cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Antiangiogenic Factor 16K PRL Induces Programmed Cell Death in Endothelial Cells by Caspase Activation

We asked whether the antiangiogenic action of 16K human PRL (hPRL), in addition to blocking mitogeninduced vascular endothelial cell proliferation, involved activation of programmed cell death. Treatment with recombinant 16K hPRL increased DNA fragmentation in cultured bovine brain capillary endothelial (BBE) and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, independent of the serum concentration. The activation of apoptosis by 16K hPRL was specific for endothelial cells, and the activity of the peptide could be inhibited by heat denaturation, trypsin digestion, and immunoneutralization, but not by treatment with the endotoxin blocker, polymyxin-B. 16K hPRL-induced apoptosis was correlated with the rapid activation of caspases 1 and 3 and was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of caspase activity. Caspase activation was followed by inactivation of two caspase substrates, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and the inhibitor of caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease (DNase) (ICAD). Furthermore, 16K hPRL increased the conversion of Bcl-X to its proapoptotic form, suggesting that the Bcl-2 protein family may also be involved in 16K hPRL-induced apoptosis. These findings support the hypothesis that the antiangiogenic action of 16K hPRL includes the activation of programmed cell death of vascular endothelial cells. (Molecular Endocrinology 14: 1536‐ 1549, 2000)
Popliteal artery aneurysms: a 25-year surgical experience.

Abstract Operative repair was undertaken for 51 popliteal aneurysms in 39 patients between 1958 and 1990. Operation was performed on an emergency basis in 19 extremities with limb-threatening ischemia and as an elective procedure in 32 extremities. Cumulative limb salvage (94%) rates and patency rates (67%) became significantly different at 6 years ( p p p
Arterial colony stimulating factor-1 influences atherosclerotic lesions by regulating monocyte migration and apoptosis

Previous studies have shown that colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) deficiency dramatically reduced atherogenesis in mice. In this report we investigate this mechanism and explore a therapeutic avenue based on inhibition of CSF-1 signaling. Lesions from macrophage colony stimulating factor-1 (Csf1)+/− mice showed increased numbers of apoptotic macrophages, decreased overall macrophage content, and inflammation. In vitro studies indicated that CSF-1 is chemotactic for monocytes. Bone marrow transplantation studies suggested that vascular cell-derived, rather than macrophage-derived, CSF-1 is responsible for the effect on atherosclerosis. Consistent with previous studies, CSF-1 affected lesion development in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that pharmacological inhibition of CSF-1 might achieve similar results. Indeed, we observed that treatment of hyperlipidemic mice with a CSF-1 receptor kinase inhibitor inhibited plaque progression. This observation was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of adhesion factors (ICAM-1), macrophage markers (F4/80), inflammatory cytokines (Il-6, Il-1β), and macrophage matrix degradation enzymes (MMP-9). We conclude that the M-CSF pathway contributes to monocyte recruitment and macrophage survival and that this pathway is a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
INTENSIVE CUSTOMER FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE DELIVERY OF HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS IN PENNSYLVANIA

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has long been a leader among state transportation departments in the area of quality improvement and customer service. As part of this effort, PennDOT recently overhauled its annual survey of motorists to solicit more specific and more usable feedback in order to improve the delivery of highway maintenance services at the district and county levels. The background of this upgraded survey is provided, the current methodology and instrument are described, initial findings from the first year of field work are presented, and the management uses of the results, intended to strengthen service delivery, are discussed. The initial findings resulted in substantial variation in motorists' ratings among the three classes of highway and from county to county across the commonwealth. On balance, Pennsylvania motorists gave PennDOT highways a grade of C+, which represents a passing grade but still leaves considerable room for improvement. The results were forward...
Correlative Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy and Electron Microscopy

Correlative fluorescence light microscopy and electron microscopy allows the imaging of spatial distributions of specific biomolecules in the context of cellular ultrastructure. Recent development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy allows the location of molecules to be determined with nanometer-scale spatial resolution. However, correlative super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy (EM) still remains challenging because the optimal specimen preparation and imaging conditions for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and EM are often not compatible. Here, we have developed several experiment protocols for correlative stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and EM methods, both for un-embedded samples by applying EM-specific sample preparations after STORM imaging and for embedded and sectioned samples by optimizing the fluorescence under EM fixation, staining and embedding conditions. We demonstrated these methods using a variety of cellular targets.
Challenges in reversing esophageal discontinuity operations

Abstract Background After catastrophic esophageal or gastric disruption results in esophageal discontinuity, operations to restore swallowing are surgical challenges. Methods A retrospective review and assessment of functional results was performed in 40 patients (average age 59.9 years) who had 42 operations to reverse esophageal discontinuity between 1973 and 2002. Results Esophageal discontinuity resulted from gastric necrosis after esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy (n = 10) or hiatal hernia repair (n = 4), esophageal perforation complicating dilatation (n = 5), failed colonic or jejunal interpositions (n = 5), caustic ingestion (n = 4), Boerhaave syndrome (n = 4), esophagogastric anastomotic leak (n = 3), and other causes (n = 6). Eighteen patients (43.9%) required prolonged mechanical ventilation. Thirty-one (75.6%) had an end cervical esophagostomy; 6, an anterior thoracic esophagostomy; 2, lateral esophagostomy and in situ native esophagus stapled and divided distally; and 1 each, a stapled, divided esophagus without esophagostomy and a stapled undivided esophagus without esophagostomy. Twenty-six patients (63.4%) had undergone partial or total gastrectomy. Ten (24.4%) had vocal cord paralysis. Operations reestablishing continuity included colonic interposition in 23 (56.1%), substernal gastric interposition in 7 (17.1%), esophagectomy and cervical anastomosis in 6, esophageal reanastomosis in 3, staged jejunal interposition in 1, and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in 1. There were no hospital deaths. Twenty-eight patients (68.3%) had postoperative complications. Length of stay averaged 20.6 days. Follow-up for 40 patients averaged 54.5 months. Functional results (39 patients) were excellent in 12 (30.8%), good in 15 (38.5%), fair in 10 (25.6%), and poor in 2 (5.1%). Conclusions Successful reversal of esophageal discontinuity requires individualized assessment and ingenuity. Despite appreciable morbidity, the ultimate result is generally gratifying.
Solving linear equations over GF(2): block Lanczos algorithm

Abstract We propose a method of solving large sparse systems of linear equations over GF(2), the field with two elements. We use the Lanczos algorithm, modified in two ways. A lookahead Lanczos algorithm is needed for the problem of dividing by an inner product whose value happens to be 0. A block version of the algorithm allows us to perform 32 matrix-vector operations for the cost of one. The resulting algorithm is competitive with structured Gaussian elimination in terms of time, and has much lower space requirements. It may be useful in the last stage of integer factorization.
EEG detection of nontonic-clonic status epilepticus in patients with altered consciousness

Subtypes of status epilepticus (SE) without tonic-clonic convulsions (nontonic-clonic SE) present as altered consciousness sometimes with subtle motor activity and are important to consider in the differential diagnosis of patients with unexplained altered consciousness. Other patients may have altered consciousness with intermittent ictal activity on electroencephalography (EEG) that represents probable SE, but have other medical conditions that may be contributing to altered consciousness. EEG is the only reliable way to make the diagnosis of nontonic-clonic SE and we make emergency EEG available on a 24-h basis at our hospital. To determine how often definite or probable nontonic-clonic SE was detected by EEG we prospectively collected data on all cases where physicians ordered EEG to evaluate altered consciousness or possible SE. Out of 198 cases with altered consciousness but no clinical convulsions, 74 (37%) showed EEG and clinical evidence of definite or probable nontonic-clonic SE. Forty-two episodes (57%) were probable or definite complex partial SE, 29 (39%) were probable or definite subtle generalized SE, and three (4%) were myoclonic SE. In 23 SE cases altered consciousness was the only clinical sign at the time of diagnosis; subtle motor activity was present in 36 others. Neither clinical signs nor prior history predicted which patients showed SE on EEG. Nontonic-clonic SE followed a cerebral infarction in 16 cases. Contrary to other reports, we found no relationship between duration of SE and EEG pattern. Subtle generalized SE occurred most commonly in the setting of a diffuse brain injury rather than evolving from convulsive SE. This study demonstrates that nontonic-clonic SE is a common finding in patients with unexplained altered consciousness and EEG is necessary in the evaluation of these patients.
Architecture of individual dendrites from intracellularly labeled thalamocortical projection neurons in the ventral posterolateral and ventral posteromedial nuclei of cat.

This study provides quantitative descriptions of individual dendrites from electrophysiologically characterized and intracellularly labeled thalamocortical projection (TCP) neurons of the cat ventrobasal complex. One hundred nine dendrites from six ventral posterolateral (VPL) neurons and six ventral posteromedial (VPM) neurons were examined. Measurement of several parameters showed that the individual dendrites were very similar to each other in overall architecture even though they varied greatly in total length and number of dendritic branches. The mean path distance (length from soma to a dendritic tip) was very similar for a dendrites in each group (VPL or VPM) regardless of the number of branches found along the path distance. However, VPL dendrites had a longer mean path distance (VPL = 206 ± 36 μm; n = 51) than VPM dendrites (VPM = 182 ± 29 μm; n = 58; P < 0.001). For all dendrites there was a strong correlation between the stem dendrite diameter and the dendritic length, which allows the estimation of dendritic length from dendrite diameter. Analysis of dendritic scaling shows that branches higher than first order do not follow Rall's ½ power rule, so these neurons cannot be modeled using the equivalent cylinder approximation. The data add to the qualitative descriptions of cat ventrobasal (VB) TCP dendrites currently available and provide a basis for future comparative, developmental, and plasticity studies. Analysis shows that many parameters of cat VB TCP dendrites fall within a narrow range, suggesting that, regardless of differences in length or superficial appearance, these dendrites share a stable underlying architecture. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gold-nanoparticle-based miniaturized laser-induced fluorescence probe for specific DNA hybridization detection: studies on size-dependent optical properties

A compact, highly specific, inexpensive and user friendly optical fibre laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) sensor based on fluorescence quenching by nanoparticles has been developed to detect single-strand (ss-) DNA hybridization at femtomolar level. The fluorescence of fluorophore-tagged ss-DNA increases by a factor of 80 when it binds to a complimentary DNA, while the addition of single-base mismatch DNA had no effect on the fluorescence efficiency. We present theoretical and experimental results on dye fluorescence quenching induced by gold nanoparticles having different particle sizes. Fluorescence spectra clearly show that the quenching efficiency decreases with increasing size of the gold nanoparticles and increasing the distance between dye and nanoparticles. The mechanism of size- and distant-dependent fluorescence quenching has been discussed. Effects of various influential experimental parameters and configurations were investigated in order to optimize and miniaturize the sensor performance.
Titania-assisted photoreduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in aqueous media: Kinetics and mechanisms

The kinetics of photon-assisted reduction of chromium-oxyanion, HCrO4−, at the surface of titania particles dispersed in the aqueous solution was investigated as a function of the initial HCrO4− concentration and the initial salicylic acid (SA) concentration of the solution, at fixed titania loading (1 g/L), solution pH (2), and dissolved oxygen concentration (0.028 mM). Detailed analysis of the kinetic data was carried out to determine the rate constants of the various electron and hole scavenging processes. Dissolved oxygen competes very strongly with HCrO4− anions for the photogenerated electrons, suggesting that its presence is detrimental to the reduction of HCrO4− anions. In the absence of salicylic acid, recombination dominates the water and the lattice oxidation processes, thereby removing the photogenerated electrons and leading to lower HCrO4/− reduction rates. Salicylic acid rapidly scavenges the photogenerated holes, thus preventing the electron-hole recombination and assisting in the transfer of electrons to HCrO4− anions leading to their increased rate of reduction. Only a third of the incident photons were absorbed by the titania leading to the generation of the electron-hole pairs, indicating inefficient use of energy. The quantum yield for the reduction of HCrO4− anions to Cr3+ cations varied from 18 to 39 pct as HCrO4− concentration increased from 0.4 to 1 mM (in the absence of SA) and varied from 39 to 98 pct as SA concentration increased from 0.0036 to 0.1 mM (at [HCrO4−] = 1 mM).
Late Holocene vegetation, climate, and land-use impacts on carbon dynamics in the Florida Everglades

Abstract Tropical and subtropical peatlands are considered a significant carbon sink. The Florida Everglades includes 6000-km2 of peat-accumulating wetland; however, detailed carbon dynamics from different environments within the Everglades have not been extensively studied or compared. Here we present carbon accumulation rates from 13 cores and 4 different environments, including sawgrass ridges and sloughs, tree islands, and marl prairies, whose hydroperiods and vegetation communities differ. We find that the lowest rates of C accumulation occur in sloughs in the southern Everglades. The highest rates are found where hydroperiods are generally shorter, including near-tails of tree islands and drier ridges. Long-term average rates of 100 to >200 g C m−2 yr−1 are as high, and in some cases, higher than rates recorded from the tropics and 10–20 times higher than boreal averages. C accumulation rates were impacted by both the Medieval Climate Anomaly and the Little Ice Age, but the largest impacts to C accumulation rates over the Holocene record have been the anthropogenic changes associated with expansion of agriculture and construction of canals and levees to control movement of surface water. Water management practices in the 20th century have altered the natural hydroperiods and fire regimes of the Everglades. The Florida Everglades as a whole has acted as a significant carbon sink over the mid- to late-Holocene, but reduction of the spatial extent of the original wetland area, as well as the alteration of natural hydrology in the late 19th and 20th centuries, have significantly reduced the carbon sink capacity of this subtropical wetland.
White Matter Integrity in Highly Traumatized Adults With and Without Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Prior structural imaging studies of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have observed smaller volumes of the hippocampus and cingulate cortex, yet little is known about the integrity of white matter connections between these structures in PTSD samples. The few published studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to measure white matter integrity in PTSD have described individuals with focal trauma rather than chronically stressed individuals, which limits generalization of findings to this population; in addition, these studies have lacked traumatized comparison groups without PTSD. The present DTI study examined microstructural integrity of white matter tracts in a sample of highly traumatized African-American women with (n=25) and without (n=26) PTSD using a tract-based spatial statistical approach, with threshold-free cluster enhancement. Our findings indicated that, relative to comparably traumatized controls, decreased integrity (measured by fractional anisotropy) of the posterior cingulum was observed in participants with PTSD (p<0.05). These findings indicate that reduced microarchitectural integrity of the cingulum, a white matter fiber that connects the entorhinal and cingulate cortices, appears to be associated with PTSD symptomatology. The role of this pathway in problems that characterize PTSD, such as inadequate extinction of learned fear, as well as attention and explicit memory functions, are discussed.
Serum luteinizing hormone, prolactin, glucocorticoid, and progestin in dairy cows from calving to gestation.

Abstract In a survey of 91 Holstein cows, blood serum prolactin increased from 50±4 ng/ml at 2 to 4 wk before parturition to 234±14 ng/ml at parturition and fell to 69±4 ng/ml during the first 6 wk postpartum. Serum luteinizing hormone remained near .5 ng/ml until parturition, then increased to 1.5±.3 ng/ml at 5 to 6 wk postpartum. In 12 of the same cows, glucocorticoid increased three-fold to a peak at parturition and returned to prepartum values by 1 wk postpartum; progestin fell from 8.0±.6 ng/ml at 1 to 2 wk prepartum to .9±.2 ng/ml at parturition. During diestrus of the first postpartum estrous cycle, luteinizing hormone (23 cows) was 50% higher and progestin (9 cows) was 34% lower than during the second cycle. During the 18 days following inseminations, luteinizing hormone was 22% lower in fertile than in infertile cows. Progestin concentration was similar until day 11 in fertile and infertile cows; thereafter, progestin in nine pregnant cows increased to 12.2±2.1 ng/ml at day 20, whereas in nine nonpregnant cows progestin peaked at 7.8±.6 ng/ml at day 15 and declined thereafter to the next estrus. Correlations within day between luteinizing hormone and progestin were mostly positive in fertile cows, in contrast to the analogous correlations which were mostly negative in open cows.
An Improved Method for a Hydrophobic Grid-membrane Filter System to Detect Heat-injured Foodborne Pathogens in Ground Beef

: Recovery of heat-injured pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Yersinia enterocolitica) in ground beef samples was studied by the thin agar layer (TAL) and TAL = Oxyrase® (TALO) methods in conjunction with the ISO-GRID® hydrophobic grid-membrane filter (HGMF). This new combination using ISO-GRID HGMFs with the TAL and TALO methods improved the efficiency (P < 0.05) of recovery of pathogens. In addition, the TALO method showed a higher percentage increase of recovery than the TAL method because of stimulation of Oxyrase in growth of pathogens. The combination allows the detection of very low numbers of pathogens in food.
Isoenzymic forms of NAD-linked glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from rabbit brain.

Abstract Two major enzyme forms of cytosolic NAD-linked glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in rabbit brain have been purified to apparent homogeneity. One major enzyme form designated I6.5 exhibits an iso-electric point at pH 6.5, and is indistinguishable from the major form I6.5 found in other tissues. The other major form, designated I5.9, has an isoelectric point at pH 5.9, and by amino acid analysis is shown to be a true isoenzyme distinct from form I6.5. Form I5.9 appears to be closely related to or identical with the major enzyme characteristic of heart. Neither the brain enzyme form I5.9 nor the major heart isoenzyme are inhibited by antiserum to the muscle enzyme. Because of the high apparent K m for NADH, it is postulated that the brain isoenzyme I5.9 serves to maintain glycolysis when NADH levels rise under relatively anaerobic conditions especially during fetal and neonatal development.
In-line electrical probe for CD metrology

As device linewidths shrink to 0.5 micrometer and below, the ECD (electrical critical dimension) technique is a good choice for in-line CD (critical dimension) measurements on conducting substrates. In this size regime, ECD is poised to replace SEM (scanning electron microscope) as the standard tool of the semiconductor industry, with a measurement capability significantly better than that of the CD SEM. Keithley Instruments has developed an advanced electrical prober for use at Motorola's MOS-12 facility. This tool provides in-line CD measurements in a completely automated, hands-off 'load-and-go' mode that requires only wafer loading, measurement recipe loading, and a 'run' command for processing. Its expected capability will permit measurement of lines thinner than 0.5 micrometer accurately, and with complete data transfer to the factory data collection and analysis system. The measurement results are well correlated to SEM top-down measurements and their use as a SEM replacement would not result in any loss of necessary process characterization information. Results are also included from a contamination study performed as part of the production qualification process for this tool. Particulate contamination need not be a concern, even for In-Line testing. Conversion from SEM CD to ECD measurements on metal and polysilicon layers is expected to provide a number of benefits, including better process control for very thin lines through more data with improved repeatability and stability. Other expected benefits include equipment cost savings and improved cycle time.
Achieving Public Schools.

Public schools are functionally provided through structural arrangements such as government funding, but public schools are achieved in substance, in part, through local governance. In this essay, Kathleen Knight Abowitz explains the bifocal nature of achieving public schools; that is, that schools are both subject to the unitary Public compact of constitutional principles as well as to the more local engagements with multiple publics. Knight Abowitz sketches this bifocal nature, exploring both the unitary ideal and its parameters, as well as the less understood forms of multiple, organic publics that come into being in response to localized problems in schools or districts. These publics often fail to realize their potential in the development of increased capacity for enhanced teaching and learning. The essay ultimately points to a practical application: that educational leadership of all types, and with some very specific kinds of habits and skills, is needed to help achieve public schools.
NATIVITY DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL HEALTH: THE ROLES OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, FAMILY, AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION

U.S. immigrants are a physically healthy population, but we do not understand the explanatory factors responsible for their physical health status, particularly those related to social network support. Using data from the 2001 wave of the National Health Interview Survey, we examine multiple measures of immigrant adaptation, investigating their influence on measures of physical health. In particular, we examine how well indicators of social support and integration explain the immigrant health advantage. Results show clear evidence of an immigrant paradox in physical health, but that measures of support and integration explain almost none of the immigration effect on physical health.
Brain glucose utilization in undernourished rats.

Extract: The in vivo incorporation of radioactivity from [U-14C]glucose was reduced in undernourished rat pups at ages 6, 10, and 17 days for brain lipids, and at age 10 days for brain amino acids. Brain glucose concentrations were lower at age 20 days (controls 1.58 ± 0.26 vs. test 1.14 ± 0.07 μmol/g) but other alterations in brain glucose, glycogen, ATP, or phosphocreatine concentrations were not found.
Identification and Analysis of a 2:1 Monoclinic Phase for the Organic Donor–Acceptor Complex o-Me2TTF-TCNB: Structural and Spectroscopic Studies of a New Solid State Configuration

In this communication, we present the single crystal X-ray structure and spectroscopic properties for a newly discovered 2:1 phase for the organic donor–acceptor complex o-Me2TTF-TCNB. This new phase crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1 /n with a = 7.6846(17) A, b = 19.8987(19) A, c = 9.1844(8) A and β = 91.955(7)°. Valence sensitive bond distances, specifically the central C=C bond and four ancillary C–S bonds in o-Me2TTF and the cyanide groups of TCNB were compared to those from the free components and suggested that both the donor and acceptor molecules remained neutral in the complex. Additionally, infrared spectroscopy measurements were conducted and the corresponding vibrational frequencies for selected bands from the donor and acceptor molecules further support the hypothesis that neutral molecules were present. Herein we present the structure and infrared spectroscopic properties for the 2:1 monoclinic phase of the donor–acceptor complex o-Me2TTF-TCNB (o-Me2TTF = o-3,4-dimethyltetrathiafulvalene; TCNB = 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene), a complex which has already had its 1:1 triclinic form described.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with 4-amino-2,6-dimethyl pyrimidine

Abstract Interactions of Pt(II) and Pd(II) with 4-amino-2,6-dimethyl pyrimidine have been studied employing elemental analysis, infrared, proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The metal is bound to N-1′ position of the ligand inspite of the two adjacent methyl groups coupled with the fact that N-1′ position might have been protonated under our experimental condition (pH = 3.5). The amino protons are shifted and split into two due to hindered rotation about C-′ carbon.
Comparison of void nucleation and growth at MnS and Ti2CS inclusions in HY180 steel

Comparaison de la tenacite de deux aciers HY180, l'un contenant des particules de MnS et l'autre des particules de Ti 2 CS. Correlation avec les fractions volumiques, les espacements et les caracteristiques de nucleation de cavites des particules dans les deux aciers
Myosin heavy chain kinases play essential roles in Ca2+, but not cAMP, chemotaxis and the natural aggregation of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Behavioral analyses of the deletion mutants of the four known myosin II heavy chain (Mhc) kinases of Dictyostelium discoideum revealed that all play a minor role in the efficiency of basic cell motility, but none play a role in chemotaxis in a spatial gradient of cAMP generated in vitro . However, the two kinases MhckA and MhckC were essential for chemotaxis in a spatial gradient of Ca2+, shear-induced directed movement, and reorientation in the front of waves of cAMP during natural aggregation. The phenotypes of the mutants mhckA− and mhckC− were highly similar to that of the Ca2+ channel/receptor mutant iplA− and the myosin II phosphorylation mutant 3XALA, which produces constitutively unphosphorylated myosin II. These results demonstrate that IplA, MhckA and MhckC play a selective role in chemotaxis in a spatial gradient of Ca2+, but not cAMP, and suggest that Ca2+ chemotaxis plays a role in the orientation of cells in the front of cAMP waves during natural aggregation.
Hydrogen isotope fractionation in freshwater algae: I. Variations among lipids and species

Five species of freshwater green algae, including three strains of Botryococcus braunii (two A Race, one B Race), Eudorina unicocca and Volvox aureus, were cultured under controlled conditions in media containing different concentrations of deuterium. The hydrogen isotopic ratios of lipids in the algae, including alkadienes, botryococcenes, heptadecenes, fatty acids, and phytadiene, were measured by gas chromatography–isotope ratio-mass spectrometry (GC–IRMS) and found to closely track water δD values. While correlation coefficients (R2) in excess of 0.99 for all lipids in all species suggest that lipid δD values can be used to determine water δD values, hydrogen isotope fractionation was found to vary systematically between lipids and lipid homologues within a single alga, as well as for the same lipid between species of algae. Under similar growth conditions, two species of Chlorophyceae (Eudorina unicocca and Volvox aureus) and three species of Trebouxiophyceae (Botryococcus braunii) produced palmitic acid (C16 fatty acid) that differed by 90–100‰ relative to water. Ubiquitous lipids such as palmitic acid, with a multitude of aquatic and terrestrial sources, are therefore not good targets for D/H-based paleohydrologic reconstructions. In addition to the use of source-specific biomarkers that derive unambiguously from a single family or species, paleohydrologic applications of lipid D/H ratios will need to consider the as yet unstudied potential influence that environmental parameters such as nutrients, light and temperature, etc., may have on D/H fractionation during lipid synthesis.
Quality assessment of electroencephalography obtained from a “dry electrode” system

This study examines the difference in application times for routine electroencephalography (EEG) utilizing traditional electrodes and a "dry electrode" headset. The primary outcome measure was the time to interpretable EEG (TIE). A secondary outcome measure of recording quality and interpretability was obtained from EEG sample review by two blinded clinical neurophysiologists. With EEG samples obtained from 10 subjects, the average TIE for the "dry electrode" system was 139s, and for the conventional recording 873s (p<0.001). The results support the hypothesis that such a "dry electrode" system can be applied with more than an 80% reduction in the TIE while still obtaining interpretable EEG.
Interaction between DEAE-dextran and nucleic acids

Abstract DEAE-dextran at critical concentrations showed a precipitative action on nucleic acids. When the concentration of DEAE-dextran was increased above the critical level, the nucleic acids went back into solution and a colloidal state seemed to be attained. The properties of nucleic acids at the colloidal stage of the interaction with DEAE-dextran were investigated and it was found that: 1. 1. RNA was no longer precipitable with alcohol; 2. 2. the bases of the RNA retained their capacity to react with formaldehyde; 3. 3. DNA was protected against deoxyribonuclease degradation; 4. 4. RNA was only partially protected against ribonuclease degradation, and messenger RNA coated with DEAE-dextran retained to some extent its messenger function after ribonuclease degradation.
Determining basals for the peabody individual achievement test

The appropriateness of the starting points for PIAT subtests as suggested by the test authors was investigated. For a sample of 113 subjects with an average WISC-R Full Scale IQ of 98, there was an average difference of nearly 8 points between the suggested starting points for the Mathematics subtest and the actual basals. The difference between suggested starting points and basals for the other subtests ranged from 8 to 12 points. It was suggested that the PIAT user start each subtest approximately 8 items below that suggested by the Manual.
Opportunities to Prevent HIV Transmission to Newborns

You are called by an obstetrical colleague to help with a difficult situation: a 28-year-old woman is in active labor with frequent strong contractions and 7-cm cervical dilatation. A rapid HIV test, performed 30 minutes ago, has just been reported as positive. The labor and delivery clinicians and the pharmacy are working frantically to obtain antiretroviral medicines for the woman, and they need your help with care of the soon-to-arrive infant. Pediatricians will be encountering this type of challenging scenario more frequently during the next few years. Although mother-to-child transmission of HIV has declined dramatically in the last decade, perinatal HIV exposure remains a critically important problem. HIV continues to increase among women of childbearing age; however, many women remain unaware of their HIV status. Position statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists1 as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention2, 3 have strongly recommended universal HIV testing during pregnancy, both as a routine part of prenatal care and during labor and delivery. As HIV testing becomes standard, more pregnant women with positive HIV tests will be … Address correspondence to Ronald H. Goldschmidt, MD, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94110. E-mail: rgoldschmidt{at}nccc.ucsf.edu
Non-synaptic inhibition between grouped neurons in an olfactory circuit

Diverse sensory organs, including mammalian taste buds and insect chemosensory sensilla, show a marked compartmentalization of receptor cells; however, the functional impact of this organization remains unclear. Here we show that compartmentalized Drosophila olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) communicate with each other directly. The sustained response of one ORN is inhibited by the transient activation of a neighbouring ORN. Mechanistically, such lateral inhibition does not depend on synapses and is probably mediated by ephaptic coupling. Moreover, lateral inhibition in the periphery can modulate olfactory behaviour. Together, the results show that integration of olfactory information can occur via lateral interactions between ORNs. Inhibition of a sustained response by a transient response may provide a means of encoding salience. Finally, a CO(2)-sensitive ORN in the malaria mosquito Anopheles can also be inhibited by excitation of an adjacent ORN, suggesting a broad occurrence of lateral inhibition in insects and possible applications in insect control.
The psychometric properties of the multidimensional health locus of control scales in an alcoholic population

Examined the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales with inpatients (N = 100) who were being treated at a Veterans Administration Medical Center Alcohol Dependence Treatment Unit. Acceptable levels of internal consistency were found whether consideration was given to the 6-item scales or the combined 12-item version. The three MHLC Scales appear to measure largely independent dimensions of locus of control beliefs specifically related to health. Factor analyses suggested that the instrument was factoraly valid; three distinct factors emerged that fulfill notions of parsimony, psychological meaningfulness, and simple structure. The potential utility of the MHLC Scales for both clinical and research purposes is discussed with emphasis on individualized health intervention planning and treatment modalities that utilize the health locus of control construct.
Locational determinants and valuation of Vlach Rom (Gypsy) fortune-telling territories in the United States: An integrated application of economic and cultural logics and methods

Abstract Economic geography and the applied geography of retail site location have been historically driven by neo-classical market indicators; for example, population, income, and education levels. While distinct markets for ethnically-defined economic activities follow traditional market indicators, they are more complex in their establishment and organization. The purpose of this article is to examine the evolution of territorial locational determinants and efficiencies of ethnic niche economies, particularly the Vlach Romani fortune-telling business in the United States. Using self-appraised fortune-telling territory prices and a large georeferenced dataset of modern fortune-telling establishments (known as “offices” or ofisuria in their dialect of the Rromanes language) in New York City and Los Angeles, I test several hypotheses regarding the distribution and site-selection criterion of fortune-telling territories using Ordinary Least-Squares (OLS) and zero-inflated Poisson regression models fitted with a spatial regime. While only examining one culture group, this article demonstrates decision making and locational determinants associated with highly structured ethnic economic niches can be spatially analyzed, quantitatively modeled, and situated within a broader economic and urban narrative of spatial territorial adaptations of ethnic niche economies to dynamic demand markets.
Stimulus-timing-dependent modifications of rate-level functions in animals with and without tinnitus

Tinnitus has been associated with enhanced central gain manifested by increased spontaneous activity and sound-evoked firing rates of principal neurons at various stations of the auditory pathway. ...
ORTHOGONAL COLLOCATION IN CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING

Abstract The orthogonal collocation method is used to obtain approximate solutions to the differential equations modeling chemical reactors. There are two ways to view applications of the orthogonal collocation method. In one view it is a numerical method for which the convergence to the exact answer can be seen as the approximation is refined in successive calculations by using more collocation points, which are similar to grid points in a finite difference method. Another viewpoint considers only the first approximation, which can often be found analytically, and which gives valuable insight to the qualitative behavior of the solution. The answers, however, are of uncertain accuracy, so that the calculation must be refined to obtain useful numbers. However, with experience and appropriate caution, the first approximation is often sufficient and is easy to obtain. Thus it is very often useful in engineering work, where valid approximations are accepted. We present both viewpoints here: we use the first a...
Anti-scatter grid artifact elimination for high resolution x-ray imaging CMOS detectors

Higher resolution in dynamic radiological imaging such as angiography is increasingly being demanded by clinicians; however, when standard anti-scatter grids are used with such new high resolution detectors, grid-line artifacts become more apparent resulting in increased structured noise that may overcome the contrast signal improvement benefits of the scatter-reducing grid. Although grid-lines may in theory be eliminated by dividing the image of a patient taken with the grid by a flat-field image taken with the grid obtained prior to the clinical image, unless the remaining additive scatter contribution is subtracted in real-time from the dynamic clinical image sequence before the division by the reference image, severe grid-line artifacts may remain. To investigate grid-line elimination, a stationary Smit Rӧntgen X-ray grid (line density: 70 lines/cm, grid ratio 13:1) was used with both a 75 micron-pixel CMOS detector and a standard 194 micron-pixel flat panel detector (FPD) to image an artery block insert placed in a modified uniform frontal head phantom for a 20 x 20cm FOV (approximately). Contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured with and without scatter subtraction prior to grid-line correction. The fixed pattern noise caused by the grid was substantially higher for the CMOS detector compared to the FPD and caused a severe reduction of CNR. However, when the scatter subtraction corrective method was used, the removal of the fixed pattern noise (grid artifacts) became evident resulting in images with improved CNR.
ORTHOTROPIC PLATE MODEL FOR ESTIMATING DEFLECTIONS IN FILLED GRID DECKS

Concrete filled grid bridge decks exhibit orthogonal elastic properties and significant two-way bending action enabling orthotropic plate theory to determine structural response for these elements. Current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials load and resistance factor design (LRFD) specifications employ an orthotropic plate model to predict live load moment in concrete filled grid bridge decks but provide no guidance for computing displacement, a potentially important serviceability consideration. This paper presents equations to approximate the maximum deflection in concrete filled grid bridge decks based on orthotropic plate theory, multiple patch loads, LRFD design truck and tandem load cases, the influence of multiple spans, and the two most common deck orientations.
Planar orotron experiments in the millimeter-wavelength band

The planar orotron is introduced and shown to be a viable source of moderate power and of millimeter and submillimeter wavelength radiation. The resonator is a slow-wave structure consisting of a rectangular metal grating which is opposed by a planar conducting boundary. The device operates in the surface harmonic mode: electrons interact with axially traveling waves which evanesce above the grating surface, and the amplified radiation leaves the resonator in parallel with the beam axis. Operation in both the forward and backward mode is possible. The resonator cavity is designed to enhance longitudinal reflections, and thereby enhance the output power and efficiency. The output frequency and tuning range are determined by the grating parameters. Experiments performed in the backward mode have produced radiation from 30 to 110 GHz at power levels ranging from 100 W to 2 kW. The efficiencies vary from 1 to 7%. The measured frequencies are closely predicted by a theory which is also presented. >
Contextualism: The world view of behavior analysis

Abstract The thesis of this paper is that contemporary behavior analysis—and the behavior analysis of child development in particular—is contextualistic in world view, in contrast to its traditional characterization as being mechanistic. The contextualistic character of behavior analysis is introduced by presenting some material on the field's historical background. This material, though, is not presented in the manner of the standard account, but rather in a revised account with respect to such movements as empiricism, associationism, positivism, operationism, and pragmatism. The thesis is then developed more fully by comparing and contrasting the contextualism of behavior analysis with mechanism, both of which are analyzed with respect to five core developmental issues: (a) elementarism versus holism, (b) development as response-based change versus structural change, (c) causal versus functional analysis, (d) continuity versus discontinuity, and (e) the passive versus active nature of development. Finally, the importance of “context” in contextualism is examined and organized according to current behavior-analytic practices. Concluding commentary focuses on the salutory effects of having both behavior analysis and mainstream developmental psychology be commensurable in world view, especially with regard to such issues as cognition.
Construction of fast dynamos using unsteady flows and maps in three dimensions

Unsteady fast dynamos are constructed using a sequence of rapid movements separated by periods of diffusion of the magnetic field. Motivated by the physical mechanism described by Ze'dovich and by ...
Climate‐related and morphoedaphic correlates of growth in white bass

Length at age 1, 2 and 3 white bass Morone chrysops in 54 Texas, U.S.A., reservoirs was related significantly to longitude and log 10 (TDS) (total dissolved solids). Length at age I also was related to morphoedaphic index (MEI), mean depth, and length of growing season. Quadratic models for latitude and growing season explained 19-24% (latitude) and 24-34% (growing season length) of the variation in length of white bass. Length of all age classes was unrelated to reservoir age, maximum depth, and surface area.
Chain mobility and crystallization in ultraquenched glasses of polypivalolactone and poly-(4-methyl-pentene-1)

Abstract An ultraquenching technique was used to prepare thin (ca. 1000 A) amorphous films of polypivalolactone and poly(4-methyl-pentene-1). These films were characterized by electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Other ultraquenched films of these polymers were crystallized by annealing for various times in the vicinity of their glass transition temperatures. Electron microscopy and electron diffraction were used to follow the reorganization of their structures. Evidence for a double Tg in polypivalolactone (PPVL) was found, with crystallization of annealed, ultraquenched films occurring just above Tg (L) = 270°K. A Tg (U) = 340°K was noted. When the disordered glass was annealed above Tg (L), polypivalolactone crystallized into the a crystal form, which is composed of antiparallel chain segments, suggesting a chain-folded crystallization mechanism. Poly(4-methyl-pentene-1) (P4MP1) gave evidence for Tg (L) = 220°K and Tg (U) = 325°K by dynamic mechanical analysis. Ho...
Planar reconfigurable slot antenna for communications

A new approach for implementing electronically tunable antennas is presented in this paper. The basic concept is to vary the effective electrical length of the antenna by controlling the bias conditions of solid state switches mounted on the slot. The implemented antennas is resonating at three different frequencies spanning the range of 550 to 700 MHz with no matching networks required.
SU‐FF‐I‐10: Evaluation of a Micro‐CT Scanner Applied to the Characterization of Pulmonary Architecture in the Rat

Purpose: With the rapid demographic shift towards urbanization worldwide, increasing numbers of children are exposed to ozone and particulate pollutants as a result of closer proximity to transportation corridors. To quantify the effect that ozone has on mammals, a rat‐lung cast model was developed and micro‐CT techniques were used to image the lung casts at high spatial resolution.Method and Materials: A normal rat lung was characterized. At sacrifice, the trachea was cannulated, and a RTV silicone compound was injected by syringe into the airways and allowed to harden. The rat tissues were decomposed using acid bath, so that a cast of the respiratory tree of each rat remained. A custom designed micro‐CT scanner was used to evaluate the lung casts. The system used a 70 micrometer focal spot tungsten anode, a rotating stage, and a 2048 × 1024 CMOS based indirect ( Gd 2 O 2 S ) detector.Results: CT scans were acquired using the full resolution of the detector, and using between 300 and 1000 projection images. A cone beam reconstruction developed in house was used to generate high resolution volume data sets (eg. 1024 × 1024 × 512) of the lung casts. Conclusion: The micro‐CT scanner was able to accurately characterize the pulmonary structure of the rat from the lungs casts, and this approach was necessary to characterize the complex three dimensional pulmonary structures. This application of small animal imaging technology has enabled computer modeling and quantitative analysis of the biological issues surrounding ozone exposure using the rat model.
A new proof of the Caffarelli‐Kohn‐Nirenberg theorem

Here we give a self-contained new proof of the partial regularity theorems for solutions of incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in three spatial dimensions. These results were originally due to Scheffer and Caffarelli, Kohn, and Nirenberg. Our proof is much more direct and simpler. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.