cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quaternary geology and geomorphology of the lower Deschutes River Canyon, Oregon.

The morphology of the Deschutes River canyon downstream of the Pelton-Round Butte dam complex is the product of the regional geologic history, the composition of the geologic units that compose the valley walls, and Quaternary processes and events. Geologic units within the valley walls and regional deformation patterns control overall valley morphology. Valley bottom morphology is mostly the result of Quaternary events. These include several large landslides, which have caused retreat of the canyon rims but have also constricted the valley bottom with immense volumes of debris. In at least two instances (as at Whitehorse Rapids), landslides blocked the channel, resulting in ponding, breaching of landslide dams, and downstream floods. Large floods from other mechanisms have also formed many valley-bottom features along the lower Deschutes River. A large Pleistocene lahar resulting from a circa 0.07 Ma eruption of Mount Jefferson left bouldery deposits along the valley margins for most of the canyon length. The 15,000-12,700 14C yr BP Missoula floods backflooded up the Deschutes River from the Columbia River and mantled the downstreammost 60 km of Deschutes River valley with bedded silt and clay. A large, possibly meteorologic flood between 6,500 and 3,000 14C yr BP left abundant boulder bars and high sand and silt deposits that flank the channel in wider valley-bottom locations. In contrast, large historic main-stem floods, such as December 1964 and February 1996, had few effects on channel geomorphology due to the volume and coarseness of valley bottom deposits left by the earlier and larger floods and landslides.
Developments in the study of cointegrated economic variables

At the least sophisticated level of economic theory lies the belief that certain pairs of economic variables should not diverge from each other by too great an extent, at least in the long-run. Thus, such variables may drift apart in the short-run or according to seasonal factors, but if they continue to be too far apart in the long-run, then economic forces, such as a market mechanism or government intervention, will begin to bring them together again. Examples of such variables are interest rates on assets of different maturities, prices of a commodity in different parts ofthe country, income and expenditure by local government and the value of sales and production costs of an industry. Other possible examples would be prices and wages, imports and exports, market prices of substitute commodities, money supply and prices and spot and future prices of a commodity. In some cases an economic theory involving equilibrium concepts might suggest close relations in the long-run, possibly with the addition of yet further variables. However, in each case the correctness of the beliefs about long-term relatedness is an empirical question. The idea underlying cointegration allows specification of models that capture part of such beliefs, at least for a particular type of variable that is frequently found to occur in macroeconomics. Since a concept such as the long-run is a dynamic one, the natural area for these ideas is that of time-series theory and analysis. It is thus necessary to start by introducing some relevant time series models. Consider a single series Xf, measured at equal intervals of time. Time series theory starts by considering the generating mechanism for the series. This mechanism should be able to generate att of the statistical properties of the series, or at very least the conditional mean, variance and temporal autocorrelations, that is the 'linear properties' of the series, conditional on past data. Some series appear to be 'stationary', which essentially implies that the linear properties exist and are timeinvariant. Here we are concerned with the weaker but more technical
Meta-analysis of rate ratios with differential follow-up by treatment arm: inferring comparative effectiveness of medical devices.

Modeling events requires accounting for differential follow-up duration, especially when combining randomized and observational studies. Although events occur at any point over a follow-up period and censoring occurs throughout, most applied researchers use odds ratios as association measures, assuming follow-up duration is similar across treatment groups. We derive the bias of the rate ratio when incorrectly assuming equal follow-up duration in the single study binary treatment setting. Simulations illustrate bias, efficiency, and coverage and demonstrate that bias and coverage worsen rapidly as the ratio of follow-up duration between arms moves away from one. Combining study rate ratios with hierarchical Poisson regression models, we examine bias and coverage for the overall rate ratio via simulation in three cases: when average arm-specific follow-up duration is available for all studies, some studies, and no study. In the null case, bias and coverage are poor when the study average follow-up is used and improve even if some arm-specific follow-up information is available. As the rate ratio gets further from the null, bias and coverage remain poor. We investigate the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices compared to those with cardioverter-defibrillator capacity where 3 of 8 studies report arm-specific follow-up duration.
Antimalarial drug resistance in Africa: key lessons for the future

Drug-resistant parasites repeatedly arise as a result of widespread use of antimalarial drugs and have contributed significantly to the failure to control and eradicate malaria throughout the world. In this review, we describe the spread of resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, two old drugs that are no longer used owing to high rates of resistance, and examine the effect of the removal of drug pressure on the survival of resistant parasites. Artemisinin-resistant malaria is now emerging in Southeast Asia in a unique and unexpected pattern. We will review the most recent genomic and clinical data to help predict the behavior of resistance to new antimalarial medications and inform strategies to prevent the spread of drug-resistant malaria in Africa in the future.
Further studies on the biosynthesis of pyrrolnitrin from tryptophan by Pseudomonas.

Abstract In the conversion of tryptophan to pyrrolnitrin, C-2 of the indole nucleus is retained, the amino nitrogen becomes the pyrrole nitrogen and the indole nitrogen gives rise to the nitro group. Tritium from C-2 of the side chain of L-, although not of D-tryptophan, is retained in the biosynthesis, suggesting that formation of the double bond at this carbon atom occurs simultaneously with or subsequent to the removal of the carboxyl group.
Influence of lidar, Landsat imagery, disturbance history, plot location accuracy, and plot size on accuracy of imputation maps of forest composition and structure

Abstract This study investigated how lidar-derived vegetation indices, disturbance history from Landsat time series (LTS) imagery, plot location accuracy, and plot size influenced accuracy of statistical spatial models (nearest-neighbor imputation maps) of forest vegetation composition and structure. Nearest-neighbor (NN) imputation maps were developed for 539,000 ha in the central Oregon Cascades, USA. Mapped explanatory data included tasseled-cap indices and disturbance history metrics (year, magnitude, and duration of disturbance) from LTS imagery, lidar-derived vegetation metrics, climate, topography, and soil parent material. Vegetation data from USDA Forest Service forest inventory plots was summarized at two plot sizes (plot and subplot) and geographically located with two levels of accuracy (standard and improved). Maps of vegetation composition and structure were developed with the Gradient Nearest Neighbor (GNN) method of NN imputation using different combinations of explanatory variables, plot spatial resolution, and plot positional accuracy. Lidar vegetation indices greatly improved predictions of live tree structure, moderately improved predictions of snag density and down wood volume, but did not consistently improve species predictions. LTS disturbance metrics improved predictions of forest structure, but not to the degree of lidar indices, while also improving predictions of many species. Absence of disturbance attribution (i.e. disturbance type such as fire or timber harvest) in LTS disturbance metrics may have limited our ability to predict forest structure. Absence of corrected lidar intensity values may also have lowered accuracy of snag and species predictions. However, LTS disturbance attribution and lidar corrected intensity values may not be able to overcome fundamental limitations of remote sensing for predicting snags and down wood that are obscured by the forest canopy. Improved GPS plot locations had little influence on map accuracy, and we suggest under what conditions improved GPS plot locations may or may not improve the accuracy of predictive maps that link remote sensing with forest inventory plots. Subplot NN imputation maps had much lower accuracy compared to maps generated using response variables from larger whole plots. No single map had optimal results for every mapped variable, suggesting map users and developers need to prioritize what forest vegetation attributes are most important for any given map application.
Analysis of hair from alopecia congenita

Two patients with alopecia congenita had short vellus hairs of the scalp but some apparently normal-sized hairs in other areas. Both fibrous and matrix proteins were detected in the scalp hairs by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and x-ray diffraction analysis revealed a normal a pattern. Amino acid analysis showed a decreased cystine content suggesting a quantitative or qualitative change in the matrix component. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed pits and bulges in the cuticle cells which may be related to wearing a wig. The data suggest a defect in the development of the follicle rather than an abnormality in a component of the hair.
Ethics consultation in social work

Abstract In recent years, social workers have paid increased attention to ethical issues in the profession. Unlike other allied professions, however, social work has not yet cultivated a cadre of ethics consultants to assist practitioners who encounter difficult ethical dilemmas. This article describes the development of ethics consultation in other professions and presents a framework for ethics consultation in social work. Particular attention is paid to the ethical issues on which social workers may find consultation useful; the various settings in which ethics consultation should be offered; possible roles for ethics consultants; and the skills required for competent consultation. A case illustration is included, along with recommendations to enhance the development of ethics consultation in social work.
Discovery of a Thermophilic Protein Complex Stabilized by Topologically Interlinked Chains

A growing number of organisms have been discovered inhabiting extreme environments, including temperatures in excess of 100 °C. How cellular proteins from such organisms retain their native folds under extreme conditions is still not fully understood. Recent computational and structural studies have identified disulfide bonding as an important mechanism for stabilizing intracellular proteins in certain thermophilic microbes. Here, we present the first proteomic analysis of intracellular disulfide bonding in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum. Our study reveals that the utilization of disulfide bonds extends beyond individual proteins to include many protein-protein complexes. We report the 1.6 A crystal structure of one such complex, a citrate synthase homodimer. The structure contains two intramolecular disulfide bonds, one per subunit, which result in the cyclization of each protein chain in such a way that the two chains are topologically interlinked, rendering them inseparable. This unusual feature emphasizes the variety and sophistication of the molecular mechanisms that can be achieved by evolution.
Genetic variation in the blood of llamas, Llama glama, and alpacas, Llama pacos

Summary. Blood samples of IIamas and alpacas were typed using haemolytic, electrophoretic and isoelectric focusing procedures to assay polymorphism at 13 loci. Blood group variation was assessed using six antibody specificities produced by allo-and heteroimmunizations. Two red cell factors (A and B) behave as autosomal, codominant alleles at a closed A locus. The other four factors (C, D, E and F) behave as autosomal, dominant traits. Biochemical variation was found for red cell enzymes catalase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, glucose phosphate isomerase and for plasma proteins transferrin and post-albumin. No variants were found for haemoglobin, phosphoglucomutase and albumin. Estimates of probability of exclusion were 0.883 for IIamas and 0.681 for alpacas, which are adequate initial levels of efficacy for purposes of parentage verification. Preliminary estimate of Nei's genetic distance measure (D) suggests that IIamas and alpacas are more likely related as subspecies than as separate species.
The Prepubertal Androgenic Response to ACTH

The following studies were undertaken to explore in detail the androgenic secretory capabilities of the prepubertal adrenal. Five 6–11-year-old children with active rhcumatic carditis, otherwise non-toxic, were given ACTH gel 2.2–2.9 μ/kg i.m. daily for one week as initial therapy. Plasma C 19 steroids and indices of testosterone binding protein concentration and unbound androgens were determined by competitive protein binding techniques developed in this laboratory. Mean urinary corcoids rose from a mean (±SD) of 1.1±1.2 to 15.7±4.3 mg/day and 17-KS from 0.84±0.69 to 3.4±0.98 mg/day. Bascline mean plasma concentrations (±SEM) were: testosterone (T) 6.7±2.4 (range 1.6±15.0), androstenedione (Δ) 15.2±4.4 (range 2.7–29.6), and dehydroepiandrosterone (D) 71.6±6.2 (range 39.8–1124) ng%. Following ACTH, these were increased in each: T–22.3±3.9, Δ–149±22, and D–347±95 ng%. D-sulfate rose in each from 13.5±3.2 (range 2.3–19.8) to 62.8±24 μg%. These changes were accompanied by a fall in testosterone binding protein concentration in four. There was a concurrent rise in unbound androgen levels in all subjects as a consequence of ACTH. This steroidogenic pattern is characterized by a disproportionate increase in Δ concentration, the values sometimes exceeding those of the normal adult. Evidence, thus, has been gained that the adrenal cortex of the prepubertal to chronic ACTH administration.
Life Cycle Management of Municipal Solid Waste

Life-cycle assessment concepts and methods are currently being applied to evaluate integrated municipal solid waste management strategies throughout the world. The Research Triangle Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are working to develop a computer-based decision support tool to evaluate integrated municipal solid waste management strategies in the United States. The waste management unit processes included in this tool are waste collection, transfer stations, recovery, compost, combustion, and landfill. Additional unit processes included are electrical energy production, transportation, and remanufacturing. The process models include methodologies for environmental and cost analysis. The environmental methodology calculates life cycle inventory type data for the different unit processes. The cost methodology calculates annualized construction and equipment capital costs and operating costs per ton processed at the facility. The resulting environmental and cost parameters are allocated to individual components of the waste stream by process specific allocation methodologies. All of this information is implemented into the decision support tool to provide a life-cycle management evaluation of integrated municipal solid waste management strategies.
The control of tension and shortening in cardiac and skeletal muscle.

The development of tension and shortening in cardiac and skeletal muscle exhibits phenomena suggestive of control by feedback mechanisms at the molecular level. Two of these, presented here, may have surprising implications for the cross-bridge theory of muscular contraction. It can be argued, from the basis of the cross-bridge theory, that the extended muscle is unstable against further imposed stretch by reason of a corresponding decrease of generated tension. Certain measurements of static tension versus muscle length appear to corroborate this conclusion. On the other hand, there is direct evidence for the dynamic stability of muscle at longer lengths. The cross-bridge theory may be incorrect in this regard, and cross-bridges may contain a negative feedback mechanism; but it may be the case that the contradiction arises out of inappropriately extrapolating the static length-tension data to a dynamic situation. By monitoring the sarcomere length of a contracting muscle, it can be seen that shortening does not proceed smoothly, but in more or less discontinuous jumps. This “stepwise” shortening shows evidence of synchronization across a region of a muscle, and suggests some positive feedback process at work. Some speculations are offered as to possible mechanisms, including load-dependent signalling, diffusion, cooperative effects, and repeated cycles of substrate consumption, concomitant with shortening, alternating with a “catch-up” period of substrate production.
Imperfect Competition in Agricultural Markets and the Role of Cooperatives: A Spatial Analysis

Important characteristics of many agricultural markets are costly to transport raw products and relatively few processors, one or more of which is often a cooperative. This paper analyzes pricing behavior in these oligopsonistic, spatial markets and focuses specifically upon the conjecture that cooperatives may have a procompetitive effect on the behavior of rival non-co-op processors. The existence and magnitude of a procompetitive effect is shown to depend upon a number of structural and strategic factors including competitive relations among the non-co-op processors and a cooperative's membership and pricing policies.
Auditory-visual interaction in single units in the orbito-insular cortex of the cat.

Abstract Single units were isolated in the orbito-insular cortex of cats (under chloralose anesthesia) and the animals were presented with visual and auditory stimuli whose temporal relationship ( Δt ) was varied in a systematic manner. A PDP-5 digital computer controlled administration of 2900 stimuli and collected the spike data in the form of post-stimulus time histograms. Single-modality stimulus presentations revealed multimodal, unimodal and unresponsive cells. All types exhibited sensory interaction. The functional organization of this cortical area and its relationship to the descending auditory system are considered.
Differential control of fast and slow twitch motor units in the decerebrate cat

In approximately 3/4 of precollicular decerebrate (unanesthetized) cats, tetanic electrical stimulation of the sural nerve, or pinching the ankle skin innervated by the sural nerve, produced predominant excitation (overall increased force output and EMG activity) in the mixed medical gastrocnemius (MG) muscle and simultaneous inhibition in its slow twitch Synergist, soleus (Sol). The present experiments were designed to test whether, as this and other evidence suggests, certain sets of cutaneous afferents can produce activation of particular groups of motor units and simultaneous inhibition of other groups within the same motor unit pool (i.e., units belonging to a single muscle).
The endotoxin/toll-like receptor-4 axis mediates gut microvascular dysfunction associated with post-prandial lipidemia.

Background Postprandial lipidemia is important in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Consumption of a meal high in monounsaturated fat was correlated with acute impairment of endothelial function. However, the mechanisms underlying impaired endothelial function in the postprandial state have not yet been elucidated. The effects of polyunsaturated fat (corn oil) and monounsaturated fat (olive oil) on vascular dysfunction in intestinal postcapillary venules and arterioles were examined in wild-type (WT) mice, mice genetically deficient in TLR4 (TLR4-/-) and mice pre-treated with antibiotics by intravital microscopy which was performed 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 hours after oil administration. After intravital microscopy, samples of jejunum were therefore collected to test TLR4, pNF-kB p65 and SIRT1 protein expression by western blotting.
Identification of a small molecule that modifies MglA/SspA interaction and impairs intramacrophage survival of Francisella tularensis.

The transcription factors MglA and SspA of Francisella tularensis form a heterodimer complex and interact with the RNA polymerase to regulate the expression of the Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI) genes. These genes are essential for this pathogen’s virulence and survival within host cells. In this study, we used a small molecule screening to identify quinacrine as a thermal stabilizing compound for F. tularensis SCHU S4 MglA and SspA. A bacterial two-hybrid system was used to analyze the in vivo effect of quinacrine on the heterodimer complex. The results show that quinacrine affects the interaction between MglA and SspA, indicated by decreased β-galactosidase activity. Further in vitro analyses, using size exclusion chromatography, indicated that quinacrine does not disrupt the heterodimer formation, however, changes in the alpha helix content were confirmed by circular dichroism. Structure-guided site-directed mutagenesis experiments indicated that quinacrine makes contact with amino acid residues Y63 in MglA, and K97 in SspA, both located in the “cleft” of the interacting surfaces. In F. tularensis subsp. novicida, quinacrine decreased the transcription of the FPI genes, iglA, iglD, pdpD and pdpA. As a consequence, the intramacrophage survival capabilities of the bacteria were affected. These results support use of the MglA/SspA interacting surface, and quinacrine’s chemical scaffold, for the design of high affinity molecules that will function as therapeutics for the treatment of Tularemia.
Avian respiratory anatomy and physiology

This article presents an overview of the structure and f function of the avian respiratory system. Clinically important features, as well as species differences, are emphasized.
Circadian rhythm in the secretion of corticosterone by the desert iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis.

The desert iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis, was studied with respect to changes in circulatory corticosterone level over a 24-hr period. Corticosterone level in peripheral plasma, estimated by a competitive protein-binding technique, was maximum at 1600 hr and minimum at 0400 hr, the differences at these two times being statistically significant. The reptilian adrenal exhibits a characteristic rhythmicity distinctive from both mammals and birds.
A clinical episode demonstrating variable characteristics of pseudorabies infection in cattle

An outbreak of pseudorabies (PR) with CNS signs and acute death losses in feeder cattle was investigated. The cattle were in direct contact with swine. Although pruritus was not a predominant sign, PR virus was isolated from brain, thoracic spinal cord and lung specimens of affected cattle. Histopathologic findings were characteristic of a herpes virus infection.
Ionospheric Doppler sounder as remote sensing for detection and prediction of severe storms

Atmospheric acoustic-gravity waves associated with severe storms are detected by a ground-based ionospheric sounding array, and the location of the severe storms responsible for the wave generation is determined by group ray path computation. Computations based on six events during the extreme tornado outbreak of April 3, 1974, and five single tornado events show that the wave sources are located near the location where tornadoes touchdown more than one hour later. In the hurricane case, the results indicate that waves were generated along the storm track more than 3 hours ahead of the actual location of the storm. The possibility of the development of the present system as a remote sensor for the detection and prediction of severe storms is discussed.
Chemoprevention in Gastrointestinal Physiology and Disease. Natural products and microbiome

The human intestinal tract harbors a complex ecosystem of commensal bacteria that play a fundamental role in the well-being of their host. There is a general consensus that diet rich in plant-based...
Radiation damage of fluorinated organic compounds measured by parallel electron energy loss spectroscopy.

Abstract The sensitivity of fluorinated organic compounds to radiation damage in the electron microscope was measured by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Five classes of molecules were investigated with fluorine atoms situated on: (1) an aliphatic chain, (2) an aromatic ring, (3) a trifluoromethyl group on an aromatic ring, (4) a trifluoromethyl group on a heterocyclic ring, and (5) a trifluoromethyl group next to a carbonyl group. The damage dose for fluorine loss was found to depend strongly on the position of the fluorine atoms and on specimen temperature. For poly-substituted fluorine on an aliphatic chain, approximately half of the fluorine was retained at doses in excess of 107 e/nm2. At room temperature molecules containing trifluoromethyl groups on aromatic or heterocyclic rings were much more sensitive to fluorine loss than compounds having fluorine substituted directly on the rings. This behavior is consistent with the relatively low chemical stability of the trifluoromethyl group in these structures. The rapid loss of fluorine at low electron doses ( ≈ 104e/nm2) in the trifluoromethyl aromatic compounds was reduced several orders of magnitude by cooling the specimen to liquid-nitrogen temperatures. An understanding of how specific types of fluorinated compounds suffer damage under the electron beam will be important in their potential application as biochemical or pharmacological probes.
Bacteremia following laser and conventional surgery in hamsters

The CO2 laser prevents bleeding by sealing blood and lymph vessels as it vaporizes tissue. Bacteremia following oral surgery might not occur under these conditions. To test this hypothesis, a 0.2-mm-deep incision 1 cm long was made in the right buccal cheek pouch of hamsters using either laser, electrosurgery, or a scalpel. Twenty minutes later, 1mL of blood was taken from each animal by cardiac puncture, inoculated on a blood agar medium, and incubated anaerobically for 4 days; then the colonies were counted. Using an operational definition of bacteremia as five colonies or more per plate, there were no positive results out of 18 trials (018) for laser surgery, 78 for electrosurgery, and 812 for scalpel surgery. Based on the Student t test using the binomial distribution, the laser produced statistically less bacteremia than the other two methods (P < .01). Because the five-colony cutoff was arbitrary, the nonparametric Wilcoxon Rank test was also used. Colony formation from blood from the laser group was significantly less than from the electrosurgery group (P < .01) and the scalpel group (P < .05). The laser surgery group was not statistically different from the control (nonsurgerized) group. These results suggest that there is a considerable bacteremia following scalpel and electrosurgery, but that laser surgery produces no bacteremia.
Stresses and Crack Angles in Concrete Membrane Elements

This paper compares the two softened-truss models for the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete membrane elements—(1) the \Irotating-angle softened-truss model\N, which is simple but unable to predict the “contribution of concrete” (\iV\i\dc); and (2) the \Ifixed-angle softened-truss model\N, a more complex model but capable of predicting \iV\i\dc. This comparison elucidates the stresses and crack angles in a membrane element, clearly showing that \iV\i\dc is caused by the shear strength of concrete and not attributable to the average tensile stress of concrete as claimed by the \Imodified compression field theory\N. Two conceptual errors (one in stresses and one in crack angle) in a modified compression field theory are discussed. The correct distribution of stresses in a typical shear element is illustrated by a numerical example.
Teachable Moments and the Tyranny of the Syllabus: September 11 Case

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon presented unique teachable moments to engineering educators but with the competing demand to complete the course as designed and as dictated by the tyranny of the syllabus. A questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students enrolled in three professional ethics courses in 2001 and 2002 to ascertain the extent to which their instructors used the events as teachable moments. For comparison, the questionnaire was administered 1 year after the attacks to students enrolled in courses of an academic enrichment program at Duke University and environmental science students at North Carolina Central University. The percentage of courses addressing the events was highest in the Fall 2001 semester, when the attacks occurred, falling in the Spring 2002 semester, but increasing in Fall 2002. Most respondents supported the use of the events as teachable moments even if the syllabus and course outline had to be adjusted. The results indicate that engineering education must be open to opportunities to teach physical science and engineering concepts and to introduce the students to the social sciences and humanities.
Vocal Intensity Characteristics inNormal and Elderly Speakers

The relationship of lung pressure, fundamental frequency, peak airflow, open quotient, and maximal flow declination rate to vocal intensity for a normal speaking, young male control group and an elderly male group was investigated. The control group consisted of 17 healthy male subjects with a mean age of 30 years and the elderly group consisted of 11 healthy male subjects with a mean age of 77 years. Data were collected at three levels of vocal intensity: soft, comfortable, and loud, corresponding to 25%, 50%, and 75% of dynamic range, respectively. Phonational threshold pressure and lung pressure were obtained using the intraoral technique. The oral airflow waveform was inverse filtered to provide an approximation to the glottal airflow waveform from which measures of fundamental frequency, peak airflow, open quotient, and maximal flow declination rate were determined. Excess lung pressure was calculated as lung pressure minus estimated phonational threshold pressure. The results show for both groups an increase in sound pressure level across the conditions, with corresponding increases in lung pressure, excess lung pressure, fundamental frequency, peak airflow, and maximal flow declination rate. Open quotient decreased with increasing vocal intensity. Lung pressure, sound pressure level, and peak airflow were all found to be significantly greater for the control group than for the elderly group at each condition. Open quotient was found to be significantly lower in the control group than in the elderly group at each condition. No significant difference was observed for excess lung pressure, phonational threshold pressure, fundamental frequency, or maximal flow declination rate between the two groups. These results show that a difference in vocal intensity does exist between young and elderly voices and that this difference is the result of differences in lung pressure, peak airflow, and open quotient.
A comparison of trihydroxyindole and HPLC/electrochemical methods for catecholamine measurement in adrenal chromaffin cells.

Abstract Three commonly used methods for the determination of epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in adrenal medullary tissue were compared. Two variations of the trihydroxyindole procedure, which utilized oxidation at room temperature or 0°C, underestimated levels of total catecholamines in certain standard solutions and were unable to determine correctly their norepinephrine:epinephrine ratios. However, both the variability and the underestimation of the trihydroxyindole procedure carried out at room temperature were more pronounced than that of the trihydroxyindole assay at 0°C. In addition, we tested an isocratic HPLC method utilizing electrochemical detection which separates epinephrine from norepinephrine. The ability of this method to measure correctly total and individual catecholamine levels was superior to either trihydroxyindole procedure, as was its variability. When the three assay methods were used to measure total and individual catecholamine levels in cultured adrenal bovine chromaffin cells, both the trihydroxyindole (0°C) method and the HPLC method yielded values in agreement with those in the literature. However, the HPLC method produced data with lower error estimates. The trihydroxyindole (room temperature) assay was unable to reliably measure levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine in chromaffin cells. These comparisons of catecholamine assays demonstrated that there are circumstances under which the use of each is appropriate. In experiments where the epinephrine:norephinephrine ratio may be changing, the more accurate and precise HPLC assay may be essential, since the trihydroxyindole assays underestimate total catecholamines to varying degrees depending on this ratio. However, the HPLC method suffers from a requirement for technical sophistication for routine use. Therefore, in some laboratories and for repetitive measurement of many samples, the trihydroxyindole assay has a distinct advantage due to its easy utilization and ubiquitous materials. However, the superior results obtained with the trihydroxyindole (0°C) assay over the trihydroxyindole (room temperature) assay emphasizes the need to evaluate the trihydroxyindole procedure for the required purpose, especially if differential oxidation is used for estimation of individual catecholamine levels.
Josef Stefan: His life and legacy in the thermal sciences

This paper discusses the life of Josef Stefan, namesake of both the Stefan–Boltzmann constant, used in radiation heat transfer, and the Stefan number, the dimensionless variable used in solid–liquid phase change processes. Stefan was also the first to accurately measure the thermal conductivity of gases. He was a beloved teacher and a mentor to Ludwig Boltzmann. Although Stefan made broad and seminal contributions to the thermal sciences, he is not a widely known figure.
Isotopic zonations in silicic magma chambers

Many ash-flow tuffs are zoned in radiogenic isotope ratios, indicating that roofward assimilation of crust occurs in ash-flow magma chambers prior to eruption. Cases where relatively well constrained calculations may be made regarding the percentage of assimilation in the roof zone indicate that the percentage of assimilation often exceeds the percentage of phenocrysts in the tuffs. This relation, in addition to the fact that assimilation gradients are opposite to that of the percentage of phenocrysts, suggests that assimilation and crystallization in the silicic roof zones of crustal magma chambers are separated in time and space, and that these processes are best modeled as two-component mixing; true assimilation-fractional crystallization is probably restricted to the lower mafic parts. Most phenocrysts in the silicic upper parts of magma chambers crystallized after assimilation, providing minimum estimates of time between assimilation and eruption (1-100 yr). Preservation of monotonic isotopic gradients suggests that convection is minor in the upper parts of silicic magma chambers during the late stages of evolution.
Global Solutions to the Cauchy Problem for the Relativistic Boltzmann Equation with Near–Vacuum Data

The Cauchy Problem for the relativistic Boltzmann equation is studied with small (i.e., near–vacuum) data. For an appropriate class of scattering cross sections, global ``mild'' solutions are obtained.
Secure resource description framework: an access control model

In this paper we propose an access control model for the Resource Description Framework (RDF). We argue that existing access control models, like the ones developed for securing eXtensible Markup Language (XML) documents, do not provide sufficient protection for RDF data. Our security model incorporates RDF and RDF Schema (RDFS) entailments. RDF protection objects are represented as RDF-patterns that are mapped to RDF and RDFS statements to determine their security requirements. We develop methods to assign security classification to entailed statements and to detect unauthorized inferences. We propose a two-level conflict resolution strategy. Simple conflict resolution addresses the problem when more than one pattern can be mapped to the same RDF statement, resulting in conflicting classification. Inference conflict resolution addresses inconsistencies that occur due to entailment.
Numerical Modeling of Stress in Stenotic Arteries With Microcalcifications: A Parameter Sensitivity Study

As a follow-up to the work presented in Wenk et al. (2010, "Numerical Modeling of Stress in Stenotic Arteries With Microcalcifications: A Micromechanical Approximation," ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 132, p. 091011), a formal sensitivity study was conducted in which several model parameters were varied. The previous work only simulated a few combinations of the parameters. In the present study, the fibrous cap thickness, longitudinal position of the region of microcalcifications, and volume fraction of microcalcifications were varied over a broader range of values. The goal of the present work is to investigate the effects of localized regions of microcalcifications on the stress field of atherosclerotic plaque caps in a section of carotid artery. More specifically, the variations in the magnitude and location of the maximum circumferential stress were assessed for a range of parameters using a global sensitivity analysis method known as Sobol' indices. The stress was calculated by performing finite element simulations of three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models, while the sensitivity indices were computed using a Monte Carlo scheme. The results indicate that cap thickness plays a significant role in the variation in the magnitude of the maximum circumferential stress, with the sensitivity to volume fraction increasing when the region of microcalcification is located at the shoulder. However, the volume fraction played a larger role in the variation in the location of the maximum circumferential stress. This matches the finding of the previous study (Wenk et al., 2010, "Numerical Modeling of Stress in Stenotic Arteries With Microcalcifications: A Micromechanical Approximation," ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 132, p. 091011), which indicates that the maximum circumferential stress always shifts to the region of microcalcification.
Gender Differences in Math and English Achievement: A Longitudinal Study.

This study investigated gender-related developmental trends in math and English achievement as measured by classroom grades and standardized test scores. The sample consisted of 30 males and 30 females followed from 6th through 12th grade. Previous research suggests that developmental trends in male and female achievement may differ as a function of assessment context. Thus, it was hypothesized that female math and English classroom grades would remain stable over time but that achievement test scores in both subject areas would decline. For males, it was hypothesized that performance in both assessment contexts would remain stable. Results confirmed these hypotheses. Results also suggest that school-related responsibility is related to performance in both assessment contexts for females but not for males. The need to consider personal goals when assessing differences in academic ability and performance capabilities is discussed.
Nuclear chromocenters of cultured chicken cells

A SEX dimorphism of interphase chick nuclei has been reported by Kosin and Ishizaki [2, 41. Ashley and The&s [l 1, on the other hand, were unable to find an interphase nuclear dimorphism in chickens, chromatin masses being common in the nuclei of both sexes. Ohno, Kaplan, and Kinosita [9] have reported a sex dimorphism for prophase nuclei. Since sex chromatin is usually more readily demonstrable in cultured cells than in tissue sections [5, 61, and since such a marker would be useful in chicken cell cultures, a tissue culture study was undertaken. Studies were also done with tissue sections using conventional techniques.
Evidence for the particle-plus-rotor model in 133 La

The beta decay of the 5.4-hour isomer of133Ce to levels in133La has been studied using mass separated sources; a portion of the133La level scheme is presented. These experimental results are compared with calculations using an asymmetric particle-plus-rotor model. The good agreement between experiment and theory confirms the applicability of the particle-plus-rotor model with prolate deformation to the light lanthanum nuclei.
Further characterization of fat diet-induced changes in responsiveness to estrogen and glucose

Abstract YOUNG, J. K., D. M. NANCE, R. A. GORSKI AND J. H. GORDON. Further characterization of fat diet-induced changes in responsiveness to estrogen and glucose . BRAIN RES. BULL. 4 (1) 61–68, 1979.—Possible reasons for hyper-responsiveness to the anorexic influence of estrogen of rats fed a high-fat (F) diet were explored. It was found that (1) hyperresponsiveness appeared unrelated to body weight, (2) other estrogenic effects (upon vaginal epithelia and upon mating behavior) were normal in F-fed rats, (3) hyperresponsiveness to estrogen was not a result of alterations in brain dopamine or norepinephrine, (4) F-fed rats were also hyperresponsive to postabsorptive satiating effects of intragastric glucose loads. Thus, an altered glucose metabolism of F-fed rats may be related to an increased responsiveness to the anorexic effects of estrogen.
Comment on the paper 'Two-fluid model of the solar corona' by J. W. Knight, C. E. Newman, and P. A. Sturrock

Observational line width evidence for a possible discrepancy between ion and electron temperature in the corona is reviewed for comparison with the conclusions of Knight et al. We note that the high line-width temperatures extend much higher in the corona than the high ion temperatures computed by Knight et al., and suggest that a significant ion-electron temperature difference should be expected only near a steep temperature gradient, as in the transition region.
Subsampling the Gibbs sampler : variance reduction

Subsampling the output of a Gibbs sampler in a non-systematic fashion can improve the efficiency of marginal estimators if the subsampling strategy is tied to the actual updates made. We illustrate this point by example, approximation, and asymptotics. The results hold both for random-scan and fixed-scan Gibbs samplers.
The impact of hemolysis on Ortho-Clinical Diagnostic's ECi and Roche's elecsys immunoassay systems.

Background: Hemolysis is regularly encountered in clinical specimens and often interferes with a variety of laboratory test methods. Although not widely recognized, immunoassays based on nonisotopic detection systems can also be affected by hemolysis. For this reason, we investigated the effect of differing amounts of hemolysis across a range of values for several immunoassays on the Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics ECi and Roche Elecsys platforms. Methods: Hemolysate was prepared from whole blood and spiked at varying concentrations into pooled patient serum samples for different analytes. Results: Out of the 21 analytes tested, six (28.6%) exhibited significant increases or decreases in measured concentrations with increasing amounts of hemolysis. Conclusions: Although immunoassays are generally thought to be impervious to hemolysis interference, hemolysis can interfere in immunoassay testing platforms. For these reasons, we recommend that laboratories conduct hemolysis interference studies for all laboratory test protocols.
Synaptic plasticity: LTP and LTD

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a synaptic enhancement that follows brief, high-frequency electrical stimulation in the hippocampus and neocortex. Recent evidence suggests that induction of LTP may require, in addition to postsynaptic Ca2+ entry, activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors and the generation of diffusible intercellular messengers. A new form of synaptic plasticity, homosynaptic long-term depression (LTD) has also recently been documented, which, like LTP, requires Ca2+ entry through the NMDA receptor. Current work suggests that this LTD is a reversal of LTP, and vice versa, and that the mechanisms of LTP and LTD may converge at the level of specific phosphoproteins.
Drops bouncing on a vibrating bath

We present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of millimetric droplets bouncing on a vertically vibrating fluid bath. We first characterize the system experimentally, deducing the dependence of the droplet dynamics on the system parameters, specifically the drop size, driving acceleration and driving frequency. As the driving acceleration is increased, depending on drop size, we observe the transition from coalescing to vibrating or bouncing states, then period-doubling events that may culminate in either walking drops or chaotic bouncing states. The drop’s vertical dynamics depends critically on the ratio of the forcing frequency to the drop’s natural oscillation frequency. For example, when the data describing the coalescence–bouncing threshold and period-doubling thresholds are described in terms of this ratio, they collapse onto a single curve. We observe and rationalize the coexistence of two non-coalescing states, bouncing and vibrating, for identical system parameters. In the former state, the contact time is prescribed by the drop dynamics; in the latter, by the driving frequency. The bouncing states are described by theoretical models of increasing complexity whose predictions are tested against experimental data. We first model the drop–bath interaction in terms of a linear spring, then develop a logarithmic spring model that better captures the drop dynamics over a wider range of parameter space. While the linear spring model provides a faster, less accurate option, the logarithmic spring model is found to be more accurate and consistent with all existing data.
Lessons From an Unusual Critter: What Can Unusual Animals Teach Us?

The study of unusual or little-known animals can pay enormous dividends by providing new insights into fundamental biological processes. One has to consider only the implications of the studies on Aplysia or Caenorhabditis as illustrations, to say nothing of the many examples from the work of Gunter Tembrock, in whose honor this lecture is offered. Recent studies of the hibernation of a small primate from Madagascar, the fat-tailed dwarf lemur, which may remain in a condition of torpor for weeks at a time, promise a range of similar insights.
A review and analysis of the clinical and cost-effectiveness studies of comprehensive health promotion and disease management programs at the worksite: update VII 2004-2008.

This critical review focuses on the 12 new studies focused on the clinical and cost outcomes research focused on worksites and published between 2000 and 2004. Although these new studies indicate further evidence of positive clinical and cost outcomes, the quantity and quality of such research continue to decline. When corporations and health plans are demanding more evidence-based outcomes, this decline in rigorous research marks a serious challenge to the field of health promotion and disease management.