cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prolactin, progesterone, and dexamethasone coordinately and adversely regulate glucokinase and cAMP/PDE cascades in MIN6 β-cells

Islet cells undergo major changes in structure and function to meet the demand for increased insulin secretion during pregnancy, but the nature of the hormonal interactions and signaling events is incompletely understood. Here, we used the glucose-responsive MIN6 β-cell line treated with prolactin (PRL), progesterone (PRG), and dexamethasone (DEX, a synthetic glucocorticoid), all elevated during late pregnancy, to study their effects on mechanisms of insulin secretion. DEX alone or combined with PRL and PRG inhibited insulin secretion in response to 16 mM glucose-stimulating concentrations. However, in the basal state (3 mM glucose), the insulin levels in response to DEX treatment were unchanged, and the three hormones together maintained higher insulin release. There were no changes of protein levels of GLUT2 or glucokinase (GK), but PRL or PRG treatment increased GK activity, whereas DEX had an inhibitory effect on GK activity. α-Ketoisocaproate (α-KIC)-stimulated insulin secretion was also reduced by D...
Hashing and data integrity: Reliability of hashing and granularity size reduction

Data assurance have come under scrutiny due to attacks on hashing schemes. This article explores a methodology for increasing the attack difficulty as well as reducing the size of the suspect area in those cases in which assurance is not based on a totality of a file (such as a document in which only a single paragraph may be suspect).
Electron microscopy of interfacial dislocations

Abstract It is becoming increasingly apparent that many fundamental properties of interfaces are affected by the presence of regular arrays of interfacial dislocations. The transmission electron microscope is the most suitable means for observing such dislocations. An outline of the various experimental methods available for characterizing interfacial dislocation structure will be presented, and a critical comparison made of their effectiveness. Various examples of interfacial dislocation analysis will be shown to emphasize the points made above.
Modulation of adenine nucleoside excretion and incorporation in adenosine deaminase deficient human lymphoma cells

Abstract The availability of a human lymphoma cell line deficient in adenosine deaminase, adenosine kinase and methylthioadenosine phosphorylase enabled us to compare the effects of nucleoside transport inhibitors on the excretion of endogenously generated adenosine, deoxyadenosine and 5′-methylthioadenosine. The nucleoside transport inhibitors nitrobenzylthioinosine and dipyridamole blocked the efflux of adenosine, but not deoxyadenosine or 5′-methylthioadenosine. The inhibitors also prevented the uptake of exogenous adenosine, but not deoxyadenosine or 5′-methylthioadenosine, by human lymphoblasts. The results show (i) that the transport inhibitors modify adenine nucleoside efflux and influx similarly, and (ii) that the effects of the compounds on the excretion and uptake of these three physiologically important adenine nucleosides are distinctly different.
Renal Impairment Predicts Long-Term Mortality Risk after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Renal function predicts mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but it is unknown whether the prognostic importance of renal function persists over time. This study examined how the association between renal function and mortality changed in the 10 yr after AMI in a cohort of patients. In 118,753 patients (age ≥65 yr) from the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project, mean Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance was 55 ± 24 ml/min and estimated GFR was 57 ± 21 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 at baseline. By 10 yr, 68% of patients had died. Compared with normal renal function, even mild renal impairment increased the 10-yr risk for mortality risk by 10%. Severe renal impairment more than doubled the risk for mortality at 1 yr, and this increased risk persisted at both 5 and 10 yr. At 1 yr, the contribution of creatinine clearance to mortality risk rivaled traditional factors such as BP and systolic function; by 10 yr, creatinine clearance surpassed these other risk factors, rivaled only by patient age. Associations with estimated GFR demonstrated similar trends. In conclusion, renal function in hospitalized patients with AMI is an important and consistent predictor of mortality for up to 10 yr.
IgG-mediated viral clearance in experimental infection with herpes simplex virus type 1: Role for neutralization and Fc-dependent functions but not C' cytolysis and C5 chemotaxis

For determination of whether the Fc moiety is required for antibody effectiveness in models of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the effects of immune IgG and F(ab')2 fragments were compared by using a passive transfer model of footpad infection. In the IgG- and the F(ab')2-treated groups illness developed in 2 (10%) of 20 and 6 (25%) of 24 mice, respectively, compared with 10 (63%) of 16 controls. IgG treatment markedly, and F(ab')2 treatment moderately, reduced footpad viral titer and viral spread to sciatic nerve and spinal cord. The marked viral clearance by IgG was not attributable to C'-dependent lysis because rapid viral clearance was observed in C5-deficient B10.D2/oSn mice. Viral latency as a consequence of acute infection occurred in 38 (63%) of 60 lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia in the control group, 5 (8%; P less than .001) of 60 in the IgG-treated group, and 26 (33%; P less than .01) of 78 in the F(ab')2-treated group.
Nonlinear Spinor Field

A nonlinear spinor field, suggested by the symmetric coupling between nucleons, muons, and leptons, has been investigated in the classical approximation. Solutions of the field equations having simple angular and temporal dependence were obtained, subject to the boundary conditions that the fields be regular and that all observable integrals be finite. These b.c. lead to a nonlinear eigenvalue problem, whose solutions may be systematically discussed in the phase plane. Numerical solutions were obtained with a differential analyzer. If charge and mass of the particle-like solutions are defined in terms of $\ensuremath{\int}{s}_{4}d\mathbf{x}$ and $\ensuremath{\int}{T}_{44}d\mathbf{x}$, then the number of masses corresponding to the same charge turns out to be small in all cases investigated. For certain lagrangians the nonlinearity leads to solutions having positive energy only. The mass ratio between the lightest stable particle and the heaviest unstable particle can be taken of the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, if the nonlinear coupling constant is properly chosen. Although our specific model is too simple to meet certain obvious requirements, a theory of this general type has some interesting features.
Soft modeling for a certain class of intelligent and complex systems

Abstract This paper proposes a three-level hierarchical mathematical model for intelligent and complex systems. Motivation, background, rationale, interpretations and potential applications are presented. Different visions from different schools of thought in various academic disciplines are illustrated in a block diagram. The concept of “soft-modeling”, representing a dramatic departure from conventional mathematical modeling, is also proposed. The characteristics, approach, types of mathematics used and the interpretations that will eventually lead to engineering realization and commercialization are also presented.
Redox Cleavage of S—S Linkage in Diaryl and Cyclic Alkyl Disulphides

THE rupture of S—S linkages in organic disulphides by either ionic or free radical processes is well known. On the other hand, redox cleavage of such S—S bonds has never been demonstrated, although Kolthoff1 postulated that ferrous citrate complex with organic disulphide underwent redox transformation analogous to that with hydrogen peroxide. However, this observation was made under quite different conditions in their polarographic investigations.
Association of Race and Socioeconomic Status with Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background Obesity poses serious health consequences, and bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment. The goal of this study was to identify the association of race and socioeconomic characteristics with clinical outcomes following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).
Embryonic Patterning: To BMP or Not to BMP, That Is the Question

Although some progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of early embryogenesis has been made, a few outstanding issues remain to be clarified. Of particular interest is whether dorsal–ventral patterning of the endoderm is also controlled by BMP signaling. It appears quite likely that TGFβ signals are essential for endodermal patterning (3xGamer, L and Wright, C. Dev. Biol. 1995; 171: 240–251Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (107)See all References, 7xHenry, G, Brivanlou, I, Kessler, D, Hemmati-Brivanlou, A, and Melton, D. Development. 1996; 122: 1007–1015PubMedSee all References, 13xSasai, Y, Lu, B, Piccolo, S, and De Robertis, E. EMBO J. 1996; 15: 4547–4555PubMedSee all References). Preliminary results suggest that BMP4, chordin, and noggin, the same molecules used in the ectoderm and the mesoderm, also pattern the endoderm (Sasai et al. 1996xSasai, Y, Lu, B, Piccolo, S, and De Robertis, E. EMBO J. 1996; 15: 4547–4555PubMedSee all ReferencesSasai et al. 1996). This suggests that conserved mechanisms of patterning are employed in all three germ layers (Figure 4Figure 4). BMPs are active in many other important biological processes, and it remains to be established whether noggin and chordin are important in BMP action at other times and places. It is unclear why two factors, noggin and chordin, with essentially identical activity are needed when only one might suffice. Relatedly, if there are two, there might be other proteins with similar activity either for BMPs or for other TGFβs. Although it appears that BMP signaling is essential for formation of the ventral side of the embryo, it is unclear what establishes the restricted pattern of BMP expression on the ventral side of the embryo. In addition, it remains unknown what signals establish formation of the organizer or restrict expression of chordin and noggin to the organizer. The best data supports a role for the Wnt signaling pathway in organizer formation, although how this is established is poorly understood (Carnac et al. 1996xCarnac, G, Kodjabachian, L, Gurdon, J, and Lemaire, P. Development. 1996; 122: 3055–3065PubMedSee all ReferencesCarnac et al. 1996references therein). Finally, although we have begun to understand what patterns the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, we still do not know the nature of the molecule(s) that initially induces formation of the mesoderm.
Flow/sequential injection determination of gaseous ammonia with a glass diffusion denuder.

Abstract A new combination of a flow/sequential injection method for the analysis of ammonia has been developed. Gaseous ammonia is selectively absorbed in a phosphoric acid coated glass tube and determined with Berthelot reagents by flow injection. The combination of the gas diffusion denuder sampler with flow injection makes this method very sensitive and selective. The limit of detection of 0.15 μg NH3.
Safety of the Blood Supply

IN THE YEARS following the emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection as a transfusion-transmitted disease, both the general public and the medical profession have voiced great concern about the safety of the blood supply. Although improved donor screening and testing have greatly increased blood safety, a 1993 Gallup survey 1 showed that concern about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) far exceeded that for heart or lung disease, despite the greater health risk these latter pose. Widely publicized shortcomings in the conduct of several blood collecting agencies in Europe and the United States have only heightened public fear. As the number of measures to promote safety increases, their value must be weighed against many other considerations, such as wastage of discarded blood and unnecessary loss of potential donors due to false-positive results, direct costs of additional or more technologically demanding tests, the increased risk of errors with additional
Development of the Atmosphere of Venus

Venus atmosphere development by outgassing of volatile materials from earth-like planet interior, explaining composition by thermal evolution
High α-amylase activity in the syncytiotrophoblastic cells of first-trimester human placentas

The syncytiotrophoblastic brush border of the human placenta forms the maternal-fetal interface and is an important determinant of placental function. Electron micrographs of fresh brush border preparations isolated from first-trimester human placentas showed membrane vesicles, open-ended microvilli, and numerous glycogen particles. Analysis of the microvillar membranes for several plasma and intracellular membrane markers showed a high degree of purification, comparable to the results reported for the isolation of microvilli from full-term human placentas. The microvillar preparations from first-trimester placentas, however, also contained the enzymes necessary to synthesize and degrade glycogen. The degradation resulted in the accumulation of maltotriose and maltotetraose, apparently due to the action of a liver-type α-amylase. The occurrence of this enzyme and the enzymes for synthesizing glycogen in this brush border fraction is probably associated with the necessity for an extremely active glucose transport and liver-like storage system within the fetal tissue at this fetal-maternal membrane interface.
Enhancing the Quality of Life for Hispanic Individuals Through Career Preparation

With the rapid population increase of Hispanic (Spanish, Latin American, or Spanish Indian heritage) individuals in the United States, ensuring economic prosperity and stability of this group is critical. This should include increasing their dwindling participation in agriculture-related fields. Hispanic youths often overlook an agriculture-related career, which promises economic prosperity and stability. This census study, using an ex post facto research design and a mailed survey, identified factors regarding Hispanic and African American (native U.S. citizens of African descent) college graduates’ decisions to choose or decline an agriculture-related career prior to and/or after college.
Assessing an Organization's Capability to Effectively Implement Its Selected Agile Method(s): An Objectives, Principles, Strategies Approach

Agile methods provide an organization or a team with the flexibility to adopt a selected subset of principles and practices based on their culture, their values, and the types of systems that they develop. More specifically, every organization or team implements a customized agile method, tailored to better accommodate its needs. However, the extent to which a customized method supports the organizational objectives, i.e. the 'goodness' of that method, should be demonstrable. Existing agile assessment approaches focus on comparative analyses, or are limited in scope and application. In this research, we present a systematic, comprehensive approach to assessing the 'goodness' of agile methods. We examine an agile method based on (1) its adequacy, (2) the capability of the organization to support the adopted principles and practices specified by the method, and (3) the method's effectiveness. We employ the Objectives, Principles and Strategies (OPS) Framework to guide our assessment process. The Framework (a) specifies objectives of the agile philosophy, (b) identifies principles that support the objectives, (c) designates strategies that implement the principles, (d) defines linkages that relate objectives to principles, and principles to strategies, and (e) prescribes indicators for assessing the extent to which an organization supports the implementation and effectiveness of those strategies. The propagation of indicator values along the linkages provides a multi-level assessment view of the agile method. In this paper, we discuss our assessment approach and substantiation results.
Lower devonian (Gedinnian) acritarchs from the haragan formation, Oklahoma, U.S.A.☆

Abstract A diverse and prolific acritarch assemblage consisting of 54 species was recovered from eight composite samples of the Lower Devonian (Gedinnian) Haragan Formation of southern Oklahoma, U.S.A. Two new species, Lophosphaeridium bulbosum n.sp. and Uncinisphaera tribulosa n.sp. are described and illustrated and two new combinations, Diexallophasis tappana (= Tylotopalla tappanae Kirjanov 1978) n.comb. and Multiplicisphaeridium raspa (= Baltisphaeridium raspa Cramer 1964b) n.comb. are proposed. Several diagnostic Lower Devonian acritarchs are present, including Baltisphaeridium cravattense, Demorhethium lappaceum, Evittia cymosa, Fimbriaglomerella divisa, Oppilatala vulgaris, Pterospermella circumstriata, P. verrucaboia, Riculasphaera fissa , and Thysanoprobolus polykion . Many of these forms have also been reported from Spain, France, and Algeria. Other taxa present in European and/or African assemblages, such as Cymbosphaeridium and Quadraditum , do not occur in the Haragan samples, perhaps indicating an environmental parameter was present that did not allow migration between these two regions.
Charge relaxation in vessels with insulating liners

Abstract Approximate analytical solutions for the relaxation of electrostatic charge in a lined cylindrical vessel containing charged powder or liquid are obtained. The transient solutions are for two distinct configurations of vessels with partial linings: T/B, where the dielectric lining is only on the top and the bottom inside conducting walls; and C, where the cylindrical side walls are lined. The results show that a significant fraction of the initial charge contained by the vessel can accumulate at the surface of the lining. If the liner is thin, this surface charge relaxes very slowly according to an extrinsic characteristic time dependent upon the geometry of the vessel and the capacitance per unit area of the liner. No solution for the case of a fully lined vessel is offered, but means to estimate the extrinsic time constant and the maximum surface potential on the liner are given. These approximations are useful in assessing the influence of liners on the electrostatic discharge ignition hazards associated with lined vessels and pipes.
Single Molecule Analysis of Substeps in the Mechanochemical Cycle of DNA Gyrase

DNA gyrase is a molecular motor that harnesses the free energy of ATP hydrolysis to introduce negative supercoils into DNA. We have characterized the structural dynamics of processive supercoiling using a real-time single molecule assay in which DNA gyrase activity drives the directional, stepwise rotation of a submicron rotor bead attached to the side of a stretched DNA molecule. We are able to directly observe rotational pauses corresponding to rate-limiting kinetic steps under varying [ATP], and have used simultaneous measurements of DNA twist and extension in order to characterize transient supercoil trapping and DNA compaction during the reaction cycle. We have mapped out structural intermediates of the DNA:gyrase complex on a twist-extension plane, and have characterized transitions between these states driven by chemical events such as the cooperative binding of ATP. These measurements motivate several revisions to previous models based on lower resolution assays [1], and we will present our results in the context of a new branched kinetic model for the mechanochemical cycle. We are now using theoretical calculations together with measurements of force-dependent changes in extension in order to test specific geometric models for structural intermediates, and we have begun to analyze structure-function relationships using single-molecule analysis of gyrase fragments.[1] Jeff Gore, Zev Bryant, Michael D. Stone, Marcelo Nollmann, Nicholas R. Cozzarelli, Carlos Bustamante, “Mechanochemical analysis of DNA gyrase using rotor bead tracking”, Nature, 439 (2006)
VCluster: a thread-based Java middleware for SMP and heterogeneous clusters with thread migration support

Clusters, composed of symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) machines and heterogeneous machines, have become increasingly popular for high-performance computing. Message-passing libraries, such as message-passing interface (MPI) and parallel virtual machine (PVM), are de facto parallel programming libraries for clusters that usually consist of homogeneous and uni-processor machines. For SMP machines, MPI is combined with multithreading libraries like POSIX Thread and OpenMP to take advantage of the architecture. In addition to existing parallel programming libraries that are in C-C++ and FORTRAN programming languages, the Java programming language presents itself as another alternative with its object-oriented framework, platform neutral byte code, and ever-increasing performance. This paper presents a new parallel programming model and a library, VCluster, which implements this model. VCluster is based on migrating virtual threads instead of processes to support clusters of SMP machines more efficiently. The implementation uses thread migration, which can be used in dynamic load balancing. VCluster was developed in pure Java, utilizing the portability of Java to support clusters of heterogeneous machines. Several applications are developed to illustrate the use of this library and compare the usability and performance of VCluster with other approaches. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X-linked retinoschisis: A clinical and molecular genetic review

X-linked retinoschisis is a leading cause of macular degeneration in male children. It is characterized by a high degree of clinical variability. Clinical features include a stellate foveal retinoschisis, with or without peripheral retinoschisis. The schisis occurs within the inner retina, primarily at the level of the nerve fiber layer. The disease-causing gene, X-linked retinoschisis 1, has recently been identified, and is expressed in photoreceptor and bipolar cells. This gene codes for retinoschisin, a secreted protein containing a discoidin domain which may be involved in cellular adhesion or cell-cell interactions. The identification of this gene allows for improved diagnosis and contributes to the understanding of this condition. Visual prognosis is variable, as X-linked retinoschisis exhibits a high degree of phenotypic variability. Although there is no treatment to halt the progressive maculopathy, clinical management is directed toward treatment of amblyopia and surgical correction of certain complications. X-linked retinoschisis is an important condition to study, both to improve the clinical management of this disorder, and to better understand retinal function and development. Herein, we review the clinical, histopathologic, and molecular genetic and treatment options of X-linked retinoschisis.
Transience and persistence in the depositional record of continental margins

[1] Continental shelves and coastal plains are large persistent depositional landforms, which are stationary (nonmigrating) at their proximal ends and characterized by relatively steady long-term growth. In detail, however, their surface form and stratigraphic record is built of transient freely migrating landscape elements. We derive the timescales of crossover from transient to persistent topographic forms using empirical scaling relations for mean sediment accumulation as a function of averaging time, based upon tens of thousands of empirical measurements. A stochastic (noisy) diffusion model with drift predicts all the gross features of the empirical data. It satisfies first-order goals of describing both the surface morphology and stratigraphic completeness of depositional systems. The model crossover from noise-dominated to drift-dominated behavior corresponds to the empirical crossover from transport-dominated (autogenic) transient behavior to accommodation-dominated (subsidence) persistent behavior, which begins at timescales of 102–103 years and is complete by scales of 104–105 years. Because the same long-term scaling behavior emerges for off-shelf environments, it is not entirely explicable by steady subsidence. Fluctuations in sediment supply and routing probably have significant influence. At short-term (transient) scales, the exponents of the scaling relations vary with environment, particularly the prevalence of channeled sediment transport. At very small scales, modeling sediment transport as a diffusive process is inappropriate. Our results indicate that some of the timescales of interest for climate interpretation may fall within the transitional interval where neither accommodation nor transport processes are negligible and deconvolution is most challenging.
PROXY FUNCTIONS, TRUTH AND REFERENCE

Quine’s ontological relativity is related to Tarski’s theory of truth in two ways: Quine “repudiates term-by-term-correspondence”, as does Tarski’s rule of truth; and Quine’s proxy argument in support of relativity finds exact formulation in Tarski’s truth definition. Unfortunately, relativity is threatened by the fact that the proxy argument doesn’t comply with the rule of truth (Tarski’s celebrated condition (T)). Despite Quine’s express allegiance to (T), use of proxy schemes does not generate all of the true sentences condition (T) requires. A possible adjustment is to drop (T), retain the satisfaction definition and proxy argument, and appeal to the theory of observation and indeterminacy of reference as grounds of relativity. But as we shall see Quine’s theories of assent to observation sentences and of reference-learning don’t square easily with his naturalism. The first attributes intentional attitudes to observers; and the second assumes a holistic context principle and a concept of individuation which do not withstand scrutiny as empirical notions. Both appear to violate Quine’s behavorist canon. A saving alternative is a theory of term-reference that appears in Roots of Reference and affords a return to behaviorism, and reinstatement of the proxy argument and relativity in a way compatible with Tarski’s (T).
Predictors of Post-High School Employment for Youth Identified As Severely Emotionally Disturbed:

Using the National Longitudinal Transition Study database, this study explored predictors of postschool employment for 412 youth identified as severely emotionally disturbed (SED). This research focused on the relationship between postschool employment and (a) personal variables, (b) the receipt of counseling or therapy in school, and (c) the receipt of vocational training in school. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that basic skills, competence, and graduation from high school increased individual chances of employment. Collectively, school variables including vocational education, counseling, and possession of a diploma also positively influenced postschool employment. The article concludes with implications for future research and educational practice.
Economics of BitTorrent communities

Over the years, private file-sharing communities built on the BitTorrent protocol have developed their own policies and mechanisms for motivating members to share content and contribute resources. By requiring members to maintain a minimum ratio between uploads and downloads, private communities effectively establish credit systems, and with them full-fledged economies. We report on a half-year-long measurement study of DIME -- a community for sharing live concert recordings -- that sheds light on the economic forces affecting users in such communities. A key observation is that while the download of files is priced only according to the size of the file, the rate of return for seeding new files is significantly greater than for seeding old files. We find via a natural experiment that users react to such differences in resale value by preferentially consuming older files during a 'free leech' period. We consider implications of these finding on a user's ability to earn credits and meet ratio enforcements, focusing in particular on the relationship between visitation frequency and wealth and on low bandwidth users. We then share details from an interview with DIME moderators, which highlights the goals of the community based on which we make suggestions for possible improvement.
The Family Life and Adjustment of Hmong American Sons and Daughters

We examined gender differences in intergenerational family conflict and its associations with psychological and academic adjustment using a United States sample of 121 Hmong American first-year college students. Hmong women and men reported similar levels of family conflict. Family conflict was related to psychological distress, above and beyond neuroticism. Gender moderated the relationship between family conflict and substance usage and academic performance. For Hmong college men, higher family conflict was associated with lower rates of smoking and higher rates of completing the first year of college. For Hmong college women, higher family conflict was associated with greater likelihood of alcohol consumption in their lifetime.
The critical velocities of a load moving on a floating ice plate that is subjected to in-plane forces

Abstract The critical velocities of moving loads over floating ice plates were determined by several authors. In all of these analyses it was assumed that the in-plane force field in the ice cover is zero. However, due to constrained thermal strains, in-plane forces do occur in the field. The purpose of the present paper is to determine its effect upon the critical velocities of the moving loads. It is shown that a uniform compression force field reduces the critical velocity whereas a tension force field has the opposite effect. Graphs are presented to show these findings.
Soil Ingestion Estimates for Children Residing on a Superfund Site

Soil ingestion estimates were obtained from a stratified, simple random sample of 64 children aged 1-4 years residing on a superfund site in Montana. The study was conducted during the month of September for 7 consecutive days. The study utilized a mass-balance methodology in which eight naturally occurring soil tracers (Al, Si, Ti, Ce, Nd, La, Y, and Zr) believed to be poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract were employed to provide soil ingestion estimates. Food and fecal samples were analyzed on a daily basis. Soil/dust samples representative of where the children played during the study period were obtained. Very high compliance among the participants was maintained throughout the study. The identical methodology employed in the childrens' study was used in an adult study of tracer recovery in 10 subjects over 28 days of observation to provide validation that soil ingestion over the range of 20 to 500 mg/day could be detected. Soil ingestion was estimated by each soil tracer via traditional methods as well as by an improved approach using five trace elements (Al, Si, Ti, Y, and Zr), called the Best Tracer Method (BTM), which substantially corrects for error due to misalignment of tracer input and output as well as error occurring from ingestion of tracers from nonfood, nonsoil sources, while being insensitive to the particle size of the soil/dust ingested. According to the BTM, the median soil ingestion was less than 1 mg/day while the upper 95% was 160 mg/day. No significant age (1 year vs 2, vs 3) or sex-related differences in soil ingestion were observed. These estimates are lower than estimates observed in another study in Massachusetts during September and October. Significant methodological improvements in this study as compared to previously conducted soil ingestion studies include the selection of a representative sample of children, longer study duration, inclusion of dietary recommendations to reduce food tracer input and variability, use of the BTM, and a stronger adult validation study with respect to number of subjects, and duration and range of possible soil ingestion rates. Despite these methodological improvements, evidence exists that this study displays a net residual negative error, suggesting that the above estimates are below the true soil ingestion. The magnitude of this residual negative error cannot be quantified with the BTM but is likely to not affect the median by more than 40 mg/day, while the impact of such an error on the upper end of the distribution is more uncertain.
Consumerization and Renewing Peoples and Practices Research

This paper documents the beginnings of Intel’s recently-launched Consumerization project, and uses these early experiences as a way into exploring new paths to business relevance and impact. These paths weave in and out of the increasingly institutionalized position of corporate ethnography as research that takes place before products are designed. These paths are one response to wider transformations in the business environment, and are not a general prescription, “ethnography should now do X in corporations.” However, this project does embody a significant move away from past modalities of conducting and applying research, and in doing so reveals broader possibilities for ethnography that may prove viable for others in different contexts. We begin by providing some institutional history and exploring the wider industry transformations that compelled us to design a research project in the way that we did. The paper goes on to describe our approach in meeting the challenges of this new environment, both conceptually and methodologically. Finally we reflect on some of the very early partnerships we are now able to cultivate and grow as a result.
Concept Selection Using an Interactive Reconfigurable Matrix of Alternatives (IRMA)

The engineering of complex systems relies on an und erstanding of the many interacting, interrelated and interdependent design options asso ciated with a given problem. Options selected based on convenience, familiarity or aesth etics rather than objective information can lead to an inferior result. Based on Morphologi cal Analysis, an Interactive Reconfigurable Matrix of Alternatives (IRMA) is proposed as a structured methodology to integrate objective and tacit information into the concept selection process. An IRMA aids designers by bringing tacit knowledge and zeroth order metrics into a collaborative design tool. The use of compatibility matrices ensure that interrelationships between concept options are captured and displayed. An iterative pr ocess is necessary for an IRMA to be most effective as part of the design process. Coar se and fine filtering are used eliminate options across the entire design space quickly usin g single common attributes of each option. Multi-attribute decision making methods allow a designer to use several more detailed measures to downselect within a smaller subset of d esign options. Individual options are evaluated using tacit knowledge and further detaile d information. The combination of the framework and the iterative process into an IRMA give a better documented and understood family of solutions for more detailed an alysis and design.
Measurement and analysis of vibration and deformation using laser metrology for automotive application

AbstractVehicle quality has become one of the most important factors in customer satisfaction. Of all quality attributes, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) are often immediately noticed by customers during purchase trial drives or initial usage periods. High-quality NVH is, however, one of the most challenging attributes to achieve. Vehicle development constraints usually require that other attributes such as safety, durability, functionality, package, weight, and cost be satisfied prior to NVH attributes. Laser metrology has advantages including spatially dense data points and the fact that it is non-contact, non-invasive, and fast. It has become an indispensable tool to provide optimal solutions for achieving high-quality NVH under various constraints. This article focuses on the state of the art and its applications on reducing NVH and related concerns in the automotive industry.
Orthogonal Locally Ancillary Estimating Functions with Application to Stratified Clustered Data

We propose an orthogonal locally ancillary estimating function that provides first-order bias correction of inferences. It requires the specification of merely the first two moments of the observations when applying to analysis of stratified clustered (continuous or binary) data with the parameters of interest in both the first and second joint moments of dependent data. Simulation results confirm that the estimators obtained using the proposed method are substantially improved over those using regular profile estimating functions.
Experimental Measurement of the Local Electronic Structure of Grain Boundaries in Ni3Al

We have examined grain boundaries in both undoped and boron doped Ni0.76Al0.24 using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), x-ray fluorescence (EDX) and annular dark field (ADF) imaging in a UHV STEM. A detailed study of a high angle grain boundary in nickel rich Ni3Al doped with 1000 ppm boron shows nickel enrichment occurring in a 5A wide region. Boron segregation to the boundary is observed with EELS and is seen to vary along the boundary, coinciding with ADF contrast changes in the surrounding grains that may be due to local strain fields. Spatially resolved EELS of the Ni L2,3 core edge, which is sensitive to changes in the hole density in the nickel d band, shows boron rich regions of the grain boundary to have a bonding similar to that of the bulk material. Boundary regions without boron have an electronic structure similar to that of the undoped grain boundaries where the Fermi level lies deeper in the nickel d band. In addition to studying boron segregation, EELS provides a unique opportunity to examine the changes in bonding that control the local properties of the material.
A Doubly Periodic Rectangular Array of Fiber-Matrix Interfacial Cracks Under Longitudinal Shearing

The antiplane strain problem of a unidirectional fiber composite consisting of a doubly periodic rectangular array of fibers containing interfacial cracks in an infinite matrix is considered. The interfacial cracks are assumed to exhibit the same periodicity as the fibers. The periodicity of the geometry allows the use of a unit cell in the formulation of the problem
Pediatric thyroid carcinoma: incidence and outcomes in 1753 patients.

Objective To examine outcomes and predictors of survival for pediatric patients with thyroid carcinoma. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry from 1973 to 2004 was queried for all patients with thyroid carcinoma less than 20 y of age. Results A total of 1753 patients with malignant thyroid neoplasms were identified with an age-adjusted annual incidence of 0.54 cases per 100,000 persons. There has been a significant increase in the annual incidence by 1.1% per y. Female patients outnumbered males 4 to 1. Tumors were classified as papillary ( n = 1044, 60%), follicular variant of papillary ( n = 389, 23%), follicular ( n = 165, 10%), and medullary ( n = 87, 5%). The majority of patients presented with localized and regional disease. Overall mean survival time (MST) was 30.5 y. The MST for females was 40 y, whereas males survived an average of 20.4 y ( P = 0.0001). Patients with medullary cancer had significantly shorter mean survival than those with papillary cancer ( P = 0.006). Surgical treatment significantly improved outcome. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that male gender, nonpapillary histology, distant disease, and no surgery were all independent prognostic factors of worse outcome. For patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma, radiation therapy was also identified as an independent predictor of lower survival. Conclusion The incidence of pediatric thyroid cancer is increasing. Females have a higher incidence than males, but enjoy longer survival. Papillary thyroid cancer has overall excellent survival. Male gender, nonpapillary tumor, distant metastases, and nonsurgical treatment all predict worse outcome.
Bucket elimination: a unifying framework for processing hard and soft constraints

This position paper argues that extending the CSP model to a richer set of tasks such as, constraint optimization, probabilistic inference and decision theoretic tasks can be done within a unifying framework called ‘‘bucket elimination’’. The framework allows uniform hybrids for combining elimination and conditioning guided by the problem's structure and for explicating the tradeoffs between space and time and between time and accuracy.
Copper Stimulates Endocytosis of the Prion Protein

Prion diseases result from conformational alteration of PrPC, a cell surface glycoprotein expressed in brain, spinal cord, and several peripheral tissues, into PrPSc, a protease-resistant isoform that is the principal component of infectious prion particles. Although a great deal is known about the pathogenic role of PrPSc, the physiological function of PrPC has remained a mystery. Several lines of evidence have recently suggested the possibility that PrPCmay play a role in the metabolism of copper. To further investigate the interaction of PrPC and copper, we have analyzed the effect of this metal ion on the endocytic trafficking of PrPC in cultured neuroblastoma cells. We report here that copper rapidly and reversibly stimulates endocytosis of PrPC from the cell surface. This effect may be physiologically relevant and suggests the hypothesis that PrPC could serve as a recycling receptor for uptake of copper ions from the extracellular milieu.
Bone Strain Patterns of the Zygomatic Complex in Response to Simulated Orthopedic Forces

Craniofacial bone strain upon orthopedic loading has rarely been characterized, despite its fundamental importance in our understanding of the anabolic and catabolic effects of orthopedic forces. The present study tested the hypothesis that zygomatic bone strain is modulated upon loading by headgear, a device widely used in craniofacial orthopedics. Ramp forces from 0 to 50 Newtons were applied via headgear attached to the permanent maxillary first molars in four juvenile and five adult human skulls. The average peak bone strain of the juvenile temporal articular eminence was significantly higher than the adult articular eminence (p < 0.05). Contrasting bone strain patterns were identified in the zygomatic arch: tensile in its lateral surface but compressive in its medial surface. The peak bone strain of the temporal articular eminence and the zygomatic arch both depend upon loading direction. Thus, headgear-generated orthopedic forces evoke bending of the zygomatic arch and stresses of the temporal artic...
Maternal Separation Anxiety in Hispanic and Euro-American Mothers:

Maternal separation anxiety, that is, anxiety experienced by mothers when separated from their infants, was compared for 24 Hispanic and 41 Euro-American mothers. Compared to Euro-American mothers, Hispanic mothers reported more sadness and guilt when separated from their child. However, college education emerged as the sole significant predictor of maternal separation anxiety within the sample.
Low-temperature phase equilibria in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system

Ultrasonically prepared freeze-dried nitrate precursors and high-precision solution calorimetry were used to investigate the low-temperature thermodynamic stabilities of compounds in the Y-Cu-O, Ba-Cu-O, Y-Ba-O, and Y-Ba-Cu-O pseudobinary and pseudoternary systems at 1 atm of oxygen. Y2Cu2O5, Y2BaCuOs, and BaCuO2 were found to be metastable below 682°, 728°, and 710°± 5°C, respectively. The only stable phases in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system at 298 K and 1 atm of oxygen are Ba2Cu3O6, CuO, BaO2, and Y2O3. By compiling the calorimetric and phase equilibria data, a series of Y-Ba-Cu-O isothermal phase diagrams were constructed between 25° and 900°C at 1 atm of oxygen.
The influence of hazard models on GIS-based regional risk assessments and mitigation policies

Geographic information systems (GIS) are important tools for understanding and communicating the spatial distribution of risks associated with natural hazards in regional economies. We present a GIS-based decision support system (DSS) for assessing community vulnerability to natural hazards and evaluating potential mitigation policy outcomes. The Land Use Portfolio Modeler (LUPM) integrates earth science and socioeconomic information to predict the economic impacts of loss-reduction strategies. However, the potential use of such systems in decision making may be limited when multiple but conflicting interpretations of the hazard are available. To explore this problem, we conduct a policy comparison using the LUPM to test the sensitivity of three available assessments of earthquake-induced lateral-spread ground failure susceptibility in a coastal California community. We find that the uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the science inputs can influence the development and implementation of natural hazard management policies.
Characterization of Virulence-Related Phenotypes in Candida Species of the CUG Clade

Candida species cause a variety of mucosal and invasive infections and are, collectively, the most important human fungal pathogens in the developed world. The majority of these infections result from a few related species within the "CUG clade," so named because they use a nonstandard translation for that codon. Some members of the CUG clade, such as Candida albicans, present significant clinical problems, whereas others, such as Candida (Meyerozyma) guilliermondii, are uncommon in patients. The differences in incidence rates are imperfectly correlated with virulence in animal models of infection, but comparative analyses that might provide an explanation for why some species are effective pathogens and others are not have been rare or incomplete. To better understand the phenotypic basis for these differences, we characterized eight CUG clade species--C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, Clavispora lusitaniae, M. guilliermondii, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Lodderomyces elongisporus--for host-relevant phenotypes, including nutrient utilization, stress tolerance, morphogenesis, interactions with phagocytes, and biofilm formation. Two species deviated from expectations based on animal studies and human incidence. C. dubliniensis was quite robust, grouping in nearly all assays with the most virulent species, C. albicans and C. tropicalis, whereas C. parapsilosis was substantially less fit than might be expected from its clinical importance. These findings confirm the utility of in vitro measures of virulence and provide insight into the evolution of virulence in the CUG clade.
Production of rhamnolipids by Pseudomonas chlororaphis, a nonpathogenic bacterium.

Rhamnolipids, naturally occurring biosurfactants constructed of rhamnose sugar molecules and β-hydroxyalkanoic acids, have a wide range of potential commercial applications. In the course of a survey of 33 different bacterial isolates, we have identified, using a phenotypic assay for rhamnolipid production, a strain of the nonpathogenic bacterial species Pseudomonas chlororaphis that is capable of producing rhamnolipids. Rhamnolipid production by P. chlororaphis was achieved by growth at room temperature in static cultures of a mineral salts medium containing 2% glucose. We obtained yields of roughly 1 g/liter of rhamnolipids, an amount comparable to the production levels reported in Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown with glucose as the carbon source. The rhamnolipids produced by P. chlororaphis appear to be exclusively the mono-rhamnolipid form. The most prevalent molecular species had one monounsaturated hydroxy fatty acid of 12 carbons and one saturated hydroxy fatty acid of 10 carbons. P. chlororaphis, a nonpathogenic saprophyte of the soil, is currently employed as a biocontrol agent against certain types of plant fungal diseases. The pathogenic nature of all bacteria previously known to produce rhamnolipids has been a major obstacle to commercial production of rhamnolipids. The use of P. chlororaphis therefore greatly simplifies this matter by removing the need for containment systems and stringent separation processes in the production of rhamnolipids.