cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Dietary Fish and ω-3 Fatty Acid Consumption and Heart Rate Variability in US Adults”

Drs Jong and colleagues raise important issues on assessment and use of heart rate variability (HRV) for scientific and clinical evaluation of preventive treatment strategies. They note that pharmacological, biobehavioral, and exercise interventions modestly increase time-domain and frequency-domain HRV, with average effects equivalent to ≈16% increase in SDNN (standard deviation of all N-N intervals).1 We also found modest differences in time-domain and frequency-domain HRV with fish consumption,2 such as 11%-higher SDNN on 12-lead …
Resistance training enhances insulin-mediated glucose disposal with minimal effect on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha system in older hypertensives

The purpose of the present study was to determine if the improvement in insulin sensitivity after resistance training (RT) is associated with a decline in plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble TNF-alpha receptor 1 (sTNF R1), and soluble TNF receptor 2 (sTNF R2). Eleven older hypertensives (5 men/6 women, 67 +/- 2 years) participated in a 4-month RT program. Following RT there was a significant increase in upper body (P =.029) and lower body strength (P =.001), assessed by the bench press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and leg press 1RM, respectively. The RT program produced a significant increase in lean body mass (LBM) (P =.029), a trend for a decline in percent body fat (P =.083), and no change in total body mass (P =.958). Insulin-mediated glucose disposal, assessed by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp procedure, significantly increased following RT (P =.026). Despite the increase in insulin action, plasma levels of TNF-alpha, sTNF R1, and sTNF R2 were not significantly altered by RT (TNF-alpha: P =.118, sTNF R1: P =.184, sTNF R2: P =.168). In conclusion, a 4-month RT program significantly increased insulin-mediated glucose disposal and LBM without a significant reduction in plasma levels of TNF-alpha, sTNF R1, and sTNF R2 in older hypertensive subjects.
Plethysmographic indices as predictors of fluid responsiveness: a meta-analysis.

The aim of the study was to assess the ability of respiratory variations in pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude (ΔPOP) to predict the increase of cardiac output (CO) after fluid infusion (fluid responsiveness).
Variations on a Familiar Theme.

As I set out to prepare for this combined inaugural and valedictory, I sought a theme worthy of the occasion and within the span of my own limited vision. Notwithstanding the lush crop of â€œproblemsâ€ confronting our world and our profession, no suitable theme came readily to mind. I experimented with many, including â€œVariations on a Theme by Joe McCarthy,â€ or â€œAcheson at Armageddon,â€ or â€œGeneral MacArthur Fades Again.â€ But in all such cases the theme was obscured by the variations. And so I've called these remarks â€œVariations on a Familiar Theme.â€ Since 1903 when Frank Goodnow spoke on â€œThe Work of the American Political Science Association,â€ no less than forty-five presidents have prepared annual speeches on as many different themes. It is interesting to note that of thirteen such speeches up to 1917, only one gave any major attention to international relations. Then, between 1917 and 1924, four of the seven were devoted to an international theme. But during the twenty-six years from 1924 through 1950, only two dealt primarily with international relations.
Pemphigoid: Bullous, gestational, and cicatricial

Abstract The term pemphigoid applies to cutaneous diseases that are characterized clinically (1) by the presence of large tense blisters that lack a Nikolsky sign, (2) by subepidermal blister formation with an inflammatory infiltrate usually rich in eosinophils, and (3) by the deposition of IgG and complement components in affected skin or mucous membrane. Adding to the traditional definition of “pemphigoid” is the definition that considers where the immunoreactants are deposited at the ultrastructural level and the definition of the antigens recognized by the autoantibodies. For example, current data indicate that bullous pemphigoid and herpes gestationis are closely related by all the above criteria. The antigens that are recognized by autoantibodies in both syndromes are discussed. Cicatricial pemphigoid is less well understood, and its relationship to these diseases is unclear at present. These diseases provide a significant challenge for future research and potentially will offer insights into immune dysfunction in select patient populations.
Parallel perception of vernier offsets, curvature, and chevrons in humans.

Abstract A vernier offset is detected at once among straight lines, and reaction times are almost independent of the number of simultaneously presented stimuli (distractors), even if absolute orientation cues are masked by varied orientation of the verniers. This result implies that the human visual system processes vernier offsets in parallel. Reaction times for identifying one straight target among offset veniers, on the other hand, increase with the number of stimuli. The same is true for the identification of a vernier offset to one side among verniers offset to the opposite side, if absolute orientation cues are masked. These tasks require serial or semi-parallel processing. Chevrons and curved targets show the same pattern of results. Even deviations below a photoreceptor diameter can be detected at once. The visual system thus attains positional accuracy below the photoreceptor diameter simultaneously at different positions. I conclude that deviation from straightness, or change of orientation, is detected in parallel over the visual field. Discontinuities or gradients in orientation may represent an elementary feature of vision.
The “separation formula” and its application to the Pacific Ocean

Abstract The “separation formula”, a new method for computing the adiabatic inter-hemispheric meridional transport, is applied to the Pacific Ocean. The method involves an integration of the wind stress along a “horseshoe” path. It begins at the separation point of the East Australian Current, continues eastward across the ocean, progresses northward along the continental boundary, and then turns back westward across the ocean to the separation point of the Kuroshio. Since the Pacific is closed on the northern side, such an integration gives the wind-driven Indonesian throughflow. The analytical formulas show that, in order for the adiabatic wind-driven throughflow to exist, it is necessary that there be an asymmetry in the winds associated with the two zonal cross-sections connecting the (northern and southern) separation points in the west to the continents in the east. It turns out that these asymmetries in the Pacific are relatively small and, consequently, do not allow for a significant (i.e. more than one Sverdrup) Indonesian transport. Specifically, in the Pacific, this wind-driven transport is directed to the south, implying a very small net Indian-to-Pacific transport rather than a Pacific-to-Indian transport. The adiabatic model fails, therefore, to explain the observed Pacific-to-Indian throughflow of 5–6 Sv. When an upwelling is added to the model (to simulate diabatic processes), then one obtains the result that all the water upwelled in the Pacific must exit the Pacific via the Indonesian seas, i.e. the wind field is effectively blocking the oceanic region between Australia and South America, forcing the upwelled water into the Indian Ocean. This model suggests, therefore, that the observed Pacific-to-Indian throughflow is a measure of the upwelling in the Pacific.
Transient response of a microwave beam amplifier

A model of a beam amplifier consisting of a chain of lightly-coupled cavities has been studied for initial time response with the aid of a computer. The beam flows through the center-holes of 20 cavities stacked together and coupled so the pass band width would be 5 per cent in an infinitely long chain. The intermediate cavities are externally loaded for stability. The electronic transit angle for each cavity is 3π/4, \omega_{q}/\omega = 0.1 , and the beam-circuit coupling coefficient C B is small. Computations have been made of the steady-state input resistance, gain and bandwidth around the 3π/4 "cold" circuit phase shift frequency, as well as of the transient response for t ≥ 0. Results show 1) at the 3π/4 frequency the voltage in the output cavity overshoots the steady-state value, and reaches its first peak at a time almost exactly equal to the amplifier length divided by the group velocity; 2) at a frequency nearer to cutoff, for which the group velocity is smaller, the voltage does not overshoot, but approaches the steady-state value asymptotically, such that at a time equal to the amplifier length divided by the group velocity the voltage has about 80 per cent of its steady-state value.
Comparison of jetting-related microstructures associated with hypervelocity impact crater formation in copper targets and copper shaped charges

Abstract Shaped charge jet and slug formation is characterized prominently by dynamic recrystallization which may occur in deformation-recrystallization cycles, providing a mechanism for extreme plastic flow in jetting. There was no evidence for melting or melt-related phenomena. Hypervelocity impact crater development is also dominated by dynamic recrystallization in a narrow flow zone where target material is jetted into the crater rim. The crater rim can particulate by velocity gradients along the jetting rim just like the shaped charge jet. Like the shaped charge, there was no significant melt phenomenon associated with the cratering process, and extreme plastic, high-strain-rate flow occurs in the solid state. Microbands are created in a zone removed from the crater wall in copper targets in response to hypervelocity impact which, like deformation twins, are coincident with the trace of primary 111 planes. Their density and extent increase with both impact velocity and grain size. Neither microbands nor deformation twins are observed in recovered shaped charge slug and jet fragments.
Technical Adequacy of Early Numeracy Curriculum-Based Progress Monitoring Measures for Kindergarten and First-Grade Students.

The purpose of this study was to examine six early numeracy measures used to monitor the mathematics progress of kindergarten and first-grade students. Seventy-one kindergarten students and 75 first-grade students were administered the measures each week. Delayed-alternate form reliability was adequate for instructional decision making on some measures, and low reliability was reported for quantity discrimination, as well as for the next number and number facts measures. Concurrent criterion validity coefficients comparing the measures with student performance on the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement–Third Edition (WJ III) resulted in weaker coefficients as compared to previous studies that have compared similar measures with the WJ III. Hierarchical linear modeling was used at each grade level to ascertain the ability of the six measures to model weekly growth trajectories over 13 weeks. All measures produced growth rates that were significant across time, for both kindergarten and first grade, with ...
Large dose sublingual nitroglycerin in acute myocardial infarction: Relief of chest pain and reduction of Q wave evolution☆

Abstract Thirty patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted 2.1 ± 1.1 (mean ± standard deviation) hours after the onset of pain and with S-T segment elevation in multiple leads in the standard electrocardiogram were given either intravenous morphine (15 patients) or sublingual nitroglycerin (15 patients), and the effect on pain and QRS changes was observed. Nitroglycerin was administered repetitively in large doses while systolic blood pressure was maintained above 100 mm Hg. Chest pain failed to respond within 30 minutes In two patients who received nitroglycerin. In the remaining 13 patients nitroglycerin produced partial relief of pain in 17 ± 5 minutes and complete relief in 127 ± 65 minutes, requiring a cumulative dosage of 23.7 ± 38.7 mg in 16 ± 7 divided doses. An average of 14.9 ± 7.1 mg of morphine in 3.3 ±1.5 divided doses produced complete relief of pain in a similar period (134 ± 77 minutes [difference not significant]). In patients receiving morphine, Q waves developed at 24 and 48 hours, respectively, in 62 (72 percent) and 66 (77 percent) of a total of 86 sites with initial S-T segment elevation in the standard 12 lead electrocardiogram. In nitroglycerin responders, Q waves developed at 24 and 48 hours, respectively, in only 21 (28 percent, p
Hemisarcoptes Sp. and Biological Control of the Date Palm Scale, Parlatoria blanchordi Targioni, in the Sahel Region of Niger

Eggs of a species of Hemisarcoptes near cocophagus Meyer (Acarina: Hemisarcoptidae), consisting of 1–18 per batch, are laid on the body of the host, Parlatoria blanchardi Targioni (Hemiptera:Coccidae), and take 10 days or more to hatch. Upon eclosion, larvae seek hosts, feed on their blood, and become adults after 2 nymphal stages. The entire life cycle, except when seeking hosts, is spent within the scale-cover of P. blanchardi . At least a few engorgements involving a few individual scales seem necessary for a female to lay all her eggs. No mating has been observed. The mite population is density-dependent, attacking mostly mature female scales. The population, based upon numbers of eggs, is large in the cold season (Nov.–Feb.), decreases in the hottest period (Apr.–June), but recovers quickly during the rains (July–Aug.). Breeding continues throughout the year, producing some 15 generations per annum. Advantages of utilizing this organism for the biological control of P. blanchardi and the method of its artificial re-distribution are described.
3D terrestrial lidar for operational bridge clearance measurements

This paper reports the outcomes of a study of the vehicle crossing effects on terrestrial LiDAR scan on highway bridges for underclearance measurements. Ground-based or vehicle-mount terrestrial LiDAR scanners, which recreate the bridge structure as 3D point cloud of thousands of position data points, have been found to be ideal for bridge clearance measurements. To determine the effects of ambient overhead vehicle crossing and seasonal temperature variation on clearance measurements, periodic monitoring of the Harris Road Bridge has been conducted. A simplistic but practical correlation analysis is performed which shows that operational LiDAR scanning is a viable technique for bridge clearance measurements.
Susceptibility of S49 lymphoma cell membranes to hydrolysis by secretory phospholipase A(2) during early phase of apoptosis.

Abstract During cell death, plasma membranes of cells become vulnerable to attack by extracellular secretory phospholipase A 2 . The purpose of this study was to identify the timing of this phenomenon relative to other events that occur during the process of cell death. Death was induced in S49 murine lymphoma cells by treatment with dexamethasone, dibutyryl cAMP, ionomycin, thapsigargin, or heat shock (1 h at 43°C). The appearance of membrane susceptibility to secretory phospholipase A 2 was compared to the following apoptotic events: loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine exposure in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, early DNA damage assessed by the comet assay, and changes in cell size and internal complexity assessed by flow cytometry. Each inducer of death was distinct in the time course of events produced. Although dead cells were susceptible to the action of phospholipase A 2 , live cells (impermeable to propidium iodide) also became vulnerable to the enzyme during characteristic time courses after exposure to each inducer. In fact, susceptibility to sPLA 2 was observed in each case prior to or concurrent with the earliest of the markers of apoptosis. These results demonstrate that the onset of susceptibility to sPLA 2 is an early event in apoptosis suggesting that changes in membrane structure may be relevant to initial aspects of the apoptotic process.
Three-Year Outcomes of Multivessel Revascularization in Very Elderly Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Background Comparative effectiveness of interventional treatment strategies for the very elderly with acute coronary syndrome remains poorly defined due to study exclusions. Interventions include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), usually with stents, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The elderly are frequently directed to PCI because of provider perceptions that PCI is at therapeutic equipoise with CABG and that CABG incurs increased risk. We evaluated long-term outcomes of CABG versus PCI in a cohort of very elderly Medicare beneficiaries presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Methods Using Medicare claims data, we analyzed outcomes of multivessel PCI or CABG treatment for a cohort of 10,141 beneficiaries age 85 and older diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome in 2003 and 2004. The cohort was followed for survival and composite outcomes (death, repeat revascularization, stroke, acute myocardial infarction) for three years. Logistic regressions controlled for patient demographics and comorbidities with propensity score adjustment for procedure selection. Results Percutaneous coronary intervention showed early benefits of lesser morbidity and mortality, but CABG outcomes improved relative to PCI outcomes by three years (p Conclusions In very elderly patients with ACS and multivessel CAD, CABG appears to offer an advantage over PCI of survival and freedom from composite endpoint at three years. Optimizing the benefit of CABG in very elderly patients requires absence of significant congestive heart failure, lung disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
Gender and Sexual Legitimacy

This review addresses what is currently known in the literature about the topic of gender and sexual legitimacy, including our increasingly expanding understanding of gender as a spectrum, rather than a binary construct, sexuality as it relates to shifting gender roles and norms, and the related constructs of normativity and legitimacy in relation to gender and sexual identities. Whereas debates about gender and sexual legitimacy abound in the public and political arenas on a global level, scholarly work in these areas are more limited. One of the challenges is the interdisciplinary nature of its discourse, as it can be seen in this review. Whereas there seems to be an agreement across disciplines that gender and sexual identities do vary beyond current normative models enshrined in social mores and laws, there is not yet a widely accepted theory of gender and sexuality rooted beyond those normative mores.
Pt–Cu nanoctahedra: synthesis and comparative study with nanocubes on their electrochemical catalytic performance

Pt–Cu nanoctahedra were successfully synthesized through a simultaneous reduction of platinum(II) acetylacetonate and copper(I)/(II) chloride in the presence of tungsten hexacarbonyl, oleylamine and oleic acid at high temperature. Comparative studies of electrocatalysis on Pt nanocubes, the {111}-terminated Pt–Cu nanoctahedra and {100}-bounded Pt–Cu nanocubes with similar composition and size indicate that the activity of Pt–Cu nanocrystals towards formic acid oxidation is shape-dependent, and is higher than that of Pt nanocubes.
Co-translational protein import into mitochondria: an alternative view

Abstract Recent in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that the synthesis and import of mitochondrial proteins are very tightly coupled and that a co-translational import reaction may be mandatory for some proteins. These results are entirely consistent with early experiments which suggested that import occurs co-translationally and that cytosolic polysomes synthesizing mitochondrial proteins are bound to protein import sites on isolated mitochondria. This article discusses the seemingly contradictory reports concerning the involvement of co-translational and post-translational mechanisms in the import process and examines the impact of recent developments in the field.
The solubility of gases in liquids 4. Calculations on gas solubilities in hexafluorobenzene and benzene

Solubilities of a number of gases in hexafluorobenzene (F-solvent) and benzene (H-solvent), as well as the thermodynamic functions characterizing the solution process were calculated via the scaled particle theory (SPT). The results were compared to the experimental results reported earlier. The discussion was extended to include other pairs of F-solvents and H-solvents. SPT was also used to determine the Lennard-Jones (6–12) potential parameters of four solvents, namely, C 6 F 6 , n -C 7 F 16 , C 6 F 11 CF 3 , and C 6 H 11 CH 3 .
A Resource Center for Developmental Disabilities.

ABSTRACT The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (MDDRC) is an information and referral service located within the Institute for Human Development (IHD) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Through its varied informational services, including its website, the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Resource Center is helping to support the independence, productivity, integration and community inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Effects of family-based behavioral treatment on obese 5-to-8-year-old children*

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of family-based treatment for childhood obesity for 5-to-8-year-old children. Nineteen obese 5-to 8-year-old girls were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: a behaviorally oriented program which emphasized parent management, and a control group which provided equal education and attention, but not behavioral principles. The treatment group showed better weight loss and relative weight changes than the control group at the 8 and 12 month observations. These results show that the family-based treatment developed for 8-to-12-year-olds can be generalized to 5-to-8-year-old children.
The primary care workforce: a critical element in mending the fractured US health care system

A focus on the primary care workforce is critical when discussing plans to address the fractured United States health care system. However, we must first address the primary care physician shortage crisis when planning for health care reform which focuses on increasing access to the US population. Initial strategies may include improving reimbursement rates for primary care services, incentivizing medical schools in making primary care training a priority, and developing robust loan-forgiveness programs for those who enter and work in primary care specialties. Planning with congressional representatives about these elements will better ensure sustainable health reform efforts are implemented.
Intact form of myeloperoxidase from normal human neutrophils

Abstract Myeloperoxidase (donor: H2O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7) of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils was purified rapidly in the presence of the protease inhibitors phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride and pepstatin A. The purified enzyme behaved as a single molecular species in several nondenaturing electrophoretic and chromatographic systems. Peroxidase activity in fresh extracts of neutrophils from 20 normal persons and from 5 patients with polycythemia was electrophoretically identical to purified enzyme. Treatment with trypsin converted myeloperoxidase to multiple electrophoretic forms of active enzyme. Size (Mr ca. 15,000 and ca. 55,000) and stoichiometry of the subunits of purified enzyme, and enzyme Mr ca. 140,000, were compatible with intact myeloperoxidase having an α2β2 structure. We found no evidence for electrophoretically detectable genetic polymorphism of myeloperoxidase. Proteolytic degradation of myeloperoxidase probably accounted for electrophoretic heterogeneity of enzyme and for some constituent peptides described previously.
A Systematic Investigation of the Phase Behavior of Langmuir Monolayers Containing Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Langmuir monolayers present an ideal model system to investigate the phase behavior of raft forming lipid compositions. Here, we present the results of a systematic study of Langmuir monolayer phase behavior for ternary mixtures containing polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs). PUFAs have been implicated in modifying membrane organization. In this study, four different mixed acyl phospholipid species with varying degrees of unsaturation in the acyl chain (1, 2, 4, 6) were mixed with sphingomyelin and cholesterol. The investigated compositions include ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 PUFA to sphingomyelin mixtures with cholesterol composition varying from 10 to 40%. Fluorescence microscopy images provide domain size analysis, area fraction and miscibility transition pressures. We observe an increase in miscibility transition pressure with increased unsaturation or decreased cholesterol composition. Finally, traditional Langmuir film balance techniques measured pressure-area isotherms as well as area condensation.
Local School Finance and Productive Efficiency: Evidence from Ohio

This paper examines the relationship between local financing of education and school district efficiency. In a system of local school finance, the capitalization of school quality in housing prices provides homeowners with verifiable information regarding the impact of school officials’ actions and strong incentives to act upon that information. I find evidence that school districts with a higher percentage of revenues from local sources perform better on state math tests. In addition, the amount of residential property within a school district is positively related to math test passage rates.
Adaptive ship roll mitigation by using a U-tube tank

Active control of ship roll motion with proportional and derivative controller, linear quadratic regulator, generalized predictive control (GPC), and deadbeat predictive control, is studied by using a U-tube water tank. For the predictive control, system identification is applied to update the parameters of linear ship roll model with U-tube tank when the ship dynamics changes. Numerical simulations show that GPC has the best performance and the U-tube tank is effective in ship roll mitigation.
Eicosanoid actions in insect cellular immune functions

Insects are more or less constantly challenged with a daunting array of pathogenic organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans as well as various metazoan parasites and parasitoids. At the first level of defense, the pathogens are rebuffed by physical barriers, including the cuticle and peritrophic membrane. Upon breaching these barriers, pathogens meet with an arsenal of robust and efficacious immune defense mechanisms. Two general categories of defenses are typically recognized, humoral defenses and hemocytic or cellular defenses. The former involves induced synthesis of various antibacterial proteins and peptides, such as cecropins and lysozyme. Cellular defense mechanisms are characterized by direct interactions between circulating hemocytes and the invaders. These include phagocytosis, microaggregation, nodulation, and encapsulation. Microaggregation is a step in the nodulation process, which is responsible for clearing the bulk of bacterial infections from circulation. Coordinated cellular actions lead to encapsulation of invaders, such as parasitoid eggs, that are very much larger than individual hemocytes. While the defense mechanisms are broadly appreciated, less is known about the biochemical signals responsible for mediating and coordinating the cellular actions. We now know eicosanoids mediate phagocytosis, microaggregation, and nodulation reactions to immune challenge, as well as cell spreading, a specific step in nodulation. We have several goals in this mini review. We provide a brief background on cellular immunity, outline eicosanoid biosynthesis, and review eicosanoid actions in cellular immunity in insects. Recent work indicates some pathogens have usurped eicosanoid-mediated immunity; they disable insect immunity by inhibiting eicosanoid biosynthesis. We interpret these findings and their significance with respect to the biological control of insects. We also present preliminary work designed to test hypotheses on how eicosanoids exert their actions. We address shortcomings in our knowledge on eicosanoids in insect biology.
A correlation of excited state rotational constants for diatomic molecules

Abstract The concepts of “orbital stress” and “transition stress” are defined and applied to N 2 , N + 2 , CO, and CO + . The bond lengths and rotational constants of excited electronic states are related to the transition stress, and the response of the electrons and nuclei to the transition stress is shown to be a molecular property, essentially independent of the electronic configuration or state.
Feasibility and effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in preschool children: two case reports

New evidence raises concerns that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in preschool children is unremitting over years even with unstructured community treatment. This report presents proof of concept of the feasibility and effectiveness of a structured therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for preschool PTSD that follows a range of different traumatic events. Two cases are presented, including transcribed dialogue, from a motor vehicle accident and Hurricane Katrina, respectively. Three key CBT feasibility questions were examined; it was concluded that (a) young children can cooperate meaningfully in structured, trauma-related exposure exercises; (b) they can utilize relaxation techniques successfully; and (c) highly anxious parents do not inhibit their children's improvement per se as long as they can facilitate the manual techniques. Clinicians need to be aware of emerging evidence-based treatment for preschool children.
Escherichia Coli and Fecal Coliforms in Freshwater and Estuarine Sediments

It has been known for some time that substantial populations of fecal coliforms and E. coli are harbored in freshwater bottom sediments, bank soils, and beach sands. However, the relative importance of sediments as bacterial habitats and as a source of water-borne fecal coliforms and E. coli has not been recognized until recently, when a large number of publications have shown that in many cases the resuspension of sediment, rather then runoff from surrounding lands, can create elevated E. coli concentrations in water. This review is an attempt to develop the first comprehensive single source of existing information about fecal coliforms and E. coli in sediments and adjacent soils and to outline the knowledge gaps and research needs. The authors summarize available information on variability and environmental correlations of E. coli and FC concentrations in sediments, genetic diversity of E. coli in sediments, survival of E. coli and FC in sediments, release with resuspended sediment and settling of E. co...
Mild homogeneous deblocking employing 2-bromo-1,3,2-benzodioxaborole1

Abstract We describe a technique using 2-bromo-1,3,2,-benzodioxaborole in methylene chloride at ambient temperature to cleave ethers and esters.
Evaluating estimation methods for ordinal data in structural equation modeling

This study examined the performance of two alternative estimation approaches in structural equation modeling for ordinal data under different levels of model misspecification, score skewness, sample size, and model size. Both approaches involve analyzing a polychoric correlation matrix as well as adjusting standard error estimates and model chi-squared, but one estimates model parameters with maximum likelihood and the other with robust weighted least-squared. Relative bias in parameter estimates and standard error estimates, Type I error rate, and empirical power of the model test, where appropriate, were evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations. These alternative approaches generally provided unbiased parameter estimates when the model was correctly specified. They also provided unbiased standard error estimates and adequate Type I error control in general unless sample size was small and the measured variables were moderately skewed. Differences between the methods in convergence problems and the evaluation criteria, especially under small sample and skewed variable conditions, were discussed.
SU‐E‐T‐114: Intercomparison of Stereotactic Scanning Diodes for Small Field Dosimetry

Purpose: As the approach to treating diseases is requiring the use of small fields for more complex treatments, the accuracy and consistency of the measurements of small fields is critical. The Sun Nuclear Edge Detector and the stereotactic diode (SFD) by IBA provide a small collecting volume that reduces the field perturbation seen with standard detectors. This work focused on the intercomparison of the Edge detector and the IBA stereotactic diode for measuring the dosimetric properties of small fields. The MapCheck2 device was also tested as a quick check for standard quality assurance tests. The small fields analyzed were generated from a Radionics mini‐multileaf collimating system. Methods: Scans were taken on the Siemens Primus linear accelerator for a 6 MV beam, set at 100 cm SAD and a depth of 5 cm, using field sizes ranging from 0.4cm × 0.4cm to 4cm × 4cm. Tissue‐phantom ratios were measured at 100 cm SAD, normalized to a depth of 4 cm for comparison between detecting systems. Data analysis was done using Matlab software to obtain the FWHM and penumbra for each scan. Results: The Edge and SFD detectors are consistent, with the largest difference seen at the smallest field size. The FWHM measured with theSFD was consistently smaller than those found with the Edge detector. A sharper penumbra was seen with the SFD at the smallest field size. There was more variation with the MapCheck2. The TPRs were consistent between detecting systems. Conclusions: The Edge and SFD detectors provide consistent measurements. However, at the smallest field sizes, the SFD detector's small active volume and physical size perturb the dosimetric properties of the field to a lesser extent. The MapCheck2 device is sufficient for measuring outputs and TPRs, but more work must be done to conclude whether it is sufficient for scanning.
The Westernization of Iranian Culinary Culture

THE LAST TWO DECADES HAVE SEEN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN IRANIAN "NATIONAL cuisine" in cookbooks published outside Iran,' while the post-revolutionary migration of Iranians from their country has led to the opening of Iranian (also called "Persian," especially in the United States) restaurants all over the world. The menus of these restaurants evince a certain uniformity. Main dishes fall into three categories: chilawkabaib (white rice with grilled meat, widely considered the "national" dish);2 stews (khurish[t]s) with white rice (chilaw); and colorful rice concoctions incorporating meat, legumes, vegetables, and occasionally fruits (pulaws).3 The total comes to a maximum of about twenty dishes, which one could be forgiven for taking to be the corpus of traditional Iranian cuisine.4 The similarity of restaurant menus everywhere suggests a basic culinary cohesion, while "tradition" implies that Iranians' eating habits have undergone minimal change over a long period of time. Both propositions need to be qualified. The power of eating habits to help crystallize ascriptive groups and provide them with both internal cohesion and external boundaries is well known: at the Council of Antioch (A.D. 341) Christians were enjoined to eat pork, despite its prohibition in the Old Testament, precisely to prevent commensality with Jews.5 A few centuries later,
Remarkably low temperature optima for extracellular enzyme activity from Arctic bacteria and sea ice

Extracellular degradative enzymes released by psychrophilic marine bacteria (growing optimally at or below 15 degrees C and maximally at 20 degrees C) typically express activity optima at temperatures well above the upper growth limit of the producing strain. In the present study, we investigated whether or not near-zero Arctic environments contain extracellular enzymes with activity optimized to temperatures lower than previously reported. By applying fluorescently tagged substrate analogues to measure leucine-aminopeptidase and chitobiase activity, the occurrence of extracellular enzymatic activity (EEA) with remarkably low temperature optima (15 degrees C) was documented in sea-ice samples. An extremely psychrophilic bacterial isolate, strain 34H, yielded an extract of cell-free protease with activity optimized at 20 degrees C, the lowest optimum yet reported for cell-free EEA from a pure culture. The use of zymogram gels revealed the presence of three proteolytic bands (between 37 and 45 kDa) in the extract and the release of the greatest quantities of the proteases when the strain was grown at -1 degrees C, suggesting a bacterial strategy for counteracting the effects of very cold temperatures on the catalytic efficiency of released enzymes. The detection of unusually cold-adapted EEA in environmental samples has ramifications not only to polar ecosystems and carbon cycling but also to protein evolution, biotechnology and bioremediation.
The Origins of Sattler's Veil

The symptoms of Sattler's veil accompany prolonged wear of thick contact lenses and are thought to be the result of epithelial hypoxia. We studied light scattering in the isolated rabbit cornea after hypoxia with optical techniques. We found that hypoxia produced a polygonal mesh of light scattering, outlining cells in the intermediate and basal epithelium. An optical transform of this mesh produced a halo of the same dimensions observed in Sattler's veil. Additionally, prolonged hypoxia produced an increase in stromal light scattering that may add to increased glare sensitivity. Consistent changes in epithelial thickness were not observed, raising the probability of radial swelling or compensatory epithelial volume regulation.
Heterogeneity of horse spleen ferritin and apoferritin: comparison of electrophoretic and chromatographic fractions.

Abstract Horse spleen ferritin and apoferritin each separate into several analogous components in gel electrophoresis. Sedimentation studies indicate that the major components are related as monomer, dimer, and trimer, and that the electrophoretic separation is due to differences in molecular size or shape rather than to differences in charge. Disulfide bonds do not appear to be involved in the formation of the aggregates. Moreover, the pattern of aggregation could not be altered by various agents which might be expected to disrupt macromolecular aggregates. Chromatography of ferritin on DEAE-cellulose reveals a different and unstable order of heterogeneity, not related to aggregate size. No significant difference in amino acid composition or in “fingerprints” of tryptic peptides of the DEAE fractions could be shown. Fractionation may be due to conformational differences among ferritin molecules.
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy, Cell Adhesion, and Cell Traction Force Measurements on Soft Silicone Gels

Substrate rigidity impacts cellular behaviors such as migration, gene expression, and cell fate. Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy enables selective visualization of the dynamics of substrate adhesions, vesicle trafficking, and biochemical signaling at the cell-substrate interface. Here we apply high-refractive-index silicone gels to perform TIRF microscopy on substrates with a wide range of physiological elastic moduli, measure traction forces exerted by cells on the substrate, and perform analysis of the cell spreading and the biochemical signaling that drives this process. We successfully implemented TIRF on mouse endothelial cells plated on ∼30 micron thick layers of silicone gels with a refractive index of 1.49 and obtained high quality images. We also functionalized gel surfaces and covalently bound to them 40nm far-red fluorescent beads that were distributed nearly evenly with a high surface density. Measurements of displacements of the beads under cell traction forces made it possible to obtain high-resolution substrate deformation maps that were converted to traction force maps. We show mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) spreading over a significantly larger area on silicone gels of moderate physiological stiffness, 30 kPa, versus those grown on softer substrates of 0.5 and 3.5 kPa, in agreement with cells grown on polyacrylamide substrates of similar stiffness. We developed a novel microfluidic technique to measure the elastic moduli of thin gel layers and applied it to characterizing gels made using Sylgard 184 silicone with elastic moduli from 0.4 to 300 kPa. We prepared gel substrates with elastic moduli covering nearly the entire physiological range in different wells of a 6-well plate. Western-blot analysis of harvested cells revealed varying levels of phosphorylated Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) in MEFs grown on silicone gels with different elastic moduli.
Direct effects of ethanol on exocrine secretion from the in vitro rabbit pancreas.

The direct effects of ethanol on the exocrine function of thein vitro rabbit pancreas were studied and shown to be time and concentration dependent. The rabbit pancreas was incubated with varying concentrations of ethanol: 0% (n=11); 0.3% (n=10); 1.0% (n=10), and 3% (n=19). Pancreatic juice was collected for 1 hr before and 2 hr after addition of ethanol and changes in volume and enzyme concentrations were analyzed (Wilcoxon test). No significant changes in volume, protein concentration, trypsin inhibitory capacity, or the concentrations of α-amylase, trypsinogen, or chymotrypsinogen were detected with 0% and 0.3% ethanol. Significant reductions in protein, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen concentrations as well as trypsin inhibitory capacity were noted during the second hour of exposure to 1.0% ethanol (P<0.01). With 3.0% ethanol, significant increases in volume (P<0.01), protein concentration (P<0.02), and the concentrations of α-amylase (P<0.05), trypsinogen (P<0.02), and chymotrypsinogen (P<0.05) were detected during the first hour after addition of ethanol; however, during this period there was a decrease in trypsin inhibitory capacity which fell further in the second hour after ethanol (P<0.05). The levels of trypsin inhibitor secreted per milligram of protein decreased significantly in the second hour after the addition of 1% ethanol (P<0.05) and in both hours after 3% ethanol (P<0.01 and P=0.02); this could be of importance in leading to the premature activation of proteolytic enzymes and the development of acute pancreatitis.
The use of human epidermal keratinocytes in culture as a model for studying the biochemical mechanisms of sulfur mustard toxicity.

Human epidermal keratinocytes in culture were studied to evaluate their usefulness in demonstrating toxic events following exposure to sulfur mustard. Exposure of keratinocytes to sulfur mustard over a concentration range of 1–1000 μM HD, reduced NAD+ levels from 96% to 32% of control levels. When keratinocytes were exposed to a concentration of 300 μM HD, NAD+ levels began to fall at 1 hour and reached a plateau of 47% of control levels at 4 hours. Niacinamide, an inhibitor of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, partially protected mustard-exposed cells against NAD+ depletion. It also protected cellular viability as assessed by vital staining 24 hours after exposure. This protection was not seen in long-term (72 hr) cultures. These studies suggest that human epidermal keratinocytes in culture can serve as a usefulin vitro model for research into the biochemical mechanisms of sulfur mustard-induced cutaneous injury.
Preparation and characterization of cyclic polyolefin copper(I) trifluoroacetate complexes

Abstract A series of polyolefin copper(I) trifluoroacetate complexes has been prepared with the following empirical formulae: Cu(O 2 CCF 3 )((Z.E.E)-1,5,9-cyclododecatriene): Cu(O 2 CCF 3 )(endo-dicyclopentadiene): Cu(O 2 CCF 3 ) (1,5-cyclooctadiene); Cu 2 (O 2 CCF 3 ) 2 (1,5-cyclooctadiene): Cu 2 (O 2 CCF 3 ) 2 (1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene): Cu 4 (O 2 CCF 3 ) 4 (1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene); and Cu 3 (O 2 CCF 3 ) 3 (1,3,5-cycloheptatriene). These complexes are soluble in polar organic solvents and have been characterized in solution by 1 H and 13 C NMR and molecular weight studies. Although the polyolefins are labile in solution, the NMR studies have shown which double bonds are coordinated to copper for the olefins with non-equivalent double bonds and how many of the equivalent double bonds are coordinated for the more symmetric olefins. In all cases only one double bond is bound to each copper. For all of the complexes studied, the molecular weights are highly concentration dependent. increasing at higher concentrations. For the cyclododecatriene complex. the molecular weight levels at 660 in benzene, the molecular weight corresponding to a dimer. Similarly, the Cu 2 (O 2 CCF 3 ) 2 (1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene) complex levels of at a dimer at high concentration in THF. The other complexes which are less soluble show molecular weights between that of a monomer and dimer.
A statistical power analysis of woody carbon flux from forest inventory data

Atanationalscale,thecarbon(C)balanceofnumerousforestecosystemCpoolscan be monitored using a stock change approach based on national forest inventory data. Given the potential influence of disturbance events and/or climate change processes, the statistical detection of changes in forest C stocks is paramount to maintaining the net sequestration status of these stocks. To inform the monitoring of forest C balances across large areas, a power analysis of a forest inventory of live/dead standing trees and downed dead wood C stocks (and components thereof) was performed in states of the Great Lakes region, U.S. Using data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the U.S. Forest Service, it was found that a decrease in downed wood C stocks (−1.87 Mg/ha) was nearly offset by an increase in standing C stocks (1.77 Mg/ha) across the study region over a 5-year period. Carbon stock change estimates for downed dead wood and standing pools were statistically different from zero (a=0.10), while the net change in total woody C (−0.10 Mg/ha) was not statistically different from zero. To obtain a statistical power to detect change of 0.80 (a=0.10), standing live C stocks must change by at least 0.7 %. Similarly, standing dead C stocks would need to change by 3.8 %; while downed dead C stocks require a change of 6.9 %. While the U.S.'s current forest inventory design and sample intensity may not be able to statistically detect slight changes ( 3%stockchange)wouldalmostsurelybedetected.Understandingtheserelationshipsamong change detection thresholds, sampling effort, and Type I (a) error rates allows analysts to evaluate the efficacy of forest inventory data for C pool change detection at various spatial scales and levels of risk for drawing erroneous conclusions.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS)

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) observing facility on the Earth Observing System (EOS) is composed of two instruments, MODIS-Nadir (N) and MODIS-Tilt (T). MODIS-N has 36 spectral bands between 0.4 and 14.2 micrometers with spatial resolution between 214 and 856 meters. MODIS-T has 32 bands with 10-15 nanometer bandwidths between 0.4 and 0.9 micrometers. MODIS-T scans fore and aft + or - 50 degrees. Both instruments scan cross-track so as to provide daily (MODIS-N) or once every 2 days (MODIS-T) coverage at 705 kilometers altitude. Both instruments are entering into the execution phases of their development in 1990.
Infrared multiphoton laser induced chemical reactions in methyl halides

Abstract Infrared laser induced chemical reactions were investigated for a number of methyl halide systems with chlorine. All systems reacted only in an excited mode induced by irradiation from a TEA CO2 laser. Successful induction of reactions at frequencies far removed from the methyl halide resonances indicates that Stark broadening plays an important role in the absorption process. Comparisons are made to other systems in which dissociation or reaction has been induced in similar experiments.