cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate and Development

The apparent premise upon which this collection of reports is based is that the developing countries of the world are by and large already in deep trouble and likely to become still worse off in the future unless some solution is found. In his preface, editor Asit K. Biswas says During the next two decades, the population of tropical countries is expected to increase by 1.5 billion, which will account for approximately 90% of the anticipated global population increase. Provision of basic human needs to these unborn generations, and improvement of the quality of life of the present underprivileged people on this earth, is a critical challenge. If past experience is any indication, it will not be easy.
Motives for communication within on‐line support groups and antecedents for interpersonal use

This study examined motives for using on‐line support groups from a uses‐and‐gratifications perspective among participants (n = 93) in twenty different on‐line support groups. In addition, it focused on dimensions of relational communication as antecedent conditions for interpersonal motives (including inclusion, affection, and control needs) related to using these groups. The findings indicated that convenience was associated with weekly communication time while passing time and interpersonal motives were associated with daily communication time. In addition, similarity was found to be the only relational communication antecedent to be associated with interpersonal motives for using on‐line support groups.
Constraint representation and reduction in assembly modeling and analysis

Uniform representation for assembly constraints that applies to a wide variety of constraint relations given in the literature is given. A systematic procedure for constraint reduction is also given: if two parts or subassemblies are related by multiple constraints, the constraint reduction procedure computes a single net constraint having the same effect. Three broad applications of the constraint representation and constraint reduction methods to problems in assembly modeling and tolerancing are discussed. >
In vitro lipid peroxidation of LDL from postmenopausal cynomolgus macaques treated with female hormones

Premenopausal women and postmenopausal women given estrogen are protected from cardiovascular diseases compared with men. Previous studies investi- gated whether estrogen treatment protects low density lip- oprotein (LDL) from in vitro oxidation as a potential mechanistic explanation for the beneficial effect of estro- gen. Results of these studies are mixed, and very few studies considered aspects of LDL that influence LDL ox- idation. This study investigated whether treating post- menopausal female cynomolgus macaques with conju- gated equine estrogens (CEE), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), CEE 1 MPA, or tamoxifen, a mixed estro- gen receptor agonist/antagonist, would protect LDL from in vitro oxidation. LDL was isolated from monkeys fed an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks or the same diet with CEE, MPA, CEE 1 MPA, or tamoxifen added at levels equiva- lent (on a caloric basis) to those given to women. LDL was subjected to Cu 2 1 (3 m mol/L) or 2,2 9 -azobis(2-amidino- propane) dihydrochloride (AAPH, 1 mmol/L) and LDL oxidation was determined by the lag time before rapid formation of conjugated dienes and by the maximal rate of conjugated diene formation (propagation rate). Lag times and propagation rates were not affected by treat- ment. Lag times for Cu 2 1 oxidation were related to LDL tocopherol while lag times for AAPH oxidation were re- lated to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and to LDL molecular weight. Multivariate analysis showed that LDL a - and g -tocopherol together could explain 27% of the variation in Cu 2 1 mediated lag time ( P , 0.005) among animals while HDL cholesterol, LDL g -tocopherol, and LDL molecular weight combined could explain 40% of the variation in AAPH-mediated lag time ( P 5 0.0006) among animals. After adjustment for these predictors, LDL lag times were not affected by treatment. In con- clusion, in monkeys treated with female hormones, multi- ple factors influence in vitro low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation; future work will be needed to deter- mine whether estrogen alters oxidation of LDL in the ar- tery.— Schwenke, D. C., J. D. Wagner, and M. R. Adams. In vitro lipid peroxidation of LDL from postmenopausal cy- nomolgus macaques treated with female hormones. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 235-244.
Concerning thromboembolism associated with left ventricular assist devices.

Time for primary review 17 days. Cardiac surgeons are obligated to find solutions for patients with end-stage cardiac failure. Cardiac transplantation has provided the most successful option thus far but demand far exceeds the supply of donor hearts and demand is projected to increase while supply will level off, or perhaps decline [1]. Because of this shortfall in donor hearts there has been continued effort and emphasis on development of alternatives to cardiac transplantation [2]. Recently it was estimated that by the year 2010 between 35 000 and 70 000 patients in the USA alone would be candidates for permanent cardiac replacement or support [3]. Early versions of blood pumping devices, most containing silicone rubber blood sacs, experienced major problems with thrombosis. [4] Dacron-flocked surfaces were promulgated as a solution, the theory being that the formation of a ‘pseudo-intimal’ lining on these devices would be non-thrombogenic [5]. Early efforts with textured surfaces resulted in impaired diaphragm flexibility, hemolysis, and embolization [6], but these problems seem to have been resolved in the more modern devices. A major breakthrough in materials was made with the introduction of segmental polyurethanes in 1967. That led to adoption of this ‘smooth’ material for almost all devices [7]. Problems related to blood sac calcification, soft tissue pannus at the atrial cuff, and major thrombosis problems were gradually resolved with the introduction of low profile valves, and a host of iterative improvements in geometry, design, control systems, power sources, and driving systems. We are now to the point where … * Tel.: +1-217-333-2506; fax +1-217-244-1560. Dr. Gross was formerly Professor and Director of the Cardiovascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky. He is currently Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
A novel PET detector block with three-dimensional hit position encoding

A three-dimensional position encoding PET detector block that employs a monolithic scintillator is investigated in simulation. The block consists of an unsegmented scintillator crystal that is coupled on up to six sides by non-position-sensitive photosensors. In some incarnations envisioned, position sensitivity could be employed. The hit position is encoded via the relative signals on the photosensors. Results of simulations of a monolithic block read out on three, four, and five sides by single channel photosensors are described.
DOMINANT MUTATORS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

In this paper we report on the isolation and genetic analysis of a series of strong mutators mapping at five minutes on the E. coli chromosome. These mutations are dominant and show no evidence of interaction in merodiploids. Cultures grown in broth medium exhibit mutant frequencies five to six orders of magnitude higher than mut+ strains. Cultures propagated in minimal salts media mutate at rates one to three orders higher than wild-type. Three-factor crosses have been used to order these mutators relative to metD, proA, and a Tn10 insertion near five minutes.
Resonant four-wave-mixing spectroscopy as a probe of molecular structure and dynamics in the regime of extreme vibrational excitation

A new folded variant of optical-optical double resonance has been developed for the detailed characterization of polyatomic species that contain chemically significant quantities of vibrational excitation. Based upon a novel implementation of phase-conjugate degenerate four- wave mixing (DFWM) spectroscopy, this technique provides a quantum state-specific probe of molecular topography and dynamics that offers substantial advantages over more conventional methods. Despite the third-order nonlinearity inherent to the DFWM process, the tremendous resonant enhancement that accompanies this Doppler-free interaction permits facile detection of double resonance signals even under the rarified conditions present in a molecular beam environment.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Association Between Inpatient Surveillance and Venous Thromboembolism Rates After Hospital Discharge

Importance Venous thromboembolism (VTE) surveillance practices in hospitals, but not adherence to Surgical Care Improvement Program VTE prophylaxis measures, have been reported to explain the variation in VTE rates in hospitals. Objective To examine the relationship between inpatient surveillance testing for VTE and postdischarge VTE rates at the hospital level to determine whether more frequent inpatient surveillance is associated with reduced occurrence of postdischarge VTEs. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective study of a US national cohort of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients. National VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program outcome data were linked to VA administrative data on patients undergoing inpatient surgery from 2005 to 2009 and were included in the Surgical Care Improvement Program VTE measurement population. Main Outcomes and Measures Surveillance was identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes for diagnostic VTE imaging. Relationships between hospital-level surveillance and VTE rates were assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients, and the postdischarge VTE rate was modeled using linear regression, adjusting for hospital volume, inpatient VTE rate, inpatient surveillance rate, and case mix. Results Of 25 975 patients at 79 VA facilities, 296 (1.4%) experienced a VTE during the index hospitalization, and 114 (0.4%) experienced a postdischarge VTE within 30 days after surgery. The median length of stay was 11 days for those with a positive surveillance test result and 9 days for those with a negative test result. There was a positive correlation between inpatient surveillance and inpatient VTE rates ( R = 0.33, P = .003) but no significant correlation of inpatient surveillance with either postdischarge surveillance ( R = 0.11, P = .29) or postdischarge VTE rates ( R = 0.03, P = .76). In an adjusted regression model of the postdischarge VTE rate, only the inpatient VTE rate was significant (β = 0.13, P = .05). Conclusions and Relevance Hospitals with higher VTE surveillance rates have higher inpatient VTE rates but not decreased postdischarge VTE rates. However, hospitals with higher inpatient VTE rates have higher postdischarge VTE rates, which suggests that surveillance may be influenced by higher observed rates and not surveillance practices alone.
α1-Noradrenergic Receptor Antagonism Blocks Dependence-Induced Increases in Responding for Ethanol

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that blockade of α 1 -adrenergic receptors may suppress the excessive ethanol consumption associated with acute withdrawal in ethanol-dependent rats. Following the acquisition and stabilization of operant ethanol self-administration in male Wistar rats, dependence was induced in half the animals by subjecting them to a 4-week intermittent vapor exposure period in which animals were exposed to ethanol vapor for 14h/day. Subsequent to dependence induction, the effect of α1-noradrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2.0mg/kg IP) was tested on operant responding for ethanol in vapor-exposed and control rats during acute withdrawal. In ethanol-dependent animals, prazosin significantly suppressed responding at the 1.5 and 2.0mg/kg doses, whereas only the 2.0mg/kg dose was effective in nondependent animals, identifying an increase in the sensitivity to prazosin in dependent animals. Conversely, at the lowest dose tested (0.25mg/kg), prazosin increased responding in nondependent animals, which is consistent with the effect of anxiolytics on ethanol self-administration in nondependent animals. None of the doses tested reliably affected concurrent water self-administration. These results suggest the involvement of the noradrenergic system in the excessive alcohol drinking seen during acute withdrawal in ethanol-dependent rats.
Dysphagia Following Stroke

Stephanie K. Daniels and Maggie-Lee Huckabee, (San Diego: Plural Publishing, INC. 2008), [Pp. 362.], ISBN 978-1-59756-196-9 ., PaperbackDysphagia following stroke aims to be a practical and easy to...
Phase formation and hydrogen ordering in yttrium-hydrogen system

Phase transformations in epitaxial yttrium films grown on (0001)Ti//(0001)Al2O3 Ti-buffered sapphire substrates and hydrogenated for 10 min were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. After hydrogen charging, dense twin lamellae form during α(Y(H))-to-β(YH2) phase transition with twin boundaries predominately parallel to the interface between Y and a substrate. High densities of Shockley partial dislocations are present at the twin boundaries, their glides during phase transformation are responsible for the formation of twin lamellae. Electron diffraction from YH2 phase shows superlattice reflections, which suggests a new type of ordering on octahedral interstitial sites.
Role of β-Adrenergic Receptors and Nitric Oxide Signaling in Exercise-Mediated Cardioprotection

Exercise promotes cardioprotection in both humans and animals not only by reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease but by reducing myocardial infarction and improving survival following ischemia. This article will define the role that nitric oxide and β-adrenergic receptors play in mediating the cardioprotective effects of exercise in the setting of ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Prevalence of the prion protein gene E211K variant in U.S. cattle.

In 2006, an atypical U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was discovered in Alabama and later reported to be polymorphic for glutamate (E) and lysine (K) codons at position 211 in the bovine prion protein gene (Prnp) coding sequence. A bovine E211K mutation is important because it is analogous to the most common pathogenic mutation in humans (E200K) which causes hereditary Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease, an autosomal dominant form of prion disease. The present report describes a high-throughput matrix-associated laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry assay for scoring the Prnp E211K variant and its use to determine an upper limit for the K211 allele frequency in U.S. cattle. The K211 allele was not detected in 6062 cattle, including those from five commercial beef processing plants (3892 carcasses) and 2170 registered cattle from 42 breeds. Multiple nearby polymorphisms in Prnp coding sequence of 1456 diverse purebred cattle (42 breeds) did not interfere with scoring E211 or K211 alleles. Based on these results, the upper bounds for prevalence of the E211K variant was estimated to be extremely low, less than 1 in 2000 cattle (Bayesian analysis based on 95% quantile of the posterior distribution with a uniform prior). No groups or breeds of U.S. cattle are presently known to harbor the Prnp K211 allele. Because a carrier was not detected, the number of additional atypical BSE cases with K211 will also be vanishingly low.
Can Native Japanese Listeners Learn to Differentiate /r-l/ on the Basis of F3 Onset Frequency?.

Many attempts have been made to teach native Japanese listeners to perceptually differentiate English /r–l/ (e.g. rock–lock). Though improvement is evident, in no case is final performance native English-like. We focused our training on the third formant onset frequency, shown to be the most reliable indicator of /r–l/ category membership. We first presented listeners with instances of synthetic /r–l/ stimuli varying only in F3 onset frequency, in a forced-choice identification training task with feedback. Evidence of learning was limited. The second experiment utilized an adaptive paradigm beginning with non-speech stimuli consisting only of /r/ and /l/ F3 frequency trajectories progressing to synthetic speech instances of /ra–la/; half of the trainees received feedback. Improvement was shown by some listeners, suggesting some enhancement of /r–l/ identification is possible following training with only F3 onset frequency. However, only a subset of these listeners showed signs of generalization of the training effect beyond the trained synthetic context.
Effect of ambient relative humidity and surface modification on the charge decay properties of polymer powders in powder coating

Back corona on a powder layer deposited via the electrostatic powder-coating process using corona guns has a strong influence on the corrosion resistance and appearance of cured powder films. The presence of the back corona is often evidenced by orange peel, micro-dents, and pinholes on the film surface. The surface resistivity of the sprayed powder governs the charge decay process and, hence, the onset of back corona. The polymer powders used in powder coating are highly resistive, with surface resistivity often greater than 10/sup 15/ /spl Omega///spl square/. Surface resistivity can be altered by the adsorption of moisture on the surfaces of the powder particles. The objectives of this research were: (1) investigate the effect of decreasing surface resistivity on the appearance of the powder-coated film and (2) enhance hydrophilic properties of polymer powder by plasma treatment. By changing the relative humidity (RH) of powder during the spraying process, it was observed that the surface resistivity could be lowered by orders of magnitude. For example, the surface resistivity for an acrylic powder decreased from 2.96/spl times/10/sup 13/ /spl Omega///spl square/ at 25% RH to 9.6/spl times/10/sup 11/ /spl Omega///spl square/ at 70% RH. The plasma treatment of this powder further improved its charge decay properties. The effects of variation of RH on the appearance of powder-coated panels surface layer are presented for an acrylic polymer powder. The film texture has been characterized by microstructural surface analysis using an optical scanning instrument. Methods of plasma and corona treatments of the powder for increasing moisture adsorption on the surface and decreasing surface resistivity are discussed along with analysis of surface morphology using the atomic force microscope.
CELL DIVISION PERIODICITY IN 13 SPECIES OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON ON A LIGHT: DARK CYCLE1

The division rates of 26 clonal cultures representing 13 species of planktonic marine algae (6 diatoms, 2 flagellated chrysophytes, 2 coccolithophores, 1 cryptomonad flagellate, I dinoflagellate, 1 green alga) were determined every 2 h for 48 h during exponential growth on a 14:10 LD cycle in nutrient-replete batch culture. Cyclic oscillations in the division rate were detectable in 22 of these clones. Of 14 diatom clones examined, four displayed nearly constant division rates throughout the LD cycle and ten showed strong periodicity favoring division during the light periods. In contrast, all other algae (12 clones) exhibited division rate maxima during periods of darkness, and clearly detectable decreases in cell number for time intervals of 4–8 h during periods of illumination. Intraspecific differences in division periodicity were found among eight clones of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt) Hasle & Heimdal and six clones of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay & Mohler.
Cost-benefit analysis of electric power system reliability

The purpose of this investigation is to determine an appropriate cost-benefit formula that will help the power system planners in prioritizing transmission system projects. This paper deals with describing the value of increased reliability and security in bulk power systems. Three different approaches used for prioritization of transmission system projects by the electric utilities are discussed and analyzed for two different transmission system alternatives. Utilizing the best approach, transmission alternatives are prioritized and the best alternative is placed on top of the prioritized table. An analysis of the three approaches and a relative comparison is performed on the IEEE 25 bus Reliability Test System. TRELSS (Transmission Reliability Evaluation of Large Scale Systems), a software package developed by EPRI, is utilized in determining the probabilistic indices that are used in the proposed approach. >
Disulfiram is a DNA demethylating agent and inhibits prostate cancer cell growth.

BACKGROUND The clinical success of the nucleoside analogs 5-aza-cytidine (5-azaC) and 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors has spurred interest in the development of non-nucleoside inhibitors with improved pharmacologic and safety profiles. Because DNMT catalysis features attack of cytosine bases by an enzyme thiol group, we tested whether disulfiram (DSF), a thiol-reactive compound with known clinical safety, demonstrated DNMT inhibitory activity. METHODS Inhibition of DNMT1 activity by DSF was assessed using methyltransferase activity assays with recombinant DNMT1. Next, prostate cancer cell lines were exposed to DSF and assessed for: i) reduction of global 5-methyl cytosine (5meC) content using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); ii) gene-specific promoter demethylation by methylation-specific PCR (MSP); and iii) gene-reactivation by real-time RT-PCR. DSF was also tested for growth inhibition using prostate cancer cell lines propagated in vitro in cell culture and in vivo as xenografts in nude mice. RESULTS Disulfiram showed a dose-dependent inhibition of DNMT1 activity on a hemimethylated DNA substrate. In prostate cancer cells in culture, DSF exposure led to reduction of global genomic 5meC content, increase in unmethylated APC and RARB gene promoters, and associated re-expression of these genes, but did not significantly alter prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression. DSF significantly inhibited growth and clonogenic survival of prostate cancer cell lines in culture and showed a trend for reduced growth of prostate cancer xenografts. CONCLUSIONS Disulfiram is a non-nucleoside DNMT1 inhibitor that can reduce global 5meC content, reactivate epigenetically silenced genes, and significantly inhibit growth in prostate cancer cell lines. Prostate 77:333–343, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CO 2 laser driven ion acceleration in a gas jet

A train of multiterawatt, 3 ps CO 2 laser pulses is used for proton acceleration in a plasma at the critical density. Maximum energy of ions is strongly affected by a temporal structure of the pulse.
Continuous-wave mode-locked operation of a chromium-doped forsterite laser

Mode-locked operation of chromium-doped forsterite (Cr:Mg(2)SiO(4)) has been achieved for the first time to our knowledge. The chromium-doped forsterite laser has been mode locked by using two methods: active mode locking, which produced pulses as short as 31 ps tunable between 1204 and 1277 nm, and synchronously pumped mode locking, which produced pulses of 260-ps duration tunable between 1195 and 1295 nm.
Core-Self Evaluations and Team Performance: The Role of Team-Member Exchange

Team composition literature has established associations of team personality composition and performance in previous research. This study adds to this literature by examining the positive relations...
Reduced representation model of protein structure prediction: Statistical potential and genetic algorithms

A reduced representation model, which has been described in previous reports, was used to predict the folded structures of proteins from their primary sequences and random starting conformations. The molecular structure of each protein has been reduced to its backbone atoms (with ideal fixed bond lengths and valence angles) and each side chain approximated by a single virtual united-atom. The coordinate variables were the backbone dihedral angles phi and psi. A statistical potential function, which included local and nonlocal interactions and was computed from known protein structures, was used in the structure minimization. A novel approach, employing the concepts of genetic algorithms, has been developed to simultaneously optimize a population of conformations. With the information of primary sequence and the radius of gyration of the crystal structure only, and starting from randomly generated initial conformations, I have been able to fold melittin, a protein of 26 residues, with high computational convergence. The computed structures have a root mean square error of 1.66 A (distance matrix error = 0.99 A) on average to the crystal structure. Similar results for avian pancreatic polypeptide inhibitor, a protein of 36 residues, are obtained. Application of the method to apamin, an 18-residue polypeptide with two disulfide bonds, shows that it folds apamin to native-like conformations with the correct disulfide bonds formed.
Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with an increased conversion rate in acute cholecystitis.
Role Orientation of Certified Athletic Trainers at Institutions of Higher Education

Objective: This study examined the role orientation hierarchy among teaching, research, service, and administrative responsibilities of certified athletic trainers (ATCs) employed at the collegiate level. Design and Setting: Four single response role orientation questions regarding their actual, ideal, promoted, and most appropriate role orientations were asked as part of a 45 question role complexity internet survey sent to 1,000 randomly selected collegiate ATCs. Subjects: Twenty-nine potential respondents were eliminated from the random sample after administration of the survey due to partial responses and missing data, illness, vacation and job changes. Therefore, out of 971 potential respondents, 348 usable responses were received for a 36% response rate. Measurements: Emphasizing or de-emphasizing each element of responsibility created sixteen different role orientation hierarchies involving teaching, service, research, and administration. Respondents chose one hierarchy to answer each of four quest...
Pit membrane remnants in perforation plates and other vessel details of Cornales

Perforation plates and other vessel details as studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been reported for four species of Cornaceae (s.l.): similar features are shown by the four, suggesting that a more extensive sampling of the family might reveal similar phenomena. Perforation plates contain pit membrane remnants in the form of threads or, less commonly, laminar portions perforated by pores. When least well-represented, the pit membrane remnants are restricted to lateral ends of perforations and to the perforations transitional to lateral wall pitting. Perforations are all clearly bordered. Helical thickenings that do not form a continuous gyre are reported for the vessel walls ofAucuba. The presence of pit membrane remnants in vessel elements of Cornaceae correlates with the mesic habitats occupied by species in this family. The presence and type of pit membrane remnants reported by us in the three genera is very similar, although pit membrane remnants are doubtless a symplesiomorphy and thus not an indicator of relationships. The presence of pit membrane remnants in the three genera, however, does attest to the primitiveness of wood and other features of Cornaceae s.l.
STUDIES OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN SCHOOLCHILDREN (AGES 6–19) AND THEIR PARENTS IN AN INTEGRATED SUBURBAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), along with demographic and anthropometric variables were assessed in a biracial group of schoolchildren and parents in an integrated suburban school district: 682 schoolchildren, ages 6--19, including 268 white males, 236 white females, 85 black males and 93 black females; 362 adults, ages 20--64, including 142 white males, 159 white females, 20 black males and 41 black females. There were no significant black-white SBP or DBP differences in children, while SBP and DBP were higher in adult blacks than whites. Using multiple regression analysis, with BP as the dependent variable, SBP in children was significantly associated with pulse, weight, skinfold thickness, age and height; DBP was significantly associated with age, pulse, weight, and skinfold thickness. Race, sex, and education of the head of household did not significantly enter the multiple regression matrix for children's BP. Respectively, 29% and 22% of the variance of the children's SBP and DBP was accounted for by the measured variables. In adults, SBP was significantly related to weight, race, pulse, and age; DBP was significantly related to weight, race, age, and skinfold thickness. Respectively, 27% and 24% of the variance of the adults' SBP and DBP was accounted for by the measured variables. Covariance adjusted mean SBP and DBP were higher in hypertriglyceridemic than in hypotriglyceridemic children (p = 0.001), and were lower in hyperalpha-lipoproteinemic than hypoalpha-lipoproteinemic children (p less than or equal to 0.03). Children in an integrated school district may have shared behaviors, goals, and environments contributing to shared BP, while differing environmental factors may become amplified with age and life experience and contribute to higher BP in black adults.
Heparin-activated enzyme system of human plasma.

Summary1. In distinction to the Sf 20-400 lipoproteins, the Sf 6 lipoprotein of the human is not a good substrate for fatty acid release by the heparin-activated enzyme system of plasma. 2. The serum tributyrinase activity is not enhanced significantly after heparin injection. 3. The lipolysis of the lipoprotein triglycerides is significantly inhibited by fatty acid itself. 4. The fatty acid release resulting from the incubation of suitable lipoproteins with post-heparin plasma is unaffected by oxygen, the antioxidant α-naphthol; and sulfhydryl inhibitors; anaerobiosis with nitrogen produces at most a 10% increase in fatty acid release. Fatty acid release is inhibited at most 10% by ATP and Co A, and at most 5% by either compound. The inhibition by DFP suggests the enzyme to be an esterase.
C-Cbl binds the CSF-1 receptor at tyrosine 973, a novel phosphorylation site in the receptor's carboxy-terminus.

The colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) receptor is a protein–tyrosine kinase that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of monocyte and macrophage precursors. Binding of CSF-1 to its receptor results in activation of the kinase domain and autophosphorylation on a number of tyrosine residues. Phosphorylated tyrosine residues function as binding sites for SH2 domain-containing signaling proteins. It is known that activated receptors are internalized and degraded, but the mechanics of this process remain largely unknown. Recently, evidence has started to emerge that the ubiquitin–protein ligase c-Cbl is involved in CSF-1 receptor degradation. In addition, there is evidence that the CSF-1 receptor carboxy-terminus is involved in down regulation of the receptor. Here we show that the c-Cbl tyrosine kinase-binding (TKB) domain binds in vitro and in vivo to the CSF-1 receptor. Binding is dependent on the receptor's protein–kinase activity. Deletion of the carboxy-terminus or mutation of Tyr 973 blocks binding. We further provide evidence that the CSF-1 receptor's carboxy-terminus is a substrate for autophosphorylation. Our observations are consistent with a model in which receptor autophosphorylation at Tyr 973 creates a binding site for c-Cbl. Association of c-Cbl with the receptor leads to ubiquitination, followed by receptor degradation.
STM Investigations of Confined Transition Metal Chalcogenide Colloidal Particles

The chemical reactivity of catalytic surfaces often arises from a unique crystal or electronic structure confined to the first few atomic layers. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) is particularly well suited to studying the spatially confined structural properties of such systems. In this paper, I report recent advances in the characterization of colloidal layered transition metal chalcogenides using STM. These particles mimic the surface (layer edge) properties of bulk catalytic materials. It is found that the materials adopt distinct equilibrium chemical and electronic structures as compared to the bulk. The possible significance of these novel structures in regard to the bulk catalytic functionality of the parent material will be briefly discussed.
Role of Water and Phase in the Heterogeneous Oxidation of Solid and Aqueous Succinic Acid Aerosol by Hydroxyl Radicals

The effect of the aerosol phase (solid versus aqueous) on the heterogeneous OH oxidation of succinic acid (C4H6O4) is investigated using an aerosol flow tube reactor. The molecular and elemental tr...
Women in Public Administration: Giving Gender a Place in Education for Leadership

This article explores some aspects of the place of gender in educating public administrators for leadership, an important component of re-orienting women’s public sector role. While previous research has examined the place of gender in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) diversity and core courses, this study adds to our knowledge by analyzing gender in popular introductory MPA textbooks and in leadership courses. The aim is not only to see whether these offerings cover gender issues but whether they explore such issues only through a legal lens or supplement that approach with analysis of stereotypes in the gendered workplace—what management scholars call second-generation bias issues. The research finds that introductory textbooks and most leadership courses do not include material on second-generation bias issues. This tendency is unfortunate as some feminist theorists argue that adding education in second-generation bias issues to MPA education would help increase the role of women as leaders.
A survey on robot localization in extraterrestrial environments

Localization plays a key role during autonomous operation of mobile robots in planetary exploration missions. It is a challenging task due to the uncertainty in the environment and limitations in communications. In this paper we discuss various technologies that can be considered for localization of robots in extraterrestrial environments and also analyze various methods that can be implemented using these technologies. After reviewing pros and cons of each method we finally suggest the best technique for localization considering the application of the robot.
Enhancing DRAM Self-Refresh for Idle Power Reduction

DRAM can enter self-refresh mode to save power during idle periods. But self-refresh mode does not modify or reduce the number of refresh operations, therefore the refresh energy stays the same. We observe that in the self-refresh mode DRAM cells are in two distinct modes, static (idle) and dynamic (refreshing), and that the switching between these modes are predictable. In this paper, we propose two new self-refresh modes to improve the power efficiency of DRAM: Enhanced Self-Refresh (ESR) and Long latency Self-Refresh (LSR). The key idea behind our observation is to optimize the leakage current of DRAM cells by selectively applying different voltage levels to the DRAM cell transistors when they are active (accessed for refreshing) and idle (pre-charged) by adjusting both the word-line and body voltages.With our techniques, the retention time of DRAM cells is improved. In our SPICE and mathematical models, ESR and LSR modes result in a 39% and 48% DRAM self-refresh power reduction compared to the existing self-refresh mode, respectively. A workload analysis of ESR shows DRAM energy savings on average of 22%. In addition, for the long idle periods in server systems, the LSR mode can reduce DRAM idle power by nearly 50%, which results in a 6.5% total system idle power reduction.
Current Status Caliciviruses Isolated from Marine Mammals and Their Relationship to Caliciviruses of Terrestrial Animals

The current status of the Caliciviruses of marine mammals represented by San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV) is compared to the Caliciviruses of terrestrial mammals represented by vesicular exanthema of swine virus (VESV). A review of the known distribution of SMSV antibodies in pinnipeds, cetaceans and terrestrial mammals is presented as an example of the importance of marine mammals as a reservoir of viruses for terrestrial mammals.
Life extending control of aircraft: trade-off between flight performance and structural durability

The goal of life extending control (LEC) is to enhance the service life of complex mechanical systems, such as aircraft, spacecraft, and energy conversion devices, without any significant loss of performance, and can be achieved by making a trade-off between dynamic performance and structural durability. This paper presents the concept and a design methodology for robust life extending control of aircraft structures that are typically subjected to cyclic mechanical stresses. The controller design procedure relies on the specifications of flight performance and allowable fatigue crack damage at critical points of aircraft structures that serve as indicators of the effective service life. As an example, an aeroelastic model of the aircraft wings has been formulated and is incorporated into a nonlinear rigid-body model of the flight-dynamics. The H∞-based structured singular value (μ) synthesis method has been used to design robust life extending controllers based on a linearised model of the aircraft and a (nonlinear) state-space model of fatigue crack growth. The results of simulation experiments show significant savings in fatigue life of the wings while retaining the dynamic performance of the aircraft.
Effectiveness of the extended surgical approach to visualize the axillary nerve in the blind zone in an arthroscopic axillary nerve injury model

Summary Introduction The aims of this study were to create a model of axillary nerve (AN) injury during an arthroscopic capsular plication to analyze the site for potential nerve injury and to determine the AN length that can be visualized through standard and extended anterior, axillary, and posterior approaches. Material and methods Six arthroscopic inferior capsular plications were performed in 3 human adult frozen cadavers. A nonabsorbable suture was used to plicate the inferior capsule aiming at capturing the AN (at a location closest to the joint capsule). We then attempted to explore the AN through 3 different surgical approaches (each approach was performed in 2 shoulders): a standard and an extended anterior, axillary, and posterior approach. Surgical clips were used to mark the AN length that was visualized through each approach. Results The AN injury was located in a range from 5.4 to 7.8 cm from its origin from the posterior cord. This location corresponds with the previously described AN injury zone B (blind) and zone C (circumflex). Compared to the standard approaches, the extended anterior, axillary, and posterior approaches improved the visualization of the AN by 3.6, 1.5, and 2.8 cm, respectively. None of these approaches independently was sufficient to expose the entire course of the AN. Conclusions The blind zone is a potential location for AN injury after inferior capsular plication. On the basis of this study, a combination of a standard and an extended surgical approach may lead to better exposure of most of the AN length.
Automated statistical process matching across the virtual fab

Statistical process matching plays a central role in detecting and minimizing special and common cause variations in semiconductor manufacturing. Performing automated statistical matching across many fabs, thousands of tools and millions of data points at acceptable performance and scalability requires a complex automation infrastructure. In this paper, we cover the main features of Intel's fab automation infrastructure that facilitates a multitude of offline statistical analyses.
Leisure as Multiphase Experiences: Challenging Traditions

(1998). Leisure as Multiphase Experiences: Challenging Traditions. Journal of Leisure Research: Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 391-400.
Understanding the Impact of Green Initiatives and Green Performance on Financial Performance in the US

Sustainable development has received increasing attention in recent literature, driven by increased environmental concerns. We study the influence of green initiatives and green performance on financial performance for the top 500 publicly traded companies in the USA by industry sector. Green initiatives are measured using the concepts Green Pay Link, Sustainability Themed Committee and Audit. Green performance is measured using Energy Productivity, Carbon Productivity, Water Productivity, Waste Productivity and Green Reputation. The results show that green initiatives have a negative impact on Energy Productivity and Green Reputation, and that both green initiatives and green performance have a significant impact on financial performance. These results are mixed and vary by industry sector. The results suggest that companies take a reactive, not proactive, approach in the implementation of green initiatives. In addition, the results suggest that the impact of green performance on financial performance is not immediate, and may take more than a year for companies to observe. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Simultaneous measurement of macro- and microvascular blood flow and oxygen saturation for quantification of muscle oxygen consumption.

Purpose To investigate the relationship between blood flow and oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle, a technique called “Velocity and Perfusion, Intravascular Venous Oxygen saturation and T2*” (vPIVOT) is presented. vPIVOT allows the quantification of feeding artery blood flow velocity, perfusion, draining vein oxygen saturation, and muscle T2*, all at 4-s temporal resolution. Together, the measurement of blood flow and oxygen extraction can yield muscle oxygen consumption ( V˙O2) via the Fick principle. Methods In five subjects, vPIVOT-derived results were compared with those obtained from stand-alone sequences during separate ischemia-reperfusion paradigms to investigate the presence of measurement bias. Subsequently, in 10 subjects, vPIVOT was applied to assess muscle hemodynamics and V˙O2 following a bout of dynamic plantar flexion contractions. Results From the ischemia-reperfusion paradigm, no significant differences were observed between data from vPIVOT and comparison sequences. After exercise, the macrovascular flow response reached a maximum 8 ± 3 s after relaxation; however, perfusion in the gastrocnemius muscle continued to rise for 101 ± 53 s. Peak V˙O2 calculated based on mass-normalized arterial blood flow or perfusion was 15.2 ± 6.7 mL O2/min/100 g or 6.0 ± 1.9 mL O2/min/100 g, respectively. Conclusions vPIVOT is a new method to measure blood flow and oxygen saturation, and therefore to quantify muscle oxygen consumption. Magn Reson Med, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Fecal microbiota transplantation outcomes in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients: A single-center experience.

Background Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major infectious disease focus for which fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used with success in various patient populations. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of FMT in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients to review outcomes at our center, with a focus on identifying risk factors for FMT failure in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. FMT was conducted using universal banked frozen stool via naso-duodenal tube in patients with recurrent CDI of 3 or more episodes per our institutional protocol. Results Thirteen patients were included in the analysis, 6 who were immunocompetent and 7 who were immunocompromised. Of these, 6 patients had a history of SOT and were primarily abdominal organ recipients. All immunocompetent patients experienced success with FMT, while 3 immunocompromised SOT patients experienced failure. Two patients who failed FMT had a second FMT, which was successful in one patient and failed in the second patient. No adverse events were noted with FMT administration. A predictor of FMT failure was antimicrobial exposure pre-FMT. Conclusions This study highlights the safe use of FMT for recurrent CDI with variable efficacy in immunocompromised patients. Antimicrobial exposure prior to FMT was an identified risk factor for FMT failure. The use of sequential FMT in SOT patients may be considered but ultimately requires further investigation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Efficient finite-element formulation for analysis of whispering-gallery-mode optical resonators

This paper presents a new formulation for the fast and accurate three-dimensional vectorial analysis of dielectric whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators using the finite element method (FEM). This method relies on two properties of the WGM resonators: (1) the axial symmetry to reduce the number of coordinate variables from three to two and (2) the use of the divergence equation for the magnetic field and its axial symmetry to express the azimuthal magnetic component of the field in terms of its transverse components. As a result, for our FEM analysis, only the transverse part of the magnetic Helmholtz equation is required, which is composed of two field variables and two coordinate variables. The method can use scalar elements without generating any spurious modes and without the need for a penalty function. This can substantially reduce the computational time and complexity. After verifying this FEM formulation through comparing the simulation results with the known analytical solutions for a few special resonators, a variety of WGM resonators in the silicon photonic platform are analyzed in terms of key parameters needed for designing integrated photonic structures.
Quantitative Live-Cell Confocal Imaging of 3D Spheroids in a High-Throughput Format

Accurately predicting the human response to new compounds is critical to a wide variety of industries. Standard screening pipelines (including both in vitro and in vivo models) often lack predictive power. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems of human cells, a more physiologically relevant platform, could provide a high-throughput, automated means to test the efficacy and/or toxicity of novel substances. However, the challenge of obtaining high-magnification, confocal z stacks of 3D spheroids and understanding their respective quantitative limitations must be overcome first. To address this challenge, we developed a method to form spheroids of reproducible size at precise spatial locations across a 96-well plate. Spheroids of variable radii were labeled with four different fluorescent dyes and imaged with a high-throughput confocal microscope. 3D renderings of the spheroid had a complex bowl-like appearance. We systematically analyzed these confocal z stacks to determine the depth of imaging and the effect of spheroid size and dyes on quantitation. Furthermore, we have shown that this loss of fluorescence can be addressed through the use of ratio imaging. Overall, understanding both the limitations of confocal imaging and the tools to correct for these limits is critical for developing accurate quantitative assays using 3D spheroids.
Unsettled Sovereignty and the Sea: Mobilities and More-Than-Territorial Configurations of State Power

How do mobilities associated with oceans and the resources inside of them shape the spatial and temporal dimensions of state sovereignty? As an entry point into this question, this article explores...