cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Forages in the Laboratory. I. Comparative Accuracy of Several Methods

Summary Eleven forages of known digestibility, as determined in conventional digestibility trials with animals, were used to compare several laboratory methods for the nutritive evaluation of forages. An artificial rumen method, in which the fermentation of forage carbohydrate was measured, yielded estimates of TDN significantly correlated with the animal digestibility data. However, these TDN estimates were consistently low. The values for digestible laboratory nutrients (DLN) were not significantly correlated with any of the animal data studied. TDN values estimated from partial regression coefficients used in connection with the chemical composition of forages were significantly correlated with animal digestion coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, and energy, but were not significantly correlated with animal TDN. Forage cellulose digestion in the artificial rumen was closely related to the in vivo digestibility, being significantly correlated with TDN as well as digestion coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, and energy.
Characteristics of Large-Scale Birkeland Currents in the Cusp and Polar Regions

Particle observations from satellites acquired over a decade ago confirmed the presence of the dayside cusp regions (Heikkila and Winningham, 1971; Frank, 1971). Later studies showed that a wide variety of phenomena was associated with the cusps, including auroral emissions (Meng 1981), kilometric radiation (Alexander and Kaiser, 1977), ULF-ELF noise (Gurnett and Frank, 1978), ionospheric disturbances (Greenwald 1982). and Birkeland currents (Iijima and Potemra, 1976a). The fact that large scale Birkeland currents flow into and away from the cusps has been confirmed by several satellite experiments. Their locations, intensities, and flow directions are closely related to the orientation and magnitude of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The characteristics of cusp-region Birkeland currents and their relationships to the IMF, polar convection, ionospheric currents, and ULF-VLF waves are reviewed here. The characteristics of a new large-scale Birkeland current system (referred to as the “NBZ” system) in the dayside polar region which intensifies during periods of strongly northward IMF are also reviewed.
Filarial infection modulates the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis through expansion of CD4+ IL-4 memory T cells

Exaggerated CD4 + T helper 2–specific cytokine producing memory T cell responses developing concomitantly with a T helper 1 response might have a detrimental role in immunity to infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis . To assess the dynamics of Ag-specific memory T cell compartments in the context of filarial infection, we used multiparameter flow cytometry on PBMCs from 25 microfilaremic filarial-infected (Inf) and 14 filarial-uninfected (Uninf) subjects following stimulation with filarial Ag (BmA) or with the M. tuberculosis– specific Ag culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10). Our data demonstrated that the Inf group had a marked increase in BmA-specific CD4 + IL-4 + cells (median net frequency compared with baseline [Fo] = 0.09% versus 0.01%; p = 0.038) but also to CFP-10 (Fo = 0.16% versus 0.007%; p = 0.04) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (Fo = 0.49% versus 0.26%; p = 0.04). The Inf subjects showed a BmA-specific expansion of CD4 + CD45RO + IL-4 + producing central memory (T CM , CD45RO + CCR7 + CD27 + ; Fo = 1.1% versus 0.5%; p = 0.04) as well as effector memory (T EM , CD45RO + CCR7 − CD27 − ; Fo = 1.5% versus 0.2%; p = 0.03) with a similar but nonsignificant response to CFP-10. In addition, there was expansion of CD4 + IL-4 + CD45RA + CCR7 + CD27 + (naive-like) in Inf individuals compared with Uninf subjects. Among Inf subjects with definitive latent tuberculosis, there were no differences in frequencies of IL-4–producing cells within any of the memory compartments compared with the Uninf group. Our data suggest that filarial infection induces Ag-specific, exaggerated IL-4 responses in distinct T cell memory compartments to M. tuberculosis– specific Ags, which are attenuated in subjects who are able to mount a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to M. tuberculosis .
Effects of prescribing 1,000 versus 1,500 kilocalories per day in the behavioral treatment of obesity: A randomized trial

Objective Controversy exists regarding the optimal energy prescription to promote successful long-term behavioral management of obesity. Prescribing intake of 1,000 (vs. 1,500) kcal/day may produce larger initial weight reduction, but long-term advantage remains unclear. The effects of prescribing 1,000 versus 1,500 kcal/day on 6- and 12-month weight changes within behavioral treatment of obesity were examined. Design and Methods Participants were 125 obese women (mean ± SD; BMI = 37.84 ± 3.94 kg/m2) randomly assigned goals of 1,000 or 1,500 kcal/day. Results From months 0 to 6, participants prescribed 1,000 kcal/day lost more weight than those prescribed 1,500 kcal/day (mean ± SE = −10.03 ± 0.92g vs. −6.23 ± 0.94 kg, P = 0.045); however, from months 7 through 12, only the 1,000 kcal/day condition experienced a significant weight regain (1.51 ± 0.77 kg, P = 0.025). Baseline caloric consumption moderated the effect of treatment on regain; participants with baseline intakes ≧2,000 kcal/day who were assigned 1,000 kcal/day were significantly more susceptible to weight regain than those assigned 1,500 kcal/day (P = 0.049). At month 12, a significantly greater percentage of 1,000 kcal/day participants achieved weight reductions of 5% or more than those prescribed 1,500 kcal/day. Conclusion Encouraging obese individuals in behavioral treatment to adhere to a 1,000 kcal/day intake may increase their likelihood of achieving clinically meaningful weight losses.
The design of a single frequency ice gauge using a microstrip patch antenna

Ice gauges that are both highly sensitive and highly reliable are needed by the aerospace sector. One form of ice gauges uses a RMPA (Rectangular Microstrip Patch Antenna) to meter ice thickness with the help of multiple frequencies. The scheme uses a variable frequency generator, an impedance bridge and a frequency controller. The sensor relies on the principle that the changes in ice thickness result in a change in antenna impedance and the antenna becomes resonant at a different frequency. The microprocessor controlled variable frequency generator then seeks out the new resonant point and the thickness corresponding to that point is read off. At the department of Engineering Technology efforts are underway to design a new system that is less expensive, less bulky and at least as reliable as the previously mentioned design. This paper will elaborate on this scheme. The design does away with the variable signal generator and the impedance bridge to decrease both the cost and the size of the system. The design uses a RMPA and a printed circuit feed and detection network. Simulations have been run to both prove the concept and to study the effect of different kinds of ice formations (patterns) on the S11 of the antenna. Comments will be made on how a high impedance surface might benefit this design.
Serum lipoprotein accumulation in the livers of orotic acid-fed rats.

This study provides confirmation of previous observations that showed that rats fed a diet containing 1% orotic acid for 7 days develop a fatty liver and that there is an inhibition of the secretion of low density lipoproteins without altering general liver protein synthesis. Accumulated fat droplets (liposomes) are entrapped within rough endoplasmic reticulum vesicles. In this study, these vesicles have been shown to accumulate the apolipoproteins of low and very low density lipoproteins. Inhibition of lipoprotein secretion was demonstrated by perfusion of livers from orotic acid-fed rats with a serum-free medium. Liposomes were isolated from these rats. Partially delipidated liposomes, but not similarly treated microsomes or cell sap, were found to form a precipitation line when reacted against anti-low density lipoprotein antiserum. Detergent solubilization of the liposome followed by density gradient centrifugation resulted in a peak at d 1.025 g/ml containing both lipid and protein. Acrylamide electrophoresis in 8 m urea after total delipidation demonstrated liposomal bands which co-electrophoresed with three of four very low density lipoprotein bands; there was no band corresponding to the very low density lipoprotein band which travels furthest in acrylamide electrophoregrams. However, acrylamide electrophoresis of the apoproteins of serum high density lipoprotein from orotic acid-fed animals revealed the presence of the latter band. The results indicate that liver liposomes from orotic acid-fed rats apparently contain the low density apoprotein and probably several other very low density lipoprotein peptides.
Stones in 2014: Advancing our understanding--aetiology, prevention and treatment.

The past year has yielded multiple key studies on the underpinnings of, and optimal treatment of kidney stones. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of stones, and the optimal medical and surgical treatments improves, we will be able to optimize the quality and cost-effectiveness of care available to patients.
Navajo arthritis--an unusual, acute, self limited disease.

An acute, self-limited, asymmetric, polyarthritis is described in 21 Navajo patients, which in all cases affected the knee and, in most, other joints as well. All patients had sterile cultures and negative tests for rheumatoid factor and LE preparations. One patient had multiple bouts without residual defect. We believe that Navajo Arthritis is a distinct syndrome of unknown etiology.
Lead content in grapefruit juice and its uptake upon storage in open containers

The lead contents of 52 samples of grapefruit juice, 14 packaged in glass, eight in waxed paperboard, and 30 in tin-coated carbon steel containers, were determined. Only those juices packaged in metal cans contained measurable amounts of lead, (< 1–27 μg litre-1) averaging 7-7 μg litre-1. Leaching studies were carried out on juices stored, under refrigeration, in opened containers for up to 30 days. The lead content increased considerably with time in juices stored in tin-coated cans. For example, after 6 days of storage the lead contents of these juices ranged from 3 to 90 μg litre-1, and averaged 30 μg litre-1. The lead content did not increase in juices that were stored in glass, paperboard or polyethylene containers. The source of lead in the cans was traced to lead impurities in the tin coating. Higher lead impurities in the tin coating produced higher lead contents in the juice. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Jim Blinn's Corner-WYSBOAVRTWYG

It is noted that when one previews pictures on a screen before printing them, what is seen usually bears only a vague resemblance to what is produced. In this context, four output devices which are often called in at successive stages of refinement of an image are discussed: (1) cathode-ray tube; (2) laser printer; (3) Linotronic typesetter output on special high-contrast slick paper, (sometimes this is the final stage; it is then pasted up and photographed to make printing plates); and (4) Linotronic directly on photographic negative (for really high-tech output) to make plates. The use of these devices to produce three kinds of images-line drawings, graphic images, and shaded images-is described. >
Facile transformation of Arabidopsis

A protocol is described for the simple, rapid and efficient production of transgenic Arabidopsis plants. The procedure was developed using growth regulator regimes that promote adventitious embryogenesis during or immediately following Agrobacterium mediated transformation. Both the RLD and Columbia genotypes of Arabidopsis were transformed using slightly different growth regulator regimes. For the Columbia genotype two modifications of the protocol were identified which substantially improved regeneration. Cold treatment of the plants used as a source of root explants resulted in a three-fold increase in the number of morphogenic sectors produced. A more important modification was the inclusion of 25 mg/l silver nitrate (an inhibitor of ethylene action) to the medium used for shoot regeneration. This provided a ten-fold increase in the number of shoots produced. These procedures made it possible to obtain over 100 putative transformants of RLD or Columbia from a single 10 cm petri dish, within 2 or 4 weeks after exposure of root explants to the bacteria. When these were transferred to rooting media containing antibiotics, approximately 20% were able to root after kanamycin selection and 80% after hygromycin selection. All the rooted plantlets tested were shown to contain integrated donor DNA as determined by Southern blot analysis.
Two-dimensional diffusion of colloids in polymer solutions

Enhanced digital videomicroscopy is used to study the two-dimensional diffusion of colloidal polystyrene spheres of diameter 0.99 µm in confined aqueous solutions of polymer PEO (polyethyleneoxide) of molecular weight 8 × 106. Diffusion is found to obey the Brownian motion law of linearity of the mean square displacement with time, with a constant appropriate to two dimensions. The diffusivity is determined for various polymer concentrations ranging from zero to those corresponding to dilute and semi-dilute polymer solutions. An abrupt slope change occurs near the polymer concentration of 0.002 wt-%, which lies below the concentration at which the polymer chains begin to overlap.
Characterization of volatile components of menhaden fish (brevoortia tyrannus) oil

Volatile odor components of winterized and undeodorized menhaden(Brevoortia tyrannus) oil were characterized by dynamic headspace concentration on a porous polymer trap, thermal desorption, cryogenic focusing, high resolution gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and chromatography-coupled descriptive odor evaluation. Many volatile odor components derived from lipid oxidation in the fish oil were identified. These included, among others, short-chain saturated and unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, as well as short-chain carboxylic acids. The former imparted greasy, oily, oxidized oil and green grassy or green plant-like odors, and the latter gave rather objectionable sweaty odors. Normal alkanes were detected as major volatiles without significant odors. The odor-significant volatile components may be used as specific flavor quality markers to determine deodorization efficiency on crude fish oil and to monitor flavor stability of purified oils. This combined analytical approach can be readily applied to the study of volatile components in other oils.
Investigating the efficacy of network visualizations for intelligence tasks

There is an increasing requirement for advanced analytical methodologies to help military intelligence analysts cope with the growing amount of data they are saturated with on a daily basis. Specifically, within the context of terror network analysis, one of the largest problems is the transformation of raw tabular data into a visualization that is easily and effectively exploited by intelligence analysts. Currently, the primary method within the intelligence do-main is the node-link visualization, which encodes data sets by depicting the ties between nodes as lines between objects in a plane. This method, although useful, has limitations when the size and complexity of data grows. The matrix offers an alternate perspective because the two dimensions of the matrix are arrayed as an actors x actors matrix. This paper describes an experiment investigating node-link and matrix visualization techniques within social network analysis, and their effectiveness for the intelligence tasks of: 1) identifying leaders and 2) identifying clusters. The sixty participants in the experiment were all Air Force intelligence analysts and we provide recommendations for building visualization tools for this specialized group of users.
Coupling of receptor conformation and ligand orientation determine graded activity

Small molecules stabilize specific protein conformations from a larger ensemble, enabling molecular switches that control diverse cellular functions. We show here that the converse also holds true: the conformational state of the estrogen receptor can direct distinct orientations of the bound ligand. 'Gain-of-allostery' mutations that mimic the effects of ligand in driving protein conformation allowed crystallization of the partial agonist ligand WAY-169916 with both the canonical active and inactive conformations of the estrogen receptor. The intermediate transcriptional activity induced by WAY-169916 is associated with the ligand binding differently to the active and inactive conformations of the receptor. Analyses of a series of chemical derivatives demonstrated that altering the ensemble of ligand binding orientations changes signaling output. The coupling of different ligand binding orientations to distinct active and inactive protein conformations defines a new mechanism for titrating allosteric signaling activity.
Neuroprosthetic Effect of Peroneal Nerve Stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study

Abstract Sheffler LR, Hennessey MT, Knutson JS, Chae J. Neuroprosthetic effect of peroneal nerve stimulation in multiple sclerosis: a preliminary study. Objective To determine the neuroprosthetic effect of a peroneal nerve stimulator on tasks of functional ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Design A single point-in-time assessment of functional ambulation tasks under the conditions of no device and peroneal nerve stimulator. Setting Outpatient academic medical center. Participants Participants (N=11) with diagnosis of MS (>6mo), dorsiflexion weakness, and prior usage of an ankle-foot orthosis. Intervention Surface peroneal nerve stimulator for ambulation. Main Outcome Measures Timed 25-foot Walk portion of the MS Functional Composite; Floor, Carpet, Up and Go, Obstacle, and Stair components of the Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile. Results Peroneal nerve stimulator-Stair performance was significantly enhanced ( P =.05) versus no device, and statistical significance was approached for peroneal nerve stimulator-Obstacles ( P =.09) versus no device. There were no significant differences between peroneal nerve stimulator and no device conditions in the remaining outcome measures. Conclusions The neuroprosthetic effect of the peroneal nerve stimulator is modest relative to no device in the performance of specific functional tasks of ambulation in MS gait. A longitudinal, controlled trial is needed to show effectiveness.
Too Darned Big to Test: Testing large systems is a daunting task, but there are steps we can take to ease the pain.

The increasing size and complexity of software, coupled with concurrency and distributed systems, has made apparent the ineffectiveness of using only handcrafted tests. The misuse of code coverage and avoidance of random testing has exacerbated the problem. We must start again, beginning with good design (including dependency analysis), good static checking (including model property checking), and good unit testing (including good input selection). Code coverage can help select and prioritize tests to make you more efficient, as can the all-pairs technique for controlling the number of configurations. Finally, testers can use models to generate test coverage and good stochastic tests, and to act as test oracles.
Comments on ‘Stability of an entire polytope of polynomials’

Soh (1989) has slated that the stability of an entire polytope of polynomials is guaranteed if the zeros of the even and odd parts of the vertex polynomials have interlacing properties. This result of Soh is shown, via a counter-example in this note, not to be correct in certain circumstances. The flaw leading to this error is pointed out. The remedy for Son's error is provided.
Working in the countertransference

Ferenczi (1988) described the procedure of mutual analysis, in which the patient and analyst switch roles for part of the time in the analysis. This procedure allowed patients in stalled analyses to make progress and enabled the analyst to overcome certain countertransference blocks but was ultimately rejected for certain drawbacks. Working in the countertransference is a modification of mutual analysis that retains some of its benefits and eliminates some of its drawbacks. In such work, the psychoanalyst's personality and psychodynamics become the center stage of the manifest content of the session; the analyst avoids interpretations of the transference and, instead, elicits the patient's detailed understanding of the analyst's psychodynamics. The analyst does not, however, generally volunteer his free associations or facts about his own life. This process allows deep work with patients with a predominance of projective identification. Working in the countertransference may be preferred in cases of sever...
The stillness of time and philosophical equanimity

Being a philosopher has been traditionally associated with the ability to resist being both dazed by prosperity and broken by adversity. The philosopher is supposed to remain unperturbed by his changing fortunes and face the future with equanimity. According to the Oxford Dictionary, "Philosophical: ... befitting or characteristic of a philosopher: wise; calm; temperate ..." Now it may well be that only a fraction of the class of philosophers, especially among the analytic or linguistic variety, is actually endowed with these qualities, but there are, as I shall point out at the end of my paper, well known reasons why these should be commonly attributed to philosophers. The purpose of this paper, however, is to examine two modern views on the nature of time and to show that one of them may force upon its holders a somewhat astonishing reason to adopt a 'philosophical attitude' to a certain class of experiences. Since the particular attitude is quite unnatural, the fact that it should be required seems to count heavily against that specific doctrine concerning time. But let me begin at the beginning.
Characterization of cytoplasmic and nuclear genomes in the colorless alga Polytoma. IV. Heterogeneity and complexity of the nuclear genome.

DNA isolated from purified nuclei of Polytoma obtusum has a buoyant density of 1.711 g/ml in CsCl, a Tm of 91.3° C in SSC, and a G + C content of 52.5% as determined by base composition analysis. Thermal dissociation and reassociation studies indicated that this nuclear DNA contains a considerable amount of heterogeneity. Under appropriate reannealing conditions for denatured DNA, about 15% of the DNA reannealed to form a satellite peak at a density of 1.711 g/ml within one hour. Native DNA fractions of different average buoyant densities, ranging from 1.723 to 1.708 g/ml were also obtained in a preparative CsCl gradient, indicating the presence of intermolecular heterogeneity at a molecular size of 8.5×106 daltons. The nuclear DNA reassociated as three distinct classes. The very fast species constituted about 20 % of the total hyperchromicity, the class of intermediate rate comprised roughly 10% of the nuclear DNA, while the remaining 70% consisted of unique sequences. The haploid genome set was estimated by renaturation kinetics studies to contain 5.0×1010 daltons of DNA or 7.5×107 nucleotide pairs. The analytical complexity of the total nuclear genome was found to be 9.35×1010 daltons, thus indicating that vegetative cells of P. obtusum are diploid.
New quinolinequinone inhibitors of mitochondrial reductase systems and reversal by coenzyme Q.

Summary 3-ω-Cyclohexyloctyl-2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and 7-ω-cyclohexyloctyl-6-hydroxy-5,8-quinolinequinone inhibit the succinate-cytochrome c reductase and the succinate-coenzyme Q reductase in beef heart submitochondrial systems. These inhibitions could be reversed by coenzyme Q 6 . These analogs of coenzyme Q also inhibit the succinate-coenzyme Q reductase of intact mitochondria from the human heart.
Crystal structure of CD59: implications for molecular recognition of the complement proteins C8 and C9 in the membrane-attack complex.

Human CD59 is a small membrane-bound glycoprotein that functions as an inhibitor of the membrane-attack complex (MAC) of the complement system by binding the complement proteins C8 and C9. The crystal structure of a soluble construct of CD59 has been determined to 2.1 A resolution. When compared with previous models of CD59 determined using NMR, some interesting differences are noted, including the position of helix α1, which contributes to the binding surface for C8 and C9. Interestingly, the crystal structure superimposes more closely with an updated NMR model of CD59 that was produced using Monte Carlo minimization, including helix α1. Mapping of mutations associated with enhanced or lowered inhibitory function of CD59 show the binding region to be located in a crevice between α1 and a three-stranded β-­sheet, as has been identified previously. Residues in the core of this region are well ordered in the electron density, in part owing to a network of stabilizing covalent and noncovalent interactions, and manifest an interesting `striped' distribution of hydrophobic and basic residues. Docking of the same peptide that was modeled previously into the NMR structure shows that Arg55, which has been postulated to exist in `open' and `closed' positions, is intermediate in position between these two and is well placed to contact the peptide. Further clues regarding how CD59 interacts with small peptides arise from the crystal packing of this structure, which shows that a symmetry-related loop comprising residues 20–24 occupies a spatially similar position to the modeled peptide. This higher resolution structure of CD59 will facilitate a more precise dissection of its inter­actions with C8 and C9 and thus increase the likelihood of designing enhanced CD59-based therapeutics.
Rotational-state-resolved collisional attenuation of hexapole focused hydroxyl radical beams by gas-phase target molecules

Abstract Hydroxyl radicals from a supersonic discharge source were rotationally state-selected by a hexapole. Two |J Ω M〉 states were resolved, the | 3 2 3 2 3 2 〉 and | 3 2 3 2 1 2 〉 states. Scattering gases (He, Ar, H2O, CO2 NH3, and CH3F) were admitted to the hexapole chamber attenuating the hydroxyl radical beam. Analysis of the attenuation as a function of gas pressure yielded the relative scattering cross-sections. Simulations of the focusing spectra suggest that elastic scattering rather than M changing collisions dominate the scattering. No differences in the scattering cross-sections for the | 3 2 3 2 3 2 〉 and | 3 2 3 2 1 2 〉 states were observable.
The role of nicotine in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Smoking is a major preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis. xposure to cigarette smoke activates a number of mechanisms redisposing to atherosclerosis, including thrombosis, insulin esistance and dyslipidemia, vascular inflammation, abnormal vasular growth and angiogenesis, as well as loss of endothelial omeostatic and regenerative functions [1–3]. The pathophysioogic mechanisms by which tobacco smoke accelerates vascular isease are manifold and complex, in part because the smoke conains over 4000 different chemicals [4]. Of these, the polycyclic romatic hydrocarbons, oxidizing agents, particulate matter, and icotine, have been identified as potential contributing factors to therogenesis. In addition to its role as the habituating agent in obacco, nicotine also accelerates vascular disease. By inducing the elease of catecholamines, nicotine increases heart rate and blood ressure. These adverse hemodynamic effects are associated with rogression of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, nicotine-induced catcholamine release increases platelet aggregability [3]. Platelets ontribute to the growth of plaque through the accretion of thromus, aswell as through the releaseof growth factors (suchasplatelet erived relaxing factor) that induce vascular smooth muscle cell roliferation. In addition to these actionsmediated by activation of he sympathetic nervous system, nicotine has direct actions on the ellular elements participating in plaque formation.
Abstract 2272: Comparison of metformin, pheformin and buformin in mammary carcinogenesis in non-obese, non-diabetic rats.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Emerging evidence from studies of human pharmacoepidemiology indicate that metformin, an antidiabetic drug, is associated with reduced breast cancer risk in diabetic individuals. Data from preclinical mammary carcinogenesis studies in the rat indicate that metformin also has protective activity against chemically-induced mammary cancer in non diabetic rats, but the dose required for inhibition is above that used clinically for the treatment of diabetes. Human breast cancer cell growth also is inhibited by metformin, but at concentrations far in excess of anti-diabetic plasma concentrations of the drug. It is likely that pharmacokinetic/pharmacodyanmic factors contribute to this blunted sensitivity, possibly due to carcinogenesis-associated down regulation of organic cationic transporters (OCT) required for cellular uptake of metformin. Since some biguanides such as phenformin and buformin are not dependent on OCT for cellular accumulation, their effects against mammary carcinogenesis were evaluated in comparison to metformin as a proof-in-concept study that could set the stage for development of second generation biguanides. The hypothesis evaluated was that inhibition of mammary carcinogenesis by phenformin and buformin would be superior to metformin. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n=30/group) were injected with 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg) at 21 days of age and 7 days thereafter randomized to metformin, phenformin or buformin dietary groups and fed respective biguanides (10 mmol/kg) diets for 6 weeks. Both phenformin and buformin significantly reduced the number of mammary adenocarcinoma per rat (3.6, 1.6, and 0.7 cancers/rat for metformin, phenformin and buformin respectively) and tumor burden (1.61, 0.63, and 0.12 g/rat for metformin, phenformin and buformin respectively) and elongated cancer latency compared to metformin (40, 45, and 48 days post carcinogen for metformin, phenformin and buformin respectively) (p<0.05). Mammary cancer incidence was also lower in animals fed phenformin (77%) or buformin (43%) diet vs metformin (93%), but the difference was only significant between metformin and buformin (p<0.001). Cell culture experiments confirmed the carcinogenesis data. The comparative effects of these biguanides on the LKB1/AMPK axis will be reported. The associated mechanisms of cell growth inhibiton are under investigation. Supported by PHS grant CA52626 from the National Cancer Institute. Citation Format: Zongjian Zhu, Weiqin Jiang, John N. McGinley, Henry J. Thompson. Comparison of metformin, pheformin and buformin in mammary carcinogenesis in non-obese, non-diabetic rats. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2272. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2272
Use of relaxation agent doping to shorten very long spin-lattice relaxation times in a magic-angle turning experiment

Abstract A practical method is described for measuring the principal values of the chemical shift tensors in compounds with very long proton spin-lattice relaxation times ( T 1 ). This technique involves shortening the effective proton T 1 by mixing a compound of interest with another compound having a much shorter T 1 value. The doped mixture, partly consisting of a monophasic glass, allows efficient intermolecular spin diffusion between the two compounds. Using a slow magic-angle turning (MAT) experiment, we have successfully used such mixtures to measure the principal values of the chemical shift tensors of all the carbons in dibenzofuran in just four days. Without using this technique the experimental time required for the pure compound would have been several months.
Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. from Skin, Crop, and Intestine of Commercial Broiler Chicken Carcasses at Processing

This study describes the prevalence of positive Campylobacter cultures from the skin, crop, and intestine of postscald broiler chicken carcasses at processing. Six to 12 carcasses from 22 flocks were sampled. Skin was cultured by direct plating of a cotton swab, whereas crop and intestine were cultured from tissue that was aseptically harvested and stomached in PBS before plating. Cultures were not enriched prior to plating. The methods used in this report are compared to those used by others. In this study, skin samples were 78% positive; crops were 48% positive, and intestines were 94% positive (n = 202). Based on our results, if the intestine was positive for Campylobacter, the odds of finding a positive crop culture was 8.6 times greater, and the odds of finding a positive skin culture was 35 times greater than if the intestinal culture was negative for Campylobacter. These data suggest that the intestine was the most likely organ of those tested to be positive in postscald broiler carcasses from positive flocks. Further, if only one organ can be sampled, intestinal samples are most likely to reflect the prevalence of Campylobacter in a flock.
Non-affiliation, Non-denominationalism, Religious Switching, and Denominational Switching: Longitudinal Analysis of the Effects on Religiosity

Using data taken from the General Social Survey panel data for 2006–2010, this paper examines the incidence and consequences of non-affiliation with religions and denominations and switching of religions and denominations. While previous studies have tended to conflate these phenomena, this paper documents that all four of these phenomena are becoming increasingly common in the contemporary United States, and that they differ substantially in their association with religiosity. Longitudinal analysis indicates that the effects of conversion from one religion to another are immediate and pervasive, leading to increases in scores on all measures of religiosity. Switching of denominations among Protestants, on the other hand, appear to have modest effects on respondents’ behavior, but no significant effects on religious beliefs. Respondents with no religious affiliation at all score lower than other respondents on all measures of religiosity, and become less religious over time. Protestants with no denominational preference, in contrast, are similar to other Protestants in their religious beliefs and participation.
Quantitative stimulation of antennular chemoreceptors of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus

Abstract 1. 1. The responses of chemoreceptors from two specific regions of the Panulirus argus antennule subjected to a common regime of quantitative stimulus manipulation differ in the temporal profile of impulse generation. 2. 2. Responses of receptors of the aesthetasc region of the lateral filament are typically phasic to both pulsatile and continuous stimulation, while those of the non-aesthetasc region of the lateral and medial filaments are typically tonic. 3. 3. The possible contribution of differential peripheral modification of a common signal to the mechanism of chemosensory orientation is discussed.
Factors governing tropospheric mean temperature.

Two possible factors, which in addition to Pacific sea surface temperatures might affect the mean temperatures of the tropical troposphere are Atlantic sea surface temperatures and volcanic aerosol. The Mt. Agung eruption in March 1963 produced a decrease of about 0.5°C in the mean temperature of the tropical troposphere. The contribution of the Atlantic is not significant.
Tuning of thermally induced sol-to-gel transitions of moderately concentrated aqueous solutions of doubly thermosensitive hydrophilic diblock copolymers poly(methoxytri(ethylene glycol) acrylate)-b-poly(ethoxydi(ethylene glycol) acrylate-co-acrylic acid).

We report in this article a method to tune the sol-to-gel transitions of moderately concentrated aqueous solutions of doubly thermosensitive hydrophilic diblock copolymers that consist of two blocks exhibiting distinct lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) in water. A small amount of weak acid groups is statistically incorporated into the lower LCST block so that its LCST can be tuned by varying solution pH. Well-defined diblock copolymers, poly(methoxytri(ethylene glycol) acrylate)-b-poly(ethoxydi(ethylene glycol) acrylate-co-acrylic acid) (PTEGMA-b-P(DEGEA-co-AA)), were prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and postpolymerization modification. PTEGMA and PDEGEA are thermosensitive water-soluble polymers with LCSTs of 58 and 9 °C, respectively, in water. A 25 wt % aqueous solution of PTEGMA-b-P(DEGEA-co-AA) with a molar ratio of DEGEA to AA units of 100:5.2 at pH = 3.24 underwent multiple phase transitions upon heating, from a clear, free-flowing liquid (<15 °...
The vestiary hypothesis of human hair reduction

The vestiary hypothesis proposes that hair reduction in humans, a characteristic of the species, evolved coincident with a developing intellectual capacity that permitted the use of artificial insulation. Functional hairlessness permitted the elaboration of an extraordinarily effective mechanism for heat dissipation, whole-body evaporation, but with the sacrifice of the heat retention function of typical pelage. The latter necessity was met by clothing, which required capability for fabrication and cultural transmission, and may have developed early in hominid evolution.
Ethnography and anxiety: Field work and reflexivity in the vortex of U.S.-Cuban relations

This paper explores the ways in which geo-political forces can shape doing, interpreting, and representing ethnographic field work. Using my field work in a law collective in Havana, Cuba between 1989 and 1994 as a starting point, I consider how macro-social relationship—in this case 30 years of political hostility between the U.S. and Cuban governments—can inscribe themselves on the micro-social relations between ethnographers and informants in the field, and ethnographers and their audiences at home. The combination of geo-political tensions and reflexive attempts to discern the impact of these tensions on my field work generated, what I term, disciplinary anxietyand discursive anxiety.I consider how anxieties became part of my reflexive routines in the field, shaped my interactions with Cubans, colored my attempts to interpret those interactions, and affected my framing of those interpretations for audiences at home. I suggest that reflexivity in fieldwork must be sensitive, not only to the standpoints imbedded in the field worker's biography, but also to the way in which macro-political processes enter into the biographies of field workers, their informants, and their audiences, and influence the interactions among them.
Inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis by cycloserine in vitro and in vivo

: d- and l-cycloserine were shown to be irreversible inhibitors of the first enzyme of the sphingolipid pathway, 3-ketodihydrosphingosine synthetase, in a study using bacterial and brain microsomal enzymes, l-Cycloserine was shown to be 100 times more inhibitory than the d-isomer for the brain microsomal enzyme in vitro. In vivo, l-cycloserine caused a 70% inhibition of brain microsomal enzyme. Following one injection, enzyme activity recovered 80% of normal after 16 hours. Daily dosages of l-cycloserine on a regimen of intraper-itoneal injection for 7 days caused a significant reduction in total brain ganglioside and cerebroside plus sulfatide levels.
Physics of transformation from Schrödinger theory to Kohn-Sham density-functional theory: Application to an exactly solvable model

According to Hohenberg-Kohn-Sham density-functional theory (DFT), and its constrained search formulation, the Schr\"odinger ground-state wave function \ensuremath{\Psi} is a functional of the ground-state electronic density \ensuremath{\rho}(r). But the explicit functional dependence of \ensuremath{\Psi} on \ensuremath{\rho} is unknown. It is, however, possible to describe Kohn-Sham (KS) DFT and its electron-interaction energy functional and functional derivative rigorously in terms of the wave function \ensuremath{\Psi}. This description involves a conservative field which is a sum of two fields, the first representative of electron correlations due to the Pauli exclusion principle and Coulomb repulsion, and the second of correlation-kinetic effects. The sources of these fields are expectations of Hermitian operators with respect to \ensuremath{\Psi}. The energy functional is expressed in integral virial form in terms of these fields, whereas the functional derivative is the work done to move an electron in the conservative field of their sum. In this paper we illustrate the physics of transformation from Schr\"odinger to KS theory by application of this description to a ground state of the exactly solvable Hooke's atom. As such we determine properties such as the pair-correlation density, the Fermi and Coulomb holes, the Schr\"odinger and KS kinetic-energy-density tensors and kinetic fields, and the electron-interaction and correlation-kinetic fields, potentials, and energies, the majority of these constituent properties of the transformation being obtained analytically. In this manner we demonstrate the separate contributions and significance of each type of electron correlation to the KS electron-interaction energy and its functional derivative. Based on this study and previous work, it is proposed that in the construction of approximate energy functionals and their derivatives for application to more complex systems, it is the fields that be directly approximated.
Influence of local-site symmetry on fluorescence lifetime in high-Nd-concentration laser materials

Abstract We have correlated the radiative fluorescence lifetime of the 4 F 3 2 level of Nd3+ in laser crystals, including the recently developed high-Nd-concentration materials such as NdP5O14, with the local Nd3+ site symmetry. At Nd3+ concentrations low enough for non-radiative interactions to be negligible, the fluorescence decay rate is determined by the deviation from local inversion symmetry, which admixes even- and odd-parity electronic wavefunctions, allowing 4 F 3 2 radiative decay by electric-dipole transitions.
Saturn’s Great Storm of 2010-2011: Evidence for ammonia and water ices from analysis of VIMS spectra

Abstract Our analysis of Cassini/VIMS near-infrared spectra of Saturn’s Great Storm of 2010–2011 reveals a multi-component aerosol composition comprised primarily of ammonia ice, with a significant component of water ice. The most likely third component is ammonium hydrosulfide or some weakly absorbing material similar to what dominates visible clouds outside the storm region. Horizontally heterogeneous models favor ammonium hydrosulfide as the third component, while horizontally uniform models favor the weak absorber. Both models rely on water ice absorption to compensate for residual spectral gradients produced by ammonia ice from 3.0 μm to 3.1 μm and need the third component to fill in the sharp ammonia ice absorption peak near 2.96 μm. The best heterogeneous model has spatial coverage fractions of 55% ammonia ice, 22% water ice, and 23% ammonium hydrosulfide. The best homogeneous model has an optically thin layer of weakly absorbing particles above an optically thick layer of water ice particles coated by ammonia ice. This is the first spectroscopic evidence of water ice in Saturn’s atmosphere, found near the level of Saturn’s visible cloud deck where it could only be delivered by powerful convection originating from ∼200 km deeper in the atmosphere.
The influence of historical landscape change on genetic variation and population structure of a terrestrial salamander ( Plethodon cinereus )

Forest loss and fragmentation is expected to shape the genetic structure of amphibian populations and reduce genetic variation. Another factor widely understood to have impacted these same parameters in North America is the range expansion that occurred following glacial retreat at the end of the Pleistocene. The Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) has been subjected to both processes. In this context, we investigated the historical events that are likely to have shaped genetic variation in this species using a panel of six microsatellite markers screened on individuals sampled across ten localities in northeastern Indiana, USA. We found low genetic diversity across forest patches and minimal differentiation. We expected population structure associated with forest fragmentation to result from genetic drift in isolation but instead found that a balance between gene flow and drift was ~50 times more likely. Ratios of allele number and range (M), and coalescent modeling of population demography suggested the occurrence of marked historic decline in effective population size across the region. Taken together, the data point to a loss of genetic variation which preceded deforestation over the past 200 years. This result indicates an important role for ancient demographic processes in shaping current genetic variation that may make it difficult to detect the effect of recent habitat fragmentation.
Agile Development in Data Warehousing

Traditional data warehouse projects follow a waterfall development model in which the project goes through distinct phases such as requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and stabilization. However, both business requirements and technology are complex in nature and the waterfall model can take six to nine months to fully implement a solution; by then business as well as technology has often changed considerably. The result is disappointed stakeholders and frustrated development teams. Agile development implements projects in an iterative fashion. Also known as the sixty percent solution, the agile approach seeks to deliver more than half of the user requirements in the initial release, with refinements coming in a series of subsequent releases which are scheduled at regular intervals. An agile data warehousing approach greatly increases the likelihood of successful implementation on time and within budget. This article discusses agile development methodologies in data warehousing and business intelligence, implications of the agile methodology, managing changes in data warehouses given frequent change in business intelligence (BI) requirements, and demonstrates the impact of agility on the business.
Emission Mössbauer studies of nonrigidity of copper-oxygen chain in YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract We have measured the emission Mossbauer spectra of the fully oxygenated YBa 2 Cu 3 ( 57 Co)O 7−δ at various temperatures. The spectra have been analyzed into four components. The three major species A, B and C have been assigned to distorted 4-coordinate square-planar, distorted 5-coordinate trigonal-bipyramidal and square-pyramidal configurations, respectively. The three species are related to each other and are situated at the Cu(1) site. An equilibrium exists between species B and C, and the relative abundance of the species varies with temperature. The potential barrier between the two configurations is not high, and the equilibrium shifts considerably in favor of C above 250 K. The positional disorder of oxygen in the Cu(1)-O(4) chain facilitates the transformation.