cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Effects of Aerobic Exercise in Alzheimer's Disease: Imaging Findings From the Pilot FIT-AD Trial

Despite strong evidence from animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) supporting aerobic exercise as a disease-modifying treatment for AD, human mechanistic studies are limited with mixed findings. The objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of 6-month aerobic exercise on hippocampal volume, temporal meta-regions of interest (ROI) cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, and network failure quotient (NFQ), measured with MRI, in community-dwelling older adults with AD dementia. Additionally, the relationships between 6- and 12-month changes in MRI biomarkers and the AD Assessment Scale-Cognition (ADAS-Cog) were examined. Sixty participants were randomized, but one was excluded because baseline MRI failed quality control: 38 randomized to cycling and 21 to stretching. The intervention was moderate-intensity cycling for 20-50 mins, three times a week for 6 months. Control was low-intensity stretching. The study outcomes include hippocampal volume, temporal meta-ROI cortical thickness, WMH volume, and NFQ. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The sample averaged 77.3 ± 6.3 years old with 15.6 ± 2.9 years of education and 53% men. Both groups experienced significant declines over 6 months in hippocampal volume (2.64% in cycling vs. 2.89% in stretching) and temporal meta-ROI cortical thickness (0.94 vs. 1.54%), and over 12 months in hippocampal volume (4.47 vs. 3.84%) and temporal meta-ROI cortical thickness (2.27 vs. 1.79%). These declines did not differ between groups. WMH volume increased significantly with the cycling group increasing less (10.9%) than stretching (24.5%) over 6 months (f = 4.47, p = 0.04) and over 12 months (12.1 vs. 27.6%, f = 5.88, p = 0.02). NFQ did not change significantly over time. Pairwise correlational analyses showed a significant negative correlation between 6-month changes in hippocampal volume and ADAS-Cog (r = -0.34, p < 0.05). To conclude, aerobic exercise may reduce the decline in hippocampal volume and temporal meta-ROI cortical thickness during the intervention period, but the effect sizes are likely to be very small and dose-dependent and reverse once the intervention stops. Aerobic exercise is effective on slowing down WMH progression but has no effect on NFQ. Hippocampal atrophy was associated with cognitive decline during the intervention period. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01954550.
Energy Transport in Molecular Solids: Application of the Picosecond Transient Grating Technique

The nature of energy transport in molecular solids is an area of great practical importance in addition to being one of the fundamental problems confronting both theoretical and experimental solid state physics. Considerable information about the nature of transport of electronic excitations has been obtained by indirect methods [1]. However, detailed understanding has been elusive due to the lack of an experimental observable which permits direct determination of the rate of exciton transport. Here we present a brief description of and the first results from a unique experimental method which provides the necessary direct observable. The technique involves the production of a picosecond transient diffraction grating [2] in the sample and permits electronic excitation migration to be studied at the microscopic level in molecular solids. Well-defined distance and time scales are provided and the method allows direct measurement of the rate of exciton transport along any crystallographic direction. By varying the sample temperature, the grating method can be employed to investigate the effect of exciton-phonon scattering on exciton transport.
The role of virtual colonoscopy in colorectal screening

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the better chance a person has of surviving 5 years after being diagnosed, emphasizing the need for effective and regular colorectal screening. Computed tomographic colonography has repeatedly demonstrated sensitivities equivalent to the current gold standard, optical colonoscopy, in the detection of clinically relevant polyps. It is an accurate, safe, affordable, available, reproducible, quick, and cost-effective option for colorectal screening and should be considered for mass screening.
Purification and characterization of a protein tyrosine phosphatase containing SH2 domains.

A protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) containing two SH2 domains (PTP1C) was purified to near homogeneity from an adenovirus expression system by a two-step chromatographic procedure with a yield of 67%. The purified enzyme behaves as a monomer of 68 kDa on gel filtration and is totally specific for phosphotyrosyl residues. Its optimal pH is around neutrality for protein substrates such as reduced, carboxyamidomethylated, maleylated (RCM)-lysozyme and myelin basic protein but below 5 for low molecular weight compounds such as para-nitrophenyl phosphate (p-NPP) and phosphotyrosine. Furthermore, with the protein substrates, it displays an activity less than 1% of that obtained with other known PTPs but comparable activities toward p-NPP and phosphotyrosine. Its responsiveness toward the usual PTP activators (e.g. spermine) or inhibitors (e.g. vanadate, molybdate, heparin, or Zn2+) varied considerably with the nature of the substrates involved. Limited digestion with trypsin caused the cleavage of a C-terminal segment of the enzyme, giving rise to a 63-kDa fragment; this cleavage resulted in an approximately 20- and 10-fold activation of the enzyme toward RCM-lysozyme and myelin basic protein, respectively.
Symptoms of respiratory illness in young children and the use of wood-burning stoves for indoor heating

The occurrence of symptoms of respiratory illness among preschool children living in homes heated by wood-burning stoves was examined by conducting an historical prospective study (n . 62) with an internal control group (matched for age, sex, and town of residence). Exposures of subjects were not significantly different (P greater than .05) with respect to parental smoking, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, and use of humidifiers. The control group made significantly greater use of gas stoves for cooking whereas the study group made greater use of electric stoves for cooking and of air filters (P less than .05). Only one home used a kerosene space heater. During the winter of 1982, moderate and severe symptoms in all categories were significantly greater for the study group compared with the control group (P less than .001). These differences could not be accounted for by medical histories (eg, allergies, asthma), demographic or socioeconomic characteristics, or by exposure to sources of indoor air pollution other than wood-burning stoves. Present findings suggest that indoor heating with wood-burning stoves may be a significant etiologic factor in the occurrence of symptoms of respiratory illness in young children.
Fitting the world to the mind: transforming images to mimic perceptual adaptation

Visual sensitivity is constantly adjusting to the current visual context through processes of adaptation. These adaptive changes strongly affect all perceptual judgments and optimize visual coding for the specific properties of the scenes before us. As a result human observers "see" better when they are first allowed to adapt to a specific context. The basic form of the response changes resulting from adaptation have been studied extensively and many are known in broad outline. Here we consider the advantages of applying these changes to images, to simulate the processes of adaptation that normally occur within the observer. Matching images to the observer may obviate the need for some forms of perceptual learning and offers a number of potential benefits for interacting with visual displays.
Ratings of Emotional Response to Pictorial Stimuli: Positive and Negative Affect Dimensions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure of emotional responses to pictorial stimuli within the affective space defined by orthogonal dimensions of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). College student participants (N = 151) viewed 60 color photographic slides from the International Affective Picture System (Lang, Bradley, & Cuthbert, 1995) and rated their emotional responses to each slide using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988). Consistent with prediction, affective reactions to pleasant slides were characterized as high in PA, and low in NA. Unpleasant slides produced elevations on the NA scale, but contrary to expectation, also produced elevated ratings of PA, with the magnitude of PA scale scores increasing systematically with NA scale scores. The results suggest an interesting divergence between the structure of pictorially elicited affective reactions and that of ad hoc mood states. Directions for future research are discussed in relation to the unique properties of the slide viewing paradigm.
User as Student: Towards an Adaptive Interface for Advanced Web-Based Applications

This paper discusses the problems of developing adaptive self-explaining interfaces for advanced World-Wide Web (WWW) applications. Two kinds of adaptation are considered: incremental learning and incremental interfaces. The key problem for these kinds of adaptation is to decide which interface features should be explained or enabled next. We analyze possible ways to implement incremental learning and incremental interfaces on the WWW and suggest a “user as student” approach. With this approach, the order of learning or enabling of interface features is determined by adaptive sequencing, a popular intelligent tutoring technology, which is based on the pedagogical model of the interface and user knowledge about it. We describe in detail how this approach was implemented in the InterBook system, a shell for developing Web-based adaptive electronic textbooks.
Effective project leadership in complex self-directed team environments

Project performance is not determined merely by the type of management tools and processes used, but it also depends largely on the way in which these tools are integrated with the work process and the project team to support the activities toward scope, quality, time and cost objectives. Based on field research of best-in-class practices, the paper discusses leadership style effectiveness, including the criteria for using management tools and techniques effectively in team-centered work environments. The paper concludes that project performance is strongly influenced by leadership style and the integration of the management tools with the team and the project management process.
Research on Personalized E-Learning System Using Fuzzy Set Based Clustering Algorithm

Personalized service is becoming increasingly important, especially in E-learning field. Most personalized E-learning systems only take learners preferences, interests and browsing behaviors into consideration. These systems usually neglect considering whether the learners ability and the difficulty level of recommended learning materials are matched to each other or not. This paper proposes a personalized E-learning system using fuzzy set based clustering algorithm which considers both course materials' difficulty and learners' ability to provide appropriate learning stuffs for learners individually, to help learners learn more efficiently and effectively.
A power-performance adaptive low voltage analog circuit design using independently controlled double gate CMOS technology

This paper explores application of independently driven double-gate MOSFETs (DGFET) for low-power, low-voltage analog integrated circuit design. In back-gate configuration, the second gate of DGFET can be used to tune the threshold voltage of the device. A simple and cascade current mirror based on bulk-driven transistor is redesigned with DGFETs and shown to have smaller input voltage drop and low power consumption. Capability of dynamic threshold tuning is exploited to design an adaptive two-stage operational amplifier (op amp) which can operate at voltages as low as 0.5V without sacrificing performance parameters.
Tuning of particle morphology and pore properties in mesoporous silicas with multiple organic functional groups.

A synthetic method has been developed that can control both multifunctionalization and morphology of the mesoporous organic–inorganic hybrid materials by introducing different molar ratios of organoalkoxysilane precursors to a base-catalyzed co-condensation of silicate.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the desert darkling beetle Asbolus verrucosus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)

AbstractThe complete mitochondrial genome of the desert darkling beetle Asbolus verrucosus (LeConte, 1851) was sequenced using paired-end technology to an average depth of 42,111× and assembled using De Bruijn graph-based methods. The genome is 15,828 bp in length and conforms to the basal arthropod mitochondrial gene composition with the same gene orders and orientations as other darkling beetle mitochondria. This arrangement includes a control region, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 13 protein-coding genes. The main coding strand is probably replicated as the lagging strand (GC skew of −0.36 and AT skew of +0.19). Phylogenomics analyses are consistent with taxonomic classifications and indicate that Tenebrio molitor is the closest relative that has a completely sequenced mitochondrial genome available for analysis. This is the first fully assembled mitogenome sequence for a darkling beetle in the subfamily Pimeliinae and will be useful for population studies on members of this ecologically important gro...
The effect of high-fidelity simulation on examination performance

High-fidelity simulation (HFS) has become an important and widely used component in undergraduate nursing education. Nursing programs are budgeting large amounts of capital resources to incorporate HFS into learning strategies. However, it is important to ask to what degree is HFS facilitating the achievement of learning outcomes in comparison with traditional clinical teaching methods. This article reports findings of a study that examined the differences between traditional clinical laboratory experiences and high-fidelity clinical simulation experiences as teaching methods for the development of critical care nursing skills and concepts in undergraduate nursing students.
Specialty Differences in Polyp Detection, Removal, and Biopsy during Colonoscopy

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is a technically complex procedure commonly performed to detect and remove colorectal pathology. This study examined the influence of provider characteristics on polyp detection, polyp removal, and diagnostic biopsy rates. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using a 20% sample of 2003 Medicare claims. Primary outcome measures were use of diagnostic biopsy, polyp detection, and polyp removal. We used generalized estimating equations to identify independent predictors of the outcomes, adjusting for patient and provider characteristics. RESULTS: Among 328,167 outpatient colonoscopies, polyp detection and removal rates were significantly lower for nongastroenterologists than gastroenterologists, with adjusted relative risk for polyp detection between 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-0.83) for general surgeons and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.98) for internists. Compared with gastroenterologists, diagnostic biopsy was significantly less likely for general (relative risk [RR] 0.69; 95% CI, 0.65-0.74) or colorectal surgeons (RR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52-0.65). The likelihood of polyp detection and removal was higher for physicians in the middle 2 quartiles of annual colonoscopy volume, but similar for physicians in the highest and lowest volume quartiles. Polyp detection and removal were significantly less likely for examinations in ambulatory surgery centers or offices than hospital outpatient settings, while diagnostic biopsy was significantly less likely in office settings. CONCLUSIONS: Physician specialty, annual colonoscopy volume, and site of service are significant predictors of polyp detection, polyp removal, and diagnostic biopsy. These findings may have important implications for the effectiveness of colonoscopy.
Pineal melatonin acts as a circadian zeitgeber and growth factor in chick astrocytes.

Melatonin is rhythmically synthesized and released by the avian pineal gland and retina during the night, targeting an array of tissues and affecting a variety of physiological and behavioral processes. Among these targets, astrocytes express two melatonin receptor subtypes in vitro, the Mel1A and Mel1C receptors, which play a role in regulating metabolic activity and calcium homeostasis in these cells. Molecular characterization of chick astrocytes has revealed the expression of orthologs of the mammalian clock genes including clock, cry1, cry2, per2, and per3. To test the hypothesis that pineal melatonin entrains molecular clockworks in downstream cells, we asked whether coculturing astrocytes with pinealocytes or administration of exogenous melatonin cycles would entrain metabolic rhythms of 2-deoxy [14C]-glucose (2DG] uptake and/or clock gene expression in cultured astrocytes. Rhythmic secretion of melatonin from light-entrained pinealocytes in coculture as well as cyclic administration of exogenous melatonin entrained rhythms of 2DG uptake and expression of Gallus per2 (gper2) and/or gper3, but not of gcry1 mRNA. Surprisingly, melatonin also caused a dose-dependent increase in mitotic activity of astrocytes, both in coculture and when administered exogenously. The observation that melatonin stimulates mitotic activity in diencephalic astrocytes suggests a trophic role of the hormone in brain development. The data suggest a dual role for melatonin in avian astrocytes: synchronization of rhythmic processes in these cells and regulation of growth and differentiation. These two processes may or may not be mutually exclusive.
International standardized profiles

Abstract International Standardized Profiles (ISPs) represent an effort on the part of the international standards community to develop profiles of standards that will provide for system interoperability. The paper explains how standards are developed and why conformance to standards does not insure interoperability. Early efforts to develop functional profiles of standards are reviewed. The process for developing International Standardized Profiles, profiles developed under the auspices of the ISO and referencing only international standards, is reviewed. Potential problems with the profiling effort are discussed in terms of the diversity of applications profiled, variations in the transport service, and incompatibilities of both functional units and format entities. The paper concludes with suggestions for insuring interoperability.
Search for experimental evidence on exclusive double-pomeron exchange

Abstract Experience with single diffraction is used to motivate a proposed definition for the phase-space region of exclusive double-pomeron exchange (DPE); the definition involves two ratios of missing-mass to total energy. The kinematical implications of the proposed definition are explored through a triangle plot in Z variables - the logarithms of these ratios - and the problem of background is analyzed through a double-Regge expansion. It is shown that forthcoming NAL experiments should have no difficulty in establishing the presence or absence of exclusive double pomeron exchange. The results of previous attempts to measure DPE are reconsidered in terms of the Z variables, and it is found that the statistics accumulated to date are inadequate. Recent 205 GeV/c NAL experiments on π−p → pπ−π+π− and pp → ppπ+π− are discussed in some detail.
Database-assisted design for wind: basic concepts and software development

Standard provisions for wind loads on buildings have traditionally been based on summary tables and/or plots suitable for slide-rule calculations. The accuracy in the definition of wind loads inherent in such tables and plots is far lower than that inherent in current methods for stress computation. Advances in computational power now make it possible to reduce this discrepancy and achieve structural designs for wind that are significantly safer and more economical than current designs. This is true both for routine, low-rise structures and for flexible structures experiencing significant dynamic effects. In this paper, we present the concept of database-assisted design (DAD) along with a discussion of the application software Wind Load Design Environment, a user-friendly tool for designers and code writers that employs the DAD approach. The DAD approach entails the use of large databases of aerodynamic pressures, the optional use of databases of directional extreme wind speeds, and the use of structural information needed for the description of linear or nonlinear structural behavior. We present progress achieved to date, describe current efforts and future needs, and discuss the implications of DAD for reliability-based design and performance-based standards development.
Conformal transformations and string field redefinitions

Abstract It is shown that conformal transformations of interaction vertices in Witten-type string field theories are realized to lowest order as nonlinear string field redefinitions. However, these redefinitions induce higher-order interactions. Unlike the redefinitions commonly done in local field theory, the S-matrix beyond tree level is affected. In particular, the change of variables determinant contributes integrals over different regions of moduli space.
A Review of the Quality Control of Global Ocean Temperature and Salinity Data

High-density temperature and salinity profiles from the successful international Argo project made it possible to reproduce the three-dimensional global ocean state in near-real time, which also increased much attention on the data analysis studies of global ocean. This paper reviewed several important issues on the recent data analysis studies such as systematic biases of XBT (eXpendable BathyThermograph) and Argo data, sea level budget discrepancy between steric height and satellite observed data, heat content change, and the current status of the development of objective analysis fields. This study also emphasized that it is required to carry out very cautious ocean data quality control and understand global-scale ocean variability prior to analyzing the regional-scale ocean climate change, particularly, in the East Asian marginal Seas.
On the convergence of joint schemes for online computation and supervised learning

Traditionally, the field of deterministic optimization has been devoted to minimization of functions f(x; θ*) whose parameters, denoted by θ*, are known with certainty. Supervised learning theory on the other hand considers the question of employing training data to seek a function from a set of possible functions. Instances of learning algorithms include regression schemes and support vector machines, amongst others. We consider a hybrid problem of computation and learning that arises in online settings, where one may be interested in optimizing f(x; θ*) while learning θ* through a set of observations. More generally, we consider the solution of parameterized monotone variational inequality problems, which can capture a range of convex optimization problems and convex Nash games. The unknown parameter θ* is learned through the noisy observations of a linear function of θ*, denoted by l(x; θ*). This paper provides convergence statements for joint schemes when observations are corrupted by noise in regimes where the associated variational inequality problem may be either strongly monotone or merely monotone. The proposed schemes are shown to produce iterates that converge in mean to their true counterparts. Numerical results derived from the application of these techniques to convex optimization problems and nonlinear Nash-Cournot games is shown to be promising.
Surgical Management of Barrett’s Esophagus

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus can be a management challenge for the treating physician or surgeon. The goals of therapy include relief of reflux symptoms, induction of histologic regression, and prevention of progression of intestinal metaplasia to dysplasia or invasive carcinoma. Antireflux surgery is effective at achieving these end points, although ongoing follow-up and endoscopic surveillance are essential. In cases of dysplasia or early esophageal neoplasia associated with Barrett's esophagus, endoscopic resection and ablation have supplanted esophagectomy as the standard of care in most cases. Esophageal resection continues to have a role, however, in a minority of appropriately selected candidates.
Compton-sampling surface for Monte Carlo calculations in the energy range 0.1 to 100 MeV

Abstract A new direct method for sampling from the Klein-Nishina formula in the solution of photon transport problems by Monte Carlo method is presented. A functional description of the Compton-sampling surface is derived. This provides the proper selection of scattering angle directly as a function of initial photon energy and computer-generated random number. The present formulation is valid for scattering of unpolarized gamma radiation from a free electron in the energy range 0.1–100 MeV.
Two New Species of Lipancylus Wollaston (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Baridinae) from North America

Lipancylus copelatus Prena, new species, is described from Arizona and Texas (type locality Davis Mountains Resort, TX) and Lipancylus cracens Prena, new species, from Texas and Mexico (type locality Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, TX). They have been confused in the past with Lipancylus parallelus (Champion) (formerly Strongylotes Schonherr), a species present in Mexico and Honduras but not in the United States. Collecting records of L. copelatus and several undescribed species indicate that the larval development takes place in grasses.
'Pack a more powerful punch' and 'lay the pipe': erectile enhancement discourse as a body project for masculinity

In this article, we analyze erectile enhancement as a postmodern body project that (re)codes hegemonic masculinity through new means. Erectile enhancement Internet ads create a text of masculinity through constructing a crisis of masculinity and selling the solution. The crisis is loss of power, control and the ability to dominate; the solution is a larger and more powerful penis that will give men back their sense of manhood. Although the erectile enhancement discourse suggests new ways of constructing masculinity – through consumption and an elevated importance of the body in gender identity – the ads reassert hegemonic ideals, i.e. the othering of and domination over women and phallocentrism.
Distribution of planktonic ciliates in highly coloured subtropical lakes: comparison with clearwater ciliate communities and the contribution of myxotrophic taxa to total autotrophic biomass

SUMMARY 1. The planktonic ciliate communities of eleven organically coloured north and central Florida lakes representing a variety of trophic conditions were examined during 1979–80. The total abundance and biomass of ciliates were not significantly different from comparable clearwater lakes and only minor taxonomic replacements were noted at the order level. 2. Timing of population peaks of oligotrophic lakes was dissimilar to clearwater lakes of the same trophic state, but seasonality in meso-trophic and eutrophic lakes resembled patterns described for comparable clearwater lakes. 3. Various ciliate components were strongly correlated with chlorophyll a concentrations, but only moderately correlated to dominant phytoplankton groups. No significant correlations were found between ciliate components and bacterial abundance. 4. Myxotrophic taxa numerically dominated oligotrophic systems, particularly during midsummer, and accounted for a large percentage of the total ciliate biomass. Estimates of the ciliate contribution to total autotrophic biomass indicate that these zoochlorellae-bearing protozoa may account for much of the autotrophic biomass during midsummer periods in coloured lakes, and thus may lead to an overestimation of phytoplankton standing crops available to zooplankton grazers if chlorophyll a is used as a surrogate measure of algal biomass.
Regional differences in quality of care and outcomes for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes: an analysis from the get with the guidelines coronary artery disease program.

Background:Geographic differences in the delivery of guideline-driven care following acute myocardial infarction have been described. The effect of hospital participation in a national performance improvement program on regional variation in quality of care and in-hospital outcomes for acute coronar
Effects of cholesterol on bile acid metabolism in the rat.

SummaryThe effects of cholesterol feeding and accumulated tissue cholesterol on bile acid metabolism in normal female rats were studied. Feeding diets supplemented with cholesterol and corn oil over the entire experimental period resulted in decreases in the cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid pool half-lives of 1.6 and 0.9 days, respectively. In experiments on rats with accumulated tissue cholesterol fed unsupplemented basal rations during the experimental period, the half-lives of these acids also decreased 1.6 and 0.9 days, respectively, from the values for normal control rats. In both the dietary and accumulated tissue cholesterol experiments, the total bile acid pool concentration was unchanged but there was an important decrease in cholic acid concentration accompanied by a compensating increase in chenodeoxycholic concentration. Studies in the animals with elevated tissue cholesterol showed that the effects on bile acid turnover were not due to increased levels of sterols in the gastrointestinal tract...
Compression of Ice to 210 Gigapascals: Infrared Evidence for a Symmetric Hydrogen-Bonded Phase

Protonated and deuterated ices (H 2 O and D 2 O) compressed to a maximum pressure of 210 gigapascals at 85 to 300 kelvin exhibit a phase transition at 60 gigapascals in H 2 O ice (70 gigapascals in D 2 O ice) on the basis of their infrared reflectance spectra determined with synchrotron radiation. The transition is characterized by soft-mode behavior of the ν 3 O-H or O-D stretch below the transition, followed by a hardening (positive pressure shift) above it. This behavior is interpreted as the transformation of ice phase VII to a structure with symmetric hydrogen bonds. The spectroscopic features of the phase persisted to the maximum pressures (210 gigapascals) of the measurements, although changes in vibrational mode coupling were observed at 150 to 160 gigapascals.
The isostatic gravity anomaly: key to the evolution of the ocean-continent boundary at passive continental margins

Abstract Isostatic gravity highs bordering the passive continental margins are interpreted as resulting from oceanic basement highs. These basement elevations are relics of the transient phenomenon of a higher ridge axis elevation during early rifting. The steep landward gradient in the isostatic gravity field, generally associated with a magnetic edge effect anomaly, delineates the boundary between oceanic and continental basement.
Nuclear Spectroscopy of Neutron-Deficient Lu, Ta, and Re Isotopes

The systematic behavior of excited nuclear levels was studied with Lu (Z = 71), Ta (Z = 73), and Re (Z = 75) activities produced in the ORNL proton cyclotron. Conversion-electron data are presented for electron-capture decay of Lu/sup 170.174m/, Ta/sup 173-178/, and Re/sup 179.181/. Level schemes are proposed based on these and on previously published up 173.175-179/, tulated. The proper ties of odd-A nuclei in the strongly deformed region of odd-N numbers 95-107 are discussed in connection with predictions of Mottelson and Nilsson. Two activities, Lu/sup 174m/ and Re/sup 179/ ( es sufficiert t 20 min), are previously unreported. (auth)
Critical magnetic fields (Hc2, Hc1) andK in YBa2(Cu0.98M0.02)3O7+δ, M=Ni, Al, and Cu

Abstract The upper critical magnetic field H c2 up to 5T and dM(T)/dH¦ Hc2 for aligned powders of pure and Al and Ni substituted YBa 2 (Cu .98 M .02 ) 3 O 7+δ are measured magnetically. dH c2 /dT¦ tc is linear with slopes of -2.2T/K, -2.4T/K and -2.8T/K for the pure, Ni and Al samples respectively. The values of H cl , K , and ΔC/T c were deduced from dM(T)/dH¦ Hc2 .
Spectral signatures and optic coefficients of surface and reservoir shales and limestones at COIL, CO2, and Nd:YAG laser wavelengths

Approximately 40 different reservoir and surface rock samples were lased using high power COIL (1.315 micrometer), CO2 (wavelength = 10.6 micrometer) and Nd:YAG (wavelength = 1.06 micrometer) lasers. Spectrum of the samples (sandstones, shales, and limestones) in the wavelength region from 0.35 to 15.387 wavelength were obtained. Spectral signatures and optic coefficients of the reservoir and surface sandstones were discussed by the authors in a previous paper (SPIE 5273-97). In this contribution, a detailed study of the spectral properties and optic signatures of shale and limestone samples is presented. The optic coefficients (extinction/reflection (E), scattering (S), absorption (K) and emission (F)) of these rocks are mathematically and statistically calculated and are critically investigated against rock chemistry, grain size, porosity, cementing matrix and rock textures, and total organic content. Our investigations show that: 1) Porosity and grain size are the only rock properties that exhibited a strong statistical relation with the absorption and reflection coefficients. 2) Rocks with high porosity have greater reflection coefficients (at the COIL and Nd:YAG wavelengths) compared to those having lower porosity. 3) The reflectance at the CO2 laser wavelength (10.6 wavelength) is not a function of porosity or grain size. 4) Surface and reservoir shales have almost the same spectral features and hence similar optic coefficients. This indicates that mode of occurrence does not influence the spectral signatures of rocks. 5) Spectrum of limestones is dominated by the four (v1 v2, v3, and v4) fundamental stretching carbonate absorption bands.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Denitrification in soil: Effects of insecticides and fungicides

Abstract The effects of seven insecticides and six fungicides on denitrification of nitrate in soils were studied by determining the effects of 10 and 50μgg−1 soil of each pesticide on the amounts of nitrate lost and the amounts of nitrite, N2O and N2 produced when soil samples were incubated anaerobically after treatment with nitrate. The insecticides used were lindane, fenitrothion, fonofos, malathion, phorate, terbufos and carbofuran. The fungicides used were mancozeb, maneb, thiram, benomyl, captan and terrazole. None of the insecticides studied had a significant effect on denitrification when applied at the rate of 10 μgg−1 soil. When applied at the rate of 50μgg−1 soil, lindane, fonofos and malathion enhanced denitrification in the three soils studied, whereas fenitrothion, phorate, terbufos and carbofuran either had no appreciable effect on denitrification in these soils, or enhanced denitrification in at least one of the soils. None of the fungicides studied had an appreciable effect on denitrification when applied at the rate of 10μgg−1 soil, but thiram increased the ratio of N2 to N2O in the gaseous products of denitrification. Captan inhibited denitrification in two of three soils studied when applied at the rate of 50μgg−1 soil. The other five fungicides either had no significant effect on denitrification, or enhanced denitrification, when applied at this rate. Reports that maneb, thiram and terrazole inhibit denitrification in soil were not confirmed.
Passively acquired autoimmunity and the maternal fetal dyad in systemic lupus erythematosus

Neonatal lupus syndromes consist of transient cutaneous and hematologic abnormalities and permanent cardiac disorders all of which result from a common pathogenetic mechanism, the passive transfer of maternal autoantibodies. Detrimental antibodies such as SSA/Ro and SSB/La gain access to the fetal circulation via the normal active transport system of the trophoblast tissue which is operative after 20 weeks gestation. Despite functional maturation of the cardiac conduction system by 16 weeks gestation, fetal bradycardias are most often encountered after this time. Several lines of evidence are advanced in this review to support the role of myocarditis as the initial consequence of autoantibody attack on the fetal heart. The end result of this inflammatory insult is permanent fibrosis manifest as complete congenital heart block (CCHB).
Solid phase microextraction fibers for estimating the toxicity of nitroaromatic compounds

Solid phase microextraction fibers are useful for investigating bioavailable organic contaminants in complex environmental matrixes such as aquatic sediments. Solid phase microextraction fibers are polymer-coated silica fibers that sorb dissolved organic compounds from water and sediment. We investigated their concentrations as measures of exposure for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and its degradation products in acute sediment and water-only toxicity tests with Tubifex tubifex, Chironomus tentans, and Ceriodaphnia dubia. Results from these exposures allowed us to compare solid phase microextraction fibers concentrations to two conventional measures of toxicant dose: external matrix (water, sediment) and internal (organism) concentrations. Because trinitrotoluene degrades within sediment and organisms, doses based on sediment, water, and organism concentrations were calculated using the molar sum of trinitrotoluene and its nitroaromatic degradation products. Among species and matrixes, median lethal doses based o...
The Safety of Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle After a Stroke

Background and Purpose—Current guidelines for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to return to driving after a TIA or stroke was last reviewed in 1988. Updated recommendations are presented based on recent evidence. Methods—A 3-member medical expert panel chosen by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration used findings of systematic literature review up to January 2008 to provide updated recommendations for return to driving for CMV drivers after TIA or stroke. Results—Evidence from the systematic review showed that TIA patients are at increased risk for stroke, and stroke patients are at increased risk for motor vehicle crash. Although no studies provide direct evidence of predictability of crash risk of CMV drivers using outcomes of neuropsychological assessments, there is evidence that certain neuropsychological tests can identify on-road driving performance after stroke. Conclusions—The medical expert panel recommended driving cessation for 1 year after a ...
The effect of suppression treatments on the uptake of 15N by intercropped corn from labeled alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

In greenhouse experiments, we examined the N transferred to intercropped corn from 15N-labeled alfalfa shoot residue and intact roots in an undisturbed soil system in response to two different suppression treatments and complete killing of alfalfa. The alfalfa treatments included complete killing (glyphosate only), glyphosate injury + cutting, and cutting only, with alfalfa shoot residue returned to the soil surface in all three treatments. Corn was planted in each pot following application of the treatments. When alfalfa was suppressed by glyphosate injury + cutting, corn had recovered 12% of the alfalfa N by 8 weeks of growth, but with cutting only, N recovery by corn was reduced to 4.0%. The completekill treatment resulted in 8% recovery by corn of alfalfa N. In all treatments, most of the alfalfa-N remained in the soil organic pool. A second experiment tested a cutting only treatment with 15N-labeled alfalfa residue returned to the soil surface. The 15N-labeled alfalfa residue contributed 4.1% of N to corn during the 8-week growth cycle. Twice as much 15N was found in the active microbial biomass pool in the two treatments with live intereropped plants compared to the monoculture treatments with complete killing (non-intercropped) and the control treatment of alfalfa regrowth only. An analysis of the change in the 15N content of the undisturbed alfalfa roots from just before the suppression until 8 weeks later suggested that approximately 80% of the root 15N was lost from the plant suppressed by cutting. This corresponds to 28% of the total N released from the alfalfa. The results suggest that the degree of legume suppression was a key factor in the availability of legume N to the second crop. When the two species were intercropped, more of the N available from legume residues went to plant uptake and microbial biomass and was not stabilized as quickly in the soil organic pool. Appropriate management schemes must be designed to increase N availability to the second crop without yield reduction. These studies suggest severe suppression is necessary; if successful, more of the N can be maintained in active pools.
Survival study of thermally injured rats treated with piromen.

SummaryA bacterial polysaccharide complex, Piromen, was tested for its effectiveness for promoting survival for an arbitrary period of 15 days of rats receiving fatal thermal injuries. An over-all survival of 62% of the rats was observed in this present experiment, regardless of the route of administration, the regimen of administration, and the size of the dose of the drug. No placebo-treated animal survived longer than 8 days and 95% of them died in 12 hours. Results of the present experiments indicate a dose-weight relationship necessary for survival. When such a relationship was recognized and optimum dosage of Piromen was administered to rats, 87% of the treated animals survived.
Form perception across sensory modalities

Abstract Forty-eight adult students were tested for their ability to recognize the tactile equivalents of visual patterns and the visual equivalents of tactile patterns. A modification of the paired comparisons method was used. The patterns consisted of nonsense forms presented either as stationary or traced contours. Prior to the crossmodal task, all S s were trained to criterion on a purely visual and a purely tactile version of the task. Results on the crossmodal task indicated the ability of all groups of S s to recognize patterns across sensory modalities. Crossmodal pattern perception was never better than intramodal perception; the level of performance was largely dependent upon the method of stimulus presentation (stationary or traced contours). No conclusive evidence for asymmetry of crossmodal perception was obtained.
Optical gain and gain saturation of blue-green InGaN quantum wells

Using varied stripe length method we systematically studied optical gain properties of blue-green 3 nm InGaN QWs grown on c-plane and (11-22) semipolar substrates. We determined that for such structures when the product of modal net gain at peak and stripe length exceeds factor 5 the gain saturation occurs due to depletion of pumped carriers. We then focused our attention on the gain in unsaturated conditions. We observed strong gain peak position blue shift with increase of pumping power for both substrate orientations due to quantum well state filling and for c-plane due to piezoelectric field screening. Thus in order to increase lasing wavelength, minimizing optical losses, and maximizing modal gain are essential. We then found that for the semipolar QWs the gain at ∼500 nm was 2 x higher with the stripe along [—1—123] direction despite the fact that at low pumping level the polarization switching of spontaneous emission resulted predominant E∥[-1-123]. Finally we compared the semipolar and c-plane QWs and found that the gain increase with pumping power of c-plane QW is slower than that for semipolar QW in high gain direction while the transparency pumping power is lower for c-plane.
Multicultural Media Outreach: Increasing Cancer Information Coverage in Minority Communities

Ethnic media can serve as an opportunity for cancer education and outreach to minority communities. The National Cancer Institute developed the Multicultural Media Outreach (MMO) program which utilizes an integrated approach of both traditional and social media to disseminate evidence-based cancer education information for minority communities. The MMO program is the contact point for multicultural media outlets seeking evidence-based cancer information, education materials, minority spokespersons, and news tailored to minority communities affected by cancer health disparities. MMO developed Lifelines®, a cancer education series that addresses cancer prevention, treatment, survivorship, clinical trials, and other cancer-related topics for African American, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, and Alaska Native audiences. Lifelines® content is disseminated through traditional media (radio, print, and television) as well as social media (web, Twitter, YouTube, and RSS feed). This article describes the MMO program and lessons learned to date.
Laboratory evaluation of a boric acid liquid bait on colonies of Tapinoma melanocephalum Argentine ants and Pharaoh ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

A 1% boric acid-sucrose water bait and 0.9% hydramethylnon granular bait were evaluated for efficacy against small laboratory colonies of Tapinoma melanocephalum (F.); Argentine ants, Linepithema humile (Mayr); and Pharaoh ants, Monomorium pharaonis (L.). T. melanocephalum workers were reduced by 97% in the 1st wk and brood reduced by 96% in the 3rd wk when colonies were exposed to boric acid bait for as few as 3 d. The hydramethylnon bait did not significantly affect colony growth. L. humile colonies exposed to boric acid bait for 3 d resulted in reductions of 75 and 88% for workers and brood, respectively, by the 3rd wk. L. humile colonies exposed continuously caused a 90% reduction of workers and brood by the 3rd wk. Workers and brood in colonies exposed to hydramethylnon bait were reduced 86 and 77%, respectively, after 3 wk. After exposure to boric acid bait for 3 d, M. pharaonis workers and brood were reduced 73 and 50%, respectively, by 8 wk. A continuous exposure of boric acid or hydramethylnon baits caused reductions of 90 and 60% for workers and brood, respectively, by 3 wk.
Determination of Ultrafast Protein Folding Rates from Loop Formation Dynamics

Quenching of the triplet state of tryptophan by contact with cysteine can be used to measure the kinetics of loop formation in unfolded proteins. Here we show that cysteine quenching dynamics also provide a novel method for measuring folding rates when the exchange between folded and unfolded states is faster than the unquenched triplet lifetime (∼100 μs). We use this technique to investigate folding/unfolding kinetics of the 35 residue headpiece subdomain of the protein villin, which contains a single tryptophan residue and was engineered to contain a cysteine residue at the N terminus. At intermediate concentrations of denaturant the time-course of the triplet decay consists of two relaxations, the rates and amplitudes of which reveal the fast kinetics for folding and unfolding of this protein. The folding rates extracted using a simple kinetic model are close to those reported previously from laser-induced temperature-jump experiments that employ the change in tryptophan fluorescence as a probe. However, the results differ significantly from those reported from dynamic NMR line shape analysis on a variant with methionine at the N terminus, an issue that remains to be resolved. The analysis of the triplet quenching kinetics also shows that the quenching rates in the unfolded state increase with decreasing denaturant concentration, indicating a compaction of the unfolded protein.