cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a potential marker of impaired growth in the newborn piglet

Two studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between circulating levels of haptoglobin and α-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) and growth in neonatal pigs. Circulating serum AGP, but not haptoglobin, was higher (P<0.001) in newborn runts than average-sized littermates. At 1 and 3 weeks, AGP and haptoglobin were similar among control and runt piglets. To determine the possible association between AGP and growth rate, blood was collected between the first and second day after birth in piglets from 10 average litters. Birthweight was positively correlated with growth rate through 21 days (linear regression correlation coefficient (CC), 0.43 (P<0.006); 0.299 (P<0.003) in males and females, respectively). Plasma AGP at birth was negatively correlated with growth (CC, -0.429 (P<0.006); -0.351 (P<0.01) in males and females, respectively). When AGP was calculated on a per kg birthweight basis, the CC with growth improved by 25 and 34% in males and females, respectively, compared with birthweight alone. Haptoglobin in blood was not correlated with growth. These data suggest that AGP at birth is reflective of growth conditions in utero or fetal maturation and may serve as an early predictive biomarker for pre-weaning growth rate.
27Al and 7Li spin-echo and spin-echo double resonance NMR applications to the study of lithium depletion and surface oxidation in Al–Li alloy

The physical properties and the near-surface microstructures of Al–Li alloys are known to be affected by thermo-mechanical processes during alloy manufacture. The research reported here explored 27Al and 7Li spin-echo and spin-echo double resonance NMR to follow the structural changes that accompany lithium depletion and oxidation processes at the alloy surface. The NMR analysis generally agrees with conclusions reached previously using other analytical methods. The major oxide compound generated is Li2CO3 and the minor oxide compound is LiAlO2, which is formed at higher temperatures. LiAlO2 is shown to be formed in spatially confined clusters on the surface of the Li-depleted, Al-rich near-surface layer. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response Time Analysis of Multiprocessor Computers for Database Support

Comparison of three multiprocessor computer architectures for database support is made possible through evaluation of response time expressions. These expressions are derived by parameterizing algorithms performed by each machine to execute a relational algebra query. Parameters represent properties of the database and components of the machines. Studies of particular parameter values exhibit response times for conventional machine technology, for low selectivity, high duplicate occurrence, and parallel disk access, increasing the number of processors, and improving communication and processing technology.
A vectorized version of a sparse matrix‐vector multiply

A fast vectorized algorithm is presented for a sparse matrix-vector multiply. It can be used when the matrix, A, can be represented as a multiplitting, A = ∑Ae. In particular, it can be applied to a matrix-vector multiply arising in finite element techniques where the matrices Ae are associated with the individual element contributions to the global matrix A. The algorithm presented here uses a data structure which is based on the individual matrices Ae and can be applied both to symmetric and to non-symmetric matrices. This algorithm would be attractive for vector architecture similar to either the CYBER 205 or the CRAY and has been implemented for both regular and irregular finite element grids on the CYBER 205. Execution times and storage requirements are compared to standard sparse and band matrix-vector multiply algorithms.
Long-term symptom relief and patient satisfaction after Heller myotomy and Toupet fundoplication for achalasia.

Abstract Background The goal of this study was to review the results, symptom relief, and patient satisfaction after laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Toupet fundoplication. Methods A cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and a Toupet fundoplication was identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted and patients then were interviewed by telephone using a modified 5-point Likert scale. Results Long-term follow-up data were obtained for 51 patients with a mean of 5.9 years. Thirty-two (63%) patients reported infrequent or no dysphagia. Chest pain, heartburn, or regurgitation were reported in 6 of 51 (12%) patients, 14 of 51 (27%) patients, and 11 of 51 (22%) patients, respectively. Two patients (3.9%) had pneumatic dilation and 1 patient underwent completion esophagectomy (1.9%). Thirty-three (33 of 51; 65%) patients were on acid-suppression therapy. Forty-one (80%) patients reported their overall satisfaction with the procedure was either excellent or good, and 46 of 51 (90%) patients stated they would undergo surgery again. Conclusions Our data show acceptable long-term results.
Mechanism of image formation for thick biological specimens: exit wavefront reconstruction and electron energy‐loss spectroscopic imaging

With increasing frequency, cellular organelles and nuclear structures are being investigated at high resolution using electron microscopic tomography of thick sections (0.3-1.0 microns). In order to reconstruct the structures in three dimensions accurately from the observed image intensities, it is essential to understand the relationship between the image intensity and the specimen mass density. The imaging of thick specimens is complicated by the large fraction of multiple scattering which gives rise to incoherent and partially coherent image components. Here we investigate the mechanism of image formation for thick biological specimens at 200 and 300 keV in order to resolve the coherent scattering component from the incoherent (multiple scattering) components. Two techniques were used: electron energy-loss spectroscopic imaging (ESI) and exit wavefront reconstruction using a through-focus series. Although it is commonly assumed that image formation of thick specimens is dominated by amplitude (absorption) contrast, we have found that for conventionally stained biological specimens phase contrast contributes significantly, and that at resolutions better than approximately 10 nm, superposed phase contrast dominates. It is shown that the decrease in coherent scattering with specimen thickness is directly related to the increase in multiple scattering. It is further shown that exit wavefront reconstruction can exclude the microscope aberrations as well as the multiple scattering component from the image formation. Since most of the inelastic scattering with these thick specimens is actually multiple inelastic scattering, it is demonstrated that exit wavefront reconstruction can act as a partial energy filter. By virtue of excluding the multiple scattering, the 'restored' images display enhanced contrast and resolution. These findings have direct implications for the three-dimensional reconstruction of thick biological specimens, where a simple direct relationship between image intensity and mass density was assumed, and the aberrations were left uncorrected.
A reexamination of the theory of phase transitions in crystalline heavy methane

Abstract The “analytic approach to the theory of phase transitions” of Weeks, Rice, and Kozak is applied to the problem of orientational transitions in solid heavy methane. Starting from the James-Keenan model of solid CD4, a generalized Hammerstein integral equation is derived and is carefully studied. On specializing to phases characterized by uniform orientational order, the Hammerstein equation is simplified; the possible bifurcation points of the resulting equation are found with the aid of Dolph's theorems and a linearized version of the equation. The more general case of nonuniformly ordered crystal structures is then treated, and the nonuniform order-disorder transition found by James and Keenan is shown to occur at a bifurcation point of the general Hammerstein equation. Results of the bifurcation analyses are compared with those of James and Keenan, and the implications of such comparisons for the “analytic theory” are discussed. In an appendix, the bifurcation points of the uniform order Hammerstein equation are treated from a rigorous mathematical standpoint, providing a formal justification for the more heuristic analyses of the text.
Fire, the Kali Yuga, and Textual Reading

L'A. traite du phenomene des chercheurs occidentaux qui adoptent la croyance et la pratique hindoues, et traite du probleme de l'identite ethnique pose.
Complex pattern formation by cowpea mosaic virus nanoparticles

We report the formation of complex patterns by the drying of concentrated cowpea mosaic virus droplets on surfaces. The virus particles can self-organize into parallel and orthogonal lines, forming fingerlike patterns on freshly cleaved mica and crosslike patterns on acid-treated mica. Atomic force microscopy shows that the parallel and orthogonal lines have a uniform width and thickness.
Cholera Toxin B: One Subunit with Many Pharmaceutical Applications

Cholera, a waterborne acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains prevalent in underdeveloped countries and is a serious health threat to those living in unsanitary conditions. The major virulence factor is cholera toxin (CT), which consists of two subunits: the A subunit (CTA) and the B subunit (CTB). CTB is a 55 kD homopentameric, non-toxic protein binding to the GM1 ganglioside on mammalian cells with high affinity. Currently, recombinantly produced CTB is used as a component of an internationally licensed oral cholera vaccine, as the protein induces potent humoral immunity that can neutralize CT in the gut. Additionally, recent studies have revealed that CTB administration leads to the induction of anti-inflammatory mechanisms in vivo. This review will cover the potential of CTB as an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent. We will also summarize various recombinant expression systems available for recombinant CTB bioproduction.
Preconceptional Folate Intake and Malformations of the Cardiac Outflow Tract

We compared cases with outflow tract defects (N = 126) with controls representative of the same birth cohort (N = 679). Infants with clinically recognized syndromes were excluded. Daily total maternal folate intake of > or =245 microg was inversely related to risk of cardiac outflow tract defects among those with transposition (odds ratio estimates: 0.65, 0.78, and 0.76 with increasing quartile of daily folate intake), but positively related among those with normally related vessels (corresponding odds ratio estimates: 1.18, 1.59, and 1.68). This difference disappeared when maternal intake of supplemental folic acid of > or =400 microg compared with <400 microg was considered, excluding dietary intake [odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.5-2.2 for infants with transposition, and OR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.5-1.8 for those without transposition of the great arteries].
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Is Required for Microadenoma Formation in the Mouse Azoxymethane Model of Colonic Carcinogenesis

Colonic carcinogenesis involves the progressive dysregulation of homeostatic mechanisms that control growth. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) regulates colonocyte growth and differentiation and is overexpressed in many human colon cancers. A requirement for EGFR in colonic premalignancy, however, has not been shown. In the current study, we used a specific EGFR antagonist, gefitinib, to investigate this role of the receptor in azoxymethane colonic premalignancy. The azoxymethane model shares many clinical, histologic, and molecular features of human colon cancer. Mice received azoxymethane i.p. (5 mg/kg/wk) or saline for 6 weeks. Animals were also gavaged with gefitinib (10 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle (DMSO) thrice weekly for 18 weeks, a dose schedule that inhibited normal receptor activation by exogenous EGF. Compared with control colonocytes [bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd), 2.2 ± 1.2%], azoxymethane significantly increased proliferation (BrdUrd, 12.6 ± 2.8%), whereas gefitinib inhibited this hyperproliferation (BrdUrd, 6.2 ± 4.0%; 75% ( P < 0.05). Gefitinib also significantly reduced the number of large aberrant crypt foci and decreased the incidence of colonic microadenomas from 75% to 33% ( P < 0.05). Gefitinib concomitantly decreased cell cycle–regulating cyclin D1 and prostanoid biosynthetic enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 in microadenomas, suggesting that these regulators are key targets of EGFR in colonic carcinogenesis. These results show for the first time that EGFR signaling is required for early stages of colonic carcinogenesis. Our findings suggest, moreover, that inhibitors of EGFR might be useful in chemopreventive strategies in individuals at increased risk for colonic malignancies. [Cancer Res 2007;67(2):827–35]
Unplanned admissions to a pediatric cardiac critical care unit: a review of 2 years' experience.

Objectives Unplanned admissions to the pediatric cardiac ICU may be a large and high-risk group. Our study describes the frequency of unplanned pediatric cardiac ICU admissions, their admission data, and outcomes. Design All admissions to a pediatric cardiac ICU over 2 years were reviewed and those that were unplanned were identified for a detailed chart abstraction. Demographic, laboratory, diagnostic, and outcome data were collected. Readmission or admission for adverse event was noted. Setting Single, tertiary, pediatric cardiac center. Patients All patients admitted unexpectedly to the pediatric cardiac critical care unit between May 2008 and May 2010. Interventions None. Measurements and main results There were 1,203 admissions to the cardiac ICU, and 426 (35%) were unplanned. The most common reasons for admission were new heart disease (25%), infection (19%), arrhythmia (13%), and congestive heart failure (11%). The majority of unplanned admissions (62%) occurred at night. Shock was present at admission in 18.5% of patients. Structural heart disease was present in 79%, and 39% of those were patients with single ventricle. Overall mortality among unplanned admissions was 7.3%, which is higher than that reported for elective surgical admissions. Mortality for the subset of patients readmitted within 30 days was 5.5%. Mean creatinine at admission was higher among nonsurvivors (0.7) than survivors (0.5). Conclusions Unplanned admissions accounted for over one third of all admissions and had a high mortality rate. The majority of these occur at night, which may affect staffing models. Acute deterioration leading to unplanned admission, rather than readmission status, may be the driving factor in increased mortality. However, the risk of readmission, lower renal function, or other indices may identify patients at higher risk of an unplanned admission. Continued efforts to identify patients at risk for unplanned admissions are warranted given the outcomes in this cohort.
Outcome of twin gestations complicated by a single anomalous fetus

Objective To compare the outcome of twin gestations complicated by a single anomalous fetus with twin gestations with no fetal anomalies. Methods The study included all patients with twin gestations diagnosed with a fetal anomaly in one fetus during 1990–1994, and excluded twin gestations with anomalies in both fetuses. The control twin group was composed of all other normal twin pregnancies followed and delivered at our center in the preceding 2 years. Results We reviewed 24 twin gestations with at least one anomalous fetus. Five cases were excluded because of anomalies in both fetuses, and a further five pregnancies had selective termination or termination of the entire pregnancy. There were 14 ongoing twin pregnancies with one anomalous fetus, and their median gestational age at diagnosis was 18 weeks (range 16–20). All twin anomalies were correctly diagnosed antenatally. Gestational age at delivery and birth weight were significantly lower for twins complicated by an anomaly compared with control twins ( P = .008 and P = .001, respectively). The cesarean delivery and perinatal mortality rates of twin pregnancies with anomalies were significantly higher than those of normal twins ( P = .01 and P Conclusion The presence of a single anomalous fetus in a twin gestation significantly increases the risk of preterm delivery compared with nonanomalous twin gestations.
Light-aided digestion, grazing and growth in herbivorous protists

The effect of light on digestion, grazing and growth rates of herbivorous protists was studied in a series of laboratory experiments. Relative to complete darkness, bright light (900 µmol photons m -2 s -1 ) resulted in a 40-fold increase in food vacuole loss rates (a proxy for digestion) in the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans when fed phytoplankton prey. However, light had no effect on vacuole loss rate when N. scintillans was fed heterotrophic (non-pigmented) prey. Inges- tion rates of 2 ciliate species feeding on phytoplankton were enhanced by factors of 2 to 7 in moder- ate light relative to darkness, and one of the ciliates (the tintinnid Coxliella sp.) exhibited large light- dependent increases in population growth rate. At very low prey concentrations, the presence of light allowed modest growth (0.12 d -1 ) in populations that otherwise died rapidly (-0.46 d -1 ); at high prey concentrations, growth rate was nearly 20 times higher (0.36 vs 0.02 d -1 ) in light versus dark treat- ments. Light-aided growth at both low (subsaturating) and high (saturating) prey concentrations indi- cates that light affected both the extent of digestive breakdown and the rate of digestive throughput. A possible mechanism for the observed light enhancement is photooxidative breakdown of ingested organic matter in these nearly transparent grazers. Photooxidation may be sensitized by chlorophylls and phaeopigments in ingested cells, and should be favored by the oxygen- and lipid-rich environ- ment of phytoplankton chloroplasts. Light-aided digestion, ingestion and growth of protist grazers has important ecological implications, including the possible systematic underestimation of rates of protist herbivory and growth in laboratory experiments, which are typically conducted in dim light or darkness. In aquatic ecosystems, the spatial and temporal coupling of phytoplankton production and grazing losses by a single abiotic resource — light — should lead to reduced temporal variation in oceanic phytoplankton biomass, and may also influence prey selectivity by protists, the ocean's dominant herbivorous grazers.
VENUS ON THE SOFA: WOMEN, NEOCLASSICISM, AND THE EARLY AMERICAN REPUBLIC

What did early national Americans mean when they articulated fears of “luxury and effeminacy,” those twin sins of a republic that idolized the classical virtues of manly self-restraint? This essay argues that the fear of luxury and effeminacy circulated not just as airy metaphor but as palpable reality, specifically in the figure of the female recumbent on the sofa. The article traces separately the careers of Enlightenment Venus, who especially in her recumbent form embodied fears of passion in a republic built on reasoned consent, and the sofa, a piece of neoclassical furniture that rose to great popularity at this time and was envisioned as both effeminate and luxurious in fictional and nonfiction writing. The essay then joins the two figures of recumbent Venus and the sofa, showing how they were mutually enabling, and how they entered into early national conversations about labor and race. It concludes by examining how two educated American women, the self-described Roman matrons Mercy Otis Warren and Martha Bayard Smith, incorporated the image of the supine woman and her implied sofa into fictional writings about classical polities in danger. By knitting political ideologies, imaginative worlds, and neoclassical objects, the essay suggests a way for historians to flesh out the intellectual history of early national women, showing how they could participate in a conversation about modern politics and classical antiquity from which we have assumed they were largely disbarred.
A data set for validation of models of laser-induced incandescence from soot: temporal profiles of LII signal and particle temperature

We measured spectrally and temporally resolved laser-induced incandescence signals from flame-generated soot at laser fluences of 0.01–3.5 J/cm2 and laser wavelengths of 532 and 1,064 nm. We recorded LII temporal profiles at 681.8 nm using a fast-gated detector and a spatially homogeneous and temporally smooth laser profile. Time-resolved emission spectra were used to identify and avoid spectral interferences and to infer soot temperatures. Soot temperatures reach a maximum of 4,415 ± 65 K at fluences ≥0.2 J/cm2 at 532 nm and 4,424 ± 80 K at fluences ≥0.3 J/cm2 at 1,064 nm. These temperatures are consistent with the sublimation temperature of C2 of 4,456.59 K. At fluences above 0.5 J/cm2 at 532 nm, the measured spectra yield an apparent higher temperature after the soot has fully vaporized but well within the laser pulse. This apparent temperature elevation at high fluence is explained by fluorescence interferences from molecules present in the flame. We also measured 3-color LII temporal profiles at detection wavelengths of 451.5, 681.8, and 854.8 nm. The temperatures inferred from these measurements agree well with those measured using spectrally resolved LII. The data discussed in this manuscript are archived as electronic supplementary material.
Screening of Neonatal Calves for Persistent Infection with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus by Immunohistochemistry on Skin Biopsy Samples

Detection and elimination of cattle that are persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is important for controlling the transmission of this virus. Colostrum-derived antibodies make the detection of persistently BVDV-infected neonatal calves cumbersome and expensive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of immunohistochemical staining of skin biopsy samples from neonatal calves as a method for the early detection of persistent BVDV infection. Three hundred thirty-two 1- to 4-week-old dairy calves were screened for BVDV as part of a routine control program. Formalin-fixed skin biopsy samples were stained for BVDV antigen by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the results were compared to those of virus isolation (VI) from white blood cell preparations. Six calves were positive by both IHC and VI and remained positive for BVDV upon subsequent follow-up testing; thus, they were classified as persistently infected with BVDV. One calf was positive by VI but negative by IHC. On subsequent testing, the calf was negative by VI, suggesting that the initial VI result was due to an acute BVDV infection. One calf was positive by IHC but negative by VI. This calf remained negative by VI on follow-up testing. Immunohistochemical staining of skin biopsy samples is a reliable method for screening neonatal calves for persistent BVDV infection and would be a useful management tool as an aid for controlling and preventing BVDV infection.
Brain lactate by magnetic resonance spectroscopy during fulminant hepatic failure in the dog

A noninvasive test is needed to assess the severity of encephalopathy during fulminant hepatic failure. This feasibility study was designed to compare a noninvasive test, brain lactate measurement by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, with intracranial pressure monitoring in a large animal model of fulminant hepatic failure. Five dogs received an intraventricular catheter for intracranial pressure measurement. Liver injury was induced by intravenous bolus of D-galactosamine. Brain lactate concentrations were determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy for up to 48 hours after D-galactosamine administration (t = 0 hour). A dose of D-galactosamine exceeding 1.5 g/kg resulted in fulminant hepatic failure. Brain lactate levels increased to > 10 mmol/L in the two dogs that developed severe intracranial hypertension of > 50 mm Hg and sustained cerebral perfusion pressures of < 40 mm Hg. Both dogs experienced brain death, 42 and 48 hours after the administration of D-galactosamine. Brain lactate concentrations determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy were in agreement with brain tissue concentrations of lactate determined by high-performance liquid chromatography at necropsy. Plasma lactate concentrations were only mildly elevated (3.2 and 4.2 mmol/L) at the time of brain death. Elevated levels of brain lactate are associated with intracranial hypertension and poor neurological outcome during fulminant hepatic failure.
Strategic Restructuring and Outsourcing: The Effect of Mergers and Acquisitions and LBOs on Building Firm Skills and Capabilities

A conceptual framework examining the relationship between corporate restructuring and outsourcing of key value-adding activities to external suppliers and partners is presented. The model proposes that the restructuring process serves as a catalyst to a series of complex changes within the firm that make outsourcing an attractive alternative to internal investments in the development of new skills and capabilities. High levels of merger and acquisition activity, as well as leveraged buy-outs (LBOs), are expected to produce a diminished resource base for organizational learning and technology development. Continued reliance on outsourcing, in turn, can potentially “lock out” the firm from participating in future technologies and new industries.
Experimental validation of a theoretical framework to predict radiation force displacement of contrast agents

This research presents direct observations of the effect of radiation force on an individual microbubble over a single acoustic pulse. A model that accounts for the radial oscillation of the bubble, in addition to drag terms, which account for the translating and resonating bubble, is shown to accurately predict trends in observed displacement. A modified version of the Rayleigh-Plesset equation is used to estimate the radius-time behavior of insonified microbubbles. High-speed photography of insonified bubbles with a time resolution of 10 ns allows visualization of radial oscillations in addition to observations of translation due to radiation force. Displacement trends for the translation of microbubbles due to radiation force are accurately predicted by the model. Data indicate that with optimized center frequency, acoustic pressure, pulse length, and pulse-repetition frequency, radiation force has the potential to displace microbubbles large distances with clinical parameters. In addition, our results indicate that the effects of radiation force can influence the velocity of flowing contrast agents, creating a biased velocity estimate.
Ethical problems with bioidentical hormone therapy.

The term ‘bioidentical’ hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is widely misunderstood by the patient population and misrepresented in patient literature. Within the clinical community, BHRT is currently being prescribed by some as an ‘innovative therapy’ with no published evidence in peer-reviewed journals that it is better than the current standard of care; in at least one case, BHRT is being used as a study agent in unregulated and unethical research involving very high doses of estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, professional ethics problems abound within the prescribing population, since those claiming expertise and training in BHRT vary widely in competencies, may cross practice boundaries, and may have overt conflicts of interest if they are selling or promoting their own for-profit recipes of BHRT on commercial forums. Ultimately, BHRT presents clinical, research and professional ethics problems that are discussed in depth.
A log/sub 2/n parallel algorithm for the determinant of a tridiagonal matrix

A new parallel algorithm is presented for computing the determinant of a tridiagonal matrix. The algorithm is based on a divide-and-conquer strategy and has a parallel time complexity of O(log/sub 2/n). The algorithm is adaptive and the effect of the available number of processors on the computation time is studied on a simulated MIMD static dataflow machine. >
Morality and Legality

Hart distinguishes four general questions about the relation between morals and law (LLM, 1–4). First, what are the historical relations between the two? How have morals influenced law and vice versa? Second, does any analytical or necessary relation obtain between law and morals; that is, does the definition or concept of law involve a reference to morality or part of it? Third, is the law morally justifiable? This question concerns the moral criticism or evaluation of all or part of the law. Fourth, should law be used to enforce and support the positive morality of society? This chapter concerns the second problem. Resolving it involves settling one of Hart’s main problems in the philosophy of law, namely, the similarities and differences between legal and moral obligation.
Tremor severity and age: A cross-sectional, population-based study of 2,524 young and midlife normal adults†‡§

Mild action tremor occurs in most normal people. Yet this tremor mainly has been studied within the context of advanced age rather than among the vast bulk of adults who are not elderly. Whether this tremor worsens during young and middle age is unknown. Using cross-sectional data from a large population-based study of young and midlife normal adults (age range, 18-60 years), we assessed whether increasing age is associated with more severe action tremor. Two thousand five hundred and twenty-four adults in Araihazar, Bangladesh, drew an Archimedes spiral with each hand. Tremor in spirals was rated (0-3) by a blinded neurologist, and a spiral score (range, 0-6) was assigned. Spiral score was correlated with age (r = 0.06, P = .004). With each advancing decade, the spiral score increased (P = .002) so that the spiral score in participants in the highest age group (age 60) was approximately twice that of participants in the youngest age group (age 18-19); P = .003. In the regression model that adjusted for potential confounders (sex, cigarettes, medications, asthma inhalers, and tea and betel nut use), spiral score was associated with age (P = .0045). In this cross-sectional, population-based study of more than 2500 young and midlife normal adults, there was a clear association between age and tremor severity. Although the magnitude of the correlation coefficient was modest, tremor severity was higher with each passing decade. These data suggest that age-dependent increase in tremor amplitude is not restricted to older people but occurs in all adult age groups.
Post-translational Modifications of Recombinant Human Lysyl Oxidase-like 2 (rhLOXL2) Secreted from Drosophila S2 Cells

Human lysyl oxidase-like 2 (hLOXL2) is highly up-regulated in metastatic breast cancer cells and tissues and induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the first step of metastasis/invasion. hloxl2 encodes four N-terminal scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains and the highly conserved C-terminal lysyl oxidase (LOX) catalytic domain. Here, we assessed the extent of the post-translational modifications of hLOXL2 using truncated recombinant proteins produced in Drosophila S2 cells. The recombinant proteins are soluble, in contrast to LOX, which is consistently reported to require 2-6 m urea for solubilization. The recombinant proteins also show activity in tropoelastin oxidation. After phenylhydrazine derivatization and trypsin digestion, we used mass spectrometry to identify peptides containing the derivatized lysine tyrosylquinone cross-link at Lys-653 and Tyr-689, as well as N-linked glycans at Asn-455 and Asn-644. Disruption of N-glycosylation by site-directed mutagenesis or tunicamycin treatment completely inhibited secretion so that only small quantities of inclusion bodies were detected. The N-glycosylation site at Asn-644 in the LOX catalytic domain is not conserved in human LOX (hLOX), although the LOX catalytic domain of hLOX shares ∼50% identity and ∼70% homology with hLOXL2. The catalytic domain of hLOX was not secreted from S2 cells using the same expression system. These results suggest that the N-glycan at Asn-644 of hLOXL2 enhances the solubility and stability of the LOX catalytic domain.
Fault-tolerant computing on trees

The paper analyzes the fault-tolerance of complete binary tree networks. It shows how an N-mode tree subject to random failures can simulate a perfect, fault-free tree under different fault models. If edges fail with independent probability p >
Nonlinear Algebraic Equations

A solitary wave is the solution to a nonlinear boundary value problem. In the literature, these are often called “nonlinear eigenvalue” problems where the phase speed c is the eigenvalue and the shape of the wave u(X;c) is the eigenfunction. The theme of this chapter is: How to solve the discretized equivalent of such a nonlinear eigenproblem: a system of N nonlinear algebraic equations in N unknowns, depending continuously on an eigenparameter.
Competing Processes of Sibling Influence: Observational Learning and Sibling Deidentification

Although commonly cited as explanations for patterns of sibling similarity and difference, observational learning and sibling deidentification processes have rarely been examined directly. Using a person-oriented approach, we identified patterns in adolescents’ perceptions of sibling influences and connected these patterns to sibling similarities and differences and sibling relationship qualities. Participants included two adolescent-age siblings (firstborn age M = 16.39, second-born age M = 13.78) from 171 maritally intact families. Two-stage cluster analyses revealed three sibling influence profiles: modeling, deidentification, and non-reference. Analyses revealed differences in the correlations between firstborn and second-born siblings’ personal qualities across the three groups and differences in the sibling relationship qualities of younger siblings who reported modeling vs. those who reported deidentifying from their older siblings. Discussion focuses on refining the study of sibling influence processes.
Decision making, impulse control and loss of willpower to resist drugs: a neurocognitive perspective

Here I argue that addicted people become unable to make drug-use choices on the basis of long-term outcome, and I propose a neural framework that explains this myopia for future consequences. I suggest that addiction is the product of an imbalance between two separate, but interacting, neural systems that control decision making: an impulsive, amygdala system for signaling pain or pleasure of immediate prospects, and a reflective, prefrontal cortex system for signaling pain or pleasure of future prospects. After an individual learns social rules, the reflective system controls the impulsive system via several mechanisms. However, this control is not absolute; hyperactivity within the impulsive system can override the reflective system. I propose that drugs can trigger bottom-up, involuntary signals originating from the amygdala that modulate, bias or even hijack the goal-driven cognitive resources that are needed for the normal operation of the reflective system and for exercising the willpower to resist drugs.
A review of unilateral hearing loss and academic performance: is it time to reassess traditional dogmata?

Objective: The aim of this paper was to review traditional approaches to habilitation of unilateral hearing losses as well as new research concerning management of unilateral hearing loss. Data sources: Literature review/systematic review. Review methods: A PubMed search was performed for articles pertaining to unilateral hearing loss and academic loss and academic performance. Articles ranged in date from 1986 to 2012. Five resources were reviewed for content to determine the pertinence of the materials to the understanding of the history of diagnosis of unilateral hearing loss, the traditional treatment methods and their advantages and disadvantages, and more recent publications concerning academic outcomes for patients with unilateral hearing loss with and without treatment. Results: Unilateral hearing loss scan be detrimental to the academic success of children. Effects encompass not only auditory effects such as difficulty hearing in noise, but also self esteem and exhaustion. Although assistive devices were traditionally not offered as options, more recent literature suggests that devices such as BAHA, hearing aids, or FM systems may provide aids in the classroom and that early intervention may provide more favorable outcomes. Conclusion: Since the 1980s, the approach to management of unilateral hearing losses has evolved. In order to maximize academic potential, treatment options should be discussed and implemented. 2013 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Self-identities and BMI of minnesotan soy consumers and non-consumers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify self-identities among mainstream and natural foods shoppers and the relationship of these self-identities to soy consumption and BMI. We hypothesized that soy consumers (SCs) would have lower BMIs than non-consumers (NCs) and that persons who self-identify themselves as SCs, natural foods, organic foods, health conscious, whole foods consumers, and vegetarians would have higher intakes of soy. Research Methods and Procedures: A validated soy foods frequency questionnaire was administered to 298 adult mainstream and natural foods grocery store shoppers in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. An additional survey gathered information on consumers’ self-identification with several dietary and lifestyle descriptors. Principal component analysis was used to extract factors representing overarching self-identities. Correlation coefficients between derived scales for each factor and BMI and soy servings per week were generated using a Spearman correlation. One-way ANOVA was used to test significance between derived scales for factors and demographic variables and store type. Multiple regression models were used to test association between derived scales and BMI and soy servings per week while adjusting for demographic covariates. Results: Asians and those who shopped at natural food grocery stores consumed more soy foods and had lower BMIs than other ethnicities or those who shopped at mainstream grocery stores. Five overarching self-identities were found: vegetarian, mainstream, nouveau gourmet, pleasure, and bargain. Vegetarian and nouveau gourmet self-identities consumed significantly greater amounts of soy foods and had significantly lower BMIs, whereas mainstream self-identities consumed significantly less soy foods and had significantly higher BMIs. Discussion: Self-identities influence soy food consumption and BMI.
Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis of degenerative cartilage: an infrared fiber optic probe and imaging study.

A preliminary investigation into the diagnostic potential of an infrared fiber optic probe (IFOP) for evaluating degenerative human articular cartilage is described. Twelve arthritic human tibial plateaus obtained during arthroplasty were analyzed using the IFOP. Infrared spectra were obtained from IFOP contact with articular surface sites visually graded normal or degraded (Collins Scale grade 1 and grade 3, respectively). Comparisons of infrared spectral parameters (peak heights and areas) were made to elucidate spectral indicators of surface degeneration. IFOP spectral analysis revealed subtle but consistent changes between grades 1 and 3 sites. Infrared absorbance bands arising from type II collagen were observed to change with degradation. More degraded tissues exhibited increased amide II (1590–1480 cm−1)/1338 cm−1 area ratio (p = 0.034) and decreased 1238/1227 cm−1 peak ratio (p = 0.017); similar changes were seen with Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) analysis. Grades 1 and...
Polyphase Proterozoic deformation in the Four Peaks area, central Arizona, and relevance for the Mazatzal orogeny

For more than 25 yr, the Mazatzal orogeny has been a central component of virtually all tectonic models involving the Proterozoic rocks of the southwestern United States. Recent recognition that some sedimentary sequences and some major structures are Mesoproterozoic rather than Paleoproterozoic has led to new questions about the nature, even the existence, of the Mazatzal orogeny. This study aims to clarify the relationship between Mazatzal (ca. 1.65 Ga) and Picuris (ca. 1.45 Ga) orogenic activity. New U-Pb geochronology of variably deformed igneous and metasedimentary rocks constrains several periods of deformation at ca. 1.68 Ga, 1.66 Ga, and 1.49–1.45 Ga in the Four Peaks area of central Arizona. Detrital zircon analyses and field relationships indicate the deposition of a rhyolite-sandstone-shale assemblage at ca. 1.660 Ga with renewed deposition at 1.502–1.490 Ga and a significant disconformity, but no recognized angular unconformity, between these episodes. Three populations of monazite growth at 1.484 ± 0.003 Ga, 1.467 ± 0.004 Ga, and 1.457 ± 0.005 Ga indicate prolonged Mesoproterozoic metamorphism. The ca. 1.485 Ga population is associated with the formation of the Four Peaks syncline during Mesoproterozoic orogenesis and subsequent amphibolite-facies contact metamorphism. Rocks in the Four Peaks area record polyphase deformation, sedimentation, and plutonism from the Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic. Hf-isotopic data suggest the involvement of older, nonjuvenile crust. In this area, effects of the Mazatzal (ca. 1.65 Ga) and Picuris orogenies (ca. 1.49–1.45 Ga) are entwined and involved sedimentation, deformation, pluton emplacement, and pluton-enhanced metamorphism.
BioPartsBuilder: A synthetic biology tool for combinatorial assembly of biological parts

Summary: Combinatorial assembly of DNA elements is an efficient method for building large-scale synthetic pathways from standardized, reusable components. These methods are particularly useful because they enable assembly of multiple DNA fragments in one reaction, at the cost of requiring that each fragment satisfies design constraints. We developed BioPartsBuilder as a biologist-friendly web tool to design biological parts that are compatible with DNA combinatorial assembly methods, such as Golden Gate and related methods. It retrieves biological sequences, enforces compliance with assembly design standards and provides a fabrication plan for each fragment. Availability and implementation: BioPartsBuilder is accessible at http://public.biopartsbuilder.org and an Amazon Web Services image is available from the AWS Market Place (AMI ID: ami-508acf38). Source code is released under the MIT license, and available for download at https://github.com/baderzone/biopartsbuilder. Contact: ude.uhj@redab.leoj Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
First Impressions, Inc. (A)

Judy Wiles, president and owner of First Impressions, Inc., needs new ideas to market her temporary-food-service employment agency to lucrative private accounts in suburban Detroit. In the A case, Wiles, a member of a minority group, encounters overtly racist behavior, which spurs her to implement changes to her marketing plan. The B case (UVA-E-0176) supplies a new twist: Wiles decides to hire a white front man to represent the "public face" of her company. The A and B cases present an exciting forum to discuss the conflict between "values and profits," and the C case (UVA-E-0177) provides the dramatic epilogue.
Is a Clinical Target Volume (CTV) Necessary in the Treatment of Lung Cancer in the Modern Era Combining 4-D Imaging and Image-guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)?

Objective: We hypothesized that omission of clinical target volumes (CTV) in lung cancer radiotherapy would not compromise control by determining retrospectively if the addition of a CTV would encompass the site of failure. Methods: Stage II-III patients were treated from 2009-2012 with daily cone-beam imaging and a 5 mm planning target volume (PTV) without a CTV. PTVs were expanded 1 cm and termed CTVretro. Recurrences were scored as 1) within the PTV, 2) within CTVretro, or 3) outside the PTV. Locoregional control (LRC), distant control (DC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were estimated. Result: Among 110 patients, Stage IIIA 57%, IIIB 32%, IIA 4%, and IIB 7%. Eighty-six percent of Stage III patients received chemotherapy. Median dose was 70 Gy (45-74 Gy) and fraction size ranged from 1.5-2.7 Gy. Median follow-up was 12 months, median OS was 22 months (95% CI 19-30 months), and LRC at two years was 69%. Fourteen local and eight regional events were scored with two CTVretro failures equating to a two-year CTV failure-free survival of 98%. Conclusion: Omission of a 1 cm CTV expansion appears feasible based on only two events among 110 patients and should be considered in radiation planning.
The Leningrad Blockade, 1941–1944: A New Documentary History from the Soviet Archives by Bidlack, Richard and Lomagin, Nikita

Similar to the other volumes published in the Annals of Communism series, The Leningrad Blockade, 1941–1944 by Richard Bidlack and Nikita Lomagin offers a historical look into a specific aspect of ...
Contributions to the mathematical biophysics of organic form I. Formation of cavities in cellular aggregates

The action of diffusion forces in aggregates of metabolising cells is studied mathematically, and it is shown that under definite conditions these forces may lead to the formation of inner cavities inside of the cellular aggregate. Different quantitative relations are derived and the possible bearing of these results on some embryological phenomena is discussed. A possible application of these considerations to the theory of formation of vacuoles is also discussed.
Experimental Validation of Simultaneous Gust Alleviation and Energy Harvesting for Multifunctional Composite Wing Spars

Vibration suppression in flexible structures is becoming an important design problem to develop energy-autonomous systems powered using the harvested ambient energy. Reduced energy control laws are developed to address the trend towards autonomous ultra-light weight aerospace structures with limited energy supply. Experiments build upon recent advances in harvester, sensor and actuator technology that have resulted in thin, light-weight multi-layered composite wing spars. These beam like multifunctional spars are designed to be capable of alleviating wind gust of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using the harvested energy. Experimental results are presented for cantilever wing spars with micro-fiber composite transducers controlled by reduced energy controllers with a focus on two vibration modes. A reduction of 16dB and 11dB is obtained for the first and the second mode using the harvested ambient energy. This work demonstrates the use of reduced energy control laws for solving gust alleviation problems in small UAVs, provides the experimental verification details, and focuses on applications to autonomous light-weight aerospace systems.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Teaching Through Poultry Science Clubs

Abstract THE material presented here was derived from a survey conducted by correspondence during May and June, 1940, with the departments of poultry husbandry located in the United States. The purpose of this survey was to gather more detailed information as to the status and activities of poultry science clubs in the United States. MEMBERSHIP IN POULTRY SCIENCE CLUBS Reports received from 48 states showed that 24 of these states had organized poultry science clubs with a total of 756 members. Fourteen of these states reported a club membership of 30 or less. The largest membership reported was 60 and the smallest 12. A number of states reported that one general agricultural club sponsored all agricultural student affairs and therefore specialized clubs had not been organized. THE VALUE OF THE POULTRY SCIENCE CLUB IN TRAINING STUDENTS IN POULTRY HUSBANDRY The chairmen of departments of poultry husbandry, where students have had poultry . . .