cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Consumption and constitutional parameters of indefinite-configuration foods among urban residents in Shandong and Jiangsu Provinces].

OBJECTIVE To explore consumption situation and composition parameter distribution of indefinite-configuration foods in diets of some urban adult Chinese residents, and establish the parameters databases. METHODS A total of 1620 adult urban residents were sampled randomly by a multi-stage sampling method from four cities in Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces, and were investigated with a self-made Food Frequency Questionnaire. The moisture content status of indefinite-configuration foods from the market were analysed with the method of China national standards GB 5009. 3-2010, then raw material composition of indefinite-configuration foods was calculated according to their moisture content. Kinds of food samples were simulated and took visual foods pictures in lab. RESULTS Consumption rate of indefinite-configuration foods was higher in the last month. When eating outside, consumption rate of buns and soya-bean milk foods in whole diet were as high as 55. 6% and 40. 4%. When eating at home, consumptionratio of porridge and soup was more than 50%. Daily intake of rice porridge, soya-bean milk reached as high as 30. 2% and 22. 2%. 100 g samples of the rice gruel contained rice 9. 2 g, 100 g soya-bean milk contained soybean 8. 2 g, 100 g pork buns contained wheat flour 42. 3 g and minced cooked meat 20. 7 g by laboratory analysis. CONCLUSION Indefinite-configuration foods make up a large proportion of the whole diet, so it 's necessary to research the stationary raw material component parameters of the food and establish the parameters database for the dietary evaluator and nutrition instructor.
Stabilizing Congestion in Decentralized Record-Keepers.

We argue that recent developments in proof-of-work consensus mechanisms can be used in accordance with advancements in formal verification techniques to build a distributed payment protocol that addresses important economic drawbacks from cost efficiency, scalability and adaptablity common to current decentralized record-keeping systems. We enable the protocol to autonomously adjust system throughput according to a feasibly computable statistic - system difficulty. We then provide a formal economic analysis of a decentralized market place for record-keeping that is consistent with our protocol design and show that, when block rewards are zero, the system admits stable, self-regulating levels of transaction fees and wait-times across varying levels of demand. We also provide an analysis of the various technological requirements needed to instantiate such a system in a commercially viable setting, and identify relevant research directions.
Estrogen Receptor Is Expressed in Uveal Melanoma: A Potential Target for Therapy

Background Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) has no effective treatment. To date, no publications have reported immunohistochemical evidence of estrogen receptors (ERs) in UM; however, changes in pathologic reporting for ER in breast carcinoma prompted a re-examination of ER in UM, as it could represent a potential therapeutic target. Objective To determine if UM tumors express ER by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using current methodology for breast cancer and to evaluate ER gene expression using a publicly available UM database. Methods A retrospective IHC analysis with clinical correlation was performed on 2 cohorts: 57 cases from the Cleveland Clinic (CC) and 50 from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC). Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Project (TCGA) UM Dataset of 80 patients was also performed. Results Presence of ER was detected by IHC in 20 of 34 (59%) analyzable cases in the CC cohort. Of the 50 patients in the OSU cohort, 52 specimens from 47 patients were sufficient for analysis. Of these 47 cases, 29 (62%) had tumor that was ER positive in ≥1% nuclei. In the second cohort, positivity was classified as positive (≥10% nuclei, 34% cases) or low positive (1-9% nuclei, 28% cases). In 5 patients, there were paired samples, that is, primary tumor and subsequent recurrence or metastasis, with concordance for ER in 4 of 5 cases. In the TCGA database, elevated ESR1 and ESR2 gene expression was identified in a subset of UM tumors with poor genetic prognostic features. Conclusions and relevance Potentially actionable ER expression is present in greater than half of UM cases by IHC. Gene expression of ESR1 and ESR2 was elevated in a subset of UM tumors with poor prognostic features. These data provide a rationale to evaluate ER as a potential target for therapy in UM.
Using mastoid vibration can detect the uni/bilateral vestibular deterioration by aging during standing.

Background The mastoid vibration (MV) has been used to investigate unilateral vestibular dysfunction by inducing nystagmus. Additionally, this MV can be used to quantify the effect of deterioration by aging on the vestibular system during walking. Could such MV be used to assess the uni/bilateral vestibular deterioration by aging during standing? Objective This study attempted to determine the feasibility of using MV for identifying the uni/bilateral vestibular deterioration by aging during standing. Methods Fifteen young and ten old adults' balance control patterns were assessed by three random MV conditions: 1) No MV; 2) Unilateral MV; 3) Bilateral MV. The dependent variables were the 95% confidence ellipse areas and the sample entropy values, which were calculated based on the center of gravity displacement within each condition. Results Significant main effects of MV and aging were found on all outcome variables. A significant interaction between aging and different MV types was observed in the 95% confidence ellipse area (p = 0.002) and the length of the short axis (anterior-posterior direction, p = 0.001). Conclusions We concluded that the MV could be used to identify different vestibular dysfunctions, specifically in old adults.
Improved Progression-Free Survival for Bulky and Non-Bulky Advanced Stage Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma With Consolidative Radiation Therapy: A Bi-Institutional Analysis

Background The role of consolidative radiation therapy (RT) for advanced-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is not fully established. A growing body of data suggests a role for consolidative RT in select stage III-IV DLBCL patients and emerging data from randomized studies further address the role of RT in advanced-stage patients initially presenting with bulky disease. Methods Patients with treatment-naive stage III-IV DLBCL treated at two institutions who achieved a clinically complete response to systemic therapy were included. Patients with either bulky or non-bulky disease were included, but those with the relapsed or refractory disease were excluded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the impact of consolidative RT. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results One hundred eighty-eight patients received systemic therapy consisting of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP; 79%), another rituximab-based regimen (9%), or chemotherapy alone (12%). Clinical response was assessed using conventional CT or PET-CT. Sixty-eight patients (36%) received consolidative RT (median dose 30 Gy). Consolidative RT conferred a 36.7% absolute benefit in five-year progression-free survival (PFS; 85.9% vs. 49.2%, log rank p < 0.0001), a 14.5% absolute benefit in five-year overall survival (OS; 87.4% vs. 72.9%, log rank p = 0.0134), and a 37.0% absolute benefit in five-year LC (91.9% vs. 54.9%, log rank p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, consolidative RT was associated with improved PFS (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.10-0.52, p < 0.001) and LC (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.59, p = 0.003). Patients receiving consolidative RT demonstrated significantly improved PFS for tumors measuring both <5 cm (log rank p = 0.0454) and ≥5 cm (log rank p = 0.0003). Conclusions For patients with stage III-IV DLBCL who achieve clinical complete response after systemic therapy, consolidative RT improves PFS for all patients, including those with the non-bulky disease. This benefit persists in the setting of rituximab-based systemic therapy.
Effects of eukaryotic predation on nitrifying MABR biofilms

ABSTRACT This research explored the effects of eukaryotic predation on nitrifying membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) biofilms. Past research on heterotrophic MABR biofilms showed that predation could create internal voids that promoted sloughing. However, the no past research addressed the effects of predation on nitrifying MABRs, even though nitrification is the most common MABR application. Nitrifying biofilms are typically denser, and ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) form large, dense clusters within the biofilm. This could affect their susceptibility to predation. Nitrifying biofilms were grown in flat-sheet MABRs. Images of the biofilm were captured using optical coherence tomography (OCT). For detachment tests, an increased shear flow (Re≅140) was used, and a shear rheometer was used to measure the biofilm mechanical properties. The nitrifying community was analyzed with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Predation increased internal void ratios from 54 ± 5 % to 69 ± 6 %. Biofilms were weakened by predation, with a storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G′′) of 242 ± 135 and 1,649 ± 853 Pa with predation and 3,644 ± 1,857 and 23,334 ± 11,481 Pa for the control with suppressed predation. Predation increased the relative biofilm detachment from 4 ± 5 to 18 ± 12 %, decreased the amount of biomass, i.e., the average biofilm thickness, from 502 ± 150 to 266 ± 54 µm, and decreased the nitrification flux from 1.00 to 0.61 g NH4+-N/m2day. Also, predation decreased the abundance of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) relative to AOB, consistent with the observed nitritation. These results show that predation can significantly impact the structural stability, bacterial community and removal rates of nitrifying MABR biofilms. Lumping the effects of predation into the detachment or decay coefficients of biofilm models may not accurately reflect the behavior of nitrifying MABR biofilms.
Children’s Memory in “Scientific Case Studies” of Child Sexual Abuse: A Review

Yuille and Cutshall (1986) published a landmark study of adults’ eyewitness memory. A tragic shooting in front of a gun shop—killing one person and seriously injuring a second—occurred before the startled eyes of 21 witnesses, varying in age from 15 to 32 years. After the shooting, the witnesses were interviewed by the police and then, fortunately, a subset of them later agreed to be interviewed by the research team. In this way, the witnesses’ memory was evaluated up to 5 months after the event. Yuille and Cutshall concluded that:
Effect of protein kinase C inhibitors and activators on corneal re-epithelialization in the rat.

PURPOSE: To examine the ability of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and activators to influence the rate of corneal re-epithelialization in the rat. METHOD: Rat corneas with 3 mm diameter central epithelial abrasions were organ-cultured in control medium or in medium with inhibitors or activators of PKC. RESULTS: In control corneas, the defect was completely re-epithelialized by 25 hr. In the presence of the PKC inhibitors staurosporine (100 nM), sphinganine (50 mumol/l), or H-7 (100 mumol/l) there were significantly larger epithelial defects than in controls after 5-25 hr of incubation. Re-epithelialization rates were similar to control corneas when the incubation medium contained HA1004 (100 mumol/l), an analogue of H-7 that is a potent inhibitor of cyclic adenosine monophosphate- and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinases and a weak inhibitor of PKC. Two PKC activators, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), were unable to enhance the rate of epithelial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PKC activity is an important factor in regulating corneal epithelial wound healing, presumably by influencing cell migration. Moreover, the results with OAG and PMA suggest that PKC is maximally activated during re-epithelialization in this organ-culture assay.
Improvement of a monopartite ecdysone receptor gene switch and demonstration of its utility in regulation of transgene expression in plants

In plants, regulation of transgene expression is typically accomplished through the use of inducible promoter systems. The ecdysone receptor (EcR) gene switch is one of the best inducible systems available to regulate transgene expression in plants. However, the monopartite EcR gene switches developed to date require micromolar concentrations of ligand for activation. We tested several EcR mutants that were generated by changing one or two amino acid residues in the highly flexible ligand-binding domain of Choristoneura fumiferana EcR (CfEcR). Based on the transient expression assays, we selected a double mutant, V395I + Y415E (VY), of CfEcR (CfEcR(VY)) for further testing in stable transformation experiments. The CfEcR(VY) mutant only slightly improved the induction characteristics of the two-hybrid gene switch, whereas the CfEcR(VY) mutant significantly improved the induction characteristics of the monopartite gene switch (VGCfE(VY)). The ligand sensitivity of the VGCfE(VY) switch was improved by 125-15 625-fold in different transgenic lines analyzed, compared to the VGCfE(Wt) switch. The utility of the VGCfE(VY) switch was tested by regulating the expression of an Arabidopsis zinc finger protein gene (AtZFP11) in both tobacco and Arabidopsis plants. These data showed that the VGCfE(VY) switch efficiently regulated the expression of AtZFP11 and that the phenotype of AtZFP11 could be induced by the application of ligand. In addition, the affected plants recovered after withdrawal of the ligand, demonstrating the utility of this gene switch in regulating the expression of critical transgenes in plants.
An Examination of Gender Differences in Today's Mathematics Classrooms: Exploring Single-Gender Mathematics Classrooms.

Dunlap, Celeste Elizabeth. M.Ed. Education Department, Cedarville University, 2002. An Examination of Gender Differences in Today’s Mathematics Classrooms: Exploring Single-gender Mathematics Classrooms Much research identifies a gender gap in mathematics, and some research points to single-gender math classrooms as a solution to the math gender divide. The author conducted a seven week study in which she divided fifty fifth grade students into singlegender mathematics classes. She wanted to examine if single-gender math classes affected the math achievement and attitudes of her female students. Upon completion of the study the author found there was no statistical significance in the girls’ achievement between a single-gender classroom and a coeducational classroom. There was a significant difference in the girls’ perceptions as to how they best learn math.
Automatic multi-business transactions

The Tentative Hold Protocol (THP) helps automate the coordination of multi-business interactions, providing cost savings and enabling new business models in the process. Automating the exchange of critical information using this protocol prior to a transaction decreases the effect of outdated data, reduces the potential for cancellations, and improves the odds of successfully completing transactions. This article describes THP, explains how to use it synergistically with other technologies, describes some scenarios from different industries in which it could be applied, and provides greater technical detail about its components and limitations.
Metrics on State Spaces

In contrast to the usual Lipschitz seminorms associated to ordinary metrics on compact spaces, we show by examples that Lipschitz seminorms on possibly non-commutative compact spaces are usually not determined by the restriction of the metric they define on the state space, to the extreme points of the state space. We characterize the Lipschitz norms which are determined by their metric on the whole state space as being those which are lower semicontinuous. We show that their domain of Lipschitz elements can be enlarged so as to form a dual Banach space, which generalizes the situation for ordinary Lipschitz seminorms. We give a characterization of the metrics on state spaces which come from Lipschitz seminorms. The natural (broader) setting for these results is provided by the ``function spaces'' of Kadison. A variety of methods for constructing Lipschitz seminorms is indicated.
Impact of Sampling Rate on RTN Time Constant Extraction and Its Implications on Bias Dependence and Trap Spectroscopy

Inaccuracy in extraction of random telegraph noise (RTN) time constants due to an improper choice of measurement sampling rate is investigated. The sampling rate requirement for reliable extraction of RTN emission and capture times is analyzed. Consequences on transistor RTN bias dependence analysis and trap spectroscopy are discussed.
Chemistry of the exocrine secretions of Hylaeus modestus (Hymenoptera; Colletidae).

Abstract 1. 1. The chemistry of the mandibular gland and Dufour's gland secretions of the Nearctic colletid bee, Hylaeus modestus, has been investigated. 2. 2. Two isomers of citral were identified in the mandibular gland secretions. 3. 3. A homologous series of four macrocyclic latones (18-octadecanolide, 20-eicosanolide, 22-docosanolide and 24-tetracosanolide) were identified in the Dufour's gland secretions. 4. 4. Four ethyl esters (ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, ethyl eicosanate and ethyl docosanate) were identified in the Dufour's gland secretions as well as traces of the corresponding methyl esters. 5. 5. Ethyl esters of fatty acids have not been known as Dufour's products in bees.
Comparison of Urokinase, Alteplase, and Reteplase for Catheter-directed Thrombolysis of Deep Venous Thrombosis

PURPOSE To compare the efficacy, safety, and costs associated with catheter-directed thrombolysis with urokinase (UK) and the recombinant agents alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator [TPA]) and reteplase (recombinant plasminogen activator [RPA]) in the treatment of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective analysis on 74 patients (82 limbs) who underwent treatment for DVT. Thrombosed extremities were treated with either urokinase with therapeutic heparin dosing (UK group; 38 limbs), alteplase with subtherapeutic heparin dosing (TPA group; 32 limbs), or reteplase with subtherapeutic heparin dosing (RPA group; 12 limbs). Infusion times, dosages, drug costs, success rates, and complications were compared among the groups. RESULTS Gender, age, disease location, duration of symptoms, and use of additional interventional therapies did not differ statistically among the three cohorts. Median hourly infused doses, total doses, infusion times, drug costs, and success rates per limb were: UK, 11.3 (10 4 ) U/hour, 4.361 million U, 40.6 hours, $6577, 97.4%; TPA, 0.57 mg/hour, 21.6 mg, 30.8 hours, $488, 96.9%; RPA, 0.74 U/hour, 21.4 U, 24.3 hours, $1787, 100.0%. Major and overall complication rates were: UK, 5.3% and 10.5%; TPA, 3.1% and 12.5%; RPA, 8.3% and 16.7%. Infusion times, success rates, and complications were not statistically different among the three groups. Alteplase and reteplase were significantly less expensive than urokinase ( P P CONCLUSION Catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of DVT is safe and effective, regardless of the agent used. However, the new recombinant agents are significantly less expensive than urokinase.
The Wings of Icarus:—Illusion and the Problem of Narcissism

ALTHOUGH HE HAD BEEN USING the term for some years prior, Freud formally introduced the concept of narcissism into psychoanalytic theory in 1914 on the heels of Jung's painful defection from the psychoanalytic community. The theory of narcissism was largely a response to the conceptual challenge posed by Jung's critique of Freudian theory. Freud's libido theory had provided a powerful and compelling account of the various forms of neurosis, tracing them through complex associative pathways of transformation and disguise, to conflicts over libidinal wishes. Jung objected to what he felt was the narrowness of this account of human motivations, arguing that other kinds of issues, totally independent of sexuality, played a central role in mental health and psychopathology, particularly in psychotic disturbances such as schizophrenia. To meet Jung's challenge and to save his larger ambitions for libido theory, Freud had to account for schizophrenia in libidinal terms, to derive it interpretively from psychosexual wishes and conflicts.
Variation in Child Health Care Utilization by Medical Complexity

Children with medical complexity (CMC) have multiple specialty need, technology dependence, and high health care utilization. The objective of this study is to profile types of pediatric health care utilization and costs by increasing levels of medical complexity. This is a cross-sectional study of the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Full-Year Data Sets from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Medical complexity was defined by a higher number of positive items from the five question children with special health care needs (CSHCN) Screener. CMC were defined by ≥ 4 positive screener items. Outcomes included the number of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department visits, associated costs and diagnoses, and reported satisfaction. ICD-9 codes were grouped by Clinical Classifications Software. Of 27,755 total study subjects ≤ 17 years, 4,851 had special needs and 541 were CMC. Older age, male gender, white/non-Hispanic race/ethnicity, and public insurance were all associated with medical complexity (all p < 0.001). CMC had an annual mean of 19 annual outpatient visits ($616) and 0.26 inpatient visits ($3,308), with other significant cost drivers including home health ($2,957) and prescriptions ($2,182). The most common reasons for non-CSHCN and less-complex CSHCN outpatient visits were viral illnesses, while the main reasons for CMC visits were for mental health. Compared to families without CSHCN, those with CMC have, on average, lower satisfaction with health care (8.4 vs. 8.9 out of 10, p < 0.001). Health care models for CMC should account for mental health conditions that may be driving high numbers of outpatient encounters.
Gregarina niphandrodes may lack both a plastid genome and organelle

Gregarines are early diverging apicomplexans that appear to be closely related to Cryptosporidium. Most apicomplexans, including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Eimeria, possess both plastids and corresponding plastid genomes. Cryptosporidium lacks both the organelle and the genome. To investigate the evolutionary history of plastids in the Apicomplexa, we tried to determine whether gregarines possess a plastid and/or its genome. We used PCR and dot-blot hybridization to determine whether the gregarine Gregarina niphandrodes possesses a plastid genome. We used an inhibitor of plastid function for any reduction in gregarine infection, and transmission electron microscopy to search for plastid ultrastructure. Despite an extensive search, an organelle of the appropriate ultrastructure in transmission electron microscopy, was not observed. Triclosan, an inhibitor of the plastid-specific enoyl-acyl carrier reductase enzyme, did not reduce host infection by G. niphandrodes. Plastid-specific primers produced amplicons with the DNA of Babesia equi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Toxoplasma gondii as templates, but not with G. niphandrodes DNA. Plastid-specific DNA probes, which hybridized to Babesia equi, failed to hybridize to G. niphandrodes DNA. This evidence indicates that G. niphandrodes is not likely to possess either a plastid organelle or its genome. This raises the possibility that the plastid was lost in the Apicomplexan following the divergence of gregarines and Cryptosporidium.
Applying the Communication Perspective for Global Compliance Training

With the advancement of telecommunication technologies and strategic outsourcing, globalized business management has become a necessity to establish and maintain operations in lucrative emerging markets. With the world’s largest market, talent pool and labor force, China has emerged as an inevitable destination for many multinationals. However, China’s unique political system, socio-economical settings and cultural environment poses the great challenges to global businesses. One of the greatest hurdles faced by multinationals is effectively transporting Western business conduct and ethics. Embedding Western ethical compliance into operations based on China’s powerful and highly influential cultural practice - Guanxi Networking - is proving to be the ultimate challenge. To address this intercultural disconnect, this research paper applies the principles of the communication perspective, derived from the theories and practice of the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM). Our proposal suggests an ethics compliance training based on a framework of trust and collaboration - a new approach to tackle the dilemma between the Western ethics and the cultural norms driven by guanxi networking. This research based proposal explores the application of the communication perspective in a holistic method.
Saturable absorption in multicore fiber couplers

The saturable absorption characteristics of two-, three-, and five-core one-dimensional fiber coupler arrays and the seven-core hexagonal fiber coupler array are investigated. It is shown that the performance of all these saturable absorbers is comparable and not much is gained, if anything, by going from a two-core nonlinear coupler geometry to a higher number of cores. This observation is supported by the similarity of the saturable absorption curves, as well as comparable pulse characteristics obtained from the simulation of a generic mode-locked fiber laser cavity.
Deadlines, Self-Perceptions, and Intrinsic Motivation

The present study investigated the role of self-perceptions and time deadlines on intrinsic motivation for a perceptual-motor game. Self-perceptions were manipulated by means of personality feedback emphasizing an intrinsic or extrinsic motivational orientation. Feedback was based ostensibly on group-administered tests in a first session. In a second session, subjects individually took part in a clinical judgment study (providing the "cover story"), received personality feedback, and then were invited to perform a game supposedly being pilot-tested for another researcher. Half of the subjects performed this task with an explicit time deadline. Following a second trial of the judgment task, subjects had a "free play" period of 8-min. During this time, subjects who initially tried the game with an explicit deadline evidenced less intrinsic interest than those who initially attempted the activity without time constraints. Although perceived as veridical by most subjects, the personality feedback had no effec...
Determination of adsorption and speciation of chromium species by saltbush (Atriplex canescens) biomass using a combination of XAS and ICP–OES

Abstract Studies were performed to determine the effect of pH on chromium (Cr) binding by native, esterified, and hydrolyzed saltbush (Atriplex canescens) biomass. In addition, X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies were performed to determine the oxidation state of Cr atoms bound to the biomass. The amounts of Cr adsorbed by saltbush biomass were determined by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES). For Cr(III), the results showed that the percentages bound by native stems, leaves, and flowers at pH 4.0 were 98%, 97%, and 91%, respectively. On the other hand, the Cr(VI) binding by the three tissues of the native and hydrolyzed saltbush biomass decreased as pH increased. At pH 2.0 the stems, leaves, and flowers of native biomass bound 31%, 49%, and 46%, of Cr(VI), respectively. The results of the XAS experiments showed that Cr(VI) was reduced in some extend to Cr(III) by saltbush biomass at both pH 2.0 and pH 5.0. The XANES analysis of the Cr(III) reaction with the saltbush biomass parts showed an octahedral arrangement of oxygen atoms around the central Cr(III) atom. The EXAFS studies of saltbush plant samples confirmed these results.
Botulinum neurotoxin type A induces TLR2-mediated inflammatory responses in macrophages.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is the most potent protein toxin and causes fatal flaccid muscle paralysis by blocking neurotransmission. Application of BoNT/A has been extended to the fields of therapeutics and biodefense. Nevertheless, the global response of host immune cells to authentic BoNT/A has not been reported. Employing microarray analysis, we performed global transcriptional profiling of RAW264.7 cells, a murine alveolar macrophage cell line. We identified 70 genes that were modulated following 1 nM BoNT/A treatment. The altered genes were mainly involved in signal transduction, immunity and defense, protein metabolism and modification, neuronal activities, intracellular protein trafficking, and muscle contraction. Microarray data were validated with real-time RT-PCR for seven selected genes including tlr2, tnf, inos, ccl4, slpi, stx11, and irg1. Proinflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were induced in a dose-dependent manner in BoNT/A-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Increased expression of these factors was inhibited by monoclonal anti-Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and inhibitors specific to intracellular proteins such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase (MAPK). BoNT/A also suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced NO and TNFα production from RAW264.7 macrophages at the transcription level by blocking activation of JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK. As confirmed by TLR2-/- knock out experiments, these results suggest that BoNT/A induces global gene expression changes in host immune cells and that host responses to BoNT/A proceed through a TLR2-dependent pathway, which is modulated by JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK.
Teaching and learning adaptive hydrometallurgy-nanohydrometallurgy

The weakness of the U.S. mining industry has caused a significant decline in academic programs in mining and metallurgical engineering in the U.S. The author’s view on the reasons for such weaknesses is presented in a historical prospective covering some key events within the last 30 years. Arguably, the decline of U.S. mining industry is due to many reasons, the most important being the lack of modernization, the difficulty to comply with stringent environmental laws, and global market forces, are the most important. The importance of emerging nanotechnologies is viewed as an opportunity for the evolution of one component of metallurgical engineering - hydrometallurgy - into nanohydrometallurgy, thus extending its viability.
Temporary threshold shifts from prolonged exposure to noise.

Eight monaural chinchillas were trained to respond to tones, and their auditory thresholds were measured behaviorally. The animals were then exposed to octaveband noise centered at either 0.5 or 4....
Low dietary magnesium is associated with insulin resistance in a sample of young, nondiabetic Black Americans

In both humans and experimental animals, dietary induced magnesium deficiency is correlated with insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dietary magnesium intake is associated with insulin sensitivity or blood pressure in a sample of nondiabetic, young adult black Americans. We also examined dietary calcium, potassium, and sodium intake. The study was conducted on a sample (n = 179) of young adults aged 30 +/- 3.4 years who had been followed longitudinally. Nutrient intake was assessed by obtaining a 24-h recall interview of dietary intake. Intake data were entered in a nutrient analysis program (Nutritionist III), which quantitated micronutrients, macronutrients, and minerals. We classified the sample into insulin-sensitive (IS) and insulin-resistant (IR) groups, according to insulin-stimulated glucose use (M) measured during insulin clamp. M correlated positively with magnesium intake in mg/kg of fat-free mass (r = 0.15, P < .05 overall; in men, r = 0.25, P < .02). There was a significant negative correlation of total dietary magnesium intake with the sum of insulin levels measured during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (r = -0.13, P < .05). When corrected for body fat, in men there was also a significant correlation of dietary magnesium intake, measured in mg/kg of fat-free mass, with the sum of insulin concentrations on the OGTT (r = -0.22, P < .05). When cases were categorically classified as IS versus IR, magnesium intake in mg/kg of fat-free mass was lower in IR (2.97 +/- 1.4) than in IS (3.68 +/- 2.2; P = .022). These results suggest a possible role for dietary magnesium in insulin resistance.
Risk-Adjusted Return When Returns Are Not Normally Distributed: Adjusted Sharpe Ratio

Recently, a number of authors have shown that by using dynamic trading strategies and/or investing in options, a portfolio9s Sharpe ratio can be increased even when the portfolio manager has no “skill.” The increased Sharpe ratio results from creating a return distribution that is significantly different from normal and typically has significant negative skewness. The author presents a generalized approach to calculating the Sharpe ratio of an asset or a portfolio when the return distribution is not necessarily normal. The procedure adjusts the entire distribution of the asset9s return so that it will match the return distribution of a benchmark (e.g., S&P 500). The Sharpe ratio of the adjusted return can then be directly compared to that of the benchmark. The author applies the procedure to simulated data and the historical data on hedge fund indices.
The conformation of single-strand polynucleotides in solution: sedimentation studies of apurinic acid

To elucidate the role of the bases in single-strand polynucleolide conformation, we have studied apurinic acid, a single-strand polydeoxyribonucleotide from which almost half the bases have been removed. The conformation of apurinic acid in aqueous solution near θ condition has been investigated by sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium measurements. The unperturbed coil dimensions of apurinic acid are essentially identical to those of poly rU of the same degree of polymerization. The dimensions are also similar to those of poly rA at high temperature, where the adenine residues are not stacked upon one another. We conclude that the considerable rigidity of these polynuclotides is conferred not by residual, undetected base stacking, but by restrictions in rotation about the bonds of the backbone. Furthermore, the rigidity of the ribose-phosphate backbone cannot be attributed to interactions involving the 2'—OH group.
Stress distribution and curvature in graded semiconductor layers

Abstract The elastic stress distribution resulting from both lattice mismatch and thermal mismatch in a film/graded layer/substrate system is considered. Both numerical and analytical models have been developed previously to analyze this problem. An alternative analytical model is developed in the present study to derive the exact closed-form solution. Specific results are calculated for the GaAs/graded GaAs-Si/Si systems. The present results agree with existing numerical and analytical results. The difference between the present analytical model and existing analytical models is discussed.
Superior Cerebellar Artery Territory Infarction

We prospectively reviewed the clinical and neuroimaging features of 10 men and 7 women (aged 25-81) with recent superior cerebellar artery territory infarctions. Six patients had superior cerebellar a
Polarized electronic spectra of quadrate chromium(III) complexes

Abstract Polarized electronic spectra of single crystals of mixed trans-diacidobis(ethylenediamine)chromium(III) complexes, where the diacido groups are aquohydroxy, aquofluoro, aquochloro, aquobromo, and bromochloro, have been measured at liquid nitrogen temperature. On the basis of polarization characteristics, the observed quartet bands have been given definite quadrate assignments. The band maxima have been fitted with the theoretical energy equations of d 3 configuration immersed in tetragonal ligand field including full configuration interaction but neglecting spin-orbit perturbation. The Dq, Dt, ϰ parameters of the ligand field and the B parameter of the electron correlation have been evaluated by such a fitting and compared with those obtained earlier by us and others for the other trans-diacido systems. A rich doublet structure was uncovered in the 14,000–16,000 cm −1 region for the aquofluoro complex and in the 21,000 cm −1 region for the aquobromo complex. The doublet bands in the 21,000 cm −1 region have been uncovered for the other systems also.
Analysis Of A Used Pair Of Arcjet Electrodes

The anode and cathode of a 30-kW class arcjet engine have been sectioned and analyzed. This arcjet was operated for a total time of 573 hours at power levels between 25 and 30 kW with ammonia at flow rates of 0.25 and 0.27 gm/s. The accumulated run time was sufficient to clearly establish erosion patterns and their causes. The type of electron emission from various parts of the cathode surface was made clear by Scanning Electron Microscope analysis. A Scanning Electron Microscope was used to study recrystallization on the hot anode surface. These electrodes were made of 2 percent thoriated tungsten and the surface thorium content and gradient perpendicular to the surfaces was determined by quantitative microprobe analysis. The results of this material analysis on the electrodes and recommendations for improving electrode operational life time are presented.
A detailed genetic analysis of the late complementation groups of simian virus 40

A simple mixed-plaque assay procedure for determining complementation between pairs of SV40 mutants is described. Since the data obtained can be quantified with respect to both the relative numbers and sizes of plaques, this method is less likely than other complementation assay procedures to yield false-positive results and gives some indication as to the efficiency of the complementation. This quantitative assay procedure, which works with both viral DNA and virions, was used to examine the complementation properties of a variety of late region temperature-sensitive and deletion mutants of SV40. Conclusions reached from these studies included (i) the complementation observed between tsB and tsC mutants is definitely intragenic; (ii) D mutants define a true complementation group; (iii) sequences within the last 68 carboxyl-terminal amino acids of VP-3 are necessary for expression of the D function; and (iv) when linked to the last 19 carboxyl-terminal amino acids of VP-1, the first 136 amino-terminal amino acids of VP-2 are sufficient for expression of the E function. Lastly, the collection of deletion mutants described here may be useful in identifying both structural and regulatory functions of the virion proteins and in analyzing some aspects of viral mRNA biogenesis.
Interstitial Cystitis and Painful Bladder Syndrome

Purpose: We quantified the burden of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome on the health care system in the United States.Materials and Methods: The analytical methods used to generate these results were described previously. Interstitial cystitis was defined based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision code 595.1 (interstitial cystitis). For painful bladder syndrome we used the definition International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision code 788.41 (urinary frequency) with code 625.8 (other specified symptoms associated with female genital organs) or 625.9 (unspecified symptoms associated with female genital organs).Results: Between 1992 and 2001 there was a 2-fold increase in the rate of hospital outpatient visits and a 3-fold increase in the rate of physician office visits related to interstitial cystitis. The annualized rate was 102 office visits per 100,000 population. Ambulatory surgery for interstitial cystitis decreased. A diagnosis of interstitial cystitis was as...
Optimal placement of Distributed Facts devices in power networks Using Particle Swarm Optimization

The concept of Distributed Flexible AC Transmission Systems (D-FACTS) was introduced in order to provide a cost-effective solution for power flow control. Determining the location and amount of distributed compensation to be employed is an important problem. Proper deployment of DFACTS is necessary for optimal control of the power flow in a large meshed network. Being a distributed solution, DFACTS provides flexibility in terms of deployment. This often makes the problem even more computationally intensive. Recent studies show that Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique gives better results than classical optimization techniques, when applied to power engineering optimization problems. This paper shows the application of PSO for the optimal deployment of DFACTS. The technique is applied on the IEEE 39 bus system. Details of the method and the results obtained are presented in the paper.
INTERPLAY BETWEEN LASER PLASMA INSTABILITIES

Experiments have exhibited a very rich interplay between laser plasma instabilities. We examine two simple examples to illustrate how laser-driven waves can either directly influence one another or exhibit correlated behavior. Related experiments are discussed. Scaling based on instability gain using linear Landau damping rates is shown to be generally inadequate. Lastly we note that modified electron distributions due to collisional and nonlocal heat transport can be important to include in the zeroth order description.
Subacute yellow atrophy of the liver

Summary A case of subacute yellow atrophy of the liver with autopsy finding is reported in a female child, aged 10 years. The laboratory examinations suggested the correct diagnosis during life. The entire duration of the condition could not be determined from a careful study of the past history. The terminal illness lasted approximately four weeks. The presence of a venous bruit, with a study of the accompanying regional pathology, was of particular interest.
Retrieving and converting energy from polymers: deployable technologies and emerging concepts

Every year, several tens of million tonnes of polymers end up as waste. Contrary to popular belief and optimistic media stories of ever-improving recycling efforts, only a small fraction – indeed, a few percent – of this polymeric litter is actually being recycled and reused. In the U.S., some 3 million tonnes of plastics are recycled annually, yet over 28 million tonnes age unproductively – if the energy of this waste could be harnessed at a moderate 50% efficiency, the greater Chicago area would glow and spark almost all year round! Fortunately, significant progress is being made in technologies that aim at retrieving energy from waste polymers. On the large, often industrial, scales, polymers are being incinerated, pyrolized, and chemically degraded. Some of these technologies can produce viable fuels at costs as low as $0.75 per gallon, some five times smaller than what Mr Smith nowadays pays at the gas pump. There is also plenty of interesting, exploratory science done at smaller scales, where polymers are used in electrostatic or piezoelectric generators, or as materials converting mechanical to chemical energy. Several proof-of-concept devices have been shown to produce enough energy to power personal electronic devices or drive laboratory-scale chemical reactions. Together, the large- and small-scale technologies constitute a realistic strategy to retrieve a sizeable fraction of energy stored in polymers that would otherwise be only presenting a serious environmental concern.
The Significance of Ethnicity in Immigrant Enterprises

The garment industry has long been an immigrant-dominated industry and has endured tremendous ethnic succession since the turn of the 20th century. Despite global competition in recent decades, this industry has struggled to sustain a stronghold in New York's economy, largely because of Asian immigrant entrepreneurship and Asian and Latino immigrant labor. Chin's Sewing Women delves into structural changes in garment work and provides a fresh sociological account of ethnic entrepreneurs and workers in this resilient immigrant industry of the 1990s.
Insulin stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 165 kDa protein that is associated with microsomal membranes of rat adipocytes

Abstract The β-subunit of the insulin receptor possesses an insulin-stimulatable protein tyrosine kinase activity. It has been widely postulated that this activity may mediate the transduction of the insulin signal by phosphorylation of cellular substrates involved in the mechanism of insulin action. We have identified, by immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies, a 165 kDa protein in rat adipocytes that is rapidly phosphorylated in response to insulin. Phosphorylation of this protein (pp165) occurs within 5–10 s of exposure to 10 nM insulin, suggesting that it may be a direct substrate for the insulin receptor. This protein was recovered in an intracellular membrane that fractionates with the low-density microsomes. Using discontinuos sucrose density-gradient centrifugation, pp165-containing vesicles were separated from other vesicles of the low-density microsomes including the glucose transporter-containing vesicles, indicating that pp165 is probably not a regulatory component of the vesicles that translocate glucose transporters in response to insulin. However, pp165 may be involved in conveying receptor activation at the cell surface to an intracellular site of insulin action.
Preparation and properties of transition metal β″ aluminas

Abstract Ion exchange techniques were used to produce a family of 3d transition metal β″-aluminas by substitution of the sodium ion content in Na + -β″-alumina single crystals. Complete or nearly complete replacement was obtained for Cr 3+ , Mn 2+ , Co 2+ , and Ni 2+ compositions. Optical properties of the crystals were studied and both broad absorption and broad fluorescence bands were observed. Environmental exposure produced detrimental effects over long time periods, suggesting hydration of the conduction planes.
Slipping and tripping: fall injuries in adults associated with rugs and carpets.

Background: Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury among adults age 65 years and older. Loose, unsecured rugs and damaged carpets with curled edges, are recognized environmental hazards that may contribute to falls. To characterize nonfatal, unintentional fall-related injuries associated with rugs and carpets in adults aged 65 years and older. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of surveillance data of injuries treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs) during 2001–2008. We used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program, which collects data from a nationally representative stratified probability sample of 66 U.S. hospital EDs. Sample weights were used to make national estimates. Results: Annually, an estimated 37,991 adults age 65 years or older were treated in U.S. EDs for falls associated with carpets (54.2%) and rugs (45.8%). Most falls (72.8%) occurred at home. Women represented 80.2% of fall injuries. The most common location for fall injuries in the home was the bathroom (35.7%). Frequent fall injuries occurred at the transition between carpet/rug and non-carpet/rug, on wet carpets or rugs, and while hurrying to the bathroom. Conclusion: Fall injuries associated with rugs and carpets are common and may cause potentially severe injuries. Older adults, their caregivers, and emergency and primary care physicians should be aware of the significant risk for fall injuries and of environmental modifications that may reduce that risk.
Ion chromatography of polyphosphates and polycarboxylates using a naphthalenetrisulfonate eluent with indirect photometric and conductivity detection

Abstract The potential of naphthalenetrisulfonate as a powerful displacing anionic eluent has been extended to the separation and detection of multivalent inorg