cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender- and Race-specific Determination of Albumin Excretion Rate using Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio in Single, Untimed Urine Specimens:The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study

Although albumin excretion rate is commonly estimated by using albumin/creatinine ratio (A/C), gender and race differences in creatinine excretion may bias this estimate. The authors optimize the use of an untimed (spot) urine specimen among 3,371 Blacks and Whites aged 28-40 years in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study in 1995-1996. Using three 24-hour collections during the year 5 examination, they determined k = 0.68 x 0.88 in Black men, 0.88 in Black women, 0.68 in White men, and 1.0 in White women to reflect gender and race differences in creatinine excretion. The authors then computed A/C adjusted for race and sex differences in creatinine excretion (A/kC) by using an untimed urine sample in the year 10 examination. A/kC >or= 25 mg/g (194 cases of microalbuminuria and 26 cases of clinical grade albuminuria) was more common among Blacks (9.1%) than among Whites (4.2%) and among men (8.2%) than among women (5.0%). Use of the unadjusted A/C underestimated the prevalence of microalbuminuria among men by 52% and among Blacks by 26%. Adjustment of A/C permitted more accurate estimation of albumin excretion rate. Men and Blacks have a higher albumin excretion rate than do women and Whites and may thereby have an increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular disease.
Student attitudes toward statistics before and after a computer-integrated introductory statistics course

A validated questionnaire measuring the attitude of engineering students toward statistics was administered to 46 male and 17 female undergraduate engineers during the first and last week of class. The objective was to test the hypothesis that a newly designed computer-integrated statistics course positively affects students' attitudes toward statistics. For the students as a whole, no significant difference is found between the students' attitudes before and after the course. However, some demographic characteristics indicate distinctions among the attitudes of students. Specifically, students owning computers have initially a more positive attitude toward the course. Males also start the semester with a more positive attitude toward the application of statistics to their engineering fields. At the end of the semester, however these differences are no longer evident. On the other hand, students with previous exposure to statistics and the course with a more positive attitude than other students. Also, by the end of the semester, students in industrial, manufacturing, and civil engineering tend to have a more positive attitude toward the usefulness of statistics in their profession than other engineering students. Supporting previous educational research, it was found that a student's attitude toward the course is positively correlated with the grade received. For future curriculum development, this research indicates that integration of statistics into a student's curriculum may provide the greatest impact on improving attitudes toward statistics.
Effect of crosslinking on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of semiinterpenetrating polymer networks composed of poly(vinyl chloride) and isocyanate crosslinked networks

Semiinterpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) of PVC/isocyanate/poly-triol were prepared by premixing small (150 μm dia.) porous (30% voids) unplasticized PVC particles, 10% by weight of isocyanate, and a triol at different OH/NCO mol ratios. Three types of isocyanates (methylene bis-phenyl diisocyanate (MDI), oligomeric MDI isocyanates (PAPI), and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) prepolymer/polytriol) were used. Two-roll milling was followed by hot-press curing. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths increased when small amounts of crosslinked isocyanate networks were created in PVC. The isocyanate/polyol hydroxyl stoichiometry was varied, and the effects of crosslinking on the tensile, impact, and flexural strengths of PVC/isocyanate/triol SIPNs were examined. The strength increments were greater when the OH/NCO mole ratio went from 0 to 0.25, than when it went from 0.25 to 1.0. In many cases, increasing OH/NCO mol ratio from 0.5 to 1.0 decreased tensile, impact, and flexural strengths. Both PAPI and MDI (30% NCO content) gave bigger improvements in the these mechanical strengths than the TDI (only 9.7% NCO). These SIPN blends exhibited lower tan δ peak temperatures and a single distinct loss modulus, E″, peak values at lower temperatures than those of PVC that had been exposed to the same processing temperatures. Substantial amounts of isocyanate networks exist in SIPN phases according to DMTA studies. The OH/NCO ratio did not generally correlate with the decreases in the glass transition temperatures in these three sets of blends. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 1402–1411, 2000
Feed-Forward Regulation of Phagocytosis by Entamoeba histolytica

The parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is aptly named for its capacity to destroy host tissue. When E. histolytica trophozoites invade the lamina propria of a host colon, extracellular matrices are degraded while host cells are killed and phagocytosed. The ability of E. histolytica to phagocytose host cells correlates with virulence in vivo. In order to better understand the mechanism of phagocytosis, we used an E. histolytica Affymetrix microarray chip to measure the total gene expression of phagocytic and nonphagocytic subpopulations. Using paramagnetic beads coated with a known host ligand that stimulates phagocytosis, phagocytic and nonphagocytic amoebae from a single culture were purified. Microarray analysis of the subpopulations identified 121 genes with >2-fold higher expression in phagocytic than in nonphagocytic amoebae. Functional annotation identified genes encoding proteins involved in actin binding and cytoskeletal organization as highly enriched gene clusters. Post hoc analyses of selected genes showed that the gene expression profile identified in the microarray experiment did not exist prior to cell sorting but rather was stimulated through phagocytosis. Further, these expression profiles correlated with an increase in phagocytic ability, as E. histolytica cultures exposed to an initial stimulus of phagocytosis showed increased phagocytic ability upon a second stimulus. To our knowledge, this is the first description of such feed-forward regulation of gene expression and phagocytic ability in a phagocyte.
Urban homelessness and poverty during economic prosperity and welfare reform: Changes in self-reported comorbidities, insurance, and sources for usual care, 1995–1997

Little is known of how homeless and other urban poor populations have fared during the robust economy and within structural changes in health care delivery and entitlement programs of the 1990s. This is important in determining the need for population-specific services during a vigorous economy with low unemployment and increasing Medicaid managed-care penetration. This study compared health insurance status and availability of a source for usual medical care, psychiatric and substance abuse comorbidities, and perceived causes of homelessness in homeless adults surveyed in 1995 and 1997. Cross-sectional, community-based surveys were conducted in 1995 and 1997 at sites frequented by urban homeless adults residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Self-reported medical, mental health, and substance abuse comorbidities, health insurance, and source for usual care were measured. Compared to the 388 individuals surveyed in 1995, the 267 homeless adults surveyed in 1997 had more medical comorbidity (56.6% vs. 30.2%, P<.001) and mental health comorbidity (44.9% vs. 36.9%, P=.04) and required more chronic medication (52.1% vs. 30.3%, P<.001). More respondents in 1997 than 1995 reported having no health insurance (41.4% vs. 29.4%, P<.001). While there was no difference in the overall proportion reporting a source for usual care (78.3% in 1997 vs. 80.2% in 1995, P=.55), fewer persons reported use of the emergency department and more persons reported using a shelter-based clinic for usual care in 1997 compared with 1995. These findings suggest more need for medical care among homeless and urban poor persons in 1997 compared with 1995 and support the continued need for outreach and support services despite a vigorous economy.
5 α-REDUCTASE TYPE 2 MUTATIONS ARE PRESENT IN SOME BOYS WITH ISOLATED HYPOSPADIAS

AbstractPurpose: We determined whether 5 alpha-reductase type 2 mutations are present in boys with isolated hypospadias.Materials and Methods: Penile skin tissues obtained at surgery during hypospadias repair were examined for 5 alpha-reductase type 2 mutations by single strand conformational polymorphism and deoxyribonucleic acid sequence analysis. Clinical data, including family history of hypospadias and preoperative position of the urethral meatus, were correlated with the genetic findings.Results: Of the 81 specimens examined 7 (8.6%) involved a mutation in at least 1, 5 alpha-reductase type 2 gene, while 2 patients had mutations in both alleles. The mutations identified were A49T, L113V and H231R. The A49T mutation in 5 patients was the most common (71%) and it was generally present in less severe forms of hypospadias. To our knowledge neither the A49T nor the L113V mutation has been previously reported in association with 5 alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency and to date they have only been identifie...
Temperature dependence of the far-infrared ordinary-ray optical constants of sapphire.

The refractive index n(ν) and absorption coefficient α(ν) of c-cut sapphire are measured at the temperatures 5.5, 30, 60,150, 200, 250, and 300 K for frequencies between 30 and 230 cm−1. Values given for n are accurate to within 1% and those for α to within 5%. Polynomial fits are included, and evidence of multiphonon absorption is also shown.
Introduction to Echocardiography

The use of ultrasound to provide noninvasive evaluation of cardiac structure and function was a revolutionary advancement in cardiac care in the late 20th century (1). Development of the field of echocardiography has allowed detailed serial examinations of the development, structure, and function of the human heart in normal physiological states and in pathological conditions. Echocardiography has increased the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive cardiac evaluation and provides a tool for the monitoring of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The goals of this chapter are to: (1) provide a brief overview of the types of echocardiography in clinical use today, (2) review the physical principles that underlie this clinical tool, and (3) demonstrate how echocardiography can be used to assess cardiac structure and function.
Managing malignancies of the external auditory canal.

The ear canal, middle ear and temporal bone are rare sites of primary cancer. However, given its central location within the skull base, the tumors from these sites often extend to involve the parotid, overlying skin and even the dura or carotid artery. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histology for both primary and secondary tumors. The rarity of temporal bone cancers and the complexity of the region’s anatomy make treating temporal bone malignancies difficult. While early-stage cancers can be effectively treated by complete resection, multimodal therapy is imperative for most of these tumors. A contemporary review of the literature is presented with present-day controversies outlined.
Comparing Sexual Harassment Subtypes Among Black and White Women by Military Rank: Double Jeopardy, the Jezebel, and the Cult of True Womanhood

Drawing upon feminist analyses of double jeopardy and the cult of true womanhood, we examine race, rank, sexual harassment frequency, and psychological distress for Black and White female military personnel (N= 7,714). Results indicated that White women reported more overall sexual harassment, gender harassment, and crude behavior, whereas Black women reported more unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion; enlisted women reported higher rates of each subtype than officers. Black enlistees reported more sexual coercion than White enlistees, and enlistees reported more than officers, but there were no racial differences across officers. Black women reported more psychological distress following gender harassment than White women, and enlisted women reported more distress following gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion than officers. Although Black officers were less distressed at low levels of sexual coercion, as coercion became more frequent, their distress increased significantly, and at high levels, all groups were similarly distressed.
Interactive effect of protein and rutin on larval Heliothis zea and the endoparasitoid Hyposoter exiguae

Inhibition of larval growth of Heliothis zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by the phenolic rutin increased with increasing levels of protein. The strength of the rutin/protein interaction varied depending on the type of protein used. Rutin uptake into the haemolymph of H. zea was independent of dietary protein concentration. Protein and amino acid levels increased in the haemolymph as the level of protein in the diet increased. The addition of rutin to these diets resulted in decreases in haemolymph lipid and protein content and further increases in amino acids. The effect of host diet on growth and development of the parasitoid Hyposoter exiguae (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was related to the effect of the diet on host larval growth, i.e., diets which stressed the host to the greatest extent had the greatest effect on the parasitoid. Uptake of rutin into the parasitoid was extremely low and was not dose related to the effects of the diets on the parasitoids. The results are discussed relative to the nature of the rutin-protein interaction, both for the host and parasitoid. Our results point to the need for more attention to be given to the potential interactivity between natural products in describing how plant natural products affect herbivorous insects and mediate effects on other trophic levels. Zusammenfassung Interaktiver Effeckt von Protein und Rutin auf Larven von Heliothis zea und auf Larven des Endoparasiten Hyposoter exiguae Hemmung des Wachstums der Larven von Heliothis zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) durch das Phenol Rutin vergrosserte sich mit steigendem Proteingehalt in der Diat. Das Ausmass der Rutin-Protein-Wechselbeziehung hing von der Proteinart ab. Aufnahme von Rutin in die Hamolymphe von H. zea war unabhangig von der Proteinkonzentration in her Diat. Die Protein- und Aminosauregehalte in der Hamolymphe stiegen mit dem Proteingehalt der Diat an. Die Zugabe von Rutin zu diesen Diaten resultierete in geringeren Lipid- und Proteingehalten in der Hamolymphe und im weiterem Anstieg des Aminosaurengehaltes in der Hamolymphe. Der Einfluss der Wrtsdiat auf Wachstum und Entwicklung des Parasiten Hyposoter exiguae (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) war abhangig vom Einfluss der Diat auf das Wachstum des Wirtes. Dass heisst, dass diejenigen Diaten, die den Wirt unter den grossten Stress setzten, auch den grossten Einfluss auf den Parasiten hatten. Die Aufnahme von Rutin durch den Parasiten war sehr niedrig und unabhangig von der Dosis. Die Ergebnisse werden diskutiert hinsichtlich der Natur der Rutin-Protein-Wechselbeziehung. Unsere Ergbnisse weisen auf die Notwendigkeit hin, potentiellen Wechselwirkungen zwischen naturalichen Pflanzeninhaltsstoffen mehr Aufmerksamkeit zu schenken, um zu verstehen, wie naturliche Pflanzeninhaltsstoffe herbivore Insekten und andere trophische Stufen beeinflussen.
Digital Certificate Mobile Agent Technologies in Distance Learning

Security issues are become more and more important in network application. This paper proposed an application of distance learning which integrated with citizen digital certificate (CDC) public key infrastructure (PKI), including the grade uploading, student information inquiring, and electronic documentation flow control. We integrated a tracking and persistent agent-based mobility management system in the case of distance learning. The main purpose of this system is addressed to achieve the universal access objective. We addressed to solve the problems in case of the data transferring in the network, such as eavesdropping, snooping, modification, masquerading and repudiation. And this would improve the efficiency of entire computerize procedure of electronic campus policy totally which in the following projects: Grade Processing System And Governmental Autographing System, etc. Especially, the Grade Uploading System was the first time to integrate with CDC. This experience was very important to integrate/generate the most secured application system in the Distance Learning.
THE COLONY MORPHOLOGY OF TUBERCLE BACILLI : III. THE RELATION BETWEEN VIRULENCE AND COLONY FORM.

All the strains of human tubercle bacilli described in this report as recently isolated from clinical cases proved to be virulent and showed but slight differences in pathogenic properties. Neither did they show extreme variation in virulence when compared with Strain H-37, isolated many years ago. Between twelve bovine strains cultivated in vitro for varying periods, there was a much wider range in virulence, some being so attenuated as to give regressive lesions in both rabbits and guinea pigs, while other strains were highly pathogenic. In general, the more recently isolated strains were the more virulent. Attenuation occurs with prolonged in vitro cultivation, but the rate of attenuation is apparently not the same for all strains. Studies of cultures recovered from inoculated animals demonstrated that in the case of bovine tubercle bacilli virulence is correlated with three phenomena: the number of bacilli which can be stained in tissues of inoculated animals, the number of organisms recoverable in cultures from the tissues, and the proportion of smooth colonies in these cultures. All cultures of either human or bovine type recovered from animals showed either two or three types of colonies. In general the percentage of the smooth form varied directly with virulence. However, some smooth colonies were present in strains having little or no pathogenicity. One example was cited of an avian strain which had lost its virulence while retaining the smooth colony form-indicating that, although pathogenicity is usually correlated with smooth colony form, it is not necessarily so. And smooth variants devoid of virulence do occur. In the comparison of the effect of the same human strain on rabbits and guinea pigs, it was shown that native resistance (of the rabbit) was associated with a power to dissociate the inoculated bacilli into a greater proportion of rough forms, and then to destroy them. This power is not possessed by the naturally susceptible animal (guinea pig).
Optimal Dynamic Assortment Planning with Demand Learning

We study a family of stylized assortment planning problems, where arriving customers make purchase decisions among offered products based on maximizing their utility. Given limited display capacity and no a priori information on consumers' utility, the retailer must select which subset of products to offer. By offering different assortments and observing the resulting purchase behavior, the retailer learns about consumer preferences, but this experimentation should be balanced with the goal of maximizing revenues. We develop a family of dynamic policies that judiciously balance the aforementioned trade-off between exploration and exploitation, and prove that their performance cannot be improved upon in a precise mathematical sense. One salient feature of these policies is that they “quickly” recognize, and hence limit experimentation on, strictly suboptimal products.
Smad3 Signaling Promotes Fibrosis, While Preserving Cardiac and Aortic Geometry in Obese Diabetic Mice

Background—Heart failure in diabetics is associated with cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. Activation of transforming growth factor-β/Smad3 signaling in the diabetic myocardium may mediate fibrosis and diastolic heart failure, while preserving matrix homeostasis. We hypothesized that Smad3 may play a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular remodeling associated with diabetes mellitus and obesity. Methods and Results—We generated leptin-resistant db/db Smad3 null mice and db/db Smad3+/− animals. Smad3 haploinsufficiency did not affect metabolic function in db/db mice, but protected from myocardial diastolic dysfunction, while causing left ventricular chamber dilation. Improved cardiac compliance and chamber dilation in db/db Smad3+/− animals were associated with decreased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, reduced collagen deposition, and accentuated matrix metalloproteinase activity. Attenuation of hypertrophy and fibrosis in db/db Smad3+/− hearts was associated with reduced myocardi...
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Muscle Constituents in Living Tissue

One interesting and rapidly expanding area of research is the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study biological systems in vivo and in vitro. Such studies often overlap the fields of biology, biochemistry, and physics; consequently, one sees such research approached from many different viewpoints. After an initial section describing the terms to be used, this chapter will discuss the phenomena occurring in terms of the biology and biochemistry involved. It will, however, be necessary at times to discuss the physical parameters being measured to show how they relate to the biological concepts.
Implementation of the Results of WTO Trade Remedy Cases

This paper analyzes the results of WTO dispute settlement consultation requests involving trade remedies - antidumping, countervail and safeguard cases. The paper focuses on what actually happened in the cases where reports were adopted - examining the time that it took to obtain implementation and to the "quality" of implementation, i.e., was the trade remedy measure significantly altered and did the implementation action actually resolve the dispute? In addition to an analysis of the cases that led to panel and Appellate Body reports, the paper also examines the results of consultation requests in the trade-remedy area made through 31 December 2004. Within each trade-remedy category, the paper's analysis is sub-divided on a country-by-country basis, with special attention paid to the United States, which was the respondent in most of these cases - 17 of 29, or almost 60%. The paper finds that implementation in safeguards cases occurred without problems and on time. The measures found to have violated the rules were simply removed, albeit often at the time they were scheduled to expire. In contrast, implementation in antidumping and countervail cases has been more problematic. In many of those cases, the authority imposing the challenged measure has made revised determinations and calculations, and then continued the measure in effect. This has often led to claims that there has not been appropriate implementation.
TEAM BIAS IN A CARD CONTEST

I t has been found in several laboratory studies (e.g., Dustin & Davis, 1970) that in team competition members tend to evaluate their own team product more favorably than that of the competing team. The purpose of this smdy was to find out whether similar bias existed in a real competition, a campus card contest. Ss were 44 college men and women who had paid $2 a pair to enter a contest in a card game called "pitch," for which the first prize was $35. Two student Es, only one of whom took part in planning the study, approached teams as soon as their first match was finished, announcing, "Say, I'm doing a little project for a class. Would you tell me what you really think the score would be if you played that team once again?" Each of the four Ss at the table was pressed for an answer. Each E approached six tables but missed several players who left too quickly to be questioned. All matches that ended at a time when both Es were busy interviewing were lost to the study. A team was categorized as predicting a win or a loss if both partners predicted accordingly or if the only partner available did. For El, all six of the winning teams predicted they would win another game, while five of the six losing teams predicted that they, themselves, would win. The Fisher exact probability test shows the difference between these two distributions to be significant at the .05 point. For E-, all six of the winning teams predicted they would win again, while three of four losing teams predicted that they, themselves, would win. The two members of a fifth losing team were dropped from the analysis because they split their predictions, and both members of a sixth losing team departed too quickly to be questioned. The Fisher test showed the difference between these two distributions to be significant at the .05 point. It appears that rather extreme bias may occur in group competition outside the laboratory, at least in this particular type of contest. This is not a case where one team predicted they would perform slightly less poorly than cheir opponents predicted they would. Rather, in a majority of cases, both winning and losing opponents predicted that they, themselves, would win if another game were played.
Digital subtraction angiography to assess the results of operative repair in infants with hypoplastic right and left heart syndromes.

The authors describe the use of intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the postoperative evaluation of 4 infants following surgery for hypoplastic right and left heart syndromes. Digital and analogue systems with single average multiple masks were used with two commercially available systems with radiographic or continuous models. In all infants, 3 ml or less of Renografin-76 was injected intravenously for the study. DSA studies in 2 infants with hypoplastic right heart syndrome 18 and 19 months, respectively, after surgery, clearly demonstrated growth of the right ventricular chamber. In 1 infant, a pericardial outflow track aneurysm had developed. Two infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome underwent studies 15 and 20 days after surgery, respectively, which demonstrated the adequacy of systemic and pulmonary artery flow and normal right ventricular function. Intravenous DSA is a safe and effective measure for following the results of surgery in infants with hypoplastic right and left heart syndromes.
New Concept of Sustainable Development and Accounting Method of Social Costs-A Framework

From the view of nature of sustainable development,this paper discusses the semantic concept of sustainable development.Combined with the latest research on cross-border economic development,it suggests a new concept of sustainable development based on the view of social cost,and a concept and a structure of the social cost calculating.Social productivity,social structure of income and distribution,social security and stability,and social capital should be important factors to be considered in social cost calculating.The result shows that,for China economic sustainable development,the social factor is as important as or even more important than natural factor.China's sustainable economic development must take into account the social costs and cumulative problem.We should consider the establishment of calculating system of social costs affecting economic sustainability and the implementation of loss control to reduce the social costs and accumulation of social risk to achieve economic sustainable development.
Purification and properties of DNA polymerase from Bacillus caldotenax.

A thermostable DNA polymerase was prepared from Bacillus caldotenax by using a four-step chromatography procedure. The protein exists as a monomer of M(r) 94,000, has a pI of 4.9 and has no associated 3'-5' or 5'-3'-exonuclease activities or endonuclease activity. The temperature optimum of the enzyme was about 70 degrees C and the pH for maximum activity was about 7.5. The enzyme has an absolute requirement for a bivalent cation, and maximum activity was obtained at the unusually high concentration of 70 mM-MgCl2. Mg2+ could be replaced by MnCl2 or CoCl2, with decreased activity, at the lower optimal concentrations of 1 mM and 2.5 mM respectively. Enzyme activity was inhibited in the presence of 2',3'-dideoxy-TTP, arabinosyl-CTP and aphidicolin. Enzyme activity was stimulated with KCl concentrations of about 100 mM, and concentrations of univalent salts above about 150 mM inhibited activity. The enzyme could use activated calf thymus DNA, poly(dA).p(dT)10 or primed single-stranded phage M13 DNA as a template and maximum activity was obtained with poly(dA).p(dT)10. The enzyme was inactive on unprimed single-stranded DNA, double-stranded DNA and polyribonucleotide template/primer. The apparent Km values for individual dNTPs, determined with the other dNTPs at saturating concentrations, were 5.7 microM (dCTP), 6.3 microM (dATP, dGTP) and 6.4 microM (dTTP). The Km value for the overall incorporation of each dNTP from an equimolar mixture of all four dNTPs was 24.7 microM. The kcat. value was about 1.05 s-1. The kcat./Km value was 0.16-0.18 M-1.s-1 for individual dNTPs and 0.04 for the incorporation of an equimolar mixture of all four dNTPs. Some of the properties of the enzyme show it may be classified as an alpha-Type DNA polymerase.
The Problem of the Transcendental Deduction

Heidegger has presented some highly contorted arguments in order to prove his thesis that Kant realized that the imagination was the source of both sensibility and understanding. Heidegger believed that despite this supposed realization, Kant was uncertain and confused about what he had discovered, and had attempted to reassert the dominance of traditional logic. Heidegger attempts to show, through an analysis of Kant’s further treatment of the categories, just what Kantian doctrines are owed to genuine phenomenological insight and what are owed to Kant’s implicit allegiance to the philosophical tradition.
An RNAi-Therapeutic Targeting Tmprss6, in Conjunction With Oral Chelator Therapy, Ameliorates Anemia and Additively Diminishes Secondary Iron Overload In a Mouse Model Of β-Thalassemia Intermedia

β-Thalassemias are a group of inherited blood disorders caused by loss of β-globin synthesis and are characterized by anemia, extramedullary hematopoiesis and ineffective erythropoiesis leading to secondary iron overload. Increased iron absorption is due to inappropriately low levels of the liver hormone, hepcidin ( HAMP ). The membrane serine protease Matriptase-2 ( TMPRSS6 ) attenuates BMP-mediated HAMP induction by cleaving the BMP co-receptor, hemojuvelin ( HJV ). Previously, we demonstrated that an RNAi-therapeutic targeting Tmprss6 elevates hepcidin expression and reduces disease severity in the Hbb th3/+ mouse model of β-Thalassemia intermedia ( Blood. 2013; 14;121(7):1200-8). To further interrogate the efficacy of this therapeutic approach, Hbb th3/+ animals were treated with a siRNA directed against Tmprss6 on a replete 50ppm iron diet, a low iron diet (3-5ppm iron) or a 50ppm iron diet containing deferiprone. Systemic administration of an siRNA directed against Tmprss6 in the three diet conditions leads to significant inhibition of Tmprss6 mRNA in the livers of Hbb th3/+ mice with concomitant elevation in hepcidin expression. In correspondence with earlier studies, we demonstrate here that Tmprss6 silencing in animals under each of the three diet regimens leads to a significant improvement in the anemia of Hbb th3/+ mice as evidenced by increased total hemoglobin. Furthermore, hallmarks of ineffective erythropoiesis, including splenomegaly and reticulocytosis, were decreased in all Tmprss6 silenced Hbb th3/+ animals. If untreated, excessive iron loading in humans with β-Thalassemia leads to tissue iron deposition and eventual organ damage and failure. Importantly, here we demonstrate that the total body iron burden of Hbb th3/+ mice, as assessed by non-heme liver iron, is decreased by almost 30% in animals chelated with oral deferiprone and treated with Tmprss6 siRNA. A similar diminution of iron deposition is not evident in animals on a low iron diet or in mice fed deferiprone alone. Taken together, this data suggest that siRNA suppression of Tmprss6 , in conjunction with chelation therapy, may provide an improved modality for treatment of the anemia and secondary iron loading seen in hemoglobinopathies such as β-Thalassemia. Disclosures: Racie: Alnylam Pharmaceutical, Inc: Employment. Butler: Alnylam Pharmaceutical, Inc: Employment. Fitzgerald: Alnylam: Employment. Fleming: Alnylam Pharmaceutical, Inc: Research Funding.
The impact of three years of professional development on knowledge and implementation

ABSTRACTA professional development (PD) program for Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) integrating effective PD features was implemented with teachers over 3 years. Using a 1-way analysis of variance, it was examined whether length of participation in PD impacted knowledge and ability to faithfully implement. Findings indicate significant improvements with each year of PD; those who participated for 3 consecutive years received the highest possible ratings on knowledge as measured by the levels of use and instruction as measured by the SIWI observation and fidelity instrument. Additionally, because of modifications to the PD program, it was examined whether the year of the PD involvement impacted outcomes. Findings reveal that outcomes were strongest during the last year when SIWI mentors were present.
Psychedelics Recruit Multiple Cellular Types and Produce Complex Transcriptional Responses Within the Brain

There has recently been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics, substances that profoundly alter perception and cognition and have recently demonstrated therapeutic efficacy to treat anxiety, depression, and addiction in the clinic. The receptor mechanisms that drive their molecular and behavioral effects involve activation of cortical serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, but the responses of specific cellular populations remain unknown. Here, we provide evidence that a small subset of 5-HT2A-expressing excitatory neurons is directly activated by psychedelics and subsequently recruits other select cell types including subpopulations of inhibitory somatostatin and parvalbumin GABAergic interneurons, as well as astrocytes, to produce distinct and regional responses. To gather data regarding the response of specific neuronal populations, we developed methodology for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to segregate and enrich specific cellular subtypes in the brain. These methods allow for robust neuronal sorting based on cytoplasmic epitopes followed by downstream nucleic acid analysis, expanding the utility of FACS in neuroscience research.
Appearances and Statistics of Coronal Cavities During the Ascending Phase of Solar Cycle 24

We present a survey of 429 coronal prominence cavities found between 2010 May and 2015 February using the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly limb synoptic maps. We examined correlations between each cavity's height, width, and length. Our findings showed that around 38% of the cavities were prolate, 27% oblate, and 35% circular in shape. The lengths of the cavities ranged from 0.06 to 2.9 . When a cavity is longer than 1.5 , it has a narrower height range (0.1–0.3 ), whereas when the cavity was shorter than 1.5 , it had a wider height range (0.07–0.5 ). We find that the overall three-dimensional topology of the long, stable cavities can be characterized as a long tube with an elliptical cross section. We also noted that the circular and oblate cavities are longer in length than the prolate cavities. We also studied the physical mechanisms behind the cavity drift toward the pole and found it to be tied to the meridional flow. Finally, by observing the evolution of the cavity regions using SDO/Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) surface magnetic field observations, we found that the cavities formed a belt near the polar coronal hole boundary; we call this the cavity belt. Our results showed that the cavity belt migrated toward higher latitude over time and the cavity belt disappeared after the polar magnetic field reversal. This result shows that cavity evolution provides new insight into the solar cycle.
A Reward Allocation Mechanism for Thermostatically Controlled Loads Participating in Intra-Hour Ancillary Services

When properly controlled, thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) can shift their electricity consumption by storing heat in the thermal masses. This capability makes them proper resources to provide variety of services in power grids, specifically intrahour ancillary services. Because TCLs have diverse thermal characteristics, their capabilities of service provision can be different. Therefore, their contribution in service provision and their monetary reward might be different as well. This paper presents a reward allocation mechanism for a load serving entity to determine the payment made to TCLs according to their contribution in the provided intrahour ancillary services. A service provision capability index is proposed to quantify the TCLs capability and prioritize them accordingly. Based on the prioritization results, a reward curve is constructed to determine the TCLs payment according to their contribution to the overall provided service. The proposed rewarding system is demonstrated and verified through numerical simulations using a group of 10 000 heterogeneous heat pumps.
The behaving human neocortex as a dynamic network of networks

The neocortex is arguably the most sophisticated structure within the mammalian brain. It is the largest brain structure in the human, and its properties endow us with qualities that are unique to our species. In order to develop a systems-level approach to understanding the neocortex, and to develop a theoretical basis that is both tractable and useful, enormous anatomical and physiological simplifications must be made. These include focusing on specific aspects of function, such as associative memory and learning, at the expense of many other important characteristics. Such simplifications are required in any systems-level model of the brain.The main contribution of this chapter is to describe a model of the neocortex that links together different scales or levels of neural organization. Specifically, individual neurons cluster together into networks, and these networks cluster together into larger networks, and so on. We argue that dynamically reconfigurable networks of neurons exist at multiple scales, and are fundamental to the structural and functional integrity of the cortex.Experimental data supporting both the approach and the predictions of our neocortical model, termed the Network of Networks (NoN), are described. Section 7.2 summarizes some of the neurobiology relevant to the theoretical approach. The NoN is described in Section 7.3, where it is suggested that the model should do more than simply provide descriptors of neocortical organization function. Instead, it should lead to new ways of understanding and applying rapid, parallel and associative computations within and between neural networks at different scales. This is discussed in Section 7.4, where we investigate the model's veracity in tests of predicatability and falsifiability. In the final section, implications of the NoN for neuroengineering are considered.
Stock plant nutrition influences the adventitious rooting of 'Rotundifolia' holly stem cuttings.

Abstract Containerized stock plants of Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Rotundifolia’ were liquid-fertilized at least three times per week with nitrogen (N) at five rates (25, 50, 100,200, and 300 mg N/l) and in two forms (100% NH4NO3 or 50% NH4NO3 + 50% urea) in a factorial treatment design. Phosphorus and potassium were included in a constant ratio with N (100 N:15 P:50 K). Leaf and stem percent N levels were suboptimal at the lowest fertilizer rate and excessive at the highest fertilizer rate. Percent rooting of stem cuttings decreased linearly with fertilizer rate. With increasing fertilizer rates, total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) levels increased in leaves and remained constant in stems. Stem cutting percent moisture increased and was highly correlated with fertilizer rate. The form of N applied made no statistical difference in these trends. The decrease in percent rooting with increasing fertilizer rates was attributed to increases in shoot growth activity and decreased tissue maturation.
Enhancement and destruction of spin-Peierls physics in a one-dimensional quantum magnet under pressure

The application of pressure reveals a rich phase diagram for the quantum $S=1/2$ spin chain material TiOCl. We performed x-ray diffraction on single-crystal samples in a diamond-anvil cell down to $T=4$ K and pressures up to 14.5 GPa. Remarkably, the magnetic interaction scale increases dramatically with increasing pressure, as indicated by the high onset temperature of the spin-Peierls phase. The spin-Peierls phase was probed at $\ensuremath{\sim}6$ GPa up to 215 K but possibly extends in temperature to above $T=300$ K, indicating the possibility of a quantum singlet state at room temperature. Near the critical pressure for the transition to the more metallic phase, coexisting phases are exemplified by incommensurate order in two directions. Further comparisons are made with the phase diagrams of related spin-Peierls systems that display metallicity and superconductivity under pressure.
CORONARY PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR-1 RELEASE IS ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION

Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), a potent inhibitor of fibrinolysis, is associated with excessive fibrin accumulation, thrombus formation, and atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) occurs early in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized
Survival and Safeguarding

Chapter 4 is the first chapter in Part II of the book, which focuses on the key purposes of supplementary schools. In particular this chapter looks closely at the themes of survival and safeguarding, the two most predominant school purposes. Survival here refers to the efforts made by schools to preserve specific aspects of the community identity. This was often intertwined with safeguarding where schools would attempt to protect elements of the community identity from external threats. For instance, the chapter discusses the dynamics of linguistic preservation and the safeguarding of community languages against the increasingly dominant force of the English language. Schools efforts are also discussed here.
Swallowing Problems in the Tracheotomized Patient

Tracheotomy has been performed for many years to treat a variety of obstructive airway conditions; it has also been used to aid in the treatment of chronic aspiration. In reality, tracheotomy may cause more aspiration than it prevents. This article reviews the swallowing problems encountered in tracheotomized patients.
AV activities of colleges and universities in teacher education

HE PURPOSE of this study is to report the audio-visual activities of four-year institutions. Information is presented concerning: (a) the type and number of credit hours given for courses in audiovisual education; (b) when such courses were offered (summer, academic year, extension) ; (c) the percentage of June graduates completing audio-visual courses; (d) the content of basic courses along with the type of equipment and facilities used; and (e) the composition of the teaching faculty. Not only are four-year institutions concerned with the preservice education of teachers, but they also play a vital role in offering advanced education to in-service teachers. Most of the institutions of higher learning which are engaged in teacher education are committed to a program of assisting teachers in the field by means of graduate study, workshops, clinics, conferences, short courses, publications, and similar activities. Because of the relatively recent development of electronic tools of communication, the in-service education in the audio-visual field is considered of major importance in the improvement of instruction throughout the nation.
Total observed caries experience: assessing the effectiveness of community-based caries prevention

Objectives To compare common measures for dental caries in longitudinal caries research in support of a new measure, the Total Observed Caries Experience (TOCE). Methods TOCE was calculated as the total number of decayed or filled teeth ever observed. TOCE was compared to dmft, DMFT, and the prevalence of untreated decay using data from a 4-year, cluster randomized community-based caries prevention program. Outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations and assessed change over time and effects across treatment groups. Results For TOCE and DMFT, the risk of caries over time increased. In contrast, risks decreased for dmft and the prevalence of untreated decay, driven largely by decayed primary teeth being exfoliated. Effects across treatment groups showed increased risk for some outcomes and attenuated risks in others; however, treatment effects for TOCE were more in line with expected results when compared with controls. Conclusions TOCE accounts for caries on primary and permanent dentition and is not subject to bias due to exfoliation. It can be used as a robust measure to evaluate community-based caries prevention programs.
Helpful or harmful? The comparative value of self-weighing and calorie counting versus intuitive eating on the eating disorder symptomology of college students

The current study evaluated the comparative implications of self-weighing and calorie counting versus intuitive eating (IE) on the eating disorder (ED) severity of college students. In this cross-sectional study, college students in the US [N = 902; 68% female; mean body mass index (BMI) = 24.3] completed the web-based Healthy Bodies Study in 2015. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that elevated BMI, more frequent self-weighing and calorie counting, and lower IE scores predicted increased ED severity. The results of Kruskal–Wallis H tests indicated that participants with elevated weight statuses engaged in self-weighing and calorie counting more frequently, and possessed lower IE scores, than their lower weight counterparts. Engaging in self-weighing and calorie counting was adversely associated with ED severity among the present sample of college students. Cultivating IE within health promotion efforts may, instead, lead to favorable eating-related outcomes that may translate to the holistic health of this population. V cross-sectional descriptive study.
Child-directed speech in noise: Listener- and environment-related changes in speech acoustics

Talkers adapt their speech in various ways according to the demands of their listeners and the communicative context. Mothers and their preschool children participated in a real-time interactive speech production/perception paradigm, in which mothers instructed their children (or an adult listener), to select the picture corresponding to the target word. The task was performed at low and high levels of background noise (56 and 76 dB SPL, delivered through headphones), to examine the effects of decreased audibility on speech production. Acoustic-phonetic analyses of child-directed speech (CDS) and adult-directed speech (ADS) productions of target words and carrier phrase (e.g., “Find pig” ), revealed that mothers significantly enhanced the suprasegmental properties (i.e., pitch, intensity, and duration) of target words in CDS and at higher noise levels, but provided limited evidence for the hyperarticulation of the segmental properties of speech (i.e., formant frequencies of vowels, or voice-onset times of...