cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of the integument of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa) from one through fourteen weeks of age.

The biopsies of normal lumbar and dorsal thoracic pig epidermis and dermis are described ultrastructurally at one, three, five, seven, nine and fourteen weeks and compared to the human integument. In the epidermis, basal cell projections extended into the dermis and increased slightly with age. Intraepidermal axons were seen. The basal lamina thickened opposite the hemidesmosomes of the epidermal-dermal junction. Small anchoring fibrils extended from the basal lamina into the dermis. Mitochondria were concentrated beneath the cellular nuclei of the stratum basale. Upper stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum cells contained membrane coating granules. The stratum corneum contained cells of varying density. The only intraepidermal nonkeratinocytes observed were melanocytes and Langerhans-like cells. Both were similar to those of humans. In the dermis, the interfollicular muscle resembled the arrector pili and smooth muscle found in other body areas. Nerve fibers were similar to those described in humans except subepidermal nerve endings contained mitochondria. One unexpected finding was the presence of mast cells which were enveloped by a zone of loose floccular material which stained positive with PAS from seven through fourteen weeks of age. Mast cell population density peaked at seven weeks and was greater in the papillary dermis than in the reticular dermis. Generally, the pig integument is morphologically similar to that of man and would serve as a useful animal model when age changes are accounted for.
Effect of anesthesia level on murine cardiac function

Background: Echocardiography allows for sensitive and non-invasive assessment of cardiac function in mice, but requires sedation and immobility, which influences cardiac performance. Minimizing the hemodynamic effects of anesthesia is extremely important for improving the applicability of animal models to the clinical setting. We sought to evaluate the effects of isoflurane dose on myocardial function in a murine model. Methods: Twelve healthy C57BL/6 mice were studied with three different isoflurane anesthesia regimens: deep anesthesia with an objective of heart rate (HR) between 350 and 400 beats per minute (bpm), light anesthesia with an objective of HR between 475 and 525 bpm and just before the mice woke up (>575 bpm). Using a high-resolution ultrasound system, stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricle dimension and fractional shortening were recorded. Results: Fractional shortening was not statistically different in the awake group and the light anesthesia group (49±5% in awake mice vs. 48±5%; p=0.62), whereas it was different compared to the deep anesthesia group (31±5%, p<0.0001 compared to both groups). Similar results were found for stroke volume (41.4±5.8 ml vs. 41.6±6.9 ml; p=0.81 and 35±8.3 ml; p<0.05 compared to both groups). Cardiac output was slightly lower in the light anesthesia group compared to the awake group (21.9±3.6 ml/min vs. 25.6±3.3; p=0.02) due to HR significant difference (522±17 bpm vs. 608±23 bpm; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Doppler echocardiography can be performed under very light anesthesia using small doses of isoflurane without influencing cardiac inotropic function. This technique allows for accurate and reproducible assessment of cardiac function while minimizing hemodynamic perturbations.
Health Literacy Online: A Guide to Writing and Designing Easy-to-Use Health Web Sites.

Health Literacy Online: A Guide to Writing and Designing Easy-to-Use Health Web Sites is a practical and well-written resource for public health and health communication professionals and web desig...
Transcriptional activation of the human villin gene during enterocyte differentiation

Enterocyte differentiation occurs along the crypt-villus axis and is generally thought to involve the transcriptional activation of cell-specific genes, among which is the brush-border structural protein villin. We have examined the molecular mechanisms of villin induction using both in vivo and in vitro systems. Total RNA was purified from rat tissues or cultured cells by the guanidinium thiocyanate method and Northern blot analyses carried out using radiolabeled complementary DNA probes specific for villin or the actin control. Transient transfection (calcium/phosphate method) assays were performed using a luciferase reporter gene containing 2 kb of the human villin gene 5′-flanking region. We have found that the villin mRNA was expressed at high levels in the small intestine, to a lesser degree in the colon, and was not detected in the brain or liver. In HT-29 cells, villin mRNA levels increased 2.5-fold (P<0.001) after 24 hours of sodium butyrate treatment, consistent with the process of enterocyte differentiation. Similarly, villin gene expression was induced in Caco-2 cells during postconfluence differentiation. Transient transfection assays demonstrated marked reporter gene activation (fourfold,P<0.001) in response to sodium butyrate in HT-29 cells, but no activation in the liver cell line HepG2. The effects of sodium butyrate were dose dependent, reaching a maximum at a concentration of 5 mmol/L. We conclude that a 2 kb region of the human villin gene is able to mediate its transcriptional activation during HT-29 cell differentiation. This DNA regulatory region appears to function in a cell type-specific (gut) manner.
Requiem for the Tipping-Point Hypothesis

The tipping-point hypothesis asserts that racially mixed neighborhoods are unstable and will inevitably become predominantly Black. Three lines of researchfrom the past decade lead to doubts about the continuing veracity of this hypothesis: (1) levels of racial segregation have declined since 1970, (2) greater-than-expected stability has been observed in the racial composition of neighborhoods, and (3) more Whites have been moving into racially mixed neighborhoods than has been expected. The racial transition observed in earlier decades may have been caused by the large increases in Black populations in metropolitan areas. Secondary analysis ofthefindings from several of the racial segregation and neighborhood change studies supports this hypothesis.
Sex Differences Among College Students in Awareness of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Vaccine Options

AbstractObjectives: To explore awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and use of HPV vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) by college students. Participants: The sample was composed of 817 undergraduates at 2 northeastern US universities; they participated between February and May 2010. Methods: Students were provided with a link to an anonymous, self-administered, Web-based survey comprised of 76 questions. The survey included questions about health behaviors, awareness, and knowledge of HPV and the 2 HPV vaccines, and vaccine uptake. Results: Results indicate high levels of awareness of HPV as well as marked sex differences related to vaccine awareness and uptake. Both sexes are largely unaware of Cervarix and the differences between Cervarix and Gardasil. Conclusion: The study affirms the importance of a clinician's recommendation for HPV vaccination. Public health messaging should become more inclusive of adolescent and young adult males. College students’ awareness of HPV vaccine options mirrors Gardasil...
The "Gender Gap" in State Legislative Representation: New Data to Tackle an Old Question

Explanations regarding the gender gap in state legislative representation have centered on attitudinal, institutional, and situational characteristics of states (e.g., Carroll 1994; Nechemias 1987;...
Haplotype Construction of Sires with Progeny Genotypes Based on an Exact Likelihood

A maximum likelihood method is presented that can be used to construct parental haplotypes based on their progeny genotypes. The exact error rate and choice of family size in haplotype construction were evaluated through mathematical expressions and numerical examples. Numerical results suggest that, if two markers are tightly linked (≤10 cM) and each has intermediate allele frequencies, a difference of one between progeny receiving parental and recombinant gametes is sufficient for constructing sire linkage phase; a difference of two or more progeny is required with two markers 30 cM apart. When each of two adjacent markers has two alleles with equal allelic frequencies, genotyping 10 and 50 progeny are needed to achieve a power of 0.85 for constructing a sire linkage phase of two tightly (10 cM) and moderately tightly linked (30 cM) markers, respectively. The family size is reduced by approximately half when both markers have three alleles with equal frequencies. Results suggest that, when an experiment requiring haplotype determination of a parent is being designed, researchers should choose the appropriate threshold and family size in the context of marker allelic frequencies and recombination fractions.
Thermal Inactivation of Heat-Resistant Bacterial Spores in Milk Concentrate at Ultra-High Temperatures

Abstract The heat resistance of spores of Bacillus coagulans WH-9, Bacillus stearothermophilus 1518, and Clostridium sporogenes (PA 3679) was determined in 3:1 milk concentrate and 0.067 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.2). Although spore inactivation was predominantly logarithmic, the survivor curves were usually curvilinear during the initial period of heat transfer from the heating medium to the contents of the thermal inactivation tubes. Unlike spores of B. coagulans or PA 3679, those of B. stearothermophilus required an exceedingly high heat activation treatment to obtain maximal spore counts. Also, it was apparent that 3:1 milk concentrate was effective in inhibiting the germination of spores of B. stearothermophilus . Thermal resistance curves based on six D -values, indicated F -values of 1.8, 11.7, and 4.3mm and z -values of 16, 21.9, and 20.3F, respectively, for spores of B. coagulans, B. stearothermophilus , and PA 3679 suspended in 3 :1 milk concentrate. Spores of the three organisms suspended in phosphate buffer showed F -values of 1.7, 10.3, and 3.4mm and z -values of 15.6, 21.2, and 19.7F. The thermal process used in 3:1 milk concentrate, namely 295F for 3.5sec including the come-up time, appears to be adequate to inactivate spores of B. coagulans and PA 3679, even when they are present in large numbers, and spores of B. stearothermophilus if they are present in low numbers.
The distribution of dibenzothiophenes in Gulf of Mexico sediments

Abstract Sediment extracts from 81 piston cores taken in water depths between 70 and 1200 m on the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf and slope were analyzed for dibenzothiophenes by capillary gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (FPD). The major aromatic sulfur compounds detected were dibenzothiophene; methyl, ethyl and propyl dibenzothiophenes; two unidentified sulfur compounds; and a series of benzothiophenes. In general, benzothiophenes (BTs) were detected at only trace levels though this may be due to loss during the analysis. Dibenzothiophenes (DBTs) concentrations ranged from
Search for atmospheric holes with the Viking cameras

Images taken with the two ultraviolet cameras on board the Viking spacecraft were examined for evidence of transient decreases in the near-nadir dayglow. Comparison of near-limb observations of dayglow intensities with those at smaller angles to the nadir with the camera sensitive to O I 130.4 nm emissions supports the existence of transient decreases in the near-nadir dayglow. However, the amount of near-nadir imaging is severely limited and only several significant events are found.
Visualization of Pit-1 Transcription Factor Interactions in the Living Cell Nucleus by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Microscopy

The pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 forms dimers when interacting with specific DNA elements and has been shown to associate with several other nuclear proteins. Recently, techniques have become available that allow visualization of protein-protein interactions as they occur in single living cells. In this study, the technique of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy was used to visualize the physical interactions of Pit-1 proteins fused to spectral variants of the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) that emit green or blue light [blue fluorescent protein (BFP)]. An optimized imaging system was used to discriminate fluorescence signals from single cells coexpressing the BFP- and GFP-fusion proteins, and the contribution of spectral overlap to background fluorescence detected in the FRET images was established. Energy transfer signals from living cells expressing a fusion protein in which GFP was tethered to BFP by short protein linker was used to demonstrate acquisition of FRET signals. Genetic vectors encoding GFP- and BFP-Pit-1 proteins were prepared, and biological function of the fusion proteins was confirmed. FRET microscopy of HeLa cells coexpressing the GFP- and BFP-Pit-1 demonstrated energy transfer, which required the two fluorophores to be separated by less than 100 A. Biochemical studies previously demonstrated that Pit-1 physically interacts with both c-Ets-1 and the estrogen receptor. FRET imaging of cells coexpressing BFP-Pit-1 and GFP-Ets-1 demonstrated energy transfer between these fusion proteins, a result consistent with their association in the nucleus of these living cells. In contrast, there was no evidence for energy transfer between the BFP-Pit-1 and an estrogen receptor-GFP fusion proteins. It is likely that the FRET imaging approach described here can be applied to many different protein-partner pairs in a variety of cellular contexts.
Relations between activity of Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby on Lutz spruce and blue stain associated with Leptographium abietinum (Peck) Wingfield

Pruning and girdling treatments to frontalin-baited Lutz spruce (Picea × lutzii Little) trees were evaluated in 1987 and 1988 for their effect on five responses: number of spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby) attacks, length of egg galleries, percent of stemwood perimeter and area visibly affected by blue stain, and percent of cambial discoloration. All responses decreased significantly with sample height both in 1987 and 1988. Treatment generally had little or no effect on either spruce beetle activity or blue stain development; the only exception was the effect of treatment on percent cambial discoloration in 1987. For both years, spruce beetle activity and blue stain development were highly interralated. Number of successful attacks was more highly correlated with the three blue-stain measures than was total number of attacks. For both years, gallery length was more highly correlated with the blue-stain measures than was the number of attacks, but successful gallery length was more closely related to the blue-stain measures than was total gallery length. Results of canonical correlation analyses for both years indicated that spruce beetle activity and blue-stain development were equally effective in accounting for variation in the opposite set of measures. Spruce beetle measures related to successful attacks were more highly correlated with blue-stain development than were those for total attacks. Blue stain occurred in 120 of 144 discs and in 30 of 36 discs cut from trees in 1987 and 1988, respectively. Of the symptomatic discs, 74.2 and 83.3% yielded isolates of blue-stain fungi in 1987 and 1988 respectively. Representative isolates were all identified as Leptographium abietinum (Peck) Wingfield.
An aerosol chemical reactor for coating metal oxide particles with (NH4)2SO4–H2SO4–H2O III. Manipulation of the sulfate coating

Abstract One important chemical and morphological class of atmospheric particles consists of mineral dusts contained as inclusions in crystalline and aqueous sulfate particles. The mineral dust surface plays an important role in regulating the sulfate phase by providing a surface for the heterogeneous nucleation of the crystal from supersaturated aqueous sulfate phases. In principle, the efficacy of mineral dusts in promoting phase transitions can be investigated through laboratory process studies. To do so, however, a particle generator is necessary. The present work describes the generation of metal oxide particles (viz. α-Fe 2 O 3 , α-Al 2 O 3 , Al 6 Si 2 O 13 , and amorphous SiO 2 ) coated by (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 . The diameter of the oxide core and the thickness of the sulfate coating are regulated from 30 to 400 nm and 13 to 81 nm, respectively. Sizing is based upon aerosol particles collected by electrostatic precipitation and subsequently imaged by transmission electron microscopy. Depending on reactor conditions, the fraction of particles containing a metal oxide core varies from 0.01 to 0.86, as inferred from number size distributions measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer. The single most important reactor variable affecting fraction of particles containing a metal oxide core is the total sulfate loading. No dependencies on the effects of different chemical surface properties of the metal oxide particles on the coating process have been observed in our laboratory to date. Rather, the number size distribution of metal oxide core particles appears important without regard to chemical surface properties.
A new method for achieving nanoscale reinforcement of biaxially oriented polypropylene film

Abstract Nanolayers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) produced by layer-multiplying coextrusion crystallize as single, high aspect ratio lamellae that resemble large single crystals. The confined crystallization habit imparts two orders of magnitude reduction in the gas permeability. We now demonstrate how the highly oriented lamellar nanolayers can be obtained with biaxial stretching. For this purpose, we chose biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film for modification and incorporated PEO nanolayers under conditions that mimicked the typical fabrication process. Sheet that contained a center core with 33 alternating layers of polypropylene (PP) and PEO was coextruded and subsequently biaxially oriented at 145 °C. Biaxial stretching reduced the PEO layer thickness from the spherulitic microscale to nanolayers of highly oriented PEO single lamellae. The nanolayers improved the oxygen barrier by an order of magnitude without sacrificing the high clarity and good tear resistance of BOPP film.
Cell dysfunction in root nodules of soybeans grown in the presence of Rhizoctonia solani

Abstract Intercellular and intracellular penetration of hyphae of Rhizoctonia solani into young, functional root nodules of soybean Glycine max inoculated with Rhizobium japonicum was restricted to the nodule's outer cortex. Penetration of the nodule central tissue may have been impeded by a layer of thick-walled sclerenchymatous cells. A remote cytopathogenic effect on Rhizobium -containing cells of the central tissue of young nodules was nuclear breakdown characterized by absence of stainable matrix material within the nucleus, dissolution or rupture of the nuclear membrane, extrusion of the nucleolus, and eventually lack of identifiable nucleus. A weak reactivity of diseased nodule tissue to benzidine-H 2 O 2 at pH 4·5 indicated low leghemoglobin content. The degenerative effects did not occur in cells of young nodules grown in absence of the fungus. Normal cell degeneration in senescent nodules was primarily characterized by cytoplasmic and nuclear shrinkage without rupture of the nuclear envelope and thus differed from the cytopathogenic effect. These results support the concept that cell dysfunction in young nodules grown in the presence of R. solani may have been caused by toxic fungal metabolites that diffuse throughout the nodule. Fungal-induced nodule cell dysfunction would interfere with nitrogenase and symbiotic N 2 fixation activities and, where the N supply is sub-optimal, would reduce the yield of the soybean plant.
Evaluation of the performance of laser sources and fiber optic probes for in-situ Raman measurements

Systematic and reproducible methods of evaluating fiber-optic probes and laser sources for Raman spectroscopy have been developed. We have investigated the performance of two different types of external cavity diode laser sources for Raman spectroscopy. These lasers were evaluated in terms of long-term wavelength drift and power stability. Experimental methods and computer-generated models were developed to evaluate fiber-optic Raman probe performance under a variety of conditions and for a variety of sample types. Performance parameters investigated include probe sensitivity, sampling volume, and discrimination against fiber-optic silica background. Sample types studied include clear liquids and solids, highly scattering solids and slurries, and highly absorbing liquids and solids.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characteristics of RF Resulting from Dielectric Discharges

This paper presents measurements of the electromagnetic radiation pulses and the replacement current pulses which result from the breakdown of Mylar and Kapton samples. The observed dependence of the characteristics of the replacement current pulse as a function of electron beam energy is discussed. The characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation pulses are also analysed in the text of this paper. The source of the irradiating electrons is a monoenergetic electron beam whose energy was varied from 12.5 KeV to 25 KeV.
Design Considerations for Interleaved ADCs

Interleaving can relax the power-speed tradeoffs of analog-to-digital converters and reduce their metastability error rate while increasing the input capacitance. This paper quantifies the benefits and derives an upper bound on the performance by considering kT/C noise and slewing requirements of the circuit driving the system. A frequency-domain analysis of interleaved converters is also presented that sheds light on the corruption mechanisms due to interchannel mismatches. A background timing mismatch calibration technique is proposed and experimentally shown to reduce the image to -75 dB for input frequencies exceeding 500 MHz.
Species diversity of grasses promotes genotypic diversity of clover populations in simulated communities

Recent studies in community genetics have demonstrated strong eff ects of intraspecifi c genetic variation on the diversity of interacting species but largely ignored the potential for eff ects of species diversity on genetic diversity, which could also create a positive correlation between these two levels of biodiversity. Here we investigated the role that species diversity of competitors could play in shaping the genotypic diversity of a focal species, using a modifi ed version of an existing model of grass – clover dynamics. We simulated communities in which clover genotypes varied in their relative competitive ability when growing adjacent to diff erent grass species. Under many parameter combinations, communities with greater species richness of grasses retained greater genotypic richness within the clover population. Increasing grass species richness eff ectively increased biotic environmental heterogeneity with respect to clover growth, thereby promoting the maintenance of genotypic diversity. Th is result depended on three conditions being met: (1) a suffi ciently strong tradeoff among genotypes in their fi tness when growing with diff erent grass species, (2) partial de-coupling of competition and facilitation, with grass and clover capable of sharing microsites rather than strictly excluding one another, and (3) suffi ciently high rates of clover growth and clonal spread, which allowed clover genotypes to ‘ track ’ the shifting mosaic of grass species. Our results demonstrate that species diversity can act as an important promoter of genotypic diversity, and they provide testable predictions concerning the conditions that promote this outcome in nature.
Rapid, room-temperature synthesis of antibacterial bionanocomposites of lysozyme with amorphous silica or titania.

Abstract : Lysozyme directs the formation of silica or titania nanoparticles under ambient conditions and is simultaneously entrapped while in the active bactericidal form. The ability to encapsulate an active antimicrobial protein within inorganic nanoparticles provides an opportunity to create bionanocomposite materials that resist bacterial activity, for use as broad spectrum antifouling materials.
Planar theory with spin and tensor forces

Abstract We develop techniques for summing parquet diagrams for systems with two-body interactions with spin, tensor, and isospin components. For boson systems, we sum the same set of diagrams which have been used to derive the optimized hypernetted-chain variational theory when the force is independent of spin and isospin. The present derivation leads to unique local approximations in each of the six independent channels. Singularities in any of these channels at either low or high density correspond to instabilities of the physical system. In contrast to previous variational approaches, the need for commutator terms does not arise in this limit. We derive an energy functional from which the equations of motion may be obtained by functional differentiation. The equations of motion may be solved by a paired-phonon-analysis method which requires time proportional to the number of channels present. Although the primary emphasis of this theory is to suggest ways of including realistic nuclear forces in fermion theories, we present some model calculations which demonstrate the capabilities of the present approach.
How were north american sites of the pleistocene-holocene transition discovered?

This article reports on a database categorizing the processes of discovery used in 323 North American archaeological sites that have an antiquity of at least 7,500 years. It discusses tabulations of discovery processes, types of material found in these sites, and methods used in dating them. These findings provide a context for research strategies currently used in seeking evidence of human occupation during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition.
Examples of high resolution visible to near-infrared reflectance spectra and a standardized collection for remote sensing studies

Abstract Abstract. A number of sets of high resolution (001 μm or better) spectra are described which span the major part to the visible short-wave infrared spectrum (0.4-2.5μm). These data sets include soils, both wet and dry, conventional agriculture, grasses, and shrubs, igneous and sedimentary rocks, minerals, and a variety of fabrics, building materials, and metals. Most are from the laboratory, some are field measurements. These collections do not include bi-directional reflectance data sets, nor limited domain (∼0.4-l.0μm) visible near-infrared spectral data sets. To facilitate intercomparisons and spectral matching with remotely-sensed data such as the aircraft instrument (AVIRIS) a standardized collection is described in which all spectra are presented at 0.01μm intervals, in a common format. This collection is available for research studies on a PC diskette.
Programmer variations in software debugging approaches

Abstract As software costs continue to increase, the need to enhance programmer productivity increases. It is widely accepted that individual differences impact software development productivity. Due to the high percent of software development effort spent on testing and maintenance, an investigation of techniques used by programmer to change code can help identify methods that are effective and thus contribute to productivity improvement. In this study, we investigate program change rates as a potential productivity factor. The level of change activity both early and late in the debugging process and the quantity of changes made between test executions are among the factors investigated. We compute a programmer change profile based on these factors. The profiles are compared relative to the ratio of program changes to lines of code. Lower change rates early in the debugging process and lower change per execution rates were found for the programmers with the lower ratios of program changes to lines of code.
Olfactory Prowess of the Kiwi

IN 1906 Benham published an account of his attempt to obtain direct evidence about the reputed ability of the kiwi to smell earthworms in soil1. Neither this effort nor a later one, described briefly by Strong2 in 1911, collected sufficient data to settle the question. Since then, comments in general treatises have ranged from open mindedness3 to flat assertions that the kiwi has unusually keen olfactory sensitivity4.
Structure–property relationships in transport and thermodynamic properties of imidazolium bistriflamide ionic liquids for CO2 capture

The solubility and diffusivity of CO2 in 12 different 1,3-difunctionalized imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulonyl)amide (bistriflamide) ionic liquids (ILs) were determined using the transient thin film absorption method, and values were correlated to the physicochemical properties of the ILs including density, viscosity, self diffusivity and ionicity. The ionicity of the IL was quantified in terms of the Haven ratio, calculated using the self-diffusion coefficient and conductivity. The Henry’s Law constant for CO2 in the ILs showed a strong correlation to the square of the difference in the solubility parameters of the ILs and CO2, consistent with regular solution theory. A stronger correlation was observed when both the solubility parameter and the Haven ratio were included in the correlation. CO2 diffusivities in the ILs were found to be linearly related to the self-diffusion coefficient of the IL cations. Interestingly, structural isomers of ILs were found to have the same CO2 solubility, but distinct CO2 diffusivities. The product of solubility and diffusivity (i.e., permeability) was found to correlate well with IL viscosity alone, despite the fact that solubility and diffusivity were each found to depend upon both IL viscosity and molar volume.
Crack displacements for J/I/ testing with compact specimens

The suggestion is made that the standard compact specimen (with opening displacement measured at the crack mouth) may be entirely suitable for J-integral determinations if a very simple conversion factor is used. Experimental determination of J-integral values requires the measurement of displacements at the points of load application. For the compact specimen this is a difficult task. On the basis of studies reported by Newman (1979) and Fisher and Buzzard (1980), it is suggested that for any J-based test the standard compact specimen can be used. A very good approximation to the load point displacement (within 3.4 percent) can be obtained by measuring the crack mouth displacement and multiplying by 0.773.
Prediction of dynamic foot posture during running using the longitudinal arch angle.

Background: A study was conducted to determine whether the longitudinal arch angle can be used to predict dynamic foot posture during running. Methods: Seventeen healthy, experienced runners participated in the study. The static longitudinal arch angle was determined from a digital image of the medial aspect of each subject’s feet obtained in relaxed standing posture. For the dynamic phase, subjects were asked to walk across a 12-m walkway and then to run across a 25-m runway while the medial aspect of each foot was videotaped. The longitudinal arch angle was digitized from the video images at midstance in walking and at midsupport while running for five trials per extremity. Results: The longitudinal arch angle obtained in relaxed standing posture was highly predictive of dynamic foot posture at midstance in walking (r2 = 0.854) and at midsupport while running (r2 = 0.846). Conclusions: The static measurement of longitudinal arch angle is highly predictive of dynamic foot posture during walking and runni...
Bacteremia caused by hemolytic, high-level gentamicin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis.

Abstract Between 1 January 1984 and 31 December 1987, 206 enterococcal blood isolates at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics were analyzed for high-level aminoglycoside resistance (hereafter high-level aminoglycoside resistance is simply referred to as "resistance") and hemolysin production. Of 190 Enterococcus faecalis isolates, 68 (35.8%) were resistant to gentamicin. Of these 68 strains, 67 (98.5%) contained a gene coding for the bifunctional aminoglycoside-modifying 6'-aminoglycoside acetyltransferase-2"-aminoglycoside phosphotransferase [AAC(6')-APH(2")] enzyme. Of 190 isolates, 85 (44.7%) were hemolytic and contained a gene coding for component A of the enterococcal hemolysin. Sixty-two of 68 (91.2%) gentamicin-resistant isolates but only 23 of 122 (18.8%) gentamicin-susceptible isolates were hemolytic (P less than 0.001). Twelve of the hemolytic, gentamicin-resistant E. faecalis blood isolates, but only 2 of 9 nonhemolytic or gentamicin-susceptible isolates, had identical chromosomal DNA restriction endonuclease digestion patterns, suggesting a common derivation for these strains. A historical cohort study from 1 July 1985 to 31 March 1987 identified by regression analysis postsurgical intensive care unit status (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 22.8) and prior treatment with an expanded- or broad-spectrum cephalosporin (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 0.9 to 10.1) as risk factors for gentamicin-resistant E. faecalis bacteremia. Patients with hemolytic, gentamicin-resistant E. faecalis bacteremia had a fivefold-increased risk for death within 3 weeks of their bacteremia compared with patients with nonhemolytic, gentamicin-susceptible strains (95% CI, 1.0 to 25.4).
Pediatric trainees’ engagement in the online nutrition curriculum: preliminary results

The Pediatric Nutrition Series (PNS) consists of ten online, interactive modules and supplementary educational materials that have utilized web-based multimedia technologies to offer nutrition education for pediatric trainees and practicing physicians. The purpose of the study was to evaluate pediatric trainees’ engagement, knowledge acquisition, and satisfaction with nutrition modules delivered online in interactive and non-interactive formats. From December 2010 through August 2011, pediatric trainees from seventy-three (73) different U.S. programs completed online nutrition modules designed to develop residents’ knowledge of counseling around and management of nutritional issues in children. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in comparing interactive versus non-interactive modules. Pretest/posttest and module evaluations measured knowledge acquisition and satisfaction. Three hundred and twenty-two (322) pediatric trainees completed one or more of six modules for a total of four hundred and forty-two (442) accessions. All trainees who completed at least one module were included in the study. Two-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (pre/posttest by interactive/non-interactive format) indicated significant knowledge gains from pretest to posttest (p < 0.002 for all six modules). Comparisons between interactive and non-interactive formats for Module 1 (N = 85 interactive, N = 95 non-interactive) and Module 5 (N = 5 interactive, N = 16 non-interactive) indicated a parallel improvement from the pretest to posttest, with the interactive format significantly higher than the non-interactive modules (p < .05). Both qualitative and quantitative data from module evaluations demonstrated that satisfaction with modules was high. However, there were lower ratings for whether learning objectives were met with Module 6 (p < 0.03) and lecturer rating (p < 0.004) compared to Module 1. Qualitative data also showed that completion of the interactive modules resulted in higher resident satisfaction. This initial assessment of the PNS modules shows that technology-mediated delivery of a nutrition curriculum in residency programs has great potential for providing rich learning environments for trainees while maintaining a high level of participant satisfaction.
Homogeneous Light-Driven Water Oxidation Catalyzed by a Tetraruthenium Complex with All Inorganic Ligands

A totally homogeneous, molecular, visible-light-driven water oxidation system is reported. The three system components are (i) a water oxidation catalyst, 1 (a RuIV4O4 cluster stabilized by oxidatively resistant [SiW10O32]8- ligands); (ii) a photosensitizer, [Ru(bpy)3]2+; and (iii) a sacrificial electron acceptor, S2O82−. Dioxygen is formed rapidly with an initial turnover frequency of ∼8 × 10−2 s−1 and an estimated quantum yield (defined as the number of O2 molecules formed per two photons absorbed) of ∼9%.
CHRONIC EFFECTS OF ANGIOTENSIN II and AT1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS IN SUBFORNICAL ORGAN‐LESIONED RATS

SUMMARY 1. Angiotensin (Ang) II is known to exert some of its effects centrally via circumventricular organs. These unique central nervous system areas lack the normal blood–brain barrier and, therefore, allow peptide hormones access to the brain. Of these, the subfornical organ (SFO) has been shown to be involved in many of the acute dipsogenic and pressor effects of AngII, but much less is known about the role of the SFO in the chronic effects of AngII. We hypothesized that the SFO is a central site involved in the chronic hypotensive effects of endogenous AT1 receptor blockade, as well as the chronic hypertensive effects of exogenously administered AngII. 2. In order to test these hypotheses, SFO-lesioned (SFOx) or sham Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented with venous catheters and radiotelemetric pressure transducers for intravenous administration of losartan or AngII and continuous measurement of blood pressure and heart rate. Rats were given 3 days of saline control infusion (7 mL/day of 0.9% NaCl) and were then infused with either losartan (10 mg/kg per day) or AngII (10 ng/kg per min) for 10 days. 3. By day 4 of losartan treatment, arterial pressure had decreased 24 ± 2 and 18 ± 2 mmHg in sham (n = 9) and SFOx (n = 10) rats, respectively. Furthermore, by day 5 of AngII infusion, arterial pressure had increased 12 ± 3 mmHg in sham rats (n = 9), but only by 4 ± 1 mmHg in SFOx rats (n = 9). In each treatment group, these attenuated pressure responses in SFOx rats continued through day 10 of treatment. 4. These results support the hypotheses that the SFO plays a role in both the hypotensive effects of chronic AT1 receptor blockade and the chronic hypertensive phase of exogenously administered AngII.
Flux dependence of neutron enhanced diffusion in α-brass

Abstract The flux dependence of neutron enhanced diffusion in α-brass was determined by exposing a series of samples to the leakage flux during two different KIWI reactor test runs. The samples were placed at different distances from the reactor shell and were exposed, therefore, to different fluxes of the same energy distribution. The resistivity decrease arising from neutron enhanced short-range ordering was measured and compared with complete resistivity decay curves obtained in the Brookhaven reactor. The characteristic decay times obtained this way are inversely proportional to the diffusion coefficients. The results show that the radiation enhanced diffusion coefficient varies linearly with the neutron flux. This result, in combination with previous studies on the temperature dependence of enhanced diffusion, indicates strongly that the mechanism of defect annealing in α-brass during reactor irradiation is that of migration to and disappearance at fixed sinks.
Growth limitation of a coastal diatom by low zinc ion activity

THE total zinc concentration in unpolluted marine waters has been reported to be in the 10−10 M range1. Such low concentration of an essential micronutrient suggests that the growth of some phytoplankton may be zinc limited. Of the trace metals necessary for phytoplankton growth, only iron has been considered a potential limiting micronutrient in the marine environment2,3. On the basis of laboratory work which focused mostly on copper, it is well known that the toxicity of a trace metal depends on its chemical speciation and can be related uniquely to its free ion activity4,5. However, it has not been established unequivocally that the availability of some metals may also be controlled by their free ion activities and may thus be depressed by organic complexation. Here we report laboratory experiments demonstrating that the zinc ion activity (rather than the total zinc concentration) can limit the growth rate of a coastal diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grun. = T. fluviatalis Hust.) and that the limitation occurs at zinc ion activities which would be present in unpolluted seawater if any organic complexation of zinc were taking place.
Madness as a political factor

Psychiatrists and psychoanalytic discourse played a significant role in generating the ethnic conflicts that ignited the Balkan war of the 1990s. Interpreted and politicized by Serb psychiatrist/politicians Drs. Jovan Raskovic and Radovan Karadžic, the Balkan Oedipus became a totalizing social theory for post-socialist subjectivity. Raskovic's (1990) book Luda Zemlja [A Mad Country] provided psychoanalytic justification for ethnic separation and advocated Serb ‘irrational delirium’ as a liberating political force. Radovan Karadžic became notorious as the architect of the Bosnian genocide. The discursive construction of Balkan identity made the region particularly vulnerable to the ethno-analysis promulgated by those two psychiatrists.
Evaluación de la respuesta vascular al intervencionismo coronario

En las ultimas decadas, la investigacion sobre la respuesta vascular al intervencionismo coronario percutaneo (ICP) ha desempenado un papel fundamental no solo porque mejora el conocimiento de los mecanismos de accion de dicho tratamiento, sino tambien porque aporta una informacion clave para explicar lo que sucede en los pacientes con enfermedad coronaria. Con la reciente introduccion de la tecnologia de stents liberadores de farmacos (SLF), se ha producido un avance extraordinario en la reduccion de la reestenosis, gracias a la inhibicion de la hiperplasia neointimal1,2. Sin embargo, el remodelado vascular tardio y el efecto del borde tras la implantacion de SLF han sido consideradas recientemente como posibles causas de trombosis y reestenosis de stents3,4. En la linea de la investigacion presentada por Garcia-Garcia et al5 en este numero de REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA, la interpretacion de la respuesta vascular que se produce con la actual tecnologia de SLF es imprescindible para poder desarrollar medidas eficaces que contrarresten estos fenomenos, de consecuencias potencialmente catastroficas para el paciente. Ademas, tambien es esencial la valoracion de una metodologia bien establecida y de los conocimientos previamente acumulados en la evaluacion de la respuesta vascular basada en nuestra experiencia con el analisis detallado de la ecografia intravascular (IVUS).
The deconvolution problem: An overview

This paper is a tutorial review of the deconvolution problem. It reviews the definitions of convolution and deconvolution and discusses both the time-domain and frequency-domain methods of performing deconvolution. The paper identifies the true nature of the practical deconvolution problem as an approximation or estimation problem. And, it discusses the concepts of achieving an "acceptable" solution.
Flame Temperature Measurements In A Cylindrical Tube Using Holographic Interferometry

Holographic interferometry was used to measure the instantaneous temperature distribution of a premixed flame propagating through a cylindrical tube. In spite of the crude assumptions employed, the combined inaccuracy and imprecision of the measurements was estimated to be less than ±5 percent. The sources of error, the techniques used to minimize the errors, and the magnitude of the residual errors are described.
The Master Key Problem

Four methods for generating and distributing shared group encryption keys in a cryptographic system are described. All four methods can be used to implement secure broadcasts among groups of users in computer networks. Two methods use n secret keys to construct a master key for 2n -1 keys.
Bone Disease and Aluminum: Pathogenic Considerations

Summary Reductions in the formation of new bone matrix are a consistent finding in both clinical and experimental studies of aluminum-associated bone disease. This adverse effect of aluminum on collagen synthesis may be mediated through reductions in either the number or the cellular activity of osteoblasts. However, diminished matrix synthesis can be dissociated from histologic evidence of defective mineralization during aluminum loading. Thus, the toxicity of aluminum on bone is probably comprised of two components, one affecting collagen synthesis and the other affecting matrix mineralization. Adynamic bone may represent the histologic consequence of primary reductions in the formation of osteoid in the absence of defective matrix calcification. In contrast, concurrent disturbances in both matrix synthesis and calcification may account for the lesion of aluminum-associated osteomalacia. Although consistent with current clinical and experimental observations, confirmation of this hypothesis will require more careful longitudinal studies of bone growth and bone histology during aluminum loading.
Activation of human platelets by cocaine

BACKGROUNDCocaine ingestion has been associated with thrombosis of coronary as well as peripheral arteries, but the mechanism by which cocaine promotes thrombus formation is unknown. Accordingly, we determined whether cocaine activates human platelets by flow cytometric analysis of whole blood to which cocaine was added.METHODS AND RESULTSActivated platelets were detected by "two-color" flow cytometric analysis of the binding of fluorescently labeled antibodies directed against either platelet-associated fibrinogen or P-selectin, which are found on the surface of platelets only after stimulation. Platelets were distinguished from other constituents of whole blood by their ability to bind an anti-glycoprotein Ib antibody bound to both activated and resting platelets. Incubation of whole blood with cocaine, in concentrations of 10 microM to 13 mM, induced significant increases in both platelet-associated fibrinogen (range of increase, 45 +/- 12% to 125 +/- 40%) and P-selectin expression (36 +/- 15% to 112 +...
Mechanism of Negative Potassium Balance in the Magnesium-Deficient Rat:

AbstractMagnesium (Mg) deprivation leads to an increased urinary potassium excretion (UKV) and a decreased plasma potassium (PK) concentration. To evaluate the role of aldosterone in this process, rats were placed on a low-Mg diet (0.3 mg Mg/g diet). Group I animals received the low-Mg diet supplemented with normal Mg intake (2.6 mg Mg/g diet) while Group II animals received the low-Mg diet alone. Group III animals received the low-Mg diet plus spironolactone (10 mg/kg/day, sc). After 16 days on their respective diets, PK was higher (4.4 ± 0.1 vs 3.6 ± 0.1 mEq/liter, P < 0.001), cumulative K balance was more positive (1.63 ± 0.31 vs −0.24 ± 0.16 mEq, P < 0.001), and plasma aldosterone concentration was lower (150 ± 16 vs 241 ± 15 ng/dl, P < 0.001) in Group I animals compared to Group II animals. PK was returned toward control (3.9 ± 0.2 mEq/liter), positive K balance was restored (1.94 ± 0.25 mEq), while plasma aldosterone concentration remained elevated (280 ± 33 ng/dl) in Group III animals treated with ...
Ancient DNA from a pre-Columbian Amerindian population

Ancient DNA was obtained from skeletal remains from the Norris Farms #36 cemetery, a pre-Columbian archeological site in central Illinois that dates to A. D. 1300. Four mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers were analyzed that delineate the four primary mtDNA lineages found in contemporary Amerindian populations. mtDNA types were determined for 50 individuals; 49 belonged to one of these four lineages. One lineage occurred only in males, suggesting an immigration of maternally related males into this community. There was no significant spatial patterning of mtDNA lineages within the cemetery. This survey of ancient DNA variation in a preColumbian population supports the view that the initial colonization of the New World comprised just four primary mtDNA lineages. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.