cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3002: Bone-protective curcumin circulates as a pro-drug conjugate that is activated in bone by β-glucuronidase

Curcumin (CURC), a turmeric-derived dietary polyphenol, prevents osteoclast formation and bone resorption in murine models of arthritis, post-menopausal osteoporosis, and bone metastatic breast cancer despite being rapidly conjugated upon ingestion in both rodents and humans to form curcumin-glucuronide (G-CURC). However, recent studies from our laboratory demonstrate that aglycone CURC is enriched in bone relative to the circulation. Studies were therefore undertaken to compare the anti-resorptive effects of aglycone CURC vs G-CURC and to elucidate mechanisms responsible for enrichment of aglycone CURC in bone, including clinically relevant influences of age, sex, and reproductive status. CURC dose-dependently inhibited RANKL-stimulated osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 cell cultures, while G-CURC was without effect. Likewise, CURC dose-dependently inhibited TGFβ-stimulated PTHrP secretion from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, which readily form PTHrP-driven osteolytic bone metastases in vivo. In wild type (WT) C57BL/6J mice, heparanase (HPSE) and β-glucuronidase (GUSB) were the only enzymes with reported deglucuronidation activity expressed in bone (Western). However, only GUSB was able to recognize G-CURC as a substrate, deconjugating G-CURC to form CURC (LC/MS). Consistent with these findings, tissue-specific levels of CURC were highest in bone (vs. heart, muscle, or kidney) and proportional to tissue specific GUSB enzyme activity. To verify the role of GUSB in CURC bone enrichment, CURC metabolism and GUSB enzyme expression and activity were compared among mice with normal levels of GUSB (C57BL/6J) vs. partial (C3H/HeJ) or complete (mucopolysaccharidosis VII (mps/mps]) deficiencies in GUSB expression. As expected, partial (55% of WT) or complete deficiencies in GUSB expression significantly reduced CURC enrichment in bone. While GUSB can be positively regulated by pharmacologic doses of androgens, neither male sex nor ovariectomy (OVX) altered GUSB activity (per protein) in bone relative to intact females, although a small but statistically significant increase in free curcumin was demonstrated in males (17%) and OVX females (10%). Age did not significantly change the enrichment of CURC in bone of 4 vs 28-week mice. These findings suggest bio-inactive G-CURC acts as pro-drug that is converted to active CURC within bone, independent of sex, age or reproductive status, where it can inhibit the formation of bone resorbing osteoclasts or secretion of osteolytic PTHrP from breast cancer bone metastases. Citation Format: Andrew Kunihiro, Julia A. Brickey, jennifer B. Frye, Paula B. Luis, Claus Schneider, Janet L. Funk. Bone-protective curcumin circulates as a pro-drug conjugate that is activated in bone by β-glucuronidase [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3002.
A reproductive arrest program triggered by defects in Piwi and germ granules

In several species, Piwi/piRNA genome silencing defects lead to immediate sterility accompanied by heterochromatin dysfunction and transposon-induced genomic instability, which may cause Piwi mutant sterility. In C. elegans, Piwi pathway mutants transmit a heritable stress through germ cells that induces sterility after growth for several generations. We found that sterile Piwi pathway mutant germ cells displayed inconsistent increases in DNA damage but consistently altered perinuclear germ granules that are known to promote fertility. Germ granule dysfunction did not elicit transposon expression but was sufficient to induce multiple phenotypes found in sterile Piwi silencing mutants, including germline atrophy and regrowth. Furthermore, loss of the germ granule component PGL-1 accelerated sterility in response to deficiency for prg-1/Piwi. Restoration of germ granule function to sterile pgl-1 mutants restored their fertility. Together, our results suggest that germ granule defects may promote an adult reproductive arrest phenotype that is responsible for Piwi/piRNA mutant sterility.
Kinetic modeling of electrocatalytic oxygen reduction products from lipid-modified electrodes

O2 reduction can occur via 1e−, 2e−, and 4e− pathways to yield O2−, H2O2, and H2O, respectively. Experimentally, it is often difficult to distinguish between the 1e− and 2e− pathways because O2− rapidly disproportionates in acidic and neutral aqueous solutions to H2O2 and O2. In this manuscript, we combine a mathematical model with previous experimental results with O2 reduction electrocatalysts on lipid-modified electrodes. The model demonstrates that for a typical O2 reduction catalyst, the individual rate constants for the 1e−, 2e−, and 4e− pathways can be determined within a fairly narrow range with O2 reduction current and H2O2 production rates as the only experimental inputs. This model will aid electrochemists in assessing the mechanism and selectivity of O2 reduction catalysts.
Dynamics and Control of Stochastically Switching Networks: Beyond Fast Switching

Many complex systems throughout science and engineering display on-off intermittent coupling among their units. Stochastically blinking networks as a specific type of temporal networks are particularly relevant models for such sporadically interacting systems. In blinking networks, connections between oscillators stochastically switch in time with a given switching period. Most of the current understanding of dynamics of such switching temporal networks relies on the fast switching hypothesis, where the network dynamics evolves at a much faster time scale than the individual units. In this chapter, we go beyond fast switching and uncover highly nontrivial phenomena by which a network can switch between asynchronous regimes and synchronize against all odds. We review a series of our recent papers and provide analytical insight into the existence of windows of opportunity, where network synchronization may be induced through non-fast switching. Using stability and ergodic theories, we demonstrate the emergence of windows of opportunity and elucidate their nontrivial relationship with network dynamics under static coupling. In particular, we derive analytical criteria for the stability of synchronization for two coupled maps and the ability of a single map to control an arbitrary network of maps. This work not only presents new phenomena in stochastically switching dynamical networks, but also provides a rigorous basis for understanding the dynamic mechanisms underlying the emergence of windows of opportunity and leveraging non-fast switching in the design of temporal networks.
Impact of motor therapy with dynamic body-weight support on Functional Independence Measures in traumatic brain injury: An exploratory study

Background Contemporary goals of rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) aim to improve cognitive and motor function by applying concepts of neuroplasticity. This can be challenging to carry out in TBI patients with motor, balance, and cognitive impairments. Objective To determine whether use of dynamic body-weight support (DBWS) would allow safe administration of intensive motor therapy during inpatient rehabilitation and whether its use would yield greater improvement in functional recovery than standard-of-care (SOC) therapy in adults with TBI. Methods Data in this retrospective cohort study was collected from patients with TBI who receive inpatient rehabilitation incorporating DBWS (n = 6) and who received inpatient rehabilitation without DBWS (SOC, n = 6). The primary outcome measure was the change in Functional Independence Measures (FIM) scores from admission to discharge. Results There was significant improvement in total FIM scores at discharge compared to admission for both the DBWS (p = 0.001) and SOC (p = 0.005) groups. Overall, the DBWS group had greater improvement in total FIM score and FIM subscales compared to the SOC group. Conclusions Our results suggest DBWS has the potential to allow a greater intensity of therapy during inpatient rehabilitation and yield better outcomes compared to SOC in patients with TBI.
A storm of swords and spears: The weapon dancer as an enduring symbol in prehistoric Scandinavia

The past fifteen years have witnessed increasing effort to study and understand the belief system of Bronze Age Scandinavia. Different forms of material culture—including rock art and metalwork—and...
3.327 – Intracellular Probes

One intriguing challenge in modern biology is to characterize and understand the spatial and temporal underpinnings of life inside cells. Deciphering this complex system of interacting molecules inside and among cells is one of the long-term goals of biology. In this chapter, we describe some unique optical techniques for intracellular sensing. We review fluorescence-based intracellular probes with a brief description of fluorescence phenomena and measurement techniques and describe the use of conventional fluorescent dye molecules for intracellular imaging. Considering enormous influence of nanomaterials in this field, we have paid particular attention to the nanoplatform-based fluorescent probes. At the end, we also review optical label-free nanoprobes which can be detected by conventional optical instruments.
Optical lattice platform for the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model

The tractability of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model at the large $N$ limit makes it ideal to theoretically study its chaotic non-Fermi liquid behavior and holographic duality properties. We show that the complex SYK Hamiltonian emerges from a system of spinless itinerant fermionic atoms in an optical kagome lattice with a strong disorder. We discuss the regimes supporting flat band spectra in a kagome lattice, where the system can be nondispersive. Random interaction between nondispersive fermions is induced due to randomly distributed immobile impurities in the optical lattice, that impede the presence of itinerant fermions at their locations. We show that the proposed setup represents a maximally chaotic system and is a reliable experimental platform to realize the SYK model and study its exotic behavior. We show that the velocity distribution of the released fermions is a sensitive probe of the many-body Wigner-Dyson spectral density of states while the averaged many-body Loschmidt echo scheme can measure two-point out-of-time-ordered correlation functions of the SYK system.
Analysis of clinical characteristics in 857 patients with pediatric pertussis in Xi′an

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics in children with pertussis, and to provide a scientific basis for treatment of pertussis. Methods Retrospective analysis of general data, symptoms, signs, auxiliary examinations, treatment and prognosis was performed on the patients with pediatric pertussis in Xi′an from January 2015 to December 2016; the epidemiological data were analyzed by using descriptive approach. Results In a total of 857 patients with pertussis, there were 469 males and 388 females (the gender ratio of 1.211.00), 183 cases (21.3%) from the urban areas and 674 cases (78.7%) from the rural areas.The cases were reported throughout the year, indicating 2 peak times of onset: 355 cases (41.5%) from July to September and 218 cases (25.4%) from February to April.And 473 cases (55.2%) were younger than 6 months; 479 cases (55.9%) were inoculated with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis combined vaccine(DTP) vaccine; 492 cases (57.4%) were exposed to their family members who coughed at that time.Cough was the main symptom, and the median duration of pertussis from onset to diagnosis was 20 days.Concomitant symptoms included spasmodic cough was relieved in 836 cases (97.5%), facial suffusion in 806 cases (94.0%), peri-oral cyanosis in 308 cases (35.9%), asthma in 269 cases (31.4%), crow-like echo in 248 cases (28.9%), and apnea in 46 cases (5.4%); pulmonary moist rale was found by check-up in 761 cases (88.8%), and fever was observed in 159 cases (18.5%). The increased proportion of the peripheral blood lymphocytes was found in 702 cases (81.9%), the increased total count of leukocytes in 505 cases (58.9%), the increased procalcitonin(PCT) in 36 cases (4.2%) and the elevated level of high sensitivity C reactive protein(hsCRP) in 17 cases (2.0%); pneumonia was suggested by chest radiography in 673 cases (78.5%); in the blood-gas analysis, hypoxemia was suggested in 50 cases (5.8%) and respiratory failure in 9 cases (1.1%). In the 857 patients with pertussis, 59 cases (6.9%) were with severe-type pertussis.At 1 week of the treatment, no spasmodic cough was reported in 515 cases (60.1%) and obviously relieved spasmodic cough in 198 cases (23.1%), and no deaths occurred. Conclusions The cases of pertussis occur throughout the year in Xi′an, predominately from July to September and February to April.A higher incidence is reported in the rural areas, compared with the urban areas, particularly in those younger than 6 months with incomplete DTP vaccination, who usually have severe conditions.In many cases, those with pediatric pertussis are infected by family members; most of them have spasmodic cough with good prognosis, without typical clinical signs. Key words: Pertussis; Epidemiologic characteristics; Clinical characteristics
Decoding of persistent multiscale structures in complex biological networks

Abstract Networks of genes, proteins, and cells exhibit significant multiscale organization, with distinct communities appearing at different spatial resolutions. Here, we apply the concept of ‘persistent homology’ to identify network communities that persist within defined scale ranges, yielding a hierarchy of robust structures in data. Application to mouse single-cell transcriptomes significantly expands the catalog of cell types identified by current tools, while analysis of SARS-COV-2 networks suggests pro-viral hijacking of WNT.
Approximation Algorithms for Training One-Node ReLU Neural Networks

Training a one-node neural network with the ReLU activation function via optimization, which we refer to as the ON-ReLU problem, is a fundamental problem in machine learning. In this paper, we begin by proving the NP-hardness of the ON-ReLU problem. We then present an approximation algorithm to solve the ON-ReLU problem, whose running time is $\mathcal {O}(n^k)$ where $n$ is the number of samples, and $k$ is a predefined integral constant as an algorithm parameter. We analyze the performance of this algorithm under two regimes and show that: (1) given any arbitrary set of training samples, the algorithm guarantees an $(n/k)$ -approximation for the ON-ReLU problem – to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an algorithm guarantees an approximation ratio for arbitrary data scenario; thus, in the ideal case (i.e., when the training error is zero) the approximation algorithm achieves the globally optimal solution for the ON-ReLU problem; and (2) given training sample with Gaussian noise, the same approximation algorithm achieves a much better asymptotic approximation ratio which is independent of the number of samples $n$ . Extensive numerical studies show that our approximation algorithm can perform better than the gradient descent algorithm. Our numerical results also show that the solution of the approximation algorithm can provide a good initialization for gradient descent, which can significantly improve the performance.
Randomized Trial of Dilute Povidone-Iodine Soak and Scrub for Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery:

Background:There is no consensus as to which skin antiseptic solution is most effective at reducing infection following orthopedic foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine ...
Recursive temporal-spatial information fusion

Recursive algorithms for temporal-spatial information integration using Dempster-Shafer techniques are developed. Compared to the Bayesian approach, the Dempster-Shafer techniques have the strong capability of handling information uncertainties. This capability is especially desired in many applications. >
Hob: a tool for verifying data structure consistency

This tool demonstration presents Hob, a system for verifying data structure consistency for programs written in a general-purpose programming language. Our tool enables the focused application of multiple communicating static analyses to different modules in the same program. Using our tool throughout the program development process, we have successfully identified several bugs in both specifications and implementations of programs.
Purchase, Scanner, and Media Panels

Purchase, scanner, and media panels are collections of individuals or households who agree to provide detailed information on their behavior over a period of time. Participants in these panels provide marketers with detailed information on purchase behavior or media use. Panels are designed to represent the demographic and ethnic population of the nation, and range in size from a few thousand to tens of thousands of participants. In purchase panels, participants record information about what they buy. Typically, participants, upon returning from a shopping trip, enter their purchase information into either a diary or an online data collection system. Scanner panels are a special type of purchase panels, where participants are enrolled in a program that automatically captures data on their purchases at retail stores. Scanner panels overcome the limitation of requiring participants to input information manually. Information is necessary on media consumption behavior for the advertisers to successfully place ads where they will be seen by target audiences. That information comes from media panels that consist of households who agree to have their media use tracked by electronic devices. Keywords: purchase panels; scanner panels; media panels; secondary data; advertising; sales promotion
Relativistic Heavy-Ion-Atom Collisions

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the atomic collisions of very heavy ions at relativistic velocities. The use of relativistic heavy ions permits several experimental simplifications. For example, the main source of error in x-ray-producing cross-section measurements at low velocities is the beam intensity normalization, determined either by beam current integration or Rutherford scattering normalization. With relativistic heavy ions, the cross sections are often very large thus making it possible to count every incident ion with ≈100% efficiency using surface barrier or scintillator detectors. An active collimation system can be used to measure x-ray cross sections using relativistic heavy ions, which can pass through several grams/cm of matter. Furthermore, relativistic, very high- Z atoms present special opportunities for atomic structure experiments because any atom in the periodic table can be stripped to few-electron or even bare ions. Relativistic and quantum-electrodynamics (QED) effects can then be examined in systems where they are very large, can be experimentally isolated, and where precise and unambiguous calculations can be performed. The understanding of relativistic ions allows, for the first time, the formulation of an ab initio theory of ions in matter incorporating excited-state effects.
Grandchildren's Influences on Grandparents

Abstract Intergenerational research examining grandparents' influences on grandchildren has a long history and has attracted expanded attention in the context of population aging. Grandchildren's influences on grandparents have remained relatively under-researched. This study draws on qualitative research of social aging in a multiethnic population of women in urban New Zealand to examine grandchildren as a resource for social integration of older people. The study uses data collected in interviews with young old women and presents the grandparents' perspective. Data analysis indicates three recurring categories of influence for integration: grandchild-grandparent socialization, social support provision, and social engagement facilitation. Outcomes for grandparent integration at multiple levels are indicated. A comparison of experience across ethnic groups shows both similarities and differences. The findings point to grandchildren as a potentially significant source of influence on grandparents. Implicat...
Extension rate distribution and impact on bubble size distribution in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid in a twin screw co-rotating mixer

Abstract Extension rate distributions have been calculated in a twin screw mixer for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids because they strongly affect dispersion of bubbles and the maximum stable diameter estimated from calculations of the Capillary number. Extension rate calculations were made using the ratio of the third invariant of the strain rate tensor to the second invariant of the strain rate tensor following the classical work of Debbaut and Crochet (1988). The extension rate was quite significant and represented 15–25% of the magnitude of the shear rate depending on location in the mixer and mixer speed. The center of the mixer where the two sets of paddle elements intermesh displays high extension and shear rates. Critical capillary numbers and maximum stable bubble diameters depended much more on extension than shear rate. Maximum stable bubble diameters were calculated at different locations in the mixer from numerical predictions of the critical capillary number and they were mapped inside the geometry of the mixer for the first time. The results offer important insights on how to design a mixer to achieve a desired bubble size distribution.
Linear Operators on Inner Product Spaces

In this chapter, we are going to study linear operators on finite-dimensional inner product spaces. In the last chapter, we introduced adjoints of linear maps between possibly different inner product spaces. Here we shall see how the adjoint can be used to understand linear operators on a fixed inner product space. The important operators we study here are the self-adjoint, skew-adjoint, normal, orthogonal, and unitary operators. We shall spend several sections on the existence of eigenvalues, diagonalizability, and canonical forms for these special but important linear operators. Having done that, we go back to the study of general linear maps and operators and establish the singular value and polar decompositions. We also show Schur’s theorem to the effect that complex linear operators have upper triangular matrix representations. This result does not depend on the spectral theorem. It is also possible to give a quick proof of the spectral theorem using only the material covered in Sect. 4.1. The chapter finishes with a section on quadratic forms and how they tie in with the theory of self-adjoint operators.
Navigating the Terrain of Third Space: Tensions With/In Relationships in School-University Partnerships

Using theoretical conceptions of third space and hybrid teacher education, the authors engaged in a collaborative self-study of their practices as university-based teacher educators working in student teaching partnership settings. The authors sought to understand ways in which hybrid teacher educators foster and mediate relationships to work toward a collective third space. In this article, the authors describe the nature of relationships in their work, the tensions wrought by complexities of these relationships, and ways they negotiated tensions to foster relationships that productively mediated processes of teacher education. The authors also propose a framework for moving beyond traditional notions of oppositional triadic relationships of student teacher, mentor teacher, and supervisor in recognition of complex social interactions in the third space.
High-resolution CGH analysis on cDNA microarrays for direct identification of amplification target genes

High-resolution CGH analysis on cDNA microarrays for direct identification of amplification target genes
CD40: Lord of the endothelial cell

CD40, a membrane-associated receptor, is a key activator of immune and vascular cells. In this issue of Blood, Pluvinet and colleagues reveal new features of human endothelial cells activated through CD40 that include inflammatory, thrombotic, and innate immune effects.
“You shall not know”: Portia, Power and the Folktale Sources of The Merchant of Venice

The flesh-bond plot of The Merchant of Venice is based closely on a folktale known as “A Pound of Flesh”, and the casket trial is also a folk-literature motif. By recognizing the possibility that many in the audience would know these traditional stories from oral as well as literary versions, we can see how Shakespeare engages his audience on common ground. At first the audience is in a position of superiority, knowing the answer to the casket test while the characters onstage do not. Soon, however, Portia shares the audience's cultural knowledge and mastery. Like the audience (and the cross-dressed heroine of the folktale), Portia knows the two quibbles that will rescue Antonio from his bond. She moreover reveals that she knows something neither the audience nor the other characters do, that Venice's law is biased against the “alien” Shylock. Here, as earlier in the casket scenes, the outsider suffers for lacking the knowledge of the dominant culture. In the end, however, the audience partakes of the ali...
Electron paramagnetic resonance in ferrous fluosilicate near 10K

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements in FeSiF 6 ·6H 2 O were made in the range 10–15 K at frequencies between 9 and 35 GHz. The data are fitted to the equation ( hv ) 2 = (4 g exp β H ) 2 + Δ exp 2 , with g exp = 1.95 ± 0.01 and Δ exp = 0.16 ± 0.01 cm −1 . The fourth-degree parameter B 4 4 is estimated.
Radiometric Detection of Some Food-Borne Bacteria

Studies on detection of bacteria by radiometric techniques have been concerned primarily with aerobic species in clinical specimens. The data presented here are related to detection of aerobic and anaerobic species that are of significance in foods, by measurement of 14CO2 evolved from the metabolism of 14C-glucose. Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus were inoculated into tryptic soy broth containing 0.0139 μCi of 14C glucose/ml of medium. Detection times ranged from 10 to 3 hr for inocula of 100 to 104 cells/ml of broth. Heat-shocked spores of Clostridium sporogenes or C. botulinum were incubated in tryptic soy broth supplemented with Thiotone and NaHCO3. The medium was rendered anaerobic with N2. Spores were detected when 0.0833 μCi of labeled glucose was available/ml of medium but not when 0.0139 μCi of glucose was present/ml. The spores required 3 to 4 hr longer for detection than did comparable numbers of aerobic vegetative cells. The results demonstrate the importance of availability of sufficient label in the media and the potential of the application of this technique for sterility testing of foods.
Comparison of measured and calculated airloads on an energy efficient transport wing model equipped with oscillating control surfaces

Wind-tunnel measurements of steady and unsteady pressures for a high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing model are compared with calculations by the linear unsteady aerodynamic lifting-surface theory, known as the Doublet Lattice method, at Mach numbers of 0.650 (subsonic) and 0.78 (transonic). The steady-pressure data comparisons are made for incremental changes in angle of attack and control-surface deflection. The unsteady-pressure data comparisons are made for oscillating control-surface deflections. Some differences between the measured and calculated aerodynamics are attributed to viscous and transonic effects that are not accounted for in the Doublet Lattice analysis. Comparisons of the transonic unsteady-pressure data for the oscillating control surfaces are improved by applying empirical corrections based on the steady-pressure measurements to the unsteady Doublet Lattice calculations.
Mustards, mustard oils and mycorrhizas

SUMMARY Intact, living routs of Brassica Kaber (DC.) Wheeler and Brassica nigra. L. (Erassicaeeae) were inhibitory to the germination of spores of the mycorrhizal fungi Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith and Glowns etunivatum Becker & Gerd. Roots from two similarly non-mycotrophic species, spinach (Chenopodiaceae) and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (Amaranthaceae). had no effect on the germination of spores of G. intraradices. The roots of two out of three mycotrophic species examined were stimulatory to germination of C intraradices. To test the hypothesis that the inhibition of VAM fungus spore- germination by the roots of B. kaber and B. nigra was due to isothiocyanates (mustard oils), lysine arginine and gtutathione Mere added separately to the nutrient solutions applied to the plants. These compounds were expected to react with isothiocyartates released into tlu1 rrtizosphcre. In one experiment, lysine, tirKiniiK- arid glutarhione rcsfored the- avrminauim of G. intraradices to control levels for B. kaber and nearly to the control levels for B. nigra. In a second experiment employing lower concentrations of lysinc. jtryinitie and glutathimie, irraination of spates of G. efttmeantai in the presence of B. kabcr roots was restored nearly to the levels of controls. In the same experiment, these treatments had no significant effects on spore germination in the presence of B. nigra roots. Lysine and arginine also protected spores of G. etunicatum from in vitro reactions of B, nigra root glucosinolate; extract with myrosinase. The involvement of isothiocyanates in the resistance of mustards to VAM Fungi is discussed.
Measurement of the heat of fusion of tungsten by a microsecond-resolution transient technique

A microsecond-resolution pulse-heating technique was used for the measurement of the heat of fusion of tungsten. The method is based on rapid (100 to 125μs) resistive self-heating of a specimen by a high-current pulse from a capacitor discharge system and measuring current through the specimen and voltage across the specimen as functions of time. Melting of a specimen is manifested by changes in the slope of the electrical resistance versus time function. The time integral of the power absorbed by a specimen during melting yields the heat of fusion. Measurements gave a value of 48.7 kJ · mol−1 for the heat of fusion of tungsten with an estimated maximum uncertainty of ±6%. The electrical resistivity of solid and liquid tungsten at its melting temperature was also measured.
Impact of culprit plaque composition on the no-reflow phenomenon in patients with acute coronary syndrome: an intravascular ultrasound radiofrequency analysis.

Background The difference in the culprit plaque composition of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with and without the no-reflow phenomenon has not been fully evaluated. Methods and Results Intravascular ultrasound radiofrequency data of culprit plaques were obtained and analyzed in 49 ACS patients. The no-reflow phenomenon was defined as a decrease of at least 1 grade in `Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction' flow immediately after mechanical dilatation compared with before mechanical dilatation, with no evidence of thrombus, spasm, or dissection. The no-reflow phenomenon was observed in 9 individuals. Culprit plaques with the no-reflow phenomenon contained a higher percentage of necrotic core component and a smaller percentage of fibrous component than plaques in the patients without the no-reflow phenomenon (necrotic core component, 22.1±9.3% vs 11.7±7.9%, p=0.0011; fibrous component, 59.6±11.2% vs 68.3±10.2%, p=0.027). Multivariate analysis identified the percentage of necrotic core component as an independent predictor of the no-reflow phenomenon after adjustment for plaque geometry and procedural factors (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.5; p=0.015). Conclusion Culprit plaques of patients with the no-reflow phenomenon differ from those in patients without the no-reflow phenomenon. (Circ J 2008; 72: 1235 - 1241)
Study Buddies: Computer Geeks and Power Freaks Are Learning Smart Systems Together at Washington State

The electric power delivery system was designated by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering as the leading engineering development of the 20th century. This engineering marvel is being further updated with new technologies to realize a smarter electric grid. The smart electric grid will be more controllable and interactive compared with the existing electric grid. With growing complexity, there is a crucial need for training and workforce development.
Meta-analysis: Antithrombotic Therapy to Prevent Stroke in Patients Who Have Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Hart and colleagues provide an update of a previous meta-analysis of antithrombotic agents for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. The updated meta-analysis shows that, compared...
Experiences with a convenient method for culturing stools

Summary This communication calls attention to a convenient method which enables one to obtain cultures of fresh fecal material without having to wait for defecation to occur and also obviates the necessity of sending stools to the laboratory for examination. Its efficiency has been reported to be essentially equal to that of the less convenient procedures used commonly for culturing stools, and its simplicity and ease of performance places stool culturing practically on a par with throat culturing. Our program of culturing stools routinely with this convenient method resulted in the prompt diagnosis of typhoid fever in one infant and disclosed several instances in which gastrointestinal symptoms either failed to accompany the presence of pathogenic organisms in the stools or were extremely mild and transient. The program also revealed dysentery infection in children whose gastrointestinal symptoms had been attributed tentatively to parenteral disease and demonstrated the occurrence of an occasional cross-infection in the wards. Our experience has convinced us that physicians will find this simple and convenient method for culturing stools suitable for use in their office, home, and hospital practices.
Features of Subunit NuoM (ND4) in Escherichia coli NDH-1: TOPOLOGY AND IMPLICATION OF CONSERVED GLU144 FOR COUPLING SITE 1

The bacterial H+-pumping NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) is an L-shaped membrane-bound enzymatic complex. Escherichia coli NDH-1 is composed of 13 subunits (NuoA–N). NuoM (ND4) subunit is one of the hydrophobic subunits that constitute the membrane arm of NDH-1 and was predicted to bear 14 helices. We attempted to clarify the membrane topology of NuoM by the introduction of histidine tags into different positions by chromosomal site-directed mutagenesis. From the data, we propose a topology model containing 12 helices (helices I–IX and XII–XIV) located in transmembrane position and two (helices X and XI) present in the cytoplasm. We reported previously that residue Glu144 of NuoM was located in the membrane (helix V) and was essential for the energy-coupling activities of NDH-1 (Torres-Bacete, J., Nakamaru-Ogiso, E., Matsuno-Yagi, A., and Yagi, T. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 36914–36922). Using mutant E144A, we studied the effect of shifting the glutamate residue to all sites within helix V and three sites each in helix IV and VI on the function of NDH-1. Twenty double site-directed mutants including the mutation E144A were constructed and characterized. None of the mutants showed alteration in the detectable levels of expressed NuoM or on the NDH-1 assembly. In addition, most of the double mutants did not restore the energy transducing NDH-1 activities. Only two mutants E144A/F140E and E144A/L147E, one helix turn downstream and upstream restored the energy transducing activities of NDH-1. Based on these results, a role of Glu144 for proton translocation has been discussed.
Survival and chloride ion regulation of the porcelain crab Petrolisthes armatus exposed to mercury

Acute toxicity bioassays conducted at various salinities demonstrated that mercury (as mercuric chloride) at low concentrations was lethal to Petrolisthes armatus. Ninety-six hour LC50 values varied from 50 to 64 parts per billion (ppb) of mercury, depending on test salinities. Lower salinities. decreased the time to death of mercuryexposed crabs. Differences in survival after 96 h due to salinity were not statistically significant. Blood chloride concentrations were regulated hyperchloride to the medium at low salinities and hypochloride at high salinities by acclimated crabs. The salinity isochloride to blood was 20‰ S. Transfer of crabs from 15‰ S to salinities ranging from 7 to 35‰ S resulted in new steadystate chloride levels within 12 h. Exposure to 50 ppb mercury did not alter chloride ion regulation of either acclimated crabs or crabs adjusting to new salinities.
Validating laboratory results in a national observational cohort study without field centers: the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort.

Objectives The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study is a prospective cohort of 30,239 Americans in the contiguous United States; the first of this scale to use home visits to obtain, process, and ship biologic samples to a core laboratory. Pre-analytical factors resulting from this study design may affect the results of some laboratory assays. We investigated the impact of REGARDS processing on a variety of analytes. Design and methods In REGARDS, blood samples were processed in the field by technicians who were trained on standardized methods for phlebotomy and sample processing. Field processing included centrifugation using varying non-uniform equipment and shipping overnight on ice to the University of Vermont, where samples were re-centrifuged for 30,000 ×g-minutes and stored at −80 °C. We assessed the effects of REGARDS sample handling by processing split samples from 20 volunteers using either ideal procedures or simulated REGARDS procedures. Assays for 19 analytes for potential study in REGARDS were then run on both samples and results compared. Results Spearman correlation coefficients for analytes measured in ideal versus REGARDS processed samples ranged from 0.11 to 1.0. Thirteen of 19 analytes were highly correlated (> 0.75), but platelet proteins were more variable. Conclusions Simulation of non-optimal field processing and shipment to a central laboratory showed high variability in analytes released by platelets. The majority of other analytes produced valid results, but platelet contamination in REGARDS samples makes measurement of platelet proteins unadvisable in these samples. Future analytes considered by REGARDS or similar studies should undergo similar pilot testing.
Oxidized Flavor in Milk. III. The Time of Copper Contamination During Production and Processing, and Aeration Versus no Aeration as Related to Oxidized Flavor Development

Various investigators have studied conditions necffisary for the development of oxidized flavor, but little attention has been directed to the relationship between the time of contamination with copper and the pasteurizing process. Likewise little is known concerning the effects of surface and internal cooling on the development of oxidized flavor in milk. In order to determine whether pasteurization has any effect on the development of oxidized flavor in milk it was decided to study this factor by the use of specially constructed glass pasteurizing and cooling equipment, in which milk could be handled under conditions similar to those obtaining in milk-pasteurizing plants, with the exception that no metallic contamination of the milk by the equipment would be possible.
Molecular Mechanisms of Vitamin D Action

The hormonal metabolite of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D), initiates biological responses via binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). When occupied by 1,25D, VDR interacts with the retinoid X receptor (RXR) to form a heterodimer that binds to vitamin D responsive elements in the region of genes directly controlled by 1,25D. By recruiting complexes of either coactivators or corepressors, ligand-activated VDR-RXR modulates the transcription of genes encoding proteins that promulgate the traditional functions of vitamin D, including signaling intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption to effect skeletal and calcium homeostasis. Thus, vitamin D action in a particular cell depends upon the metabolic production or delivery of sufficient concentrations of the 1,25D ligand, expression of adequate VDR and RXR coreceptor proteins, and cell-specific programming of transcriptional responses to regulate select genes that encode proteins that function in mediating the effects of vitamin D. For example, 1,25D induces RANKL, SPP1 (osteopontin), and BGP (osteocalcin) to govern bone mineral remodeling; TRPV6, CaBP(9k), and claudin 2 to promote intestinal calcium absorption; and TRPV5, klotho, and Npt2c to regulate renal calcium and phosphate reabsorption. VDR appears to function unliganded by 1,25D in keratinocytes to drive mammalian hair cycling via regulation of genes such as CASP14, S100A8, SOSTDC1, and others affecting Wnt signaling. Finally, alternative, low-affinity, non-vitamin D VDR ligands, e.g., lithocholic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and curcumin, have been reported. Combined alternative VDR ligand(s) and 1,25D/VDR control of gene expression may delay chronic disorders of aging such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
The effect of cue Relevance, Ambiguity, and self-reported hostility on tat responses

Abstract The interaction of cue relevance and ambiguity was studied. Ss high or low in self-reported hostility were administered 8 T A T cards, half of which were high in hostility cue relevance, half low. Half of each subset, in turn, was high in ambiguity, half low. Highly relevant cards tended to elicit more aggressive content than low relevant cards, and stories to ambiguous cards tended to contain more aggressive themes than unambiguous ones, independent of hostility relevance. Hostile Ss tended to be best discriminated from non-hostile Ss on highly relevant cards, where they responded with more aggressive themes. Results were contrasted with previous findings and it was concluded that consistent with findings where hostility is defined by observation or arousal, highly relevant cues are most sensitive to hostility level. While greater expression of negative content, increments in ambiguity did not add to the sensitivity of the stimuli.
WOLF: a novel reordering write buffer to boost the performance of log-structured file systems

This paper presents the design, simulation and performance evaluation of a novel reordering write buffer for Log-structured File Systems (LFS). While LFS provides good write performance for small files, its biggest problem is the high overhead from cleaning. Previous research concentrated on improving the cleaner's efficiency after files are written to the disk. We propose a new method that reduces the amount of work the cleaner has to do before the data reaches the disk. Our design sorts active and inactive data in memory into different segment buffers and then writes them to different disk segments. This approach forces data on the disk into a bimodal distribution. Most data in active segments are quickly invalidated, while inactive segments are mostly intact. Simulation results based on both real-world and synthetic traces show that such a reordering write buffer dramatically reduces the cleaning overhead, slashing the system's overall write cost by up to 53%.
The Importance of Social Structure in Implementing ERP Systems: A Case Study using Adaptive Structuration Theory

AbstractMany organizations report problems implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems. These projects often do not meet financial and functional expectations. While managers often criticize the ERP product and vendor support, the problem may lie elsewhere. In this paper, adaptive structuration theory is used to develop a research framework that is used to analyze the transition from the mainframe legacy system environment to the distributed ERP environment. An exploratory case study analysis of a mid-sized university that experienced a failed ERP implementation showed that the failure was not the result of a poor ERP product but rather related to the organization’s social structure. The social structure which enabled the mainframe legacy system to be successful needed to be modified for the new ERP system. Findings underscore the importance for managers to facilitate the change management process.
HIV and Stem Cell Transplantation

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons, the incidence of hematologic malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma, is increased despite the use of successful antiretroviral therapy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is emerging as a safe and effective therapy for HIV-infected persons with hematologic malignancies. Management of these patients is complicated by drug–drug interactions involving antiretroviral therapy (ART) that may impact conditioning agent efficacy and metabolism of immunosuppressive medications and potentiate drug toxicities. As such, optimal strategies for ART remain controversial. We discuss recent advances, controversies, and future directions related to SCT in HIV-infected persons, including the investigation of allogeneic SCT as a strategy for HIV cure.
A strategy of explanation: Richard M. Nixon's August 8, 1974, resignation address

This essay uses the nature of the genre of apologia as outlined by speech communication scholars as a framework to examine Richard Nixon's apology to the nation on the occasion of his resignation. Mr. Nixon conformed well to the requirements of the subgenre, explanation, but erred in areas not suggested in contemporary writings on apologia. The gravity of Nixon's misdeeds and the incongruity of his admission of guilt overshadowed the strategy of explanation which he employed to defend himself.
Government Purchases, Government Transfers, and the Post‐1970 Slowdown In U.S. Economic Growth

В статье показано, что снижение темпов экономического роста в США после 1970 г. может быть объяснено изменениями в бюджетной политике, а именно - сокращением государственных закупок при одновременном увеличении трансфертных платежей. Две эндогенные модели роста, в которые включены государственные закупки и трансферты показывают наличие взаимосвязи между этими переменными и экономическим ростом в длительном периоде. Эмпирически подтверждается, что одновременное сокращение закупок различных благ федеральным, региональным и местными правительствами и рост трансфертных платежей в 1970 г. предвосхитили снижение экономического роста в начале 1970-х гг. Если бы бюджетная политика оставалась неизменной, темпы экономического роста возросли.
The Predictive Value of Transtympanic Promontory EABR in Congenital Temporal Bone Malformations

(2010). The Predictive Value of Transtympanic Promontory EABR in Congenital Temporal Bone Malformations. Cochlear Implants International: Vol. 11, Proceedings of the 9th European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation, Warsaw, 2009, pp. 181-186.
Gas Supersaturation and Gas Bubble Trauma in Fish Downstream from a Midwestern Reservoir

Abstract Dissolved gas data were collected downstream from a moderately sized midwestern reservoir over a period of 10 years. Among 281 observations from August 1983 through April 1994, the gas pressure differential (▵P) averaged 119 mm Hg (116.0% of saturation) and discharge averaged 245.0 m3/s. A maximum ▵P of 251 mm Hg (133.6% of saturation) was associated with record release rates during the flood of 1993. Three-fourths of the 281 observations exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's criterion of 76 mm Hg as ▵P (110% of saturation). Periodic examinations of live fish and of fish collected from fish kills demonstrated sublethal and lethal gas bubble trauma in fish downstream from the dam. The occurrence of periodic gas supersaturation-induced fish kills was linked to continued high dissolved gas pressures during periods when the discharge from the reservoir was substantially decreased. Lower discharge rates decreased river depth and lowered compensating hydrostatic pressure. The occurrence o...