cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer function analysis of the relationship between advertising and sales: A synthesis of prior research

Prior research into the relationship between advertising and sales has generally been based on methodologies involving either direct lag or distributed lag models. The current study demonstrates that these classes of models are nested within a general model which can easily be represented and estimated with transfer function methods. The general model is used to identify empirically models of the sales-advertising relationship for a data set that is aggregated into data intervals of varying length. Results of the aggregation process illustrate the effect of data interval bias on the estimate of the duration of the advertising effect.
The Natural Radiation Environment inside Spacecraft

The natural radiation environment in space has been shown to produce soft upsets in satellite-borne microelectronics. This environment varies with time, with position in the earth's magnetosphere and with depth inside the spacecraft. The nature of these variations will be described and the uncertainties that result from deficiencies in our basic knowledge of the environment will be discussed. Only those radiation components that can cause soft upsets will be considered in this report.
Evaluation of the limulus amoebocyte lysate test in conjunction with a gram negative bacterial plate count for detecting irradiation of chicken

Abstract A study to evaluate the potential of the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test in conjuction with a Gram negative bacteria (GNB) plate count for detecting the irradiation of chicken is described. Preliminary studies demonstrated that chickens irradiated at an absorbed dose of 2.5 kGy could be differentiated from unirradiated birds by measuring levels of endotoxin and of numbers of GNB on chicken skin. Irradiated birds were found to have endotoxin levels similar to those found in unirradiated birds but significantly lower numbers of GNB. In a limited study the test was found to be applicable to birds from different processors. The effect of temperature abuse on the microbiological profile, and thus the efficacy of the test, was also investigated. After temperature abuse, the irradiated birds were identifiable at worst up to 3 days after irradiation treatment at the 2.5 kGy level and at best some 13 days after irradiation. Temperature abuse at 15°C resulted in rapid recovery of surviving micro-organisms which made differentiation of irradiated and unirradiated birds using this test unreliable. The microbiological quality of the bird prior to irradiation treatment also affected the test as large numbers of GNB present on the bird prior to irradiation treatment resulted in larger numbers of survivors. In addition, monitoring the developing flora after irradiation treatment and during subsequent chilled storage also aided differentiation of irradiated and unirradiated birds. Large numbers of yeasts and Gram positive cocci were isolated from irradiated carcasses whereas Gram negative oxidative rods were the predominant spoilage flora on unirradiated birds.
Critical Properties of an Elastic Fractal

Some solvable fractal models of the percolating backbone are used to investigate the critical behavior of a random, $d$-dimensional, isotropic, elastic medium. The critical exponent $T$ for the elastic moduli is found to be appreciably greater than the conductivity exponent $t$, and the ratio of bulk to shear modulus is found to have the universal value $\frac{4}{d}$. A comparison with the effective-medium and the Clausius-Mossotti-type approximations leads to the conjecture that the result $\frac{4}{d}$ is in fact exact.
Modeling Hybrid Parameter Multiple Body systems: A different approach

Abstract In this paper, the Hybrid Parameter Multiple Body (HPMB) system modeling problem is addressed. Presented, is a systematic methodology for deriving equations of motion for these highly complex systems. The methodology is founded in variational principles, but uses vector algebra to eliminate tedium. The variational nature of the methodology allows rigorous equation formulation providing not only the complete non-linear, hybrid, differential equations, but also the boundary conditions. One novelty of the method lies in the fact that its variational nature is transparent to the user. This enables it to be effectively used by researchers having a working knowledge of Lagrange's method. The methodology is formulated in the system's constraint-free sub-space of the configuration space, thus all constraints (holonomic and nonholonomic) are automatically satisfied. Since Lagrange multipliers are not needed, the method produces a minimal realization. The spatial dimensions of the continuum bodies are not restricted and the inter-body connections are completely general.
Hypoxia decreases podocyte expression of slit diaphragm proteins

Background Chronic hypoxia contributes to progressive tubulointerstitial injury and, consequently, renal failure. However, the effect of hypoxia on glomerular podocytes, which are integral to the slit diaphragm complex and responsible for selectivity of the glomerular filtration barrier, has not been completely determined.
Role of O2 + QOOH in low-temperature ignition of propane. 1. Temperature and pressure dependent rate coefficients.

The kinetics of the reaction of molecular oxygen with hydroperoxyalkyl radicals have been studied theoretically. These reactions, often referred to as second O2 addition, or O2 + QOOH reactions, are believed to be responsible for low-temperature chain branching in hydrocarbon oxidation. The O2 + propyl system was chosen as a model system. High-level ab initio calculations of the C3H7O2 and C3H7O4 potential energy surfaces are coupled with RRKM master equation methods to compute the temperature and pressure dependence of the rate coefficients. Variable reaction coordinate transition-state theory is used to characterize the barrierless transition states for the O2 + QOOH addition reactions as well as subsequent C3H6O3 dissociation reactions. A simple kinetic mechanism is developed to illustrate the conditions under which the second O2 addition increases the number of radicals. The sequential reactions O2 + QOOH → OOQOOH → OH + keto-hydroperoxide → OH + OH + oxy-radical and the corresponding formally direct ...
Short pulse, x-ray preionization of a high pressure XeCl gas discharge laser

Abstract A short pulse (35 ns), high energy X-ray source, driven by a coaxial Blumlein pulser, has been used to preionize a 2.5 × 3 × 30 cm 3 active volume XeCl avalanche discharge laser. A maximum output energy of 1 J has been extracted at 0.9% efficiency (including X-ray preionization). Measurements have been performed to investigate the influence of the X-ray pulse timing on laser output and discharge quality.
Thiourea and the Inhibition of Growth of Fungi

that thiourea interferes with the growth of fungi in vitro. This effect can be cancelled by the introduction of certain biological fluids into the culture mediums. The possible action of this drug in protecting mice inoculated with pathogenic fungi has also been investigated. In the experiments reported in this paper thiourea failed to influence favorably the course of systemic fungus disease in mice.
Feedback law design and the Liapunov approach

We study the problem of designing targeting-type feedback control laws for systems with state and control constraints. A systematic approach to this problem is described in terms of a number of Liapunov-like criteria. This approach is presented in tutorial form and is illustrated by means of two examples having some background in the literature.
Restoring the sanctity of life and replacing the caricature: a reply to David Price

In an earlier paper in this journal I criticised the British Medical Association Guidance on withholding and withdrawing treatment on the ground that it undermines the principle of the sanctity/inviolability of life. Professor David Price responded with a paper criticising the principle. This reply to my learned colleague respectfully contends that his criticisms are based on a caricatured misunderstanding of the principle.
Proportioning earthquake-resistant RC frames in central/eastern U.S.

A maximum allowable period criterion is used to determine reasonable stiffness requirements for reinforced concrete frames with the seismicity associated with central and eastern U.S. A general relationship is developed to describe the displacement demand expected for central and eastern U.S. based on a survey of available ground motions, opinions of seismologists, and code-based provisions. A series of hypothetical reinforced concrete frames is proportioned using a maximum allowable period criterion and evaluated for expected maximum displacement response using non-linear dynamic analyses and a suite of ground motions. Results indicate that for the reinforced concrete structural systems considered in the study, proportioning for gravity loads will provide sufficient stiffness in central and eastern U.S. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of the Earth's magnetosphere to changes in the solar wind

The solar wind couples to the magnetosphere via dynamic pressure and electric field. Pressure establishes the size and shape of the system, while the electric field transfers energy, mass, and momentum to the magnetosphere. When the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is antiparallel to the dayside magnetic field, magnetic reconnection connects the IMF to the dipole field. Solar wind transport of the newly opened field lines to the nightside creates an internal convection system. These open field lines must ultimately be closed by reconnection on the nightside. For many decades, it was thought that a magnetospheric substorm was the process for accomplishing this and that all magnetic activity was a consequence of substorms. It is now recognized that there are a variety of modes of response of the magnetosphere to the solar wind. In this paper, we briefly describe these modes and the conditions under which they occur. They include substorms, pseudo-breakups, poleward boundary intensifications (PBI), steady magnetospheric convection (SMC), sawtooth injection events, magnetic storms, high-intensity long-duration continuous AE activities (HILDCAAs), and storm-time activations. There are numerous explanations for these different phenomena, some of which do not involve magnetic reconnection. However, we speculate that it is possible to interpret each mode in terms of differences in the way magnetic reconnection occurs on the nightside.
INTERTWINED HISTORIES: CRÓNICA AND TĀRĪKH IN THE SIXTEENTH‐CENTURY INDIAN OCEAN WORLD1

This essay reflects on the future of world history by reflecting on its past. It looks to how Iberian historiography in the early modern period "rediscovered" Islamic historiography in the course of Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean region in the sixteenth century. However, since the Iberians had deliberately cultivated a form of amnesia regarding this historiography as a result of the so-called Reconquest, new modes and methods of appropriation had to be found. Further, whereas medieval contact had largely been with materials in Arabic, the sixteenth-century world was far more centrally concerned with materials in Persian. The essay proposes that these materials and their perspective had a significant impact on humanist historians such as Joao de Barros as well as on their successors. Equally, access to European historical writings in Latin had some impact on Indo-Persian chroniclers at the Mughal court and elsewhere. However, it may be argued that an even greater impact on the Mughals was that of "Hindu" writings regarding the ancient past of India. All in all, the essay suggests that the past of such historical writing was crucially mediated by philological practice. Nor can philology be neglected for future projects in the writing of world history or global history. The essay thus questions the presumptions of both neoskeptics, who neglect how historians have worked in the past, and of scientistic historians, who oppose the central place of humanistic disciplines in the future writing of history.
The Glorious Revolution

England's Revolution of 1688-89 has long been described as Glorious because it was not a Revolution. Edmund Burke set the tone for over two centuries of historiographical analysis when he proclaimed that ‘The Revolution was made to preserve our ancient indisputable laws and liberties, and that ancient constitution of government which is our only security for law and liberty.’ The English were not creating a new regime, merely restoring the old one that had been distorted by the Catholic James II. ‘The very idea of the fabrication of a new government is enough to fill us with disgust and horror,’ Burke concluded1. Thomas Babington Macaulay, writing two generations later, deployed his extensive historical learning to reach similar conclusions to his Whig precursor. The horrible ‘calamities’ of continental revolutions were averted in England because this ‘was a revolution strictly defensive, and had prescription and legitimacy on its side.’2‘To us who have lived in the year 1848,’ Macaulay argued, ‘it may seem almost an abuse of terms to call a proceeding, conducted with so much deliberation, with so much sobriety, and with such minute attention to prescriptive etiquette, by the terrible name of revolution.’3 Macaulay's great nephew George Macaulay Trevelyan reached very similar conclusions. Like Macaulay, Trevelyan insisted that in 1688-89 ‘there are no new ideas.’4 He interpreted the Revolution as ‘a victory of moderation.’5 Unsurprisingly, like both Burke and Macaulay, Trevelyan thought ‘the spirit of this strange Revolution was the opposite of revolutionary.’6 More recent scholarship has done much to refine the story. Excellent work has been done to demonstrate that James II was himself a sophisticated ruler, with an innovative but not unrealistic political agenda. While a devout catholic, James II was committed to religious toleration. James II's very modern attempt to survey the Parliamentary classes, and to pressure them into repealing the Test Act and Penal Laws, the bulwark of a coercive national church, had a real chance of success.7 Nevertheless, after surveying recent findings by historians, John Morrill has found little reason to dissent from Trevelyan's fundamental assessments, concluding that ‘the Sensible Revolution of 1688-89 was a conservative Revolution.’8
Postpurchase hierarchies of effects: The antecedents and consequences of satisfaction for complainers versus non-complainers

Abstract Complainers versus non-complainers were compared as to their respective processing of the antecedents and consequences of satisfaction with a high involvement product purchase. The results of 2-group lisrel analysis show that for complainers, but not for non-complainers, retrieved expectations have an inverse effect on satisfaction and affect. Disconfirmation has a direct impact on affect, but only for non-complainers. For both groups, disconfirmation is directly related to satisfaction, and satisfaction is related to repurchase intention both directly and through affect.
Soot formation in shock-tube oxidation of hydrocarbons

Soot formation during oxidation of acetylene, allene, 1,3-butadiene, toluene, benzene and chlorobenzene was studied in argon-diluted mixtures behind reflected shock waves. The formation of soot in pyrolysis of benzene, chlorobenzene and chlorobenzene-acetylene argondiluted mixtures was also investigated. The experiments were conducted at temperatures from 1430 to 3490 K, pressures from 0.20 to 3.14 bar, and carbon atom concentrations of approximately 2×1017 and 5×1017 atoms/cm3. Soot formation was monitored by measuring the attenuation of a laser beam at 632.8 nm. Comparing soot-yield dependencies obtained in pyrolysis and oxidation at similar conditions, it was observed that oxygen, added in moderate amounts, promotes the formation of soot at lower temperatures and retards it at higher ones. The promoting effect of oxygen was particularly pronounced in acetylene mixtures. Investigating further the effect of fuel molecular structure, it was noted that soot formation from benzene is very similar to that from toluene; however, the chlorobenzene soot-yield bell is shifted to lower temperatures. The addition of acetylene to chlorobenzene pyrolysis decreased the amount of soot produced. All of the observed phenomena can be rationalized within the conceptual model of soot formation suggested recently for hydrocarbon pyrolysis.
What is Affordable Community College Tuition?: Part II

During the last 25 years, there has been a major shift in the way that state and federal governments fund financial aid to students attending colleges and universities. This shift has been characterized by the idea of “cost sharing”—a “high tuition, high aid” model that requires students and their families to shoulder a greater percentage of the burden of the cost of higher education. Unfortunately, however, like much market-driven public policy that has been developed over the last 25 years, we are beginning to see that this policy works better in theory than in practice. This funding model is especially problematic for community college students because it has put higher education functionally out of reach for many Americans, especially the most financially disadvantaged within our communities. It is the argument of this article that we have reached the economic threshold where “open access” is being fatally compromised by high tuition costs and by student aid being operationally redefined during this p...
SGBEM analysis of crack-particle(s) interactions due to elastic constants mismatch

The effects of elastic constants mismatch on the interaction between a propagating crack and single or multiple inclusions in brittle matrix materials are investigated using numerical simulations. The simulations employ a quasi-static crack-growth prediction tool based upon the symmetric-Galerkin boundary element method (SGBEM) for multiregions, a modified quarter-point crack-tip element, the displacement correlation technique for evaluating stress intensity factors (SIFs), and the maximum principal stress criterion for crack-growth direction. It is shown that, even with this simple method for calculating SIF, the crack-growth prediction tool is both highly accurate and computationally effective. This is evidenced by results for the case of a single inclusion in an infinite plate, where the SGBEM results for the SIFs show excellent agreement with known analytical solutions. The simulation results for crack growth and stress intensity behaviors in particulate media are very stable. The crack-tip shielding and amplification behaviors, as seen in similar studies using other numerical approaches, can be clearly observed.
Effect of complex formation between 4‐hexylresorcinol and ethyl myristate on release rate of 4‐hexylresorcinol from petrolatum base

The effect of ethyl myristate on the release rate of 4-hexylresorcinol from petrolatum base was studied at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees. 4-Hexylresorcinol was analyzed spectrophotometrically at 278 nm. The release rate of hexylresorcinol from the ointments was directly proportional to the square root of time and depended on the percentage of ethyl myristate in the ointment base. For 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5% of ethyl myristate, the release rates were 29.6, 35.4, 38.3, 55.7, and 70.0 micrograms/hr1/2/cm2, respectively. The solubility of hexylresorcinol in the petrolatum base was determined as a function of ethyl myristate using partitioning techniques. The enhancement in hexylresorcinol solubility was rationalized on the basis of 1:1 and 1:2 complexes between hexylresorcinol and ethyl myristate. The complexation constants of these complexes were estimated to be 10 M-1 and 206.1 M-2, respectively. The diffusion coefficient of hexylresorcinol in the petrolatum base was estimated to be 1.31 x 10(-8) cm2/sec.
Determination of Threshold Stress Intensity for Crack Growth at High Temperature in Silicon Carbide Ceramics

A method for estimating the threshold stress intensity for crack growth is presented. The technique requires prior knowledge of the flaw population of a material and uses applied static loads followed by fast fracture to assess the effect of initial applied stress intensity on flaw behavior. The technique was applied to a hot-pressed Sic at 1200° and 1400°C in a nonoxidizing atmosphere. At 1400°C with a static load time of 4 h, the threshold stress intensity was determined to be ∼ 1.75 MPa·m1/2 with a slight tendency toward higher fracture stress with increasing initial stress intensity below the threshold. At 1200°C for a static load time of 4 h, apparent strengthening was observed below a threshold stress intensity of ∼2.25 MPa·m1/2. This strengthening effect appears to result from stress relaxation in the crack-tip region, probably by plastic deformation which involves the oxide grain-boundary phase.
Arrow's theorem for closed weak hierarchies

Abstract A version of Arrow's Impossibility Theorem is proved for consensus functions defined on closed weak hierarchies. The resulting consensus function is a projection
A nonhuman primate perspective on affiliation

primate research suggests that affiliation is a highly complex construct. studies of primate affiliation demonstrate the need to distinguish between various affiliative behaviors, consider relationships as emergent properties of these behaviors, define affiliation in the context of general environmental responsiveness, and address developmental changes in affiliation across the lifespan.
Emotion and aggression in the psychopathic personality

This paper presents an integrative conceptual framework for understanding relationships between psychopathy and aggression, and reviews the extant relevant literature in relation to this framework. Issues pertaining to conceptualization and subtyping of aggression are reviewed with reference to contemporary emotion theory, and recent research on the emotional and temperamental underpinnings of criminal psychopathy is described. It is argued that different forms of aggression may be related to disparate facets of psychopathy, and that these relationships may be mediated by common dispositional factors. Methodological limitations of existing studies are identified, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Representability of functions

Abstract We study the representation of (possibly) nonlinear functions which may appear in the constraints, as well as in the objective function, of a mixed-integer optimization problem. The set of functions which have representations for constraints is a strict subset of those functions which have representation for objectives. The focus of our work here is to delineate the additional requirements for constraint representation, which go beyond objective function representation. In the case that a representation can be achieved using only linear constraints with bounded integer variables, we achieve characterization results (Theorem 3.1 and 3.2). This paper is a continuation of [17].
Spontaneous formation of electric current sheets and the origin of solar flares

It is demonstrated that the continuous boundary motion of a sheared magnetic field in a tenuous plasma with an infinite electrical conductivity can induce the formation of multiple electric current sheets in the interior plasma. In response to specific footpoint displacements, the quadrupolar magnetic field considered is shown to require the formation of multiple electric current sheets as it achieves a force-free state. Some of the current sheets are found to be of finite length, running along separatrix lines of force which separate lobes of magnetic flux. It is suggested that current sheets in the form of infinitely thin magnetic shear layers may be unstable to resistive tearing, a process which may have application to solar flares.
Making Landsteiner's discovery superfluous: safety and economic implications of a universal group O red blood cell supply

The risks of ABO-mediated acute immune hemolytic transfusion reactions continue to bedevil modern transfusion services. Of particular concern, the incidence of transfusion fatalities has not changed over time, in stark comparison to the fall in risks of infectious diseases. This article reviews the approaches employed to combat aspects of ABO transfusion errors. The advantages of a universal group O donor pool are considered, and some innovative approaches for achieving this goal, including enzymatic modification of the red cell membrane, the epitope masking through the use of polyethylene glycol, are described. The impact of a group O blood supply on transfusion practices, and on costs to healthcare system, are considered.
Analysis of earthquake risk in Iran based on seismotectonic provinces

Abstract Analysis of seismic risk in Iran is made using a seismotectonic provinces model. The earthquake data of various seismotectonic provinces are compiled and treated statistically. The coefficients of a log-linear and a log-quadratic magnitude frequency relationship are calculated and return periods for several earthquake magnitudes are found. From log-linear coefficients, seismic risk, intensities and ground acceleration for a set of return periods and epicentral distances are estimated and substantial variations in return periods for a given magnitude are noted. The provinces which are located southwest of the Zagros thrust and northeast of the Arabian landmass are the most active in producing earthquakes with magnitude of about 6 in less than a decade; whereas the northern and northeastern provinces are capable of producing a magnitude 7.5 earthquake about each century. The seismic risk is lowest for Esfahan-Sirgan, Arabian Platform, Persian Gulf, Kavir in central Iran, and Arvand—Shatt-al-Arab provinces; and the highest seismic risk is for Elburz, Kopet-Dagh, Ferdows, and Fars provinces. The expected peak ground acceleration is highest, for a time exposure of 30 yrs, for Fars, Ferdows, and Tabas provinces, and least for Esfahan-Sirjan. For a time exposure of 200 yrs, the expected peak ground acceleration is highest for Elburz, Kopet-Dagh, and Ferdows provinces.
Sialic acid and the surface charge of delayed rectifier potassium channels

We used the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique and cultured ventricular myocytes from 7-day embryonic chicks to test the hypothesis that sialic acid residues (NANA) constitute the negative surface charge associated with delayed rectifier potassium channels. Delayed rectifier current (iK) was elicited at potentials between -40 and +60 mV. The existence of negative fixed charges close to the "gating sensor" was confirmed by a 6.8-mV negative shift of the half-activation potential (V1/2) following a 10-fold reduction of divalent cations and a 22.6-mV position shift following the addition of 10 mM NiCl2. An 8.4-mV increase in the Boltzmann equation slope factor (k) in the former experiment and a 5.5-mV decline in the latter suggested that the surface charge is not uniformly distributed. We used a high performance liquid chromatography procedure to detect freed sarcolemmal NANA and found that 71-88% was released by neuraminidase (0.2-2.0 U/ml) during 1-h treatments. Such treatments had no significant effect upon the amplitudes of iK or V1/2. On the other hand, k was increased significantly by the enzyme (2.0 U/ml), but only when Ca2+ was present. Finally, 1-h pre-treatments with neuraminidase (2.0 U/ml) had no effect on the positive shift of V1/2 induced by Ni2+. We conclude that although sarcolemmal NANA may bind Ca2+, it does not constitute the surface charge of delayed rectifier potassium channels.
Anal transitional zone cancer after restorative proctocolectomy and ileoanal anastomosis in familial adenomatous polyposis: report of two cases.

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is accepted as the surgical treatment of choice for many patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The risk of cancer developing in the ileal pouch after this surgery is unknown. Cancer may arise from the ileal pouch after restorative proctocolectomy, but that arising from the anal transitional zone has not been documented in familial adenomatous polyposis. We report two cases of this cancer from the anal transitional zone in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, with a review of the literature. METHODS: All patients with familial adenomatous polyposis treated with restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in The Cleveland Clinic were included in the study. Patients whose surveillance biopsy of the anal transitional zone revealed invasive adenocarcinoma were studied. RESULTS: Among a total of 146 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis from 1983 to 2001 in our institution, none developed cancer of the anal transitional zone at up to 18 years of follow-up. However, there were two patients, both of whom underwent surgery elsewhere but who were followed up here, who developed invasive adenocarcinoma of the anal transitional zone. In one of them, cancer was diagnosed three years after a double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, whereas in the other, cancer occurred eight years after a straight ileoanal anastomosis with mucosectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer may develop in the anal transitional zone after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis. Long-term surveillance of the anal transitional zone needs to be emphasized.
Facts-Well-Put

AbstractIn this paper we elucidate a particular type of instrument. Striking-phenomenon instruments assume their striking profile against the shifting backdrop of theoretical uncertainties. While t...
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Alters Matrix Metalloproteinases of Metastatic Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of linoleic acid derivatives that has been implicated in animal studies to reduce a number of components of mammary tumorigenesis. Previously, we showed that CLA could alter the latency and metastasis of the highly metastatic transplantable line 4526 mouse mammary tumor. Several possible mechanisms have been proposed for the actions of CLA, but here we assessed how CLA may act to alter the expression and activity of matrix-modifying proteins within tumors from line 4526. In vitro, highly metastatic mouse mammary tumor cells had significantly decreased invasiveness after treatment with CLA, an indication that matrix-modifying proteins may have been altered. Using these same highly metastatic cells, primary tumors were grown in mice of separate groups fed 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1% CLA (wt:wt) and evaluated for their levels and activities of matrix-modifying enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, and enzyme activators. The addition of CLA to the diet increased steady-state levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -2 and -9 in primary tumors removed from mice. However, western analysis revealed that although relative levels of the proform of MMP-9 were consistent with the mRNA observations, MMP-2 proform levels were actually decreased by dietary CLA. The activity of MMP-2 was barely detectable, but gelatin zymography and an in vitro activity assay showed that MMP-9 activity was significantly decreased by CLA. The steady-state mRNA and protein levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2, natural inhibitors of MMP, were increased at higher dietary CLA levels relative to low or no CLA. Suppression of MMP activity, therefore, may be 1 pathway through which CLA reduces tumor invasion and spread.
A hybrid processing element based reconfigurable architecture for hashing algorithms

Given the high computation demand for cryptography and hashing algorithms there is a need to develop flexible and high performance architectures. This paper proposes a methodology to derive processing elements as a starting point for the state-of-the-art reconfigurable computing and presents a case-study to show that application- specific reconfigurable computing has performance benefits close to fully-custom designs in addition to the intended reconfigurablity. We use hashing algorithms as a case study to propose a novel application-specific reconfigurable architecture based on a balanced mixture of coarse and fine grained processing elements with a tuned interconnect structure. For that purpose we introduce a methodology to derive hybrid grained processing elements and expose both fine and coarse grain parallelism based on a new common and recurring computation pattern extraction tool. After extracting the recurring patterns between SHA-1 and MD5 algorithms, we derive the unified interconnect architecture tailored to the control data dependencies of both the algorithms. That way the amount of reconfiguration on the proposed architecture when switching between the two algorithms is minimized. The proposed reconfigurable architecture is synthesized using the Synopsys design compiler targeted at TSMC 250 nm libraries. We compare its performance with ASIC technology on SHA-1 and MD5 algorithms. Results show that the proposed architecture which is reconfigurable between the two hashing algorithms has frequency of operation close to ASIC implementation of the individual algorithms for iterative and pipelined versions and results with 35% savings in area.
Characterizing the efficiency of data deduplication for big data storage management

The demand for data storage and processing is increasing at a rapid speed in the big data era. Such a tremendous amount of data pushes the limit on storage capacity and on the storage network. A significant portion of the dataset in big data workloads is redundant. As a result, deduplication technology, which removes replicas, becomes an attractive solution to save disk space and traffic in a big data environment. However, the overhead of extra CPU computation (hash indexing) and IO latency introduced by deduplication should be considered. Therefore, the net effect of using deduplication for big data workloads needs to be examined. To this end, we characterize the redundancy of typical big data workloads to justify the need for deduplication. We analyze and characterize the performance and energy impact brought by deduplication under various big data environments. In our experiments, we identify three sources of redundancy in big data workloads: 1) deploying more nodes, 2) expanding the dataset, and 3) using replication mechanisms. We elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of different deduplication layers, locations, and granularities. In addition, we uncover the relation between energy overhead and the degree of redundancy. Furthermore, we investigate the deduplication efficiency in an SSD environment for big data workloads.
Lower Physical Activity Is Associated With Higher Intermuscular Adipose Tissue in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

Background Increased lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle has been linked to insulin resistance, impaired muscle performance, and impaired physical function. It is unclear whether physical activity is associated with lipid content in skeletal muscle, muscle performance, or overall physical function. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize physical activity levels (average daily step count) in a sample of people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy and to determine the relationship among step count, intermuscular adipose tissue volume (IMAT), muscle performance (peak torque, power), and physical function. Design A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Methods Twenty-two people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (15 men and 7 women, mean age=64.5 years [SD=12.7], and mean body mass index=33.2 kg/m2 [SD=6.4]) participated. Average daily step count, glycosylated hemoglobin, modified 9-item Physical Performance Test scores, Six-Minute Walk Test distance, calf intermuscular adipose tissue volume (via magnetic resonance imaging), and isokinetic dynamometry of the ankle muscles were recorded. Results Average daily step count was 7,754 (SD=4,678; range=3,088–20,079). Five participants had an average daily step count greater than 10,000. Average IMAT volume was 84 cm3 (SD=88). Greater average daily step count was associated with younger age ( r =−.39, P <.05) and with lower IMAT volume in the calf ( r =−.44, P <.05). Lower IMAT volume was associated with greater muscle performance ( r =−.45) and physical function ( r =−.43 to −.48). Limitations The sample in this study may be biased toward people with high levels of activity because participants were recruited for an exercise study. The results should not be generalized to people taking fewer than 3,000 steps/day or to those with a current foot ulcer, peripheral arterial disease, or severe foot deformity or amputation or who weigh more than 136 kg (300 lb). Conclusions Average daily step count was inversely related to IMAT, and IMAT was inversely related to muscle performance and overall physical function. In addition, we found that people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy and without severe foot deformity appear to be able to take a large number of steps per day.
Detection and Quantitation of E. faecalis by Real-time PCR (qPCR), Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and Cultivation During Endodontic Treatment

Enterococcus faecalis is frequently recovered from refractory endodontic infections and has been implicated in endodontic treatment failures. This study compared real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to cultivation for E. faecalis detection and quantitation during endodontic treatment. A reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay was also developed to detect the bacterium clinically in the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state. Intra-canal samples (n = 87) were collected upon access, post-instrumentation/irrigation and postcalcium hydroxide treatment from 15 primary and 14 refractory infections involving 29 single-rooted teeth, and analyzed by the three methods. The bacterium was up to three times more prevalent in refractory than primary infections at each collection step. Overall, qPCR detected significantly more E. faecalis-positive teeth and samples than cultivation (p < 0.001). VBNC E. faecalis was detected by RT-PCR in four samples that were negative by cultivation. These findings support qPCR and RT-PCR as more sensitive methods than cultivation for detecting E. faecalis in endodontic infections.
Multiplexed immunoassays for proteins using magnetic luminescent nanoparticles for internal calibration

Suspension arrays present a promising tool for multiplexed assays in large-scale screening applications. A simple and robust platform for quantitative multiprotein immunoanalysis has been developed with the use of magnetic Co:Nd:Fe(2)O(3)/luminescent Eu:Gd(2)O(3) core/shell nanoparticles (MLNPs) as a carrier. The magnetic properties of the MLNPs allow their manipulation by an external magnetic field in the separation and washing steps in the immunoassay. Their optical properties enable the internal calibration of the detection system. The multiplexed sandwich immunoassay involves dual binding events on the surface of the MLNPs functionalized with the capture antibodies. Secondary antibodies labeled with conventional organic dyes (Alexa Fluor) are used as reporters. The amount of the bound secondary antibody is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the sample. In our approach, the fluorescence intensity of the reporter dye is related to the luminescence signal of the MLNPs. In this way, the intrinsic luminescence of the MLNPs serves as an internal standard in the quantitative immunoassay. The concept is demonstrated for a simultaneous immunoassay for three model proteins (human, rabbit, and mouse IgGs). The method uses a standard bench plate reader. It can be applied to disease diagnostics and to the detection of biological threats.
The rate of metabolism in marine animals: environmental constraints, ecological demands and energetic opportunities

The rates of metabolism in animals vary tremendously throughout the biosphere. The origins of this variation are a matter of active debate with some scientists highlighting the importance of anatomical or environmental constraints, while others emphasize the diversity of ecological roles that organisms play and the associated energy demands. Here, we analyse metabolic rates in diverse marine taxa, with special emphasis on patterns of metabolic rate across a depth gradient, in an effort to understand the extent and underlying causes of variation. The conclusion from this analysis is that low rates of metabolism, in the deep sea and elsewhere, do not result from resource (e.g. food or oxygen) limitation or from temperature or pressure constraint. While metabolic rates do decline strongly with depth in several important animal groups, for others metabolism in abyssal species proceeds as fast as in ecologically similar shallow-water species at equivalent temperatures. Rather, high metabolic demand follows strong selection for locomotory capacity among visual predators inhabiting well-lit oceanic waters. Relaxation of this selection where visual predation is limited provides an opportunity for reduced energy expenditure. Large-scale metabolic variation in the ocean results from interspecific differences in ecological energy demand.
Thinking, Fast and Slow, by D. Kahneman

Thinking, Fast and Slow, by D. Kahneman, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, New York (2011), 499 pp., $30. ISBN-10 0385676514, ISBN-13 978-0385676519 The very same biological machinery that enables us to rea...
A randomized, controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain

Individuals reporting chronic, nonmalignant pain for at least 6 months (N=114) were randomly assigned to 8 weekly group sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) after a 4-6 week pretreatment period and were assessed after treatment and at 6-month follow-up. The protocols were designed for use in a primary care rather than specialty pain clinic setting. All participants remained stable on other pain and mood treatments over the course of the intervention. ACT participants improved on pain interference, depression, and pain-related anxiety; there were no significant differences in improvement between the treatment conditions on any outcome variables. Although there were no differences in attrition between the groups, ACT participants who completed treatment reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction than did CBT participants. These findings suggest that ACT is an effective and acceptable adjunct intervention for patients with chronic pain.
Endovascular management of superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm

A 31-year-old man underwent a Whipple procedure for a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, which consists of a pancreaticoduodenectomy and reconstruction to restore intestinal continuity. Six weeks after the operation, he presented with severe mid-epigastric pain radiating to his back. Imaging studies revealed a large pseudoaneurysm arising from the superior mesenteric artery. Selective superior mesenteric angiography confirmed the presence of the pseudoaneurysm. A 6 mm × 2.5 cm stent graft (Viabhan; W.L. Gore, Flagstaff, Ariz) was deployed across the pseudoaneurysm origin with preservation of the mesenteric branches. The patient had immediate resolution of symptoms and follow-up imaging showed patency of the stent graft and exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm.
Healing of adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Objective: To generate a framework of healing by male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Design: Qualitative using grounded theory methodology. Population, Sample, Setting, Years: Population was American men living in the community who have experienced some healing from childhood sexual abuse. Sample was 19 men who were recommended by area therapists or who had publicly identified themselves as survivors. Participants were interviewed in 1993 and 1994. Method: Formal, unstructured interviews using open-ended questions. Findings: The core variable that emerged was “Escaping the dungeon: The journey to freedom.” The metaphor of “dungeon” reflects the men's experiences of powerlessness, isolation, silence and darkness, shame, and pain from their abuse. Healing was described as breaking free, living free, and freeing those left behind. Conclusions: Healing involves a struggle against an internal force, emotional pain, and against an external force, the sociocultural prescription that men should not be victims. Clinical implications: Clinicians working with adult male survivors should consider the pervasive effects of some childhood sexual abuse experiences. Therapists can address the intrapsychic wounds of male survivors while acknowledging the context of their healing, a society where the victimization of men is often invalidated.
Comparison of Culture Screening Methods for Detection of Nasal Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a Prospective Study Comparing 32 Methods

Screening for carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is fundamental to modern-day nosocomial infection control, both for epidemiologic investigation and day-to-day decisions on barrier isolation. Numerous microbiologic techniques have been advocated for screening for nasal carriage of MRSA, including the use of charcoal rather than rayon swabs, preincubation of swabs in Stuart's medium, preincubation of swabs in salt-containing trypticase soy broth (TSB), use of mannitol-salt agar (MSA), use of MSA containing oxacillin (MSA(Ox)), use of Mueller-Hinton agar containing oxacillin (MHA(Ox)), and the use of MSA containing lipovitellin with an oxacillin disk (MSAL(Ox)). We report a prospective clinical trial undertaken to test all of these methods concurrently. Patients at high risk for MRSA carriage were screened with eight consecutive nasal swabs (four standard rayon, four charcoal-coated rayon), which were processed by primary plating on MSA, MSA(Ox), MHA(Ox), and MSAL(Ox); Stuart's preincubation for 72 h followed by plating on the solid media; overnight enrichment in salt-containing TSB followed by plating; and Stuart's preincubation for 72 h followed by overnight enrichment in TSB and plating. All of the above methods were repeated with charcoal swabs. Each patient was screened by 32 culture methods. Forty-three (42%) of 102 patients studied were positive for MRSA by one or more methods. Among the four media evaluated with direct plating, MSAL(Ox) was 11 to 25% more sensitive for detecting MRSA (MSAL(Ox) versus MSA(Ox) or MHA(Ox) or MSA, each P < 0.01). Preincubation in Stuart's medium for 72 h did not enhance recovery of MRSA. Enrichment in salt-containing TSB further increased yield 9%. MSAL(Ox) also showed the best specificity, 93%. Charcoal swabs showed no advantage over standard rayon swabs. Our results suggest that the highest yield will be achieved by using standard rayon swabs that are enriched overnight in TSB with inoculation onto MSAL(Ox) medium. Direct inoculation of swabs onto MSAL(Ox) allows detection of 90% of MRSA carriers.
Convergent energy and stress signaling

Plants are constantly confronted by multiple types of stress. Despite their distinct origin and mode of perception, nutrient deprivation and most stresses have an impact on the overall energy status of the plant, leading to convergent downstream responses that include largely overlapping transcriptional patterns. The emerging view is that this transcriptome reprogramming in energy and stress signaling is partly regulated by the evolutionarily conserved energy sensor protein kinases, SNF1 (sucrose non-fermenting 1) in yeast, AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) in mammals and SnRK1 (SNF1-related kinase 1) in plants. Upon sensing the energy deficit associated with stress, nutrient deprivation and darkness, SnRK1 triggers extensive transcriptional changes that contribute to restoring homeostasis, promoting cell survival and elaborating longer-term responses for adaptation, growth and development.