cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs as modulators of longevity and the aging process

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally repress translation or induce mRNA degradation of target transcripts through sequence-specific binding. miRNAs target hundreds of transcripts to regulate diverse biological pathways and processes, including aging. Many microRNAs are differentially expressed during aging, generating interest in their use as aging biomarkers and roles as regulators of the aging process. In the invertebrates Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, a number of miRNAs have been found to both positive and negatively modulate longevity through canonical aging pathways. Recent studies have also shown that miRNAs regulate age-associated processes and pathologies in a diverse array of mammalian tissues, including brain, heart, bone, and muscle. The review will present an overview of these studies, highlighting the role of individual miRNAs as biomarkers of aging and regulators of longevity and tissue-specific aging processes.
Modularized Implant Assembly for Spinal Fusion-Means for Managing Adjacent Level Disease: Technical Report.

Background The occurrence of adjacent-level disease in spinal fusion is a complex and contentious issue. Through the years, surgeons have developed various approaches to address this problem. While some have avoided fusion altogether, others have advocated for large, multilevel fusion constructs. With the advent of minimally invasive spine surgery, there are now novel approaches to the spine which allow for less onerous and morbid revision surgeries. In this paper, we present the case of a woman who previously underwent a posterior cervical fusion and presented with adjacent-level disease. Case Description A 63-year-old female who had previously undergone a cervical 5 to thoracic 1 posterior instrumented fusion presented with axial neck pain, hand numbness, and imbalance. Imaging demonstrated adjacent-level disease with anterolisthesis of cervical 4 on cervical 5. Rather than exposing her entire fusion construct, we used a new technique to link her old hardware to new instrumentation. Conclusions We believe that our case is demonstrative of a new, modularized approach to spinal fusion and suggest a way forward in the treatment of adjacent-level disease.
Pilot Feasibility Study of a Campaign Intervention for Weight Loss among Overweight and Obese Adults

Background: Behavioral interventions produce significant short-term weight loss. However, these interventions typically require regular in-person sessions, which may not be feasible for all individuals. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a 12-week campaign intervention (CI) compared to a standard on-site, group-based behavioral weight loss intervention (SBWL) among overweight/obese adults. Methods: SBWL participants (n=13; age: 42.5 ± 9.1 years; BMI: 33.4 ± 3.8 kg/m²) attended weekly group meetings, were prescribed a daily reduced caloric goal and 200 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. CI participants (n=13; age: 43.8 ± 9.0 years; BMI: 33.2 ± 3.8 kg/m²) received the same recommendations as the SBWL, attended in-person group meetings at weeks 0 and 12, and received e-mail messages weeks 2-11. Additional CI features included a thematic framework and an incentive-based point system targeting behavioral goals. Results: Significant weight loss was demonstrated for intention-to-treat (SBWL: -5.6 ± 2.9 kg; CI: -3.1 ± 3.4 kg) (p
Impact of rurality on diabetes screening in the US

Due to the high prevalence of diabetes risk factors in rural areas, it is important to identify whether differences in diabetes screening rates between rural and urban areas exist. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine if living in a rural area, rurality, has any influence on diabetes screening across the US. Participants from the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 nationally representative Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys who responded to a question on diabetes screening were included in the study (n = 1,889,712). Two types of marginal probabilities, average adjusted predictions (AAPs) and average marginal effects (AMEs), were estimated at the national level using this data. AAPs and AMEs allow for the assessment of the independent role of rurality on diabetes screening while controlling for important covariates. People who lived in urban, suburban, and rural areas all had comparable odds (Urban compared to Rural Odds Ratio (OR): 1.01, Suburbans compared to Rural OR: 0.95, 0.94) and probabilities of diabetes screening (Urban AAP: 70.47%, Suburban AAPs: 69.31 and 69.05%, Rural AAP: 70.27%). Statistically significant differences in probability of diabetes screening were observed between residents in suburban areas and rural residents (AMEs: − 0.96% and − 1.22%) but not between urban and rural residents (AME: 0.20%). While similar levels of diabetes screening were found in urban, suburban, and rural areas, there is arguably a need for increased diabetes screening in rural areas where the prevalence of diabetes risk factors is higher than in urban areas.
Do SSRIs and SNRIs reduce the frequency and/or severity of hot flashes in menopausal women

Clinical Question In menopausal women who experience regular hot flashes, does treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) reduce the frequency and/or severity of hot flashes?
Systemic β-Blockers Do Not Affect Glaucoma Eye Drop Effectiveness.

Unstructured Abstract In this secondary analysis of clinical trial data evaluating IOP elevation following pre-randomization washout of glaucoma eye drops, use of systemic beta-blockers was not associated with a statistically or clinically significant difference in IOP change.
The Effect of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors on Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT Background The World Health Organization estimates that diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death. Uncontrolled diabetes may cause severe consequences such as cardiovascular (CV) events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or CV mortality), lower-extremity amputations, and end-stage renal disease. Microvascular complications include retinopathy, autonomic and peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and diabetic ulcers. Major CV outcomes trials that were by the Food and Drug Administration for all new antihyperglycemia medications for patients at high risk for CV events were recently completed for all 4 US-marketed dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Objective To present a comprehensive review of the clinical trials that evaluate macrovascular and microvascular complications reported with DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods In this review, we analyzed published articles in PubMed and Ovid databases between January 2008 and September 2019 that evaluated the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors on macrovascular and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results A total of 18 studies, which included randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses were assessed. Current evidence demonstrates that the addition of DPP-4 inhibitors to standard antihyperglycemic and CV risk reduction treatment has not shown CV benefit relative to placebo in contrast to recently published studies for other medications within the glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor classes. Notably, the potential risk for heart failure hospitalizations may exist for saxagliptin, and this effect is not extrapolated as a class effect. Based on our review, DPP-4 inhibitors may not influence microvascular complications in patients with diabetes. However, some studies have shown that saxagliptin and linagliptin may slow down the progression of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The overall quality of the studies included in this review was high due to the inclusion of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Conclusions DPP-4 inhibitors were found to have a neutral effect on macrovascular and microvascular complications, with the exception of saxagliptin, which may increase the risk for heart failure hospitalizations.
Nanophotonics Technology for Signal Processing and Neuromorphic Accelerators

Dense photonic integration requires miniaturization of materials, devices and subsystems, including passive components (e.g., engineered composite metamaterials, filters, etc.), active components (e.g., lasers, modulators and nonlinear wave mixers) and integrated circuits (Fourier transform spectrometer, programmable phase modulator of free space modes, etc.). These novel devices are needed for future signal processing and neuromorphic processors.
A Retrospective Evaluation of the Prevalence of Cracked Teeth Among an Adult Population in Nevada.

OBJECTIVE To identify the distribution and characteristics of cracked teeth in a Southern Nevada population attending the dental clinics of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (SDM, UNLV). METHODS A retrospective keyword search of the clinical notes of SDM, UNLV patient charts in AxiUm™ was performed using the search terms 'crack' and 'fracture' to discern the number of patients that had clinically identifiable teeth with cracks, and which teeth (if any) had documented symptoms consistent with the cracks. The inclusion criteria for the record search were individuals ≥18 years old, seen at the dental clinic between 2010 and 2018. Demographic data were analyzed using a Chi-square test against the demographics for Clark County's population. RESULTS 893 patients presented with cracked teeth, of which 41% had documented symptoms. Patients in the 45-54 age range had the highest number of teeth with cracks (P<0.001). Males comprised 49% of the cases. Caucasians (58.9%) and African Americans (21.1%) represented a majority of the population with cracked teeth (P<0.0001). 1st and 2nd molars had the highest predilection for fractures (59.8%). CONCLUSION Mandibular and maxillary first and second molars were amongst the highest teeth affected with cracks.
Curved Space and Gravity

In this chapter we return to mathematics and study curvature in a Riemann space. Einstein’s general relativistic field equations of gravity follow in an intuitive way from a study of the Riemann tensor and the geometric view of gravity.
Measuring Quality in Lung Transplant Care: The QUILT Initiative

Purpose Lung transplant aims to improve quality of life and survival. Achieving this requires providing care that prevents chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) while minimizing complications of long-term immunosuppression. We developed the quality in lung transplant (QUILT) initiative as a comprehensive and sustainable process to measure quality of care and develop interventions to improve it in our center. Methods In October 2019, we selected complications of lung transplant associated with increased risk of end-organ damage or death that could be tracked continuously leveraging the electronic medical record. The selected metrics were CLAD, acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on KDIGO stages, leukopenia, and hyperglycemia. We developed an information pipeline in which daily laboratory results are aggregated and analyzed at regular intervals. We assessed the QUILT metrics during 2020 and their trajectory since 2011. Finally, we incorporated them to our quarterly morbidity and mortality review. We focused on AKI and CKD for this abstract. Results In 2020, 469 lung recipients received transplant care at UCSF. The composition of the cohort based on years after transplant was 0-1 years (19%), >1-3 years (22%), >3-5 years (19%), >5-10 years (27%), >10-15 years (9%), and >15 years (3%). The monthly incidence of AKI ranged from 18-25%, including stage 1 (15-21%), stage 2 (1-4%), and stage 3 (1-2%). Since 2011, the monthly incidence of AKI has decreased from a peak of 31%. The prevalence of CKD ranged from 20-25% stage 1, 22-23% stage 2, 38-45% stage 3, 8-10% stage 4, and 4-5% stage 5. Since 2011, the prevalence of CKD has been stable for stages 1 and 2, has increased for stages 3 and 5, and has decreased for stage 4. Conclusion QUILT allows longitudinal and real-time assessment of quality of care metrics. Tracking AKI and CKD increased our vigilance of medication management. This framework could help centers develop systematic and patient-specific improvement interventions, and track the trajectory of care over time.
Public good provision and property tax compliance: Evidence from a natural experiment

Abstract Positive inducements and rewards have become a popular tool of tax administrations around the world. Yet, evaluation of the impact of rewards has been mostly absent from the empirical literature on tax compliance. In this paper we evaluate the effect of positive rewards on property tax compliance by exploiting a natural experiment in which a municipality of Argentina randomly selected 400 individuals among more than 72,000 taxpayers who had complied with the payment of their property tax. These individuals were publicly recognized and awarded the construction of a sidewalk. Results indicate that: (i) few additional taxpayers pay delinquent bills in order to participate; (ii) winning the lottery has large positive and persistent effects; (iii) there are sizable spillover effects, as neighbors of lottery winners increase their overall compliance. Providing a durable and visible public good seems to bring lasting positive effects on tax compliance.
Misconceptions - A Column about Errors in Geoscience Textbooks: Misconceptions of the Forces Acting on a Body in Orbit

(2001). Misconceptions - A Column about Errors in Geoscience Textbooks. Journal of Geoscience Education: Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 319-321.
Microbial habitability of the early Mars lacustrine environment sustained by iron redox cycling

Abstract Several studies have reported new data on the estimated compositions of chemical components at Gale crater; however, there is still a lack of information regarding potential past support of biomass and detectable biomarkers of ancient life. In this study we evaluate microbial habitability of early Mars constrained by the recently reconstructed water chemistry at Gale. The modeled community is based on Fe-metabolizing bacteria with the ability to utilize solid-phase iron oxides (e.g., magnetite) as an electron source or sink. Our results illustrate the plausibility of a sustained community in Gale Lake and provides suggestions for future modeled and laboratory-based studies to further evaluate the past habitability of Mars, biosignatures and their preservation potential, and hidden metabolic potential. One Sentence Summary This work provides an existence proof of habitability on early Mars and demonstrates modeling processes by which the habitability of extraterrestrial environments can be explored quantitatively.
Success Rates for the Objectives of US State Cancer Control Plans: A First Look.

BackgroundA well-designed cancer control plan is an important tool for a nation, state, or community to address the burden of cancer. Furthermore, it provides the opportunity to devise and implemen...
EFFICIENT PRESSURE SOLUTIONS FOR CIRCULATION PREDICTION

Two formulations of the rigid-lid wind-driven lake circulation model are presented. The first formulation results in the standard quasi-steady elliptic pressure equation. The second, used in variable topography applications, is a time splitting formulation resulting in a second-order elliptic pressure equation with coefficients that vary at each time step. These pressure equations are discretized by the finite element method and the quickest equation solver identified as a function of the degree of equation nonlinearity, the time variability of the applied surface wind shear, and permissible computational time step. The equation solvers are standard, readily available, easily programmable, and included optimal successive over relaxation, double sweep successive over relaxation, Aitken acceleration, direct Gaussian elimination with back-substitution, and direct Gaussian elimination with repeated elimination. The conclusion was that for large incremented changes in boundary loadings over the numerical time step, direct elimination results in considerable computation savings. /Author/
The Roads are Bumpy Ones: A Study of Body Image Through Abstract Performance

THE ROAD IS A BUMPY ONE: A STUDY OF BODY IMAGE THROUGH ABSTRACT PERFORMANCE By Alexis C. Goldstein, M.F.A. A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Dr. Aaron Anderson Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Theatre An overwhelming number of contemporary adolescents struggle with difficult issues. Many of these problems are socially related whereas others can be directly related to the degradation of the family unit. Among the most damaging of issues is distorted body image, which infect youth, often causing them to communicate aggressively, and even landing them in compromising situations. I have sought to challenge my students to redefine themselves through expressive movement and the creation of abstract rhythmic sounds. In teaching these techniques, I have given my former students the means to
Best Practices: Collecting and Analyzing Data on Sexual Minorities

High profile public policy debates about the rights of sexual minorities to enact legally sanctioned relationships, parent children, serve in the military, and live and work in environments free of harassment and discrimination have heightened the need for high quality scientific data on sexual minorities. The United States Federal Government’s Healthy People 2020 objectives include a goal to, “improve the health, safety, and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2010). The document suggests that sexual minorities face health disparities linked to stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights and notes the general lack of quality data that identifies sexual minorities and transgender individuals.
Heart Valve Tissue Engineering

Extensive research into the structural and functional properties of heart valves shows that they perform sophisticated functions which depend on their unique properties at the tissue, cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence that these complex functional properties translate into clinically relevant end points to all patients undergoing valve replacement surgery, particularly in children and young adults. Tissue engineering a heart valve offers the potential of replicating these functions and benefits via the production of a ‘living’ valve that resembles the shape and function of the native valve. This chapter will review the biology of heart valves and discuss strategies and advances that have been made towards the goal of producing a living tissue engineered heart valve.
Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors: 2010

State governments have had to make tough budget choices in recent years. Tax revenues have stagnated as a result of the poor economy, and that has prompted governors to take a variety of fiscal actions to close large budget gaps. Some governors have cut spending to balance their budgets, while others have pursued large tax increases.That is the backdrop to this 10th biennial fiscal report card of the governors, which examines state budget actions since 2008. It uses statistical data to grade the governors on their taxing and spending records — governors who have cut taxes and spending the most receive the highest grades, while those who have increased taxes and spending the most receive the lowest grades.Four governors were awarded an "A" in this report card — Mark Sanford of South Carolina, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Seven governors were awarded an "F" — Ted Kulongoski of Oregon, David Paterson of New York, Jodi Rell of Connecticut, Pat Quinn of Illinois, Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, Bill Ritter of Colorado, and Chris Gregoire of Washington.Many states have raised taxes the past two years, which has hurt families and businesses at a time when they are already struggling because of the slow economy. Across the 50 states, recent tax increases have been by far the largest in many years. Many states raised taxes even though the federal government showered them with billions of dollars of added funding in last year's "stimulus" bill.To their credit, many governors have trimmed their budgets to match lower revenue levels. But overall state debt levels have doubled during the past decade, and many states face giant funding gaps in their pension and health care plans.Further budget cuts are needed to deal with these problems. At the same time, rising competition in the global economy calls for the states to reduce their business taxes to attract investment.America needs a lot more "A" governors to face these fiscal challenges and make the needed tax and spending reforms.
Rectification and Rapid Activation at Low Ca2+ of Ca2+-Activated, Voltage-Dependent BK Currents: Consequences of Rapid Inactivation by a Novel β Subunit

A family of accessory β subunits significantly contributes to the functional diversity of large-conductance, Ca2+- and voltage-dependent potassium (BK) channels in native cells. Here we describe the functional properties of one variant of the β subunit family, which confers properties on BK channels totally unlike any that have as yet been observed. Coexpression of this subunit (termed β3) with Slo α subunits results in rectifying outward currents and, at more positive potentials, rapidly inactivating (∼1 msec) currents. The underlying rapid inactivation process results in an increase in the apparent activation rate of macroscopic currents, which is coupled with a shift in the activation range of the currents at low Ca2+. As a consequence, the currents exhibit more rapid activation at low Ca2+ relative to any other BK channel subunit combinations that have been examined. In part because of the rapid inactivation process, single channel openings are exceedingly brief. Although variance analysis suggests a conductance in excess of 160 pS, fully resolved single channel openings are not observed. The inactivation process results from a cytosolic N-terminal domain of the β3 subunit, whereas an extended C-terminal domain does not participate in the inactivation process. Thus, the β3 subunit appears to use a rapid inactivation mechanism to produce a current with a relatively rapid apparent activation time course at low Ca2+. The β3 subunit is a compelling example of how the β subunit family can finely tune the gating properties of Ca2+- and voltage-dependent BK channels.
Levetiracetam bei postoperativ nichtanfallsfreien Patienten

Die Wirksamkeit von Levetiracetam (LEV) bei postoperativ nichtanfallsfreien Patienten ist in fruheren Studien nachgewiesen worden. Im Folgenden wird uber Ergebnisse der erneuten Anwendung von LEV bei 10 Patienten berichtet, die nach dem epilepsiechirurgischen Eingriff nicht anfallsfrei wurden und vor der Operation bereits erfolglos mit LEV behandelt worden waren. Sieben von 10 Patienten wurden trotz niedrigerer als der praoperativen LEV-Dosierung anfallsfrei. (Funf von 7 Patienten wurden komplett auren- und anfallsfrei; 2 Patienten behielten lediglich Auren.) Zwei weitere Patienten erfuhren eine Verbesserung der Anfallssituation um >50%. Nur in einem Fall konnte keine positive Veranderung beobachtet werden. Levetiracetam sollte postoperativ auch dann bei Patienten mit Anfallsrezidiven eingesetzt werden, wenn die Anfalle zuvor gegen LEV resistent waren.
Modeling runtime behavior in framework-based applications

Our research group has analyzed many industrial, framework-based applications. In these applications, simple functionality often requires excessive runtime activity. It is increasingly difficult to assess if and how inefficiencies can be fixed. Much of this activity involves the transformation of information, due to framework couplings. We present an approach to modeling and quantifying behavior in terms of what transformations accomplish. We structure activity into dataflow diagrams that capture the flow between transformations. Across disparate implementations, we observe commonalities in how transformations use and change their inputs. We introduce vocabulary of common phenomena of use and change, and four ways to classify data and transformations using this vocabulary. The structuring and classification enable evaluation and comparison in terms abstracted from implementation specifics. We introduce metrics of complexity and cost, including behavior signatures that attribute measures to phenomena. We demonstrate the approach on a benchmark, a library, and two industrial applications.
The Role of Emotional Reactivity, Self-regulation, and Puberty in Adolescents' Prosocial Behaviors.

This study was designed to examine the roles of emotional reactivity, self-regulation, and pubertal timing in prosocial behaviors during adolescence. Participants were 850 sixth graders (50 percent female, mean age = 11.03, standard deviation = .17) who were followed up at the age of 15. In hierarchical regression models, measures of emotional reactivity, self-regulation, pubertal timing, and their interactions were used to predict (concurrently and over time) adolescents’ prosocial behaviors in the home and with peers. Overall, the findings provide evidence for pubertal and temperamentbased predictors of prosocial behaviors expressed in different contexts. Self-regulation was positively related to both forms of prosocial behavior, concurrently and longitudinally. Emotional reactivity showed moderately consistent effects, showing negative concurrent relations to prosocial behavior with peers and negative longitudinal relations (4 years later) to prosocial behavior at home. Some curvilinear effects of temperament on prosocial behaviors were also found. Effects of pubertal timing were found to interact with gender, such that boys who were early maturers showed the highest levels of prosocial behavior at home concurrently. Discussion focuses on the role of temperament-based mechanisms in the expression of prosocial behaviors in different contexts in adolescence.
Role of immediate radical cystectomy in the treatment of patients with residual T1 bladder cancer on restaging transurethral resection.

Bladder cancer patients with lamina propria invasion (T1 disease) and residual T1 disease on restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumour (re-TURBT) are at a very high risk for recurrence and progression. Despite this risk, most patients are treated with a bladder preserving approach and not immediate radical cystectomy (RC). In this study we have shown that a quarter of patients with T1 bladder cancer and residual T1 on re-TURBT who are treated with immediate RC are found to have carcinoma invading bladder muscle at RC and 5% have lymph node metastases. We have also found that >30% of patients treated with deferred RC after initial bladder-preserving therapy harbour carcinoma invading bladder muscle and almost 20% of these patients have lymph node metastases. Thus, immediate RC should be considered in all patients with T1 bladder cancer and residual T1 on re-TURBT. Objective • To report the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with residual T1 bladder cancer on restaging transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (re-TURBT).
Modeling Multi-Magnet Networks Interacting via Spin Currents

The significant experimental advances of the last few decades in dealing with the interaction of spin currents and nanomagnets, at the device level, has allowed envisioning a broad class of devices that propose to implement information processing using spin currents and nanomagnets. To analyze such spin-magnet logic circuits, in general, we have developed a coupled spin-transport/ magnetization-dynamics simulation framework that could be broadly applicable to various classes of spin-valve/ spin-torque devices. Indeed, the primary purpose of this chapter is to describe in detail, the overall approach we have developed to include a description of spin transport coupled with magnetization dynamics and to show how it was benchmarked against available data on experiments. We address non-collinear spin-transport in Section-2 using a lumped "4-component spin-circuit formalism" that describes the interaction of non-collinear magnets (required for modeling spin torque), by computing 4-component currents and voltages at every node of a "circuit". For modeling the magnetization dynamics, we use the standard Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation with the Slonczewski and the field-like terms included for spin torque. Section-3 describes how this LLG model is coupled with the spin transport model to analyze spin-torque experiments and spin-magnet circuits in general. We include MATLAB codes in the Appendix to facilitate a "hands-on" understanding of our model and hope it will enable interested readers to conveniently analyze their own experiments, develop a deeper insight into spin-magnet circuits or come up with their own creative designs.
High lipid content enhances the rate of oxygen diffusion through fish skeletal muscle

The diffusion coefficient for O2 (Do2) and the solubility constant for O2 (alpha O2) were measured at 15 degrees C in oxidative muscle from striped bass (Morone saxatilis) that had been acclimated to 5 degrees and 25 degrees C. This design allowed us to test the hypothesis that changes in composition of the tissue that are known to occur during thermal acclimation may affect O2 movement. Our measurements permitted calculation of the diffusion constant for O2 (Ko2) through the tissue, which is a primary determinant of capacity for O2 flux. Under isothermal conditions, alpha O2 was 3.59 +/- 0.20 x 10(-2) and 6.64 +/- 0.27 x 10(-2) ml O2.cm-3.atm-1 in tissues from 25 degrees- and 5 degrees C-acclimated animals, respectively. Because O2 is more soluble in lipid than aqueous phase, higher alpha O2 in tissues from cold-acclimated animals can be accounted for by the 13-fold increase in lipid content that is known to occur in oxidative muscle of striped bass during acclimation from 25 degrees to 5 degrees C. When measured under similar isothermal conditions, Do2 showed no significant difference between animals acclimated to warm or cold temperature; Do2 through tissues from 25 degrees- and 5 degrees C-acclimated animals was 2.50 +/- 0.18 and 2.57 +/- 0.40 cm2/s, respectively. Because alpha O2 increases, the calculated KO2 (DO2. alpha O2) is greater in tissue from cold- than from warm-acclimated fish. At physiological temperature, elevated lipid content in oxidative muscle of cold-acclimated striped bass should result in enhanced intracellular movement of O2 and at least partially offset the expected decrease in DO2 at cold temperature.
Effect of organic passivation on photoinduced electron transfer across the quantum dot/TiO2 interface

We report a study of the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of CdSe quantum-dot (QD)-sensitized solar cells prepared by direct adsorption of pre-synthesized QDs, passivated with either tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) or n-butylamine (BA), onto a nanocrystalline TiO2 film.
Extraversion, neuroticism and the volunteer subject.

Personality differences in volunteering for experiments were studied in 231 college students. The Eysenck Personality Inventory was used to measure extraversion and neuroticism. Ss were asked to vo...
MHD simulation of two successive interplanetary disturbances driven by cone‐model parameters in IPS‐based solar wind

[1] We present the measurement-based MHD simulation model of the interplanetary disturbances; the quiet solar wind is obtained with the MHD-based analysis method for the interplanetary radio scintillation (IPS) measurement data, and the interplanetary disturbance parameters, such as speed, direction and angular size of the expanding coronal mass ejection (CME), are determined from the SOHO LASCO/C3 data with the Cone-model. We chose the two successive interplanetary disturbances resulting from two flare-associated halo CMEs of April 2002. The simulated interplanetary shocks are compared with the nearby-Earth measurement, and the well produced shock arrivals to the Earth implied the ability of the cooperation of the Cone-model, the IPS-analysis and MHD simulation. It is found that the second interplanetary disturbance propagated faster in the rarefaction region of the first event, implying that the multi-event simulation is important to enhance the simulation model.
Rapid degradation of articular cartilage proteoglycan by neutrophils: comparison with macrophages and synovial fibroblasts.

Objective and design. To determine and compare the proteoglycan degradative properties of neutrophils, macrophages and synoviocytes in cultures of articular cartilage.¶Material of subjects. Bovine articular cartilage was aseptically isolated from metacarpopharyngeal joints.Neutrophils and macropahges were isolated from normal human blood and bovine synovial fibroblasts were isolated from explant cultures before being incubated with the cartilage.¶Treatment: Neutrophils, macrophages or synovial fibroblasts (1 × 106-8 × 106) were incubated with 35SO4 labelled cartilage for 2.5-72 h.¶Methods. Cartilage degradation was measured as a loss of 35SO4 into the cartilage medium as a percentage of the total labelled proteoglycan in the cartilage slice. Statistical significances were determined using a 2-tailed unpaired Student's t-test.¶Results. Neutrophils rapidly degraded articular cartilage. After 2.5 hours of culture, neutrophils degraded cartilage proteoglycan up to 28 times more than either macrophages or synovial fibroblasts.¶Conclusions. Neutrophils induce rapid damage to articular cartilage proteoglycan, whereas in comparison, macrophages and synovial fibroblasts degrade articular cartilage proteoglycans poorly. These findings indicate that at least under conditions where the influence of cellular-cellular interactions and soluble mediator action are excluded, adhesion of neutrophils to articular cartilage is sufficient to stimulate rapid and marked cartilage degradation compared to the other two cell types.¶
Significance of lherzolite at the Etang de Lherz, central Pyrenees, southern France

Abstract Geologic relationships in the central Pyrenees of southern France demonstrate that lherzolite has been emplaced, as a plastic solid, into middle or upper Cretaceous calcareous rocks; that it has been eroded and clastic peridotite debris deposited in rocks of approximately the same age as those it intruded; and that it has also been juxtaposed against Cretaceous limestone or marble along or within the North Pyrenean fault zone. There are at least three types of late Cretaceous lherzolite breccias known from this region. Metamorphism of the country rock and penetrative deformation of the lherzolite and marble took place during shearing. Shearing was accompanied by an important period of motion (perhaps 85–100 m.y. ago) along the North Pyrenean fault and an associated thermal event which involved temperatures of 400 ± 100°C. Cretaceous metamorphism along the North Pyrenean fault zone was not due to forcible primary hot intrusion of lherzolite.
Collision assisted Zeeman cooling with multiple types of atoms

Through a combination of spin-exchange collisions in a magnetic field and optical pumping, it is possible to cool a gas of atoms without requiring the loss of atoms from the gas. This technique, collision assisted Zeeman cooling (CAZ), was developed theoretically assuming a single atomic species [G. Ferrari, Eur. Phys. J. D 13, 67 (2001)]. We have extended this cooling technique to a system of two atomic species rather than just one and have developed a simple analytic model describing the cooling rate. We find that the two-isotope CAZ cooling scheme has a clear theoretical advantage in systems that are reabsorption limited.
Cirrhotic Glomerulonephritis: Incidence, Morphology, Clinical Features, and Pathogenesis

Glomerulonephritis is a little known manifestation of liver cirrhosis. Since the introduction of sophisticated immunologic staining methods, glomerular morphologic abnormalities have been noted in more than 50% of patients with cirrhosis at both necropsy and biopsy. The distinctive pathologic findings consist of glomerular mesangial IgA deposits usually accompanied by complement deposition. Increased serum IgA levels are found in over 90% of cirrhotic patients with glomerular IgA deposition. Cirrhotic glomerulonephritis is usually a clinically silent disease, however, the diagnosis can be suspected by finding proteinuria or abnormalities of the urine sediment. The pathogenesis may relate to defective hepatic processing and/or portacaval shunting of circulating immune complexes.
Color Coded Biological Image Processing

The use of two and three dimensional imaging techniques using color coding methods on specimens can provide additional detailed information which might otherwise go unnoticed. We have coupled a phase contrast microscope to a vidicon and image digitizer to collect the 256 x 256 x (256 gray level) pixels of data on biological objects. Both a mini-computer for data collection purposes and a VAX computer for color coded image studies have been used In this research. Two and three dimensional perspectives of the specimens which were color coded are presented.
The structure and melting character of sub-micron In−Sn and Bi−Sn particles

Abstract Vapor deposits of In-Sn and Bi-Sn were made, primarily in-situ, for analytical transmission electron microscopy studies which provide information on composition, phase, and melting character. Particles of the two alloys with diameters of 5 to 50 nm exhibit several properties that differ from the bulk alloys. In relation to the bulk phase diagrams, small particles have a lower liquidus line and extended terminal solubilities. For In-Sn particles, dark-field TEM and diffraction reveal stable amorphous phases for some ranges of composition. These amorphous phases nearly coincide with the two-phase regions of the bulk phase diagram at room temperature. In contrast, particles of Bi-Sn exhibit crystalline structures for all of the compositions that were studied. Dark-field TEM revealed the presence of internal boundaries over the full range of particle sizes. Convergent beam microdiffraction shows that phase boundaries are present. Upon heating, the coexistence of a solid core and a liquid outer layer was observed for particles of certain composition ranges before the two-phase particle completely transformed abruptly to liquid.
Third-party logistics: A literature review

Abstract Third-party logistics (TPL) has attracted considerable research attention in the recent past. Despite the growing body of literature on this topic, precious little effort has been devoted to synthesizing the overall state of art of research on TPL. In this paper, an attempt is made to review the status of literature on TPL. A literature review scheme is presented. A total of 152 articles published between 1989 and 2006 in 33 reputable international journals are reviewed and classified into content- and methodology-related issues. Based on the review, suggestions for future research are likewise provided.
The next generation? A reexamination of religious influence on Mexican-American attitudes toward same-sex marriage

This article examines Mexican-American political attitudes on same-sex marriage (SSM). This article makes a significant contribution to the study of Latino politics by examining generational influences and reexamining the effects of religious preference on Mexican-American attitudes on SSM. Using data from the Pew Hispanic Forum in 2006 on religion, I find that Mexican-Americans in later generational cohorts (i.e., the second generation and beyond) are much more likely to be in favor of SSM than earlier cohorts. Likewise, age cohort replacement significantly affects SSM in addition to generational differences with younger cohorts supporting SSM at a greater rate than older age cohorts, though this is limited only to the first and second generations. I also find that Catholic opposition to SSM may have been overstated, while evangelical opposition to SSM is statistically significant, though strongly affected by generational differences. This has fundamental implications for the Republican Party, which has ...
Two families in Sri Lanka with Southeast Asian ovalocytosis.

(Index words: Autosomal dominant, band 3, hyperstable, malaria, ovalocytes) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cmj.v49i1.3284 Ceylon Medical Journal 2004; 49: 27-29
Recurrent Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome.

The celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS) is an infrequently described clinical condition with poorly defined diagnostic criteria and an obscure pathophysiology. It is usually associated with an extrinsic compression upon the celiac axis near its takeoff from the aorta by fibrous diaphragmatic bands or sympathetic neural fibers. We present a patient with CACS who suffered a recurrence of her original abdominal complaints.
Sterol carrier protein-2 directly interacts with caveolin-1 in vitro and in vivo.

HDL-mediated reverse-cholesterol transport as well as phosphoinositide signaling are mediated through plasma membrane microdomains termed caveolae/lipid rafts. However, relatively little is known regarding mechanism(s) whereby these lipids traffic to or are targeted to caveolae/lipid rafts. Since sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) binds both cholesterol and phosphatidylinositol, the possibility that SCP-2 might interact with caveolin-1 and caveolae was examined. Double immunolabeling and laser scanning fluorescence microscopy showed that a small but significant portion of SCP-2 colocalized with caveolin-1 primarily at the plasma membrane of L-cells and more so within intracellular punctuate structures in hepatoma cells. In SCP-2 overexpressing L-cells, SCP-2 was detected in close proximity to caveolin, 48 ± 4 A, as determined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and immunogold electron microscopy. Cell fractionation of SCP-2 overexpressing L-cells and Western blotting detected SCP-2 in purified ...
Extension of Parseval's relation to nonuniform sampling

Parseval's equation relating the energy (power) in the uniformly placed sample values of a signal and the energy (power) in the analog signal generalized to nonuniformly sampled signal case. The generalized relationship is used to understand the error in the estimation of the power of a sinusoid when sampled nonuniformly. >
Guinea pig thyroglobulin: Molecular weight of subunits and amino acid and sugar compositions

A reevaluation of the molecular weights of the three major subunits of guinea pig thyroglobulin has been undertaken in gels of varying concentration. Since the apparent molecular weights determined from plots of relative mobility versus log molecular weight were found to decrease as the gel porosity decreased, the relationship of retardation coefficient to molecular weight was used. Molecular weights obtained by this technique were 192,000, 131,000, and 121,000; these were close to the values obtained from electrophoresis in 8% gels. Amino acid and sugar compositions are also reported; the guinea pig protein, like that from human thyroids, contains galactosamine in addition to glucosamine, suggesting that it contains three types of saccharide units. Aminoterminal analyses performed by dinitrophenylation indicated nonstoichiometric amounts of aspartic acid, leucine and serine.
Ubiquitous remote operation collaborative interface for MRI scanners

We have developed a remote control interface for research class magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spectrometers. The goal of the interface is to provide a better collaborative environment for geographically dispersed researchers and a tool that can teach students of medical imaging in a network-based laboratory using state-of-the-art MR instrumentation that would not otherwise be available. The interface for the remote operator(s) is now ubiquitous web browser, which was chosen for the ease of controlling the operator interface, the display of both image and text information, and the wide availability on many computer platforms. The remote operator is presented with an active display in which they may select and control most of the parameters in the MRI experiment. The MR parameters are relayed via web browser to a CGI program running in a standard web server, which passes said parameters to the MRI manufacturers control software. The data returned to the operator(s) consists of the parameters used in acquiring that image, a flat 8-bit grayscale GIF representation of the image, and a 16-bit grayscale image that can be viewed by an appropriate application. It is obvious that the utility of this interface would be helpful for researchers of regional and national facilities to more closely collaborate with colleagues across their region, the nation, or the world. And medical imaging students can put much of their classroom discussions into practice on machinery that would not normally be available to them.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prosentence, Revision, Truth, and Paradox

henceforth RTT).’ There is no discussion of either theory, nor even any mention of them in the list of references. I offer a pair of quotes chosen from among a number of T&P generalizations that Maudlin would doubtless have modified if RTT had been on his mind at the time of composition
Determining the trigger of East Asian dust storms

[1] In the past 2 decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the occurrence of dust storms over East Asia. The trigger for this increase has been elusive because the ability of gusting wind to whip up a dust storm depends on a large number of factors, ranging from the level of snow and vegetation cover to differences in soil moisture and salt levels. Scientists note that these factors fall into two broad categories: Either the wind has increased its ability to wear away at the earth (increased erosivity), or the soil is more susceptible to the wind's assault (increased erodibility). Using a database of wind speed, weather, and dust storm observations stretching back to 1970,Kurosaki et al. sought to determine whether the East Asian increase was caused by changing erosivity or erodibility. The authors found that the rise in dust storms in desert regions could be attributed largely to an increase in the frequency of strong winds. For crops and grasslands, however, the researchers tied the increase in storms to a change in erodibility, indicating that the soil had somehow changed. They propose that changes in the ground cover provided by dead leaves in the spring could be the driving factor. If so, then observations of plant growth and precipitation during the summer could provide a platform on which to base forecasts of the frequency of dust storms the following year. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL047494, 2011)
Optical profilometer featuring multiple virtual styli for the packaging and interconnect environment

A prototype optical profilometer providing automated surface profile measurements utilizing multiple virtual styli with micron height resolution has been developed. Measurement applications illustrated in this paper include TAB Inner Lead Bond (ILB) height and planarity, surface curvature of die mounted in ceramic packages, and MCM flipchip substrate post flatness.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.