cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The surgeon and gut maintenance

The gastrointestinal tract is metabolically active, requires specific nutrients, and is important both for substrate redistribution and barrier function. The provision of optimal support can be expected to obviate the stress-related response associated with increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation. Enteral feeding is the preferable technique whenever it is possible. It should be used to provide whatever level of nutrients the gut will accommodate, even when it may not immediately support full feeding. Parenteral administration of gut-specific nutrients may be an option in the near future. Judicious consideration of the effects of antibiotics and other drugs on indigenous flora is also important.
Determinants of male reproductive success in American black bears

We determined annual male reproductive success in black bears (Ursus americanus) using DNA and field data from two populations in New Mexico. We identified the likely father for 78 of 120 genotyped cubs born during 1994–2000 and calculated reproductive success for 102 males known or presumed present within designated mating regions. Age was a strong determinant of reproductive success. The observed peak in reproductive success occurred at roughly the same intermediate age (10 years) as milder peaks in body size characteristics (11–12 years) and frequency of bear-inflicted wounds (13 years), suggesting body size and fighting might be important for mating. Success was negatively associated with the distance between home range centers of males and mothers. Success of young males (<7 years old) was also negatively associated with mature male (≥7 years old) density, and increasing density shifted the peak age of reproduction higher. The dispersed distribution of females likely limited the capacity of large mature males to dominate reproduction; therefore, success was determined by a complex set of variables.
Hypnosis and the treatment of Huntington's disease

Huntington's Disease is an inherited fatal disorder of the central nervous system. Literature on the hypnotic treatment of this disease is extremely sparse. We treated two patients with Huntington's Disease using a wide variety of hypnotic interventions. One patient was treated for a number of years and the other for 10 consecutive sessions. We discuss the continuously interacting cycle between the primary physical symptoms caused by the disease and the secondary psychological symptoms. Hypnotic techniques and daily self-hypnosis appeared to ameliorate both physical and psychological difficulties, thereby enhancing the quality of life that remained for the patients. Systematic research into the effectiveness of hypnosis with symptoms of Huntington's Disease needs to be undertaken in the future.
Effects of administration of anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies on Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infection in intragastrically challenged mice

In this study, we examined the roles of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in resistance to experimental paratuberculosis. Mice received purified anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies before intragastric challenge with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and on a biweekly basis for six months. This resulted in sustained depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells as verified by flow cytometry analysis of spleen cells from M. paratuberculosis infected mice. Depletion of CD4+ or CD8+ cells did not enhance fecal shedding of M. paratuberculosis, bacillary multiplication in the liver and ceca, nor histopathologic damage to the intestinal tract, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and liver. These data suggest that cells other than CD4+ or CD8+ cells are important for host defense in experimental paratuberculosis.
Multilevel Analysis for Applied Research: It's Just Regression

Robert Bickel New York: Guilford, 2007, 355 pages, $44 (paperback), $70 (hardcover). In his textbook, Bickel emphasizes that understanding multilevel modeling through popular multilevel textbooks h...
Targeting of pre-ornithine transcarbamylase to mitochondria: Definition of critical regions and residues in the leader peptide

Abstract The cytoplasmically synthesized precursor of the mitochondrial matrix enzyme, ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), is directed to mitochondria by its amino-terminal leader peptide. To define the critical residues and/or regions in the OTC leader peptide, we have synthesized OTC precursors with alterations in the leader portion. Analysis of deletions reveals that the middle portion of the 32 residue leader peptide is absolutely required for both mitochondrial uptake and proteolytic processing, whereas NH 2 -terminal and penultimate COOH-terminal portions are not. Analysis of precursors with single substitutions revealed complete loss of function when arginine 23 was substituted with glycine. Additional substitutions suggested that the critical role of this arginine residue may be mediated by participation in a local secondary structure, very likely an α-helix, which is proposed to be an essential element in the midportion of the leader peptide.
Intraocular pressure effects on optic nerve-head oxidative metabolism measured in vivo.

The effects of acute intraocular pressure (IOP) on the reduction/oxidation ratio of cytochromea,a3 were measured from intact cat optic nerve by microfiber reflection spectrophotometry. This enabled the real-time analysis of optic nerve-head oxidative metabolism following IOP or mean arterial pressure (MAP) changes. Findings included: (1) cytochromea,a3 became more reduced and relative blood volume decreased at lower perfusion pressures, even at IOP of <20 mm Hg; (2) metabolic inhibition began at variable perfusion pressures but invariably progressed as perfusion pressure declined; and (3) increased IOP or decreased MAP caused metabolic inhibition. These findings demonstrate that: (1) optic nerve metabolic dysfunction is possible at low IOPs; (2) lowering IOP can reverse metabolic dysfunction; (3) the metabolic response is dependent on IOP and/or MAP changes; and (4) the metabolic inhibition is related to optic nerve ischemia.
An ultra-high-vacuum double crystal monochromator beam line for studies in the spectral range 500–4000 eV

Abstract The design of an ultra-vacuum (UHV) compatible constant deviation double crystal monochromator installed on Beam Line III at SSRL is described. The overall concept of the beam line consists of a double-focusing toroidal X-ray mirror, the monochromator with a post-monochromator beam diagnostic station, and a PDP-11/34 computer for control and data acquisition. The X-ray mirror provides a 1 : 1 focus of the source onto the sample and intercepts up to 10 mrad of the horizontal X-ray beam divergence. The 1° angle of incidence eliminates radiation above ∼4.3 keV. The UHV (10 −10 torr) compatible monochromator is designed to provide a spacially fixed exit beam and covers the 500–4000 eV spectral range with four in situ interchangeable pairs of crystals. The beam intensity emerging from the monochromator is continuously monitored by measuring the total electron yield from a high transmission metal grid. The rotation and translation of the crystals is accomplished with computer controlled stepping motors. The control software allows the monochromator to be scanned as a function of energy either directly based on the equations of motions or adaptively based on a learned optimization table.
The Rise and Decline of Tonsillectomy in Twentieth-Century America

This article explores the rise and decline of tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy (T&A) in twentieth-century America. Between 1915 and the 1960s, T&A was the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the United States. Its rise was dependent on novel medical concepts, paradigms, and institutions that were in the process of reshaping the structure and practice of medicine. The driving force was the focal theory of infection, which assumed that circumscribed and confined infections could lead to systemic disease in any part of the body. The tonsils in particular were singled out as "portals of infection," and therefore their removal became a legitimate therapy. Nevertheless, what kinds of evidence could prove that tonsils were portals of infection? How could the effectiveness of tonsillectomy be determined? An inherent difficulty was the absence of any consensus on the criteria that would be employed to judge its efficacy. Yet tonsillectomy persisted despite ambiguous supportive evidence. Although criticisms of the procedure were common by the 1930s, its decline did not begin until well after 1945 and involved debates over the nature of evidence, the significance of clinical experience in the validation of a particular therapy, and the role of competing medical specialties.
Ecological Influences on State Police District Activity

Ecological explanations for differences in aggregate-level officer activity across districts within a police agency have been tested within the context of municipal police agencies, but have yet to be tested at the state police level. Using data publicly available from the Indiana State Police Department and the US Census Bureau, district ecological factors such as crime rate, social disorganisation level, calls for service, supervisor span of control, perceived danger, and proportion of probationary officers were investigated for their relationship to several district-level outputs. Unlike similar studies involving municipal law enforcement agencies, the factors with the highest predictive value of district outputs were the level of calls for service, crime rate, and supervisor span of control. The potential research differences between municipal and state police agencies are also discussed.
Femtosecond laser-nanostructured substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

We present a new type of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate that exhibits extremely large and uniform cross-section enhancements over a macroscopic (greater than 25 mm2) area. The s...
Enhancing Self-Efficacy for Computer Technologies through the Use of Positive Classroom Experiences

The effects of experience on attitudes toward computers and judgments of confidence, or self-efficacy, for specific computer technologies were investigated. Thirty-two students in a “computer applications in physical education” course participated in the study. The Computer Technologies Survey was used as a pretest and posttest measure to assess students' attitudes toward computers and perceived self-efficacy for electronic mail (e-mail) and word processing. Treatment conditions required the students to communicate with the instructor via e-mail, a word-processed note, or handwritten note. These conditions manipulated experience with e-mail and word processing while keeping instructor-student interaction constant. Students' judgments of computer capability significantly increased from pretest to posttest across all treatments. A direct relationship between time-on-task and levels of confidence was not found which suggests that “quality” rather than “quantity” of computer experience may be most critical.
One-electron-transfer reactions of polychlorinated ethylenes: concerted and stepwise cleavages.

Reaction barriers were calculated by using ab initio electronic structure methods for the reductive dechlorination of the polychlorinated ethylenes: C2Cl4, C2HCl3, trans-1,2-C2H2Cl2, cis-1,2-C2H2Cl2, 1,1-C2H2Cl2 and C2H3Cl. Concerted and stepwise cleavages of R−Cl bonds were considered. Stepwise cleavages yielded lower activation barriers than concerted cleavages for the reduction of C2Cl4, C2HCl3, and trans-1,2-C2H2Cl2 for strong reducing agents. However, for typical ranges of reducing strength concerted cleavages were found to be favored. Both gas-phase and aqueous-phase calculations predicted C2Cl4 to have the lowest reaction barrier. Additionally, the reduction of C2HCl3 was predicted to show selectivity toward formation of cis-1,2-C2HCl2• over the formation of trans-1,2-C2HCl2•, and 1,1-C2HCl2• radicals.
Integration of the K-12 LGBTQI Student Population in School Counselor Education Curricula: The Current State of Affairs

A national survey of 123 school counselor educators investigated how participants integrated K–12 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex (LGBTQI) students’ needs and concerns into school counseling curricula. Results indicated 91.9% of participants integrated the K–12 LGBTQI students’ needs and concerns for a median pedagogical duration of one, 3-hour session within a single course, focusing on students’ knowledge and awareness of gender and sexual/affectual orientation. Follow-up interviews were conducted with participants identified as committed to integrating LGBTQI issues into the curriculum, and these interviews produced themes that expanded survey findings in several areas, including significant educational experience, recognition of iterative effect, experiential, personal engagement, ethics, and influence of training and resources. Implications for school counselor education and professional development are discussed.
Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist antihypertensive medications impair arousal-induced modulation of working memory in Elderly Humans

It is well-established that administration of moderate doses of the adrenal catecholamines epinephrine or norepinephrine shortly after training results in the enhancement of later retention performance in laboratory animals. These substances, released endogenously as a result of arousal, are thought to modulate memory processes by stimulating peripheral receptors that send neural messages to the brain, thus altering the memory storage process. The applicability of this hypothesis to the modulation of memory processes in humans was tested in this experiment by using elderly subjects who were chronically taking beta-receptor antagonist medications to control hypertension. A moderate level of muscle-tension-induced arousal was produced by having subjects squeeze a hand dynamometer during the initial storage and recall of highlighted words in short 200-word paragraphs. Twenty young normal individuals, 22 normotensive elderly subjects, 21 elderly subjects taking either calcium-channel blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to control hypertension, and 21 elderly subjects taking beta-blocker antihypertensive medications served as subjects. The young subjects, normal elderly subjects, and those taking non-beta-blocker medications all showed enhanced long-term recognition performance as a result of the arousal manipulation. However, those subjects chronically taking beta-receptor-antagonist medications showed no enhancement of memory.
Phonon spectroscopy. II. Spectral, spatial, and temporal evolution of a phonon pulse

A vibronic sideband spectrometer has been used to determine the spectral, spatial, and temporal evolution of a phonon distribution propagating in a crystal of Sr${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$:${\mathrm{Eu}}^{2+}$. Spectral and spatial evolution depends strongly on the frequency dependence of phonon scattering at the ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{2+}$ probe ions. The mean free path of phonons in the frequency range of 1-4 THz is found to vary from ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ mm. The temporal evolution is strongly influenced by anharmonic processes. The effective lifetime for phonons of frequency from 1 to 3 THz is found to be of the order of microseconds.
Transforming growth factor beta as a clinical biomarker for prostate cancer

Abstract Objectives Tumor biomarkers to detect prostate cancer earlier may reduce prostate cancer deaths. Transforming growth factor-beta1 and -beta2 (TGF-beta1 and -beta2) become overexpressed in prostate cancer and might be useful tumor markers of prostate cancer. Methods Plasma and urinary TGF-beta1 and plasma TGF-beta2 levels were studied preoperatively in 74 consecutive patients who had prostate cancer and underwent radical prostatectomy and were compared with those of 29 similarly aged male control patients who had no clinical evidence of prostate cancer. Results Plasma TGF-beta1 levels were similar in both prostate cancer and control groups and did not correlate with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical and pathologic stages, or Gleason grade. Urinary TGF-beta 1 levels, however, increased 3.5-fold in patients with prostate cancer relative to controls and tended to be higher with advancing clinical and pathologic stages. Plasma TGF-beta2 levels, like plasma TGF-beta1 levels, were similar for both the study and control groups, but when stratified by pathologic stage or Gleason grade, patients with prostate cancer with pathologic Stage T2a and Gleason grade of 3 or less had significantly increased plasma TGF-beta2 levels as compared with either control patients or patients with prostate cancer with pathologic Stages T2b/T2c and T3/T4 or Gleason grade of 4 or more, suggesting that early prostate cancer may contribute to plasma TGF-beta2 levels. Conclusions Unlike plasma TGF-beta1 levels, urinary TGF-beta1 and plasma TGF-beta2 levels were higher in patients with prostate cancer and may be useful biomarkers of prostate cancer. Copyright 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc. UROLOGY 49: 151-155, 1997.
Role of Taxanes in Lung-Cancer Chemotherapy

(1998). Role of Taxanes in Lung-Cancer Chemotherapy. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 16, No. 7, pp. 471-477.
Utility of membrane preconcentration-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry in overcoming limited sample loading for analysis of biologically derived drug metabolites, peptides, and proteins

The limited loading of capillary electrophoresis (CE) leads to relatively poor concentration limits of detection. In this work a unique method for analyte preconcentration with capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is described. A cartridge containing an impregnated membrane is installed at the inlet of the CE capillary, and we term this approach membrane preconcentration capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (mPC-CE-MS). The analysis of in vivo derived metabolites, peptides, and proteins is described showing the wide applicability of the technology in the analysis of numerous compound classes ranging in molecular weight from 200–60,000 u. In particular, we describe the direct mPC-CE-MS analysis of urine obtained from a patient receiving the neuroleptic drug haloperidol. Three metabolites were found in the urine, and two of them are implicated in the Parkinsonian-like side effects caused by taking this drug. The technique is also applied to the analysis of major histocompatibility complex class I peptides obtained from EG-7 cells. Furthermore, the clinical potential of this approach is described by the direct analysis of urine from a patient suffering from multiple myeloma, as well as aqueous humor derived from a patient undergoing surgery. Finally we show that the use of mPC-ME-MS in conjunction with either analyte stacking (small organic molecules such as metabolites) or moving-boundary transient isotachophoresis (peptides and proteins) after analytes have been eluted from the adsorptive membrane affords optimal performance and no compromise in CE mass spectrometry performance.
Saving for retirement: The effects of fund assortment size and investor knowledge on asset allocation strategies

We report the results of a decision simulation conducted among 211 adults whose task was to invest in a 401(k) retirement plan. We varied the number of mutual funds (three vs. twenty-one) offered for investment and assessed investing knowledge with a self-report measure. The results indicate that less knowledgeable (but not more knowledgeable) investors change their asset allocation strategies as a function of fund assortment size, such that a significantly higher proportion of dollars invested by the less knowledgeable investors is allocated to stocks when choosing from the larger assortment. The retirement investment decisions faced by employees are becoming more daunting as employers increase the number of mutual funds they offer in their defined contribution plans. The Vanguard Center for Retirement Research notes that the average number of funds offered in the plans they manage has risen from twelve to fifteen in just four years, with more than 60% of their plans offering more than ten options (http://www.403bwise. com/pdf/vcrr_choice.pdf). What impact do these larger fund assortments in 401(k) plans have on retirement investors’ decisions? Do larger assortments result in systematic shifts in investor behavior? If such effects are evident,aretheymorepronouncedforlessknowledgeableinvestors?These are the key issues explored in the present research. Compared to less knowledgeable investors, those possessing more knowledge are more likely to be aware of the importance of asset allocation
Bisquaternary-drug membrane electrodes with high sensitivity

Abstract The construction and performance characteristics of ion-selective plastic membrane electrodes for succinylcholine, hexamethonium and decamethonium are described. The electrodes, based on ion-pair complexes with triphenylstillbenyl borate (TPSB), show near-Nernatian responses over the range 10 −2 –10 −6 M or less, with very low limits of detection at around 10 −7 M. The responses are not affected by pH in the range 2–10. The selectivity relative to some inorganic ions, amino acids, neurotransmitters, drugs and various drug excipients is reported.
Demineralization of resected root-ends with methylene blue dye

Abstract Objectives. This study evaluated the ability of methylene blue solutions of different concentration, pH, and time exposure to remove the smear layer from resected root-ends. Study design. Resected root-ends were treated with either 2% methylene blue dye for intervals of 5 to 11 minutes or 1% methylene blue for 7 to 9 minutes and examined with a scanning electron microscope for smear layer removal. Two minute applications of saline solution and 50% citric acid served as controls. Results. All methylene blue solutions were found to be ineffective in removing the smear layer at all time intervals tested. An experimental solution of 1% methylene blue in 50% citric acid was found to predictably remove the smear layer during a 2 minute application and retained all the favorable staining characteristics of the dye. Fifty percent citric acid solutions applied for 3 minutes appeared to overdemineralize the root-end and gave poorer results than 2 minute applications. Conclusions. Smear layer removal was pH dependent. Methylene blue solutions are clinically unsuitable for smear layer removal.
Activation lateralization in human core, belt, and parabelt auditory fields with unilateral deafness compared to normal hearing

We studied activation magnitudes in core, belt, and parabelt auditory cortex in adults with normal hearing (NH) and unilateral hearing loss (UHL) using an interrupted, single-event design and monaural stimulation with random spectrographic sounds. NH patients had one ear blocked and received stimulation on the side matching the intact ear in UHL. The objective was to determine whether the side of deafness affected lateralization and magnitude of evoked blood oxygen level-dependent responses across different auditory cortical fields (ACFs). Regardless of ear of stimulation, NH showed larger contralateral responses in several ACFs. With right ear stimulation in UHL, ipsilateral responses were larger compared to NH in core and belt ACFs, indicating neuroplasticity in the right hemisphere. With left ear stimulation in UHL, only posterior core ACFs showed larger ipsilateral responses, suggesting that most ACFs in the left hemisphere had greater resilience against reduced crossed inputs from a deafferented right ear. Parabelt regions located posterolateral to core and belt auditory cortex showed reduced activation in UHL compared to NH irrespective of RE/LE stimulation and lateralization of inputs. Thus, the effect in UHL compared to NH differed by ACF and ear of deafness.
The efficiency of mechanical filters and air conditioners in the removal of ragweed pollen and fungus spores.

Abstract A total of approximately 100 air samples was taken by a volumetric sampler at four widely separated locations to determine the efficiency of certain mechanical filters and air conditioners in the removal of regweed pollen and hormodendrum and alternaria spores. All these air samples were taken during the height of the regweed season and, because of the marked diurnal variation of ragweed pollen, all readings were taken between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. These volumetric readings indicate that mechanical filters are available which, by filtration, will reduce the incidence of ragweed pollen indoors to a mean dosage of 7 per cubic yard of air. The outdoor count was approximately 200 per cubic yard of air at the two locations studied. Although these filters are remarkably effective in the removal of air-borne ragweed pollen, they are much less so in the removal of air-borne hormodendrum and alternaria spores. Similar air samples show that air conditioning units, when operated on recirculation of indoor air, will markedly lower the incidence of ragweed pollen indoors, comparing favorably in the results produced with mechanical filters. However, when the two units tested were operated on circulation of outside air, they were found to be much less effective in the removal of both ragweed pollen and fungus spores. Complete dependence cannot be placed on either mechanical filters or air conditioning units for the control of air-borne hormodendrum and alternaria spores.
Barriers to the use of program theory

Abstract There are numerous advantages to conducting an evaluation that is based on a strong program theory. However, a careful examination of the field of evaluation indicates that few evaluations are theory based. It is suggested that this discrepancy is caused by significant barriers such as cost, knowledge, motivation, and role confusion. Suggestions for increasing the use of program theory include improving our education and training of evaluators, changing journal policies, and augmenting our methodology for theory development.
Mammalian femora across the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary in eastern Montana

Abstract Our understanding of latest Cretaceous and earliest Paleogene mammalian evolution is based almost entirely on the dental fossil record. Mammalian postcranial fossils are rare and mostly found as isolated elements in latest Cretaceous and earliest Paleogene vertebrate microfossil assemblages of North America. Although placing these fossils in a tooth-based taxonomic framework is difficult, they can provide insight into locomotor diversity and habitat preference to complement diet reconstructions and diversity estimates from dental fossils. Here, we describe 64 femora of mammals recovered from latest Cretaceous (Lancian) and earliest Paleogene (Puercan) localities in eastern Montana. We sorted these based on morphology and size (morphotypes). In some cases, morphotypes were tentatively assigned to dentally based taxa that are known from these strata. Although our resulting femoral dataset is small relative to the study area's dental dataset, we show several key findings. First, there is a greater morphological diversity of multituberculate femora than previously recognized, especially in the latest Cretaceous sample. In contrast, metatherians, which have a high relative abundance in Lancian Hell Creek Formation dental assemblages, are absent from our postcranial samples; eutherian femora are only present in the Puercan assemblages. Second, we record a minor decrease in morphotype richness across the K–Pg boundary that is associated with an increase in mean specimen size, due to the appearance of a few significantly larger-bodied, immigrant taxa. Among the eutherians, there are two specimens of larger-bodied early Puercan archaic ungulates, a very large specimen of a middle/late Puercan taeniodont, pantodont, or triisodontid, as well as a specimen possibly attributed to a “plesiadapiform” archaic primate. Third, preliminary functional morphologic analyses of the more complete specimens suggest that locomotor diversity increased from mainly arboreal or terrestrial/saltatorial multituberculates in the latest Cretaceous to include a fossorial multituberculate and potentially an arboreal eutherian in the early Paleocene. These patterns parallel those previously reported from a dental dataset and indicate that postcranial data are valuable as an independent means to test hypotheses of taxonomic and ecomorphological diversity across the K–Pg boundary.
Cognitive consequences of self-awareness

Abstract Recent research stimulated by Duval and Wicklund's self-awareness theory has shown that self-focused attention influences a wide range of attitudes, attributions, and behavior. The cognitive processes that supposedly mediate these effects have not been carefully explored, however. In order to discover whether a manipulation of self-awareness actually activates self-relevant thoughts, two studies were conducted using the Stroop color-word measure of concept activation in memory. The first revealed a pattern of differences between means that was consistent with the hypothesis, although the expected interaction of word content and presence of mirror and camera to produce longer color-naming latencies did not appear. Also, self-relevant words were read faster than neutral words, even though they had been matched for length, frequency, and part of speech. In the second study (a refinement of the first), the expected interaction was significant. The results support one of the central claims of self-awareness theory and suggest an alternative interpretation of classic findings concerning anxiety and memory.
Comparison of the intravascular metabolism of cholesteryl esters and apoproteins of plasma low- and high-density lipoproteins in the rat (Rattus norvegicus), an animal species without plasma cholesteryl ester transfer activity.

Abstract 1. 1. The intravascular metabolism of the cholesteryl esters (CE) and apoproteins of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) was compared in the rat, an animal species without plasma cholesteryl ester transfer activity (CETA). 2. 2. The apoproteins and the CE of LDL had identical catabolic rates, and there was no transfer of LDL CE to other lipoprotein classes. 3. 3. The CE of the HDL, however, had higher catabolic rates than the apoproteins, and there was transfer of HDL CE to LDL but not to very low density lipoproteins.
The Falling Raster In Optical Signal Processing

Abstract. We exploit the properties of the Dirac comb function to develop a pictorially appealing analysis of the relationship between the one-dimensional (1-D) spectrum of a signal waveform and the two-dimensional (2-D) spatial frequency spectrum of its raster record (generally referred to as the folded spectrum). Variations are considered, including the effects of recording with redundancy and of recording without appropriate "fall" of the raster lines. The use of the falling raster in time-integration folded spectrum analysis is analyzed, first from the stand-point of an important analogy with incoherent holography, then in terms of local oscillator arrays and moving comb functions. Finally, we consider the application of the falling raster to image processing.
Associations between canine juvenile weight gain and coxofemoral joint laxity at 16 weeks of age.

Objective Evaluation of the relationship between canine weight gain from 6 to 15 weeks of age and passive coxofemoral joint (CFJ) laxity at 16 weeks of age.
Primitive nonclassical structures of the N -qubit Pauli group

Several types of nonclassical structures within the $N$-qubit Pauli group that can be seen as fundamental resources for quantum information processing are presented and discussed. Identity products (IDs), structures fundamentally related to entanglement, are defined and explored. The Kochen-Specker (KS) theorem is proved by particular sets of IDs that we call KS sets. We also present a theorem that we call the $N$-qubit Kochen-Specker (NKS) theorem, which is proved by particular sets of IDs that we call NKS sets, and whose utility is that it leads to efficient constructions for KS sets. We define the criticality, or irreducibility, of these structures, and its connection to entanglement. All representative critical IDs for up to $N=4$ qubits are presented, and numerous families of critical IDs for arbitrarily large values of $N$ are discussed. The critical IDs for a given $N$ are a finite set of geometric objects that appear to fully characterize the nonclassicality of the $N$-qubit Pauli group. Methods for constructing critical KS sets and NKS sets from IDs are given, and experimental tests of entanglement, contextuality, and nonlocality are discussed. Possible applications and connections to other work are also discussed.
Extended applications of the wireless sensor array (WISEAR)

WISEAR (Wireless Sensor Array)8, provides a robust and scalable platform for virtually limitless types of data input to software synthesis engines. It is essentially a Linux based SBC (Single Board Computer) with 802.11a/b/g wireless capability. The device, with batteries, only weighs a few pounds and can be worn by a dancer or other live performer. Past work has focused on connecting "conventional" sensors (eg., bend sensors, accelerometers, FSRs, etc...) to the board and using it as a data relay, sending the data as real time control messages to synthesis engines like Max/MSP and RTcmix1. Current research has extended the abilities of the device to take real-time audio and video data from USB cameras and audio devices, as well as running synthesis engines on board the device itself. Given its generic network ability (eg., being an 802.11a/b/g device) there is theoretically no limit to the number of WISEAR boxes that can be used simultaneously in a performance, facilitating multiperformer compositions.This paper will present the basic design philosophy behind WISEAR, explain some of the basic concepts and methods, as well as provide a live demonstration of the running device, worn by the author.
The effect of captivity on the cutaneous bacterial community of the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki)

For many threatened vertebrates, captivity may be the only option for species survival. Maintaining species in captivity prior to reintroduction presents many challenges, including the need to preserve genetic diversity and mitigation of disease risks. Recent studies suggest that captivity can alter the suite of symbiotic microbes that play important roles in host health. The Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) has not been seen in its native habitat in Panama since 2009. Along with habitat loss and illegal collecting, the lethal disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is responsible for the severe decline of this species. Prior to the spread of Bd into golden frog habitat, conservation organizations collected golden frogs and placed them in captive survival assurance colonies. The skin of amphibians is host to a diverse resident bacterial community, which acts as a defense mechanism in some amphibians to inhibit pathogens. We characterized the cutaneous bacterial community from wild and F1 captive golden frogs originating from the same population with Illumina sequencing to assess how long-term captivity has affected this community. We found that species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and community structure of the skin microbiota was significantly different between wild and captive golden frogs. However, after approximately eight years of living in captivity, the offspring of the original captive golden frogs still shared 70% of their microbial community with wild frogs. These results demonstrate that host-associated microbial communities can be significantly altered by captive management, but most of the community composition can be preserved.
Oxidation of Organoboranes with Trimethylamine N-Oxide Dihydrate

Abstract Recently it has been reported that the commercialy available, easily handled trimethylamine N-oxide dihydrate is an effective oxidizing agent for organoboranes. An examination of the efficiency and reactivity of this reagent under various reaction conditions was conducted. Alkenes were hydroborated to the corresponding alkylboranes, and the subsequent oxidations to alcohols were carried out using a slight excess of trimethylamine N-oxide dihydrate. The product yields at different tiem intervals were determined by glpc analysis. The oxidation can be carried out in hydrocarbon as well as ethereal solvents. The rate of oxidation is proportional to temperature. Furthermore, long reaction times at moderate temperatures are not detrimental to yields. The rates of reaction of alkyl groups in the organoborane were determined to be tertiary > cyclic secondary > acyclic secondary > n -primary > branched primary > vinyl.
Energetic flash X-ray sources excited by Blumlein generators

Abstract Eight triaxial Blumlein circuits have been stacked in series at one end while being synchronously commuted at the other end with a single hydrogen thyratron. Having no other switching elements, operation has been possible at repetition rates up to 100 Hz. Improvement in matching an X-ray diode to this pulse power source has been realized, making possible the emission of an average bremsstrahlung exposure rate of 15 R/s from a sequence of 20 ns pulses. Recent advances in the development of this device resulting in open-circuit voltage gains approaching six times the charging voltage are described.
Impact parameter dependence in the Balitsky–Kovchegov equation

Abstract We study an impact parameter dependence of solutions of the Balitsky–Kovchegov (BK) equation. We argue that if the kernel of the BK integral equation is regulated to cutoff infrared singularities, then it can be approximated by an equation without diffusion in impact parameter. For some purposes, when momentum scales large compared to Λ QCD are probed, the kernel may be approximated as massless. In particular, we find that the Froissart bound limit is saturated for physical initial conditions and seem to be independent of the cutoff as long as the cutoff is sufficiently large compared to the momentum scale associated with the large distance falloff of the impact parameter distribution.
Allocating Selling Effort Via Dynamic Programming

This article presents a model for allocating selling effort and setting sales force size which explicitly considers interactions with territorial design, forecasting, and performance evaluation. An extremely fast, dynamic programming algorithm for the allocation of selhng time to control units is presented, and a proof of the optimality of this solution under specified conditions is provided. This algorithm also generates the optimum sales force size and provides output which is a basis for designing sales territories. The allocation algorithm can accommodate a large class of multivariate response functions. The model also incorporates subjective judgment into the decision process. Interaction with sales management of a test firm has shown that the model is highly useful in pinpointing problem areas, in evaluating salesmen, and in designing territories which can, to a large degree, achieve the benefits of the optimum allocation generated by the model.
Managing depression in patients with advanced heart failure awaiting transplantation

Purpose The relative merits of various forms of antidepressant therapy in patients with heart failure (HF) are discussed, including disease-specific pharmacokinetic changes and drug-interaction challenges in current or likely future candidates for heart transplantation. Summary There is a growing emphasis on the use of antidepressants in patients with chronic HF, as depression can have a negative impact on HF progression and morbidity and mortality after heart transplants or other invasive cardiac surgery. Evidence from one small study of patients with concomitant end-stage HF and major depression indicated a reduced risk of cardiovascular death in those receiving β-blockers in combination with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy. In addition to pharmacokinetic changes caused by HF itself, which can decrease medication absorption and distribution, other issues to consider in the drug selection process include the potential for antidepressants to interact with posttransplant immunosuppressive therapy and the possible effects of antidepressant use on surgical transfusion requirements. The SSRIs are generally recommended as first-line therapies for depressed patients with HF; however, fluvoxamine and fluoxetine should be avoided due to interactions with immunosuppressant agents. If SSRI therapy is not well tolerated or adjunctive therapy is required, bupropion, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, and duloxetine may be suitable alternatives for certain patients. Conclusion Key considerations in antidepressant selection in the context of advanced HF include HF-related changes in drug pharmacokinetics that may affect initial dosing or dosage adjustment, possible drug interactions, adverse effects that may potentiate those induced by immunosuppressants added after transplantation, and tolerability issues.
Classification of frontal plane rearfoot motion patterns during the stance phase of walking.

Background: Classification of rearfoot motion patterns would assist in understanding normal rearfoot motion and would facilitate the identification of abnormal motion. We sought to identify common frontal plane rearfoot motion patterns in an asymptomatic population. Methods: Frontal plane rearfoot motion was measured with an electromagnetic motion analysis system in 279 asymptomatic individuals during barefoot walking. The coefficient of multiple correlation and visual observation were used to identify similar patterns of rearfoot motion. Results: Four distinct rearfoot motion patterns were identified: pattern 1 consisted of 176 individuals (63.1%) and was labeled “typical” eversion, pattern 2 consisted of 87 individuals (31.2%) and was labeled “prolonged eversion,” pattern 3 consisted of nine individuals (3.2%) and was labeled “delayed eversion,” and pattern 4 consisted of seven individuals (2.5%) and was labeled “early eversion.” Conclusions: Asymptomatic frontal plane rearfoot motion can be classified ...
A method to estimate whistler wave vector from polarization using three-component electric field data

Satellites in the Earth's magnetosphere can be used to record the rich electromagnetic wave activity due to terrestrial lightning, typically up to several tens of kilohertz. With simultaneous recordings of the three components of wave electric field E and of the three components of wave magnetic field B, the entire wavefield, polarization, and wave vector can be specified without any appeal to a priori assumptions about the wave mode and without any reliance on the validity of a dispersion relation. However, some satellites lack such a complete suite of measurements. We develop a method which assumes the theoretical dispersion relation for whistler waves then uses recordings of the three components of wave electric field E but no magnetic components to derive the wave polarization and the wave vector (up to a sign ambiguity on the latter). The method can work only because the dispersion relation, which is assumed, already contains information from the full Maxwell's equations. We illustrate the method with 12 s duration simultaneous recordings, at 32 kilosample/s, of three orthogonal components of wave electric field E from the C/NOFS satellite in low-Earth orbit. Our particular example in this article is shown to contain two broadband whistler features in the range of 4–15 kHz, whose wave vectors differ both according to their polar angles from the geomagnetic field B0 and according to their azimuth around the geomagnetic field B0.
How to measure a large open-source distributed system

SUMMARY How can we measure the impact of an open-source software package over time? When a system has no price, no purchase contracts and no buyers or sellers it can be difficult to judge its impact on the world. To explore this issue, we have instrumented the Condor distributed batch system in a variety of ways and observed its growth to over 50 000 CPUs at over 1000 sites over five years. Instrumentation methods include automatic updates by e-mail and user datagram protocol (UDP), annotated download records and a voluntary user survey. Each of these metrics has various strengths and weaknesses that we are able to compare and contrast. We also explore the ethical and legal issues surrounding automatic data collection. Surprisingly, we discover that objections to automatic data collection are higher among people that are not using the Condor software. We conclude with some practical advice for further research into the measurement of software systems. Copyright c � 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Received 6 February 2005; Revised 14 September 2005; Accepted 24 September 2005
Analysis of fixturing dynamic stability in machining

This paper presents a systematic approach for analyzing the dynamic stability of a fixtured workplace during machining. Insight into the effects of fixture-workpiece system dynamics, material removal, and clamping forces on fixturing stability is obtained. The influence of clamping forces on fixture-workpiece contact stiffness is also investigated. Fixturing stability is checked by monitoring the contact interaction between the workpiece and fixture elements. A dynamic model that predicts workpiece motion subjected to cutting forces and a static model for contact deformation due to clamping are developed to obtain the total contact motion. A simulation example is presented to illustrate the approach
Effects of mutations in tyrosine hydroxylase associated with progressive dystonia on the activity and stability of the protein

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrH) catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of dopamine. Four mutations in the TyrH gene have recently been described in cases of autosomal recessive DOPA-responsive dystonia (Swaans et al., Ann Hum Genet 2000;64:25-31). All four are predicted to result in changes in single amino acid residues in the catalytic domain of the protein: T245P, T283M, R306H, and T463M. To determine the effects of these mutations on the molecular properties of the enzyme, mutant proteins containing the individual single amino acid changes have been expressed in bacteria and purified. Only the T283M mutation results in a decrease in the enzyme k(cat) value, while the T245P enzyme has a slightly higher value than the wild-type enzyme. The only case in which a K(m) value for either tyrosine or tetrahydrobiopterin is perturbed is the T245P enzyme, for which the K(m) value for tyrosine has increased about 50%. In contrast to the minor effects of the mutations on enzyme activity, the stability is decreased significantly by the mutations. The R306H and T283M enzymes are the least stable, losing activity 30- and 50-fold more rapidly than the wild-type enzyme. The apparent T(m) value for unfolding was decreased by 3.9, 8.2, and 7.2 degrees for the T245P, R306H, and T463M enzymes, while the T283M enzyme was too unstable for measurement of a T(m) value. The results establish that the physiological effects of the mutations are primarily due to the decreased stability of the mutant proteins rather than decreases in their intrinsic activities.
Mirroring the Past: The Writing and Use of History in Imperial China – By On‐cho Ng and Q. Edward Wang

Historians of China have long lacked a comprehensive historiography covering the two thousand years of the imperial past. Mirroring the Past happily fills this void. A mirror in the discourse of Ch...