cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in seawater using high resolution magnetic sector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS)

A novel method, combining isotope dilution with standard additions, was developed for the analysis of eight elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in seawater. The method requires just 12 mL of sample and employs an off-line pre-concentration step using the commercially available chelating resin Toyopearl AF-Chelate-650M prior to determination by high resolution inductively coupled plasma magnetic sector mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Acidified samples were spiked with a multi-element standard of six isotopes ((57)Fe, (62)Ni, (65)Cu, (68)Zn, (111)Cd and (207)Pb) enriched over natural abundance. In addition, standard additions of a mixed Co and Mn standard were performed on sub-sets of the same sample. All samples were irradiated using a low power (119 mW cm(-2); 254 nm) UV system, to destroy organic ligands, before pre-concentration and extraction from the seawater matrix. Ammonium acetate was used to raise the pH of the 12 mL sub-samples (off-line) to pH 6.4+/-0.2 prior to loading onto the chelating resin. The extracted metals were eluted using 1.0 M Q-HNO(3) and determined using ICP-MS. The method was verified through the analysis of certified reference material (NASS-5) and the SAFe inter-comparison samples (S1 and D2), the results of which are in good agreement with the certified and reported consensus values. We also present vertical profiles of the eight metals taken from the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series (BATS) station collected during the GEOTRACES inter-comparison cruise in June 2008.
SNPs affecting serum metabolomic traits may regulate gene transcription and lipid accumulation in the liver.

Objective Circulatory metabolites are important biomarkers for many diseases, especially metabolic disorders. The biological mechanism regulating circulatory levels of metabolites remains incompletely understood. Focusing on the liver as the central organ controlling metabolic homeostasis, we investigated the potential function of nine polymorphisms associated with serum metabolomic traits in a recent GWAS.
The role of alemtuzumab in facilitating maintenance immunosuppression minimization following solid organ transplantation

National registry data indicate a trend towards the incorporation of lymphocyte depletion antibody induction therapy into immunosuppressive regimens for solid organ transplantation. Depletional induction has been shown to reduce the risk of early acute rejection, but increase the risk of immune incompetence. As such, it recently has been paired with reduced maintenance immunosuppression in an effort to curb excessive immunosuppression without sacrificing low rejection rates. Alemtuzumab is a humanized CD52-specific monoclonal antibody that has been used in the setting of maintenance immunosuppression minimization. Although not specifically indicated for organ transplantation, it is now used off-label as an induction agent in approximately 10% of transplant recipients in the United States. In general, alemtuzumab is well tolerated and substantially reduces the risk of acute rejection in the first 6 months post-transplant in non-sensitized recipients. There is little evidence to support the notion that it uniquely promotes tolerance, and growing evidence that it is ineffective in the setting of allosensitization. Alemtuzumab-treated patients clearly remain dependent on maintenance immunosuppression. Long-term outcome data will be required to determine the magnitude and type of maintenance therapy that makes best use of alemtuzumab's depletional effects.
ALTERNATIVE COMPLEMENT PATHWAY (AP) IN CHILDREN WITH NEPHROSIS (CN)

In surveying the AP in children, 7 CN with normal serum C3 but low-normal or low-Factor B were studied. Heavy proteinuria was found in all, impaired renal function in 2. Two received daily and 2 alternate day prednisone. Renal biopsy revealed minimal changes in 2, mesangial nephritis in 2; focal, post-strep and congenital nephritis in one each. C3, C4, C5, B, properdin (P), and B1H were measured by radial immunodiffusion. C function was evaluated by lysis of EA (CH50) or EAC142 in the presence of EDTA (C3--9), lysis of glutathione-treated human E (APLys) and C3 and B conversion on immunoelectrophoresis in fresh serum and following 37°C incubation with buffer or inulin (C3-B/C). All data were compared to age-matched normal children. B correlated with APLys, not so well with P, and not at all with B1H or C3-B/C. B was found in concentrated urine specimens of 2 with low-normal serum B. Classical C activation was present only in post-strep nephritis. Low B levels cannot be explained simply by urinary loss or consumptive depletion, and may reflect depressed synthesis. The relationship of normal C3 to low B remains to be explored, but our data clearly emphasize the importance of age-matched controls in evaluating the AP in children.
Positive Feedback by Ovarian Hormones on Prolactin and LH in Old Versus Young Female Rats

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether any differences could be demonstrated in the ability of old versus young ovariectomized rats to release prolactin and LH in response to ovarian steroid administration. Female Long Evans rats 20–24 months of age and 4 months of age were ovariectomized. Fourteen days later, each rat was injected with estradiol benzoate, followed three days later by an injection of progesterone. Blood was collected from an intra-atrial cannula for eight hrs after progesterone treatment for radioimmunoassay of prolactin and LH. Basal plasma levels of prolactin were higher in the old than in the young rats. The young rats showed a marked rise in plasma prolactin and LH in response to progesterone, whereas the old rats exhibited no elevation in prolactin and a smaller increase in LH than in young rats. Changes in hypothalamic function in the old female rats are believed to account for the differences observed.
919-12 Transient Wall Motion Abnormalities Following Rotational Coronary Atherectomy are Reflective of Myocardial Stunning More than Microinfarction

Transient wall motion abnormalities (WMA) have been found following rotational coronary atherectomy (ROTA) in the majority of patients assessed by serial echocardiography. A possible mechanism of transient WMA in this setting is myocardial stunning secondary to distal embolization of atherosclerotic debris from the ROTA site as defined by regional transient dysynergy resolving completely by 24 hours post ROTA. Microinfarction in the setting of myocardial stunning is an additional explanation for this phenomena, and the prevalence of microinfarction in the setting of stunning has not been determined. We screened selected patients with transient WMA post-ROTA for troponin I, myoglobin and CKMB release as a screening for myocardial necrosis. Results We studied 9 patients: 8/9 male, 7/9 LAD lesion, 2/9 RCA lesion. All patients had adjunctive post ROTA balloon angioplasty except one who required a 3.0 mm Cook stent. In this welect patient group wall motion was normal in all patients before intervention and within 24 hours following ROTA. Following ROTA peak onset of WMA ranged from 5–27 min, mean maximal %WMA 28.3% ± 11.89%, and median time to full recovery of wall motion was 88 min ± 655 min. Evidence of myocardial necrosis (positive markers) was present in 3/9 patients following ROTA with the evolution of transient ECG T wave abnormalitics 3/3, increased CKMB g 7.5 ng/ml (range 25–72) 2/3, increased myoglobin level 2/3 and increased troponin I g 1.35 ng/ml (range 3.88–15.9) in 3/3 patients. None of the remaining patients developed any indicator of myocardial necrosis. max%WMA Median Time to Recovery p Positive Markers n = 3 28.3% (16–35%) 63 min (24–180 min) NS Negative Markers n = 6 28.0% (12–44%) 88 min (24–270 min) NS Conclusion Despite prolonged recovery times and extensive transient %WMA, reflective of myocardial stunning, these factors were not predictive of troponin I release following successful ROTA. Thus microinfarction may occur in the context of myocardial stunning, yet the dominant mechanism transient WMA is likely to be myocardial stunning.
Host, pathogen, and environmental characteristics predict white-nose syndrome mortality in captive little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus).

An estimated 5.7 million or more bats died in North America between 2006 and 2012 due to infection with the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) during hibernation. The behavioral and physiological changes associated with hibernation leave bats vulnerable to WNS, but the persistence of bats within the contaminated regions of North America suggests that survival might vary predictably among individuals or in relation to environmental conditions. To investigate variables influencing WNS mortality, we conducted a captive study of 147 little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) inoculated with 0, 500, 5 000, 50 000, or 500 000 Pd conidia and hibernated for five months at either 4 or 10°C. We found that female bats were significantly more likely to survive hibernation, as were bats hibernated at 4°C, and bats with greater body condition at the start of hibernation. Although all bats inoculated with Pd exhibited shorter torpor bouts compared to controls, a characteristic of WNS, only bats inoculated with 500 conidia had significantly lower survival odds compared to controls. These data show that host and environmental characteristics are significant predictors of WNS mortality, and that exposure to up to 500 conidia is sufficient to cause a fatal infection. These results also illustrate a need to quantify dynamics of Pd exposure in free-ranging bats, as dynamics of WNS produced in captive studies inoculating bats with several hundred thousand conidia may differ from those in the wild.
Source Apportionment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Tidal Delaware River

The Delaware River, similar to many surface water bodies throughout the United States, is impaired due to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations that exceed the federal water quality standard. A total maximum daily load (TMDL) for PCBs in the Delaware was promulgated in 2003 after construction of a detailed water quality model that relied upon estimated PCB loadings from sources such as wastewater treatment plant effluents, contaminated sites, and tributaries. The purpose of this project was to corroborate this loading estimate by analyzing ambient water column data on PCB concentrations in the Delaware River via positive matrix factorization (PMF) in order to identify covarying congener patterns that are, in theory, associated with sources. The PMF program identified six factors (covarying congener patterns) that appear to be associated with sources, such as sediment resuspension, contaminated sites, and wastewater effluents and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). PCB 11 was found to be a useful tracer for CSO/ wastewater inputs despite the fact that no known dye manufacturers exist in the watershed. This analysis generally corroborates the PCB loading estimate used in the water quality model.
Using Visual Scales in Researching Global Human Dimensions of Wildlife

Cross-cultural research in the human dimensions of wildlife brings methodological, epistemological, and logistical challenges. This article reviews two measurement tools that begin to address cross...
Studies of hepatic cell resting membrane potential: Report of in vitro and in vivo experiments and review of the literature

Abstract Studies of rat hepatic cell resting membrane electrical potentials (RP) confirm previous reports that the in vivo RP of the intact rat declines approximately 50% following asphyxia. No change of in vitro rat liver RP followed substitution of atmospheric air for 100% O 2 . In vitro , changes of pH from 6.4–9.4 did not alter rat liver RP. Changes of extracellular Na + had no effect on liver RP. Alteration of extracellular K + had a small but significant effect on rat liver cell RP, but only with large alterations in the 20–80 meq/liter range. The greatest effect upon the in vitro rat hepatic cell RP was induced by alterations in extracellular chloride ion. It is possible that chloride ion determines liver cell RP.
Modulation by gangliosides of the lamellar-inverted micelle (hexagonal II) phase transition in mixtures containing phosphatidylethanolamine and dioleoylglycerol

We studied the effect of gangliosides GD1a and GM1 on the lamellar-to-hexagonal II phase transition of mixtures of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine/dioleoylphosphatidyl choline, 3:1, and of transphosphatidylated phosphatidylethanolamine with dioleoylglycerol by high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry, 31P-NMR, and pyrene fluorescence of a phosphatidylcholine probe. Gangliosides had a dual effect. Below 1 mol % ganglioside the hexagonal II phase transition was affected but still occurred at lower temperature than in the absence of gangliosides. The presence of between 1 and 2 mol % gangliosides increased the temperature for formation of the hexagonal II phase and progressively decreased its cooperativity. Above 3 mol % gangliosides totally inhibited the formation of both the temperature-induced and composition-induced hexagonal phase, probably by opposing the geometric distortions necessary for the inverted micellar structures.
Phylogenetic biogeography with and without the fossil record: gauging the effects of extinction and paleontological incompleteness

Abstract Biogeography played an important role in early developments in evolutionary theory and continues to play an important role in evolutionary studies and paleogeographic reconstructions. The development of a phylogenetic approach to biogeographic analysis has been important; however, fossil taxa have not always played a role in phylogenetic biogeographic studies and their role has been criticized by some phylogenetic biogeographers. Here, simulation studies are used to show that phylogenetic biogeographic studies on extant organisms that do not include fossil taxa can often be artificially incongruent and inaccurate. This is because area cladograms for extant taxa alone may differ from those that also include extinct taxa, implying different patterns of biogeographic relationship between areas, and area cladograms are the fundamental data of phylogenetic biogeographic analysis. This finding is analogous to what is known about how including fossil taxa in phylogenetic analyses along with extant taxa can improve resolution and accuracy. The incompleteness of the fossil record can also lead to artificial incongruence in phylogenetic paleobiogeographic studies because not all taxa that have ever lived are preserved in the fossil record, and thus those missing taxa cannot be incorporated into area cladograms. Therefore, area cladograms based on all preserved fossil species may also differ fundamentally from the true area cladograms which would be available if all taxa were preserved in the fossil record. Again, this can lead to artificial incongruence and inaccurate results. Simulations are used to show that under average preservational regimes for skeletonized marine invertebrates in the fossil record, and with average extinction probabilities, phylogenetic biogeographic studies of the extant biota are typically more likely to be artificially incongruent than those relying on fossil biotas. Further, in phylogenetic and biogeographic studies extant groups that have persisted for a very long time, have high extinction rates, and low diversity should be avoided. Phylogenetic biogeographic studies of fossil taxa should avoid groups with low diversity and a poor fossil record; these studies should also avoid time periods or regions with a poor fossil record.
Neuronal and behavioral correlates of intrastriatal infusions of amphetamine in freely moving rats

Abstract When injected systematically in rats, amphetamine routinely activates striatal neurons that increase firing rate in close temporal association with movement but suppresses nonmotor-related neurons. To assess the role of striatal mechanisms in these opposing effects, d -amphetamine (20 μg/μl) was infused (10 μl/h) directly into the striatum of awake, behaving rats and single-unit activity was recorded simultaneously at the infusion site. Intrastriataamphetamine reliably activated motor-related, but suppressed nonmotor-related neuronal activity shortly after infusion onset. These changes in firing rate preceded overt behavioral changes, in most cases by several minutes. When they did emerge, behavioral responses were characterized mainly by focused sniffing and head bobbing. Interestingly, the strongest behavioral responses, as measured by onset latency and response magnitude, were likely to result from infusions into motor-related rather than nonmotor-related recording sites. Systemic injection of haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg) shortly after offset suppressed both behavior and striatal neuronal activity. Control infusions of intrastriatal saline had no consistent effect on either striatal neuronal activity or behavior. Collectively, these results indicate that the divergence in firing rate between motor- and nonmotor-related striatal neurons reflects an intrinsic action of amphetamine in the striatum rather than a secondary effect of behavioral feedback. Moreover, the linkage of motor-related striatal areas with the strongest behavioral responses to amphetamine suggests important functional differences between motor- and nonmotor-related striatal neurons.
Bionomics of a mermithid (Nematode) parasite of soil-inhabiting larvae of certain chrysomelids (Coleoptera)

Abstract The mermithid Filipjevimermis leipsandra was found parasitizing soil-inhabiting larvae of several chrysomelids at Charleston, South Carolina. Only females were found, but they were able to reproduce parthenogenetically. The nematode's life cycle in laboratory cages ranged from 65 to 70 days.
Spectral sensitivity in linear biological models

Properties of spectral components of the system matrix of linear time-invariant discrete or continuous models are investigated. It is shown that the entries in these matrices have the interpretation of being the sensitivity of the system matrix eigenvalues with respect to the model parameters. The spectral resolution formula for linear operators is used to get explicit results about component matrices and eigenvalue sensitivity. In biological modeling, particular interest is in the real maximal or minimal roots of the system matrix. Exact formulation of the related spectral components is made in important system matrix cases such as companion, Leslie, ecosystem, compartmental, and stochastic matrices.
Syncoilin is required for generating maximum isometric stress in skeletal muscle but dispensable for muscle cytoarchitecture

Syncoilin is a striated muscle-specific intermediate filament-like protein, which is part of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DPC) at the sarcolemma and provides a link between the extrac...
Platelet activation in preeclampsia

Abstract Platelet activation was assessed in hospitalized third-trimester patients with preeclampsia (n = 11) or chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia (n = 11) and in healthy outpatient pregnant controls (n = 10) by measuring plasma β-thromboglobulin, platelet factor 4, the platelet aggregate ratio, and the amount of collagen required to produce half-maximal aggregation velocity (K d ). Only plasma β-thromboglobulin levels differed significantly between patients with preeclampsia (50.1 ± 37.9; p d indicate that the increase in β-thromboglobulin is not due to an intrinsic change in platelet responsiveness, and (3) the elevation of β-thromboglobulin in patients with either preeclampsia or chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia appears to be secondary to platelet consumption in the microvasculature, although in patients with preeclampsia altered renal function may be contributory.
Potential future changes of the terrestrial ecosystem based on climate projections by eight general circulation models

[1] A number of previous modeling studies have assessed the implications of projected CO2-induced climate change for future terrestrial ecosystems. However, although current understanding of possible long-term response of vegetation to elevated CO2 and CO2-induced climate change in some geographical areas (e.g., the high-latitude regions) has been strengthened by dint of accumulating evidence from these past studies, it is still weak in others. This study examines the responses of global potential natural vegetation distribution, net primary production (NPP), and fire emissions to future changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration and climate using the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Land Model's dynamic global vegetation model. The model is run to vegetative equilibrium (i.e., with respect to leaf area index (LAI) and vegetation coverage) driven with preindustrial climate and future climate near 2100, respectively, simulated by eight general circulation models (GCMs). The simulated potential vegetation under the preindustrial control mean climate (CO2 concentration held at 275 ppm) is compared with that under the SRESA1B 2100 mean climate (CO2 concentration stabilizes at 720 ppm beyond 2100). Simulated vegetation response ranges from mild changes of the fractional coverage of different plant functional types to the rather dramatic changes of dominant plant functional types. Although such response differs significantly across different GCM climate projections, a quite consistent spatial pattern emerges, characterized by a considerable poleward spread or shift of temperate and boreal forests in the Northern Hemisphere high latitudes, and a substantial degradation of vegetation type in the tropics (e.g., increase of drought deciduous trees coverage at the expense of evergreen trees) especially in portions of West and southern Africa and South America. Despite the widespread degradation of vegetation type in the tropics, NPP, and growing season LAI are predicted to increase under most GCM scenarios over most of the globe. Carbon fluxes to the atmosphere due to fire generally increase too across the globe. Such responses of NPP and fire occurrence result from the synergistic effects of CO2 concentration changes, climate changes, and vegetation changes. In the HadCM-driven simulation, however, extreme responses are shown in some regions: Deciduous forest is replaced by grasses in large areas in the middle latitudes, and substantial areas in northern South America and southern Africa predominantly covered by evergreen forest are replaced with grasses while NPP and fire emissions reduce drastically (by more than 100%). A future paper will examine how the biosphere response documented here influences the impact of climate change on surface hydrological conditions.
Science observations with the Keck Interferometer Nuller

The Keck Interferometer Nuller (KIN) is now largely in place at the Keck Observatory, and functionalities and performance are increasing with time. The main goal of the KIN is to examine nearby stars for the presence of exozodiacal emission, but other sources of circumstellar emission, such as disks around young stars, and hot exoplanets are also potential targets. To observe with the KIN in nulling mode, knowledge of the intrinsic source spectrum is essential, because of the wide variety of wavelengths involved in the various control loops - the AO system operates at visible wavelengths, the pointing loops use the J-band, the high-speed fringe tracker operates in the K-band, and the nulling observations take place in the N-band. Thus, brightness constraints apply at all of these wavelengths. In addition, source structure plays a role at both K-band and N-band, through the visibility. In this talk, the operation of the KIN is first briefly described, and then the sensitivity and performance of the KIN is summarized, with the aim of presenting an overview of the parameter space accessible to the nuller. Finally, some of the initial observations obtained with the KIN are described.
Contributions of Weight Perceptions to Weight Loss Attempts: Differences by Body Mass Index and Gender

Previous studies have consistently observed that women are more likely to perceive themselves as overweight compared to men. Similarly, women are more likely than men to report trying to lose weight. Less is known about the impact that self-perceived weight has on weight loss behaviors of adults and whether this association differs by gender. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among an employee sample to determine the association of self-perceived weight on evidence-based weight loss behaviors across genders, accounting for body mass index (BMI) and demographic characteristics. Women were more likely than men to consider themselves to be overweight across each BMI category, and were more likely to report attempting to lose weight. However, perceiving oneself to be overweight was a strong correlate for weight loss attempts across both genders. The effect of targeting accuracy of self-perceived weight status in weight loss interventions deserves research attention.
Shapes of Nuclear Induction Signals

The various shapes of nuclear induction signals are discussed for small values of the r-f field. In the case of a linear variation with time of the strong magnetic field, numerical results are given for various values of the sweep rate and the total relaxation time.
Polymer-supported organometallic compounds of titanium, zirconium and hafnium as hydrogenation catalysts

Abstract Cyclopentadienyl compounds of titanium, zirconium and hafnium have been prepared attached to polymers by first binding cyclopentadiene to styrene-divinylbenzene (20%) copolymers and then converting them to cyclopentadienyl anions. The resin-bound anions were treated with MCl n and polymer-attached Mcl n−1 compounds were formed (where M = Ti, Zr and Hf). The polymer-attached monocyclopentadienyl titanium trichloride on reduction with butyl lithium produces active catalysts whose hydrogenation efficiencies are 10 to 20 times as great as the corresponding non-attached species under the same conditions. Studies of the physical nature of the metal catalyst dispersions on the polymer supports by using an electron-X-ray fluorescence microprobe indicate that the dispersion is uniform throughout the entire section of the bead.
Rhodopsin levels and rod-mediated function in abyssinian cats with hereditary retinal degeneration

Abyssinian cats with different stages of a slowly progressive autosomal recessively-inherited retinal degeneration were studied with imaging fundus reflectometry (IFR) and electroretinography (ERG). Maps of the visual pigment distribution were made in an area of retina extending from the posterior pole to the midperiphery. Rhodopsin levels in the midperipheral retina of a 6-month-old affected cat (stage of suspected disease) were reduced about 20% relative to the mean normal value. The same cat, tested at 2·5 yr of age (now moderately advanced stage), showed a 60% reduction. A 3-yr-old affected cat (also moderately advanced) had a reduction in rhodopsin of about 60%. There was no measurable rhodopsin in a 7-yr-old affected cat (advanced stage). Rhodopsin regeneration kinetics at the different stages of disease were found to be similar to those of normal cats. The rod ERG b-wave threshold in the 6-month-old cat was elevated by 0·26 log units; at 2·5 yr of age, the threshold was elevated by 0·48 log units. A 0·34 log units threshold elevation was found in the 3-yr-old cat. There was no detectable ERG in the 7-yr-old cat. The relationship between the rod ERG threshold elevations and the rhodopsin levels was close to that expected if the dysfunction was caused by decreased quantal absorption
Nurturing Students’ Critical Knowledge Using Technology-enhanced Scaffolding Strategies in Science Education

Critique is central to the development of scientific knowledge. From a cognitive perspective, critique can be used to enhance understanding. From a social perspective, critique serves to maintain the standards of a professional field. In science education, it is of tremendous value to diagnose and nurture students’ critical knowledge. How students develop and apply criteria for critique, however, remains unclear. What factors influence students’ performance of critique, and how can educators incorporate technology-enhanced scaffolding strategies to help diagnose and nurture students’ critical knowledge? In this paper, I define critical knowledge as the criteria people use to evaluate other knowledge, the ability to use these criteria across contexts, and the reflective understanding of such processes. Building on existing literature, I develop a conceptual framework that describes the components and processes involved in a critique activity. Using this framework, I discuss the application of technology-enhanced scaffolding strategies to facilitate critique activities in science classrooms.
Conductivity Measurement of Genetically Annealed Zirconia From Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Characteristics of the annealed state of yttria and scandia stabilized zirconia have been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. A genetic algorithm was used to find the minimal energy configuration of dopant ions to simulate the effects of annealing for compositions of 8 mol% Y2O3 in ZrO2, and compositions with 9, 10 and 11 mol% Sc2O3 with, respectively, 2, 1 and 0 mol% Y2O3 in ZrO2. Conductivity and diffusion coefficients were calculated in each case, and it was discovered that the conductivity increased when the dopant ions were located distant to each other, and the number of first neighbor dopant-dopant pairs were reduced. Furthermore, the Haven ratio was calculated to be on the order of 0.9 for the 11 mol% doped specimens, but substantially lower for the 8 mol% yttria in zirconia specimens.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Central nervous system considerations in the use of β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and thiazide diuretics in managing essential hypertension

Abstract The most common mild side effects occurring with use of β-blockers, thiazide diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for blood pressure control are central nervous system symptoms, specifically lethargy, sedation, and fatigue. These symptoms affect 5% to 10% of patients taking these drugs. The mechanism by which β-blockers may induce central nervous system effects is uncertain. Relative lipophilicity as a factor affecting penetrance of the blood-brain barrier has not proved to be a reliable predictor of whether the drug will cause such disturbances. Comparisons of atenolol (hydrophilic) and metoprolol (lipophilic) have shown no differences between these drugs with respect to side effects of the central nervous system. The incidence of central nervous system effects with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is similar to that for most β-blockers. The precise role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme in the central nervous system is not well defined. Most thiazide diuretics are not associated with major complications of the central nervous system, although electrolyte imbalance may occasionally lead to complaints of neurologic symptoms. Because the incidence of central nervous system effects with these three classes of drugs is so low, concern for the side effects of the central nervous system is not a prime consideration in the choice of an initial antihypertensive agent.
"Culture" And Other Explanatory Variables In Comparative Management Studies

A partial survey of the literature of comparative management reveals that there are four major types of explanation of managerial similarities and differences: cultural, economic, psychological, an...
Social Institutional Explanations of Global Internet Diffusion: A Cross-Country Analysis

This study attempts to examine empirically how social institutional factors relate to Internet diffusion in 39 countries. Based on nine-year cross-country data, the analytical results show that the rule of law, educational systems, and industrialization significantly influenced the global Internet diffusion, while the economic system did not exert significant impact. Uncertainty avoidance as a national cultural phenomenon significantly inhibited the Internet diffusion. This significant and negative effect is particularly true with less developed countries (LDCs).
LOS TESOROS DE LOS MALLKU DE POCONA Y TOTORA EN EL SIGLO XVI

Este articulo ofrece un analisis etnohistorico de un centro cocalero ubicado en la frontera oriental del Tawantinsuyu durante el siglo XVI. Los inkas organizaron un archipielago multietnico en los valles de Pocona y Totora (Charcas) destinado a la defensa de la frontera y al cultivo estatal de la hoja de coca, el cual se prolongo con las mismas funciones en el periodo colonial. El objetivo de este trabajo apunta a demostrar que las autoridades etnicas coloniales de esta porcion fronteriza atesoraban prestigiosos simbolos de autoridad que aludian al tiempo del inka y reforzaban sus jerarquias coloniales. Especialmente, estos tesoros activaban la memoria de sus ancestros quienes habian sido "capitanes del inka", organizaron la mano de obra en los cocales estatales y las actividades ceremoniales vinculadas al ciclo agricola y a la defensa militar.
Effect of the N-Terminus on Heme Cavity Structure, Ligand Equilibrium, Rate Constants, and Reduction Potentials of Nitrophorin 2 from Rhodnius prolixus†

The D1A mutant of recombinant NP2 has been prepared and shown to have the expression−initiation methionine-0 cleaved during expression in E. coli, as is the case for recombinant NP4, where Ala is the first amino acid for the recombinant protein as well as for the mature native protein. The heme substituent 1H NMR chemical shifts of NP2-D1A and those of its imidazole, N-methylimidazole, and cyanide complexes are rather different from those of NP2-M0D1. This difference is likely due to the much smaller size of the N-terminal amino acid (A) of NP2-D1A, which allows the formation of the closed loop form of this protein, as it does for NP4 (Weichsel, A., Andersen, J. F., Roberts, S. A., and Montfort, W. R. (2000) Nature Struct. Biol. 7, 551−554). The ratio of the two hemin rotational isomers A and B is different for the two proteins, and the rate at which the A:B ratio reaches equilibrium is strikingly different (NP2-M0D1 t1/2 for heme rotation ∼2 h, NP2-D1A t1/2 ∼43 h). This difference is consistent with the ...
Dual-wavelength focusing and simultaneous image registration for in vivo high-resolution retinal imaging

We describe dual-wavelength, simultaneous retinal imaging with compensation for eye movements and monochromatic and chromatic aberrations. Using lipofuscin autofluorescence, we can resolve human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vivo.
PACEMAKERS AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS IN MEDUSAE: HOMAGE TO ROMANES.

Romanes generalized conclusions concerning the coordinating mechanisms of jellyfish have been re-evaluated in the light of results obtained by the direct recording of nervous activity in both hydro- and scyphomedusae. In basic outline his deductions are confirmed, but he insufficiently recognized the important differences existing between the two classes. For example, the swimming-beat contraction in a scyphomedusan follows a single through-conducted impulse spreading from any marginal center across the appropriate nerve-net, whereas in the hydromedusae local pacemaker centers cause the muscular contractions, but their activities are coordinated by a through-conducted spike which has no direct effect on the muscles. Direct recording reveals a hydrozoan pattern of multiple pacemakers, superimposed conducting systems, cryptic activity, and regional autonomy in the hydromedusae which is very different from the greater simplicity of the scyphozoa. In the latter the direct responses of the marginal center pacemakers can now be understood with reference to the specific demonstrable interactions between the pacemakers and the two nervenets. In hydromedusae, however, the complexity that is disclosed demands further analysis of the ontogenetic changes in coordinating system function during the hydroid metamorphosis.
Parallel imports and the lot of a starving artist

Abstract This paper studies the role of copyright in the market for cultural output and how parallel imports effect the structure of incentives faced by artists. It demonstrates that parallel imports effect the distribution of income between generations of artists, raising the income of younger artists while reducing the income of superstars; the net outcome being a decline in the number of artists producing cultural output. Optimal subsidies to offset this decline can either involve a subsidy to starving young artists and no subsidy for superstars, or the opposite outcome depending on government attitudes towards the distribution of income.
An Evaluation of the Pennsylvania Foreign Language Project

THIS critique is concerned with specific elements contained in two of the Final Reports (I & II) pertaining to the: (a) statement of the problem, (b) review of the literature, (c) objectives of the study, (d) research design, (e) randomization and representativeness of samples and treatments, (f) variables used, (g) statistics employed, and (h) interpretation of results. It in no way is intended as an analysis of the content area; i.e. foreign language teaching or learning. The authors of the Pennsylvania Project and representatives of the U. S. Office of Education should be complimented on supporting a project with identifiable educational need and societal concern.' It seems similarly valid to assume it appropriate for the U. S. Office of Education to support evaluation studies on educational programs and facilities heavily financed by the federal government.
Determination of soot onset and background particulate levels in a spark-ignition engine

An experimental method utilizing premixing of the air and fuel well upstream of the intake port in conjunction with careful exhaust sample conditioning was developed to study the onset of sooting in spark-ignition engines. By fully premixing the air–fuel mixture upstream of the intake port, it was possible to create a fully premixed and pre-vaporized (PMPV) fuel–air charge and to eliminate liquid fuel in-cylinder. A baseline particle size distribution (PSD) was demonstrated using multiple fuels including gasoline, methanol, and E100. The baseline particulate level was shown to be insensitive to fuel composition and equivalence ratio below a critical value of the equivalence ratio or C/O ratio (Φc or C/Oc), indicating that the baseline PSD is not the result of fuel carbon, but instead is the result of other particulate sources, e.g., engine oil and engine wear particles. With the baseline particle levels established the PMPV technique was applied to determine the local enrichment needed to generate significant soot above the baseline particle size distribution. The critical equivalence ratio for onset of sooting under PMPV operation was determined to be between 1.345 and 1.349 (C/Oc = 0.461–0.462). The results, interpreted based on the literature on laboratory premixed flames, indicate that soot first forms by the walls at the end of combustion or slightly after during the expansion stroke. The results give for the first time an indication of the level of local-enrichment that would be expected to cause a significant increase in soot production in spark-ignition direct-injection engines operating on gasoline at moderate engine load and speed conditions.
Radiation exposure in children with heart disease.

To evaluate the possible excessive radiation exposure of children with heart defects, dosimetry data for pediatric radiodiagnostic procedures were compiled. Means were also sought for reducing exposure to minimal levels consistent with adequate diagnostic practices. When fluoroscopy is necessary, a 10- to 50-fold reduction in exposure can be obtained by substituting the image amplifier for the regular fluoroscope. Pediatric exposure with techniques employing radioisotopes is also evaluated, especially those involving I/sup 131/. If I/sup 131/-Hippuran is used for renal studies, it is rapidly excreted by the kidneys, so that the effective half life in the body is less than 1 hr, even with poor renal function. Precautionary measures include administration of iodine (to block the uptake of I/sup 131/ by the thyroid gland) and adequate hydration to insure early voiding (to minimize pelvic irradiation). With these measures, when 15 mu C are injected into a child weighing 40 kg, the whole-body beta dose is y from 92% to 6 0.0002 rad, and the gamma dose is 0.00013 r. The gonadal exposure from I/sup 131/ (in the dosage mentioned) is significantly less than gonadal exposure from routine chest films and fluoroscopy. The presert consensus is that radioisotopes should be used inmore » children only for situations in which information cannot be gained by other methods. Moreover, fluoroscopy of pediatric cardiac patients as a routine procedure in office practice should not be performed since x-ray films usually supply adequate information. (TCO)« less
Suicide Among Discharged Psychiatric Inpatients in the Department of Veterans Affairs

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to explore correlates of the use of firearms to commit suicide. Methods: A national sample of psychiatric patients discharged from Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers was followed from the time of discharge until December 1999. The study explores state-level measures as correlates of overall suicide and suicide by firearm, controlling for individual sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric diagnosis. The outcomes of interest were completed suicide and suicide by firearm. Results: Patients who were male, Caucasian, and who had a diagnosis of substance abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder were significantly more likely to use a firearm than another means to commit suicide. Multivariable models indicated that veterans living in states with lower rates of gun ownership, more restrictive gun laws, and higher social capital were less likely to commit suicide with a firearm. Conclusions: Gun ownership rates, legislation, and levels of comm...
Tyr275 and Lys279 stabilize NADPH within the catalytic site of NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase and are involved in the formation of the enzyme photoactive state.

Fluorescence spectroscopic and kinetic analysis of photochemical activity, cofactor and substrate binding, and enzyme denaturation studies were performed with highly purified, recombinant pea NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The results obtained with an individual stereoisomer of the substrate [C8-ethyl-C13(2)-(R)-protochlorophyllide] demonstrate that the enzyme photoactive state possesses a characteristic fluorescence maximum at 646 nm that is due to the presence of specific charged amino acids in the enzyme catalytic site. The photoactive state is converted directly into an intermediate having fluorescence at 685 nm in a reaction involving direct hydrogen transfer from the cofactor (NADPH). Site-directed mutagenesis of the highly conserved Tyr275 (Y275F) and Lys279 (K279I and K279R) residues in the enzyme catalytic pocket demonstrated that the presence of these two amino acids in the wild-type POR considerably increases the probability of photo...
Effects of Ca2+ and polyamines on Na+ and Rb+ influx in excised maize roots

When 1 mM spermidine or spermine was included in an absorption solution which contained 20 mM Na+ and 1 mM Rb+, Na+ influx into excised maize roots (Zea mays L. cv. Golden Cross Bantam) was reduced. Rb+ influx was reduced in the presence of spermidine and uneffected in the presence of spermine when compared with control solutions. When 1 mM Ca2+ replaced the polyamines, Na+ influx was strongly reduced and Rb+ influx was promoted. Rb+ influx from 1 mM Rb+ solutions which did not contain Na+ was also promoted by 1 mM Ca2+, but was inhibited by 1 mM spermidine. This Ca2+ promotion of Rb+ influx could be reversed by 10 times greater concentration of spermidine in the absorption solution. H+ efflux from excised roots was inhibited by spermidine when compared with Ca2+ or control solutions, however, the plasma membrane ATPase was not inhibited by spermidine. It is concluded that external Ca2+ plays two separate roles in membrane function, only one of which can be substituted for by polyamines. The first role, maintenance of membrane integrity, can be substituted for by spermidine or spermine. The second function, maintenance of the Rb+ transport mechanism, is Ca2+ specific and cannot be substituted for by spermidine or spermine. The results of this study are discussed in terms of electrostatic interactions between the plasma membrane and the Ca2+ or polyamines.
Microsatellite variation in red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus).

Territorial male red-winged blackbirds from five locations in the United States and Canada were genotyped using a suite of six microsatellite loci. Each population possessed unique alleles, but numbers of alleles per locus (range = 7.3–8.8) and expected multilocus heterozygosities (range = 0.76–0.80) were similar in all populations. Significant overall allele frequency differences were detected between some population pairs, and some pairwise Fst values were significant (but small). However, Fst among populations, although significant, was also small (0.009). Despite revealing low levels of population structure, the high multilocus polymorphism indicates these loci will be valuable in the genetic analysis of behavior and reproductive strategies in this species.
Molecular weight determination of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in solutions containing either NaBr or D2O: relevance to the number of apolipoprotein(a) subunits in Lp(a).

Molecular weight determination of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is usually performed in solutions containing high concentrations of salt (up to 13.4 M NaBr) by sedimentation velocity and diffusion ...
The practical application of narrative medicine at Mayo Clinic: imagining the scaffold of a worthy house.

American health care institutions increasingly recognize narrative medicine as a means to developing quality patient care. More commonly applied in health care professional development settings, narrative medicine is less overtly employed with patient populations. In this article, we describe the application of various narrative practices in the patient care and medical education programs of a major health care center in Minnesota. We discuss the impact of these programs on their participants in relation to the evidence based in current scholarship. Further, we examine narrative externalization of illness in Katherine Butler Hathaway’s disability memoir “The Little Locksmith,” a text which implicates the work of metaphor-making as a transformative step in healing. While several reports demonstrate that patients can find creative writing during times of illness to be therapeutic, there are many for whom the practice is problematic or unattractive, obstacles to practice implementation that the authors discuss. However, based on the experience of our institution, for health care institutions seeking to build a legacy of leadership in empathic patient care, narrative—employed in mentoring physicians in training and in establishing strong, dialogic relationships with patients and colleagues—should serve as a central strategy, or scaffold.