cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiographic study of bit position within the horse's oral cavity

The objective was to describe and compare the positions of different types of bits within the horse’s oral cavity. Eight horses were fitted with a bridle and six bits [jointed snaffle ( JS), Boucher, KK Ultra, Myler snaffle (MylerS), Myler ported barrel (MylerPB), Myler correctional-ported barrel (MylerCPB)]. Lateral radiographs and custom software were used to measure the position and orientation of the bits relative to the horse’s palate and second premolar teeth without rein tension and with 25 ^ 5 N bilateral rein tension. The results showed differences in the position of the bits within the horse’s oral cavity and in their movements in response to rein tension. Without rein tension, single-jointed bits were further from the premolar teeth ( JS 32.2 ^ 10.6 mm; Boucher 33.9 ^ 10.8 mm) than the Myler bits (MylerS 20.2 ^ 9.7 mm; MylerPB 12.8 ^ 6.7 mm; MylerCPB 14.6 ^ 4.3 mm). Single-jointed bits moved closer to the premolars when tension was applied to the reins (JS 20.8 ^ 6.3 mm; Boucher 19.7 ^ 6.8 mm). The cannons of the Boucher were more elevated than those of the other bits. The cannon angulation decreased significantly from 38.7 ^ 13.7 deg. to 21.6 ^ 6.9 deg. for JS and from 43.1 ^ 10.1 deg. to 27.8 ^ 10.1 deg. for the Boucher when tension was applied to the reins. The Myler bits showed minimal change in position in response to the application of rein tension.
AASHTO DIRECT STRUCTURAL CAPACITY METHOD ERROR ANALYSIS

The AASHTO Direct Structural Capacity method utilizes an approximate composite pavement modulus to predict an effective structural number based on deflection measurements. An analysis of the errors associated with the approximation is presented. The modulus approximation is purported to predict a composite pavement’s modulus to within 15% when its base course thickness is less than twice the applied load radius. However, when typical pavement deflections are derived using a multilayer elastic solution and then used to back-calculate the composite modulus, errors significantly greater than 15% can occur in both the composite pavement modulus and the effective structural number. Engineers who use composite-modulus–based procedures should be aware that approximation error may be significant, especially when analyzing thick pavements.
Fructose absorption and metabolism by the growing chick.

SummaryExperiments were conducted to evaluate whether fructose was converted to glucose during absorption in the chick. Chicks were found to absorb glucose and fructose rapidly and absorption of an orally administered dose of either hexose was essentially complete within 1 hr. Intestinal sacs incubated in vitro transported fructose from the mucosal to the serosal surface and only 17% of the hexose in the serosal fluid was glucose. Experiments with intact chicks using fructose-U-14C demonstrated that only 12% of the radioactive hexose entering the portal blood was glucose. Thus, it was concluded that only about 15% of absorbed fructose is converted to glucose during the process of absorption. However, 10 min following the intraperitoneal administration of fructose-U-14C, 97% of the hexose radioactivity in blood was present as glucose. The activity of hepatic fructokinase was observed to be high and was not influenced by fructose ingestion. It is proposed that fructose is rapidly utilized by the chick and t...
Using dwell time as an implicit measure of usefulness in different task types

In this study, we attempted to use dwell time on content pages as a predictor of document usefulness, and evaluated the prediction performance in different types of tasks. A user study was conducted to address this research problem. A total of 32 participants conducted searches associated with 4 different tasks, varying along several task type dimensions. In the study, participants were asked to save documents that were useful for the tasks during the searches. Participants' information-seeking activities were recorded. Using the logged dataset, we used the recursive partitioning method to identify the best threshold (cutoff point) of dwell time to predict which pages would be useful, i.e., be saved by the users. We examined the differences in the threshold and compared the prediction performance for each type of task. Our results indicate that the threshold should be developed according to the type of task users are working on. While the prediction performance using dwell time as the only indicator of document usefulness is acceptable for Factual tasks, it is not good for Intellectual tasks. Our results have implications on IR system design.
A new color reaction for cholesterol assay

Abstract A new iron-cholesterol reaction, based on the Parekh-Jung method of determination of cholesterol, is described. The reagents consist of ferric acetate-uranium acetate and sulfuric acid-ferrous sulfate. Unlike the commonly employed Liebermann-Burchard and ferric chloride-sulfuric acid reactions, the color obtained is stable and is unaffected by instability of reaction temperature or moisture content of the sulfuric acid. The color reaction obeys Beer's law over a wide clinical range of the serum cholesterol. The reaction can be applied to the assay of cholesterol either as part of the direct method of determination or to the cholesterol pre-extracted by employing other techniques. A close correlation with simultaneous measurements by the method of Abell et al . was obtained. A study of the importance of the use of ferrous sulfate in the reagent system is described. The analytical data are discussed with reference to the reported significance of the chromogenicity of the free and ester forms of cholesterol. No effect of the presence of digitonin on the color reaction was noted. The proposed iron-cholesterol reaction is presented as the color reaction of choice for cholesterol assays.
An inexact algorithm for the sequential ordering problem

Abstract Given the directed G = ( N , A ) and the penalty matrix C , the Sequential Ordering Problem (hereafter, SOP) consists of finding the permutation of the nodes from the set N , such that it minimizes a C -based function and does not violate the precedence relationships given by the set A . Strong sufficient conditions for the infeasibility of a SOP's instance are embedded in a procedure for the SOP's pre-processing. Note that it is one of the key steps in any algorithm that attempts to solve SOP. By dropping the constraints related to the precedence relationships, SOP can be converted in the classical Asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem (hereafter, ASTP). The algorithm obtains (hopefully) satisfactory solutions by modifying the optimal solution to the related Assignment Problem (hereafter, AP) if it is not a Feasible Sequential Ordering (hereafter, FSO). The new solution ‘patches’ the subtours (if any) giving preference to the patches with zero reduced cost in the linking arcs. The AP-based lower bound on the optimal solution to ATSP is tightened by using some of the procedures given in [1]. In any case, a local search for improving the initial FSO is performed; it uses 3- and 4-changed based procedures. Computational results on a broad set of cases are reported.
Telecommunication competition: much ado about nothing?

Chronicles the USA’s provision of telecoms services from the early 1970s. States it is unknown whether competition has been a success and whether today’s competition is better than Bell’s monopoly position of old. Pinpoints competition and subsidization and looks at how the US system works. Concludes that for competition proper all subsidy forms should be eliminated, which means access charge, etc., but wonders whether this could actually happen?
A spatial-temporal regression model to predict daily outdoor residential PAH concentrations in an epidemiologic study in Fresno, CA

Abstract Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generated as a byproduct of combustion, and are associated with respiratory symptoms and increased risk of asthma attacks. Objectives To assign daily, outdoor exposures to participants in the Fresno Asthmatic Children’s Environment Study (FACES) using land use regression models for the sum of 4-, 5- and 6-ring PAHs (PAH456). Methods PAH data were collected daily at the EPA Supersite in Fresno, CA from 10/2000 through 2/2007. From 2/2002 to 2/2003, intensive air pollution sampling was conducted at 83 homes of participants in the FACES study. These measurement data were combined with meteorological data, source data, and other spatial variables to form a land use regression model to assign daily exposure at all FACES homes for all years of the study (2001–2008). Results The model for daily, outdoor residential PAH456 concentrations accounted for 80% of the between-home variability and 18% of the within-home variability. Both temporal and spatial variables were significant in the model. Traffic characteristics and home heating fuel were the main spatial explanatory variables. Conclusions Because spatial and temporal distributions of PAHs vary on an intra-urban scale, the location of the child’s home within the urban setting plays an important role in the level of exposure that each child has to PAHs.
METHOD FOR OBTAINING UTERINE FLUID FROM THE MONKEY: EFFECT OF PILOCARPINE, ATROPINE, PHYSIOLOGICAL SALT SOLUTION AND ADRENALIN

THE PURPOSE of this paper is to describe a method for collecting uterine fluid from the monkey in chronic experiments and to record preliminary observations in its use. In 1940 van Wagenen and Morse (1) reported a technique for the creation of a permanent utero-abdominal fistula in the monkey and pointed out that an easy entrance into the uterine cavity was thus readily made available. It seemed worth while to determine whether a similar preparation could be used to obtain samples of uterine secretions for study at various times in the menstrual cycle. For this purpose four Macacus rhesus monkeys from the Carnegie colony were selected for operation. It was found desirable to choose monkeys with well-developed and freely movable uteri and with a record of normal menses. Observations were made from February to the end of April at which time the cycles of the selected monkeys began to show the seasonal irregularity that generally precedes the summer amenorrhea.
Intrinsic optical bistability in nonlinear media

A general class of optically bistable systems is described which operates without feedback and is based on the intrinsic response of certain nonlinear media. A detailed analysis of one such medium is presented which demonstrates that bistability may result in virtually all macroscopic optical and material parameters.
A Nα-acetyltransferase selectively transfers an acetyl group to NH2-terminal methionine residues: purification and partial characterization

Methionine Nα-acetyltransferase (M-NαAT), which selectively catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A to the α-NH2 group of methionine residues in proteins and peptides, was isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The enzyme was purified 22 000-fold to apparent homogeneity by successive purification steps using DEAE-Sepharose, DE-52 cellulose, CM-52 cellulose, Affi-Gel Blue gel and hydroxyapatite. The Mr of the native enzyme was estimated to be 70 000±5000 by gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme has a pI near 8.3 as determined by chromatofocusing on Mono P. The enzyme catalyzed the transfer of an acetyl group to a synthetic peptide mimicking the first 24 residues of yeast proteinase A inhibitor 3 (Met-Asn-Thr⋯) and 3 of its 19 penultimately substituted analogues ([Asp2], [Glu2], and [Gln2]). Based on the estimated molecular weight and amino-acid sequence, The enzyme is different from two other recently identified methionine Nα-acetyltransferases, NAT2 (Kulkarni, M.S. and Sherman, F. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 13141–13147) and MAK3 (Tercero, J.C. and Wickner, R.B. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 20277–20281). Among these three enzymes, M-NαAT and NAT2 have similar substrate specificity, however, only purified M-NαAT, but not recombinant NAT2 gene product, can catalyze the transfer of acetyl group to NH2-terminal methionine residues. The availability of this methionine Nα-acetyltransferase will advance the understanding of protein co-translational processing.
Identification, distribution and comparative pathogenicity of Pythium spp associated with alfalfa seedlings

Abstract Root system colonization of alfalfa seedlings by Pythium spp was investigated during the first 4 wk after seedling emergence at two field locations in Missouri over 2 years. Pythium spp were isolated from most roots, but isolation was not necessarily associated with necrosis, lesions or overt evidence of disease. P. sylvaticum, P. irregulare, P. ultimum and P. torulosum were the most prevalent species isolated, comprising up to 65% of all Pythium spp isolated at a given site. Changes in the species composition of the Pythium community associated with alfalfa seedlings were monitored in relation to seedling age, root development stage and various environmental conditions. Root systems were classified by root orders using the morphometric system of analysis to define root segments of similar physiological age and function. P. ultimum, P. irregulare and P. sylvaticum caused severe pre- and post-emergence damping-off, necrosis and stunting of root and shoot growth in greenhouse pathogenicity tests. Several other species, including P. dissotocum, P. acanthicum, P. torulosum and P. rostratum reduced root system length, but elicited no other symptoms. Variations in the frequency of isolation of different species were most closely associated with environmental conditions, particularly temperature and moisture. P. sylvaticum was prevalent at higher temperatures and drier conditions, and several other species preferred cooler, wetter conditions. The stage of root development, as described by the morphometric system, and seedling age had no observable effects on the frequency of colonization or the composition of the community of Pythium spp colonizing the roots.
A FIELD STUDY OF INCLINE USE AND PREFERRED SPEEDS FOR THE LOCOMOTION OF LIZARDS

The maximal running speeds of lizards have commonly been measured using level racetracks in a laboratory, but the normal speeds of locomotion of lizards and most animals in their natural habitats are not well documented. Thus we quantified the locomotor activity of the lizard Uma scoparia in its natural sand-dune habitat to determine how commonly animals run near their maximal speed and how inclines in the environment might affect habitat use and the speed of locomotion. We used leaf blowers to erase footprints in the sand in three 40 m x 100 m plots differing in surface topography and vegetation and then measured attributes of the paths and tracks left by U. scoparia that were not disturbed (by observers) during their period of peak activity. Laboratory observations allowed us to estimate speed for each field measurement of stride length (n = 5993). The frequency distribution of stride speed had two distinct modes (mean values 0.25 and 2.00 m/s), for which only the lower one is likely to be aerobically sustainable. Bipedal locomotion was extremely rare (<0.5% of all strides), but much undisturbed locomotion was unex- pectedly fast. The inclines of the surfaces upon which locomotion occurred conformed to random habitat use. In contrast, the inclines of paths made by lizards had lower than expected amounts of nearly horizontal locomotion and a propensity for traveling almost directly uphill, especially when surfaces were steep. Habitat structure varied significantly among plots and affected several aspects of locomotion. For example, path length, average speed per path, and average magnitudes of path and surface inclines per path varied significantly among the three plots. Multiple regression analysis also revealed that the average speed per 1-m interval was maximized for paths with relatively shallow downhill slopes (-6% grade) and decreased significantly both with increased amounts of vegetative cover and increased turning between successive intervals. Unexpectedly, during undisturbed and es- cape locomotion, lizards used inclines similarly.
Modeling studies of the impact of high‐speed streams and co‐rotating interaction regions on the thermosphere‐ionosphere

Received 28 November 2011; revised 14 June 2012; accepted 14 June 2012; published 1 August 2012. [1] Changes in the thermosphere-ionosphere system caused by high-speed streams in the solar wind, and the co-rotating interaction regions they engender, are studied using a combination of model simulations and data analysis. The magnetospheric responses to these structures and consequent ionospheric drivers are simulated using the numerical Coupled Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere model and the empirical Weimer 2005 model, finding that the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is more important than solar wind speed and density per se in controlling magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. The NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model is then employed to calculate neutral density, nitric oxide cooling, and electron density, for comparison to space-based measurements from the STAR instrument on the CHAMP satellite, the SABER instrument on the TIMED satellite, and GPS occultations from the COSMIC mission, respectively. The recurrent, periodic changes observed under solar minimum conditions during 2008, and particularly during the Whole Heliospheric Interval (March–April of 2008), are simulated by the model and compared to these measurements. Numerical experiments were conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of solar wind and IMF forcing, setting the solar wind speed and density to nominal values, smoothing the IMF, and also setting it to zero. The results confirm the importance of IMF variations, particularly its north-south component (Bz), but also show that when the average Bz values are negative (southward), the interaction with increased solar wind speed amplifies the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere response. Conversely, during events when Bz is on average positive (northward), even large increases in solar wind speed have small effects on the system.
Self-Regulation Mediates the Relationship between Learner Typology and Achievement in At - Risk Children.

Abstract A person-centered approach was used to explore the mediating role of self-regulation between learner typology at age 8 and academic achievement at age 14 while controlling for domain-specific achievement in a longitudinal sample of 113 children born to adolescent mothers. Children were classified into one of 5 learner typologies at age 8 based on interactive patterns of intellectual, achievement, and adaptive abilities. Typology classification explained significant variance in both reading and math achievement at age 14. A bootstrapping approach confirmed that self-regulation mediated the relationship between typology and reading and mathematical achievement for children from all typologies except those classified as Cognitively and Adaptively Challenged. Implications of person-centered approaches for understanding processes involved with achievement are discussed.
Cell line derived from Balb-3T3 that is transformed by murine leukaemia virus: a focus assay for leukaemia virus.

Balb/3T3 derived cell line UC1-B transforms on MuLV infection, forming foci of transformants which can be used as an assay for MuLV. MuLV virus type C is produced as well as bizarre forms of uncertain origin.
Investigation of the waste-removal chain through pervasive computing

Environmental sustainability and energy management are increasingly critical issues in people's lives and their livelihood. New and rapidly evolving tracking technologies are major tools for addressing these challenges because they provide visibility to the otherwise hidden processes of everyday infrastructures such as those involving waste removal. By revealing these processes and patterns, the technologies can help influence personal behavior with respect to environmental consciousness. Pervasive monitoring and analysis can also improve environmental sustainability by revealing inefficiencies in the waste-removal chain to municipalities and waste service providers, as well as monitoring compliance with environmental regulations. We present a tracking system for trash that demonstrates how pervasive monitoring can help to better reveal, understand, and improve the waste-management system. Custom-developed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) "trash tags" use the Global System for Mobile communication technology to provide both coarse localization and active return communications. We discuss methods for calculating and visualizing movement of trash and present preliminary results from the Trash Track project, including information about tag performance and discussion of some acquired traces. With the Trash Track project, the MIT SENSEable City Laboratory is exploring how new pervasive sensor technologies can be used to transform and understand cities.
Leaf wax of Triticum aestivum

Abstract Leaf waxes from spring wheat varieties Selkirk and Manitou contain hydrocarbons (6%, 10%), long chain esters (14%, 13%), free acids (5%, 8%), free alcohols (19%, 21%), β-diketone (16%, 20%), hydroxy β-diketones (8%, 10%), unidentified gum (29%, 16.5%) and minor amounts of diol diesters, glycerides and aldehydes. The major hydrocarbon is nonacosane and major esters are octacosyl esters of C 14 –C 32 acids but C 20 and C 22 alcohol esters of trans 2-docosenoic and tetracosenoic acids are also present (Selkirk 20%, Manitou 10% of total esters). Previously unknown trans 2-docosen-1-ol is present as an ester (Selkirk 5%, Manitou 2.5% of total esters). Free acids are C 14 –C 32 acids and trans 2-docosenoic and tetracosenoic acids (Selkirk 30%, Manitou 9% of free acids). Octacosanol is the principal free alcohol. Hentriacontane-14,16-dione is the β-diketone and the hydroxy β-diketones are a 1:1 mixture of 8- and 9- hydroxyhentriacontane-14,16-diones.
Cor triatriatum sinistrum: one institution's 28-year experience.

Twelve patients with cor triatriatum sinistrum were treated over a 28-year period. Their ages ranged from 1 month to 7.5 years. Congestive heart failure was the most common presentation. Cardiac catheterization was performed on six of the 12 patients and a correct diagnosis of cor triatriatum was made on angiography in only four of the six. Of the remaining six patients, three were diagnosed as having cor triatriatum by echocardiography and three by autopsy. Echocardiography is now considered to be the diagnostic modality of choice in our institution. Seven patients were operated on and five died prior to diagnosis or treatment. Associated cardiac anomalies included persistent left superior vena cava, atrial septal defects, coarctation of the aorta, and total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. A right atrial, transseptal approach to the common pulmonary chamber and excision of the left atrial membrane was found to be the treatment of choice and was used in six of the seven patients operated on. One patient died in the postoperative period. Thus, cor triatriatum sinistrum, a rare and potentially lethal congential cardiac anomaly, can be diagnosed by echocardiography and successfully treated surgically with a low operative mortality.
Verifiable implementation of geometric algorithms using finite precision arithmetic

Abstract Two methods are proposed for correct and verifiable geometric reasoning using finite precision arithmetic. The first method, data normalization, transforms the geometric structure into a configuration for which all finite precision calculations yield correct answers. The second method, called the hidden variable method, constructs configurations that belong to objects in an infinite precision domain—without actually representing these infinite precision objects. Data normalization is applied to the problem of modeling polygonal regions in the plane, and the hidden variable method is used to calculate arrangements of lines.
Changing Academic Medicine: Strategies Used by Academic Leaders of Integrative Medicine—A Qualitative Study

In Western countries, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is more and more provided by practitioners and family doctors. To base this reality of health care provision on an evidence-base, academic medicine needs to be included in the development. In the study we aimed to gain information on a structured approach to include CAM in academic health centers. We conducted a semistructured interview study with leading experts of integrative medicine to analyze strategies of existing academic institutions of integrative medicine. The study sample consisted of a purposive sample of ten leaders that have successfully integrated CAM into medical schools in the USA, Great Britain, and Germany and the Director of the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Analysis was based on content analysis. The prerequisite to foster change in academic medicine was a strong educational and professional background in academic medicine and research methodologies. With such a skill set, the interviewees identified a series of strategies to align themselves with colleagues from conventional medicine, such as creating common goals, networking, and establishing well-functioning research teams. In addition, there must be a vision of what should be needed to be at the center of all efforts in order to implement successful change.
Influences of cell volume and adrenalectomy on cation flux in dog red blood cells

Abstract Rates of 24Na and 42K entry into dog red blood cells were found to be strongly influenced by cell volume. The kinetics of isotope movement were complex, and the cells were not in a steady state. By applying a simple, two-compartment equation to the early times points, values for flux were calculated and corrected for the changes in surface/volume ratio which occur when cells are shrunken or swollen. Curves were thus generated showing Na and K influx as functions of cell water content. A reinvestigation of the effects of adrenalectomy showed that all the observd changes in Na flux could be explained on the basis of alterations in red cell volume.
Notes on the Application of Anthropology

From January, 1950 until August, 1951, the writer had the opportunity to work as an applied anthropologist on several public welfare programs in Central America. In the course of the work a number of problems arose which do not seem to have received adequate attention in the literature. While anthropologists are usually called in to deal with subject societies, the main problems to be discussed here deal with issues arising from the fact of an anthropologist working with a specific sponsoring organization. This paper will consist of a description of certain of these problems and conclude with a discussion of generalities which arise from the material.
The complexity of data flow criteria for test data selection

Rapps et Weyuker ont introduits une famille de criteres de choix de donnees tests, bases sur l'analyse du flux des donnees, utilisees pour optimiser les compilateurs. On determine les bornes superieures du volume de donnees tests necessaire pour satisfaire chaque critere, et par consequent la difficulte relative pour satisfaire chacun de ces criteres
Fiscal institutions of Brazilian municipal borrowing

In an effort to understand subnational borrowing, this article explores how three Brazilian institutions—the 1988 Constitution which mandates revenue and expenditure assignments among the levels of the federation; the national Law of Fiscal Responsibility, which imposes expenditure and debt limitations on all levels and branches of government; and various borrowing arrangements—affect the municipal borrowing environment. These institutions are examined in light of de Mello's (2001) policy recommendations for strengthening efficiency and fiscal discipline in subnational borrowing. The institutions of Brazilian borrowing were found to have some of de Mello's recommendations, with the new Constitution and the Law of Fiscal Responsibility making progress towards increased fiscal responsibility, but the current borrowing arrangements serving to maintain a controlled system that is not conducive to responsible municipal borrowing. Several recommendations are made to improve the borrowing environment and foster fiscal discipline and efficiency Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arabidopsis PCFS4, a homologue of yeast polyadenylation factor Pcf11p, regulates FCA alternative processing and promotes flowering time

The timely transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is vital for reproductive success in plants. It has been suggested that messenger RNA 3'-end processing plays a role in this transition. Specifically, two autonomous factors in the Arabidopsis thaliana flowering time control pathway, FY and FCA, are required for the alternative polyadenylation of FCA pre-mRNA. In this paper we provide evidence that Pcf11p-similar protein 4 (PCFS4), an Arabidopsis homologue of yeast polyadenylation factor Protein 1 of Cleavage Factor 1 (Pcf11p), regulates FCA alternative polyadenylation and promotes flowering as a novel factor in the autonomous pathway. First, the mutants of PCFS4 show delayed flowering under both long-day and short-day conditions and still respond to vernalization treatment. Next, gene expression analyses indicate that the delayed flowering in pcfs4 mutants is mediated by Flowering Locus C (FLC). Moreover, the expression profile of the known FCA transcripts, which result from alternative polyadenylation, was altered in the pcfs4 mutants, suggesting the role of PCFS4 in FCA alternative polyadenylation and control of flowering time. In agreement with these observations, using yeast two-hybrid assays and TAP-tagged protein pull-down analyses, we also revealed that PCFS4 forms a complex in vivo with FY and other polyadenylation factors. The PCFS4 promoter activity assay indicated that the transcription of PCFS4 is temporally and spatially regulated, suggesting its non-essential nature in plant growth and development.
Human aortic intima protein composition during initial stages of atherogenesis.

Abstract Protein extracted from 24 human aortic intimas (6–33 years old) with 9 M urea mixture, were studied after separation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and silver staining. The protein composition of normal intima in 4 cases, each without any gross changes in the thoracic aorta, displayed similarity. In each 2-DE protein pattern of these intimas about 150 polypeptide spots were detectable/mg of wet tissue. Major and medium polypeptides were described by relative molecular weight M r in kilodaltons (kDa) and relative charge C r . Major proteins found were actin (P 44−18 ; M r = 44 kDa; C r = −18), tropomyosin-like proteins (P 34−29 , P 35−28.5 , P 36−31 ) and two glycoproteins (G 35−27 , G 35−23.5 ). Several new major and medium extracellular proteins were demonstrated in fibro-fatty lesions as well as in the lesion-free intimas adjacent to lesion in 3 cases. Many of these proteins appeared to originate from plasma: albumin, IgG, α 1 -antitrypsin, transferrin, haptoglobin β-chain, apo A-II, fibrinogen β-chain, α 2 -HS glycoprotein and α 1 -antichymotrypsin. Visual comparison of intimal protein patterns from 17 different cases with varying degree of fatty streaks in the thoracic aorta, showed variability in 2 polypeptides P 32−17.8 and P 32–19.8 as well as 4 plasma proteins albumin, at-antitrypsin, transferrin and apo A-I. This study suggests that changes in protein composition may occur in the human aortic intima during the initial histological stages of atherogenesis providing potentially useful markers for their identification and pathophysiological evaluation.
Infectivity of Legionella pneumophila mip mutant for alveolar epithelial cells

Legionella pneumophila can invade and grow within explanted alveolar epithelial cells. Given its potential clinical significance, an examination of the molecular basis of epithelial cell infection was initiated. The mip gene encodes a 24-kilodalton surface protein that promotes macrophage infection and virulence. To determine whether this gene is required for pneumocyte infection, we tested a strain bearing a mip null mutation for its ability to infect both explanted type II cells and type I-like cell lines. For infection of type II cells, the infective dose 50% for the Mip- strain was 25-fold higher than an isogenic Mip+ strain. Type I cell monolayers infected with the mutant for 3 days yielded ∼ 50-fold fewer bacteria than did monolayers infected with the parental strain. These data indicate that Mip enhances infection of pneumocytes and that L. pneumophila employs some of the same genes (mechanisms) to infect epithelial cells and marcophages.
Monodisperse Lipoplex Generation by Integrated Picoliter Micro Reactor and Incubator

A non-viral and efficient carrier for the applications delivering drugs, plasmic DNA, shRNA for pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications is presented. The cationic lipid based liposomal carriers which has been the most attractive non-viral solution. The size of complexes of cationic lipid and DNA (lipoplex) dictates the efficiency of gene transfection. Moreover, the order of mixing of cationic lipid and DNA, mixing rate, and mixture incubation time are factors that determine the lipoplex sizes during sample preparation. We developed a Picoliter Micro Reactor and Incubator (PMRI) system to formulate monodisperse cationic lipids and DNA complexes. The monodisperse micro reactor and incubator was designed and fabricated based on the microfluidic droplet formation devices which developed by our lab and others. Compared with the conventional irreproducible lipoplex preparation using hand-shaking or vortexing processes for mixing, the PMRI system we developed for lipoplex formulation demonstrates the ability of rapid and uniformly mix cationic lipid and DNA simultaneously, and generates a narrower size distribution peak and smaller average size. The PMRI also enables the mixing and incubation integrated process and lipolex formulation reproducibility.
Adaptive posicast controller for time-delay systems with relative degree n * ≤2

In this paper, we present an Adaptive Posicast Controller that deals with parametric uncertainties in linear systems with delays. It is assumed that the plant has no right half plane zeros and the delay is known. The adaptive controller is based on the Smith Predictor and Finite Spectrum Assignment with time-varying parameters adjusted online. A novel Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is used to show semi-global stability of the closed-loop error equations. The controller is applied to engine fuel-to-air ratio control. The implementation results show that the Adaptive Posicast Controller significantly improves the closed-loop performance when compared to the case with the existing baseline controller.
Work, Wages and Gender in Export-Oriented Cities: Global Assembly versus International Tourism in Mexico

Drawing on a rich source of urban labour market data, the Mexican National Urban Employment Survey of 1998, this article addresses the question of how dissimilar export-oriented industries shape urban labour markets, particularly with respect to women workers. It compares Ciudad Juarez, which has an economy based on global assembly production, and Cancun, whose economy is based on international tourism. Employing economic base theory and location quotients, the analysis isolates the impact of the export sectors on the local labour markets. Results show that global assembly and international tourism encourage a mix of occupational and income prospects for both men and women in each of these Mexican cities. Female employment tends to be concentrated in the export-oriented sector in both cases, but the types of occupational and income opportunities therein vary. Overall, the analysis challenges common exploitation arguments that tend to stress the universally shared deleterious working conditions and low wages that result from global integration and export-led industrialisation in contemporary Latin America. It suggests that we pay closer attention to the diverse nature of outward oriented industries, which will tend to differentiate the labour market implications of increasing economic globalisation.
Impact of the proposed definition of dietary fiber on nutrient databases

Abstract Many definitions of dietary fiber exist worldwide, some based on analytical methods and others physiologically based. In March 2001, the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences released proposed definitions for dietary fiber developed by a panel of experts. The panel held three meetings and a workshop to review existing definitions of dietary fiber, review methods to measure dietary fiber, and receive input from scientists, food companies, consumers, and other interested parties on their viewpoints on a definition for dietary fiber. Based on the Panel's deliberations, the following definitions were proposed: Dietary Fiber consists of nondigestible carbohydrates and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants. Functional Fiber consists of isolated, nondigestible carbohydrates that have beneficial physiological effects in humans. Total Fiber is the sum of Dietary Fiber and Functional Fiber. What impact will these definitions have, if adopted? Currently, dietary fiber is defined as compounds that are isolated by analytical dietary fiber methods accepted by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) rather than a formal definition that includes fiber's role in human health. New methods will need to be developed to reflect the accepted definitions for dietary fiber. Additionally, the committee felt that the terms “soluble” and “insoluble” fiber are not meaningful and should no longer be used in labeling. Finally, compounds such as resistant starch and inulin, which do not qualify as dietary fiber under current AOAC methods could be considered Functional Fiber if they show beneficial physiological effects in humans.
Jones matrix formalism for quasioptical EPR.

The Jones matrix formalism that has been used to analyze quasioptical millimeter-wave circuits is extended for specific application to high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). A survey of general expressions for Jones matrices of elements commonly used in quasioptical EPR spectrometers is given. The Jones matrix representations of quasioptical transmission and reflection cavities are derived, and their relationship to the equivalent circuit and transmission line representations used for conventional EPR cavities is demonstrated. The formalism is applied to selected quasioptical EPR spectrometer designs and experimental tests of the formalism are presented for two configurations of a quasioptical spectrometer operating at 220 GHz.
Dynamic Passivation with BSA Overcomes LTCC Mediated Inhibition of PCR

Abstract The increasing use of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) for the fabrication of biological microfluidic devices necessitates further research on LTCC biocompatibility. In this study we explore the inhibitory effect of DuPont's 951 LTCC on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and demonstrate a novel mechanism to increase biocompatibility between LTCC and PCR with the addition of a common passivation substance, bovine serum albumin (BSA). We show that DuPont's 951 LTCC binds negatively charged proteins including BSA and ovalbumin (OVA). This is a significant discovery as proteins (enzymes) are an essential component of most biological reactions, and a frequent addition to microfluidic devices. A proposed model for LTCC inhibition of PCR by enzyme adsorption is presented.
Role of hepatic glycogenolytic enzymes in the cold-induced hyperglycemia of the killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus.

Abstract 1. 1. The concentration of serum glucose and the specific activities of hepatic glycogen phosphorylase and glucose-6-phosphatase were examined in salt-water-adapted killifish acclimated to 20°C and to −1·5°C for 1 and 10 days. 2. 2. Exposure to subzero temperatures produced a hyperglycemia accompanied by an increase in the activity of glycogen phosphorylase and no change in the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase. 3. 3. Killifish dying in the subzero cold showed no elevation of serum glucose levels and a decrease in the activities of both glycogen phosphorylase and glucose-6-phosphatase.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Ketophosph(on)ates as β-Lactamase Inhibitors

A series of amidoketophosph(on)ates of general structure PhCH2OCONHCH(R)COCHR‘(CH2)n(O)P(O2-)(O)R‘ ‘ (R = H, CH3; R‘ = H, CH3; n = 0, 1; R‘ ‘ = H, CH3, Et, Ph) have been prepared as a potential source of β-lactamase inhibitors. The phosphonates (n = 0) were obtained by means of the Arbuzov reaction while most of the phosphates were achieved from reaction of phosph(or/on)ic acids with the appropriate diazoketone PhCH2OCONHCH(R)COCR‘N2. The electrophilicity of the carbonyl group in the resulting phosph(on)ates was assessed by the degree of hydration in aqueous solution, determined from NMR spectra. These compounds inhibited typical class C and class D β-lactamases, particularly the latter group, but showed no activity against class A enzymes. To enhance the carbonyl electrophilicity, an α-difluorinated analogue (R = H, CHR‘ = CF2, n = 0, R‘ ‘ = Et) was also prepared, but no enhanced inhibitory activity was observed. All evidence suggested that these compounds inhibited in the carbonyl form rather than by fo...
Efficacy of paroxetine in treating major depressive disorder in persons with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of paroxetine in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method In this double-blind trial, 42 participants with MS and MDD were randomly assigned to one of two parallel 12-week treatment arms: paroxetine or placebo. The participants started at an initial dose of 10 mg/day paroxetine or placebo, titrated up to 40 mg daily based on symptoms response and side effects. The primary outcome measure was the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Secondary outcomes included fatigue, anxiety and self-reported quality of life. Results Intent-to-treat analyses revealed that both groups improved from pretreatment to posttreatment. Although the treatment group improved more than the control group on most measures, few differences were statistically significant. For the primary outcome, 57.1% of participants in the treatment arm had at least a 50% reduction in HAM-D score, compared with 40% in the control group (nonsignificant). Treatment effects were greater among the participants who completed the study; 78.6% of completers had a treatment response compared with 42.1% of controls ( P =.073). Conclusion Although paroxetine may not be efficacious for all persons with MS and MDD, it appears to benefit some individuals.
Developing a risk/cost framework for routing truck movements of hazardous materials

As the United States continues to increase its dependence on industrial technologies which require hazardous materials and generate hazardous wastes, concern is mounting over the safe transport of hazardous cargo. It is estimated that 1.5 billion tons of hazardous cargo are moved through the nation's transportation systems (excluding pipeline), with truck as the primary mode of transport. Because of the dynamic nature of exposure to the population and environment associated with the transport of hazardous cargo, it is important to develop an accurate representation of this type of transport risk, and to structure a framework for designating a permanent set of shipping routes based on optimizing across risks and costs. This paper describes a methodology which has been developed that incorporates risk and cost into a framework for optimizing the routing of truck movements of hazardous materials. Considerable attention is focused on the risk estimation part of this process, as this is a subject of much uncertainty and of considerable significance to policymakers. The resulting methodology is applied in a regional setting to illustrate its use as an analysis tool. Enhancements to the model structure and extensions beyond the truck routing problem are also discussed.
Inhibition of calcite precipitation by orthophosphate: Speciation and thermodynamic considerations

Abstract The inhibition of heterogeneous calcite precipitation by orthophosphate was investigated under four different solution compositions using a pH-stat system. The system composition was designed to maintain a constant degree of supersaturation with respect to calcite, but with different carbonate/calcium ratios and pH values during precipitation. Inhibition in the presence of orthophosphate was found to be more effective at lower carbonate/calcium ratios and lower pH values. With the assumption that the calcite precipitation rate is proportional to the surface concentration of active crystal-growth sites, the reduction in the rate of calcite precipitation by phosphate can be explained by a Langmuir adsorption model using a conditional equilibrium constant and total phosphate concentration. Through a detailed analysis of chemical speciation in the solution phase and calcite surface speciation using chemical equilibrium computer modeling, the “conditional” equilibrium constants obtained at different solution compositions were found to converge to a single “non-conditional” value if only CaHPO 4 ( aq ) 0 was considered in the adsorption reaction. This suggests that CaHPO 4 ( aq ) 0 is the responsible species for inhibition of calcite precipitation because it adsorbs to the surface and blocks the active crystal-growth sites. The standard enthalpy change (ΔH0) and standard entropy change (TΔS0) of the adsorption reaction, determined by experiments performed from 15 to 45 °C, were 58.5 and 98.3 kJ/mol, respectively. The high positive values of the standard enthalpy change and the standard entropy change suggest that the adsorption reaction is an endothermic reaction, chemisorptive in nature, and driven by the entropy change, most likely resulting from the dehydration process that accompanies the adsorption of CaHPO 4 ( aq ) 0 onto the calcite surface.
Differential Effects of MicroRNAs on Glioblastoma Growth and Migration

Glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by rapid proliferation, aggressive metastatic potential, and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. The matricellular protein CYR61 regulates cellular proliferation and migration and is highly expressed in Glioblastomas. MicroRNAs are 22-nucleotides long RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Here, we utilized the LN229 glioblastoma cell line and found that CYR61 is a target of miR-136, miR-155, and miR-634. Over-expression of miR-136 and miR-634 miRNAs negatively affected proliferation, but not migration, while expression of miR-155 reduced migration but did not affect the proliferation of LN229 cells. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms affected by expression of miR-634 revealed an increased phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase, suggesting an induction of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 pathway. Additionally, in miR-634 overexpressing cells, TSC2, a negative regulator of mTOR signaling, was found to be decreased. Altogether, our study provides insights on the differential roles of miRs-136, -155, and -634 in regulating glioblastoma cell growth and migration, and how microRNAs could be manipulated to decrease the aggressiveness and metastatic potential of tumor cells.