cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The advancement and structure of growth steps on thaumatin crystals visualized by atomic force microscopy at molecular resolution

Abstract Using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) we have recorded the incorporation, on the nanometer scale, of molecules into growth steps of macromolecular crystals grown from solution. From these investigations we were able to deduce the fine structure of the growth step edges and the surface layer of the {101} faces of tetragonal thaumatin crystals. Although the height of the growth step corresponds to unit cells of eight molecules, step advancement occurs by ordered addition of individual protein molecules rather than molecular clusters. Advancement of growth steps in specific directions, which is anisotropic, occurs by formation of one-dimensional nuclei of varying sizes which generate subkinks on the step edges. Incorporation of molecules into kinks occurs through the same kind of nucleation process. The crystal surface as a whole is created from molecular chains parallel with the surface. Models for the packing of protein molecules comprising the surface layer, the structure of the step edges, and the structure of two-dimensional nuclei were developed which are consistent with the AFM images.
Trace solvent contamination as determined by surface pressure measurement.

Amphipathic contaminants, present in organic solvents, were detected by spreading the solvent on water and measuring its surface pressure. The method is quite sensitive and, in many cases, is superior to conventional techniques.
Surgical Treatment of Infected Right Atrial Myxoma

Abstract A successful operation on a patient with infected right atrial myxoma is presented. The clinical features of cardiac myxoma are discussed, with particular emphasis on the relationship of this lesion to bacterial endocarditis and the differential diagnosis of right atrial myxomas. A careful survey for cardiac myxomas should be conducted in patients with unusual cardiac disease. A careful search for infection in patients with known cardiac myxoma may reveal that infection is more common than previously recognized.
An Alternative Approach to Preservice Police Training: Combining Training and Education Learning Outcomes

Many states offer police and corrections officer certification through state approved police basic training, either after hire (in-service) or before hire (preservice). Only large agencies conduct their own basic training academies after being hired. The trend is to save money through preservice training offered by colleges. This especially benefits small communities around the United States. Most of the preservice programs are through community colleges as part of a criminal justice curriculum or as a stand-alone program that allows transfer credit for participating in preservice certification programs. Preservice certification generally is not part of a degree program. Credits may apply toward a degree as elective credits. An alternative approach to preservice police basic training is through a model that combines basic training outcomes with criminal justice course outcomes that share desired learning outcomes and lead to an associate degree (or to a baccalaureate degree). It is the Police Education De...
The Relationship of Laser–Doppler Skin Blood Flow Measurements to the Cutaneous Microvascular Anatomy

The hairless plantar paw surface of the rat shows high skin blood flow with a substantial response to thermal stimulation. This contrasts with hair-covered areas such as the back, where there is much lower basal flow and thermal response. These properties are similar to the differences seen in humans between skin sites which have a high density of arterioles and venules (AV areas) and sites with predominantly nutritive (NUTR) capillary perfusion. However, there has been no previous study of the microvascular anatomy of rodent skin. We used NIH Image, a quantitative imaging program, to count the capillaries, arterioles, and venules in the skin of the plantar paw surface and the back of 14 Wistar-Kyoto rats. We also used laser-Doppler techniques to determine skin blood flow at these sites. We found significantly more vessels per unit area at the paw. There were twice as many capillaries in the paw (19.6 +/- 2.4 per mm2) compared to the back (9 +/- 1.5 per mm2) (P < 0.001). Similarly, there were three times as many venules (11.8 +/- 1.2 per mm2 vs 3. 48 +/- 0.45 per mm2; P < 0.001). The largest difference was in the number of arterioles (7.76 +/- 0.74 per mm2 vs 0.79 +/- 0.13 per mm2 at the back; P < 0.001). The greater microvascular density at the paw was reflected in a threefold higher basal blood flow (6.6 +/- 0. 44 ml/min/100 g) compared to that in the back (1.99 +/- 0.07 ml/min/100 g) (P < 0.001). Microvascular volume at the back was 0.14 +/- 0.01 x 10(6) RBC/ml in the basal state compared to 0.31 +/- 0.01 x 10(6) RBC/ml at the paw. Thus, the increased number of vessels at the paw resulted in a twofold increase in microvascular volume. The plantar paw surface has considerably more vessels than the back. As might be expected, there is a higher proportion of arterioles and venules compared to capillaries at the paw than at the back. Thus, the plantar paw surface is an AV site compared to the back, which is a NUTR site. Although our prior studies have largely assumed that we could use the paw and back as contrast sites comparable to AV and NUTR sites in humans, we have now for the first time conclusively established this fact. The increased microvascular density at the paw results in higher skin blood flow at this site.
Ethics and the allocation of risk in engineering design

Any engineering design allocates risk among its several constituencies: customers, users, manufacturers, the public at large, and so forth. Techniques for risk management are well known and widely practiced, but the role of virtue in guiding risk allocation is less clear. This essay contrasts two worldviews with contrasting concepts of virtue: that of the naturalist, which holds that the physical universe is all that exists, and that morality derives from human reason alone; and that of the theist, believing the physical universe to be created by divine fiat, and that human reason should be informed by principles set by a high, creator God. Defining a personal worldview is central to the ethics of risk allocation. Persuading students to do this becomes the central issue in teaching ethics in the engineering classroom.
Evaluating public awareness of trip hazards on outdoor walkways

Trip-fall incidents are often associated with injuries to pedestrians. Sidewalks are susceptible to changes over time, which may result in height deviations between surfaces, creating potential trip hazards. This research assessed whether members of the general public would identify sidewalk elevation changes of various heights as a hazard, how they would rate the walking conditions in the area of the hazard, and whether they would report the condition to authorities. Results indicate that participants were generally unaware of walking surface deficiencies, even though they may regularly encounter surface defects. When specifically asked to rate conditions, participants were most likely to classify elevation changes greater than 0.75 inches as walkway hazards, and only when conditions reached that level did the majority of participants indicate a likelihood of reporting the condition. Language: en
Surface modification of vitreoretinal surgical instruments with layer-by-layer films.

Commercially available vitreoretinal surgical forceps were modified with layer-by-layer (LbL) films designed to render them the ability to specifically adhere human the inner limiting membrane. Surgical forceps with two different geometries were etched, polished, and silanized before deposition of the films composed of poly (allylamine hydrochloride), poly (styrene sulfonate), and cationic gold nanoparticles. Stability and integrity of the LbL films was scrutinized by exposing the modified forceps to commercial disinfectant Cidex-OPA and then placing the instruments in a physiological-like HEPES buffer (pH 7.4, 5 mM, 154 mM NaCl). Surface topography analysis with scanning electron microscopy revealed that the geometry of the surgical instrument may affect the integrity of the film. Analysis of the HEPES buffer with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry demonstrated that gold nanoparticles did not leach from the LbL film after 60 min. SCANNING 33:397–401, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The murine cytomegalovirus M25 open reading frame encodes a component of the tegument.

Abstract The murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) monoclonal antibody 5C7:6 was used in Western analysis to probe MCMV infected murine embryo cells (MEC). This antibody recognizes three virus specific polypeptides of 130, 105, and 95 kDa and pulse–chase experiments demonstrated that these three proteins, although antigenically related, are distinct. The 105- and 95-kDa species were expressed with early kinetics, whereas the 130-kDa protein was synthesized as a true late. By screening a λgt11 MCMV cDNA library, the gene encoding these proteins was identified as the M25 open reading frame previously reported by Dallas et al. (Dallas, P. B., Lyons, P. A., Hudson, J. B., Scalzo, A. A., and Shellam, G. R., 1994, Virology 200, 643–650). Immunofluorescent studies monitored the location of pM25, present in the nucleus at 15 h after infection, condensing around the periphery of the nucleus at 18 h, before finally accumulating in the cytoplasm. Immunoelectron microscopy detected gold particles associated with the viral tegument of enveloped virions located in the cytoplasm and extracellular space but not with naked nucleocapsids. Western analysis of MCMV purified virions depicted the presence of the 130-kDa protein, the predominant M25 species, in mature virus particles. Together these findings provide compelling evidence that the 130-kDa M25 polypeptide is a component of the viral tegument.
Near merging of paths in suboptimal tree searching (Corresp.)

The near merging of paths in tree searching is explored. This near merging can degrade coding performance when a suboptimal search algorithm is used. The problem is first identified and then a feasible solution is presented. Some examples from image source coding using the (M, L) algorithm are given.
Surface reconstruction based on transmission interferometric testing

A method of surface figure measurement is described based on the transmitted wavefront of an optical element obtained from a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Given known values for the refractive index and center thickness, along with the samples transmitted wavefront, the unknown surface profile is reconstructed in a deterministic way. The technique relies on knowledge of one of the surfaces of the element, such as an easy to measure plano or spherical surface, and is well-suited for testing aspheric surfaces. Reverse raytracing is used to remove the effects of transmission through a thick lens and to remove induced aberration associated with the interferometer. In the interferometer, the wavefront transmitted through the sample is tested against a plano reference. In order to reduce the high frequency fringe content of the interferogram, the sample can be tested in an immersion solution. This method also has the ability to make measurements on multiplexed surfaces, such as a lenslet array, which traditionally can not be measured without moving the sample. The surface profile of a plano-convex lens has been produced and verified against other metrology techniques for calibration purposes. Surface measurements on a lenslet array are also presented.
Comment on “Climate forcing by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo” by David H. Douglass and Robert S. Knox

[1] Douglass and Knox [2005, hereinafter referred to as DK] present a confusing and erroneous description of climate feedbacks and the climate response to the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Their conclusions of a negative climate feedback and small climate sensitivity to volcanic forcing are not supported by their arguments or the observational evidence. As pointed out by Wigley et al. [2005a], this is the consequence of assuming a one-box representation for the climate system, and ignoring energy exchange with the deep ocean. [2] In the description of their analysis, DK make a fundamental mistake in describing the problem. They claim to use ‘‘standard linear response theory,’’ but they confuse the response with the forcing. They say, ‘‘The LW [longwave] effect is by definition the forcing function DF for the climate, represented by the measured surface temperature anomaly DT.’’ LW radiation changes, however, are produced by both the presence of a forcing agent, in this case stratospheric aerosols, and the response of the climate system. It is the instantaneous net radiation change with no response that is the forcing. The temperature anomaly is the response to forcing, and not the forcing itself, and the LW changes reflect both the true forcing and the effects of the temperature response. [3] In spite of their statement to the contrary, DK apparently do use the correct forcing, as characterized by their equation (5) and illustrated in their Figure 2. Confusion arises because the forcing they use is a scaled version of the estimated aerosol optical depth changes, which represents the true forcing, yet they continually refer to the scaled optical depth as the LW changes. That the two items are different is clear from DK’s Figure 1. [4] The forcing of climate change can be defined as the change in the net radiation at the top of the atmosphere, the tropopause, or the surface, without any response of the climate system, or allowing for the stratosphere to equilibrate. Stenchikov and Robock [1995], Houghton et al. [1996], and Hansen et al. [2005] discuss the standard definitions of radiative forcing and considerations for forcing from aerosols, which are not uniformly mixed in the atmosphere. For our purposes, it is sufficient to consider the forcing at the top of the atmosphere, allowing for no equilibration [Stenchikov and Robock, 1995; Stenchikov et al., 1998]. This forcing can be defined as:
Chelate-Controlled Synthesis of rac- and meso-Me2Si(3-tBu-C5H3)2ZrCl2

The reaction of the chelated bis-amide complex Zr{PhN(CH2)3NPh}Cl2(THF)2 (2) with Li2[Me2Si(3-tBu-C5H3)2] yields meso-Me2Si(3-tBu-C5H3)2Zr{PhN(CH2)3NPh} (meso-3) in >98% yield. In contrast, the reaction of Zr{Me3SiN(CH2)3NSiMe3}Cl2(THF)2 (4) or the related mono-THF adduct Zr{Me3SiN(CH2)3NSiMe3}Cl2(THF) (5) with Li2[Me2Si(3-tBu-C5H3)2] yields rac-Me2Si(3-tBu-C5H3)2Zr{Me3SiN(CH2)3NSiMe3} (rac-6) in quantitative NMR yield and 89% isolated yield. X-ray crystallographic analyses show that the Zr{RN(CH2)3NR} chelate ring in rac-6 has a pronounced twist conformation, while that in meso-3 has a flatter, envelope conformation. It is proposed that the conformations of the Zr{RN(CH2)3NR} chelate rings in the stereodetermining transition states for addition of the second Cp- ring in these reactions are similar to those in the metallocene products and control the diastereoselectivity. meso-3 and rac-6 are converted to meso-Me2Si(3-tBu-C5H3)2ZrCl2 (meso-1) and rac-1, respectively, by reaction with HCl in Et2O.
Improved procedures for N-terminal sulfonation of peptides for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization post-source decay peptide sequencing.

Post source decay (PSD) analysis of precursor ions generated from matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for amino acid sequencing and primary structure analysis of proteins. N-Terminal sulfonation has become an effective derivatization strategy in facilitating de novo peptide sequencing by the formation of predominate y-type ion series in MALDI PSD spectra. Recently, an effective and inexpensive N-terminal derivatization method has been reported using 4-sulfophenyl isothiocyanate (SPITC) as the derivatization reagent (J. Mass. Spectrom. 2003; 38: 373–377). In this paper, we report an improvement in the derivatization procedure with this reagent that involves replacing an organic co-reagent with other chemicals and eliminating the use of organic solvent. The method is demonstrated on a model peptide and on tryptic digests of two proteins. The results indicate that the improved sulfonation reaction can be implemented with high efficiency under aqueous conditions and that the sensitivity of mass detection can be increased considerably. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time and Work in England, 1750–1830 . By Hans-Joachim Voth. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2001. Pp. viii, 304. £40.

Original and useful ideas are infrequent in both economics and history. Most of us have to make do by appropriating from others and repackaging. But this book develops an idea that is both novel and ingenious. The author deserves much praise. The idea is to extract information on time use in Industrial Revolution England from witness statements in criminal trials. His central conclusion is that average hours of work for male workers increased by 30 percent between the 1750s and 1800, and by 20 percent between the 1750s and 1830. Indeed, his estimate of 3,500 hours per male worker in 1800 is the all-time high for England. Thus Voth finds evidence that the Industrious Revolution posited by Jan de Vries did accompany the Industrial Revolution. He concludes that even the meager productivity growth reported by Nick Crafts is still too high, since some increase in output was due to increased labor inputs. This reviewer has doubts, explained below, whether he has large enough samples of the appropriate types of workers to convincingly assert this central finding. But his method is correct in principle, and if extra data can be secured they will tell us a lot.
Inpatient survival after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the 21st century

Abstract Background Surgical treatment for gastric cancer has evolved substantially. To understand how changes in patient- and hospital-level factors are associated with outcomes over the last decade, we examined a nationally representative sample. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional discharge data from the 2001–2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were analyzed using cross tabulation and multivariable regression modeling. Patients with a primary diagnosis of gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy as primary procedure were included. We examined relationships between patient- and hospital-level factors, surgery type, and outcomes including in-hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS). Results A total of 67,327 patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy nationwide with complete information were included. Compared with patients treated in 2001, patients in 2010 were younger, more likely admitted electively, treated in a teaching hospital, or at an urban center. There was no difference in the type of procedure performed over time. Factors associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality included older age, male gender, and nonelective admission ( P P = 0.008). Overall mean LOS was 13.9 d (standard error, 0.1) without change over time. Factors associated with longer LOS included procedure type, hospital location, nonelective admission, and comorbid disease (all P Conclusions The adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality among surgically treated patients with gastric cancer decreased >40% between 2001 and 2010. Further research is warranted to determine if these findings are due to better patient selection, regionalization of care, or improvement of in-hospital quality of care.
The Gender Gap and Experiences with the Welfare State

Ideally, one would want to develop a theoretical approach to explaining the "gender gap" (the difference between men and women with regard to their support for candidates or parties) that could help us understand its attitudinal and experiential sources, its variation among groups (racial, age, educational, and so forth), and its variation over time. My own thinking about this took shape when I had to give a number of talks about the 1996 election to groups ranging from the League of Women Voters to Syracuse University alumnae. The gender gap was a timely and popular topic. In these talks, I tried to lay out some of the social science explanations. The "maternalist" explanation rests upon the view that women are inherently more compassionate (or are socialized to be more compassionate) than men, and hence vote for candidates eschewing force and supporting social services (Ruddick 1980; Conover and Sapiro 1993). But such an explanation, I argued, unacceptably essentializes gender differences. Structural models attribute differences in voting behavior to the fact that women tend more often than
Anytime Versus Only: Mindsets Moderate the Effect of Expansive Versus Restrictive Frames on Promotion Evaluation

Three studies demonstrate that the framing of redemption windows as expansive or restrictive, while keeping the actual length of the window constant, influences consumers' evaluations of sales promotions. When feasibility concerns are highlighted (e.g., in an implemental mindset), consumers prefer the expansive "anytime" (vs. the restrictive "only") frame. However, consumers in a deliberative mindset prefer the restrictive "only" (vs. the expansive "anytime") frame. Study 1 reveals that while the former attend more to their ability to redeem the offer, the latter are influenced more by the precision of the offer. Study 2 highlights the mediating role of these inferences on consumers' likelihood of availing the offer. Study 3 demonstrates the impact of these frames on real-world coupon redemption. The authors conclude with a discussion of the scope of this framing effect, the implications of the findings, and directions for future research.
Characterization of a Novel Type of Human Microsomal 3α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase UNIQUE TISSUE DISTRIBUTION AND CATALYTIC PROPERTIES

Abstract We report characterization of a novel member of the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily. The 1513-base pair cDNA encodes a 319-amino acid protein. The corresponding gene spans over 26 kilobase pairs on chromosome 2 and contains five exons. The recombinant protein produced using the baculovirus system is localized in the microsomal fraction of Sf9 cells and is an integral membrane protein with cytosolic orientation of its catalytic domain. The enzyme exhibits an oxidoreductase activity toward hydroxysteroids with NAD+ and NADH as the preferred cofactors. The enzyme is most efficient as a 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, converting 3α-tetrahydroprogesterone (allopregnanolone) to dihydroprogesterone and 3α-androstanediol to dihydrotestosterone with similar catalytic efficiency (V max values of 13–14 nmol/min/mg microsomal protein and K m values of 5–7 μm). Despite ∼44–47% sequence identity with retinol/3α-hydroxysterol dehydrogenases, the enzyme is not active toward retinols. The corresponding message is abundant in human trachea and is present at lower levels in the spinal cord, bone marrow, brain, heart, colon, testis, placenta, lung, and lymph node. Thus, the new short chain dehydrogenase represents a novel type of microsomal NAD+-dependent 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with unique catalytic properties and tissue distribution.
Optical Metrology of Surfaces

Measurement of surface topography plays an important role in manufacturing, being used for both the control of manufacturing processes and for final product acceptance. These measurements can be performed with a variety of instruments which have different capabilities and limitations. In this paper we present a wide variety of instruments that are used for measuring surface topography using optical techniques. These range from systems that are over a century old to recently-developed instrumentation that has broad new capability. We have, insofar as possible, tried to cover all of the instruments used in the visible region; however, considering the plethora of techniques and papers discovered, some omission is certainly possible.
The interaction of tritium with graphite and its impact on tokamak operations

Abstract The state of knowledge of tritium retention in graphite and how it affects the operation of tokamak fusion reactors is reviewed. The retention of tritium in the saturated surface layer exposed to the plasma, retention in the surface connected porosity, retention in the graphite grains, and retention in the co-deposited carbon/tritium layer are discussed along with an assessment of the relative importance of each component for fusion reactors. Data on the diffusivity and solubility of tritium in graphite are analyzed to pick the “best estimate” for both of these parameters. Tritium trapping in graphite is considered along with an explanation for its cause and an estimate of its magnitude.
Common leg injuries of long-distance runners: anatomical and biomechanical approach.

Long-distance running (greater than 3000 m) is frequently recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle.121 Between 37% to 56% of recreational runners who steadily train and participate in a long-distance run periodically will sustain a running-related injury each year.136 A retrospective study of adolescent runners (13-18 years) demonstrated a lifetime prevalence of previous running injury (68% in girls and 59% in boys) with strong associations with higher mileage and faster performance.132 Known predictors of lower extremity injury include running greater than 40 miles per week and previous lower extremity injury.52,56,141 While training errors lead to the majority of running injuries, biomechanical factors, such as foot insufficiency, muscle weakness, genu varum, and high Q-angle, contribute to 40% of running injuries.79 A recent systematic review of the incidence of leg injuries among long-distance runners found that most injuries involve the knee (7.2%-50%), lower leg (9%-32.2%), foot (5.7%-39.3%), or thigh (3.4%-38.1%).135 The differential for leg pain is broad: skeletal (medial tibial stress syndrome, stress fractures), musculotendinous (tendinosis, myopathy), vascular (exertional compartment syndrome, venous thrombosis, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, vascular claudication), neurologic (nerve entrapment, lumbosacral radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication), infectious, and neoplastic.144 In a study of over 2000 running-related injuries, the most common leg injuries were medial tibial stress syndrome (4.9%), Achilles tendinopathy (4.8%), tibial stress fractures (3.3%), and gastrocnemius/soleus strains/tears (1.3%).131 Many of the skeletal, musculotendinous, and vascular running ailments can be explained by anatomy and basic biomechanics. A recent Cochrane review found little evidence for the effectiveness of stretching and/or conditioning for the prevention of lower limb soft tissue running injuries.146 However, knee braces and custom insoles were effective for reducing anterior knee pain and medial tibial stress syndrome in runners, respectively.146 Overall, evidence for interventions reducing lower limb pain and injury after intense running was considered weak.146 In addition to standard physical examination and imaging techniques (Table 1), new tools (running studies) have emerged for the detection and treatment of these injuries. Gait retraining is currently being studied as a viable option for preventing tibial stress fractures and other running-related injuries.27,98 Table 1. Common diagnostic testing findings.
UWB outdoor channel environments: analysis of experimental data collection and comparison to IEEE 802.l5.4a UWB channel model

The use of ultra wideband (UWB) radio technology in outdoor environments at longer ranges is gaining interest in a number of application areas. This effort presents the results of a UWB channel model study based on a data collection campaign in three outdoor channel environments: open campus, dense forest, and urban at distances up to 70 m. The aim is to present fundamental results in different channel conditions so as to lay the groundwork for developing effective outdoor UWB systems. Parameters extracted from the experimental data closely match parameters generated by the IEEE 802.15.4a UWB channel model, indicating that this model can be used to analyse properties of a wider range of outdoor channel environments than has been reported. The frequency dependent path loss and channel capacity, calculated for each channel, indicate that UWB is a feasible candidate for several longer range outdoor applications.
Compartmentalized nanocomposite for dynamic nitric oxide release.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important cell-signaling molecule whose role in a variety of cellular processes such as differentiation and apoptosis depends strongly on its concentration and flux levels. ...
Iterative methods of tomographic image reconstruction in medical imaging

An investigation is conducted by four iterative image reconstruction methods, including the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART), the iterative least-squares technique (ILST), and Richardson's iterative method of solving a system of equations. An alternative to ILST, called the iterative averaging technique (IAT), is presented. Each method is written in an iterative matrix form. Each can be used to reconstruct the image in a single pass and is optimum for some criterion. Weighting matrix properties and their effects on the reconstruction matrix, number of reconstruction operations, and computation time requirements are noted. >
Organizational information requirements, media richness and structural design

This paper answers the question, "Why do organizations process information?" Uncertainty and equivocality are defined as two forces that influence information processing in organizations. Organization structure and internal systems determine both the amount and richness of information provided to managers. Models are proposed that show how organizations can be designed to meet the information needs of technology, interdepartmental relations, and the environment. One implication for managers is that a major problem is lack of clarity, not lack of data. The models indicate how organizations can be designed to provide information mechanisms to both reduce uncertainty and resolve equivocality.
Sympathetic drive to liver and nonhepatic splanchnic tissue during heavy exercise

Coker, Robert H., Mahesh G. Krishna, D. Brooks Lacy, Eric J. Allen, and David H. Wasserman. Sympathetic drive to liver and nonhepatic splanchnic tissue during heavy exercise. J. Appl. Physiol. 82(4...
Blind decentralized estimation for bandwidth constrained wireless sensor networks

Recently proposed decentralized, distributed estimation and power scheduling methods for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) do not consider errors occurring during the transmission of binary observations from the sensors to fusion center. In this letter, we extend the decentralized estimation model to the case in which imperfect transmission channels are considered. The proposed estimators, which operate on additive channel noise corrupted versions of quantized noisy sensor observations, are approached from a maximum likelihood (ML) perspective. Complicating this approach is the fact that the noise distribution is rarely fully known to the fusion center. Here we assume the distribution is known but not the defining parameters, e.g., variance. The resulting incomplete data estimation problem is approached from a expectation-maximization (EM) perspective. The critical initialization and convergence aspects of the EM algorithm are investigated. Furthermore, the estimation of the source parameter is extended to the blind case where both the channel and sensor noise parameters are unknown. Finally, numerical experiments are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed estimators.
Sediment quality thresholds: Estimates from hockey stick regression of liver lesion prevalence in english sole (Pleuronectes vetulus)

Comprehensive, integrative assessments of coastal sediment quality are best effected by using large, diverse data sets that include measures of biological dysfunction observed in association with chronic exposure to sediment contaminants. Under the auspices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Status and Trends Program, the National Benthic Surveillance Project accumulated a database of synoptic sediment contaminant concentrations and indices of biological effects that were measured in indigenous animals collected during field surveys conducted from 1984 to 1994. This compilation of data provided the opportunity to develop a new approach for determining sediment quality criteria to add to the current repertoire of environmental assessment tools. Using a two-segment hockey stick regression, statistically significant chemical thresholds of biological effects were estimated for hepatic lesion prevalences in English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus, formerly Parophrys vetulus) in relation to sediment concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These threshold estimates are notably lower than many of those reported for other techniques. Application of this relatively simple dose-response model to subacute, chronic effects that are involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and associated with sediment toxicant content (1) reflects the link between toxicopathic disease progression and conditions observed in benthic fish exposed to contaminants and (2) provides endpoints for assessing sediment quality contaminant concentrations that are not necessarily acutely fatal but may have long-term health implications for populations that are chronically exposed.
Rolled–Crimped Winter Rye Cover Effects on Hand-Weeding Times and Fruit Yield and Quality of Cucurbits

Pesticide-free vegetables are in demand at farmers’ markets featuring locally grown products. Weeds often are deleterious in such crops, and managing them without herbicides is difficult. Stale seedbeds and rolled–crimped winter rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crops are nonchemical methods that may help manage weeds effectively. These methods were compared over two growing seasons as they affected fruit yield, fruit quality, and hand-weeding times in west-central Minnesota for transplanted cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb.] Matsum. & Nakai). Cumulative hand-weeding times were 82–85 h·ha−1 in stale seedbed systems but 5–18 h·ha−1 in rolled–crimped rye mulch systems. Even without hand-weeding, cucumber yields and quality scores in rye mulch were similar to those in stale seedbeds augmented with preemergence herbicide and hand-weeded. Pumpkin yields were reduced by 25% in rye mulch systems, but quality was not affected. Watermelon had yield re...
Impact of soil amendments on reducing phosphorus losses from runoff in sod.

1for the ferrous sulfate in the first 10 min of runoff. Lime and gypsum showed a small impact on reducing RP(0.45), with a reduction duction and 50 to 60% reduction in P solubility of main the first 10 min to 0.9 and 0.8 mg L 1 , respectively. The ferrous nure from alum and fluidized bed combustion fly ash, sulfate reduced the RP(0.45) in the tank at the end of the first runoff respectively. Likewise, Anderson et al. (1995) reported event by 66.3% compared with no amendment. In the second runoff that gypsum application to dairy manure–amended soils event, the ferrous sulfate was very effective at reducing RP(0.45) in reduced soluble P from 40 to 60%. Dao et al. (2001) rerunoff, with no significant differences in RP(0.45) with application of ported that the soluble P in manure was reduce by 39% 13.5 Mg ha 1 compost compared with no manure application. The with Al-based by-products and by 48% with Fe-based results indicate that the addition of ferrous sulfate may greatly reduce by-products. RP(0.45) losses in runoff and has considerable potential to be used on Three products that are particularly promising as pasture, turfgrass, and filter strips to reduce the initial RP(0.45) losses amendments for reducing P losses in the environment from manure application to the environment. are gypsum (CaSO4), ferrous sulfate (FeSO4 ·7 H 2O), and lime (CaCO3) because they are either readily available for agriculture application or they are waste prodA nimal wastehas traditionally been used in agricul- ucts themselves. For example, lime is commonly used in ture fields because manure application represents agriculture to control soil pH, and caliche (the primary an excellent means of both improving soil physical con- component of which is CaCO 3) is commonly found in ditions and providing needed plant nutrients. However, calcic layers of soils of the western United States. Gypthe ratio between N and P in manure is narrower than sum is produced in large quantities as a result of air polthe amount required for plant production, resulting in lution control from coal burning power plants as part an overapplication of P when applied at rates to meet of the flue gas desulfurization systems. According to plant N requirements. In addition, the application of the American Coal Ash Association’s coal combustion solid manure is predominately made to the soil surface product production and use survey, 10 349 000 Mg of and is commonly applied to pastures with no tillage op- synthetic gypsum was produced in 2002, with approxierations. mately 1% of this utilized for agriculture (American
Oxidation of SiC/Porous Al2O3 Laminated Ceramic Composites

The oxidation behavior of SiC/porous Al2O3 interphase laminated composites was studied using oxidation experiments and mathematical modeling of the reaction/porous diffusion kinetics in this system. Oxidation at 800°C produced both closure of the interlayer porosity at the lateral ends of the laminate and a limited penetration of the oxidation product layer front from the laminate edges to its interior. Oxidation at 800°C resulted in a persistent product layer of nearly uniform thickness that is more suited to test the effects of oxidation on laminate properties. The modeling approach, which explicitly considers the porous microstructure of the interphase and its evolution upon oxidation, reproduces these experimental observations successfully. The model was extended to study the effect that the mixing of SiC grains with Al2O3 grains to form a two-phase porous interphase has on pore closure at the interface and oxide product front penetration into the interior of the laminate. Pore closure was found to be accelerated considerably with increasing SiC content, and was not accompanied by any significant decrease in the distance from the laminate edges upto which an oxidation product layer was formed.
Health Information Seeking and Implications for the Operative Dentist

Clinical Relevance This literature review provides the operative dentist with information about the demographics and psychology of the e-patient, the benefits and drawbacks of Internet use for information seeking, and tips for effectively communicating with today's e-health information seeker.
A prospective study of prostate specific antigen levels in patients receiving radiotherapy for localized carcinoma of the prostate.

Abstract Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is becoming the preferred tumor marker in the management of prostate cancer. Prostate Specific Antigen levels fall exponentially after radical prostatectomy with a half-life of between 2 and 3 days. Persistently elevated Prostate Specific Antigen levels beyond 7 half-lives suggest occult residual disease and may serve as an indication for post operative adjunctive therapy. The change in Prostate Specific Antigen levels during a course of radical external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer has not been described. In this study of 81 patients receiving radiotherapy for primary prostate cancer, 47 had elevated Prostate Specific Antigen levels prior to therapy and 35 had serial measurement of Prostate Specific Antigen during their course of treatment. Working on an assumption that in patients with radioresponsive localized prostate cancer Prostate Specific Antigen levels will fall exponentially during the radiotherapy, a half-life of 43 ± 11 days was derived. Prostate Specific Antigen half-life appears independent of stage, grade, or pretreatment Prostate Specific Antigen level and may be an independent prognostic indicator. A prolonged Prostate Specific Antigen half-life may suggest untreated or resistant disease and serve as an indication for adjuvant hormonal treatment in patients receiving radiotherapy for primary prostate cancer.
Prolonged Remission of Weber-Christian Syndrome in an Infant

An infant with Weber-Christian syndrome is described in whom a sus tained remission was achieved with a short course of corticosteroids. In pre vious reports, children less than 2 years of age have continued to have frequent relapses over prolonged periods, but this case illustrates that sustained re- missions may be attained in infants with Weber-Christian syndrome.
Functional characterization of IScs605, an insertion element carried by tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia suis.

Stable tetracycline resistance in Chlamydia suis is mediated by a family of genomic islands [the tet(C) islands] that are integrated into the chlamydial chromosome. The tet(C) islands contain several plasmid-specific genes, the tet(C) resistance gene and, in most cases, a novel insertion element (IScs605) encoding two predicted transposases. The hypothesis that IScs605 mediated the integration of the tet(C) resistance islands into the C. suis genome was tested using a plasmid-based transposition system in Escherichia coli. Both high- and medium-copy-number plasmids were used as carriers of IScs605 in these experiments. IScs605 integrated into a target plasmid (pOX38) when delivered by either donor plasmid, and integration of the entire donor plasmid was common. IScs605-mediated integration occurred at many positions within pOX38, with 36 of 38 events adjacent to a 5′-TTCAA-3′ sequence. Deletions in each of the candidate transposase genes within IScs605 demonstrated that only one of the two ORFs was necessary for the observed transposition activity and target specificity. Analysis of progeny from the mating assays also indicated that IScs605 can excise following integration into a target DNA, and, in each tested case, the sequence 5′-AATTCAA-3′ remained at the site of excision. Collectively, these results are consistent with the nucleotide sequence data collected for the tet(C) islands, and strongly suggest that a transposase within IScs605 is responsible for integration of these genomic islands into the C. suis chromosome.
Reversal field versus pulse time: theoretical and experimental comparison

A new model of reversal field versus pulse time is used to analyze measurements on elongated particles in magnetic tape. The model applies to all times and temperature and fits the data extremely well. At long times the model agrees with simple Neel-Arrhenius models, but for times less than about 0.1 ms exhibits a progressively increasing switching field. This increase is shown to be due initially to a field dependent attempt frequency. At extremely short times dynamic processes dominate and in this regime the best estimate of the damping constant is obtained. The model gives values of effective volume and anisotropy that are in agrement with nonuniform reversal in these particles.
The Effect of Olanzapine on Craving and Alcohol Consumption

Previous studies have indicated that olanzapine decreases craving after a priming dose of alcohol, that craving after a priming dose of alcohol is greater among individuals with the seven-repeat allele of the DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism, and that the effect of olanzapine (a D2/D4 antagonist) is more pronounced among individuals with this allele. The present study tested the hypothesis that olanzapine may be differentially effective at reducing cue-elicited craving and differentially effective as a treatment for alcohol dependence over the course of a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial among individuals with and without the seven-repeat allele. Participants who met DSM IV criteria for alcohol dependence were randomly assigned to receive olanzapine (5 mg) or a placebo over the course of the trial. After 2 weeks of treatment, participants completed a cue reactivity assessment. The results suggested that participants who were homozygous or heterozygous for the seven (or longer)-repeat allele of the DRD4 VNTR responded to olanzapine with reductions in cue-elicited craving as well as reductions in alcohol consumption over the course of the 12-week trial, whereas individuals with the shorter alleles did not respond favorably to olanzapine.
An in vitro analysis of microbial transmission during EUS-guided FNA and the utility of sterilization agents.

Background The risk of infection and potential microbial transmission with EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) of cystic lesions remains unknown. Objective We developed an in vitro model to study the incidence of transmucosal microbial transmission during EUS-FNA of cystic lesions and to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of bacteriocidal agent washings of mucosa before FNA under experimental conditions. Design Conical tubes, 15 mL, filled with aerobic blood culture bottle media were prepared. Then sterile sections of bovine tripe were fastened over the top of the conical tubes in a sterile fashion (conical tube-tripe unit). FNA was performed with 22-gauge FNA needles. A series of 6 experiments were performed. Ten conical tube-tripe units underwent FNA once through the tripe into the blood culture media to ensure sterility. The surface of 10 conical tube-tripe units were inoculated with 50 μL of a 1.5 × 10 8 1:1 mixture of Escherichia coli ( E coli ) and Enterococcus sp, and FNA was performed one time into the blood culture media to ensure contamination (controls). The surface of 40 conical tube-tripe units were inoculated with 50 μL of a 1.5 × 10 8 1:1 mixture of E coli and Enterococcus sp Each of 4 sets of 10 conical tube-tripe units underwent experimental scenarios that consisted of washings with either 1 mL of 0.5% povidone iodine, chlorhexidine, absolute ethanol, or sterile water. FNA was performed once through the tripe into the blood culture media after washing the surface of the tripe. After each conical tube-tripe unit underwent FNA one time, 1 mL blood culture media was obtained and mixed on pour plate agar media and was incubated along with the conical tubes. Microbial evaluation of the conical tubes that contained the blood culture media and pour plates was performed after 48 hours of incubation. Setting Gastroenterology and Microbiology Departments of Scott White Memorial Hospital and Clinic in Temple, Texas. Interventions EUS-FNA of cystic lesions. Main Outcome Measurements Microbial contamination during EUS-FNA of an in vitro cystic environment. Results A control without E coli and Enterococcus sp was with 0% contamination. A control group with E coli and Enterococcus sp was with 100% contamination; sterile water washings, 100% contamination ( P = 1.00); iodine washings, 20% contamination ( P P = .47); and absolute ethanol washings, 90% contamination ( P = 1.00). Results were compared with our control group by statistical tests of proportions by using the Fisher exact test. Conclusions EUS-FNA of sterile cystic lesions resulted in transmucosal microbial contamination. However, our model demonstrated that iodine sterilization of a contaminated mucosal surface produced a very highly statistically significant ( P