cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can hybrid regimes foster constituencies? Ethnic minorities in Georgian elections, 1992–2012

Do ethnic minorities in postcommunist regimes vote in systematic ways? This paper examines ethnic minority voting in Georgian elections from 1992 to 2012, examining the causes for ethnic minorities' high electoral turnout and ruling party support. Although some argue that electoral fraud is the explanatory cause, other interests, such as experience of poverty and party electoral strategy, help explain minority electoral behaviour. This paper uses statistical methods to examine electoral fraud, as well as OLS regression to investigate the role of socio-economic factors such as urban density or poverty on ethnic minority voting behaviour. The paper also draws from in-country field research to investigate the party strategies and programs in ethnic minority areas during the 2008 parliamentary election.
Parathyroid Hormone Uses Multiple Mechanisms to Arrest the Cell Cycle Progression of Osteoblastic Cells from G1 to S Phase

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a major role in bone remodeling and has the ability to increase bone mass if administered daily. In vitro, PTH inhibits the growth of osteoblastic cell lines, arresting them in G1 phase. Here, we demonstrate that PTH regulates the expression of at least three genes to achieve the following: inducing expression of MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) and p21Cip1 and decreasing expression of cyclin D1 at both mRNA and protein levels. The induction of MKP-1 causes the dephosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and therefore the decrease in cyclin D1. Overexpression of MKP-1 arrests UMR cells in G1 phase. The mechanisms involved in PTH regulation of these genes were studied. Most importantly, PTH administration produces similar effects on expression of these genes in rat femoral metaphyseal primary spongiosa. Analyses of p21Cip1 expression levels in bone indicate that repeated daily PTH injections make the osteoblast more sensitive to successive PTH treatments, and this might be an important feature for the anabolic functions of PTH. In summary, our data suggest that one mechanism for PTH to exert its anabolic effect is to arrest the cell cycle progression of the osteoblast and hence increase its differentiation.
Algorithm for Atmospheric Correction of Airborne AVIRIS Ocean Images

The algorithm presented in this paper is based on the previously published analytic theory by the author. That theory is based on the scalar radiative transfer approach and it generalizes the satellite Tanre-Deschampes algorithm to the aircraft situation. The restoration of the atmospheric optical parameters is based on a new empirical relationship between the scattering phase function by aerosols and the total aerosol optical thickness in the near infrared. Examples of processed with the proposed algorithm airborne AVIRIS images of the Gulf of Mexico and North-West Atlantic in different spectral bands are presented.
16S community profiling identifies proton pump inhibitor related differences in gastric, lung and oropharyngeal microflora

Objectives To test the hypothesis that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use results in changes in gastric microflora which, through full column reflux, results in lung and oropharyngeal microflora changes. Study design We performed a prospective, cross-sectional cohort study of 116 children (57 off and 59 on PPIs) undergoing simultaneous bronchoscopy and upper endoscopy for the evaluation of chronic cough. We performed 16S sequencing on gastric, bronchoalveolar lavage, and oropharyngeal fluid. Fifty patients also underwent multichannel intraluminal impedance testing. Results Streptococcus was more abundant in the gastric fluid of patients taking PPIs, and there was a significant correlation with PPI dose (mg/kg/d) and abundance of gastric Streptococcus ( P = .01). There was also a significant difference in the abundance of oropharyngeal Streptococcus in patients treated with PPI. Eight unique bacterial genera were found in the gastric and lung fluid but not in the oropharyngeal suggesting exchange between the 2 sites and 2 of the 8 ( Lactococcus, Acinetobacter ) were more abundant in patients with more full column reflux, suggesting direct aspiration. Principal component analysis revealed greater overlap between gastric and lung than oropharyngeal microflora. Conclusions PPI use was associated with differences in gastric, lung, and oropharyngeal microflora. Although microflora exchange can occur between all 3 sites, gastric and lung microflora are more closely related, and the mechanism of exchange between sites may be aspiration of full column reflux.
Do calcium and calmodulin trigger maturation in amphibian oocytes

Abstract In contrast to earlier reports ( J. L. Maller and E. G. Krebs, 1980, Curr. Top. Cell. Regul. 16, 271–311 ; M. Moreau, J. P. Vilian, and P. Guerrier, 1980, Dev. Biol. 78, 201–214 ; W. J. Wasserman and L. D. Smith, 1981, J. Cell Biol. 89, 389–394 ; D. Huchon, R. Ozon, E. H. Fischer, and J. G. Demaille, 1981, Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 22, 211–222 ) calmodulin preparations isolated from Xenopus laevis ovaries or obtained commercially rarely induced maturation upon microinjection into individual oocytes. Calmodulin injections did result in significant cases of maturation when oocytes were first pretreated (primed) with calcium-free (EGTA) OR-2 and then injected in regular OR-2 medium. However, under these conditions the injected buffer solution alone was sometimes found to induce maturation. Under more optimal priming conditions, cases were found where as high as 100% of the oocytes matured simply by returning them to regular OR-2 medium. To determine which divalent cations could be involved in the priming effects of EGTA pretreatment we repeated the earlier ionophore work of W. J. Wasserman and Y. Masui (1975, J. Exp. Zool. 193, 369–375 ), looking not just at calcium and magnesium but other divalent cations as well. Several divalent cations (10 mM) were found to induce germinal vesicle breakdown with the following tentative order of efficacy, Co2+ ≥ Zn2+ ≥ Mn2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Ba2+, regardless of whether or not ionophore A23187 was present. These results, along with other reports in the literature, are discussed with respect to the theory that a rise in free calcium and calmodulin is involved in triggering oocyte maturation; we conclude that neither is involved.
The charge-transfer reaction N+2 (X, ν = 0) + Ar → Ar+ + N2 from thermal to 20 eV c.m.

Abstract Guided-ion beam mass spectrometry is used to measure the charge-transfer reaction of N + 2 to Ar from thermal to 20 eV c.m. under single-collision conditions. A flow-tube source, in which the nascent ions undergo approximately 100000 collisions, is used to produce a beam of N + 2 ions,>99.9% of which are in their ground electronic and vibrational state. The energy dependence of the reaction is interpreted to indicate that at low kinetic energies the reaction goes through a long-lived collision complex and through a direct mechanism at elevated energies.
Distribution and biliary excretion of polychlorinated biphenyls in rats.

Abstract Absorption, distribution, and excretion of two 3 H-labeled polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), 2,4,5,2′,4′,5′,-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) and 2,5,2′,5′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB), were studied in surgically prepared male and female rats. Approximately 3–5 hr after surgery, HCB or TCB (50 mg/kg) was administered into the stomach. Bile, urine, and feces were collected for 24 hr after which the animals were sacrificed and tissues taken for determination of 3 H content. The distribution of 3 H remaining in the rats, expressed as percentage of dose, was highest in skeletal muscle, skin, liver, and small intestine for both isomers. The major difference observed between the PCBs was in biliary excretion. For HCB, 0.5 ± 0.2% (males, mean ± SE) and 1.1 ± 0.3% (females) of the dose were excreted in bile in 24 hr; for TCB, 42.2 ± 8.5% (males) and 25.7 ± 7.8% (females) were excreted by the same route. The lower biliary excretion of HCB than of TCB cannot be accounted for by a difference in absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and is thought to be due to a slower rate of HCB metabolism. More explicitly, the chlorines in the 4,4′ positions of HCB appear to prevent rapid biliary excretion of the compound by eliminating adjacent unsubstituted carbons which are necessary for rapid metabolism to occur. Urinary excretion of HCB and TCB was of minor importance compared to biliary excretion. Generally, absorption, distribution, and excretion of the PCBs were similar in males and females.
NFκB inhibitors: Strategies from poxviruses

The orchestration of the inflammatory responses to both infection and tissue damage is arguably the key physiological function of NF-kappaB, and thus interference with the activation of NF-kappaB represents an exceptional strategy for a successful pathogen to exploit to counter multiple host innate defense processes through the targeting of a single host regulatory pathway. Because of their large genomes, which typically encode approximately 200 proteins, and their unusual independence from the host nuclear transcriptional machinery, poxviruses are especially well suited to manipulate the cytoplasmic activation of NF-kappaB. Indeed, poxviruses are known to encode multiple proteins that regulate the activation of NF-kappaB in a variety of different ways and these can be considered potential paradigms for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies and more effective vaccines. Given the renewed interest in the pathogenesis of orthopoxviruses like smallpox and monkeypox, we review the current understanding of how the various classes of poxviral immunomodulatory proteins target and manipulate the NF-kappaB pathway.
Morphine Deprivation Increases Self-Administration of the Fast- and Short-Acting μ-Opioid Receptor Agonist Remifentanil in the Rat

Opiate dependence and withdrawal have long been hypothesized to enhance the reinforcing effects of opiates; however, opiate agonist self-administration in these states has yet to be systematically assessed. To address this issue, the reinforcing property of the short-acting μ-opioid agonist, remifentanil, was assessed in morphine-dependent (MD), morphine-dependent and -withdrawn (MW), and nondependent, control (C) rats. Dependence was established by twice daily administration of increasing doses of morphine for 4 days (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg s.c.) and then maintained with a daily injection of the large dose. Morphine deprivation-induced withdrawal (defined by weight loss and hyperalgesia) was apparent 24, but not 12, h after morphine treatment. Remifentanil self-administration (0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, or 6.4 μg/kg/infusion) was assessed over 20 successive, daily, 1-h sessions, either 12 or 24 h after the maintenance dose of morphine. Compared with the control group, the MD group demonstrated suppressed remifentanil self-administration, whereas the MW group exhibited enhanced responding for every dose of remifentanil. The increased responding observed in the MW group compared with the control and MD groups resulted in an upward shift in the remifentanil dose-response curve, an effect that was expressed only after repeated exposure to the contingency, demonstrating that morphine withdrawal ultimately enhances the reinforcing effects of remifentanil.
THE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN MUON SPECTROSCOPY AND SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY AND PHOTOEMISSION: YBa2Cu3O7 AND Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8

Muon spectroscopy of YBa2Cu3O7 and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 produces strong evidence that both materials are s-wave superconductors, while scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and photoemission data seem to indicate that Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 in particular has d-wave character. The resolution of this apparent discrepancy is that the CuO2 planes (which are responsible for the d-wave character reported by STM and photoemission) do not superconduct and are different from the superconducting BaO or SrO layers sensed by muons.
Perforation of a vein valve leaflet: a mechanism for incomplete valve incision during in situ bypass.

Abstract The modified Mills retrograde valvulotome has been our preferred instrument for valve incision for in situ saphenous vein bypass. In one case during completion angioscopy the valvulotome was identified to have perforated a posterior valve leaflet and left the leaflet intact. This intact leaflet was identified and incised under direct vision. Valve leaflet perforation by the valvulotome tip is proposed as one possible mechanism for incomplete valve lysis. (J Vasc Surg 1992;16:290–2.)
Energetic Consequences of Human Sociality: Walking Speed Choices among Friendly Dyads

Research has shown that individuals have an optimal walking speed–a speed which minimizes energy expenditure for a given distance. Because the optimal walking speed varies with mass and lower limb length, it also varies with sex, with males in any given population tending to have faster optimal walking speeds. This potentially creates an energetic dilemma for mixed-sex walking groups. Here we examine speed choices made by individuals of varying stature, mass, and sex walking together. Individuals (N=22) walked around a track alone, with a significant other (with and without holding hands), and with friends of the same and opposite sex while their speeds were recorded every 100 m. Our findings show that males walk at a significantly slower pace to match the females’ paces (p=0.009), when the female is their romantic partner. The paces of friends of either same or mixed sex walking together did not significantly change (p.0.05). Thus significant pace adjustment appears to be limited to romantic partners. These findings have implications for both mobility and reproductive strategies of groups. Because the male carries the energetic burden by adjusting his pace (slowing down 7%), the female is spared the potentially increased caloric cost required to walk together. In energetically demanding environments, we will expect to find gender segregation in group composition, particularly when travelling longer distances.
Nonclassical Antimetabolites XVIII: Simulation of 5′-Phosphoribosyl Binding II. ω-Uracil Alkanoic Acids Related to 2′-Deoxyuridylate

A series of ω-uracil-1-alkanoic acids was synthesized as potential inhibitors of thymidylate synthetase in order to study the mode of phosphate binding of 2′-deoxyuridylate to this enzyme. Preparation of 1-(p-carboxybenzyl)uracil (XIIc) and 1-(carboxymethyl)uracil (XIIg) from 2,4-diethoxypyrimidine by the Hilbert-Johnson reaction proved feasible. However, this approach was unsuccessful with the less reactive 5-bromovaleronitrile. Although uracil reportedly gives only a 1,3-dialkyl derivative on alkylation, suitable conditions have now been established for mono-alkylation of uracil on its 1 position in 35–50 per cent yields; in this way, the desired 1-(4′-carboxybutyl)uracil (XIIe) was prepared via its nitrile (XIId) by alkylation of uracil with 5-bromovaleronitrile. None of these uracil-1-alkanoic acids (XII), including 10 of their derivatives, were inhibitors of thymidylate synthetase. The significance of these results in relation to further research in this area is discussed.
Adaptive wavelet rendering

Effects such as depth of field, area lighting, antialiasing and global illumination require evaluating a complex high-dimensional integral at each pixel of an image. We develop a new adaptive rendering algorithm that greatly reduces the number of samples needed for Monte Carlo integration. Our method renders directly into an image-space wavelet basis. First, we adaptively distribute Monte Carlo samples to reduce the variance of the wavelet basis' scale coefficients, while using the wavelet coefficients to find edges. Working in wavelets, rather than pixels, allows us to sample not only image-space edges but also other features that are smooth in the image plane but have high variance in other integral dimensions. In the second stage, we reconstruct the image from these samples by using a suitable wavelet approximation. We achieve this by subtracting an estimate of the error in each wavelet coefficient from its magnitude, effectively producing the smoothest image consistent with the rendering samples. Our algorithm renders scenes with significantly fewer samples than basic Monte Carlo or adaptive techniques. Moreover, the method introduces minimal overhead, and can be efficiently included in an optimized ray-tracing system.
Innovation in Infrastructure Project Finance: A Typology for Conceptualization

Due to the growing demand for civil infrastructure, financial innovations are required to close the financing gap. However, a lack of theories has inhibited a complete understanding and, thus, creation and diffusion of financial innovation. A lack of theory about financial innovations in infrastructure is mainly due to the absence of a framework to conceptualize these innovations. A typology that enables comparison of financial systems and, hence, provide a framework to conceptualize financial innovations is missing in the existing literature. This paper defines innovation in the context of financing, funding and delivery of infrastructure projects and proposes a new typology for conceptualization of the loci and types of financial innovations in infrastructure. The loci of innovations are in risk mitigation, regulation, cash flow, contract, organizational, and capital sub-systems. Types of innovations are classified as either integrated or modular and either sustaining or disruptive. The typology was tested by mapping seven innovations created by the U. S. Federal Highway Administration and diffused into 232 transportation projects between 1994 and 2002. Qualitative comparative analysis was then used to evaluate the diffusion trends of financial innovations in the case studies and to demonstrate the capability of the proposed typology for facilitating theory building in the area of infrastructure financial innovations.
Smokeless Tobacco Extracts Modulate Keratinocyte and Fibroblast Growth in Organotypic Culture

Smokeless tobacco is associated with pathologic alterations of the oral mucosa, yet its direct effects on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts in stratified squamous epithelium are not well-understood. We hypothesized that smokeless tobacco could modulate the growth of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in an in vivo-like, organotypic tissue model. To test this, we exposed organotypic cultures for 3 days to smokeless tobacco aqueous extracts and determined the changes in morphology and proliferation of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. All smokeless tobaccos stimulated keratinocyte proliferation at low doses (0.25% w/v) and suppressed growth at higher doses (> 0.5% w/v). In contrast, smokeless tobacco extracts promoted fibroblast growth at all concentrations without inducing fibroblast turnover. Fibroblasts and keratinocytes, therefore, were differentially affected by smokeless tobacco extracts in an organotypic tissue model, suggesting incipient changes that may occur in vivo.
Intentional Isoniazid Overdosage in Young Southeast Asian Refugee Women

During a two-year period, from January 1984 through December 1985, six cases of intentional overdosage with isoniazid were reported in young Southeast Asian refugee women. The patients were aged 14 to 23 years, had all immigrated within one year and were receiving isoniazid preventive therapy for tuberculosis infection without disease. Clinically, all patients experienced generalized seizures, and three sustained moderate metabolic acidosis. All recovered uneventfully. Psychiatric evaluations revealed that two patients had major depression; two, adjustment disorders with depressed mood; and two, no psychiatric illness. The latter two patients and two others ingested an excessive amount of isoniazid immediately following an argument with a family member. Because tuberculosis infection is prevalent in refugees immigrating from Southeast Asia, isoniazid, given for six months to one year as preventive therapy, is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs during the early resettlement period. There may be an increased risk of intentional isoniazid overdosage during preventive therapy of young refugee women.
A Direct and Nonredundant Role for Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin on Antiviral CD8 T Cell Responses in the Respiratory Mucosa

Mucosally produced thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) regulates Th2 responses by signaling to dendritic cells and CD4 T cells. Activated CD8 T cells express the TSLP receptor (TSLPR), yet a direct role for TSLP in CD8 T cell immunity in the mucosa has not been described. Because TSLP shares signaling components with IL-7, a cytokine important for the development and survival of memory CD8 T cells in systemic infection models, we hypothesized that TSLP spatially and nonredundantly supports the development of these cells in the respiratory tract. In this study, we demonstrate that influenza infection induces the early expression of TSLP by lung epithelial cells with multiple consequences. The global loss of TSLP responsiveness in TSLPR−/− mice enhanced morbidity and delayed viral clearance. Using a competitive adoptive transfer system, we demonstrate that selective loss of TSLPR signaling on antiviral CD8 T cells decreases their accumulation specifically in the respiratory tract as early as day 8 after infection, primarily due to a proliferation deficiency. Importantly, the subsequent persistence of memory cells derived from this pool was also qualitatively and quantitatively affected. In this regard, the local support of antiviral CD8 T cells by TSLP is well suited to the mucosa, where responses must be tempered to prevent excessive inflammation. Taken together, these data suggest that TSLP uniquely participates in local immunity in the respiratory tract and modulation of TSLP levels may promote long-term CD8 T cell immunity in the mucosa when other prosurvival signals are limiting.
Teacher Efficacy in an Early Childhood Professional Development School.

Teacher efficacy is the belief teachers have in their ability to impact student learning. Efficacy includes teacher confidence in instructional, management and collaboration skills. The following study addresses teacher efficacy in an Early Childhood Professional Development School (PDS). The PDS experience provides an opportunity for mentor teachers to share their knowledge with teacher candidates over extended placements, typically more than 100 hours. Preschool through fourth grade teachers participated in pre and post surveys and in a focus group discussion. Analysis revealed strong efficacy across instructional and management aspects of teaching but relatively weaker teacher confidence in assisting families to support their children’s success. Findings also suggest that early childhood teachers in this PDS setting believe it is their responsibility to nurture strong self-efficacy among their students.
Aggressive Basaloid Carcinoma with Pilo‐Sebaceous Differentiation of the Head and Neck: Report of Six Cases

We report six cases of a basaloid neoplasm arising on the head and neck showing immature sebaceous gland and focal immature hair follicle differentiation. Four cases arose in the periorbital area, one on the lower lip, and one on the neck. In all six cases extensive involvement of the surrounding soft tissues was observed. In five cases the tumor involved and was particularly aggressive in bone, requiring extensive resection. In two cases tumor extended to and involved the dura mater of the brain. Three cases required enucleation. Patients ranged in age from 30 to 81 years and consisted of four males and two females. No infection, syndrome, or other predisposing factor was known to be present. No patient was known to be a smoker or to engage in any other risk activity for cancer. No evidence of metastasis was noted in any patient. We conclude that the basaloid neoplasm showing immature pilo-sebaceous differentiation of the head and neck is a distinct entity with a much more aggressive course than basal cell carcinoma and a different progression from that of any other adnexal neoplasm, including sebaceous carcinoma.
Novel Carboxamides as Potential Mosquito Repellents

A model was developed using 167 carboxamide derivatives, from the United States Department of Agriculture archival database, that were tested as arthropod repellents over the past 60 yr. An artiÞcial neural network employing CODESSA PRO descriptors was used to construct a quantitative structure-activity relationship model for prediction of novel mosquito repellents. By correlating the structure of these carboxamides with complete protection time, a measure of repel- lency based on duration, 34 carboxamides were predicted as candidate mosquito repellents. There were four additional compounds selected on the basis of their structural similarity to those predicted. The compounds were synthesized either by reaction of 1-acylbenzotriazoles with secondary amines or by reaction of acid chlorides with secondary amines in the presence of sodium hydride. The biological efÞcacy was assessed by duration of repellency on cloth at two dosages (25 and 2.5 mol/cm 2 ) and by the minimum effective dosage to prevent Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) bites. One compound, (E)-N-cyclohexyl-N-ethyl-2-hexenamide, was superior to N,N-diethyl-3-meth- ylbenzamide (deet) at both the high dosage (22 d versus 7 d for deet) and low dosage (5 d versus 2.5 d for deet). Only one of the carboxamides, hexahydro-1-(1-oxohexyl)-1H-azepine, had a minimum effective dosage that was equivalent or slightly better than that of deet (0.033 mol/cm 2 versus 0.047 mol/cm 2 ).
Shannon meets Blackwell and Le Cam: Channels, codes, and statistical experiments

The Blackwell-Le Cam decision theory provides an approximation framework for statistical experiments in terms of expected risks of optimal decision procedures. The Blackwell partial order formalizes an intuitive notion of which experiment of a given pair is “more informative” for the purposes of inference. The Le Cam deficiency is an approximation measure for any two statistical experiments (with the same parameter space), and it tells us how much we will lose if we base our decisions on one experiment rather than another. In this paper, we develop an extension of the Blackwell-Le Cam theory, starting from a partial ordering for channels introduced by Shannon. In particular, we define a new approximation measure for channels, which we call the Shannon deficiency, and use it to prove an approximation theorem for channel codes that extends an earlier result of Shannon. We also construct a broad class of deficiency-like measures for channels based on generalized divergences, relate them to several alternative notions of capacity, and prove new upper and lower bounds on the Le Cam deficiency.
Missing Data and Imputation in the Uniform Crime Reports and the Effects on National Estimates

The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program has been a major source of data on crime since 1929. These data were long considered authoritative, but lately, questions have arisen about their accuracy. Maltz has documented the magnitude of missing data in the series and demonstrated their import for research on policy issues. Maltz's work focuses on agency-level estimates for specific months, but the UCR program was never meant to provide estimates for this unit or time period. So, although Maltz's work is important, it has not addressed the consequences of missing data for the principal purpose of the UCR program—providing annual national estimates of the level and change in crimes known to the police. This article complements Maltz's work by assessing the magnitude and distribution of missing data nationally and their effect on national-level and change estimates. It also examines the effects of the FBI's imputation practices on these estimates.
Auditory Brainstem Responses in Ears with Hearing Loss: Case Studies

Auditory brain stem evoked responses (ABRs) were recorded from six selected adult patients with various audiometric configuration, histories, and diagnoses. Although none of the patients were diagnosed medically as having retrocochlear disease, ABR latencies and waveform morphology were considered abnormal in some cases. By contrast, other patients with similar hearing loss configuration yielded normal ABRs. These observations emphasize the potential difficulty encountered in the interpretation of ABRs when hearing loss exists. Further, because ABRs and all other special auditory tests are not diagnostic extreme caution should be exercised prior to any definitive interpretation and subsequent diagnosis.
A High Antioxidant Spice Blend Attenuates Postprandial Insulin and Triglyceride Responses and Increases Some Plasma Measures of Antioxidant Activity in Healthy, Overweight Men

There is much interest in the potential of dietary antioxidants to attenuate in vivo oxidative stress, but little characterization of the time course of plasma effects exists. Culinary spices have demonstrated potent in vitro antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to examine whether adding 14 g of a high antioxidant spice blend to a 5060-kJ (1200 kcal) meal exerted significant postprandial effects on markers of plasma antioxidant status and metabolism. Healthy overweight men (n = 6) consumed a control and spiced meal in a randomized crossover design with 1 wk between testing sessions. Blood was sampled prior to the meal and at 30-min intervals for 3.5 h (total of 8 samples). Mixed linear models demonstrated a treatment × time interaction (P < 0.05) for insulin and TG, corresponding with 21 and 31% reductions in postprandial levels with the spiced meal, respectively. Adding spices to the meal significantly increased the ferric reducing antioxidant power, such that postprandial increases following the spiced meal were 2-fold greater than after the control meal (P = 0.009). The hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of plasma also was increased by spices (P = 0.02). There were no treatment differences in glucose, total thiols, lipophilic ORAC, or total ORAC. The incorporation of spices into the diet may help normalize postprandial insulin and TG and enhance antioxidant defenses.
New Error Containment Schemes for H.264 Decoders

This paper focuses on new error containment schemes for the H.264 advanced video codec (AVC). A lossless flexible macroblock ordering (FMO) removal scheme that allows playback of FMO-encoded videos on any H.264 player and a novel error concealment method have been developed. H.264 introduces powerful error resilience tools such as FMO to mitigate the effect of errors on the decoded videos. However, many commercial H.264 players cannot handle FMO. We have developed a new method to remove the FMO structure, thereby allowing the video to be decoded on any commercial player. We also present a model that accurately predicts the average overheads incurred by our scheme. At the same time, we developed a new error concealment method for I-frames to enhance video quality without relying on channel feedback. This method is shown to be superior to existing methods, including that from the JM reference software.
An Assembly Model of Rift Valley Fever Virus

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a bunyavirus endemic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that infects humans and livestock. The virus encodes two glycoproteins, Gn and Gc, which represent the major structural antigens and are responsible for host cell receptor binding and fusion. Both glycoproteins are organized on the virus surface as cylindrical hollow spikes that cluster into distinct capsomers with the overall assembly exhibiting an icosahedral symmetry. Currently, no experimental three-dimensional structure for any entire bunyavirus glycoprotein is available. Using fold recognition, we generated molecular models for both RVFV glycoproteins and found significant structural matches between the RVFV Gn protein and the influenza virus hemagglutinin protein and a separate match between RVFV Gc protein and Sindbis virus envelope protein E1. Using these models, the potential interaction and arrangement of both glycoproteins in the RVFV particle was analyzed, by modeling their placement within the cryo-electron microscopy density map of RVFV. We identified four possible arrangements of the glycoproteins in the virion envelope. Each assembly model proposes that the ectodomain of Gn forms the majority of the protruding capsomer and that Gc is involved in formation of the capsomer base. Furthermore, Gc is suggested to facilitate intercapsomer connections. The proposed arrangement of the two glycoproteins on the RVFV surface is similar to that described for the alphavirus E1-E2 proteins. Our models will provide guidance to better understand the assembly process of phleboviruses and such structural studies can also contribute to the design of targeted antivirals.
Lack of Capsular Exopolymer Effects on the Biodegradation of Organic Compounds by Pseudomonas sp. Strains JS1 and JS150

Due to the increasing interest in the effects of exopolymers on microbial activities, two Pseudomonas sp. strains, JS1 (possesses capsular exopolymer) and JS150 (unencapsulated), were compared for their ability to degrade a variety of organic compounds under a number of different conditions. Degradation kinetics for citrate, salicylate, phenol, toluene, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene were identical for both strains in liquid media, regardless of cell density. JS1 and JS150 grew on citrate at the same rate in sand, sterile surface soil, and sterile subsurface sediments. The biodegradation curves for toluene by cells pregrown on citrate in any of the above matrices were indistinguishable. Twofold differences in water content and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios of 0.032 or 320 did not result in any apparent differences in phenol degradation by either encapsulated or unencapsulated cells in sand. These results indicate that generalizations about the effects of exopolymers on microbial processes may not be possible without further research.
Glass-Crystal Boundaries in Liquid-Phase Sintered Ceramics

The interface between dewet glass droplets and the free surface of a crystal and the interface between the intergranular glass and adjoining crystalline grains have been examined with particular emphasis on the influence of the crystallography of the free surface and the grain boundary. The wetting of liquid on the free surface has been shown to depend on the surface structure. The migration of boundaries containing a liquid phase has been studied. The migration is initiated by the difference in surface energy of the bounding planes. Faceting of the grain boundary planes has been examined. It is proposed that the boundary migrates by the motion of the facets.
Process and device characterization for a 30-GHz f/sub T/ submicrometer double poly-Si bipolar technology using BF/sub 2/-implanted base with rapid thermal process

Process and device parameters are characterized in detail for a 30-GHz f/sub T/ submicrometer double poly-Si bipolar technology using a BF/sub 2/-implanted base with a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process. Temperature ramping during the emitter poly-Si film deposition process minimizes interfacial oxide film growth. An emitter RTA process at 1050 degrees C for 30 s is required to achieve an acceptable emitter-base junction leakage current with an emitter resistance of 6.7*10/sup -7/ Omega -cm/sup 2/, while achieving an emitter junction depth of 50 nm with a base width of 82 nm. The primary transistor parameters and the tradeoffs between cutoff frequency and collector-to-emitter breakdown voltage are characterized as functions of base implant dose, pedestal collector implant dose, link-base implant dose, and epitaxial-layer thickness. Transistor geometry dependences of device characteristics are also studied. Based on the characterization results for poly-Si resistors, boron-doped p-type poly-Si resistors show significantly better performance in temperature coefficient and linearity than arsenic-doped n-type poly-Si resistors. >
Quantification of rare earth elements using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract A study of the optical emission as a function of concentration of laser-ablated yttrium (Y) and of six rare earth elements, europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), and samarium (Sm), has been evaluated using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. Statistical methodology using multivariate analysis has been used to obtain the sampling errors, coefficient of regression, calibration, and cross-validation of measurements as they relate to the LIBS analysis in graphite-matrix pellets that were doped with elements at several concentrations. Each element (in oxide form) was mixed in the graphite matrix in percentages ranging from 1% to 50% by weight and the LIBS spectra obtained for each composition as well as for pure oxide samples. Finally, a single pellet was mixed with all the elements in equal oxide masses to determine if we can identify the elemental peaks in a mixed pellet. This dataset is relevant for future application to studies of fission product content and distribution in irradiated nuclear fuels. These results demonstrate that LIBS technique is inherently well suited for the future challenge of in situ analysis of nuclear materials. These studies also show that LIBS spectral analysis using statistical methodology can provide quantitative results and suggest an approach in future to the far more challenging multielemental analysis of ~ 20 primary elements in high-burnup nuclear reactor fuel.
Transcatheter caval valve implantation using multimodality imaging: roles of TEE, CT, and 3D printing.

This iPIX illustrates 3-dimensional (3D) printing guided periprocedural, multimodality pictorial planning performed for a successful transcatheter caval valve implantation (CAVI). A 57-year-old patient with severe mitral valve regurgitation status post–mitral ring placement in 2001 (28-mm Cosgrove
A PILOT LOOKING AT “AN ADVANCED CLINICAL INDEPENDENT PRESCRIBING PHARMACIST”, MY PROSPECTIVE

Aim To assess the impact that a Clinical Independent Prescribing Pharmacist (IPP) could have on the workload of an Emergency Department in a specialist paediatric Hospital. This is part of the Health Education West Midlands Emergency medicine pharmacy work stream. Method This project consisted of three phases. Each phase entailed a clinical pharmacist being assigned to an Emergency Department at a different location. In order to demonstrate the viability of the role over a geographical and cultural cross section of the region, this was the site of phase II of the project. The pilot operated for 4 weeks, working on a variable shift pattern to encompass diurnal changes in patient throughput. Week one, time was spent in triage with nurses, who were responsible for taking observations, history and patients9 presenting complaints, Then applying triage categories; green (standard), yellow (urgent), orange (immediate) assessments required. The pharmacist would code each patient according to their perceived professional ability to manage (PAM) that patient. The categories were community pharmacy (CP), Independent prescriber (IP), Independent prescriber with additional training (IPT), Medical team (MT). Week two, tasks in Week 1 were repeated, but in addition, the patient was followed through their entire journey and each step being documented and categorised according to their PAM categorisation. In addition a day was spent with the emergency nurse practitioner (ENP), looking at minor injuries and a day reviewing all admissions for a 24 hour period, retrospectively assigning one of the four PAM categories. Week 3&4, an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), a registrar and a consultant were shadowed with the aim of gaining a better understanding of more complicated cases. Each of the PAMs were then reviewed to assess what further training would be needed, to manage these patients. Results Over the four week period 401 patients were observed. Of these five (1.2%) were considered to be cases that could have been managed by a CP or an IP. 24 (6%) could have been dealt with by an IP with some input from a member of the medical team (MT). 172 (42.9%) could have been managed by an IPT, 200 (49.9%) cases required a member of the medical team (MT). Of the 201 patients assessed who were to be managed by CP, IP, IPT, 104 (51.7%) would require additional training in minor injuries and 90 (47.3%) would have required training in clinical examination and diagnostic skills. Conclusion The pilot was viewed positively by ED staff, including registrars. Consultants had concerns that more serious cases may not be assessed appropriately, or that the pharmacist would require too much support. In general the supervising Medical Consultant agreed with the PAMS assessments. This pilot indicated a new role could exist for Advanced Clinical Practice qualified pharmacists in Emergency departments.
Tethered-Polymer Structures in Thin Film Polymer Melts

We show that polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer chains aggregate to form micelles, composed of an inner P2VP core and an outer PS corona, as well as adsorb onto the substrate, forming brush layers, in supported thin film PS/PS-b-P2VP mixtures. The degrees of polymerization of the chains that comprised the corona and core were NPS and NP2VP, respectively. The diameter of the micelle cores, Dcore, increased with increasing degree of polymerization, P, of the PS host and became constant for large values of P. A decrease in the number density of micelles, nmicelle, accompanied the increase in Dcore; nmicelle reached a plateau in the same range of values of P where Dcore became constant. The organization of the micelles suggests the existence of attractive micelle–micelle interactions in the large P regime. Moreover, in this regime, the micelles preferentially migrated to the free surface. The morphology of this system is compared to thin film PS melts containing brush-coated nan...
Communication, Reasoning, and Planned Behaviors: Unveiling the Effect of Interactive Communication in an Anti-Smoking Social Media Campaign

AbstractThis study examines direct and indirect effects of interactive communication in an antismoking social media campaign. To that end, we pose a multitheoretical framework that integrates communication mediation models and the Theory of Planned Behavior. To test the theorized model, we conducted an experiment using a two-group pretest–posttest design. Participants (N = 201) were randomly assigned into two experimental conditions: “campaign message reception only” as a control group and “message reception and social interaction” as a treatment group, in which the participants contributed to the antismoking campaign by posting their own campaign ideas and information they found through mediated and interpersonal communication. The findings show that interactive communication catalyzes the participants’ information searching behaviors through diverse communication channels. In turn, increased media use plays a crucial role in changing their attitudes and perceived social norms about smoking behaviors, an...
The relationship between CBR2 Activation and Injury Induced by Inflammation

Objective:To investigate the effects of cannabinoid CBR2 receptor agonist AM1241 preconditioning on microglia activation and injury induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) plus interferon-γ(IFN-γ).Methods:LPS plus IFN-γ was used to induce inflammation.MTT assay was used to find a suitable AM1241 concentration for preconditioning.Cells were pretreated with medium containing different AM1241 concentrations,from 0μM to 10μM;5μM was chosen for next steps.Then cells were assigned to control group,AM1241 group,LPS/IFN-γ group and AM1241+LPS/IFN-γ group.After AM1241 pretreatment,the medium of 4 groups were changed with normal medium.2h later,the medium of Control and AM1241 groups were changed with normal medium again and cul-tured for 24h.The medium of LPS/IFN-γ and AM1241+ LPS/IFN-γ groups were changed with medium containing LPS and IFN-γ.Cells were cultured for 24h.Microglial metabolism was assessed by MTT assay;NO release was measured by Reagent Kit;The concen-trations of inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-10) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay reagent kit(ELISA);Microglial shapes were observed through microscope.Results:cell metabolism of AM1241 group was higher than that of the Control group significantly(P0.05);AM1241 group released less NO,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-10 than that of LPS/IFN-γ group(P0.05).Conclusion:Cannabinoid CBR2 receptor agonist AM1241 preconditioning reduces microglial activation and injury induced by inflam-mation.
A safety car-following system based on RFID technology

In order to enhance the safety of driving,we propose a safety car-following system( SCFS)based on RFID Technology. In this system,RFID tags are deployed on the road surface to provide road information to the vehicle that has installed an RFID reader. Inspired by the observation that the information of the front vehicle stored in the tags has obvious temporal property,we exploit time series forecasting method( TSFM) to predict the driving status of the front vehicle and estimate the vehicle road distance.The predicted and estimated results are jointly considered with the current statement to adjust the velocity for the ensurance of driving safety. We further define three metrics to evaluate the performance of the system. Our extensive simulation results show that driving safety can be well maintained using SCFS under different car-following patterns.
Screening for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

Family physicians play a key role in identifying patients in need of increased cancer surveillance because of a personal or family history of cancer. How does one know if a patient warrants genetic testing for hereditary cancer predisposition?
Long-acting hormonal contraception: assessing impact on bone density, weight, and mood.

The decline in unintended pregnancies and abortions in the United States has been attributed largely to increased use of two highly effective, hormonal contraceptive methods, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection (DMPA) and levonorgestrel implants (Norplant). Despite the efficacy and increasing acceptability of these long-term methods, some clinicians and women are reluctant to use them because of concerns regarding reduction in bone density with DMPA, and depressive symptoms and body weight issues with both injectables and implants. Recent multicenter experience showed no increase in depressive symptoms after 1 year's DMPA use and 2 years' Norplant use, even among users with the highest mean depressive symptom scores pre-therapy. Observational studies indicate that, as with other hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement, DMPA does not cause significant weight gain, even during long-term use. Multicenter experience with the new soft-tubing Norplant product found an average annual pregnancy rate of <1% and a cumulative 5-year pregnancy rate of 4.2% in women weighing 70 kg or more--substantially lower than failure rates cited in the product labeling. Trends in bone density seen with DMPA appear similar to those during lactation. Subgroups of long-term DMPA users may experience a decrease in spinal bone density that appears to be reversible following discontinuation. A once-a-month injectable contraceptive combining 25 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 mg estradiol cypionate (Cyclo-Provera, Cyclofem or Lunelle), a 2-rod levonorgestrel system, and a single-rod 3-ketodesogestrel implant system may become available in the United States. Large-scale trials have established the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of Cyclo-Provera. In contrast to DMPA, users of Cyclo-Provera experience predictable, regular monthly bleeding, fewer discontinue due to bleeding-related problems. Fertility returns rapidly following discontinuation. A U.S. multicenter study is currently nearing completion.
Participation: A Case Study of How Invaders Organise, Negotiate and Interact with Government in Lima, Peru:

This article considers what is meant by ‘citizen participation’, especially the different meanings that the term has for the different actors involved. The discussion is illustrated by the story of...