cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the Educational Practices of Biblical Doctoral Studies

The paper explores the impact of the change in populations, the impact of electronic communication, and the multiplicity of methodological approaches on the ethos and practices of biblical studies. It proposes a rhetorical emancipatory educational paradigm and explores its possibilities for the professional education of biblical scholars on the doctoral level. Since both college and seminary teachers are shaped in and through their doctoral studies, it is necessary to focus on doc- toral education in order to address the growing recog- nition that the discipline of biblical studies in its present form needs to cultivate transformative intellectuals who are not only at home in the academy but also can crit- ically intervene in the public discourses and uses of the Bible in religious communities, democratic publics, or global inter-religious relations.
Selected results of the F-15 propulsion interactions program

A better understanding of propulsion system/airframe flow interactions could aid in the reduction of aircraft drag. For this purpose, NASA and the United States Air Force have conducted a series of wind-tunnel and flight tests on the F-15 airplane. This paper presents a correlation of flight test data from tests conducted at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility of the Ames Research Center, with data obtained from wind-tunnel tests. Flights were made at stabilized Mach numbers around 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 with accelerations up to near Mach number 2. Wind-tunnel tests used a 7.5 percent-scale F-15 inlet/airframe model. Flight and wind-tunnel pressure coefficients showed good agreement in most cases. Correlation of interaction effects caused by changes in cowl angle, angle-of-attack, and Mach number are presented. For the afterbody region, the pressure coefficients on the nozzle surfaces were influenced by boattail angles and Mach number. Boundary-layer thickness decreased as angle of attack increased above 4 deg.
To Learn or Not to Learn: A Potential Organizational Learning Gap Among School Systems?

For decades, researchers have studied student achievement gaps in many countries. This article posits that a similar learning gap may be occurring among the organizations we call school systems—a potential gap between school systems that have maintained the status quo and those that have been working to innovate and improve. The case study indicates how an affluent public school system in the USA, by maintaining the status quo, may not have developed the organizational capacity necessary to respond flexibly to 21st-century changes or close the gap with school systems that have been experimenting with organizational learning.
Methodology for Localized and Accessible Image Formation and Elucidation

Accessibility is one of the key checkpoints in all software products, applications, and Web sites. Accessibility with digital images has always been a major challenge for the industry. Images form an integral part of certain type of documents and most Web 2.0-compliant Web sites. Individuals challenged with blindness and many dyslexics only make use of screen readers/text readers/narrator software programs to access the computer and computer-displayed information. These individuals cannot view digital images/pictures; hence, drafting accessible documents or designing accessibility-enhanced Web sites containing digital images representing figures, diagrams, or maps presents a challenge. There are various published best practices for accessibility of documents or Web sites containing images so that they can be better understood by visually impaired users. But these are truly not enough to cover all of the practical scenarios. This article discusses a need for more innovative solutions and proposes an access...
Reproductive abnormalities in mice expressing omega-3 fatty acid desaturase in their mammary glands

The Caenorhabditis elegans n-3 fatty acid desaturase (Fat-1) acts on a range of 18- and 20-carbon n-6 fatty acid substrates. Transgenic female mice expressing the Fat-1 gene under transcriptional control of the goat β-casein promoter produce milk phospholipids having elevated levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). However, females from this line were also observed to have impaired reproductive performance characterized by a smaller litter size (2.7 ± 0.6 vs. 7.2 ± 0.7; P < 0.05) than wildtype controls. While there is a close association between PUFA metabolism, prostaglandin biosynthesis, and fertility; reproductive problems in these mice were unanticipated given that the Fat-1 transgene is primarily expressed in the lactating mammary gland. Using multiple approaches it was found that Fat-1 mice have normal ovulation and fertilization rates; however fewer embryos were present in the uterus prior to implantation. Small litter size was also found to be partly attributable to a high incidence of post-implantation fetal resorptions. Embryo transfer experiments revealed that embryos developing from oocytes derived from transgenic ovaries had an increased rate of post-implantation resorption, regardless of the uterine genotype. Ovary transplantation between Fat-1 and C57BL/6 wildtype females revealed that non-ovarian factors also contributed to the smaller litter size phenotype. Finally, surgical removal of the mammary glands from juvenile Fat-1 mice increased the subsequent number of implantation sites per female, but did not lessen the high rate of post-implantation resorptions. In conclusion, we herein report on a system where an exogenous transgene expressed predominately in the mammary gland detrimentally affects female reproduction, suggesting that in certain circumstances the mammary gland may function as an endocrine regulator of reproductive performance.
Keynote address—FDA Regulation of Stem Cell Therapy

Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cell therapy products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One of the most critical junctures in the development of a new therapeutic agent is the transition from the bench to the first clinical trials. To determine whether there is information to support initiation of a clinical trial, and whether the investigation is adequately designed to assure the safety of subjects, the FDA reviews information on the product, preclinical safety studies, and safety features incorporated into the clinical trial. Product information can include, for example, information on source controls and manufacturing process controls, as well as analytical assessment of product characteristics and safety testing for adventitious agents or other contaminants. Preclinical safety evaluation is important to establish a scientific rationale for the clinical investigation of the product and to demonstrate an acceptable safety profile of the cell therapy and its delivery system. Early stage trials are reviewed for safety. Study design aspects that enhance safety include, for example, defining an appropriate patient population, and incorporation of safety monitoring and stopping rules into the trial. Early stage trials can provide early information about safety and tolerability, as well as information on dose selection and dose delivery, proof of concept, patient selection, and information to assist in selection of clinical trial design parameters for pivotal studies. Dialogue with the FDA is encouraged during early stages of product development in order to provide investigators and sponsors with an understanding of what is needed to initiate clinical development, and at later stages to discuss what type of data would be needed to support a marketing application.
Adrenergic-cholinergic interaction that modulates repolarization in the atrium is altered with aging.

Autonomic Modulation of Atrial Repolarization.Introduction: Aging is associated with involution of both limbs of the autonomic nervous system, and the prejunctional and postjunctional effects of adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation are altered with senescence. Hence, postjunctional age-related changes in adrenergic-cholinergic interaction are a likely occurrence and may contribute to an altered substrate for arrhythmias. Methods and Results: Microelectrode techniques were used to record action potentials from epicardial slices of Bachmann's bundles of dogs aged 3 to 5 years (adult) and 8 to 12 years (old) in the absence or presence of acetylcholine and isoproterenol (separately and in combination). In control, action potential duration to 90% repolarization (APD) was longer in old atria. Acetylcholine (10−8 to 10−5 mol/L) in a concentration-dependent manner hyperpolarized and shortened APD in both tissues, with more prominent effects in the old. The effects of isoproterenol (10−9 to 10−6 mol/L) to elevate the plateau and shorten APD were about the same in both adult and old tissues. In adults, low concentrations of isoproterenol (10−9 and 10−8 mol/L) significantly prolonged APD, which had been first shortened by acetylcholine. This effect of isoproterenol was decreased in old atrial tissue, resulting in shorter APD in old than adult atria in the combined presence of beta-adrenergic and muscarinic agonists. Conclusion: In adult Bachmann's bundle, beta-adrenergic stimulation effectively operates as a “brake” to decrease the extent of cholinergic-induced APD shortening. The action of beta-adrenergic stimulation to antagonize acetylcholine-induced acceleration of repolarization declines with age, which may contribute to an altered arrhythmogenic substrate.
Finding an upper limit for gap costs in direct optimization parsimony

Exploring a large number of parameter sets in sensitivity analyses of direct optimization parsimony can be costly in terms of time and computing resources, and there is little a priori guidance available for reasonable limits to these search parameters. For this reason, we sought a general-purpose upper limit for gap costs in the direct optimization program POY to streamline this process. To test the performance of POY as gap costs increase, we simulated data onto a pre-set topology using a GTR + I + G model modified to include gaps by adding them according to a negative-binomial model. Gaps were then removed and the data were analysed in POY at increasing gap costs. Increasing gap costs consistently resulted in reduced phylogenetic accuracy across trees of different relative branch lengths. Decoupling gap insertion and gap extension costs recovered a fraction of the accuracy lost by having both high gap insertion and gap extension costs, but only in trees with long internal nodes. To determine whether loss of phylogenetic accuracy was node-specific, we designed a small dataset with a constrained node, where all possible combinations of cost substitution and different percentages of gap versus nucleotide changes were explored. These analyses showed that the effects of gap insertion and extension are node-specific, and the minimum threshold for convergence on gap-supported nodes is similar to the threshold for accuracy loss found in the larger simulated datasets. Subsequent analyses of empirical data revealed that a similar pattern of loss with gap cost increase can occur with ribosomal genes (18S, 28S, 16S and 12S) but this pattern was not seen in the intron data (myoglobin II) examined. In conjunction with previously published congruence-based studies, the results suggest that POY sensitivity analyses can be streamlined and made more accurate if gap insertion and extension costs follow, as a guideline, a limit of four times the highest base-transformation cost. © The Willi Hennig Society 2008.
Content based texture image retrieval using cepstral features

A new feature extraction algorithm is proposed for content based image retrieval. The new features can capture both local and global information at high speed. Thus, it is suitable for large-scale image retrieval. We demonstrate both texture image retrieval and real-world scene retrieval. Our results show that the cepstral based texture features provide an efficient and effective tool for content-based image retrieval.
Reasons Why Adolescents and Young Adults Have Sex: Associations With Psychological Characteristics and Sexual Behavior

This study examined associations of psychological characteristics and sexual behavior with types of reasons for episodes of sexual intercourse among youth. After completing a baseline assessment, 62 adolescents (47 female) used a handheld computer to report when they had sex as soon as possible after the event as well as in response to random signals. Youth indicated for each sex event the main reason, categorized as intimacy/desire, external, affect management, and other; analyses were restricted to sex with a main partner (234 events). Baseline sexual behavior was not related to reasons for sex. Higher anxiety was associated with external reasons for sex; younger age and lower self-esteem were associated with affect management reasons. Female youth with higher impulsiveness reported more external reasons and fewer intimacy/desire reasons. Among male youth, lower self-esteem was associated with intimacy/desire reasons, but lower depression was associated with affect management reasons. These findings may aid health care providers and researchers in understanding the differences in young people's motivations for sex.
Proton beam penumbra: Effects of separation between patient and beam modifying devices

The sharp lateral penumbra of a proton beam is often used to spare sensitive normal structures in treating clinical sites in which the target volume abuts, or even wraps around, these structures. Using Monte Carlo calculations and measurements, the factors which influence the penumbra of the proton beam at the Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory were investigated, with particular emphasis on the effects of separation between the patient and any beam modifying devices. Penumbra broadening, characterized by the distance over which the dose rises from 20% to 80% of the central dose, increases with greater amounts of scatterer introduced into the beam line. The broadening due to separation of the beam modifying devices and the patient is essentially linear with increasing air gap; the rate of increase depends on the details of these devices and on the depth of interest in the patient. For a particular portal, most of the parameters which affect the penumbra width are fixed by the patient's anatomy and the target volume. Only the thickness of the compensating bolus around the aperture edge and any air gap between the patient and the beam modifying devices can vary. Families of curves relating combinations of bolus thickness and air gap that maintain a constant penumbra width have been developed for guidelines during patient setup.
A neuronal model of vowel normalization and representation.

Abstract A speculative neuronal model for vowel normalization and representation is offered. The neurophysiological basis for the premise is the “combination-sensitive” neuron recently documented in the auditory cortex of the mustached bat ( N. Suga, W. E. O'Neill, K. Kujirai, and T. Manabe, 1983 , Journal of Neurophysiology , 49, 1573–1627). These neurons are specialized to respond to either precise frequency, amplitude, or time differentials between specific harmonic components of the pulse-echo pair comprising the biosonar signal of the bat. Such multiple frequency comparisons lie at the heart of human vowel perception and categorization. A representative vowel normalization algorithm is used to illustrate the operational principles of the neuronal model in accomplishing both normalization and categorization in early infancy. The neurological precursors to a phonemic vocalic system is described based on the neurobiological events characterizing regressive neurogenesis.
Hydrogenation of arenes, N-heteroaromatic compounds, and alkenes catalyzed by rhodium nanoparticles supported on magnesium oxide

Abstract A new catalyst composed of Rh nanoparticles supported on magnesium oxide was prepared by mild hydrogenation of a pre-adsorbed organometallic precursor, and characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, and hydrogen chemisorption measurements. The catalyst contains 5 wt% Rh as ∼50 nm metallic nanoparticles uniformly distributed on the surface of MgO, in turn made up of smaller (∼2 nm) particles. This material is an efficient catalyst for the hydrogenation of arenes, N-heteroaromatic compounds, and alkenes under moderate reaction conditions. Analogous catalysts containing Rh nanoparticles on other rare earth oxide supports display similar catalytic properties and the hydrogenation activity correlates with the basicity of the support in the case of N-heterocycles, following the trend Rh/MgO
Electroconvulsive therapy increases circadian amplitude and lowers core body temperature in depressed subjects

Background: Reduced amplitude of the circadian temperature rhythm and elevated nocturnal body temperature normalize after successful pharmacotherapy of major depression. Methods: Core body temperature was continually monitored in three groups: a) 6 depressed patients before an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) course and b) after an ECT course; and c) 6 healthy, sex-matched controls of similar age. Results: The 24-hour profile of temperature was significantly different in patients pre-ECT than in patients post-ECT or in controls. Post-ECT subjects and controls manifested 24-hour profiles similar to one another. Circadian temperature rhythm amplitude increased after ECT. The mean asleep and mean 24-hour temperatures were significantly higher in patients pre-ECT than post-ECT and controls. Conclusions: We find that ECT restores a disrupted circadian temperature rhythm in depressed patients.
TRANSCRIPTION OF A REPRESSED GENE: EVIDENCE THAT IT REQUIRES DNA REPLICATION.

It is known that the synthesis of DNA is not essential for constitutive or induced enzyme synthesis. Our studies indicate that DNA synthesis is required for the basal level synthesis (that is, for synthesis in absence of inducer) of two inducible enzymes, a finding which supports an earlier speculation that a messenger-RNA transcription event may normally accompany DNA replication. Studies with cultures of Escherichia coli TAU-bar in which DNA replication is synchronized suggest that the β-galactosidase gene is transcribed at a particular time in the sequential replication of the bacterial chromosome.
Avionics for Aeronautical Systems

Advancements in technology have led to increased demand for avionics in airborne applications. Although aeronautical system suppliers have implemented improved procedures and design approaches which are generally effective, challenges continue to exist. This paper explores several areas where overall aeronautical system design might be improved by proper emphasis on avionic subsystem design. The topics selected include standardization, weight impact, environmental control, maintainability, and avionic equipment growth. Comparisons are made in terms of ultimate cost to the aeronautical system user.
A Pulsed Photoacoustic Microcalorimeter for the Detection of Upper Excited-State Processes and Intersystem Crossing Yields

A photoacoustic detection system is described that has excellent linearity and limits of detection, and which is simple to implement. This system has been applied to the determination of intersystem crossing yields, Φisc, of a series of Cr(NN)33+ complexes. The results are in excellent agreement with the literature values for two of these complexes. Results for two other complexes determined that there are long-lived (τ > 15 ns) upper excited states or other high-energy species produced that prevent rapid relaxation to the lowest energy excited state of these complexes. Without the need to resort to deconvolution techniques, this method can be used on systems that have rapid relaxation (τ 5 μs for the lowest energy excited state, with the application of a 5 MHz piezoelectric transducer.
Differential Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Gene Expression in Endometriotic Lesions Compared with Endometrium

In vivo levels of mRNA and the specificity of the extrauterine environment on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were evaluated in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue during the establishment of endometriosis in a rat model. Uteri and endometriotic implants were collected and frozen at 36 h, 2 wk, and 4 wk postsurgery to study in vivo mRNA levels. Intact uteri, uterine tissues implanted in the peritoneum or under the skin, and peritoneal adipose implants were collected at 2 wk, halved, and either frozen or cultured. Gene-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect and quantify MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 mRNA levels. The peritoneal endometriotic implants progressed from avascularized implants, to vascularized red lesions, to well-established encapsulated cysts. In vivo, MMP-3 mRNA was detectable at all times in ectopic tissues but not in eutopic uterine tissues, whereas MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were ubiquitously expressed at all times in both tissues. In vitro, only MMP-3 mRNA levels were elevated in endometrial tissues collected from the intact uterine and from under the skin, at levels similar to in vivo endometriotic implant MMP-3. In conclusion, ectopic endometrial MMP-3 may participate in the process of invasion and tissue remodeling that is hypothesized to occur in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Shear stress characteristics of microtextured surfaces in gap-controlled hydrodynamic lubrication

Abstract Microtextured surfaces can reduce friction in lubricated dynamic contact. However, no prior experimental study has explored the dimensionless parameter space of Reynolds number and dimensionless gap, since normal force is easier to control than the fluid film thickness. Here, we develop a custom precision-aligned setup for gap-controlled tribo-rheometry based on a rotational rheometer. The novel experimental setup allows for measurement of full film lubrication of parallel disks down to 20 μm gaps with gap precision ±3 μm, over a range of Reynolds numbers. We show for the first time in gap-controlled conditions that microtextured surfaces reduce friction. The reduction in dimensionless shear stress is nearly independent of velocity for Re
Argent, circuits, relations intimes

La dichotomie entre les relations intimes et les relations impersonnelles s’inscrit dans une tradition de longue date. Pour echapper a cette dichotomie, l’article propose une approche fondee sur la prise en consideration des circuits interpersonnels. Pour en illustrer la portee, quatre domaines sont etudies : 1) les circuits organisationnels ; 2) les monnaies locales ; 3) les soins personnels retribues et 4) la participation des enfants a l’economie familiale. L’auteure en conclut que les transactions, tant intimes qu’impersonnelles, passent souvent par des circuits que les participants delimitent entre eux par le biais de pratiques, d’ententes et de symboles bien ancres qui different quelque peu d’un circuit a l’autre. Loin de determiner la nature des relations interpersonnelles, les instruments d’echange (y compris la monnaie legale) incorpores dans ces circuits prennent des connotations particulieres selon les ententes, les pratiques et les symboles qui font partie integrante de ces circuits. Tels sont les moyens dont on se sert pour franchir le fosse apparemment infranchissable entre la solidarite sociale et les transactions monetisees. Ils constituent le point d’intersection entre l’argent et l’intimite.
Hybrid mass relations.

The properties of several hybrid mass relations are examined through the study of (i) statistical tests, (ii) systematic effects, and (iii) the structure of the solutions of partial difference equations. The usefulness of the relations is discussed. Mass relations based on the effective neutron-proton interaction and on derivatives thereof have particularly small relation inaccuracies.
Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced-Stage Serous Ovarian Carcinoma of Low Malignant Potential

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of platinum-based chemotherapy on tumor response in patients with advanced-stage serous ovarian carcinoma of low malignant potential. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of hospital records, pathology slides, and office charts of patients identified as having Stage III or IV serous ovarian cancer of low malignant potential. Results: Between November 1979 and April 1993, 21 patients with advanced-stage serous ovarian carcinoma of low malignant potential received platinum-based chemotherapy following initial cytoreductive surgery. The amount of residual disease was recorded in 20 patients; 8 (40%) had macroscopic residual tumor
Rapid detection of Escherichia coli and enterococci in recreational water using an immunomagnetic separation/adenosine triphosphate technique

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine a rapid method for detecting Escherichia coli and enterococci in recreational water. Methods and Results: Water samples were assayed for E. coli and enterococci by traditional and immunomagnetic separation/adenosine triphosphate (IMS/ATP) methods. Three sample treatments were evaluated for the IMS/ATP method: double filtration, single filtration, and direct analysis. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed strong, significant, linear relations between IMS/ATP and traditional methods for all sample treatments; strongest linear correlations were with the direct analysis (r = 0·62 and 0·77 for E. coli and enterococci, respectively). Additionally, simple linear regression was used to estimate bacteria concentrations as a function of IMS/ATP results. The correct classification of water-quality criteria was 67% for E. coli and 80% for enterococci. Conclusions: The IMS/ATP method is a viable alternative to traditional methods for faecal-indicator bacteria. Significance and Impact of the Study: The IMS/ATP method addresses critical public health needs for the rapid detection of faecal-indicator contamination and has potential for satisfying US legislative mandates requiring methods to detect bathing water contamination in 2 h or less. Moreover, IMS/ATP equipment is considerably less costly and more portable than that for molecular methods, making the method suitable for field applications.
Musculoskeletal MRI at 3.0 T and 7.0 T: a comparison of relaxation times and image contrast.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the relaxation times of musculoskeletal tissues at 3.0 T and 7.0 T, and to use these measurements to select appropriate parameters for musculoskeletal protocols at 7.0 T. Materials and methods We measured the T1 and T2 relaxation times of cartilage, muscle, synovial fluid, bone marrow and subcutaneous fat at both 3.0 T and 7.0 T in the knees of five healthy volunteers. The T1 relaxation times were measured using a spin-echo inversion recovery sequence with six inversion times. The T2 relaxation times were measured using a spin-echo sequence with seven echo times. The accuracy of both the T1 and T2 measurement techniques was verified in phantoms at both magnetic field strengths. We used the measured relaxation times to help design 7.0 T musculoskeletal protocols that preserve the favorable contrast characteristics of our 3.0 T protocols, while achieving significantly higher resolution at higher SNR efficiency. Results The T1 relaxation times in all tissues at 7.0 T were consistently higher than those measured at 3.0 T, while the T2 relaxation times at 7.0 T were consistently lower than those measured at 3.0 T. The measured relaxation times were used to help develop high resolution 7.0 T protocols that had similar fluid-to-cartilage contrast to that of the standard clinical 3.0 T protocols for the following sequences: proton-density-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE), T2-weighted FSE, and 3D-FSE-Cube. Conclusion The T1 and T2 changes were within the expected ranges. Parameters for musculoskeletal protocols at 7.0 T can be optimized based on these values, yielding improved resolution in musculoskeletal imaging with similar contrast to that of standard 3.0 T clinical protocols.
Complete methane oxidation over Pd catalyst supported on α-alumina. Influence of temperature and oxygen pressure on the catalyst activity

Abstract The influence of the reaction parameters including temperature, oxygen concentration, and of in situ hydrogen reduction on the Pd catalyst activity towards complete methane oxidation is studied experimentally. Zero porosity α-alumina plates are used as a support for Pd catalyst. This lowers the influence of metal–support interaction on the catalyst state as confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy. A plug flow reactor with a high linear gas velocity is used to measure the reaction rate. Overall conversion is kept low for most of the experiments so that the reaction is in the kinetically limited regime. The oxidation state of the catalyst before and after the reaction is determined using UV–visible reflectance spectroscopy of the plate surface. Changes in the catalyst activity with time are monitored after stepwise changes in the reaction parameters. Activity was found to decrease with time at low temperatures and high oxygen concentrations (condition when PdO phase is stable) and to increase with time at high temperatures and low oxygen concentrations (conditions when Pd is stable). A sharp increase in conversion was observed after the in situ hydrogen reduction of the sample. The experimental data is consistent with the reduced Pd form of the catalyst being more active towards methane oxidation than the oxidized PdO form at high temperatures. Possible particle size and morphology effects are discussed.
Metabolic crosstalk between choline/1-carbon metabolism and energy homeostasis

There are multiple identified mechanisms involved in energy metabolism, insulin resistance and adiposity, but there are here-to-fore unsuspected metabolic factors that also influence these processes. Studies in animal models suggest important links between choline/1-carbon metabolism and energy homeostasis. Rodents fed choline deficient diets become hypermetabolic. Mice with deletions in one of several different genes of choline metabolism have phenotypes that include increased metabolic rate, decreased body fat/lean mass ratio, increased insulin sensitivity, decreased ATP production by mitochondria, or decreased weight gain on a high fat diet. In addition, farmers have recognized that the addition of a metabolite of choline (betaine) to cattle and swine feed reduces body fat/lean mass ratio. Choline dietary intake in humans varies over a > three-fold range, and genetic variation exists that modifies individual requirements for this nutrient. Although there are some epidemiologic studies in humans suggesting a link between choline/1-carbon metabolism and energy metabolism, there have been no controlled studies in humans that were specifically designed to examine this relationship.
Drought monitoring using data mining techniques: A case study for Nebraska, USA

Drought has an impact on many aspects of society. To help decision makers reduce the impacts of drought, it is important to improve our understanding of the characteristics and relationships of atmospheric and oceanic parameters that cause drought. In this study, the use of data mining techniques is introduced to find associations between drought and several oceanic and climatic indices that could help users in making knowledgeable decisions about drought responses before the drought actually occurs. Data mining techniques enable users to search for hidden patterns and find association rules for target data sets such as drought episodes. These techniques have been used for commercial applications, medical research, and telecommunications, but not for drought. In this study, two time-series data mining algorithms are used in Nebraska to illustrate the identification of the relationships between oceanic parameters and drought indices. The algorithms provide flexibility in time-series analyses and identify drought episodes separate from normal and wet conditions, and find relationships between drought and oceanic indices in a manner different from the traditional statistical associations. The drought episodes were determined based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). Associations were observed between drought episodes and oceanic and atmospheric indices that include the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI), the Pacific/North American (PNA) index, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) Index. The experimental results showed that among these indices, the SOI, MEI, and PDO have relatively stronger relationships with drought episodes over selected stations in Nebraska. Moreover, the study suggests that data mining techniques can help us to monitor drought using oceanic indices as a precursor of drought.
LIGHT regulates CD86 expression on dendritic cells through NF-κB, but not JNK/AP-1 signal transduction pathway

The members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family play pivotal roles in the regulation of the immune system. LIGHT is a type II transmembrane protein belonging to the TNF family that was originally identified as a weak inducer of apoptosis. This cytokine has been extensively studied for its role in T cell regulation. Recently, we identified its role in inducing maturation of dendritic cells, such as LIGHT upregulated CD86 expression on dendritic cells in our previous report. However, the signal transduction pathway on this regulation remains unknown. In this study, we found that LIGHT activated NF-kappaB, p44/42 MAPK, but not JNK. LIGHT upregulates CD86 expression on DCs through activation of NF-kappaB, but not p44/42 signal pathway, because inhibition of NF-kappaB activity by its inhibitor could blunt the effect of LIGHT in up-regulation of CD86 expression, but neither inhibitor of p44/42 MAPK nor JNK inhibitor has this effect. Thus we demonstrate that LIGHT regulates CD86 expression through NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway but neither p44/42 MAPK nor JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway. We conclude that NF-kappaB signal plays a key role in LIGHT-mediated upregulation of CD86 expression.
The Cvt pathway as a model for selective autophagy

Autophagy is a highly conserved, ubiquitous process that is responsible for the degradation of cytosolic components in response to starvation. Autophagy is generally considered to be non-selective; however, there are selective types of autophagy that use receptor and adaptor proteins to specifically isolate a cargo. One type of selective autophagy in yeast is the cytoplasm to vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway. The Cvt pathway is responsible for the delivery of the hydrolase aminopeptidase I to the vacuole; as such, it is the only known biosynthetic pathway that utilizes the core machinery of autophagy. Nonetheless, it serves as a model for the study of selective autophagy in other organisms.
A calcium-stimulated, ouabain-inhibited ATPase in a myocardial fraction enriched with sarcolemma.

Abstract An active intracellular to extracellular Ca2+ efflux has been proposed in heart muscle. A myocardial sarcolemmal ATPase stimulated by an intracellular pCa and serving as a Ca2+ pump has been postulated. A recently developed myocardial sarcolemmal preparation has not permitter a search for such an enzymatic activity. In these studies, an ATPase has been demonstrated in the sarcolemma which is activated by Mg2+, stimulated as the Ca2+ is raised to a pCa of 6, and is inhibited by ouabain. These findings suggest a mechanism by which Ca2+ within the myocardium may be modulated and thus how the force of contraction may be altered by cardiac glycosides.
The influence of phenyl substituents on the redox potentials of sterically hindered tripodal ligand/copper complexes

Abstract The structural characterization of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of tris(6-phenyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tppa), a derivative of the known tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa), was recently reported. The phenyl substituents in [Cu(tppa)AN](ClO4)2 stabilize the Cu(I) state by 300–480 mV relative to [Cu(tpa)AN](ClO4)2. Reported here is the synthesis of the compounds bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-6-phenyl-2-pyridylmethylamine (Phtpa) and bis(6-phenyl-2-pyridylmethyl)-2-pyridylmethylamine (Ph2tpa) and the synthesis and cyclic voltammetry studies of their Cu(II) perchlorate complexes. The mechanism by which the phenyl groups increase the redox potential was found to be solvent-dependent: in AN, the increase in potential is primarily due to reduced local dielectric; in IBN, DMF, and DMA, the steric interaction between coordinated solvent and the phenyl substituents becomes important. The redox behavior of these complexes is consistent with anticipated modes of binding of solvent molecules in the inner sphere of the Cu(...
Quantity, quality, or both? Explaining investment test scores in federal community reinvestment act examinations

Abstract Banks and thrifts are major actors in the affordable housing and community development arenas. They are often relied on to invest in low‐income housing tax credits and other projects as well as provide operating support. Banks and thrifts are explicitly encouraged to invest in such activities by the Community Reinvestment Act's (CRA's) Investment Test. Regulations require examiners to consider both quantitative and qualitative criteria in determining a large bank's Investment Test rating. The qualitative criteria are particularly important for organizations seeking investments for projects that are more innovative or complex or that offer less than stellar financial returns. An analysis of CRA performance evaluations reveals that, of the two qualitative criteria, only responsiveness to needs has a significant impact on Investment Test scores. Moreover, controlling for investment activity leads to higher Investment Test scores for larger banks. Implications for CRA policy and implementation are di...
Optimal multivariate matching before randomization.

SUMMARY Although blocking or pairing before randomization is a basic principle of experimental design, the principle is almost invariably applied to at most one or two blocking variables. Here, we discuss the use of optimal multivariate matching prior to randomization to improve covariate balance for many variables at the same time, presenting an algorithm and a case-study of its performance. The method is useful when all subjects, or large groups of subjects, are randomized at the same time. Optimal matching divides a single group of 2n subjects into n pairs to minimize covariate differences within pairs—the so-called nonbipartite matching problem—then one subject in each pair is picked at random for treatment, the other being assigned to control. Using the baseline covariate data for 132 patients from an actual, unmatched, randomized experiment, we construct 66 pairs matching for 14 covariates. We then create 10 000 unmatched and 10 000 matched randomized experiments by repeatedly randomizing the 132 patients, and compare the covariate balance with and without matching. By every measure, every one of the 14 covariates was substantially better balanced when randomization was performed within matched pairs. Even after covariance adjustment for chance imbalances in the 14 covariates, matched randomizations provided more accurate estimates than unmatched randomizations, the increase in accuracy being equivalent to, on average, a 7% increase in sample size. In randomization tests of no treatment effect, matched randomizations using the signed rank test had substantially higher power than unmatched randomizations using the rank sum test, even when only 2 of 14 covariates were relevant to a simulated response. Unmatched randomizations experienced rare disasters which were consistently avoided by matched randomizations.
TRANSFER FUNCTIONS OF HEAT EXCHANGERS

In the course of research the authors have collected a number of transfer functions for various types of heat exchangers. For the convenience of analysis the heat exchangers may be classified into several basic types described in subsequent pages. In each case certain assumptions are made when one writes down the differential equations of the heat exchanger, which constitute the so-called mathematical model of the exchanger. If a particular heat exchanger is being classified, it is important to know the nature of temperature variation and the relative directions of flow of the exchanging fluid streams. If the heat exchanger in question matches one of the types described, then the transfer functions listed may be used to obtain its theoretical frequency and transient responses.
Variation in Diagnosis of Apnea in Moderately Preterm Infants Predicts Length of Stay

OBJECTIVE: Apnea of prematurity is one of the most common diagnoses in the NICU. Because resolution of apnea is a usual precondition for discharge from the hospital, different monitoring practices might affect length of stay for premature infants. Our objective was to compare the proportion of 33 to 34 weeks9 gestational age infants diagnosed with apnea in different NICUs and to assess whether variability in length of stay would be affected by the rate of documented apnea. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of moderately preterm infants who survived to discharge in 10 NICUs in Massachusetts and California. RESULTS: The study population comprised 536 infants born between 33 and 34 6 7 weeks of which 264 (49%) were diagnosed with apnea. The mean postmenstrual age at discharge was higher in infants diagnosed with apnea compared with those without apnea (36.4 ± 1.3 vs 35.7 ± 0.8; P CONCLUSIONS: NICUs vary in the proportion of moderately preterm infants diagnosed with apnea, which significantly affects length of stay. Standardization of monitoring practices and definition of clinically significant cardiorespiratory events could have a significant impact on reducing the length of stay in moderately preterm infants.
Outcomes Associated With Combined Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapy

Background The use of antiplatelet therapy in combination with oral anticoagulants remains controversial. The objective of this study was to estimate and compare the incidence of adverse and coronary event rates between patients receiving warfarin monotherapy or warfarin and antiplatelet combination therapy. Methods This was a retrospective, longitudinal, pharmacoepidemiologic analysis. Adult patients receiving warfarin managed by an anticoagulation service who had documented the use of antiplatelet agents ( eg , aspirin, clopidogrel, and/or dipyridamole) [ ie , the combination-therapy cohort] or their nonuse ( ie , the monotherapy cohort) were identified as of September 30, 2005. Utilizing integrated, electronic medical records, anticoagulation-related adverse events ( eg , death, hemorrhage, or thrombosis) and coronary events were identified during a 6-month follow-up period (October 2005 through March 2006). The proportions of events were compared between cohorts. Independent associations between the cohorts and the outcomes were assessed with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Results Data from 2,560 patients in the monotherapy cohort and 1,623 patients in the combination-therapy cohort were analyzed. Patients in the combination-therapy cohort were more likely to have had anticoagulation-related hemorrhages (4.2% vs 2.0%, respectively; unadjusted p Conclusions At the population level, the hemorrhagic risk associated with warfarin therapy combined with antiplatelet therapy appears to outweigh the benefits. These findings suggest that clinicians should carefully consider the risks and benefits when recommending combined antiplatelet therapy for patients receiving warfarin who do not meet the evidence-based criteria for such therapy.
Spacecraft Trajectory Estimation Using a Sampled-Data Extended Kalman Filter with Range-Only Measurements

The problem of estimating the full state of a dynamical system based on limited measurements is of extreme importance in many applications. For the case of a linear system with known dynamics, the classical Kalman filter provides an optimal solution (Jazwinski, 1970 and Gelb, 1974). However, state estimation for nonlinear systems remains a problem of research interest. There are two main approaches to approximate nonlinear filtering. The first approach is based on a linearization of the nonlinear dynamics and measurement mapping. For example, the extended Kalman filter uses the nonlinear dynamics to propagate the state estimate while using the linearized dynamics and linearized output map to propagate the pseudo-error covariance. The extended Kalman filter is often highly effective, and documented applications cover an extraordinarily broad range of disciplines. The second approach to approximate nonlinear state estimation foregoes an explicit update of the state estimate error covariance in favor of a collection of filters whose response is used to approximate the state estimate error covariance. These statistical approaches include the particle, unscented, and ensemble Kalman filters (Julier et al., 2000; Daum, 1995; and Houtekamer and Mitchell, 1998). The present paper is concerned with state estimation for satellite trajectory estimation, which, for unforced motion, is equivalent to orbit determination (Tapley, 2004)
Hydroxylation and Carboxylation—Two Crucial Steps of Anaerobic Benzene Degradation by Dechloromonas Strain RCB

Benzene is a highly toxic industrial compound that is essential to the production of various chemicals, drugs, and fuel oils. Due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity, much recent attention has been focused on benzene biodegradation, especially in the absence of molecular oxygen. However, the mechanism by which anaerobic benzene biodegradation occurs is still unclear. This is because until the recent isolation of Dechloromonas strains JJ and RCB no organism that anaerobically degraded benzene was available with which to elucidate the pathway. Although many microorganisms use an initial fumarate addition reaction for hydrocarbon biodegradation, the large activation energy required argues against this mechanism for benzene. Other possible mechanisms include hydroxylation, carboxylation, biomethylation, or reduction of the benzene ring, but previous studies performed with undefined benzene-degrading cultures were unable to clearly distinguish which, if any, of these alternatives is used. Here we demonstrate that anaerobic nitrate-dependent benzene degradation by Dechloromonas strain RCB involves an initial hydroxylation, subsequent carboxylation, and loss of the hydroxyl group to form benzoate. These studies provide the first pure-culture evidence of the pathway of anaerobic benzene degradation. The outcome of these studies also suggests that all anaerobic benzene-degrading microorganisms, regardless of their terminal electron acceptor, may use this pathway.
A parameter transformation and Crame/spl acute/r-Rao bounds for estimating decay rates from exponential signals

Weighted sums of decaying exponentials characterize the response of many physical systems. Therefore, accurate decay rate estimation is a goal in many diverse disciplines. A parameter transformation which improves decay rate estimation is presented. Simulation results across a wide range of decay rates, signal-to-noise ratios, and ratios of decay rates show that nonlinear least squares estimation of the decay rates via the proposed parameter transformation provides estimates with smaller RMS errors and bias than can be obtained without the parameter transformation. In addition, it is shown that the parameter transformation provides decay rate estimates which are closer to achieving the Crame/spl acute/r-Rao bound. Improvement in estimation performance for this class of signals has important ramifications in signal detection performance in several application areas.
Asymmetric catalytic cyclopropanation of olefins : bis-oxazoline copper complexes

Abstract Bis-oxazolines (1–7) prepared from diethyl malonate and chiral amino alcohols were converted into their Cu(II) complexes which, upon activation, exhibit high enantioselectivity of up to 99 %ee for catalytic cyclopropanation of olefins.