases. There were no new, permanent neurological deficits, nor were there any medical or surgical complications. There has been no evidence of rebleeding or recurrence. Conclusions Gravity retraction of the cerebellum transforms the lateral supracerebellar-infratentorial approach, enhancing exposure and approach trajectories that can be achieved with patients in prone or lateral positions. The increased upward viewing angle of the supracerebellar-supratrochlear approach accesses the posteroinferior thalamus. The increased downward-viewing angle of the infratentorial-infratrochlear approach accesses cerebellomesencephalic fissure and posterolateral midbrain. These approaches open wide corridors for safe surgical resection of symptomatic cavernous malformations and AVMs.
Mercury Vapor Emission from Dental Amalgam

The patterns of mercury vapor emission from carved, burnished, and polished surfaces made from four commonly used dental amalgam alloys were determined with the use of a selenium sulfide detection method. Mercury vapor was emitted more intensely from the marginal region; carved and burnished surfaces emitted the same amount. There was a difference in the amounts emitted from the different alloys tested.
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage: volume of lavage effluent needed for accurate determination of a negative lavage

While the ability of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) to 'rule out' occult intra-abdominal injuries has been well established, the volume of lavage effluent necessary for accurate prediction of a negative lavage has not been determined. To address this, 60 injured adults with blunt (N = 45) or penetrating (N = 15) trauma undergoing DPL were evaluated prospectively through protocol. After infusion of 1l of Ringer's lactate solution, samples of lavage effluent were obtained at 100 cm3, 250 cm3, 500 cm3, and 759 cm3, and when no more effluent could be returned (final sample). DPL was considered negative if final sample RBC count was < or = 100,000/mm3 for blunt injury and < 50,000/mm3 for penetrating injury. The conclusion is that at 100 cm3 of lavage effluent returned, negative results are highly predictive of a negative DPL (98 per cent), though 250 cm3 of lavage effluent is required to predict a negative DPL uniformly (100 per cent).
OKINAWAN HERITAGE AND ITS POLYVALENT APPROPRIATIONS

Abstract UNESCO’s initiative to create a shared, global schema of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) has generated considerable debate across disciplines on the efficacy and consequences of heritage designation. Such criticisms tend to rely on presumptions born from the ‘Invention of Tradition’ model of analysis that lacks explanation of the articulation of local and (inter)national forces. Based on ethnographic and archival research, this article examines stakeholders at the local, national, and international level involved in the current nomination of Tarama Village’s August Dance Festival for ICH. It critiques the theoretical value of analysis that neglects multiplicity of scale and suggests the need for a more global, system-oriented approach to heritage that illuminates the interplay between overlapping fields of heritage, tourism, and politics.
A diterpene from Laurencia obtusa

Abstract Laurencia obtusa collected at Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset contained 15-bromo-2,16-diacetoxy-7-hydroxy-9(11)-paraguarene as a major metabolise. Closely related compounds have recently been isolated from the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela collected at La Parguera, Puerto Rico.
Residual solvent removal and n-hexane sorption in blends of atactic and isotactic polystyrene

Abstract Atactic polystyrene, isotactic polystyrene, and intermediate polyblend films of the homopolymers were cast from solutions of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene) or o-chlorotoluene. Residual solvent content, glass transition temperatures, and densities of the polyblends were determined. Consequent to these preliminary characterizations, n-hexane absorption kinetics and equilibria in unannealed blends were determined; maxima in the plots of weight change versus time were apparent for all compositions. The maximum is a consequence of the ‘unlocking’ of previously trapped residual casting solvent consequent to plasticizing invasion by the n-hexane in the unannealed film specimens. Neutron activation analysis for chlorine confirmed that the o-chlorotoluene content in the films was reduced dramatically consequent to n-hexane absorption. Residual solvent content was also reduced by thermally annealing the films at 110°C for 48 h under a vacuum and, therefore, no maximum in the sorption/time behaviour was observed in thermally annealed samples nor in films previously contacted with n-hexane vapour and subsequently vacuum stripped. Both the rate of sorption and the apparent sorption equilibrium are greatly reduced as the isotactic polystyrene content is increased. Predominantly Case II or relaxation controlled absorption kinetics were observed in the polyblends consequent to thermal annealing and/or ‘solvent’ annealing. Although the form of the sorption kinetics was quite similar for absorption of n-hexane in thermally annealed or ‘solvent-annealed’ films, the sorption rate and amount of penetrant sorbed at apparent equilibrium were both larger for the thermally annealed films. These results suggest that the history dependence, which so frequently affects polymeric glasses, appears to confound a simple interpretation of the sorption experiments reported here. Consistent with observations in related systems, Super Case II kinetics were observed for the more slowly sorbing films which, in this case, contained isotactic polystyrene. Moreover, film whitening related to micro-voiding accompanied n-hexane sorption in blends containing atactic polymer; however, the whitening in the isotactic polymer was less pronounced and densification, presumably related to solvent induced crystallization, occurred consequent to long term exposure of the isotactic polymer to n-hexane.
The Humble Sum of Remainders Function

(2005). The Humble Sum of Remainders Function. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 78, No. 4, pp. 300-305.
Pivotal role of cardiac lineage protein-1 (CLP-1) in transcriptional elongation factor P-TEFb complex formation in cardiac hypertrophy.

Objective Our aim was to determine if the expression pattern of CLP-1 in developing heart is consistent with its role in controlling RNA transcript elongation by transcriptional elongation factor b (P-TEFb) and if the inhibitory control exerted over P-TEFb by CLP-1 is released under hypertrophic conditions. Methods We performed immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis of CLP-1 and the P-TEFb components cdk9 and cyclin T in fetal mouse heart and 2 day post-natal mouse cardiomyocytes to determine if they are co-localized. We induced hypertrophy in rat cardiomyocytes either by mechanical stretch or treatment with hypertrophic agents such as endothelin-1 and phenylephrine to determine if CLP-1 is released from P-TEFb in response to hypertrophic stimuli. The involvement of the Jak/STAT signal transduction pathway in this process was studied by blocking this pathway with the Jak2 kinase inhibitor, AG490, and assessing the association of CLP-1 with P-TEFb complexes. Results We found that CLP-1 is expressed along with P-TEFb components in developing heart during the period in which knockout mice lacking the CLP-1 gene develop cardiac hypertrophy and die. Under conditions of hypertrophy induced by mechanical stretch or agonist treatment, CLP-1 dissociates from the P-TEFb complex, a finding consistent with the de-repression of P-TEFb kinase activity seen in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Blockage of Jak/STAT signaling by AG490 prevented release of CLP-1 from P-TEFb despite the ongoing presence of hypertrophic stimulation by mechanical stretch. Conclusions CLP-1 expression in developing heart and isolated post-natal cardiomyocytes colocalizes with P-TEFb expression and therefore has the potential to regulate RNA transcript elongation by controlling P-TEFb cdk9 kinase activity in heart. We further conclude that the dissociation of CLP-1 from P-TEFb is responsive to hypertrophic stimuli transduced by cellular signal transduction pathways. This process may be part of the genomic stress response resulting in increased RNA transcript synthesis in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes.
Measurements of disintegration rates of 125I sources with a single well-type NaI(Tl) detector

Abstract A calibrated 125 I source was employed to check the X-ray-X-ray coincidence method for determining the 125 I absolute activity. The method was shown to be applicable to extended sources, provided all parts of the sample were counted with the same efficiency. This simple method was shown to be useful in calibrating other 125 I sources. Once calibrated the source could be used to determine the counting efficiency of any detector system.
Into the Labyrinth of Social Class Theory

Social class has been examined across a variety of disciplines (e.g., sociology, economics, psychology) and social contexts (e.g., urban, rural), and, for the most part, with little interdisciplina...
Compact Single 1.5V Supply Four Quadrant Analog CMOS Multiplier using Multiple Input Floating Gate Transistors

Novel implementations of highly linear low-voltage compact CMOS multiplier structures using multiple-input floating-gate transistors are discussed. Experimental results of a test chip are shown that verify the operation of the proposed circuits with a single 1.5V supply voltage and equal input signal swings.
Routine bimanual pelvic examinations: practices and beliefs of US obstetrician-gynecologists

Objective Less-than-annual cervical cancer screening is now recommended for most US women, raising questions about the need for routine annual bimanual pelvic examinations. Little is known about clinicians' bimanual pelvic examination practices, their beliefs about its importance, or the reasoning underlying its performance in asymptomatic women. Study Design We conducted a nationwide survey of US obstetrician-gynecologists. Respondents (n = 521) reported their examination practices and beliefs based on vignettes for asymptomatic women across the lifespan. Results Nearly all obstetrician-gynecologists perform bimanual pelvic examinations in asymptomatic women across the lifespan, although it is viewed as less important for a newly sexually active 18-year-old. Reasons cited as very important included adherence to standard medical practices (45%), patient reassurance (49%), detection of ovarian cancer (47%), and identification of benign uterine (59%) and ovarian (54%) conditions. Conclusion Obstetrician-gynecologists perform bimanual pelvic examinations in the vast majority of asymptomatic women, but the importance placed on the examinations and reasons for conducting them vary.
Nicotinic Signaling Ameliorates Acute Bladder Inflammation Induced by Protamine Sulfate or Cyclophosphamide

Purpose: Nicotinic afferent pathways may be involved in the regulation of bladder inflammation. Based on that hypothesis we investigated the role of nicotinic signaling in a comparative analysis of 2 models of experimental bladder inflammation using protamine sulfate and cyclophosphamide.Materials and Methods: Protamine sulfate and cyclophosphamide were used to induce acute bladder inflammation. Nicotinic agonists and antagonists were given concomitant to the bladder inflammatory agents. Changes in bladder inflammation were measured histologically by a pathologist and through the expression of inflammatory genes.Results: Histologically cyclophosphamide induced more inflammatory changes than protamine sulfate during acute bladder inflammation. Antagonizing nicotinic signaling with mecamylamine induced further inflammatory changes on histology when used with cyclophosphamide but not with protamine sulfate. However, antagonizing nicotinic signaling in combination with protamine sulfate induced greater increa...
Longitudinal Program Evaluation of “Parenting Apart: Effective Co-Parenting”

A program evaluation was conducted of a parent education program for divorcing parents of minor children. Using a retrospective post-then-pre design, 139 participants reported their knowledge before and after the program and their behaviors in the month prior to the program. Two-month follow-up interviews were used to assess behavior change. Results indicated that participants reported both knowledge gain and behavior change. Change in triangulation avoidance behavior (behaviors to keep children out of the middle of conflict) varied as a function of parenting stage. Knowledge gain regarding the impact of divorce and triangulation on children predicted behavior change in triangulation avoidance. Results are discussed, including recommendations for the program evaluated as well as suggestions for other parenting education programs for divorcing parents.
Literacy and retention of information after a multimedia diabetes education program and teach-back

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of teaching strategies to improve patients' recall and retention of information. As a next step in implementing a literacy-appropriate, multimedia diabetes education program (MDEP), the present study reports the results of two experiments designed to answer (a) how much knowledge is retained 2 weeks after viewing the MDEP, (b) does knowledge retention differ across literacy levels, and (c) does adding a teach-back protocol after the MDEP improve knowledge retention at 2-weeks' follow-up? In Experiment 1, adult primary care patients (n = 113) watched the MDEP and answered knowledge-based questions about diabetes before and after viewing the MDEP. Two weeks later, participants completed the knowledge assessment a third time. Methods and procedures for Experiment 2 (n = 58) were exactly the same, except that if participants answered a question incorrectly after watching the MDEP, they received teach-back, wherein the information was reviewed and the question was asked again, up to two times. Two weeks later, Experiment 2 participants completed the knowledge assessment again. Literacy was measured using the S-TOFHLA. After 2 weeks, all participants, regardless of their literacy levels, forgot approximately half the new information they had learned from the MDEP. In regression models, adding a teach-back protocol did not improve knowledge retention among participants and literacy was not associated with knowledge retention at 2 weeks. Health education interventions must incorporate strategies that can improve retention of health information and actively engage patients in long-term learning.
Production and condensation of organic gases in the atmosphere of Titan

The rates and altitudes for the dissociation of atmospheric constituents of Titan are calculated for solar UV, solar wind protons, interplanetary electrons, Saturn magnetospheric particles, and cosmic rays. The resulting integrated synthesis rates of organic products range from 102–103 g cm−2 over 4.5 × 109 years for high-energy particle sources to 1.3 × 104 g cm−2 for UV at λ 1550 A (acting primarily on C2H2, C2H4, and C4H2) is included. The production rate curves show no localized maxima corresponding to observed altitudes of Titan's hazes and clouds. For simple to moderately complex organic gases in the Titanian atmosphere, condensation occurs below the top of the main cloud deck at 2825 km. Such condensates comprise the principal cloud mass, with molecules of greater complexity condensing at higher altitudes. The scattering optical depths of the condensates of molecules produced in the Titanian mesosphere are as great as ∼ 102/(particulate radius, μm) if column densities of condensed and gas phases are comparable. Visible condensation hazes of more complex organic compounds may occur at altitudes up to ∼ 3060 km provided only that the abundance of organic products declines with molecular mass no faster than laboratory experiments indicate. Typical organics condensing at 2900 km have molecular masses = 100–150 Da. At current rates of production the integrated depth of precipitated organic liquids, ices, and tholins produced over 4.5 × 109 years ranges from a minimum ∼ 100 m to kilometers if UV at λ > 1550 A is important. The organic nitrogen content of this layer is expected to be ∼ 10−1−10−3 by mass.
Effects of food supplementation on a tropical bird.

Tropical birds typically exhibit a ‘slow pace of life’ relative to higher latitude species. This is often manifested as slow development, low fecundity, and high survival. Following from this, it is predicted that tropical birds may be more likely to trade current reproductive effort to favor self-maintenance, thus supporting survival and future reproduction. To test this idea, we conducted two food supplementation experiments on tropical rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) in the eastern Andes of Ecuador. In the first experiment, we food-supplemented pairs during the non-breeding life-history stage, and in the second experiment, we food-supplemented pairs that were provisioning fledglings. In both experiments, a larger proportion of food-supplemented birds exhibited pre-basic molt (replacement of feathers) than in a control group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to experimentally demonstrate that a food-supplemented bird invests extra resources into molt, a form of self-maintenance, and contrasts with the majority of food supplementation studies in high latitude birds that show they typically advance the initiation of, or extend the period of, reproduction. Our results are consistent with the syndrome of the slow pace of life in the tropics and support the concept of fundamental differences between temperate-zone and tropical birds.
The rebirth of stellar radial-velocity research

Abstract In this paper I give a brief overview of the areas of astronomical research where modern stellar radial-velocity observations are having an impact. I discuss in more detail the recent progress in two areas of interest to David S. Evans: the establishment of radial-velocity standard stars and the determination of distances to pulsating variable stars.
Tourism as tragedy? Common problems with water in post-revolutionary Nicaragua

This paper examines the increased demand placed on limited water resources by a rapidly growing tourism sector in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua. Results from field campaigns suggest that recharge of the local aquifer may not meet burgeoning tourism demands for water. This paper also points to initial conflicts over water between locals and tourism operations, which are further complicated by ineffective implementation of national water policies and the common pool nature of groundwater. The conclusion discusses the need for more extensive research and better implementation of water policy through community governance and collaboration.
Assessment of human exposure to gaseous pollutants.

A mathematical model to aid in assessment of human environmental exposure to volatile organic substances is presented. The model simulates the convective and diffusive transport of gas from the ambient environment into the human body by way of the respiratory and circulatory systems. Data required include easily obtained physical and chemical properties of substances as well as several estimated or measured physiological parameters. Transient and steady-state tissue concentrations resulting from an input atmospheric partial pressure are predicted. From these concentrations, an effective dose may be calculated, allowing for the determination of an exposure-response relationship based upon independently obtained dose-response data. The model’s results compare favorably to experimental data on oxygen and halothane. Steady-state conditions are reached very rapidly. These results suggest that uptake of these substances is limited by both ventilation and perfusion. The sensitivities of steady-state concentrations to changes in the ventilation and perfusion rates are demonstrated to be essentially linear within the current neighborhoods. Conditions in which the primary processes of ventilation, diffusion, perfusion, and elimination limit uptake of gases are considered. Expressions describing the conditions necessary for a single process to limit gas uptake are derived. Accompanying equations for estimating tissue concentrations under these limiting conditions are presented.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Integral Membrane Transport Proteins in Ciliates

Integral membrane transport proteins homologous to those found in the Transporter Classification Database (TCDB; www.tcdb.org) were identified and bioinformatically characterized by transporter class, family, and substrate specificity in three ciliates, Paramecium tetraurelia (Para), Tetrahymena thermophila (Tetra), and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich). In these three organisms, 1,326 of 39,600 proteins (3.4%), 1,017 of 24,800 proteins (4.2%), and 504 out of 8,100 proteins (6.2%) integral membrane transport proteins were identified, respectively. Thus, an inverse relationship was observed between the % transporters identified and the number of total proteins per genome reported. This surprising observation provides insight into the evolutionary process, giving rise to genome reduction following whole genome duplication (as in the case of Para) or during pathogenic association with a host organism (Ich). Of these transport proteins in Para and Tetra, about 41% were channels (more than any other type of organism studied), 31% were secondary carriers (fewer than most eukaryotes) and 26% were primary active transporters, mostly ATP-hydrolysis driven (more than most other eukaryotes). In Ich, the number of channels was selectively reduced by 66%, relative to Para and Tetra. Para has four times more inorganic anion transporters than Tetra, and Ich has nonselectively lost most of these. Tetra and Ich preferentially transport sugars and monocarboxylates while Para prefers di- and tricarboxylates. These observations serve to characterize the transport proteins of these related ciliates, providing insight into their nutrition and metabolism.
A potential index for assessing the tenderness of hydrodynamic pressure (HDP)-treated beef strip loins ☆

The objective of this research was to obtain physicochemical data that might prove useful in understanding the effect of hydrodynamic pressure (HDP), shock-wave treatment on the structural and functional properties of the HDP-treated beef strip loins. A homogenization protocol that was sufficiently harsh to break-up the tissue yet sufficiently gentle to maintain the integrity of the remaining subcellular structures was therefore developed for HDP-treated beef strip loins. Physicochemical changes resulting from HDP-treatment revealed a relationship between shear resistance value (tenderness level) and protein distribution. The 10,800×g pellet of homogenized HDP-treated strip loins showed a decrease in the protein content associated with a decrease in shear resistance values (increased tenderness). Conversely, the soluble-fraction (post 48,200×g) showed an increase in protein content as the shear resistance value decreased (tenderness increased) from ∼11 to 6 kg. The data presented herein indicate that there is a relationship between the tenderness of hydrodynamic pressure (HDP) treated meat and the protein distribution in the HDP-treated samples.
Macrolide resistance among middle ear isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae observed at eight United States pediatric centers: prevalence of M and MLSB phenotypes.

Background.Increasing macrolide resistance among middle ear isolates complicates treatment of otitis media in children. When macrolide resistance is mediated via an efflux pump (M phenotype), the MICs of erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin are usually below 32 μg/ml, and the pneumococcus r
Seroprevalence of Measles, Rubella, and Varicella in Refugees

Immigrant children who enter the United States without immunization records may be required to receive vaccines for diseases to which they are already immune or for which they have previously received immunization. We tested 669 newly arrived refugees (age range, 0-20 years) for antibody to measles, rubella, and varicella, to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to these diseases in this group of immigrants. Five hundred forty-nine (82%) of 669 patients had antibody to measles, 545 (82%) of 668 had antibody to rubella, and 430 (64%) of 668 had antibody to varicella. Antibody to all 3 diseases increased with increasing age. No clinically significant differences in presence of antibody were noted by region of origin.
An ultraviolet method for the microdetermination of 2-deoxyhexoses

A new method for the microdetermination of 2-deoxyhexoses was developed. The method involves degrading the sugars in the presence of 4 N HCl at 80 °C. The degraded 2-deoxyhexoses absorb maximally at 217 nm. Absorbance at 217 nm was found to be linear with concentration. Several sugars were shown not to interfere with the method.
New and Versatile Ternary Ligand System for Technetium Radiopharmaceuticals: Water Soluble Phosphines and Tricine as Coligands in Labeling a Hydrazinonicotinamide-Modified Cyclic Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Antagonist with 99mTc

A hydrazinonicotinamide-functionalized cyclic platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) receptor antagonist [cyclo(d-Val-NMeArg-Gly-Asp-Mamb(5-(6-(6-hydrazinonicotinamido)hexanamide))) (HYNICtide)] was labeled with 99mTc using tricine and a water soluble phosphine (TPPTS, trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3‘,3‘ ‘-trisulfonate; TPPDS, disodium triphenylphosphine-3,3‘-disulfonate; or TPPMS, sodium triphenylphosphine-3-monosulfonate] as coligands. The synthesis of technetium complexes, [99mTc(HYNICtide)(L)(tricine)] (1, L = TPPTS; 2, L = TPPDS; 3, L = TPPMS), can be performed in one or two steps in high yield and with high specific activity (≥20 000 Ci/mmol). For example, the reaction of the HYNICtide, [99mTc]pertechnetate, stannous chloride, and tricine at pH 4−5 and room temperature results in the complex [99mTc(HYNICtide)(tricine)2], which reacts with TPPTS (50 °C for 30 min) to give complex 1 in ≥90% yield as determined by radio-HPLC. Complexes 1−3 are formed as equal mixtures of two isomeric forms and ar...
Genetical studies of quantitative characters in peas. 2. A six-parent diallel cross of cultivars and primitive forms

Results from the F1 generation of a set of 6×6 full diallel crosses involving representatives of wild forms, primitive and European cultivars are described. The aim was to compare the systems of genetic control in the parents used in the present experiment with those known to operate in a number of contemporary cultivars. The plant characters analysed were days to and node of first flower, internode length, number of flowers per node and number of ovules per pod. Different systems of genetic control were found in some of the parents used in this experiment from those characteristic of cultivars in that dominance, and in some cases interaction, have been found to operate. The most extreme difference concerned earliness of flowering which results from an accumulation mulation of dominant alleles in primitive forms, but an accumulation of recessives in those European and North American cultivars so far analysed in detail. Only one of the characters would appear to be under a system of genetic control similar to that of cultivars, node of first flower. These results are discussed in relation to those obtained from the analyses of previous sets of diallel crosses.
On some biases of estimating the global distribution of air-sea CO2 flux by bulk parameterizations

[1] It is important to examine the parameterizations used in calculating air-sea exchange fluxes as they are essential in developing global carbon models and in carbon budget calculations. We quantify the potential biases involved in the parameterizations. Adopting a non-zero gas transfer velocity for low wind areas results in a significant increase in the CO2 flux in equatorial regions with a net increase of +0.2 Pg C yr−1 in the total sea-air global flux. The ocean “cool skin temperature” effect on CO2 flux estimation is found to be an order of magnitude smaller than early estimations. The previously unknown salty-skin effect has an opposite contribution that cancels the cool-skin effect. Comparing different wind speeds derived from satellite data and Global Circulation Models (GCM), the most significant divergence is found at the low wind equatorial regions regarding the CO2 flux estimation.
Cadmium-induced inhibition of hepatic drug oxidation in the rat: Time dependency of tolerance development and metallothionein synthesis

Abstract Experiments were undertaken to determine if a correlation existed between the time-dependent synthesis of hepatic metallothionein and the development of tolerance to the inhibition of hepatic drug oxidation elicited by cadmium in the male rat. Maximal rates of metallothionein synthesis were achieved within 2 hr after administering cadmium in a 0.21 mg Cd/kg (ip) dose. The total hepatic concentration of metallothionein, as well as the cadmium binding capacity of this protein, also increased rapidly with maximal values being observed from 8 to 67 hr after cadmium administration. Despite this rapid increase in hepatic metallothionein levels, the tolerance to the inhibition of in vivo drug oxidation induced by a challenge cadmium (0.84 mg Cd/kg) dose did not develop until 16 hr after treatment with the 0.21 mg/kg cadmium dose. Furthermore, hepatic metallothionein levels decreased from a maximum at 67 hr to approximately control levels at 336 hr. Although the tolerance to the inhibition of drug oxidation also decreased from a maximum at 72 hr a modest degree of protection was maintained even at 336 hr. Pretreatment with the 0.21 mg Cd/kg dose increased the hepatic uptake of a 109 Cd challenge dose (0.84 mg Cd/kg). This increase was associated with an increased 109 Cd binding to metallothionein in the cadmium-pretreated animals. While these data are suggestive of a role for metallothionein in tolerance development, the lack of correlation of the time course of metallothionein synthesis with the development of the tolerance would suggest that factors in addition to metallothionein may also participate.
A prospective study examining the effects of gender and sexual/physical abuse on mood outcomes in patients with co-occurring bipolar I and substance use disorders

Objectives: Prior research suggests possible gender differences in the longitudinal course of bipolar disorder. This study prospectively examined gender differences in mood outcomes and tested the effects of sexual/physical abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Participants (49 men, 41 women) with co-occurring bipolar I and substance use disorders (92% alcohol, 42% drug) were enrolled in a group treatment trial. They were followed for eight months, with monthly assessments, yielding 32 weeks of data. Primary outcome measures were number of weeks in each mood state, recurrences of depression or mania, and polarity shifts from depression to mania or vice versa. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the effects of gender, lifetime abuse, and PTSD on these outcomes. Results: Participants met syndromal criteria for a mood episode on a mean of 27% of 32 weeks, with depression occurring most frequently. Compared to men, women reported significantly more weeks of mixed mania [relative rate (RR) = 8.53], fewer weeks of euthymia (RR = 0.58), more recurrences of mania (RR = 1.96), and more direct polarity shifts (RR = 1.49) (all p < 0.05). Women also reported significantly higher rates of lifetime sexual or physical abuse (68% versus 33%), which partially explained the relationships between gender and mixed mania and direct polarity shifts. Conclusions: Participants experienced persistent mood symptoms over time. Women consistently reported poorer mood outcomes, and lifetime abuse may help explain observed gender differences in mood outcomes. Further research is necessary to better understand the treatment implications of these findings.
Application of Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation Procedure: Case Study of Coordinated Actuated Signal System

In the application of microscopic simulation models, the importance of model calibration and validation cannot be overemphasized. A recent study proposed a systematic approach for conducting a simulation model calibration and validation procedure on the basis of experimental design and optimization and applied it to an isolated intersection with a VISSIM simulation model. The present study further evaluates the previously developed simulation model calibration and validation procedure by applying it to an urban arterial network consisting of 12 coordinated actuated signalized intersections. Both VISSIM and CORSIM simulation models were used. Travel time was used for the calibration measure, and maximum queue length was used for the validation measure. Study results showed that calibrated and validated simulation models were able to represent field conditions adequately, whereas default parameter-based models could not. As such, the previously developed simulation model calibration and validation procedure...
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa inversa: Report of two cases with further correlation between electron microscopic and immunofluorescence studies

Abstract Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa inversa is a rare form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by blister formation in flexural skin areas and by marked oral and esophageal involvement. Recognition of this subset of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is important, because its prognosis differs from all other forms of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Investigators recently reported normal staining with antibodies directed against type VII collagen in 14 patients, but electron microscopy in eight patients showed diminished or absent anchoring fibrils. We report here the cases of two additional patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa inversa. One patient had finger web space scarring that required surgical correction and mild syndactyly of toes. Both patients had normal staining with LH 7:2, but electron microscopy showed diminished and rudimentary anchoring fibrils. These findings support the possibility that dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa inversa may be caused by a structural abnormality of type VII collagen that prevents proper assembly of collagen into distinct anchoring fibrils.
Nest-Site Selection in the Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina, in Illinois

ABSTRACT We characterized the microhabitat features of nests constructed by eastern box turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina, in central Illinois. All nests were sited in open habitats; 87.5% of them were depredated within 72 hours of oviposition. Nest sites differed from random sites in vegetation height and composition, percentage ground and canopy cover, and light intensity. Land management practices that provide open areas suitable for box turtle nesting activity might make these areas more attractive to potential nest predators.
Thrash, flip, or jump: the behavioral and functional continuum of terrestrial locomotion in teleost fishes.

Synopsis Moving on land versus in water imposes dramatically different requirements on the musculoskeletal system. Although many limbed vertebrates, such as salamanders and prehistoric tetrapodomorphs, have an axial system specialized for aquatic locomotion and an appendicular system adapted for terrestrial locomotion, diverse extant teleosts use the axial musculoskeletal system (body plus caudal fin) to move in these two physically disparate environments. In fact, teleost fishes living at the water’s edge demonstrate diversity in natural history that is reflected in a variety of terrestrial behaviors: (1) species that have only incidental contact with land (such as largemouth bass, Micropterus) will repeatedly thrash, which can roll an individual downhill, but cannot produce effective overland movements, (2) species that have occasional contact with land (like Gambusia, the mosquitofish, which evade predators by stranding themselves) will produce directed terrestrial movement via a tail-flip jump, and (3) species that spend more than half of their lives on land (like the mudskipper, Periopthalmus) will produce a prone-jump, a behavior that allows the fish to anticipate where it will land at the end of the flight phase. Both tail-flip and prone jumps are characterized by a two-phase movement consisting of body flexion followed by extension—a movement pattern that is markedly similar to the aquatic fast-start. Convergence in kinematic pattern between effective terrestrial behaviors and aquatic fast starts suggests that jumps are an exaptation of a neuromuscular system that powers unsteady escape behaviors in the water. Despite such evidence that terrestrial behaviors evolved from an ancestral behavior that is ubiquitous among teleosts, some teleosts are unable to move effectively on land—possibly due to morphological trade-offs, wherein specialization for one environment comes at a cost to performance in the other. Indeed, upon emergence onto land, gravity places an increased mechanical load on the body, which may limit the maximum size of fish that can produce terrestrial locomotion via jumping. In addition, effective terrestrial locomotor performance may require a restructuring of the musculoskeletal system that directly conflicts with the low-drag, fusiform body shape that enhances steady swimming performance. Such biomechanical trade-offs may constrain which teleost species are able to make the evolutionary transition to life on land. Here, we synthesize the current knowledge of intermittent terrestrial locomotion in teleosts and demonstrate that extant fishes represent an important model system for elucidating fundamental evolutionary mechanisms and defining the physiological constraints that must be overcome to permit life in both the aquatic and terrestrial realms.