cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of potassium nutrition on the absorption of sodium, calcium, and magnesium by intact tomato plants

Abstract Tomato plants (cv. VF145 B 7879) were grown in a greenhouse by the water culture technique with six levels of K nutrition. The absorptions of Na, Ca, and Mg were not affected greatly by the K nutritional status of the intact tomato plants, except when the plants were extremely K deficient. The rates of absorption by the intact plants were slow initially when the plants were small, and then increased rapidly as the growth rates increased. At the onset of K deficiency, the rate of growth and water use by the tomato plant decreased. A linear function of water use and plant size was obtained, indicating that water use was a function of plant size and hence a function of the plant's nutritional status. Waterlogging, simulated by aeration cut‐off of the culture solution for two days, had only a small effect on water use, but concurrently interrupted the absorption of K, Ca, and Mg.
Gene-diet interactions and plasma lipoproteins: role of apolipoprotein E and habitual saturated fat intake.

To test whether plasma lipoprotein levels and low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size are modulated by an interaction between habitual saturated fat intake and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, we studied 420 randomly selected free-living Costa Ricans. The APOE allele frequencies were 0.03 for APOE2, 0.91 for APOE3, and 0.06 for APOE4. The median saturated fat intake, 11% of energy, was used to divide the population into two groups, LOW-SAT (mean intake 8.6% energy) represents those below median intake, and HIGH-SAT (mean intake 13.5%) represents those above median intake. Significant interactions between APOE genotype and diet were found for VLDL (P = 0.03) and HDL cholesterol (P = 0.02). Higher saturated fat intake was associated with higher VLDL cholesterol (+29%) and lower HDL cholesterol (-22%) in APOE2 carriers, while the opposite association was observed in APOE4 carriers (-31% for VLDL cholesterol and +10% for HDL cholesterol). Higher saturated fat intake was associated with smaller LDL particles (-2%, P < 0.05) in APOE2 carriers, and larger LDL particles (+2%, P < 0.05) in APOE4 carriers, but the gene-diet interaction was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). Higher saturated fat intake was associated with higher LDL cholesterol in all genotypes (mean +/- SEM, LOW-SAT 2.61 +/- 0.05 vs. HIGH-SAT 2.84 +/- 0.05 mmol/L, P = 0.009). These data suggest that the APOE2 allele could modulate the effect of habitual saturated fat on VLDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in a population with an average habitual total fat intake of less than 30%.
Cross-correlation study of onshore/offshore wind generation and load in Texas

In this paper, cross-correlation study between wind generation and load in Texas has been conducted. Through comparison between onshore and potential offshore wind farm sites, offshore wind farm proved to have slightly higher correlation with load than onshore wind farm. The results also show significant seasonal changes, which could be of importance in making operational and planning decisions.
National use of the transesophageal echocardiographic-guided approach to cardioversion for patients in atrial fibrillation

Transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE)-guided cardioversion of patients in atrial fibrillation (AF) of >2 days' duration is used as an alternative to conventional therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate practice patterns employed for stroke prophylaxis in patients with AF who underwent cardioversion, and to determine the relative use of conventional and TEE-guided management strategies. We forwarded regionally stratified survey questionnaires to 947 clinical practices within the United States. The 10-question questionnaire queried demographic and clinical practice volumes and practices for managing patients with AF who underwent cardioversion. In addition, we used historical data to determine longitudinal use patterns of the TEE-guided approach for a large institution over 7 years. The 197 completed and returned surveys yielded a return rate of 20.8%. The TEE-guided approach was employed in approximately 12% of total cardioversions, but 75% of practices indicated that they employed transesophageal echocardiography only occasionally. The TEE-guided approach was associated with community size (r = 0.19; p<0.008), type of practice (r = 0.26; p = 0.001), total use of transesophageal echocardiography (r = 0.48; p<0.001), and volume of cardioversions (r = 0.28; p<0.001). Importantly, there was little consensus on the most appropriate clinical indications for TEE-guided cardioversions, and the proportions of TEE-guided cardioversion to total number of electrical cardioversions remained stable over 7 years. Practice volume and physician training may be the most important variables in the adoption of the TEE approach.
Validity of major cancer operations in elderly patients

Background: As the population ages, more elderly individuals will be at risk for the development of gastrointestinal malignancies traditionally treated with radical operation. In the past, many major cancer operations were reserved for patients <65 or 70 years of age, but as the life expectancy for a 70-year-old has improved, this policy has been questioned.
Synthesis and Characterization of PbTiO3 Thin Films Grown by Chemical Beam Deposition

A new deposition technique for PbTiO 3 films utilizing chemical beams of metalorganic sources in an ultrahigh vacuum chamber is demonstrated. Ozone is introduced to provide a source of active oxygen. The role of active oxygen in controlling the surface chemical reactions is discussed. Fine grained, single phase PbTiO 3 films have been deposited on MgO (100) and SiO 2 /Si substrates at substrate temperatures as low as 350°C. Films were characterized by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The results suggest that the chemical beam deposition technique provides another method for the fabrication and integration of ferroelectric thin films with silicon (or GaAs) devices.
Effect of a diabetes curriculum on internal medicine resident knowledge.

Objective: To determine the effect of a year-long, multifaceted diabetes curriculum on the knowledge of internal medicine residents.Methods: In this controlled, prospective study, diabetes knowledge assessment was performed with a published questionnaire to measure baseline knowledge, determine change in knowledge at 1 year, and compare resident knowledge with attending knowledge. The questionnaire was administered to residents at the beginning and end of the 2007-2008 academic year. As controls, internal medicine attendings and diabetes care providers were also given the questionnaire. The educational curriculum over the course of the year included order sets, pocket cards, lectures, and rounds. Although all residents were exposed to the education intervention, teaching targeted the postgraduate year (PGY)-1 residents.Results: Of 91 participating residents, 85 (93%) completed at least 1 questionnaire for a total of 103 questionnaires. Baseline and year-end assessments were completed by 18 residents. Amon...
Differentiation of chromatophorotropins from the prawn, Palaemonetes vulgaris, and the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator

The fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, and the prawn, Palaemonetes vulgaris, produce chromatophorotropins that disperse the red pigment in both species, concentrate the red pigment in both species, and disperse the melanin of the fiddler crab. The prawn does not have melanophores. However, the hormone obtained from organs of either the prawn or the crab that concentrates the pigment in the erythrophores of the prawn is different from the hormone present in the same extract which has the same physiological effect on the erythrophores of the crab. The identical conclusion was arrived at when the hormonal control of red pigment dispersion was considered. Furthermore, it was evident that dispersion of the red pigment and melanin dispersion in the fiddler crab were caused by different substances, when extracts of organs from Palaemonetes vulgaris as well as from Uca pugilator were tested.
Geochemistry and origin of some unusually oxidized alkaline rocks from Kauai, Hawaii

Abstract We report major-element and trace-element (transition metal, REE, Ba, Rb, Sr, Th) analyses and Sr, Nd and O isotopic ratios from a poorly exposed plug that may represent the remnant of a feeder pipe to the post-erosional Koloa Volcanic Series on Kauai, Hawaii. The plug is zoned with respect to oxidation state and is composed of ijolite with a relatively low oxidation state (near NNO), that apparently forms a central core, and a highly oxidized (>MH) border facies consisting of abundant mantle-derived xenoliths within a highly vesicular composite matrix of alkali picrite and alkali gabbro, both of which have exceptionally high Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ atomic ratios (∼9.0). The isotopic evidence demonstrates that the xenoliths are indeed unrelated to their host lithologies yet allows a genetic relationship between the ijolite, alkali picrite and alkali gabbro. The trace-element systematics of the alkali picrite strongly suggest that it represents a primary melt derived by 5–7% partial melting of a recently metasomatized garnet-lherzolite source very similar in trace-element characteristics to that postulated for the Honolulu Volcanic Series lavas by Clague and Frey (1982). Apart from their disparate oxidation states, the ijolite and alkali gabbro are compositionally identical. Least-squares and fractional crystallization calculations suggest an origin for these lithologies by 50% fractionation of equal parts olivine and clinopyroxene from a parental melt like the alkali picrite. We contend that had the contrasting oxidation states been established at the time of fractionation, the alkali gabbro and ijolite would have evolved into very distinct compositions due to the effect of f O 2 on mineral/melt distribution coefficients and the order in which phases crystallize upon cooling. We conclude, therefore, that the mechanism by which the alkali gabbro developed its high Fe 2+ /Fe 2+ ratio operated late in its history, after fractionation, and that the same mechanism probably operated on the similarly oxidized alkali picrite. We believe that the unusually high oxidation states of the alkali gabbro and alkali picrite are most likely the result of atmospheric contamination of the margins of the crystallizing plug. The position of the ijolite in the core of the plug apparently isolated it from this process.
Fuel properties of oil from genetically altered Cuphea viscosissima

Abstract A genetically altered plant strain ( Cuphea viscosissima VS-320) was identified which produces an oil with elevated levels of medium- and short-chain triglycerides. Previous studies have suggested that such an oil may be appropriate for use as a substitute for diesel fuel without chemical conversion of component triglycerides to methyl esters. This oil is also of interest for other industrial applications. This paper discusses the oil composition of C. viscosissima VS-320 and presents the analysis of several important alternative fuel screening properties of this oil: dynamic viscosity for shear rates of 1.617–64.69 s − 1 at temperatures of 25–80°C, boiling point at atmospheric pressure, temperature dependence of vapor pressure (from 40 to 760 mmHg for the 300–400°C temperature range), and heat of vaporization (Δ H v ). These properties have been established as indicators of fuel performance and can be used for initial screening of possible diesel fuel substitutes. These properties are compared to those of diesel, biodiesel, and vegetable oils. Analysis of these properties suggests that further genetic development of this plant as a source of diesel fuel is warranted.
Commentary on “Cheating Goes Hi-Tech”: Combating Academic Dishonesty While Developing Assignments That Enhance Student Learning

L'auteur repond a un article paru sur le theme de la triche et du manque de valeur morale de certains etudiants americains n'hesitant pas a se servir de l'Internet pour vendre des copies des examens. Il propose un modele d'evaluation aidant a lutter contre ces exactions et a ameliorer le rendement de l'eleve...
GAMMA RADIATION FROM PROTON CAPTURE IN Na$sup 2$$sup 3$

Gamma decays of l2 resonances in the reaction o 1.42 Mev were re- examincd with large scintillation detectors and coincidence techniques. Weaker cascades through the states of Mg/sup 24/ between the excitation energies of 6 and 8 Mev were found. Relative intensities were measured for the observed gamma rays and consistent decay schemes proposed. Absolute yields were determined. (auth)
Monoclonal antibodies against a differentiated retinal cell population.

Abstract Two monoclonal antibodies have been isolated which bind preferentially to the plexiform layers of embryonic chick neural retina and to 50–60% of dissociated neural retinal cells in culture as determined by surface binding to cells followed by analysis in a fluorescent activated cell shorter. Each antibody appears to recognize a distinct antigenic determinant on a common cell surface antigen, a protein of approximately 230 kdalton. This antigen increases dramatically in concentration between embryonic days 7 and 11 concomitant with the elaboration of the retinal plexiform layers. The antigen appears first in the central portion of the neural retina and at later times in the periphery, an appearance consistent with the normal pattern of differentiation of the retina.
General method for the synthesis of caged phosphopeptides: tools for the exploration of signal transduction pathways.

An interassembly approach for the synthesis of peptides containing 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl-caged phosphoserine, -threonine, and -tyrosine has been developed. Photochemical uncaging of these peptides...
Delivering Agricultural Documents: A Comparison of Suppliers

Academic communication and discourse requires access to scientific journals and documents. This study examines the delivery time, costs, and quality of five commercial suppliers of scientific documents. Fifty-three agricultural article requests were ordered simultaneously from The British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC), The Canadian Institute of Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI), Information Express (IE), Infotrieve (INFO), UnCover (UNCOVER). Data were gathered on each supplier's performance in filling the requests, the delivery time, the costs, and the quality of the articles supplied. The results of this study showed comparative strengths and limitations. BLDSC, CISTI, and IE were all similar, consistently delivering high quality documents. INFO alone was able to deliver all 53 requested articles. UNCOVER showed two strengths, delivering the requested documents quickly and replying back if the article order was cancelled.
Metabolic disposition of 14C-venlafaxine in mouse, rat, dog, rhesus monkey and man

1. The metabolic disposition of venlafaxine has been studied in mouse, rat, dog, rhesus monkey and man after oral doses (22, 22, 2, and 10 mg/kg, and 50 mg, respectively) of 14C-venlafaxine as the hydrochloride. 2. In all species, over 85% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine within 72 h, indicating extensive absorption from the GI tract and renal excretion. 3. Venlafaxine was extensively metabolized, with only 13.0, 1.8, 7.9, 0.3 and 4.7% dose appearing as parent compound in urine of mouse, rat, dog, monkey and man, respectively. The metabolite profile varied significantly among species, but primary metabolic reactions were demethylations and the conjugation of phase I metabolites. Hydroxylation of the cyclohexyl ring also occurred in mouse, rat and monkey, and a cyclic product was formed in rat and monkey. Glucuronidation was the primary conjugation reaction, although sulphate conjugates were also detected in mouse urine. 4. While no metabolite constituted more than 20% dose in any species except man, the major urinary metabolites were: mouse, N,O-didesmethyl-venlafaxine glucuronide; rat, cis-1,4-dihydroxy-venlafaxine; dog, O-desmethyl-venlafaxine glucuronide; monkey, N,N,O-tridesmethyl-venlafaxine; and man, O-desmethyl-venlafaxine.
Evaluating target zone models in EMS data

Abstract Existing empirical analyses of target zone models in EMS data are flawed. They fail to allow for the multilateral nature of EMS institutions. This paper outlines briefly the shortcomings of existing tests, focusing on the so-called fat-tailed distribution result.
Application of Computers to the Remote Control of Cooling Towers at the Tennessee Valley Authority Sequoyah Nuclear Plant

A computer-based control system is described, wherein the nonvolatility of a hardware system is combined with the flexibility of a computer-based system by the use of nonalterable memory for program storage and alterable memory for manually entered alarm limits and channel deletions. Functional and reliability requirements are presented, and the system design which evolved to meet these requirements is described.
Parallel processing of part-whole information in visual search tasks

Combination of information from the parallel processing of different basic features (color, size, etc.) can be used to guide attention to targets defined by conjunctions of those features. Wolfe et al. (1990) argued that, although it was possible to guide attention to the conjunction of, for instance, color and orientation, it was not possible to guide attention to targets defined by conjunctions of two colors or two orientations. The present experiments demonstrate an exception to this rule. Although it is true that attention cannot be guided to a target that has red and green parts, attention can be guided to an item that can be described as a whole red target with a green part. In Experiments 1 and 2, we illustrate this point. In Experiments 3 and 4, we rule out some simple size-based accounts of this finding. In Experiments 5 and 6, we begin to explore the nature of these first steps toward dividing the visual scene into parts and wholes.
“You Get What You Pay For”: Resources for Training and Practice in Community Pediatrics Matter

US children continue to live in communities where failing schools are common, food desserts exacerbate obesity, and violence is endemic, giving rise to the expression that when it comes to health, your zip code dominates your genetic code. The health outcomes of US children and youth are troubling: our infant mortality rate ranks 56th among world countries,1 homicide is the leading cause of death for African American youth,2 and, despite a recent decline, our teen birth rate remains the highest in the developed world.3 Today nearly half of US children live in low-income families and 22% live under the poverty line.4 Although 4 of 5 physicians acknowledge a need to write prescriptions for their patient’s unmet social needs, they simultaneously lament their ability to do so.5 Addressing these “Millennial Morbidities” in training and in practice remains the context of community pediatrics.6 The field of pediatrics is leading in addressing the mismatch between what physicians need to do and currently do. Required training in community health and advocacy7 to address the root cause of health disparities began in 1999. Reshaping pediatrics to extend beyond the bedside and clinic to incorporate community engagement was prescient, and it was Dr Anne E. Dyson’s … Address correspondence to Lisa J. Chamberlain, MP, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 770 Welch Road, #100, Palo Alto, CA 94304. E-mail: lchamberlain{at}stanford.edu
Lawyers, justices, and issue salience : When and how do legal arguments affect the U.S. supreme court?

A good deal of scholarly evidence suggests that the decisionmaking of the U.S. Supreme Court is affected by legal argument. At the same time, it seems clear that in a great many cases the justices have enduring, strongly held views. In such cases, they should be impervious to the effects of advocacy. When are the justices apt to be influenced by the Court's legal community, and when will lawyers be less relevant? The answer, we think, has to do with the salience of the issue before the Court. We suspect that in nonsalient cases the justices have less-intense preferences and therefore are open to the persuasion of lawyers. In salient cases, by contrast, the content of legal policy matters much more to the justices. As a result, they are less amenable to legal argument and adhere more strictly to their personal policy preferences. Our empirical tests support this orientation.
Solubilities Inferred from the Combination of Experiment and Simulation. Case Study of Quercetin in a Variety of Solvents

A strategy to infer solubilities from the combination of experiment and all-atom simulations is presented. From a single experimental estimate, the solubility of a substrate can be predicted in various environments from the related free energies of solvation. In the case of quercetin, the methodology was shown to reproduce the experimental solubilities in chloroform, water, acetonitrile, acetone, and tert-amyl alcohol within 0.5 log unit. The reliability of the estimates is markedly correlated to the accuracy of the experimental measure and to both the accuracy and precision of the computed free energies of solvation.
Specification of epibranchial placodes in zebrafish

In all vertebrates, the neurogenic placodes are transient ectodermal thickenings that give rise to sensory neurons of the cranial ganglia. Epibranchial (EB) placodes generate neurons of the distal facial, glossopharyngeal and vagal ganglia, which convey sensation from the viscera, including pharyngeal endoderm structures, to the CNS. Recent studies have implicated signals from pharyngeal endoderm in the initiation of neurogenesis from EB placodes; however, the signals underlying the formation of placodes are unknown. Here, we show that zebrafish embryos mutant for fgf3 and fgf8 do not express early EB placode markers, including foxi1 and pax2a. Mosaic analysis demonstrates that placodal cells must directly receive Fgf signals during a specific crucial period of development. Transplantation experiments and mutant analysis reveal that cephalic mesoderm is the source of Fgf signals. Finally, both Fgf3 and Fgf8 are sufficient to induce foxi1-positive placodal precursors in wild-type as well as Fgf3-plus Fgf8-depleted embryos. We propose a model in which mesoderm-derived Fgf3 and Fgf8 signals establish both the EB placodes and the development of the pharyngeal endoderm, the subsequent interaction of which promotes neurogenesis. The coordinated interplay between craniofacial tissues would thus assure proper spatial and temporal interactions in the shaping of the vertebrate head.
Multiple fracture of fiber-reinforced brittle matrix composites based on micromechanics

Abstract This paper presents a study of a crack in a semi-infinite brittle matrix reinforced with continuous fiber by incorporating a micromechanical model. In general, fibers sustain the extension of a crack in three different phenomena: bridging, debonding, and sliding along the fiber-matrix interface. The spacings between successively developed cracks are derived by the maximum stress criterion in the matrix; in the meantime, the bridging stress and the factor of sliding are determined by using the inclusion method. The stability and growth of matrix cracking in a semi-infinite, fiber-reinforced composite are described by means of the energy approach. The responses of multiple fracture corresponding to stress-strain curves have also been presented. Finally, the external stress at the theoretical ending point, beyond which multiple matrix cracking ceases to develop, can be predicted from the theoretical model.
Appropriate invasive and conservative treatment approaches for patients with non-ST-elevation MI

Compelling evidence from randomized clinical trials has established the superiority of an early invasive over a conservative management strategy in patients presenting with non-ST-segment acute coronary syndromes, with a 20% to 40% reduction in recurrent ischemic events in patients undergoing routine early angiography and revascularization when appropriate. Those patients at high risk of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, or ischemia as indicated by elevated concentrations of cardiac troponin, ST-segment deviation, or high clinical risk score derive a greater clinical benefit from early invasive management than patients at lower risk who may be managed effectively with either strategy. Patients who have recurrent ischemia, infarction, hemodynamic instability, or a high-risk stress test should be considered for urgent catheterization regardless of the initial strategy chosen.
The radioracemization of isovaline - Cosmochemical implications

The optically pure D- and L-enantiomers of isovaline, which cannot be racemized by ordinary chemical mechanisms involving alpha-hydrogen removal and which has been isolated in apparently racemic form from the Murchison meteorite, have been subjected to partial radiolysis by the ionizing radiation from a 3000-Ci Co-60 gamma-ray source. Both in the anhydrous and hydrated solid states and as solid sodium or hydrochloride salts each enantiomer suffered significant radioracemization of the undestroyed residue during its partial radiolysis. The sodium salt of isovaline in 0.1-M aqueous solution suffered extensive radiolysis with relatively small radiation doses, but showed no detectable radioracemization. The significance of these observations with respect to the primordial enantiomeric composition of the isovaline (and other amino acids) indigenous to meteorites is discussed.
Persistent pressure anisotropy in the subsonic magnetosheath region

Observations of proton fluxes in the subsonic flow region of the magnetosheath show double peaks as a function of angle in the equatorial plane of the spacecraft. The peaks are separated by a wide angle, usually more than 90 deg. Suggestions of double flux peaks are present in 95 per cent of the data. They are interpreted as the effect of a persistent pressure anisotropy. The clearest cases were analyzed to determine the orientation of the flux peaks relative to the magnetic field and direction of a model hydrodynamic flow. The peaks are shown to be consistent with a greater pressure perpendicular to the field. Possible sources of the pressure anisotropy in the magnetosheath are discussed.
Removal of a specialization‐associated symbiont does not affect aphid fitness

Symbioses are ubiquitous in nature. However, these interactions, in particular those which are facultative from the perspective of the host, are still poorly understood. One major question is whether facultative symbionts affect host fitness, and in particular whether they can benefit the host. In pea aphid, host plant specialization was found to be associated with the presence of Pea Aphid U-type Symbiont [Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 270 (2003) S209]. Host and symbiont genomes are normally co-transmitted, making it difficult to determine which is responsible for causing this variation in fitness. Here antibiotic treatment is used to selectively remove the symbiont, thus partitioning symbiont and host genomes. I find that PAUS is not responsible for causing host plant specialization. Examination of aphids in which PAUS presence has been naturally manipulated also supports this conclusion. Additional work will be necessary to determine the forces maintaining this symbiont in host populations, and whether it benefits the host insect under different conditions.
Hyperthermia for the Engineer: A Short Biological Primer

The current concepts of cancer treatment center around the need for preferential killing of malignant cells. Hyperthermia may offer a means of doing so, not because of the inherent heat sensitivity of cancer cells, but because of the physical environment in which many cells of solid tumors find themselves. Nutritional deprivation, low pH, and chronic hypoxia characterize the interior of many tumors and are conditions that also render cells heat sensitive.
A new ring transformation of 3‐halo‐2‐azidopyridine 1‐oxides. A novel synthesis of 1,2‐oxazin‐6‐ones

The course of the thermal ring-opening and recyclization of 2-azidopyridine 1-oxides is radically altered by the presence of a 3-halo substituent. Provided the 6-position is blocked, recyclization leads to a 6-cyano-6-halo-1,2-oxazine which hydrolyzes very readily to the 6H-1,2-oxazin-6-one. The structure of 4-bromo-3-methyl-6H-1,2-oxazin-6-one so obtained was confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. If the 6-position is not blocked, the product undergoes a further ring opening to give (Z)-β-cyanoacrylates.
Avian erythrocyte chromatin degradation: the progressive exposure of the dinucleosomal repeat by bovine-pancreatic-DNAase-I-armed probes and free DNAase-I

Bulky probes composed of glutaraldehyde-cross-linked-complexes of ferritin or bovine serum albumen armed with bovine pancreatic DNAase-I have been used to generate the typical dinucleosome-based series of native or denatured DNA fragments from chicken erythrocytes. Double stranded DNA fragments have shown that the 2N series extends to at least 10N without any clearly defined end-point. The susceptible nucleosomes were observed to be nucleolysed by two major, different methods of attack that generated multiple peaks in the dinucleosomal size class and some characteristics of the digestion patterns have been taken as indications of the presence of another level of structure above that of the alternating structure. The chromatin structure becomes resistant to the probes when the average fragment length falls to approximately 4N but this 'core' is not a single integral multiple of nucleosomes.
Regulation of acyl coenzyme A reductase by a heat-stable cytosolic protein during preputial gland development.

A low-molecular-weight protein located in the cytosol of mouse preputial glands has been shown to stimulate the activity of a microsomal acyl coenzyme A (CoA) reductase in the gland. This cytoplasmic protein was stable to heating and lyophilization, but was destroyed by trypsin digestion. It was able to bind palmitoyl-CoA and gel elution behavior indicated it had a molecular weight of 10,000–12,000. The level of this stimulatory cytosolic protein and the activity of acyl-CoA reductase were shown to correlate with differentiation of the preputial gland during development of puberty in male mice; the acyl-CoA reductase activity first appeared at 4 weeks of age and increased dramatically up to 6 weeks of age. By 8 weeks, when sexual maturity was attained, the reductase activity decreased to that level found in mature male mice. The cytosol from the preputial glands of the youngest mice (3 weeks) contained sufficient heat-stable acyl-CoA binding protein to stimulate acyl-CoA reduction; however, the 3-week-old preputial gland microsomes had little or no acyl-CoA reductase activity. As the animal matured, the stimulatory capacity in the heat-treated cytosol increased, reaching a maximum at 6 weeks; by 8 weeks, the stimulatory capacity of the soluble fraction had decreased to that found in mature male mouse. Results of this study suggest that the concentration of acyl-CoA, cytoplasmic acyl-CoA binding protein, and acyl-CoA reductase activity regulate the level of fatty alcohols in vivo and that the reductase activity and binding protein have similar patterns of development during puberty.
IgA antibodies to the 27‐kDa heat‐shock protein in the genital tracts of women with gynecologic cancers

Heat-shock proteins promote cell survival under adverse environmental conditions. Synthesis of the 27-kDa (HSP27), 70-kDa (HSP70), and 90-kDa (HSP90) heat-shock proteins is increased in malignantly transformed cells and has been associated with tumor proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The increased expression of heat-shock proteins and their association with tumor-specific antigens may result in local immunity to the heat-shock proteins. We examined the occurrence of IgA antibodies to HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 in the lower genital tracts of women with possible gynecologic cancers. Cervical samples were obtained from 119 consecutive women being evaluated for a gynecologic malignancy or returning for a follow-up examination following cancer treatment. Aliquots were tested for IgA anti-heat-shock protein antibodies by ELISA. Aliquots were also tested for IgG antibodies to HSP27 as well as for human papillomavirus. Anti-HSP27 IgA was detected in 85.7% of 21 women with endometrial cancer tested prior to diagnosis and in 41.1% of 17 women tested after treatment. In women with ovarian cancer, 77.8% of 9 women tested prior to diagnosis and 75.0% of 24 women evaluated after treatment were anti-HSP27 IgA-positive. Of 6 women with cervical cancer tested prior to diagnosis, 5 were positive for this antibody. None of 25 women with benign diagnoses or 46 healthy women were cervical IgA anti-HSP27-positive (P < 0.0001). In contrast, anti-HSP27 IgG was not associated with a gynecologic malignancy. HSP27 cervical antibodies were not associated with the presence of human papillomavirus. Cervical IgA antibodies to HSP90 were associated with ovarian cancer; antibodies to HSP70 were not cancer-associated. We conclude that cervical IgA antibodies to HSP27 may be indicators of a gynecologic malignancy.
Hot-wire spatial resolution effects in measurements of grid-generated turbulence

We use grid-generated turbulence as a benchmark flow to test the effects of spatial resolution on turbulence measurements with hot wires. To quantify the spatial filtering, measurements of the turbulence statistics and spectra downstream of the grid were made using hot wires of varying length and compared to the results from a new nanoscale thermal anemometry probe, which has a sensing length of the order of, or smaller than, the Kolmogorov scale. In order to separate the effects of temporal and spatial filtering, a study was performed to ensure that the data were free of the artifacts of temporal filtering so that differences in the measurements could be wholly attributed to spatial filtering. An empirical correlation for the attenuation of the streamwise Reynolds stress due to spatial filtering is constructed, and it is shown that these grid turbulence results relate directly to the near-wall region of wall-bounded flows, where the effects of spatial filtering are most acutely felt. The effect of spatial filtering on the streamwise spectrum function is observed to extend to almost all wavenumbers, even those significantly lower than the length of the hot wire itself. It is also shown that estimates of the Kolmogorov scale are affected by spatial filtering when wires longer than the Kolmogorov length are used.
Sequencing diet and exercise programs for African American women with diabetes.

PURPOSEThis study was designed to compare the effects of 2 programs that present diet and exercise components in a different sequence.METHODSAt an urban YMCA, African American women with type 2 diabetes, aged 30 to 65, were randomly assigned to either 10 weekly sessions about healthy eating followed by 6 weekly sessions about exercise or to the reverse sequence. Sessions consisted of small group discussions and physical activity or food tasting. Primary outcomes were attendance, percent of calories consumed from fat, fruit and vegetable intake, and minutes of exercise per week. Measures were taken at baseline, and 4 and 12 months after the program.RESULTSThe only group difference found at the 12-month follow-up was in diastolic blood pressure. Time effects for both groups combined included an increase in minutes of activity, an increase in vegetable intake, and a decrease in percent of calories consumed from fat.CONCLUSIONSThis study does not provide definitive evidence of which sequence may be best to br...
Preliminary screening procedure for the MINLP synthesis of process systems—I. aggregation and decomposition techniques

Abstract The objective of this paper is to develop a new framework for the synthesis of process systems that can address the question of how to rigorously combine preliminary screening and MINLP optimization techniques. The proposed method is based on rigorous preliminary screening using aggregated models. These are simplified representations of the MINLP models, may be lower dimensional, and are based on linear, fixed-charge underestimations of the cost and convex overestimations of the feasible region. Thus, the solution to the aggregated model provides a rigorous lower bound to the global optimal solution of the MINLP problem. Furthermore, the objective function evaluated using aggregated models provides a rigorous lower bound to the cost of the NLP subproblem having the identical topology. A screening strategy is outlined that consists of successively solving the aggregated model to identify solutions whose cost is below an upper bound on cost. This upper bound is determined from a base-case design, that is defined as a good, but not necessarily optimal solution to the original MINLP problem. In the second stage a reduced MINLP model is formulated that contains only the alternatives found in the preliminary screening. Application of the proposed search strategy is illustrated with the optimization of a superstructure for heat-integrated distillation columns. This example shows that the size of the superstructure can be reduced, the robustness of the solution improved, the computational efficiency enhanced, and the global optimal solution of the MINLP problem bounded.
A quantitative confirmation of visual capture of curvature.

Summary An investigation was performed to quantify the experience of contour curvature formed under sensory discrepancy inspection conditions. N = 80 male and female undergraduates were used. Experimental Ss finger-tracked a horizontal straight edge while viewing limb movements through a curve inducing lens. Control Ss inspected the edge unimodally, either through vision (distorted) or proprioception. Rather than relying on verbal reports all Ss were required to match their impressions of contour shape with an adjustable metal curve. Findings indicated that (a) the mean impression of contour shape derived from discrepant visual and proprioceptive information was curved and did not differ from that derived from distorted visual information, (b) proprioceptive inspection alone resulted in accurate judgements of physical straightness, (c) response modality effects did not emerge, and (d) a manipulation designed to direct Ss attention to the felt contour shape during sensory discrepancy inspection did not aff...
Reading and singing: on the genesis of occidental music-writing*

About the year 795, Charlemagne wrote to Baugulf, the Abbot of Fulda,It has seemed to us and to our faithful councillors that it would be of great profit and sovereign utility that the bishoprics and monasteries of which Christ has deigned to entrust us the government should not be content with a regular and devout life, but should undertake the task of teaching those who have received from God the capacity to learn … Doubtless good works are better than great knowledge, but without knowledge it is impossible to do good.
Validity of the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients for assessing dietary patterns in NCAA athletes

Athletes may be at risk for developing adverse health outcomes due to poor eating behaviors during college. Due to the complex nature of the diet, it is difficult to include or exclude individual food items and specific food groups from the diet. Eating behaviors may better characterize the complex interactions between individual food items and specific food groups. The purpose was to examine the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients survey (REAP) as a valid tool for analyzing eating behaviors of NCAA Division-I male and female athletes using pattern identification. Also, to investigate the relationships between derived eating behavior patterns and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) while stratifying by sex and aesthetic nature of the sport. Two independent samples of male (n = 86; n = 139) and female (n = 64; n = 102) collegiate athletes completed the REAP in June-August 2011 (n = 150) and June-August 2012 (n = 241). Principal component analysis (PCA) determined possible factors using wave-1 athletes. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) determined factors accounting for error and confirmed model fit in wave-2 athletes. Wave-2 athletes' BMI and WC were recorded during a physical exam and sport participation determined classification in aesthetic and non-aesthetic sport. Mean differences in eating behavior pattern score were explored. Regression models examined interactions between pattern scores, participation in aesthetic or non-aesthetic sport, and BMI and waist circumference controlling for age and race. A 5-factor PCA solution accounting for 60.3% of sample variance determined fourteen questions for EFA and CFA. A confirmed solution revealed patterns of Desserts, Healthy food, Meats, High-fat food, and Dairy. Pattern score (mean ± SE) differences were found, as non-aesthetic sport males had a higher (better) Dessert score than aesthetic sport males (2.16 ± 0.07 vs. 1.93 ± 0.11). Female aesthetic athletes had a higher score compared to non-aesthetic female athletes for the Dessert (2.11 ± 0.11 vs. 1.88 ± 0.08), Meat (1.95 ± 0.10 vs. 1.72 ± 0.07), High-fat food (1.70 ± 0.08 vs. 1.46 ± 0.06), and Dairy (1.70 ± 0.11 vs. 1.43 ± 0.07) patterns. REAP is a construct valid tool to assess dietary patterns in college athletes. In light of varying dietary patterns, college athletes should be evaluated for healthful and unhealthful eating behaviors.
A tight lower bound on the number of channels required for deadlock-free wormhole routing

Wormhole routing is widely employed in current generation multicomputers and the design of deadlock-free wormhole routing algorithms is an important problem. In this note, we prove a tight lower bound on the number of channels required by a broad class of deadlockfree wormhole routing algorithms. This result has applications in proving that certain topologies do not admit deadlock-free wormhole routing algorithms, as well as applications in the design and analysis of fault-tolerant wormhole routing algorithms.
Spin and temperature dependent study of exchange and correlation in thick two-dimensional electron layers

The exchange and correlation $E_{xc}$ of strongly correlated electrons in 2D layers of finite width are studied as a function of the density parameter $r_s$, spin-polarization $\zeta$ and the temperature $T$. We explicitly treat strong-correlation effects via pair-distribution functions, and introduce an equivalent constant-density approximation (CDA) applicable to all the inhomogeneous densities encountered here. The width $w$ defined via the CDA provides a length scale defining the $z$-extension of the quasi-2D layer resident in the $x$-$y$ plane. The correlation energy $E_c$ of the quasi-2D system is presented as an interpolation between a 1D gas of electron-rods (for $w/r_s>1$) coupled via a log(r) interaction, and a 3D Coulomb fluid closely approximated from the known {\it three-dimensional} correlation energy when $w/r_s$ is small. Results for the $E_{xc}(r_s,\zeta,T)$, the transition to a spin-polarized phase, the effective mass $m^*$, the Land\'e $g$-factor etc., are reported here.
A Nonlinear Noise-Shaping Delta-Sigma Modulator with On-Chip Reinforcement Learning ^{*}

The stability and quality of noise shaping is a concern in the design of higher-order delta-sigma modulators for oversampled analog-to-digital conversion. We reformulate noise-shaping modulation alternatively as a nonlinear control problem, where the objective is to find the binary modulation sequence that minimizes signal swing in a cascade of integrators operating on the difference between the input signal and the modulation sequence. Reinforcement learning is used to adaptively optimize a nonlinear neural classifier, which outputs modulation bits from the values of the input signal and integration state variables. Analogous to the pole balancing control problem, a punishment signal triggers learning whenever any of the integrators saturate. Experimental results obtained from a VLSI modulator with integrated classifier, trained to produce stable noise shaping modulation of orders one and two, are presented. The classifier contains an array of 64 locally tuned, binary address-encoded neurons and is trained on-chip with a variant on reinforcement learning.
Income-associated discrepancies in melanoma survival

Abstract The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER 18) database is the largest national registry for cancer-related patient data in the United States. Black populations consistently have shown poorer survival statistics, possibly due to later stages of presentation, increased tumor aggressiveness, treatment noncompliance, or other debated causes. Our goal in this study is to look at a socioeconomic marker that may link all of these causes, namely median income level, and derive the extent of influence a patient's financial resources can have on overall survival. Original cases from the aforementioned database were identified, with unknown racial status cases excluded from the final dataset. Survival data by geographical county was collected from the SEER database and correlated to US Census Bureau median income data to uncover meaningful statistical relationships. Blacks were noted to present at later ages (60+years), with deeper invasive lesions (median 1.255mm vs 0.60mm), and higher rates of ulceration (35.9% vs 13.0%) than White patients. Whites were found to overall fare better than Blacks for all time intervals (Year 1–5) following diagnosis, based on mean survival data ( p p
Malignant Otitis Externa: Evolving Pathogens and Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment.

ObjectiveMalignant otitis externa (MOE) is an invasive infection of the temporal bone that is classically caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Increasingly, however, nonpseudomonal cases are being reported. The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical presentation and outcomes of cases of MOE caused by Pseudomonas versus non-Pseudomonas organisms.Study DesignRetrospective case series with chart review.SettingTertiary care institution.Subjects and MethodsAdult patients with diagnoses of MOE between 1995 and 2012 were identified. Charts were reviewed for history, clinical presentation, laboratory data, treatment, and outcomes.ResultsTwenty patients diagnosed with and treated for MOE at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 1995 and 2012 were identified. Nine patients (45%) had cultures that grew P aeruginosa. Three patients (15%) had cultures that grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Signs and symptoms at presentation were similar across groups. However, all...