cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on the analysis of beef flavor volatiles: Focus on carbonyl and sulfur-containing compounds

This paper demonstrates that the volatile flavor profiles from cooked and cooked/stored ground beef are directly affected by and related to the purge temperature for volatile isolation. Minimal analytical efficacy and recovery are seen when the samples are purged at 50°C. This is thought to arise from inefficient extraction of flavor volatiles. Different and potentially misleading chromatographic profiles are obtained when the samples are purged at 100°C. This response is thought to be due to conversion of one volatile species to another. Optimal extraction and limited conversion of the volatiles are seen at a temperature of 75°C. The data clearly suggest that a more accurate picture of food volatile composition and, therefore, potential flavor can best be appreciated by a thorough examination and understanding of the effect of temperature on the development and content of these volatile mixtures.
Are There Two Presidencies? Yes, But Only for Republicans

Analysis of conflictual roll call votes in the House and Senate indicates that presidents tend to win more often on foreign policy than on domestic policy. And we find no evidence that the differences have diminished over the period from 1953 through 1984. The two presidencies phenomenon, however, characterizes only Republican administrations. We analyze support for the president from different party factions (i.e., liberal Democrats, conservative Democrats, liberal Republicans, and conservative Republicans) and party and committee leaders to determine why the two presidencies phenomenon is limited to Republican administrations. We find that Republican presidents tend to receive greater support on foreign policy issues from liberal Democrats and from Democratic party and committee leaders. Analysis of a subset of important votes shows less difference between the two policy areas. The two presidencies phenomenon for Republican presidents does not appear on important votes because liberal Democrats are less...
Community Involvement in Adapting and Testing a Prevention Program for Preschoolers Living in Urban Communities: ParentCorps

We describe a university-community collaborative effort to tailor and deliver a prevention program for families of preschoolers living in low-income, urban communities. ParentCorps, which builds on efficacious interventions with parents and young children, aims to promote child social competence and prevent conduct problems by strengthening parenting skills, enhancing support for parents, and empowering parents to access resources in their communities. Active community engagement and collaboration were viewed as critical to the development of the program and its feasibility testing. We present an overview of community involvement in the development of ParentCorps and approaches taken to involve community members during a feasibility study. Areas of success and lessons learned are discussed.
Emerging ideas: treatment of precollapse osteonecrosis using stem cells and growth factors.

Background Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head is a devastating disease affecting young patients at their most productive age, causing major socioeconomic burdens. ON is associated with various etiologic factors, and the pathogenesis of the disease is unknown. Most investigators believe the disease is the result of secondary microvascular compromise with subsequent bone and marrow cell death and defective bone repair.
Reflections on Cicero in Nineteenth-Centuiy England and America

o the nineteenth century, Cicero was a blend of strengths and weaknesses. Forsyth, who beUeved him to have been "one of the purest and most virtuous of the ancients, and m some respects to approach nearest to the character of a Christian gentleman" (the latter, a primary criterion of the age), was "far from thinking him faultless."' Davidson pictured Cicero as "no demi-god to be set on a pedestal for the worship of the nations, but a man with human virtues and human weaknesses, and withal possessed of a charm of grace and goodness which makes us think of him as of some fanriUar and beloved friend."^ Hannay acknowledged both his "weaknesses . . . the errors of his public conduct" and a "thread of tenderness almost Christian."^ And, in his sketch of Caesar, Froude wrote that the orator was "a tragic combination of magnificent talents, high aspirations, and true desire to do right.
Short communication: An in vitro assessment of the antibacterial activity of plant-derived oils

Nonantibiotic treatments for mastitis are needed in organic dairy herds. Plant-derived oils may be useful but efficacy and potential mechanisms of action of such oils in mastitis therapy have not been well documented. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the plant-derived oil components of Phyto-Mast (Bovinity Health LLC, Narvon, PA), an herbal intramammary product, against 3 mastitis-causing pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus chromogenes, and Streptococcus uberis. Plant-derived oils evaluated were Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice), Angelica sinensis, and Angelica dahurica. Broth dilution testing according to standard protocol was performed using ultrapasteurized whole milk instead of broth. Controls included milk only (negative control), milk + bacteria (positive control), and milk + bacteria + penicillin-streptomycin (antibiotic control, at 1 and 5% concentrations). Essential oil of thyme was tested by itself and not in combination with other oils because of its known antibacterial activity. The other plant-derived oils were tested alone and in combination for a total of 15 treatments, each replicated 3 times and tested at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% to simulate concentrations potentially achievable in the milk within the pre-dry-off udder quarter. Thyme oil at concentrations ≥2% completely inhibited bacterial growth in all replications. Other plant-derived oils tested alone or in various combinations were not consistently antibacterial and did not show typical dose-response effects. Only thyme essential oil had consistent antibacterial activity against the 3 mastitis-causing organisms tested in vitro. Further evaluation of physiological effects of thyme oil in various preparations on mammary tissue is recommended to determine potential suitability for mastitis therapy.
An Application of Bayesian Inverse Methods to Vertical Deconvolution of Hydraulic Conductivity in a Heterogeneous Aquifer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

A Bayesian inverse method is applied to two electromagnetic flowmeter tests conducted in fractured weathered shale at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Traditional deconvolution of flowmeter tests is also performed using a deterministic first-difference approach; furthermore, ordinary kriging was applied on the first-difference results to provide an additional method yielding the best estimate and confidence intervals. Depth-averaged bulk hydraulic conductivity information was available from previous testing. The three methods deconvolute the vertical profile of lateral hydraulic conductivity. A linear generalized covariance function combined with a zoning approach was used to describe structure. Nonnegativity was enforced by using a power transformation. Data screening prior to calculations was critical to obtaining reasonable results, and the quantified uncertainty estimates obtained by the inverse method led to the discovery of questionable data at the end of the process. The best estimates obtained using the inverse method and kriging compared favorably with first-difference confirmatory calculations, and all three methods were consistent with the geology at the site.
Ethics in Agenda 21

Although environmental ethicists often focus on applying ethics to policy, the ethics embedded in policy documents such as Agenda 21 are also significant. Though largely ignored by ethicists after early responses to the document focused on intrinsic value, Agenda 21's ethics are particularly valuable for their ability to resonate with many people and link politics, technical studies, and ethics. For instance, their use draws attention to the need to ethically evaluate sustainability indexes and identifies limitations of existing indexes. At a broad level, this study of the ethics of Agenda 21 also suggests that the ethics of international environmental policy documents deserves more attention.
Unwinding and rewinding of DNA by the RecBC enzyme

Under physiological conditions the initial action of the RecBC enzyme (exonuclease V) on duplex DNA is unwinding of the DNA strands. We have examined by electron microscopy the initial products of this unwinding reaction. When such reactions are carried out in the presence of DNA binding protein, unwinding structures are seen both at the terminus of the duplex DNA and at locations remote from the ends of the DNA molecule. Both terminal and internal unwinding structures proceed along DNA at about 300 nucleotides per second, and the single-stranded loops in both types of structure enlarge at about 100 nucleotides per second. In the internal unwindings DNA must be rewound behind the enzyme at about 200 nucleotides per second. The structures do not occur on supercoiled or nicked circular DNA, indicating that free ends are needed for their formation. In the absence of DNA binding protein only internal unwinding structures are seen, suggesting that the internal structures are formed from the terminal unwindings by base-pairing of their unwound single-strand tails. We present a model which incorporates these structures and is consistent with previous observations on the unwinding and degradative actions of the enzyme. In this model the enzyme travels through duplex DNA by unwinding the DNA ahead of itself and rewinding it behind itself. The internal unwindings produced by the RecBC enzyme could be active in initial synapsis step in genetic recombination.
WE-D-18A-04: How Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms Affect the MTFs of Variable-Contrast Targets in CT Images

Purpose: To determine how filtered back-projection (FBP), adaptive statistical (ASiR), and model based (MBIR) iterative reconstruction algorithms affect the measured modulation transfer functions (MTFs) of variable-contrast targets over a wide range of clinically applicable dose levels. Methods: The Catphan 600 CTP401 module, surrounded by an oval, fat-equivalent ring to mimic patient size/shape, was scanned on a GE HD750 CT scanner at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 mGy CTDIvol levels with typical patient scan parameters: 120kVp, 0.8s, 40mm beam width, large SFOV, 2.5mm thickness, 0.984 pitch. The images were reconstructed using GE's Standard kernel with FBP; 20%, 40% and 70% ASiR; and MBIR. A task-based MTF (MTFtask) was computed for six cylindrical targets: 2 low-contrast (Polystyrene, LDPE), 2 medium-contrast (Delrin, PMP), and 2 high-contrast (Teflon, air). MTFtask was used to compare the performance of reconstruction algorithms with decreasing CTDIvol from 24mGy, which is currently used in the clinic. Results: For the air target and 75% dose savings (6 mGy), MBIR MTFtask at 5 lp/cm measured 0.24, compared to 0.20 for 70% ASiR and 0.11 for FBP. Overall, for both high-contrast targets, MBIR MTFtask improved with increasing CTDIvol and consistently outperformed ASiR and FBP near the system's Nyquist frequency. Conversely, for Polystyrene at 6 mGy, MBIR (0.10) and 70% ASiR (0.07) MTFtask was lower than for FBP (0.18). For medium and low-contrast targets, FBP remains the best overall algorithm for improved resolution at low CTDIvol (1–6 mGy) levels, whereas MBIR is comparable at higher dose levels (12–24 mGy). Conclusion: MBIR improved the MTF of small, high-contrast targets compared to FBP and ASiR at doses of 50%–12.5% of those currently used in the clinic. However, for imaging low- and mediumcontrast targets, FBP performed the best across all dose levels. For assessing MTF from different reconstruction algorithms, task-based MTF measurements are necessary.
Methane emissions from floodplain swamps of the Ogeechee River: long-term patterns and effects of climate change

Patterns and rates of wetland methane emissions and their sensitivity to potential climate change are critical components of the global methane cycle. In this study, we use empirical simulation models to investigate these processes in floodplain swamps of the Ogeechee River in Georgia, U.S.A. We developed statistical models that relate methane emissions to monthly climate and river flow based on field observations of methane emissions from this system made during 1987–1989. Models were then applied to observed climate and hydrograph for 1937–1989 and to simulated altered climates. Altered climates were generated from the present-day climate by changing monthly temperatures by a constant amount and/or changing monthly precipitation by a constant proportion, thus altering long-term averages and preserving year-to-year variation. Under the present-day climate regime, simulated methane emissions were variable between years and responded very strongly to changes in river discharge. The long-term average was 27 g C m-2 yr-1, with no significant linear trend over the model period. In the altered climate simulations, methane emissions were very sensitive to changes in precipitation amounts, with a 20% decrease in rainfall resulting in 30–43% declines in methane emissions. Predicted effects of temperature changes on methane emissions were less consistent, and were strongly dependent on assumptions made about the response of evapotranspiration to elevated temperatures. In general, hydrologic impacts of changes in evapotranspiration rates (such as may occur in response to temperature shifts) were more important than direct temperature effects on methane production.
Characterization of a novel plasmid DNA found in mitochondria of N. crassa

Abstract We have identified a plasmid DNA that is found within mitochondria of wild-type N. crassa strain Mauriceville-1c (FGSC #2225), but that shows no detectable sequence homology with mitochondrial DNA. The plasmid DNA consists of an oligomeric series of circular molecules of monomer length 3.6 kb. There are two unusual clusters of restriction-enzyme sites, one consisting of six Eco RI sites in a 1 kb region, and the other of five or more Pst I sites in a 0.4 kb region. RNA gel transfer hybridization experiments show a major transcript 3.3 to 3.4 kb long, close to the monomer length of the plasmid. The latter finding implies that the plasmid DNA contains specific sites for the initiation and termination of transcription.
Wound assessment of the Loxosceles reclusa spider bite.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the data that are most important for nurses to recognize in the assessment of a Loxosceles reclusa (brown recluse) spider bite. Given such assessment elements, it may be possible to decrease the severity of complications and complexity of care by providing the most appropriate therapy. Methods This study involved a retrospective review of 39 identified patient charts. Aspects that were examined included demographics, wound assessments, and outcome data. Patients who came to the study facility within 48 hours of the bite and whose diagnosis was a probable or possible brown spider bite met inclusion criteria. Results Data analysis revealed that the majority of patients sustained bites on the extremities and that those bites produced the most commonly noted symptoms. This is the first study in which specific local and systemic symptoms have been quantified and related to the wound area. Because of varied treatment and limited follow-up, determining the relationship between wound assessment and outcome was problematic. Discussions Ongoing studies, in contrast to retrospective review, are needed to reduce the limitations of this study, such as the loss of patients to follow-up. Areas for further research include the replication of this study and detailed analysis of treatment variables in relation to wound outcome.
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish

United States farm-raised catfish provide one of the most affordable and environmentally sustainable sources of safe, tasty, high-quality animal protein available to American consumers today, yet t...
Inhibition of Shigella flexneri-induced transepithelial migration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes by cadaverine.

Dysentery caused by Shigella species is characterized by infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) into the colonic mucosa. Shigella spp. evolved into pathogens by the acquisition of virulence genes and by the deletion of ‘antivirulence’ genes detrimental to its pathogenic lifestyle. An example is cadA (encoding lysine decarboxylase), which is uniformly absent in Shigella spp., whereas it is present in nearly all isolates of the closely related non-pathogen Escherichia coli. Here, using monolayers of T84 cells to model the human intestinal epithelium, we determined that the introduction of cadA into S. flexneri and the expression of lysine decarboxylase attenuated the bacteria's ability to induce PMN influx across model intestinal epithelium. Such inhibition was caused by cadaverine generated from the decarboxylation of lysine. Cadaverine treatment of model intestinal epithelia specifically inhibited S. flexneri induction of PMN transepithelial migration, while having no effect on the ability of Salmonella or enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) to induce PMN migration. These observations not only provide insight into mechanisms of S. flexneri pathogen evolution and pathogenesis, but also suggest a potential for the use of cadaverine in the treatment of dysentery.
Coupled-channels calculations for transfer reactions

Abstract Coupled-channels calculations for one-neutron transfer reactions are carried out for 58 Ni + 64 Ni in order to assess their importance in determining low-energy fusion cross sections. The transfer couplings are specified by an analytic approximation to the microscopic form factors. A rotating frame approximation is used to reduce the number of channels that are explicitly calculated. The fusion process is specified by imposing ingoing-wave boundary conditions. The total reaction cross section and the angular distributions for the transfer reactions are obtained without using imaginary potentials.
Astronomy: we can see clearly now.

The mystery of the diffuse γ-ray glow that pervades the Milky Way has been solved, thanks to a space telescope with the power to resolve compact γ-ray sources in the Galaxy.
Geophysical interpretation of U, Th, and rare earth element mineralization of the Bokan Mountain peralkaline granite complex, Prince of Wales Island, southeast Alaska

AbstractA prospectivity map for rare earth element (REE) mineralization at the Bokan Mountain peralkaline granite complex, Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska, was calculated from high-resolution airborne gamma-ray data. The map displays areas with similar radioelement concentrations as those over the Dotson REE-vein-dike system, which is characterized by moderately high %K, eU, and eTh (%K, percent potassium; eU, equivalent parts per million uranium; and eTh, equivalent parts per million thorium). Gamma-ray concentrations of rocks that share a similar range as those over the Dotson zone are inferred to locate high concentrations of REE-bearing minerals. An approximately 1300-m-long prospective tract corresponds to shallowly exposed locations of the Dotson zone. Prospective areas of REE mineralization also occur in continuous swaths along the outer edge of the pluton, over known but undeveloped REE occurrences, and within discrete regions in the older Paleozoic country rocks. Detailed mineralogica...
Alternative to the en Method for Determining Onset of Transition

We employ a two-equation model similar to that employed in turbulent calculations. It is based on the premise that, if a flow quantity can be written as the sum of a mean and a fluctuating quantity, then the exact equations that govern the fluctuations and their averages are identical irrespective of the nature of the oscillations, i.e., laminar, transitional, or turbulent
Method for measuring the momentum-dependent gap magnitude and relative phase in La1.85Sr.15CuO4

Abstract The magnitude and phase variation of the superconducting gap over the (normal) Fermi surface of high-temperature superconductors remains a significant unresolved question. Does the gap have nodes? Is the phase of the gap constant, does it change sign, or is it perhaps complex? A detailed answer to this question would provide important constraints on various pairing mechanisms. Here we describe a direct, angle-resolved method of measuring the gap magnitude and phase on the Fermi surface which probes the bulk superconductor. The required experiments involve measuring phonon linewidths in the normal and superconducting state, with resolution available in current facilities. We address the L 1.85 Sr .15 CuO 4 material now, but the method is applicable to all high-T c superconductors with quasi-two-dimensional Fermi surfaces.
On the Role of Zonal Asymmetries in Climate Change

Abstract The potential of zonal asymmetry as a sensitivity mechanism for the earth's climate is investigated through a simple extension of an energy balance climate model. The results of this model are compared with the reconstruction of climate during the last major glaciation. The comparison suggests that it is quite possible that the last glaciation was in near equilibrium with the present solar constant and that zonal asymmetry plays a very important role in the transitions between glacial and interglacial conditions. On the basis of these inferences, the planetary wave structure during summer and the transition seasons would appear to be very important for climatic change.
THE VISUAL INTENSITY DISCRIMINATION OF THE HONEY BEE.

1. Bees respond by a characteristic reflex to a movement in their visual field. By confining the field to a series of parallel stripes of different brightness it is possible to determine at any brightness of one of the two stripe systems the brightness of the second at which the bee will first respond to a displacement of the field. Thus intensity discrimination can be determined. 2. The discriminating power of the bee's eye varies with illumination in much the same way that it does for the human eye. The discrimination is poor at low illumination; as the intensity of illumination increases the discrimination increases and seems to reach a constant level at high illuminations. 3. The probable error of See PDF for Equation decreases with increasing I exactly in the same way as does See PDF for Equation itself. The logarithm of the probable error of ΔI is a rectilinear function of log I for all but the very lowest intensities. Such relationships show that the measurements exhibit an internal self-consistency which is beyond accident. 4. A comparison of the efficiency of the bee's eye with that of the human eye shows that the range over which the human eye can perceive and discriminate different brightnesses is very much greater than for the bee's eye. When the discrimination power of the human eye has reached almost a constant maximal level the bee's discrimination is still very poor, and at an illumination where as well the discrimination power of the human eye and the bee's eye are at their best, the intensity discrimination of the bee is twenty times worse than in the human eye.
Compensability of errors in product quality in multistage manufacturing processes

Abstract Recent advances in model-based feedforward control of quality in multistage manufacturing processes (MMPs) are used to introduce the concept of compensability of errors in product quality. It is defined as the system-level ability to automatically eliminate quality errors accumulated in the product, given the allocation of measurements and controllable tooling. Significant similarities are observed with the control theory concepts of controllability and observability. In addition, just like in control theory, it is shown that relatively simple matrix rank tests can be used to determine the compensability of a MMP and are related with the previously introduced notion of diagnosability. The theory introduced in this paper enables rapid quantitative analysis of one's ability to actively control the quality in a manufacturing system, which is crucial for optimal allocation of measurements and controllable tooling in an MMP. Compensability studies based on the newly introduced methods are conducted using models of the flow of errors in product quality in two automotive cylinder head machining lines and a multi-layer semiconductor lithography process.
Slab-coupled optical waveguide (SCOW) based optoelectronic oscillator (OEO)

We demonstrate a 3-GHz ultralow phase-noise (measurement limited &#60;−132 dB/Hz at 10 kHz offset) amplifier-free optoelectronic oscillator with significantly suppressed sidemode spurs (&#60;−140 dB) employing a slab-coupled optical waveguide external-cavity laser and photodiode.
Nature of the magma conduit under the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

From a combination of results of gravity, magnetic and seismic refraction surveys, the dike complex under the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii was found to extend for 110 km from the summit area of the volcano to a point 60 km at sea beyond the eastern tip of the island. Near the summit the complex is 20 km wide, and at about 40 km distance from the summit, the complex narrows to 12 km wide. The main body of the dike complex is 2.3 km deep, but some parts are as shallow as 1 km. From extrapolation of temperature data of a deep well and from analysis of magnetic data, it was inferred that temperature of the dike complex is above the Curic point of 540°C. The internal part of the complex can approach the melting point of 1060°C. The dike complex was formed by numerous excursions of magma from the holding reservoir under the volcano summit. The theory of forceful intrusion of magma into rift zones accounts for the magma excursions and migration of the passageways. Gravity and seismic velocity data indicate that density of the material left in the dike complex is 3.1 g/cm3. In the light of recent density determinations of Hawaiian rocks under high pressure and temperature, it is concluded that during Hawaiian volcanic activity, less dense components of the parent magma crupt through surface vents while the more dense components remain trapped below. Samples of the dense material from the dike complex are required before we can have a complete picture of the parent magma of Hawaiian volcanoes. The dike complex is the source of thermal energy for a commercial quality geothermal reservoir that was found by drilling.
Statistical Assessment of Probability of Detection for Automated Eddy Current Nondestructive Evaluation Inspection

Eddy current inspection is widely used in nondestructive evaluation to detect cracks in metal structures. The impedance plane measurement response, collected using our motion controlled eddy current inspection system, is used in the analysis. A scalar reduction from the impedance plane response is used to minimize human-factor variation. We apply a noise interference model to the data from a large-scale experiment taking measurements on fastener rivet holes in multilayer structures with fatigue cracks, and estimate the probability of detection (POD). The estimates of POD as a function of crack size will be valuable for future model-assisted POD studies.
Microwave ablation energy delivery: influence of power pulsing on ablation results in an ex vivo and in vivo liver model.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of continuous and pulsed energy deliveries on microwave ablation growth and shape in unperfused and perfused liver models. Methods: A total of 15 kJ at 2.45 GHz was applied to ex vivo bovine liver using one of five delivery methods (n = 50 total, 10 per group): 25 W continuous for 10 min (25 W average), 50 W continuous for 5 min (50 W average), 100 W continuous for 2.5 min (100 W average), 100 W pulsed for 10 min (25 W average), and 100 W pulsed for 5 min (50 W average). A total of 30 kJ was applied to in vivo porcine livers (n = 35, 7 per group) using delivery methods similar to the ex vivo study, but with twice the total ablation time to offset heat loss to blood perfusion. Temperatures were monitored 5–20 mm from the ablation antenna, with values over 60 °C indicating acute cellular necrosis. Comparisons of ablation size and shape were made between experimental groups based on total energy delivery, average power applied, and peak power using ANOVA with post-hoc pairwise tests. Results: No significant differences were noted in ablation sizes or circularities between pulsed and continuous groups in ex vivo tissue. Temperature data demonstrated more rapid heating in pulsed ablations, suggesting that pulsing may overcome blood perfusion and coagulate tissues more rapidly in vivo. Differences in ablation size and shape were noted in vivo despite equivalent energy delivery among all groups. Overall, the largest ablation volume in vivo was produced with 100 W continuous for 5 min (265.7 ± 208.1 cm3). At 25 W average, pulsed-power ablation volumes were larger than continuous-power ablations (67.4 ± 34.5 cm3 versus 23.6 ± 26.5 cm3, P = 0.43). Similarly, pulsed ablations produced significantly greater length (P ≤ 0.01), with increase in diameter (P = 0.09) and a slight decrease in circularity (P = 0.97). When comparing 50 W average power groups, moderate differences in size were noted (P ≥ 0.06) and pulsed ablations were again slightly more circular. Conclusions: Pulsed energy delivery created larger ablation zones at low average power compared to continuous energy delivery in the presence of blood perfusion. Shorter duty cycles appear to provide greater benefit when pulsing.
Cadmium uptake by the water hyacinth: effects of solution factors

Abstract Factors affecting Cd +2 uptake by the water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes were examined. A radiotracer (Cd-109) was employed to monitor uptake. A constant amount of radiotracer was used in every experimental solution resulting in a comparable sensitivity throughout the concentration range studied (0·0001–1000 ppm). Concentrations above 100 ppm were acutely toxic to the plants. A biphasic rate of uptake was observed with a fast phase of about 4 h and a slow phase of at least 72 h. Stirring the solution enhanced uptake in the fast phase, suggesting that uptake is in part diffusion limited. Increasing the pH from 2 to 5 enhanced the uptake rate. When Hoagland's solution was present, higher pH values decreased the rate. The presence of the micronutrient Zn +2 decreased the uptake rate. These metals appear to compete for the same site(s) on the roots. Plants sequentially exposed (three times; 48 h each) to different Cd +2 concentrations continued to take up the metal and to exhibit the biphasic rate profile. Plants removed from Cd +2 solution after 48 h did not release any of the metal when placed in fresh Hoagland's solution.
Random fields associated with multiple points of the Brownian motion

Abstract Let Xt be the Brownian motion in R d. The random set Γ = {(t1,…, tn, z): Xtl = ··· = Xtn = z} in R d + n is empty a.s. except in the following cases: (a) n = 1, d = 1, 2,…; (b) d = 2, n = 2, 3,…; (c) d = 3, n = 2. In each of these cases, a family of random measures Mλ concentrated on Γ is constructed (λ takes values in a certain class of measures on R d). Measures Mλ characterize the time-space location of self-intersections for Brownian paths. If n = d = 1, then Mλ(dt, dz) = λ(dz) Nz(dt) where N2 is the local time at z. In the case n = 2, the set Γ can be identified with the set of Brownian loops. The measure Mλ “explodes” on the diagonal {t1 = t2} and, to study small loops, a random distribution which regularizes Mλ is constructed.
Model calculations for the phenomenon of nonlinear trapping in molecular aggregates.

We present model calculations to describe the phenomenon of nonlinear trapping in molecular aggregates such as can occur during excitation transfer from an antenna to the reaction center in a photosynthetic unit. Our calculations are analytical and proceed from the discrete nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation introduced recently as the appropriate transport instrument in the analysis of excitation transfer in the presence of strong interaction with molecular vibrations.
Icosahedral ordering in the Lennard-Jones liquid and glass.

We have simulated the cooling of Lennard-Jones fluids from liquid temperatures to below the glass transition by using molecular-dynamics calculations and periodic boundary conditions. At higher temperatures the "inherent" structure is independent of temperature, but slightly above the glass transition temperature ${T}_{g}$ the structure changes and local fivefold symmetry becomes more prominent. At ${T}_{g}$ this process is slow and a hysteresis is observed on heating. The low-temperature two-component glass has a cluster of interpenetrating and face-sharing icosahedra percolating throughout the sample.
Metabolic compensation for temperature change in the scorpion Paruroctonus utahensis

1. 1.|Oxygen-consumtion rates of the scorpion Paruroctonus utahensis were examined following a 20°C temperature increase (14°–34°C) and decrease (34°-14°C) to discern changes due to thermal acclimation. 2. 2.|A compensatory reduction in oxygen consumption was noted during a 7-day period following a temperature increase (14°–34°C). Following a temperature decrease (34°–14°C), rates remained below those found for scorpions previously acclimated to 14°C indicating inverse compensation. 3. 3.|Compensation responses were considered adaptive means of conserving metabolic reserves following temperature changes.
CYP2A6 genotype and toxicity of nicotine in never smokers

Background/Aims To examine genetic factors that influence sensitivity to nicotine (Nic) in never smokers. Methods 20 Caucasian and 20 Asian never smokers received 7 mg nicotine skin patches, with frequent blood levels, subjective and cardiovascular (CV) effect monitoring. CYP2A6, the enzyme primarily responsible for Nic metabolism, was genotyped. Results 25 subjects had wild type alleles (*1A and/or*1B) for CYP2A6, while 15 subjects had CYP2A6 variant alleles (*4,*9,*10) which are associated with slower Nic metabolism (Var-2A6). 8 subjects vomited, of whom 75% had Var-2A6 compared to 25% in those who did not (p<0.02). Nic levels (AUC 0–90min) were significantly higher in those who vomited. Var-2A6 subjects had more adverse responses to Nic including reduced alertness, concentration and contentedness, and, more lightheadedness and nausea (all p<0.05). CV responses did not differ by genotype. Conclusions Variant CYP2A6 (*4,*9,*10) genotype is associated with more toxicity from Nic in never smokers. Genotype could influence responses to the first cigarette in never smokers and responses to Nic medications used to treat Nic addiction. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P4–P4; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.020
Stress reactions to computer‐interactive tasks as a function of task structure and individual differences

The resurgence of interest in occupational stress has resulted in an emphasis on identifying work conditions that are potentially causal in generating stress reactions and psychological disorders among workers. Although a considerable knowledge base related to this topic has evolved, relatively little is known regarding the impact of computer technology on incidence of job stress. This issue is especially important for older workers, given the increased use of computers in most occupations, the aging of the workforce, and the changes in cognitive and physiological capacities that occur with increased age. The study reported in this article was concerned with developing a methodology to evaluate stress for computer‐interactive tasks as a function of the mental workload of the task and the age of the individual. Sixty‐five women ranging in age from 25 to 70 years performed three computer‐interactive tasks that varied as a function of information processing complexity and pacing requirements. The methodology...
Perinatal complications in group B streptococcal carriers: a longitudinal study of prenatal patients.

Abstract Although prenatal group B streptococcal detection and eradication have been proposed to prevent Morbidity, the risk of perinatal complications in prenatal carriers of group B streptococci has not been defined. we evaluated 718 prenatal patients with serial cultures to compare morbidity in carriers and noncarriers. Complications occurring more frequently (p ≤ 0.05) in prenatal carriers were: (1) collective morbidity, (2) low birth weight, and (3) premature rupture of membranes associated with low birth weitht. Maternal pelvic infection and neonatal sepsis were increased in colonized women at delivery but not in prenatal carriers. Ninety-two percent of colonized women were not delivered of low birth weight mants. No carriers delivered vaginally or by repeat cesarean section became infected. Neither inoculum size nor chronic carriage was related to morbidity. The predictive value of a positive prenatal culture did not exceed 8% for any of the complications. We concluded that overall morbidity in carriers of group B streptococci is greater than in noncarriers; however, the risk for specific complications is too low to justify routine testing for detection of group B streptococci until prospective study demonstrates the value of such programs.
Role of Intestinal Cytochrome P450 Enzymes in Diclofenac-Induced Toxicity in the Small Intestine

The aim of this study was to determine the role of small intestinal (SI) cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes in the metabolic activation of diclofenac (DCF), a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and DCF-induced intestinal toxicity. DCF induces intestinal ulcers in humans and mice, but the underlying mechanisms, including the necessity for drug bioactivation in the target tissues and the sources and identities of reactive intermediates, are not fully understood. We found that the number of DCF-induced (at 50 mg/kg p.o.) intestinal ulcers was significantly smaller in an intestinal epithelium (IE)-specific P450 reductase (CPR) knockout (IE-Cpr-null) mouse model, which has little P450 activity in the IE, than in wild-type (WT) mice, determined at 14 h after DCF administration. The involvement of intestinal P450 enzymes was confirmed by large reductions (>80–90%) in the rates of in vitro formation, in SI microsomal reactions, of hydroxylated DCF metabolites and reactive intermediates, trapped as DCF-glutathione (GSH) conjugates, in the IE-Cpr-null, compared with WT mice. The SI levels of DCF-GSH conjugates (at 4 h after dosing) and DCF-protein adducts (at 14 h after dosing) were significantly lower in IE-Cpr-null than in WT mice. In additional experiments, we found that pretreatment of mice with grapefruit juice, which is known to inhibit SI P450 activity, ameliorated DCF-induced intestinal toxicity in WT mice. Our results not only strongly support the notion that SI P450 enzymes play an important role in DCF-induced intestinal toxicity, but also illustrate the possibility of preventing DCF-induced intestinal toxicity through dietary intervention.
Beyond the Disease Model: Reframing the Etiology of Alcoholism From a Spiritual Perspective

The disease model of alcoholism, which has gained prominence since the mid-20th century as the major etiological model of alcoholism, suffers from several limitations including its overemphasis on biological factors at the expense of other psychosocial factors, in addition to its lack of consistency with a holistic, social work person-in-environment perspective. The increased interest in spirituality among social work and other helping professionals calls on educators and practitioners to be at the forefront of efforts to develop new holistic conceptualizations of alcoholism that can incorporate spirituality. Using transpersonal theory as a conceptual framework, a spiritual etiological model of alcoholism is presented that complements the strengths of the disease model by allowing for the inclusion of biological determinants of alcoholism, providing a complementary way to understand alcoholism that can be taught to students and utilized by practitioners.
A hybrid real-binary particle swarm optimization (hpso) algorithm: concepts and implementations

Introduction Hybrid real-binary problems have been widely appreciated in electromagnetic (EM) system optimizations. In these problems, a vector to be optimized consists of both real and binary components, which immediately lead to many applications such as material selection, topology exploration, etc. A similar problem, which is sometimes referred as a mixed-integer optimization, deals with the hybridization of real numbers and integers. However, since an integer can be always digitized into 0's and 1's, the optimization of binary variables is more essential, and has more flexibilities in practical problems such as optimizing a complex EM structure via the pixel-filling method.
A new aircraft hurricane wind climatology and applications in assessing the predictive skill of tropical cyclone intensity using high‐resolution ensemble forecasts

Hurricane surface wind is a key measure of storm intensity. However, a climatology of hurricane winds is lacking to date, largely because hurricanes are relatively rare events and difficult to observe over the open ocean. Here we present a new hurricane wind climatology based on objective surface wind analyses, which are derived from Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer measurements acquired by NOAA WP-3D and U.S. Air Force WC-130J hurricane hunter aircraft. The wind data were collected during 72 aircraft reconnaissance missions into 21 western Atlantic hurricanes from 1998 to 2012. This climatology provides an opportunity to validate hurricane intensity forecasts beyond the simplistic maximum wind speed metric and allows evaluating the predictive skill of probabilistic hurricane intensity forecasts using high-resolution model ensembles. An example of application is presented here using a 1.3 km grid spacing Weather Research and Forecasting model ensemble forecast of Hurricane Earl (2010).
Responsiveness to insulin is a dominant characteristic in somatic cell hybrids

The mouse melanoma cell line PG19 has been found to be unresponsive to the growth-stimulatory action of insulin, although it responds well to other growth factors present in serum. Insulin stimulates DNA synthesis in mouse embryo fibroblasts, and responsiveness to insulin has been found to be a dominant characteristic in mouse fibroblast x PG19 hybrids. To examine the possibility that the unresponsiveness to insulin of the melanoma cells is attributable to a lack of insulin receptors, we have measured the binding of 125I-labeled insulin to the fibroblasts, melanoma cells, and fibroblast x melanoma hybrids. Insulin binds to the surface of the melanoma cells; however, the binding affinity appears to be lower than that observed for binding to diploid fibroblasts. In addition, the dissociation of insulin from the melanoma cells is not accelerated by excess unbound insulin, a kinetic effect observed in the dissociation of insulin from the fibroblasts and fibroblast x melanoma hybrids. This suggests that the class of insulin receptors characterized by this effect is absent on the PG19 cells, and present on the fibroblasts and fibroblast x PG19 hybrids.
Constant speed prediction for maneuvering targets using a three dimensional turning rate

Existing algorithms for constant speed prediction restrict the prediction to the horizontal or vertical planes or require the prediction to be computed in a target oriented reference frame. A prediction algorithm that utilizes the output of a linear state estimator to accomplish constant speed prediction is presented. This prediction algorithm uses a 3D turning rate during the prediction process that can be used to predict a 3D trajectory in a reference frame with arbitrary position and orientation relative to the target. The turning rate is calculated from target state estimates using the assumption of a constant speed target. The constant speed predictor, when compared with the constant, linear acceleration predictor, provides improved performance for constant speed, maneuvering targets. Results comparing the predictors are presented for weaving and various circular-type targets. The superior prediction performance of the predictor is demonstrated for these targets. >
Influences of Organic Carbon Supply Rate on Uranium Bioreduction in Initially Oxidizing, Contaminated Sediment

Remediation of uranium-contaminated sediments through in situ stimulation of bioreduction to insoluble UO2 is a potential treatment strategy under active investigation. Previously, we found that newly reduced U(IV) can be reoxidized under reducing conditions sustained by a continuous supply of organic carbon (OC) because of residual reactive Fe(III) and enhanced U(VI) solubilitythrough complexation with carbonate generated through OC oxidation. That finding motivated this investigation directed at identifying a range of OC supply rates that is optimal for establishing U bioreduction and immobilization in initially oxidizing sediments. The effects of OC supply rate, from 0 to 580 mmol of OC (kg of sediment)(-1) year(-1), and OC form (lactate and acetate) on U bioreduction were tested in flow-through columns containing U-contaminated sediments. An intermediate supply rate on the order of 150 mmol of OC (kg of sediment)(-1) year(-1) was determined to be most effective at immobilizing U. At lower OC supply rates, U bioreduction was not achieved, and U(VI) solubilitywas enhanced by complexation with carbonate (from OC oxidation). At the highest OC supply rate, the resulting highly carbonate-enriched solutions also supported elevated levels of U(VI), even though strongly reducing conditions were established. Lactate and acetate were found to have very similar geochemical impacts on effluent U concentrations (and other measured chemical species), when compared at equivalent OC supply rates. While the catalysts of U(VI) reduction to U(IV) are presumably bacteria, the composition of the bacterial community,the Fe-reducing community, and the sulfate-reducing community had no direct relationship with effluent U concentrations. The OC supply rate has competing effects of driving reduction of U(VI) to low-solubility U(IV) solids, as well as causing formation of highly soluble U(VI)-carbonato complexes. These offsetting influences will require careful control of OC supply rates in order to optimize bioreduction-based U stabilization.
Update on Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Although multiple mechanisms have been postulated, peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) continues to be a cardiomyopathy of unknown cause. Multiple risk factors exist and the clinical presentation does not allow differentiation among potential causes. Although specific diagnostic criteria exist, PPCM remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment modalities are dictated by the clinical state of the patient, and prognosis is dependent on recovery of function. Randomized controlled trials of novel therapies, such as bromocriptine, are needed to establish better treatment regimens to decrease morbidity and mortality. The creation of an international registry will be an important step to better define and treat PPCM. This article discusses the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of this condition.