cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Masking effectiveness of disks varying in duration and in number of internal segments

When used as target stimuli, disks become both less detectable and less susceptible to backward masking with an increase in the number of black and white pie-shaped segments of which they are composed. The present study investigated the effectiveness of such stimuli in masking letter targets. Four values of number of mask segments (4, 8, 12, 16) and four mask durations (5, 10, 15, 20 msec) were employed in a backward masking paradigm. The data (in the form of percent correct letter identification) revealed significant effects of both variables and no interaction between them. Masking effectiveness increased both with increasing duration and increasing number of mask segments. The results refute an hypothesis based on the characterization of short-duration, multisegmented disks as “weak figures” and support either of two alternate hypotheses, one that refers to “self-generated inhibition” and the other to “contour confusion.”
Evolutionarily Divergent, Unstable Filamentous Actin Is Essential for Gliding Motility in Apicomplexan Parasites

Apicomplexan parasites rely on a novel form of actin-based motility called gliding, which depends on parasite actin polymerization, to migrate through their hosts and invade cells. However, parasite actins are divergent both in sequence and function and only form short, unstable filaments in contrast to the stability of conventional actin filaments. The molecular basis for parasite actin filament instability and its relationship to gliding motility remain unresolved. We demonstrate that recombinant Toxoplasma (TgACTI) and Plasmodium (PfACTI and PfACTII) actins polymerized into very short filaments in vitro but were induced to form long, stable filaments by addition of equimolar levels of phalloidin. Parasite actins contain a conserved phalloidin-binding site as determined by molecular modeling and computational docking, yet vary in several residues that are predicted to impact filament stability. In particular, two residues were identified that form intermolecular contacts between different protomers in conventional actin filaments and these residues showed non-conservative differences in apicomplexan parasites. Substitution of divergent residues found in TgACTI with those from mammalian actin resulted in formation of longer, more stable filaments in vitro. Expression of these stabilized actins in T. gondii increased sensitivity to the actin-stabilizing compound jasplakinolide and disrupted normal gliding motility in the absence of treatment. These results identify the molecular basis for short, dynamic filaments in apicomplexan parasites and demonstrate that inherent instability of parasite actin filaments is a critical adaptation for gliding motility.
The Liver Speaks Up in the Sugar Debate

The dramatically rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity has coincided with an equally dramatic rise in the consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages. Is there a connection? Although fructose has been shown to cause abnormal metabolic responses, many of these results have been obtained with concentrations of fructose higher than those usually consumed. Hochuli e t al. provide interesting data for consideration in this debate. These authors identify deleterious effects of fructose on the physiological function of the liver in young healthy males, even when only low or moderate amounts are consumed. Hochuli et al. recruited young normal-weight males and determined their responses to fructose, sucrose, and glucose. The subjects drank one of several sugar-sweetened beverages with their meals in the trial: a medium-fructose beverage (equivalent to a 12-oz U.S. soda), a high-fructose beverage (24-oz U.S. soda), a high-sucrose beverage, (12-oz U.S. soda), or a high-glucose beverage (same calories as a 24-oz U.S. soda without fructose). As a surrogate measure of liver function during lipid metabolism, the authors determined the effects of each beverage on de novo lipogenesis. Both high- and medium-fructose–sweetened beverages clearly increased fatty acid synthesis more than did the sucrose- or glucose-containing drinks. This study strengthens the link between fructose consumption and the current increase in cardiometabolic dysfunction. Although small in size, it had a robust crossover design that provided adequate statistical power to detect alterations in metabolism. The liver now serves as an active battleground in the debate whether sugars in beverages are influencing the rising trends of cardiometabolic disorders. M. Hochuli et al. , Sugar-sweetened beverages with moderate amounts of fructose, but not sucrose, induce fatty acid synthesis in healthy young men: A randomized crossover study, J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab . 10.1210/jc.2013-3856 (2014). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jc.2013-3856?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed&
Gene identification and evidence for expression of G protein α subunits, phospholipase C, and an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in Aplysia californica rhinophore

In the marine mollusk Aplysia californica, waterborne protein pheromones that are released during egg laying act in concert to stimulate mate attraction. However, molecular information concerning the cellular receptors and signaling mechanisms that may be involved in waterborne peptide and protein pheromonal communication is lacking. As a first step toward examining whether members of the G protein family and phosphoinositide signaling pathway are present in the primary peripheral chemosensory organs (i.e., rhinophores), we isolated five full-length cDNA clones from an A. californica central nervous system cDNA library. These clones encoded (1) the G protein α subunits of the Gq, Gi, and Go families, (2) a protein with homology to phospholipase C (PLC) isoforms, and (3) an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). The expression of these genes was examined using laser capture microdissection/reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. All of them are expressed in the rhinophore sensory epithelium, suggesting that Gαq, Gαi, Gαo, PLC-like protein, and IP3R may be involved in waterborne protein pheromone detection in Aplysia—possibly via a phosphoinositide signaling mechanism.
IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES WITH THE VIRUS OF INFLUENZA.

Following infection with the virus of influenza, both ferrets and mice develop a state of active immunity to reinfection. The serum of these animals contains neutralizing antibodies, as evidenced by the capacity of the serum to confer passive protection to mice against infection with the P.R.8 and Phila. strains of the virus of human influenza. Rabbits which are apparently insusceptible to infection with the virus of influenza produce specific antibodies in response to repeated injection of virus-containing material. The serum of immunized rabbits affords passive protection to mice against mouse-virulent virus. Although the subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection of the living virus does not produce infection in mice, animals so treated acquire active immunity against subsequent infection by the intranasal route. Neutralization tests with the serum of patients before and after recovery from influenza, pneumonia and the common cold indicate that neutralizing antibodies arise as a specific response to infection with the virus of influenza. The immunological identity of strains of influenza virus recovered from human sources has been established, and the possible existence of strains of related, but not identical, antigenic structure is discussed.
Macrophage-restricted and Interferon γ-inducible Expression of the Allograft Inflammatory Factor-1 Gene Requires Pu.1

Expression of allograft inflammatory factor-1 (Aif-1), a 17-kDa protein bearing an EF-hand Ca2+ binding motif, increases markedly in monocytes and macrophages participating in allo- and autoimmune reactions, including the perivascular inflammation in transplanted hearts, microglial infiltrates in experimental autoimmune neuritis, and the inflamed pancreas of prediabetic BB rats. To investigate the mechanism of this regulation, we isolated the mouse aif-1 gene and determined its genomic organization. The gene has six exons distributed over 1.6 kilobases, an interferon γ-inducible DNase I-hypersensitive site near −900, and flanking sequences on either side predicted to associate with nuclear matrix. Reporter gene analyses identified sequences between −902 and −789, including consensus Ets and interferon regulatory factor elements, required for macrophage-specific and interferon γ-inducible transcriptional activity. Pu.1 bound to the Ets site in electromobility shift assay and forced expression of Pu.1 activated the aif-1 promoter in 3T3 fibroblasts, in which it is normally inactive. However, the transcriptional activity of a concatamer of the Ets site alone did not increase with interferon γ treatment. Cooperation between Pu.1 and proteins binding to the interferon regulatory factor element appears to be necessary for both macrophage-specific and interferon γ-inducible expression of theaif-1 gene.
Protecting your brand against the heartbreak of genericide

Abstract Most brands, or trademarks, have considerable value, sometimes in the billions of dollars. Trademarks protect entrepreneurial success and help prevent confusion among consumers. Trademarks can be lost through a process known as ‘genericide.’ Genericide occurs when the trademark holder does not closely monitor unauthorized use of the brand. The holder then loses the right to the exclusive use of the trademark. More often than not, financial disaster ensues. Ironically, the trademarked goods and services most at risk of genericide are those with the greatest popularity and market share. Fortunately, however, many weapons exist to prevent genericide, including selecting a distinctive, non-generic name when introducing the product; monitoring employees’ and advertisers’ use of the trademark; keeping track of how competitors and others use the trademark; and thinking carefully before licensing the trademark. Trademark holders should assign the highest priority to monitoring intentional and negligent actions by in-house employees, competitors, and third parties to prevent the heartbreak and devastating consequences of genericide.
Religious Attitude and Happiness Among Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract Twenty-seven couples of children with developmental disabilities participated in the investigation of the relationship between religious attitude, measured by the Religious Orientation Scale and happiness, measured by the Depression-Happiness Scale. There were no significant differences between mothers and fathers in their levels of happiness or religious attitude. For both fathers and mothers, being motivated by intrinsic religious beliefs was associated with greater levels of happiness. Fathers who reported having an extrinsic religious orientation were less happy. However, the same was not true for mothers. Possible explanations of the above findings, clinical and social implications, limitations of the current study, and suggestions for the future studies are discussed.
Self-Erecting Space Antennas

A self-erecting technique for erectable space-vehicle antennas is proposed. Working models of Yagi disk antennas utilizing this new principle are described.
A Quantitative Description of the Binding Equilibria of para-Substituted Aniline Ligands and CdSe Quantum Dots

This paper describes the use of 1H NMR spectroscopy to measure the equilibrium constants for the solution-phase binding of two para-substituted aniline molecules (R-An), p-methoxyaniline (MeO-An) and p-bromoaniline (Br-An), to colloidal 4.1 nm CdSe quantum dots (QDs). Changes in the chemical shifts of the aromatic protons located ortho to the amine group on R-An were used to construct a binding isotherm for each R-An/QD system. These isotherms fit to a Langmuir function to yield Ka, the equilibrium constant for binding of the R-An ligands to the QDs; Ka ≈ 150 M−1 and ΔGads ≈ −19 kJ/mol for both R = MeO and R = Br. 31P NMR indicates that the native octylphosphonate ligands, which, by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, cover 90% of the QD surface, are not displaced upon binding of R-An. The MeO-An ligand quenches the photoluminescence of the QDs at much lower concentrations than does Br-An; the observation, therefore, that Ka,MeO-An ≈ Ka,Br-An shows that this difference in quenching ef...
Stimuli-responsive amphiphilic (co)polymers via RAFT polymerization

Abstract Over the last decade reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has become a powerful technique for the preparation of well-defined copolymer architectures. Specifically, water-soluble, stimuli-responsive block, graft, and star copolymers have become especially significant in targeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In many cases RAFT polymerization is carried out directly in water at ambient temperature without the need for protecting group chemistry. Incorporation of functional monomers and selection of appropriate chain transfer agents (CTAs) allows facile, post-polymerization transformations of structopendant or structoterminal groups. This review focuses specifically on advances in the synthesis of (co)polymers from water-soluble monomers yielding stimuli-responsive systems. Additionally, we focus on recent reports of assembly into micelles and polymersomes induced by external stimuli including temperature, pH, and ionic strength. Reversible cross-linking methods to “lock” such assembled morphologies are addressed as well as potential applications in nanomedicine.
Women and somatization: unrecognized depression.

Depression is the mental health disorder most commonly seen in the primary health care setting. Estimates of the prevalence of people who are depressed but are seeking treatment for physical disorders in the primary care setting range from 12% to 55% of total patients. We conducted a study to determine the number of women with high depressive symptoms who were seeking treatment for physical disorders and compared this group with women with no depressive symptoms who were also seeking physical health care. The women with high depressive symptoms (n = 122) and the women with no depressive symptoms (n = 115) were similar in age, economic status, occupation status, and lifestyle. The depressed women reported significantly more physical complaints, increased disability, increased functional limitations, and increased use of health care services than did the nondepressed women. They disclosed a variety of physical complaints in all organ systems, had had more life events, and had a diminished belief in their ab...
RF MEMS Switch Heat Dissipation in Discrete and Wafer-Level MEMS Packages

In discrete RF (Radio Frequency) MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) packages, MEMS devices were fabricated on Silicon or GaAs (Galium Arsenide) chips. The chips were then attached to substrates with die attach materials. In wafer-level MEMS packages, the switches were manufactured directly on substrates. For both types of packages, when the switches close, a contact resistance of approximately 1 Ohm exists at the contact area. As a result, during switch operations, a considerable amount of heat is generated in the minuscule contact area. The power density at the contact area could be up to 1000 times higher than that of typical power amplifiers. The high power density may overheat the contact area, therefore affect switch performance and jeopardize long-term switch reliabilities. In this paper, thermal analysis was performed to study the heat dissipation at the switch contact area. The goal is to control the “hot spots” and lower the maximum junction temperature at the contact area. A variety of chip materials, including Silicon, GaAs have been evaluated for the discrete packages. For each chip material, the effect of die attach materials was considered. For the wafer-level packages, various substrate materials, such as ceramic, glass, and LTCC (Low-Temperature Cofire Ceramic) were studied. Thermal experiments were conducted to measure the temperature at the contact area and its vicinity as a function of DC and RF powers. Several solutions in material selection and package configurations were explored to enable the use of MEMS with chips or substrates with relatively poor thermal conductivity.© 2002 ASME
Cognitive Deficits in Chronic Alcoholics

The degree of cognitive deficit in chronic alcoholic males at onset of inpatient treatment and degree of recovery at discharge, plus a possible relationship between the latter and post-hospital drinking behaviors were assessed. 330 patients were classified as abstaining, improved, unimproved, or unclassified on the basis of their drinking behaviors during the first 3 mo. following discharge. The Hooper Visual Organization Test and the Shipley-Hartford were administered at admission and discharge as measures of cognitive impairment. All four groups showed significant improvement on the Hooper as well as on their Shipley Conceptual Quotient scores at discharge, but only the abstainers showed a significant gain in vocabulary scores. The results suggest a cognitive deficit consistent with mild organicity.
Oxygen consumption of the larvae of the lobster Panulirus interruptus (Randall) and the crab Cancer productus Randall.

Abstract 1. 1. The oxygen consumption of the early larvae of the California spiny lobster Panulirus interruptus (Randall) and the red crab Cancer productus Randall was determined at different oxygen tensions and temperatures. 2. 2. From ambient to less than 0·5 mg O2/l. the oxygen uptake of these larvae is dependent upon the available oxygen. 3. 3. Respiratory rates of larvae acclimated to 12·5, 17·4 and 24·6°C were determined at the acclimation temperatures. 4. 4. A substantial temperature effect was indicated for the lobster larvae. A lesser temperature effect was observed for the crab larvae.
Combined approach of NMR and chemometrics for screening peptones used in the cell culture medium for the production of a recombinant therapeutic protein

ABSTRACT: Soy peptones or soy hydrolysates are widelyused as key medium additives in serum-free cell cultureprocesses for industrial production of therapeutic recom-binant proteins. The heterogeneous nature of thesevegetable-derived materials can lead to substantial lot-to-lot variability in cell culture processes. In this study,we demonstrated the feasibility of nuclear magneticresonance (NMR) spectroscopy in combination withchemometrics in rapid screening peptone lots in order tooptimize efﬁciency and consistency of large-scale proteinproduction. This report is the ﬁrst that shows a correlationbetween the intrinsic NMR spectral characteristics ofcomplex heterogeneous materials and product titer usingchemometrics.Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 1654–1659. 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.KEYWORDS: peptone; cell culture medium; NMR; chemo-metrics Introduction Traditionally,cellculturemediahavebeensupplementedbythe addition of serum or serum-derived components. In thebiopharmaceutical industry, concerns over transmissiblespongiformencephalopathies(TSEs)andotheradventitiousagents from using animal-derived components haveprompted the elimination of animal-derived componentsandimplementationofnewsupplements(Heidemannetal.,2000;Keenanetal.,2006;Xieetal.,1997;Zhangetal.,1994).Soy peptonesassubstitutes forserum have been successfullyused in cell culture medium formulation for over 30 years(Cote, 1999; Taylor et al., 1972).Soy peptones are usually produced by controlledenzymatic hydrolysis of soybean meal. These raw materialsare heterogeneous with respect to molecular size andchemical diversity. Because soy peptones are proteinhydrolysates of undeﬁned raw materials, their compositionsvary from lot-to-lot. The variability among differentpeptone lots may be attributed to any number offactors impacting the soybean crop, such as geographiclocation, harvest and storage conditions and manufacturingprocedure.Asaresult,cellcultureperformancecanvarydueto the lot-to-lot variability inherently associated with theseill-deﬁnedcomponents.Extensive‘‘usetesting’’ofmanylotsis required to select the few promising lots that supportdesired cell culture performance in large-scale manufactur-ing of recombinant proteins. In this article, we describe ourdevelopment of a rapid peptone screening method usingNMR spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics.
Cloning and transcription factor-binding sites of the human c-rel proto-oncogene promoter

Abstract We report here the cloning, sequencing, functional analysis and DNase I footprinting of the human c-rel promoter region. The results revealed an 824-bp BsaAI-StuI minimal promoter region with a large number of NF-κB, Ap2 and Spl-binding sites, some of them variants of known consensus sequences. This is the first promoter in the Rel/NF-κB/IκB family to be subjected to a detailed footprinting analysis for the binding of transcription activator proteins. Our finding of 14 Ap2-binding sites may indicate why the human c-rel promoter, unlike the chicken c-rel promoter, has a strong function and is highly responsive to phorbol esters. The presence of five NF-κB and six Spl-binding sites in turn adds to growing evidence that, in mammals, the promoter of the Rel/NF-κB/IκB family may utilize multiple NF-κB- and Spl-binding sites for their interactive regulation. Furthermore, there are putative binding sites for the PU.1 and Oct 1 2 transcription activator proteins, also present in the mouse c-rel promoter, which may help explain the preferential transcription of the c-rel gene in B- and T-lymphoid cells.
The feasibility of oyster raft culture in east coast estuaries

Abstract Styrofoam-floated oyster rafts were used to study the feasibility of raft culture in typical American east coast estuaries. Rafts were placed in Delaware Bay and several tidal tributaries in the state of Delaware. Four types of cultch were tested for resistance to the environment and utilization by setting spat. Hatchery-spawned oysters were reared on rafts and their growth and mortality were monitored. A special raft with moveable trays was designed to study the effectiveness of air drying in controlling fouling. Rafts withstood the environmental conditions in small tidal rivers but were severely damaged by waves in Delaware Bay. Although spat set was too low for commercial purposes in the rivers, sets approaching commercial density were obtained in the bay by putting bundles of strings on the oyster beds during setting. Oysters grown on rafts reached market size in approximately 2 years in two of the rivers: slower growth was noted in the other rivers. It was shown that fouling could be controlled effectively by air drying for 4 h each week. An economic analysis of raft culture for this area was conducted at the conclusion of the study, which showed that relatively high prices would be necessary to maintain a raft-based industry at this time.
Amyloid β1–42 oligomer inhibits myelin sheet formation in vitro

Accumulating evidence indicates that white matter degeneration contributes to the neural disconnections that underlie Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. Although this white matter degeneration is partly attributable to axonopathy associated with neuronal degeneration, amyloid β (Aβ) protein-mediated damage to oligodendrocytes could be another mechanism. To test this hypothesis, we studied effects of soluble Aβ in oligomeric form on survival and differentiation of cells of the oligodendroglial lineage using highly purified oligodendroglial cultures from rats at different developmental stages. Aβ oligomer at 10 μM or higher reduced survival of mature oligodendrocytes, whereas oligodendroglial progenitor cells (OPCs) were relatively resistant to the Aβ oligomer-mediated cytotoxicity. Further study revealed that Aβ oligomer even at 1 μM accelerated 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) formazan exocytosis in mature oligodendrocytes, and, more significantly, inhibited myelin sheet formation after induction of in vitro differentiation of OPCs. These results imply a novel pathogenetic mechanism underlying Aβ oligomer-mediated white matter degeneration, which could impair myelin maintenance and remyelination by adult OPCs, resulting in accumulating damage to myelinating axons thereby contributing to neural disconnections.
Unmasking Firms’ Political Ideological Associations

Contrary to prior scholarly suppositions that firms are pragmatic and therefore neutral when it comes to political ideology, we find that some firms (38% of Fortune 200) do consistently support one...
Progress in computer analysis of the exercise electrocardiogram

The potential advantages of digital computer processing of exercise electrocardiographic data include reduction of noise, compression of data, improved precision and application of optimal criteria. Most prior approaches to such processing required equipment that was both expensive and inconvenient. With the revolution in instrumentation brought about by the development of microcomputers, powerful dedicated computers can now be afforded by many exercise laboratories. There are many approaches to computerized management of exercise electrocardiographic data and various criteria for ischemia. Studies are necessary to validate computer algorithms so that these devices can be used diagnostically to best advantage. Cardiologists need some understanding of this field so that they can be discriminating users of computer systems. In addition, the results of studies correlating electrocardiographic changes with radionuclide methods of assessing myocardial perfusion and function should enable such assessments to be made from the electrocardiographic signals alone, particularly when aided by computer analysis of spatial shifts.
High-power optically pumped type-II QW lasers grown on GaAs compliant substrate

The first demonstration of an epi-down mounted type-II optically pumped (OP) mid-infrared (IR) laser grown on an InGaAs-GaAs bonded substrate is reported. The device consisted of 60 periods of InAs/InGaSb/InAs/AlSb quantum wells, and was mounted epi-side down on a Cu heat sink. The InGaAs-GaAs bonded substrate allowed the device to be pumped from the substrate side of the laser with a 980 nm diode laser array. The laser emitted at 4.6-micrometers at 80 K, and peak power output was 300-mW per (uncoated) facet for 10 microsecond(s) pulses, and 200-mW per facet for 500-microsecond(s) pulse duration, 500-Hz-repetition rate. For comparison, a low- filled-factor mid-IR OP laser grown on a GaSb substrate was also studied. This device ((lambda) equals 3.67 micrometers ) showed improved external quantum efficiency (approximately 26%) compared with previously type-II OP lasers, and high peak output power (> 0.45 W per facet 500-microsecond(s) pulse).
Horizontal vortex ring motion in linearly stratified media

Laminar vortex rings propagating horizontally in linearly stratified media were investigated in a water tank using the laser-induced fluorescence flow visualization technique. The vortex rings were observed to develop an asymmetry where the upper part of the ring became larger in the cross-sectional area than the lower part. The asymmetry was a result of the instability of the interface on the upper portion of the ring; the upper half of the vortex was heavier than its immediate surroundings, whereas the lower half was lighter. When the circulation-based internal Froude number was smaller than 1.3, the vortex rings retained their overall geometry and continually decreased in size by leaving significant amounts of dyed fluid behind in their wake. At Froude numbers greater than 3.2, the asymmetry was more pronounced, both in the relative position of the upper and lower cores as well as their sizes, and the overall vertical extent of the rings did not decrease until some time after the vortex formation. Thes...
Individual Differences in Working Memory Capacity and Temporal Discrimination

Temporal judgment in the milliseconds-to-seconds range depends on consistent attention to time and robust working memory representation. Individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC) predict a wide range of higher-order and lower-order cognitive abilities. In the present work we examined whether WMC would predict temporal discrimination. High-WMC individuals were more sensitive than low-WMC at discriminating the longer of two temporal intervals across a range of temporal differences. WMC-related individual differences in temporal discrimination were not eliminated by including a measure of fluid intelligence as a covariate. Results are discussed in terms of attention, working memory and other psychological constructs.
Perspectives on vascular biology and diabetes.

In the modern world in which we exist, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has become the major cause of death in patients with diabetes mellitus.1 Increasingly evident in patients with and without diabetes is the fact that the development and progression of the atherosclerotic plaque represents an interaction between systemic and local factors.2,3 Multiple cell types and mediators have been implicated, and therapeutic strategies have and will continue to be targeted at modification of factors involved in this complex interaction. Over the last several decades, clinical trials have demonstrated the importance of the reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) in favorably modifying the natural history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), specifically coronary artery disease. Yet, despite the benefit of reduction in LDL cholesterol on primary4–6 or recurrent7–9 events, or on the rate of progression of disease as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography,10–12 this favorable modification alone has only resulted in modest to moderate modifications in measured outcomes. In the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS),13 favorable changes in LDL cholesterol and the antiatherogenic HDL cholesterol accounted for 24% of the change in coronary stenosis. The large majority of the outcome effect was influenced by factors other than these classic predictors of ASCVD. More recent investigation into lipid and lipoprotein risk factors for ASCVD involves small dense LDL.14,15 Small dense LDLs are believed to be relatively more atherogenic than other risk factors, because they have greater access to the subendothelial space where they are more likely to be oxidized and taken …
Thyroid hormones are required for daily rhythms of plasma corticosterone and prolactin concentration

Abstract Daily patterns of plasma corticosterone (B) and prolactin (PRL) concentration were measured in female rats which were intact (INTACT), thyroidectomized (THYREX), or thyroidectomized and given thyroxine (T 4 ) replacement (THYREX + T 4 ) (20 μg T 4 /day). Bimodal daily rhythms of plasma B were present in INTACT rats and THYREX + T 4 rats. However, no plasma B rhythm was detectable in THYREX rats. THYREX + T 4 rats, which had greater mean T 4 concentrations than INTACT rats (6.0 μg/dl vs. 3.5 μg/dl), had a plasma B rhythm of greater amplitude than INTACT rats. Plasma PRL rhythms were detectable in INTACT and THYREX + T 4 rats, but not in THYREX rats. INTACT rats had a single peak in plasma PRL, whereas three plasma PRL peaks were present in THYREX + T 4 rats. It was concluded that thyroid hormones are required for the expression of plasma B and PRL rhythms and that the levels of thyroid hormones can alter the amplitude of the B rhythm and the shape of the PRL rhythm.
The two-dimensional quantum Euclidean algebra

The algebra dual to Woronowicz's deformation of the two-dimensional Euclidean group is constructed. The same algebra is obtained from SU q (2) via contraction on both the group and algebra levels.
Source and Site Characteristics of Earthquakes That Have Caused Exceptional Ground Accelerations and Velocities

Abstract This study investigates the characteristics of the free-field strong-motion records that have yielded the 100 largest peak accelerations and the 100 largest peak velocities in a relatively complete database of accelerograms recorded through the summer of 2007. The peak is defined as the maximum zero-to-peak amplitude of the acceleration or velocity vector during the strong shaking. This compilation includes 35 records with peak acceleration greater than 1 g (980 cm/sec 2 ) and 40 records with peak velocities greater than 100 cm/sec. The results sample an estimated 150,000 instrument-years of strong-motion recordings. The geometric mean of the two horizontal components of acceleration or velocity, as used in many ground-motion prediction equations, is typically 0.76 times the magnitude of this vector peak. Accelerations in the top 100 come from earthquakes as small as magnitude 4.8, while velocities in the top 100 all come from earthquakes with magnitude 5.7 or larger. These records are dominated by crustal earthquakes with thrust, oblique-thrust, or strike-slip mechanisms. Normal faulting mechanisms in crustal earthquakes constitute under 5% of the records in the databases searched and an even smaller percentage of the 100 largest acceleration or velocity records. All National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program site categories have contributed exceptional records, in proportions similar to the extent that they are represented in larger databases.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in children: feeding outcomes related to diagnostic groups and endoscopic findings.

Abstract Objective Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is used as an adjunct to assess swallowing function in children with complex feeding disorders. We report the feeding outcomes of patients who underwent FEES to determine whether associations exist between clinical diagnoses or FEES findings and feeding outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of children who underwent FEES for dysphagia or aspiration from 2003 to 2009. The clinical diagnoses and initial FEES findings were compared to follow up feeding status for associations. Results 79 patients were included (44 males and 35 females). The change from initial to final status: total oral feeding (42–67%), NPO ± minimal tastes (39–21%) and oral feeding with tube feeding (19–12%). Of the clinical diagnoses, tonsillar hypertrophy was associated with ultimately obtaining total oral feeding status ( p = 0.046) while the inability to obtain total oral feeding status was associated with neurologic ( p Conclusion Many children overcome their dysphagia but those with neurologic disorders are less likely to achieve total oral feeding status. In children with dysphagia evaluated by FEES, the long-term feeding status is not significantly associated with the initial FEES findings.
Spectroscopic and transport measurements of single molecules in solution using an electrokinetic trap

In aqueous solution, diffusion generally limits the observation window of a nano-meter sized single molecule to milliseconds and prevents quantitative determination of spectroscopic and transport properties molecule-by-molecule. The anti-Brownian electrokinetic (ABEL) trap is a feedback-based microfluidic device that enables prolonged (multiseconds) observation of single molecules in solution. The amount of information that can be extracted from each molecule in solution is thus boosted by three orders of magnitude. We describe recent advances in extending the ABEL trap to conduct both spectroscopic and transport measurements of single trapped molecules. First, by combining the trap with multi-parameter fluorescence detection, synchronized dynamics in different observables can be visualized in solution. We use single molecules of Atto 633 as an example and show that this popular label switches between different emissive states under common imaging conditions. Next, we show how transport properties of trapped single molecules can be extracted in addition to spectroscopic readouts. Due to their direct sensitivity to molecular size and charge, measured transport coefficients can be used to distinguish different molecular species and trace biomolecular interactions in solution. We demonstrate this new paradigm by monitoring DNA hybridization/melting in real-time.
Technology Acceptance among Physicians: A New Take on TAM

The proliferation of information technology has been a revolutionary force that has increased efficiency and effectiveness in many industries. However, health care organizations, particularly physician practices, are noticeably lagging in the adoption of such technologies. This article provides a systematic review of the literature on physician acceptance of information technology. An overview of the technology acceptance model (TAM) is discussed, and a modified version of this model is proposed. Finally, ideas for testing this new model in a physician setting are presented. By providing a better understanding of physician technology acceptance, this model will inform health care managers about barriers that make physicians hesitant to embrace new technologies designed to increase efficiency and improve quality in a health care setting.
Physical, mineralogical and wetting characteristics of dusts from Interior Basin coal mines

Abstract This paper presents physical, mineralogical and wetting characteristics for dust samples from the Interior Basin coal mines. The samples were from three sources: 1) Produced in the laboratory from bulk samples of coal and immediate roof and floor strata, 2) In-mine samples collected through gravimetric sampling of active mining areas, and 3) In-mine samples collected from wet-scrubbers on continuous miners. Particle size distribution analysis showed that about 30, 67, 68 and 60% of dust particles are in the respirable range ( Two approaches were used to assess dust wettability rates: 1) fixed-time wettability that attempts to simulate wetting around mining environments, and 2) absolute-time wettability that evaluates intrinsic wettability rates. Fixed-time wettability for coal dusts were in the range 57–99% (% wt.) with majority of mines having values above 90%. The middle portion of the coal seam was found to be least wettable. The contact time between dust particles and water droplets was an important factor for improving wetting of coal dust. An increase in contact time from 10 to 25 s showed 3–27% improvement in fixed time wettability. Absolute-time wettability data showed that coarser particles required more time for complete wetting. The data above is being actively used to design engineering controls for improved dust control in mines.
Angular distribution of photons in the parity-changing one-photon radiative decays of quarkonia.

We derive a general expression, correct to order $\frac{{v}^{2}}{{c}^{2}}$ and valid in any potential model, for the angular distribution of photons in the parity-changing one-photon radiative decays of quarkonia, in terms of its different multipole contributions $E1$, $M2$, and $E3$. The expression is given in terms of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and six reduced matrix elements. We make detailed numerical calculations for the radiative decays of charmonium using Buchm\"uller-Tye and Gupta-Radford-Repko potential models and find that there is not much difference in the angular distributions between the two models. It is interesting to note that the $E3$ contributions to the decays ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{2}+\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\psi}+\ensuremath{\gamma}$ are nonvanishing only ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and $\ensuremath{\psi}$ have admixtures of $D$ states in them.
Nucleation and growth of Pd clusters in mordenite

Abstract The nucleation and growth of Pd clusters in mordenite were investigated using in situ extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of adsorbed CO. Calcination of [Pd(NH3)4]2+-exchanged mordenite at 350°C in O2 results in decomposition of the amine complex and formation of square-planar Pd2+ oxo species within the mordenite pores. Reduction of these species at 150°C in H2 yields Pd clusters with an average nuclearity of 3. On an average two 2.22 A Pd–O bonds are associated with each Pd3 cluster; we infer that this interaction serves to anchor the clusters within the pores. After reduction at 150°C, the FTIR spectrum of irreversibly adsorbed CO is indicative of a mixture of Pd+, Pdδ+, and Pd0 carbonyl species. Reduction at 350°C produces larger intrazeolitic Pd clusters (average nuclearity of 6) that exhibit only a weak interaction with the mordenite, as evidenced by their facile aggregation in the presence of CO at 30°C. Reduction at 450°C yields large 20 A Pd clusters that we infer are located on external mordenite surfaces or locally disrupt the intracrystalline structure.
Hitting the target and missing the point

Spicer's report in this issue of IJCP should make you stop and reassess how you perceive the quality of care within the English National Health Service (NHS). It provides a striking counterpoint to the claims by the incumbent government that quality of care has improved substantially since 1997 when it took office, not least that the NHS has managed to hit a series of centrally imposed targets relating to access and waiting times. No one reading Spicer's report can fail to be concerned that some patients, children in this case, have been and are being failed by the NHS. Doctors, nurses and patients know that the reality of care, when assessed across the continuum, often falls short of what is claimed, yet Spicer's report is valuable because it offers a rare insight into a problem that is invisible to routine measures of quality.
Effects of ketamine hydrochloride in red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) I—arterial blood gas and acid base

Abstract 1. Arterial blood was sampled in 10 adult female red-tailed hawks while in the awake restrained state, and while under the effects of ketamine hydrochloride (30 mg/kg i.m.). 2. Mean values in the awake restrained state were: PaO2=108.0 torr, PaCO2=27.1 torr, pHa=7.489, packed cell volume=45%, and plasma proteins=4.7 g/dl. 3. Ketamine did not significantly affect arterial blood gas or acid-base values in the hawks at a dosage of 30 mg/kg, although it did produce a mild state of hyperventilation.
The peroxidase—NADH biochemical oscillator: experimental system, control variables, and oxygen mass transport

Abstract Experimental control variables are defined and characterized to provide good reproducibility of oscillatory behavior, and allow other investigators to perform additional studies under consistently defined conditions. Fifteen variables are recognized and described. Oxygen mass transport has a large effect on the overall appearance of the oscillation, and is quantitatively related to stirring and several other variables. These conditions combine to yield a single, experimentally measurable oxygen mass-transport constant. Stirring is controlled with precision motor which is used to explore the mass-transport constant and mixing time as a function of stirrer rotation rate. Oscillatory behavior is examined under identical conditions with and without the modifiers Methylene Blue and 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP). Omission of DCP from the system does not appreciably change oscillatory behavior under the specified conditions. Slightly damped oscillations are maintained for six hours. The acidic degradation of NADH is significantly affected by illumination from the deuterium lamp used in UV—visible absorption measurements. The importance and value of an analytical approach to this complex system is emphasized throughout.
Productivity Considerations and Design Charts for Biomolecule Capture with Periodic Countercurrent Adsorption Systems

General design charts are presented to enable the prediction of the steady state performance of periodic countercurrent adsorption systems for conditions typical of biomolecule capture on selective adsorbents. The underlying model assumes that the process is controlled by diffusion in the intraparticle macropores and that the adsorption equilibrium can be described by the Langmuir isotherm. Model results are presented in dimensionless form for isotherms ranging from highly favorable to nearly linear. When the isotherm is highly favorable, operating with 2 to 3 columns in series reduces the amount of adsorbent needed by 15 to 35% when the process is operated with a rapid cycle. Smaller improvements are predicted for longer cycles, while larger improvements are predicted when the isotherm is less favorable. Increasing the number of columns in series beyond 2 or 3 is probably unwarranted since incremental improvements decline rapidly going from 2 to 3 columns. Use of the charts is illustrated with a specific...
Specificity of the Beck Depression Inventory and the confounding role of comorbid disorders in a clinical sample

The current study explored the psychopathological specificity, both low and high end, of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the confounding role of comorbid disorders in a clinical sample. Current results provide some of the first clinical support for previous recommendations regarding the use of multiple assessment methods or amultiple-gate strategy to diagnose nosologic depression in clinical samples. More specifically, results confirm previously raised concerns about both low- and high-end specificity of the BDI, particularly when it is to used as the sole screening or diagnostic instrument in a clinical sample with anticipated high base rates for psychiatric disorders and the increased probability of comorbid disorders. Current results have a number of important interpretative implications both in terms of identifying appropriate samples for study as well as the significance and meaning of observed relationships.
Effects of unknown fermion generations on the mw, mZ interdependence

The effect of unknown fermion generations on the mW, mZ interdependence is analyzed. It is shown that an additional fermion generation can increase the quantum correction Δr and, therefore, the predicted mass difference mZ - mW for given mZ, but such positive contributions are bounded above by small quantities. In particular, as previously pointed out by Veltman, massive degenerate fermions do not fully decouple but lead to small positive corrections. On the other hand, it is known that significant negative contributions to Δr and mZ - mW can arise from exotic values for the mass of the top quark and the isodoublet splittings in higher generations. A method of obtaining information about such masses when mW and mZ become precisely known is discussed. The analytic methods of obtaining the general features of the corrections, for essentially arbitrary fermion masses, exploit the convexity properties of elementary functions.
Plasticity of Human Stem Cells in the Fetal Sheep Model of Human Stem Cell Transplantation

Experimental models that allow the evaluation of the full potential of stem cells under normal physiological conditions and in the absence of genetic or injury-induced dysfunction would serve as valuable tools for the study of the mechanisms underlying stem cell differentiation. Ideally, such a model would also permit the robust formation of donor-derived tissue-specific cells. Because studies have shown that the differentiation of stem cells into cells of a different germinal layer is highly inefficient in the absence of selective pressure, it is very unlikely that a healthy adult animal can fulfill these requirements. In this review, we describe the advantages of the permissive aspects of the developing preimmune fetus in the early gestational age that led us to develop the sheep as a large-animal model of human stem cell plasticity.