cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of associations of LEPR Q223R and K109R polymorphisms with Type 2 diabetes risk

Background Leptin receptor (LEPR) plays a pivotal role in the control of body weight, energy metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Various genetic association studies were performed to evaluate associations of LEPR genetic variants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all eligible case-control studies for examining the associations of LEPR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) Q223R (rs1137101) and K109R (rs1137100) with T2D risk. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the magnitudes of association. Results For Q223R, 13 studies (11 articles) consisting of a total of 4030 cases and 2844 controls, and for K109R 7 studies (7 articles) consisting of 3319 cases and 2465 controls were available. Under an allele model, Q223R was not significantly associated with T2D risk (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.80–1.48, P-value = 0.5989), which was consistent with results obtained under four genotypic models (ranges: ORs 1.08–1.20, 95% CIs: 0.58–2.02 to 0.64–2.26; P-values, 0.3650–0.8177, which all exceeded multiplicity-adjusted α = 0.05/5 = 0.01). In addition, no significant association was found between K109R and T2D risk based on either an allele model (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.85–1.03, P-value = 0.1868) or four genotypic models (ranges: ORs 0.81–0.99, 95% CIs: 0.67–0.86 to 0.97–1.26, P-values, 0.0207–0.8804 which all exceeded multiplicity-adjusted α of 0.01). The magnitudes of association for these two SNPs were not dramatically changed in subgroup analyses by ethnicity or sensitivity analyses. Funnel plot inspections as well as Begg and Mazumdar adjusted rank correlation test and Egger linear regression test did not reveal significant publication biases in main and subgroup analyses. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that both missense SNPs were functionally neutral and benign. Conclusions The present meta-analysis did not detect significant genetic associations between LEPR Q223R and K109R polymorphisms and T2D risk.
Salivary proteomics of healthy dogs: An in depth catalog.

Objective To provide an in-depth catalog of the salivary proteome and endogenous peptidome of healthy dogs, evaluate proteins and peptides with antimicrobial properties, and compare the most common salivary proteins and peptides between different breed phylogeny groups. Methods 36 healthy dogs without evidence of periodontal disease representing four breed phylogeny groups, based upon single nucleotide polymorphism haplotypes (ancient, herding/sighthound, and two miscellaneous groups). Saliva collected from dogs was pooled by phylogeny group and analyzed using nanoscale liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Resulting tandem mass spectra were compared to databases for identification of endogenous peptides and inferred proteins. Results 2,491 proteins and endogenous peptides were found in the saliva of healthy dogs with no periodontal disease. All dog phylogeny groups' saliva was rich in proteins and peptides with antimicrobial functions. The ancient breeds group was distinct in that it contained unique proteins and was missing many proteins and peptides present in the other groups. Conclusions and clinical relevance Using a sophisticated nanoscale liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we were able to identify 10-fold more salivary proteins than previously reported in dogs. Seven of the top 10 most abundant proteins or peptides serve immune functions and many more with various antimicrobial mechanisms were found. This is the most comprehensive analysis of healthy canine saliva to date, and will provide the groundwork for future studies analyzing salivary proteins and endogenous peptides in disease states.
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN TRENDS OF ORTHOTOPIC HEART TRANSPLANTATION AND LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVISE: IMPACT OF MEDICAID CUTS ON END-STAGE HEART FAILURE LANDSCAPE

Trends of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation among African-Americans (AA) and Caucasians (CA) are not well-defined. Additionally, in view of recently proposed funding cuts, we explored the contribution of Medicaid towards the costs of these
Beyond Bobby Jo Clary: The Unavailability of Same-Sex Marital Privileges Infringes the Rights of so Many More Than Criminal Defendants

Confusion over the applicability of marital privileges invoked by same-sex spouses from one jurisdiction to the next has a chilling effect on the full and frank communication marital privileges seek to encourage. With the growing number of jurisdictions recognizing same-sex marriages in the wake of United States v. Windsor, conflicts between state marriage laws embracing marriage equality and state versions of the Defense of Marriage Act (“mini-DOMAs”) will similarly increase. Section 2 of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) permits a state with a mini-DOMA to invalidate a marriage validly celebrated in another. So, too, may a state with a mini-DOMA refuse to recognize a marital privilege otherwise available to opposite-sex couples to protect a same-sex marriage celebrated in another state or a confidential communication held in another state. A conversation in New York, which would recognize a valid marriage between same-sex partners and thus apply any available marital privilege, may never be had for fear that future litigation in Texas, which maintains a mini-DOMA, may force one spouse to reveal those confidential communications while testifying adversely to her spouse.To provide the certainty needed to fulfill the purpose of the marital privileges, federal court intervention is required to strike section 2 of DOMA and all mini-DOMAs as unconstitutional violations of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. With reasonable certainty that their marriages will be deemed valid in all jurisdictions, same-sex couples can take comfort in knowing they will not be forced to testify adversely to one another or reveal confidential communications they shared. Same-sex marriages, like their opposite-sex counterparts, will be strengthened by the benefits such privileges afford.
The Ontopoietic Design of Life and Medicine’s Search for the Norm

The Romantic philosopher Schelling, who showed profound interest in medicine and whose philosophy attracted considerable interest in the medical profession of Germany in his day, pointed out that medicine is the “royal road” of philosophy. This insight has come to full fruition in the contemporary phenomenology/philosophy of life.1
Retention of a Paramagnetic Ground State at Low Temperatures in a Family of Structurally Related UIV Phosphates.

A new uranium fluoride phosphate, UFPO4, was synthesized via a mild hydrothermal route and characterized optically, thermally, and magnetically. Two thermal transformation products, U2O(PO4)2 and U...
Poxviruses Evade Cytosolic Sensing through Disruption of an mTORC1-mTORC2 Regulatory Circuit

Viruses employ elaborate strategies to coopt the cellular processes they require to replicate while simultaneously thwarting host antiviral responses. In many instances, how this is accomplished remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a protein, F17 encoded by cytoplasmically replicating poxviruses, that binds and sequesters Raptor and Rictor, regulators of mammalian target of rapamycin complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2, respectively. This disrupts mTORC1-mTORC2 crosstalk that coordinates host responses to poxvirus infection. During infection with poxvirus lacking F17, cGAS accumulates together with endoplasmic reticulum vesicles around the Golgi, where activated STING puncta form, leading to interferon-stimulated gene expression. By contrast, poxvirus expressing F17 dysregulates mTOR, which localizes to the Golgi and blocks these antiviral responses in part through mTOR-dependent cGAS degradation. Ancestral conservation of Raptor/Rictor across eukaryotes, along with expression of F17 across poxviruses, suggests that mTOR dysregulation forms a conserved poxvirus strategy to counter cytosolic sensing while maintaining the metabolic benefits of mTOR activity.
Oct1/Pou2f1 is selectively required for gut regeneration and regulates gut malignancy

The transcription factor Oct1/Pou2f1 promotes poised gene expression states, mitotic stability, glycolytic metabolism and other characteristics of stem cell potency. To determine the effect of Oct1 loss on stem cell maintenance and malignancy, we deleted Oct1 in two different mouse gut stem cell compartments. Oct1 deletion preserved homeostasis in vivo and the ability to generate cultured organoids in vitro, but blocked the ability to regenerate after treatment with dextran sodium sulfate, and the ability to maintain organoids after passage. In a chemical model of colon cancer, loss of Oct1 in the colon severely restricted tumorigenicity. In contrast, loss of one or both Oct1 alleles progressively increased tumor burden in a colon cancer model driven by loss of heterozygosity of the tumor suppressor gene Apc. The different outcomes are consistent with prior findings that Oct1 promotes mitotic stability, and consistent with different gene expression signatures associated with the two models. These results reveal that Oct1 is selectively required for gut regeneration, and has potent effects in colon malignancy, with outcome (pro-oncogenic or tumor suppressive) dictated by tumor etiology.
Prognostic significance, angiographic characteristics and impact of antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapy on outcomes in high versus low grade coronary artery ectasia: A long-term follow-up study

OBJECTIVES To assess the prognostic significance of high vs. low grade coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and the impact of antithrombotic or anticoagulant therapy on adverse cardiac outcomes. BACKGROUND There is paucity of knowledge on the impact of angiographic characteristics in CAE or that of antithrombotic or anticoagulant therapy on outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS In this retrospective study, we reviewed angiograms and medical records of all cases of confirmed CAE (2001-2011). Extent of CAE was categorized using the Markis classification. Types 1 and 2 were categorized as high-grade and types 3 and 4 as low-grade CAE. Angiographic flow was recorded as normal or sluggish (<TIMI 3). Outcomes assessed were acute coronary syndromes and all-cause mortality on follow-up. The study included 317 patients with CAE (mean follow-up of 9.7 ± 2.3 years). High-grade CAE (n = 151) had a significantly higher incidence of ACS on follow-up (41% vs. 30%, P = 0.01; OR 2.0, CI 1.3-3.3, P = 0.01) despite similar underlying CAD. Sluggish coronary flow (irrespective of CAE grade) was also associated with a higher incidence of ACS (45% vs. 28%, P < 0.01; OR 2.25, CI 1.4-3.6, P = 0.01). Presence of both sluggish flow and high-grade CAE had an additive effect on occurrence of ACS (OR 4, CI 2.0-7.8, P < 0.01). Neither sluggish flow nor high-grade CAE were associated with mortality. Dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or use of oral anticoagulation was associated with a reduced incidence of ACS (17% vs. 34%, P = 0.03 and 29% vs. 42%, P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION The angiographic extent of CAE and sluggish coronary flow are independent predictors of future ACS despite good medical management. DAPT or oral anticoagulation reduces the risk of future ACS.
Simultaneous high-temperature gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectrometric analysis of monocarboxylic acids and acylglycerols in biofuels and biofuel intermediate products

Abstract Triacyl-, diacyl- and monoacylglycerols (TAGs, DAGs, MAGs) along with monocarboxylic acids (MCAs) are intermediate products in many triacylglycerol oil-to-biofuel conversion pathways. Accumulation of these compounds leads to poor biofuel characteristics and may result in fuel system damage. We developed a method for simultaneous identification and quantification of a wide range of MCAs (C4-C18), MAGs, DAGs, and TAGs. The method is based on trimethylsilylation followed by high temperature GC with programmed temperature vaporizer (PTV) injection coupled to parallel FID and MS detectors (HTGC-FID/MS). To minimize the discrimination of both low and high molecular weight species typically occurring on the injector, we optimized injection conditions using a central composite design. The critical variables were the time at initial temperature (40 °C), splitless time, and the interaction between these two parameters. Among three tested electron ionization source/quadrupole analyzer temperatures, a 350/200 °C setting provided the highest response and signal-to-noise ratio for TAGs and did not have an effect on MAGs and DAGs. Similar results were obtained when quantifying target analytes in intermediate products of soybean oil cracking with FID and MS (using specific acylglycerol fragmentation ions). The instrumental FID limits of detection (LODs) were 0.07–0.27 ng for most of the target analytes. Selected ion monitoring (SIM) LODs were 0.01–0.05 ng for MCAs and 0.03–0.14 ng for acylglycerols. For the total ion current (TIC), LODs observed increased with acyl chain length and degree of unsaturation, resulting in an increase from 0.05 to 0.18 ng for MCAs (C5 to C18) and from 0.03 to 1.8 ng for acylglycerols (TAGs C8 to C22). Deviations in the repeatability of sample preparation, intra- and inter-day analyses, including sample stability over an eight-day time period, did not exceed 10% variance. These results demonstrate that the developed method is accurate and robust for the determination of acylglycerols and MCAs produced during the processing of TAGs into biofuels.
New Human Chromosomal Sites with “Safe Harbor” Potential for Targeted Transgene Insertion

This study identified 35 new sites for targeted transgene insertion that have the potential to serve as new human genomic “safe harbor” sites (SHS). SHS potential for these 35 sites, located on 16 ...
Tort As Private Administration

What does tort law do? This Article develops an account of the law of torts for the age of settlement. A century ago, leading torts jurists proposed that tort doctrine’s main function was to allocate authority between judge and jury. In the era of the disappearing trial, we propose that tort law’s hidden function is to shape the process by which private parties settle. In particular, core doctrines in tort help to structure and sustain the systems of private administration by which injury claims are actually resolved. Though an observer could hardly guess it from judge-centric theories of tort or by reading the typical reported appellate cases, repeat-play stakeholders such as the plaintiffs’ bar, insurers, and others are developing and managing claims resolution facilities that have turned the resolution of one-off tort claims in the United States into something akin to aggregate litigation or a public compensation program. Hidden deep in the shadows of the law, private administration is becoming a standard feature of torts practice with substantial implications for the theory of tort law and litigation.
Economic Foundations for 21st Century Freight Rail Rate Regulation

The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 made a substantial break from an almost century-old policy of pervasively regulating the prices for freight rail services provided in the United States. In particular, rather than regulators establishing prices, Staggers permits shippers and railroads to voluntarily negotiate rates, terms and conditions, with regulation providing a fallback if negotiation fails or is too onerous for what is at stake on the shipment. While largely deregulating the rate-setting process, the statute requires that rates be “reasonable” in the event of a complaint filed by a shipper and where a railroad is found to be market dominant – a requirement that necessitates that regulators determine a method for assessing whether a given rate or set of rates is, in fact, reasonable. In the wake of the passage of Staggers, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) [now the Surface Transportation Board (STB)] established the method for determining whether a rate is “reasonable,” in which case the rate is allowed to stand; or whether the rate is unreasonable and must be reduced. The system, known as Constrained Market Pricing (CMP), was established largely on a bedrock of economic theory and has been in place now for almost thirty-five years. Yet, absent a refresher, the passage of time creates the prospect that the economic foundations of CMP will fade. The purpose of this paper is to provide that refresher. Along the way we seek to re-establish the fundamental economic appeal of CMP, reflect on criticisms and alternatives that have been proffered, and offer refinements for rail regulation moving forward.
Virtual Surgical Planning in Subscapular System Free Flap Reconstruction of Midface Defects.

Abstract Objectives Reconstruction of the midface has many inherent challenges, including orbital support, skull base reconstruction, optimizing midface projection, separation of the nasal cavity and dental rehabilitation. Subscapular system free flaps (SF) have sufficient bone stock to support complex reconstruction and the option of separate soft tissue components. This study analyzes the effect of virtual surgical planning (VSP) in SF for midface on subsite reconstruction, bone segment contact and anatomic position. Materials and Methods Retrospective cohort of patients with midface defects that underwent SF reconstruction at a single tertiary care institution. Results Nine cases with VSP were compared to fourteen cases without VSP. VSP was associated with a higher number of successfully reconstructed subunits (5.9 vs 4.2, 95% CI of mean difference 0.31–3.04, p = 0.018), a higher number of successful bony contact between segments (2.2 vs 1.4, 95% CI of mean difference 0.0–1.6, p = 0.050), and a higher percent of segments in anatomic position (100% vs 71%, 95% CI of mean difference 2–55%, p = 0.035). When postoperative bone position after VSP reconstruction was compared to preoperative scans, the difference in anteroposterior, vertical and lateral projection compared to the preoperative ‘ideal’ bone position was Conclusion VSP may augment SF reconstruction of the midface by allowing for improved subunit reconstruction, bony segment contact and anatomically correct bone segment positioning. VSP can be a useful adjunct for complex midface reconstruction and the benefits should be weighed against cost.
Triad entanglement of estrogen-sulfotransferase (SULT1E1), NFκβ and Nrf-2 confers matrix-metalloprotease (MMP 2/9) action in breast carcinogenesis

ABSTRACT Estrogen (E2) is one of the most important signaling molecules that control cell-differentiation/early-embryogenesis/organogenesis in gender-independent manner. Nevertheless, during adolescence/adulthood it influences female reproductive-functions by delicate cellular proliferative-events via nongenomic (cellular-signaling)/genomic (transcriptional-signaling) pathways to recruit a number of genes/proteins. In case of post-menopausal-women high E2 may initiates tumors in breast/gynaecological-tissues. Impired estrogenic signaling may be the results from abnormal redox-regulations of estrogen-metabolizing-enzyme estrogen-sulfotransferase(SULT1E1), transcriptional-factors NFκβ, Nrf-2 and Matrixmetalloproteases (specially MMP 2/9) in the breast-tumor. Here, tumor and its surrounding tissues were obtained from the district-hospital. Intracellular redox-environment of tumors was screened with some in vitro-studies. RT-PCR for SULT1E1 expression and MMP 2/9-zymogram were conducted in lasoprazole (Nrf-2 inducer) or dexamethasone (SULT1E1 inducer) treted rat liver tissues. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze SULT1E1/NFκβ localization and MMP 2/9-zymogram in human breast-cancer versus its surrounding tissues. It can be hypothesized that transcription-factors (NFκβ/Nrf-2) imposes effect on MMPs expressions resulting in significant impacts on metastatic transition of breast-cancer. Breast tumor reveals higher (vs surrounding-tissue) expression/immunolocalization of NFκB/SULT1E1 paralleling to our previous finding of Nrf-2 induction. The relation between Nrf2/NFκB is determined by oxidative-stress and by CBP recruitment of HDAC3. Further, this relation is a determinant of MMP-regulations and SULT1E1-mediated E2 levels. Adaptively, augmented Nrf-2 may induce SULT1E1 resulting in lower active-estrogen. The triad regulations of NFκβ, SULT1E1 and Nrf2 are proposed here to execute MMPs function in the severity of human breast-carcinogenesis. Therapeutically this triad system may be effectively targeted for breast cancer treatment. Further studies are necessary in this regard.
Comparing Student Responses to Convergent, Divergent, and Evaluative Nature of Science Questions

Explicit-reflective nature of science (NOS) instruction has demonstrated a positive impact on student learning. Although explicit-reflective NOS instruction often consists of questions that draw students’ attention to NOS ideas, there are few recommendations in the science education literature about how the form of these questions might inform NOS educational methods and pedagogy. While some questions in the literature simply point students’ thinking in a general direction, other questions require students to justify particular NOS ideas, or prompt them to choose between two positions. Given that NOS questions often seem to differ in the degree to which they direct student thinking, this study sought to examine the nature of student responses to different question types. Data was collected through writing. Four different versions of a reading were created with questions related to scientific method. Each version included a different question type: three drawn from Gallagher and Aschner’s (1963) category system (evaluative, convergent, and divergent), and a general question that did not reference NOS. Readings were randomly distributed to 285 sixth grade students. Responses were analyzed using the provisional codes: normative, descriptive, misconception, off-topic. Using a Chi-squared test of independence and corresponding percentages, clear and statistically significant differences were observed in student responses to different question types. Drawing on the data from this study, convergent questioning seems more suited to the purpose of guiding students to an accurate conception of NOS, while divergent and evaluative NOS questions may make better assessment questions.
Carotid Plaques From Symptomatic Patients Are Characterized by Local Increase in Xanthine Oxidase Expression.

Background and purpose XO (xanthine oxidase) is a key enzyme of uric acid metabolism and is thought to contribute to oxidative pathways that promote atherosclerotic plaque progression, yet its role in plaque destabilization is not well elucidated. We hypothesized that XO is expressed in carotid plaque from symptomatic patients in association with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Patients were stratified by symptoms, defined as presentation with an ipsilateral cerebral ischemic event. Carotid atherosclerotic plaques were obtained from 44 patients with symptomatic plaque and 44 patients without ischemic cerebral events. Protein expression of XO was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and the percentage of cells expressing XO and CD68 (macrophage marker) compared between the groups. Biochemical and demographic cardiometabolic risk factors of study participants also were measured. Results Carotid atherosclerotic plaques from symptomatic patients were associated with significantly higher XO expression versus asymptomatic plaque (median [interquartile range]: 1.24 [2.09] versus 0.16 [0.34]; P Conclusions XO overexpression in macrophages is associated with increased serum uric acid and low high-density lipoproteins cholesterol levels and may potentially have a mechanistic role in carotid plaque destabilization. The current study supports a potential role for uric acid synthesis pathway as a target for management of carotid atherosclerosis in humans.
A Method for Microgrid Partitioning Based on Dijkstra algorithm

A large number of distributed power sources are connected to the regional grid, a method for microgrid partitioning based on integration of main network and microgrid is proposed. Firstly, the initial range of microgrid is divided based on the electrical correlation between electric equipments. Then, a optimization model is established that aims at the minimum of active power imbalance of the microgrid. Finally, an example is analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Exploring Adolescent Social Media Use in a High School: Tweeting Teens in a Bell Schedule World:

This multilevel exploratory case study examined the intersection of adolescent social media use and administrators’ and teachers’ work in one Florida high school. Through a survey and activities wi...
The treatment and study of psychiatric disorders with fMRI neurofeedback

Abstract This chapter is focused on psychiatric applications of real-time fMRI neurofeedback. We review research on addiction and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders (including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders), schizophrenia, and psychopathy. Note we do not cover emotion regulation disorders as they are the focus of Chapters 8 and 10 8 10 . As we describe the work done developing and testing neurofeedback protocols for different psychiatric applications, we discuss specific challenges and design decisions that arise in this research, and we highlight important issues for consideration in future studies.
Quantitative Process Simulation

The objective of using a quantitative process simulation model is to: Provide the ability to analyze the impact of resource allocation on cost and schedule, Demonstrate the effect of resource timing on cost and schedule, Separate factors for skill and process for each stage in the development of an iterative project, Demonstrate the complex integration of multiple teams participating in the system development project.
GRAND-UNIFIED-THEORY BARYOGENESIS AFTER PREHEATING

At the end of inflation the Universe is frozen in a near zero-entropy state with energy density in a coherent scalar field and must be ``defrosted'' to produce the observed entropy and baryon number. We propose that the baryon asymmetry is generated by the decay of supermassive grand-unified-theory (GUT) bosons produced nonthermally in a preheating phase after inflation. We show that baryogenesis is possible for an inflaton mass of order ${10}^{13}\mathrm{GeV}$ and a GUT Higgs boson mass of order ${10}^{14}\mathrm{GeV}$, thus solving many drawbacks facing GUT baryogenesis in the old reheating scenario.
Routing a multi-terminal critical net: Steiner tree construction in the presence of obstacles

This paper presents a new model for VLSI routing in the presence of obstacles, that transforms any routing instance from a geometric problem into a graph problem. It is the first model that allows computation of optimal obstacle-avoiding rectilinear Steiner trees in time corresponding to the instance size (the number of terminals and obstacle border segments) rather than the size of the routing area. For the most common multi-terminal critical nets-those with three or four terminals-we observe that optimal trees can be computed as efficiently as good heuristic trees, and present algorithms that do so. For nets with five or more terminals, we present algorithms that heuristically compute obstacle-avoiding Steiner trees. Analysis and experiments demonstrate that the model and algorithms work well in both theory and practice. >
Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean is a statistical phenomenon that occurs when two quantities are related but imperfectly. Keywords: regression toward the mean
Reactions to Edmund Leach's “Anthropological Aspects of Language” and John Halverson's “Animal Categories and Terms of Abuse”

Last year, we reprinted a 1964 paper by the noted Cambridge anthropologist Edmund Leach, followed by a 1976 critique by John Halverson (Anthrozoos 2[3]:151–74). While Leach's original paper was complex and full of nuances that do not lend themselves to easy summary, he was concerned with taboo, with animal categories and verbal obscenities, with the relationship of edibility and the social value of animals, and other such ideas. Relevant to human-animal interactions is the idea that certain animals (e.g., pets) occupy liminal space between the classifications of human and not human and that we, as humans, have trouble dealing with creatures or things that occupy such ambiguous classifications. As a result, peculiar tensions surround our dealings with animals that are domesticated and/or share our homes, which explain the inconsistent ways in which humans deal with such animals.John Halverson's critique took Leach to task for using the term taboo in a multitude of ways and for making connections between an...
Adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase from rabbit erythrocytes. Purification and characterization of multiple forms.

Abstract Adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-dependent protein kinase from rabbit erythrocytes has been resolved into three active fractions possessing both phosphotransferase and cyclic AMP-binding activities. These enzymes are arbitrarily designated as kinases I, IIa, and IIb. The kinetic properties and substrate specificities of these kinases are remarkably similar. All three variants catalyze the phosphorylation of calf thymus histones and are stimulated by low concentrations of cyclic AMP. The molecular weights of these enzymes have been estimated by gel filtration to be 170,000, 120,000, and 240,000, corresponding to kinases I, IIa, and IIb, respectively. The three kinases differ in temperature (53°) stability. Kinases IIa and IIb are inactivated more slowly than kinase I. However, the rate of inactivation of kinase I is greatly diminished in the presence of both ATP and Mg2+. A similar protection by these compounds is not observed with kinases IIa and IIb. Each of these kinases appears to be constructed of two dissimilar functional subunits: a catalytic subunit and a regulatory subunit. Cyclic AMP causes the two dissimilar functional subunits to dissociate by binding to the regulatory moiety. A similar activation may be accomplished by protamine. In addition, protamine enhances the binding of cyclic AMP to the kinases as determined by the Millipore filtration assay. The regulatory moiety of kinase I cross-reacts with the catalytic moiety of both kinases IIa and IIb.
Space-Partitioning-Based Bulk-Loading for the NSP-Tree in Non-ordered Discrete Data Spaces

Properly-designed bulk-loading techniques are more efficient than the conventional tuple-loading method in constructing a multidimensional index tree for a large data set. Although a number of bulk-loading algorithms have been proposed in the literature, most of them were designed for continuous data spaces (CDS) and cannot be directly applied to non-ordered discrete data spaces (NDDS). In this paper, we present a new space-partitioning-based bulk-loading algorithm for the NSP-tree -- a multidimensional index tree recently developed for NDDSs . The algorithm constructs the target NSP-tree by repeatedly partitioning the underlying NDDS for a given data set until input vectors in every subspace can fit into a leaf node. Strategies to increase the efficiency of the algorithm, such as multi-way splitting, memory buffering and balanced space partitioning, are employed. Histograms that characterize the data distribution in a subspace are used to decide space partitions. Our experiments show that the proposed bulk-loading algorithm is more efficient than the tuple-loading algorithm and a popular generic bulk-loading algorithm that could be utilized to build the NSP-tree.
GaInNAs(Sb) Long-Wavelength VCSELs

The push to provide high-speed optical network access directly to the end user is creating both significant pressure for the development of low-cost, high-speed access terminals as well as opportunities for development of entirely new technological approaches compared to those now used in the optical backbone networks. One of the most challenging is that of providing low-cost, long wavelength, single mode lasers that can be directly modulated at 10 Gbit/s, operate un-cooled in ambient environments and are easily packaged and coupled to fiber. Long wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) on GaAs certainly have the potential to meet these challenges. The development of MBE growth of GaInNAsSb on GaAs, issues of VCSEL design and successful demonstration of low threshold edge emitting lasers and the first 1530 nm monolithic VCSELs in GaInNAsSb on GaAs are described.
Synthesis and characterization of spin labeled polymers for composite interface studies

Abstract For the purpose of investigating the epoxy resin composite interface, a series of spin labeled epoxy polymers and model compounds was synthesized and characterized. Linear epoxy polymers were prepared by reacting systematically varying quantities of 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-1-yloxy and cyclohexyl amine with an equivalence bisphenol A diglycidyl ether. The adducts of phenylglycidyl ether and 4-cumylphenylglyidyl ether with 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpperid-1-yloxy were synthesized as model compounds. Characterization determined that the 125°C polymerization temperature did not cause significant decomposition of the nitroxyl free radical, that magnetic dilution of the spin label in the epoxy polymer to 3% of the amine repeat units is sufficient for observation of unobscured nitroxyl hyperfine structure in the electron spin resonance spectrum of the labeled epoxy polymer in the solid state, and that a polymer glass transition temperature of 66°C was not affected by variation in the amine composition.
Closing the query processing loop in Oracle 11g

The role of a query optimizer in a database system is to find the best execution plan for a given SQL statement based on statistics about the objects related to the tables referenced in the statement. These statistics include the tables themselves, their indexes, and other derived objects. Statistics include the number of rows, space utilization on disk, distribution of column values, etc. Optimization also relies on system statistics, such as the I/O bandwidth of the storage sub-system. All of this information is fed into a cost model. The cost model is used to compute the cost whenever the query optimizer needs to make a decision for an access path, join method, join order, or query transformation. The optimizer picks the alternative that yields the lowest cost.The quality of the final execution plan depends primarily on the quality of the information fed into the cost model as well as the cost model itself. In this paper, we discuss two of the problems that affect the quality of execution plans generated by the query optimizer: the cardinality of intermediate results and host variable values. We will give details of the solutions we introduced in Oracle 11g. Our approach establishes a bridge from the SQL execution engine to the SQL compiler. The bridge brings valuable information to help the query optimizer assess the impact of its decisions and make better decisions for future executions of the SQL statement. We illustrate the merits of our solutions based on experiments using the Oracle E-Business Suite workload.
Chemical Paralysis Reduces Energy Expenditure in Patients with Burns and Severe Respiratory Failure Treated with Mechanical Ventilation

Predictive formulas often overestimate energy requirements, particularly in patients being treated with mechanical ventilation, resulting in significant overfeeding. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of chemical paralysis on energy expenditure in patients with burn injuries receiving ventilation treatment, and compare measured energy expenditure with estimates of energy expenditure based on predictive formulas. The study was a retrospective review of 14 patients with burn injuries treated with mechanical ventilation that required chemical paralysis to reduce inspiratory pressures or improve oxygenation. Indirect calorimetry was performed before, during, and after paralysis. Measured energy expenditure (MEE) was compared with the energy predictions of the Harris-Benedict (HBEE) and Curreri (CEE) estimates. During paralysis, mean MEE was significantly lower than pre- or postparalysis (19.65 +/- 1.65 versus 26.00 +/- 2.42 and 29.49 +/- 2.83 kcal/kg/24 hr, respectively). Mean HBEE (2031 +/- 145 kcal/24 hr) approximated MEE pre-(1989 +/- 350 kcal/24 hr) and postparalysis (2237 +/- 269 kcal/24 hr), but overestimated MEE during paralysis (1532 +/- 208 kcal/24 hr; p < 0.05). Mean CEE (2957 +/- 229 kcal/ 24 hr) estimates significantly overestimated MEE before, during, and after paralysis (1989 +/- 350, 1532 +/- 208, and 2237 +/- 269, respectively p < 0.05). Predictive formulas significantly overestimate measured energy requirements in these patients. Indirect calorimetry should guide nutrition support in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.
Truncation-induced relaxations of a high-index surface: Al(311)

The atomic structure of the Al(311) surface has been determined using Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED). The surface unit cell was found to be in lateral registry with the bulk lattice. However, there are large vertical relaxations of the first and second atomic planes perpendicular to the surface. The first interplanar spacing, d/sub 12/, is contracted by 13% relative to the bulk value and d/sub 23/ is expanded by 9%. Even though no lateral displacements were found to exist at the surface, the comparison of calculated and experimental LEED spectra was found to be sensitive to lateral displacements, which is contrary to commonly held beliefs concerning LEED analysis.
An 85–95.2 GHz transformer-based injection-locked frequency tripler in 65nm CMOS

A W-band transformer-based injection-locked frequency tripler (T-ILFT) is designed and implemented in 65nm standard CMOS technology using a 0.8V supply voltage. The use of injection locking topology with on-chip transformer provides several advantages over conventional design. Occupying an chip area of 0.089mm2 (including buffers), the T-ILFT achieves an input sensitivity of −15dBm and a continuous locking range from 85 to 95.2GHz with 4dBm input power. The measured phase noise degradation from that of the input signal source is only 9.8dB at 1MHz offset. The harmonic suppressions for the first and second harmonics are measured to be 32.9dB and 38.5dB, respectively. The power consumption is only 5.2mW for T-ILFT and 14.6mW for output buffers. To the authors' best knowledge, this T-ILFT achieves the highest operation frequency for injection-locked-based frequency multipliers, reported to date.
Generic formulation of chemical composition

Abstract The practice of including generic, or ‘Markush’ specifications in definitions of chemical composition has been known in patents for over 60 years. It is common in United States patents, and also in those issued in other countries. In recent years, some extraordinary broad Markush claims have appeared, and such documents cause problems at all levels of the patent system. This phenomenon and its effects are discussed in this paper.
Covariance Analysis Technique Based on Bivariate Log-Normal Distribution with Weather Modification Applications

Abstract A statistical technique based on the bivariate log-normal distribution is presented for analyses of treatment (cloud seeding) effects on measurements (precipitation amounts) when appropriate covariates (correlated control area measurements) are available. An example is given which evaluates effects of seeding on specific 500 mb temperature partitions of 24 h precipitation amount data from the 1964–70 Wolf Creek Pass wintertime orographic cloud seeding experiment. In addition, an appendix includes an analogous analytic technique based on the bivariate log-normal distribution for cross-over designs.
Late Epipaleolithic hunters of the central Taurus: Faunal remains from Direkli Cave, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey

Newly initiated research at Direkli cave is helping to define an initial understanding of Epipaleolithic hunter-gatherer traditions in the central Taurus region of southern Turkey. Detailed analysis of the Direkli faunal assemblage suggests that in the late Epipaleolithic the cave functioned as a short-term logistical camp used to intercept wild goats (Capra aegagrus) in the high peaks around the cave, primarily in the late summer and fall. In addition, hunters opportunistically exploited deer and a variety of other small taxa, including tortoise, in the forested vicinity of the site. Evidence for low intensity and seasonal occupation of the cave indicates that Epipaleolithic foragers in the region were highly mobile, utilised a wide range of resources, but primarily scheduled use of the cave in order to exploit high ranked wild goat resources. This represents the first window into the nature of foraging systems just prior to the emergence of agricultural economies in this important region of Turkey. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some important methodological issues in the study of aging and cognition.

Abstract Despite extensive geropsychological research into cognitive change with advanced age, there is conflicting evidence regarding the nature of this change and even well developed arguments that no decrement with advanced age exists. A review of the field suggests that researchers have neglected certain important parameters which might greatly affect results. Specifically, the following topics are examined: (1) determination as to what constitutes “young” and “old”, (2) the source of the subjects in aging research, (3) methods of matching subject groups and (4) considerations of group heterogeneity. It was concluded that these issues are often confounded within research designs, that controlling them would help clarify theoretical issues, and that these parameters, when controlled, are themselves worthy of interest.
Incidence of and risk factors for awareness during anaesthesia

Explicit recall of events during general anaesthesia is detected by direct questioning, as patients may not report awareness spontaneously or if they are questioned non-specifically. More than one interview is needed and credibility of reports should always be verified. The overall incidence of awareness has decreased over the last 40 years and is now 0.1–0.2%. Prospective study of patients who undergo general anaesthesia is the only valid method for determining the incidence of awareness. Studies of patients recruited through referrals by colleagues or advertisements, studies of compensation claims and those carried out through quality improvement systems are inadequate. Several factors increase the risk of awareness, including light anaesthesia, some types of surgery, a history of awareness, chronic use of central nervous system depressants, younger age, obesity, inadequate or misused anaesthesia delivery systems, insufficient knowledge about awareness, and ignoring the use of electroencephalographic monitors when the risk is otherwise increased.
Health-related quality of life following sport-related concussion in interscholastic athletes

Objective To determine the impact of concussion on general, fatigue-specific, and headache-specific Health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Design Repeated measures. Setting High school athletic facilities. Patients Two hundred and fifty-nine adolescent athletes who sustained a concussion diagnosed by their athletic trainer (218 males, 41 females, age=15.9±1.2 years, grade=10.0±1.1). Interventions Participants completed the paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS), and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) during a preseason baseline (BL) and on days 3 (D3), 10 (D10) and 30 (D30) post-concussion. Main Outcome Measures Dependent variables included: 4 PedsQL subscale scores (physical (PF), emotional (EF), social (SOF), school (SCF) functioning), 3 MFS subscale scores (general (GF), sleep (SLF), cognitive (CF) fatigue), and the HIT-6 total score. Higher scores on the HIT-6 and lower scores on the PedsQL and MFS indicate lower HRQOL. Analyses were conducted using generalised estimating equations with follow-up Bonferroni corrections. Results All omnibus tests were significant (p Conclusions Concussed athletes demonstrated lower general, fatigue-specific, and headache-specific HRQOL in the immediate days post-injury. These findings corroborate reports of the symptoms experienced acutely post-concussion and align with a time when athletes are often restricted from participating in physical and cognitive activities. The effects of concussion on HRQOL appear short-lived, with recovery by 10 days post-injury. Acknowledgements This study was funded by a grant from the National Operating Committee for Standards on Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Competing interests None.
Modulation of Radiation-Induced Apoptosis and G2/ M Block in Murine T-Lymphoma Cells

Radiation-induced apoptosis in lymphocyte-derived cell lines is characterized by endonucleolytic cleavage of cellular DNA within hours after radiation exposure. We have studied this phenomenon qualitatively (DNA gel electrophoresis) and quantitatively (diphenylamine reagent assay) in murine EL4 T-lymphoma cells exposed to137 Cs γ irradiation. Fragmentation was discernible within 18-24 h after exposure. It increased with time and dose and reached a plateau after 8 Gy of γ radiation. We studied the effect of several pharmacological agents on the radiation-induced G2/ M block and DNA fragmentation. The agents which reduced the radiation-induced ${\rm G}_{2}/{\rm M}\text{-phase}$ arrest (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and 2-aminopurine) enhanced the degree of DNA fragmentation at 24 h. In contrast, the agents which sustained the radiation-induced ${\rm G}_{2}/{\rm M}\text{-phase}$ arrest (TPA, DBcAMP, IBMX and 3-aminobenzamide) inhibited the DNA fragmentation at ...
Silver on low surface area silica gel and its performance in liquid chromatography

Abstract Silica gel was treated with water at various high temperatures, i.e. , hydrothermally, to reduce the surface area, in the presence of a silver salt. BET(Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) measurements were made to determine the effect of the salt on the surface area. The resulting silica gels were analyzed by atomic absorption for silver content. The materials were then evaluated by liquid chromatography with non-polar and weakly polar eluents for the separations of chloroaniline isomers. Silver, introduced by the present method, appears to affect the surface area and porosity of the silica gel. Some separations, mostly of drugs, were used to illustrate the performance of the silver-modified adsorbent.
Biochemical composition of Antarctic echinoderms

Abstract 1. 1. The biochemical composition of the body components of 24 species of echinoderms from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica were ascertained. These included 14 species of asteroids, three species of ophiuroids, three species of echinoids, three species of holothuroids, and one species of crinoid. 2. 2. Levels of ash (% dry wt) were high, reflecting large amounts of skeletal material in the asteroid body wall (31.3–80.3%), the ophiuroid disc (48.7–71.7%) and arms (56.8–72.7%), the echinoid test (79.5–80.5%), spines (88.6%) and lantern (79.3%), the holothuroid body wall (31.5–36.2%) and the crinoid cirri (83%), calyx (79%) and arms (63.5%). 3. 3. Levels of insoluble and soluble protein and lipid were high in the nutrient storage organ (pyloric cecum) of the asteroids and the gut of the ophiuroids. 4. 4. Analyses of the biochemical composition of the gonads of 16 echinoderm species reveal high levels of lipid and soluble and insoluble protein. In 88% of the species levels of lipid were higher in ovaries when compared to testes. 5. 5. Levels of carbohydrate were low in all body components. 6. 6. The biochemical composition of antarctic echinoderms is similar to species from other latitudes. High levels of lipid in ovaries of most antarctic echinoderms appear to be related to the preponderance of lecithotrophy at high latitudes.