cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting Proteasome Ubiquitin Receptor RPN13/ADRM1 in Multiple Myeloma

Abstract Background and Rationale Deregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is linked to pathogenesis of various human diseases, including cancer. Targeting the proteasome is an effective therapy in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Recent research efforts led to the discovery of newer agents that target enzymes modulating protein ubiquitin-conjugation/deconjugation rather than the proteasome itself, with the goal of generating more specific and less toxic antitumor therapies. Ubiquitylation is a dynamic reversible process coordinated by many enzymes: ubiquitin ligases attach ubiquitin to proteins allowing for their degradation, whereas deubiquitylating enzymes deconjugate ubiquitin from target proteins, thereby preventing their proteasome-mediated degradation. RPN13 is ubiquitin receptor within the 19S regulatory particle lid of the proteasome that recognizes ubiquitylated proteins marked for degradation by 20S core particle. Here we examined the role of RPN13 in MM using both biochemical and RNA interference strategies. Materials and Methods We utilizedMM cell lines, patient tumor cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from normal healthy donors. Drug sensitivity/cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using XTT/MTT and Annexin V staining, respectively. MM.1S cells were transiently transfected with control short interfering RNA (siRNA), RPN13 siRNA ON TARGET plus SMART pool siRNA using the cell line Nucleofector Kit V. Synergistic/additive anti-MM activity was assessed by isobologram analysisusing “CalcuSyn” software program. Signal transduction pathways were evaluated using immunoblotting. Proteasome activity was measured as previously described (Chauhan et al., Cancer Cell 2005, 8:407-419). Statistical significance of data was determined using a Student’s t test. RA190 was purchased from Xcess Biosciences, USA; and bortezomib, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide were purchased from Selleck chemicals, USA. Results Analysis of RPN13/ADRM1 expression showed a significantly higher level in primary patient MM cells (n=73) versus normal plasma cells (n=15) (p Conclusion Our preclinical data showing efficacy of RA190 in MM disease models validates targeting ubiquitin receptors upstream of the proteasome in the ubiquitin proteasomal cascade to overcome proteasome inhibitor resistance, and provides the framework for clinical evaluation of RPN13 inhibitors to improve patient outcome in MM. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
An Integrative Approach to Family Therapy

One of the recent developments in the field of psychiatry is a renewed interest in Family Therapy. Although various kinds of family interventions have been used in different forms from the beginning of history, it was only during the beginning of this century that systematic efforts were made to understand and treat the family as a unit. The first efforts to work with the family were made by sociologists and social workers. When Nathan Ackerman published his paper on The Unity of the Family in 19381, he was considered as a “heretic” who dared to break some of the taboos of traditional psychotherapy by seeing the family together. Since then there have been many developments in the field of Family Therapy. Today Family Therapy is not considered as a second class treatment and assigned only to the non-medical members of the psychiatric team, as used to happen until recently. Most of the major medical schools have established training programs for their psychiatric residents who are encouraged to use Family Therapy as one of their modalities of treatment2. Many of the training programs in Child Psychiatry are teaching Family Therapy and started establishing Family Therapy Clinics dissolving, in this way, the myth of incompatibility between Family Therapy and Child Psychiatry3.
Recent progress in understanding water treeing phenomena

Several areas where recent progress has occurred in understanding water treeing are reviewed; propagation rate evaluations, distinguishing between initiation and propagation, the influence of antioxidant and voltage stabilizers, and evaluating clustered water. The necessity for distinguishing between initiation (which encompasses the induction period) and prop gation events is emphasized. Some commonalities in pre-partial discharge events for both electrical and water treeing are suggested, along with a definition of tree initiation. Potential roles of antioxidant and water on tree initiation are reviewed. The possibility of antioxidant clusters serving as pro-oxidants rather than anti-oxidants are also discussed.
Theoretical Development of the Free-Electron Laser

The stimulated emission of radiation of a relativistic beam of electrons in a transverse magnetic field has been analyzed theoretically by several authors1–6, and has very recently been demonstrated experimentally at Stanford7,8 by J. Madey and coworkers.
Interactions between reader and text: Contributions of cognitive processes, strategy use, and text cohesion to comprehension of expository science text

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that characteristics of text demonstrate differential recruitment of specific cognitive processes involved in reading comprehension. The aim of this study was to examine the relations among important reader and text characteristics and their contributions to comprehension of expository science text. Specifically, we examined whether text that varied in referential cohesion required differential use of specific executive functions, metacognitive monitoring of performance, and strategy use among adult readers. The results indicated that shifting, but not updating or inhibition, differentially predicted comprehension of text that was lower in referential cohesion, while updating, but not inhibition or shifting, predicted comprehension of text that was higher in referential cohesion. Metacognitive monitoring and reading strategy use predicted comprehension independent of the level of referential cohesion of text. The findings provide additional evidence for the important and interactive roles of key reader and text characteristics in understanding of expository text, and suggest important areas of future study.
Building on the Huntington Library’s literary foundation

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens was founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington, a real estate and railroad businessman. In the research library, Huntington collected rare ...
A clinical trial of intraoperative near-infrared imaging to assess tumor extent and identify residual disease during anterior mediastinal tumor resection.

Background The management of most solid tumors of the anterior mediastinum involves complete resection. Because of their location near mediastinal structures, wide resection is not possible; therefore, surgeons must use subjective visual and tactile cues to determine disease extent. This clinical trial explored intraoperative near-infrared (NIR) imaging as an approach to improving tumor delineation during mediastinal tumor resection. Methods Twenty-five subjects with anterior mediastinal lesions suspicious for malignancy were enrolled in an open-label feasibility trial. Subjects were administered indocyanine green (ICG) at a dose of 5 mg/kg, 24 hours before resection (via a technique called TumorGlow). The NIR imaging systems included Artemis (Quest, Middenmeer, the Netherlands) and Iridium (VisionSense Corp, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Intratumoral ICG uptake was evaluated. The clinical value was determined via an assessment of the ability of NIR imaging to detect phrenic nerve involvement or incomplete resection. Clinical and histopathologic variables were analyzed to determine predictors of tumor fluorescence. Results No drug-related toxicity was observed. Optical imaging added a mean of 10 minutes to case duration. Among the subjects with solid tumors, 19 of 20 accumulated ICG. Fluorescent tumors included thymomas (n = 13), thymic carcinomas (n = 4), and liposarcomas (n = 2). NIR feedback improved phrenic nerve dissection (n = 4) and identified residual disease (n = 2). There were no false-positives or false-negatives. ICG preferentially accumulated in solid tumors; this was independent of clinical and pathologic variables. Conclusions NIR imaging for anterior mediastinal neoplasms is safe and feasible. This technology may provide a real-time tool capable of determining tumor extent and specifically identify phrenic nerve involvement and residual disease.
Drug-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review.

Background Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition deriving from many and varied etiologies. Certain medications have been implicated in the iatrogenic development of Drug Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (DIPN) and include chemotherapeutic agents, antimicrobials, cardiovascular drugs, psychotropic, anticonvulsants, among others. This review synthesizes current clinical concepts regarding the mechanism, common inciting medications, and treatment options for drug-induced peripheral neuropathy. Methods The authors undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature using a focused review question and inclusion/exclusion criteria. The most relevant and up to date research was included. Results Drug-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and painful condition caused by many different and frequently prescribed medications. Most often, DIPN is seen in chemotherapeutic agents, antimicrobials, cardiovascular drugs, psychotropic, and anticonvulsant drugs. Certain drugs exhibit more consistent neuropathic side effects, such as the chemotherapeutic compounds, but others are more commonly prescribed by a larger proportion of providers, such as the statins. DIPN is more likely to occur in patients with concomitant risk factors such as preexisting neuropathy, diabetes, and associated genetically predisposing diseases. DIPN is often difficult to treat, however medications including duloxetine, and gabapentin are shown to reduce neuropathic pain. Advanced techniques of neuromodulation offer promise though further randomized and controlled studies are needed to confirm efficacy. Conclusion Awareness of the drugs covered in this review and their potential for adverse neuropathic effect is important for providers caring for patients who report new onset symptoms of pain, paresthesia, or weakness. Prevention of DIPN is especially important because treatment often proves challenging. While many pharmacologic therapies have demonstrated analgesic potential in the pain caused by DIPN, many patients remain refractive to treatment. More studies are needed to elucidate the effectiveness of interventional, neuromodulating therapies.
Two-stage Prosthetic Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction: Comparing Tissue Expansion with Carbon Dioxide and Saline.

Background The AeroForm tissue expander is a carbon dioxide-filled breast tissue expander that allows gradual, needle-free expansion using a hand-held remote controller. This study evaluates 2-stage, prepectoral tissue expander-to-implant breast reconstruction with the carbon-dioxide tissue expanders and compares the outcomes to our recent experience with saline tissue expanders. Methods This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients from a single institution. The subjects consisted of women who underwent mastectomy and either immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with AeroForm or saline tissue expanders. Outcomes encompassed postoperative complications including mastectomy flap necrosis, infection requiring readmission and/or intravenous antibiotics, capsular contracture, hematoma, seroma, skin dehiscence, extrusion, premature explant, and loss of communication with the device (AeroForm) or rupture of the device (saline). Results This study evaluated 115 patients with 185 breast reconstructions. Of the 185 breast reconstructions, 74 (40%) utilized AeroForm tissue expanders and 111 (60%) utilized traditional saline tissue expanders. Treatment was successful in 100% and 94% in the AeroForm and saline groups, respectively (P = 0.025). The incidence of adverse events was greater in the saline group (45.9% versus 32.4%). Surgical-site infection occurred more commonly in the saline group (5.4% versus 0%). Full-thickness skin necrosis occurred at a significantly higher rate in the saline cohort as compared with AeroForm (5.4% versus 0%). Conclusions The use of AeroForm tissue expanders offers notable advantages for breast reconstruction. This device when employed in the prepectoral space may be associated with reduced infection rates and decreased utilization of healthcare and patient resources.
Root-Associated Streptomyces Isolates Harboring melC Genes Demonstrate Enhanced Plant Colonization

Streptomycetaceae assemble into the internal, root endophytic compartment of a wide variety of plants grown in soils worldwide, suggesting their ability to survive during root microbiome assembly. ...
Growth of high-quality N-polar GaN on bulk GaN by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract 'There is an interest in growing N-polar GaN on bulk GaN for high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). Current N-polar HEMT technology is dominated by devices grown on non-native substrates which possess a high density of dislocations due to lattice mismatch. N-polar GaN films grown directly on non-miscut GaN substrates have displayed a high density of pits and depressions on the surface. This work demonstrates that surface impurities play a major role in the formation of surface-pits in epitaxially grown film. By subjecting the GaN substrate to an ultra-violet (UV) O3 (ozone) clean prior to growth and initiating growth with a 2 nm coherently strained AlN layer, grown under metal-rich conditions, we have demonstrated N-polar GaN films with a nearly pit-free surface. This AlN initiation layer (AIL) likely captures impurities on the substrate surface thus decoupling the substrate surface from the epitaxially grown film. It is demonstrated that utilizing thicker AILs, up to 8 nm, further improves film quality and surface morphology. The methods employed in this study to produce high-quality N-polar GaN grown on bulk GaN will pave the way for future GaN devices with an order of magnitude or more lower threading dislocation density (TDD).
Pragmatic Clinical Trials in Osteoporosis

In this review, we present the application of pragmatic clinical trials for evaluating interventions in osteoporosis, and we discuss methodological considerations for designing and conducting a pragmatic clinical trial compared with a classical randomized clinical trial. Pragmatic clinical trials are a popular study design testing effectiveness of health interventions and are intended to address the limitations associated with traditional explanatory randomized clinical trials testing efficacy of interventions. To date, only few pragmatic clinical trials have been conducted in osteoporosis. Pragmatic clinical trials are conducted under routine clinical practice setting and are intended to inform policy makers and clinical decisions. Osteoporosis is a chronic disease well-suited to this particular study design given the existence of a clear and specific natural endpoint, namely fracture occurrence, and the availability of several treatments to prevent fractures.
50 Years of CMJ: The First Decade

Editor’s Note: As of this issue, The College Mathematics Journal has published fifty completed volumes. To celebrate 50 years of continued excellence in publishing expository mathematics, pedagogic...
Improving Machine Learning Based Detection of Freezing of Gait Using Data Synthesis Methods

Freezing of gait (FoG) is a common type of motor impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with falls. Pharmacologic treatments have failed to prevent FoG, resulting in a need for the development of non-pharmaceutical interventions. This study aims to use the ADAptive SYNthetic (ADASYN) sampling algorithm to improve the automatic detection of FoG episodes in people with PD. Eighteen PD patients performed a series of daily walking tasks in a lab environment, with nine experiencing FoG. We trained and evaluated different classifiers using signals collected from wearable accelerometers placed on the patients' ankles. The low ratio of FoG labeled data compared with normal gait created an imbalanced dataset. The analysis of results revealed that the sensitivity of the SVM model to FoG could be improved from 91.9% to 96.5% by creating new synthesized FoG instances near the boundaries of two classes (normal gait and FoG). The SVM model can detect FoG events with an average sensitivity and specificity of 91.5% and 95.2% trained by the original dataset, and 95.8% and 95.0% trained by synthesized balanced dataset in patient-dependent models. Also, ADASYN slightly improved the average F-score of patient-dependent models from 90.6% to 91.2%, while reducing patient-independent model performance from 83.4% to 79.8%.
Greater negative affect and mixed emotions during spontaneous reactions to sad films in older than younger adults

Older adults may be better able to regulate emotion responses to negative experiences than younger persons when provided instructions, but age group differences in spontaneous emotion responses are poorly understood. The current study determined age group differences in spontaneous reactivity and recovery in negative and positive affects, as well as the co-occurrence of negative and positive affects, following a laboratory mood induction. Younger (n = 71) and older adults (n = 44) rated negative and positive affects before and several times after a negative mood induction involving sad film clips. ANCOVA and multilevel longitudinal modeling in HLM were utilized to determine age group differences in spontaneous reactivity to and recovery from the mood induction, as well as age group differences in co-occurrence of negative and positive affects. Relative to younger adults, older adults reported greater negative affect reactivity to and recovery from the mood induction. Older adults also reported greater co-occurrence of negative and positive affects in response to the mood induction, as compared to younger adults. Thus, older adults reacted more strongly to sad film clips than younger persons, exhibited efficient recovery, and reported greater co-occurrence of negative and positive affects. A fruitful line of future research might determine whether affect co-occurrence facilitates effective emotion regulation.
Targeted therapy: Precision comes to life

Abstract Traditional treatment approaches for advanced head and neck cancers have been associated with limited clinical outcomes that necessitate the development of novel therapies that can address this unmet clinical need. Precision medicine initiatives employing the use of small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated promising potential for the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland tumors. Such molecular therapies have been used to effectively target aberrant elements composed of tyrosine kinases and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, cell cycle, and epigenetic pathways. Future studies using innovative trial designs and biomarker enrichment strategies as well as technological advances could pave the way for personalized medicine to become an integral component of standard of care practices to truly optimize patient outcomes.
A Study of Metal on Metal Multiple Patterning Scheme

Self-Aligned Multiple Patterning is one of the multiple-patterning techniques to realize sub optical lithography technology nodes. The challenges for advanced interconnect levels with multiple-patterning integration are to control both metal CD and the space between line ends. This can be associated with complicated process integration. In this paper, a novel patterning scheme, metal on metal multiple patterning integration, which significantly simplified the process steps and enabled self-aligned block (SAB), is demonstrated for a single damascene level by process emulation. This novel integration utilizes metal as the mandrel. In addition to that, in this scheme the non-mandrel metal material could be different from the mandrel metal. As a result, mandrel metal could have different electrical or physical properties than the non-mandrel metal. As an example, the mandrel metal could have better reliability to carry large current while the non-mandrel could have lower resistivity for performance.
Sociatry, psychodrama, and social work: Moreno’s mysticism and social justice tradition

The philosophy and methods of Jacob Moreno’s sociatry offer social workers valuable tools for upholding the core values of the social work profession. Moreno’s philosophy promotes mysticism and soc...
Retaking Hãhãhãe: Revitalization and Reindigenization in a Context of Indigenous Erasure

Pataxo Hahahae (Maxakalian) has not been spoken fluently since the 1920s. In the late 1970s and early 80s, recordings of roughly 100 words were made by Maria Hilda Paraiso, Aracy Lopes da Silva, and Greg Urban, with the last documented speaker, Baheta, in Bahia, Brazil. A primer was developed from these recordings (Silva et al. in Licoes de Baheta: Sobre a Lingua Pataxo Hahahae, 1982) that continues to be of great symbolic value to the Pataxo Hahahae. It is also the only access that many have had to their heritage language. In this context, fluency is not a practical goal. In this chapter, based on a year of fieldwork (2014–2015) and my ongoing collaboration with the Pataxo Hahahae, I argue that rather than focusing on measurements of fluency or speaker numbers, it is more useful to understand current language use and revitalization as they relate to broader semiotic processes. For Pataxo Hahahae, revitalization is part of a semiotic reindigenization in a context of Indigenous erasure and anti-Indigenous racism that works to locate Pataxo Hahahae language and identity in the present and reshape what it means to be Indigenous in the Brazilian Northeast.
Effect of lengthening the fallopian tube on fertility in the rabbit

Abstract The effect of surgically lengthening the rabbit oviduct was investigated. In the study group, a lengthened fallopian tube was created by division of the left fallopian tube at the ampullary-isthmic junction and the right fallopian tube at the uterotubal junction. The proximal left tube and the entire right tube were mobilized to the midline, and a microsurgical anastomosis was performed with 10-0 nylon. This formed a tube that was lengthened by approximately 50%, with doubling of the isthmic region. In the control group, both tubes were divided at the ampullary-isthmic junction, and the proximal left and distal right segments were joined to form a tube of normal length. The left ovary and ampulla were resected in both groups. After the animal had been bred, a second laparotomy was performed to assess adhesion formation, document tubal patency, and establish a nidation index. The median nidation index of the control group (N = 11) was 0.89, whereas that of the lengthened group (N = 7) was 0. The nidation indices of the two groups were different, with P
Fuzzy Set Theory

The term “fuzzy” was proposed by Zadeh in 1962 [273]. In 1965, Zadeh formally published the famous paper “Fuzzy Sets”[274]. The fuzzy set theory is developed to improve the oversimplified model, thereby developing a more robust and flexible model in order to solve real-world complex systems involving human aspects. Furthermore, it helps the decision maker not only to consider the existing alternatives under given constraints (optimize a given system), but also to develop new alternatives (design a system).
A Review of “Planning With Complexity: An Introduction to Collaborative Rationality for Public Policy”

Innes and Booher argue that collaborative rationality should be the way to create and implement policies that address wicked problems, those with unpleasant consequences for all when not solved. Th...
Tosylhydrazone Salt Pyrolyses: Phenyldiazomethanes

Tosylhydrazone salt pyrolyses: phenyldiazomethanes intermediate: benzaldehyde tosylhydrazone product: phenyldiazomethane product: p-MeC6H4CHN2 product: m-MeC6H4CHN2 product: p-FC6H4CHN2 product: m-FC6H4CHN2 Keywords: addition, to CO; sodium methoxide in methanol; diazo compounds
Framing new pathways in transformative exercise for individuals with existing and newly acquired disability.

AbstractPurpose: This paper describes a continuum of customized exercise options for people with an existing and newly acquired disability or diagnosis referred to as the Transformative Exercise Framework. Background: The period directly after rehabilitation is a critical juncture where many individuals return to life with high rates of sedentary behavior. After rehabilitation discharge, people with newly acquired disability or diagnoses often never make the transition into usage of community-based exercise services that are tailored, safe and effective. Methods: Narrative review. Results: The Transformative Exercise Framework supports a patient-to-participant, rehab-to-wellness model that emphasizes a linkage between physical and occupational therapists and community-based exercise trainers. The four focus areas – Rehabilitation, Condition-specific Exercise, Fitness and Lifetime Physical Activity – emphasize a range of options for people with newly acquired disability and diagnoses, or for people with ex...
The effect of tumor necrosis factor-α on microvascular permeability in an isolated, perfused lung

This study examines the hypotheses that TNF-alpha causes a dose-dependent increase in the microvascular permeability of ex vivo buffer perfused lungs that is quantitatively similar to that caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or thromboxane A2 (TxA2). We also postulated that TNF-alpha potentiates the effect of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) or TxA2 receptor activation on pulmonary microvascular permeability. Lungs harvested from Wistar rats were perfused ex vivo with Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing 0, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/mL recombinant rat TNF-alpha. Twenty minutes later pulmonary microvascular permeability was determined by measuring the capillary filtration coefficient (Kf) using a gravimetric technique. The effect of TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL) on pulmonary Kf was compared with that of lungs exposed to LPS (400 microg/mL; E. coli 0111:B4) or a TxA2 receptor agonist (U-46619; 7 x 10(-8)). In other experiments, perfused lungs were exposed to TNF-alpha plus IL-1beta (1 ng/mL) or TNF-alpha plus U-46619 after which Kf was measured. Exposure of ex vivo buffer perfused lungs to 10-1000 ng/mL TNF-alpha had no effect on Kf whereas LPS and U-46619 was associated with a two- and six-fold increase in Kf, respectively (P < 0.05). The Kf of lungs exposed to TNF-alpha plus IL-1 was similar to that of lungs exposed to TNF-alpha alone. Lastly, the Kf of lungs exposed to TNF-alpha plus U-46619 was not different than that of lungs exposed to U-46619 alone. In conclusion, TNF-alpha at least when administered for a relatively brief period of time does not affect microvascular permeability in an isolated, buffer-perfused lung model.
Trauma in developing countries, a personal experience in Papua New Guinea

Trauma is a serious threat in developing countries. Prevention efforts, which have been so effective in other countries in controlling the incidence of injuries, are almost nonexistent. The lifestyles make the population prone to injury and tribal cultures may practice rituals that create personal injury. Developing nations lack adequate health care services for a large section of the population. A trauma nurse who visited Papua New Guinea describes her experience with living and working in various health care settings.
Separation of cyclic 3',5'-nucleoside monophosphates from other nucleotides on aluminum oxide columns. Application to the assay of adenyl cyclase and guanyl cyclase.

Abstract A method is described for separating 3′,5′-nucleoside monophosphates from other nucleotides on columns of aluminum oxide. It was found that 3′,5′-cyclic nucleotides, nucleosides, purines, and pyrimidines will all pass through columns of alumina prepared with Tris-HCl buffer in the neutral range. However, all other nucleotides tested will be adsorbed. Since the only phosphorylated compounds passed are the 3′,5′-cyclic nucleotides, an α-32P-labeled nucleoside triphosphate provides a specific precursor for use in assaying cyclase enzymes. Methods are described for determining the activity of adenyl cyclase and guanyl cyclase.
Efficiency of a nuclear-thermionic generator

WORKING within the limits imposed by currently available materials and techniques, the cesium-filled thermionic generator driven by fission heating should be capable of producing electric power at a thermal efficiency in excess of 20 per cent. To demonstrate this point, the design criteria for a generator operating at an arbitrarily selected operating point are presented in this paper, along with a commentary on the validity of the assumptions used. The design calculation is necessarily idealized. However, at each stage it is possible to see how a required change in parameters would affect the predicted performance figures.
Inducing Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Lactating Dairy Cows

Data from experiments in which subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) was induced in lactating dairy cows (days in milk = 154 +/- 118) were evaluated to investigate the effectiveness of the induction protocol and its effect on production outcomes. For 13 cows in 3 trials, ruminal pH was measured continuously and recorded each minute; dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk composition data were obtained from 9 cows in 2 of these trials. The SARA induction protocol included 4 separate periods: 4 d of baseline [normal total mixed ration (TMR)], 1 d of 50% restricted feeding, 1 or 2 d of challenge feeding [addition of 3.5 or 4.6 kg of wheat-barley pellet (dry matter basis) to normal TMR], and 2 d of recovery measurements when feeding normal TMR. The SARA induction protocol lowered mean ruminal pH from 6.31 during the baseline period to 5.85 during the challenge period; pH remained below baseline level during the recovery period (6.16). Mean ruminal pH was highest (6.59) during the day of restricted feeding. Nadir ruminal pH decreased from baseline to challenge period (5.76 vs. 5.13). Hours below pH 5.6 increased from 1.10 to 8.26/d from baseline to challenge period and area below 5.6 (pH x min/d) increased from 15.0 to 190.3. Dry matter intake was not affected by SARA induction. Milk yield dropped from 35.2 kg/d during baseline to 31.7 k/d during the challenge period and did not return to baseline level during the recovery period (31.3 kg/d). No depression in milk fat percentage was observed when SARA was induced. Yield of fat was highest during the restricted feeding period (1.47 kg/d) and was lower during the recovery period than during the baseline period (1.12 vs. 1.31 kg/d). The protocol successfully induced SARA (low ruminal pH without signs of acute ruminal acidosis) on the challenge day. Milk yield was substantially reduced and did not recover within 2 d after the challenge.
Neighborhood communication paradigm to increase scalability in large-scale dynamic scientific applications

This paper introduces a general-purpose communication package built on top of MPI which is aimed at improving inter-processor communications independently of the supercomputer architecture being considered. The package is developed to support parallel applications that rely on computation characterized by large number of messages of various sizes, often small, that are focused within processor neighborhoods. In some cases, such as solvers having static mesh partitions, the number and size of messages are known a priori. However, in other cases such as mesh adaptation, the messages evolve and vary in number and size and include the dynamic movement of partition objects. The current package provides a utility for dynamic applications based on two key attributes that are: (i) explicit consideration of the neighborhood communication pattern to avoid many-to-many calls and also to reduce the number of collective calls to a minimum, and (ii) use of non-blocking MPI functions along with message packing to manage message flow control and reduce the number and time of communication calls. The test application demonstrated is parallel unstructured mesh adaptation. Results on IBM Blue Gene/P and Cray XE6 computers show that the use of neighborhood-based communication control leads to scalable results when executing generally imbalanced mesh adaptation runs.
Coping and distress in pregnancy: an investigation of medically high risk women.

The association between coping and pregnancy-specific distress was examined in 167 pregnant women at high medical risk. A population-appropriate coping inventory and prenatal distress measure were ...
Compensation or displacement of physical activity in middle-school girls: the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls.

Compensation or displacement of physical activity in middle-school girls: the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls
A unified formalism for elastostatics or steady state motion of compressible or incompressible anisotropic elastic materials

Abstract For a two-dimensional deformation of an anisotropic elastic material, the Lekhnitski formalism applies to elastostatics only. It does not apply to steady state motion such as surface waves or a moving line dislocation. The Stroh formalism applies to elastostatics as well as steady state motion. However, it does not apply to an incompressible material because some of the elastic stiffnesses become unbounded in the incompressible limit. Modifying a new formalism studied recently, a more explicit and remarkably simple expression of the matrices in the new formalism is given, and a unified formalism that is applicable to elastostatics as well as steady state motion of a compressible or incompressible anisotropic elastic material is obtained. As an application, the secular equation is presented for surface waves propagating in a monoclinic material with the symmetry plane at x 3 =0 that has a more explicit expression than what is available in the literature. For a general anisotropic elastic material, explicit expressions are obtained for the sextic equation for the eigenvalues p and the eigenvectors b and a for any steady state wave speed. The explicit expressions recover results related to one-component surface waves. When the material is incompressible, it is shown that the eigenvalues p remain complex for elastostatics. We also show that, when the material is incompressible, a monoclinic material with the symmetry plane at x 3 =0 behaves like that of an orthotropic material.
Effect of DEM data resolution on SWAT output uncertainty

This paper describes the effect of DEM data resolution on predictions from the SWAT model. Measured hydrologic, meteorological, watershed characteristics and water quality data from Moores Creek watershed (near Lincoln, AR, USA) were used in the simulation. The effect of input data resolution was evaluated by running seven scenarios at increasing DEM grid sizes (30 × 30 m, 100 × 100 m, 150 × 150 m, 200 × 200 m, 300 × 300 m, 500 × 500 m, 1000 × 1000 m). The model was calibrated on an annual basis for flow, NO3-N and total P using 30 × 30 m DEM data. The predicted output at the calibrated scale was used to evaluate output accuracy for the remaining input resolutions. Results of this study showed that DEM resolution affects the watershed delineation, stream network and sub-basin classification in the SWAT model. A decrease in DEM resolution resulted in decreased stream flow and NO3-N load predictions. However, model predicted total P did not always decrease with DEM resolution. Results of this study indicate that the choice of input DEM resolution depends on the watershed response of interest. Minimum DEM data resolution ranged from 100 to 200 m to achieve less than 10% error in SWAT output for flow, NO3-N and TP predictions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“The story God is weaving us into”: narrativizing grief, faith, and infant loss in US evangelical women's blog communities

This case study explores how US evangelical Christian “mommy blog” communities constitute spaces for the collective memorialization of infant loss. Personal religious blogs feature a rich combination of esthetics, narrative structure, description of religious practices and beliefs, reader interaction, and linked networks. Using a textual approach, I illustrate distinctive features in how pregnancy and infant loss and grief are experienced, shared and memorialized in US women's evangelical blogging communities. I argue that the blog format allows for a renarrativization of the devastating experience of infant loss as grieving mothers situate their traumatic personal experiences within the context of an ongoing religious narrative in which blog readers also come to participate. As the blogger tells the story of her own loss to a listening public, it becomes a larger shared story, so that it is not just the child's story but also the author's story, their family's story, and “our story” inclusive of the blog community of readers, “the story God is weaving us into,” post by post, day by day. Personal religious blogs and their reading publics, therefore, can provide a medium for the ongoing creation of meaning, faith and community in the context of infant loss.
Evaluation of agreement in corneal thickness measurements obtained using optical coherence tomography and ultrasound technique and determination of its specificity in keratoconus screening

The aims of the present study are 1) to evaluate inter and intra observer repeatability of optical coherence tomography corneal thickness measurements 2) to investigate the agreement in corneal thickness obtained using an ultrasound pachymeter and the non-contact high resolution optical coherence tomography 3) to evaluate the false positive rate of identifying keratoconic suspects on the basis of standard machine protocol. Measurements were performed on 51 eyes of 51 individuals without any known corneal pathology. Altman and Bland plots were analyzed to determine agreement of corneal thickness measurements obtained using optical coherence tomography and ultrasound pachymeter; linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate its interchangeability. The agreement between the optical coherence tomography and ultrasonic pachymeter measurements was best for the central corneal thickness with a mean bias of 13.4 microns, with optical coherence tomography values being lower than the ultrasound pachymeter. The agreement of measurements in the mid-peripheral cornea was poor, with bias in measurements ranging from 33 to 55 microns. The optical coherence tomography measurements were repeatable with no differences in values between intra and inter observer repeat measurements. Using standard machine protocol for keratoconus screening, utilizing 1 out of 4 criteria gave a specificity of 86% and using 2 of the 4 criteria gave a specificity of 98%.
Differential phospholipid hydrolysis by phospholipase C in sarcolemma of muscles with calcium or sodium generated action potentials.

Abstract Phospholipase C (PhC) and tetrodotoxin (TTX) block conduction in muscles with sodium generated action potentials, but do not alter conduction in muscles with calcium generated action potentials ( Johansson and Thesleff , 1968). These results suggested that intact phospholipids may be essential for functioning of the sodium channel. This hypothesis was tested by isolating sarcolemma from sodium spike (rat extensor digitorum longus and frog sartorius) and calcium spike (guinea pig taenia coli and lobster walking-leg) muscles. The preparations were highly purified and membrane enriched as judged by phase contrast microscopy and enzymatic activities. The preparations were incubated for 1 hr with 0·008, 0·08 or 0·8 units of PhC per ml. At the highest dose of PhC, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and phosphatidylethanolamine were extensively (50% or greater) hydrolyzed in all of the sarcolemmal preparations. In contrast, approximately 50% of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine were hydrolyzed in sarcolemma from sodium spike muscles whereas no hydrolysis was seen in sarcolemma from calcium spike muscles. In the presence of 100 nM TTX, less phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine were hydrolyzed in the sodium spike sarcolemma by PhC. These results suggest that phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine may be associated with the sodium and calcium channels, however, only in the sodium channels are the phospholipids accessible to PhC.
Endovascular delivery of vein segments with valves versus direct anastomosis.

Purpose To demonstrate an experimental model designed to allow placement of a vein segment containing a valve into a femoral vein without the need for anastomoses or surgical incision on the target limbs. Methods Segments of jugular veins containing valves were harvested bilaterally from 7 female dogs weighing 30 to 40 kg. One of the vein segments was then interposed into one femoral vein, using a standard surgical end-to-end anastomosis. Another segment was loaded into a self-expanding nitinol stent, everted, and secured outside of the stent. This vein-coated stent was then deployed from the jugular approach into the opposite common femoral vein. The endpoint of the study was thrombosis of one of the veins segments or patency at 120 days. The function of the valves was tested prior to completion of the study by instilling dye under incremental pressures and recording the pressure necessary to cause reflux. Light microscopy and electron microscopy were utilized to evaluate structure of the valves at study endpoint. Results Both grafts in one dog occluded during the second week after surgery. Anastomotic and vein-stented sites remained patent in the remaining 6 animals for 120 days. Retrograde phlebography demonstrated valve competency bilaterally in all cases. The reflux pressures on the stented side averaged 70 mmHg while the transplanted vein segment averaged 55 mmHg. Light microscopy and electron microscopy showed intact vein valve structure in all segments at the completion of the study. Conclusions This experimental work demonstrates that endovascular delivery of a native canine vein containing a competent valve is feasible and effective.
Electric Fields Produced by High-Temperature Metal Oxidation

Transient electric fields of up to 1.5 V were generated during the high temperature oxidation of pure metals (Mg. Al. Ti, Zr, Hf, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) either by gaseous oxygen or by solid peroxides or perchlorates. These time-varying fields are most probably due to ion formation and motion in and behind the moving high temperature reaction zone, which creates an electric double layer within individual particles. The shape and magnitude of the induced temporal electric signal depends upon the reactant properties, mode of the front propagation, and mobility of the ions formed. Unsteady combustion front propagation (occurring during the oxidation of Mg, Al, and Nb) generates an oscillatory electrical signal Metals belonging to the same group in the periodic table (Ti, Zr, and Hf: Ni and Cool and whose products have the same oxidation state generate qualitatively similar electrical signals. The sign and magnitude of the transient electric potential generated during metal oxidation by perchlorates or peroxides are dominated by the chemoioization processes involved in the decomposition of a solid oxidizer.
An Ada package for dimensional analysis

This paper illustrates the use of Ada's abstraction facilities—notably, operator overloading and type parameterization—to define an oft-requested feature: a way to attribute units of measure to variables and values. The definition given allows the programmer to specify units of measure for variables, constants, and parameters; checks uses of these entities for dimensional consistency; allows arithmetic between them, where legal; and provides scale conversions between commensurate units. It is not constrained to a particular system of measurement (such as the metric or English systems). Although the definition is in standard Ada and requires nothing special of the compiler, certain reasonable design choices in the compiler, discussed here at some length, can make its implementation particularly efficient.
Burn-induced red blood cell deformability and shape changes are modulated by sex hormones

Abstract Background Burns are known to cause changes in red blood cell (RBC) deformability and resting shape. However, it is unclear whether sex and sex hormones can influence the severity of these alterations. Methods Red blood cell deformability and shape were examined in proestrus and diestrus female rats, ovariectomized female rats, as well as castrated and noncastrated male rats (6 animals per group) subjected to scald burn. Red blood cell deformability was measured by laser ektacytometry and erythrocyte shape was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Results Burn-induced RBC deformability changes (decrease in elongation index) and shape alterations (increase in the percentage of reversibly and irreversibly changed cells) were less severe in proestrus females than in diestrus females or males. Ovariectomized rats demonstrated more severe RBC changes than nonovariectomized ones. The degree of RBC damage was the same in castrated and noncastrated males. Conclusions Removal of female sex hormones increases the severity of burn-induced RBC, indicating that female sex hormones protect against burn-induced RBC dysfunction. In contrast, male sex hormones do not appear to modulate burn-induced RBC dysfunction.
Return behavior and pricing of American depositary receipts

Abstract This paper provides an empirical analysis of 123 American depositary receipts (ADRs) from 16 countries. The paper finds that the returns on ADRs have significant risk exposures to the returns on the world market portfolio and their respective home market portfolios. Further, ADRs do not have significant risk exposures to changes in their home currency’s exchange rates. In explaining variations in ADR returns, a multi-factor model with the world market return and the home market return as the risk factors performs better than models with just the world market return, the home market return or a set of global factors as the risk factors.
The position of the trachea in infants and children with right aortic arch

In infants, the site of the aortic arch is frequently inferred from the position of the intrathoracic trachea. We retrospectively reviewed the plain frontal chest radiographs of 72 patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease and right arotic arch documented by cardiac catheterization. In infants, the position of the trachea was variable: 47% had the trachea on the right, 33% had the trachea midline and in 7% the trachea was on the left. As the child grows, the aortic arch progressively indents the trachea, and the descending aorta is better visualized. Since the position of the trachea in infants with right aortic arch is variable, one must be cautious in inferring the site of the aortic arch by the position of the trachea.
Taxonomic Considerations in Aquatic Vegetation Assessments

ABSTRACT Correct identification of vascular aquatic plants is extremely important when studying waters for various management policies. The plants should be thoroughly examined by a person familiar with aquatic flora who is able to interpret technical botanical keys, because many taxa are similar in appearance. Misidentification often leads to possible eradication of an important or rare species from a body of water. Voucher specimens should be collected from the area studied. These specimens must be recorded in field notes, pressed as soon as possible, and then properly identified. Complete data should include such things as associated plants, water characteristics, and a detailed location description. A good library of various field manuals and the use of a herbarium are very helpful in making correct identifications. Specimens should be placed in a herbarium collection at a location that is easily accessible, such as a university or state agency. Voucher sheets serve as valuable documentation that may ...