cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of plasticizer on the exfoliation and dispersion and fracture behavior of clay particles in PVC matrix: a comprehensive morphological study

The clay nanoparticles are readily dispersed and exfoliated in the PVC matrix with the help of Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticizer. X-ray, TEM and AFM analysis of the nanocomposites indicate that there is an optimum concentration of DOP for the process. If used in high concentrations, the ability to transfer forces to the clay particles through the polymer matrix decreases due to substantial decrease in viscosity. The individual platy montmorillonite particles dispersed in PVC matrix were directly observed by AFM and found to lie preferentially on their basal surfaces, especially when the compounded batch is compression molded. The edges of the particles were in some cases straight forming hexagonal angles and in other cases irregular.
Leptin in postmenopausal women: influence of hormone therapy, insulin, and fat distribution

Whether use of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) influences menopause-related changes in body weight is unclear. HRT may affect energy balance by influencing synthesis of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin. The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify factors influencing circulating leptin in postmenopausal women; 2) determine whether HRT influences serum leptin after adjusting for confounding factors; and, 3) identify potential independent effects of HRT or leptin on resting energy expenditure (REE). Subjects were 54 postmenopausal women, 45-55 yr old, 35 of whom used HRT (estrogen plus progestin). Total and regional body composition and fat distribution were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography; fasting serum leptin and insulin, by RIA; and REE, by indirect calorimetry. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that serum leptin could best be predicted from total fat mass, fasting serum insulin, and total lean mass [log leptin = 1.08 x log fat mass) + (0.46 x log insulin) + (-1.25 x log lean mass) + 1.88; model R2 = 0.78, P < 0.001]. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that visceral fat was independently related to leptin (parameter estimate = 0.23, P < 0.05), after adjusting for s.c. abdominal fat and leg fat, as well as lean mass and insulin. After adjusting for total fat mass, total lean mass, and fasting insulin, serum leptin did not differ between users and nonusers of HRT (21.7 +/- 1.0 vs. 20.2 +/- 1.3 ng/mL, P = 0.369, adjusted mean +/- SE, respectively). Serum estradiol was inversely correlated with (adjusted) leptin in non-HRT users (r = -0.50), suggesting that ovarian senescence may lead to an increase in leptin. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that REE (adjusted for fat mass, fat-free mass, and ethnicity) was not associated with leptin (P = 0.298) or hormone use status (P = 0.999; 1323 +/- 31 vs. 1316 +/- 42 kcal/day, adjusted mean +/- SE for users and nonusers, respectively). These results indicate that, in postmenopausal women: 1) total fat mass, lean mass, and fasting insulin, but not HRT, are significant determinants of serum leptin; 2) visceral and s.c. fat contribute to serum leptin; and, 3) neither HRT nor leptin is independently related to REE.
RIR - Measurement and Use in Quantitative XRD

The Reference Intensity Ratio (RIR) is a general, instrument-independent constant for use in quantitative phase analysis by the X-ray powder diffraction internal standard method. When the reference standard is corundum, RIR is known as I/Ic; These constants are collected in the Powder Diffraction File (1987), can be calculated, and can be measured. Recommended methods for accurate measurement of RIR constants are presented, and methods of using these constants for quantitative analysis are discussed. The numerous, complex constants in Copeland and Bragg's method introduced to account for superimposed lines can be simply expressed in terms of RIR constants and relative intensities. This formalism also permits introduction of constraints and supplemental equations based on elemental analysis.
Reevaluation of current susceptibility breakpoints for Gram-negative rods based on pharmacodynamic assessment.

Abstract Although pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling is now being considered for decision support for susceptibility breakpoint determination against Gram-negative bacteria, these PD-derived breakpoints should be verified using a clinically applicable population of organisms. In this analysis, a 5000-patient Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine PD breakpoints, the highest 2-fold MIC in which the probability of bactericidal target attainment (PTA) remained ≥90%. Percent susceptibilities for 639 Pseudomonas aeruginosa , 103 Acinetobacter baumannii , 705 Escherichia coli , and 418 Klebsiella spp. collected during the 2004 Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection surveillance study were then defined according to the PD-derived breakpoint (% S PD ) and compared with the current Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)-defined breakpoints (% S CLSI ). % S PD and % S CLSI were compared with the bactericidal PTA for each pathogen population to determine the degree of agreement. Resulting PD breakpoints were drug and dose dependent; moreover, values were commonly 2 to 4 MIC dilutions lower than CLSI breakpoints. Overall, % S PD more closely agreed with the PTA for the tested β-lactam and fluoroquinolone dosing regimens. In contrast, % S CLSI overestimated PTA for many dosing regimens, especially against Pseudomonas : piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g qid (+9.7%), ciprofloxacin 0.4 g bid (+13.7%) and 0.4 g tid (+9.3%), and levofloxacin 0.5 g every 24 h (+22.4%) and 0.75 g every 24 h (+9.9%). Differences were most pronounced against the nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria and were not observed among the Enterobacteriaceae. As a result, a new method of breakpoint classification is proposed, which is dosing regimen and pathogen specific, and is designed to denote isolates as susceptible only if target bactericidal exposures are achievable with the dosing regimen selected.
From Bench to Bedside … But When?

Prior to September 1994, we physicians in Cancer Family Clinic sat in front of patients who had family histories of breast cancer, prophesying, albeit cautiously, that we would be practicing clinical cancer genetics differently once the first breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1 was cloned. In the autumn of 1994, BRCA1 was delivered into an expectant world of scientists, clinical cancer geneticists, patients, and curious onlookers (Miki et al. 1994). In rapid succession, thanks to the Human Genome Project and its fallout technology and information, the second breast cancer susceptiblity gene BRCA2 was mapped and isolated (Wooster et al. 1994, 1995); other genes that may lend susceptiblity to breast cancer, ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia) and PTEN (Cowden syndrome), ensued (Savitsky et al. 1995; Nelen et al. 1996; Liaw et al. 1997). The era of molecular oncology had arrived. But what makes cutting-edge genetic findings of today clinical practice tomorrow? The most important criterion is benefit or potential benefit to the patient—that genetic tests result in altered clinical management. Other criteria (Table 1) include ease of mutation detection, the majority of people with a specific inherited cancer syndrome contain mutations within the same gene, the mutation analysis allows prediction of cancer risk, and effective surveillance or effective prophylactic procedures are available. Two inherited cancer syndromes illustrate the agony and ecstasy—apologies to Michelangelo—of translating the latest molecular genetic findings into clinical practice: the hereditary breast cancer (HBC) syndromes and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). As highlighted in a Lancet Grand Round convened at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK (Eng et al. 1994), the differences between these syndromes were obvious even before the identification of BRCA1.
Dimensions of orthosymplectic nilpotent orbits

We begin to generalize to good prime characteristic the results of Kraft and Procesi in their 1982 paper, “On the geometry of conjugacy classes in classical groups,” that describe which nilpotent orbits of an orthogonal or symplectic Lie algebra have normal closure. The first step is to modify the proof of a dimension formula for orthosymplectic orbits to be independent of the characteristic of the base field, excluding characteristic 2. This is accomplished by explicit construction of an appropriate cocharacter, which we show exists in the particular setting of the problem, relying heavily on the description of orthosymplectic orbits via ab-diagrams, an analogue of Young diagrams.
Embodiment, Heresy, and the Hellenization of Christianity: The Descent of the Soul in Plato and Origen*

The Hellenization of Christianity is a long-standing and notoriously contentious historiographical construct in early Christian studies. While it has been deployed in surprisingly fluid ways, most scholars associate the thesis with Adolf von Harnack, for whom it acquired a decidedly critical valence. The “Hellenic spirit”—a concept Harnack usually left undefined—constituted a threat to the undogmatic gospel of Jesus. Whenever this adversarial Hellenic spirit triumphed, as it inevitably did, it corroded an authentic living Christianity into an institutionalized, dogmatic religion. For many others, both before and after Harnack, the Hellenization of Christianity has signaled a similar narrative of decline. The teachings and way of life that marked an authentic Christianity often stood in a disjunctive relationship with Greco-Roman culture, especially its philosophies. The influence of the latter precipitated a debasement of Christianity, the ossification of its teachings, or more seriously, the infiltration of heresy.
Maintaining Scholarly Integrity: A Worthwhile Endeavor

A s the Athletic Training Education Journal (ATEJ) continues to evolve and change, we editors are faced with new and interesting challenges. Developing awareness and educating contributors about potential challenges that affect the integrity of the Journal remain priorities. As the foundation of this Journal, education provides each of us a mechanism with which to reflect and consider our own work.
Sinus Node Function and Dysfunction

The wide range of normal sinus node function makes identification of dysfunction difficult. Emphasis is placed upon real time correlation of ECG bradyarrhythmia with typical symptoms. A spectrum of atrial electrical dysfunction is described which includes abnormalities of the sinus and AV nodes as well as failure of escape pacemakers and atrial tachyarrhythmias.
Sexual Dimorphism in Fossil and Extant Species of Callianopsis De Saint Laurent

ABSTRACT A large collection of fossil callianassid mud shrimp collected from the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, contains extremely well-preserved material that permits their reassignment from Callianassa clallamensis Withers and Callianassa twinensis Rathbun to the ctenochelid genus Callianopsis de Saint Laurent. In addition, examination of the Recent species Callianopsis goniophthalma Rathbun indicates that this species exhibits sexual dimorphism in the morphology of the major cheliped. The same pattern of dimorphism is also observable in the fossil material. Therefore, the fossil species Callianopsis clallamensis (Withers, 1924), and Callianopsis twinensis (Rathbun, 1926), are synonymized. Specimens originally referrable to Callianopsis clallamensis represent males, and those originally referrable to Callianopsis twinensis represent females. This may be the first observation of sexual dimorphism in the morphology of the major chelipeds within the family Ctenochelidae Manning and Felder, 1991.
Variation in Fruit Bodies of Cyathus Stercoreus Produced in Culture

1. The coprophilous Bird's Nest Fungus Cyathus stercoreus has been induced to fruit in laboratory culture.2. From a long series of haploid mycelia, all derived from spores of a single peridiole of ...
On interaction among three bodies to trimaran additional mass and additional inertia moment

Based on Rankine panel method,the trimaran additional mass as well as additional inertia moment was calculated and the interactive influence among three bodies to them were analyzed,which is the basis of the trimaran maneuverability prediction.The additional mass as well as additional moment of a ball and ellipsoid was calculated,and the qualitative rules for trimaran were analyzed.The analysis validated the method.The result shows that the additional mass as well as additional moment of the trimaran can be influenced by interaction among three bodies,but not quite obviously,and the influence will decrease quickly while the distance between bodies increases.
Design on Eomputerized Plan of First Examination Procedure for Job Promotion in Agricultural Research Series(II) Achievement Retrieval

The first examination procedure of job promotion for agricultural research series was designed by Excel platform in this paper.Automation in first examination of job promotion was realized by the method of data link with codes and functions,to discover a computerized mean simplifying work procedures,enhancing initiative and forward-looking in work,and improving management efficiency and level.
Pulmonary Nodule Candidates Segmentation Based on Circle Dependent C-V Level Set for CT Images

Problems of segmentation of pulmonary nodule candidates from CT images were studied in paper,the image segmentation method proposed by Chan-Vese was analysed and improved.A new level set method based on circle dependent had been deduced,and then an algorithm for segmentation of pulmonary nodule candidates in CT images had been presented,it solved the problem of detecting multi-circle areas with different sizes in an image.Experiments had been done for segmentation of synthetic and clinical pulmonary images by the proposed algorithm,the experiment results show that it can detect multi-circles areas correctly and efficiently,and it is robust to resist noise disturbance.This algorithm has advantages for the realization of automatic detection for lung nodules in pulmonary CT images.
P-71 An audit to demonstrate improvement in contact with relatives of patients with dementia

In 2011 a baseline audit was conducted to better understand and improve the care experienced by patients with a diagnosis of Dementia. From the audit it was found that a large percentage of those patients were living in care homes. It was also apparent that in many cases the hospice had not contacted the next of kin, either as part of the initial assessment process or on-going support. This was identified as something that should be changed as the lack of contact meant that there was a high probability that the needs and concerns of the next of kin were not being addressed. A further audit was carried out in 2013. The objectives of the audit were: To explore the current referral patterns To identify which service was used To establish the extent to which preferred place of death (PPD) was achieved To determine if the team had improved the contact with next of kin The methodology used was a retrospective audit of patient notes and I-Care documentation. The second audit clearly demonstrated that the community team had significantly increased the number of contact with relatives of patients who had a diagnosis of Dementia. The second audit also demonstrated that there were other positive changes, notably: Improved PPD outcomes Improved support to relatives during care Improved bereavement support Greater voice for and recognition of the wishes of relatives A further outcome was that it was demonstrated that the majority of patients (and their families and carers) had support delivered via the telephone advice line service, rather than through home visits, although these were carried when necessary.
Coma and Stroke Following Surgical Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study

Objective A large national surgical registry was used to establish national benchmarks and associated predictors of major neurologic complications (i.e., coma and stroke) after surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set between 2007 and 2013 was used for this retrospective cohort analysis. Demographic, comorbidity, and operative characteristics associated with the development of a major neurologic complication (i.e., coma or stroke) were elucidated using a backward selection stepwise logistic regression analysis. This model was subsequently used to fit a predictive score for major neurologic complications. Results Inclusion criteria were met by 662 patients. Of these patients, 57 (8.61%) developed a major neurologic complication (i.e., coma or stroke) within the 30-day postoperative period. On multivariable analysis, operative time (log odds 0.004 per minute; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002–0.007), age (log odds 0.05 per year; 95% CI, 0.02–0.08), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (log odds 1.26; 95% CI, 0.43–2.08), and diabetes (log odds 1.15; 95% CI, 0.38–1.91) were associated with an increased odds of major neurologic complications. When patients were categorized according to quartile of a predictive score generated from the multivariable analysis, rates of major neurologic complications were 1.8%, 4.3%, 6.7%, and 21.2%. Conclusions Using a large, national multi-institutional cohort, this study established representative national benchmarks and a predictive scoring system for major neurologic complications following operative management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The model may assist with risk stratification and tailoring of decision making in surgical candidates.
Solving the Big Data (BD) Problem in Advanced Manufacturing (Subcategory for work done at Georgia Tech. Study Process and Design Factors for Additive Manufacturing Improvement)

3D printing originally known as additive manufacturing is a process of making 3 dimensional solid objects from a CAD file. This ground breaking technology is widely used for industrial and biomedical purposes such as building objects, tools, body parts and cosmetics. An important benefit of 3D printing is the cost reduction and manufacturing flexibility; complex parts are built at the fraction of the price. However, layer by layer printing of complex shapes adds error due to the surface roughness. Any such error results in poor quality products with inaccurate dimensions. The main purpose of this research is to measure the amount of printing errors for parts with different geometric shapes and to analyze them for finding optimal printing settings to minimize the error. We use a Design of Experiments framework, and focus on studying parts with cone and ellipsoid shapes. We found that the orientation and the shape of geometric shapes have significant effect on the printing error. From our analysis, we also determined the optimal orientation that gives the least printing error.
Ethical Consumerism in Global Perspective: A Multilevel Analysis of the Interactions between Individual-Level Predictors and Country-Level Affluence

Early empirical research on ethical consumerism—the deliberate purchase, or avoidance, of products for political, ethical, or environmental reasons—was primarily individualistic in nature. Recently, scholars have demonstrated the importance of structural and cultural contexts to the explanation of ethical consumerism, rendering explanations that fail to account for such contexts incomplete. Unfortunately, most of this research has been contained within Europe, limiting potentially important country-level variation. Because theories of ethical consumerism suggest interactive relationships between individual- and macro-level variables, the Euro-centric nature of existing research raises questions about theoretical generalizability across all levels of analysis. This study uses the 2004 citizenship module of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP)—a data set that allows for increased country-level heterogeneity while maintaining the highest standards of data quality—to run a series of multilevel, logistic regression models with cross-level interactions between country-level affluence and individual-level predictors. Seven of the eight individual-level predictors analyzed in these interactions are either more influential in high-affluence countries than in low-affluence countries or exhibit statistically uniform effects across the range of affluence. The lone exception is association involvement, which is more influential as affluence decreases. The need to develop interactive models of political participation is discussed.
Phenytoin (I): Going Crazy!

This case discusses a pharmacokinetic interaction between quetiapine and phenytoin resulting in breakthrough of psychotic symptoms. Quetiapine is a cytochrome P450 3A4 substrate and phenytoin is a 3A4 inducer.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Dexmedetomidine-Induced Electroencephalogram Oscillations

An improved understanding of the neural correlates of altered arousal states is fundamental for precise brain state targeting in clinical settings. More specifically, electroencephalogram recordings are now increasingly being used to relate drug-specific oscillatory dynamics to clinically desired altered arousal states. Dexmedetomidine is an anesthetic adjunct typically administered in operating rooms and intensive care units to produce and maintain a sedative brain state. However, a high-density electroencephalogram characterization of the neural correlates of the dexmedetomidine-induced altered arousal state has not been previously accomplished. Therefore, we administered dexmedetomidine (1mcg/kg bolus over 10 minutes, followed by 0.7mcg/kg/hr over 50 minutes) and recorded high-density electroencephalogram signals in healthy volunteers, 18-36 years old (n = 8). We analyzed the data with multitaper spectral and global coherence methods. We found that dexmedetomidine was associated with increased slow-delta oscillations across the entire scalp, increased theta oscillations in occipital regions, increased spindle oscillations in frontal regions, and decreased beta oscillations across the entire scalp. The theta and spindle oscillations were globally coherent. During recovery from this state, these electroencephalogram signatures reverted towards baseline signatures. We report that dexmedetomidine-induced electroencephalogram signatures more closely approximate the human sleep onset process than previously appreciated. We suggest that these signatures may be targeted by real time visualization of the electroencephalogram or spectrogram in clinical settings. Additionally, these signatures may aid the development of control systems for principled neurophysiological based brain-state targeting.
The Land Ethic of Ranchers: A Core Value Despite Divergent Views of Government

In the western United States, the management and use of public lands for livestock grazing is a frequent source of conflict among environmentalists, federal agencies, and ranchers. Since at least the early 1980s, the rhetoric of the “sagebrush rebellion” has reinforced a public perception that ranchers are both antigovernment and anticonservation. Sustainable management of public lands used for livestock grazing depends on both federal agency personnel, who enforce regulations, and ranchers, who use the land and implement management plans on a day-to-day basis. As a result, the attitudes of ranchers toward conservation can have a significant impact on the overall ecological health of public rangelands. We conducted a study of ranchers in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico using Q Methodology to understand their views and motivations about ranching, conservation, and the government. Our results show three complex viewpoints, which we term radical center ranchers (20% of variance), innovative conservationists (19% of variance), and traditional ranchers (12% of variance). A commitment to conservation and corresponding lack of anticonservation sentiment is held across these viewpoints. Mistrust of government coexists with conservation values for two groups. This information is useful for finding common ground between ranchers and government officials, conservationists, and extension agents on range management and conservation goals.
Noble gas data from Goldfield and Tonopah epithermal Au-Ag deposits, ancestral Cascades Arc, USA: Evidence for a primitive mantle volatile source

Abstract The He, Ne, and Ar isotopic composition of fluid inclusions in ore and gangue minerals were analyzed to determine the source of volatiles in the high-grade Goldfield and Tonopah epithermal Au-Ag deposits in southwestern Nevada, USA. Ar and Ne are mainly atmospheric, whereas He has only a minor atmospheric component. Corrected 3He/4He ratios (with atmospheric He removed) range widely from 0.05 to 35.8 times the air 3He/4He ratio (RA), with a median of 1.43 RA. Forty-one percent of measured 3He/4He ratios are ≥4 RA, corresponding to ≥50% mantle He assuming a mantle ratio of 8 RA. These results suggest that mafic magmas were part of the magmatic-hydrothermal system underlying Goldfield and Tonopah, and that associated mantle-sourced volatiles may have played a role in ore formation. The three highest corrected 3He/4He ratios of 17.0, 23.7, and 35.8 RA indicate a primitive mantle He source and are the highest yet reported for any epithermal-porphyry system and for the Cascades arc region. Compiled 3He/4He measurements from epithermal-porphyry systems in subduction-related magmatic arcs around the world (n = 209) display a statistically significant correlation between 3He/4He and Au-Ag grade. The correlation suggests that conditions which promote higher fluid inclusion 3He/4He ratios (abundance of mantle volatiles and focused upward volatile transport) have some relation to conditions that promote higher Au-Ag grades (focused flow of metal-bearing fluids and efficient chemical traps). Results of this and previous investigations of He isotopes in epithermal-porphyry systems are consistent with the hypothesis posed in recent studies that mafic magmas serve an important function in the formation of these deposits.
Neutron-decay Protons from Solar Flares as Seed Particles for CME-shock Acceleration in the Inner Heliosphere

The protons in large solar energetic particle events are accelerated in the inner heliosphere by fast shocks produced by coronal mass ejections. Unless there are other sources, the protons these shocks act upon would be those of the solar wind (SW). The efficiency of the acceleration depends on the kinetic energy of the protons. For a 2000 km s−1 shock, the most effective proton energies would be 30–100 keV; i.e., within the suprathermal tail component of the SW. We investigate one possible additional source of such protons: those resulting from the decay of solar-flare-produced neutrons that escape from the Sun into the low corona. The neutrons are produced by interactions of flare-accelerated ions with the solar atmosphere. We discuss the production of low-energy neutrons in flares and their decay on a interplanetary magnetic field line near the Sun. We find that even when the flaring conditions are optimal, the 30–100 keV neutron-decay proton density produced by even a very large solar flare would be only about 10% of that of the 30–100 keV SW suprathermal tail. We discuss the implication of a seed-particle source of more frequent, small flares.
Assays to Assess Arenaviral Glycoprotein Function

Arenaviruses, such as Lassa virus (LASV) and Pichinde virus (PICV), are enveloped viruses with a bi-segmented ambisense RNA genome. The large (L) genomic segment encodes the Z matrix protein and the L RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, whereas the small (S) genomic segment encodes the nucleoprotein (NP) and the glycoprotein precursor complex (GPC). GPC is processed by signal peptidase in the endoplasmic reticulum into the stable signal peptide (SSP) and GP1/GP2, which is further cleaved by the Golgi-resident subtilisin kexin isozyme-1 (SKI-1)/site-1 protease (S1P) into the cellular receptor-recognition subunit GP1 and the transmembrane subunit GP2, which helps promote the membrane fusion reaction to allow virus entry into the cell. This article describes assays to assess PICV GPC expression, proteolytic processing, fusion function, and GPC-mediated virus-like particle (VLP) entry into cells under tissue-culture conditions.
Discussion of "quantifying publication bias in meta-analysis" by Lin et al.

Summary Inspection and analysis of funnel plots cannot reliably identify publication and reporting bias, the non-publication of results that are not statistically significant. Instead, researchers should thoroughly and systematically search available information sources such as databases, registries and unpublished reports. Even then, it is not possible to ever know whether a systematic review has uncovered all available studies, but the search can inform attempts to construct plausible statistical models of the missing data mechanism.
IMPACT OF COMPLETE REVASCULARIZATION ON HARD OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE META-ANALYSIS

Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that complete-revascularization (CR) during primary PCI decreases the risk of revascularization compared to infarct-related artery-only revascularization (IRA-OR). However, those studies were underpowered to test hard endpoints such as MI and mortality.
In vivo measurement of fatty acids and cholesterol synthesis using D2O and mass isotopomer analysis

The synthesis of palmitate, stearate, and cholesterol in liver and nervous tissues (brain, cord, and nerve) of Sprague-Dawley rats was determined using deuterated water (D2O) and mass isotopomer analysis. Rats were given 4% deuterium in their drinking water after each receiving an intraperitoneal priming dose. Animals were killed at 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk for deuterium enrichment in body water and determination of mass isotopomer distribution in lipids from various tissues. In 1 wk, the enrichment in the body water reached a plateau of 2.6%, which is 65% of that in the drinking water. We observed the maximum incorporation number (N) in all lipids to be higher than those previously observed, being 22, 24, and 30 for liver palmitate, stearate, and cholesterol, respectively, and N may vary among tissues. Using a single exponential model, we found the half-time (t1/2) and the plateau levels of the newly synthesized lipids of the nervous tissues (t1/2 values ranging from 5 to 28 days) to be different from those of the liver (t1/2 values < or = 4 days) in this relatively long-term study. Mass isotopomer distribution analysis and D2O can be used not only to quantitate the replacement rate of many lipids in various compartments but may also be used to elucidate the tissue-specific synthetic pathways from N.
Identity Status, Service-Learning, and Future Plans

Marcia’s (1966) identity status paradigm served as the theoretical framework to study the impact of service-learning on clarifying future plans for emerging adults with varying identity statuses. The study participants were 195 undergraduates at a large urban public university in the southeastern United States. The Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (Luyckx, Schwartz, Berzonsky, et al., 2008) was administered at the beginning and end of the semester during which participants completed their service-learning class. The Service-Learning Impact on Future Plan Clarity Questionnaire developed by the authors for this study was administered at the end of the same semester. A two-step cluster analysis resulted in five identity status groups. Students in all five groups indicated that service-learning helped them clarify their future plans. Moratorium identity status group members reported significantly less benefit from service-learning for clarifying future plans. Results are discussed and implications for research and practice are provided.
Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice lowers cancer risk in current smokers by reducing Malondialdehyde (MDA)-DNA adducts

1702 Carcinogenic MDA-DNA adducts are sensitive biomarkers for cancer risk, which have been detected in human tissues. Antioxidants reduce cigarette smoke-related oxidative stress by quenching lipid peroxides. Previous studies indicated that Noni fruit juice, made from the tropical plant, Morinda citrifolia, is a strong antioxidant and cancer preventive nutritional supplement. Recently, we found that Noni juice is able to significantly reduce cancer risk by reducing aromatic DNA adducts in current smokers. In this study, we examined whether Noni juice was able to reduce MDA-DNA adduct level in current smokers. Current smokers volunteered to drink 1 or 4 ozs of Noni juice or 4 ozs of placebo juice daily for one month in a double-blinded placebo-controlled, IRB approved clinical trial. Male and female current smokers, age 18 to 60, with a 20 cigarettes per day habit for more than 1 year, were eligible for this study. MDA-DNA adduct level was analyzed by nuclease P1 procedure of 32P post-labeling assay. Two hundred forty five people among 317 enrolled smokers completed the trial. The average cigarette usage was 1.39 packs (27-28 cigarettes) per day (ranging from 1.3 to 1.44 PPD). The average age was 40±10.81 years. They had smoked on average 22-24 years, classifying them as heavy smokers. The paired Student T test was used for data analysis. The results indicated that the MDA-DNA adduct level in the lymphocytes was significantly reduced after drinking 1 or 4 ozs of Noni juice for one month: 84.45±8.45 x 10-9 vs 39.39±1.70 x 10-9 (a 53.36% reduction, n=203, PPD=1.37, p=0.000). After a dose-dependent analysis of drinking 1 or 4 ozs of Noni juice, we found that the MDA adduct level was significantly reduced in both groups: 89.26±12.32 x 10-9 vs 38.04±2.20 x 10-9 (a 57.36% reduction, n=118, age=42.5, PPD=1.3, p=0.000) and 77.761±10.74 x 10-9 vs 41.27±2.68 x 10-9 ( a 46.93% reduction, n=85, age=40.4, PPD=1.43, p=0.000), respectively. Further gender specific analysis indicated a 41.86% reduction in male smokers (n=43, p=0.002) and a 51.05% reduction (n=59, p=0.001) in female smokers in the 4 oz group. There was a 59.29% reduction in females (n=43, p=0.001) and a 55.02% reduction in males (n=59, p=0.002) in the 1 oz group. Although there is no significant dose and gender difference, we noted that the degree of MDA adduct level reduction was higher in female smokers compared to the male smokers in each category. Also observed in this study was an increase in the MDA-DNA adduct level and large variation in the placebo group before and after trial: 233.35±36.14 x 10-9 vs 945.70± 365.53 x 10-9 (305.27% increase, n=42, PPD=1.44, age=37, p=0.000). Due to the small number of participants in the placebo group we could not give any explanation for this without further investigation. In conclusion, Noni juice is able to reduce the MDA-DNA adduct level at an extremely significant level. Therefore, it may reduce cancer risk in current smokers.
End-to-End Streaming Keyword Spotting

We present a system for keyword spotting that, except for a frontend component for feature generation, it is entirely contained in a deep neural network (DNN) model trained "end-to-end" to predict the presence of the keyword in a stream of audio. The main contributions of this work are, first, an efficient memoized neural network topology that aims at making better use of the parameters and associated computations in the DNN by holding a memory of previous activations distributed over the depth of the DNN. The second contribution is a method to train the DNN, end-to-end, to produce the keyword spotting score. This system significantly outperforms previous approaches both in terms of quality of detection as well as size and computation.
Chairman Mao's Model Train

On October 7, 1974, a gift from the Peoples Republic of China was presented to the United Nations in a formal ceremony. The gift, an intricate ivory carving sculpted from eight elephant tusks, depicted the recently constructed Chengdu-Kunming railway. The ivory carving was given to the United Nations in honor of the recognition of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) as the legitimate representative of China in 1971. The carving displaced the gift that had been given by the outgoing Taiwanese delegation, thus it carried a heavy weight of Cold War symbolism. / / The sculpture held another level of symbolism. The eight tusks of ivory used for the sculpture came from East Africa, where the Chinese had just completed construction of another railway that was modeled closely after the Chengdu-Kunming railway. The Tanzania-Zambia railway (TAZARA), which would become operational in 1976, was in fact built by many of the same railway workers who had built the Chengdu-Kunming line. Maos African railway was in many ways modeled after its Chinese big brother, and was like the Chengdu-Kunming railway meant to serve as an exemplar of what could be achieved when ordinary workers joined together under the tutelage of a great leader to bring development and modernity to the nation. / / In this paper I will explore the meaning of the ivory, the models and the train depicted in this sculpture as an entry point for understanding the developmental relationship between China and Africa in the Cold War era. / /
Establishing Communicative Alternatives to the Emission of Socially Motivated Excess Behavior: A Review

This article discusses literature related to the use of communication intervention for reducing excess behavior in persons with severe disabilities and speculates upon unresolved issues in research...
Implications of we-talk for relationships and health among patients with type 1 diabetes and their spouses:

We-talk (first-person plural pronoun usage) is frequently used to represent the degree to which a person views an illness as shared within a couple. There is evidence that we-talk is related to goo...
Predicting Radiometric Effects of a Rough Sea Surface, Whitecaps, Foam, and Spray Using SURFER 2D

Whitecap (WC) formation due to waves breaking on a wind-roughened sea surface facilitates the exchange of mass, momentum, and energy across the air–sea interface. While approximate analytical electromagnetic (EM) models paired with surface gravity wave spectra have been used to predict surface roughness emissivity enhancement, these methods do not reveal details of the response to foam, breaking wave, and WC geometry. They also ignore possible coupling between the roughness and WC emissivity effects. We report the application of a full-wave finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) EM model to investigate the separate and combined emissivity effects of specific surface roughness profiles, associated WC fields, and overlying spray. The model solves Maxwell's equations directly for an arbitrary free space and dielectric configuration. It is applied to multiple dielectric layers representing foam and spray overlying flat and rough sea surfaces. The foam layer profiles are adapted from Anguelova's L -band radiative transfer model and the rough surface is a statistical realization of the Kudryavtsev gravity wave spectrum. The model is also used to investigate the secondary effect of sea state on emissivity for a given mean square slope, which is the primary factor governing rough surface emissivity enhancement. The accuracy and precision of the FDTD model emissivity estimates and the detectability of WCs using L -band radiometry are assessed under various wind conditions, including those of tropical storm and category 1 hurricane strength. The prospects for performing Monte Carlo simulations for stronger winds and deterministic simulations of breakers with WCs of various void fractions, shapes, and scales are also considered.
Lyn and Fyn Kinases Positively Regulate Thromboxane Generation in Platelets.

Src family Kinases (SFKs) are important tyrosine kinases in platelets. The family consists of 9 members (viz., Blk, Fgr, Fyn, Hck, Lck, Lyn, Src, Yes and Yrk) and many of the isoforms are expressed in platelets. SFKs are key kinases in glycoprotein (GPVI) mediated platelet activation and we have shown that these kinases play an important role in thromboxane generation. Until now, the role of specific SFKs downstream of G protein signaling in platelets is not well understood. In the present study we characterized functional roles of specific SFK members Fyn, Lyn, Lck and Src Kinases downstream of ADP receptors. Src, Lyn and Fyn are activated downstream of ADP receptors (P2Y) receptors in a time and concentration dependent manner. The presence of fibrinogen receptor antagonist, GR144053, did not affect the activation of Src and Fyn; however, Lyn is not activated in the presence of GR144053, suggesting that Lyn requires outside-in signaling for it’s activation. On the other hand, Lck kinase is not activated downstream of ADP receptors. ADP activates P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors which in turn couple to Gq and Gi, respectively. In order to further delineate the Src activation pathways we used P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptor antagonists MRS 2179 and AR-C69931MX respectively. Src activation is not inhibited by either P2Y1 or P2Y12 receptor antagonists, suggesting that both receptors independently contribute to the activation of Src kinase. Platelets from mice deficient in Src, Fyn or Lyn were analyzed for thromboxane generation upon stimulation with ADP. Lyn and Fyn KO mice had reduced levels of thromboxane A2 compared to wild type littermates. However, thromboxane generation from platelets lacking Src was unaffected. Hence, we conclude Lyn and Fyn kinases, but not Src, positively regulate thromboxane generation downstream of ADP receptors. We also conclude that Lyn requires outside-in signaling for its activation.
Research note: Examining differences in the bolting preferences of climbers along Utah's Wasatch Front

Abstract This research note examines differences in the bolting preferences held by climbers residing along Utah's Wasatch Front. Using survey data collected in collaboration with a local climbing advocacy and stewardship nonprofit, I model the relationships that over 600 respondents' bolting preferences exhibit with various sport-relevant characteristics, including the type of climbing respondents most often practice, how they report being introduced to the sport, and their desire to engage risk in climbing, among other variables. The findings indicate that a climber's prioritization of one climbing discipline over another is more consistently related with, and more closely related to, their bolting preferences than other factors. The more a respondent is inclined towards traditional over sport climbing, the less permissive their bolting preferences tend to be.
Comparison of analytical methods for rapid & reliable quantification of plant-based carbohydrates for the quintessential bioenergy educator

Biochemical conversion of plant-based insoluble carbohydrate polymers, such as starch from corn grains or cellulose-hemicellulose from corn stover, into soluble fermentable sugars (e.g., glucose and xylose) for bioenergy production has seen tremendous research activity and commercial-scale biorefineries deployment over the last three decades, particularly in regions around the world that have a dominant agricultural-based economy. Therefore, educators in schools and universities have developed various hands-on experimental activities to engage the general public and students either in outreach events or lab/classroom-based settings to instruct students on various inter-disciplinary concepts relevant to bioenergy and biochemicals production. One of the limitations of most available protocols is the lack of systematic and comprehensive comparison of educator-friendly analytical tools and protocols for quantitative analysis of water-soluble carbohydrates commonly encountered in a biorefinery backdrop during the biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels/biochemicals. Here, we systematically compare and validate findings from four leading analytical approaches for detection and quantification of lignocellulosic biomass derived soluble carbohydrates. We compare these assay methods based on the overall ease of use, detection accuracy/sensitivity, commercial availability, analytical cost per assay run, and suitability for use by instructors in biorefining specific hands-on activity protocols. Next, we provide a detailed instructional protocol that utilizes one of these validated soluble sugar assays as part of a 90 min hands-on bioenergy focused activity (called Grass-to-Gas) conducted at Rutgers University with pre-university high school students. Grass-to-Gas activity involves students running biochemical assays that helps them understand the various facets of cellulosic biomass hydrolysis by commercial cellulase enzymes and monitoring the total glucose product released using our validated sugar assays to finally estimate the fractional conversion of cellulose-to-glucose. Lastly, we further demonstrate how such carbohydrate-based analytical methods can be used by instructors to help university students explore and understand various chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering concepts relevant to other advanced operations involved in lignocellulose biorefining. These activity protocols would greatly aid educators teaching interdisciplinary science and engineering concepts to students in the backdrop of lignocellulose biorefining.
Design principles for the energy level tuning in donor/acceptor conjugated polymers

To identify reliable molecular design principles for energy level tuning in donor/acceptor conjugated polymers (CPs), we studied the governing factors by means of ab initio calculations based on density-functional theory (DFT). We investigated a series of CPs in which we independently and systematically varied the electron withdrawing power of the acceptor unit and the electron donating power of the donor unit, while maintaining the same conjugated chain conformation. We observed that the introduction of a stronger acceptor unit, while keeping the same donor unit in the CP, lowers the LUMO level, but leaves the HOMO level almost unchanged. Conversely, enhancing the strength of the donor unit for the same acceptor unit raises the HOMO level, while maintaining the LUMO level. We identified strong correlations between the frontier orbital energy levels and the degree of orbital localization, which depends on the electron donating or withdrawing power of the molecular groups carrying the orbitals. Moreover, the HOMO/LUMO gap of the CP is directly proportional to the charge transfer between donating and accepting units, which provides a robust design criterion for CPs.
The Neighbor Principle, Principal Agent and Stakeholder Theories: Proposed Model to Address Challenges of Digital and Audit Analytics (Presentation Slides)

In view of subjectivity and judgment based elements involved in the determination of critical audit matters, as well as the move to a principles based framework – critical audit matters determined using such a framework, this presentation aims to highlight why a combination of bright line rules and high level principles should be applied to the more innovative phases involving critical decision making – the application of this combination of rules not only reflecting the level of flexibility offered by such a combination, but also the priority accorded to such management decisions which may also embody tactical and strategic elements.
Overview of a Pilot Health-focused Reentry Program for Racial/Ethnic Minority Probationers ages 18 to 26 in Southern California:

There is a significant gap in reentry programming that is tailored to the needs of young adults ages 18 to 26 who are in a unique developmental life stage that involves ongoing maturity in their ne...