cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of prolonged standing on touch sensitivity threshold of the foot: a pilot study.

Objective To determine the effect of prolonged standing on touch sensitivity of the foot. Design An observational study with replications. Setting University laboratory. Participants Ten healthy college students (5 men and 5 women), with a mean ± SD age of 23.5 ± 4.1 years and body mass of 67.4 ± 12.6 kg. Methods Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests were administered to 12 locations on the dorsal and plantar surfaces of the foot before and after 4 hours of standing. These locations were formed into several groupings (toes, metatarsal heads, midfoot, heel, all plantar sites, all dorsal sites), and paired t -tests were used to test for significant changes in sensitivity threshold after standing. Main Outcome Measurement The difference between sensitivity thresholds measured before and after standing for different locations on the foot. Results The average of all sensitivity thresholds on the plantar surface of the foot decreased (indicating increased sensitivity) from 0.56 to 0.36 g ( P Conclusions Analysis of the results suggests that the plantar foot has greater sensitivity to touch after prolonged standing. These findings may be useful for identifying potential unintended bias in clinical touch sensitivity testing. Future research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms for this sensitivity change and to determine the onset and recovery times for sensitivity changes.
Transgenic mouse models in carcinogenesis: interaction of c-myc with transforming growth factor α and hepatocyte growth factor in hepatocarcinogenesis

1. Overexpression of the c-myc oncogene is associated with a variety of both human and experimental tumours, and cooperation of other oncogenes and growth factors with the myc family are critical in the evolution of the malignant phenotype. 2. Double transgenic mice bearing fusion genes consisting of mouse albumin enhancer/promoter-mouse c-myc cDNA and mouse metallothionein 1 promoter-human transforming growth factor (TGF-alpha) cDNA were generated to investigate the interaction of these genes in hepatic oncogenesis and to provide a general paradigm for characterizing the interaction of nuclear oncogenes and growth factors in tumourigenesis. 3. Coexpression of c-myc and TGF-alpha as transgenes in the mouse liver resulted in a tremendous acceleration of neoplastic development in this organ as compared to expression of either of these transgenes alone. The two distinct cellular reactions that occurred in the liver of the double transgenic mice prior to the appearance of liver tumours were dysplastic and apoptotic changes in the existing hepatocytes followed by emergence of multiple focal lesions composed of both hyperplastic and dysplastic cell populations. 4. These observations suggest that the interaction of c-myc and TGF-alpha, during development of hepatic neoplasia contributes to the selection and expansion of the preneoplastic cell populations which consequently increases the probability of malignant conversion. 5. We have now extended these studied and examined the interaction of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with c-myc during hepatocarcinogenesis in the transgenic mouse model. While sustained overexpression of c-myc in the liver leads to cancer, coexpression of HGF and c-myc in the liver delayed the appearance of preneoplastic lesions and prevented malignant conversion. Similarly, tumour promotion by phenobarbitone was completely inhibited in the c-myc/HGF double transgenic mice whereas phenobarbitone was an effective tumour promoter in the c-myc single transgenic mice. 6. The results indicate that HGF may function as a tumour suppressor during early stages of liver carcinogenesis, and suggest the possibility of therapeutic application for this cytokine. Furthermore, we show for the first time that interaction of c-myc with HGF or TGF-alpha results in profoundly different outcomes of the neoplastic process in the liver.
Chemical bonding in Tl cuprates studied by x-ray photoemission

Epitaxial thin films of the TI cuprate superconductors are studied with x-ray photoemission spectroscopy.
Vital Signs of the Emergency Patient with Pulpal Necrosis and Localized Acute Apical Abscess

Vital signs aid in assessing patient health and the disease severity. The objectives of this study were to determine changes in vital signs of patients with pulpal necrosis (PN) and acute apical abscess (AAA). The vital signs measured at the emergency visit were blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and lymphadenopathy. Visual analogue scales (VASs) were used to assess (1) pain and (2) malaise. Emergency treatment was rendered. At a subsequent (baseline) visit and with clinical symptoms resolved, systemic vital sign measurements and VASs were repeated. The presence or absence of swelling with vital signs and VASs of pain and swelling were compared. Compared with baseline, data showed no marked elevation in temperature, blood pressure, or lymphadenopathy, regardless of presence or absence of swelling. VAS measurements of pain and malaise did show statistically significant higher numbers at the emergency appointment, indicating a difference from baseline. Swelling versus no swelling did not differ. Vital signs were not impacted by localized AAA, although pain and malaise were greater. Vital signs might not be useful determinants of treatment or pharmacotherapeutic measures with localized AAA.
A Brand Loyalty Model Involving Cognitive, Affective, and Conative Brand Loyalty and Customer Satisfaction

Despite the amount of research focusing on brand loyalty, empirical tests of the relationship between customer satisfaction and brand loyalty have not been conducted. The primary purpose of this st...
Effects of immunological castration (Improvest) on changes in dressing percentage and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs

The objective was to determine which tissue components contributed to the reduction in carcass yield of immunologically castrated (IC) barrows when compared to physically castrated (PC) barrows. The carcass yield of an IC barrow is less than the carcass yield of a PC barrow. This has historically been attributed to the presence of testicles, but the testes have only accounted for approximately 0.25% of live weight. This experiment included PC barrows, intact males, IC barrows, IC barrows fed ractopamine hydrochloride, and gilts. When the pigs reached 15 wk old, they were weighed, assigned to treatments (intact male or IC barrow), and penned in groups of 4 pigs per pen. Pigs designated for immunological castration were given injections at approximately 16 wk old and approximately 20 wk old. Pigs were eligible for harvest 33 d after the second injection when the average weight of the pen reached 130 kg. Immunologically castrated barrows lost on average 0.7% units more live weight during transport and lairage than PC barrows, intact males, or gilts. Physically castrated barrows had a 1.43% unit advantage over IC barrows in carcass yield. The differences in yield can be attributed to differences in testicles, reproductive tract, intestinal mass, gut fill, and some visceral organs. Testicle weight accounted for a 0.28% unit reduction in carcass yield of IC barrows when compared to PC barrows. Additional reproductive tract weights accounted for differences of 0.10% units. Intestinal mass (empty large intestine, small intestine, and stomach) was 0.2% units heavier in IC barrows when compared to PC barrows. Livers from IC barrows were 200 g heavier (P < 0.05) and kidneys were 40 g heavier than the same organs in PC barrows. These 2 organs combined for a 0.15% unit difference in carcass yield between IC and PC barrows. Gut fill, testicles, reproductive tract, intestinal mass, and the liver and kidney accounted for 0.97 of 1.43% unit differences in carcass yield between IC and PC barrows. Immunologically castrated barrows had less marbling than PC barrows, but there were no other differences in pork quality parameters. Cutability differences were less than reported in previous experiments, but IC barrows still had a 1.0% unit advantage in lean cutting yield and a 0.7% unit advantage in carcass cutting yield when compared to PC barrows.
Consumer Perceptions of Advertising as Misleading

A mail survey was conducted of 314 residents of two California cities to measure consumer perception of the prevalence of misleading advertising. Information was obtained concerning the extent of misleading advertising in the various media, for 30 products and services and for three age groups. The findings indicate that over half of the sample viewed “most” or “all” mail and telephone advertising as misleading, and that 38 percent of the respondents regarded “most” or “all” television advertising as misleading. Newspaper advertising was considered the most credible. Findings indicate that “most” or “all” advertising for products and services was viewed as misleading by 30 percent of the respondents. Findings for actions taken concerning misleading advertising indicate that nearly half of the sample had registered a complaint to the store or person advertising and that 29 percent of the respondents had complained to a manufacturer. Also, findings for the age groups indicate that two out of three respondents regarded “most” or “all” advertising directed at children as seriously misleading. Advertising directed at senior citizens was viewed as seriously misleading by 45 percent of the sample, and advertising directed at young and middle-aged adults was viewed as only slightly less misleading.
Synthesis of fluorozirconate ZBNL glass with partial or complete substitution of europium difluoride for barium (lanthanum) fluorides

The vitrification in two sets of fluorozirconate glass 53.5ZrF4 · 20NaF · 20BaF2 · (6.5 − x)LaF3 · xEuF2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 6.5 mol %) (I) and 53.5ZrF4 · 20NaF · (20 − x)BaF2 · 6.5LaF3 · xEuF2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 20 mol %) (II) has been studied. It has been determined that, in set I, at full or partial replacement of lanthanum fluoride by europium difluoride (1–6.5 mol %), colorless transparent glass is formed. In the samples of set II, at the substitution of BaF2 in order to obtain stable glass under analogous conditions, the initial batch should not contain more than 7.0 mol % EuF2. The methods of differential-thermal and X-ray phase analyses and IR and electron spectroscopy were used to study the properties and phase composition of the obtained glass and vitrocrystalline materials. Using the Grubi criterion, the optimal, with respect to crystallization, EuF2 content has been deter-mined in the glass of both systems. In the devitrified glass of series II, the low-temperature modification of compound EuZrF6 is formed, in addition to sodium, barium, and lanthanum fluorozirconates. For the vitro-crystalline samples, the absorption bands of Eu-F bonds are observed in infrared spectra, in addition to the broad band (∼500 cm−1), which is intrinsic for all fluorozirconate glass. The electron diffuse reflection spectra confirm the presence of both double and triple-charged europium ions in glass.
Evaluation of a Web-Based App Demonstrating an Exclusionary Algorithmic Approach to TNM Cancer Staging.

Background: TNM staging plays a critical role in the evaluation and management of a range of different types of cancers. The conventional combinatorial approach to the determination of an anatomic stage relies on the identification of distinct tumor (T), node (N), and metastasis (M) classifications to generate a TNM grouping. This process is inherently inefficient due to the need for scrupulous review of the criteria specified for each classification to ensure accurate assignment. An exclusionary approach to TNM staging based on sequential constraint of options may serve to minimize the number of classifications that need to be reviewed to accurately determine an anatomic stage. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the usability and utility of a Web-based app configured to demonstrate an exclusionary approach to TNM staging. Methods: Internal medicine residents, surgery residents, and oncology fellows engaged in clinical training were asked to evaluate a Web-based app developed as an instructional aid incorporating (1) an exclusionary algorithm that polls tabulated classifications and sorts them into ranked order based on frequency counts, (2) reconfiguration of classification criteria to generate disambiguated yes/no questions that function as selection and exclusion prompts, and (3) a selectable grid of TNM groupings that provides dynamic graphic demonstration of the effects of sequentially selecting or excluding specific classifications. Subjects were asked to evaluate the performance of this app after completing exercises simulating the staging of different types of cancers encountered during training. Results: Survey responses indicated high levels of agreement with statements supporting the usability and utility of this app. Subjects reported that its user interface provided a clear display with intuitive controls and that the exclusionary approach to TNM staging it demonstrated represented an efficient process of assignment that helped to clarify distinctions between tumor, node, and metastasis classifications. High overall usefulness ratings were bolstered by supplementary comments suggesting that this app might be readily adopted for use in clinical practice. Conclusions: A Web-based app that utilizes an exclusionary algorithm to prompt the assignment of tumor, node, and metastasis classifications may serve as an effective instructional aid demonstrating an efficient and informative approach to TNM staging. [JMIR Cancer 2015;1(1):e3]
People's Banking: The Promise Betrayed?

The period roughly encompassing the last twenty-five years of the nineteenth century and the first two decades of the twentieth century has been described as one in which America embarked on a “search for order.” It has also been characterized as a period that witnessed the genesis of the modern American administrative state. The time was one of profound change, marking the transition from a principally agrarian to an industrial society and economy. Positions on the most contentious issues of the era tended to fall along sectional lines that reflected regional disagreement on the scope, as well as the propriety, of that transition. Even after appeals to the “bloody shirt” had waned, the fundamentally sectional nature of the national debate over these issues, and the state's capacity to deal with them, remained.
Burnout and coping among parish-based clergy

To investigate the correlation between burnout, coping strategies, and spiritual attitudes of religious leaders, parish-based United Methodist clergy were invited to complete a questionnaire booklet that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Hatch Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale, and validated coping scales. Of a total of 358 parish clergy, 222 (62%) completed the survey. Prevalence of high emotional exhaustion was 19%, high depersonalization 10%, and low personal accomplishment 11%. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that a higher spirituality score correlated with greater personal accomplishment, but also related to greater emotional exhaustion and greater depersonalization. Clergy were more likely to have greater emotional exhaustion and depersonalization if they employed coping strategies of venting, disengagement, and self-blame. Acceptance, active coping, planning and positive reframing were correlated with greater personal accomplishment, but less strongly with emotional exhaus...
Conversion of 1,3-Propylene Glycol on Rutile TiO2(110)

The adsorption of 1,3-propylene glycol (1,3-PG) on partially reduced TiO2(110) and its conversion to products have been studied by a combination of molecular beam dosing and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). When the Ti surface sites are saturated by 1,3-PG, ∼80% of the molecules undergo further reactions to yield products that are liberated during the TPD ramp. In contrast to ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2-propylene glycol (1,2-PG) that yield only alkenes and water at very low coverages ( 0.1 ML), propanal (CH3CH2CHO) and two additional products, 1-propanol (CH3CH2CH2OH) and acrolein (CH2═CHCHO), are observed. The desorption of 1-propanol is found to be coupled with the desorption of acrolein, suggesting that these p...
Metric rigidity theorems on Hermitian locally symmetric spaces.

Abstract Let X = Ω/Γ be a compact quotient of an irreducible bounded symmetric domain Ω of rank ≥2 by a discrete group ω of automorphisms without fixed points. It is well known that the Kahler-Einstein metric g on X carries seminegative curvature (in the sense of Griffiths). I show that any Hermitian metric h on X carrying seminegative curvature must be a constant multiple of g. This can be applied to prove rigidity theorems of holomorphic maps from X into Hermitian manifolds (Y, k) carrying seminegative curvature. These results are also generalized to the case of quotients of finite volume. On the other hand, let (Xc, gc) be an irreducible compact Hermitian symmetric manifold of rank ≥2. Then gc is Kahler and carries semipositive holomorphic bisectional curvature. I prove that any Kahler h on Xc carrying semipositive holomorphic bisectional curvature must be equal to gc up to a constant multiple and up to a biholomorphic transformation of Xc.
Bentonite‐Water Dispersions Simulate Foodservice Energy Consumption of Sausage Patties

A research project was initiated to determine if bentonite-water dispersions could simulate energy consumption of two sizes of sausage patties during convective heat processing. Based on sausage patty composition, a mixture containing 18.2% bentonite and 81.8% water was used. Procedures simulated those reported for three different oven loads of sausage patties. Energy consumption was monitored throughout heat processing and was expressed as watt hours per oven load and per pan. No significant differences were found between sausage and bentonite patties for the energy consumption required for each oven load. For this food product, bentonite-water dispersions were found to be effective food models which could substantially reduce food costs for research activities.
Association rule-generation algorithm for mining automotive warranty data

A new association rule-generation algorithm is presented for mining automotive warranty data. The algorithm uses elementary set concept and database manipulation techniques to develop useful relationships between product attributes and causes of failure. These relationships (knowledge) are represented using IF–THEN association rules, where the IF portion of the rule includes set of attributes representing product features (e.g. production date, repair date, mileage-at-repair, transmission, engine type, etc.) and the THEN portion of the rule includes set of attributes that represent decision outcome (e.g. problem-related labor code). Once association rules are developed, the algorithm applies a statistical analysis technique to evaluate the significance of each rule. The rules that pass the significance test are reported in a solution. Application of the association rule-generation algorithm is presented with a data-mining case study from the automotive industry. The knowledge (rules) extracted from the au...
Historical and Cultural Influences on HIV Prevention in Swaziland.

Most who work in international development recognize the importance of implementing locally driven grassroots initiatives for achieving positive outcomes. Yet when it comes to HIV prevention strategies in Swaziland there is a lack of understanding for the cultural and historical influences that determine group and individual behaviour. As a result prevention efforts have failed to have a major impact on the worlds highest prevalence rate of HIV. Greater understanding and observance of historical influences local norms and beliefs and the ongoing processes of adaptation must be incorporated into all efforts if any HIV prevention strategies are to be effective.
Total Cross Section for Positive Pions in Hydrogen

The total cross section for positive pions in hydrogen has been measured at pion kinetic energies of 33, 44, 56, and 70 Mev. The attenuation of pions of these energies in liquid hydrogen was studied by scintillation-counter techniques. The geometry was such that pions scattered at angles greater than \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}35\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} were counted as having been removed from the beam. Therefore, the term "total cross section" is taken to mean the cross section for all interactions except those in which the pion is scattered into an angle of less than \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}35\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} from the pion-beam direction. The results are: The energy dependence of the cross section seems to agree with the predictions of lowest-order perturbation theory for pseudoscalar mesons with gradient coupling to the nucleon.
Expanding the Repertoire of Natural Product-Inspired Ring Pairs for Molecular Recognition of DNA

A furan amino acid, inspired by the recently discovered proximicin natural products, was incorporated into the scaffold of a DNA-binding hairpin polyamide. While unpaired oligomers of 2,4-disubstituted furan amino acids show poor DNA-binding activity, furan (Fn) carboxamides paired with N-methylpyrrole (Py) and N-methylimidazole (Im) rings demonstrate excellent stabilization of duplex DNA as well as discrimination of noncognate sequences, consistent with function as a Py mimic according to the Py/Im polyamide pairing rules.
Studies on the in vitro testicular binding of iodinated luteinizing hormone in rats.

Following microdissection of the adult rat testis, the intertubular fraction rich in interstitial cells was incubated in vitro with 125Ilabeled human luteinizing hormone (HLH). Radioautography performed on interstitial cells after this incubation revealed cytoplasmic localization of 125I-HLH. Further in vitro studies indicated that both testicular and renal homogenates bound 131I-HLH and prior incubation with unlabeled HLH decreased the testicular and renal binding. However, the binding of 131I-HLH to testicular homogenates was of greater magnitude than the binding of this material to renal homogenates. These data support the concept that the interstitial cells of the testis contain a system of cytoplasmic receptor sites capable of detecting small quantities of HLH. (Endocrinology 80: 332, 1971)
Impact of pixel size on mapping surface water in subsolar imagery

We observed surface water in a wetland, imaging in the subsolar or specular direction the exceptionally bright specular reflection of sunlight at a ground resolution of 0.3 m. We then simulated ground resolutions between 1.7 m and 1.2 km through aggregation of the 0.3 m pixels. Contrary to the expectations of some of our colleagues in the wetlands community, for these data, the accuracy of spectral mixture analysis (SMA) estimates of surface water increases as pixel ground footprint size increases. Our results suggest that regional to global scale assessments of flooded landscapes and wetlands that do not involve issues requiring 1 m resolution per se may be addressed with acceptable accuracy by applying SMA techniques to low resolution imagery. Our results indicate within-pixel estimates of surface water area derived from data measured by subsolar viewing sensors with large ground pixel footprints, such as satellite POLarization and Directionality of Earth Radiance (POLDER) data, may be highly accurate under strong surface wind conditions.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Growing but Neglected Global Epidemic

Peter Barnes argues that COPD is a major and increasing global health epidemic that has received insufficient attention from the health-care profession, governments, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Safety Issues in the Treatment of Paediatric Supraventricular Tachycardias

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia caused by atrioventricular re-entry is the most frequent arrhythmia in children of all age groups. It represents the most frequent clinical situation where antiarrhythmic drug therapy has to be considered in a child. Acute termination of an episode of tachycardia in all paediatric age groups is nowadays best achieved with an intravenous bolus injection of adenosine. Since the introduction of adenosine into clinical practice, the need to proceed to electrocardioversion has been limited to the infant (or in rare cases an older child) with severe cardiovascular collapse. In the haemodynamically stable infant or child, several other antiarrhythmic agents such as flecainide or propafenone can be used with relative safety and with a high probability of immediate success. The same is true for verapamil, although intravenous administration should be avoided in the first year of life. In newborns and in infants with first presentation of an episode of tachycardia, drug prophylaxis of recurrences is usually recommended for the whole of the first year of life. Prophylactic treatment may consist of oral digoxin as first choice, with a beta-blocker as an alternative. In an infant with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome it may be wise to avoid digoxin and to start treatment with a beta-blocker. Antiarrhythmic class Ic drugs such as propafenone or flecainide, and the class III agent sotalol, are widely used as the next steps of therapy when digoxin and beta-blockers fail to prevent recurrences. These agents are about equivalent with regard to their efficacy and risk profile. Amiodarone is considered to be an agent that should be reserved for use in situations when the tachycardia is refractory to the previously named agents. Older children may commence treatment with a beta-blocker and the subsequent steps of treatment are the same as those for infants. Curative catheter ablation of accessory pathways has been shown to be as efficient and well tolerated in the paediatric age group as it is in adults. This treatment option is nowadays quite often offered to older children. However, in infants and smaller children, ablation is used as a last resort. Rare forms of paediatric supraventricular tachycardia (other than atrioventricular re-entry through the atrioventricular node or accessory pathways) are occasionally difficult to treat and present special problems. For each of these arrhythmias, a specially tailored individual therapeutic approach is needed.
Development of daptomycin resistance in a bone marrow transplant patient with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus durans.

Daptomycin has demonstrated antibacterial activity against several antibiotic-resistant strains, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci.1 A paucity of data exists concerning in vivo development of daptomycin resistance of enterococci. We describe an allogeneic bone marrow transplant patient, who was found to have vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus durans bacteremia, which subsequently developed resistance to daptomycin.
Spectral Selectivity Applied To Hybrid Concentration Systems

The efficiency of conversion of concentrated solar energy can be improved by separating the solar spectrum into portions matched to specific photoquantum processes and the balance used for photothermal conversion. The basic approaches of spectrally selective beam splitters are presented. A detailed simulation analysis using TRNSYS is developed for a spectrally selective hybrid photovoltaic/photothermal concentrating system. The analysis shows definite benefits to a spectrally selective approach.
Decreased binding of insulin to its receptors in rats with hormone induced insulin resistance

Abstract Insulin and glucagon receptor binding was studied in purified liver membranes from rats made insulin resistant by implantation of an MtT pituitary tumor which secretes growth hormone, prolactin, and ACTH. Insulin binding to its receptors was decreased and correlated with the degree of insulin resistance. In contrast, binding of glucagon to its receptors was unchanged.
A LAN emulation model for wireless ATM

An architecture based on emulated LAN is proposed which can efficiently provide the required bandwidth of mobiles as they migrate between cells. The proposed solution l1r ensures the required bandwidth of a mobile when its path changes because of handoff, l2r efficiently reserves bandwidth resulting in higher bandwidthsnetwork utilization, l3r has the flexibility of reserving bandwidth depending upon the mobility lrate of handoffr. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Air Concentrations of Twelve Radionuclides from 1962 through Mid-1964.

New spectrometric techniques for the multidimensional counting of gamma rays permit the direct measurement of twelve radionuclides collected on air filters. Observed concentrations of Be7, Na22, Mn54, Co60, Y88, Zr95-Nb25, Ru166, Sb124, Sb125, Cs134, Cs137, and Ce144 during the past 2½ years help to explain the origin and fallout rates of the trace radionuclides in air.
Instrument response of reflection high energy electron diffraction pole figure

Abstract Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) pole figure technique using the transmission mode has been developed to study the texture evolution of thin films. For quantitative evaluation of thin film texture, including the dispersion of texture, one would require the knowledge of the instrument response function. We report the characterization of instrument response in RHEED pole figure from an epitaxial CdTe(1 0 0) film grown on GaAs(1 0 0) substrate. We found the finite mean free path of electrons in a film contributes to the broadening of the poles. In addition, the image processing step size used in the construction of a pole figure also affects the broadening of constructed poles. We apply the measured instrument response in RHEED pole figure to quantitatively analyze a biaxially textured CdTe(1 1 1) film deposited on a biaxially textured Ge(1 1 1) substrate. Through the deconvolution of the measured dispersions from the poles in the textured CdTe(1 1 1) film by the instrument response function, we obtain the out-of-plane and in-plane dispersions of the biaxially textured CdTe(1 1 1) film. This method is generic and the instrument response should be considered in order to obtain quantitative texture information for other epitaxial and textured nanostructured films through RHEED pole figure measurements.
Simplified method for determination of clarithromycin in human plasma using protein precipitation in a 96-well format and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract A simplified method to determine clarithromycin concentrations in human plasma using protein precipitation in a 96-well plate and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Plasma proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile and roxithromycin was used as the internal standard. After vortex mixing and centrifugation, the supernatants were directly injected onto a Phenomenex Luna Phenyl–Hexyl column (50 mm × 2.0 mm ID, 3 μm). The mobile phase consisted of water and methanol (30:70, v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid and 5 mM ammonium acetate. The flow rate was 0.22 mL/min and the total run time (injection to injection) was less than 3 min. Detection of the analytes was achieved using positive ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The linear standard curve ranged from 100 to 5000 ng/mL and the precision and accuracy (inter- and intra-run) were within 7.9% and 4.9%, respectively. The method was successfully used to determine clarithromycin concentrations in human plasma samples obtained from healthy subjects who were given clarithromycin 500 mg for 3 days. The method is rapid, simple, precise and directly applicable to clarithromycin pharmacokinetic studies.
Context specific transcription factor prediction.

One of the goals of systems biology is the identification of regulatory mechanisms that govern an organism’s response to external stimuli. Transcription factors have been hypothesized as a major contributor to an organism’s response to various outside stimuli, and a great deal of work has been done to predict the set of transcription factors which regulate a given gene. Most of the current methods seek to identify possible binding sites from genomic sequence. Initial attempts at predicting transcription factors from genomic sequences suffered from the problem of false positives. Making the problem more difficult, it has also been shown that while predicted binding sites might be false positives, they can be shown to bind to their corresponding sequences in vitro. One method for rectifying this is through the use of phylogenetic analysis in which only regions which show high evolutionary conservation are analyzed. However such an approach may be too stringent because of the level of degeneracy shown in transcription factor binding site position weight matrices. Due to the degeneracy, there may be only a few bases that need to be conserved across species. Therefore, while a sequence may not show a high level of evolutionary conservation, these sequences may still show high affinity for the same transcription factor. In predicting transcription factor binding we explore the notion that “Co-expression implies co-regulation” [Allocco et al. BMC Bioinformatics 5:18, 2004]. With multiple genes requiring similar transcription factors binding sites, there exists a basis for eliminating false positives. This method allows for the selection of transcription factors binding sites that are active under a given experimental paradigm, thereby allowing us to indirectly incorporate the effects of chromosome and recognition site presentation upon transcription factor binding prediction. Rather than having to rationalize that a few transcription factors binding sites are over-represented in a cluster of genes, one can show that a few transcription factors are active in the cluster of genes that have been grouped together. Although the method focuses on predicting experiment-specific transcription factor binding sites, it is possible that if such a methodology were used in an iterative process where different experiments were analyzed, one could obtain a comprehensive set of transcription factors binding sites which regulate the various dynamic responses shown by biological systems under a variety of conditions hence building a more comprehensive model of transcriptional regulation.
Crystallographic data for manganese(II) Sulphate Monohydrate (Artificial Szmikite)

Manganese(II) sulphate monohydrate is monoclinic prismatic with space group A 2/aC and the cell-dimensions are a = 7.758 ± 0.008 A, b = 7.612 ± 0.008 A, c = 7.126 ± 0.008 A, β = 115° 421/2′ ± 2′. The unit cell contains (MnSO4 · H2O)4 and the calculated density at 25°C is 2.960 g./cm3. Mitteilung der Raumgruppe und Dimensionen der Elementarzelle von Mangan(II)-sulfat-monohydrat.
Linamarin, lotaustralin, linustatin and neolinustatin from Passiflora species

Abstract Linamarin, lotaustralin, linustatin, and neolinustatin were isolated from Passiflora pendens (subgenus Plectostemma , section Cieca ). Linamarin and lotaustralin were isolated from P. adenopoda (subgenus Plectostemma section Pseudodysosmia ), and linamarin (possibly accompanied by linustatin) was isolated from P. warmingii (section Cieca ). These data suggest that several members of the subgenus Plectostemma of Passiflora are capable of elaborating valine/isoleucine-derived cyanogenic glycosides instead of or in addition to those which contain cyclopentenoid structures.
Tagging developmental genes in Dictyostelium by restriction enzyme-mediated integration of plasmid DNA.

Abstract Introduction of restriction enzyme along with linearized plasmid results in integration of plasmid DNA at genomic restriction sites in a high proportion of the resulting transformants. We have found that electroporating BamHI or EcoRI together with pyr5-6 plasmids cut with the same enzyme stimulates the efficiency of transformation in Dictyostelium discoideum more than 20-fold over the rate seen when plasmid DNA alone is introduced. Restriction enzyme-mediated integration generates insertions into genomic restriction sites in an apparently random manner, some of which cause mutations. About 1 in 400 of the Dictyostelium transformants displayed arrested or aberrant development. The integrated plasmid, along with flanking genomic DNA, was excised from some of these mutants, cloned in Escherichia coli, and used to transform other Dictyostelium cells. Homologous recombination within the flanking sequences resulted in the same phenotypes displayed by the original mutants, directly demonstrating that the affected genes were responsible for the specific morphological phenotypes. This method of insertional mutagenesis should be useful for tagging, and subsequent cloning, of many developmentally important genes that can be identified by their mutant phenotypes.
A determination of the source of Jovian hectometric radiation via occultation by Ganymede

During the first Galileo flyby of Ganymede, Jovian radio emissions in the frequency range of 700 kHz to 5.6 MHz were completely occulted by the satellite. We take advantage of this serendipitous observation to determine the location of the radio emission source rela- tive to Jupiter. The evidence suggests that the apparent source is along an L > 7 magnetic field line near the cen- tral meridian longitude (,,, 160 °) of the spacecraft and at 1 to 3 Jovian radii above the northern hemisphere of Jupiter. These results are consistent with a source located along either the Ganymede or Europa flux tube.
An Alternate Procedure for Analyzing Surface Geostraphic Winds and Pressure over Elevated Terrain

Abstract A methodology to analyze a flat surface geostrophic wind and pressure is presented which eliminates the arbitrariness of the standard reduction of surface pressure to mean sea level. The procedure utilizes a surface geostrophic wind defined in terms of a terrain-following coordinate system to derive a flat ground surface pressure field which is consistent in concept (i.e., nondivergent except for the f variation with latitude) with the currently applied MSL analyses. With this approach, interpretation of synoptic weather patterns in areas of elevated complex terrain will be more accurate.
Prevalence, presenting symptoms, and psychological characteristics of individuals experiencing a diet-related mood-disturbance

The prevalence, presenting symptoms, and psychological characteristics of individuals who respond favorably to a caffeine-and refined-sucrose-free diet was investigated. Subjects responsive to this dietary treatment-dietary responders-were identified through an A-B single subject design followed by double-blind challenges. About 50% of the subjects experienced significant improvements in mood, as measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Profile of Mood State (POMS), during the intervention and significant worsening in mood when challenged with either sucrose or caffeine but not placebo. Dietary responders presented with fatigue, moodiness, nervousness, and depression. However, attempts to differentiate dietary responders from nonresponders in terms of presenting symptoms, initial mood disturbance, or MMPI two-and three-point codes were unsuccessful. It was concluded that some individuals are responsive to a dietary intervention but the psychological characteristics which distinguish dietary responders have not been identified.
Fourier-transform mass spectrometry for high-resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization MS

The extended ion trapping time intrinsic to the Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) experiment allows detection of the extensive fragmentation that can take place during the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization process. Metastable ion fragmentation undoubtedly decreases mass resolution for molecular ions in time-of-flight mass spectrometry and, because of the much longer time scale involved, does so even more dramatically in FTMS analysis. However, in this work reported here, it is shown that choice of correct experimental conditions can minimize this problem. For example, for compounds with masses lower than 2000 daltons, mass spectral resolution > 100,000 can be obtained. Spectra of a porphyrin, several proteins and an organic polymer obtained with such resolution are presented. Addition of a sugar co-matrix produced sufficiently stable bovine insulin molecular ions, m/z 5734, to obtain resolution > 25,000.
Effects of Dietary Fiber Concentrations Supplied by Corn Bran on Feed Intake, Growth, and Feed Efficiency of Channel Catfish

Abstract The present study examined the effects of dietary fiber and digestible energy on the feed intake, growth, and feed efficiency of juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Fish with an initial weight of 9.8 ± 0.1 g/fish (mean ± SD) were stocked in 110-L flow-through aquariums and fed for 9 weeks with practical diets that contained graded levels of fiber supplied by corn bran. As total dietary fiber (TDF) increased, feed consumption and weight gain increased and then decreased, showing a quadratic response. Maximum feed consumption occurred at a TDF level of 27.0% (5.7% crude fiber, 19.1% neutral detergent fiber [NDF]). Channel catfish appear to have some ability to adapt to increased dietary fiber by increasing feed intake to satisfy their energy requirements. Maximum weight gain was achieved at a TDF level of 23.4% (5.0% crude fiber, 15.7% NDF), indicating that the presence of dietary fiber at certain levels is beneficial to the fish. The maximum tolerance level for TDF by channel catfish was...
Characterization of the metabolic pathway of 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3 in rat kidney by on-line high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

1,25-Dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3 is a synthetic analog of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the most physiologically active metabolite of vitamin D3. The renal metabolism of 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3 had been studied previously using a perfused rat kidney system [Reddy et al., Bioorg Med Chem Lett 3: 1879-1884, 1993], and its C-24 oxidative metabolic pathway had been found to be different from that of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by HPLC. To further delineate the differences between the C-24 oxidative metabolic pathways of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3 in this present study we investigated the C-24 oxidation pathway of 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3 using a novel detection approach based on on-line capillary liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Two types of tandem mass spectrometric detection were employed to characterize the metabolites in the kidney perfusate: (a) the preliminary screening of metabolites by parent scan, which led to the tentative discovery of the production of 1,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxo-16-ene vitamin D3, a new metabolite of 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3, and (b) the pharmacokinetic studies of the substrate, 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3 and its metabolites by multiple reaction monitoring. In the latter, the mass spectrometric sensitivity for quantification was found to be about 20-fold better than UV detection. The current work concluded that the C-24 oxidative metabolic pathway of 1,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3 closely mimicked that of its natural counterpart. Furthermore, the use of mass spectrometry permitted the clearance rate of the starting substrate to be studied at a more physiological level (ng/mL or submicromolar level), which had not been possible previously by HPLC-UV detection.
Kink mechanism for formation of the Si(111)-(2×1) reconstructed surface

An atomic mechanism is proposed to account for the generation of the (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) reconstruction of the (111) surface of silicon on cleavage at low temperature. The \ensuremath{\pi}-bonded chain model is assumed for the reconstruction. By reducing the dimensionality of the phase transformation, the proposed kink mechanism provides a low-energy pathway for the reconstruction. The energy gain due to surface reconstruction must be considered in theories of lattice trapping during fracture.
Cultural capital and first-generation college success

Abstract Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 and the Postsecondary Education Transcript Study, we assess the levels of cultural capital possessed by first-generation college students and their non-first-generation peers. Drawing from past quantitative and qualitative studies, we operationalize cultural capital both as high arts participation rewarded by those in power, and as purposeful interactions with key gatekeepers to access information and resources. In doing so, we aim to highlight the importance of both structure and human agency in cultural capital theory. We analyze the effects cultural capital has on enrollment in and persistence through a four-year postsecondary education and on undergraduate grade point averages (GPA), and determine whether cultural capital has a greater effect on non-first-generation students (the reproduction model), first-generation students (the mobility model), or neither group. We find that family cultural capital, cultural classes, and the number of ways parents helped in the college application process are all significant for four-year college enrollment, and parents’ help and students’ receiving assistance at school with their college applications are significant for graduation. No significant associations are found between the cultural capital variables and GPA. Overall, no support was found for either the reproduction or the mobility models.
LIPID CHANGES IN FROZEN STORED CHANNEL CATFISH GROWN BY TANK CULTURE: EFFECTS OF DIETARY FAT, FREEZING METHOD, AND STORAGE TEMPERATURE

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctutus) were grown in tank culture on diets containing either tallow or menhaden oil at 10% of diet. Processed fish were frozen in air at —18°C or in nitrogen spray at -77°C, sealed in polyethylene, and stored at either -18 or -35°C. Levels and fatty acid profiles were determined for total lipid, triglyceride, phospholipid, and free fatty acids in fresh fish that had been held on ice for 2 days and in frozen fish at 0, 94, 220, and 312 days. Dietary lipids strongly affected fatty acid profiles of all lipid fractions. Free fatty acid production occurred only in fish held on ice and in fish stored at -18°C. Changes in free fatty acid profiles and decreases in phospholipid levels indicated phospholipase activity. After 312 days storage at -18°C free fatty acid levels reached approx 0.93%. Measurable oxidative deterioration did not occur under either condition of frozen storage.
MicroRNAs Link Estrogen Receptor Alpha Status and Dicer Levels in Breast Cancer

To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with estrogen receptor (ESR1) status, we profiled luminal A, ESR1+ breast cancer cell lines versus triple negative (TN), which lack ERα, progesterone receptor and Her2/neu. Although two thirds of the differentially expressed miRNAs are higher in ESR1+ breast cancer cells, some miRNAs, such as miR-222/221 and miR-29a, are dramatically higher in ESR1- cells (∼100- and 16-fold higher, respectively). MiR-222/221 (which target ESR1 itself) and miR-29a are predicted to target the 3' UTR of Dicer1. Addition of these miRNAs to ESR1+ cells reduces Dicer protein, whereas antagonizing miR-222 in ESR1- cells increases Dicer protein. We demonstrate via luciferase reporter assays that these miRNAs directly target the Dicer1 3' UTR. In contrast, miR-200c, which promotes an epithelial phenotype, is 58-fold higher in the more well-differentiated ERα+ cells, and restoration of miR-200c to ERα- cells causes increased Dicer protein, resulting in increased levels of other mature miRNAs typically low in ESR1- cells. Together, our findings explain why Dicer is low in ERα negative breast cancers, since such cells express high miR-221/222 and miR-29a levels (which repress Dicer) and low miR-200c (which positively affect Dicer levels). Furthermore, we find that miR-7, which is more abundant in ERα+ cells and is estrogen regulated, targets growth factor receptors and signaling intermediates such as EGFR, IGF1R, and IRS-2. In summary, miRNAs differentially expressed in ERα+ versus ERα- breast cancers actively control some of the most distinguishing characteristics of the luminal A and TN subtypes, such as ERα itself, Dicer, and growth factor receptor levels.