cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rosiglitazone attenuates learning and memory deficits in Tg2576 Alzheimer mice

The thiazolidinediones, such as rosiglitazone, increase peripheral insulin sensitivity and their use is proposed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanisms underlying the potential beneficial effects of rosiglitazone in Alzheimer's disease remain unclear. In previous studies, we observed that Tg2576 Alzheimer mice develop peripheral insulin resistance with age and have much higher serum corticosterone levels than wild-type mice when fasted overnight. We further showed that both of these defects can be ameliorated by rosiglitazone administration. Here, we report that during behavioral testing which involves repetitive overnight fasting, Tg2576 mice administered rosiglitazone exhibited better spatial learning and memory abilities and had lower serum corticosterone levels than untreated Tg2576 mice. When untreated Tg2576 mice were administered metyrapone, a drug that blocks glucocorticoid production, their spatial learning and memory abilities and serum corticosterone levels were similar to those of rosiglitazone-treated mice. We further report here that rosiglitazone attenuated reductions in insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) mRNA and activity, and reduced amyloid β-peptide (Aβ)42 levels without affecting amyloid deposition, in the brains of Tg2576 mice. These results demonstrate that rosiglitazone attenuates learning and memory deficits in Tg2576 mice and suggest that the effects of the drug on learning and memory, brain IDE levels, and brain Aβ42 levels in the mice may be due to its glucocorticoid-lowering actions.
Evaluation of two contrasting types of screening programs.

Abstract Two quite different approaches have been taken to the evaluation of screening programs in the Health Insurance Plan of New York (HIP). In one, a highly specific end result is at issue. The central question in this project is whether periodic screening with mammography and clinical examination of the breast results in a reduction in mortality from breast cancer in the female population. The project is being conducted as a randomized clinical trial with study and control groups selected from the enrolled population of HIP. Of 31,000 study group women contacted, 20,200, or 65% participated in at least one examination. The other study is concerned with whether the impact of a multiple array of services, automated multiphasic health testing, and follow-up paramedical and medical services, on health status and health care behavior is greater among the poor than the rest of the population. The results of the breast cancer study provide clear evidence that over the short run period of 5 years of follow-up, the study women have about one-third lower mortality from breast cancer than the controls. Reduction in breast cancer mortality was found at ages 50 and over but not at ages 40–49 years. In the multiphasic health testing study, preliminary analysis of the data confirms one of the initial assumptions of the study, i.e. that a significant gap exists between the poverty and nonpoverty groups in the occurrence of health problems. A higher proportion of the poverty group reported a health complaint or specific condition. The study indicated that this group was also likely to report these problems with greater frequency and greater severity of the complaints.
Using the radium quartet for evaluating groundwater input and water exchange in salt marshes

The fluxes of 226Ra (half-life = 1600 years) and 228Ra (half-life = 5.7 years) from the North Inlet salt marsh to the sea are much larger than can be supported by decay of their Th parents in the surface marsh sediments. These fluxes are sustained almost entirely by groundwater flow through the marsh. An average groundwater flow of approximately 10 cm3 cm−2 day−1 is indicated if the groundwater activities we have measured are representative. The fluxes of 223Ra (half-life = 11.4 day) and 224Ra (half-life = 3.6 day) are factors of 22, and ten more than those expected from the flux of 226Ra. Groundwater also sustains most of the flux of the short-lived isotopes. The measured Ra activity ratio pattern in the marsh creeks matches the groundwater signature but is distinct from the pattern of the parent thorium isotopes in the sediment. We present a model to explain the anomalous distribution pattern of these isotopes. Despite their large throughput, the inventories of desorbable 226Ra and 228Ra in the top 15 cm sediment layer are very low. Nevertheless, the activities of 226Ra and 228Ra in the porewaters are large, indicating a low distribution coefficient (∼10) for radium and a short retention time (∼10 days) in the surface sediment layer. We surmise that groundwater flow may be a significant source of radium isotopes in the waters of shallow estuaries and coastal margins. This source must be recognized while considering mass balance of any tracer, be it radium, nutrients, other metals, or δ18O.
The effects of thermomechanical coupling on the cold drawing process of glassy polymers

The source and the effects of strain-induced heating on the stress-strain behavior and corresponding cold drawing process of glassy polymers are investigated. The nature of dissipative and stored components of work are discussed where only 50 to 80% of the mechanical work of glassy polymers has been found to be dissipative. This phenomenon is demonstrated to be well-modeled by considering a portion of the work to be stored as strain-induced molecular orientation in the polymer that evokes a back stress tensor. The results of the modeling are found to be consistent with experimental measurements reported in the literature. The constitutive and corresponding heat generation model are used in fully thermomechanically coupled finite element analysis of the cold drawing of glassy polymers. The influence of applied elongation rate on the resulting temperature rise, heat transfer, thermal softening, and fiber geometry are presented, together with a full complement of the deformation field parameters related to the propagating shoulders of the drawn neck.
Competitive binding assay for glucocorticoids. Influence of experimental conditions on measurement of the affinity of competitive steroids for the receptor

Abstract The affinity of steroids for a receptor is frequently determined by the competitive binding assay. This assay compares, under equilibrium conditions, the amount of a specific radioactive steroid bound to the receptor in the presence and absence of various concentrations of the radioinert steroid to be studied. The results are expressed as relative binding affinities, which relate the binding ability of the radioinert competitors to that of the radioactive steroid. If is often assumed that the time needed for the radioactive steroid to equilibrate with the receptor is the same both in the presence and absence of radioinert competitors. In this report, using molybdate-stabilized glucocorticoid receptor from goat lactating mammary gland, we demonstrate that the time required to reach equilibrium when both the radioactive and radioinert steroid are present is much longer than when only the radioactive steroid is present. The apparent relative binding affinity varies continuously as the incubation time is extended and the rate of change depends not only on the temperature of the assay but also (and more importantly) on the degree of difference in absolute affinity between the specific radioactive steroid and the unlabelled competitor being compared. Therefore, in the competitive binding assay the conditions necessary to reach equilibrium are influenced by experimental variations and may be different for each steroid tested. Thus, large errors are possible when comparing results obtained using different temperatures, lengths of incubation or substances which may influence steroid binding kinetics. We believe that kinetic analysis is preferable to equilibrium analysis whenever a precise study of the interaction of radioinert steroids with a receptor is needed.
Adjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for node-positive and node-negative breast carcinoma.

Les auteurs analysent les resultats de plusieurs syntheses effectuees pour apprecier l'efficacite de l'adjonction de la chimiotherapie et/ou de l'endocrinotherapie (ovariectomie-tamoxifene) dans le traitement du cancer du sein. Des comparaisons sont effectuees en fonction du type de malades, de l'existence ou non d'un envahissement ganglionnaire, des protocoles therapeutiques. Le chapitre se termine par un regard sur les perspectives d'avenir
SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF DERIVATIVE OPERATORS IN THE BASIS-SPLINE COLLOCATION METHOD

We discuss the basis-spline collocation method for the lattice solution of boundary-value differential equations, drawing particular attention to the difference between lattice and continuous collocation methods. Spectral properties of the basis-spline lattice representation of the first and second spatial derivatives are studied for the case of periodic boundary conditions with homogeneous lattice spacing and compared to spectra obtained using traditional finite-difference schemes. Basis-spline representations are shown to give excellent resolution on small-length scales and to satisfy the chain rule with good fidelity for the lattice-derivative operators using high-order splines. Application to the one-dimensional Dirac equation shows that very high-order spline representations of the Hamiltonian on odd lattices avoid the notorious spectral-doubling problem.
What is the Real K Factor

The theoretical K factor, describing the difference between the leading and higher order cross sections, has no precise definition. The definition is sensitive to the order of the fit to the parton densities and the number of loops at which alpha_s is evaluated. We describe alternate ways to define the K factor and show how the definition affects its magnitude and shape for examples of hadroproduction of W^+ bosons, Drell-Yan lepton pairs, and heavy quarks. We discuss which definition is appropriate under certain circumstances.
Antiinflammatory Therapies Other Than Corticosteroids

Antiinflammatory therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be directed at several stages of the inflammatory process. Much attention has been focused on blocking the damaging effects of toxic mediators released by inflammatory cells, including antioxidants and antiproteases. An alternate strategy is to block the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the lung, such as by inhibiting the production of chemotactic factors driving inflammatory cell recruitment, the ability of inflammatory cells to respond to chemotactic factors, and the ability of inflammatory cells to migrate. Moreover, mediators released by inflammatory cells, particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha, probably have systemic effects in COPD. Blocking the release of these cytokines or blocking their ability to act on distal tissues represents another potential therapeutic option. It is also important to recognize that the various components of the inflammatory response are not independent. The action of proteases released by inflammatory cells, for example, can generate chemotactic factors, lead to activation of inflammatory cells, and modulate repair responses. The complex network of regulatory molecules that controls the inflammatory response, therefore, presents a number of potential therapeutic targets with the promise of altering the disease process in COPD.
Effect of simulated lunar impact on the survival of bacterial spores.

In order to test the effect of impact on organisms, the survival of bacterial spores after being propelled at high velocity in Pyrex and plastic beads into crushed basalt was measured. The beads were fired into sterilized canisters by both a conventional powder and a light gas gun. Results indicate that at the minimum (2.4 km/sec) lunar capture velocity, the number of colony forming units (CFUs) decreased by five orders of magnitude, and at 5.5 km/sec, statistically a more probable capture velocity, no CFUs were found. The decrease in CFUs observed with increasing velocity indicates that the spores were most probably killed by the impact.
Demonstration of 5 MHz Single-Pass Electro-Optic Modulators Using Single-Crystal Thin-Films of Organic Molecular Salts

Organic molecular salts with stilbazolium chromophores as the cation are known to have extremely large second-order susceptibilities.
Potential Concerns and Impacts of CCA-Treated Wood for the Waste-to-Energy Industry

An issue that has received much attention in the U.S. in recent years, especially in Florida, is the impact of CCA-treated wood on human health and the environment (Decker et al. 2002; Gordon et al. 2002) , including risks faced as a result of discarded CCA-treated wood in the solid waste stream (Townsend et al. 2001; Townsend et al. 2003). CCA-treated wood is preserved with copper, chromium and arsenic. All of the metals have toxic impacts at high exposures; it is arsenic however, which has raised the greatest concern (it is more hazardous at lower concentrations than the other CCA constituents). CCA-treated wood often becomes mixed with other wood from construction and demolition (C&D) debris (Tolaymat et al. 2000). Mixed C&D debris wood is either landfilled along with the rest of the C&D debris stream (e.g. concrete, gypsum drywall) or it is separated and processed for a variety of recycling markets.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Edible Yield of Roasted Breasts and Thighs of Bronze and White Turkeys

Abstract MANY strains of Bronze and White turkeys are raised and marketed in Kansas and other states but little information is available as to possible differences in edible yield that might be attributable to either strain or variety. Breeders, processors, and consumers are interested in receiving the best value in goods produced or received. Thighs and boneless breasts comprise between 45 and 50 percent of the total ready-to-cook weight of turkeys, Fry et al. (1962). These parts demand the highest price on a per pound basis. Since they are the largest pieces of turkey, they are the parts that are used most often when sliced roasted turkey is served. The purpose of this study was to investigate cooking losses and edible yields of thighs and of boneless breasts of each of 6 commercial strains of Bronze and of White turkeys. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Thighs and boneless breasts were obtained from 4 toms …
Iron nitride mask and reactive ion etching of GaN films

One of the major GaN processing challenges is useful pattern transfer. Serious photoresist mask erosion and hardening are often observed in reactive ion etching of GaN. Fine pattern transfer to GaN films using photoresist masks and complete removal of remaining photoresist after etching are very difficult. By replacing the etch mask from conventional photoresist to a sputtered iron nitride (Fe-8% N) film, which is easily patterned by wet chemical etching and is very resistive to Cl based plasmas, GaN films can be finely patterned with vertical etched sidewalls. Successful pattern transfer is realized by reactive ion etching using Cl (H) containing plasmas. CHF3/Ar, C2ClF5/Ar, C2ClF5/Ar/O2, SiCl4, and CHCl3 plasmas were used to etch GaN. The GaN etch rate is dependent on the crystalline quality of GaN. Higher crystalline quality GaN films exhibit slower etch rates than GaN films with higher dislocation and stacking fault density.
The relationship of cognitive variables to the expression of assertiveness

Fifteen psychiatric patients who showed high assertiveness on behavioral roleplaying tasks were compared with 15 behaviorally unassertive patients on cognitive measures of their perceptions of the role-playing partner, their selection of the most effective response alternatives to the role-playing situations, and their generalized expectations of others in social situations. Highly assertive patients expected more favorable consequences from others in social situations than did low assertive patients. Low assertive patients chose passive alternatives more frequently and assertive alternatives less frequently than did high assertive patients. Comparisons between the response alternatives selected and actual behavior in the situation showed greater discrepancies between response choices and actual behavior for the low assertive patients. The results suggest important cognitive differences between assertive and unassertive patients that require further study.
Method for thermo-mechanical characterization of single fibers

Abstract A method has been developed for measuring the longitudinal Young's modulus and longitudinal coefficient of thermal expansion of flexible fibers as a function of temperature. A length of the fiber specimen is fixed at the ends on a plate of very low thermal expansion material inside an oven. The fiber is loaded by small incremental weights at the center and the corresponding deflections recorded photographically. The fiber stiffness is calculated from the stress and strain which are related to the applied loads and measured center deflections. For the measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal strains are obtained from deflection measurements under a constant load at various temperatures. A modified method was also developed for the case of stiff or semi-rigid fibers. The fiber is hinge-supported at the ends and its deflection at various temperatures is related to thermal strains from which the coefficient of thermal expansion is obtained. Good results were obtained for a number of materials.
Scattering of Low-Energy Neutrons by Deuterons

Neutron-deuteron scattering lengths are calculated by a new variational method which makes provision for polarization (space distortion) of the deuteron. Central Gaussian potentials are employed to represent the two-body interaction, and the trial function is also Gaussian in nature. The results indicate that polarization is not important in either spin state, expect for that which is automatically provided by the exclusion principle. The calculated scattering lengths are not in good agreement with either of the two experimentally allowed sets. (auth)
USING A MULTISEGMENT TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY PROBE TO DETERMINE FROST DEPTH IN PAVEMENT SYSTEMS

Determining frost depth below the pavement is important for timely implementation of winter and spring load limits. Unfortunately, existing instruments such as resistivity probes, frost tubes, and moisture blocks are limited in terms of both data acquisition (automated and continuous measurements) and data interpretation. Consequently, a delay between data collection, interpretation, and dissemination of information occurs. A laboratory study was conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to investigate the use of the Moisture Point probe as an instrument for locating the depth to the freezing front. The Moisture Point probe combines time domain reflectometry with remote diode-switching to provide a profile of aggregate base and subgrade dielectric properties. From this, the frost depth can be estimated. The Moisture Point probe works well in locating the frost depth, and it improves the ability to successfully implement spring and winter load limits. This method also provides the opportunity to validate air temperature-based models that are currently used to set spring and winter load limits.
Do role models influence teenagers’ purchase intentions and behavior?

Attempts to determine which individual, or group of individuals, has the strongest influence on adolescent consumer purchase intentions and purchase behavior. By introducing the concepts of direct (fathers and mothers) and vicarious (favorite entertainers and favorite athletes) role models into the consumer behavior literature, the study allows greater understanding of the socialization patterns of young adult consumers. Results from this study provide significant contributions for marketing and advertising managers seeking to improve their understanding of the ever‐growing adolescent consumer market.
The effects of temperature and electrolyte at acidic and alkaline pH on the electron transfer reactions of cytochrome c at In2O3 electrodes

Abstract Spectroelectrochemical and electrochemical methods were used to investigate the characteristics of heterogeneous electron transfer between cytochrome c and indium oxide electrodes. A linear temperature dependence of the formal potential of cytochrome c was observed from 5 to 75 °C in acidic media. This behavior is attributed to a linear variation in the conformation of ferricytochrome c that results in an increase in solvent exposure of the solvent-exposed heme edge. A break in the linear temperature dependence of the formal potential occurred at 40 °C in alkaline media. This reflects a distinct conformational change that accompanies the onset of thermal denaturation of ferricytochrome c. The small change in reaction center entropy, ΔS°rc, of ca. −54 J K−1 mol−1 in neutral and acidic media (5 to ⩾ 55 °C) and in alkaline media (below 40 °C) is consistent with a small shift to a more stable conformation of cytochrome c that occurs upon reduction. Adsorption of reactant and product was detected. The strength and type of adsorption were found to be temperature- and pH-dependent. The characteristics of electron transfer between cytochrome c and an electrode depend on bulk solvent properties and electrode surface characteristics.
Effect of intracellular delivery of energy metabolites on intracellular Ca2+ in mouse islets of Langerhans

Regulation of glucose-induced oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was investigated by using a novel technique, electroporation from an electrolyte-filled capillary, to deliver energy metabolites to the intracellular compartment of mouse islets. Intracellular application of ATP resulted in a nifedipine-sensitive increase in [Ca2+]i, consistent with a KATP-channel dependent mechanism of Ca2+ influx. [Ca2+]i in islets exposed to 10 mM glucose oscillated with a period of approximately 3 min, often superimposed with faster oscillations. Electroporation of ATP blocked all types of oscillations and elevated [Ca2+]i while delivery of ADP had no effect on oscillations. Intracellular delivery of glucose-6-phosphate or fructose-1,6-bisphosphate tended to transform slow oscillations to fast oscillations. These results demonstrate that modulation of ATP concentrations and glycolytic flux are important in development of slow oscillations.
A generic model of hierarchy for systems analysis and simulation

Abstract Problems of global change and sustainable agriculture have motivated systems analyses that span increasing numbers of hierarchical levels. The reuse of existing simulation models in these expanded analyses is appealing, though experience with crop models shows that the design of the models can limit their reuse. In order to avoid these design problems, a new framework for systems analysis was developed based on hierarchy theory. The framework formalizes a metaphor used to define hierarchy: each hierarchical object (holon) is analyzed and modeled with two faces, named up and down, through which the object can communicate data; up is a portal for data exchange with the next higher level and down provides data exchange with the object's subsystems, which are also holons. This generic model of hierarchy was coded in object-oriented computer languages and was developed into a programming framework named JanuSys. JanuSys organizes communications between modeled holons and provides an orderly sequence to their simulation. The framework permits dynamic creation of a user-defined number of hierarchical levels, containing user-defined numbers of subsystems in each holon. These capabilities, combined with the generic model of hierarchy, are required for testing basic theories of hierarchy and systems evolution. If hierarchy theories are correct, JanuSys will provide a more successful foundation for systems analysis than non-hierarchic approaches.
Using interactive voice response to enhance brief alcohol intervention in primary care settings.

Objective: Self-monitoring is recommended following brief alcohol intervention (BI). We have previously demonstrated that self-monitoring with an automated telephone system (interactive voice response; IVR) is associated with a steady reduction in alcohol consumption in the absence of BI. In this study we explore the feasibility and efficacy of IVR as a possible therapeutic enhancement for BI. Method: We updated all providers (N= 112) in 15 primary care clinics about BI and encouraged them to do a BI with their patients whenever appropriate and to invite those patients to participate in the research project. Interested patients (N = 338) were randomized to one of four study conditions including no IVR and three groups who self-monitored for 6 months using an IVR: no feedback, feedback, and feedback plus a monetary calling incentive. Results: The IVR proved to be a feasible method for self-monitoring. Of those invited to use the IVR, 90% initiated use and made 95% of the calls while they remained engaged w...
Morphological and functional changes in mouse splenic lymphocytes following in vivo and in vitro exposure to chlorphentermine.

AbstractWith repeated administration to animals, the cationic, amphiphilic drug, cnlorphentermine (CP), has been shown by others to induce a phospholipidosis in lymphocytes. In the present study mouse splenic lymphocytes, exposed to CP, either in vivo or in vitro, developed morphological changes consistant With the induction of phospholipidosis. In addition, CP induced functional changes in lymphocytes. Mice, treated with CP in vivo, demonstrated a significantly depressed ability to generate a delayed hypersensitivity response or to produce antibody-secreting cells against de novo antigens. Mouse splenic lymphocytes, exposed to 10−7 M CP for 3 days in vitro, demonstrated a signficantly depressed blastogenic response to the mitogens phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide.CP inhibited an event that occurred early during lymphocyte activation, but was subsequent to mitogen/receptor coupling. In addition, CP significantly depressed the increased uptake of choline that occurs in lymphocytes ...
Photoenolization in Polymers. A Simple Way to Reduce Photodegradation

The elementary processes involved in polymer photodegradation frequently reflect the chemistry of excited carbonyl groups. The possibility of using the high reactivity of carbonyl triplets in hydrogen abstraction processes in order to prevent the photodegradation was examined. This can be achieved if a suitable reversible process can be found, which would effectively behave as an energy sink. This communication reported the results of a comparative study of the photochemistry of PPVK, poly(o-tolyl vinyl ketone) (PTVK), and a copolymer containing 11:89 tolyl vnyl ketone-phenyl vinyl ketone (Co-PT). In general, four parameters play important roles in controlling the efficiency of o-methylbenzoyl groups as photostabilizers: (1) absorption characteristics of the o-methylbenzoyl group in comparison with other chromophores present in the polymer; (2) rate of energy migration; (3) rates of competitive processes when they lead to degradation rather than energy wasting; and (4) distribution of photoenolizable groups, higher efficiency being expected for statistically distributed groups. The o-benzoyl group leads to polymer photostabilization when excited directly or as a result of energy migration within the polymer, the stabilization results from the reversibility of photoenolization and is effective even when in competition with rather fast photodegradative processes. 1 figure. (DP)
Statin Use and Microbleeds in Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose—Statins have been associated with increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), particularly in elderly patients with previous ICH. Recurrent ICH in the elderly is often related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Therefore, we investigated whether statin use is associated with increased prevalence and severity of microbleeds (MB), particularly cortico-subcortical microbleeds (csMB), which are frequently observed in cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Methods—We studied 163 consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH who underwent magnetic resonance imaging within 30 days of presentation. We retrieved clinical information and analyzed magnetic resonance imaging for the presence, location, and number of MB, which were divided into csMB or other (other MB). We performed group comparisons stratified by statin use and by the presence vs absence of any MB (csMB and/or other MB) or csMB alone. Results—Sixty-four percent had lobar ICH. Overall, 53% had microbleeds and 39% had csMB. Statin users wer...
Inhibition of viral reverse transcriptase by 2′,5′-oligoadenylates

Abstract Viral reverse transcriptase activity was inhibited in a concentation dependent manner by 2′,5′-oligoadenylate. Kinetically this inhibition was of a mixed type where 2′,5′-oligoadenylate was not strictly competitive with dTTP. The potency of inhibition was more marked in the absence than in the presence of sulfhydryl agents. 2′,5′-oligoadenylate had no effect on DNA-dependent E. coli DNA polymerase and was much less active against mammalian DNA polymerases. This is the first report of reverse transcriptase inhibition by an inducible constitutive natural ligand.
Bat Erosion as a Factor in Cave Formation

I have read with much interest the communication by W. A. King-Webster and J. S. Kenny1 in which it is suggested that roosting bats can play a considerable part in cave excavation where the rock is soft. In particular, reference is made to the existence, in the roof of a limestone cave in Mt. Tamana (Trinidad), of bell-shaped cavities ranging in depth from 3 ft. to 6 ft., and in diameter at the mouth from 1½ ft. to 2½ ft., and which are used by sleeping bats. The suggestion is made that the habit of the bats of alighting at the lower edge of the bell and then jostling upwards into a central position, by continuation over innumerable years, has led to the excavation of these cavities, with maximum removal of rock at the mouth of the bell.
ICF and ICD codes provide a standard language of disability in young children.

Abstract Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the utility of a hierarchical algorithm incorporating codes from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health—ICF (WHO, 2001) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases-ICD (WHO, 1994) to classify reasons for eligibility of young children in early intervention. Methods The database for this study was a nationally representative enrollment sample of more than 5500 children in a longitudinal study of early intervention. Reasons for eligibility were reviewed and matched to the closest ICF or ICD codes under one of four major categories (Body Functions/Structures, Activities/Participation, Health Conditions, and Environmental Factors). Results The average number of reasons for eligibility provided per child was 1.5, resulting in a population summary exceeding 100%. A total of 305 ICF and ICD codes were used with most (77%) of the children having codes in the category of Body Function/Structures. Forty-one percent of the sample had codes of Health Conditions, whereas the proportions with codes in the Activities/Partipication and Environmental Categories were 10 and 5%, respectively. Conclusions The results demonstrate that ICD and ICF can be jointly used as a common language to document disability characteristics of children in early intervention.
Structure and Reproduction of Chrysophaeum Lewisii

In 1924, while working on the marine algae of the Dry Tortugas Islands off the southern tip of Florida, the writer frequently noticed growing on the coral rocks and sand, and on the lower parts of coarse algae scattered over the sea bottom in shallow water, light yellowishbrown tufts of the utmost delicacy . Faced by the complexity of the Florida flora for the first time, without previous tropical experience, he was not able to make a careful study of this plant, which clearly did not fit any Phaeophycean category with which he was acquainted, nor could he do so on subsequent visits . When in 1928 Dr . IvEY F. LEWIS proposed to carry on Phaeophycean studies at the same station, the writer recommended this plant for consideration . Dr . LEWIS did make careful observations, and mentioned the organism in his preliminary report (LEWIS 1928), but to date has not published any definite account of it . When the writer found the same plant at Bermuda, he inquired regarding the state of the investigations, and was generously advised by Dr . LEWIS to proceed to give his own description of the plant.
Clear channel assessment in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks are a rising commodity that demonstrate merit in the research domain due to their versatile nature. While powerful and feature-laden, these systems also require careful configuration for optimal packet transmission. This experiment aims to examine these configurations. By varying clear channel assessment threshold (CCAT) values, it will be demonstrated through implementation that changing the thresholds influences overall efficiency. Conversely, it will be shown that mis-configuring a single node will only impact the network under certain conditions. This work may be parlayed into more elaborate energy conservation and transmission efficacy schemes.
Lattice rotation and stability of 22.5° ND rotated cube orientation in cold rolled polycrystalline AA 5182 aluminum alloy

Abstract AA 5182 aluminum alloy with a strong cube texture was cold rolled to different reductions at an angle of 22.5° to the prior rolling direction. The texture evolution at this new rolling direction was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The rotation paths and stability of the 22.5° ND rotated cube orientation were determined based on the variation in the three-dimensional orientation distribution function (ODF) with rolling reduction. The results show that most of the grains with the 22.5° ND rotated cube orientation are directly rotated to the β fiber along different rotation paths, but there are a few grains moving through the cube orientation to the β fiber. The {0 0 1} oriented grains possess the lowest stability during rolling, and the stability increases as the initial orientation changes from the {0 0 1} orientation to the {0 0 1} orientation along the ϕ1 axis.
High-dimensional homotopy curve tracking on a shared-memory multiprocessor

Results are reported for a series of experiments involving numerical curve tracking on a shared memory parallel computer. Several algorithms exist for finding zeros or fixed points of nonlinear systems of equations that are globally convergent for almost all starting points, i.e., with probability one. The essence of all such algorithms is the construction of an appropriate homotopy map and then the tracking of some smooth curve in the zero set of this homotopy map. HOMPACK is a mathematical software package implementing globally convergent homotopy algorithms with three different techniques for tracking a homotopy zero curve, and has separate routines for dense and sparse Jacobian matrices. A parallel version of HOMPACK is implemented on a shared memory parallel computer with various levels and degrees of parallelism (e.g., linear algebra, function and Jacobian matrix evaluation), and a detailed study is presented for each of these levels with respect to the speedup in execution time obtained with the parallelism, the time spent implementing the parallel code and the extra memory allocated by the parallel algorithm.
Reduced order feedback synthesis for viscous incompressible flows

We discuss the application of the reduced basis method for the simulation and control of unsteady viscous flows governed by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. We describe how to use this method in terms of the construction of a lower-order compensator design. Our approach includes a construction method of the optimal state feedback law for finite-dimensional nonlinear regulator problems. The method is applied to construct a feedback law for the reduced order control model of the Navier-Stokes equations, and then we apply our feedback law to the original control system. Our method is demonstrated on a control problem formulated in a channel flow using a boundary velocity control. We also show how these ideas can be extended to control problems governed by partial differential equations. Numerical results are reported for the open and closed loop controls, and a compensator design is proposed to complete the closed loop dynamics.
Variations in the production of carotenoids in Neurospora.

Abstract The formation of pigments after photoactivation was inhibited by lack of oxygen or addition of diphenylamine; sodium azide inhibited only the formation of acidic pigments. Deficiency of biotin or addition of glycine increased spirilloxanthin content; the addition of peptone decreased all carotenoids. The disappearance of phytoene could not be related to the formation of any particular carotenoid in these pigment variants.
Confocal imaging and numerical simulations of converging flows in artificial microvessels

A number of computational and experimental studies on flows in venular bifurcations have concentrated on the distribution of blood components and the formation of a 'separation surface' between two converging flows with different red blood cell concentrations and viscosities. To better understand these phenomena, we have used microfabrication techniques to construct artificial venular bifurcations with physiologically realistic dimensions. The current apparatus consists of a single bifurcation formed from tubes with semicircular cross sections of radius 50 (mu) . The vessels are fabricated from two glass slides using an abrasive etching process and a low melting point glass as sealant. Using a laser scanning confocal microscope, we have obtained the first three-dimensional images of flow structures in microscopic vessels; in particular we have imaged the separation surface for converging Newtonian fluids. A quantitative comparison is made between finite element simulations and experimental results of the position of the separation surface for different inlet flow ratios. Computed positions of the separation surface at the mid- depth of the outlet branch are in excellent agrement with experiment results obtained by confocal microscopy.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
GROWTH OF THE FILAMENTOUS GREEN ALGA CTENOCLADUS CIRCINNATUS (CHAETOPHORALES, CHLOROPHYCEAE) IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SALINITY1

Clones of the filamentous green alga Ctenocladus circinnatus Borzi were isolated from algae collected at Abert Lake (Oregon) and Mono Lake (California). Stock cultures were exposed to varied salinities of natural lake water to examine the effects on growth rate, cell form, chlorophyll a, and water content. Growth rates were reduced in both clones with increased salinity over the range 25–100 g·L−1 and were almost completely inhibited at 150 g·L−1. Chlorophyll a increased between salinities of 25 and 100 g·L−1, reflecting slower growth, higher proportions of akinetes, and smaller cell sizes as salinity increased. Tissue water content remained essentially constant from 25 to 100 g·L−1 salinity. Shorter cell dimensions with increased salinity suggest that a lower surface-to-volume ratio may reduce the potential for passive loss of cell water. Prior acclimation of stock cultures to elevated salinity provided no enhancement of growth response at any salinity. The results indicate that environmental salinity can limit the productivity and distribution of Ctenocladus in nature.
Composition of humic acids extracted under air and nitrogen atmosphere

Abstract Differences in nature and composition of humic matter, attributed to NaOH extraction under air or a N2 gas atmosphere, were investigated. Samples from the Ap horizons of a Cecil and Onaway soil, and lignite were shaken with 0.1 M NaOH in the presence of air or under N2 gas. The humic (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) separated were weighed, and analyzed for C, H, O, N, and S contents. Total acidity, carboxyl and phenolic‐OH group contents were determined by chemical analysis. Characterization was performed by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results indicated that differences in amounts of HA and FA, attributed to NaOH extraction under air and N2 gas, were small and no definite trend was noted for more HA and FA extracted under air. No differences in C, H, O, N, and S contents of HA and FA were also noticed as a result of the influence of air or N2 gas during extraction. However, HA and FA exhibited larger values for total acidities when extracted under a N2 gas at...
Obesity as a risk factor for poor neurocognitive outcomes in older adults with heart failure

Heart failure (HF) has reached epidemic proportions and is a significant contributor to poor outcomes. HF is an established risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and abnormalities on neuroimaging. Moreover, up to 80% of HF patients also exhibit milder impairments on cognitive tests assessing attention, executive function, memory, and language. The mechanisms of cognitive impairment in HF are not entirely clear and involve a combination of physiological processes that negatively impact the brain. Cerebral hypoperfusion and common comorbid conditions in HF are among the most commonly proposed contributors to poor neurocognitive outcomes in this population. Obesity is another likely risk factor for adverse brain changes and cognitive impairment in HF, as it is a known contributor to neurocognitive outcomes in healthy and patient samples. This paper reviews the literature on HF and cognitive function and introduces obesity as a significant risk factor for poor neurocognitive outcomes in this population.
ISOL science at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility

The Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF) provides high-quality Isotope Separator Online beams of short-lived, radioactive nuclei for nuclear structure and reaction studies, astrophysics research, and interdisciplinary applications. The primary driver, the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron, produces rare isotopes by bombarding highly refractory targets with light ions. The radioactive isotopes are ionized, formed into a beam, mass selected, injected into the 25 MV tandem, accelerated, and used in experiments. This paper reviews the HRIBF and its users' science.
Transcripts of damaged genes in the brain during cerebral oxidative stress.

Recent studies using ischemia/reperfusion models of brain injury suggest that there is a period of time during which the formation of oxidative DNA lesions (ODLs) exceeds removal. This interval is a window of opportunity in which to study the effect of gene damage on gene expression in the brain, because the presence of excessive ODLs mimics a deficiency in gene repair, which has been shown to be associated with neurological disorders. Evidence from studies using similar models indicates that expression of faulty transcripts from ODL-infested genes and non-sense mutation in repaired genes occur before the process of cell death. Preventing the formation of ODLs and enhancing ODL repair are shown to increase the expression of intact transcripts and attenuate cell death. Understanding this mechanism could lead to the development of therapeutic techniques (physiologic, pharmacological, and/or genomic) that can enhance recovery.
The effect of selected inhibitors on plasma membrane redox reactions and proton excretion by carrot cells

Abstract Five different calmodulin antagonists, calmidazolium, trifluoperazine, chloroproazine, W-7 and W-5, were tested for inhibition of plasma membrane redox reactions on cultures carrot cells. Their effects varied. NADH oxidation was inhibited about 50% by calmidazolium and W-7, while the inactive form, W-5, stimulated NADH oxidation. Proton excretion by cultured carrot cells was totally inhibited by 40 μM calmidazolium, but it was differentially inhibited by trifluoperazine. Twenty micromolar trifluoperazine inhibited the basal rate of proton excretion 100%; 50 μM trifluoperazine inhibited about 90% of the redox-associated proton excretion. Inhibition of plasma membrane redox reactions and associated proton excretion by a few selected calmodulin antagonists may point to the association of Ca 2+ -calmodulin as second messengers leading to cell growth.
Acoustic location of prey by barn owls (Tyto alba).

1. Barn owls ( Tyto alba ) can locate prey in total darkness using only the sense of hearing, with an error of less than I° in both the vertical and horizontal planes. 2. Differences between the behaviour of barn owls flying at prey in complete darkness (analysed from films taken under infra-red illumination) and their behaviour in the light are correlated with the problems they must face in acoustic orientation. 3. Experiments with owls trained to strike a concealed loudspeaker show that they depend on frequencies of sound above 5 kHz. 4. Measurements of sound pressure in the region of the owl9s eardrum, made with a probe-tube microphone while moving a loudspeaker around the owl9s head, reveal that for frequencies above 8-5 kHz the ear is highly directional. At such frequencies, regions of high sensitivity (tightly isolated by peripheral regions of low sensitivity) are directed along different paths for the two ears. 5. These regions of good sensitivity are correlated with the asymmetry of the barn owl9s external ears. Movements of a flap of skin in front of the ear opening changes the overall directional sensitivity patterns by redirecting the regions of maximum sensitivity. 6. A theory is presented to explain how a barn owl might locate the position of a sound source by moving its head until the intensity of all frequencies comprising a complex sound is brought to a maximum in both ears (aided perhaps by differences in inter-aural time delay that are enhanced by intensity disparities).
Oligoethylene-end-capped polylactides

Oligoethylene-end-capped polylactides were synthesized through the ring- opening polymerization of L-lactide with alcohol-terminated oligoethylenes as macro- initiators. The polymerization of L-lactide was carried out in bulk at 130 8C in the presence of stannous octoate and primary alcohols with four different molecular weights: 350, 425, 550, and 700 g/mol. The end-capped copolymers that formed had a number-average molecular weight of approximately 40,000 (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight ¼ 1.7) according to gel permeation chroma- tography and were highly crystalline in comparison with the similarly formed homo- polymer of L-lactide. The copolymer structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, NMR, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spec- trometry, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. This work focused on devel- oping more crystallizable and hydrolytically stable polylactide derivatives that could potentially be used as compatibilizers in polylactide-polyolefin blends or as nucleat- ing agents for poly(L-lactide) or other polyesters. V C 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5257-5266, 2005