cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neutron interrogation to identify chemical elements with an ion-tube neutron source (INS)

A non-destructive analysis technique using a protable, electric ion-tube neutron source (INS) and gamma ray detector has been used to identify the key constituent elements in a number of sealed munitions, and from the elemental makeup, infer the types of agent within each. The high energy (14 MeV) and pulsed character of the neutron flux from an INS provide a method of measuring, quantitatively, the oxygen, carbon, and fluorine content of materials in closed containers, as well as the other constituents that can be measured with low-energy neutron probes. The braod range of elements that can be quantitatively measured with INS-based instruments provides a capability of verifying common munition fills; it provides the greatest specificity of any portable neutron-based technique for determining the full matrix of chemical elements in completely unrestricted sample scenarios. The specific capability of quantifying the carbon and oxygen content of materials should lead to a fast screening technique which, can discriminate very quickly between high-explosive and chemical agent-filled containers.
Induction of the heat shock response and translational thermotolerance in day 15 ovine trophectoderm

The objectives of this study were to determine the ability of trophectoderm from preimplantation ovine embryos to synthesize hsp70 in response to heat shock and to identify conditions which induce translational thermotolerance in this tissue. Day 15 embryos were collected, and proteins synthesized in 1.5-mm sections of trophectoderm were radioactively labeled with 35S-methionine. One-dimensional SDS-PAGE gels, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blots were utilized to characterize the heat shock response and to examine the induction of translational thermotolerance. Increased synthesis of the 70 kDa heat shock proteins and a protein with an approximate molecular weight of 15 to 20 kDa was observed with heat shock (≥ 42 °C). Total protein synthesis decreased (P < 0.05) with increased intensity of heat shock. At 45 °C, protein synthesis was suppressed with little or no synthesis of all proteins including hsp70. Recovery of protein synthesis following a severe heat shock (45 °C for 20 min) occurred faster (P < 0.05) in trophectoderm pretreated with a mild heat shock (42 °C for 30 min) than trophectoderm not pretreated with mild heat. In summary, trophoblastic tissue obtained from ovine embryos exhibit the characteristic “heatshock” response similar to that described for other mammalian systems. In addition, a sublethal heat shock induced the ability of the tissue to resume protein synthesis following severe heat stress. Since maintaining protein synthesis is crucial to embryonic survival, manipulation of the heat-shock response may provide a method to enhance embryonic survival.
Living theory: enhancing the psychological support of patients.

This article explores how nurses involved in a research project, that incorporated teaching psychological theories and counselling skills to enhance the psychological support of patients with wounds, had, one year on, changed their professional practice. This inquiry was framed by living theory, a concept previously only used in education, which is based on the integration of known knowledge, newly taught knowledge and increased self-awareness. The major principle of living theory is that one's values are questioned, modified, clarified and sometimes changed completely in striving to improve one's professional practice. This research showed nurses creating their own living theories, aspiring to really care for the whole person by developing strong, meaningful relationships with patients. The steps that participants took from first using this enhanced way of working with patients with wounds, to using it to support all patients psychologically, are demonstrated.
Inertially referenced laser pointing determination system

Summary form only given.In a high precision space based altimetry system such as GLAS, accurate knowledge of the laser beam's pointing angle is critical. For instance, over a 3/spl deg/ surface slope pointing knowledge to 1.5 arcsec is the largest error source (23 cm) in achieving the GLAS accuracy requirement. The GLAS design incorporates a stellar reference system (SRS) to relate the laser beam pointing angle to the star field to an accuracy of /spl sim/7.3 urad. The stellar reference system combines an attitude determination system (ADS) operating from 4 to 10 Hz coupled to a 40 Hz laser reference system (LRS) to perform this task. The simplest approach for measuring the pointing of the GLAS laser beam with respect to the star field is to couple the laser directly into a star camera. Unfortunately this approach is not feasible with current star camera technology. An approach using two separate sensors to measure the pointing of the sampled laser beam at 40 Hz has been built. The overall approach for the stellar reference system is shown. The ADS measures the pointing of the instrument platform with respect to the star field while the LRS samples the laser beam at 10 Hz and measures its alignment with respect to the components of the ADS. The laser profiling array measures the spatial profile of the laser beam at 40 Hz. In the SRS approach a small fraction of the GLAS laser beam is folded into the laser reference sensor's FOV with two lateral transfer retroreflectors.
Normalization of mineral homeostasis after reversal of osteopetrosis

Whether a radiographic and histologic cure of osteopetrosis includes normalization of mineral homeostasis remains unknown. Thus, we explored the extent of defective mineral metabolism in the microphthalmic (mi/mi) mouse before and after cure. Under basal conditions mi mutants exhibit normocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and elevated renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1-hydroxylase activity. However, administration of PTHrP (3 micrograms/h x 24 h) further stimulated enzyme activity in mi mutants with active disease, to a level no different than that in treated normals. Serum phosphorus levels also declined in mi/mi mice following PTHrP, suggesting a normal renal response to this hormone. In contrast, failure to suppress enzyme function in mi/mi mice following prolonged calcitriol infusion indicates that the observed enhancement of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production occurred secondary to autonomous parathyroid function and/or nonparathyroid hormone-related stimuli. Although an increased fractional excretion and decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate were demonstrated in mi/mi mice, serum PTH levels were no different in mi mutants compared with normal littermates. Following skeletal cure, the mi/mi mice surprisingly display normal serum phosphorus levels and renal enzyme activity. Moreover, treatment restored normal responsiveness to calcitriol suppression and maintained normal PTHrP responsiveness of enzyme activity. These data indicate that the cure of osteopetrosis in the mi mutant is universal and includes normalization of serum phosphorus and renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1-hydroxylase. Furthermore, these data suggest that phosphate depletion of unknown origin is the likely cause of elevated enzyme activity in this murine osteopetrotic mutant.
Columbia Accident Investigation and Return-to-Flight Effort

On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during reentry, resulting in the loss of seven crewmembers. For the next several months an extensive investigation of the accident involved a nationwide team of experts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), industry, and academia, spanning dozens of technical disciplines.
Attitudes and beliefs of parents concerned about vaccines: impact of timing of immunization information.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if giving vaccine-information materials before the 2-month vaccination visit to mothers with concerns about vaccine safety positively changed their attitudes and beliefs about vaccine safety. METHODS: Mothers who indicated concerns about infant vaccinations were recruited from 2 separate sites in Tennessee and California and were given vaccine information at 1 of 3 times: during a prenatal visit; a 1-week postpartum well-child visit; or a 2-month vaccination visit. A separate group of concerned mothers was assigned to be followed longitudinally at all 3 time points and was analyzed separately. The mothers reviewed a new vaccine-information pamphlet and Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Attitudes and beliefs about immunization were assessed both before and after the review of materials with written surveys. RESULTS: A total of 272 mothers with immunization concerns participated in the study. After review of the materials, mothers in all groups were significantly more likely to respond positively to questions and statements supporting the safety and importance of vaccines. Mothers who received this information at earlier visits were not significantly more likely to respond positively than mothers who received the information at the child9s 2-month vaccination visit; however, participating mothers did indicate a preference for receiving vaccine information before the first vaccination visit. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of the vaccine-information pamphlet and Vaccine Information Statements significantly improved attitudes about vaccination regardless of at what visit they were provided. Allowing adequate time to review vaccine information, even if done at the vaccination visit, may benefit concerned mothers.
NOISE-INDUCED CHAOS

Noise-induced chaos is an interesting phenomenon. However, it is a subtle issue because of the difficulty in distinguishing between true low-dimensional chaos and noise. In this review article, we consider how to define noise-induced chaos and what constitutes a test for noise-induced chaos. The mechanism for noise-induced chaos is studied by considering the long-term growth rate of the logarithmic displacement curves. In particular, we have identified three types of diffusional processes, with the third type, the anomalous diffusion, being the precursor of noise-induced chaos. A number of dynamical systems showing different types of diffusional processes are discussed. We have also pointed out when and how a nonlinear noisy system may be mistaken as a chaotic system in general and noise-induced chaos in particular.
On Conditions at an Interface between Two Materials in Three-Dimensional Space

This article is concerned with expressing the kinematics of a bimaterial-bonded interface in terms of strains in the three-dimensional case. It is shown that the continuity of displacements can be replaced by the requirement that the change in principal curvatures, the mean geodesic torsion, and the interior strains be matched across the interface. The reduction of these conditions for a two-dimensional bonded interface is also discussed.
Chinook salmon NADP(+)-dependent cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase: electrophoretic and genetic dissection of a complex isozyme system and geographic patterns of variation.

Species in the genusOncorhynchus express complicated isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDHP) isozyme patterns in many tissues. Subcellular localization experiments show that the electrophoretically distinct isozymes of low anodal mobility expressed predominantly in skeletal and heart muscle are mitochondrial forms (mIDHP), while the more anodal, complex isolocus isozyme system predominant in liver and eye is cytosolic (sIDHP). The two loci encoding sIDHP isozymes are considered isoloci because the most common allele at one of these loci cannot be separated electrophoretically from the most common allele of the other. Over 12 electrophoretically detectable alleles are segregating at the twosIDHP* loci in chinook salmon. Careful electrophoretic comparisons of the sIDHP isozyme patterns of muscle, eye, and liver extracts of heterozygotes reveal marked differences between the tissues with regard to both relative isozyme staining and the expression of several common alleles. Presumed single-dose heterozygotes at the sIDHP isolocus isozyme system exhibit approximate 9:6:1 ratios of staining intensity in liver and eye, while they exhibit approximate 1:2:1 ratios in skeletal muscle. The former proportions are consistent with the equal expression of two loci (isolocus expression), while the latter are consistent with the expression of a single locus. Screening of over 10,000 fish from spawning populations and mixed-stock fishery samples revealed that certain variant alleles (*127, *50) are detectable only in liver and eye, while other alleles (*129, *94, and *74) are strongly expressed in muscle, eye, and liver. The simplest explanation for these observations is that the “isolocus” sIDHP system of chinook salmon (and that of steelhead and rainbow trout) results from the expression of two distinct loci (sIDHP-1* andsIDHP-2*) that have the same common allele (as defined by electrophoretic mobility). IDHP expression in skeletal muscle is due to the nearly exclusive expression of thesIDHP-1* locus, while IDHP expression in eye and liver tissues is due to high levels of expression of bothsIDHP-1* andsIDHP-2*—giving rise to the isolocus situation in these latter tissues. Direct inheritance studies confirm this model of two genetically independent (disomic) loci encoding sIDHP in chinook salmon. Extensive geographic surveys of chinook salmon populations from California to British Columbia reveal marked differences in allele frequencies at bothsIDHP-1* andsIDHP-2* and considerably more interpopulation differentiation than was recognized previously when sIDHP was treated as an isolocus system with only five recognized alleles. These observations, coupled with examples of allele frequencies from several Washington fisheries, demonstrate the value of this refined interpretation of sIDHP isozyme expression to the GSI analysis of population structure and mixed-stock fisheries.
Gaussian Beam Migration For Sparse Common-shot And Common-receiver Data

We investigate the Gaussian beam migration of commonshot and common-receiver data. The imaging of commonshot data is useful for seismic data where the receiver coordinates are well sampled, but the source coordinates are less well sampled. By reciprocity, this approach can also be applied to common-receiver data, such as from OBS experiments where the source locations are dense but the receiver locations are sparse. Since Gaussian beam migration uses smoothed, localized windowing of the data, it can provide more stable results for the inversion of sparsely sampled data.
Abnormal lignins produced by the brown-midrib mutants of maize: II. Comparative studies on normal and brown-midrib-1 dimethylformamide lignins☆

Abstract The dimethylformamide (DMF) lignin of the brown-midrib-1 (bm1) mutant of maize differs from that of normal maize. (The bm1 gene is recessive; hence the mutant phenotype is expressed only in homozygous recessive plants, bm 1 bm 1 . For simplicity of expression, we are using the single symbol, bm1, to denote bm 1 bm 1 plants or lignin from those plants.) Alkaline hydrolysis of the DMF-lignins liberates p-coumaric and ferulic acids. Both lignins yield equal quantities of ferulic acid, but the lignin from bm1 yields almost 50% less p-coumaric acid. Three aldehydes, syringalde-hyde, vanillin, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, are obtained after alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation of the lignins. A lower yield of these products results from the oxidation of the bm1 lignin than the normal lignin. Only 79.7 and 43.3% of the phenolic hydroxyls, as measured by de-esterification of normal and bm1, respectively, are detected by ultraviolet spectrometry. Upon direct titration, normal and bm1 lignins have the same amount of total acidity; however, bm1 contains more carboxyl groups and fewer phenolic hydroxyls than normal. Both de-esterified lignins (cores) have a greater total acidity than the DMF-lignins, and the bm1 core has a greater acidity than the normal core. The presence of carboxyl groups in maize DMF-lignins is substantiated by infrared spectra, the addition of hydroxylamine to the lignins, and the solubility of the cores in 5% NaHCO3. Elemental analyses indicates that all DMF-lignins contain nitrogen; however, the normal lignin core has approximately 13% more nitrogen than normal DMF-lignin, while the bm1 lignin core has approximately 29% less nitrogen than bm1 DMF-lignin.
Extranodal particle accumulations in the axolemma of myelinated frog optic axons

Abstract Optic nerves of adult frogs were freeze-fractured with the proximal to distal orientation and distances from retina monitored throughout the process. E face particle accumulations are commonly found (∼90% of all examples) in the juxtaparanodal portion of the internode (JPI) immediately adjacent to the paranodal junction. The concentration of these particles is usually highest (200–700/μm 2 ) immediately adjacent to the last strip of the paranodal junction and then decreases over ∼1–4 μm to the background level (∼100/μm 2 ) of the more remote portions of the internode. Accumulations with high particle concentrations generally extend further into the internode than those with low concentrations. JPI particle accumulations occur with equal frequency in proximal and distal JPIs, and no apparent difference was seen between optic nerve segments adjacent to or distant from the retina. The majority of the JPI particles are large (10 nm or more in diameter), and they resemble the large nodal particles in size and shape. Particle size analysis in different areas of the internode shows that the concentration of small particles does not change significantly along the internode (including the JPI), but the concentration of large particles is significantly higher in the immediate JPI (140–600/μm 2 ) than in internodal regions (30–55/μm 2 ). Thus, the high particle concentration at the JPI region is mainly due to the accumulation of large particles. Such accumulations also occur frequently in irregularly shaped ‘lakes’ between paranodal junctional strips. Here too the particles are primarily large, and the accumulations occur equally in segments adjacent to or distant from the retina and in both proximal and distal paranodal regions. Heminodes occur in all segments of the frog optic nerve. Most of these lack typical nodal specializations.
Experimental Verification of the ‘Clock-Paradox’ of Relativity

EINSTEIN'S theory of relativity predicts that if one of twin brothers leaves home in a space ship and spends a considerable amount of time travelling at high velocity with respect to his home inertial frame, then, when the traveller returns home, he will find himself physiologically younger than his stay-at-home brother, and his pocket watch will have performed correspondingly fewer revolutions.
Pilot study of pioglitazone and exercise training effects on basal myocardial substrate metabolism and left ventricular function in HIV-positive individuals with metabolic complications.

AbstractBackground: Individuals with HIV infection and peripheral metabolic complications have impaired basal myocardial insulin sensitivity that is related to left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. It is unknown whether interventions shown to be effective in improving peripheral insulin sensitivity can improve basal myocardial insulin sensitivity and diastolic function in people with HIV and peripheral metabolic complications. Objective: In a pilot study, we evaluated whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist pioglitazone or combined endurance and resistance exercise training improves basal myocardial insulin sensitivity and diastolic function in HIV+ adults with peripheral metabolic complications. Design: Twenty-four HIV+ adults with metabolic complications including peripheral insulin resistance were randomly assigned to 4 months of pioglitazone (PIO; 30 mg/d) or supervised, progressive endurance and resistance exercise training (EXS; 90-120 min/d, 3 d/wk). Bas...
On the Structure of Palau’amine: Evidence for the Revised Relative Configuration from Chemical Synthesis

Hexacyclic congeners 3 and 4 of palau'amine, which incorporate both guanidine functional groups and have the cis configuration of the azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane core, are prepared in 14 steps from cycloadduct 6. Synthetic access to these analogues allows the first direct comparison of NMR data for hexacyclic diguanidine structures having the originally proposed cis-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane fragment with data for natural alkaloids of the palau'amine family. This comparison provides convincing evidence in favor of the recently proposed structural revision of these marine alkaloids, fully supporting the trans configuration of the central azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane ring system of palau'amine and congeners.
Accelerating neuromorphic vision algorithms for recognition

Video analytics introduce new levels of intelligence to automated scene understanding. Neuromorphic algorithms, such as HMAX, are proposed as robust and accurate algorithms that mimic the processing in the visual cortex of the brain. HMAX, for instance, is a versatile algorithm that can be repurposed to target several visual recognition applications. This paper presents the design and evaluation of hardware accelerators for extracting visual features for universal recognition. The recognition applications include object recognition, face identification, facial expression recognition, and action recognition. These accelerators were validated on a multi-FPGA platform and significant performance enhancement and power efficiencies were demonstrated when compared to CMP and GPU platforms. Results demonstrate as much as 7.6X speedup and 12.8X more power-efficient performance when compared to those platforms.
Oxytetracycline Residue in Striped Bass Muscle

Abstract Tissue residues were measured in striped bass Morone saxatilis that had been injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg oxytetracycline (OTC)/kg or had been fed a ration containing 75 mg OTC/kg of fish daily for 10 d. Concentration of OTC in muscle of fish fed medicated feed was below the quantitation limit in 67% of the fish 12 d after treatment and was below the quantitation limit in all fish after 16 d at 23°C. The calculated terminal elimination rate constant (β) was 0.20/d (range, 0.15–0.37/d), and the half-life was 2.7 d (range, 1.9–4.5 d). The concentration of OTC in muscle after intraperitoneal injection was below the quantitation limit after 24 d at 23°C. The β-value was 0.34/d and half-life was 2.0 d in fish injected with OTC intraperitoneally.
Models for in vivo kinetic interactions of dopamine D2-neuroreceptors and 3-(2'-[18F]fluoroethyl)spiperone examined with positron emission tomography.

The in vivo tracer kinetics of 3-(2apos;-[18F]fluoroethyl)spiperone (FESP) in the caudate/striatum and cerebellar regions of the human and monkey brain were studied with positron emission tomography (PET). The minimal model configuration that can describe the kinetics was determined statistically. Three two-compartment model configurations were found to be suitable for describing the kinetics in caudate/striatum and cerebellum: (1) a nonlinear model (five parameters) applicable to studies using nontracer (partially saturating) quantities of FESP in monkey striatum, (2) a linear four-parameter model applicable to the caudate/striatal and cerebellar kinetics in human and monkey studies with tracer quantities of FESP, and (3) a linear three-parameter model derived from the four-parameter model by assuming irreversible binding applicable to tracer studies of the human caudate. In the human studies, when the caudate kinetics (n = 4) were fit by model 2 (with four parameters), the value of the in vivo ligand di...
A Photo-Caged Platinum(II) Complex That Increases Cytotoxicity upon Light Activation

A novel platinum(II) photocaged complex called [Pt(cage)] has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The complex contains a photolabile nitrophenyl group incorporated into the backbone of a tetradentate ligand that contains two pyridyl and two amide nitrogen donor sites. The intact complex is unreactive toward ligand-exchange reactions until activation with UV light cleaves the ligand backbone, releasing a PtII complex that more readily exchanges its ligands, as verified by reaction with a methionine-containing peptide. [Pt(cage)] is non-toxic to MCF-7 cells in the dark, whereas brief UV exposure induces cell death of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells at a level approaching that of cisplatin. By using light to alter the coordination chemistry around the metal center, [Pt(cage)] represents a new strategy for potentially delivering metal-based drugs in a site and time specific manner.
Norepinephrine acts on the KATPchannel and produces different effects on [Ca2+]iin oscillating and non-oscillating HIT-T15 cells

Abstract Norepinephrine (NE) is an inhibitor of insulin secretion that acts, in part, by decreasing intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i). We examined the effects of NE on [Ca2+]iin individual HIT-T15 cells loaded with indo 1. Cells were categorized as oscillators or non-oscillators on the basis of the pattern of the calcium response to glucose and the effect of NE on [Ca2+]iwas subsequently measured in each cell. NE caused a simple decrease in [Ca2+]iin non- oscillators. In oscillators, NE decreased the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations. Furthermore, the duration of the NE effect in oscillators was longer than in non-oscillators. NE did not affect the rise in [Ca2+]ielicited by depolarizing concentrations of 20 mM or 35 mM KCl alone, or in the presence of 20 mM KCl, 100 μM diazoxide, and 10 mM glucose. In other experiments, NE had no effect on [Ca2+]iwhen the KATPchannels were fully clamped with diazoxide or tolbutamide. We conclude that the action of NE to decrease [Ca2+]iin both oscillators and non-oscillators is mediated via activation of the KATPchannel. Despite this common mechanism, NE exerts different effects on oscillating and non-oscillating cells.
Family Functioning and Weight Loss in a Sample of African Americans and Whites

Background Traditionally, weight management behavioral research has focused on individual-level influences, with little attention given to interpersonal factors that relate to the family behavioral context.
The Relationship of Pedestrian Injuries to Socioeconomic Characteristics in a Large Southern California County

Objectives: The goal of this study is to explore the relationship between pedestrian injuries and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods: Pedestrian collisions were identified in the data of the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), which is assembled from police crash reports by the California Highway Patrol Information Services Unit. Four thousand crashes were identified and geocoded within the census tracts in a county population of 2,846,289 over a 5-year period. Population and population characteristics for census tracts were obtained from the 2000 U.S. Census. Results: The percentage of the population living in households with low income (less than 185% of the federal poverty level) was the strongest predictor of pedestrian injuries. One fourth of census tracts had less than 8.7 percent of residents with low income and averaged 11 per 100,000 pedestrian crashes annually. One fourth of the census tracts had more than 32.2 percent of residents with low income and an average ...
Multi-channel cochlear implant histopathology: Are fewer spiral ganglion cells really related to better clinical performance?

Abstract Conclusion: Our findings show that all cochlear implanted temporal bones had a varied degree of trauma and inflammatory reaction from cochlear implantation. No definitive relationship was observed from our limited number of specimens between residual spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) in implanted temporal bones and clinical speech performance. Objectives: We hypothesize that there is a relationship between residual SGCs in cochlear implanted temporal bones and clinical speech performance. Our aim was to examine the histopathology of multi-channel cochlear implant temporal bones and to evaluate the relationship of residual SGC counts to clinical hearing performance. Methods: Temporal bones from four cochlear implant patients were examined histologically. Comparisons were made between implanted and nonimplanted temporal bones. Clinical performance data were obtained from patient charts. Results: There were varying amounts of inflammation in the basal turn of the cochleae in all four implanted temporal b...
Partial purification and characterization of a novel Mg2+-dependent ATPase present in the cytosol from human erythrocytes.

Mg2+-ATPase activity was identified in the cytosol of human erythrocytes. A partial purification of this activity was achieved by an initial DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography, followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 and then a second DEAE-Sephadex chromatography procedure. The enzyme appeared in the void volume of the Sephadex G-100 column and was retained on an Amicon XM100A ultrafiltration membrane. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 113 000 from SDS gels. The above purification protocol yielded an enzyme with an optimal pH between 7.6 and 8.2. The enzyme activity increased linearly between 30 and 44°C. It was stable for several months at −20°C. Magnesium was essential for activity, but the rate attainable with Mn2+ was at least as great as that due to Mg2+. No other divalent cation was able to substitute for Mg2+ or Mn2+. Neither low nor high Ca2+ concentrations significantly affected the enzymatic activity. Substrate specificity studies showed that ATP was the preferred substrate followed by CTP (46% of the rate produced by ATP). Hydrolysis of GTP, UTP, ITP and ADP was less than 10% of the rate seen with ATP. No phosphatase, pyrophosphatase, phosphodiesterase, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase or adenylate cyclase activity could be detected in this enzyme preparation. Calmodulin, which stimulates the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase of the human erythrocyte membrane, failed to enhance the Mg2+-ATPase activity. Of considerable interest, the activity of this Mg2+-ATPase was enhanced approximately 5-fold by low concentrations of mercuric ion, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and DTNB, but was much less sensitive to iodoacetamide.
Using Imagery and Storytelling to Educate Outpatients about 12-Step Programs and Improve Their Participation in Community-based Programs

The longer a patient remains engaged in recovery activities the greater the success of long-term abstinence. Self-help community programs that use the 12-steps such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are known in the addictions field to contribute to sustained abstinence. Connecting patients to 12-step programs in early stages of recovery increases the chance of prolonged involvement. A nurse working in an outpatient substance abuse clinic developed a unique method to inform and educate patients about the 12-step process. A story and image metaphorically describe this journey. The cleaning of a vessel and subsequent discovery of tools along the way provide an uncomplicated look at the 12-steps. Nurses can use the image and story to develop the necessary tools of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness for patients to embrace the 12-step journey.
Performance of the Durbin-Watson Test and WLS Estimation When the Disturbance Term Includes Serial Dependence in Addition to First-Order Autocorrelation

Abstract Monte Carlo simulation is used to study the power of the Durbin-Watson test and the properties of the corresponding weighted least squares (WLS) estimates when there is serial correlation in the disturbance term, in addition to first-order autocorrelation. The results indicate that the Durbin-Watson test detects first-order autocorrelation, even when other forms of serial dependence are also present. However, routine use of WLS estimation when the Durbin-Watson test is significant may result in inaccurate and inefficient parameter estimates. Therefore, this procedure should be used with caution unless there is a priori knowledge concerning the nature of any serial dependence in the disturbance terms.
The application of parallel processing to the simplified marker and cell method

Significant improvements in the computational efficiency of the simulation of transient, free surface fluid flow problems by use of the simplified marker and cell method are described. The improvements are due to the replacement of the use of the successive overrelaxation method in a portion of the previous computer program with the use of the preconditioned conjugate gradient method and to the parallelization of major portions of the new program. The actual improvements in computational efficiency associated with the solution of five specific example problems are presented and discussed. >
Association of beverage consumption with obesity in Mexican American children

Childhood obesity is epidemic in the USA and there are significant racial/ethnic disparities in obesity rates, with Latino children disproportionately affected(1). The most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that 39% of Mexican American children aged 6–11 years were overweight (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) and 22% were obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile)(1). Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of being obese in adulthood(2) and is also associated with numerous morbidities in childhood(3). Consequently, it is crucial to understand the aetiology of childhood obesity in Mexican American children to improve the efficacy of prevention measures. Of the dietary habits which may contribute to child obesity, beverage consumption is of particular interest. However, there are unanswered questions with respect to the effects of different beverages on obesity risk. Energy from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) now comprises nearly 10% of total energy intake for children in the USA, and the greatest increases in SSB consumption have been in minority youth(4). Several studies have found an association between SSB consumption and obesity in children(5–8). However, other studies have found no association(9–11), and recent review articles and meta-analyses differ in their conclusions on the strength of the evidence linking SSB consumption to obesity in children(12–15). With respect to beverages other than SSB, several observational and one experimental study found that the consumption of milk and other dairy products may be protective against obesity in children(16–20); although other studies have found that dairy consumption has a neutral effect on childhood obesity(21). Finally, while some studies have found that 100% fruit juice consumption is associated with obesity(18,22–24), other studies have not confirmed this finding(25,26). Of the previous studies that have analysed the association between beverage consumption and obesity in Latino children, all but one were limited to children aged 6 years or younger and most examined a limited number of beverage categories(5,6,8,27,28). We sought to broadly characterize the beverage consumption habits in a sample of Mexican American children aged 8–10 years and to determine whether beverage consumption was associated with obesity in this population.
Continuous In Situ Characterization of Particulate Sizes in Urban Stormwater: Method Testing and Refinement

AbstractUnderstanding the size distribution of stormwater particulates and the pollutants associated with each size fraction is becoming an increasingly important aspect of stormwater management. This paper evaluates the accuracy of the Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometry (LISST 100x) particle analyzer and describes the adaptation of the instrument for use in urban stormwater assessment. The accuracy of the instrument was evaluated with known particle size standards of 5, 20, and 100 µm. While the mode of the size distribution corresponded with the average particle size indicated by the manufacturer, the weighted mean was 131%–141% of the average particle size of the standards. Measured concentrations of screened natural sediment (<63 μm) ranged from 71 to 120% of the nominal value, with a variation in replicate measurements of 3% (coefficient of variation). The pumping regime used to transport stream water to the instrument gave results that compared well with those obtained using a depth-integ...
Biomass export of salamanders and anurans from ponds is affected differentially by changes in canopy cover

SUMMARY 1. Previous research shows that canopy-associated shifts from an algal to a detritus-based food web can affect anuran tadpoles negatively. This may not be true of salamander larvae, however, because they are predators. 2. To investigate the influence of canopy cover on the survival and growth of salamanders, and on the subsequent export of biomass from ponds, we conducted a mesocosm experiment examining effects of shading (high or low) and litter (leaves or grass) on Ambystoma maculatum (a forest specialist) and A. texanum (a habitat generalist). Additionally, we reanalysed data from Williams, Rittenhouse & Semlitsch (2008) to examine the effects of shading and litter on biomass export of three anurans: Rana sphenocephala, Pseudacris crucifer and Hyla versicolor. 3. In contrast to previous studies, we found that salamanders performed better in mesocosms with the characteristics of closed canopy ponds (high shade and leaf litter), whichresultedinagreaterexportof biomass.Salamandersgrewlargerunderclosedcanopy conditions, probably because of differences in prey abundance among treatments. Anurans responded differentlytocanopycoverthan caudates.The biomassexportofR. sphenocephala and P. crucifer was reduced under closed canopy conditions (although differently affected by litter and shading), while the biomass of H. versicolor was not affected. 4. This and other studies suggest that changes in canopy cover may induce a shift in the amphibians emerging from ponds, from primarily anurans in open canopy ponds to primarily salamanders in closed canopy ponds. Additional multispecies studies will determine whether these trends hold true for more diverse amphibian assemblages. Further investigation into the effects of canopy cover on salamanders will be important for understanding aquatic–terrestrial linkages.
A cross-country analysis of public debt management strategies

This paper analyzes results of a survey on debt management strategies conducted by the Banking and Debt Management Department of the World Bank. The analysis focuses on (1) whether a public debt management strategy exists in a given country, (2) whether it is made public, and (3) in which form it is imparted. The paper analyzes the distribution of the latter characteristics over different regions, income groups, and levels of indebtedness using graphical analysis. Using regression analysis, it investigates the extent to which basic economic factors can explain the characteristics of public debt management strategies across countries.
Latina Mothers and Small‐Town Racisms:Creating Narratives of Dignity and Moral Education in North Carolina

Within the context of relatively new immigration and settlement in North Carolina, this ethnographic study highlights Latina mothers' narratives and conversations about a moral family education. Their narratives involved the claiming of el hogar (the home space) in the midst of the English-speaking community's attempts to define their families and childrearing practices as “problem.” With a race-based feminist perspective, this article examines the role of the mothers' counternarratives in contesting their deficit framing, producing “educated” identities, and creating community in the rural South.
Adaptive optics confocal fluorescence microscopy with direct wavefront sensing for brain tissue imaging

Recently, there has been a growing interest in deep tissue imaging for the study of neurons. Unfortunately, because of the inhomogeneous refractive index of the tissue, the aberrations degrade the resolution and brightness of the final image. In this paper, we describe an adaptive optics confocal fluorescence microscope (AOCFM) which can correct aberrations based on direct wavefront measurements using a point source reference beacon and a Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensor (SHWS). Mouse brain tissues with different thicknesses are tested. After correction, both the signal intensity and contrast of the image are improved.
A cross-sectional study of secondhand smoke exposure and respiratory symptoms in non-current smokers in the U.S. trucking industry: SHS exposure and respiratory symptoms

Background: Previous studies have suggested associations of adult exposures to secondhand smoke (SHS) with respiratory symptoms, but no study has focused on blue-collar industrial environments. We assessed the association between SHS and respiratory symptoms in 1,562 non-current smoking U.S. trucking industry workers. Methods: Information on SHS exposure and respiratory health was obtained by questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations of recent and lifetime exposures to SHS with chronic phlegm, chronic cough, and any wheeze, defined by American Thoracic Society criteria. Results: In analyses adjusted for age, gender, race, childhood SHS exposure, former smoking, pack-years of smoking and years since quitting, body mass index, job title, region of the country, and urban residence, recent exposures to SHS were associated with all three respiratory symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.002.13) for chronic cough, 1.55 (95% CI = 1.08-2.21) for chronic phlegm, and 1.76 (95% CI = 1.41-2.21) for any wheeze). Workplace exposure was the most important recent exposure. Childhood exposure to SHS was also associated with all three symptoms, but only statistically significantly for chronic phlegm (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.24-2.75). Additional years of living with a smoker were associated with an increased risk, but there was no evidence of a dose–response, except for chronic phlegm. Conclusions: In this group of trucking industry workers, childhood and recent exposures to SHS were related to respiratory symptoms.
Fine mapping of ui6.1, a gametophytic factor controlling pollen-side unilateral incompatibility in interspecific solanum hybrids.

Unilateral incompatibility (UI) is a prezygotic reproductive barrier in plants that prevents fertilization by foreign (interspecific) pollen through the inhibition of pollen tube growth. Incompatibility occurs in one direction only, most often when the female is a self-incompatible species and the male is self-compatible (the “SI × SC rule”). Pistils of the wild tomato relative Solanum lycopersicoides (SI) reject pollen of cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum, SC), but accept pollen of S. pennellii (SC accession). Expression of pistil-side UI is weakened in S. lycopersicum × S. lycopersicoides hybrids, as pollen tube rejection occurs lower in the style. Two gametophytic factors are sufficient for pollen compatibility on allotriploid hybrids: ui1.1 on chromosome 1 (near the S locus), and ui6.1 on chromosome 6. We report herein a fine-scale map of the ui6.1 region. Recombination around ui6.1 was suppressed in lines containing a short S. pennellii introgression, but less so in lines containing a longer introgression. More recombinants were obtained from female than male meioses. A high-resolution genetic map of this region delineated the location of ui6.1 to ∼0.128 MU, or 160 kb. Identification of the underlying gene should elucidate the mechanism of interspecific pollen rejection and its relationship to self-incompatibility.
Refinements to Ice Particle Mass Dimensional and Terminal Velocity Relationships for Ice Clouds. Part I: Temperature Dependence

Abstract This two-part study attempts to find appropriate mass dimension and terminal velocity relationships that, when considered together with particle size distributions (PSD), agree with coincident measurements of ice water content (IWC), and with variables related to higher moments such as the mean mass-weighted fall speed. Reliable relationships are required for improving microphysical parameterizations for weather forecast models and developing methods for evaluating them, subjects addressed in detail in Part II of this study. Here, a range of values from 1.5 to 2.3 is assumed for the exponent b in the mass dimension relationship, m = aDb, where D is the maximum particle dimension, to bound its likely value for sizes above about 100 μm. Measured IWC and size spectra are used to find appropriate values for the coefficient a. It is demonstrated that all values of the exponent b, with appropriate a coefficients, can fit the IWC measurements. Coincident information on particle cross-sectional areas wit...
Linear stability of generalized equations. Part II: applications to nonlinear programming

Dedicated to Anthony V. Fiacco on the occasion of his 65th birthday. We present an approach by which the quantitative stability of solutions of a general nonlinear programming problem is obtained in the spirit of Part I of the paper. Under assumptions of the constraint regularity and the general second-order sufficient condition. we show that the solution set is linearly stable under small allowed perturbations in the sense of Part I of the paper, and derive bounds for the linear stability number which characterizes the quantitative stability of solutions of the problem in question. For standard nonlinear programs that are most commonly encountered in practical situations, we develop a method to compute these bounds. The results obtained here complement those of Robinson 1982.
Hormesis and intervention of aging

The concept of hormesis has recently been introduced into the gerontological field. The tenet of this concept embraces the notion that the aging process has been evolved through the organism's physiologic adaptation to the ever-changing stressful environmental conditions for survival. The hormetic phenomenon is exhibited by a biphasic bell-shape curve response that is the characteristic biological reaction, rather than a linear response. The beneficial effect of hormesis is due to a mild and low stress inductive to stimulated response, while high stress resulting in inhibitory or harmful results. The adaptive response to a mild stress induces the organism's ability to maximize the metabolic efficiency to cope with a new challenging environment. Evidence strongly suggests that most of stresses under sub-lethal levels can in fact to be beneficial for the survival of the organism, as exhibited by a growth stimulation of bacteria treated by sub-lethal pesticides or the life-span extension of mice by a low dose of irradiation. The anti-aging action of calorie restriction stimulated by the mild nutritional deprivation considered being another good example of this hormetic phenomenon. For the future intervention of the aging and age-related diseases based on hormesis concept, one could conceive experimental models in which the endogenous defense systems and certain immune components may be strengthened by selective stimulatory measures. In this review, discussion is presented for further development of this hormetic concept on the premise as the potential anti-aging strategies.
Towards Fast Incremental Hashing of Large Bit Vectors

Many application domains require algorithmic support for collections of large bit vectors that are frequently referenced. In a compiler that performs type inferencing, this problem occurred in representing sets of possible types at each program point. This paper presents an incremental hashing technique that performs well in this domain.
A meta-analysis of the efficacy of music therapy for premature infants.

This meta-analysis on music research with premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) showed an overall large, significant, consistent effect size of almost a standard deviation (d =.83) (Cohen, 1998). Effects were not mediated by infants' gestational age at the time of study, birthweight, or type of music delivery nor by physiologic, behavioral, or developmental measures of benefit. The homogeneity of findings suggests that music has statistically significant and clinically important benefits for premature infants in the NICU. The unique acoustic properties that differentiate music from all other sounds are discussed and clinical implications for research-based music therapy procedures cited.