cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic concentration of magnetic fields in the solar photosphere. VI. Adiabatic cooling and concentration in downdrafts.

The remarkable concentration of the general field of the Sun into isolated intense flux tubes at the visible surface must be a direct consequence of conditions immediately beneath the surface. It is pointed out that the convective heat transport in the magnetic field swept into the downdrafts in the junctions of supergranule boundaries is strongly suppressed by the magnetic field. The net heat transport is reduced to such a degree that the temperature of the downdraft within the field increases nearly adiabatically below the visible surface, and hence is significiantly cooler than the surrounding ambient gas. The reduced temperature enhances the downdraft within the field and permits the gravitational field to evacuate the flux tube. The magnetic field is then strongly compressed by the external gas pressure, leading to the extraordinary observed strengths of 1500 gauss or more. It is suggested that the magnetic knots found in active regions are formed wholly or partly by the same effect.The general occurrence of superadiabatic temperature gradients and convective heat transport in the dwarf and subdwarf main-sequence stars suggests that their magnetic fields are generally broken up and concentrated by this effect, much as in the Sun.
Amino acid release into the knee joint : key role in nociception and inflammation

This study examined the release of several amino acids after induction of knee joint inflammation in rats using kaolin and carrageenan. During the initial 10-min collection after knee joint injection with the irritants, the concentration of glutamate and the nitric oxide metabolites, arginine and citrulline, doubled. This increase persisted for at least two hours. During the same time period aspartate concentrations remained unchanged. Direct knee joint administration of lidocaine prevented the increases in amino acid concentration measurable by microdialysis probe inserted into the joint. These data suggest the possibility that glutamate may be released by neuronal endings in the joint.
The Rat Genome Database 2009: variation, ontologies and pathways

The Rat Genome Database (RGD, http://rgd.mcw.edu) was developed to provide a core resource for rat researchers combining genetic, genomic, pathway, phenotype and strain information with a focus on disease. RGD users are provided with access to structured and curated data from the molecular level through to the level of the whole organism, including the variations associated with disease phenotypes. To fully support use of the rat as a translational model for biological systems and human disease, RGD continues to curate these datasets while enhancing and developing tools to allow efficient and effective access to the data in a variety of formats including linear genome viewers, pathway diagrams and biological ontologies. To support pathophysiological analysis of data, RGD Disease Portals provide an entryway to integrated gene, QTL and strain data specific to a particular disease. In addition to tool and content development and maintenance, RGD promotes rat research and provides user education by creating and disseminating tutorials on the curated datasets, submission processes, and tools available at RGD. By curating, storing, integrating, visualizing and promoting rat data, RGD ensures that the investment made into rat genomics and genetics can be leveraged by all interested investigators.
Eosinophil-mediated destruction of Schistosoma mansoni eggs III. lymphokine involvement in the induction of eosinophil functional abilities.

Abstract Granulomas isolated from the livers of CBA/J mice infected for 8 weeks with Schistosoma mansoni produced a chemotactic activity for eosinophils, in a manner which correlated with the production of the lymphokine eosinophil stimulation promoter (ESP). ESP and chemotactic activities were also produced when eosinophilrich peritoneal exudative cells from S. mansoni -infected mice were cultured with S. mansoni eggs. These S. mansoni -related eosinophils destroyed approximately 20% of the eggs whereas eosinophils from normal (uninfected) mice did not have this ability. However, normal cells exposed to ESP-containing fluids in the co-cultivation system actively participated in egg destruction. Eosinophil-rich peritoneal exudative cells obtained from Trichinella spiralis -infected mice were incapable of destroying S. mansoni eggs during the normal 24 hr co-cultivation period, but did achieve destruction if the incubation period was extended to 48 hr. Marginal levels of chemotactic activity for eosinophils were detected in the co-cultivation fluids from T. spiralis -related cells and S. mansoni eggs, although these fluids did not contain demonstrable levels of ESP. Together, these data indicate that ESP/chemotactic factor-containing culture fluids can induce in normal, unreactive eosinophils the functional ability to destroy S. mansoni eggs in vitro . This may account for the ability of T. spiralis -related eosinophils to do so upon extended incubation.
Maximum Charge Generation in a Piezoelectric Generator

The piezoelectric generator of this investigation provides a method to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. A pulse conditioning stage is also included in the generator. Although the energy density of the generator is not extremely high in comparison to batteries, its durability, compactness, and long shelf-life are advantageous in certain applications. The piezoelectric generator consists of commercially available piezoelectric elements arranged in a stack and electrically connected in parallel. A steel mass is dropped on the piezoelectric stack and serves as a source of mechanical energy. The piezoelectric generator is, at most, 50% efficient due to its internal capacitance. In this investigation, the piezoelectric generator has a 0.15 muF internal capacitance. The piezoelectric generator is connected to an external 0.1 muF capacitor through a rectifier diode. The external capacitor is used as an intermediate energy storage, or pulse- conditioning stage. Results show the piezoelectric generator produces 0.3 J of energy which is higher than generators of previous studies. The maximum energy storage time was not measured in this investigation but is limited by the dissipation of the external capacitor. Peak mechanical forces of approximately 18 kN were measured along with maximum generator voltages of 1.4 kV.
Proteasome inhibitors block intracellular growth and replication of Toxoplasma gondii

Lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of proteasomes in eukaryotic cells, did not block parasite entry or the establishment of the parasitophorous vacuole, but did inhibit parasite growth and daughter cell budding, as well as DNA synthesis. Two other proteasome inhibitors, MG-132 and proteasome inhibitor 1, also blocked parasite growth and intracellular development. Adding lactacystin to established, dividing parasites, rapidly blocked parasite growth and daughter cell budding at all stages in the process. Pre-treating host cells with lactacystin did not block parasite entry or development. Moreover, under the conditions used, the host cells appeared not to be adversely affected indicating that host cell proteasome activity was not essential for parasite entry or development. Concomitant with these effects on parasite growth and division were morphological changes in the parasite including the appearance of whorls of ER-derived membranes presumably related to the failure to breakdown misfolded proteins. These changes were specific to lactacystin and were not seen in parasites treated with other protease inhibitors. Although the ER-derived structures resembled autophagic bodies, similar structures could not be induced by serum starvation nor did the membranous whorls acidify or undergo morphological changes consistent with autophagosomal maturation. These results highlight the possible role of proteasome activity in Toxoplasma in intracellular development and the regulation of parasite replication. However, how the dividing parasite recycles its organelles and the functional relationship between any lysosomal autophagic pathway and proteasomes in the parasite remains unresolved.
Conversational patterns among same-sex pairs of late-adolescent close friends.

Summary The study was conducted to determine the nature of conversations that late-adolescent, close, same-sex friends have with one another and to see if female friendship pairs and male friendship pairs differ in conversational patterns. The data are from 176 college students who completed the Close Friendship Questionnaire. Females were found to converse more frequently and in greater depth about topics involving themselves and their close relationships, while males were found to converse more frequently and in greater depth about activity-oriented topics. For all participants, frequent conversations with close, same-sex friends revolve around concerns about self, relationships, and the web of daily activities. This pattern seems to reflect the crucial identity-formation process that occurs in late-adolescence. These results are contrasted to data from a similar study with middle-aged females and males.
Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in five groups with different severities of gambling: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Problem and pathological gamblers show high rates of suicidal behavior. However, previous research of suicide among this population has been inconsistent. Discrepancies may stem from methodological issues, including variable use of suicide nomenclature and selection bias in study samples. Furthermore, earlier research has rarely examined gambling severity aside from problem or pathological categories. This study utilized subgroups derived from a nationally representative data set, examining different characteristics of suicidal behaviors and several gambling levels, including subclinical groups. METHODS: Participants included 13,578 individuals who participated in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) and provided information on gambling behavior, lifetime suicidal ideation, and/or lifetime suicide attempts. Five gambling groups were derived using DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling; non-gambling, low-risk gambling, at-risk gambling, problem gambling, and pathological gambling. RESULTS: Problem gambling was associated with suicidal ideation [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19-2.26] and suicide attempts [(AOR) = 2.42, 95% (CI) = 1.60-3.67] after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Pathological gambling was associated with suicidal ideation [(AOR) = 2.86, 95% (CI) = 1.98-4.11] and suicide attempts [(AOR) = 2.77, 95% (CI) = 1.72-4.47) after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Our results from this population sample reinforce increased rates of suicidal behavior amongst smaller, clinical samples of problem and pathological gamblers. Education for providers about gambling is recommended, including screening for gambling-related symptoms such as suicidal behavior. Language: en
Characterization of Polyphenoloxidase from Stanley Plums

Five plum cultivars were investigated for polyphenoloxidase. Stanley cultivar, which showed highest PPO activity, was selected for characterization of this enzyme. The activity of crude enzyme was 3.5 times greater in the flesh than in the skin of the fruit. The enzyme showed a Km of 20 raM of catechol and Vmax of 5.41 × 10−1 O.D./ min at pH 6.0. Its pH and temperature optima were 6.0 and 20°C respectively. The enzyme lost activity below pH 4.5, but was stable even at 70°C. Among substrates, 4-methylcatechol was oxidized more rapidy, although catechol, dopamine, pyrogallol and caffeic acid were also good substrates. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5), L-cysteine and ascorbic acid.
On the interrelationships of the physical properties of lanthanide compounds: The melting point, heat of formation and lattice parameter(s)☆

Abstract The relative heats of formation and the reduced melting temperatures (the melting point of the compound divided by the melting point of the metal) of the lanthanide compounds are correlated with the magnitude of the lanthanide contraction in these compounds relative to the lanthanide contraction in the pure metals. If the lanthanide contraction (as determined from the lattice constants) in the compounds is greater than that observed for the metals, the heat of formation is expected to increase as one proceeds from lanthanum to lutetium. The opposite is expected if the lanthanide contraction is less in the compounds than in the metals. This has been substantiated for the five series for which sufficient thermodynamic data exist, specifically, RCd, RCl 3 , RH 2 , RMg and R 2 O 3 . For the melting points, 15 of 17 lanthanide compound series show agreement between the observed reduced melting points and that expected from the relative lanthanide contraction. Discrepancies are more likely to occur when correlating the melting points, since only part of the various bonds, RM, MM and RR, are broken upon melting, than for the heats of formation since this quantity is a measure of forming all of the bonds in the crystal.
Introduction to Geochemistry, Third Edition

Krauskopf and Bird's third edition of Introduction to Geochemistry should remain a standard for introductory textbooks in this field into the 21st century. Anyone teaching an introductory course in geochemistry must consider using this text in class. I have used the book in my classes for the last 27 years; it always serves as the backbone of my courses, though I supplement its view of geochemistry with my own for balance. The third edition, like the earlier editions, is meant to introduce geochemistry to undergraduate students who have taken basic courses in Earth sciences, chemistry, and mathematics. It can also be used at the graduate level for Earth, ocean, and environmental science students with weak academic backgrounds in general geochemistry.
Accuracy of asthma information on the world wide web.

PURPOSE. An essential component of asthma management is education. Parents often turn to the Internet, a 24-hour source of health information. DESIGN AND METHODS. In this descriptive study, two researchers evaluated websites using eight core educational concepts developed by the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute (NHLBI) to determine the accuracy of the health information regarding asthma on the Internet. RESULTS. Of the 68 websites reviewed, only 6 (8.8%) had accurate and complete information regarding asthma according to NHBLI recommendations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses must be educated regarding the selection of accurate websites on asthma so that in turn, they may educate patients and their families.
The Spatial Organization of Apolipoprotein A-I on the Edge of Discoidal High Density Lipoprotein Particles A MASS SPECTROMETRY STUDY

The three-dimensional structure of human apoA-I on nascent, discoidal HDL particles has been debated extensively over the past 25 years. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the α-helical domains of apoA-I are arranged in a belt-like orientation with the long axis of the helices perpendicular to the phospholipid acyl chains on the disc edge. However, experimental information on the spatial relationships between apoA-I molecules on the disc is lacking. To address this issue, we have taken advantage of recent advances in mass spectrometry technology combined with cleavable cross-linking chemistry to derive a set of distance constraints suitable for testing apoA-I structural models. We generated highly homogeneous, reconstituted HDL particles containing two molecules of apoA-I. These were treated with a thiol-cleavable cross-linking agent, which covalently joined Lys residues in close proximity within or between molecules of apoA-I in the disc. The cross-linked discs were then exhaustively trypsinized to generate a discrete population of peptides. The resulting peptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry before and after cleavage of the cross-links, and resulting peaks were identified based on the theoretical tryptic cleavage of apoA-I. We identified at least 8 intramolecular and 7 intermolecular cross-links in the particle. The distance constraints are used to analyze three current models of apoA-I structure. The results strongly support the presence of the salt-bridge interactions that were predicted to occur in the "double belt" model of apoA-I, but a helical hairpin model containing the same salt-bridge docking interface is also consistent with the data.
INDIRECT EFFECTS OF AN EXPLOITED PREDATOR ON RECRUITMENT OF CORAL-REEF FISHES

The more ecologists examine the role of trait-mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs), especially in regulating predator-prey interactions, the more we recognize their fundamental role in structuring food webs. However, most empirical evidence for TMIIs comes from studies that are either conducted in laboratory or mesocosm venues or are restricted to simple food webs involving lower trophic-level animals. Here, I quantified the direct and indirect effects of interactions between high-level vertebrate predators on their vertebrate prey using a field experiment. Specifically, I tested how varying densities of a large-bodied, top predator (Nassau grouper; Epinephelus striatus) affected persistence, growth, and behavior of two smaller-bodied, intermediate predators (coney and graysby groupers; Cephalopholis fulva and C. cruentata) on 20 isolated patch reefs in the Bahamas. Large-bodied groupers are capable of consuming their smaller-bodied counterparts, and previous observational studies have indicated that local abundances of these groupers are negatively correlated. I measured the effects of interactions among groupers on lower trophic-level prey by quantifying recruitment of coral-reef fishes to the reefs. The field experiment demonstrated a strong trophic cascade that was entirely mediated by modified behavior of the intermediate predators. These results indicate that indirect, nonlethal interactions in natural systems can have strong cascading effects even at high trophic levels and in high-diversity food webs. Incorporating the complexity of such indirect effects into fisheries management may improve the sustainability of fished populations and strengthen marine conservation efforts; however these results also indicate that the effects of fishing are complex and difficult to predict.
RELATIONSHIP OF DIURETIC THERAPY AND SERUM MAGNESIUM LEVELS AMONG PARTICIPANTS IN THE MULTIPLE RISK FACTOR INTERVENTION TRIAL

Thiazide-like diuretics cause an increased excretion of magnesium in the urine. Low serum and selected tissue magnesium levels have been reported among diuretic users. Low magnesium levels have been associated with cardiac arrhythmias, neuromuscular changes, and increases in lipoprotein levels. The dietary intake of magnesium is borderline compared with the recommended dietary allowances. Water sources may therefore play an important role. Hard water contains more magnesium than soft water. The authors studied serum magnesium levels among special intervention Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial participants in two centers: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Davis, California. These participants were men aged 35-57 years at entry to the trial in 1972-1974; the blood samples were obtained primarily in 1980-1981. Diuretic users primarily of chlorthalidone had an average 1 ppm lower serum magnesium level than nondiuretic users. About 15% of diuretic users had persistently lower magnesium levels on two samples approximately four months apart. The serum magnesium level was not correlated with the serum potassium level. This study is the first long-term follow-up of a well-defined group of hypertensives taking thiazide-like diuretics versus suitable controls. The results suggest that within similar populations, low serum magnesium levels are relatively rare even in the absence of supplementation with magnesium. Specific high-risk populations may exist in which a combination of diuretic therapy and low intake may contribute to magnesium deficiency. Further epidemiologic studies should include monitoring both serum and intracellular levels of magnesium among these potential high-risk groups on diuretic therapy. This approach may offer the best method of testing the relationship between water hardness, minerals, and cardiovascular disease.
TLR2 and neutrophils potentiate endothelial stress, apoptosis and detachment: implications for superficial erosion.

Aims Superficial erosion of atheromata causes many acute coronary syndromes, but arises from unknown mechanisms. This study tested the hypothesis that Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) activation contributes to endothelial apoptosis and denudation and thus contributes to the pathogenesis of superficial erosion. Methods and results Toll-like receptor-2 and neutrophils localized at sites of superficially eroded human plaques. In vitro , TLR2 ligands (including hyaluronan, a matrix macromolecule abundant in eroded lesions) induced endothelial stress, characterized by reactive oxygen species production, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis. Co-incubation of neutrophils with endothelial cells (ECs) potentiated these effects and induced EC apoptosis and detachment. We then categorized human atherosclerotic plaques ( n = 56) based on morphologic features associated with superficial erosion, ‘stable’ fibrotic, or ‘vulnerable’ lesions. Morphometric analyses of the human atheromata localized neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) near clusters of apoptotic ECs in smooth muscle cell (SMC)-rich plaques. The number of luminal apoptotic ECs correlated with neutrophil accumulation, amount of NETs, and TLR2 staining in SMC-rich plaques, but not in ‘vulnerable’ atheromata. Conclusion These in vitro observations and analyses of human plaques indicate that TLR2 stimulation followed by neutrophil participation may render smooth muscle cell-rich plaques susceptible to superficial erosion and thrombotic complications by inducing ER stress, apoptosis, and favouring detachment of EC.
Differing effects of NG-monomethyl L-arginine and 7-nitroindazole on detrusor activity

Aims: Previous studies reported that nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibition decreases micturition volume threshold (MVT), the volume required to produce a centrally mediated micturition contraction, and that NO can be released from urothelium by means of certain stimuli. With elucidation of multiple isoforms of NOS, studies were performed to determine whether inhibition of specific isoforms of NOS altered MVT in different ways. Methods: In naive, anesthetized cats, the urinary bladder was exposed by means of a midline abdominal incision and cannulated through a slit in the internal urethra approximately 4–5 cm distal to the neck of the bladder. The left renal artery and left radial vein were cannulated for the intra-arterial and intravenous administration of drugs, respectively. All nerves were left intact. A control MVT was determined by slowly infusing saline into the bladder at a rate of 0.018 mL/kg per minute. Varying doses of L-NMMA (NG-monomethyl-L-arginine) or 7-NI (7-nitro indazole) were administered and the MVT was again determined. Results: Inhibition of endothelial NOS (eNOS), by L-NMMA, or neuronal NOS (nNOS), by 7-NI, produces varying effects on certain detrusor activities and that inhibition of different isoforms of NOS produces qualitatively different effects. L-NMMA significantly decreases MVT (up to 60% decrease), whereas 7-NI significantly increases MVT (over 300% increase). L-NMMA increases frequency and onset of small bladder contractions, whereas 7-NI produces opposite effects. Conclusions: The results suggest that detrusor relaxation and contractility may be modulated by NO levels and that NO released from the urothelium may be a mediator of detrusor relaxation during the storage phase of micturition. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:62–69, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An epidemiological assessment of online groups and a test of a typology: What are the (dis)similarities of the online group types?

A vast multitude of online groups exist, and authors have been rapidly investigating their dynamics. Extant studies have provided great information on the effects of online group membership, but limitations are often noted in these studies. Amongst the most concerning limitations are issues of generalizability. Authors are often unsure whether their results are able to generalize to other online groups, including those that are seemingly similar. For this reason, some researchers have created typologies of online groups, in hopes that online groups that fall within the same category will be generalizable; however, no study has analyzed the merit of an online group typology, and conclusions are based upon speculation. For this reason, the current study analyzed the dynamics of three different online groups, which fall within separate categories of an online group typology: a cancer support forum, a LGBT forum, and a Harry Potter fan forum. The results demonstrate that these groups vary in their properties, including group members' group identity, well-being, and social support. These results provide support for an online group typology, and precisely demonstrate in what manner these groups differ. Additionally, the results offer valuable information about the individual groups, as some variables were previously unstudied in some group types. The discovery of these previously unknown dynamics leads to the potential of new studies, which is discussed. Therefore, the current study provides important implications for future studies, as well as the interpretation of future research results.
The social construction of social facts : Using the U.S. census to examine race as a scientific and moral category

This article describes an exercise that explores how race categories and classifications are socially constructed scientifically. In an introductory sociology setting, students compare their perceptions of the size of minority populations with counts from the U.S. Census. In a series of debriefing sessions, students analyze both their perceptions and Census counts as social constructions of the moral phenomena we call race. In the process, students are introduced to Census data and the Census web site as well as to historical and theoretical literature on the social construction of race. Students are then asked to reflect critically about the scientific practices in which race is constructed as a social fact, and in particular, to consider their own roles in these practices as users and subjects of race categories. The larger goal is to help students to develop a critical sociological imagination that productively engages the analysis of race in contemporary society.
[OI] in Comet Halley

Abstract Long slit spectra centered on the nucleus of Comet Halley were obtained on 5 April 1986 at 200 mA spectral resolution with a spatial resolution of 1″ along the 70″ long slit. The spectra show an emission feature at 5577 A, the wavelength of the green [OI] line. This feature at 5577 A has a spatial variation closely similar to the [OI]6300-A line, but not the nearby C 2 bandhead. If it is assumed that the cometary [OI] feature at 5577 A should have the same spatial distribution as the cometary [OI] 6300-A line, then the 5577-A feature is at least partly due to oxygen. The data, then, indicate that the ratio of the [OI] 6300-A line to the [OI] 5577-A line is at least 10:1 which is not inconsistent with the M. C. Festou and P. D. Feldman (1981, Astron. Astrophys. 103, 154–159) model for H 2 O as the parent for the [OI] features.
Density-functional theory of the phase diagram of maximum-density droplets in two-dimensional quantum dots in a magnetic field

We present a density-functional theory ~DFT! approach to the study of the phase diagram of the maximumdensity droplet ~MDD! in two-dimensional quantum dots in a magnetic field. Within the lowest Landau level ~LLL! approximation, analytical expressions are derived for the values of the parameters N ~number of electrons! and B ~magnetic field! at which the transition from the MDD to a ‘‘reconstructed’’ phase takes place. The results are then compared with those of full Kohn-Sham calculations, giving thus information about both correlation and Landau level mixing effects. Our results are also contrasted with those of Hartree-Fock ~HF! calculations, showing that DFT predicts a phase diagram, which is in better agreement with the experimental results and the result of exact diagonalizations in the LLL than the HF calculations. @S0163-1829~97!06443-6#
Focused acoustic beams for nozzleless droplet formation

The authors report the use of focused acoustic beams to eject discrete droplets of controlled diameter and velocity from a free liquid surface. No nozzles are involved. Droplet formation has been experimentally demonstrated over the frequency range 5 to 300 MHz, with corresponding droplet diameters from 300 to 5 mu m. The physics of droplet formation is essentially unchanged over this frequency range. For acoustic focusing elements have similar geometries, droplet diameter has been found to scale inversely with the acoustic frequency. The authors summarize the results of a simple model that is used to obtain analytical expressions for important parameters and their scaling with acoustic frequency. The authors also briefly describe a numerical model that successfully predicts the key features of droplet formation. >
The magma ocean from the Fra Mauro shoreline - An overview of the Apollo 14 crust

Petrographic and mineralogical studies of coarse grained, polymineralic, texturally monominct igneous clasts from the Apollo 14 breccias show troctolite and troctolitic anorthosite to be the most abundant rock types. The second most abundant group consists of plagioclase cumulates with more evolved mineral compositions than the Mg-rich trend anorthosite cumulates. Coarse grained ilmenite gabbros and mineralogically evolved monzonoritic and granitic clasts are widespread in occurrence, but not abundant. The present data provide further support for widespread regional heterogeneities within the early lunar crust.
Latitudinal Variation in the Size and Developmental Parameters of the Alkali Bee, Nomia melanderi (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Abstract Latitudinal variation in body size, over-wintering emergence time and weight loss during development in the alkali bee, Nomia melanderi Cockerell, were studied in individuals from 24 populations in the western United States when reared under controlled laboratory conditions. Individuals from northern latitude sites were significantly heavier and took less time to develop to adults, but lost comparable weight during the developmental process.
The Techno-Business/Academic Consortium: Defining The Key Information Skills Matrix

This researcher surveyed a significant representation of the Southwestern Pennsylvania regional technological corporate community to determine what information skills, services, functions and business intelligence resources are needed to meet the rapidly changing workforce environment. Two associations in this area engage the academic community in developing the regional economy. The Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC), and the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), in partnership with four Pittsburgh higher education entities (Robert Morris University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and Duquesne University), play a critical role in the formulation of this study. Specific skills of a technological nature, as well as general areas of computer-related competencies, such as networking and application development are derived and surveyed. Corporations are placed in categories by size, and nature of service (such as government, health care and not-for-profit entries). A matrix is constructed that displays the key technological skills considered most necessary (essential) to continued workforce advantage. Within that framework, an analysis of which skills, functions and services are most often outsourced and which are performed in-house, complete the survey.
Chronic Kidney Disease, Anxiety and Depression among American Blacks; Does Ethnicity Matter?

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to be associated with deterioration of mental health. However, it is clear that this link is over and beyond the effects of socio-economic factors and other medical conditions. This study had two aims: 1) to compare the association between CKD and general anxiety disorder (GAD) among the two major ethnic groups of American Blacks (e.g. African Americans and Caribbean Blacks), and 2) to compare the association between CKD and major depressive episode (MDE) between African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. Methods: We analyzed data from African Americans and Caribbean Blacks who participated in the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). Self-reported physician diagnosis of CKD was the independent variable. Outcomes were 12- month GAD and MDE measured by the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), a fully structured diagnostic interview. Ethnic-specific logistic regressions were used to determine the associations between CKD and 12- month GAD and MDE, after controlling for the effects of age, sex, educational level, and 13 other medical conditions. Results: Although CKD was positively associated with GAD and MDE in bivariate analysis, this association did not remain statistically significant in the multivariate analysis which controlled for socio-economic factors and other medical conditions. The study suggested that the main confounders for the association between CKD, GAD, and MDE vary based on ethnicity. For instance, the chronic medical condition that may play the role of confounder for the association between CKD and 12-month GAD among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks might be hypertension and heart disease, respectively. Conclusion: Possible confounders of the associations between CKD and GAD and MDE among American Blacks vary by ethnicity. Further research is needed to determine the links between different types of CKD and poor mental health among American Blacks. Consideration of ethnicity might be important in evaluation and treatment of mental health problems among Black patients with CKD.
Semi-supervised Collaborative Ranking with Push at the Top

Existing collaborative ranking based recommender systems tend to perform best when there is enough observed ratings for each user, and the observed data is uniformly sampled at random. However, when the observed ratings are extremely sparse (e.g. in the case of cold-start item where no rating data is available), and are not sampled uniformly at random, existing ranking methods fail to effectively leverage side information to transduct the knowledge from existing ratings to unobserved ones. We propose a semi-supervised collaborative ranking model, dubbed S2COR, to improve the quality of cold-start item rec-ommendation. S2COR mitigates the sparsity issue by leveraging side information about both observed and missing ratings by collaboratively learning the ranking model. This enables it to deal with the case of data missing not at random, but to also effectively incorporate the available side information in transduction. We experimentally evaluated our proposed algorithm on a number of challenging real-world datasets and compared our results against state-of-the-art models for cold-start recommendation. We show significantly higher quality recommendations with our algorithm when compared to other state-of-the-art methods.1
Reperfusion for acute myocardial infarction: 1997 and beyond.

The optimal thrombolytic therapy will be a cocktail of several thrombolytic, antithrombotic, and antiplatelet agents, each of which attacks different pathways of clot formation.
Religious Traditions and Health Care Policy: Potential for Democratic Discourse?

Political participation empowers and transforms citizens. To par ticipate in the public affairs of one's community is to call upon and to develop personal capabilities for speaking, taking responsibility, carry ing through projects, and working with others. To participate is to be an autonomous citizen rather than a subject, an actor rather than a specta tor.1 So say advocates of such participation. Moreover, they argue that deliberation responds to the deepening pluralism and the larger scale of complex, post-industrial democratic polities.2 In such societies, every area of life becomes "politicized"; that is, the norms recognized as legit imate (in family, church, workplace, gender roles, for example) must increasingly be negotiated, rather than taken for granted. As society becomes more differentiated, politics also becomes less state-centered. Therefore, citizens must learn the political skills of negotiation, discus sion, argument, persuasion, mediation, and compromise in order to function in most areas of life. It is possible then to think of democracy "as a distribution of empowerments and protections that enable and protect discursive negotiations of conflicts within and between institu
Research on Region Differential Protection Technology for Smart Transformer Substation

When substation current transformer failed,the power should be cut off for maintenance. The characteristic for smart substation is information sharing,bay level can obtain all of the substation current and the line opposite current. Analysis is made on region differential protection technology and implementation method,thus solving the problem for current transformer maintenance without power cut to enhance the reliability of smart substation.
Application of immobilized yeast in large-scale yeast production

The large-scale yeast production applied with immobilized yeast was introduced in this paper.The result showed that: alcohol content was increased by 0.05%~0.1%.Fermentation period was 40~50hours with mixed malt and corn as raw material and 45~50hours with sweet pot-ato dried as raw material.The enzyme-producing ability was 8%~11%.The advantages and disadvantages of this technology were also disussed.
Development of the remaining oil in Gunan 131 fault-block reservoir in the later stage of high water cut

In order to increase the recovery factor of Gunan 131 fault block reservoir, some work, such as fine research of reservoir, understanding remaining oil distribution, is done. Based on these, some measures are introduced by which the potentiality of the remaining oil of the fault block reservoir is further tapped. They are combination plug removing technology, hydraulic cutting fracture technique, perfecting injection production pattern, optimizing production parameters etc. Field tests show that the measures obviously improve the result of water flooding, the recovery factor of the fault block reservoir is increased from 24.8% to 29.0%. The successful experience obtained from the development of the reservoir can be used for reference in the later development of similar reservoirs.
Determinants of attitude toward death by students enrolled in coordinated undergraduate dietetic programs.

Data on personal exposure, clinical experience, and educational preparation for dealing with death and dying were collected from 599 student dietitians from 43 coordinated undergraduate dietetic programs. Attitude toward death score was derived from a 15-item modified version of Coolbeth and Sullivan’s Death Attitude Questionnaire. Mean scores were analyzed using analysis of variance. Scores for all groups (means ranged from 56.8 to 59.9) denoted a positive attitude. No significant differences attributable to the effects of clinical experience (mean = 56.8) or to the interaction of factors were evident. Statistically significant (p
Characterizing Drug Release from Nonfouling Polyampholyte Hydrogels

Controlled delivery of bioactive signaling molecules and drugs is essential for the development of the next generation of tissue regeneration scaffolds. However, these molecules must be delivered from a nonfouling platform, so that the therapeutic role is not masked by the naturally occurring foreign body response. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to characterize the release profiles of three pseudodrug molecules from a nonfouling polyampholyte hydrogel to gain insight into the potential for this platform to serve as a tissue regeneration scaffold. Hydrogels composed of equimolar concentrations of [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (TMA) and 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (CAA) monomers were synthesized in the presence of caffeine, methylene blue, or metanil yellow. Then the release of these three molecules was tracked as a function of the hydrogel cross-linker density, the solution pH, and the solution ionic strength. The results suggest that the release of the neutral caffeine molecule is dictated by diffusion alone, while the release of the two charged pseudodrug molecules are controlled by their interactions with the charged regions of the TMA and CAA monomer subunits. These interactions are clearly impacted by solution pH and ionic strength leading to clear changes in the rate of release and extent of release for metanil yellow and methylene blue. Additionally, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to confirm that the TMA:CAA hydrogels retain their nonfouling characteristics following the release of the pseudodrug molecules. When these results are combined with the literature related to TMA:CAA hydrogels, it is concluded that this system represents a promising multifunctional platform for both short-term and long-term delivery of bioactive molecules for tissue regeneration.
Metalized carbon nanotubes as a conductive material for energy storage devices

Herein is described the preparation and characterization of conductive materials for application in energy storage devices, such as fuel cells. The synthetic approach uses commercially available materials and simple experimental procedures to decorate multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with plain and thiolated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The compositional characterization data (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and the electrical conductivity data (cyclic voltammetry (CV) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)) for the MWCNT-Au NP composites, both pre- and post-anneal, is reported.
Zonas de clandestinidad y “nuda vida:” Mujeres, cuerpo y aborto

En este ensayo examino como distintas zonas de clandestinidad en Argentina han constituido los cuerpos de las mujeres de formas vitales para el poder soberano y generizado del Estado, tanto en momentos de dictadura como en democracia. A partir de tres proyectos de investigacion centrados en distintos temas, me propongo yuxtaponer situaciones aparentemente inconexas: detencion y desaparicion, abortos forzados y abortos voluntarios criminalizados. Sobre la base del trabajo de Giorgio Agamben y Penelope Deutscher, exploro las formas en que las mujeres son constituidas como “nuda vida” a traves de la institucionalizacion de los abortos clandestinos. La zona de clandestinidad que la soberania estatal crea a traves de la penalizacion del aborto plantea las siguientes preguntas: ?Cual es el sentido de la figura de la clandestinidad – y, en particular, del aborto clandestino – en tanto mecanismo que sostiene el poder soberano del Estado en las democracias modernas? ?Como esta implicada la violencia del Estado en la produccion de cuerpos ocultos (particularmente de mujeres) que son expuestos al peligro y que pueden ser “matados” con impunidad? ?Es el control violento de estos cuerpos invisibles/excluidos un requisito para mantener intacta la ilusion de la unidad del cuerpo del Estado soberano? Prestar atencion a las zonas de clandestinidad que persisten en los Estados democraticos puede ayudar a arrojar luz no solo sobre las precarias formas de ciudadania de las personas que integran el cuerpo politico de manera marginal, sino tambien sobre las intervenciones violentas, pero ocultas, por las cuales el Estado soberano mantiene su poder y las jerarquias de genero en que se asienta.
Evolution Made to Order: Plant Breeding and Technological Innovation in Twentieth-Century America

In this excellent and timely first book, Helen Anne Curry explores the efforts of both amateur and professional plant breeders to accelerate the appearance of variations in plants by using new tech...
Association of trainee participation with adenoma and polyp detection rates.

AIM To investigate whether adenoma and polyp detection rates (ADR and PDR, respectively) in screening colonoscopies performed in the presence of fellows differ from those performed by attending physicians alone. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent a screening colonoscopy at Grady Memorial Hospital between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2015. Patients with a history of colon polyps or cancer and those with poor colon preparation or failed cecal intubation were excluded from the analysis. Associations of fellowship training level with the ADR and PDR relative to attendings alone were assessed using unconditional multivariable logistic regression. Models were adjusted for sex, age, race, and colon preparation quality. RESULTS A total of 7503 colonoscopies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the study patients was 58.2 years; 63.1% were women and 88.2% were African American. The ADR was higher in the fellow participation group overall compared to that in the attending group: 34.5% vs 30.7% (P = 0.001), and for third year fellows it was 35.4% vs 30.7% (aOR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.09-1.39). The higher ADR in the fellow participation group was evident for both the right and left side of the colon. For the PDR the corresponding figures were 44.5% vs 40.1% (P = 0.0003) and 45.7% vs 40.1% (aOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.12-1.41). The ADR and PDR increased with increasing fellow training level (P for trend < 0.05). CONCLUSION There is a stepwise increase in ADR and PDR across the years of gastroenterology training. Fellow participation is associated with higher adenoma and polyp detection.
Transgenic mice with ectopic expression of constitutively active TLR4 in adipose tissues do not show impaired insulin sensitivity.

Author(s): Ono-Moore, Kikumi D; Zhao, Ling; Huang, Shurong; Kim, Jeonga; Rutkowsky, Jennifer M; Snodgrass, Ryan G; Schneider, Dina A; Quon, Michael J; Graham, James L; Havel, Peter J; Hwang, Daniel H | Abstract: IntroductionChronic low-grade inflammation is associated with obesity and diabetes. However, what causes and mediates chronic inflammation in metabolic disorders is not well understood. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates both infection-induced and sterile inflammation by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns and endogenous molecules, respectively. Saturated fatty acids can activate TLR4, and TLR4-deficient mice were protected from high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and insulin resistance, suggesting that TLR4-mediated inflammation may cause metabolic dysfunction, such as obesity and insulin resistance.MethodsWe generated two transgenic (TG) mouse lines expressing a constitutively active TLR4 in adipose tissue and determined whether these TG mice would show increased insulin resistance.ResultsTG mice fed a high fat or a normal chow diet did not exhibit increased insulin resistance compared to their wild-type controls despite increased localized inflammation in white adipose tissue. Furthermore, females of one TG line fed a normal chow diet had improved insulin sensitivity with reduction in both adiposity and body weight when compared with wild-type littermates. There were significant differences between female and male mice in metabolic biomarkers and mRNA expression in proinflammatory genes and negative regulators of TLR4 signaling, regardless of genotype and diet.ConclusionsTogether, these results suggest that constitutively active TLR4-induced inflammation in white adipose tissue is not sufficient to induce systemic insulin resistance, and that high fat diet-induced insulin resistance may require other signals in addition to TLR4-mediated inflammation.