cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and Vitamin D supplements for athletes: Sense or nonsense?

The idea that dietary supplements can improve athletic performance is popular among athletes. The use of antioxidant supplements is widespread among endurance athletes because of evidence that free radicals contribute to muscle fatigue during prolonged exercise. Furthermore, interest in vitamin D supplementation is increasing in response to studies indicating that vitamin D deficiency exists in athletic populations. This review explores the rationale for supplementation with both antioxidants and vitamin D and discusses the evidence to support and deny the benefits of these dietary supplements. The issue of whether athletes should use antioxidant supplements remains highly controversial. Nonetheless, at present there is limited scientific evidence to recommend antioxidant supplements to athletes or other physically active individuals. Therefore, athletes should consult with their health care professional and/or nutritionist when considering antioxidant supplementation. The issue of whether athletes should supplement with vitamin D is also controversial. While arguments for and against vitamin D supplementation exist, additional research is required to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial to athletes. Nevertheless, based upon the growing evidence that many athletic populations are vitamin D deficient or insufficient, it is recommended that athletes monitor their serum vitamin D concentration and consult with their health care professional and/or nutritionist to determine if they would derive health benefits from vitamin D supplementation.
Performance prediction of plasma ARC air heater for re-entry simulation☆

Abstract The approach taken has been to utilize experimental heat loss data in a computer synthesization of operating boundaries. Further selective running was then undertaken to confirm the results obtained.
Gene-diet interaction in determining plasma lipid response to dietary intervention

It has long been known that there is an extremely high degree of variability in both human and nonhuman primates in terms of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering in response to restriction of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol. In this regard we have reviewed the current knowledge regarding the gene-diet interaction in relation to plasma lipid response to dietary intervention. Several candidate gene loci have been examined in humans: apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apo A-IV, apo B, apo C-III and apo E, as well as lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Several mutations at these loci have been found to be associated with responsiveness. We and others have documented that subjects carrying the apo E4 allele are more responsive with regard to LDL-C lowering in response to dietary fat and cholesterol restriction than subjects carrying the apo E3 or apo E2 alleles, whereas some studies report no association of apo E phenotypes with lipid response to some dietary interventions. Our own meta-analysis indicates that apo E genotype effects are modulated via alterations of amount and type of dietary fat. We have also documented that subjects carrying the common glutamine for histidine mutation at amino acid 360 of apo A-IV are significantly less responsive in terms of LDL-C lowering than subjects with the normal apo A-IV genotype is modulated via changes in dietary cholesterol. In addition, we have documented that the common G/A mutation within the promoter region of the apo A-I gene is associated with greater responsiveness of LDL-C to dietary fat alterations. The XbaI and insertion/deletion polymorphisms at the apo B gene locus and the HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the LPL locus have also been associated with diet responsiveness. Therefore, in humans these gene loci account for a significant portion of the variability in plasma lipid response to dietary alterations.
The effects of high hydrostatic pressure on coliphage T-4

Abstract Coliphage T-4 was exposed to hydrostatic pressures of 4 kbar and was rapidly inactivated. Inactivation kinetics under specified conditions were first order. Electron-microscopic studies indicated that pressure consistenly caused the formation of two morphological types: (1) phage with contracted sheaths and heads containing DNA, and (2) phage with contracted sheaths and heads lacking DNA. The ratio of the two types has been shown to be strongly temperature dependent. The morphological alterations which occur during pressurization closely resemble those thought to occur during infection.
BMP-2 inhibits tumor-initiating ability in human renal cancer stem cells and induces bone formation

We have previously shown that BMP-2 induces bone formation and inhibits tumorigenicity of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in a human osteosarcoma OS99-1 cell line. In this study, we sought to determine whether BMP-2 can similarly induce bone formation and inhibit the tumorigenicity of renal CSCs identified based on aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and primary tumors. Using a xenograft model in which cells from human RCC cell lines ACHN, Caki-2, and primary tumors were grown in NOD/SCID mice, renal CSCs were identified as a subset of ALDHbr cells. The ALDHbr cells possessed a greater colony-forming efficiency, higher proliferative output, increased expression of stem cell marker genes Oct3/4A, Nanog, renal embryonic marker Pax-2, and greater tumorigenicity compared to cells with low ALDH activity (ALDHlo cells), generating new tumors with as few as 25 cells in mice. In vitro, BMP-2 was found to inhibit the ALDHbr cell growth, down-regulate the expression of embryonic stem cell markers, and up-regulate the transcription of osteogenic markers. In vivo, all animals receiving a low number of ALDHbr cells (5 × 103) from ACHN, Caki-2, and primary tumor xenografts treated with 30 µg BMP-2 per animal showed limited tumor growth with significant bone formation, while untreated cells developed large tumor masses without bone formation. These results suggest that BMP-2 inhibits the tumor-initiating ability of renal CSCs and induces osseous bone formation. BMP-2 may therefore provide a beneficial strategy for human RCC treatment by targeting the CSC-enriched population.
A Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model for Spherical Mechanisms: The Kinematics and Stiffness of a Compliant Curved Beam

A pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) which describes a class of curved compliant beams in terms of spherical mechanism kinematics was developed. The topology of the spherical compliant segment and its rigid-body equivalent were chosen to be analogous to planar models. The nomenclature for the spherical PRBM was also chosen to facilitate comparison with planar models. The motion of the compliant segment was calculated Finite Element Analysis and the PRBM parameters were determined. The characteristic radius and parametric angle coefficient were found to decrease as the angle subtended by the beam increases. The kinematic and elastic parameterization limits of the model increase with increasing beam angle. The stiffness of the beam is described by two separate spring elements, which describe the appropriate combination of moment and force which produces spherical motion. A previous planar PRBM is shown to be the small angle limit of the new spherical PRBM.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Cumulative Radiation Exposure With EOS Imaging Compared With Standard Spine Radiographs

Abstract Study Design Retrospective comparative study. Objectives This study sought to estimate the total radiation exposure to scoliosis patients during the entire treatment course using standard imaging techniques versus EOS posteroanterior (PA) and anteroposterior (AP) views. Summary of Background Data EOS is a slot-scanning X-ray system designed to reduce radiation exposure in orthopedic imaging. There are few independent studies comparing organ and total effective radiation dose from standard EOS PA, AP, and lateral imaging versus conventional projection radiographs for children with spinal deformity. Methods A total of 42 skeletally immature idiopathic scoliosis patients were treated with bracing (21) or spinal fusion (21) and were followed to skeletal maturity. The number of scoliosis radiographs (PA and lateral) for each patient was recorded. A computerized dosing model was used to calculate estimated patient and organ doses for PA and lateral scoliosis X-rays taken with EOS or computed radiography with a filter (CR) or without a filter (CRF). Assuming that each X-ray taken delivered the same radiation as the phantom calculation, the authors estimated the total effective and organ dose that each adolescent would have received using EOS, CR, or CRF. Annual background radiation is 3 mSv. Results Mean number of radiographs per patient was 20.9 (range, 8–43). Patients who underwent surgical treatment had a significantly greater number of X-rays than those who were braced (27.3 vs. 14.5; p Conclusions The standard EOS imaging system moderately reduced the total radiation exposure to skeletally immature scoliosis patients. Over the entire treatment course, this represented 2.72 mSv mean reduction or 0.91 years of background radiation. Posteroanterior films significantly reduced breast and thyroid dose.
Microbial community structure and activity in a Colorado Rocky Mountain forest soil scarred by slash pile burning

Tree thinning and harvesting produces large amounts of slash material which are typically disposed of by burning, often resulting in severe soil heating. We measured soil chemical properties and microbial community structure and function over time to determine effects of slash pile burning in a ponderosa pine forest soil. Real time data were collected for soil temperature, heat flux, and soil moisture contents in one of two slash piles burned in April 2004. During the burn, soil temperatures reached 300 °C beneath the pile center and 175 °C beneath the pile edge. Slash pile burning increased soil pH, extractable N and P, and decreased total C levels within the first 15 cm of soil. Burning reduced soil bacterial biovolumes within the first 15 cm of soil and fungal biovolumes within the first 5 cm of soil. One month after the burn, soil microbial communities under the pile center were enriched in Gram-positive bacterial fatty acid markers compared to communities from under the pile edge and control (nonburned) soil. Fifteen months later, soil chemical properties had not returned to background levels, and microbial community structure in fire-affected soil, regardless of pile location, was distinct from communities of control soil. In fire-affected soil, concentrations of fungal fatty acid biomarkers were low and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal biomarkers were absent, regardless of pile location. Slash pile burning also reduced fungal and bacterial respiration and resulted in large fluctuations in microbial potential N mineralization and immobilization activities. By altering soil properties important to soil conservation and plant reestablishment, slash pile burning negatively impacts forest ecosystems at localized scales.
Dynamic formation and release of a dislocation pile-up against a viscous obstacle

Abstract The behaviour of a single-ended pile-up of mobile dislocations against a removable viscous obstacle is investigated by a numerical technique. The dislocations are assumed to obey an exponential stress-velocity law. The obstacle is represented by a step increase in the drag stress acting at the lead dislocation and is located at a certain distance from a dislocation source. Dynamic yielding is assumed to occur when the obstacle can no longer support the pile-up. At that instant, the pile-up is allowed to by-pass the obstacle and is rapidly released because of the re- duction of the drag stress on the lead dislocation. Sample calculations were made to simulate three dynamic constant-stress tests and four constant strain-rate tests on a high-carbon, high-manganese steel. The position, velocity and effective stress associated with each dislocation in the pile-up were evaluated during both the pre- and post-yield flow. The shear stresses acting at the lead dislocation at yield were found to bo not lar...
Security testing of a secure cache design

Cache side channel attacks are attacks that leak secret information through physical implementation of cryptographic operations, nullifying cryptographic protection. Recently, these attacks have received great interest. Previous research found that software countermeasures alone are not enough to defend against cache side channel attacks. Secure cache designs can thwart the root causes of cache side channels and are more efficient. For instance, Newcache is a cache design that can enhance security, performance and power efficiency simultaneously through dynamic memory-cache remapping and eviction randomization. However, these cache designs seldom had their security verified experimentally by mounting cache side channel attacks on them.In this paper, we test the security of Newcache using representative classes of cache side channel attacks proposed for conventional set-associative caches. The results show that Newcache can defeat all these attacks. However, what if a very knowledgeable attacker crafted the attack strategy targeting the secure caches design? We redesign the attacks specifically for Newcache. The results show that Newcache can defeat even crafted access-driven attacks specifically targeted at it but sometimes succumbs to the specifically crafted timing attacks, which is due to a very subtle vulnerability in its replacement algorithm. We further secure Newcache by modifying its replacement algorithm slightly, thus defeating these specifically crafted timing attacks. In addition, the improved Newcache simplifies the replacement algorithm in the original Newcache design.
Immediate exercise testing of low risk patients with known coronary artery disease presenting to the emergency department with chest pain.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety and utility of immediate exercise treadmill testing (IETT) of low risk patients presenting to the emergency department with known coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND More than 70% of the two million patients admitted to U.S. hospitals annually for suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are found not to have had a cardiac event. We have previously demonstrated the safety and efficacy of IETT of selected low risk patients without known CAD presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. This study extends this approach to selected patients with a history of CAD. METHODS One hundred patients evaluated by the chest pain emergency room to rule out AMI underwent IETT using a modified Bruce protocol upon admission to the hospital (median time <1 h). RESULTS Twenty-three patients (23%) had positive exercise electrocardiograms (ExECGs); an uncomplicated non-Q wave AMI was diagnosed in two patients. Thirty-eight patients (38%) had negative ExECGs and 39 patients (39%) had nondiagnostic ExECGs. Of these 100 patients, 64 were discharged immediately after IETT, 19 were discharged in less than 24 h after negative serial cardiac enzymes and stable electrocardiograms and 17 were discharged after further evaluation and treatment. There were no complications from exercise testing and no late deaths or AMI during six-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Immediate exercise treadmill testing of low risk patients with chest pain and known CAD is effective in further stratifying this group into patients who can be safely discharged and those who require hospital admission.
Interacting Mountain Waves and Boundary Layers

Abstract Linear hydrostatic 3D mountain wave theory is extended to include a thin frictional boundary layer (BL), parameterized using two characteristic relaxation times for wind adjustment. The character of the BL is described using a “compliance coefficient,” defined as the ratio of BL thickness change to imposed pressure. In this formulation the simplest model that captures the two-way interaction between mountain waves and the boundary layer is sought. The slower BL wind speed amplifies the wind response and shifts it upstream so that the wind maxima occur in regions of favorable pressure gradient, not at points of minimum pressure. Variations in BL thickness reduce the mountain wave amplitude. The BL effect is sensitive to the wind profile convexity. The boundary layer improves the linear theory description of windy peaks. Low-level flow splitting is enhanced and wave breaking aloft is reduced. The BL also decreases the amount of upslope orographic precipitation. The wave momentum flux reduction by t...
First report of Turnip mosaic virus occurrence in garlic mustard in Minnesota.

The verified presence of TuMV in symptomatic plants fulfils Koch's postulates establishing its role in the etiology of the disease. Infection of garlic mustard by TuMV has been reported previously from Central Europe and Ontario. The only other report of natural viral infection in garlic mustard in the US is the occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus in this host in Ohio.
Predicting readmission to substance abuse treatment using state information systems. The impact of client and treatment characteristics.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to use administrative records of admissions to substance abuse treatment to construct episodes of care for publicly funded clients in Washington State, and then to analyze readmissions to treatment after an index episode. The study population was those clients who began and ended an index episode in 1995 ( N =10,284). The population was divided into two groups, which were separately analyzed based on programs run by the Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA) [Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA) and Non-ADATSA, named for legislation defining these programs]. Clients in each program were followed for 13 months, and proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the relationship between our treatment measures and readmission, controlling for several covariates. We compared clients based on several aspects of treatment, but our primary interest was in comparing clients that completed the index episode with those that did not complete it. For both ADATSA and Non-ADATSA clients, those completing their episode of treatment had significantly lower risks for readmission. Females and those arrested in the year prior to treatment had increased risks of readmission, while males and those receiving a combination of inpatient and outpatient treatments had lower risks of readmission. The discussion concludes with suggestions for improving statewide systems of care.
Bcl-2 Blocks a Caspase-Dependent Pathway of Apoptosis Activated by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection in HEp-2 Cells

Earlier reports have shown that herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) mutants induce programmed cell death and that wild-type virus blocks the execution of the cell death program triggered by expression of viral genes, by the Fas and tumor necrosis factor pathways, or by nonspecific stress agents. In particular, an earlier report from this laboratory showed that the mutant virus d120 lacking the genes encoding infected cell protein 4 (ICP4), the major regulatory protein of the virus, induces a caspase-3-independent pathway of apoptosis in human SK-N-SH cells. Here we report that the pathway of apoptosis induced by the d120 mutant in human HEp-2 cells is caspase dependent. Specifically, in HEp-2 cells infected with d120, (i) a broad-range inhibitor of caspase activity, z-vad-FMK, efficiently blocked DNA fragmentation, (ii) cytochrome c was released into the cytoplasm, (iii) caspase-3 was activated inasmuch as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase was cleaved, and (iv) chromatin condensation and fragmentation of cellular DNA were observed. In parallel studies, HEp-2 cells were transfected with a plasmid encoding human Bcl-2 and a clone (VAX-3) expressing high levels of Bcl-2 was selected. This report shows that Bcl-2 blocked all of the manifestations associated with programmed cell death caused by infection with the d120 mutant. Consistent with their resistance to programmed cell death, VAX-3 cells overproduced infected cell protein 0 (ICP0). An unexpected observation was that ICP0 encoded by the d120 mutant accumulated late in infection in small, quasi-uniform vesicle-like structures in all cell lines tested. Immunofluorescence-based colocalization studies indicated that these structures were not mitochondria or components of the endoplasmic reticulum or the late endosomal compartment. These studies affirm the conclusion that HSV can induce programmed cell death at multiple steps in the course of its replication, that the d120 mutant can induce both caspase-dependent and -independent pathways of programmed cell death, and that virus-induced stimuli of programmed cell death may differ with respect to the pathway that they activate.
Pentoxifylline in flush solution improves early lung allograft function.

Background. Postischemic ischemia reperfusion injury is a frequent and unpredictable problem in clinical lung transplantation. Pentoxifylline (PTX) has a number of effects that could decrease reperfusion injury: reduced neutrophil adhesion to endothelium, decreased production of tumor necrosis factor, decreased platelet aggregation and increased production of vasodilatory prostaglandins by vascular endothelium. We have demonstrated previously that PTX administered before storage and again during reperfusion reduced lung reperfusion injury. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether these observations were storage or reperfusion effects. Methods. Fourteen canine left lung allotransplantations were performed. Donor lungs were flushed with modified Euro-Collins solution and stored for 24 hours at 1°C. Immediately after transplantation, the contralateral right main pulmonary artery and bronchus were ligated to assess isolated allograft function. Hemodynamic indicers and arterial blood gas analysis (inspired oxygen fraction 1.0) were assessed for 6 hours before sacrifice. Allograft myeloperoxidase activity was assessed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained from the allograft middle lobe for neutrophil counts. The animals were divided into three groups based on the timing of PTX administration. Group 1 (n = 5) animals received no PTX. Group 2 (n = 4) animals received PTX (20 mg/kg) just before reperfusion as well as continuous infusion (0.1 mg · kg −1 · min −1 ) during the assessment period. In group 3 (n = 5), donor lungs received PTX (200 mg/L) in the flush solution only. Results. Superior gas exchange was noted in the lungs receiving PTX only in the flush solution (group 3). Myeloperoxidase activity in group-3 allograft was significantly reduced. In addition, protein levels and neutrophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly reduced in group-3 allografts. Conclusions. Pentoxifylline ameliorates lung allograft reperfusion injury when administered in the flush solution. Our data suggest that PTX will prevent graft endothelial dysfunction during 24-hour cold ischemic storage and consequently will prevent neutrophil activation and migration into lung tissue.
Bovine leukosis: an example of poor disease monitoring of international livestock shipments to developing countries.

Abstract Over the past few years, cattle imported into a number of countries have been shown to carry antibodies against bovine leukosis virus (BLV), the cause of enzootic bovine leukosis. The disease, imported into England via shipments of Canadian dairy cattle in the late 1970s, is still a significant problem in the United Kingdom. Many countries now require a blood test for serum antibodies to BLV as a precondition of shipment from certain endemic countries. Those cattle positive for BLV are excluded from shipment. Well-documented cases of shipments of hundreds of Canadian cattle without testing for BLV has been obtained. These shipments were to the African country of Malawi where the BLV status is unknown. Also, although the United States is endemic for BLV, most of the recent live cattle exports were received by countries which did not require a blood test for BLV. Of the 44 countries that imported U.S. cattle during 1982 and 1983, only 13 required BLV antibody testing before shipment. This report concerns one disease in one species. The millions of livestock shipped yearly between the countries of the world may harbor many viruses at risk of being introduced into susceptible animal populations. While international animal health agencies are doing a credible job of providing disease surveillance to member countries, there still needs to be improvements in disease information dissemination.
Quantification of Intramuscular Nerves Within the Female Striated Urogenital Sphincter Muscle

Objective To analyze the quantity and distribution of intramuscular nerves within the striated urogenital sphincter and test the hypothesis that decreased nerve density is associated with decreased striated sphincter muscle and cadaver age.
Social cost of CO2 abatement from energy efficiency and solar power in the United States

Frequently cited empirical analyses ask whether we should make the transition from reliance on fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conclude that the transition is too costly so we should, instead, focus policy on how to adapt to global warming. This paper makes two improvements in the analysis. First, this empirical analysis accounts for existing low-cost alternatives that are substitutes for fossil fuels. Second, this empirical analysis incorporates existing estimates of externalities from fossil fuels. These two basic improvements in the analysis alter the conclusion; policy should focus on how rapidly and extensively to make the transition from reliance on fossil fuels to the alternatives. The corollary is that we should focus on the efficacy and cost of policy options that are designed to accomplish the transition.
Interpreting Islam and Women's Rights Implementing CEDAW in Pakistan

The engendering of Muslim civil society is raising profound questions regarding women's social roles and rights, resulting in conflicting images particularly concerning what constitutes women's rights, who is to define what these rights are, where responsibility lies for ensuring these rights, and the role states are playing in articulating and clarifying what is acceptable and unacceptable within a Muslim context. This article investigates Pakistan's response to having become a State Party to the United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). It focuses on the debate now underway to define what constitutes discrimination against women, how the state might act to eliminate discrimination against women not only in the legal sense but also in the social sense, the roles being played by various groups within the women's movement to facilitate the process of adherence to CEDAW, as well as other challenges being faced as the Pakistan state attempts to elimin...
The role of gauge theories in constructing reduced models at infinite N

Abstract Reduced large- N matrix and chiral models are derived as limiting cases of interacting gauge theories. It is shown that the quenched Eguchi-Kawai prescription is a general as Parisi's rule. The equivalence with the infinite volume theories is extended to the strong coupling regime.
Inhibition of sympathetic neurotransmitter release by modulators of cyclic GMP in canine vascular smooth muscle.

Abstract The contractile responses to neurally released norepinephrine (NE) from sympathetic nerve endings innervating vascular smooth muscle are inhibited by substances which raise either cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP concentrations in smooth muscle. However, cyclic AMP is believed to facilitate NE release from sympathetic nerves whereas the role of cyclic GMP in this process is undefined. We examined the effects of presumed modulation of the intraneuronal concentration of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP on sympathetic neurotransmission to isolated canine mesenteric artery by measurement of the efflux of [2- 14 C]NE during transmural nerve stimulation (calcium dependent release of NE) and administration of tyramine (calcium independent release of NE) and measurement of the contrations to exogenous NE and tyramine. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin, prostacyclin and iloprost, a stable prostacyclin analog, and inhibition of Type III cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase with neural specific rolipram, ‘non-specific pelrinone and milrinone and isobutylmethylxanthine did not enhance the efflux of [2- 14 C]NE from sympathetic nerves innervating the blood vessels. Isoproterenol enhanced the efflux of [2- 14 C]NE. The effect was inhibited by propranolol but not affected by milrinone, amrinone or rolipram. Activators of guanylate cyclase (SIN-1a an active metabolite of molsidomine, nitroglycerin and sodium nitroprusside) and inhibitors of Type II cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (M & B-22948 and verofyllin) inhibited the efflux of NE released by transmural nerve stimulation but not by tyramine. These data support the conclusion that cyclic GMP may be an inhibitory modulator of calcium and depolarization dependent NE release from sympathetic nerves, whereas neuronal cyclic AMP may not be a primary modulator of neurotransmission to vascular smooth muscle.
On the opposing views of the self-nonself discrimination by the immune system.

Today's generally accepted view of the self–nonself discrimination was voiced by Miller1 in 2004 in a thought-provoking essay. In spite of its popularity, this position has its limitations, which are analyzed here with a view toward establishing an interactive discussion that hopefully will culminate in agreed upon decisive experiments. The inadequacies of Miller's view of the self–nonself discrimination and their resolution under the associative recognition of antigen model are analyzed.
Response to Comments on "Experimental Test of Self-Shielding in Vacuum Ultraviolet Photodissociation of CO"

We address the comments by Lyons et al ., Federman and Young, and Yin et al . regarding the interpretation of our carbon monoxide photodissociation experiments and provide further experimental data analysis, including measured synchrotron beam profiles. The experimental data do not support existing self-shielding models that attempt to explain observed meteoritic oxygen isotopic compositions because they rely on previously untested theoretical assumptions.
Growth-promoting effects of a bacterium on raphidophytes and other phytoplankton

Abstract On 29 April 2003, a Heterosigma akashiwo bloom (9.5 × 10 4 cells mL −1 ) associated with a fish kill (>10 4 dead fishes estimated from aerial surveys) was observed offshore of Bulls Bay, McLellanville, South Carolina, USA. To assess a potential cause of this bloom event, we investigated the bacterial diversity and algal/bacterial interactions in the bloom microbial community. Thirty-five bacterial strains were isolated and screened for algicidal or algal growth-promoting activities. One strain (BBB25) had significant growth-promoting effects on all 7 algal species tested: three raphidophytes ( Heterosigma akashiwo , Chattonella subsalsa , Fibrocapsa japonica ), two diatoms ( Chaetoceros neogracile , Nitzschia sp.), a cryptophyte ( Cryptomonas sp.), and a chlorophyte, Ankistrodesmus sp. This strain (BBB25) is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped spore-forming bacterium. Partial 16S rDNA gene sequence and morphological characters indicated that BBB25 is related closely to the genus Bacillus . The general nature of the algal response indicates that the growth-promoting effects of BBB25 are not specific to H. akashiwo , and suggests potentially widespread effects. Since the presence or relative abundance of the other algal species was not assessed during the bloom initiation period, the selective stimulatory effect on H. akashiwo bloom formation in Bulls Bay is unknown. These results demonstrate, however, the potential for bacterial species to play a regulatory role in bloom formation.
Mesons containing a heavy and a light quark in lattice quantum chromodynamics

The masses and decay constants of mesons composed of a heavy and a light quark are estimated in the SU(3) lattice gauge theory by a numerical simulation which excludes the effects of dynamic-fermion loops. In a mass region corresponding to the charmed D mesons we find some evidence for a different ordering of the P-wave states compared to the equal-quark-mass case. An accurate determination of the mass of these states could provide another test of QCD.
Inverse Estimation of Surface Heating Condition in a Finite Slab With Temperature-Dependent Thermophysical Properties

Temperature and heat flux at the heated surface can be estimated by solving an inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP) based on measured temperature and/or heat flux at the accessible locations (e.g., back surface). Most of the previous studies used temperature measurement data in the objective function, and little work has been done for the inverse numerical algorithm based on heat flux measurement data. In this study, a one-dimensional IHCP in a finite slab is solved by using the conjugate gradient method. The heat flux measurement data are, for the first time, incorporated into the objective function for a nonlinear heat conduction problem with temperature-dependent thermophysical properties. The results clearly show that the inverse approach of using heat flux measurement data in the objective function can provide much better predictions than the traditional approaches in which the temperature measurements are employed in the objective function. Parametric studies are performed to demonstrate the robus...
Tecfidera®: an approach for repurposing

As a case study of patent coverage for a repurposed drug, Biogen Idec's approach for Tecfidera(®), an oral formulation of dimethyl fumarate, was analyzed. While mixtures of fumarates have been used for over 50 years to treat psoriasis, Tecifidera is approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Biogen pursued claims to pharmaceutical formulations and useful doses for treating multiple sclerosis, an approach that is relevant to pharmaceutical lifecycle management in general. A survey of recent US, EP, and PCT patent applications indicate other companies are developing competing fumarate formulations. While it is possible to pursue secondary patents for compounds without composition of matter coverage, regulatory data exclusivity provides additional protection to delay competitors.
Adaptive Filter Processing in Microwave Remote Heart Monitors

This commmunication describes some current applications tions of adaptive filtering to the processing of microwave Doppler signals for heart rate monitoring. The problem has been approached in the past using signal processing techniques such as peak detection or autocorrelation. These methods either require large amounts of data or tend to be unreliable. This communication utilizes some recent techniques used in speech processing and applies them to heartbeat detection, thus allowing on-line processing of sampled microwave heart signals. The presentation includes a model for the signal, brief discussions of the algorithms evaluated, and qualitative analysis of performance compared to EKG measurements.
Preparation of Germanium TEM Specimens by Jet Electropolishing

An improved, jet electropolishing technique for the production of germanium TEM specimens has been developed. The use of slightly modified, commercially available equipment permits rapid, reliable thinning of foils exhibiting large electron transparent regions. The use of automatic termination of polishing produces cleaner foil surfaces than incremental final polishing did previously.
Role of the Bispectral Index in Sedation Monitoring in the ICU

Objective:To review and critique evidence for the use of the bispectral index (BIS) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Data Sources:A computer search of English-language articles in MEDLINE (1966–July 2005), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1971–July 2005), and Scientific Citation Index Expanded (1980–July 2005) was conducted. A manual search of abstracts was also performed using the key search terms BIS, sedation, and critical care.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Case series, letters, editorials, and clinical studies that evaluated BIS in ICU patients were considered for inclusion.Data Synthesis:Nineteen studies comparing the BIS with sedation scales were evaluated, revealing that the BIS trends lower with increasing sedation. The BIS appeared to correlate better when sedation scores were grouped rather than individual values. However, correlations between BIS and subjective scales were low in most studies (r2 0.21–0.93). Additionally, there was poor correlation between drug dosage and the ...
The first wide-open throttle engine cycle: Transition into knock experiments with fast in-cylinder sampling

AbstractA gasoline cooperative fuels research (CFR) engine is used to evaluate the knock sensitivity for the first wide-open throttle (WOT) cycle during fast throttle transitions at various fuelling levels. A fast flame ionization detector (FFID) and fast non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detector are used to determine an accurate in-cylinder air—fuel ratio. All tests are done with compression ratio = 9 and spark timing set to 20° BTC, conditions that normally result in moderate knock during steady state operation. It is found that audible knock occurs in 60–80 per cent of cases when in-cylinder P is between 1.05 and 1.35. However, if the first WOT cycle fuelling results in an in-cylinder air—fuel ratio slightly less than stoichiometric, knock remains inaudible. This slightly lean of stoichiometric fuelling also provides for the strongest gross indicated mean effective pressure due to appropriate combustion phasing without knock.
Variety influences habituation of motivated behavior for food and energy intake in children

Background: Research has shown that variety reduces the rate of habituation, or a general reduction in the rate of responding, for low-energy-density (LED) and high-energy-density (HED) foods. Objective: We assessed whether the effects of variety on habituation of motivation to eat are different in overweight and lean children. Design: Overweight and lean children (n = 84) were randomly assigned to groups that varied as to whether they received their favorite or a variety of LED or HED foods. Results: Habituation was slower for overweight than for nonoverweight children (P = 0.008), for a variety of foods than for the same foods (P < 0.001), and for LED than for HED foods (P < 0.001). Energy intake was greater for overweight than for nonoverweight children provided with variety (P = 0.004) and was greater for overweight or nonoverweight children provided with the same food (P < 0.001). A variety of HED foods increased energy intake more than did the same HED foods (P < 0.001); this increase was greater than energy intake with the same or a variety of LED foods (P < 0.001). Children who sensitized, or showed an increase in responding before habituating, showed slower habituation (P < 0.001) and consumed more energy (P = 0.039) than did children who did not sensitize. Conclusions: Habituation is influenced by variety of foods, and overweight children increase energy intake more with variety than do leaner children. Research is needed to evaluate mechanisms of how variety influences the motivation to eat and energy intake, and how the variety effect can be used to influence intake across multiple eating occasions in children.
Modal expansion absorbing boundary conditions for two-dimensional electromagnetic scattering

A novel absorbing boundary condition is developed using modal expansion basis functions. The main advantage of this procedure is that it is more accurate than the boundary condition proposed by A. Bayliss and E. Turkel (1982) when the boundary is very close to the scatterer. The modal expansion absorbing boundary condition is accurate with both circular and noncircular boundaries, and preserves the symmetry of the global matrices when combined with the finite-element method (FEM). Numerical tests show that for typical applications, the accuracy of the near field is within 4% of analytical values. >
Aroma extract dilution analysis of aged cheddar cheese

Volatile compounds were isolated from 3-yr-old Cheddar cheese by molecular distillation. They were analyzed by aroma extract dilution analysis, a combination of gas chromatography and olfactometry that reveals the aroma volatiles with the highest odor potency (the highest ratio of concentration to odor threshold). The identified compounds with highest odor potency were listed in order of elution on a DB-wax capillary column. Their potencies and retention indices (in parentheses) were: ethyl acetate (3, 882), 2-methylbutanal and 3-methylbutanal (81, 899), diacetyl (3, 960), α-pinene (3, 989), ethyl butyrate (243, 1018), ethyl caproate (81, 1218), 1-octen-3-one (9, 1284), acetic acid (27, 1418), methional (9, 1428), propionic acid (81, 1517), butyric acid (729, 1616), valeric acid (27, 1736), caproic acid (81, 1845), capric acid (9, 2198) and lauric acid (9, 2580)
Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Complex Tumors and Evolving Techniques

Several investigators have demonstrated the feasibility of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the management of renal tumors of increasing size and greater anatomical complexity, allowing RAPN to be offered to more patients, including those with larger, endophytic, and central masses. In this chapter, we examine the utility of RAPN for complex and challenging renal masses, highlighting recent innovations in technique and approach as well as emerging techniques that provide a window into the future of RAPN. Studies have demonstrated that RAPN can be performed safely and with acceptable outcomes for increasingly complex renal tumors. As nascent procedure, RAPN continues to evolve in its technique. New frontiers in RAPN aimed at enhancing the surgeon’s ability to provide excellent oncologic control and hemostatic repair of the renal defect continue to be explored. Future technical innovation in robotic instrumentation may also enhance the RAPN technique.
Secrecy logic: S-secrecy structures

Let S = �L , � Sbe a deductive system. An S -secrecy logic is a quadruple K = � FmL(V ) ,K , B, S� , where FmL(V ) is the algebra of L-formulas, K, B are S -theories, with B ⊆ K and S ⊆ K such that S ∩ B = ∅ . K corresponds to information deducible from a knowledge base, B to information deducible from the publicly accessible (or browsable) part of the knowledge base and S is a secret set, a set of sensitive or private information that the knowledge base aims at concealing from its users. To provide models for this context, the notion of an S -secrecy structure is introduced. It is a quadruple A = � A ,K A ,B A ,S A� , consisting of an L-algebra A ,t woS -filters KA ,B A on A ,w ithBA ⊆ KA , and a subset SA ⊆ KA , such that SA ∩ BA = ∅ . Several model theoretic/universal algebraic and categorical properties of the class of S -secrecy structures, endowed with secrecy homomorphisms, are studied relating to various universal algebraic and categorical constructs.
Carbonate Free Electrolyte for Lithium Ion Batteries Containing γ-Butyrolactone and Methyl Butyrate

A novel carbonate free electrolyte, 1 M lithium difluoro(oxalato) borate (LiDFOB) in 1:1 gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)/methyl butyrate (MB), has been compared to a standard electrolyte, 1 M LiPF6 in 1:1:1 EC/DMC/DEC, and a 1 M LiDFOB in 1:1:1 EC/DMC/DEC electrolyte. The conductivity of 1 M LiDFOB in GBL/MB is higher at low temperature, but slightly lower at higher temperature compared to the standard electrolyte. The 1 M LiDFOB in GBL/MB electrolyte has comparable cycling performance to the standard electrolyte, and better cycling performance than the 1 M LiDFOB in EC/DMC/DEC electrolyte. The reversible cycling performance suggests that the LiDFOB in GBL/MB electrolyte forms a stable anode solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in the presence of GBL. Ex-situ surface analysis of the extracted electrodes has been conducted via a combination of XPS, FTIR-ATR and SEM which suggests that the stable anode SEI results is primarily composed of reduction products of LiDFOB. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 License (CC BY-NC-ND, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is not changed in any way and is properly cited. For permission for commercial reuse, please email: oa@electrochem.org. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0601506jes] All rights reserved.
Distributed multi-temporal risk management approach to designing dynamic pricing

Due to the nature of the power system and market, there always exist physical and financial risks both in the long run at the planning stage, and in the short run at the operation stage. Many attempts to minimize these risks from the demand side so far have failed because of the lack of information on the true value of demand resources to the system. In this paper, we attempt to tackle these problems by proposing a framework where the system, load serving entities, and the end-users exchange the right information on the system condition (represented by the price) and the energy consumption with respect to it (represented by the demand function). This information should be exchanged through different layers of the market ranging from the endusers on the bottom to the system operator at the top. The information should also be presented in different timeframes so that it captures the right signals for different purposes, such as long-term planning on energy efficiency and short-term energy balance of supply and demand. We present the mathematical formulation of this framework as a decision making of each entity.
Modeling Certainty with Clustered Data: A Comparison of Methods

Political scientists often analyze data in which the observational units are clustered into politically or socially meaningful groups with an interest in estimating the effects that group-level factors have on individual-level behavior. Even in the presence of low levels of intracluster correlation, it is well known among statisticians that ignoring the clustered nature of such data overstates the precision estimates for group-level effects. Although a number of methods that account for clustering are available, their precision estimates are poorly understood, making it difficult for researchers to choose among approaches. In this paper, we explicate and compare commonly used methods (clustered robust standard errors (SEs), random effects, hierarchical linear model, and aggregated ordinary least squares) of estimating the SEs for group-level effects. We demonstrate analytically and with the help of empirical examples that under ideal conditions there is no meaningful difference in the SEs generated by these methods. We conclude with advice on the ways in which analysts can increase the efficiency of clustered designs.