cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coral reefs, Sinai, Egypt: A historical perspective

This note complements and supplements the historical perspective of a paper in which Strasser and Strohmenger (1997) related diagenesis to tectonics, sea-level, and climate. Johannes Walther (1888) studied a fossil reef at Ras Muhammed at 6 meters below sea level and suggested that it had subsided. W.F. Hume (1906) described raised coral reefs along the western shore of the Gulf of Aqaba. He suggested a Pleistocene or post-Pleistocene movement of the shoreline of the Gulf. Hume cited Walther's observations of the reef at 6 meters below sea-level as evidence for subsidence. I discovered a fossil reef (Friedman 1966) which gave a radiocarbon age of 477±140 years B.P. This reef reflects either Recent tectonic movement of the Gulf's shoreline or lowering of sea level. Like modern reefs, this fossil reef is composed of aragonite and high-magnesian calcite with subordinate low-magnesian calcite sporadically present (Fig. 1). In modern Red Sea reefs peloids of high-magnesian calcite in cryptocrystalline high-magnesian calcite cement are interpreted as calcified algal filaments.
Developing Effective Self-Advocacy Skills in College-Bound Students with Learning Disabilities

High school students with learning disabilities (LD) often begin their postsecondary education with little knowledge about their disability, how it affects their learning, and how to access support networks on campus (Aase & Price, 1987; Aune, 1991; Brinckerhoff, Shaw, & McGuire, 1993; Dalke & Schmitt, 1987). This is particularly true in large university settings where incoming students may feel intimidated by the size of the campus, the numbers of students enrolled, and the decentralization of support services. In order for students with LD to become more successful in postsecondary settings, they need to be taught a variety of academic and self-advocacy skills. Ideally, high school teachers, guidance personnel, and parents have prepared these students for adulthood by teaching them self-advocacy skills that will foster independence. Unfortunately, the research literature suggests that despite their importance, self-advocacy skills are often not directly taught in high school (Aune & Ness, 1991; Dalke & Franzene, 1988; Ryan & Price, 1992). The intent of this article is to (a) define self-advocacy, (b) clarify some of the differences between high school and college settings, (c) describe the key components in a college-based self-advocacy curriculum, and (d) highlight the primary responsibilities students with LD face in making selfdetermination a reality in college. It is hoped that these points will better prepare the reader to promote effective self-advocacy skills in adolescents with LD at both the secondary and postsecondary levels.
Seasonal dependence of the distribution of large-scale plasma depletions in the low-latitude F region

From several years of Atmosphere Explorer data, it is shown that large-scale plasma density depletions (horizontal scale greater than 1000km) in the nocturnal F region occur mainly during the first half of the night. The geomagnetic latitude of these depletions depends on season: at solstice periods the occurrence is mainly in the summer hemisphere and at equinoxes mainly on the geomagnetic equator. Large-scale depletions occur most often at longitudes characterized by a large magnetic declination. The large-scale plasma depletions are interpreted to be a consequence of imposed upward drift which raises the F region above the satellite trajectory. This interpretation is tested by calculating the vertical ion drift velocity imposed by zonal and meridional winds and electrostatic fields, with allowance for the effects of diffusion. The calculations reveal a correspondence between the locations of maxima in the calculated vertical ion drift velocity and the large-scale plasma depletions.
Locating group members in a mobile environment

Abstract The Internet Engineering Task Force lists multicasting as a desired service for our future mobile computing environment. To provide this service, location management of a group of users involved in a multicasting application needs to be addressed. In this paper, we propose two protocols that can be used by a group of mobile hosts to share their current location with other group members efficiently.
A Sensitive Reporter Cell Line for HIV-1 tat Activity, HIV-1 Inhibitors, and T Cell Activation Effects

The production and characterization of a cell line for quantitative HIV-1 Tat function and T cell activation assays is described. 1G5 is a clonal cell line derived from Jurkat T cells stably transfected with a luciferase gene driven by an HIV-1 long terminal repeat (HIV-LTR). The 1G5 clone was selected for low basal luciferase activity, susceptibility to HIV infection, and high responsiveness to Tat and T cell activation signals. A 10 to 1000-fold increase in luciferase activity after transfection or infection with tat-expressing vectors or HIV was observed. Equivalent levels of expression were detected after stimulation with T cell mitogens. The characteristics of 1G5 make it a valuable reagent for studies of HIV infection, HIV regulatory agents, and other T cell or HIV -activating factors, and for screening potential anti-HIV therapeutic agents.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation is largely conserved at birth with rare de novo mutations in neonates

Objective Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes the proteins of the electron transfer chain to produce adenosine triphosphate through oxidative phosphorylation, and is essential to sustain life. mtDNA is unique from the nuclear genome in so much as it is solely maternally inherited (non-mendelian patterning), and shows a relatively high rate of mutation due to the absence of error checking capacity. While it is generally assumed that most new mutations accumulate through the process of heteroplasmy, it is unknown whether mutations initiated in the mother are inherited, occur in utero, or occur and accumulate early in life. The purpose of this study is to examine the maternally heritable and de novo mutation rate in the fetal mtDNA through high-fidelity sequencing from a large population-based cohort. Study Design Samples were obtained from 90 matched maternal (blood) and fetal (placental) pairs. In addition, a smaller cohort (n = 5) of maternal (blood), fetal (placental), and neonatal (cord blood) trios were subjected to DNA extraction and shotgun sequencing. The whole genome was sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq platform (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA), and haplogroups and mtDNA variants were identified through mapping to reference mitochondrial genomes (NC_012920). Results We observed 665 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 82 insertions-deletions variants identified in the cohort at large. We achieved high sequencing depth of the mtDNA to an average depth of 65X (range, 20–171X) coverage. The proportions of haplogroups identified in the cohort are consistent with the patient’s self-identified ethnicity (>90% Hispanic), and all maternal-fetal pairs mapped to the identical haplogroup. Only variants from samples with average depth >20X and allele frequency >1% were included for further analysis. While the majority of the maternal-fetal pairs (>90%) demonstrated identical variants at the single nucleotide level, we observed rare mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphism discordance between maternal and fetal mitochondrial genomes. Conclusion In this first in-depth sequencing analysis of mtDNA from maternal-fetal pairs at the time of birth, a low rate of de novo mutations appears in the fetal mitochondrial genome. This implies that these mutations likely arise from the maternal heteroplasmic pool (eg, in the oocyte), and accumulate later in the offspring’s life. These findings have key implications for both the occurrence and screening for mitochondrial disorders.
Experiments with UNA for solving linear constraints in real variables

Linear constraints arise in formulation of several computationally challenging problems such as weather modeling, underground water modeling, air pollution modeling etc. The constraints may correspond to multiple observations that place upper or lower bounds on linear combinations of variables. Computing a feasible solution or solving these inequalities in least squares sense is a fundamental problem in many applications.In this paper, we present a strikingly simple numerical algorithm called UNA (Unified Numerical Approach) that computes a feasible solution of linear inequalities or solves them in a least squares sense in case they are inconsistent. We compare the performance of UNA with Bramley-Winnicka algorithm, which is the best known algorithm to solve linear inequalities in a least squares sense. We also give experimental performance comparison of UNA with commercial linear programming based packages XA and CPLEX. Our experiments show that UNA algorithm is faster than Bramley-Winnicka algorithm for solving large constraint sets in least squares sense. Our experiments also show that for large constraint sets although CPLEX performs better than UNA, UNA performs far better than XA. In addition, the UNA algorithm is so simple that its implementation in C programming language is only 170 lines of code and its implementation using Matlab is 80 lines of matlab script. Our results show that in-spite of its simplicity, it is a powerful algorithm for solving linear inequalities in real variables.
Relativistic Rise Measurement by Cluster Counting Method in Time Expansion Chamber

A new approach to the measurement of the ionization energy loss for the charged particle identification in the region of the relativistic rise was tested experimentally. The method consists of determining in a special drift chamber (TEC) the number of clusters of the primary ionization. The method gives almost the full relativistic rise and narrower "Landau" distribution. The consequences for a practical detector are discussed.
Network location and learning: the influence of network resources and firm capabilities on alliance formation

This paper presents a dynamic, firm-level study of the role of network resources in determining alliance formation. Such resources inhere not so much within the firm but reside in the interfirm networks in which firms are placed. Data from extensive fieldwork show that by influencing the extent to which firms have access to information about potential partners, such resources are an important catalyst for new alliances, especially because alliances entail considerable hazards. This study also assesses the importance of firms’ capabilities with alliance formation and material resources as determinants of their alliance decisions. I test this dynamic framework and its hypotheses about the role of time-varying network resources and firm capabilities with comprehensive longitudinal multi-industry data on the formation of strategic alliances by a panel of firms between 1970 and 1989. The results confirm field observations that accumulated network resources arising from firm participation in the network of accumulated prior alliances are influential in firms’ decisions to enter into new alliances. This study highlights the importance of network resources that firms derive from their embeddedness in networks for explaining their strategic behavior. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crosslinked copolymers of cyanoethylated cellulose

Abstract Two new cellulose copolymers have been developed by crosslinking cyanoethylated cellulose with reactive monomers or prepolymers of step-growth polymers such as polyurethane and polysiloxane. Both copolymers formed compatible transparent films at 50% loading of step-growth polymers. The films possess high impact resistance, water repellency and thermostability at 150 °C for over 15 hr without weight loss. The kinetic parameters of crosslinking, such as conversion versus time and temperature, heat of reaction ( ΔH ), activation energy ( ΔE ), and reaction order ( n ), have been investigated. The morphology of the fractured surfaces of the films as revealed by SEM is also discussed.
Helical peptoid mimics of lung surfactant protein C.

Among the families of peptidomimetic foldamers under development as novel biomaterials and therapeutics, poly-N-substituted glycines (peptoids) with α-chiral side chains are of particular interest for their ability to adopt stable, helical secondary structure in organic and aqueous solution. Here, we show that a peptoid 22-mer with a biomimetic sequence of side chains and an amphipathic, helical secondary structure acts as an excellent mimic of surfactant protein C (SP-C), a small protein that plays an important role in surfactant replacement therapy for the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. When integrated into a lipid film, the helical peptoid SP mimic captures the essential surface-active behaviors of the natural protein. This work provides an example of how an abiological oligomer that closely mimics both the hydrophobic/polar sequence patterning and the fold of a natural protein can also mimic its biophysical function.
Tricarbonylnickel complexes of tetraarsenic and tetraphosphorus hexamethylimides

Both tetraarsenic and tetraphosphorus hexamethylimide react with nickel tetracarbonyl to form complexes in which from one to four tricarbonylnickel groups coordinate with the arsenic or phosphorus atoms. The totally coordinated species are crystalline and insoluble in all common solvents whereas the other complexes have only been investigated in solution. Evidence is presented to show that complexing does not destroy the bird-cage structure and that it is the arsenic or phosphorus rather than the nitrogen which is donating an unshared pair of electrons to form bonds with the tricarbonylnickel groups.
Involving families in training early childhood educators: Developing a framework for family centeredness

Abstract More early childhood programs are including young children with disabilities, thereby creating inclusive environments. In order to adequately prepare personnel for working in these inclusive settings and because of the major focus on family involvement, teacher preparation programs have developed competencies related to family centered practices. One of the most valuable methods for assisting students in developing a family‐centered philosophy is to involve families in the training process. Families of children with disabilities already have much experience in dealing with the many diverse services provided to young children such as, medical staff, social service agencies, specialists (i.e., physical therapists, occupational therapists), early interventionists and teachers and therefore, could provide extensive learning opportunities for students especially from a parents’ perspective. While there are many advantages for involving family members in training activities, there are also some challen...
Behavioral effects of CNS transplants in the rat

Abstract Embryonic forebrain tissue from 17-day embryos wransplanted into the midline cerebellum of 10-day-old rat pups. The animals were allowed to survive for behavioral testing and were compared with animals receiving aspiration lesions of midline cerebellum and with normal controls. Subsequent histology indicated that the transplanted tissue had produced a compression lesion of the host cerebellum and had become fully integrated with the neuropil of the host animal. Behavioral results revealed no significant differences between transplant and control animals. Both of these groups were discriminably different from the lesion condition. It is suggested that the transplant may establish afferent and efferent connections similar to those present in the intact animal and thus may be anatomically well integrated with the host brain.
Activity of yeast FLP recombinase in maize and rice protoplasts

Abstract We have demonstrated that a yeast FLP/FRT site-specific recombination system functions in maize and rice protoplasts. FLP recombinase activity was monitored by reactivation of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) expression from vectors containing the gusA gene inactivated by insertion of two FRTs (FLP recombination targets) and a 1.31 kb DNA fragment. The stimulation of GUS activity in protoplasts cotransformed with vectors containing FRT inactivated gusA gene and a chimeric FLP gene depended on both the expression of the FLP recombinase and the presence and structure of the FRT sites. The FLP enzyme could mediate inter- and intramolecular recombination in plant protoplasts. These results provide evidence that a yeast recombination system can function efficiently in plant cells, and that its performance can be manipulated by structural modification of the FRT sites.
Training and Self-Reported Confidence for Dysphagia Management among Speech-Language Pathologists in the Schools.

Purpose The number of children requiring dysphagia management in the schools is increasing. This article reports survey findings relative to speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') training and self-...
Synthetic and mechanistic studies involving the condensation of penicillin grignards and boron trifluoride activated oxime ethers

Abstract High stereocontrol is observed in the BF3 mediated condensation of anions derived from mono and dibromopenicillanic ester sulfones and oxime ethers.
Effect of chitosan on lingual hemostasis in rabbits

Bleeding times were measured for bilateral (15 mm × 2 mm) tongue incisions in 14 New Zealand white rabbits. Using a randomized, blinded experimental design, one incision in each animal was treated with chitosan and the other was treated with control vehicle without chitosan. Extraoral bleeding and coagulation times were also measured for each animal preoperatively, postoperatively, and prior to killing to verify normal bleeding parameters and to evaluate possible systemic effects associated with topical application. Comparison of lingual incisions receiving the experimental substance versus those receiving control solution showed enhanced hemostasis manifested by a 32% (P < .05) decrease in bleeding time.
Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaflets of peanut, Arachis hypogaea.

Somatic embryos were induced on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) leaflets from aseptically germinated embryo axes. Leaflet size influenced percent somatic embryogenesis; 5–8 mm long cut leaflets were superior to 2–3 mm long uncut leaflets. Maximum embryogenesis of 14.6% was obtained after a 15 d incubation on induction medium (modified MS with B5 vitamins, 30 g/l sucrose, 4 g/l Gel-Gro, 40 mg/l 2,4-D +0.2 mg/l kinetin) followed by transfer to a secondary medium with 5 mg/l 2,4-D+0.2 mg/l kinetin. Primary somatic embryos were fused along the axes with no distinct cotyledons, but secondary embryos had single axes with two cotyledons. Other treatments had lower percent embryogenesis, no secondary embryogenesis, and embryos with single axes with two cotyledons. Some somatic embryos converted into normal plants capable of greenhouse survival.
E-Mentoring Through a Network of Practice on Facebook

Facebook is the most popular social networking site, with more than 500 million active members. With its ability to easily manage multi-user social networks synchronously, it provides a fertile foundation to promote e-mentoring among the current generation of technology-and Facebook-astute students. This study reviews Network of Practice NoP theories to provide insights to a mentoring structure that facilitates the sharing and exchange of profession-related knowledge. A Facebook application was developed to conduct an experiment that examined factors that affect the performance of the mentoring program based on a NoP. A class of college students, which used the application to connect to recent graduates and industry experts, allowed us to observe and analyze live mentoring activities. The authors' findings indicated that the mentor's gender appeared to impact the relationship that developed between mentors and proteges via Facebook, and that the students were indifferent about the years of experiences of their mentors.
On a semantics for neural networks based on fuzzy quantifiers

We describe the aggregation process of the typical artificial neuron. We introduce the concept of a fuzzy linguistic quantifier and describe the process for determining the truth of propositions containing linguistic quantifiers. We show how this truth value can be viewed as the firing level of an artificial neuron. We show the relationship between fuzzy sets and neural inputs. A new class of neurons called owa-neurons is described. A learning algorithm for this class of neurons is presented. We provide a methodology for processing information in non-numeric neural networks. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Privacy issues in relational embarrassment: Impact on relational quality and communication satisfaction

Past theorizing on causes for embarrassing situations has not taken the context of the relationship into account. This study takes exception to that oversight and examines embarrassment within the context of romantic relationships. Respondents (n = 199) were asked to identify embarrassing situations caused by romantic partners. Responses were content analyzed and three major categories were found: revealing relational secrets, inappropriate actions and awkward situations. All of these situations were considered to be breaches of relational privacy, where the partner made something public that was expected to be kept private between the couple. Respondents were also asked to assess the impact frequency of embarrassment has on feelings of relational quality and relational communication satisfaction. Gender, length of relationship, and currency of relationship were also considered. Using canonical correlations, the findings show that current relationships are longer, have less embarrassment and have higher l...
Transient right atrial thrombus resulting in pulmonary embolism detected by two-dimensional echocardiography

Development of sophisticated techniques for detecting thrombus in the lower extremities has lead to the understanding that the vast majority of pulmonary emboli originate in the deep venous system of the legs. We recently treated a patient in whom a thrombus originated in the lower extremities, was transiently entrapped in the right atrium, and ultimately embolized to the pulmonary circulation. The presence of a large coiled thrombus in the right atrium was initially detected by two-dimensional
Microglial Activation and Neurological Symptoms in the SIV Model of NeuroAIDS: Association of MHC-II and MMP-9 Expression with Behavioral Deficits and Evoked Potential Changes

Abstract HIV-1 causes cognitive and motor deficits and HIV encephalitis (HIVE) in a significant proportion of AIDS patients. Neurological impairment and HIVE are thought to result from release of cytokines and other harmful substances from infected, activated microglia. In this study, the quantitative relationship between microglial activation and neurological impairment was examined in the simian immunodeficiency model of HIVE. Macaque monkeys were infected with a passaged, neurovirulent strain of simian immunodeficiency virus, SIV mac 239(R71/17E). In concurrent studies, functional impairment was assessed by motor and auditory brainstem evoked potentials and by measurements of cognitive and motor behavioral deficits. Brain tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry using two markers of microglia activation, MHC-II and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The inoculated animals formed two groups: rapid progressors, which survived 6–14 weeks postinoculation, and slow progressors, which survived 87–109 weeks. In the rapid progressors, two patterns of MHC-II expression were present: (1) a widely disseminated pattern of MHC-II expressing microglia and microglial nodules in cortical gray matter and subcortical white matter, and (2) a more focal pattern in which MHC-II expressing microglia were concentrated into white matter. Animals exhibiting both patterns of microglial activation showed mild to severe changes in cognitive and motor behavior and evoked potentials. All rapid progressors showed expression of MMP-9 in microglia located in subcortical white matter. In the slow progressors MHC-II and MMP-9 staining was similar to uninoculated control macaques, and there was little or no evidence of HIVE. These animals showed behavioral deficits at the end of the disease course, but little changes in evoked potentials. Thus, increases in MHC-II and MMP-9 expression are associated with development of cognitive and motor deficits, alterations in evoked potentials, and rapid disease progression.
Biosynthesis of 9-β-D-arabinofuranosyladenine: hydrogen exchange at C-2' and oxygen exchange at C-3' of adenosine

Abstract The data presented here describe new findings related to the bioconversion of adenosine to 9-β- d -arabinofuranosyladenine (ara-A) by Streptomyces antibioticus by in vivo investigations and with a partially purified enzyme. First, in double label in vivo experiments with [2′- 18 O]- and [U- 14 C]adenosine, the 18 O: 14 C ratio of the ara-A isolated does not change appreciably, indicating a stereospecific inversion of the C-2′ hydroxyl of adenosine to ara-A with retention of the 18 O at C-2′. In experiments with [3′- 18 O]- and [U- 14 C]-adenosine, [U- 14 C]ara-A was isolated; however, the 18 O at C-3′ is below detection. The adenosine isolated from the RNA from both double label experiments has essentially the same ratio of 18 O: 14 C. Second, an enzyme has been isolated and partially purified from extracts of S. antibioticus that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine, but not AMP, ADP, ATP, inosine, guanosine, or d -ribose, to ara-A. In a single label enzyme-catalyzed experiment with [U- 14 C]adenosine, there was a 9.9% conversion to [U- 14 C]ara-A; with [2′- 3 H]-adenosine, there was a 8.9% release of the C-2′ tritium from [2′- 3 H]adenosine which was recovered as 3 H 2 O. Third, the release of 3 H as 3 H 2 O from [2′- 3 H]adenosine was confirmed by incubations of the enzyme with 3 H 2 O and adenosine. Ninety percent of the tritium incorporated into the d -arabinose of the isolated ara-A was in C-2 and 8% was in C-3. The enzyme-catalyzed conversion of adenosine to ara-A occurs without added cofactors, displays saturation kinetics, a pH optimum of 6.8, a K m of 8 × 10 −4 M, and an inhibition by heavy metal cations. The enzyme also catalyzes the stereospecific inversion of the C-2′ hydroxyl of the nucleoside antibiotic, tubercidin to form 7-β- d -arabinofuranosyl-4-aminopyrrolo[2,3- d ]pyrimidine. The nucleoside antibiotic, sangivamycin, in which the C-5 hydrogen is replaced with a carboxamide group, is not a substrate. On the basis of the single and double label experiments in vivo and the in vitro enzyme-catalyzed experiments, two mechanisms involving either a 3′-ketonucleoside intermediate or a radical cation are proposed to explain the observed data.
Needs assessment and intervention strategies to reduce lead-poisoning risk among low-income Ohio toddlers.

Objective: Examine parental receipt of lead-poisoning prevention information and preferred methods of receiving this information. Design: Cross-sectional mailed survey of parents with children 1-2-year-old-enrolled in Medicaid. Sample: Respondents (n = 532) were primarily female, white, with at least a high school education, and between the ages of 20-30 years. Measurements: Items from the Blood Lead Education and Screening Tool concerning parental receipt of lead-poisoning prevention information, persons with whom parents had discussed lead-poisoning prevention, parental receipt of a reminder about blood lead testing, and parents' preferred methods of obtaining lead-poisoning prevention information. Results: Most respondents had obtained lead-poisoning prevention information, but only 28% reported receiving a reminder to have their child's blood lead level assessed. Brochures and discussions with health care providers were the preferred methods of obtaining lead-poisoning prevention information. More minority respondents preferred receiving information via videos, billboards, and home visits. Younger parents preferred brochures, billboards, and speaking with someone at the health department or women, infants, and children supplemental nutrition (WIC). Most respondents identified multiple means by which they would like to receive lead-poisoning prevention information. Conclusions: Implementation of individual, community, and system-level interventions by public health nurses are needed for comprehensive lead-poisoning prevention education.
Correlations between measured performance and lifetime income in simulated dairy herds

Abstract A previously developed model of a dairy herd was utilized to simulate information on performance of 14 893 cows in 28 herds. Measures of performance were correlated with cumulative and daily net income from birth and first freshening after discounting 0, 5 and 10% annually. Correlations of present values of cumulative lifetime income with: first lactation production ranged from 0·52 to 0·59; lifetime milk ranged from 0·77 to 0·84; and relative net income ranged from 0·88 to 0·93. Correlations of lifetime daily net income with: first lactation production ranged from 0·65 to 0·67; milk per day of life was 0·83; and relative net income per day ranged from 0·78 to 0·79. These correlations were similar to the limited number of correlations reported for empirical data. Daughter milk per day would probably be best for sire evaluations on profitability. Milk per day is more highly correlated with present values of income per day than first lactation yield, even at high discount rates. Milk per day is also as highly correlated with income per day as relative to net income per day, which includes information in addition to milk yield.
Acute toxicity and hazard assessment of Rodeo®, X-77 Spreader®, and Chem-Trol® to aquatic invertebrates

The herbicide Rodeo® provides waterfowl managers with an effective chemical tool for creating open water habitats in wetlands if its use does not adversely affect native invertebrate communities. The survival of caged Chironomus spp. (midge), Hyalella azteca (amphipod), Stagnicola elodes (pond snail), and Nephelopsis obscura (leech) was assessed in prairie pothole wetlands treated by air with a tank mixture of Rodeo®, the surfactant X-77 Spreader®, and the drift retardant Chem-Trol® at a rate recommended for controlling cattails. Laboratory studies were then conducted to determine the acute toxicities of Rodeo®, X-77 Spreader®, and Chem-Trol®, individually and in simulated tank mixtures, to the same invertebrates and to Daphnia magna in reconstituted water representative of these wetlands. There was no difference in the survival of caged invertebrates between treated and reference wetlands after 21 days. Based on nominal concentrations of the formulations, X-77 Spreader® (LC50s=2.0–14.1 mg/L) was about 83–136 times more toxic than Rodeo® (LC50s=218–1216 mg/L) to aquatic invertebrates. Chem-Trol® killed ≤10% of the animals at 10,000 mg/L and ≤50% of the animals at 28,000 mg/L. Daphnia magna were more sensitive than the other species to X-77 Spreader®, Rodeo®, and the simulated Rodeo® tank mixture (RTM). The joint toxic action of the RTM was additive for amphipods and midges, greater than additive for leeches, and was less than additive for daphnids. X-77 Spreader® was the major toxic component in the RTM. Binary mixtures of X-77 Spreader®, Rodeo®, and Chem-Trol® at tank mixture and equitoxic ratios also showed additive toxicity to amphipods. The use of Rodeo® (applied as a tank mixture with X-77 Spreader® and Chem-Trol®) as a management tool in wetlands does not pose an acute hazard to native aquatic invertebrates because the concentrations of Rodeo®, X-77 Spreader®, and Chem-Trol® found to be acutely toxic to these invertebrates were much higher than their expected or measured concentrations in water from wetlands treated with the RTM.
Polarization and the Triplet Electron-Hydrogen Scattering Length

The triplet scattering lengths (a/sub t/)l of electrons scattered from H are calculated, using a slowly vanishing part ( approximately -r/sup -2/) resulting from the induced polarization in H atoms. This long range polarization effect yields a value of triplet scattering length at = 1.74 Bohr radii, which is nearly 10% below the uncorrected value for at. It is noted that this effect is much less significant in the singlet scatte:ing. (T.F.H.)
Time-dependent performance indicators of damaged bridge superstructures

Abstract The ability of a structure to survive an extreme event without collapse reduces in time due to deterioration processes. Therefore, in the lifetime management of structures and infrastructures, the resistance to sudden local damage has to be considered together with the effect of progressive deterioration. The aim of this paper is to present a framework for computation of time-dependent performance indicators of civil structures and infrastructures, with emphasis on bridges, including reliability, vulnerability, robustness and redundancy. A brief theoretical background and selected structural performance indicators regarding vulnerability, redundancy and robustness are presented. The approach is based on probabilistic performance assessment supported by finite element analysis and applied to an existing bridge. Time-variation of vulnerability, redundancy and robustness associated with various damage scenarios under uncertainty and the effects of several loading conditions on performance are investigated.
Predation on Early Life Stages of Lake Sturgeon in the Peshtigo River, Wisconsin

Abstract Mortality of early life stages can limit recruitment of fishes, and understanding the impacts of various sources of mortality has long been a goal of fisheries management. The impacts of predation on lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens are not well understood. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify sources of predation that affect lake sturgeon eggs, larvae, and age-0 juveniles in the Peshtigo River, Wisconsin, during 2006 and 2007. Egg bags were used to assess the rate of lake sturgeon egg consumption by crayfishes Orconectes spp. Potential piscine predators on eggs, larvae, or age-0 juveniles were captured using fyke nets, gill nets, hoop nets, and electrofishing for analysis of stomach contents. Crayfish consumed lake sturgeon eggs at an average rate of 9.4 eggs/d, and the population of crayfish within the lake sturgeon spawning habitat consumed an estimated 300,000 eggs during the incubation period. Numerous fish species were observed consuming lake sturgeon eggs, and piscine...
The Antiarrhythmic Properties of Lidocaine and Procaine Amide Clinical and Physiologic Studies of Their Cardiovascular Effects in Man

The effects of lidocaine (Xylocaine) and procaine amide on arterial pressure, myocardial contractile force, and ventricular excitability were studied in 12 patients undergoing cardiac operations. B...
TRANSITION AMPLITUDES FOR PHOTOPRODUCTION OF MESONS FROM NUCLEONS AND PHOTODISINTEGRATION OF THE DEUTERON

An elementary technique of general applicability is applied to the explicit construction as operators in the spin space of the particles involved, of the transition matrices for photoproduction of mesons from nucleons and photodisintegration of the deuteron.
The Drosophila Homologue of the Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Protein, Spastin, Severs and Disassembles Microtubules

Summary Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs), a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by lower-extremity spasticity and weakness, are most commonly caused by mutations in the spastin gene, which encodes a AAA+ ATPase [1, 2] related to the microtubule-severing protein katanin [3]. A Drosophila homolog of spastin (D-spastin) was identified recently [4], and D-spastin RNAi-treated or genetic null flies show neurological defects, and protein overexpression decreases the density of cellular microtubules [5, 6]. Elucidating spastin's function and disease mechanism will require a more detailed understanding of its structure and biochemical mechanism. Here, we have investigated the effects of D-spastin, individual D-spastin domains, and D-spastin proteins bearing disease mutations on microtubules in cellular and in vitro assays. We show that D-spastin, like katanin, displays ATPase activity and uses energy from ATP hydrolysis to sever and disassemble microtubules; disease mutations abolish or partially interfere with these activities.
Influence of conjugated linoleic acid on body composition and target gene expression in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α-null mice

The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are unknown, but one hypothesis is that they are mediated by the nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARalpha). In this work, the effect of dietary CLA on body weight gain, body composition, serum lipids and tissue specific PPAR target gene expression was examined in PPARalpha-null mice. Male wild-type or PPARalpha-null mice were fed either a control diet or one containing 0.5% CLA for a period of 4 weeks. Weight gain in wild-type and PPARalpha-null mice fed CLA was similar, and significantly less than controls. Whole body fat content was lower in wild-type and PPARalpha-null mice while whole body protein content was increased in both genotypes fed CLA compared to controls. Serum triglycerides were lowered in both genotypes as a result of dietary CLA. While CLA feeding resulted in specific activation of PPARalpha in liver, alterations in liver, adipose and muscle mRNAs were also found that were independent of PPARalpha genotype including those encoding uncoupling proteins (UCPs), mitochondrial fatty acid oxidizing enzymes, and fatty acid transporter. These results demonstrate that despite specific activation of PPARalpha-dependent gene expression, the influence of CLA on body composition appears to be independent of PPARalpha. Further, CLA causes increased levels of mRNAs encoding lipid metabolizing and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins that likely contribute to the mechanisms underlying reduced fat/increased lean body mass resulting from consumption of dietary CLA.
Complications of Anterior Compartment Repair

Transvaginal repair of anterior compartment prolapse was popularized by Kelly in the early twentieth century [1]. While this plication technique has generally fallen out of favor for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the same principles are utilized in contemporary anterior compartment repairs. In addition to a traditional colporrhaphy, the role of mesh in anterior compartment repair continues to evolve, with current evidence supporting superior anatomic results with mesh repairs but at the cost of higher complications rates. This chapter will focus on complications associated with anterior repairs. The specific complications associated with the use of mesh in vaginal surgery will be discussed in detail in another chapter.
Preventing Falls in the Operating Room A Technique Tip for Safely Tilting the Operating Table

Background. Many articles have been published to address the topic of in-hospital falls; however, there is considerably less literature that focuses specifically on the topic of falls from the oper...
A geographic mosaic of passive dispersal: population structure in the endemic Hawaiian amber snail Succinea caduca (Mighels, 1845)

We used 276 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI, 645 bp) and a subset of 84 16S large ribosomal subunit (16S, 451 bp) sequences to evaluate geographic patterns of genetic variation in 24 populations of the endemic Hawaiian land snail Succinea caduca spanning its range on six islands. Haplotype networks, gene tree topologies, pairwise molecular divergence and FST matrices suggest substantial geographic genetic structuring and complex dispersal patterns. Low nucleotide diversity and low pairwise molecular divergence values within populations coupled with higher between population values suggest multiple founder events. High overall haplotype diversity suggests diversification involving rare interpopulation dispersal, fragmentation by historical lava flows and variation in habitat structure. Within-island rather than between-island population comparisons accounted for the majority of molecular variance. Although 98% of 153 COI haplotypes were private by population, a Mantel test showed no evidence for isolation by distance. Mismatch distributions and population partitioning patterns suggest that genetic fragmentation has been driven by punctuated, passive dispersal of groups of closely related haplotypes that subsequently expanded and persisted in isolation for long periods (average > 2 million years ago), and that Pleistocene island connections may have been important in enhancing gene flow. Historical availability of mesic coastal habitat, together with effective dispersal may explain the long-term persistence and unusual multi-island distribution of this species, contrasting with the single-island endemism of much of the Hawaiian biota.
Interrupted aortic arch: Impact of subaortic stenosis on management and outcome

Abstract Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is often related developmentally to subaortic obstruction (SAO). When severe, SAO must be addressed in surgical management of IAA. From 1990 to 1993, 25 neonates presented for initial surgical management of IAA complexes. Associated lesions were ventricular septal defect (VSD) with or without atrial septal defect (19 patients), truncus arteriosus (3 patients), tricuspid atresia with transposition of the great arteries (1 patient), aortic atresia with VSD (1 patient), and d-transposition of the great arteries with VSD (1 patient). Overall hospital mortality was 20% (five deaths). One death was related to sepsis and two to sudden hemodynamic decompensation (a 2-kg premature infant after arch repair and VSD closure and a neonate with IAA–truncus arteriosus after arch repair and truncus repair with aortic root replacement). Two deaths were related to low cardiac output in patients with severe subaortic narrowing (<3 mm by two-dimensional echocardiography), which was not ...
P-wave rejection in a transplanted heart.

Background: Heart block can occur at multiple levels in patients with prior cardiac transplant. This diagnosis is usually ascertained using the surface electrocardiogram. Results: A 24-year-old man with prior cardiac transplant presented with apparent complete atrioventricular nodal block and junctional escape on the surface ECG. During pacemaker implantation, we demonstrated sinus rhythm in the recipient atrium, block across the atrioatrial anastomosis, and sinus arrest with intact AV nodal conduction in the donor atrium. Conclusion: This case illustrates an unusual presentation of sinus arrest occurring 2 years after heart transplantation that appeared to be complete heart block. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(3):308–310
Detection of degeneration in rat sciatic nerve by in vivo near infrared spectroscopy

We have recently developed an optical spectroscopy technique to monitor light scattering changes of the nervous system in vivo. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy emphasizes the detection of light scattering properties, which are prominent within the wavelength range of 700 to 850 nm wavelength. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that demyelination and degeneration of the sciatic nerves after nerve injury will lead to a change in light scattering properties and be detected by the NIR technique. Left spinal nerve ligations (L4, L4 and L5, L5) were performed in rats. The scattering properties of the left (ligated) and right (control) sciatic nerve were measured by the NIR reflectance using a bifurcated needle probe at postoperative days 1, 4, 7, and 14. The results show that there was no significant difference among three types of ligation, and neither did the readings between left and right sciatic nerve at postoperative day 1. Significant decreases in light scattering indexes were found between left and right sciatic nerves at postoperative days 4, 7, and 14. It is concluded that our initial hypothesis is proven, suggesting that the NIR technique may have a potential for clinical application in detecting demyelination and degeneration of the nervous system.
Are clinical trials really the answer

It has been asserted that clinical trials hold the answer to questions about the role of nutrients in preventing chronic diseases. This is not the case. Clinical trials give us rigorous answers to restricted questions. Rarely can more than one or two substances be tested, usually at a single dose. Subjects usually have to be persons with precancerous conditions or an extremely high risk of the disease in question. Rarely can any diseases other than the most common ones be studied. Most important, clinical trials test the efficacy of an agent that is administered for a limited time, beginning fairly late in life. Few trials will tell us anything about whether dietary amounts of nutrients might contribute to prevention of long-term chronic diseases. They also tell us nothing about whether agents at high doses might reduce disease risk if taken throughout the lifetime. Furthermore, they tell us nothing about other antioxidants, other combinations, or other doses. Clinical trials were developed for therapeutic situations to determine which treatment was better for curing a specific disease. However, the questions about prevention that are of interest may involve persons with no unusual risk of disease, lifetimes of exposure, enormously complex interactions among nutrients, and the effects of these nutrients on hundreds of often uncommon disease conditions. Clinical trials simply cannot answer these questions. Only a solid examination of the laboratory and epidemiologic evidence can approximate the answers to most of the questions of interest.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Strains Isolated from Crohn's Disease Patients and Animal Species Exhibit Similar Polymorphic Locus Patterns

Analysis of short sequence repeats of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolated from Crohn’s disease patients identified two alleles, both of which clustered with strains derived from animals with Johne’s disease. Identification of a limited number of genotypes among human strains implies the existence of human disease-associated genotypes and strain sharing with animals. Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammation of the intestine, results in substantial morbidity and medical costs in the United States (3). The etiology of Crohn’s disease is complex and appears to be associated with multiple factors for its pathological presentation (9; http://www.foodstandards .gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/mapcrohnreport.pdf; http://gpvec.unl .edu/avc/IssuePapers/out38_en.pdf). The most prevalent theory of a microbial etiology of Crohn’s disease is infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, the cause of Johne’s disease in animals (8, 18; http://books.nap.edu /openbook/0309086116/html/index.html). Although several studies have associated M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis with a proportion of Crohn’s disease cases (5, 19), the evidence for a causal link remains controversial. The primary objective of this report was to study the clonal distribution and degree of diversity of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolated from humans with Crohn’s disease. Short sequence repeats (SSRs) have been successfully used as markers to understand the clonality and distribution of subtypes in several bacterial species (1, 7, 11). Preliminary SSR analysis of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates derived from a variety of hosts, disease types, and geographic localities suggests an association between allele types and host species (2, 14). Knowledge of strain specificity for the human host and genotypic proximity to isolates responsible for animal disease will be a critical first step in establishing a causal role for M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Crohn’s disease. The human M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates analyzed herein included those cultured from breast milk (16) and intestinal tissues (S. A. Naser et al., unpublished data; ATCC 43015, ATCC 43544, ATCC 43545, and ATCC 49164) of patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The animal M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates used included ATCC 700535, ATCC 19851, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis K10, and those