cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capillary-fiber geometry in pectoralis muscles of one of the smallest bats.

Abstract We previously reported striking similarities in the structural capacity for O 2 flux in the highly aerobic flight muscles of a hummingbird and bat despite their significant differences in capillary-fiber geometry and number, and fiber size. However, the bats of that study ( Eptesicus fuscus , BW 15–16 g) were about 5 times larger than the hummingbirds ( Selasphorus rufus ; BW 3–4 g). In this study, ww examined the flight muscle in a bat of approximately the same size as the hummingbird to determine whether features found in the big brown bat would be accentuated or if there would be additional similarities with the hummingbird. The pectoralis muscle of pipistrelle bats Pipistrellus hesperus (BW 3–5 g) was perfusion-fixed in situ, processed for electron microscopy and analyzed by morphometry. Fiber size (group mean ±SE, 314±22 μ m 2 at 2.1 μm sarcomere length) and capillary geometry (high degree of tortuosity and branching) were remarkably similar to those in pectoralis muscle of the big brown bat. Thus distances from capillaries to the center of the fibers were not reduced in pipistrelle flight muscle (as in hummingbird) nor was capillary tortuosity and branching further increased (compared with big brown bat). Capillary-fiber surface ratio at a given mitochondrial volume/μm length of fiber was high and similar to that in big brown bat and hummingbird, consistent with the idea that the size of the capillary-fiber interface plays an important role in providing the great O 2 flux potential in these muscles. In addition, capillary-fiber number at a given fiber mitochondrial volume per μm length of fiber was similar to that in other muscles including big brown bat and hummingbird flight muscle, bat hindlimb and rat M. soleus. This supports the notion of a close relationship between capillary number and mitochondrial volume on an individual fiber basis in aerobic muscles.
Influence of replacing barley grain with corn-based dried distillers grains with solubles on production and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing beef steers

A series of in vivo experiments was conducted for the effects of supplementing corn-based dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to a barley ration for growing and finishing beef steers on growth performance, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and carcass characteristics. Forty-five predominantly British-based crossbred steers (initial body weight (BW) = 257 ± 16 kg) were used in these trials. Steers were housed in groups of 5 in shaded pens, and they received one out of three treatment diets: control without DDGS (C), low inclusion level of DDGS (LD) and high inclusion level of DDGS (HD). The concentrate of the C diet consisted of only dry rolled barley, whereas the LD and the HD diets contained both dry rolled barley and DDGS. While the growing diet contained 105 and 175 g DDGS/kg diet dry matter (DM) to the LD and HD diets, the finishing diet comprised 114 and 183 g DDGS/kg diet DM to the LD and HD diets, respectively. In a completely randomized design, the growing and the finishing trials lasted for 84 and 112 d, respectively, and BW change, DM intake, average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F) and carcass characteristics were measured. Right after completion of the performance trials, a digestibility trial was performed to test the C and HD diets used in the growing trial to assess digestibility and ruminal fermentation in a replicated 2 × 2 Latin square design using four beef cows. Initial and final BW did not differ among treatments in the growing and the finishing trials (P>0.55). However, growing steers fed the
Scattering matrix elements for the fine structure transition B(2P1/2)+H2(j=0)↔B(2P3/2)+H2(j=0)

Abstract Scattering matrix elements for the fine structure transition B( 2 P 1/2 )+H 2 ( j =0)↔B( 2 P 3/2 )+H 2 ( j =0) are computed using a new application of the time dependent Channel Packet Method adapted for use with coupled potential energy surfaces. Using this approach, reactant and product channel packets are first prepared in the asymptotic limit on the 2 P 1/2 and 2 P 3/2 electronic surfaces. The channel packets are then propagated in time using the split operator method extended to include a unitary transformation between the diabatic and adiabatic representations. Scattering matrix elements are computed from the Fourier transform of the correlation function between the evolving channel packets.
A single protein research integrated advanced biochemistry laboratory course; spectroscopic determination of tyrosyl side chain pKa

Abstract The unique bio-analytical properties of the amino acid tyrosine (Tyr) are the focus of this experiment from the research oriented biochemistry laboratory course at our university. In the present study p K a 1 , p K a 2 , and p K a 3 values for free Tyr were estimated to be 2.30, 9.40, and 9.97, respectively, when free Tyr was titrated with 1 mM NaOH and 1 mM HCl using a pH meter. Spectrophotometric analysis of the phenolic side chain p K a 3 revealed a value of 10.14, which was consistent with the p K a s estimated from the pH meter. The results from this experiment will allow students to compare the free Tyr properties with those present in a protein.
Evidence for sar1-ala8-angiotensin crossing the blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier to antagonize central effects of angiotensin II

Abstract Injections of angiotensin II into the cerebral ventricles of the rat produces both a drinking and a pressor response. We have measured both responses simultaneously in conscious animals. The effect of saralasin acetate (P113), a specific angiotensin II competitive antagonist, has been studied on these angiotensin II induced responses. The results show that: (1) P113 given intravenously (i.v.) in doses of 500 ng/min or 1800 ng/min has no observable effect on 50 ng angiotensin given intraventricularly (IVT). At 72 μg/min, however, there was a 55% reduction in the drinking and pressor responses to 50 ng angiotensin II (IVT); (2) 500 ng of P113 given IVT abolished the effects of 50 ng angiotensin II also given IVT and (3) P113 given i.v. at all doses antagonized the pressor effects of angiotensin II (i.v.) responses. The data indicate that both the drinking and pressor responses to angiotensin II (IVT) injections are centrally mediated and show that when a high enough dose of P113 is given peripherally the central effects of angiotensin II can be reduced. This suggests that a fraction of the P113 injected i.v. may pass across the blood—CSF barrier. Since P113 has a similar structure to angiotensin II the results have implications for studies in which high peripheral doses of angiotensin II are used.
The Influence of Surface Morphology and Oxide Microstructure on the Nucleation and Growth of Uranium Hydride on Alpha Uranium

While the bulk kinetics of the uranium-hydrogen reaction are well understood, the mechanisms underlying the initial nucleation of uranium hydride on uranium remain controversial. In this study, the authors have employed environmental cell optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy, (AFM) in an attempt to relate the structure of the surface and the microstructure of the substrate with the susceptibility and site of hydride nucleation. Samples have been investigated with varying grain size, inclusion (carbide) concentration, and thermal history. There is a clear correlation to heat treatment immediately prior to hydrogen exposure. Susceptibility to hydride formation also appears to be related to impurities in the uranium. The oxidized surface is very complex, exhibiting wide variations in thickness and topography between samples, between grains in the same sample, and within individual grains. It is, however, very difficult to relate this fine scale variability to the relatively sparse hydride initiation sites. Therefore, the surface oxide layer itself does not appear to control the sites where hydride attack is initiated, although it must play a role in the induction period prior to hydride initiation.
Diamond thin film deposition in low-pressure premixed flames

A study of combustion synthesis of diamond films has been carried out using low-pressure, fuel-rich hydrocarbon/oxygen flames. Diamond growth results are reported for acetylene/oxygen, propylene/oxygen, and propane/oxygen flames. The best results are achieved with acetylene/oxygen flames, in which we have grown uniform, 5-cm-diameter polycrystalline films at up to 2.3 μm/h. The deposition rate in propane/oxygen is much lower (0.15 μm/h), and the diamond film quality is also lower. The experimental results are compared to the predictions of a numerical model that includes both detailed flame chemistry and simplified diamond surface chemistry. The comparison of the experimental conditions with the simulation results shows that diamond growth occurs for stoichiometries where a small amount of hydrocarbon ( The model correctly predicts the variation of film growth rate with changes in pressure, substrate temperature, and fuel type. For all flames, the absolute predicted growth rate is somewhat higher than measured, but the agreement is reasonable considering the modeling uncertainties associated with the high peak flame temperatures and incompletely understood diamond surface kinetics.
Audio Classification and Retrieval Using Wavelets and Gaussian Mixture Models

This paper presents an audio classification and retrieval system using wavelets for extracting low-level acoustic features. The author performed multiple-level decomposition using discrete wavelet transform to extract acoustic features from audio recordings at different scales and times. The extracted features are then translated into a compact vector representation. Gaussian mixture models with expectation maximization algorithm are used to build models for audio classes and individual audio examples. The system is evaluated using three audio classification tasks: speech/music, male/female speech, and music genre. They also show how wavelets and Gaussian mixture models are used for class-based audio retrieval in two approaches: indexing using only wavelets versus indexing by Gaussian components. By evaluating the system through 10-fold cross-validation, the author shows the promising capability of wavelets and Gaussian mixture models for audio classification and retrieval. They also compare how parameters including frame size, wavelet level, Gaussian components, and sampling size affect performance in Gaussian models.
Statistical Sleuthing by Leveraging Human Nature: A Study of Olympic Figure Skating

Analysis of figure skating scoring is notoriously difficult under the new Code of Points (CoP) scoring system, created following the judging scandal of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The CoP involves the selection of a random subpanel of judges; scores from other judges are reported but not used. An attempt to repeat the methods of previous studies establishing the presence of nationalistic bias in CoP scoring failed to recreate the competition scores from the raw scoring sheets. This raised the concern that different subpanels of judges were being selected for each skater (breaking ISU rules). However, it is also possible that the ISU was attempting to further reduce transparency in the system by permuting, separately for each skater, the order of the presentation of scores from the judging panel. Intuition suggests that it is impossible to tell the difference between accidental randomization and intentional permutation of the judges’ scores. Although the recent changes do successfully prevent the study ...
Maintaining smoking abstinence after myocardial infarction

Maintaining smoking abstinence after a myocardial infarction (MI) greatly reduces risks of recurrent disease morbidity and of mortality. Although post-MI patients appear to have better long-term rates of smoking abstinence compared with healthy groups, studies employing biochemical verification of smoking status generally indicate that only about one third of previously smoking post-MI patients remain abstinent at follow-up. Factors which may accompany the occurrence of a MI and which may be associated with maintenance of smoking abstinence include environmental changes aiding cessation (e.g., decreased exposure to smoking cues), increased social support from family, and stronger belief in the harmful effects of continued smoking. The usefulness of these factors in developing new treatments for maintaining abstinence in post-MI patients is discussed, and commonalities between efforts to maintain smoking abstinence in post-MI patients and avoidance of substance abuse in other groups at risk for serious health consequences are briefly noted.
Is There Any Role of Resecting the Stomach to Ameliorate Weight Loss and Sugar Control in Morbidly Obese Diabetic Patients

Among the restrictive procedures the role of restrictive vs. resecting the stomach is still ambiguous. This study evaluate which is the role of the stomach with respect to blood glucose levels (BG) and percent excess weight loss (EWL) over the 18 months after restrictive procedures in morbid obese diabetic patients. We retrospectively compared a group of patients who underwent partial gastrectomy (just part of the gastric body) with gastric banding (GBSR; n = 27), sleeve gastrectomy (part of gastric body and complete fundus resection; LSG; n = 53) to laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB; n = 100). Differences among groups at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months were evaluated by analysis of variance. The three cohorts were diabetic patients similar in BMI, age, and gender. At 12 and 18 months, LSG had higher EWL (P < 0.05) and lower BG (P < 0.05) than did either LAGB or GBSR. There were no operative deaths. Complications: LAGB—two staple-line oozing, two wound infections; LSG—one hemorrhage, two staple-line oozing, two leaks; GBSR—one hemorrhage, two wound infections. All complications were readily treated. LSG provides better weight loss and glucose control at 1 year and 1.5 years after surgery than does either LAGB or GBSR, suggesting that gastric fundus resection plays an important, not yet well-defined, role.
Relaxation neural network for nonorthogonal image transforms

Several image-processing problems require finding representations for 2-D signals in terms of expansion functions which, in general, may be either orthogonal nor complete. Finding the desired set of coefficients or feature descriptors in general can be difficult, both because of the nonorthogonality of the representation and because of the high dimensionality of (say) a 512*512 image. The present approach formulates the calculation of such coefficients as an optimization problem, which a three-layered relaxation network then solves. Examples of applications which are illustrated with nonorthogonal (yet complete) 2-D 'Gabor' transforms include: (1) image compression to below 1.0 b/pixel, and (2) textural image segmentation based on the clustering of the coefficients found by the relaxation network. >
Using large-scale neural models to interpret connectivity measures of cortico-cortical dynamics at millisecond temporal resolution.

Over the last two decades numerous functional imaging studies have shown that higher order cognitive functions are crucially dependent on the formation of distributed, large-scale neuronal assemblies (neurocognitive networks), often for very short durations. This has fueled the development of a vast number of functional connectivity measures that attempt to capture the spatiotemporal evolution of neurocognitive networks. Unfortunately, interpreting the neural basis of goal directed behavior using connectivity measures on neuroimaging data are highly dependent on the assumptions underlying the development of the measure, the nature of the task, and the modality of the neuroimaging technique that was used. This paper has two main purposes. The first is to provide an overview of some of the different measures of functional/effective connectivity that deal with high temporal resolution neuroimaging data. We will include some results that come from a recent approach that we have developed to identify the formation and extinction of task-specific, large-scale neuronal assemblies from electrophysiological recordings at a ms-by-ms temporal resolution. The second purpose of this paper is to indicate how to partially validate the interpretations drawn from this (or any other) connectivity technique by using simulated data from large-scale, neurobiologically realistic models. Specifically, we applied our recently developed method to realistic simulations of MEG data during a delayed match-to-sample task condition and a passive viewing of stimuli condition using a large-scale neural model of the ventral visual processing pathway. Simulated MEG data using simple head models were generated from sources placed in V1, V4, IT, and prefrontal Cortex (PFC) for the passive viewing condition. The results show how closely the conclusions obtained from the functional connectivity method match with what actually occurred at the neuronal network level.
Time course of selective attention in clinically depressed young adults: An eye tracking study

Abstract Depressed individuals display biased attention for emotional information when stimuli are presented for relatively “long” (e.g., 1 s) durations. The current study examined whether attentional biases are sustained over a much longer period. Specifically, clinically depressed and never depressed young adults simultaneously viewed images from four emotion categories (sad, threat, positive, neutral) for 30 s while line of visual gaze was assessed. Depressed individuals spent significantly more time viewing dysphoric images and less time viewing positive images than their never depressed counterparts. Time course analyses indicated that these biases were maintained over the course of the trial. Results suggest that depressed participants' attentional biases for dysphoric information are sustained for relatively long periods even when other emotional stimuli are present. Mood congruent information-processing biases appear to be a robust feature of depression and may have an important role in the maintenance of the disorder.
Use of digital control theory state space formalism for feedback at SLC

The algorithms used in the database-driven SLC fast-feedback system are based on the state-space formalism of digital control theory. These are implemented as a set of matrix equations which use a Kalman filter to estimate a vector of states from a vector of measurements and then apply a gain matrix to determine the actuator settings from the state vector. The matrices used in the calculation are derived offline using linear quadratic Gaussian minimization. For a given noise spectrum, this procedure minimizes the RMS of the states (e.g., the position or energy of the beam). The offline program also allows simulation of the loop's response to arbitrary inputs and calculates its frequency response. >
Consumer Insights from Peer-to-Peer Communication in an Online Health Community of Weight Management

To demonstrate a theory-based method of identifying consumer insights in online peer-to-peer discussion, the present study analyzed posts from The Biggest Loser League, a weight-management online community, and found a considerable proportion of posts revealing negative attitudes toward food and beverage products, a lack of discussion on healthy food and beverage choices, and higher frequencies of content related to verbal persuasion and mastery experience. These findings suggest that sources of self-efficacy are a frequent topic in online discussions. While Bandura's (1997) model theorizes that verbal persuasion is the third most powerful source of self-efficacy, findings from the present study suggest that the sources of self-efficacy communication depend upon the mode of the communication. Specifically, people expect to exchange encouragement (verbal persuasion) more often in online all-peer communication. Practically, the present study suggests that participating online health communities can help to ...
Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Toxicity of Targeted Cancer Therapeutics

In 2002, Hoshijima and Chien drew largely theoretical parallels between the dysregulation of the signaling pathways driving cancer and those driving cardiac hypertrophy (Hoshijima M, Chien KR. J Clin Invest. 2002;109:849-855). On the surface, this statement appeared to stretch the limits of reason, given the fact that cancer cells are known for their proliferative capacity, and adult cardiomyocytes are, except under unusual circumstances, terminally differentiated and incapable of re-entering the cell cycle. However, on closer examination, there are numerous parallels between signaling pathways that drive tumorigenesis and signaling pathways that regulate hypertrophic responses and survival in cardiomyocytes. Indeed, this issue appears to be at the core of the cardiotoxicity (often manifest as a dilated cardiomyopathy) that can result from treatment with agents typically referred to as "targeted therapeutics," which target specific protein kinases that are dysregulated in cancer. Herein, we examine the cardiotoxicity of targeted therapeutics, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms, thereby allowing an understanding of the problem but also allowing the identification of novel, and sometimes surprising, roles played by protein kinases in the heart.
Speaking Out: An Analysis of Democratic and Republican Woman-Invoked Rhetoric of the 105th Congress

SUMMARY. This study demonstrates that Republican female House members invoke women in their public statements at the same frequency as their Democratic counterparts. Despite this congruency, the specific issues that female partisan legislators emphasize when they invoke women in their statements are quite different. Republican women discuss how tax, business, and pension laws affect working women while Democratic female representatives concern themselves with laudatory tributes and funding for welfare state programs. In addition to controlling for party, the explanatory variable of race is also introduced to explain variation in emphasis, particularly regarding the issue of abortion. Congressional Record entries contributed by the female members of the 105th Congress in 1997 serve as the data for this analysis. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: © 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
Contextual effects in social judgment

Judges were asked to evaluate the overall performance of hypothetical students, given their scores on two examinations. The distribution of total scores was manipulated in order to investigate the loci of contextual effects. The interaction between the two exams was reversed by manipulation of the distribution. When the distribution of total scores was positively skewed, judgments showed a convergent interaction as a function of the two exams; when the distribution was negatively skewed, the interaction was divergent. The data were consistent with the hypothesis that the distribution of total scores affects only the transformation from integrated impressions to overt responses. This transformation (judgment function) was well-described by an extension of range-frequency theory. The finding that the interaction can be manipulated by changing the stimulus distribution has methodological implications for the popular interpretation of interactions or lack thereof. A good model may be improperly rejected or a bad one improperly retained through lack of attention to contextual effects. Many social judgments such as jury decisions, evaluations of applicants, and likableness judgments require the integration of two or more pieces of information. To investigate models of how the subject integrates information, judgments are often plotted as a function of the value of one cue with a separate curve for each level of the other cues. This graph is then interpreted as evidence for a particular model of information integration, If either an additive or parallel-averaging model is appropriate
14-3-3σ is required to prevent mitotic catastrophe after DNA damage

14-3-3Sigma is a member of a family of proteins that regulate cellular activity by binding and sequestering phosphorylated proteins. It has been suggested that 14-3-3sigma promotes pre-mitotic cell-cycle arrest following DNA damage, and that its expression can be controlled by the p53 tumour suppressor gene. Here we describe an improved approach to the generation of human somatic-cell knockouts, which we have used to generate human colorectal cancer cells in which both 14-3-3sigma alleles are inactivated. After DNA damage, these cells initially arrested in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, but, unlike cells containing 14-3-3sigma, the 14-3-3sigma-/- cells were unable to maintain cell-cycle arrest. The 14-3-3sigma-/- cells died ('mitotic catastrophe') as they entered mitosis. This process was associated with a failure of the 14-3-3sigma-deficient cells to sequester the proteins (cyclin B1 and cdc2) that initiate mitosis and prevent them from entering the nucleus. These results may indicate a mechanism for maintaining the G2 checkpoint and preventing mitotic death.
Towards Regulatory Compliance: Extracting Rights and Obligations to Align Requirements with Regulations

In the United States, federal and state regulations prescribe stakeholder rights and obligations that must be satisfied by the requirements for software systems. These regulations are typically wrought with ambiguities, making the process of deriving system requirements ad hoc and error prone. In highly regulated domains such as healthcare, there is a need for more comprehensive standards that can be used to assure that system requirements conform to regulations. To address this need, we expound upon a process called Semantic Parameterization previously used to derive rights and obligations from privacy goals. In this work, we apply the process to the Privacy Rule from the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We present our methodology for extracting and prioritizing rights and obligations from regulations and show how semantic models can be used to clarify ambiguities through focused elicitation and to balance rights with obligations. The results of our analysis can aid requirements engineers, standards organizations, compliance officers, and stakeholders in assuring systems conform to policy and satisfy requirements.
Primary requirements for an ethical definition of pain

The current definition of pain adopted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the American Pain Society (APS) chapter of the IASP is unacceptable because its claims and consequences are inconsistent with the IASP's stated purpose. The definition's apparent claims that (1) only effective communication of pain brings pain into existence, and that (2) researchers and clinicians are merely objective evaluators of whether such communication has occurred are inconsistent with the lASP's purpose to improve care of patients with acute and chronic pain through attention to patients, to the relationship between them and their caregivers, and to social policy. The definition's success at rejecting the consequences of Cartesian dualism is only partial. The definition contributes to a lack of justice for nonverbal patients.
Testing for the shoulder condition in transect sampling

We propose a nonparametric procedure for testing the shoulder condition of a detection function based on line transect sampling without size-bias.This would provide a guideline in devising an appropriate kernel in estimating the value of a density at its left support point, a quantity of particular interest in assessing wildlife abundance.
Trans-cuff Portal for Arthroscopic Posterior Capsulorrhaphy

Arthroscopic repair of posterior shoulder instability is becoming an accepted method of treatment. Most surgeons perform this procedure with the patient in a lateral decubitus position to facilitate access to the posterior glenoid. We have developed an accessory portal placed through the midportion of the rotator cuff that allows easy and complete viewing of the posterior glenohumeral joint when the patient is in a beach chair position and does not require the use of traction. This portal provides a superior-to-inferior view of the posterior glenoid rim and capsule and allows use of anterior and posterior routine portals for posterior Bankart repair. In this study, the technique of posterior labral repair in the beach chair position with use of the trans-cuff portal is described, and preliminary results in 5 patients at an average follow-up of 24 months are presented. Through this approach, we were able to place 3 anchors, with the lowest at the 7 o'clock position (for a right shoulder), in all patients. Mean American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score improved from 53 +/- 15 preoperatively to 87 +/- 8 postoperatively (P < .01). All patients had an excellent result with complete resolution of pain and instability.
Comparison of molecular breeding values based on within- and across-breed training in beef cattle

Background: Although the efficacy of genomic predictors based on within-breed training looks promising, it is necessary to develop and evaluate across-breed predictors for the technology to be fully applied in the beef industry. The efficacies of genomic predictors trained in one breed and utilized to predict genetic merit in differing breeds based on simulation studies have been reported, as have the efficacies of predictors trained using data from multiple breeds to predict the genetic merit of purebreds. However, comparable studies using beef cattle field data have not been reported. Methods: Molecular breeding values for weaning and yearling weight were derived and evaluated using a database containing BovineSNP50 genotypes for 7294 animals from 13 breeds in the training set and 2277 animals from seven breeds (Angus, Red Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Limousin, and Simmental) in the evaluation set. Six single-breed and four across-breed genomic predictors were trained using pooled data from purebred animals. Molecular breeding values were evaluated using field data, including genotypes for 2227 animals and phenotypic records of animals born in 2008 or later. Accuracies of molecular breeding values were estimated based on the genetic correlation between the molecular breeding value and trait phenotype. Results: With one exception, the estimated genetic correlations of within-breed molecular breeding values with trait phenotype were greater than 0.28 when evaluated in the breed used for training. Most estimated genetic correlations for the across-breed trained molecular breeding values were moderate (> 0.30). When molecular breeding values were evaluated in breeds that were not in the training set, estimated genetic correlations clustered around zero. Conclusions: Even for closely related breeds, within- or across-breed trained molecular breeding values have limited prediction accuracy for breeds that were not in the training set. For breeds in the training set, across- and within-breed trained molecular breeding values had similar accuracies. The benefit of adding data from other breeds to a within-breed training population is the ability to produce molecular breeding values that are more robust across breeds and these can be utilized until enough training data has been accumulated to allow for a within-breed training set.
A Burden of Support? Household Structure and Economic Resources Among Mexican Immigrant Families

The children of Mexican immigrants face formidable barriers to achieving socioeconomic mobility due to their parents’ precarious economic position and high rates of unauthorized status. In the short term, Mexican immigrants often coreside in extended household living arrangements with extended kin and unrelated friends and associates to shelter themselves from economic deprivation and insecurity of unauthorized status. Using individual-level Census data, the present study examines how family economic resources relate to household living arrangements. The results are consistent with various theories of immigrant household formation, especially those that explain household structure in terms of economic need and processes of immigration. Families residing in extended arrangements are unique, however, in terms of how often they include a householder and how much they contribute to total household resources, indicators that families may hold more supportive roles within extended households. The implications o...
The Distal ExsA-Binding Site in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Promoters Is the Primary Determinant for Promoter-Specific Properties

Transcription of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system is controlled by ExsA, a member of the AraC/XylS family of regulators. Each ExsA-dependent promoter contains two adjacent binding sites for monomeric ExsA. The promoter-proximal site (binding site 1) consists of highly conserved GnC and TGnnA sequences that are individually recognized by the two helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA-binding motifs of an ExsA monomer. While the GnC and TGnnA sequences are important for binding to site 1, the promoter-distal binding sites (site 2) lack obvious similarity among themselves or with binding site 1. In the present study, we demonstrate that site 2 in the PexsC promoter region contains a GnC sequence that is functionally equivalent to the GnC in site 1 and recognized by the first HTH motif of an ExsA monomer. Likewise, the second HTH interacts with an adenine residue in binding site 2. Although several candidate GnC sequences are also present in site 2 of the PexsD, PexoT, and PpcrG promoters, the GnC sequences were not required for ExsA-dependent transcription or ExsA binding. A comparison of hybrid promoters composed of binding site 2 from one promoter fused to binding site 1 derived from another promoter indicates that ExsA-binding affinity, promoter strength, and the degree of promoter bending are properties that are largely determined by binding site 2. Based on these data, we propose that the manner in which ExsA interacts with binding site 2 at the PexsC promoter is distinct from the interactions occurring at other promoters.
The United States–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) and Its Impacts on China’s Textile and Apparel Exports to the United States:

This study is an empirical evaluation of the impact of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) on China's textile and apparel (T&A) exports to the United States, with special focus on potential...
For the arch: Where there is urine, there is hope

For the treatment of patients undergoing open surgical correction of pathology involving the transverse aortic arch, deep or profound hypothermic circulatory arrest as originally described in 1975 by Griepp and colleagues 1 remains the standard approach for cerebral and systemic protection. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest successfully allows for a bloodless operative field and visceral protection as a consequence of a reduction, although not the elimination, of systemic metabolic demands. The optimal protection strategy remains a source of debate, investigation, and evolution. 2 Since the advent of selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, there has been a progressively increasing interest in carrying out such procedures at higher temperatures, specifically, moderate hypothermia in the 20 Ct o 28C range. This has been in part an effort to offset the negative consequences of deeper temperatures, which include coagulopathy, renal failure, respiratory failure, and endothelial dysfunction. Although the use of selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and higher temperatures may ameliorate some of these consequences, it can place noncerebral organs at increased risk if subjected to prolonged ischemia at higher temperatures. Othershaveinvestigatedthebenefitsofhighertemperature
Microfluidics for High-Throughput Quantitative Studies of Early Development

Developmental biology has traditionally relied on qualitative analyses; recently, however, as in other fields of biology, researchers have become increasingly interested in acquiring quantitative knowledge about embryogenesis. Advances in fluorescence microscopy are enabling high-content imaging in live specimens. At the same time, microfluidics and automation technologies are increasing experimental throughput for studies of multicellular models of development. Furthermore, computer vision methods for processing and analyzing bioimage data are now leading the way toward quantitative biology. Here, we review advances in the areas of fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, and data analysis that are instrumental to performing high-content, high-throughput studies in biology and specifically in development. We discuss a case study of how these techniques have allowed quantitative analysis and modeling of pattern formation in the Drosophila embryo.
Penetration and local effect of vitamin A on the skin of the guinea pig.

SummaryVitamin A dissolved in alcohol or chloroform penetrates the intact skin quickly by way of the sebaceous glands. Dissolved in linoleic or oleic acid, or in a viscous petrolatum paste, it penetrates more slowly. Vit. A dissolved in oleic or linoleic acid or in alcohol causes an hypertrophy of the epidermis, but a similar hypertrophy is brought about by the fatty acids alone. Whereas the fatty acids, with or without vit. A, seem to retard keratinization slightly, the vitamin dissolved in alcohol does not. Hair growth was unimpaired even when the skin had received massive doses of vit. A dissolved in alcohol.
Characterization of Surface Mechanical Properties and Residual Stresses in Ion Implanted Nickel

In this study, we have measured changes in hardness and residual stress state in polycrystalline nickel samples which have undergone a variety of ion beam surface treatments including self-implantation, amorphization by ion beam mixing Ni-Al multilayers, and the formation of a two-phase microstructure by elevated temperature aluminum implantation. Hardness-depth profiles of the the near-surface regions were determined using an ultra-low load microindentation system, and residual stress states induced by the surface modifications were analyzed using optical interferometry. These property changes were correlated with the accumulation of surface fatigue damage.
Explaining variation in hospice visit intensity for routine home care.

BACKGROUND Medicare pays a flat per diem rate by level of hospice service without case-mix adjustment, although previous research shows that visit intensity varies considerably over the course of hospice episodes. Concerns pertain to the inherent financial incentives for routine home care, the most frequently used level, and whether payment efficiency can be improved using case-mix adjustment. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess variation in hospice visit intensity during hospice episodes by patient, hospice, and episode characteristics to inform policy discussions regarding hospice payment methods. RESEARCH DESIGN This observational study used Medicare claims for hospice episodes in 2010. Multiple observations were constructed per episode phase (eg, days 1-14, 15-30, etc.). Episode phase and observed characteristics were regressed on average routine home care visit intensity per day; patient and hospice fixed effects controlled for unobserved characteristics. MEASURES Visit intensity was constructed using national wages to weight visits by provider type. Observed patient characteristics included age, sex, race, diagnoses, venue of care, use of other hospice levels of care, and discharge status; hospice characteristics included ownership, affiliation, size, and urban/state location. RESULTS Visit intensity varied substantially by episode phase. This pattern was largely invariant to observed patient and hospice characteristics, which explained <4% of variation in visit intensity per day after adjusting for episode phase. Unobserved patient characteristics explained approximately 85% of remaining variation. CONCLUSIONS These results show that case-mix adjustment based on commonly observed factors would only minimally improve hospice payment methodology.
Oral contraceptives: a demographic survey of military dependents.

Medical histories and questionnaires were obtained from 6063 women through the family planning and postpartum clinics of the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center Denver Colorado. The questionnaires were cross-checked with the patient master file through 2 computer retrieval program systems. 60% of the women were currently using oral contraceptives 21% had discontinued useand 19% had never used them. Mean age was 28.4 years with 63% between 20-29 years. 100 women (2%) became pregnant while taking oral contraceptives; 81% reported a normal pregnancy and 94% a normal baby. Of the 1240 current and ever-users who stopped taking the pill and subsequently became pregnant 92% reported normal pregnancy and 97% a normal baby. Of the 2958 women who stopped oral contraceptives for 3 months or more 82% resumed normal menstrual cycles within 3 months. (20% stopped on the advice of their physician and 15% because they did not like the pill.) Medical histories showed the current or ever-users had significantly (p< .05) more problems with miscarriages kidney or bladder trouble migraine headaches arthritis and bone disease and surgery on female organs. Significantly more users had vaginal irritation breast discomfort swelling of hands and feet abnormal menstrual periods emotional irritability related to menstrual period intermenstrual bleeding vaginitis and cervical erosion. Type of contraceptive used did not have a significant relationship to any of these problems. However complications seemed to be more common with formulations of higher clinical potency. Of 21 babies born to mothers who had continued taking oral contraceptives 1-5 months while pregnant 3 had minor birth defects and 1 had a major anomaly.
Urolithiasis in primary care.

SUMMARY Urolithiasis is a common, multifactorial, medically manageable disease. Primary care physicians can play a prominent role in metabolic evaluation and medical treatment of patients with urolithiasis. Patients should be referred for urologic evaluation in the presence of intractable urinary tract infection, progressive renal damage, urinary obstruction, refractory pain, or presence of stones of uncertain etiology. Expectant management of symptomatic ureteral stones can be undertaken by a primary care physician in conjunction with urologic support. Interventional treatment of urinary stones has improved markedly with the availability of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, and percutaneous stone removal. In patients with certain types of urinary stones, medical treatment can greatly reduce the incidence of subsequent stone-forming episodes.
Intrauterine migration of the porcine embryo--interaction of embryo, uterine flushings and indomethacin on myometrial function in vitro

Twenty-four pregnant Landrace and Yorkshire gilts were utilized to examine the relationship between myometrial activity and intrauterine embryo migration. On d 2 (1st day of estrus = d 0), embryos were flushed from one oviduct and transferred to the opposite oviduct. Uterine horns were ligated at the uterotubal junction on the flushed side and 40 and 50 cm posterior to the uterotubal junction on each side. On d 6, 9 or 12 (n = 8), embryo migration was determined by flushing segments of the excised uterus. Strips of myometrium from the pregnant and nonpregnant horn of each gilt were subsequently removed and assigned to one of the three in vitro experiments to examine the effects of the embryo and uterine flushings on myometrial contractility. Myometrial contractility increased concomitantly with embryo migration through the uterine ligations (day x side interaction, P less than .10). Uterine flushings from pregnant horns contained a short-acting substance that mimicked, in part, the stimulatory influence(s) of the in situ embryo on in vitro myometrial contractility. However, only flushings from the uterine segment containing the d 12 embryos could overcome the in vitro inhibitory effects of indomethacin (P less than .01) on myometrial contractility. The porcine embryo coincubated with myometrial strips could not directly stimulate contractions of the myometrium. Results of these experiments indicate that in gilts the stimulatory influence(s) of the migrating embryo on myometrial function may involve a "hormonal" factor of short half-life that does not directly affect the smooth muscle cell.
Comparison of nuclear pulse reactor facilities with reactivity-initiated-accident testing capability

Abstract Transient testing of advanced nuclear fuels and other structural materials is pivotal for the research, development, and ultimate demonstration of nuclear energy. Transient testing capabilities exist on a global scale, but these various facilities have different operations and design characteristics. Furthermore, the irradiation experiment vehicles (IEV) used in these transient reactor facilities have varying designs depending on the materials and experiment requirements. The advantages and disadvantages of each facility are presented and discussed by comparing the design and capabilities across nuclear transient reactor facilities (TRF). Further, a discussion of a specific IEV from each TRF shows the operational similarities and differences across TRFs. This comparison shows how some TRF designs are best suited for specific research areas and how others are being re-designed with flexible capabilities in mind. This inventory and comparison of global nuclear transient testing capabilities provides insight into the history, current status and future of nuclear fuel and technology development.
Toward animating water with complex acoustic bubbles

This paper explores methods for synthesizing physics-based bubble sounds directly from two-phase incompressible simulations of bubbly water flows. By tracking fluid-air interface geometry, we identify bubble geometry and topological changes due to splitting, merging and popping. A novel capacitance-based method is proposed that can estimate volume-mode bubble frequency changes due to bubble size, shape, and proximity to solid and air interfaces. Our acoustic transfer model is able to capture cavity resonance effects due to near-field geometry, and we also propose a fast precomputed bubble-plane model for cheap transfer evaluation. In addition, we consider a bubble forcing model that better accounts for bubble entrainment, splitting, and merging events, as well as a Helmholtz resonator model for bubble popping sounds. To overcome frequency bandwidth limitations associated with coarse resolution fluid grids, we simulate micro-bubbles in the audio domain using a power-law model of bubble populations. Finally, we present several detailed examples of audiovisual water simulations and physical experiments to validate our frequency model.