cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelet-activating factor in sperm from fertile and subfertile men.

Study Objective To examine the proposed role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) as a mediator of sperm function first by quantitating the concentration of PAF in sperm and second by incubating sperm with PAF and assessing the change in sperm motion parameters with a computerized motion analysis system. Design Retrospective, case-control study. Setting University hospital urology clinic. Patients Concentrations of PAF were measured in sperm from 6 randomly chosen normal donors and 8 asthenozoospermic patients. The change in sperm motion parameters was assessed in sperm from 10 randomly chosen normal donors and 7 asthenozoospermic patients. Results Platelet-activating factor concentrations were significantly higher ( P 6 sperm) than in sperm from normal donors (91.9±13.0 fmol/10 6 sperm). Exogenous PAF did not enhance the percent motility of precapacitated or capacitated sperm from either patients or donors, and computerized semen analysis revealed no enhancement of sperm motion parameters in asthenozoospermic patients after addition of PAF to either precapacitated or capacitated sperm. Conclusion Platelet-activating factor does not appear to have therapeutic value as a means of enhancing sperm motility.
Lesbian Trinitarianism, Canine Catholicism: Michael Field

John Gray’s 1927 translation, O Beata Trinitas: the Prayers of St. Gertrude and St. Mechtilde, offers a glimpse into life in the thirteenth-century Benedictine community of Helfta in Germany. Mechtilde came to the abbey when she was seven, in 1248. In 1261, Gertrude was admitted as a child of five and placed in the care of Mechtilde. As Gray notes in the preface, There was a difference of fifteen years between the two saints, whose mystical experiences and utterances cannot be distinguished without minute attention to the text’ (Beata, 1). The works of Gertrude and Mechtilde are considered to be Divine revelations; their subject is ‘exclusively the truths imparted by the divine persons of the Blessed Trinity’ (Beata, 2). Gertrude was a sickly mystic; Gray hardly teases out which prayers were written by her and which by Mechtilde. Perhaps it was not clear to the translator either. The bulk of the two revelations was written by Gertrude. Mechtilde, some time after 1290, made known to her friend the divine favours which she had for years received; and Gertrude kept a record of these communications, at first unconfessed. From the year in which they began, 1281, Gertrude confided to Mechtilde the graces which she received from the divine Lord; and in 1289 committed her memories to writing. (Beata, 1–2).
Patient satisfaction with the clinical pharmacist and prescribers during hepatitis C virus management.

SummaryWhat is known and objectives Clinical pharmacists play an important role in the management of patients undergoing hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. No satisfaction surveys have been published on clinical pharmacist interventions in HCV management. The objective was to evaluate patient satisfaction with clinical pharmacist and prescriber services in the HCV patient population at an urban academic hepatology clinic. Methods An anonymous patient satisfaction survey was offered to patients who were initiating or receiving HCV treatment under the care of a clinical pharmacist. Survey items assessed demographics and satisfaction with HCV care. Satisfaction was assessed with 17 or 20 Likert-scale questions (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = okay, 4 = good, 5 = great) and two or three open-ended questions. Survey results were analysed via comparative and descriptive statistics. A qualitative content analysis was used for the open-ended survey questions. Results and discussion Sixty-four patients completed 77 (24 pharmacist and 53 prescriber) patient satisfaction surveys. The mean age was 53 (±9·72) years. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the pharmacist and prescribers. All 24 (100%) patients ranked overall satisfaction with services provided by pharmacists as ‘great’, and 36 (69%) of 52 patients ranked overall satisfaction with services provided by prescribers as ‘great’. Patients supported the inclusion of a clinical pharmacist on health care teams for other disease states. What is new and conclusion Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the clinical pharmacist involved in HCV treatment management at an urban academic medical centre. Clinical pharmacist services were highly valued and recommended by the patients surveyed. The survey was able to identify areas in need of improvement in the clinic. Clinical pharmacists play an important role in the treatment and management of HCV. This survey may serve as a model for assessment of satisfaction in other pharmacist-run clinic settings.
OR32 Potential role of loci in linkage disequilibrium with DRB1 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Aim Several polymorphic amino acids within the peptide-binding groove of the DR β 1 correlate with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease susceptibility and resistance. However, this genetic association accounts for only 60% of RA patients. We have previously demonstrated that susceptible RA alleles prefer binding citrullinated peptides, whereas resistant alleles prefer binding unmodified peptides. On the basis of the shared amino acid sequences in DRB1, several alleles ought to be equivalently susceptible (DRB1∗04:01 and DRB1∗01:01. However, DRB1∗04:01 is significantly more susceptible than DRB1∗01:01. DRB1∗04:01 is in tight linkage disequilibrium with DRB4∗01:01, but DRB1∗01:01 does not possess this linkage. The goal of this study is to examine the possible contribution of DRB4∗01:01 and other cis elements in the development of RA. Methods We measured binding of native and citrullinated forms of vimentin 66–78 ), α -enolase 11–25 and non-citrullinated type II collagen 259–273 , to alleles at loci in linkage disequilibrium with DRB1: DRB3, DRB4, and DRB5. Utilizing tetramers complexed with citrullinated vimentin peptide, we measured the number of T cells restricted to DRB1∗04:01 and DRB4∗01:01 specific for citrullinated vimentin in healthy subjects. Results DRB4∗01:01 exhibited a preference for binding citrullinated peptides over native. Other alleles in linkage disequilibrium with DRB1 exhibited no preference for citrullinated peptides. We observed significant expansion of T cells responding to citrullinated vimentin on DRB4∗01:01 Conclusions These observations suggest that the DRB4 locus may contribute to RA susceptibility and help to explain the differences in susceptibility among shared epitope alleles through a gene dose effect: expressing alleles DRB1∗04:01 and DRB4∗01:01 results in greater susceptibility than a single susceptible allele DRB1∗01:01. Download high-res image (93KB) Download full-size image
To tweet or 'subtweet'?

Subtweeting denotes using an SNS post to talk about another user behind his or her back in a public forum. This study investigates how others in the online environment view subtweeters and their messages. The experiment involved manipulating SNS posts in terms of directness of reference to another user (tweets versus subtweets) and valence of information (face-threatening versus face-giving messages). Results demonstrated that, overall, subtweets were perceived as lower in message competence, which led to less favorable interpersonal impressions of their sources. However, directness and valence interacted. Subtweeting led to less favorable impressions of face-giving posts, but more favorable impressions of face-threatening posts. Sources of direct, face-giving posts were rated most favorably. We present implications for Face Theory and politeness, and practical guidance for SNS users. Subtweets are rated lower in message competence, which leads to unfavorable impressions of source.SNS users who give versus threaten face are perceived more positively.Directness and valence interact to influence impressions of message and source.Onlookers prefer directness in face-giving messages and subtweets in face-threatening messages.Both on- and offline, people prefer off-record approaches to face threats.
Health locus of control as manifested in individuals attending a state-run medical dispensary in northern India.

ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs of patients and visitors at a free, state-run medical clinic in Faridabad, India, in order to establish a norm for this population and to explore potential associations between the different categories of causal health beliefs.Design: Participants (110 men, 96 women) were interviewed in Hindi and asked a shortened version of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale assessing both internal HLOC and three aspects of external HLOC (chance, powerful others, and God). Additional variables of interest included a Traditional Values Scale, a measure of spirituality, an assessment of health status, and demographic information including gender, age, employment status, and religion.Results: Participants rated the external-God factor as a stronger determinant of their health than the internal or other external HLOC factors. Internal HLOC was positively correlated with external HLOC in terms of chance and the role of powerful others...
CRT-800.44 Complex Left Appendage Morphology Is An Independent Risk Factor For Cryptogenic Stroke

The cause of cryptogenic stroke is unknown. Even long term rhythm monitoring has failed to reveal atrial fibrillation.We hypothesized that complex left atrial appendage morphology is independent risk factor for cryptogenic stroke. This is a single-center, retrospective case control study of
Standards for Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) Techniques within Manufacturing Operations

Abstract : Prognostics and health management (PHM) technologies reduce time and costs for maintenance of products or processes through efficient and cost-effective diagnostic and prognostic activities. These activities aim to provide actionable information to enable intelligent decision-making for improved performance, safety, reliability, and maintainability. Thoughtful PHM techniques can have a dramatic impact on manufacturing operations, and standards for PHM system development, data collection and analysis techniques, data management, system training, and software interoperability need to exist for manufacturing. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)conducted a survey of PHM-related standards applicable to manufacturing systems to determine the needs addressed by such standards, the extent of these standards, and any commonalities as well as potential gaps among the documents. Standards from various national and international organizations are summarized, including those from the International Electrotechnical Commission, the International Organization for Standardization, and SAE International. Finally, areas for future PHM-related standards development are identified.
Abstract 5258: Benzyl isothiocyanate prevents breast cancer-induced bone erosionin vivo

Bone is one of the metastatic sites for advanced breast cancer. Nearly 70% of breast cancer patients experience metastasis to bone due to enhanced osteoclastogenesis and formation of osteoclasts leading to bone resorption. We have shown previously that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a constituent of edible cruciferous vegetables such as garden cress, is a potent inhibitor of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The present study was designed to determine the effect of BITC on breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis. Co-culture of murine RAW 264.7 macrophages with human breast cancer cells resulted in genesis of osteoclasts in vitro that was suppressed significantly in the presence of BITC. Runx2, a transcription factor, is abnormally expressed in breast cancer and contributes to osteoclastogenesis by regulating receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). BITC treatment downregulated expression of Runx2 in breast cancer cells at the mRNA and protein levels. Osteoclastogenesis was increased in Runx2 overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas conditional knockdown of Runx2 in T47D cells attenuated this process. To determine the in vivo efficacy of BITC, MDA-MB-231-Luc cells were injected into the left ventricle of nude mice. BITC was administrated orally at 10 mg per kg body weight. Micro-CT X-ray analysis showed that bone metastases and erosion was decreased by about 50% upon BITC treatment when compared with vehicle control. Cathepsin K and total RANKL levels were lower in the plasma of BITC-treated mice when compared to the control group. Altogether, this study demonstrates, for the first time, that BITC is a potent inhibitor of breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis in vivo. This study was supported by the grant RO1 CA129347-09 awarded by the national Cancer Institute. Citation Format: Subrata K. Pore, Shivendra V. Singh. Benzyl isothiocyanate prevents breast cancer-induced bone erosion in vivo [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5258. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5258
Enzyme cascades in biofuel cells

Summary Enzymatic biofuel cells are a class of fuel cells that utilize oxidoreductase proteins to catalyze the oxidation of fuel and/or the reduction of oxygen. Although biofuel cell cathodes typically utilize a single enzyme system, enzyme cascades are frequently necessary in biofuel cell anodes to enable deep or complete oxidation of fuels, since most oxidase and dehydrogenase enzymes only catalyze two-electron oxidation of substrates. Herein, we detail a summary of all the significant advancements made using enzyme cascades in recent years. We present examples of natural, non-natural and hybrid enzyme cascades that have been used in biofuel cells and hybrid fuel cells, and classified them either as linear, cyclic, random sequential or parallel cascades. We conclude by discussing the future directions that are necessary to the field.
Spatial indices of repolarization correlate with non-ST elevation myocardial ischemia in patients with chest pain

Background Mild-to-moderate ischemia does not generally result in ST segment elevation on the ECG, but rather it frequently results in non-specific, dynamic changes in the T wave. These repolarization changes are frequently considered non-diagnostic for ischemia, warranting further diagnostics that are costly and time-consuming. Robust methods to quantify such T wave heterogeneity can have immediate clinical applications. We sought to evaluate the effects of spontaneous ischemia on the evolution of spatial T wave changes in patients undergoing nuclear cardiac imaging for evaluating intermittent chest pain. Methods We recruited non-traumatic chest pain patients (> 30 years old) referred for 2-stage, stress-rest, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans to rule out focal myocardial ischemia. At baseline, consented subjects underwent 5-min, 12-lead ECG recordings using high-fidelity, digital ECG Holters (H12 + recorders, 1,000 s/s, 0.05–300 Hz, Mortara Instrument). Subjects then underwent a symptom-limited cardiac stress test with an abrupt recovery protocol (lying down supine when reaching peak test), where we recorded another 5-min peak-stress/recovery ECG while in supine position. After excluding those with LBBB or pacing, spatial variations in repolarization were quantified using T wave complexity (TWC) based on the eigenvalues of the spatial correlation matrix of the ECG (ratio of second to first eigenvalues of repolarization). Calculations were based on 10-second averaged beats, and we computed an ischemia change index based on the relative variation in TWC during peak stress to the normal variability observed in baseline recording. Results Our sample included 30 males and 20 females aged 63 ± 11 years. One in five patients developed mild-to-moderate ischemia on their stress SPECT scans. Although there were no differences in TWC values between groups at baseline, significant changes in TWC were seen during the entire peak-stress/recovery period in patients with active ischemia (n = 10), but not in those with negative ischemia (n = 40). Using a support vector machine model based on the ischemia change index, we predicted pre-SPECT probability of ischemia with a sensitivity of 0.8571 and specificity of 0.8000. Interestingly, we also observed that the magnitude of change in the ischemic index followed a pattern that depends on the severity of ischemia (greater dispersion with moderate ischemia) and the anatomic distribution of ischemic region (greater dispersion with LAD and LCX disease). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that ischemia-induced changes in T wave morphology can be meaningfully quantified from the surface 12-lead ECG, suggesting an important opportunity for improving diagnostics in patients with chest pain.
The Importance of Soil and Geology in Tasting Terroir with a Case History from the Willamette Valley, Oregon

Wines differ from each other based on seven different factors: the type of grape, the bedrock geology and resulting soils, the climate, the soil hydrology, the physiography of the site, the winemaker, and the vineyard management techniques. The first five of these factors make up what the French call terroir, “the taste of the place.” An important process is the bedrock weathering into soils which then liberate chemical nutrients to the grape vines. Twelve of the sixteen essential elements for wine grapes come from the soil. Soil physical characteristics, such as soil depth, pH, drainage, salinity, color, and particle size, can affect the quality of grapes. Control of vigor in the plants is so important and is accomplished through irrigation or the use of poor soils. Certain grapes do better on different soils; therefore, it is apparent that all around the world, the geology and soils make up an important component of the terroir of the wine. In the Willamette Valley of Oregon in the United States, the terroir is strongly influenced by the bedrock geology and soils. The two dominant groups are the volcanic soils, the Jory Series, which developed on the Columbia River Basalts, and the Willakenzie Series, which developed on uplifted marine sedimentary rocks in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. The wines made from the grapes of these two soils are very different – so different that the Willamette Valley AVA has been subdivided into six new American Viticultural Areas based primarily on terroir.
Generalized One-Sided Laws for the Larger Observations of a Triangular Array

Consider independent and identically distributed random variables {X,X nj , 1≤j≤n,n≥1} with density f(x)=px −p−1 I(x≥1), where p>0. We show that there exist unusual generalized Laws of the Iterated Logarithm involving the larger order statistics from our array.
Adenomyoma causing gastric outlet obstruction

Abstract We report an adenomyoma in a 15-year-old girl with an obstructing pyloric mass. Histologic examination of the resected specimen showed irregular glands and smooth muscle cells consistent with adenomyoma. Our review of the literature showed seven other similar pediatric cases where these hamartomas mimic the presentation of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis as well as duplication cysts radiographically and are difficult to biopsy endoscopically. While rare, gastric adenomyomas are benign but require complete surgical resection for diagnostic clarity and therapeutic resolution of obstruction.
Is native quantitative thought concretized in linguistically privileged ways? A look at the global picture.

This work investigates whether reference in speech to certain quantities, namely 1, 2, and 3, is privileged linguistically due to our brain’s native quantitative capacities. It is suggested that th...
Wavelet Analysis of RTS Noise in CMOS Image Sensors Irradiated With High-Energy Photons

This article explores the phenomenon of dark current random telegraph signal (DC-RTS) noise in commercial off-the-shelf CMOS image sensors. Five sensors were irradiated with high-energy photons to a variety of doses and analyzed with a wavelet-based signal reconstruction algorithm. The algorithm is explained in detail and the radiation effects on individual pixels are discussed. Finally, the production rate of RTS pixels as a function of dose is explored, providing information on the underlying defect structure responsible for this noise source.
“Exploring Your World, Exploring Other Cultures:” How Neocoloniality and Neoliberalism Inform U.S. Education Abroad Programs

Using critical discourse analysis, we research how study abroad programs within U.S. universities create and reinforce discourses on the nature of higher education, citizenship, socioeconomic equit...
Ankle Joint Cartilage Pathology and Repair

Symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) often require surgical treatment. Surgical interventions can be broadly divided into reparative procedures and replacement procedures. Reparative techniques include bone marrow stimulation, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation, while replacement techniques include osteochondral autograft and allograft transplantation. More recently, biological adjuncts and scaffolds have been shown to have promising evidence and may be utilized alongside surgery to improve healing potential. This chapter reviews the current evidence for surgical management and use of biological adjuncts for the treatment of OLT.
Liquid-Phase Peak Force Infrared Microscopy for Chemical Nanoimaging and Spectroscopy.

Peak force infrared (PFIR) microscopy is an emerging atomic force microscopy that bypasses Abbe’s diffraction limit in achieving chemical nanoimaging and spectroscopy. The PFIR microscopy mechanica...
Synergism between local- and landscape-level pesticides reduces wild bee floral visitation in pollinator-dependent crops

The hazard pesticides pose to pollinators are well‐understood from laboratory studies. However, the field‐level response of pollinators to pesticide use in agroecosystems is not well‐established, nor is it clear if synergisms between pesticides affect pollinator visitation to crops. Here, we evaluated if fungicide and insecticide use posed a hazard to wild and honeybees at 87 cucurbit—pumpkin, cucumber, watermelon—farms in the Midwestern United States. We also evaluated if synergisms between local‐ (i.e. focal cucurbit field) and landscape‐level (i.e. surrounding crops) pesticide use influence wild and honeybee visitation to crop flowers. We found that bees were exposed to pesticides above regulatory levels of concern and that synergisms between a few local insecticides and landscape‐level fungicides reduced wild bee visitation to cucurbit flowers. Honey and bumblebee visitation to crops was not strongly influenced by synergisms between pesticides used at the local and landscape level. Synthesis and applications. We found pesticides posed hazards to honey and wild bee species. However, pesticides were less likely to affect short‐term visitation rates of honeybees compared with wild bee species. Thus, there is a need for changes in pesticide use at large spatial scales to reduce reliance on honeybees and maximize wild bee visitation to pollinator‐dependent crops. We suggest that a multifaceted approach, involving collaborations between farmers, consumers and policymakers, will be fruitful to promote changes in pesticide use and wild bee pollinators.
Biotemplating of a Highly Porous Cellulose–Silica Composite from Apium graveolens by a Low-Toxicity Sol–Gel Technique

A sol–gel biotemplating technique for the creation of a cellulose–silica composite from Apium graveolens (Pascal celery) has been investigated. The sol–gel biotemplating technique was inspired by pH catalyzed methods used for the creation of hydrogels. This technique did not require the use of highly toxic chemicals or an elevated temperature, and therefore is more environmentally friendly than existing biotemplating techniques. The resulting cellulose–silica composites were geometrically similar to the templated live celery, demonstrating permeability under gas flow at elevated pressure, and the elastic modulus and ultimate compressive strength (UCS) increased by 15.05 × 104% and 3880%, respectively, when compared to live celery. The lack of toxic chemicals or elevated temperature, and the dramatic increase in modulus and UCS provide a low-toxicity alternative to harness the complex and multiscale structure and porosity of organic tissues in bioinspired materials.
Forging paths to interdisciplinary research for early career academics

Interdisciplinary research is a promising approach to generate innovative solutions to real-world problems and create social value, yet it is a risky choice for early career academics (ECAs). This ...
Research on Dynamic Reconfiguration of Distribution Network Based on Reconfiguration Effectiveness

Aiming at the problem of the heavy curtailment of wind and solar power under the high permeability of renewable energy, a dynamic reconfiguration strategy for improving the distribution network’s ability of accepting renewable distributed generation (RDG) is proposed. Firstly, according to the predicted unconstrained output of RDG, static reconfiguration is carried out with the goal of maximizing output of RDG in each unit time period, and multiple optimal network structures in each period are extracted to form an optimal switch set to expand the search space. Secondly, the concept of reconfiguration effectiveness is proposed based on the amount of increase in the average output of RDG, which guides the dynamic partition of time intervals. At the same time, in order to satisfy the constraint of switching operation times, the selection of the optimal network structure is carried out during dynamic partition of time intervals, and the improved bacterial foraging algorithm (IBFA) based on adaptive adjustment of optimization direction is proposed to solve this problem. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the modified PG&E69-bus system.
E-liquids and vanillin flavoring disrupts retinoic acid signaling and causes craniofacial defects in Xenopus embryos.

Abstract Environmental teratogens such as smoking are known risk factors for developmental disorders such as cleft palate. While smoking rates have declined, a new type of smoking, called vaping is on the rise. Vaping is the use of e-cigarettes to vaporize and inhale an e-liquid containing nicotine and food-like flavors. There is the potential that, like smoking, vaping could also pose a danger to the developing human. Rather than waiting for epidemiological and mammalian studies, we have turned to an aquatic developmental model, Xenopus laevis, to more quickly assess whether e-liquids contain teratogens that could lead to craniofacial malformations. Xenopus, like zebrafish, has the benefit of being a well-established developmental model and has also been effective in predicting whether a chemical could be a teratogen. We have determined that embryonic exposure to dessert flavored e-liquids can cause craniofacial abnormalities, including an orofacial cleft in Xenopus. To better understand the underlying mechanisms contributing to these defects, transcriptomic analysis of the facial tissues of embryos exposed to a representative dessert flavored e-liquid vapor extract was performed. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in these embryos revealed several genes associated with retinoic acid metabolism or the signaling pathway. Consistently, retinoic acid receptor inhibition phenocopied the craniofacial defects as those embryos exposed to the vapor extract of the e-liquid. Such malformations also correlated with a group of common differentially expressed genes, two of which are associated with midface birth defects in humans. Further, e-liquid exposure sensitized embryos to forming craniofacial malformations when they already had depressed retinoic acid signaling. Moreover, 13-cis-retinoic acid treatment could significantly reduce the e-liquid induced malformation in the midface. Such results suggest the possibility of an interaction between retinoic acid signaling and e-liquid exposure. One of the most popular and concentrated flavoring chemicals in dessert flavored e-liquids is vanillin. Xenopus embryos exposed to this chemical closely resembled embryos exposed to dessert-like e-liquids and a retinoic acid receptor antagonist. In summary, we determined that e-liquid chemicals, in particular vanillin, can cause craniofacial defects potentially by dysregulating retinoic acid signaling. This work warrants the evaluation of vanillin and other such flavoring additives in e-liquids on mammalian development.
Coulda Nietzsche Shoulda

This paper argues that Richardson’s interpretation of Nietzsche’s account of evaluative privilege doesn’t work, and that the project that depends on it fails.
Reduction of Phytic Acid in Soybean Products Improves Zinc Bioavailability in Rats

The inhibitory effect of phytic acid in soybean products on zinc bioavailability was evaluated in two experiments in rats. In Experiment 1, soybean flours containing different natural phytic acid levels produced by sand culture techniques that limited phosphorus during growth of the soybean plants were formulated into diets. The rats fed a higher phytic acid level diet had lower food intake, depressed weight gain, and lower tibia zinc gain (P < 0.05). A negative, linear relationship between tibia zinc gain and dietary phytic acid level was found. In Experiment 2, two commercially produced soybean isolates containing either normal phytic acid level or a reduced level were formulated into diets. Slope ratio analysis revealed that relative zinc bioavailability from phytic acid-containing soybean isolate-based diets was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared with control diets. Reduced phytic acid soybean isolate-containing diets resulted in a significant increase of zinc bioavailability compared with normal phytic acid diets (P < 0.01). These results coupled with other reports indicate that phytic acid is the primary inhibitory factor in soybean products that results in reduced zinc bioavailability and that phytate reduction in soybean protein increases zinc bioavailability.
In der Grundschule werden die Weichen gestellt

Die motorische Entwicklung ist ein bedeutender Faktor der kindlichen Gesamtentwicklung. Anlasslich der empirisch bestatigten Abnahme motorischer Fahigkeiten bereits im Grundschulalter wurden von Sommer 2008 bis Sommer 2009 in halbjahrlichem Abstand 6 Klassen an Augsburger Grundschulen mittels des Deutschen Motorik-Tests (DMT) untersucht. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, mittels Regressionsanalysen aus endogen- und exogen-variablen Einflussfaktoren einen Risikofaktor fur reduzierte sportmotorische Leistungsfahigkeit (RF-RSL) zu entwickeln. Zusatzlich wurden im Rahmen einer langsschnittlichen Analyse die Leistungsentwicklungen der Kinder im DMT naher beleuchtet, um den Einfluss des RF-RSL differenziert zu betrachten. Die Ergebnisse der Studie verdeutlichen, dass das Grundschulalter eine weichenstellende Phase fur eine altersgemase motorische Entwicklung ist. Wenn Kinder ubergewichtig sind, ein Bildschirmmedium (Fernseher, Computer, Spielkonsole) im eigenen Zimmer haben und gleichzeitig nicht am organisierten Sport teilnehmen, gehoren sie der Risikogruppe fur RSL an, die bereits im zeitlich begrenzten Verlauf der Grundschulzeit hinter ihren Altersgenossen zuruckbleibt.
Emission spectra of the noble-gas halides: the B12A12 system

Abstract The B 1 2 —A 1 2 transition has been detected in the emission spectra of ArBr, KrBr, Krl and XeI at low pressure. Comparison with the well-known /ldB–X” continua implies that, in many cases, the latter is heavily overlapped by C 3 2 —A 3 2 emission.
Signaling Theory, Strategic Interaction, and Symbolic Capital.

Signaling theory provides an opportunity to integrate an interactive theory of symbolic communication and social benefit with materialist theories of individual strategic action and adaptation. This article examines the potential explanatory value of signaling theory for a variety of anthropological topics, focusing on three social arenas in which signaling might plausibly be important: unconditional generosity, wasteful subsistence behavior, and artistic or craft traditions. In each case, it outlines the ways in which the phenomena correspond with the expectations of signaling theory by showing how a given pattern of action might signal particular hidden attributes, provide benefits to both signaler and observers, and meet the conditions for honest communication. The ethnographic evidence suggests that the fundamental conditions for reliable signaling of conditiondependent qualities may exist in many social domains. It appears that signaling theory has considerable promise for generating novel and powerf...
Plasmids of Shigella dysenteriae Y6R: a Defective Col Factor

Abstract The six plasmids of Shigella dysenteriae Y6R were separated by sucrose gradients into five fractions containing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), having contour lengths (expressed in units equal to the fraction of the length of the replicative form of X174), respectively, of 0.29, 0.35, 0.74, 1.08, and a mixture of 5.7 and 7.2. DNA-DNA hybridization on nitrocellulose filters between each of the plasmids and between plasmid-free S. dysenteriae Y6R host DNA and plasmids was investigated. There was a high degree of homology between the 0.29- and 0.35-unit plasmids. No significant homology was found between any of the other pairs of plasmids. Homologous DNA to the extent of 2.4 copies of the 1.08-unit plasmid was found in the host genome. Homology between the other plasmids and the host genome is very slight, but appears to be significant. About 0.7 of the 1.08-unit plasmid is homologous to the ColE1 factor of Escherichia coli JC411 (ColE1). This plasmid may be defective ColE1 factor with the immunity function intact, but with a defect in the gene leading to the production of active colicin. Electron microscope examination of heteroduplexes formed between the two smallest plasmids and between the 1.08-unit plasmid and the ColE1 factor yielded independent determinations of the extent of homology in agreement with the values determined by hybridization. In the latter case, two nonhomologous regions of substitution of DNA were detected.
Population and Society: “We Are All Population Actors”: An Introduction to Demography

INTRODUCTION This book introduces you to the study of demography . What is demography? It is the systematic and scientific study of human populations. The word demography comes from the Greek words δημοσ ( demos ) for population and γραϕια ( graphia ) for “description” or “writing,” thus the phrase, “writings about populations.” The term demography is believed to have first been used in 1855 by the Belgian statistician Achille Guillard in his book Elements of Human Statistics or Comparative Demography (Borrie, 1973: 75; Rowland, 2003: 16). There is fair agreement among demographers (Hauser and Duncan, 1959; McFalls, 2003; Micklin and Poston, 2005; Pressat, 1985; Rowland, 2003) about the objectives and definition of demography. Demography is the social science that studies 1) the size, composition, and distribution of the human population of a given area at a specific point in time; 2) changes in population size and composition; 3) the components of these changes ( fertility , mortality , and migration); 4) the factors that affect these components; and 5) the consequences of changes in population size, composition, and distribution, or in the components themselves. Demography may be defined as the scientific study of the size, composition, and distribution of human populations and their changes resulting from fertility, mortality, and migration. Demography is concerned with how large (or small) populations are; how populations are composed according to age, sex, race, marital status, and other characteristics; and how populations are distributed in physical space (e.g., how urban and rural they are) (Bogue, 1969).
The effect of subcutaneous fat on myoelectric signal amplitude and cross-talk.

The effect of subcutaneous fat on myoelectric signal amplitude and cross-talk was studied using finite element (FE) models of electromyogram (EMG) signal propagation. A FE model of the upper arm consisted of skin, fat, muscle and bone tissues in concentric layers. Single muscle fibre action potentials were simulated for muscle fibres at a variety of depths and combined to simulate surface EMG interference patterns. As fat layers of 3, 9 and 18mm were added to the model, the RMS (root mean square) amplitude of the surface EMG signal directly above the centre of the active muscle decreased by 31.3, 80.2 and 90.0%, respectively. Similarly, surface EMG cross-talk above the region of inactive muscle increased as the fat layer thickness increased. The surface EMG RMS amplitude fell below 5% of its value above the centre of the muscle at 14°, 17°, 34° and 47° from the edge of the active muscle with fat layers of 0, 3, 9 and 18mm, respectively. An additional model was developed with the subcutaneous fat layer thi...
Single umbilical artery ligation-induced fetal growth retardation : effect on postnatal adaptation

To assess whether prolonged intrauterine stress and resultant fetal growth retardation result in depletion of adrenal catecholamines and alter the adrenergic signal transduction system, we studied newborn sheep after single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL)-induced growth retardation. The animals were delivered at term, and postnatal cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, and metabolic responses were measured. We also evaluated the status of myocardial and pulmonary beta-adrenergic receptor number and function. SUAL caused significant growth retardation but relative preservation of brain and adrenal gland weight and adrenal catecholamine content. Blood pressure, plasma free fatty acid, and glucose responses at birth were blunted in SUAL animals. The plasma epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine levels were comparable in both groups for the first 2 h of age. By 4 h, both plasma concentration and plasma appearance rate of Epi were reduced to 40% of control in SUAL animals (P less than 0.05). Neither beta-receptor density, affinity, nor adenylate cyclase activity were altered by SUAL in either cardiac or pulmonary membranes. These results suggest that, rather than overt depletion, there is relative sparing of initial adrenal medullary function that later waned. This response and preservation of the beta-adrenergic signal transduction system may represent partial compensation for the physiological stress induced by SUAL.
The social–psychological bases of anticonsumption attitudes

This article proposes that the increasing number of individuals voluntarily reducing their levels of consumption may be motivated by underlying social–psychological stress related to living in a consumer society. Of the three primary motivational bases of the self (esteem, efficacy, and authenticity), it is argued that only self-esteem and self-efficacy can be acquired through consumption. The current growth of the voluntary simplicity movement, it is argued, is among those individuals who have met the need for esteem and efficacy through consumption, but have failed to achieve a sense of authenticity. Evidence from interviews with participants in the voluntary simplicity movement is presented in support of this proposition. Anticonsumption attitudes, it is concluded, result from a process of self-inquiry triggered by the failure to feel authentic through one's consumption activities. Implications of anticonsumption attitudes in reaction to consumer culture are discussed. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Concurrent immune thrombocytopenic purpura and guillain-barre syndrome in a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are autoimmune disorders caused by impaired self-tolerance mechanisms triggered by interaction between genetic and environmental factors. ITP is an immune-mediated destruction of platelets resulting in mucocutaneous bleeding, GBS is an ascending motor paralysis caused by an inflammatory demyelination of peripheral nerves, and HT is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland. The concurrent development of ITP and GBS has only rarely been reported in the literature, and GBS itself rarely occurs with other autoimmune disorders. We present a 21 year-old patient with known Hashimoto's hypothyroidism that simultaneously developed GBS and ITP after an upper respiratory tract infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of these three autoimmune disorders in the same patient. This points to a possible common genetic predisposition to these disorders.
Linear Fourier and Iteration-Delay Analysis of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Problem During Execution

The basic equations for the Fourier error analysis are developed and then applied to the scalar conservation equation of a sample computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problem in which variables are continuously updated. The analysis helps explain basic features of numerical stability. When divergence and neutral stability are encountered, Fourier analysis provides insight into the emergence and location of the instability, but is not by itself found to be a sufficient indicator of the existence of numerical instability. Further analysis of central differencing cases is made using a variation on time-delay reconstruction, from chaos theory.
Normal Palmar Tilt: is Dorsal Tilting Really Normal?:

Palmar tilt measured on true lateral radiographs of 100 normal wrists revealed that dorsal palmar tilt is not found in the normal adult, and women generally have a larger palmar tilt (average 12.4°) than men (average 9.3°).
Overlapping, but not identical, discriminative stimulus effects of the neuroactive steroid pregnanolone and ethanol.

Many behavioral effects of neuroactive steroids are mediated by GABAA receptors; however, other receptors might be involved. Ethanol has a complex mechanism of action, and many of the same receptors have been implicated in the effects of neuroactive steroids and ethanol. The goal of this study was to determine whether actions of neuroactive steroids and ethanol at multiple receptors result in similar discriminative stimulus effects. Rats discriminated 5.6 mg/kg of pregnanolone while responding under a fixed-ratio 20 schedule of food presentation. Pregnanolone, flunitrazepam and pentobarbital produced > 80% pregnanolone-lever responding. In contrast, neither morphine nor the negative GABAA modulator β-CCE substituted for pregnanolone up to doses that markedly decreased response rates. Ethanol substituted only in some rats; in other rats, ethanol produced < 20% pregnanolone-lever responding up to rate-decreasing doses. Thus, substitution of positive GABAA modulators, and not morphine or β-CCE, for pregnanolone in all rats suggests that positive modulation of GABAA receptors is important in the discriminative stimulus effects of pregnanolone. Although pregnanolone might have actions at other receptors, in addition to actions at GABAA receptors, substitution of ethanol for pregnanolone only in some rats suggests that the mechanisms of action of pregnanolone and ethanol overlap, but are not identical.
Use of Q-GERT Network Simulation in Reliability Analysis

Reliability analysis for all but the simplest systems often is unmanageable. This paper proposes Q-GERT simulation for such analysis. Q-GERT as opposed to the original GERT analysis, is a relatively easier networking model. Thus, determining the reliability of both simple and complex systems from individual component test data lends itself quite readily to Q-GERT analysis. Although the examples are rather simple, mathematically tractable systems, it is possible to extend Q-GERT procedures to more complex systems. The probability distributions for these more complex systems may be either user defined or may be chosen from any one of 11 different predefined functions. The only requirement for the use of Q-GERT is that input data describing the model be provided by the analyst. The basic format of the Q-GERT model facilitates this description of the input network. Thus, Q-GERT is a useful tool for analyzing complex systems and facilitates analysis where the mathematical calculations are either intractable or very complex.
Improved scatter correction for x-ray conebeam CT using primary modulation

Recently, we proposed a scatter correction method for x-ray imaging using primary modulation. A primary modulator with spatially variant attenuating materials is inserted between the x-ray source and the object to make the scatter and part of the primary distributions strongly separate in the Fourier domain. Linear filtering and demodulation techniques suffice to extract and correct the scatter for this modified system. The method has been verified by computer simulations and preliminary experimental results on a simple object. In this work, we improve performance by using a new primary modulator with a higher modulation frequency and by refining the algorithm. The improved method is evaluated experimentally using a pelvis phantom. The imaging parameters are chosen to match the Varian Acuity CT simulator, where scatter correction has been shown to be challenging due to complicated artifact patterns. The results using our approach are compared with those without scatter correction, and with scatter estimated and corrected using a slit measurement as a pre-scan. The comparison shows that the primary modulation method greatly reduces the scatter artifacts and improves image contrast. Using only one single scan, this method achieves CT HU accuracy comparable to that obtained using a slit measurement as a pre-scan.
Recent changes in aggregate fire loss indices

The objective of this article concerns the relative position of the various countries, as related to fire loss comparisons. The World Health Organization values appear to present the most consistent basis for comparison among a wide group of nations.
Chemical-Specific Representation of Air-Soil Exchange and Soil Penetration in Regional Multimedia Models

In multimedia mass-balance models, the soil compartment is an important sink as well as a conduit for transfers to vegetation and shallow groundwater. Here a novel approach for constructing soil transport algorithms for multimedia fate models is developed and evaluated. The resulting algorithms account for diffusion in gas and liquid components; advection in gas, liquid, or solid phases; and multiple transformation processes. They also provide an explicit quantification of the characteristic soil penetration depth. We construct a compartment model using three and four soil layers to replicate with high reliability the flux and mass distribution obtained from the exact analytical solution describing the transient dispersion, advection, and transformation of chemicals in soil layers with different properties but a fixed boundary condition at the air-soil surface. The soil compartment algorithms can be dynamically linked to other compartments (air, vegetation, groundwater, surface water) in multimedia fate models. We demonstrate and evaluate the performance of the algorithms in a model with applications to benzene, benzo[a]pyrene, MTBE, TCDD, and tritium.