cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract PR1: LINE-1 %5-methyl cytosine levels in prediagnostic leukocyte DNA and future bladder cancer risk among PLCO and ATBC cohort subjects.

Background: Low global methylation levels measured in post-diagnostic case compared to healthy control blood DNA have been associated with elevated bladder cancer risk. Objective: To examine this association using blood DNA collected prior to bladder cancer diagnosis. Methods: Cases (n=437) and controls (N=847) were selected from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). A replication case-control study was conducted among males from the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) cohort (391 cases/778 controls). LINE-1 percent 5-methyl-cytosine (LINE-1 %5-MeC) levels were quantified using bisulfite treated blood DNA and pyrosequencing. Cancer risk was assessed in deciles (D1-D10: 10-100%) and quartiles (Q1-Q4:25-100%) of methylation levels based on controls. Logistic regression was used to evaluate individual and pooled study data. Findings: In PLCO, significantly lower bladder cancer risk was associated with the lowest LINE-1 %5-MeC decile (D1) compared to D2-D10 subjects adjusted for sex and pack-years of smoking (OR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.18-0.68, p=0.002). Findings were corroborated in the ATBC study, (D1 vs. D2-D10: OR=0.31;95% CI:0.17-0.57, p<0.001) adjusting for pack-years of smoking and intervention assignment. When male data were pooled, a similar association was observed comparing D1 to D2-D10 subjects (OR=0.35;95% CI:0.21-0.57, p<0.001) and by quartiles (OR Q1=0.53;95% CI:0.41-0.70, p<0.001). Smoking status did not modify the associations. Interpretation: Findings observed in two independent studies using pre-diagnostically collected bladder cancer case/control subject DNA support that higher methylation levels may reflect higher bladder cancer risk prior to diagnosis. Associations using pre-diagnostically collected blood DNA were opposite to those from previous case-control studies using post-diagnostic DNA, suggesting changes in methylation levels associated with the carcinogenic process. Additional prospective studies evaluating LINE1 and gene-specific CpG methylation levels are needed to replicate and extend these findings. This proffered talk is also presented as Poster 11. Citation Format: Gabriella Andreotti, Sara Karami, Ruth Pfeiffer, Lauren Hurwitz, Linda Liao, Stephanie Weinstein, Demetrius Albanes, Jarmo Virtamo, Debra Silverman, Nathaniel Rothman, Lee Moore. LINE-1 %5-methyl cytosine levels in prediagnostic leukocyte DNA and future bladder cancer risk among PLCO and ATBC cohort subjects. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Post-GWAS Horizons in Molecular Epidemiology: Digging Deeper into the Environment; 2012 Nov 11-14; Hollywood, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PR1.
Assessment of medical student clinical reasoning by "lay" vs physician raters: inter-rater reliability using a scoring guide in a multidisciplinary objective structured clinical examination

BACKGROUND: To determine whether a “lay” rater could assess clinical reasoning, interrater reliability was measured between physician and lay raters of patient notes written by medical students as part of an 8-station objective structured clinical examination. METHODS: Seventy-five notes were rated on core elements of clinical reasoning by physician and lay raters independently, using a scoring guide developed by physician consensus. Twenty-five notes were rerated by a 2nd physician rater as an expert control. Kappa statistics and simple percentage agreement were calculated in 3 areas: evidence for and against each diagnosis and diagnostic workup. RESULTS: Agreement between physician and lay raters for the top diagnosis was as follows: supporting evidence, 89% ( .72); evidence against, 89% ( .81); and diagnostic workup, 79% ( .58). Physician rater agreement was 83% ( .59), 92% ( .87), and 96% ( .87), respectively.
Pitch Detection in Polyphonic Music using Instrument Tone Models

We propose a hidden Markov model (HMM) based system to detect the pitch of an instrument in polyphonic music using an instrument tone model. Our system calculates at every time frame the salience of a pitch hypothesis based on the magnitudes of harmonics associated with the hypothesis. A hypothesis selection method is introduced to choose pitch hypotheses with sufficiently high salience as pitch candidates. Then the system applies an instrument model to evaluate the likelihood of each candidate. The transition probability between successive pitch points is constructed using the prior knowledge of the musical key of the input. Finally an HMM integrates the instrument likelihood and the pitch transition probability. Quantitative evaluation shows the proposed system performs well for different instruments. We also compare a Gaussian mixture model and kernel density estimation for instrument modeling, and find that kernel density estimation gives better overall performance while the Gaussian mixture model is more robust.
Categorical color coding in goldfish

Goldfish, trained in the shuttlebox apparatus to avoid shock, acquired a color discrimination between two colors (red/green) and were tested in transfer with a new set of colors (yellow/blue). Transfer color shock-pairing was either consistent with (red=yellow, blue=green) or opposite to (red≠ yellow, green≠blue) categorical color coding seen in pigeons. Groups with transfer shock-pairing consistent with categorical color coding showed positive transfer, and groups with transfer shock-pairing opposite to categorical color coding showed negative transfer, similar to an attenuated reversal learning effect. These results indicate that goldfish, like pigeons, code different colors as behavioral equivalents even though they can easily learn to discriminate between them. As with pigeons, the finding of the categorical color coding phenomenon changes the conclusions drawn from earlier goldfish conditional-discrimination transfer studies using only signal color changes between acquisition and transfer testing, from evidence of concept learning to evidence for categorical color coding, on the grounds of parsimony. It is important to note that this finding affects only the explanation of conditional-discrimination transfer effects, and the fact remains that both pigeons and goldfish can learn to conditionally discriminate—pigeons for positive reinforcement, and goldfish to avoid shock.
IN DEFENSE OF THE ATTITUDES TOWARD WOMEN SCALE: AN AFFIRMATION OF VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY

Numerous references were found as positive evidence of construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability for Attitudes Toward Women Scale. New separate factor analytic studies of the 55-item scale and of its 25-item short form were performed to evaluate and extend previous construct validations. Contrary to earlier reports of structural analysis, an administration of the scale to 208 female and 243 male tennis players yielded only one major factor, accounting for 22% of the total variance. An administration of the 25-item scale to 293 male and 258 female university students also yielded one major factor accounting for 30% and 23% of the total variance, respectively. Separate reliability analyses over female and male subjects yielded alphas of .93 for the 55-item scale and .86 and .90, respectively, for the 25-item scale. A Pearson correlation between the short and long forms produced a coefficient of .99. Recently reported doubts about the instrument's validity were groundless.
Nonradial oscillations of Saturn

The planetary interior-state sensitivity of the f-mode oscillations of Saturn, which may be detected through their gravitational signature in the rings, are presently studied in light of the results of mode-period calculations for various interior models, envelope compositions, and hydrogen phase-transition pressures. It is established that the low-degree f modes exhibit the highest sensitivity to the size of the planetary core, while higher-degree modes exhibit greater sensitivity to the rotation state of the Saturn's outer layers.
Critique of the Wigner tunneling speed and a proposed alternative

The phenomenon of tunneling, in which a particle approaches a repulsive barrier with a height that exceeds the total energy of the particle, is usually used as an example to illustrate the different predictions from classical and quantum theory. In fact, classical mechanics predicts zero transmission while quantum mechanics predicts a nonzero transmission and is in agreement with experiments. This effect is extremely important and has been studied widely. One exciting aspect of the tunneling process is the prospect of superluminal transmission already recognized in the original study of Wigner in the 1950s @1#. There has been a large body of theoretical work since then, addressing the issue of superluminality and causality @2‐7#. Steinberg, Kwiat, and Chiao have addressed the realization of superluminal speeds @3,5#. They used a periodic potential barrier to demonstrate experimentally that superluminal velocities can indeed be obtained, and showed that this result does not violate causality. The dynamics of quantum-mechanical electron wave tunneling can be mapped to the electrodynamics of evanescent waves. It has been studied recently, both theoretically and experimentally. Experimental data have been obtained for the tunneling of optical pulses in photonic band gaps @8#, in frustrated total internal reflection @9,10#, and in dielectric media @11,12#. Other potential applications of superluminal pulse propagation include instantons in particle physics, and the Josephson effect in semiconductor materials @13#. Many of the theoretical studies about superluminal wave propagation are based on the method of stationary phase approximation. The wave packets, for which this approximation does not apply, have not been investigated. In addition, several all theoretical works relied on the framework of non.
Privatization in developing countries: a review of the issues

Abstract The theory and early experience of privatization in developing countries are reviewed. Privatization has been spurred by widespread dissatisfaction with the performance of public enterprises and the need to cut government expenditures. Unless it is accompanied by liberalization measures, privatization of public enterprises is unlikely to result in significant gains in economic efficiency. The sequencing of privatization and liberalization reforms will often determine their impact on efficiency, but the correct order of implementation is not clear. Political opposition to privatization is likely to be limited to the state bureaucracy, which will often be able to mobilize in order to limit the impact of reforms. Early implementation experiences suggest technical difficulties are as constraining as political factors.
Pharmacology of methylphenidate, amphetamine enantiomers and pemoline in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Racemic methylphenidate remains the drug of choice for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate appears to produce psychostimulation by inhibiting the presynaptic uptake of impulse-released dopamine. The absolute bioavailability of methylphenidate in humans is quite low and variable: mean 23 per cent for the therapeutic (+)-isomer and 5 per cent for the (−)-isomer. The primary site of presystemic metabolism may be the gut and/or intestinal wall. Brain concentrations of methylphenidate average eight times that of blood. A Tmax of 1·5–2·5 h, a Cmax of 6–15 ng/ml and a T1/2 of 2–3·5 h are typical. The area under the plasma concentration–time curves for immediate-release versus sustained-release formulations are nearly identical, but the relative efficacy is unresolved. Dextroamphetamine has generally been found to compare favourably with methylphenidate in ADHD; it acts through release of newly synthesized dopamine. Levoamphetamine is present as a minor component in a combination product (Adderall®), but the rationale for inclusion of the levo isomer remains unclear. Pemoline appears to both release and block the uptake of dopamine. Though rarely exhibiting sympathomimetic side-effects, potential hepatotoxicity relegates pemoline to a second-line status. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal hind limb oxygen consumption and blood flow during acute graded hypoxia

ABSTRACT: Hind limb blood flow and O2 uptake, mean blood pressure, and heart rate were measured in six fetal sheep at 127-141 d gestation in the control state and at different levels of hypoxia that were induced by partial occlusion of the maternal terminal aorta. Blood flow was measured by an ultrasonic flow transducer. Control fetal arterial O2 content ([O2]a) in the descending aorta was 3.25 + 0.17 mM. In response to graded acute hypoxia, blood flow first increased (22.2 versus 19.9 mL.min−1.100 g−1, p = 0.003) and then decreased abruptly at approximately 1.5 mM [O2]a.O2 uptake decreased about 12% (14.74 versus 16.71, p = 0.03) as [O2]a decreased to 1.5 mM, and then fell markedly, tending toward zero for [O2]a = 0.9 mM. In the 2.7- to 1.5-mM [O2]a range, heart rate increased above control (194 versus 169 min−1, p = 0.0024), whereas mean blood pressure did not change significantly. For [O2]a < 1.5 mM, heart rate decreased to 148 min−1 (p = 0.0005) and mean blood pressure increased above baseline (55 versus 47 torr, p = 0.0001). In conjunction with previous evidence, these results define a state of acute moderate hypoxia in which the whole fetus can sustain a relatively high rate of oxidative metabolism, and a state of acute severe hypoxia ([O2]a between 1.5 and 1.0 mM) in which O2 uptake by some fetal organs is selectively and markedly decreased.
Hexaammineruthenium(II,III) and pentaamminedinitrogenruthenium(II). A Hartree-Fock-Slater study

Discrete variation method Hartree-Fock-Slater studies are reported for the title compounds. The significant sigma covalency and strong ..pi.. back-bonding in the dinitrogen complex are apparent from populations, energy shifts, optical spectra, and reorganization effects on optical excitation; the energy levels are strongly perturbed by the strong covalency from their pseudoctahedral crystal field values. Transition-state calculations yield optical and photoemission results in good agreement with experiments. In the dinitrogen compound, the directly bonded N is considerably more negative, in agreement with simple electrostatic and bonding arguments.
Are there negative responders to exercise training among heart failure patients

LEIFER, E. S., C. A. BRAWNER, J. L. FLEG, W. E. KRAUS, D. J. WHELLAN, I. L. PINA, and S. J. KETEYIAN. Are There Negative Responders to Exercise Training among Heart Failure Patients? Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 219-224, 2014. Purpose: Aerobic exercise training has been used in patients with stable heart failure (HF) to reduce the risk of clinical events. However, due to patient heterogeneity, some patients may experience a decrease in functional capacity due to such training. The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of HF patients participating in a training program who had negative responses to such therapy and to compare them with a concurrent control group. Methods: Baseline and 3-month peak VO2 measurements were obtained on 1870 HF subjects who were ran- domized to receive either an exercise training program or a control program of usual care without exercise training. The exercise program consisted of supervised walking or stationary cycling 3 dIwk j1 for 12 wk as well as a 2-dIwk j1 home exercise program after completing 18 supervised sessions. A negative response was defined as a baseline-to-3-month decrease in peak VO2 of at least 5 mLIkg j1 Imin j1 , which was two times the SD of the control group's change in peak VO2. Results :T he meanT SD change in peak VO2 in the exercise group and control group was 0.8T 2.5 mLIkg j1 Imin j1 and 0.2 T 2.5 mLIkg j1 Imin j1 , respectively (P G 0.001). The percentage of negative responders in the exercise and control groups was 0.9% and 2.3% (P =0 .02).Conclusions: The low negative response rate in the exercise group combined with the slightly higher rate in the control group and equal variability in the exercise and control groups suggests that few if any subjects had training-related negative peak VO2 responses. These findings support current exercise recommendations for HF patients.
Ionization kinetics in aqueous solutions of bovine hemoglobin

Abstract Measurements of ultrasonic attenuation in aqueous solutions of bovine hemoglobin are reported. An analysis, based on Orttung's assignment of group ionization constants, is made of the role of the perturbation of internal charge transfer and ionization equilibria in determining the acoustic relaxation spectrum. It is concluded that internal proton-transfers are significant in the neighborhood of neutral pH.
Dynamics of neuronal processing in rat somatosensory cortex

Abstract Recently, the study of sensory cortex has focused on the context-dependent evolution of receptive fields and cortical maps over millisecond to second timescales. This article reviews advances in our understanding of these processes in the rat primary somatosensory cortex (SI). Subthreshold input to individual rat SI neurons is extensive, spanning several vibrissae from the center of the receptive field, and arrives within 25 ms of vibrissa deflection. These large subthreshold receptive fields provide a broad substrate for rapid excitatory and inhibitory multi-vibrissa interactions. The ‘whisking' behavior, an ∼8 Hz ellipsoid movement of the vibrissae, introduces a context-dependent change in the pattern of vibrissa movement during tactile exploration. Stimulation of vibrissae over this frequency range modulates the pattern of activity in thalamic and cortical neurons, and, at the level of the cortical map, focuses the extent of the vibrissa representation relative to lower frequency stimulation (1 Hz). These findings suggest that one function of whisking is to reset cortical organization to improve tactile discrimination. Recent discoveries in primary visual cortex (VI) demonstrate parallel non-linearities in center-surround interactions in rat SI and VI, and provide a model for the rapid integration of multi-vibrissa input. The studies discussed in this article suggest that, despite its original conception as a uniquely segregated cortex, rat SI has a wide array of dynamic interactions, and that the study of this region will provide insight into the general mechanisms of cortical dynamics engaged by sensory systems.
Effects of clonidine and chlorpromazine on a sympathetic-cholinergic reflex.

Intravenous administration of clonidine and chlorpromazine resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the amplitude of reflexly evoked electrodermal responses in intact and spinal cats. Yohimbine pretreatment (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) antagonized the effects of clonidine but not chlorpromazine in both preparations. These findings confirm and expand previous observations that both clonidine and chlorpromazine inhibit the amplitude of centrally evoked responses in this sympathetic-cholinergic system. In addition, both drugs appeared to have a spinal site of action. The antagonism of the effects of clonidine by yohimbine suggests that the mechanism of the action of clonidine may be a result of activation of central inhibitory alpha-adrenergic receptors. The failure of yohimbine to antagonize the effects of chlorpromazine suggests that clonidine and chlorpromazine may depress these sympathetic reflexes by different mechanisms.
Status of the Combined Third and Fourth NGNP Fuel Irradiations in the Advanced Test Reactor

The United States Department of Energy’s Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program is irradiating up to seven low enriched uranium (LEU) tri-isotopic (TRISO) particle fuel (in compact form) experiments in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These irradiations and fuel development are being accomplished to support development of the next generation reactors in the United States. The experiments will be irradiated over the next several years to demonstrate and qualify new TRISO coated particle fuel for use in high temperature gas reactors. The goals of the experiments are to provide irradiation performance data to support fuel process development, to qualify fuel for normal operating conditions, to support development and validation of fuel performance and fission product transport models and codes, and to provide irradiated fuel and materials for post irradiation examination (PIE) and safety testing. The experiments, which will each consist of several independent capsules, will be irradiated in an inert sweep gas atmosphere with individual on-line temperature monitoring and control of each capsule. The sweep gas will also have on-line fission product monitoring on its effluent to track performance of the fuel in each individual capsule during irradiation.The first experiment (designated AGR-1) started irradiation in December 2006 and was completed in November 2009. The second experiment (AGR-2) started irradiation in June 2010 and is currently scheduled to be completed in September 2013. The third and fourth experiments have been combined into a single experiment designated (AGR-3/4), which started its irradiation in December 2011 and is currently scheduled to be completed in April 2014. Since the purpose of this combined experiment is to provide data on fission product migration and retention in the NGNP reactor, the design of this experiment is significantly different from the first two experiments, though the control and monitoring systems are extremely similar. The design of the experiment will be discussed followed by its progress and status to date.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
X Chromosome Inactivation Is Mediated by Xist RNA Stabilization

Low level Xist expression can be detected from both active X chromosomes (Xa) in female embryonic stem cells prior to X inactivation. After differentiation, Xist is expressed at high levels only from the inactive X chromosome (Xi). Differentiating female cells increase Xist expression from the Xi prior to silencing low level Xist expression from the Xa. The transition from low level to high level expression is regulated by the stabilization of Xist transcripts at the Xi. We suggest that these developmentally modulated changes in Xist expression are regulated by several different mechanisms: factors that stabilize Xist transcripts at the Xi, an activity that blocks this stabilization at the Xa, and a mechanism that silences low level Xist expression from the Xa.
The safety and efficacy of high‐dose proton beam radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase 2 prospective trial

BACKGROUND: Proton beam therapy (PBT) may provide useful local-regional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PBT for HCC. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis who had radiological features or biopsy-proven HCC were included in the study. Patients without cirrhosis and patients with extrahepatic metastasis were excluded. The mean age was 62.7 years. The mean tumor size was 5.5 cm. Eleven patients had multiple tumors, and 46% were within the Milan criteria. Patients received 63 Gy delivered over a 3-week period with PBT. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were treated and followed prospectively for treatment outcomes at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Acute toxicity was minimal; all patients completed the full course of treatment. Radiation-induced liver disease was evaluated using liver enzyme, bilirubin, and albumin levels; no significant change supervened 6 months posttreatment. Median progression-free survival for the entire group was 36 months, with a 60% 3-year progression-free survival rate for patients within the Milan criteria. Eighteen patients subsequently underwent liver transplantation; 6 (33%) explants showed pathological complete response and 7 (39%) showed only microscopic residual. CONCLUSIONS: PBT was found to be a safe and effective local-regional therapy for inoperable HCC. A randomized controlled trial to compare its efficacy to a standard therapy has been initiated. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Human protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-4γ is encoded by a single gene (EIF4G) that maps to chromosome 3q27—qter

Messenger RNA binding to the ribosome, the rate-limiting step in eukaryotic protein synthesis, is catalyzed by the eIF-4 group of initiation factors. These factors collectively bind to the m{sup 7}GTP-containing cap of mRNA and unwind mRNA secondary structure at the expense of ATP. One member of the group, eIF-4{gamma}, is the target for proteolytic cleavage during picornavirus infection, an event that is thought to be responsible for the inhibition of host cellular mRNA translation. Human eIF-4{gamma} migrates as a cluster of polypeptides in the range of 200-220 kDa during SDS-PAGE, raising the possibility that it is a family of proteins encoded by separate genes. In this study, we present genomic Southern blotting results which indicate that there is only a single gene, here designated EIF4G. Furthermore, we have employed a PCR approach to map EIF4G to chromosome 3q27-qter. 19 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
The prevalence and prognostic significance of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in severe acute hepatitis with ascites

The prevalence and prognostic significance of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were prospectively studied in a series of 82 acute hepatitis patients decompensated with ascites. The in-hospital prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was 31.7% (26 of 82 patients). Twenty cases were culture positive, including one with multiple isolates, and six cases were culture negative. E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common pathogens, accounting for 71.4% (15 of 21) of the total isolates, whereas only 9.5% were gram-positive organisms. No significant difference in the age, sex, cause of acute hepatitis, liver biochemistry, prothrombin time and ascites fluid concentration of total protein was noted between patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and those without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, except that bacteremia was recognized significantly more frequently in the former (57.7% or 15 of 26 patients) than in the latter (25.0% or 14 of 56 patients, p 0.01). Among patients without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, the prevalence of kidney failure and gastrointestinal hemorrhage and the mortality rate in patients with bacteremia (57.1%, 64.3% and 71.4%, respectively) were significantly higher than in those without bacteremia (21.4%, 19.0% and 28.6%, respectively; p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, 31.7% of severe acute hepatitis patients with ascites were recognized as having spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; the other 17.1% had bacteremia. Patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacteremia or both had high morbidity and mortality rates. Whether prophylactic antimicrobial therapy might be justified in patients with severe acute hepatitis awaits further study. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;15:799–803).
Densities for some real quadratic fields with infinite Hilbert 2-class field towers

Abstract Let K be a real quadratic field with 2-class rank equal to 4 or 5 and 4-class rank equal to 3. This paper computes density information for such fields to have infinite Hilbert 2-class field towers.
Relation between metallicity and multiplicity for solar type stars

IT has been suggested that the ratio of heavy elements to hydrogen (metallicity) in a contracting interstellar cloud might affect the process of star formation. There is now statistical evidence for solar type stars that the metallicity of a forming stellar system is correlated with the multiplicity of the resultant system and may actually determine whether the system will be multiple or single.
Dual isotope test for assessing β-carotene cleavage to vitamin A in humans

Background: The ability of β-carotene to deliver bioactive retinoids to tissues is highly variable. A clearer understanding of the environmental and genetic factors that modulate the vitamin A potential of β-carotene is needed. Aim of study: Assess the vitamin A value of orally administered β-carotene relative to a co-administered reference dose of preformed vitamin A. Methods: Equimolar doses (30 μmol) of hexadeuterated D6β-carotene and D6 retinyl acetate were orally co-administered in an emulsified formulation to a male subject. The plasma concentration time courses of D6 retinol (derived from D6 retinyl acetate) and bioderived D3 retinol (from D6β-carotene) were determined for 554 h postdosing using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Intact D6β-carotene plasma concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The ratio of the two forms of vitamin A, D6 retinol/D3 retinol, at any single time point is postulated to reflect the quantity of vitamin A derived from β-carotene relative to preformed vitamin A. Additionally, a minute amount of 14C β-carotene (50 nCi; 0.27 μg) was included in the oral dose and cumulative 24-h stool and urine samples were collected for two weeks to follow absorption and excretion of the b-carotene. The 14C nuclide was detected using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Results During the absorption/distribution phase (3–11 h) the D6/D3 ratio of the two retinols was not stable and ranged between a value of 3 and 16. Between 11 and 98 h postdosing the ratio was relatively stable with a mean value of 8.5 (95 % CI: 7.5, 8.7). These data suggest that in this subject and under these conditions, 8.5 moles of β-carotene would provide a vitamin A quantity equivalent to 1 mole of preformed vitamin A. On a mass basis, 15.9 μg of β-carotene was equivalent to 1 μg of retinol. The total administered β-carotene was found to be 55 % absorbed by AMS analysis of cumulative stool. Conclusion: The co-administration of D6β-carotene and D6 retinyl acetate provides a technique for assessing individual ability to process β-carotene to vitamin A. The results indicate that a single time point taken between 11–98 h after dose administration may provide a reliable value for the relative ratio of the two forms of vitamin A. However, results from more subjects are needed to assess the general utility of this method.
Multi-Volume CAD Modeling for Heterogeneous Object Design and Fabrication

The current computer-aided technologies in design and product development, the evolution of CAD modeling, and a framework of multi-volume CAD modeling system for heterogeneous object design and fabrication are presented in this paper. The multi-volume CAD modeling system is presented based on nonmanifold topological elements. Material identifications are defined as design attributes introduced along with geometric and topological information at the design stage. Extended Euler operation and reasoning Boolean operations for merging and extraction are executed according to the associated material identifications in the developed multi-volume modeling system for heterogeneous object. An application example and a pseudo-processing algorithm for prototyping of heterogeneous structure through solid free-form fabrication are also described.
Effective programmes in reading and mathematics: lessons from the Best Evidence Encyclopaedia 1

This article summarises findings from systematic reviews of research on primary and secondary mathematics, primary and secondary reading, and programmes for struggling readers. All reviews used a common set of procedures, requiring comparisons with control groups and duration of at least 12 weeks. Across hundreds of qualifying studies, a clear pattern emerged. Programmes providing extensive professional development in well-structured methods such as cooperative learning and teaching of metacognitive skills produce much more positive effect sizes than those evaluating either curricular reforms or computer-assisted instruction.
"Yesterday's Military Show": An Uncollected Piece of Whitman Journalism

Reprints and analyzes a recently rediscovered Whitman article from the Washington, D.C., Daily Morning Chronicle (1871) about a parade marking the anniversary of the Battle of North Point, Maryland, in the War of 1812.
Economics of science: survey and suggestions

The literature of an economics of science exists in a dismal no-(wo)man's-land located somewhere between economics, history, philosophy, policy, sociology and science. Perhaps it would have continued in this tenuous quasi-existence indefinitely, were it not for a series of trends that now seem to be encouraging the institution of a subfield within the profession of economics devoted to the topic. However, many of the economists who have begun to proclaim the existence of the new subfield have generally done so by starting from scratch, striving to think through the relevant problem settings and proposed solutions with little attention paid to the alternative communities mentioned above, building ‘models’ of science generally unrecognizable to those outside of mainstream economics. The goal of this paper is to provide the requisite materials for advancing the emerging field of economics of science by discussing the various approaches in a systematic, comparative and integrative manner.
Do formula-based intergovernmental transfer mechanisms eliminate politically motivated targeting? Evidence from Ghana

Abstract Various countries have adopted formulas for determining intergovernmental transfers as a strategy to limit the role of political considerations in resource allocation. In this paper, we investigate a formula-based system of allocating resources from a central government to local governments to determine whether the political characteristics of recipient areas have any bearing on their allocation. Specifically, we study the sharing of resources of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in Ghana amongst the country's district governments over the period 1994 to 2005. We find evidence that the mechanism does not eliminate politically motivated targeting of the grants. Per capita DACF grants were higher in districts where vote margins in the previous presidential election were lower, suggesting that swing districts were targeted. We find evidence that DACF formula indicators and their weighting were chosen and amended to produce politically desired patterns of transfers.
Excess wing and high frequency dynamics in plastic crystals

Abstract Results from broadband dielectric spectroscopy on plastic crystals are summarized with special emphasis on cyclo-octanol. Further experimental evidence is provided that the apparent excess wing suspected to be present in this material is due to secondary relaxations. In the loss spectra obtained for three other plastic crystals the excess wing is absent. The scaling procedure, demonstrated to collapse dielectric spectra of structural glass formers onto one master curve, does not work for plastic crystals.
Activation of G-proteins in brain by endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids

The biological response to cannabinoid agonist begins when the agonist-bound receptor activates G-protein Gα subunits, thus initiating a cascade of signal transduction pathways. For this reason, information about cannabinoid receptors/G-protein coupling is critical to understand both the acute and chronic actions of cannabinoids. This review focuses on these mechanisms, predominantly examining the ability of cannabinoid agonists to activate G-proteins in brain with agonist-stimulated [35S]guanylyl-5′-O-(γ-thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding. Acute efficacies of cannabinoid agonists at the level of G-protein activation depend not only on the ability of the agonist to induce a high affinity state in Gα for GTP, but also to induce a low affinity for GDP. When several agonists are compared, it is clear that cannabinoid agonists differ considerably in their efficacy. Both WIN 55212-2 and levonantradol are full agonists, while Δ9 is a weak partial agonist. Of interest, anandamide and its stable analog methanand amide are partial agonists. Chronic treatment in vivo with cannabinoids produces significant tolerance to the physiological and behavioral effects of these drugs, and several studies have shown that this is accompanied by a significant loss in the ability of cannabinoid receptors to couple to G-proteins in brain. These effects vary across different brain regions and are usually (but not always) accompanied by loss of cannabinoid receptor binding. Although the relationship between cannabinoid receptor desensitization and tolerance has not yet been established, these mechanisms may represent events that lead to a loss of cannabinoid agonist response and development of tolerance.
Genetic Disruption of Fra-1 Decreases Susceptibility to Endotoxin-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Mortality in Mice

The activator protein–1 (AP-1) transcription factor, comprising Jun and Fos family proteins, distinctly regulates various cellular processes, including those involved in inflammation. FOS like antigen 1 (Fra-1), a member of the Fos family, dimerizes with members of the Jun family and regulates gene expression in a context-dependent manner. Although respiratory toxicants are known to stimulate the expression of Fra-1 in the lung, whether Fra-1 promotes or decreases susceptibility to the development and progression of toxicant-induced lung disease in vivo is not well established. To determine the role of Fra-1 in LPS-induced acute lung injury and mortality, we administered LPS either intraperitoneally or intratracheally to Fra-1–sufficient (Fra-1+/+) and Fra-1–deficient (Fra-1Δ/Δ) mice. LPS-induced mortality, lung injury, inflammation, cytokine measurements, and AP-1 and NF-κB activities were then assessed in these mice. Fra-1Δ/Δ mice showed a greater resistance to LPS-induced mortality than did their Fra-1...
Formation of AraC-DNA sandwiches

Abstract With the use of special DNA binding sites, but not the natural aral binding site, the dimeric AraC protein can be forced to make sandwich structures in which two DNA molecules are joined by two AraC protein dimers. Apparently one subunit from each dimer contacts each DNA molecule in an extended structure. These sandwich structures form only in the absence of arabinose. This behavior is consistent with the protein's ability to form DNA loops by binding to separated half sites in the absence of arabinose and its preference for binding to adjacent half-sites in the presence of arabinose.
Axial rotation component of thoracic scoliosis

The axial rotation (rotation about a vertical axis) of the vertebrae, of the ribs, and of the back surface are components of the deformity recognized clinically as the "rib hump" in thoracic scoliosis. Relationships of these rotations to the lateral deviation and lateral curvature of the spine were studied in 40 patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Stereoradiographs of the spine and rib cage were used to measure three components of axial rotation: rotation of the vertebrae, of the rib cage, and of the plane of maximum curvature of the spine. Stereotopographs of the back surface were digitized to measure the axial rotation of the back surface. In individual patients, there were high correlations of all components of axial rotation at each spinal level with the corresponding vertebral lateral deviation from the spinal axis. By regression analyses of the maximum values of each rotation in each curve, the rotation of the apex vertebra was found to be generally of lesser magnitude than the rotation of the plane of maximum curvature of the spine and in an opposite sense in kyphotic curves. The rib cage rotation was generally of lesser magnitude than the vertebra rotation, and the back surface rotation was less than both of these skeletal rotations. Vertebra rotation correlated most closely with lateral deviation of the spine. Simple segmental coupling of axial rotation and lateral bending could not be responsible for this axial rotation.
Surgical management of abdominal and retroperitoneal Castleman's disease

Background Abdominal and retroperitoneal Castleman's disease could present either as a localized disease or as a systemic disease. Castleman's disease is a lymphoid hyperplasia related to human Herpes virus type 8, which could have an aggressive behavior, similar to that of malignant lymphoid neoplasm mainly with the systemic type, or a benign one in its localized form.
Effects of microwave and mobile-telephone exposure on memory processes

Three behavioral tests are described using rats to examine changes associated with learning and memory tasks, following microwave exposure. Working or short-term memory was measured via object discrimination, spatial memory was assessed using a radial-arm maze with food rewards, and spatial-reference learning and memory were measured using a circular water maze. The results indicate significant SAR-dependent decreases in object discrimination, significant variation with a spatial-learning and working-memory task in the radial-arm maze for two species of animals, and significant microwave-related impairments in spatial reference memory in a circular water maze at 1.2 W/kg. Deficits in the object-discrimination task were seen at 1 W/kg but not at 0.1 W/kg, both with no measurable microwave hyperthermia. Likewise, the behavioral measures of spatial memory also indicate a SAR-related response: no impairment at 0.05 W/kg but impairment at 0.6 W/kg.
The Effects of Substrate on the Contact Resistance of Tarnish Films

Studies were made of the contact resistance of Ag2S films on pure silver, and on gold-silver and palladium-silver alloys. Although relatively thick films of Ag2S on silver gave low contact resistance, equivalent film thicknesses on other substrates gave contact resistance values that were orders of magnitude higher. These results were attributed to mechanical rather than electrical-property differences of either the films, the substrates, or an interaction of both. Data clearly indicate that the "desirable" properties of silver sulfide are unique only to films on pure silver.
Austerity and fraud under different structures of technology and resource abundance

We present the implications of a simple analytical theory in which economic crisis emerges from rising real resource costs in systems with high fixed costs relative to variable costs. We show the integral role played by financial fraud in this process, and explain the effects of austerity and stimulus policies in the face of crisis under differing combinations of fixed and variable costs.
Antibodies against the extracellular enveloped virus B5R protein are mainly responsible for the EEV neutralizing capacity of vaccinia immune globulin

In the event of smallpox bioterrorism, widespread vaccination may be required. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) has been used to treat complications from the smallpox vaccine. While the potency of VIG was defined by its ability to neutralize intracellular mature virus, a second form of vaccinia called the extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) is critical for virus spread in the host. The B5R-protein is one of many EEV-specific proteins. Immunoprecipitation and ELISA revealed that VIG recognizes the B5R-protein. An EEV plaque-reduction assay using a recombinant vaccinia that lacks the majority of the extracellular domain of B5R showed that the ability of VIG to neutralize EEV is principally directed at B5R. In addition, absorbing out the anti-B5R antibody present in VIG through the addition of recombinant B5R protein abrogated VIG's ability to significantly neutralize wild-type EEV. This work demonstrates the prominent role of B5R as a target of EEV-neutralizing activity of human antibodies.
The skin microbiome: potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cutaneous disease

A vast diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and arthropods, colonize the human skin. Culture-independent genomic approaches for identifying and characterizing microbial communities have provided glimpses into the topographical, temporal, and interpersonal complexity that defines the skin microbiome. Identification of changes associated with cutaneous disease, including acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis, are being established. In this review, our current knowledge of the skin microbiome in health and disease is discussed, with particular attention to potential opportunities to leverage the skin microbiome as a diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic tool.
Considerations for developing interfaces for collecting patient-reported outcomes that allow the inclusion of individuals with disabilities

PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System) is developing a set of tools for collecting patient reported outcomes, including computerized adaptive testing that can be administered using different modes, such as computers or phones. The user interfaces for these tools will be designed using the principles of universal design to ensure that it is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We review the rationale for making health assessment instruments accessible to users with disabilities, briefly review the standards and guidelines that exist to support developers in the creation of user interfaces with accessibility in mind, and describe the usability and accessibility testing PROMIS will conduct with content experts and users with and without disabilities. Finally, we discuss threats to validity and reliability presented by universal design principles. We argue that the social and practical benefits of interfaces designed to include a broad range of potential users, including those with disabilities, seem to outweigh the need for standardization. Suggestions for future research are also included.
Upregulation of osteopontin expression is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in a dietary murine model

The pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is poorly defined. Feeding mice a diet deficient in methionine and choline (MCD diet) induces experimental NASH. Osteopontin (OPN) is a Th1 c...
Determination of selective stimulus control by part of a compound S

Eight White King pigeons were trained to peck at each of four stimuli presented alone: white vertical line, white horizontal line, red background, green background. Then each pigeon was given 10 sessions of single stimulus discrimination training and 5 sessions of compound stimulus discrimination training with these stimuli; four pigeons received single stimulus training first and four received compound stimulus training first. Vertical line and green background were always SD components, and horizontal line and red background were always SsD components. In generalization tests, when all four stimuli were again presented alone, nonresponding was selectively controlled by the single stimulus discrimination training, SsD, regardless of training sequence.
Emerging therapies for melanoma

Substantial progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma at the cellular level, leading to the development of several new agents in the treatment of melanoma. The focus of this review is to summarize the emerging therapies and investigational agents in the treatment of melanoma over the last 5 years.