cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High density lipoprotein is targeted for oxidation by myeloperoxidase in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective Phagocyte-derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) and pro-inflammatory high density lipoprotein (HDL) associate with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the link between MPO and HDL has not been systematically examined. In this study, we investigated whether MPO can oxidise HDL and determined MPO-specific oxidative signature by apoA-1 by peptide mapping in RA subjects with and without known cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods Two MPO oxidation products, 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine, were quantified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in in vitro model system studies and in plasma and HDL derived from healthy controls and RA subjects. MPO levels and cholesterol efflux were determined. Site-specific nitration and chlorination of apoA-1 peptides were quantified by MS/MS. Results RA subjects demonstrated higher levels of MPO, MPO-oxidised HDL and diminished cholesterol efflux. There was marked increase in MPO-specific 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine content in HDL in RA subjects consistent with specific targeting of HDL, with increased nitration in RA subjects with CVD. Cholesterol efflux capacity was diminished in RA subjects and correlated inversely with HDL 3-chlorotyrosine suggesting a mechanistic role for MPO. Nitrated HDL was elevated in RACVD subjects compared with RA subjects without CVD. Oxidative peptide mapping revealed site-specific unique oxidation signatures on apoA-1 for RA subjects with and without CVD. Conclusions We report an increase in MPO-mediated HDL oxidation that is regiospecific in RA and accentuated in those with CVD. Decreased cholesterol efflux capacity due to MPO-mediated chlorination is a potential mechanism for atherosclerosis in RA and raises the possibility that oxidant resistant forms of HDL may attenuate this increased risk.
A Procedure for Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Free Amino Acids in Meats

SUMMARY— A gas liquid chromatography (GLC) procedure was developed to quantitatively measure the free amino acid content of meat and meat products. The amino acids were extracted from the meats with water and purified using dialysis and ion exchange chromatography. n-Butyl N-trifluoro-acetyl amino acid derivatives were prepared and analyzed on the gas chromatograph. Factors used for quantitative purposes were calculated using the peak areas and concentrations of known amino acid derivatives. The isolation and purification procedures were able to remove all carbohydrates, proteins, and 98% of all inorganic salts from the amino acid solutions. Eleven of the common amino acids were completely resolved using the GLC condition described in this investigation. In addition, three GLC peaks contained two amino acids each. The procedure was able to detect free amino acid in sausage in concentrations as low as .01mg/g.
Natural Boundary for a Sum Involving Toeplitz Determinants

In the theory of the two-dimensional Ising model, the diagonal susceptibility is equal to a sum involving Toeplitz determinants. In terms of a parameter k the diagonal susceptibility is analytic for |k| < 1, and the authors proved the conjecture that this function has the unit circle as a natural boundary. The symbol of the Toepltiz determinants was a k-deformation of one with a single singularity on the unit circle. Here we extend the result, first, to deformations of a larger class of symbols with a single singularity on the unit circle, and then to deformations of (almost) general Fisher–Hartwig symbols.
Combined Marginal Folate and Riboflavin Status Affect Homocysteine Methylation in Cultured Immortalized Lymphocytes from Persons Homozygous for the MTHFR C677T Mutation

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the methyl donor for the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine. A common C677T mutation in the MTHFR gene renders the enzyme approximately 50% less active than the wild-type enzyme as shown in in vitro studies using cell extracts. We developed an immortalized cell culture model to determine whether the lower in vitro activity imparted by the homozygous (T/T) genotype is demonstrated in situ when exposed to adequate and marginal physiologic concentrations of folate and riboflavin. T/T MTHFR activity was compared with that of C/C genotype cell extracts by an in vitro assay and in intact cells by measuring the distribution of folate forms, the accumulation of homocysteine in the medium and the synthesis of methionine from formate and homocysteine. Under adequate nutrient conditions, the in vitro activity of the T/T MTHFR enzyme was approximately half that of the C/C genotype. Similarly, the proportion of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in cells with the T/T genotype was approximately half that of the cells with wild-type MTHFR. In contrast, homocysteine accumulation in the culture medium was low and not different between genotypes, nor was there a difference in methionine synthetic capacity. Significant differences were observed between genotypes only when the supply of both folate and riboflavin was limited in the medium, which resulted in increased homocysteine accumulation and decreased methionine production in the T/T genotype. These data are consistent with the current understanding of the molecular interaction of the MTHFR mutant with folate substrates and the FAD prosthetic group.
Multiobjective simulation optimization using an enhanced genetic algorithm

This paper presents an improved genetic algorithm approach, based on new ranking strategy, to conduct multi-objective optimization of simulation modeling problems. This approach integrates a simulation model with stochastic nondomination-based multiobjective optimization technique and genetic algorithms. New genetic operators are introduced to enhance the algorithm performance of finding Pareto optimal solutions and its efficiency in terms of computational effort. An elitism operator is employed to ensure the propagation of the Pareto optimal set, and a dynamic expansion operator to increase the population size. An importation operator is adapted to explore some new regions of the search space. Moreover, new concepts of stochastic and significant dominance are introduced to improve the definition of dominance in stochastic environments.
CULTIVATING IMAGINATION: FACTORS THAT ENHANCE AND INHIBIT CREATIVITY IN BRAINSTORMING GROUPS

The great majority of researchers and theorists agree that in order for organizations and societies to adapt to their rapidly changing environments they must have creative approaches to problem solving. One technique that continues to have promise as a method for generating creative alternatives to complex problems is brainstorming. Yet, despite almost 30 years of research on the process, controversies still exist concerning its approach and methods for stimulating creativity. This study was designed to explore a number of inconsistent findings present in earlier brainstorming research. Results provide clarification for some incongruities, but for others suggest the need for additional research. In particular, analyses indicate that group composition affects member productivity, perceptions of status differentiation, and satisfaction with the group.
Optical sensor for transformer monitoring

Transformers are a vital part of transmission and distribution systems. Monitoring the transformers for problems before they occur can prevent faults that are costly to fix and result in a loss of service. Current systems can provide information about the state of a transformer, but are very expensive to implement. This paper outlines a new approach that is based on using light absorbance to monitor the transformer oil. Oil is continually sampled from the transformer, and light is passed through the oil and tested for absorbance. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated that a system based on certain wavelengths could determine the difference between an acceptable or unacceptable sample of oil. Samples of a failed transformer showed a general increase in absorbance during the experiment. Additional wavelengths can be identified, which provides more information about the state of the transformer and makes the system more versatile in determining fault types. Basic principles of operation experimental data and a prototype of this monitoring system are presented.
Design of rationality-based computing middleware: a preliminary study

This paper introduces the concept of rationality-based computing (RBC) and a preliminary design of middleware, GameMosix that implements the concept. Millions of computers and mobile devices over the Internet play rationality-based games in sharing computational resources. Researchers in computer systems communities are becoming more interested in game theory and evolutionary computing. First, we discuss previous work on game theory and evolutionary game theory applied to computer systems. Then, we introduce the design of a preliminary version of RBC middleware architecture and some results from the simulation of the architecture.
Deletion at 13q21 Is Associated with Aggressive Prostate Cancers

Previous cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses suggest that the q21 band of chromosome 13 harbors a tumor suppressor gene(s) involved in prostatic carcinogenesis. The precise genetic location, however, has not been defined. In this study, we examined prostate cancer specimens and cell lines/xenograft for genetic deletions at 13q21, using the methods of tissue microdissection and duplex PCR. Deletions at 13q21 were detected in 13 of 147 (9%) prostate cancer samples. Deletion of the same region was also detected in the LNCaP cell line and the PC-82 xenograft of prostate cancer. The overlapping region of deletion in LNCaP and PC-82 spans 3.1 cM or 2.9 cR, which is equivalent to 1-3 Mb. The endothelin receptor B gene, a possible tumor suppressor gene at 13q21, was not located in the region of deletion. Among the 13 prostate neoplasms with deletion at 13q21, 5 were metastases, and 7 were poorly differentiated primary tumors. The only primary tumor that was not poorly differentiated but had deletion occurred in one of the youngest patients (49 years) at diagnosis. These results provide evidence that 13q21 may harbor an unidentified gene(s) whose inactivation occurs in some aggressive carcinomas of the prostate. In addition, this study provides a framework for the cloning and identification of the 13q21 gene(s).
Rapid scientific response to Landers quake

Early on the morning of June 28, 1992, millions of people in southern California were awakened by the largest earthquake (Ms 7.5, Mw 7.4) in the western U.S. in the past 40 years. The quake initiated near the town of Landers, Calif., at 11:57 (GMT) and ruptured to the north and then the northwest along a 70-km stretch of the Mojave Shear Zone. Fortunately, the strongest shaking occurred in uninhabited regions of the Mojave desert, but one child was killed in Yucca Valley and 400 people were injured in the surrounding area. The communities of Landers, Yucca Valley, and Joshua Tree in San Bernardino County sustained significant ($100 million) damage to buildings and roads. Damage to water and power lines also caused problems in many of the desert areas.
The contribution of conservation biological control to integrated control of Bemisia tabaci in cotton

Integrated control systems are based on the complimentary contribution of chemical and biological con- trol fostered by conservation of natural enemies. Yet, in the 50 years since the integrated control concept (ICC) (Stern, V.M., Smith, R.F., van den Bosch, R., Hagen, K.S., 1959. The integrated control concept. Hilgar- dia 29, 81-101) was introduced there are few operational programs and even fewer attempts to analyze the mechanisms that allow chemical and biological control to act in concert. The dearth of demonstrable evidence for the ICC has eroded the credibility of biological control and its usage in operational IPM plans. We used in situ life tables within an experimental design to measure and compare the contribution and interaction of biological control and insecticides as tactical components within three pest management systems for Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in cotton. Insecticides were the key factor immediately following applications of broad-spectrum materials or one of two selective insect growth regulators (IGRs), and this mortality replaced that provided by natural enemies. Two to six weeks later, however, mortality from natural enemies, primarily predation, in the IGR regimes rebounded to the high levels observed in untreated controls and became the key factor. Mortality from natural enemies remained depressed in the broad-spectrum insecticide regime. Single IGR applications were sufficient to suppress B. tabaci pop- ulations throughout the season, while up to five broad-spectrum applications were needed to achieve comparable control. The chemical residual of IGRs was limited to several weeks, demonstrating a key role for mortality from conserved natural enemies that extended the control interval. This ''bioresidual" allows for long-term, commercially-acceptable pest suppression following the use of selective insecti- cides. We provide a rare experimental illustration of integrated control, where chemical and biological controls ''augment one another". Our approach and methodology could be applied to demonstrate and validate integrated control in many other systems, addressing a critical need for implementation of bio- logical control in practicing IPM systems.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Chronically Parasuicidal Borderline Patients

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy, ie, dialectical behavior therapy, for the treatment of chronically parasuicidal women who met criteria for borderline personality disorder. The treatment lasted 1 year, with assessment every 4 months. The control condition was "treatment as usual" in the community. At most assessment points and during the entire year, the subjects who received dialectical behavior therapy had fewer incidences of parasuicide and less medically severe parasuicides, were more likely to stay in individual therapy, and had fewer inpatient psychiatric days. There were no between-group differences on measures of depression, hopelessness, suicide ideation, or reasons for living although scores on all four measures decreased throughout the year.
Yield, Quality, and Water and Nitrogen Use of Durum and Annual Forages in Two-Year Rotations

Annual spring-seeded forage crops use less water than cereal grains, including durum (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum), and may be suitable to replace summer fallow. We conducted an experiment from 2002 through 2006 comparing yield, quality, and water and N use of durum and three annual forages, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), barley interseeded with pea [Pisum sativum L. ssp. arvense (L.) Poir.], and foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] in 2-yr rotations. Durum in rotation with summer fallow and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were included. Averaged over 5 yr, alfalfa had higher forage yield and quality, water use, and N accumulation compared to annual forages. Annual forages had similar preplant and postharvest soil water contents, but barley and barley–pea had higher yields and water use compared to millet. Barley–pea intercrop had superior forage crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fi ber (NDF) and N accumulation compared to barley and millet, but acid detergent fi ber (ADF) and nitrogen recovery index (NRI) were similar among annual forages. Averaged over 4 yr, preplant soil water and residual N content were greater for durum following fallow than for durum following annual forages, resulting in reduced fertilizer N requirement and greater yield, water use, grain N accumulation and NRI following fallow. Replacing summer fallow with annual forages reduced durum grain yield by 727 kg ha −1 but provided forage yield of 4.9 Mg ha −1 . Annualized net returns in annual forage-durum systems were $127 ha −1 , $77 and $34 ha −1 greater than for fallowdurum and alfalfa, respectively. Replacing summer fallow with annual forages reduced durum yield but improved profi tability.
An Approximate Version of Kernel PCA

We propose an analog of kernel Principal Component Analysis (kernel PCA). Our algorithm is based on an approximation of PCA which uses Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization. We combine this approximation with Support Vector Machine kernels to obtain a nonlinear generalization of PCA. By using our approximation to PCA we are able to provide a more easily computed (in the case of many data points) and readily interpretable version of kernel PCA. After demonstrating our algorithm on some examples, we explore its use in applications to fluid flow and microarray data.
Kinetics of a multistate enzyme in a large oscillating field

A simple, general, and efficient method for calculating the response of a set of coupled first-order (or pseudo-first-order) chemical reactions to an arbitrarily large periodic field is described. The method is applied to a four-state membrane transport enzyme that is electroconformationally coupled to an ac field, i.e., the enzyme has electric charges that move concomitantly with a conformational transition. The calculation is done both for enzymes in a planar membrane and for enzymes in the spherical membrane of a cell or vesicle in suspension.
Judging a Brook by Its Cover: The Relation between Ecological Condition of a Stream and Urban Land Cover in New England

The US Geological Survey conducted an urban land-use study in the New England Coastal Basins (NECB) area during 2001 to determine how urbanization re- lates to changes in the ecological condition of streams. Thirty sites were selected that differed in their level of watershed development (low to high). An urban intensity value was calculated for each site from 24 landscape variables. Together, these 30 values reppresented a gradient of urban intensity. Among various biological, chemi- cal, and physical factors surveyed at each site, benthic invertebrate assemblages were sampled from stream riffl es and also from multiple habitats along the length of the sampling reach. We use some of the NECB data to derive a four-variable urban- intensity index (NECB-UII), where each variable represents a distinct component of urbanization: increasing human presence, expanding infrastructure, landscape devel- opment, and riparian vegetation loss. Using the NECB-UII as a characterization of urbanization, we describe how landscape fragmentation occurs with urbanization and how changes in the invertebrate assemblages, represented by metrics of ecological condition, are related to urbanization. Metrics with a strong linear response included EPT taxa richness, percentage richness of non-insect taxa, and pollution-tolerance values. Additionally, we describe how these relations can help in estimating the expected condition of a stream for its level of urbanization, thereby establishing a baseline for evaluating possible affects from specifi c point-source stressors.
Professionals under stress: A review of burnout among the helping professions with implications for school psychologists

Based upon a review of the literature regarding burnout among the helping professions, this article discusses organizational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal conditions that may create or exacerbate problems of burnout among school psychologists. Suggestions for coping with burnout in school settings are presented. The need for a research agenda related to burnout among school psychologists is underscored.
Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are the most common neoplasm of the small intestine, and their incidence has increased in the past four decades. A majority of patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Biochemical and imaging studies are important in the diagnostic workup and surveillance of small bowel NETs. Surgical resection of the primary tumor with regional lymph nodes and resection of metastatic lesions when possible is the only hope for cure and only possible in about 20 % of cases. In patients with unresectable metastasis, ablative/cytoreductive techniques exist which can achieve tumor control. Patients with systemic disease may be treated with somatostatin analogues as well as new emerging modalities such as peptide-receptor radiotherapy. Advancements in the treatment of metastatic lesions with ablative techniques and targeted medical therapy have improved survival.
Electrochemical Reduction of PMDA-ODA and its Effect on Metal/Polyimide Interfacial Reliability

Numerous polymers, including many polyimides, are known to exhibit reversible electrochemical redox behavior. This phenomenon has been observed for thermally imidized films in aqueous electrolytes, and for chemically and thermally cured polyimides in nonaqueous electrolytes. Here we report that even relatively thick chemically imidized polyimides exhibit reversible redox behavior in simple aqueous electrolytes. In addition, the effect of this electroactivity on metal to polyimide adhesion was investigated by forming metal electrodes on Kapton®’ polyimide film and applying a cathodic bias in aqueous electrolyte solutions. UV-visible electronic absorption spectroscopy, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) demonstrate that the species formed at the solvent saturated polyimide/metal interface is the singly reduced or “radical anion” form of Kapton®’ paired with a charge-balancing counterion. The rate of formation of the radical anion has been found to be consistent with calculated hydrated-cation radial size and measured equivalent conductance data, relative cation acidity, and solution pH. When alkali metal counterions are used, reversible redox behavior of PMDA-ODA is preserved with polyimide mediated electron transfer into the bulk polyimide, or to oxygen (in O2 containing solutions), possible. Electron transfer to oxygen is believed to result in a locally high concentration of hydroxide anions at the metal/polyimide interface. Temperature and humidity exposure accelerates the rate of polyimide hydrolysis by this nucleophile, resulting in substantially increased rates of metal to polyimide adhesion degradation. When counterion cations are used, which are more acidic in nature, the stability of the radical anion and cation complex is increased, effectively slowing the rate of polyimide mediated electron transfer. At pH below 4.5 a highly stable covalent radical-alcohol complex is suggested to result from direct protonation of the radical anion.
Reference tissue normalization in longitudinal 18 F-florbetapir positron emission tomography of late mild cognitive impairment

Semiquantitative methods such as the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) require normalization of the radiotracer activity to a reference tissue to monitor changes in the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques measured with positron emission tomography (PET). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reference tissue normalization in a test–retest 18F-florbetapir SUVR study using cerebellar gray matter, white matter (two different segmentation masks), brainstem, and corpus callosum as reference regions. We calculated the correlation between 18F-florbetapir PET and concurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ1–42 levels in a late mild cognitive impairment cohort with longitudinal PET and CSF data over the course of 2 years. In addition to conventional SUVR analysis using mean and median values of normalized brain radiotracer activity, we investigated a new image analysis technique—the weighted two-point correlation function (wS2)—to capture potentially more subtle changes in Aβ-PET data. Compared with the SUVRs normalized to cerebellar gray matter, all cerebral-to-white matter normalization schemes resulted in a higher inverse correlation between PET and CSF Aβ1–42, while the brainstem normalization gave the best results (high and most stable correlation). Compared with the SUVR mean and median values, the wS2 values were associated with the lowest coefficient of variation and highest inverse correlation to CSF Aβ1–42 levels across all time points and reference regions, including the cerebellar gray matter. The selection of reference tissue for normalization and the choice of image analysis method can affect changes in cortical 18F-florbetapir uptake in longitudinal studies.
A Valuation Dilemma: Are S Corporations Worth More than Otherwise Identical C Corporations?

In three recent court cases, the Tax Court has delivered opinions that will impact the future valuation of S Corporations. The Tax Court concluded in these cases that S Corporations are more valuable than other wise identical C Corporations. The common issue in all of these cases is; should the earnings stream of S Corporations be tax-affected. In Gross v. Commissioner, the court stated that the principle benefit from an S Corporation election is a reduction in the total tax burden. Tax affecting (lack of) in S Corporations creates an unintended inflated value. This paper uses the Gross case as the focal point since; this is the first of the trilogy of cases on this issue. This paper compares actual market data from private sales of S Corporations and C Corporations. A simple regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The conclusion is the market data comparison does not indicate S Corporations are more valuable than otherwise identical C Corporations.
Conventional karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization: an effective utilization strategy in diagnostic adult acute myeloid leukemia.

Objectives: Cytogenetics defines disease entities and predicts prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Conventional karyotyping provides a comprehensive view of the genome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detects targeted abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare the utility of karyotyping and FISH in adult AML. Methods: We studied 250 adult AML cases with concurrent karyotyping and FISH testing. Karyotyping was considered adequate when 20 or more metaphases were analyzed. Results: In total, 220 cases had adequate karyotyping and were classified as normal karyotype/normal FISH (n = 92), normal karyotype/abnormal FISH (n = 4), abnormal karyotype/normal FISH (n = 8), and abnormal karyotype/abnormal FISH (n = 116). The overall karyotype/FISH concordance rate was 97.7% with five discordant cases identified, four from the normal karyotype/abnormal FISH group and one from the abnormal karyotype/abnormal FISH group. No karyotype/FISH discordance was seen in the abnormal karyotype/normal FISH group for the FISH probes evaluated. FISH lent prognostic information in one (0.5%) of 220 cases with normal karyotype/abnormal FISH: CBFB-MYH11 fusion, indicating favorable prognosis. Conclusions: In adult AML, FISH rarely provides additional information when karyotyping is adequate. We therefore propose an evidence-based, cost-effective algorithmic approach for routine conventional karyotype and FISH testing in adult AML workup.
Abstract 142: Disability Trajectories Before And After Vascular Events: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Background: Stroke may contribute to long-term functional decline apart from its acute effects on neurological function. Few studies have compared long-term disability trajectories before and after vascular events or considered the natural history of aging-related decline. We hypothesized that the increase in long-term disability would be steeper post-event than pre-event for stroke but not myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: In the Cardiovascular Health Study, 5888 Medicare eligible participants were followed for a mean of 13 years for vascular events and had annual disability assessments with an activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL scale, modified from the National Center for Health Statistics Supplement on Aging (range 0-12, scored by number of ADLs and IADLs which the participant could not perform, analyzed continuously). During follow-up, 382 participants had ischemic stroke and 395 had MI with >=1 post-event disability assessment. Generalized estimating equations models adjusted for baseline demographics, vascular risk factors, arthritis, cognition, and social support and included a test for different slopes of disability before and after event. Results: Participants had a mean of 4 disability assessments each pre- and post-stroke and MI. Stroke (0.88, 95% CI 0.57-1.20, p<0.0001) was associated with a greater acute increase in disability than MI (0.20, 0.06-0.35, p=0.006). The annual increase in disability before stroke (0.06 points per year, 0.002-0.12, p=0.04) more than tripled after stroke (0.15 additional points per year, 0.004-0.30, p=0.04). The annual increase in disability before MI (0.04 points per year, 0.004-0.08, p=0.03) did not change significantly after MI (0.02 additional points per year, -0.07-0.11, p=0.7). Conclusions: In this large population-based study, a trajectory of increasing disability became significantly steeper after stroke but not after MI. This worsening trajectory could be due to delayed cell dysfunction in the brain surrounding stroke, long-term inflammatory profile changes, progressive cardiovascular impairment, or silent recurrent infarcts. Stroke may be considered an ongoing, chronic condition with effects on function instead of a single discrete event.
Public Policy Implementation and Social Movements: Understanding the Post Civil Rights Black Farmer's Movement and Land Loss Prevention

This study of the Black Farmer’s Movement examines the relationship between social movements and public policy implementation. I will adopt Andrews (2001) Movement infrastructure model as it focuses on organizational structure, resources, and leadership to account for the impact of social movements on public policy implementation. (Andrews 2001) The study seeks to employ a two-tiered research design that includes (1) a quantitative analysis of rural land holdings by Black Americans from 1965-2010 and (2) case studies that demonstrate the complex interaction between the Black Farmer’s Movement, resistance by whites, local power holders, and federal agencies. It is the hope of this study to show that areas with strong movement infrastructures contributed to greater funding for land loss prevention programs and helped to reduce black land loss. The case studies are hypothesized to demonstrate that Black Farmer Movement activities continued to experience resistance and in many cases exclusion by the local whites in an attempt to prevent the dissemination of critical public farm program information and prevent Black participation in local branches of federal farm committees. However, in states/areas with strong movement infrastructures, movement activist were able to able to gain access to decision-making bodies and shape the content of United States farm policy and programs.
Review of Portuguese-Spanish Interfaces: Diachrony, Synchrony, and Contact

This volume, the first to be published in John Benjamins’ new series Issues in Hispanic and Lusophone Linguistics , contains 17 original contributions, in addition to an introduction by the editors. What makes this volume unique within the extensive existing scholarship on Spanish and Portuguese linguistics is that all chapters are concerned with both languages in some way, be it in contrast or in contact.
Time Talk: On Small Changes That Enact Infrastructural Mentoring for Undergraduate Women in Technical Fields:

This article brings together the communication needs and positioning of women in technical areas, and asks “how can technical communication classes contribute to the mentoring of young women engineers at a time when many of those women want to be identified as engineers instead of being spotlighted as women in engineering?” Incorporating research into mentoring for women in engineering, and feminist approaches to mentoring in general, we adopt Heath and Heath's strategy in Switch, instituting small changes in technical communication classes (and sometimes their infrastructures) that target a mentoring problem—i.e., talk about time—with the hope of flipping a switch toward larger changes. Thus, the article demonstrates two tactics that we can use to deliver improvement in managing the discourse surrounding time and its deadlines. Our approach both mentors undergraduate women in more actively and effectively discussing and scheduling their work without singling them out as women and also integrates good men...
Nicotinamide cofactor ratios in engineered strains of Clostridium thermocellum and Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum.

Clostridium thermocellum and Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum are bacteria under investigation for production of biofuels from plant biomass. Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum has been engineered to produce ethanol at high yield (>90% of theoretical) and titer (>70 g/l). Efforts to engineer C. thermocellum have not, to date, been as successful, and efforts are underway to transfer the ethanol production pathway from T. saccharolyticum to C. thermocellum . One potential challenge in transferring metabolic pathways is the possibility of incompatible levels of nicotinamide cofactors. These cofactors (NAD+, NADH, NADP+ and NADPH) and their oxidation state are important in the context of microbial redox metabolism. In this study we directly measured the concentrations and reduced oxidized ratios of these cofactors in a number of strains of C. thermocellum and T. saccharolyticum by using acid/base extraction and enzymatic assays. We found that cofactor ratios are maintained in a fairly narrow range, regardless of the metabolic network modifications considered. We have found that the ratios are similar in both organisms, which is a relevant observation in the context of transferring the T. saccharolyticum ethanol production pathway to C. thermocellum .
Genetic analysis on HB Q-Thailand in Nanning city of Guangxi

Objective To understand the molecular features of abnormal hemoglobin Hb Q-Thailand in Nanning city of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.Methods Data of 23 026 patients screened thalassemia were analyzed retrospectively.Capillary electrophoresis were used to determine the suspicious patients with HB Q-Thailand,and ARMS-PCR method was applied to make a definite diagnosis among suspected positive patients.Results A total of 29 patients in 23 026 suspicious patients were confirmed as HB Q-Thailand positive 29 cases,accounted for0.13%of the number of screening.Conclusion HB Q-Thailand as a kind of abnormal hemoglobin,has unique molecular characteristics and a certain occurrence rate in Nanning,should be causes enough attention in daily work.
Study on Online Measurement of Temperature Field of the Furnace

Monitoring the temperature field of the furnace is meaningful in the control of the boiler and diagnosis of combustion.Several advanced measurements of the temperature field were expounded in the paper,along with discussion about limits based on application and research,and potential research direction as well.
Cold blood and clinical research during World War I.

Therapeutic transfusion was not a common procedure at the turn of the century. Although its safety was enhanced by the discovery of blood groups and preinfusion testing in the decade prior to World War I, techniques and indications remained cumbersome and clinically naive. By 1916, a stable Western Front, an efficient line of transport, and the operative requirements of a large number of wounded demonstrated the futility of pharmacotherapy or saline infusion for traumatic shock. In the same year, Rous and Turner at the Rockefeller Institute developed a preservative solution for whole blood. Rous' student, Dr. O.H. Robertson, arrived in France with Base Hospital 5 in June 1917 during a period of growing recognition by military surgeons that transfused blood was an effective therapy, although a practical delivery system was not available. Over the next 8 months, Robertson clinically tested a transfusion technique using preserved blood in glass jars carried to the front in specially designed cases. The method was accepted immediately, and by the Armistice transfusion was used frequently on the front line or during the perioperative period. The accessibility of preserved blood with an efficient transfusion system reinforced the introduction of "resuscitation teams" attached to Casualty Clearing Hospitals for the specialized management of traumatic shock. Robertson's success at technical innovation during World War I associated with a large clinical population resulted in the development of the indications and procedures for modern transfusion therapy.
The human sperm—hamster egg penetration assay: prognostic value

Males from 227 infertile couples were evaluated using the human sperm-hamster egg penetration assay (SPA). Indications for the SPA were abnormal semen analyses, poor postcoital tests, documented autologous sperm antibodies, and long-term unexplained infertility. Normal results defined as greater than or equal to 11% penetration were seen in 58.6% of couples. Penetration rates of 1% to 10% were observed in 25.6%, and 15.9% failed to penetrate any of the oocytes. During the follow-up period, with a mean of 17.9 months, 26.9% conceived at least once with or without treatment. Monthly fecundity was 0.014 for normal SPA patients and 0.007 for the abnormal SPA group when calculated by the Kaplan-Meier survival curve with Cox correction for unequal follow-up. The monthly fecundity rate at any time during the 30-month interval of follow-up was twice as great for men with normal SPA values as for those with abnormal values, regardless of male or female diagnosis or therapy indicating the prognostic value of the SPA in an infertile population.
Direct Formation of Oxocarbenium Ions under Weakly Acidic Conditions: Catalytic Enantioselective Oxa-Pictet-Spengler Reactions.

Two catalysts, an amine HCl salt and a bisthiourea, work in concert to enable the generation of oxocarbenium ions under mild conditions. The amine catalyst generates an iminium ion of sufficient electrophilicity to enable 1,2-attack by an alcohol. Catalyst turnover is achieved by amine elimination with concomitant formation of an oxocarbenium intermediate. The bisthiourea catalyst accelerates all of the steps of the reaction and controls the stereoselectivity via anion binding/ion pair formation. This new concept was applied to direct catalytic enantioselective oxa-Pictet–Spengler reactions of tryptophol with aldehydes.
Bayesian Low-Rank Determinantal Point Processes

Determinantal point processes (DPPs) are an emerging model for encoding probabilities over subsets, such as shopping baskets, selected from a ground set, such as an item catalog. They have recently proved to be appealing models for a number of machine learning tasks, including product recommendation. DPPs are parametrized by a positive semi-definite kernel matrix. Prior work has shown that using a low-rank factorization of this kernel provides scalability improvements that open the door to training on large-scale datasets and computing online recommendations, both of which are infeasible with standard DPP models that use a full-rank kernel. A low-rank DPP model can be trained using an optimization-based method, such as stochastic gradient ascent, to find a point estimate of the kernel parameters, which can be performed efficiently on large-scale datasets. However, this approach requires careful tuning of regularization parameters to prevent overfitting and provide good predictive performance, which can be computationally expensive. In this paper we present a Bayesian method for learning a low-rank factorization of this kernel, which provides automatic control of regularization. We show that our Bayesian low-rank DPP model can be trained efficiently using stochastic gradient Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (SGHMC). Our Bayesian model generally provides better predictive performance on several real-world product recommendation datasets than optimization-based low-rank DPP models trained using stochastic gradient ascent, and better performance than several state-of-the art recommendation methods in many cases.
Summer streamflow deficits from regenerating Douglas-fir forest in the Pacific Northwest, USA

Despite controversy about effects of plantation forestry on streamflow, streamflow response to forest plantations over multiple decades is not well understood. Analysis of 60-yr records of daily streamflow from eight paired-basin experiments in the Pacific Northwest of the United States (Oregon) revealed that conversion of old-growth forest to Douglas-fir plantations had a major effect on summer streamflow. Average daily streamflow in summer (June through September) in basins with 34 to 43-yr-old plantations of Douglas-fir was 50% lower than streamflow from reference basins with 150 to 500-yr-old forests dominated by Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and other conifers. Study plantations are comparable in terms of age class, treatments, and growth rates to managed forests in the region. Young Douglas-fir trees, which have higher sapwood area, higher sapflow per unit of sapwood area, higher concentration of leaf area in the upper canopy, and less ability to limit transpiration, appear to have higher rates of evapotranspiration than old trees of conifer species, especially during dry summers. Reduced summer streamflow in headwater basins with forest plantations may limit aquatic habitat and exacerbate stream warming, and it may also alter water yield and timing in much larger basins. Legacies of past forest management or extensive natural disturbances may be confounded with effects of climate change on streamflow in large river basins. Continued research is needed using long-term paired-basin studies and process studies to determine the effects of forest management on streamflow deficits in a variety of forest types and forest management systems.
Anemonefish personalities influence the strength of mutualistic interactions with host sea anemones

The anemone–anemonefish mutualism is one of the most iconic marine mutualisms. For decades, anemonefishes have been known to protect anemones from predators, while anemones provide safe havens for anemonefishes. More recently, it has been suggested that the number of anemonefish influences the survival, growth, and asexual reproduction of anemones. Here, we build on those findings, investigating the effect of four variables (fish number, fish biomass, fish shyness, and anemone colony area), on anemone growth and asexual reproduction. The interaction between Amphiprion percula and Entacmaea quadricolor was used as a tractable system in a controlled aquarium setting. Fish and anemones were monitored in 60 tanks for 18 months, and we recorded all variables at 6-month intervals. We performed single-measure analyses and found that fish shyness, defined as the time spent in the vicinity of the anemone, significantly predicts anemone growth over the entire experiment. Further, we performed repeated-measure analyses and found that both fish shyness and initial anemone colony area significantly predict anemone growth per time period. These data suggest that behavioral variation among individual fish may be an important driver of anemone growth. More generally, this study highlights the importance of behavioral traits in mediating the strength of interspecific interactions such as mutualisms and suggests that such effects should be accounted for when investigating the dynamics of interacting populations.
Optimal revascularization approach in the age of GoogleMaps – can geographical navigational systems help meet STEMI guidelines

Time is myocardium. We have known this for decades. Perhaps the most compelling demonstration of this was shown by Weaver et al, 1 in the Myocardial Infarction Triage and Intervention (MITI) trial when it was demonstrated that fibrinolytic therapy initiated within 70 minutes of symptom onset was associated with a mortality of only 1.2%. We now know that all things being even, primary angioplasty is the preferred approach, but all things are rarely equal. Timely access to a catheterization laboratory and distance to a catheterization lab are two of the important things that are taken into account when deciding whether to treat a STEMI patient with primary angioplasty or fibrinolytic therapy.
Automatic Solution of Syllogisms and Sorites

This paper describes a set of programs whose objective is the automatic solution of syllogisms and sorites. The implementation of a theoretical reduction of a part of classical logic into elementary set theory has been combined with a simple phrase analyzer to build an interactive system.
Photoacoustic technique to measure temperature effects on microbubble viscoelastic properties

Phospholipid-coated microbubbles are being developed for several biomedical applications, but little is known about the effect of temperature on the viscoelastic properties of the shell. Here, we report on the use of a photoacoustic technique to study the shell properties of individual microbubbles as a function of temperature. The microbubbles were driven into small-amplitude oscillations by ultrasound waves generated from the absorption of an intensity-modulated infrared laser, and these oscillations were detected by forward-light scattering of a second blue laser. The drive laser modulation frequency was swept to determine the resonant response of 2–4 μm radius microbubbles. Lipid shell elasticity and viscosity were determined by modeling the microbubble response as a linear harmonic oscillator. The results from slow heating showed a linear decrease in elasticity and viscosity between 21 and 53 °C and a corresponding increase in the maximum oscillation amplitude. Rapid heating to 38 °C, on the other ha...
Pecuniary Valuation in the Age of Trump

AbstractPecuniary valuation is the peculiar characteristic of present-day American political life, with no better illustration than our incumbent president. This paper considers the responsibility ...
Fracture Prediction by Computed Tomography and Finite Element Analysis: Current and Future Perspectives

This review critiques the ability of CT-based methods to predict incident hip and vertebral fractures. CT-based techniques with concurrent calibration all show strong associations with incident hip and vertebral fracture, predicting hip and vertebral fractures as well as, and sometimes better than, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry areal biomass density (DXA aBMD). There is growing evidence for use of routine CT scans for bone health assessment. CT-based techniques provide a robust approach for osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture prediction. It remains to be seen if further technical advances will improve fracture prediction compared to DXA aBMD. Future work should include more standardization in CT analyses, establishment of treatment intervention thresholds, and more studies to determine whether routine CT scans can be efficiently used to expand the number of individuals who undergo evaluation for fracture risk.
Sicherheitsproblematik in verteilten, digitalen Videoanwendungen und Präsentation eines technischen Lösungsansatzes zur transparenten Verschlüsselung von MPEG-2 Video

Die Sicherheitsproblematik ist zu einem entscheidenden Thema fur die Verbreitung neuer Informationstechnologien geworden. Dieser Artikel zeigt Sicherheitsanforderungen an verteilte, digitale Videoanwendungen auf um mit einer gezielten Gestaltung der verteilten Videoanwendung die Akzeptanzprobleme der Videoproduzenten gegenuber der neuen Technik zu beseitigen und die digitalen Marktmoglichkeiten lukrativer zu gestalten. Aus den einzelnen Sicherheitsaspekten wird die transparente Verschlusselung herausgegriffen und ein technischer Losungsansatz auf Basis von MPEG-2 reprasentiert und diskutiert.