cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic and photorespiratory responses of the aerial and submerged leaves of Myriophyllum brasiliense

Abstract Submerged and aerial leaves of the amphibious plant Myriophyllum brasiliense Cambess., differed in their CO 2 gas exchange characteristics. Net photosynthesis of the aerial leaves was saturated by an irradiance of 2000 μE/m 2 ·s and a CO 2 concentration of 900 μl CO 2 /l gas phase; whereas the submerged leaves required 250 μE/m 2 ·s, and were not saturated by 2500 μl CO 2 /l gas phase. Aerial leaves had much higher photosynthetic rates than submerged leaves, but the dark respiration rates were similar. Incubation of the submerged leaves under water with a 30°C/14 h photoperiod decreased the CO 2 compensation point (from 73 to 13 μl CO 2 /l gas phase), the O 2 inhibition of photosynthesis (from 25.1 to 17.0%), and the photorespiration rates, as measured by CO 2 evolution into CO 2 -free air in the light, (from 3.3 to 0.5 μmol CO 2 /mg Chl·h). A similar incubation regime, but in air, produced no significant changes in the aerial leaves. Photorespiratory CO 2 release from leaves with high CO 2 compensation points was equivalent to about 15% of their net photosynthetic rate, which is similar to that of C 3 plants; whereas in the submerged leaves with low CO 2 compensation points it was only 2%. Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase was the predominant carboxylation enzyme in submerged and aerial leaves (77.8 and 153.4 μmol CO 2 /mg Chl·h, respectiviely). Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity was low in both leaf forms (1.7 to 5.6 μmol CO 2 /mg Chl·h), even in the low CO 2 compensation point state. The apparent Km(CO 2 ) for the photosynthesis of submerged leaves with high CO 2 compensation points decreased from 706 to 122 μM when the plants were measured in air rather than under water. This was still higher than the value determined for the aerial leaves (18 μM), indicating that the submerged leaves possess a large, internal resistance to CO 2 fixation. The low CO 2 compensation point state also decreased the apparent Km(CO 2 ), to 109 μM. The data suggest that the photorespiration-reducing mechanism in Myriophyllum increases the apparent affinity of the photosynthetic process for CO 2 . This mechanism, however, does not rely on increased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity and therefore probably differs from the photorespiratory-reducing mechanism in certain other aquatic plants. It still appears to involve biochemical, rather than morphological/anatomical, changes in the submersed plant.
Fabrication of TiNi shape memory alloy thin films by current activated tip-based sintering (CATS)

We report on the production of thin films of titanium nickelides (TiNi) shape memory alloy, prepared via Current- Activated Tip-based Sintering (CATS), a new localized powder sintering process. Mechanically alloyed equi-atomic TiNi powder was tip-sintered at varying currents and cycles of current exposure time. The effect of processing conditions on the developed localized microstructure and properties are discussed. The number of cycles of current exposure time and current magnitude were studied. Both number of cycles and current magnitude in general result in an increase micro-hardness and a reduction in residual porosity in the sintered thin films.
Behavioral diversity in populations of free-ranging chimpanzees in Africa: is it culture?

Behavioral differences exist among populations of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes, Hominoidea) across Africa. Deciding if these are cross-cultural differences demands careful interpretation and rigorous scrutiny. Even standard patterns like social grooming may show variation in detail between neighboring populations. Some patterns of tool use, such as using hammers to crack nuts, also vary across far western Africa. At least 37 populations of free-ranging chimpanzees show tool use, and 14 show at least one habitual pattern of tool use. Regional differences exist among the three subspecies or geographical races of chimpanzees. Convincing empirical demonstration of social customs and traditions in non-human species is problematical, and even something so simple in principle as innovation is hard to show in practice. However, culture need not depend on imitation, teaching, or language, either in humans or in other species.
Sulfide variation in the pore and surface waters of artificial salt-marsh ditches and a natural tidal creek

Pore and surface water sulfide variation near artificial ditches and a natural creek are examined in salt marshes bordering the Indian River Lagoon in east-central Florida. Pore water sulfide concentrations ranged from 0 μg-at I−1 to 1,640 μg-at I−1. On average, the natural creek had the lowest sulfide concentrations (mean <1.0 μ-at I−1) and the perimeter ditch of a managed salt marsh impoundment the highest (436.5 μg-at I−1). There was a trend of increasing sulfide concentration in the summer, and sharp peaks in late fall-early winter which correspond with peak litter input into the sediments. Significant differences in sulfide concentration between sites are attributed to differences in water flow and in organic matter content. Delaying the seasonal opening of culverts (which connect impounded marshes with the lagoon) until lagoon water levels rise in fall may prevent massive fish kills that have been associated with high sulfide levels in the impoundment perimeter ditches.
Nutritional Status of Elderly Smokers and Non-smokers

Nutrient intake and biochemical nutrient markers were compared for 87 smoking and 637 non-smoking elderly residents of the Boston area. Intakes were estimated with three-day diet records and nutrient supplement use histories for vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and B12, folate, vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium. Smokers' dietary intakes of all nutrients except for vitamin B12 and zinc were significantly lower (p= 0.05) than non-smokers' intakes after adjustment for age and sex. Biochemical markers of nutritional status included plasma retinol, total caroteno-ids and vitamin E; erythrocyte enzyme activity coefficients for thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B6; plasma vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C; and serum zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium. Lower blood levels of carotenoids, retinol, riboflavin, vitamin C and magnesium and higher levels of calcium were seen in smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.05) after adjustment for age and sex. Differences in carotenoid, riboflavin and cal...
Warfarin use and long-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation

Warfarin use in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains challenging. We describe use of warfarin up to 1 year after hospitalization among patients with AMI and AF according to stroke and bleeding risk, and identify factors associated with long-term mortality in this population. Patients with AMI and AF who underwent cardiac catheterization during their AMI hospitalization in 1995–2007 were identified from the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease. Warfarin use at discharge, 6 months, and 1 year as well as long-term vital status were assessed by surveys. Rates of warfarin use were presented according to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc stroke and ATRIA bleeding risk scores. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine whether warfarin use at discharge was independently associated with 1-year mortality. A total of 879 patients hospitalized with AMI with AF were identified. Median age was 72 (25th, 75th percentiles: 64, 79), and median follow-up was 4.1 years (1.3, 7.4). The rate of warfarin use at discharge was 24 % and did not differ by CHADS2, CHA2DS2VASc, or ATRIA risk scores. Warfarin use remained similar at 6 months (26 %) and 1 year (27 %). Long-term mortality was high and did not differ by whether warfarin was or was not prescribed at discharge (72 and 71 %, respectively). Factors associated with 1-year mortality were history of heart failure (HR 1.58, 95 % CI 1.32–1.90), higher Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.19, 95 % CI 1.11–1.28), and older age (HR 1.03 per 1-year increase, 95 % CI 1.02–1.05). Warfarin use at discharge among patients hospitalized for AMI who had comorbid AF was low and remained low at 1 year. Warfarin use at hospital discharge was not associated with either 1-year mortality or long-term mortality.
Some Physician Perceptions of Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Health in 45 Rural Georgia Counties

ABSTRACT Physicians in Georgia were mailed a confidential survey to determine their attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of migrant and seasonal farm workers' (MSFWs) health and health needs. Criteria for selection of the physician population included practice specialty and practice site. Only physicians specializing in Family Practice, General Practice, General Surgery, and Internal Medicine were considered. Further, only 373 practices located in 45 Non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas (Non-MSAs) counties with migrant populations of more than 100 workers in June of 1995 were selected. The 20 question survey was mailed on January 26, 1996, and data collection ended on April 12, 1996. Two hundred and seven surveys were received, representing a response rate of 55.5%. According to all physicians reporting to treat MSFWs (n = 152), hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, dental problems, muscu-loskeletal problems, and diabetes were the top 5 health related problems associated with this special population. Th...
Human growth hormone-transferrin fusion protein for oral delivery in hypophysectomized rats.

Transferrin (Tf)-based recombinant fusion protein approach was investigated to achieve oral delivery for human growth hormone (hGH). Plasmid constructs expressing the fusion proteins were established by fusing coding sequences of both hGH and Tf in frame. Fusion proteins were produced in serum free media by transient transfection of human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells. The SDS-PAGE analysis of conditioned media showed that fusion proteins expressed at high purity with a 100 kDa molecular weight; the Western blot analysis with anti-hGH and anti-Tf antibodies verified the identity of fusion proteins. The Nb2 cell proliferation and Caco-2 cell Tf receptor (TfR) binding assays demonstrated that fusion proteins retained bioactivity of both hGH and Tf, respectively. A helical linker was inserted as spacer between hGH- and Tf-domain to enhance the bioactivity and the yield of the fusion protein. Two fusion proteins, hGH-Tf (GT) and hGH-(H4)2-Tf (GHT) were obtained and assessed in hGH-deficient hypophysectomized rats for in vivo biological activity. Results from seven-day subcutaneous dosing (1.25 mg/kg/day) demonstrated that both GT and GHT fusion proteins were bioactive in vivo, comparable to native hGH. However, only the GHT, but not GT, fusion protein promoted a modest but statistically significant weight gain after oral dosing with 12.5 mg/kg/day.
Multi-modal management of acromegaly: a value perspective

Purpose The Acromegaly Consensus Group recently released updated guidelines for medical management of acromegaly patients. We subjected these guidelines to a cost analysis.
Classification of simple and complex sugar adulterants in honey by mid-infrared spectroscopy

Adulteration of honey with sugars is the most crucial quality assurance concern to the honey industry. The application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a screening tool for the determination of the type of sugar adulterant in honey was investigated. Spectra of honey adulterated with simple and complex sugars were recorded in the mid-infrared range using the attenuated total reflectance accessory of a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Adulterants considered were sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and invert sugars (cane invert and beet invert). Predictive models were developed to classify the adulterated honey samples using discriminant analysis. Spectral data were compressed using principal component analysis and partial least-square methods. Linear discriminant analysis was used to discriminate the type of adulterant in three different honey varieties. An optimum classification of 100% was achieved for honey samples adulterated with glucose, fructose, sucrose and beet and cane invert sugars. Results demonstrated that discriminant analysis of the spectra of adulterated honey samples could be used for rapid detection of adulteration in honey.
Vegetable and fruit consumption, education and plasma vitamin C concentration in Russian and Finnish Karelia, 1992-2002.

Objective To examine (i) whether the consumption of fresh vegetables, fruit and berries is associated with plasma vitamin C concentration and (ii) educational differences in plasma vitamin C concentration in two neighbouring areas in Russia and Finland. Design Cross-sectional risk factor surveys in 1992, 1997 and 2002. Logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the associations of consumption of selected foods and education with plasma vitamin C concentration. Setting District of Pitkaranta in the Republic of Karelia, Russia and North Karelia, Finland. Subjects Adults aged 25-64 years: 579 men and 612 women in Pitkaranta; 974 men and 642 women in North Karelia. Results The plasma vitamin C concentration was strikingly low in Pitkaranta, Russia across the study years. During the 10 years of monitoring, the mean plasma vitamin C concentration among men ranged from 2·5 to 8·0 μmol/l in Pitkaranta, Russia and from 27·1 to 53·9 μmol/l in North Karelia, Finland. In both areas, daily consumption of fruit was most strongly associated with plasma vitamin C, while the association of fresh vegetable consumption with plasma vitamin C was less consistent. Consumption of berries was less important in explaining plasma vitamin C. In Pitkaranta, the plasma vitamin C concentration was lower among respondents in the lowest education group. Conclusions Differences in the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit resulted in notable differences in vitamin C status between Pitkaranta and North Karelia in spring. In comparative settings, knowledge of local food culture and validation pilots are important before conducting large population surveys.
The truths of logic

Several accounts of logical truth are compared and shown to define distinct concepts. Nevertheless, conditions are given under which they happen to declare exactly the same sentences logically true. These conditions involve the variety of objects in the domain, the richness of the language, and the logical resources available. It is argued that the class of sentences declared logically true by each of the accounts depends on particularities of the actual world.
Immunologic features and HLA associations in chronic viral hepatitis

Abstract Background/Aims: Chronic viral hepatitis may have immunologic manifestations, and such features may reflect genetic predispositions. The aim of this study was to assess associations between immune manifestations and HLA-DR antigens. Methods: Ninety-five patients were evaluated prospectively for immunologic features. A microlymphocytotoxicity technique was used to determine DR3, DR4, and A1-B8-DR3 phenotypes. DR antigens were also determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism in 76 patients with chronic viral hepatitis and 80 normal subjects. Results: Autoantibodies were found in 59 patients (62%), and concurrent immunologic diseases were found in 22 patients (23%). Patients with antinuclear antibodies had the A1-B8-DR3 phenotype more commonly than sero-negative counterparts (26% vs. 6%; P = 0.02) and had DR3 positivity more frequently than normal subjects (41% vs. 18%; P = 0.03). In contrast, patients with concurrent immunologic diseases had DR4 positivity more commonly than patients without these findings (68% vs. 27%; P = 0.001) and normal subjects (68% vs. 30%; P = 0.003). Conclusions: Patients with chronic viral hepatitis commonly have autoantibodies and/or concurrent immunologic diseases. The expression of antinuclear antibodies is associated with the A1-B8-DR3 phenotype, and the presence of concurrent immunologic diseases is associated with the DR4 phenotype. In these instances, autoimmune expression may reflect a genetic predisposition that is facilitated by viral infection or is coincidental with it.
An optical matrix-vector multiplier project

The implementation of an optical matrix vector multiplier (OMVM) as a project to demonstrate to undergraduates the parallel capabilities of computing with light, the advantages and disadvantages of analog computers, and noise considerations for accurate results is discussed. The OMVM is designed using waveguides and is interfaced to an Apple IIGS. Software and hardware designs are explained in detail. The Hartley transform is developed as an application, with the transforming elements input on a film mask, the input represented by the intensity of LEDS, and the output detected using photodiodes. Test and measurements using the architecture are discussed. Simple methods for improving the performance of the system are presented. >
A study of autobiographical memories in depressed and nondepressed elderly individuals.

An autobiographical memory task was used to study memory processes and depression in elderly individuals. Twenty-seven nondepressed and twenty-seven depressed elderly participants recalled thirty memories. Each memory was self-rated for happiness versus sadness and the degree of importance of the event at the time the event occurred (i.e., "then") and looking back on the event ("now"). Nondepressed participants perceived greater positive change in affective tone between "then" and "now" ratings. Depressed participants recalled more memories rated as sad "now" than nondepressed, and perceived negative and positive memories to become more neutral than nondepressed participants. These results are consistent with a mood congruence hypothesis, in that participants recalled more memories affectively consistent with current mood, and a self-enhancement view of reminiscing, such that recalling memories evaluated as happier was associated with less depression.
Experimental investigation on the characteristics of a class of hydrous electro-rheological fluids and macroscopically smart beamlike structures featuring this class of colloidal suspensions

This experimental investigation is focused on characterizing a class of electro-rheological (ER) fluids and also characterizing a class of smart structures featuring this class of suspensions. These studies involved the imposition of different applied voltages on the ER fluid domain and various concentrations of the suspension particles. Electro-rheological fluids belong to a class of colloidal suspensions whose global characteristics can be controlled by the imposition of an appropriate external electric field upon the fluid domain. Therefore, when these fluids are embedded within a smart beam-like structure, the global properties of the beam, and hence its vibrational response, can also be controlled. In this work, the energy dissipation characteristics of smart cantilever beam specimens were measured. Different ER fluid smart beam specimens with various concentrations were employed in these investigations to provide insight on the relationship between the particle concentration of the suspension with damping ratio of the smart beam and the electric field intensity imposed on the beam. The coupled electrical and mechanical dynamic properties of smart materials featuring hydrous ER fluids were experimentally studied using a Rheometrics RMS 800 mechanical spectrometer to gain insight into their effectiveness in vibration control applications. THe experimental results demonstrate the non-Newtonian rheological behavior of ER fluids, and the ability of this class of smart beams to dissipate energy increases with the increase of particulate concentration and also the applied electric field.
Recursive maximum-likelihood estimation in the one-dimensional discrete Boolean random set model

Abstract The exact probability density for a windowed observation of a discrete one-dimensional Boolean process having convex grains is found via recursive probability expressions. This observation density is used as the likelihood function for the process and numerically yields the maximum-likelihood estimator for the process intensity and the parameters governing the distribution of the grain lengths. The only restriction on the derivation is that the length distribution not be too heavy tailed. Maximum-likelihood estimation is applied in the cases of uniformly and Poisson distributed lengths. The entire approach applies to unions of independent Boolean processes.
Tyrosinemia with plantar and palmar keratosis and keratitis

An 111/2-year-old boy, born of a consanguineous marriage, had mental retardation, painful plantar and palmar keratosis, and dendritic keratitis associated with tyrosinemia, p-hydroxyphenylpyruvicaciduria, p-hydroxylaceticaciduria, and p-hydroxyphenylaceticaciduria. Liver and renal functions were within normal ranges, and vitamin C loading did not correct the metabolic abnormalities. Maintenance on a low-tyrosine, low-phenylalanine diet was associated with resolution of the epithelial lesions and a decrease in the metabolic abnormalities. Four other patients with similar metabolic abnormalitiers may have had this clinical syndrome.
Operating systems projects built on a simple hardware simulator

Effective teaching of operating system concepts requires projects. This paper describes a series of operating system projects all based on a simple hardware simulator that have been used to teach operating system concepts at the undergraduate level. A key feature of this approach is the use of a simple but realistic hardware model upon which an operating system is progressively built. The hardware simulator evolves as the operating system evolves.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 ribonucleotide reductase: Selective and synergistic inactivation by a1110u and its iron complex

2-Acetylpyridine-5-[(dimethylamino)thiocarbonyl]thiocarbonohydrazone (A1110U) inactivated herpes simplex virus Type 1 ribonucleotide reductase (EC 1.17.4.1) by a first-order process (knact) which had a maximum value (Mkinact) of 8 hr−1 and a Kd that was less than 1 μM. The stable complex between iron and A1110U, (A11110)2Fe+i. inactivated this enzyme with a Mkinact of 7 hr−1 and a Kd of 7μM. Free A1110U and its iron-complex synergized as inactivators of the enzyme. For example, the Kinact for the combination of 2 μM A1110U and 1 μM (A1110U)2Fe+i as independent inactivators was calculated to be about 9 hr−1, while the observed value was 32 hr−1. The bimolecular rate constant for inactivation of the viral enzyme by (A1110U)2Fe+i in the presence of a saturating concentration of A1110U was 2.5 107 M−1 hr−1 at 30°. Human ribonucleotide reductase was less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of A1110U and its iron-complex. This enzyme was neither inhibited nor inactivated by A1110U and was weakly inhibited by (A1110U)2Fe+i. Furthermore, inactivation required the combination of A1110U and (A1110U)2Fe+i. The bimolecular rate constant for inactivation of human ribonucleotide reductase by (A1110U)2Fe+i in the presence of a saturating concentration of A1110U was considerably smaller (3.8 106M−1hr−1 at 37°) than the analogous constant for the viral enzyme. Several iron-chelating reagents with unrelated structures substituted for free A1110U in its various roles with both enzymes. However, the iron complexes of these alternative chelators did not substitute for (A1110U)2Fe+i. The rates of inactivation of both enzymes were independent of the oxidation state of iron in (A1110U)2Fe+i and of CDP concentration. The inactivated enzymes were reactivated rapidly by FeSO4, but were not reactivated by CoCl2, CuSO4, or NiCl2. MnCl2 inhibited reactivation of the viral enzyme by FeSO4.
A correction scheme for thermal conductivity measurement using the comparative cut-bar technique based on 3D numerical simulation

As an important factor affecting the accuracy of thermal conductivity measurement, systematic (bias) error in the guarded comparative axial heat flow (cut-bar) method was mostly neglected by previous researches. This bias is primarily due to the thermal conductivity mismatch between sample and meter bars (reference), which is common for a sample of unknown thermal conductivity. A correction scheme, based on finite element simulation of the measurement system, was proposed to reduce the magnitude of the overall measurement uncertainty. This scheme was experimentally validated by applying corrections on four types of sample measurements in which the specimen thermal conductivity is much smaller, slightly smaller, equal and much larger than that of the meter bar. As an alternative to the optimum guarding technique proposed before, the correction scheme can be used to minimize the uncertainty contribution from the measurement system with non-optimal guarding conditions. It is especially necessary for large thermal conductivity mismatches between sample and meter bars.
Beetle (Coleoptera: Scirtidae) Facilitation of Larval Mosquito Growth in Tree Hole Habitats is Linked to Multitrophic Microbial Interactions

Container-breeding mosquitoes, such as Aedes triseriatus, ingest biofilms and filter water column microorganisms directly to obtain the bulk of their nutrition. Scirtid beetles often co-occur with A. triseriatus and may facilitate the production of mosquito adults under low-resource conditions. Using molecular genetic techniques and quantitative assays, we observed changes in the dynamics and composition of bacterial and fungal communities present on leaf detritus and in the water column when scirtid beetles co-occur with A. triseriatus. Data from terminal restriction fragment polymorphism analysis indicated scirtid presence alters the structure of fungal communities in the water column but not leaf-associated fungal communities. Similar changes in leaf and water bacterial communities occurred in response to mosquito presence. In addition, we observed increased processing of leaf detritus, higher leaf-associated enzyme activity, higher bacterial productivity, and higher leaf-associated fungal biomass when scirtid beetles were present. Such shifts suggest beetle feeding facilitates mosquito production indirectly through the microbial community rather than directly through an increase in available fine particulate organic matter.
An experimental study of a three-dimensional pressure-driven turbulent boundary layer

A three-dimensional, pressure-driven turbulent boundary layer created by an idealized wing-body junction flow was studied experimentally. The data presented include time-mean static pressure and directly measured skin-friction magnitude on the wall. The mean velocity and all Reynolds stresses from a three-velocity-component fibre-optic laser-Doppler anemometer are presented at several stations along a line determined by the mean velocity vector component parallel to the wall in the layer where the u 2 kinematic normal stress is maximum (normal-stress coordinate system). This line was selected by intuitively reasoning that overlap of the near-wall flow and outer-region flow occurs at the location where u 2 is maximum. Along this line the flow is subjected to a strong crossflow pressure gradient, which changes sign for the downstream stations. The shear-stress vector direction in the flow lags behind the flow gradient vector direction. The flow studied here differs from many other experimentally examined three-dimensional flows in that the mean flow variables depend on three spatial axes rather than two axes, such as flows in which the three-dimensionality of the flow has been generated either by a rotating cylinder or by a pressure gradient in one direction only throughout the flow.
Bad Models in Nice Neighborhoods

This paper contains an example of a decidable theory which has 1) only a countable number of countable models (up to isomorphism); 2) a decidable saturated model; and 3) a countable homogeneous model that is not decidable. By the results in [1] and [2], this can happen if and only if the set of types realized by the homogeneous model (the type spectrum of the model) is not . If Γ and Σ are types of a theory T , define Γ ◁ Σ to mean that any model of T realizing Γ must realize Σ . In [3] a decidable theory is constructed that has only countably many countable models, only recursive types, but whose countable saturated model is not decidable. This is easy to do if the restriction on the number of countable models is lifted; the difficulty arises because the set of types must be recursively complex, and yet sufficiently related to control the number of countable models. In [3] the desired theory T is such that is a linear order with order type ω *. Also, the set of complete types of T is not . The last feature ensures that the countable saturated model is not decidable; the first feature allows the number of countable models to be controlled.
Estimating transient response of simple AC and DC shipboard power systems to pulse load operations

The sources of transients in an electric ship power system include those encountered in conventional terrestrial power systems as well as certain sources unique to the shipboard environment such as the pulse load. This paper explains the modeling of the electric ship power system components including the pulse load for studying the effects of the transients in different frequency ranges. The models of AC and DC power systems are compared for these frequency ranges.
Utilization of carbohydrates by Thermomonospora sp. Grown on glucose, cellobiose, and cellulose

Thermomonospora was grown on glucose, cellobiose, and cellulose in order to study its growth characteristics with different carbohydrate substrates and to assess the validity of some of the assumptions made in a previously proposed model for the cellulose fermentation with this microorganism. The N and protein contents of the cells are essentially constant during the fermentation and independent of the C source when glucose or cellobiose are utilized. Under O starvation conditions it was shown that unidentifiable organic compound(s) accumulate(s) in the culture broth. Culture fluorescence was an excellent variable for monitoring and control of the fermentation process. This microorganism showed a preference for crystalline cellulose (Avicel) as substrate although it grows readily on a more amorphous cellulose (Solka Floc). The production of extracellular protein is growth related. Data were obtained confirming the decrease in the number of active adsorption sites as the cause for the decrease in the cellulose digestion rate.
Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity.

Obesity is a major epidemic, but its causes are still unclear. In this article, we investigate the relation between the intake of highfructose corn syrup (HFCS) and the development of obesity. We analyzed food consumption patterns by using US Department of Agriculture food consumption tables from 1967 to 2000. The consumption of HFCS increased 1000% between 1970 and 1990, far exceeding the changes in intake of any other food or food group. HFCS now represents 40% of caloric sweeteners added to foods and beverages and is the sole caloric sweetener in soft drinks in the United States. Our most conservative estimate of the consumption of HFCS indicates a daily average of 132 kcal for all Americans aged 2 y, and the top 20% of consumers of caloric sweeteners ingest 316 kcal from HFCS/d. The increased use of HFCS in the United States mirrors the rapid increase in obesity. The digestion, absorption, and metabolism of fructose differ from those of glucose. Hepatic metabolism of fructose favors de novo lipogenesis. In addition, unlike glucose, fructose does not stimulate insulin secretion or enhance leptin production. Because insulin and leptin act as key afferent signals in the regulation of food intake and body weight, this suggests that dietary fructose may contribute to increased energy intake and weight gain. Furthermore, calorically sweetened beverages may enhance caloric overconsumption. Thus, the increase in consumption of HFCS has a temporal relation to the epidemic of obesity, and the overconsumption of HFCS in calorically sweetened beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:537– 43.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of rosiglitazone for clozapine-induced glucose metabolism impairment in patients with schizophrenia.

Objective The primary purpose of this eight week double blind, placebo-controlled trial of rosiglitazone 4 mg/day was to examine its effect on insulin sensitivity index (SI) and glucose utilization (SG) in clozapine-treated schizophrenia subjects with insulin resistance.
Legion-a view from 50,000 feet

The coming of giga-bit networks makes possible the realization of a single nationwide virtual computer comprised of a variety of geographically distributed high-performance machines and workstations. To realize the potential that the physical infrastructure provides, software must be developed that is easy to use, supports a large degree of parallelism in the application code, and manages the complexity of the underlying physical system for the user. Legion is a metasystem project at the University of Virginia designed to provide users with a transparent interface to the available resources, both at the programming interface level as well as at the user level. Legion addresses issues such as parallelism, fault-tolerance, security, autonomy, heterogeneity, resource management and access transparency in a multi-language environment. In this paper, we present a high-level overview of Legion, its vision, objectives, a brief sketch of how some of those objectives will be met, and the current status of the project.
Stimulation of dopamine release into hypophysial portal blood by administration of progesterone.

To test the hypothesis that progesterone is involved in the regulation of dopamine release into hypophysial portal blood, female rats were adrenalectomized and ovariectomized at 1200 h on the day of proestrus and, immediately after the operation, injected sc with sesame oil or progesterone. Approximately 24 h later, hypophysial portal blood was collected and the plasma from this blood was analyzed for dopamine. The concentration of dopamine in portal plasma from rats given sesame oil or progesterone (50 mg) was 1.8 ± 0.24 or 6.0 ± 1.2 ng/ml (mean ± SE), respectively. At the time of collection of portal blood, the progesterone concentration in arterial plasma was less than 0.8 ng/ml in rats given sesame oil and was 93 ± 11 ng/ml in animals given progesterone. Conversely, the circulating concentration of PRL was less (25 ± 3 ng/ml) in animals given progesterone and higher (42 ± 5 ng/ml) in animals given sesame oil. Twenty-four hours after the injection of progesterone (50 mg)into intact proestrous rats, the...
The new Manichaeans

It doesn't serve science well to drift towards a Manichaean view by calling religion 'nonsense'. People of faith may be the natural allies of biologists when it comes to matters of conservation and climate protection.
The Politics of Underdevelopment

“WE ARE living in an age in which all roads lead to communism,” Molotov proclaimed confidently in 1947. Kaganovich re-echoed him in 1955 by maintaining that “if the nineteenth century was a century of capitalism, the twentieth century is a century of the triumph of socialism and communism.” This serenely optimistic viewpoint sees the victory of communism as all-inclusive, leaving no room for any mutual adjustment between the Communist and non-Communist worlds. Indeed, the First Secretary of the CPSU, Nikita S. Khrushchev, has repeatedly made it clear that the concept of coexistence relates simply to a transitory phase prior to the final assertion of the Communist mode of life over the entire globe. It would be idle to dismiss these claims as mere expressions of blind fanaticism, for whatever the element of fanaticism in the thinking of Soviet leaders may be, such proclamations of faith in final victory are also supported by observation of recent trends in world affairs.
Image processing and machine learning for diagnostic analysis of microcirculation

This study focuses on detection of capillaries and small blood vessels in the videos recorded from the lingual surface using Microscan SDF system. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively monitor and assess the changes that occur in microcirculation during resuscitation period. The results assist physicians in making diagnostically and therapeutically important decisions such as determination of the effectiveness of the resuscitation process. The proposed algorithm applies advanced digital image processing methods to provide quantitative assessment of video signals for detection and characterization of capillaries. The objective of the algorithm is to segment capillaries, estimate the presence and velocity of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), and identify the distribution of blood flow in capillaries for a variety of normal and abnormal cases. The algorithm first, stabilizes each frame to follow the variations in the consecutive frames. Then, time-averaging techniques are applied to the frames to reduce the motion artifact. Histogram equalization, wavelet transform, and median filtering are the subsequent steps applied to accurately detect the blood vessels in each frame. In order to estimate the velocity of RBCs, space time diagrams are obtained through cross-correlation calculations. This study aims to reduce the human interaction as well as the computation time.
A new method for adaptive time delay estimation for non-Gaussian signals

A novel adaptive scheme for time delay estimation is introduced for signal environments where the signal is non-Gaussian and the additive noise sources are spatially correlated Gaussian with unknown power spectrum characteristics. This scheme is based on parametric modeling between two sensor measurements and employs higher-order statistics (third- or fourth-order) of the data. It is demonstrated by means of extensive simulations that this scheme works well for both stationary and nonstationary cases. As expected, it outperforms the cross-correlation-based gradient method for time-delay adaptation in spatially correlated Gaussian noises. The proposed scheme is compared to the overdetermined recursive instrumental variable method and is shown to exhibit substantially less computational complexity. >
Silicon–germanium interdiffusion and interfaces in self-assembled quantum dots

A scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) study of silicon–germanium alloying using annular dark field (ADF) or Z-contrast imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is presented. Results and techniques are discussed. Growth of 11 equivalent monolayers of germanium on silicon at 650 °C results in dome-shaped islands or quantum dots that contain up to ∼40% silicon. The interface between the as-grown island and substrate shows a highly disordered or amorphous zone ∼1.5-nm wide directly under the island. Annealing for 60 min at 650 °C gives larger pyramidal islands with diffuse crystalline interfaces and an equilibrium distribution of up to ∼70% silicon in the islands.
A study of the gap between the structured singular value and its convex upper bound for low-rank matrices

The size of the smallest structured destabilizing perturbation for a linear time-invariant system can be calculated via the structured singular value (/spl mu/). The function /spl mu/ can be bounded above by the solution of a convex optimization problem, and in general there is a gap between /spl mu/ and the convex bound. This paper gives an alternative characterization of /spl mu/ which is used to study this gap for low-rank matrices. The low-rank characterization provides an easily computed bound which can potentially be significantly better than the standard convex bound. This is used to find new examples with larger gaps than previously known.
Correction of Multiplanar Deformity of the Second Toe With Metatarsophalangeal Release and Extensor Brevis Reconstruction

Background:Surgical treatment of multiplanar (varus and dorsal angulation) second toe deformities due to degenerative instability can lead to recurrence, stiffness, and pain. The goal of this study...
Optical Properties and Photonics Applications of Graphene

The optical response of graphene, a single atomic layer of carbon, exhibits distinctive properties from the THz to the ultraviolet. We review these features and describe recent advances in incorporating graphene into diverse photonic devices. 150-word Biography: Tony Heinz is the Rickey Professor in the Departments of Physics and Electrical Engineering at Columbia University. His research interests lie in the area of nonlinear optics and ultrafast spectroscopy, particularly as applied to surfaces, interfaces, and nanoscale materials. He has recently worked extensively on the optical properties and applications of nanoscale carbon in the form of nanotubes and graphene. Heinz received his BS degree in Physics from Stanford University and a PhD degree, also in Physics, from the UC Berkeley in 1982. Prior to joining Columbia University in 1995, Heinz was with the IBM Research Division in Yorktown Heights, NY. His research has been recognized by Optics Prize of the International Commission for Optics, a Research Award of the von Humboldt Foundation, and the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics. Heinz is a Fellow of the OSA and APS. He served as President of the OSA in 2012.
Age patterns of racial/ethnic/nativity differences in disability and physical functioning in the United States

BACKGROUND Rapid population aging and increasing racial/ethnic and immigrant/native diversity make a broad documentation of U.S. health patterns during both mid- and late life particularly important. OBJECTIVE We aim to better understand age- and gender-specific racial/ethnic and nativity differences in physical functioning and disability among adults aged 50 and above. METHODS We aggregate 14 years of data from the National Health Interview Survey and calculate age- and gender-specific proportions of physical functioning and two types of disability for each population subgroup. RESULTS Middle-aged foreign-born individuals in nearly every subgroup exhibit lower proportions of functional limitations and disability than U.S.-born whites. This pattern of immigrant advantage is generally reversed in later life. Moreover, most U.S.-born minority groups have significantly higher levels of functional limitations and disability than U.S.-born whites in both mid- and late life. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of functional limitations and disability among U.S.-born minority groups and immigrant populations in older adulthood pose serious challenges for health providers and policymakers in a rapidly diversifying and aging population.
Microbial inoculant effects on silage and in vitro ruminal fermentation, and microbial biomass estimation for alfalfa, bmr corn, and corn silages

Abstract Whole crop third cut alfalfa, brown mid-rib (bmr) corn, and corn were chopped and inoculated with one of four microbial inoculants used. Uninoculated silage was the control treatment. Each crop was ensiled in four mini-silos (1 L glass jars) per treatment. All silos were fermented for 60 days at room temperature (22 °C), and then they were opened and analyzed for fermentation products, fiber constituents and N fractions. A fraction of wet silage was ground with a blender for 30 s. In vitro gas production was measured in 160 ml sealed serum vials at 3, 6, 9, 24, and 48 h using the wet ground silage. At 9 and 48 h, rumen fluid was analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial biomass yield (MBY). In all the three crops, the four inoculants produced only minor changes in pH and fermentation products during ensiling. Of the variables measured, soluble nonprotein N fractions were the characteristics most often affected by some inoculants. At 9 h incubation, in vitro gas production and VFA did not differ between control and inoculated silages, but MBY did. Among crops, alfalfa and corn silages had higher MBY than did bmr corn silage. Among inoculants, three of the four inoculated silages produced more MBY than did control. At 48 h, alfalfa silage produced higher MBY than did corn or bmr silage, and two of the inoculated silages had more MBY than did the control. There was no inoculant by crop interaction. Results suggest that some silage inoculants are capable of altering rumen fermentation, even in cases where effects on silage fermentation are small, and that this effect may be linked to better preservation of crop protein during ensiling.
Embryology Relevant to Ultrasound Imaging of the Male Genitalia

The male external genitalia include features (both normal and abnormal) that are direct consequences of the development of their embryologic precursors and demonstrable with ultrasound imaging. The testis and adnexa develop in close association with the kidney and ureter in the urogenital ridge. Portions of the early embryonic excretory system develop into the male reproductive ducts. Remnants of the Mullerian ducts may be encountered on the ultrasound examination of the male reproductive structures. The testes descend from the retroperitoneum to their final location in the scrotum. The scrotum develops in close association with the developing phallus. The bladder, prostate, and majority of the urethra are derived from an endodermal structure know as the urogenital sinus, which itself develops from the cloaca. The external phallus and testes have a blood supply that is well demonstrated and evaluated with ultrasound examination. An understanding of the development of the male reproductive structures aides in the interpretation of ultrasound findings during examination of these structures.
The distribution of gallium, germanium, cobalt, chromium, and copper in iron and stony-iron meteorites in relation to nickel content and structure

Abstract The concentrations of gallium, germanium, cobalt, chromium, and copper have been determined spectrographically in eighty-eight iron meteorites, including representatives from all structural classes, and in nine stony-iron meteorites. The analytical procedures and the structural characteristics of the meteorites studied are described. It is confirmed that concentrations of gallium in iron meteorites are “quantized” but whereas previous workers found three “gallium groups,” four such groups were found in the present work. It has further been found that germanium behaves very much like gallium. Meteorites can be divided into four “germanium groups,” each group corresponding to one of the gallium groups. Compared with gallium and germanium, concentrations of cobalt and copper were found to vary over relatively narrow ranges. Chromium, on the other hand, varies over a range which is fully as great as that observed for gallium. Correlations are observed between the concentrations of cobalt and copper on the one hand, and nickel content and structure on the other, but the relationships are by no means as obvious as they are in the cases of gallium and germanium. The metal phases of all stony-iron meteorites studied are chemically identical in every aspect with the iron meteorites of the largest “gallium-germanium group,” namely that which embraces most of the medium octahedrites and which contains about 15 p.p.m. gallium and 38 p.p.m. germanium.
An autonomic flexibility-neurovisceral integration model of anxiety and cardiac vagal tone

Research on heart rate variability (HRV), cardiac vagal tone, and their relationship to anxiety is reviewed in the context of the autonomic flexibility and neurovisceral integration models of adaptive functioning. These perspectives address the qualities of response flexibility and inhibition across multiple levels, incorporating central and autonomic nervous system mechanisms of environmental engagement, as well as principles derived from non-linear dynamics. These models predict reduced HRV and vagal tone in anxiety, and the literature has generally supported this prediction, with exceptions as are noted. State, trait, and clinical expressions of anxiety are considered, along with the clinical, methodological, and theoretical implications of this research. A portrayal of anxiety as a restricted response range across biological and behavioral realms of functioning is drawn from the literature on anxiety and HRV.