cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo and in vitro testosterone metabolism by the androgen insensitive rat.

Abstract The androgen insensitive (tfm) rat is a male pseudohermaphrodite with inherited tissue insensitivity to androgens. To understand the nature of this genetic defect better, in vivo and in vitro testosterone metabolism was studied in preputial glands from tfm as well as normal male and female rats. in vivo studies in normal rats indicated that testosterone metabolism in cytoplasm and nuclei of preputial glands was similar to that of normal prostate. In the tfm rat, testosterone uptake by the preputial gland was normal, but dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was not retained in cytoplasm or nuclei. Reduction of testosterone to DHT by 5α-reductase in tissue slices of eight organs as well as preputial gland cytoplasm and nuclei from tfm rats was indistinguishable from that in normal animals. We conclude that the inability of the tfm rat to retain intracellular DHT is due to a defect of a cytoplasmic binding component which normally concentrates DHT in the cell and facilitates its transfer to the nucleus. Since DHT is believed to be one of the intranuclear effectors of testosterone action, the androgen insensitivity of the tfm rat may be explained by the inability to concentrate this steroid at its presumed site of action.
Two-beam coupling by nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.

A new method for two-beam coupling measurements based on acousto-optic modulation with subhertz tuning capability is applied to study excited-state dynamics of the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond. Results yield fundamental decay constants and the nonlinear refractive index and are in good agreement with the calculated dual grating response to resonances in the microscopic susceptibility due to intersystem crossing and spin-lattice relaxation.
Nucleotide sequence and characterization of the 39K gene region of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus.

Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of the Pst l-K fragment of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) genome was determined. This region of the genome contains the delayed early 39K gene and V-ubi, a viral protein with homology to ubiquitin. In addition, P stl -K potentially encodes five other proteins. Hybrid-select translation mapped nine viral-specific proteins to this fragment. Three proteins were observed with both early and late RNA; two of them comigrated with proteins directed by transcripts made from the 39K open reading frame (ORF). One protein which was only seen with hybrid-selected late RNA comigrated with ubiquitin. A correction of previously published sequence data indicates that there is an additional AUG codon upstream of the 39K ORF. This AUG codon is located 8 nucleotides downstream of the early transcription initiation site. The methionine codon is followed by codons for three amino acids and a termination codon. The 39K ORF is located 102 nucleotides downstream of the minicistron. In vitro transcription-translation experiments confirmed that the downstream AUG serves as the initiation codon for the 39K ORF. Radioimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated that the Pst l-K-encoded 39K protein reacted with antiserum raised against a previously described nuclear matrix-associated 39K protein.
Microtextured substrata alter gene expression, protein localization and the shape of cardiac myocytes.

Many of the experiments designed to understand fundamental principles in cardiac physiology are performed in vitro using myocytes isolated from adult or neonatal hearts. However, these cells have probably lost some of their original properties in culture prior to study. Our objective is to recapitulate cardiac myocyte structure and function by growing cells on microtextured silicone substrata produced by photolithography and microfabrication techniques. Myocytes are plated on nontextured, micropegged (5 μm high), microgrooved (parallel grooves with a depth of 5 μm) or combination (micropegged and grooved) substrata. Myocytes plated on microtextured surfaces display a change in cell shape with an increase in myofibrillar height and a decrease in cell area. This shape change did not affect the stoichiometry of the myofibrillar proteins but did elicit microenvironmental remodeling of proteins that mechanically attach the cell to its surroundings. Cells terminate in a sarcomeric striation on the vertical interface of the peg whereas on nontextured surfaces they end in long nonstriated cables. Vinculin, a focal adhesion protein, was found to decrease in expression on combination surfaces as compared to nontextured substrata. A three-dimensional microtextured substratum appears to reintroduce a more physiological microarchitecture for tissue culture that may have potential uses in biological research as well as in tissue engineering and diagnostic applications.
Preservice and Experienced Teachers' Lesson Plans for Beginning Instrumentalists.

Preservice and experienced teachers (N=58, from 7 universities) wrote lesson plans for a hypothetical beginning band lesson, using one page from a band method book as source material. Lesson plans ...
Lactoferrin—Specific Localization in the Nuclei of Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophilic Leukocytes

SummaryLactoferrin, a pink iron binding protein first isolated from bovine milk has been found in the nuclei and/or nuclear membrane of mature polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes. It is absent from all other cells of the hematopoietic system. Grossly normal amounts of lactoferrin were found to be present in the neutrophiles from patients with a variety of hematological abnormalities.
Absolute frequency measurements of the 2-0 band of CO at 2.3 μm; Calibration standard frequencies from high resolution color center laser spectroscopy

Abstract The absolute frequencies of 20 lines of the 2-0 band of CO near 4260 cm −1 have been measured by heterodyne frequency measurement techniques. Eleven of the lines were measured by saturated absorption techniques which produced linewidths of about 3 MHz. New rovibrational constants have been fitted to these measurements. A table of calculated transition frequencies is given with estimated absolute uncertainties as small as 0.0000023 cm −1 (70 kHz) near the band center. The pressure shifts of three lines have been measured and fall in the range from −0.9 to −3 kHz/Pa (−122 to −400 kHz/Torr). It is suggested that the generally accepted frequencies of the 1-0 band of CO should be lowered by 7 MHz.
Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: estrogen and progesterone receptor messenger RNA expression in pregnancies derived from in vivo-produced and in vitro-produced embryos.

Sex steroids are important regulators of angiogenesis and growth in reproductive tissues, including the placenta. In experiment (exp.) 1, to examine the expression of a suite of sex steroid receptors throughout early pregnancy, maternal (caruncular [CAR]) and fetal (fetal membranes [FM]) placental tissues were collected on days 14 to 30 after mating and on day 10 after estrus (nonpregnant controls). In exp. 2, to examine the hypothesis that assisted reproductive technology would affect the expression of the same suite of sex steroid receptors, pregnancies were achieved through natural mating (NAT) or transfer of embryos from natural mating (NAT-ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or in vitro activation (IVA), and CAR and FM were collected on day 22. In exp. 1, for CAR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of estrogen receptors (ESR) 1 and 2, nuclear (n) progesterone receptors (PGR) and membrane (m) PGRα, β, and γ were affected (P < 0.02) by pregnancy stage, as were ESR1, nPGR, and mPGRα, β, and γ for FM (P < 0.03). In exp. 2, for CAR, mRNA expression of ESR1 and nPGR was decreased (P < 0.001) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA groups compared with NAT. For FM, mRNA expression of ESR1 tended to be greater (P = 0.10) in the IVA group compared with NAT and NAT-ET, and GPER1 was greater (P < 0.05) in NAT-ET and IVF compared with NAT. These data establish the normal pattern of sex steroid receptor mRNA expression in maternal and fetal placenta during early pregnancy in sheep, and in addition, suggest that altered expression of placental sex steroid receptors may be an early event leading to poor placental vascularization and growth after assisted reproductive technology.
Characteristics of foraging sites and protein status in wintering muskoxen: insights from isotopes of nitrogen

Identifying links between nutritional condition of individuals and population trajectories greatly enhances our understanding of the ecology, conservation, and management of wildlife. For northern ungulates, the potential impacts of a changing climate to populations are predicted to be nutritionally mediated through an increase in the severity and variance in winter conditions. Foraging conditions and the availability of body protein as a store for reproduction in late winter may constrain productivity in northern ungulates, yet the link between characteristics of wintering habitats and protein status has not been established for a wild ungulate. We used a non-invasive proxy of protein status derived from isotopes of N in excreta to evaluate the influence of winter habitats on the protein status of muskoxen in three populations in Alaska (2005–2008). Multiple regression and an information-theoretic approach were used to compare models that evaluated the influence of population, year, and characteristics of foraging sites (components of diet and physiography) on protein status for groups of muskoxen. The observed variance in protein status among groups of muskoxen across populations and years was partially explained (45%) by local foraging conditions that affected forage availability. Protein status improved for groups of muskoxen as the amount of graminoids in the diet increased (−0.430 ± 0.31, β± 95% CI) and elevation of foraging sites decreased (0.824 ± 0.67). Resources available for reproduction in muskoxen are highly dependent upon demographic, environmental, and physiographic constraints that affect forage availability in winter. Due to their very sedentary nature in winter, muskoxen are highly susceptible to localized foraging conditions; therefore, the spatial variance in resource availability may exert a strong effect on productivity. Consequently, there is a clear need to account for climate–topography effects in winter at multiple scales when predicting the potential impacts of climatic shifts on population trajectories of muskoxen.
Impact of Neck Length on the Safety of Percutaneous and Surgical Tracheotomy: a Prospective, Randomized Study

Objective: To investigate a correlation between neck length and the incidence of complications after both percutaneous and surgical tracheotomy (ST) and to compare the relative safety of the two procedures at our institution. Study Design: Prospective, randomized study of patients undergoing tracheotomy at a tertiary care center. Methods: Forty-three patients evaluated for tracheotomy at our institution between the years 2003 and 2004 were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to receive either an ST or a percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT). All patients underwent standardized measurement of the cricosternal distance (CSD) in the neutral and extended positions before the procedure. Demographic and procedural variables were recorded, and the occurrence of postoperative complications was followed for 1 week. Results: PDT was performed in 29 patients and ST in 14 patients. The mean CSD of 2.7 cm increased to 3.7 cm after extension with a shoulder roll. PDT required less time (mean 8 vs. 23 minutes) and resulted in less blood loss compared with ST. A trend toward a higher incidence of complications with PDT (40%) compared with ST (7%) and in the first half of our series (learning curve) was noted. This, however, did not reach statistical significance. There was no correlation between the incidence of complications and neck length as determined by the CSD in either group of patients. Conclusions: We failed to demonstrate a correlation between CSD and tracheotomy related complications. Patients with short necks may be at no higher risk during either a PDT or ST. Experience, awareness of complications, and a dedicated team approach are necessary for the safe performance of PDT.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Sleep Apnea, and CPAP Titration

Epilepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are two relatively common disorders known to coexist and potentially exacerbate each other. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a currently used, adjunctive treatment for partial epilepsy and is generally well tolerated with few associated side effects. Some of the more common side effects include hoarseness of voice, laryngeal irritation and cough, especially after VNS current increases and the first few weeks of treatment. VNS therapy also affects respiration during sleep and has been shown to worsen preexisting obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by increasing the number of apneas and hypopneas. Consistent sleep related decreases in airflow and effort coinciding with VNS activation have been documented, with apneas and hypopneas found to be more frequent during VNS activation than during nonactivation. VNS may also interfere with effective CPAP titration. The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of VNS cycling on CPAP titration for OSA in a patient with medically intractable epilepsy. We found that adequate CPAP titration could not be achieved in the presence of the patient's standard VNS on/off cycling mode. However, when the patient was restudied with his VNS device turned off, a nasal CPAP pressure of 13 cm H2O resulted in effective treatment of his severe OSAHS. We suggest that polysomnography before VNS implantation should be considered in order to identify patients with OSA.
A New Orthogonality Relation for Normed Linear Spaces

A new orthogonality relation for normed linear spaces is introduced using a concept of area of a parallelogram given by E. Silverman. Comparisons are drawn between this relation and an earlier relation used by G. Birkhoff. In addition, this new relation is utilized to obtain new characterizations of inner-product spaces.
Sensitivity of Newer-generation Computed Tomography Scanners for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Bayesian Analysis

Abstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening condition considered in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute and severe-onset headache. Currently, the practice pattern for suspected SAH is to perform a non-contrasted computed tomography (CT) scan of the head, followed by lumbar puncture (LP) if the CT is negative. Newer-generation 16-slice CT scanners have been shown in one study to be very sensitive for SAH. Objective We sought to validate these findings at our institution by retrospectively analyzing the sensitivity of our 16-slice or better CT scanner and performing a bayesian analysis with the results. Methods We utilized ED electronic medical records and the Department of Neurosurgery research database to search for patients admitted from the ED with a diagnosis of SAH from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008. We found a total of 134 patients admitted with SAH during this time frame. Results Average age was 53.8 years; 62% were female. Presenting complaint was headache in 57%, paresthesia or weakness in 7%, unresponsive in 10%, confusion or altered mental status in 5%, and “other” in 10%. Sensitivity of 16-slice or better CT scanner in our study was 131/134, or 97.8% (95% confidence interval 93.1–99.4%). No patient with a negative CT had a lesion requiring intervention. Conclusion Our study confirms the high sensitivity of 16-slice or better CT scanners for SAH. This calls into question the need for LP after negative head CT when 16-slice CT or better is used.
Analysis of design trade-offs in the rollback recovery method for fault tolerant digital control systems

This paper enhances a recently developed tool to analyze the mean-square stability of digital control systems implemented in computers or embedded processors with rollback recovery that are operating in harsh environments. In particular, closed-loop models are derived that allow the analysis of partial state rollback where not all the states are checkpointed and rolled back. The theoretical results are illustrated with the analysis of a stabilizing controller for the longitudinal dynamics of the AFTI/F-16 aircraft. This example is also used to determine the effect of longer checkpoint durations on the mean-square stability of the flight control system.
Leucoxene fish as a micro-kinematic indicator

Abstract Asymmetric aggregates of fine-grained leucoxene and quartz are reported from siliceous L - S tectonites deformed by progressive simple shear. The leucoxene fish, morphologically similar to mica fish, consistently yield shear senses in agreement with other kinematic criteria. We interpret the leucoxene as a pre- or early syntectonic alteration product of detrital heavy-minerals in a siliciclastic protolith. The leucoxene fish behave as passive markers, and they record kinematics by modification of pre-existing aggregates rather than syndeformational mineral growth. For siliceous metasedimentary rocks otherwise lacking in micro-kinematic indicators, leucoxene fish may provide an alternative to quartz c -axis analysis.
Subordinate board structures

Abstract The board of directors is a flat governance structure where each director has an equal vote in determining the collective actions taken by the group. Yet, some boards choose to delegate authority for specific tasks to numerous committees, while others choose to create relatively few subcommittees of the board. We investigate the determinants of subordinate board structures, exploring both their benefits and costs. Using a sample of the S&P 1500 we find that subordinate board structures are positively related to board size and the proportion of outside directors, even after controlling firm characteristics such as complexity and ownership structure. Further tests indicate that these board structures can offset the negative associations that board size and the proportion of outsiders can have with firm performance. Yet, in firms with relatively small or insider oriented boards, where co-ordination problems among directors or social loafing may be less pronounced, we find that subordinate board structures are negatively related to firm performance. Categorizing committees as either monitoring or advisory, we find that both types of committees appear related to firm performance. Taken as whole, these results are consistent with the idea that subordinate board structures can be a costly remedy to alleviate problems that arise with larger, more outsider dominated boards.
Dance-based exercise and Tai Chi and their benefits for people with arthritis: a review

Purpose – The first aim of this review article is to systematically summarise, synthesise, and critically evaluate the research base concerning the use of two art forms, namely, dance‐based exercises and Tai Chi, as applied to people with arthritis (a chronic condition that results in considerable disability and, particularly in later life, severely impacts the life quality of the individual with this condition). A second is to provide directives for health educators who work or are likely to work with this population in the future.Design/methodology/approach – The material specifically focuses on examining the efficacy of dance therapy and Tai Chi as intervention strategies for minimising arthritis disability and dependence and improving life quality. The paper includes a review of all relevant articles published in the English language on the topic.Findings – Collectively, these data reveal that dance‐based exercises and Tai Chi – practiced widely in China for many centuries as an art form, as well as a...
Somatostatin and Behavior: Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Since the discovery of the chemical identity of the hypothalamic hypophysiotropic hormones, considerable research has been conducted on their physiologic role in regulating the secretion of the adenohypophyseal hormones.
Roles of Vertebrate Aquaglyceroporins in Arsenic Transport and Detoxification

Aquaporins are important channel proteins that are responsible for the balance of cellular osmolarity and nutrient transport in vertebrates. Recently, new functions of these ancient channels have been found in the conduction of metalloid arsenic (As). Chronic As exposure through contaminated water and food sources is associated with multiple human diseases and endangers millions of people’s health worldwide. Therefore, identification of the As transport pathways is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of As carcinogenesis. Arsenic detoxification systems have been studied in multiple vertebrates such as mammalian mouse, rat, humans and nonmammalian vertebrates. Multiple transporters and enzymes have been shown to be involved in As translocation and cellular transformation. In these vertebrates, members of aquaglyceroporins, which include AQP7 in kidney and AQP9 in liver, catalyze uptake of inorganic trivalent arsenite [As(III)]. AQP9, the major liver aquaglyceroporin, conducts both inorganic As(III) and organic monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)], an intermediate that is generated during the cellular methylation. As a channel that facilitates a downhill movement of substances dependent on the concentration gradient, AQP9 may play an important role in the simultaneous influx of inorganic As(III) from blood to liver and efflux of As metabolite MMA(III) from liver to blood. In this chapter, we will discuss the function of aquaglyceroporins of vertebrates in uptake and detoxification of the metalloid As.
Planning, Pricing and Public Policy Issues for Reliability of Interconnected Solar Energy Systems

The electric power system reliability criteria and rate structures adopted by regulatory commissions and utilities have important impacts on the design, cost, and market penetration rate of photovoltaic and other dispersed solar electric systems. The implications of alternative levels of reliability for dispersed generating facilities are examined through an end-user decision analysis in which the reliability of dispersed and utility electric supply are considered. Broad issues of public policy are addressed from the perspective of end users' demands and the social costs of reliability. We conclude that benefits and costs of electric power reliability for the end user should be considered in establishing reliability standards and rates for interconnected dispersed solar systems.
Metabolite profiling analysis of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 is a facultative methylotroph, which is a potential candidate to be used in commercial processes to convert simple one-carbon compounds to a variety of multicarbon chemicals and products. To better understand C(1) metabolism in M. extorquens AM1 at the systems level, metabolite profiling tools were developed and applied in this bacterium. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC-TOFMS) was used to obtain metabolite profiles of M. extorquens AM1 (primarily organic acids) and to identify the metabolite differences between cells grown on methanol (C(1) substrate) and succinate (multicarbon substrate). In this study, a list of compounds that included amino acids and major intermediates of central C(1) and multicarbon metabolism were studied as target metabolites. For these, calibration curves were obtained for absolute quantification by spiking different amounts of standard mixtures to cell cultures. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) was used for accurate peak quantification. Unknown chemical differences between cells grown on methanol and succinate were identified by applying Fisher ratio analysis at a selective mass channel (m/z 147). Thirty-six compounds were discovered to be statistically differentially expressed between C(1) and multicarbon metabolism. Among these, 13 were identified by matching to library mass spectra, and the rest were novel compounds that were not included in libraries. These differentially expressed compounds have provided clues to new pathways that are specifically linked to C(1) metabolism.
Fuel cell hybrid drive train configurations and motor drive selection

The performance and fuel economy of a fuel cell powered vehicle are greatly improved by the use of a hybrid drive train. The hybridization allows taking full advantage of the fuel cell system efficiency characteristics. The fuel cell is thus operated at average power demand where it is the most efficient while the batteries supply the traction motors at low power demand and assist the fuel cell at high power demand. The authors propose to investigate the possible fuel cell hybrid drive trains and to compare them on the grounds of fuel economy and feasibility. Then, based on the conclusions of this first analysis, a discussion of the most suitable electric motors follows. This discussion considers the qualities of electric motors that fit both hybrid drive train and fuel cell traction requirements. The motor drive technologies considered include permanent magnet brushless DC, switched reluctance and induction motor drives.
The Immune Response of Larvae and Pupae of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), upon Administered Insult with Escherichia coli

Adult blowflies, Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, are exposed to bacteria-laden decay as adults and larvae. They are protected from infections in such habitats by a family of lytic proteins called Cecropins. In this study, we explore the relationship between the developmental stages of the blowfly and the strength of the immune response when insulted by an endogenous pathogen, Escherichia coli. Our data indicate that the protective function of Cecropin B varies with developmental stage. Pupae that were not fully tanned exhibited the greatest response to an insult by E. coli. The expression of an increased immune response is due in part to an increased concentration of Cecropin B manufactured by this instar.
Genzyme/Geltex Pharmaceuticals Joint Venture

In March 1997, an executive vice president of Genzyme Corporation must develop the terms by which the $518 billion (revenue) firm will form a joint venture with a small biotechnology firm to make and market a new drug. The tasks for the decision-maker are to estimate the enterprise value of the new joint venture and to recommend how large an interest to acquire in the venture, and to determine what price to pay for that interest, and when. The case may be used to pursue some or all of the following objectives: (1) exercising analytical techniques, (2) introducing a framework for creating value and reducing risk, (3) exploring the impact on value of a hidden option (staged investing), and (4) visualizing risk and its implications.
Comparation of side effects of domestic and imported methotrexates in the childhood extramedullary leukemia

Objective:To analyse the adverse drug reaction of high dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) in treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic extramedullary leukemia (ALL).Methods:The rates of the adverse drug reaction in the duration of HD-MTX treatment and before next treatment were recorded and analysed.Results:The total adverse drug reaction of the two MTX was equal, but the difference of the rates of the liver injury and bone marrow suppression between the two MTX were significant. The rate of liver injury was higher when treated with domestic methotrexate, and the rate of bone marrow suppression was higher when treated with imported methotrexate.Conclusions:While methotrexate is in use, some measures should be taken accordingly.
Visualizing and quantitating sequence-dependent GPCR recycling

Recent advances in direct imaging have given us a new appreciation of the spatial and temporal dynamics of membrane trafficking processes, and have allowed us to ask questions that were difficult to address with traditional methods. A relevant example of this is protein sorting in the endosome, which serves as the primary sorting station for proteins internalized from the cell surface. In this chapter, we discuss fluorescence imaging protocols to directly visualize and quantitate the recycling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)-a highly physiologically relevant family of signaling receptors-in real time in living cells. The protocols allow direct visualization and quantitation of both GPCR exit from the endosome and GPCR delivery to the cell surface. The methods may be extended to study the endolysosomal sorting of many proteins that undergoes endocytic cycling, and may be adapted to other organelles and systems where proteins are sorted.
Rheumatoid arthritis therapy: the slow-acting agents.

Reserved for patients who fail to respond to NSAIDs or who have severe or rapidly progressive disease, these pharmacologically diverse drugs have no common mode of action. Half of rheumatoid arthritis patients will ultimately need such therapy, and for them, finding a drug that is effective and can be tolerated may in some cases require trials of four or more drugs.
Detrimental results with the common inflared shoe: clinical questioning of a historic alignment concept.

Summary The detrimental results of shoe use manifested both in the foot and in footwear were studied and found to support earlier views that inflared alignment is a significant factor in foot damage. Mechanical implications of alignment also confirmed our impression that the inflared alignment is a deleterious influence. Absence of conclusive physiologic evidence justifying inflaring and the dearth of end results from use of standard straight last footwear for comparative evaluation suggest that further inquiry regarding this feature is warranted, with view to its elimination.
Physical Activity, Physical Function and Fall and Fracture Risk in Older Men

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the relation between both physical activity and physical performance with fall and fracture risk in older adults. First, an assessment of physical activity levels in both clinical and research settings is discussed. Then, the evidence for the association between activity level and fall and fracture risk in older men is reviewed. In the second half of the chapter, methods to assess physical performance (including muscle strength, walking speed and ability to rise from a chair) are described. Next, changes in physical performance that occur with age in older men are outlined. Finally, the association between physical performance and fall and fracture risk is described.
Structured Ordinary Least Squares: A Sufficient Dimension Reduction approach for regressions with partitioned predictors and heterogeneous units

Summary In many scientific and engineering fields, advanced experimental and computing technologies are producing data that are not just high dimensional, but also internally structured. For instance, statistical units may have heterogeneous origins from distinct studies or subpopulations, and features may be naturally partitioned based on experimental platforms generating them, or on information available about their roles in a given phenomenon. In a regression analysis, exploiting this known structure in the predictor dimension reduction stage that precedes modeling can be an effective way to integrate diverse data. To pursue this, we propose a novel Sufficient Dimension Reduction (SDR) approach that we call structured Ordinary Least Squares (sOLS). This combines ideas from existing SDR literature to merge reductions performed within groups of samples and/or predictors. In particular, it leads to a version of OLS for grouped predictors that requires far less computation than recently proposed groupwise SDR procedures, and provides an informal yet effective variable selection tool in these settings. We demonstrate the performance of sOLS by simulation and present a first application to genomic data. The R package “sSDR,” publicly available on CRAN, includes all procedures necessary to implement the sOLS approach.
O 16 (α,Be 8 )C 12 Reaction

Measurements have been made of the differential cross sections for the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}(\ensuremath{\alpha},{\mathrm{Be}}^{8}){\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ reactions to the ground state and to the 4.43-MeV first excited state of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ at nine bombarding energies between 35.5 and 41.9 MeV. The ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ nuclei (in their ground state) were identified by detecting the two breakup alpha particles in coincidence, and by imposing the energy and angular requirements for breakup into a narrow cone. The measurements extend, for the most part, from 18\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (c.m.). The angular distributions display oscillatory behavior with typical separations between peaks of 15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (c.m.). Strong fluctuations in differential cross sections were observed with changes in incident energy. The ground-state and 4.43-MeV-state yields are uncorrelated, except perhaps at 35.5 MeV where both yields are particularly large. With the exclusion of the 35.5-MeV data, the cross sections integrated from 18\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (c.m.) have mean values of 0.6 mb for the ground-state reaction, and 1.0 mb for the 4.43-MeV-state reaction. The existence of the observed fluctuations refutes the original expectation that simple direct interaction processes would account for the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}(\ensuremath{\alpha},{\mathrm{Be}}^{8}){\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ reaction. The results can be qualitatively understood in terms of the statistical theory of compound nuclear reactions, although a substantial nonstatistical component cannot be excluded. The average width of the compound nuclear states, given by the application of the statistical viewpoint to the experimental results, is 1.1 MeV.
An Exploration of Factors Associated With Methamphetamine Injection Among Street-Involved Drug Users and Dealers in Los Angeles: An Ethnographic Study

Based on fieldwork and ethnographic interviews, this article explores the subjective meanings and processes of injecting methamphetamine and risk taking among 38 participants involved in a street d...
Salinity Has Limited Influence on Sedation of Sunshine Bass with AQUI‐S 20E (10% Eugenol)

AbstractWe evaluated sedation and recovery of juvenile sunshine bass (male Striped Bass Morone saxatilis × female White Bass M. chrysops) exposed to AQUI-S 20E (10% eugenol; 60 mg/L) in freshwater or increasingly brackish salinities (nominal salinities of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g/L). Induction and recovery times were significantly affected by salinity, but the magnitude of the effects was relatively small. Induction was fastest (0.90 min) among fish tested at 25 g/L salinity and slowest (1.07 min) among those tested at 0 g/L salinity, but this was the only significant difference observed in induction times between treatments. Recovery was also faster among fish that were tested at higher salinities and slower among fish that were tested at lower salinities (range = 2.63–3.91 min), but significant differences were not noted for each pairwise comparison. Most fish (65%) exhibited slight agitation and gasping or piping at the surface during sedation, but these behaviors were less common among fish held at ...
Structural and spectroscopic studies of nitrogen-carbon monoxide mixtures: Photochemical response and observation of a novel phase

Mixtures of nitrogen and carbon monoxide in two molar compositions (90-10 and 95-5 N2—CO) have been studied with Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and first-principles density functional theory. Near 16 GPa, there is a discontinuous change in the X-ray diffraction patterns indicating a transition to phase I, which is distinct from any known phase of nitrogen. With the help of theory, the X-ray diffraction pattern was indexed to a triclinic unit cell. The evolutionary crystal structure search also identified several metastable stoichiometries of C—O—N phases, which produce distinct signatures in the experimental Raman spectra, thus explaining anomalous Raman behavior. Decompression studies showed that phase I did not persist below the melt line of nitrogen and, as such, it can be concluded that all observations are reversible.
Highly Versatile β-C(sp3)–H Iodination of Ketones Using a Practical Auxiliary

The first example of palladium(II)-catalyzed β-C(sp3)–H iodination of a wide range of ketones using a commercially available aminooxyacetic acid auxiliary has been achieved. This L, X-type directing group overcomes the limitations of the transient directing group approach for C(sp3)–H functionalization of ketones. Practical advantages of this method include simple installation of the auxiliary without chromatography, exceptional tolerance of α-functional groups, as well as alkenes and alkynes, and rapid access to diverse sterically hindered quaternary centers.
Materials challenges for the heat-assisted magnetic recording head–disk interface

The heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head–disk interface is a unique operating environment that combines nanoscale spacings, high shear rates, high-temperature gradients, and high optical fluxes in a mass-produced device. One of the greatest challenges is to develop materials for the head–disk interface that enable the required head–media spacing while also providing reliability. Traditional head–disk interface materials, engineered and optimized for conventional magnetic recording hard-disk drives, are challenged to provide the needed performance at the high temperatures that HAMR involves. We review some of the primary materials used in conventional magnetic recording, how high temperatures challenge their performance, and some of the current understanding and strategies to develop a reliable HAMR head–disk interface.
Linear hybrid system falsification through local search

In this paper, we address the problem of local search for the falsification of hybrid automata with affine dynamics. Namely, given a sequence of locations and a maximum simulation time, we return the trajectory that comes closest to the unsafe set. This problem is formulated as a differentiable optimization problem and solved. The purpose of developing such a local search method is to combine it with high level stochastic optimization algorithms in order to falsify hybrid systems with complex discrete dynamics and high dimensional continuous spaces. Experimental results indicate that the local search procedure improves upon the results of pure stochastic optimization algorithms.
Intestinal Oxalate Absorption in Calcium Oxalate Stone Disease

Several laboratories have reported a slight but significant increase in urinary oxalate excretion in patients with calcium oxalate stone disease1–4. The mechanism responsible for this increased oxalate excretion remains largely unknown. Zarembski and Hodgkinson5, and Robertson et al.1 reported that patients with calcium oxalate stones had a greater increase in urinary oxalate excretion than did normal subjects when placed on an increased oxalate diet. However, Barilla et al, in a similar study, did not confirm this observation7. Hodgkinson also reported that the increased oxalate excretion in patients with calcium oxalate stones was abolished by fasting8. These studies, in the aggregate, suggest that increased oxalate absorption might account for the increased oxalate excretion in certain patients with calcium stone disease.
Development of Direct-acting Antiviral and Host-targeting Agents for Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. Although antiviral therapies have improved the long-term outcomes, patients often require life-long treatment and there is no cure for HBV infection. New technologies can help us learn more about the pathogenesis of HBV infection and develop therapeutic agents to reduce its burden. We review recent advances in development of direct-acting antiviral and host-targeting agents, some of which have entered clinical trials. We also discuss strategies for unbiased high-throughput screens to identify compounds that inhibit HBV and for repurposing existing drugs.
Disordered Eating Among a Diverse Sample of First-Year College Students

Objective: A cross-sectional study of first-year college students was conducted to identify the prevalence and predictors of disordered eating (DE).Methods: College freshmen students, aged 18 years...
The Duplex Interaction of Microbiome with Chemoradiation and Immunotherapy: Potential Implications for Colorectal Cancer

Gut microbiota has the ability to modify the metabolism of wide array of therapeutic drugs. Current treatment modalities used in colorectal cancer have a narrow therapeutic index with a side effects profile that decreases tolerance to these treatments and adversely affects treatment outcome. Harnessing the gut microbiota ability to modify oncotherapeutic drugs metabolism and hence efficacy, could be potentially used to improve treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. This review will shed lights on important findings from recent microbiome interaction studies which would hopefully serve as a useful tool to guide future translative colorectal cancer research. Recent advances in microbiome studies have revealed an interesting aspect of gut microbes’ carcinogenic properties in dysbiotic gut environment. Microbiota niche in colorectal cancer can also modify efficacy and toxicity profile of different oncotherapeutic treatment modalities from chemoradiotherapy to immunotherapy. Conversely, each of these treatment modalities has numerous effects on the gastrointestinal flora, causing changes in the gut microbial community that affects host morbidity and mortality. Symbiotic gut microbiota is an incredible functioning organ that maintains essential aspects of our homeostasis and immunity. According to the recent body of literature, they also can modify efficacy of many therapeutic drugs including oncotherapy. Considering that unexplainable variable treatment outcomes as well as variable tolerance to treatment have been observed in colorectal cancer patients, studying gut microbiota modulatory effects on oncotherapy might be a feasible approach to explain this phenomenon.
Updating Data Warehouses with Temporal Data

There has been a growing trend to use temporal data in a data warehouse for making strategic and tactical decisions. The key idea of temporal data management is to make data available at the right time with different time intervals. The temporal data storing enables this by making all the different time slices of data available to whoever needs it. Users with different data latency needs can all be accommodated. Data can be “frozen” via a view on the proper time slice. Data as of a point in time can be obtained across multiple tables or multiple subject areas, resolving consistency and synchronization issues. This paper will discuss implementations such as temporal data updates, coexistence of load and query against the same table, performance of load and report queries, and maintenance of views against the tables with temporal data.
Comparison of Lidocaine Hydrocarbonate with Lidocaine Hydrochloride for Epidural Anesthesia

The onset, spread, and regression of epidural anesthesia following either lidocaine hydrocarbonate with epinephrine or lidocaine hydrochloride with epinephrine were compared in two similar groups of 45 patients each. The mean duration of surgery and the mean dose of local anesthetic were comparable in the two groups. Satisfactory surgical analgesia and muscle relaxation at the operative site were achieved in 96% of patients given the hydrocarbonate and 91% of those given the hydrochloride. Both the upward spread of sensory analgesia and the speed of onset of the motor blockade were significantly faster with the hydrocarbonate. Sensory analgesia at T4 or above was achieved in approximately 90% of patients in the hydrocarbonate group compared to 80% of those in the hydrochloride group. Complete motor blockade in the lower extremities was accomplished in over 62% of the patients given the hydrocarbonate compared to 36% of those given the hydrochloride. Regression of both sensory analgesia and motor blockade was comparable in the two groups, and both lidocaine formulations were free of serious side effects.
Epithelial membranes and vitamin A

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of epithelial membranes and vitamin A. The specialization and functional organization of epithelial tissues is made possible by epithelial membranes. Subcellular elements, such as Golgi apparatus, plasma membranes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and other membrane structures such as villi or cilia are necessary for the function and morphology of epithelial tissues. Epithelia contain three different cell types: (a) the squamous cell, which is present in the epidermis in normal states and in other epithelia after injury or transformation and is a flat hexagonal cell that has the capacity to synthesize specific products, namely keratins; (b) the cuboidal cell, which lines the surfaces of glands to form secreting units and ducts; and (c) the column cell, an elongated cuboidal cell having secretory, protective, and absorbing functions, which covers many epithelia of the body. The metabolic function of vitamin A, apart from in vision, has eluded many investigators for some sixty years. Studies involving excess vitamin A have been subject to criticism because the resulting morphological and biochemical changes are the result of pharmacological events conceivably having little to do with normal physiology. Excess vitamin A induces breakage of membranes with all the imaginable side effects. Studies on vitamin A deficiency have been subject to criticism because the deficient animal is usually sick and infected, with many enzyme activities above or below physiological levels. Studies of vitamin A excess or deficiency helps in determining enzymatic events that depend on it, but the unequivocal demonstration of the molecular involvement of the vitamin is essential to demonstrate the postulated or suggested function.
Palonosetron (Aloxi): a second-generation 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

In July 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved palonosetron hydrochloride injection for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The newest agent in the class of 5...
Inhibition of Perchlorate Formation during the Electrochemical Oxidation of Perfluoroalkyl Acid in Groundwater

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are groundwater contaminants of emerging concern due to their toxicity and persistence. Currently, there are limited destructive tr...