cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aging in Amazonia: blood pressure and culture change among the Cofán of Ecuador.

There has been an increasing interest by researchers to study aging among various "traditional societies." However, few studies have specifically examined the differences between lifestyle variables and cardiovascular risk factors among sex-specific age cohorts in Amazon populations. In Western societies, age, obesity, fat distribution, and diet are common correlates of blood pressure (BP). However, these variables may not be significant correlates of BP in more traditional-living societies. For example, outside pressures placed upon their environments and lifestyles can ultimately affect their overall health status. Currently, there are few isolated Amazonian groups pursuing even modified versions of their traditional lifeways. Those that do exist have been reduced by numerous factors, including land conflicts, pollution, infectious diseases, and persistent pressures to acculturate into the dominant society. In most traditional living groups, older individuals appear to be the most resistant to social change. However, the definition of 'older' in these populations is a group-specific cultural construct. This study examines intravillage and intervillage sex-specific cohorts to investigate the complex relationships between age, cultural change and cardiovascular risk factors among an Amazonian population, the Cofan of Northeastern Ecuador.
Further characterization of the biology of Hammondia heydorni

Abstract Hammondia heydorni oocysts, recovered from the diarrheic feces of a dog suffering from corticosteroid toxicosis, were sporulated and characterized morphometrically. Sporulated H. heydorni oocysts were administered to three dogs, five goats, a calf and three guineapigs, and tissues from these inoculated animals fed to coccidia-free dogs to determine species susceptibility to H. heydorni. Morphometric characteristics of H. heydorni oocysts were similar to previous descriptions. Oocysts were not excreted in the feces of dogs inoculated with oocysts. Dogs fed tissues from goats killed 14, 28 or 42 days after inoculation (d.a.i.) with oocysts excreted H. heydorni oocysts in their feces after consuming goat tissues. Dogs fed tissues from a calf killed at 28 d.a.i., and from goats killed 21 and 56 d.a.i., did not excrete oocysts in their feces. Developmental stages of H. heydorni were not observed in histologic sections of tissues from any of the animals.
Percutaneous Hemodynamic Support in PCI

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures are attempted with increasingly frequency in hemodynamically unstable, high-risk, and complex patients. Hemodynamic support can be advantageous in select patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. The need for hemodynamic support has recently shifted from patients with hemodynamic collapse to support of patients during high-risk complex PCI procedures during elective cases such as left main disease, multivessel disease, or low-flow heart failure. Currently, the three most common types of percutaneous hemodynamic support devices available in the United States are the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and the left ventricular assist devices TandemHeart and Impella. Each of these devices has its advantages and disadvantages, and an understanding of the role each plays in various pathophysiologic conditions is necessary, as this will assist the practitioner in making the correct decision as to which device will optimize patient outcomes. Recent studies have called into question the need for certain devices in specific situations. However, ongoing clinical trials will provide further insight into the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each and whether one or more is beneficial over another in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality. With continued refinements in device technology, technique, and application, it is anticipated that percutaneous device-based procedures will continue to improve patient outcomes in the most critically ill and highest-risk patients.
Comparative effects of hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor on motility, morphology, mitogenesis, and signal transduction of primary rat hepatocytes

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are major hepatocyte mitogens, but HGF, also known as scatter factor (SF), has also been shown as a potent motogen for epithelial and endothelial cells. The mechanisms by which HGF is a stronger motogen compared to other mitogens are not understood. Here we report a comparative study of the effect of the two growth factors on cultured primary rat hepatocytes regarding their differential effects on morphology, mitogenicity, and motility as well as the phosphorylation of cytoskeletal-associated proteins. Using three different motility assays, both HGF and EGF increased the motility of hepatocytes, but HGF consistently elicited a significantly greater motility response than EGF. Additionally, HGF induced a more flattened, highly spread morphology compared to EGF. To examine if HGF and EGF phosphorylated different cytoskeletal elements as signal transduction targets in view of the observed variation in morphology and motility, primary cultures of 32P-loaded rat hepatocytes were stimulated by either HGF or EGF for up to 60 min. Both mitogens rapidly stimulated four isoforms of MAP kinase with similar kinetics and also rapidly facilitated the phosphorylation of cytoskeletal-associated F-actin. Two cytoskeletal-associated proteins, however, were observed to undergo rapid phosphorylation by HGF and not EGF during the time points described. One protein of 28 kDa was observed to become phosphorylated fivefold over controls, while the EGF-stimulated cells showed only a slight increase in the phosphorylation of this protein. Another protein with an apparent mwt of 42 kDa was phosphorylated 20-fold at 1 min and remained phosphorylated over 50-fold over control up to the 60 min time point. This protein was observed to become phosphorylated by EGF only after 10 min, and to a lesser extent (20-fold). Taken together, the data suggest that HGF and EGF stimulate divergent as well as redundant signal transduction pathways in the hepatocyte cytoskeleton, and this may result in unique HGF- or EGF-specific motility, morphology, and mitogenicity in hepatocytes.
Pay and Job Satisfaction in the Federal Civil Service

Recent years have seen increasing concerns in the public administration community that declining pay and increasing bureaucrat bashing have seriously damaged both the morale and quality of the civil service, making it difficult to recruit or retain excellent employees. Much of the evidence has been impressionistic, however. Using data from surveys by the Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association, the National Opinion Research Center, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, this article finds little evidence of a major decline in federal employee satisfaction over the past decade.
Modal Analysis and Optimization of Spindle Box of Turn-Milling Center Based on Finite Element Method

The dynamic characteristics of machine tool may directly affect its machining capability, which is analyzed to improve the machining precision and efficiency. In this paper, the 3D finite element model of main components turn-milling center is established by using ANSYS software, and then spindle box of turn-milling center is analyzed and optimized; the natural frequencies and vibration models are obtained after analysis, which guarantee the design requirement of the machining center. Therefore it is significant to improve the design quality of machining center by using FEA software in the design process.
Risk Based Classification of Offshore Production Systems

Risk based verification methods are being utilized more frequently in the offshore industry as a means of managing and confirming that an acceptable level of safety has been attained in the design and fabrication of production systems. In an effort to integrate this risk based approach with Classification and certification activities, a new process has been developed to obtain risk based Classification of production systems in lieu of the application of prescriptive Classification Rules. The information presented in this paper is based upon practical experience as well as ABS Guides and Guidance Notes on the application of risk assessment for Classification.
RNA-protein interactions in 30S ribosomal subunits: folding and function of 16S rRNA

Chemical probing methods have been used to "footprint" 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) at each step during the in vitro assembly of twenty 30S subunit ribosomal proteins. These experiments yield information about the location of each protein relative to the structure of 16S rRNA and provide the basis for derivation of a detailed model for the three-dimensional folding of 16S rRNA. Several lines of evidence suggest that protein-dependent conformational changes in 16S rRNA play an important part in the cooperativity of ribosome assembly and in fine-tuning of the conformation and dynamics of 16S rRNA in the 30S subunit.
A system for coupled multiple-column separation of proteins

Purification of proteins is commonly a multiple-step process involving size exclusion, ion exchange, affinity, hydrophobic, and other modes of chromatography. In an effort to circumvent the laborious process of collecting the solutes from each column and reintroducing them onto a second column, a valving system is described that directs the samples eluted from a high-performance liquid chromatographic column through a detector with a high-pressure cell into either a second column or into storage loops of a multiloop value. This multiloop value is referred to as a high-pressure fraction collector. After development of the first column is complete, a second solvent can be directed to the second column or high-pressure fraction collector to elute the solutes back through the detector and onto any other column in the system. The process of eluting a sample from a column through a single detector and directing it to the high-pressure fraction collector or any other column in the system may be repeated a number of times. Such valving systems make it possible to Chromatograph a single protein component on two or three columns in a short time.
The American Friends Service Committee, 1947–49: the Cold War's Effect

In a year when it received the recognition of a Nobel Peace Prize, the American Friends Service Committee entered into a period of marked transition. This study of the impact of the cold war on the organization examines the choices it faced on such issues as using professionals rather than volunteers for Service Committee work. More broadly, it shows the difficulties pacifists had in affecting American public opinion or foreign policy.
Driven Morse oscillator: Classical chaos, quantum theory, and photodissociation

We compare the classical and quantum theories of a Morse oscillator driven by a sinusoidal field, focusing attention on multiple-photon excitation and dissociation. In both the classical and quantum theories the threshold field strength for dissociation may be estimated fairly accurately on the basis of classical resonance overlap, and the classical and quantum results for the threshold are in good agreement except near higher-order classical resonances and quantum multiphoton resonances. We discuss the possibility of ``quantum chaos'' in such driven molecular systems and use the Morse oscillator to test the manifestations of classical resonance overlap suggested semiclassically.
The relation of airway size to lung function

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may cause airway remodeling, and small airways are the mostly likely site of associated airway flow obstruction. Detecting and quantifying airways depicted on a typical computed tomography (CT) images is limited by spatial resolution. In this study, we examined the association between lung function and airway size. CT examinations and spirometry measurement of forced expiratory volume in one second as a percent predicted (FEV1%) from 240 subjects were used in this study. Airway sections depicted in axial CT section were automatically detected and quantified. Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC) were computed to compare lung function across three size categories: (1) all detected airways, (2) the smallest 50% of detected airways, and (3) the largest 50% of detected airways using the CORANOVA test. The mean number of all airways detected per subject was 117.4 (± 40.1) with mean size ranging from 20.2 to 50.0 mm2. The correlation between lung function (i.e., FEV1) and airway morphometry associated with airway remodeling and airflow obstruction (i.e., lumen perimeter and wall area as a percent of total airway area) was significantly stronger for smaller compared to larger airways (p < 0.05). The PCCs between FEV1 and all airways, the smallest 50%, and the largest 50% were 0.583, 0.617, 0.523, respectively, for lumen perimeter and -0.560, -0.584, and -0.514, respectively, for wall area percent. In conclusion, analyzing a set of smaller airways compared to larger airways may improve detection of an association between lung function and airway morphology change.
Attributions about spouse abuse: It matters who the batterers and victims are

The present study examined college students' (86% white) reactions to scenarios of three types of domestic violence situations. Subjects read a brief newspaper report of a battering incident and afterwards rated the situation and participants on a variety of scales. The scenario described either a (1) husband battering his wife, (2) wife battering her husband, or (3) gay male battering his lover. In addition, there was or was not an apparent verbal “provocation” by the victim. Results showed the harshest evaluation of a batterer who was not provoked. A greater responsibility was placed on the victim in the battered husband scenario, which generally was taken less seriously than the battered wife case. Results suggest the need to examine a diversity of battering situations and variables in order to fully understand attributions made about such situations.
Genetic toxicology of lead compounds

We have investigated the activity of insoluble and soluble lead compounds in inducing mutagenesis, cell transformation and sister chromatid exchange in mammalian cells. Insoluble lead sulfide, readily phagocytized, was more than four times as toxic to V79 cells on a microM basis, than two moderately soluble lead compounds although the exposure time for the soluble salts was five times longer. These findings demonstrate the importance of different cellular mechanism(s) of metal uptake and bioavailability. Both insoluble lead sulfide and more soluble lead nitrate were mutagenic at the HPRT locus in V79 cells. Although less mutagenic at the higher concentrations, lead nitrate at a concentration of 500 microM enhanced the mutation frequency greater than 6-fold above background following a 5-day exposure. Although the mechanism(s) by which lead induces mutations is unknown, failure of both compounds to induce SCE and DNA single-strand breaks, detectable by alkaline elution, suggests that lead-induced mutations may not be a result of direct damage to DNA but may occur via indirect mechanisms including disturbances in enzyme functions important in DNA synthesis and/or repair, or in DNA-helical structure. Lead acetate also transformed SHE cells in a dose-response fashion following a 48-h exposure. Our results indicate that lead compounds may be genotoxic by an indirect mechanism, and lend support to the view that lead is a carcinogen.
From complete genome sequence to ‘complete’ understanding?

The rapidly accumulating genome sequence data allow researchers to address fundamental biological questions that were not even asked just a few years ago. A major problem in genomics is the widening gap between the rapid progress in genome sequencing and the comparatively slow progress in the functional characterization of sequenced genomes. Here we discuss two key questions of genome biology: whether we need more genomes, and how deep is our understanding of biology based on genomic analysis. We argue that overly specific annotations of gene functions are often less useful than the more generic, but also more robust, functional assignments based on protein family classification. We also discuss problems in understanding the functions of the remaining 'conserved hypothetical' genes.
Cholera toxin-induced Gsα down-regulation in neural tissue: studies on the pineal gland

Abstract Cholera toxin (CT) treatment (50 μg/ ml) was used to down regulate the α subunit of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Gsα) in pineal glands in organ culture, as has been seen in non-neural tissue. A 15 h treatment reduces G s α by ≈ 75% as measured using semi-quantitative Western blot technology. In contrast, this treatment does not alter the abundance of Gβ, G i α or G o α. This effect on G s α was still apparent following a 36-h washout period. The 48-h CT treatment increased cyclic AMP accumulation 10- to 17-fold but blocked the norepinephrine (NE)-induced increase in cyclic AMP accumulation, presumably reflecting the loss of G s α. This treatment did not, however, inhibit protein synthesis or stimulation of arylalkylamine N -acetyltransferase (NAT) activity produced by treatment with either DB-cyclic AMP ( N 6 ,2′-O-dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′monophosphate) or 8 Br-cyclic AMP, stable cyclic AMP derivatives. This indicates that a 48-h CT treatment was not generally toxic. In contrast, this treatment blocked subsequent CT stimulation of NAT. The effects of CT treatment on the adrenergic stimulation of NAT was examined using treatments which selectively produced α- or β-adrenergic stimulation. α 1 -Adrenergic activation of the pineal gland elevates [Ca 2+ ] i , which potentiates effects of cyclic AMP; in these studies the response to α-adrenergic activation was markedly increased in 48-h CT-treated glands, reflecting Ca 2+ potentiation of the effects of elevated levels of cyclic AMP. In contrast, the effects of the selective β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol was reduced by ≈ 75%. These studies not only establish CT-induced G s α down-regulation as a new tool for the study of adrenergic signal transduction in the pineal gland, but indicate that this paradigm is probably useful in all neural tissue.
r-tuple colorings of uniquely colorable graphs

An r-tuple coloring of a graph is one in which r colors are assigned to each point of the graph so that the sets of colors assigned to adjacent points are always disjoint. We investigate the question of whether a uniquely n-colorable graph can receive an r-tuple coloring with fewer than nr colors. We show that this cannot happen for n=3 and r=2 and that for a given n and r to establish the conjecture that no uniquely n-colorable graph can receive an r-tuple coloring from fewer than nr colors it suffices to prove it for on a finite set of uniquely n-colorable graphs.
The effect of tracer dyes on the size distribution and transport properties of micelles

Abstract The thermodynamics of introducing no more than one dye molecule per micelle is examined, taking into account the polydispersity of the system. This applies to the use of dyes for tagging micelles in electrophoresis, diffusion, dialysis, etc. It is shown that the tagged distribution is skewed towards larger micelles so that for the ideal case its number average equals the weight average of the untagged one. The effect upon measured properties increases therefore with the polydispersity of the micelles.
3-D echo planar 1HMRS imaging in MS: metabolite comparison from supratentorial vs. central brain

To determine if metabolite ratios as measured by 3-dimensional echo planar spectroscopy imaging (3D-EPSI) from central brain regions of interest (ROI) centered at the corpus callosum reflect imaging metrics of large volumes of supratentorial brain (STB) from patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: 48 MS patients with relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive disease underwent a 3D-EPSI sequence covering large volumes of STB. Metabolite ratios were first estimated from all voxels within a STB mask using a linear regression of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) over Creatine (Cr), NAA over choline (Cho) and Cho over Cr. Secondly, spectroscopic voxels from a central brain (CB) ROI centered at the corpus callosum were selected within the STB. Ratios were compared using Bland-Altman regression analysis and Spearman’s correlation coefficients between STB versus central brain. Ratios from studied ROIs were correlated with the EDSS and compared to normal controls. Results: Very strong correlations ranging from 0.884 and 0.938 (p < 0.0001) were found for all metabolite ratios between STB versus central brain. NAA/Cr ratios were similarly and negatively correlated with the EDSS across all ROIs, trends ranging from −0.257 to −0.314 (p < 0.1). NAA/Cr from all MS patients was similarly decreased compared to controls across all ROIs (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Metabolite ratios from a central brain ROI were statistically equivalent and highly correlated with ratios from the STB. The study of NAA/Cr using 1HMRS from a central brain ROI centered at the corpus callosum seems to be representative of brainwide axonal changes in patients with MS.
Septal and amygdalar efferents to the hypothalamus which facilitate hypothalamically elicited intraspecific aggression and associated hissing in the cat. An autoradiographic study

Septal and amygdalar sites were identified which facilitated hypothalamically elicited intraspecific agression and associated hissing in cats. Tritiated proline was injected into facilitatory sites through a Hamilton syringe modified to serve as an electrode. Efferents from septal or amygdalar facilitatory sites were traced to the hypothalamus by means of autoradiography. Amygdalar facilitatory sites projected primarily to the core and capsule of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), while septal facilitatory sites projected only lightly to the VMH. Common to all septal facilitatory sites, and not previously reported, was a distinct and considerable projection to the medial hypothalamus, in association with the paraventricular and dorsomedial nuclei. The means by which septal and amygdalar sites may act to facilitate hypothalamically elicited intraspecific aggression are discussed.
Driver distraction in long-haul truck drivers

Research on driver distraction has typically been conducted by means of epidemiology or experimental testing. The study presented here uses a naturalistic approach, where real-world driving data were collected from truck drivers as they worked their normal delivery runs. Crash, near-crash, and crash-relevant conflict data from 41 long-haul truck drivers, driving approximately 140,000 miles, were examined. Of the 2737 crashes, near-crashes, and crash-relevant conflicts (collectively termed “critical incidents”) that were recorded, 178 were attributed to “driver distraction”. The 178 distraction-related critical incidents were analyzed and 34 unique distraction types were identified. Results showed that a small number of long-haul drivers were involved in a disproportionate number of distraction-related critical incidents. For example, two of the drivers accounted for 43 of the 178 distraction incidents. Important insight was also gained into the relative safety impacts of different distracting agents and behaviors. The frequency and duration of a task, along with the visual demand associated with performing the task, were found to contribute in combination to the prevalence of critical incidents. Finally, it was found that simply because a task does not necessarily require visual attention does not mean that long-haul drivers will not look (sometimes often) away from the roadway. However, it is also clear that visually demanding tasks carry the highest degree of risk, relative to other categories of tasks.
Effect of pH on the autoxidation kinetics of vanillin

The autoxidation kinetics of vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde) have been investigated in aqueous media between pH 5.0 and 13.5. The results obtained clearly show two distinct reaction mechanisms are operative. At pH 7.3 the reaction orders with respect to vanillin concentration and oxygen partial pressure are 1.50 and 0.5 respectively, indicative of a free-radical chain process. A bimolecular ionic pathway is indicated at pH 11.0 and above since the reaction orders with respect to both vanillin and oxygen are 1.00. The formation of a hydroperoxide intermediate is believed to be the first step in both pathways. The energy of activation was found to be 14.2 kcal/mole at pH 7.3 and 13.6 kcal/mole at pH 11.0.
Harmonic conjugation in harmonic matroids

We study a generalization of the concept of harmonic conjugation from projective geometry and full algebraic matroids to a larger class of matroids called harmonic matroids. We use harmonic conjugation to construct a projective plane of prime order in harmonic matroids without using the axioms of projective geometry. As a particular case we have a combinatorial construction of a projective plane of prime order in full algebraic matroids.
Site and control of phosphate reabsorption by the kidney

In general, phosphate is filtered at the glomerulus, a portion is reabsorbed by the renal tubules and the excess is excreted in the urine. This framework was demonstrated by Pitts in 1933 when he reported the relationship between phosphate reabsorption and the filtered load of phosphate [1]. Fig. I illustrates the curvilinear relationship between plasma phosphate concentration and the ratio of the clearance of phosphate to the clearance of a glomerular marker, in this case xylose. At low plasma concentrations, phosphate is reabsorbed from the filtrate, and as the plasma concentration is raised the phosphate clearance approaches the xylose clearance without exceeding it. Pitts concluded that phosphate was not secreted since the maximum phosphate clearance could be accounted for by filtration of phosphate.
Relationship between Membrane Function and Permeability: III. FURTHER EVIDENCE LINKING MEMBRANE TRANSPORT AND THROMBOPLASTIN AVAILABILITY OF THE INTACT ERYTHROCYTE

Summary Within a series of short straight-chain compounds resembling glycerol in structure, the pattern of unmasking of erythrocyte ‘platelet factor 3’ (PF-3) activity appeared to be related to a combination of cell penetrability, molecular weight and complement of hydroxyl groups. The same relationship held in a series of low molecular weight polymers of ethylene glycol. Moreover, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol monomethylether, at very low concentrations, were shown to delay glycerol-induced erythrocyte PF-3 enhancement. Among penetrating non-electrolytes not having a structural similarity to glycerol, dimethylsulphoxide was the only compound that had a family of PF-3 enhancement curves of the glycerol type. The glycerol induced PF-3 enhancement curves with cow and sheep erythrocytes were similar to those of erythritol with human erythrocytes. Furthermore, the attainment of equilibrium of 14C erythritol between human erythrocyte and plasma compartments correlated temporally with unmasking of PF-3 activity by erythritol solutions. The discussion attempts to relate these findings to new theoretical views which emphasize a close link between membrane transport and thromboplastin availability in the intact erythrocyte.
Upper Colorado River and Great Basin streamflow and snowpack forecasting using Pacific oceanic-atmospheric variability

Summary Water managers in western U.S., including areas such as the State of Utah, are challenged with managing scarce resources and thus, rely heavily on forecasts to allocate and meet various water demands. The need for improved streamflow and snowpack forecast models in the Upper Colorado River and Great Basin is of the utmost importance. In this research, the use of oceanic and climatic variables as predictors to improve the long lead-time (three to nine months) forecast of streamflow and snowpack was investigated. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) analysis was used to identify a region of Pacific Ocean SSTs and a region of 500 mbar geopotential height (Z 500 ) that were teleconnected with streamflow (and snowpack) in Upper Colorado River and Great Basin headwaters. The resulting Pacific Ocean SSTs and Z 500 regions were used to create indices that were then used as predictors in a non-parametric forecasting model. The majority of forecasts resulted in positive statistical skill, which indicated an improvement of the forecast over the climatology or no-skill forecast. The results indicated that derived indices from Pacific Ocean SSTs were better suited for long lead-time (six to nine month) forecasts of streamflow (and snowpack) while the derived indices from Z 500 improved short-lead time (3 month) forecasts. In all, the results of the forecast model indicated that incorporating Pacific oceanic-atmospheric climatic variability in forecast models can lead to improved forecasts for both streamflow and snowpack.
Glucose metabolism during sleep and wakefulness

Abstract A radiorespirometric technique has been used to study glucose metabolism during sleep and wakefulness in the hamster. Using a small animal metabolic chamber, total CO 2 output and 14 CO 2 output from awake and sleeping hamsters were measured following 14 C labelled glucose injection. During one hour of non-rapid-eye movement sleep 14 CO 2 increased by 143%. After 30 min. of sleep, no changes were observed in plasma glucose concentration or in plasma glucose specific activity. Brain slices obtained from hamsters during sleep yielded more 14 CO 2 from glucose than the brain slices from awake animals. The awake hamsters converted [1- 14 C] glucose more rapidly than [6- 14 C] glucose to 14 CO 2 . It is concluded that there are quantitative and qualitative changes in glucose metabolism during sleep and wakefulness.
Isotope geochemistry of mercury in source rocks, mineral deposits and spring deposits of the California Coast Ranges, USA

Abstract We present here the first study of the isotopic composition of mercury in rocks, ore deposits, and active spring deposits from the California Coast Ranges, a part of Earth's crust with unusually extensive evidence of mercury mobility and enrichment. The Franciscan Complex and Great Valley Sequence, which form the bedrock in the California Coast Ranges, are intruded and overlain by Tertiary volcanic rocks including the Clear Lake Volcanic Sequence. These rocks contain two types of mercury deposits, hot-spring deposits that form at shallow depths ( The Franciscan Complex and Great Valley Sequence contain clastic sedimentary rocks with higher concentrations of mercury than volcanic rocks of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. Mean mercury isotopic compositions (δ202Hg) for all three rock units are similar, although the range of values in Franciscan Complex rocks is greater than in either Great Valley or Clear Lake rocks. Hot spring and silica-carbonate mercury deposits have similar average mercury isotopic compositions that are indistinguishable from averages for the three rock units, although δ202Hg values for the mercury deposits have a greater variance than the country rocks. Precipitates from spring and geothermal waters in the area have similarly large variance and a mean δ202Hg value that is significantly lower than the ore deposits and rocks. These observations indicate that there is little or no isotopic fractionation (
Influence of the B-band O-antigen chain in the structure and electrostatics of the lipopolysaccharide membrane of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) form the major constituent of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and are believed to play a key role in processes that govern microbial metal binding, surface adhesion, and microbe-mediated oxidation/reduction reactions. It is also a major causative agent of nosocomial illness, eliciting both chronic and acute infections in burn, immunocompromised, and cystic fibrosis. Phenotypic variation in the relative expression of A- and B-band in the LPS of Pseudomonas aeruginosa seems to alter its overall surface characteristics influencing adhesion and favoring survival. Classical molecular dynamics simulations of A-B+ LPS membrane model of P. aeruginosa were carried out in explicit solvent for 12+ ns. The B-band presents a remarkable flexibility remaining fully solvated and does not interact with the sugar units from the LPS core surface residues, in agreement with atomic force microscopy experiments. Comparison with previous simulations of the rough LPS membrane suggests that the presence of the B-band promotes membrane expansion. In addition, this O-antigen chain dramatically alters the electrostatic potential and surface charge of the LPS membrane. This is illustrated by the resulting electrostatic surface potential. These results are compared to previous simulations of the rough LPS and a model hypothesis is proposed to explain the increased ability of B-band expressing microorganisms to adhere to cell surfaces and the necessity of these organisms to loose the O side chain for the development of acute infections.
Motion analysis of a deformable object using subset correspondence

A method is proposed to estimate generalized three-dimensional motion parameters for a deformable object using only subset correspondences between two successive time frames, eliminating a major preprocessing step. Only a small amount of information has to be processed, reducing the computation time significantly. The movement in three-dimensional space thus can be modeled by the deformation undergone by the object during the specified time instants, a rotation about a fixed axis passing through its centroid, and a translation. The goal is to estimate the generalized motion parameters (i.e. deformation, rotation, and translational components) with as little information (i.e. point/line correspondence) as possible from the data. >
Joint encoding of the waveform and speech recognition features using a transform codec

We propose a new transform speech codec that jointly encodes a wideband waveform and its corresponding wideband and narrowband speech recognition features. For distributed speech recognition, wideband features are compressed and transmitted as side information. The waveform is then encoded in a manner that exploits the information already captured by the speech features. Narrowband speech acoustic features can be synthesized at the server by applying a transformation to the decoded wideband features. An evaluation conducted on an in-car speech recognition task show that at 16 kbps our new system typically shows essentially no impact in word error rate compared to uncompressed audio, whereas the standard transform codec produces up to a 20% increase in word error rate. In addition, good quality speech is obtained for playback and transcription, with PESQ scores ranging from 3.2 to 3.4.
Mixtures of probability experts for audio retrieval and indexing

This paper describes a system for connecting nonspeech sounds and words using linked multidimensional vector spaces. An approach based on a mixture of experts learns the mapping between one space and the other. This paper describes the conversion of audio and semantic data into their respective vector spaces. Two different mixture-of-probability-expert models are trained to learn the association between acoustic queries and the corresponding semantic explanation, and vice versa. Test results are presented based on commercial sound effects CD.
Internal Control Evaluation of a Restaurant: A Teaching Case

This case provides you with an opportunity to gain an understanding of internal control in a practical setting—a restaurant. The case requires you to (1) obtain a restaurant as a client, (2) develop an understanding of the restaurant's processes for recording sales, (3) identify internal control strengths and weaknesses, and (4) explain the importance of each weakness and state how it may be eliminated. In addition, Version A of the case requires you to prepare a flowchart and write an internal control narrative, while Version B requires you to identify tests of controls. Restaurants must follow procedures to ensure that sales are recorded for all food served; otherwise, the food may be given away. Students must arrange to meet with a manager to inquire about the restaurant's internal control procedures in much the same way an auditor must meet with the management of a client.
Strain in isotropic pin-joints: Experimental and numerical analysis

Phase-stepped Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometry has been effectively used for the determination of displacement and strain distributions for a case of high spatial gradients. Little or no specimen preparation is required. The in-plane displacement map is obtained quickly, and has a spatial resolution of the order of a few pixels in the frame grabber system. The least-square fitting of the displacement data allows for strain calculation with an equivalent gage length of ≈0.1 mm and a repeatability of ≈3 µstrain rms. The experimental data show good agreement with the numerical predictions obtained by a nonlinear contact finite element analysis.
Retinoids: Versatile Biological Response Modifiers of Vascular Smooth Muscle Phenotype

Proper regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation and growth is critical for vasculogenesis and the maintenance of homeostasis in the mature vessel wall.1 2 Perturbations in the molecular circuitry governing SMC differentiation and growth are thought to be of central importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis after procedural revascularizations. The identification of membrane-bound receptors and the delineation of their respective signaling pathways have yielded insight into the mechanisms that control SMC differentiation and growth3 and have provided molecular targets for therapy of vascular disease.4 In recent years, several nuclear receptor binding factors have been shown to regulate SMC differentiation and growth. The steroid receptor superfamily5 has been of particular interest in this regard. Steroid receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that bind discrete cis elements within the regulatory regions of a growing list of target genes. This family of nuclear receptors includes the estrogen receptors,6 the vitamin D receptor,7 the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors,8 and the retinoid receptors.9 Retinoids and the receptors they bind are gaining an increasingly important role in both cardiovascular development and the response of blood vessels to injury. In this review, we will focus specifically on the emerging role of retinoids as critical regulators of vascular SMC differentiation and growth. We first provide a brief history of retinoid biology as well as its intracellular fates with particular emphasis on the retinoid receptors. We then summarize the literature to date supporting retinoids as regulators of vasculogenesis and SMC differentiation. An update on the role of retinoids in the control of SMC growth is then considered followed by a summary of the recent corroborative papers showing an inhibition of neointimal formation with retinoid administration. We conclude the review with future studies that should be pursued to gain …
A comparison of the test performance of average and below average readers on the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities

The MSCA was used to compare the pattern of tests results for below average readers distinct from a matched group of average readers. Two groups of 24 second-grade boys were selected and differentiated on the basis of their reading achievement scores. The two groups were carefully matched according to age level, IQ and socioeconomic status. Each S was individually administered the MSCA and a comparison of mean scale scores between the groups on each of the six MSCA scales was attempted. Analyses revealed non-significant differences between groups on all scales. The possible influence of methodological factors on the present results as well as the implications for diagnostic usefulness of the MSCA with reading disabled subjects were discussed.
Si-Ge surface-normal asymmetric Fabry-Perot quantum-confined stark effect electroabsorption modulator

The strong electroabsorption modulation possible in Ge/SiGe quantum wells promises efficient, CMOS-compatible integrated optical modulators. Using an asymmetric Fabry-Perot design, we demonstrate the first surface-normal semiconductor modulator structure grown on silicon.
HST/WFC3 Imaging of Protostellar Jets in Carina: [Fe II] Emission Tracing Massive Jets from Intermediate Mass Protostars

We present narrowband WFC3-UVIS and -IR images of four externally irradiated protostellar jets in the Carina nebula: HH 666, HH 901, HH 902, and HH 1066. These massive jets are unusual because they are bathed in UV radiation from dozens of nearby O-type stars, but despite the strong incident ionizing radiation, portions of the jet remain neutral. Near-IR [Fe II] images reveal dense, neutral gas that was not seen in previous studies of Hα emission. We show that near-IR [Fe II] emitting gas must be self-shielded from Lyman continuum photons, regardless of its excitation mechanism (shocks, FUV radiation, or both). High densities are required for the survival of Fe + amid the strong Lyman continuum luminosity from Tr14, raising estimates of the mass-loss rates by an order of magnitude. Higher jet mass-loss rates require higher accretion rates onto their driving protostars, implying that these jets are driven by intermediate-mass (� 2 8 M⊙) stars. Indeed, the IR driving sources of two of these outflows have luminosities that require intermediate-mass protostars (the other two are so deeply embedded that their luminosity is uncertain). All four of these HH jets are highly collimated, with opening angles of only a few degrees, similar to those observed in low-mass protostars. We propose that these jets reflect essentially the same outflow phenomenon seen in wide-angle molecular outflows associated with intermediate- and high-mass protostars, but that the collimated atomic jet core is irradiated and rendered observable in the harsh radiative environment of the Carina nebula. In more quiescent environments, this atomic core remains invisible, and outflows traced by shock-excited molecules in the outflow cavity give the impression that these outflows have a wider opening angle. Thus, the externally irradiated jets in Carina constitute a new view of collimated jets from intermediate-mass protostars, and offer strong additional evidence that stars up to at least � 8 M⊙ form by the same accretion mechanisms as low-mass stars.
Evaluation of community-based health promotion programs for special olympics athletes

Health screenings conducted during Special Olympics competitions and games have consistently shown that a significant number of athletes with intellectual disabilities (IDs) were overweight or obese, and surveys have indicated that athletes need more fitness training than they receive from their sport practices. In 2002, Special Olympics initiated five community-based health promotion pilot projects for athletes. The projects lasted multiple weeks across the U.S. and were aimed at improving physical fitness and lifestyle behaviors. This study reports on an evaluation of the program and on predictors of program success. The subjects included 56 athletes with ID who participated in these five programs. Data were drawn from interviews with the participants and 54 coaches, residential staff, and parents at baseline and after program completion, along with data from five program directors after program completion. Qualitative and quantitative findings were presented for the following areas: psychosocial and physical health status, physical and nutrition cognitions and supports, and health behaviors among the athletes; program satisfaction among coaches and athletes; and process and structural variables associated with implementation of the programs. Positive psychosocial and health benefits included improved perceived health, reduced body weight, increased fiber intake, improved self-confidence, more positive attitudes toward exercise, and decreased barriers to exercising. Several themes emerged related to implementing health promotion programs, such as obtaining “buy-in” from athletes, coaches, family members, and carers to ensure ongoing support; implementing structured recruitment strategies; formalizing existing relationships; and identifying and incorporating time, money, and transportation constraints and assessment protocols into the program design. Results support the need to broaden health promotion programs to more community-based settings.
Pregnancy-Related Changes: A Retrospective Review of 278 Cervical Smears

Pregnancy-related physiologic changes are well recognized. However, the normal range of changes as reflected in the cervical smear have not been adequately described. Review of 278 abnormal cervical smears from 153 pregnant/preabortal and 125 postpartum/ abortal patients revealed the following: 21 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) cases, 46 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL) cases, 185 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) cases, and 26 atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) cases. Surgical correlation (excluding 18 products of conception and 153 placentas) was available in 98 (35%) of the cases. Dysplasia was confirmed on biopsy of 11 cases cytologically diagnosed as HGSIL (7 CINII/III and 4 CIN I), 19 cases cytologically diagnosed as LGSIL (6 CIN II/III and 13 CIN I), 35 cases of ASCUS (4 CIN II/III and 31 CIN I), and 2 cases of AGUS (1 CIN III and 1 CIN I). Decidualization was present in six cervical and three endometrial biopsies. The remaining 180 cases revealed pregnancy-related changes in most of the atypical groups and a few in the dysplasia groups. With pregnancy, both cervical glands and stroma undergo physiologic changes. These result in squamous metaplasia due to ectropion and cells with hypervacuolated cytoplasm and atypical nuclei reflecting endocervical gland hyperplasia and/or AriasStella reaction. The decidual cells are large, with variably staining cytoplasm and a large nucleus. Degenerated decidual or trophoblastic cells can also shed from the endometrium and mimic HGSIL. Despite the caution required in this population, dysplastic changes should not be underestimated. Diagn. Cytopathol. 17:99‐107, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cortical analysis of visual context.

Objects in our environment tend to be grouped in typical contexts. How does the human brain analyze such associations between visual objects and their specific context? We addressed this question in four functional neuroimaging experiments and revealed the cortical mechanisms that are uniquely activated when people recognize highly contextual objects (e.g., a traffic light). Our findings indicate that a region in the parahippocampal cortex and a region in the retrosplenial cortex together comprise a system that mediates both spatial and nonspatial contextual processing. Interestingly, each of these regions has been identified in the past with two functions: the processing of spatial information and episodic memory. Attributing contextual analysis to these two areas, instead, provides a framework for bridging between previous reports.