cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nutritional supplementation of the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (hmb) during resistance training

The effects of supplementation of the leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) were examined in a resistance training study. Thirty-nine men and 36 women between the ages of 20-40 y were randomized to either a placebo (P) supplemented or HMB supplemented (3.0 g HMB/d) group in two gender cohorts. All subjects trained three times per week for 4 wk. In the HMB group, plasma creatine phosphokinase levels tended to be suppressed compared to the placebo group following the 4 wk of resistance training (HMB:174. 4 +/- 26.8 to 173.5 +/- 17.0 U/L; P:155.0 +/- 20.8 to 195.2 +/- 23.5 U/L). There were no significant differences in strength gains based on prior training status or gender with HMB supplementation. The HMB group had a greater increase in upper body strength than the placebo group (HMB:7.5 +/- 0.6 kg; P:5.2 +/- 0.6 kg; P = 0.008). The HMB groups increased fat-free weight by 1.4 +/- 0.2 kg and decreased percent fat by 1.1% +/- 0.2% while the placebo groups increased fat-free weight by 0.9 +/- 0.2 kg and decreased percent fat by 0.5% +/- 0.2% (fat-free weight P = 0.08, percent fat P = 0.08, HMB compared to placebo). In summary, this is the first short-term study to investigate the roles of gender and training status on the effects of HMB supplementation on strength and body composition. This study showed, regardless of gender or training status, HMB may increase upper body strength and minimize muscle damage when combined with an exercise program.
Systemic anaphylaxis after ingestion of a psyllium-containing breakfast cereal

Allergic reactions have been described as an occupational hazard among nurses and pharmaceutical workers who handle psyllium-containing laxatives. This study reports the case of a 38-year-old female nurse who ingested a bowl of psyllium-containing Heartwise Cereal (Kelloggs, Battle Creek, MI) and 25 minutes later developed severe systemic anaphylaxis manifested by hypotension, a feeling of constriction in the throat, hoarseness, dyspnea, wheezing, generalized pruritus, urticaria, and vomiting. She was treated with epinephrine, normal saline, diphenhydramine, and methylprednisolone, and recovered completely. Subsequent IgE immunoblot assay was strongly reactive to psyllium. Ingestion of psyllium-containing breakfast foods by sensitized individuals can be associated with life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis.
The partially aligned gradient instability in the ionosphere

Ionization irregularities which are almost but not exactly aligned along the magnetic field may grow much more rapidly than purely aligned irregularities in the presence of a background gradient of ionization and current flow. The stability of these irregularities is considered, taking into account the finite thickness of the gradient and shear in the ion motion. It is shown in particular that the normal E region of the ionosphere is usually stable, whereas sporadic E is often unstable, and this may limit the compression of metallic ions to form such layers. The F region may sometimes be unstable. Temperate zone conditions are considered throughout.
Statins and brain integrity in older adults: Secondary analysis of the Health ABC study

Abstract Introduction We examined whether statins are associated with better cerebral white (WM) and gray matter (GM) indices in community-dwelling elders. Methods In 295 older adults, we compared white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on brain magnetic resonance imaging and, total WM fractional anisotropy (FA) and GM mean diffusivity (MD) on diffusion tensor imaging, of Alzheimer's disease (AD) relevant regions in statin-exposed and statin-unexposed participants stratified by Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination (3MS) score. Results There was no overall effect of statin exposure on cerebral structural indices. The interaction between statin exposure and 3MS was significant for total-WMH and WM FA (both P P = .005 and P = .044) and FA of tracts linked to clinical AD ( P -value range=.005–.04) despite statistical adjustments. These differences were not significant in the two higher 3MS tertiles. Discussion Statins may benefit WM in older adults vulnerable to dementia.
Usability evaluation of beep-to-the-box

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) provides various opportunities to increase the productivity of retail business. In this paper, we describe a usability evaluation study for an RFID-based location tracking application, called Beep-To-The-Box (BTTB). The experiment was conducted in a simulated retail store to gain in-depth understanding of the usefulness and usability of the prototype in determining visual and audio user interface features. We describe the features of the BTTB, report the experimental results, and discuss insights gained to provide design recommendations for the final product design.
Simulated responses to hypothetical fundamental niches

. Two graphical models of plant competition, the ‘ghost of competition past’ and the ‘hierarchical’ model are compared using a greatly simplified individual-based forest dynamics simulation. Assumed fundamental niche shapes are used to determine the basic growth responses of the species, but competition alters the realized niche. Differences in the two models, amount of niche overlap, disturbance, and removal and invasion of species are examined in simulation experiments. Without disturbance, the realized niche responses reveal abrupt boundaries between species in all cases, and thus the responses are generally platykurtic to rectangular with little overlap. In some cases overlap through the extension of abundance of weaker competitors into the area of greater resources — dominated by better competitors but still within their fundamental niche — creates skewed distributions, as have been observed and simulated in the past. When species are removed or invade, the abrupt boundaries and the lack of difference in final response shape indicate that past removals may be difficult to detect. This difficulty may be important because former species may be influencing the responses that are observed in common non-equilibrium distributions. Even when assumptions favor the illustration of a competitive hierarchy, actual distributions and dynamics do not differentiate between it and a model of the ghost of competition past.
Reflectance characteristics and surface processes in stabilized dune environments

Analysis of multitemporal TM data for three environmentally related field areas yields information on the response characteristics of stabilized dunes and desert-fringe environments. The three field sites studied include dune fields in Egypt, Mali, and Botswana, ranging in climate from hyperarid to semiarid, and may be classed as an environmental series relating surface processes under Saharan, Sahelian, and Savanna conditions. Sites were field mapped and monitored with TM data for lengths of time up to a year. The complexity of spectral response characteristics is greatest where vegetation is dense and diverse, but study of the three environments together places constraints on the importance of vegetation to spectral response as well as to mechanisms of sand transport. In both Mali and Botswana, the Sahelian and Savanna environments, contrast reversals occur on dune crests and reflectance patterns change through the dry season to resemble the response curves of the hyperarid study site in Egypt. In these analyses, overall surface brightness is controlled by sand composition, while spectral features are controlled by vegetation dynamics.
Internet-scale service infrastructure efficiency

High-scale cloud services provide economies of scale of five to ten over small-scale deployments, and are becoming a large part of both enterprise information processing and consumer services. Even very large enterprise IT deployments have quite different cost drivers and optimizations points from internet-scale services. The former are people-dominated from a cost perspective whereas internet-scale service costs are driven by server hardware and infrastructure with people costs fading into the noise at less than 10%.In this talk we inventory where the infrastructure costs are in internet-scale services. We track power distribution from 115KV at the property line through all conversions into the data center tracking the losses to final delivery at semiconductor voltage levels. We track cooling and all the energy conversions from power dissipation through release to the environment outside of the building. Understanding where the costs and inefficiencies lie, we'll look more closely at cooling and overall mechanical system design, server hardware design, and software techniques including graceful degradation mode, power yield management, and resource consumption shaping.
Sex, ethnicity and Chicano status attainment.

Using data from the 1979 Chicano Survey, this study analyzes the determinants of status attainment among the U.S. population of Mexican descent. The process of status attainment is essentially the ...
Environmental setting of San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay, the largest bay on the California coast, is a broad, shallow, turbid estuary comprising two geographically and hydrologically distinct subestuaries: the northern reach lying between the connection to the Pacific Ocean at the Golden Gate and the confluence of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system, and the southern reach (herein called South Bay) between the Golden Gate and the southern terminus of the bay. The northern reach is a partially mixed estuary dominated by seasonally varying river inflow, and the South Bay is a tidally oscillating lagoon-type estuary. Freshwater inflows, highest during winter, generate strong estuarine circulation and largely determine water residence times. They also bring large volumes of dissolved and particulate materials to the estuary. Tidal currents, generated by mixed semidiurnal and diurnal tides, mix the water column and, together with river inflow and basin geometry, determine circulation patterns. Winds, which are strongest during summer and during winter storms, exert stress on the bay’s water surface, thereby creating large waves that resuspend sediment from the shallow bay bottom and, together with the tidal currents, contribute markedly to the transport of water masses throughout the shallow estuary.
Effects of arsenite on UROtsa cells: low-level arsenite causes accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins that is enhanced by reduction in cellular glutathione levels.

Abstract Chronic arsenic exposure increases risk for the development of diabetes, vascular disease, and cancers of the skin, lung, kidney, and bladder. This study investigates the effects of arsenite [As(III)] on human urothelial cells (UROtsa). As(III) toxicity was determined by exposing confluent UROtsa cells to As(III) (0.5–200 μM). Depleting cellular glutathione levels with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) potentiated the toxicity of As(III). Cell viability was assessed with the (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. UROtsa cell ability to biotransform As(III) was determined by dosing cells with environmentally relevant concentrations of As(III) followed by HPLC/ICP-MS analysis of cell media and lysate. Both pentavalent and trivalent monomethylated products were detected. Although cytotoxicity was observed at high doses of As(III) (approximately 100 μM) in UROtsa cells, perturbations of a variety of molecular processes occurred at much lower doses. Exposure to low-level As(III) (0.5–25 μM) causes an accumulation of ubiquitin (Ub)-conjugated proteins. This effect is enhanced when cellular glutathione levels have been reduced with BSO treatment. Because As(III) has many effects on UROtsa cells, a greater understanding of how As(III) is affecting cellular proteins in a target tissue will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of toxicity and pathogenesis for low-level As(III).
Effects of demand uncertainty on optimal capacity and congestion tolls for urban highways

Abstract This paper presents an analytical treatment of the effect of uncertain demand on optimal highway capacity and congestion tolls. The optimal capacity under conditions of uncertainty is larger relative to the mean level of road use than the capacity appropriate for the certainty case. The optimal toll may be either larger or smaller depending on its effect on the variance of equilibrium road use.
Development of polymeric photosensitizers for photoinitiated cationic polymerization

Enhancement of the rates of onium salt photoinitiated cationic polymerizations of epoxides and vinyl ethers has been achieved through the use of oligomeric and polymeric electron-transfer photosens...
Three-dimensional model for gas tungsten arc welding with filler metal

This paper presents a three-dimensional model to describe the transient heat and fluid flow in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) with a filler metal. Using the volume of fluid (VOF) method, the melt depth and the surface profile of the weld are predicted. The GTAW experiments show that the predictions of the weld pool shape based on the model are in good agreement with the measured values.
Laser-perforated carbon paper electrodes for improved mass-transport in high power density vanadium redox flow batteries

Abstract In this study, we demonstrate up to 30% increase in power density of carbon paper electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) by introducing perforations into the structure of electrodes. A CO 2 laser was used to generate holes ranging from 171 to 421 μm diameter, and hole densities from 96.8 to 649.8 holes cm −2 . Perforation of the carbon paper electrodes was observed to improve cell performance in the activation region due to thermal treatment of the area around the perforations. Results also demonstrate improved mass transport, resulting in enhanced peak power and limiting current density. However, excessive perforation of the electrode yielded a decrease in performance due to reduced available surface area. A 30% increase in peak power density (478 mW cm −2 ) was observed for the laser perforated electrode with 234 μm diameter holes and 352.8 holes cm −2 (1764 holes per 5 cm 2 electrode), despite a 15% decrease in total surface area compared to the raw un-perforated electrode. Additionally, the effect of perforation on VRFB performance was studied at different flow rates (up to 120 mL min −1 ) for the optimized electrode architecture. A maximum power density of 543 mW cm −2 was achieved at 120 mL min −1 .
Applying Bargaining Solutions to Resource Allocation in Multiuser MIMO-OFDMA Broadcast Systems

Multiuser multi-input multi-output orthogonal frequency division multiple access (MIMO-OFDMA) is regarded as an important technology for increasing the flexibility and efficiency of wireless communication systems. A well-behaved resource allocation strategy is crucial for the performance of such systems. In this paper, we systematically study the allocation problem from a game theory perspective for the multiuser downlink broadcast channel. First, we investigate the application of the Nash and Kalai-Smorodinsky bargaining games to a general resource allocation problem and propose algorithms to find the corresponding solutions. Then we apply the general solutions to the special case where spatial block diagonalization is combined with time-sharing to multiplex a subset of the users on every subcarrier. To reduce the computational complexity, a framework for simplifying the resulting algorithms is also given. Numerical results and analysis are provided to compare the performance of the different resource allocation methods.
The British at Weihaiwei: A Case Study in the Irrationality of Empire

The grand spectacle of Britain's return of Hong Kong, its colony since the 1842 Treaty of Nanking, to Chinese sovereignty in July 1997 served to dramatize to a global audience the end of imperialism in its most overt political form. Beginning with China's defeat in the First Opium War in 1842, Britain and other European powers came to exercise varying degrees of forcible dominion, wrapped in a confusing array of legal guises, over parts of this proud but endangered country. Known to the Chinese ever since as the “unequal treaties,” these agreements progressively infringed on China's sovereignty, administrative and legal integrity, and economic viability. Extraterritorial rights exempting foreigners from Chinese justice, treaty ports where administration was in the hands of foreigners, and foreign control of extensive portions of Chinese bureaucratic administration, including even the country's ability to collect revenue through the Maritime Customs Service—all became part of the elaborate edifice of extraordinary rights and privileges that the powers created for themselves in the name of the “great game” of empire in China.1
In Search of Harmony: A Constraint-Based Approach to the Task of Harmony Retrieval

Abstract This paper describes a system prototype of a search engine for harmony sequences. The system, which was successfully tested on midi sequences of music by W.A. Mozart, has several distinguishing features. These include: (a) a user-friendly interface for specification of the sequence through pitch and time constraints, (b) support for the retrieval of sequences comprised of complex events containing both melodic and harmonic features, which may be interspersed by non-sequence data, and (c) pitches are stored as categorized distances from an anchor point, resulting in immediate, online calculation of tonal functions. A method for the representation and retrieval of harmony sequences will be described. This method makes use of the music theoretical concepts of schema and style structure, and has been successfully applied to the tasks of schema retrieval, similarity retrieval, theme retrieval and data mining.
Machining Process Modeling: A Review

In this paper, a summary of work performed in the area of modeling of the dynamic metal cutting process is presented. A general view of evolution of the dynamic cutting process models is depicted. Specifically four modeling approaches including analytical, experimental, mechanistic and numerical methods are critically reviewed. A brief assessment offuture research needs is also given.
Sustainable Development and Girardian Economics

What is sustainable development? Why is it an issue? Ideally, what needs to be done ? and Practically, what can be done? are answered in this chapter by relying on the framework of Girardian economics developed by French economist, Andre Orlean, and based on Rene Girard’s model of mimetic rivalry under conditions of high uncertainty.
An iterative linear method for calculation of spin-lattice relaxation times

Abstract A simple algorithm for the calculation of spin-lattice relaxation times which can be run in a programmable calculator is presented. As was suggested by H. Hanssum et al. , an experimentally determined inhomogeneity parameter ( I ) can be used with this procedure to compensate for imperfections in the RF field. The effects of variation of pulse width and repetition rate on both I and T 1 are investigated with simulated and experimental data sets. The superiority of this approach over three-parameter nonlinear fitting methods is demonstrated by comparisons between data sets generated with different pulse flip angles and sample volumes.
Synthesis and Solid State Structures of Sterically Crowded d0-Metallocenes of Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium, Samarium, and Ytterbium

The base-free metallocenes [1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Ca, [1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Sr, and [1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Ba have been prepared by reaction of MI2 and the sodium or potassium salt of the substituted cyclopentadiene anion in THF, while [1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Mg was prepared from the cyclopentadiene, 1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H3, and dibutylmagnesium. The structures of the magnesocene and calcocene as well as those of the previously prepared ytterbium and samarium analgoues have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The metallocenes are slightly bent in the solid state with centroid-metal-centroid angles ranging from 163 degrees to 173 degrees. Adducts of the strontocene and samarocene with THF and of the barocene, samarocene, and ytterbocene with 2,6-Me2C6H3NC have also been prepared and characterized. The massive bulk of the [1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]- ligand leads to behavior quite different from that previously observed for base-free metallocenes of the alkaline earths and divalent lanthanides.
Resistance of peas to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the Pisum core collection

In this study, 497 pea accessions from the Pisum core collection located at the USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station (WRPIS), Pullman, WA and seven woody-stem pea lines from a private collection in the UK, were screened for resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum , the cause of white mould. All of the Pisum genotypes screened were susceptible to infection, and 237 of the 504 genotypes were highly susceptible since these did not survive 2 weeks post-inoculation. However, 22 pea accessions and one woody-stem line were identified with quantitative partial resistance to white mould. Pea accessions 103709, 166084, 169603, 240515 and 270536 from the core collection demonstrated the greatest quantitative partial resistance to S. sclerotiorum based on nodal resistance and plant survival in replicated greenhouse and laboratory tests. Only five of the 504 genotypes screened had a mean lesion length of between 0 and 1 cm when assessed 3 days post-inoculation. Pea stem diameter was significantly ( P ≤ 0·03) negatively correlated with stem lesion length in replicated greenhouse and laboratory experiments, and was determined to be the best predictor of quantitative partial resistance to S. sclerotiorum based on lesion length.
Nanotechnology and Social Context

The central claims defended in this article are the following: (a) The social and ethical challenges of nanotechnology can be fully identified only if both the characteristic features of nanotechno...
Monte Carlo SURE-based parameter selection for parallel magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction.

Purpose Regularizing parallel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reconstruction significantly improves image quality but requires tuning parameter selection. We propose a Monte Carlo method for automatic parameter selection based on Stein's unbiased risk estimate that minimizes the multichannel k-space mean squared error (MSE). We automatically tune parameters for image reconstruction methods that preserve the undersampled acquired data, which cannot be accomplished using existing techniques. Theory We derive a weighted MSE criterion appropriate for data-preserving regularized parallel imaging reconstruction and the corresponding weighted Stein's unbiased risk estimate. We describe a Monte Carlo approximation of the weighted Stein's unbiased risk estimate that uses two evaluations of the reconstruction method per candidate parameter value. Methods We reconstruct images using the denoising sparse images from GRAPPA using the nullspace method (DESIGN) and L1 iterative self-consistent parallel imaging (L1-SPIRiT). We validate Monte Carlo Stein's unbiased risk estimate against the weighted MSE. We select the regularization parameter using these methods for various noise levels and undersampling factors and compare the results to those using MSE-optimal parameters. Results Our method selects nearly MSE-optimal regularization parameters for both DESIGN and L1-SPIRiT over a range of noise levels and undersampling factors. Conclusion The proposed method automatically provides nearly MSE-optimal choices of regularization parameters for data-preserving nonlinear parallel MRI reconstruction methods. Magn Reson Med 71:1760–1770, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Practical Use of High-Order Methods for Hyperbolic Systems*

The paper tests a number of high order methods on a variety of dynamic problems in one, two, and three space dimensions. The problems covered include wave propagation phenomena as well as an asymptotic approach to a steady state. Consideration is given to both smooth and shocked flows. It is shown that the methods compared require only minor modifications of many existing second-order schemes. Further, the results show that significant gains can be expected from the use of fourth-order methods. Finally, spectral methods are also considered for some of the problems presented.
Praxis and Power.

This article examines Prilleltensky's concept of psychopolitical validity in terms of its locus within the continuum of individual-relational-collective well-being. It argues that the strength of Prilleltensky's position is its emphasis on the need for structural changes in power relationships rather than the imposition of ameliorative interventions. Political action, however, is necessary to advance human well-being by reducing power inequities. To do so, it is argued requires action that is targeted, measured, and replicable. Empowerment though action alone can become lasting. For that reason, the concept of “praxis” and its implications for the design of empowerment initiatives need to be understood and incorporated within discussions of psychopolitical validity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of a protein fraction from reticulocyte ribosomes required for de novo synthesis of hemoglobin.

Abstract A fraction (I fraction) was prepared by extracting IX-reticulocyte ribosomes (unwashed) with 0.5 m KCl. This fraction is required for de novo synthesis of hemoglobin by various ribosomal preparations; however, it is not required for the completion of nascent chains. The active component(s) in the I fraction is protein in nature, since it is inactivated by pronase, trypsin, and N -ethylmaleimide (NEM) but is not affected by T 1 RNase. The active component(s) of the I fraction appears to have a molecular weight of at least 100,000. It appears to be involved in some step of protein synthesis following the formation of aminoacyl-tRNA but prior to the steps requiring the transfer enzymes (TF-1 and TF-2). The 1X-ribosomes are broken down into particles which sediment slower than 80S monosomes by the salt wash. In spite of this drastic treatment of 1X-ribosomes, the hemoglobin mRNA remains associated with the ribosomes.
q-difference operators for orthogonal polynomials

In this work we apply a q-ladder operator approach to orthogonal polynomials arising from a class of indeterminate moment problems. We derive general representation of first and second order q-difference operators and we study the solution basis of the corresponding second order q-difference equations and its properties. The results are applied to the Stieltjes-Wigert and the q-Laguerre polynomials.
Calibration of a photographic method for imaging mass transfer in aqueous solutions

Abstract We previously described a method utilizing the flow of developer solution over an exposed photographic film for imaging mass uptake patterns at solid surfaces. We have now formulated a calibration equation that converts optical density of the developed black-and-white film to the local mass transfer coefficient. This equation was evaluated with measurements of mass transfer at the surface of a spinning disk and in the entry region of a straight tube. The product of developer dilution and development time dictated the broadest range of measurable mass transfer coefficient values and had an optimum value of approximately 1.0 min.
Weak links and warrior hearts: a framework for judging self and others in police training

This paper examines professional socialization within a metropolitan police academy in the USA. Specifically, the research documents how the normative orders of the occupational culture come to function as a framework used to either stigmatize or idealize fellow recruits. A series of narratives regarding and reactions to particular events in the training serve as examples that detail the manner by which recruits internalize the occupational culture as they evolve through the training. The paper also discusses how recruits are eventually able to utilize their burgeoning understanding of normative orders to discredit police administrators and the training structure itself.
Practicing Women: The Matter of Women in Medieval English Literature

This essay provides a survey of women in medieval English literature through the lens of the various ways matter signifies for an understanding of the representation of women in literature of the period and their identity as authors. The Aristotelian cultural assumption that women are associated with matter rather than form profoundly influences the ways in which women are represented in medieval literary works. That cultural assumption is unsettled by the changing material conditions of women in late medieval England and even further complicated when women become authorial subjects. Finally, textual representations are materially influenced by the increasingly prominent role women play in the production and consumption of texts.
Model calculations for molecular photoabsorption spectra

We present a detailed study of calculated near edge X-ray absorption spectra using Xα multiple scattering theory. In this study we have investigated a series of simple molecules including diatomics like CO or N 2 as well as polyatomic molecules (e.g. N 2 H 4 , H 2 CO or CH 3 OH). To avoid problems usually related with the ambivalent choice of muffin-tin radii we have chosen a semi-empirical approach using experimental ionization potentials to fix the radii. We will show that the qualitative as well as the quantitative agreement between experimental and calculated spectra obtained in this way is strikingly good.
Construction of mobilizable vectors derived from plasmids RP4, pUC18 and pUC19

Mobilizable narrow-host-range plasmids were constructed from pUC18 and pUC19 by addition of a segment of pSUP2021 bearing the basis of mobilization (bom) site and origin of transfer (oriT) of RP4. One pair of expression vectors, pARO180 and pARO190, retains the beta-lactamase (bla) gene and twelve of the 13 restriction enzyme multiple cloning sites (MCS) of pUC18/19. Another pair was created by replacing the bla gene with the gene encoding kanamycin resistance (kan) from Tn5. The molecules replicate to high copy number in Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes. They can be transferred efficiently to other Gram- bacteria from the mobilizing strain, E. coli S17-1. In non-enteric strains, the new plasmids can be used as suicide vectors in site-specific insertional mutagenesis.
Classification of similar medical images in the lifting domain

In this paper lifting is used for similarity analysis and classification of sets of similar medical images. The lifting scheme is an invertible wavelet transform that maps integers to integers. Lifting provides efficient in-place calculation of transfer coefficients and is widely used for analysis of similar image sets. Images of a similar set show high degrees of correlation with one another. The inter-set redundancy can be exploited for the purposes of prediction, compression, feature extraction, and classification. This research intends to show that there is a higher degree of correlation between images of a similar set in the lifting domain than in the pixel domain. Such a high correlation will result in more accurate classification and prediction of images in a similar set. Several lifting schemes from Calderbank-Daubechies-Fauveue's family were used in this research. The research shows that some of these lifting schemes decorrelates the images of similar sets more effectively than others. The research presents the statistical analysis of the data in scatter plots and regression models.
Nonpsychotic, nonparaphilic self-amputation and the internet

The literature suggests that self-amputation is an outgrowth of either psychosis or paraphilia. In the case we present, the patient was neither psychotic at the time of amputation, nor did he ascribe a sexual motivation for his act. Instead, he had a long-standing idea that being an amputee was a critical aspect of his identity. The patient used the internet to research the method for his amputation and sought support from individuals with the same desire via e-mail, web sites, and Usenet news groups.
Recent advances in scanning tomographic acoustic microscopy

We present the recent developments of the Scanning Tomographic Acoustic Microscope (STAM). The STAM was proposed as a method to achieve 3D imaging capability for the Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscope (SLAM). With the addition of a quadrature receiver, the complex scattered wave field can now be detected, and consequently the STAM is capable of subsurface holographic and tomographic imaging. The resolution improvement of the STAM can be attributed directly to the detection of the phase information and the image reconstruction technique. The STAM is sensitive to phase errors in the tomographic projections. In particular, the quadrature phase error and the initial phase error in the complex projections are critical to the tomographic reconstruction process. For multiple-angle tomography, high-precision projection registration and alignment become necessary. By obtaining solutions to these implementation problems, we have succeeded in obtaining images superior to the original SLAM images. In addition, quantitative ultrasonic imaging is possible with the STAM, and a method is presented to image the velocity parameter of simple specimens. With these capabilities, the STAM may become a useful tool for high-resolution subsurface nondestructive evaluation.
Regulation of scytophycin accumulation in cultures of Scytonema ocellatum. II. Nutrient requirements.

The effects of optimal sources and concentrations of major nutrients (supplying N, S, P, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and inorganic carbon) and organic buffers on growth and secondary metabolite accumulation in Scytonema ocellatum strain FF-66-3 were determined. Nitrate, phosphate, magnesium, and sulfur had no specific stimulatory or inhibitory effects on scytophycin accumulation within the range of concentrations that supported optimal growth. Calcium concentrations greater than those required for growth (0.1 mM) stimulated scytophycin accumulation. Sodium carbonate concentrations in excess of 0.25 mM strongly inhibited growth. Ammonium (2.5 mM) inhibited both growth and product formation. 3-[N-Morpholino]propanesulfonic acid at 3–5 mM effectively controlled pH and facilitated both growth and product formation.
Low-temperature study of lithium-ion cells using a LiySn micro-reference electrode

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the next battery system for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) due to their high power density. However, their power is severely limited at −30 °C and the concern exists that lithium metal could plate on the negative electrode during regen (charge) pulses. The goal of this work is to determine the reason for this poor low-temperature performance using an in situ Li y Sn micro reference electrode (RE) over a wide temperature range of 30 °C to −30 °C. A variety of negative and positive electrode materials with unique morphologies was used in this work to help elucidate the dominant low-temperature mechanism. In this work, it was observed that the potential of graphite negative electrodes does dip below lithium potentials not only during charge pulses, but also under normal charging if the cell cutoff voltage is not reduced from its room-temperature setting of 4.1 V, whereas hard carbon electrodes do not because they operate further from lithium potential. The most surprising finding from this work was that a second impedance mechanism dominates below 0 °C that affects the positive and negative electrodes almost equally. This suggests that the responsible phenomenon is independent of the active material and is most likely a pure electrolyte-interface effect.
136 Reconstruction of Recurrent first Dorsal Web Space Oncologic Defects with Acellular Dermis

Introduction: Open wounds following oncologic reresection of skin cancer of the hand can be problematic from a soft tissue reconstructive perspective. First, these wounds must often await definitive coverage until permanent negative margin clearance is obtained. This results in the morbidity of chronic painful dressing changes and possible infection. Secondly, for defects of the first web space, the reconstructive options are often limited to skin grafting which can yield functional hazards with contracted healing. Acellular dermis has been proposed as a biomechanical scaffold for subsequent skin grafting. Hypothesis: We proposed to use acellular dermis for wounds stemming from reresection of skin cancers of the first web space to: 1) obviate dressing changes until permanent histology was confirmed 2) provide a soft tissue platform that enhances subsequent skin graft take and healing and ameliorates potential graft contracture Methods: The resected wound area of two patients, 11 × 5 and 5 × 4 cm in size, were transiently covered with acellular dermis in the first stage. After confirmation of final histologic clearance of tumor at the margins, split thickness skin graft was placed on the granulating wound bed. Subsequent clinical examination and DASH questionnaires were used to assess outcome. Results: After 6 months, wounds had healed with good cosmetic result. No contracture of the web space was noted. Average DASH score was 20.5 and no recurrences were noted. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that acellular dermis is a useful adjunct for covering wounds of the hand, especially for functionally important locations such as the first dorsal web space.
Globalizing security? Media framing of national security in France and the United States from the Cold War through 11 September:

This article offers a longitudinal examination of the public discourse on national security, as indicated by media frames, in France and the United States. The analysis presented here encompasses a...
Replication of varicella-zoster virus in human skin organ culture.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection is restricted to humans, which hinders studies of its pathogenesis in rodent models of disease. To facilitate the study of VZV skin tropism, we developed an ex vivo system using human fetal skin organ culture (SOC). VZV replication was analyzed by plaque assay, transmission electron microscopy, and histology. The yield of infectious VZV from SOC increased ∼100-fold over 6 days, virions were abundant, and lesions developed that contained VZV antigens and resembled varicella and zoster lesions. The SOC system for VZV replication has applications for testing virus mutants and antiviral drugs.
Section-illumination photoacoustic microscopy for dynamic 3D imaging of microcirculation in vivo

We developed section-illumination photoacoustic microscopy capable of dynamic in vivo imaging of microvessels as small as 30 μm in diameter. The section illumination improved the elevational resolution while an ultrasound array provided the in-plane axial and lateral resolutions. Using the imaging system, we monitored the wash-in dynamics of Evans Blue in the microcirculation of mouse ears at 249 Hz 2D and 0.5 Hz 3D image acquisition rates. Such observation allowed us to differentiate the arterioles from the venules. In the future, the technology may be used to study angiogenesis, diabetes-induced vascular complications, and pharmacokinetics.
Spontaneous melt localization in a deforming solid with viscosity variations due to water weakening

Extraction of melt is influenced by the rheology of the two phase medium in which it is generated. The viscosity of mantle containing a small melt fraction is significantly increased as the concentration of water dissolved in olivine decreases. Upon melting, water fractionates into melt, where it is transported by both advection and diffusion. Advection transports water into melt rich regions, resulting in higher olivine water contents, lower solid viscosity, and lower pressure locally. Melt flows into these low pressure regions, resulting in self-induced localization of melt. Diffusive transport of water opposes advection, creating a preferred wavelength of melt localization. An estimated wavelength of melt localization in the range of 100's of meters to a few kilometers may lead to the formation of high melt fraction channels which preserve chemical disequilibrium between melt and residual mantle.
Finite element formulation for cylindrical bending of a transversely compressible sandwich plate, based on assumed transverse strains

In order to construct a plate theory for cylindrical bending of a sandwich plate with isotropic homogeneous thick face sheets and an isotropic core, the authors make simplifying assumptions regarding distribution of transverse strain components in the thickness direction. It is assumed that the transverse strains (i.e. exz and ezz) do not vary in the thickness direction within the face sheets and the core, but can be different functions of the in-plane coordinate in different sublaminates (the face sheets and the core). The purpose of this work is to investigate the accuracy of the theory, based on such assumptions and upon the continuity of displacements and transverse stresses at the interfaces between the layers. The finite element formulation, based on this plate theory, is made using degrees of freedom related to transverse strains and datum surface displacements. The in-plane direct stress, σxx, is computed from the constitutive equations, and the improved values of transverse stress components are computed by integration of equilibrium equations σij,j=0 in a post process stage. The values of the transverse strains can also be computed in the post process stage by substituting the improved transverse stresses into the constitutive relations. The improved transverse strains, unlike the assumed ones, vary in the thickness direction within a sublaminate. A problem of cylindrical bending of a simply supported plate under a uniform load on the upper surface is considered, and comparison is made between the in-plane stress, improved transverse stresses (obtained by integration of equilibrium equations) and displacements, computed from the plate theory with the corresponding values from an exact elasticity solution. This comparison showed that good agreement of both solutions is achieved. The model of a sandwich plate in cylindrical bending, presented in the present paper, has a wider range of applicability than the models presented in literature so far: it can be applied to plates with both thin and thick faces, with the cores both transversely rigid and transversely flexible, and to the plates with a wide range of thickness-to-length ratios.
Parkin: clinical aspects and neurobiology

Abstract A variety of mutations in parkin are linked to autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD). Mutations in parkin may be one of the most common causes of autosomal recessive PD. Parkin is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase and familial associated mutations disrupt the E3 ligase activity, thus implicating derangements in the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway in the pathogenesis of PD. We review the clinical and neuropathological features of Parkinson's disease caused by parkin mutations. In addition, we discuss the emerging evidence that parkin is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase and how derangements in its E3 ligase activity might cause autosomal recessive PD.
2-Aminopurine inhibits RNA and protein synthesis and reduces catecholamine desensitization in C6-2B rat glioma cells.

Abstract We previously proposed that intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation induces a putative, rapidly turning over protein inhibitory to further hormone activation of adenylate cyclase. In the present study, 2-aminopurine, which has been reported to selectively block c- fos gene expression, was used to test the hypothesis that c-fos protein might be involved in the desensitization process. Indeed, a reduction in heterologous desensitization to catecholamines was observed in 2-aminopurine-treated C6-2B rat glioma cells. However, we found 2-aminopurine to inhibit, in a concentration-dependent manner, total cellular RNA and protein synthesis in C6-2B. HeLa, Swiss 3T3 and BALB/e cells. mRNA synthesis was also markedly reduced in 2-aminopurine-treated cells. These unexpected findings, while supporting our hypothesis of a protein synthesis-sensitive step in the development of refractoriness, raise concern about the specificity of action of 2-aminopurine to inhibit c- fos induction and thus any cellular process, including desensitization, which might be regulated by c- fos gene expression.
Educational Expansion and Social Mobility in the 20th Century

Sociologists consider inequality in educational attainment to be a major cause of inequality between people in their chances of occupying a more advantageous class position. However, there is dispute as to whether educational inequality according to social class background declined during the 20th century. What is not in doubt is the expansion of education in the advanced economies during this time, and several authors have pointed to educational expansion as a mechanism by which inequalities in social mobility chances may be reduced. I measure this effect and compare it with the impact of educational equalization on social mobility in Britain, Sweden and Germany during the 20th century. I find that in all three countries educational expansion promoted greater social mobility.
Applications of sparse approximation in communications

Sparse approximation problems abound in many scientific, mathematical, and engineering applications. These problems are defined by two competing notions: we approximate a signal vector as a linear combination of elementary atoms and we require that the approximation be both as accurate and as concise as possible. We introduce two natural and direct applications of these problems and algorithmic solutions in communications. We do so by constructing enhanced codebooks from base codebooks. We show that we can decode these enhanced codebooks in the presence of Gaussian noise. For MIMO wireless communication channels, we construct simultaneous sparse approximation problems and demonstrate that our algorithms can both decode the transmitted signals and estimate the channel parameters
Avoiding "sticker" shock.

In this issue of Blood , Witt and colleagues show that it is safe to alter the frequency of laboratory monitoring from every 4 weeks to every 8 weeks in stable patients on long-term anticoagulant therapy.[1][1] [1]: #ref-1
Trends in Race/Sex Occupational Inequality: Conceptual and Measurement Issues

This paper takes an important step in assessing progress in eradicating gender, race, and ethnic employment discrimination by developing a new conceptualization and a related measure of occupational inequality. Additionally, a method is developed to decompose change in this measure into four sources: (1) change in the race/sex composition within occupations; (2) shifts in the race/sex composition of the labor force; (3) transformation in the occupational structure; and (4) interaction of these three factors. An analysis of U.S. census and current population survey data demonstrates the empirical advantages of this measure, and shows that race/sex occupational inequality substantially declined during the 1960s and 1970s. However, between 1980 and 1989, this downward trend diminished substantially.