cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of a Nutrition Education Curriculum Intervention in Elementary Schools

Abstract Objective To estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of an obesity prevention nutrition education curriculum (Food, Health, & Choices) as delivered to all New York City fifth-grade public school students over 1 year. Methods This study is a standard cost-effectiveness analysis from a societal perspective, with a 3% discount rate and a no-intervention comparator, as recommended by the US Panel on Cost-effectiveness in Health and Medicine. Costs of implementation, administration, and future obesity-related medical costs were included. Effectiveness was based on a cluster-randomized, controlled trial in 20 public schools during the 2012–2013 school year and linked to published estimates of childhood-to-adulthood body mass index trajectories using a decision analytic model. Results The Food, Health, & Choices intervention was estimated to cost $8,537,900 and result in 289 fewer males and 350 fewer females becoming obese (0.8% of New York City fifth-grade public school students), saving 1,599 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and $8,098,600 in direct medical costs. Food, Health, & Choices is predicted to be cost-effective at $275/QALY (95% confidence interval, –$2,576/QALY to $2,084/QALY) with estimates up to $6,029/QALY in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions and Implications This cost-effectiveness model suggests that a nutrition education curriculum in public schools is effective and cost-effective in reducing childhood obesity, consistent with the authors' hypothesis and previous literature. Future research should assess the feasibility and sustainability of scale-up.
Prediction-Correction Algorithms for Time-Varying Constrained Optimization

This paper develops online algorithms to track solutions of time-varying constrained optimization problems. Particularly, resembling workhorse Kalman filtering-based approaches for dynamical systems, the proposed methods involve prediction-correction steps to provably track the trajectory of the optimal solutions of time-varying convex problems. The merits of existing prediction-correction methods have been shown for unconstrained problems and for setups where computing the inverse of the Hessian of the cost function is computationally affordable. This paper addresses the limitations of existing methods by tackling constrained problems and by designing first-order prediction steps that rely on the Hessian of the cost function (and do not require the computation of its inverse). In addition, the proposed methods are shown to improve the convergence speed of existing prediction-correction methods when applied to unconstrained problems. Numerical simulations corroborate the analytical results and showcase performance and benefits of the proposed algorithms. A realistic application of the proposed method to real-time control of energy resources is presented.
Liver abscesses secondary to Escherichia coli infection mimicking multifocal hepatoblastoma: A case report

Abstract A 4-year-old girl diagnosed with stage III hepatoblastoma presented for tumor resection. She had received four neoadjuvant cycles of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and doxorubicin with good response. On perioperative imaging, several ring-enhancing lesions were noted in the liver concerning for satellite lesions vs. infectious etiology. A biopsy revealed abscess due to Escherichia coli , so the patient was admitted to receive intravenous antibiotics. Ten days after admission, the liver lesions had decreased in size and a right hemihepatectomy was performed to resect the primary tumor. The patient recovered uneventfully on 7 additional days of antibiotics, with resolution of liver abscess on repeat imaging.
Impaired peripheral vasodilation during graded systemic hypoxia in healthy older adults: role of the sympathoadrenal system.

We found that the lack of peripheral vasodilation during graded systemic hypoxia with aging is not mediated by the sympathoadrenal system, strongly implicating local vascular control mechanisms in ...
Stick-Slip Instabilities for Interfacial Chemical Bond-Induced Friction at the Nanoscale

Earthquakes are generally caused by unstable stick–slip motion of faults. This stick–slip phenomenon, along with other frictional properties of materials at the macroscale, is well-described by empirical rate and state friction (RSF) laws. Here we study stick–slip behavior for nanoscale single-asperity silica–silica contacts in atomic force microscopy experiments. The stick–slip is quasiperiodic, and both the amplitude and spatial period of stick–slip increase with normal load and decrease with the loading point (i.e., scanning) velocity. The peak force prior to each slip increases with the temporal period logarithmically, and decreases with velocity logarithmically, consistent with stick–slip behavior at the macroscale. However, unlike macroscale behavior, the minimum force after each slip is independent of velocity. The temporal period scales with velocity in a nearly power law fashion with an exponent between −1 and −2, similar to macroscale behavior. With increasing velocity, stick–slip behavior trans...
Maraviroc Discovery and Resistance: Current Understanding and Future Considerations

Maraviroc (Celsentri™) is a CCR5 antagonist that has recently been approved for use in treatment-experienced patients infected with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 (virus that uses the CCR5 coreceptor exclusively for cell entry). This new oral anti-HIV drug is currently unique in that it targets a host rather than a viral protein. CCR5 is a member of the 7-transmembrane g-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) protein superfamily. GPCR have historically proved successful drug targets for the pharmaceutical industry in the design of orally delivered small molecules. The fact maraviroc binds to the viral co-receptor rather than the virus itself also has some interesting consequences when it comes to the study of virus drug resistance.
INCREASED BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) PROMOTES HYPERTENSION AND WORSENS BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG US VETERANS

Increased body weight is associated with hypertension but the longitudinal association of the two has not been investigated. Data from the VA health care system were accessed between Jan 2000 and Sept 2011. A total of 8,868,500 patients with 241,456,960 blood pressure (BP) readings were included.
High-Density Lipoproteins

Low plasma levels of cholesterol carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles are firmly established as a major cardiovascular risk factor. Paradoxically, cardiovascular mortality is also elevated at extremely high levels of HDL cholesterol. Furthermore, genetic epidemiology often does not support a causal relationship between HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
From animal experiments to schizophrenia

The results presented in the preceding chapters confirm the competence of the SLG model as a tool that links the neurophysiological and behavioral aspects of LI. The model provides a mechanistic explanation for the results of animal experiments, as well as for the biological basis of schizophrenia.
Instrumentation for Mass Spectrometry

It is probably safe to say that no two mass spectrometers are alike. Even those of the same model can be modified many times during a production run, each can be equipped with different accessories, and most owners modify their instruments in various ways. Three instruments are described in this chapter, which is not intended as an instruction manual but has been written to acquaint the reader with the basic components of typical instruments.
Religious Customs, Influence on Diet

A discussion of the historical development of religious attitudes toward food is necessary for a full understanding of the complexities of how faith influences the human diet. Whether one is discussing the kosher laws of Judaism, the feast and fasting cycle of Christianity, Ramadan among Muslims, cow reverence among Hindus, or the many other expressions of religiosity through food, ingestion has always been and continues to be intimately connected to acts of devotion.
Abstract 18652: Phopshoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinase-1 Mediates Fasting Induced Autophagy in the Heart

Fasting is a powerful inducer of cardiac autophagy, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. The goal of this study was to determine if impaired insulin signaling via PI3K mediates fasting-induced autophagy. We characterized insulin signaling and markers of autophagy in control (WT) mice and mice with cardiomyocyte-restricted deletion of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) (PDKO). Consistent with loss of PDK1 signaling, basal Akt phosphorylation at Thr 308 was reduced by 67% and did not increase following in vivo insulin stimulation, however basal Akt phosphorylation at Ser 473 was preserved. In WT mice, fasting for 24 hr increased autophagy as evidenced by a 3.5-fold increase in LC3II/LC3I ratio (P<0.01 vs. Fed), a 60% increase in Cathepsin D level (P<0.01 vs. Fed), reduced p62 levels (P<0.05 vs. Fed), and increased AMPK phosphorylation (P<0.01 vs. Fed) that was associated with reduced mTOR, S6 and Foxo1/3 phosphorylation. In fed 6-week-old PDKO mice, similar changes in mTOR, S6 and FOXO1/3 phosphorylation were observed. The ratio of LC3II/LC3I was increased by 2-fold (P<0.01 vs. WT) and Cathepsin D level by 50% (P<0.05 vs. WT). p62 levels were reduced (P<0.05 vs. WT) and AMPK phosphorylation increased (P<0.05 vs. WT). In response to fasting, there was no further reduction of S6 or FOXO phosphorylation in PDKO mice but a further 25% increase in LC3II/LC3I ratios was observed. 6-week-old PDKO mice had significantly decreased heart weight (P<0.05 vs. WT), but LV contractile function was preserved. However, between 8–12 weeks of age, PDKO developed progressive heart failure characterized by LV dilatation, decreased wall thickness, increased fibrosis, and decreased fractional shortening resulting in death of all mice by 17-weeks of age. These data indicate that fasting-induced autophagy is largely regulated via PI3K-mediated signaling pathways. However, additional PI3K and mTOR independent pathways exist that contribute in part to fasting-induced autophagy. Second, chronic deficiency of PDK-1 signaling leads to progressive heart failure that may be due in part to unrestrained autophagy.
Further Studies on the Fruiting of Physarum Polycephalum

(1953). Further Studies on the Fruiting of Physarum Polycephalum. Mycologia: Vol. 45, No. 6, pp. 817-824.
Consider the Atypical Child

A mental hygienist here discusses the handicapped pupil and what may be done to give him his chance.
Love and other creatures: Trajal Harrell’s Caen Amour

I like going into the histories that are not yet settled. I like going into the cracks and holes […]1 –Trajal HarrellAlready he is standing there as Adele croons softly in the background. Hips sway...
Synthesis and Structure of [DB24C8)Na][Cd(SCN)3. Formation of a novel linear Cd...Cd...Cd chain with a mer-CdN3S3 coordination confirmation and new coiled [(DB24C8)Na]+ cation.

We report herein a novel coordination solid, [(DB24C8)Na][Cd(SCN)3] (6) (DB24C8 denotes dibenzo-24-crown-8), which exhibits a new type of [Cd(SCN)3-]infinity chain with two unusual stereochemical characteristics: (1) a mer-CdN3S3 coordination and (2) a linear Cd chain with a Cd...Cd...Cd angle of 180 degrees. In addition, the [(DB24C8)Na]+ monocation adopts a new structural type-a coiled structure-for the combination of crown ether DB24C8 and alkali metal Na+. The title compound crystallizes in a monoclinic unit cell of C2/c space group symmetry with lattice parameters a = 16.110(8) A, b = 20.380(5) A, c = 11.01(1) A, beta = 119.87(3) degrees, and Z = 4. The arrangement of the [Cd(SCN)3-](infinity) chains in the crystal lattice in the title compound is approximately hexagonal, creating triangular channels which are filled with [(DB24C8)Na]+ monocations. It was previously reasoned by us that the coiled [(DB24C8)Na]+ monocation, which lacks inversion or mirror symmetries, should enhance the tendency for the formation of the noncentrosymmetric space group of the title crystal, making it a potential second-order nonlinear optical crystal. Interestingly, however, the title compound crystallizes in a centrosymmetric space group (C2/c) and gives rise to no second harmonic generation (SHG). Previously known [Cd(SCN)3-](infinity) chains adopt fac-CdN3S3 coordination and a zigzag Cd chain configuration with a Cd...Cd...Cd angle of 165 degrees. The zigzag chains can align in either parallel or antiparallel fashion, resulting in efficient or no SHG effects, respectively. The linear Cd.Cd.Cd chain configuration observed in the title compound, on the other hand, makes it indistinguishable between parallel and antiparallel alignments. It is concluded that, to ensure the formation of noncentrosymmetric space groups, it is necessary to employ optically pure chiral cations as spacers and/or controllers. Furthermore, to enhance the nonlinear optical responses, [Cd(SCN)3-]infinity chains with fac-CdN3S3 coordination and parallel alignments of the zigzag Cd chains should be used.
What Do Forest Fires Really Cost

A seven-year quest to estimate forest fire costs in Colorado revealed a number of losses not usually considered. Catastrophic fires result in direct costs, rehabilitation costs, impact costs, and special value losses. They are wildfire events that imperil public health, safety, or welfare and result in significant degradation of the environment, substantial loss of property, and often death or injury of people. While each fire is unique, a series of large fire case studies, primarily in ponderosa pine forests, are used to develop a progression of cost estimates. The author concludes that damages to forest watershed values in thearid West may ultimately result in the most serious, long-term costs of large fires. A contrastingcase study where fire has been a regular component of the forest ecosystem is used to question the tacit acceptance of very costly, extremely damaging catastrophic fires as natural events.
Isolated extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease of the orbit in an elderly male.

A 65-year-old male on tacrolimus following liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma presented with 3 weeks of progressive painless right eyelid swelling. Exam disclosed periorbital fullness, p...
The Function of the Reticuloendothelial System in Autoimmune Disease

For the past 4 or 5 years, a new methodology for assessing the functional status of membrane receptors on the fixed macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) which recognize immunologically active materials and mediate their removal from the bloodstream (Frank et al., 1977; Jaffe et al., 1976; Atkinson and Frank, 1974a,b,c; Atkinson et al., 1973; Schreiber and Frank, 1972a,b) has been developed. This account of the current status of that work is not meant to be a definitive statement of the role of the reticuloendothelial membrane receptors in the clearance of immunologically active materials from the blood in patients with nephritis. There are some data on patients with nephritis, but these questions are not definitively answered. However, this methodology holds potential promise for development of an understanding of the pathophysiologic basis of a number of perplexing autoimmune diseases.
Risk of Uterine Rupture with Vaginal Birth after Cesarean in Twin Gestations.

Background. Women with a previous cesarean delivery may attempt a subsequent vaginal birth or repeat cesarean. Vaginal birth after cesarean carries a greater risk of uterine rupture, defined as the disruption of all uterine layers, resulting in maternal-fetal morbidity or mortality. It is unclear how the risk of uterine rupture compares in patients with twin gestations who undergo different delivery methods. Objective. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine if there is an increased risk of uterine rupture in patients with twin gestations attempting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) versus planned repeat cesarean delivery (PRCD). Study Design. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched systematically. Eligible studies were prospective and retrospective studies that evaluated the incidence of uterine rupture in twin pregnancies that attempted VBAC or PRCD. Data were manually extracted from these studies, and the number of events in each group was used to calculate an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. 4 retrospective studies were included with a total of 7699 participants, 2305 of whom attempted VBAC and 5394 underwent PRCD. The absolute risk of uterine rupture in the VBAC and PRCD groups was 0.87% and 0.09%, respectively. The rate of uterine rupture was significantly higher in the VBAC group than in the PRCD group (OR: 9.43; CI: 3.54–25.17). Conclusion. Although VBAC is associated with higher rates of uterine rupture in twin pregnancies when compared with PRCD, the absolute risk of uterine rupture is low in both groups. Depending on individual risk factors, vaginal birth may be offered as a safe option to women with twin pregnancies and a history of cesarean delivery.
Abstract 4642: Effects of soy protein diet on plasma isoflavones levels in obese DMBA-induced mammary tumor rat model

Obesity epidemic in the US and world grows as the number of overweight and obese adults continues to rise. Obese women have higher mortality rates from all cancers including breast cancer. Several studies have reported the protective effects of soy intake on breast cancer development, while other studies report the adverse effects of soy protein diet on breast cancer development. Soybeans contain isoflavones genistein, daidzein and glycitein, known as isoflavonoids, which are structurally similar to mammalian estrogens, have estrogenic properties and are potential anticarcinogens. Gut flora metabolizes daidzein into equol, a non-steroidal estrogen and has cancer chemopreventive property. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of obesity and a high isoflavones soy protein diet on plasma isoflavones; genistein, daidzein, glycitein, equol and O-Desmethylangolensin (O-MDA) levels using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumor model. Five-week-old female Zucker rats (45 obese fa/fa and 54 lean) were used. After one week of acclimation (age 42 days), rats were randomly assigned to the following diet groups; 1) Lean, casein; 2) Obese, casein; 3) Lean, soy and 4) Obese, soy. Rats had ad lib access to water and diet with either casein or soy protein isolate as source of protein. All rats were orally gavaged at age 50 days with 65 mg/kg DMBA. Rats were weighed and palpated twice weekly and sacrificed 21 weeks post-DMBA treatment. Plasma was collected to measure genistein, daidzein, glycitein, equol and O-MDA levels using liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). At end of the experiment, 69% of the Lean casein rats developed mammary tumors compared to 50% in lean soy group (p= 0.176). In the obese group, 76% of the soy-fed rats developed mammary tumors compared to 15% (P Citation Format: Reza Hakkak, Soheila Korourian. Effects of soy protein diet on plasma isoflavones levels in obese DMBA-induced mammary tumor rat model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4642.
QUARKONIUM CHROMO-POLARIZABILITY FROM THE DECAYS J/ψ(ϒ)→ππℓ+ℓ-

It is pointed out that the diagonal amplitude of the E1–E1 chromo-electric interaction with soft gluon fields (chromo-polarizability) can be measured directly for the J/ψ and ϒ resonances in the decays J/ψ→ππl+l- and ϒ→ππl+l- with soft pions. For the J/ψ this amplitude is often discussed in connection with the J/ψ interaction with nuclear matter, while for the ϒ the chromo-polarizability enters the estimates of the nonperturbative mass shift of the resonance relevant to precision determination of the b quark mass from the ϒ mass.
DeepMatch: practical deep packet inspection in the data plane using network processors

Restricting data plane processing to packet headers precludes analysis of payloads to improve routing and security decisions. DeepMatch delivers line-rate regular expression matching on payloads using Network Processors (NPs). It further supports packet reordering to match patterns in flows that cross packet boundaries. Our evaluation shows that an implementation of DeepMatch, on a 40 Gbps Netronome NFP-6000 SmartNIC, achieves up to line rate for streams of unrelated packets and up to 20 Gbps when searches span multiple packets within a flow. In contrast with prior work, this throughput is data-independent and adds no burstiness. DeepMatch opens new opportunities for programmable data planes.
The Effect of Inorganic Thin Film Material Processing and Properties on Stress in Silicon Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors

Silicon bulk micromachined piezoresistive pressure sensors are sensitive to stresses caused by the application of inorganic thin films typically used for passivation purposes, and the change in stress that is caused by temperature changes in the operating environment of the sensor. Stress behavior over temperature is characterized for both thermal oxides grown on silicon at thicknesses from 0.18 μm to 0.36 μm, and PECVD silicon nitride films at thicknesses from 0.40 μm to 0.80 μn. Electrical parametric behavior is characterized for typical piezoresistive pressure sensors with these thin films deposited and patterned in several proposed passivation schemes. A finite element analysis is performed to predict how device parameters vary as a function of thin film patterning and properties. Correlations are drawn between model predictions, independent thin film behavior, and device performance.
Reviewing the evidence for shockwave- and cell-based regenerative therapies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is both a common and complex disease process. Existing ED treatments do not always achieve adequate results. There is clinical interest in employing regenerative therapies, including low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT), platelet rich plasma (PRP), and stem cell therapy (SCT), in the treatment of ED as adjunct or alternative treatments. Here, we present evidence for emerging shockwave- and cell-based regenerative therapies for the treatment of ED following a thorough review of the existing PubMed literature pertaining to Li-ESWT, PRP, and SCT in relation to the treatment of ED. Li-ESWT causes microtrauma in tissue that hypothetically upregulates angiogenesis and recruits stem cells. Several large-scale systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported that Li-ESWT improved ED in humans. Additionally, evidence has commenced to show that Li-ESWT may be effective against two recognized and complex etiologies of ED: diabetic and neurogenic. PRP delivers an autologous sample rich in growth factors to damaged tissue. Animal model studies have demonstrated improved erectile function recovery as well as preservation of cavernous nerve axons. Studies with PRP in humans are limited. SCT utilizes the regenerative potential of stem cells for healing of damaged tissue. In the treatment of ED, SCT has been used in the setting of diabetic and post-prostatectomy ED. Results of human studies are varied, although SCT treatments did result in increased erectile rigidity with some patients recovering the ability to achieve penetration. While these regenerative therapies show potential to augment the current treatment regimen for ED, there is a paucity of evidence to support the safety and efficacy of these treatments. Further research is necessary to define the role of these alternative therapies in the treatment of ED.
COVID-19 OUTCOMES AND SEQUENCING OF SARS-COV-2 ISOLATED FROM VETERANS IN NEW ENGLAND

Background: Clinical and virologic characteristics of COVID-19 infections in veterans in New England have not been described. Objectives: To evaluate clinical and virologic factors impacting COVID-19 outcomes. Study Design: We reviewed charts and sequenced virus from nasopharyngeal specimens with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 from 426 veterans in six New England states between April and September, 2020. Peak disease severity, hospitalization, and mortality were correlated to clinical, demographic, and virologic factors. Results: Of 426 veterans, 274 had complete and accessible charts. 92.7% were men, 83.2% White, with mean age 63 years. On multivariate regression, significant predictors of hospitalization were age (OR: 1.05) and non-white race (OR: 2.39). Mortality and peak disease severity varied by age (OR 1.06 and 1.07 respectively) and oxygen requirement on admission (OR6.74 and 45.7). Dementia (OR: 3.44) was also associated with mortality. Most (97.3%) of our samples were dominated by the spike protein D614G substitution, and were from SARS-CoV-2 B.1 lineage or one of 37 different B.1 sub-lineages, with none representing more than 8.7% of the cases. Conclusions: In an older cohort of veterans from the six New England states with a high comorbidity burden, age was the largest predictor of hospitalization, peak disease severity, and mortality. Non-white veterans were more likely to be hospitalized, and patients who required oxygen on admission were more likely to have severe disease and higher rates of mortality. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages were distributed in patients in New England early in the COVID-19 era, mostly related to viruses from New York with D614G mutation.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Size-Selected Bismuth-Boron Clusters: BiBn- (n = 6-8).

Because of its low toxicity, bismuth is considered to be a "green metal" and has received increasing attention in chemistry and materials science. To understand the chemical bonding of bismuth, here we report a joint experimental and theoretical study on a series of bismuth-doped boron clusters, BiBn- (n = 6-8). Well-resolved photoelectron spectra are obtained and are used to understand the structures and bonding of BiBn- in conjunction with theoretical calculations. Global minimum searches find that all three BiBn- clusters have planar structures with the Bi atom bonded to the edge of the planar Bn moiety via two Bi-B σ bonds as well as π bonding by the 6pz orbital. BiB6- is found to consist of a double-chain B6 with a terminal Bi atom. Both BiB7- and BiB8- are composed of a Bi atom bonded to the planar global minima of the B7- and B8- clusters. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that BiB6- is doubly antiaromatic, whereas BiB7- and BiB8- are doubly aromatic. In the neutral BiBn (n = 6-8) clusters, except BiB6 which has a planar structure similar to the anion, the global minima of both BiB7 and BiB8 are found to be half-sandwich-type structures due to the high stability of the doubly aromatic B73- and B82- molecular wheel ligands.
Effects of long-term exercise and a high-fat diet on synovial fluid metabolomics and joint structural phenotypes in mice: an integrated network analysis

Summary Objective To explore how systemic factors that modify knee osteoarthritis risk are connected to ‘whole-joint’ structural changes by evaluating the effects of high-fat diet and wheel running exercise on synovial fluid (SF) metabolomics. Methods Male mice were fed a defined control or high-fat (60% kcal fat) diet from 6 to 52 weeks of age, and half the animals were housed with running wheels from 26 to 52 weeks of age (n = 9–13 per group). Joint tissue structure and osteoarthritis pathology were evaluated by histology and micro-computed tomography. Systemic metabolic and inflammatory changes were evaluated by body composition, glucose tolerance testing, and serum biomarkers. SF metabolites were analyzed by high performance-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. We built correlation-based network models to evaluate the connectivity between systemic and local metabolic biomarkers and osteoarthritis structural pathology within each experimental group. Results High-fat diet caused moderate osteoarthritis, including cartilage pathology, synovitis and increased subchondral bone density. In contrast, voluntary exercise had a negligible effect on these joint structure components. 1,412 SF metabolite features were detected, with high-fat sedentary mice being the most distinct. Diet and activity uniquely altered SF metabolites attributed to amino acids, lipids, and steroids. Notably, high-fat diet increased network connections to systemic biomarkers such as interleukin-1β and glucose intolerance. In contrast, exercise increased local joint-level network connections, especially among subchondral bone features and SF metabolites. Conclusion Network mapping showed that obesity strengthened SF metabolite links to blood glucose and inflammation, whereas exercise strengthened SF metabolite links to subchondral bone structure.
Multiple Identities: A Phenomenology of Multicultural Communication

Contents: Different Worlds, Shared Theory? - Phenomenology in Sociolinguistic Inquiry - The Phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty - Defining Spatial-Historical Networks - Intersubjectivity and Temporalities - The Historical Institution of the Multicultural Self - The Ethics and Politics of Linguistic Action - Inhabiting Space - Lateral Universalism.
Regulation of uterine activity during gestation and parturition in rabbits and rats.

Uterine muscular activity is influenced by ovarian steroid hormones, by nervous activity, and by endogenous, humoral or locally produced, uterus-activating agents such as the neurohypophyseal peptides, the prostaglandins, and various biogenic amines. Purely physical factors, such as stretch, also play a part in the regulation of myometrial function. While the neural control of uterine function is more intimately linked to uterine vascular supply than to its muscular elements, at least in rats and rabbits, the hormonal factors exert a profound influence directly on the contractile components of the uterus. However, in spite of much progress in recent years in the understanding of the mechanism of action of steroid hormones, the integration of biochemical events at the molecular level into various contractile responses at the tissue level remains to be elucidated. The possible interrelationship between endocrine factors and the nervous system in integrating the total activity of the whole organ has also to be clarified, but all evidence points to the hormonal and humoral agents as the dominating factors in the regulation of uterine contractility.
Microbial decontamination of food by power ultrasound.

Abstract: Power ultrasound has shown great promise as a new food processing and food preservation method, increasing the microbial inactivation rate while providing a high-quality end product. It is regarded as a non-thermal processing method, mainly due to the fact that its mode of action is based on cavitation-generated physical and chemical effects, as opposed to traditional thermal processes where heat is the major lethal factor in microbial destruction. Currently, research and development activities on the topic of power ultrasound as a food decontamination method focus on liquid food processing and product surface decontamination, with some studies looking into the effect of ultrasonication on product quality attributes. In this chapter, an effort is made to provide a brief introduction to the basic concepts of power ultrasound decontamination. Three modes of inactivation are introduced, combining ultrasound with other lethal factors for treatment of liquid food. The recent development in ultrasound-assisted surface decontamination of fresh produce is presented, and the advantages and limitations of power ultrasound are summarized.
Energy-Constrained Scheduling of DAGs on Multi-core Processors

This paper proposes a technique to minimize the makespan of DAGs under energy constraints on multi-core processors that often need to operate under strict energy constraints. Most of the existing work aims to reduce energy subject to performance constraints. Thus, our work is in contrast to these techniques, and it is useful because one can encounter numerous energy-constraint scenarios in real life. The algorithm, named Incremental Static Voltage Adaptation (ISVA), uses the Dynamic Voltage Scaling technique and assigns differential voltages to each sub-task to minimize energy requirements of an application. Essentially, ISVA is a framework, rather than yet another DAG scheduling algorithm, in that it can work with any efficient algorithm to generate the initial schedule under no energy constraints. Given the initial schedule, ISVA efficiently identifies tasks’ relative importance and their liabilities on energy. It then achieves the best possible new schedule by observing its energy budget. The algorithm marginally degrades the schedule length with extensive reduction in energy budgets.
Impact of Measurement Irradiance on Acclimation of Photosynthesis to Elevated CO2 Concentration in Several Plant Species

Controlled environment chamber and glasshouse studies were conducted on six herbaceous annual species grown at 350 (AC) and 700 (EC) μmol(CO2) mol-1 to determine whether growth at EC resulted in acclimation of the apparent quantum yield of photosynthesis (QY) measured at limiting photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), or in acclimation of net photosynthetic rate (PN) measured at saturating PPFD. It was also determined whether acclimation in PN at limiting PPFD was correlated with acclimation of carboxylation efficiency or ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration rate measured at saturating PPFD. Growth at EC reduced both the QY and PN at limiting PPFD in three of the six species. The occurrence of photosynthetic acclimation measured at a rate limiting PPFD was independent of whether photosynthetic acclimation was apparent at saturating measurement PPFD. At saturating measurement PPFD, acclimation to EC in the apparent carboxylation efficiency and RuBP regeneration capacity also occurred independently. Thus at least three components of the photosynthetic system may adjust independently when leaves are grown at EC. Estimates of photosynthetic acclimation at both high and low PPFD are necessary to accurately predict photosynthesis at the whole plant or canopy level as [CO2] increases.
Architectural resource requirements of contemporary benchmarks: a wish list

A wish list of prototype designs of large-scale superscalar processors is presented. The author investigates the processor and memory system needs for a class of contemporary benchmarks taken from the SPEC89 benchmark suite. In these processors, the number and type of function units are among the most important design decisions. Data are presented for the requirements of these resources. For memory systems, data are presented suggesting the required cache designs. The requirements suggest upper limits on the resources needed for efficient ulta-high-level monolithic processors. >
On tyrannical experts and expert tyrants

Easterly’s Tyranny of Experts is a paean to freedom, democracy, and the rights of the poor. It rightly damns the “technological illusion” that development is an engineering problem, not a political problem that cannot be solved by experts, particularly not by outside experts. While Tyranny is strong in its denunciation of inappropriate experts, it is less strong in explaining the proper role of expertise. Although the extent of knowledge is often overstated, we are not completely ignorant about the effects of policies, especially of harmful policies. We should indeed champion the rights of the poor and their full participation in a democratic state. But it is too optimistic to believe that rights and democracy by themselves will guarantee growth and prosperity, and the argument that rights and democracy are both necessary and sufficient for population health is largely wishful thinking.
Subelliptic boundary conditions for SpinC-Dirac operators, gluing, relative indices, and tame Fredholm pairs.

Abstract Let X be a Spinℂ manifold with boundary, such that the Spinℂ structure is defined near the boundary by an almost complex structure, which is either strictly pseudoconvex or pseudoconcave (and hence contact). Using generalized Szegő projectors, we define modified ∂-Neumann boundary conditions, ℛeo, for spinors, which lead to subelliptic Fredholm boundary value problems for the Spinℂ–Dirac operator, ðeo. To study the index of these boundary value problems we introduce a generalization of Fredholm pairs to the “tame” category. In this context, we show that the index of the graph closure of (ðeo, ℛeo) equals the tame relative index, on the boundary, between ℛeo and the Calderon projector. Let X0 and X1 be strictly pseudoconvex, Spinℂ manifolds, as above. Let φ : bX1 → bX0, be a contact diffeomorphism, S0, S1 denote generalized Szegő projectors on bX0, bX1, respectively, and ℛ0eo, ℛ1eo, the subelliptic boundary conditions they define. If X1 is the manifold X1 with its orientation reversed, then the glued manifold X = X0 ∐φ X1 has a canonical Spinℂ structure and Dirac operator, ðXeo. Applying these results we obtain a formula for the relative index, R-Ind(S0, φ*S1), As a special case, this formula verifies a conjecture of Atiyah and Weinstein [(1997) RIMS Kokyuroku 1014:1–14] for the index of the quantization of a contact transformation between cosphere bundles.
Calcium loading onto granular activated carbon with salicylate or phthalate

Abstract In order to evaluate the effects of complexation on calcium loading in the presence of organic compounds, the calcium-salicylate and calcium-phthalate systems were examined. These compounds were chosen as models to evaluate the role of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in otherwise similar compounds. Batch tests were conducted at varying pH. Total organic carbon (TOC) loading onto granular activated carbon (GAC) was evaluated in the presence and absence of calcium. Calcium loading onto GAC significantly increased in systems that contained salicylate. Salicylate adsorption onto GAC also increased in the presence of calcium. In comparison, calcium loading onto GAC was only slightly enhanced in the presence of phthalate, and phthalate loading onto GAC was not substantially increased in the presence of calcium.
Morphology of the Canadian Beaufort Sea coast

A study of the Canadian Beaufort Sea coast (Alaskan-Yukon border to Baillie Island) was conducted to provide a regional summary of (a) coastal morphology, (b) coastal stability and (c) coastal processes. A total of 2077 km of coastline was mapped using aerial photographs, low-altitude and oblique aerial-video imagery and information from previous field studies. The coast can be adequately characterized by six repetitive coastal types, four of which are erosional landforms and comprise 60% of the coast (ice-rich cliffs, ice-poor cliffs, low-tundra cliffs and inundated tundra). Two repetitive coastal types are accretional landforms and comprise 40% of the coast (barrier islands and spits, and deltas). The deltas in the study area are retreating rapidly, and therefore over 80% of the coast is considered erosional and less than 20% accretional. Over 1000 measurements of coastal stability indicate wide-scale coastal retreat. Most sections of the coast show mean coastal retreat rates in excess of 1 m yr−1 despite very low annual wave exposure levels. Near active areas of the Mackenzie River delta, mean retreat rates are in excess of 2 m yr−1 and a maximum retreat rate of 18 m yr−1 was documented near Shallow Bay. The presence of significant quantities of ice in the coastal sediments, both in the form of pore ice and massive ice beds, appears to be the primary cause of the wide-scale regional retreat of the coast, although a relative sea level rise in the region may also be important.
Sea urchin fertilization stimulates CaM kinase-II (multifunctional [type II] Ca2+/CaM kinase) activity and association with p34cdc2

Upon fertilization, the sea urchin egg synthesizes proteins which impart a Ca2+ dependence to M-phase onset. A potential target of this Ca2+ dependence may be CaM kinase-II (the multifunctional [type II] Ca2+/calmodulin [CaM]-dependent protein kinase) which is necessary for nuclear envelope breakdown in fertilized sea urchin eggs. This study was intended to determine whether sea urchin CaMK-II is activated after fertilization and whether it interacts with other known M-phase regulators, such as p34cdc2. We report that total CaMK-II activity, measured by solution assays, increases after fertilization, peaking just prior to cleavage. Interestingly, total CaMK-II activity continues to fluctuate, peaking again prior to second and third cleavage. Gel assays also reveal enhanced levels of the 56 and 62 kDa potential CaMK-II phosphoproteins after fertilization. Finally, CaMK-II activity and only the 62 kDa phosphoprotein physically associate with p34cdc2, but again only after fertilization. These changes in CaMK-II activity and p34cdc2-association after fertilization may ensure that Ca2+ signals are targeted to the M-phase machinery at the appropriate developmental times.
The Campus Affiliates Program Universities Respond to Troubled Times

Although other universities have established partnerships with inner-city communities in many forms of service learning, few institutions of higher learning have aggressively attempted to revitaliz...
The potential bone marrow toxicity of antilymphocyte serum in mice

HETEROLOGOUS antilymphocyte serum is the most potent immunosuppressive agent yet developed for promoting survival of skin and renal allografts in mice [6], rats [lo], dogs [5], and man [S]. Although little is known about its toxicity, clinical use of this antiserum is rapidly increasing. This article describes preliminary investigations which indicate that antilymphocyte serum has a deleterious effect upon hemopoietic stem cells.
Electronic Health Records and Hospital Librarians

The case for electronic health records (EHRs) has long been compelling: It can help recognize and contain epidemics, speed claims processing, and, of course, cut costs. The United States is spendin...
A Prospective Examination of Emotional Clarity, Stress Responses, and Depressive Symptoms During Early Adolescence.

This study examined the proposal that difficulty understanding one's emotional experiences (i.e., deficits in emotional clarity) would interfere with the formulation of adaptive responses to interpersonal stress, which would then predict depressive symptoms. This process was examined across 3 years (fourth to sixth grade) during early adolescence. Participants included 636 youth (338 girls, 298 boys; X age in fourth grade = 9.95, SD = .37) who completed measures assessing emotional clarity, stress responses, and depressive symptoms. Consistent with the hypothesized model, path analyses revealed that maladaptive interpersonal stress responses partially mediated the prospective contribution of deficits in emotional clarity to depressive symptoms. These findings implicate impairment in emotional understanding as a precursor to emerging interpersonal and psychological difficulties during a developmental stage of heightened vulnerability to depression, the transition to adolescence.
Hormone-induced homologous and heterologous desensitization in the rat adipocyte.

We examined the process of desensitization in the isolated rat adipocyte. When adipocytes were exposed to isoproterenol (10-7 or 10-5 M) or ACTH (250 mU/ml) for 2 h, there was a marked decline of as much as 77% in response upon restimulation by hormone, as measured by glycerol release or cAMP levels. This desensitization was both heterologous as well as homologous. Thus, for example, exposure of adipocytes to isoproterenol desensitized them to further stimulation by both isoproterenol and ACTH. The process was time dependent, since augmentation rather than desensitization was seen if cells were initially exposed to hormone for 30 min rather than 2 h. No desensitization was seen when the cells were restimulated with the nonhormonal lipolytic agent dibutyryl cAMP. Similarly, no desensitization was seen when cells were first exposed to dibutyryl cAMP and then restimulated with hormone. We draw the following conclusions. First, desensitization in the adipocyte is a time- and dose-dependent process that is spe...
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON INCUBATION PATTERNS OF GREATER SAGE-GROUSE

Abstract Birds in which only one sex incubates the eggs are often faced with a direct conflict between foraging to meet metabolic needs and incubation. Knowledge of environmental and ecological factors that shape life-history strategies of incubation is limited. We used continuous videography to make precise measurements of female Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) incubation constancy (percentage of time spent at the nest in a 24-hour period) and recess duration. We used an information-theoretic approach to evaluate incubation patterns in relation to grouse age, timing of incubation, raven abundance, microhabitat, weather, and food availability. Overall, sage-grouse females showed an incubation constancy of 96% and a distinctive bimodal distribution of brief incubation recesses that peaked at sunset and 30 min prior to sunrise. Grouse typically returned to their nests during low light conditions. Incubation constancy of yearlings was lower than that of adults, particularly in the later stage...
Novel myelin protein zero mutation (Arg36Trp) in a patient with acute onset painful neuropathy

We present a patient with acute onset painful polyneuropathy found to have a novel MPZ mutation (Arg36Trp). The Arg36Trp mutation described in this report occurs at a putative adhesion interface. An alternative explanation for his polyneuropathy was not found and his mother was identified to have polyneuropathy and carry the same mutation. Two hundred normal controls were without this base alteration. The temporal profile of the index case may provide further indirect evidence suggesting an immune mechanism contributing to the pathogenesis of some cases of MPZ mutations. We predict that other rapid symptom onset polyneuropathies will be found to have direct genetic susceptibility.
B7-1 and B7-2 do not deliver identical costimulatory signals, since B7-2 but not B7-1 preferentially costimulates the initial production of IL-4

Abstract The functional necessity for two CD28 counterreceptors (B7-1 and B7-2) is presently unknown. B7-1 and B7-2 equivalently costimulate IL-2 and interferon-γ (IFNγ) production and IL-2 receptor α and γ chain expression. B7-2 Induces significantly more IL-4 production than B7-1, with the greatest difference seen in naive T cells. Repetitive costimulation of CD4 + CD45RA + T cells with B7-2 results In moderate levels of both IL-4 and IL-2, whereas repetitive costimulation with B7-1 results in high levels of IL-2 and low levels of IL-4. Therefore, B7-1 and B7-2 costimulation mediate distinct outcomes, since B7-2 provides an Initial signal to induce naive T cells to become IL-4 producers, thereby directing the Immune response more towards Th0/Th2, whereas B7-1 is a more neutral differentiative signal.
Crystallization and preliminary X‐ray diffraction analysis of a recombinant cysteine‐free mutant of crmA

CrmA is an unusual serpin that has a reactive-center loop one residue shorter than other members of the superfamily. Most interestingly, crmA has inhibitory activity against both cysteine and serine proteinases involved in the regulation of cell apoptosis. The three-dimensional structure of crmA will give insight into the mechanism that this serpin employs to inhibit both cysteine and the serine proteinases, as well as help to explain the significance of the shorter reactive-center loop. The monodisperse cysteine-free mutant of crmA was crystallized in the presence of phosphate salts. Crystals diffract to 2.90 A and belong to space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 42.67, b = 93.15, c = 101.63 A.