cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymes in bovine milk: a review.

Abstract During the past few years the Committee on Enzyme Nomenclature of the Manufacturing Section of the American Dairy Science Association has collected data on numerous enzymes in bovine milk. At least 20 enzymes have been either purified or isolated from milk or definitely identified to be native constituents of milk. However, nomenclature is not uniform; neither does there exist any uniformity among the assay procedures, substrates used, or units expressed concerning the same enzyme by various workers. All major data concerning these enzymes have been compiled and consolidated in tabular form for convenient referral by future researchers. Also, attempts have been made to discuss the physiological as well as technological significance of these enzymes. Besides these 20 enzymes, several workers have detected the activity of 15 other enzymes in milk. However, since only a limited amount of information is available regarding them and it has not been established that they are inherently present in bovine milk, these additional enzymes and their references have been listed only.
Design and Operation of Shellfish Depuration Plants

The basic objective of shellfish depuration is to provide a controlled environment in which the activity of bivalves is favored in order to elicit a rapid and near-complete unloading of health-risk contaminants from the edible portions of the animals. Physiological requirements of the bivalves must be respected to assure consistent activity in a high percentage of individuals. The system must minimize the chance of recontamination and not compromise the quality and shelf life of the product. Essential to a plant's operationalsuccess is a source of uncontaminated seawater in sufficient volume; initial treatment will vary with the site and the quality of the raw water. Storage, distribution and reuse of the process water must not compromise its acceptance by the bivalves. Holding tank design is critical; poor hydraulic configurations can result in non-uniform activity and/or recontamination of the product. Loading/unloading and ease of cleaning and maintenance must be considered. Disposal of the organic-rich deposits accumulated during the process must be appropriate for the site. plant layout must accomodate pre- and post-deputation washing and culling equipment and receiving, packing, storage, and shipping facilities. Effective barriers, both physical and operational, must be provided to prevent co-mingling of different lots of shellfish. Design and operational aspects are elaborated and the rationale of criteria formulation are presented.
Application of remazol dye for isolation of protein subunits by preparative SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract A practical and simple method for separation and collection of polypeptides in small volumes after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is described. Identification of the bands is achieved by prestaining a portion of the protein to be electrophoresed, thus making spectrophotometric monitoring unnecessary. Isolation of protein subunits having quite similar molecular weights has been achieved, and the application of the system to obtaining milligram quantities of globulin subunits from French bean seeds is presented.
A group contribution molecular model of liquids and solutions

A group contribution molecular model is developed for the thermodynamic properties of polar and nonpolar liquids and their solutions, including energy of vaporization, ρVT relations, excess properties, and activity coefficients. The model is based on the cell theory in which the repulsive forces of molecules are expressed with a modified cell partition function derived from the Carnahan-Starling equation of state for hard spheres. The attractive forces are made up of group pair interaction contributions. Group and interaction properties have been determined for methyl, methylene, hydroxyl, and carbonyl. Extensive comparisons are made of predictions of the model with data for pure liquids and their solutions.
Global Developmental Gene Programing Involves a Nuclear Form of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1)

Genetic studies have placed the Fgfr1 gene at the top of major ontogenic pathways that enable gastrulation, tissue development and organogenesis. Using genome-wide sequencing and loss and gain of function experiments the present investigation reveals a mechanism that underlies global and direct gene regulation by the nuclear form of FGFR1, ensuring that pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells differentiate into Neuronal Cells in response to Retinoic Acid. Nuclear FGFR1, both alone and with its partner nuclear receptors RXR and Nur77, targets thousands of active genes and controls the expression of pluripotency, homeobox, neuronal and mesodermal genes. Nuclear FGFR1 targets genes in developmental pathways represented by Wnt/β-catenin, CREB, BMP, the cell cycle and cancer-related TP53 pathway, neuroectodermal and mesodermal programing networks, axonal growth and synaptic plasticity pathways. Nuclear FGFR1 targets the consensus sequences of transcription factors known to engage CREB-binding protein, a common coregulator of transcription and established binding partner of nuclear FGFR1. This investigation reveals the role of nuclear FGFR1 as a global genomic programmer of cell, neural and muscle development.
Anomalous porosity preservation and preferential accumulation of gas hydrate in the Andaman accretionary wedge, NGHP-01 site 17A

Abstract In addition to well established properties that control the presence or absence of the hydrate stability zone, such as pressure, temperature, and salinity, additional parameters appear to influence the concentration of gas hydrate in host sediments. The stratigraphic record at Site 17A in the Andaman Sea, eastern Indian Ocean, illustrates the need to better understand the role pore-scale phenomena play in the distribution and presence of marine gas hydrates in a variety of subsurface settings. In this paper we integrate field-generated datasets with newly acquired sedimentology, physical property, imaging and geochemical data with mineral saturation and ion activity products of key mineral phases such as amorphous silica and calcite, to document the presence and nature of secondary precipitates that contributed to anomalous porosity preservation at Site 17A in the Andaman Sea. This study demonstrates the importance of grain-scale subsurface heterogeneities in controlling the occurrence and distribution of concentrated gas hydrate accumulations in marine sediments, and document the importance that increased permeability and enhanced porosity play in supporting gas concentrations sufficient to support gas hydrate formation. The grain scale relationships between porosity, permeability, and gas hydrate saturation documented at Site 17A likely offer insights into what may control the occurrence and distribution of gas hydrate in other sedimentary settings.
Gravitational radiation of isolated systems

The gravitational radiation of isolated systems is studied by introducing a class of reference systems that is the analog of the class of inertial systems in flat space. Expressions for the total energy of these systems and the flux of gravitational radiation are obtained. The fundamental role of the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs asymptotic symmetry groups in the general theory of relativity is explained; transformations of the group characterize transitions from one reference system of a given class to another.
Neutron activation and mass spectrometric measurement of129I

An integrated procedure has been developed for measurement of129I by neutron activation analysis and mass spectrometry. An iodine isolation procedure previously used for neutron activation has been modified to provide separated iodine suitable for mass spectrometric measurement as well. Agreement between both methods has been achieved within error limits. The measurement limit by each method is about 107 atoms /2 fg/ of129I.
Thermodynamic and base-pairing studies of matched and mismatched DNA dodecamer duplexes containing cis-syn, (6-4) and Dewar photoproducts of TT

Cis-syn dimers, (6-4) products and their Dewar valence isomers are the major photoproducts of DNA and have different mutagenic properties and rates of repair. To begin to understand the physical basis for these differences, the thermal stability and base pairing properties of the corresponding photoproducts of the TT site in d(GAGTATTATGAG) were investigated. The (6-4) and Dewar products destabilize the duplex form by approximately 6 kcal/mol of free energy at 37 degreesC relative to the parent, whereas a cis-syn dimer only destabilizes the duplex form by 1.5 kcal/mol. Duplexes with G opposite the 3'-T of the (6-4) and Dewar products are more stable than those with A by approximately 0.4 kcal/mol, whereas the cis-syn dimer prefers A over G by 0.7 kcal/mol. Proton NMR suggests that wobble base pairing takes place between the 3'-T of the cis-syn dimer and an opposed G, whereas there is no evidence of significant H-bonding between these two bases in the (6-4) product. The thermodynamic and H-bonding data for the (6-4) product are consistent with a 4 nt interior loop structure which may facilitate flipping of the photoproduct in and out of the helix.
A comparison of N, N-dimethyltryptamine, harmaline, and selected congeners in rats trained with LSD as a discriminative stimulus

1. A series of N-substituted tryptamines was compared with a series of beta-carbolines in rats trained to discriminate LSD (0.1 mg/kg) from saline. 2. Intermediate levels of substitution were elicited by MDMT (76.4%), DMT (77.9%), and DET (48.7%). 6-F-DET produced 41.3% LSD-appropriate responding at a dose of 6.0 mg/kg but only 4 of 8 subjects completed the test session thus precluding statistical analysis. Bufotenine (25.8%) also failed to substitute. Although none of the tryptamines substituted completely for LSD, the pattern of substitution is consonant with what is known of their activity in humans. MDMT, DMT, and DET are well established in the literature as hallucinogens but the same cannot be said for 6-F-DET and bufotenine. 3. Of the beta-carbolines tested, none substituted for LSD completely and only harmane elicited intermediate substitution (49.5%). No significant generalization of the LSD stimulus to 6-methoxyharmalan, harmaline, or THBC was observed. Thus, in contrast to the tryptamines, scant ability to substitute for LSD was observed in the beta-carbolines tested. 4. Taken together, the present data indicate that the representative tryptamines employed in the present study exhibit greater similarity to the LSD stimulus than do representative beta-carbolines. The receptor interactions responsible for these differences remain to be determined.
Correction of aortic insufficiency with an external adjustable prosthetic aortic ring.

Purpose Less invasive, valve-sparing options are needed for patients with aortic insufficiency (AI). We sought to evaluate the feasibility of reducing AI with an external adjustable aortic ring in an ovine model. Description To create AI, five sheep underwent patch plasty enlargement of the aortic annulus and root by placement of a 10 × 15 mm pericardial patch between the right and noncoronary cusps. An adjustable external ring composed of a nylon band was fabricated and placed around the aortic root. Evaluation Aortic flow, aortic pressure, and left ventricular pressures were measured with the ring loose (off) and tightened (on). Mean regurgitant orifice area decreased by 86%, from 0.07 ± 0.03 cm 2 (ring loose, off) to 0.01 ± 0.00 cm 2 (ring tightened, on) [ p p Conclusions An ovine model of aortic root dilatation resulting in acute AI has been developed. In this model, application of an external, adjustable constricting aortic ring eliminated AI. An aortic ring may be a useful adjunct in reducing AI secondary to annular dilatation.
Deep sequencing with intronic capture enables identification of an APC exon 10 inversion in a patient with polyposis.

Single-exon inversions have rarely been described in clinical syndromes and are challenging to detect using Sanger sequencing. We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with adenomatous colon polyps too numerous to count and who had a complex inversion spanning the entire exon 10 in APC (the gene encoding for adenomatous polyposis coli), causing exon skipping and resulting in a frameshift and premature protein truncation. In this study, we employed complete APC gene sequencing using high-coverage next-generation sequencing by ColoSeq, analysis with BreakDancer and SLOPE software, and confirmatory transcript analysis. ColoSeq identified a complex small genomic rearrangement consisting of an inversion that results in translational skipping of exon 10 in the APC gene. This mutation would not have been detected by traditional sequencing or gene-dosage methods. We report a case of adenomatous polyposis resulting from a complex single-exon inversion. Our report highlights the benefits of large-scale sequencing methods that capture intronic sequences with high enough depth of coverage—as well as the use of informatics tools—to enable detection of small pathogenic structural rearrangements. Genet Med 16 10, 783–786.
Bifurcation analysis of deep boreholes: II. Scale effect

This paper is a continuation of a previous one on bifurcation of deep boreholes under uniform stress at infinity,1 and it focuses on the effect of borehole radius on borehole stability. Rock is described by the equations of a deformation theory of plasticity for cohesive-frictional, incompressible materials with Cosserat structure. The inhomogeneous bifurcation problem is formulated and the corresponding eigenvalue problem is solved numerically by the finite element method. It is demonstrated that the combined Cosserat and stress-gradient effects lead to an increase of the bifurcation stress with decreasing borehole radius (scale effect).
Follow-up testing among children with elevated screening blood lead levels

Context Follow-up testing after an abnormal screening blood lead level is a key component in lead poisoning prevention. Objectives To measure the proportion of children with elevated screening lead levels who have had follow-up testing and to determine the factors associated with such care. Design Retrospective, observational cohort study. Participants 3682 Michigan Medicaid-enrolled children age 6 years or younger who had a screening blood lead level of at least 10 μg/dL (0.48 μmol/L) between January 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003. Main Outcome Measure Testing within 180 days of an elevated screening lead level. Results Follow-up testing was received by 53.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.2% to 55.5%) of the children. In multivariate analysis adjusting for age, screening blood lead level results, and local health department catchment area, the relative risk of follow-up testing was lower for Hispanic and other nonwhite children than for white children (0.91; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.94), for children living in urban areas than in those living in rural areas (0.92; 95% CI, 0.89 to 0.96), and for children living in high-lead risk areas than in those living in low-lead risk areas (0.94; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.96). Among children who did not have follow-up testing, 58.6% (95% CI, 56.3% to 61.0%) had at least 1 medical encounter in the 6-month period after the elevated screening blood lead level, including encounters for evaluation and management (39.3%; 95% CI, 36.9% to 41.6%) or preventive care (13.2%; 95% CI, 11.6% to 14.8%). Conclusions The rate of follow-up testing after an abnormal screening blood lead level was low, and those children at increased risk for lead poisoning were less likely to receive follow-up testing. At least half of the children had a missed opportunity for follow-up testing. The observed disparities of care may increase the burden of cognitive impairment among at-risk children.
Dose-dependent liver tissue repair after chloroform plus trichloroethylene binary mixture.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that liver tissue repair induced by exposure to chloroform (CHCl 3 )+trichloroethylene binary mixture (BM) is dose-dependent similar to that elicited by exposure to these compounds individually. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250 300 g) received three dose combinations of binary mixture (74+250, 185+500 and 370+1250 mg CHCl 3 +trichloroethylene/kg, intraperitoneally) in corn oil (maximum of 0.5 ml/ kg). Liver injury was assessed by plasma alanine amino transaminase (ALT) activity and histopathology by haematoxy-lin & eosin. Liver tissue repair was measured by 3 H-thymidine incorporation into hepatonuclear DNA. Blood and liver levels of both the parent compounds and two major metaboliles of trichloroethylene (trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethanol) were quantified by gas chromatography. The blood and liver CHCl 3 levels after the administration of binary mixture were similar compared to the administration of CHCl 3 alone. The blood and liver trichloroethylene levels after the binary mixture were significantly lower compared to trichloroethylene alone due to higher elimination in presence of CHCl 3 , resulting in decreased production of metabolites. The antagonistic toxicokinetics resulted in lower liver injury than the summation of injury caused by the individual components at all three dose levels. On the other hand, tissue repair elicited by the binary mixture was dose-dependent. The interactive toxicity of this binary mixture oof CHCl 3 and trichloroethylene led to subadditive initial liver injury because of a combined effect of higher elimination of TCE and mitigated progression of liver injury was prevented by timely dose-dependent stimulation of compensatory tissue repair. Even though the doses of the toxicants employed in this study are much higher than found in the environment, the results suggest that a mixture of these two compounds at environmental levels is unlikely to cause any exaggerated interactive acute liver toxicity of any biological significance.
Practical choices of fast spin echo pulse sequence parameters: clinically useful proton density and T2-weighted contrasts.

With the development of fast spin echo (FSE) MRI techniques, T2-weighted images of the brain may be obtained much more quickly than when using conventional spin echo techniques (CSE), because made the individual echoes on the FSE pulse sequence are phase encoded, allowing acquisition of the same spatial information as in CSE with less excitations. The pulse sequence parameters (echo train length, bandwidth echo spacing) are discussed. Images were obtained on four volunteers using both CSE and FSE while varying repetition time, echo time and matrix. Comparison for signal intensity gray-white differentiation, fat and CSE signal, arifacts and vascular resolution showed that FSE images comparable in quality to those of CSE can be obtained in less than half the time. A practical choice of FSE parameters is recommended for clinical use. However, artifacts, possibly related to CSF and vascular pulsation, of which the radiologist should be aware, were identified on the FSE images.
Peptide length-based prediction of peptide--MHC class II binding

Motivation: Algorithms for predicting peptide--MHC class II binding are typically similar, if not identical, to methods for predicting peptide--MHC class I binding despite known differences between the two scenarios. We investigate whether representing one of these differences, the greater range of peptide lengths binding MHC class II, improves the performance of these algorithms. Results: A non-linear relationship between peptide length and peptide--MHC class II binding affinity was identified in the data available for several MHC class II alleles. Peptide length was incorporated into existing prediction algorithms using one of several modifications: using regression to pre-process the data, using peptide length as an additional variable within the algorithm, or representing register shifting in longer peptides. For several datasets and at least two algorithms these modifications consistently improved prediction accuracy. Availability: http://malthus.micro.med.umich.edu/Bioinformatics Contact: linderma@umich.edu
Calculation of Energy Losses in a Distribution System

A new method for evaluating energy and capacity losses on a distribution feeder in a rigorous manner is presented. Typical daily load shapes are integrated with a load flow procedure to produce an energy model. The performance of a feeder is analyzed by a three-phase load flow program capable of modeling the different load component characteristics as well as imbalance in loading and system configuration. The system configuration can be any combination of single, two and three-phase circuits as required, up to the capacity of the program. The effects of neutral and ground return paths are included. The load flow program utilitizes a new approach to load modeling that recognizes the key load components and their voltage sensitive characteristics.
A methodology to improve timing yield in the presence of process variations

The ability to control the variations in IC fabrication process is rapidly diminishing as feature sizes continue towards the sub-100 nm regime. As a result, there is an increasing uncertainty in the performance of CMOS circuits. Accounting for the worst case values of all parameters will result in an unacceptably low timing yield. Design for Variability, which involves designing to achieve a given level of confidence in the performance of ICs, is fast becoming an indispensable part of IC design methodology. This paper describes a method to identify certain paths in the circuit that are responsible for the spread of timing performance. The method is based on defining a disutility function of the gate and path delays, which includes both the means and variances of the delay random variables. Based on the moments of this disutility function, an algorithm is presented which selects a subset of paths (called undominated paths) as being most responsible for the variation in timing performance. Next, a statistical gate sizing algorithm is presented, which is aimed at minimizing the delay variability of the nodes in the selected paths subject to constraints on the critical path delay and the area penalty. Monte-Carlo simulations with ISCAS '85 benchmark circuits show that our statistical optimization approach results in significant improvements in timing yield over traditional deterministic sizing methods.
Filter-feeding habits of the larvae of Anthopotamus (Ephemeroptera : Potamanthidae)

A field and laboratory investigation of the food and feeding behavior of larvae of the potamanthid mayfly Anthopo­ tamus verticis (Say) was conducted from 1989 to 1991 on a population from the Tippecanoe River, Indiana (USA). Gut content analyses indicated that all size classes of larvae are detritivores, with over 95 % of food consisting of fine detrital particles. Videomacroscopy indicated that all size classes of larvae are filter feeders, able to utilize both active deposit filter feeding and passive seston filter feeding cycles in their interstitial microhabitat. Deposit filter feeding initially incor­ porates the removal of loosely deposited detritus with the forelegs. Seston filter feeding initially incorporates filtering by long setae on the forelegs and palps. Mandibular tusks are used to help remove detritus from the foreleg setae. A SEM examination of filtering setae indicated they are hairlike and bipectinate, being equipped with lateral rows of setules. The results show that previous assumptions that potamanthid larvae were collector/gatherers are erroneous. The results are applicable to congeners, and all potamanthids, including Palearctic and Oriental elements, are hypothesized to be filter feeders, differing only in some details of behavior.
Use of robust estimators in parametric classifiers

The authors examine several robust estimators of the mean and covariance matrix and their effect on the probability of error in classification. A simple and intuitive iterative approach which weighs each data point as a function of its distance (Mahalanobis distance) is given in the proposed algorithm, which showed good convergence behavior in simulation with artificial data. Some comments on alpha -ranked ( alpha -trimmed) estimators are presented. >
Electrolyte Solvation and Ionic Association II. Acetonitrile-Lithium Salt Mixtures: Highly Dissociated Salts

The electrolyte solution structure for acetonitrile (AN)-lithium salt mixtures has been examined for highly dissociated salts. Phase diagrams are reported for (AN)n-LiN(SO2CF3)2 (LiTFSI) and -LiPF6 electrolytes. Single crystal structures and Raman spectroscopy have been utilized to provide information regarding the solvate species present in the solid-state and liquid phases, as well as the average solvation number variation with salt concentration. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the mixtures have been correlated with the experimental data to provide additional insight into the molecular-level interactions. Quantum chemistry (QC) calculations were performed on (AN)n-Li-(anion)m clusters to validate the ability of the developed many-body polarizable force field (used for the simulations) to accurately describe cluster stability (ionic association). The combination of these techniques provides tremendous insight into the solution structure within these electrolyte mixtures.
Frequency dependent power efficiency of a nanostructured surface plasmon coupler

Surface plasmon (SP) excitation on an extended thin metal film via a miniature nanoparticle-enhanced grating coupler is studied experimentally using leakage radiation spectroscopy. A universally applicable method for determining the efficiency of free-space SP excitation is developed, and the efficiency of the coupler is determined. Two distinct grating excitation modes are observed, as well as a particle-mediated excitation mode. The maximum observed coupling efficiency of the structure was approximately 3.5% at 615 nm and 670 nm, corresponding to the two grating modes of the structure. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bacterial therapies: completing the cancer treatment toolbox.

Current cancer therapies have limited efficacy because they are highly toxic, ineffectively target tumors, and poorly penetrate tumor tissue. Engineered bacteria have the unique potential to overcome these limitations by actively targeting all tumor regions and delivering therapeutic payloads. Examples of transport mechanisms include specific chemotaxis, preferred growth, and hypoxic germination. Deleting the ribose/galactose chemoreceptor has been shown to cause bacterial accumulation in therapeutically resistant tumor regions. Recent advances in engineered therapeutic delivery include temporal control of cytotoxin release, enzymatic activation of pro-drugs, and secretion of physiologically active biomolecules. Bacteria have been engineered to express tumor-necrosis-factor-α, hypoxia-inducible-factor-1-α antibodies, interleukin-2, and cytosine deaminase. Combining these emerging targeting and therapeutic delivery mechanisms will yield a complete treatment toolbox and increase patient survival.
Exoskeleton systems kinematics analysis with graph-matroid approach

This paper presents a novel technique for the kinematic analysis of exoskeleton systems, based on incidence matrices in an edge-oriented graph. Kinematic equations are generated in matrix form using a base of circuits from a cycle matroid. This set of independent equations, automatically generated due to matrix orthogonalities, allows efficient computation of system's joint velocities. The method has general applicability and can be employed for modeling complex body segments and joints as complex mechanisms with large number of links and degrees of freedom. This paper illustrates the model of a particular exoskeleton system having six links.
Micro/nanotribology using atomic force microscopy/friction force microscopy: State of the art

AbstractAtomic force microscopy/friction force microscopy (AFM/FFM) techniques are increasingly used for tribological studies of engineering surfaces at scales ranging from atomic and molecular to microscales. These techniques have been used to study surface roughness, adhesion, friction, scratching/wear, indentation, detection of material transfer and boundary lubrication and for nanofabrication/nanomachining purposes.Micro/nanotribological studies of materials of scientific and engineering interest have been conducted. Commonly measured roughness parameters are found to be scale dependent, requiring the need of scale-independent fractal parameters to characterize surface roughness. Measurement of atomic-scale friction of a freshly cleaved highly orientated pyrolytic graphite exhibited the same periodicity as that of corresponding topography. However, the peaks in friction and those in corresponding topography were displaced relative to each other. Variations in atomic-scale friction and the observed dis...
Motivation of Hens to Obtain Feed During a Molt Induced by Feed Withdrawal, Wheat Middlings, or Melengestrol Acetate

Traditionally, molting was initiated by withdrawing feed. However, public criticism of feed deprivation, based on the perception that it inhumanely increases hunger, has led the poultry industry to ban the practice. Thus far, alternatives have not been demonstrated to ameliorate the increase in hunger that led to the ban on inducing molting by feed deprivation. Incorporating melengestrol acetate (MGA), an orally active progestin, into a balanced layer diet induces molting and increases postmolt egg quality. Hy-Line W-98 hens (n = 60) were randomly assigned to a balanced layer ration (control), a balanced layer ration containing MGA, or a 94% wheat middlings diet (wheat) for 20 d, or were feed deprived for 8 d. Hens were trained to peck a switch to receive a feed reward based on a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule. Motivation of hens to acquire feed was measured as the total number of pecks recorded in 15 min on d 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. On d 20, abdominal fat pad and digesta-free gizzards were weighed. The number of pecks in the feed-deprived group was greater than controls by d 4 and remained greater at d 8, when these hens were removed from the experiment. Hens in the wheat group that were rewarded with a layer diet pecked more than controls from d 8 to 20. Hens in the MGA group pecked for a reward at the same rate as control hens throughout the experiment. Hens fed the wheat diet had heavier gizzards compared with control and MGA-fed hens. Hens fed MGA had greater abdominal fat pad compared with wheat and control hens. Hens molted using a diet containing MGA have a similar motivation to obtain feed as control hens; therefore, this alternative does not appear to increase hunger. However, hens molted with a wheat middling diet appear to be as motivated to obtain feed as did the feed-deprived hens.
Trends in Tracheostomy for Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the United States, 1993-2012.

Rationale: National trends in tracheostomy for mechanical ventilation (MV) patients are not well characterized.Objectives: To investigate trends in tracheostomy use, timing, and outcomes in the United States.Methods: We calculated estimates of tracheostomy use and outcomes from the National Inpatient Sample from 1993 to 2012. We used hierarchical models to determine factors associated with tracheostomy use among MV patients.Measurements and Main Results: We identified 1,352,432 adults who received tracheostomy from 1993 to 2012 (9.1% of MV patients). Tracheostomy was more common in surgical patients, men, and racial/ethnic minorities. Age-adjusted incidence of tracheostomy increased by 106%, rising disproportionately to MV use. Among MV patients, tracheostomy rose from 6.9% in 1993 to 9.8% in 2008, and then it declined to 8.7% in 2012 (P < 0.0001). Increases in tracheostomy use were driven by surgical patients (9.5% in 1993; 15.0% in 2012; P < 0.0001), with little change among nonsurgical patients (5.8% i...
Prescription of antibiotics for prophylaxis to prevent bacterial endocarditis.

Systematic review conclusion. There is no evidence that antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures is effective or ineffective against bacterial endocarditis in patients already at risk of developing the disease. Critical summary assessment. On the basis of evidence from one case-control study, no definite conclusion can be drawn on the usage of antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures. Evidence quality rating. Limited.
Response to Comments on Zhang et al. Second-Line Agents for Glycemic Control for Type 2 Diabetes: Are Newer Agents Better? Diabetes Care 2014;37:1338–1345

We are grateful for the comments from Messori and Bellia (1) and those of Bae et al. (2) regarding our article (3). We hope the following response will clarify the questions they raised. Messori and Bellia (1) pointed out that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) is preferred over the absolute cost-effectiveness ratio. We agree, and it is worth noting that Fig. 1 in our article provides complete details about the expected quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) prior to first events and the expected medication costs under all treatment regiments. As such, it subsumes ICER estimates. Admittedly, the readers must calculate them from the graph and therefore we provide the estimates for the glycemic control goal of HbA1c <7% here. For males, for regimens T1-T4 the ICERs in units of $/QALY are 10,369, 11,062, 11,277, 11,144, respectively. For females, for regimens T1-T4 the ICERs are 9,310, 9,865, 10,043, 9,933, respectively. Messori …
Anal abscesses and fistulas

Anal abscesses and fistulas are a common part of surgical practice. Most abscesses simply need to be drained and most fistulas can be safely laid open. Excessive probing should not be attempted when draining abscesses as this may lead to iatrogenic fistulas. A small percentage of fistulas are complex and very challenging to manage. Management involves an accurate diagnosis and a balance between eradication of the fistula and maintenance of continence. A decision should be made, based on clinical evaluation and anal ultrasound (if available), whether the fistula can be laid open. If it cannot be laid open, a loose seton is placed and the sepsis is allowed to settle. Once the sepsis is quiescent, a definitive repair can be attempted. There are various techniques available including rectal advancement flap, fibrin glue and cutaneous flaps all of which are discussed.
Digging through Twentieth-Century Rubbish at Hani, Ghana

Two 20th-century rubbish dumps were sampled at the modern village of Hani, in Ghana, located where the former city-state of Begho existed from the 14th until the 19th century. The dumps lay within a gallery forest surrounding the settlement, in a zone where village latrines are also found. The rubbish dumps contained material that provided connections between the archaeological data from Begho and the modern material culture revealed by a longitudinal ethnoarchaeological study of Hani. The exercise demonstrated the significance of rubbish-dump archaeology for understanding continuities from past to present. In scale, and from the organic nature of the refuse, differences are indicated with the well-defined “garbology” (Rathje and Murphy 1992) characteristic of developed industrial societies. The research also has the potential for throwing light on the impacts of colonialism on material culture in the first half of the 20th century.
Topological Chern-Simons Gauge Theory and “New” Knot/Link Polynomials

Topological Chern-Simons gauge theory in D-3 is discussed both perturbatively and non-perturbatively. Several topological features have been seen in perturbation theory. Following Witten’s non-perturbative approach, we derive the most general skein relation for the expectation values of Wilson loops, by exploring the close relationship with 2-d conformai field theory. For the cases with the fundamental representation of SO(N) and Sp(N), it is shown that the skein relation is sufficient to determine the new hierarchies of topological polynomials for all knots and links dicussed by Kauffman (also by Turaev and by Reshetikhin).
Linear Transformations of Polynomial Regression Models

Abstract Statistical texts differ in the ways they test the significance of coefficients of lower-order terms in polynomial regression models. One reason for this difference is probably the concern of some authors that t ratios for the regression coefficients of lower-order terms may change as a result of linear scale transformations of the independent variables. Empiricists generally report tests of these terms and attempt to interpret their meanings. This paper succinctly demonstrates how linear transformations of polynomial regression models affect tests of statistical significance for individual parameters.
Securing pervasive systems against adversarial machine learning

Applications and middleware in pervasive systems frequently rely on machine learning to provide adaptivity and customization that results in a seamless user experience despite operating in a dynamic environment. Machine learning algorithms have been shown to be vulnerable to covert, strategic attacks through the manipulation of training data. Machine learning algorithms in pervasive systems frequently train on data that could be manipulated by a malicious 3rd party. In this paper, we present our ongoing work to develop a security mechanism that is designed to work in the dynamic environments of pervasive computing as opposed to traditional security mechanisms that are designed for static environments. Furthermore, we present our modular testing framework that will be used to rapidly compare our work with other security mechanisms, applications and adversarial models.
Contact activation : A revision

In conclusion, a revised view of the contact system has been presented. This system has little to do with the initiation of hemostasis. Like lupus anticoagulants, deficiencies of contact proteins give prolonged APTTs but may be risk factors for thrombosis. BK from kininogens is a potent modulator of vascular biology inducing vasodilation, tissue plasminogen activator release, and prostacyclin liberation. Kininogens, themselves, are selective inhibitors of alpha-thrombin-induced platelet activation preventing alpha-thrombin from cleaving the cloned thrombin receptor after arginine41. Kininogens' alpha-thrombin inhibitory activity exists in intact kininogens, BK, and all of BK's breakdown products. HK also is the pivotal protein for contact protein assembly on endothelium. It is the receptor for prekallikrein which when bound to HK becomes activated to kallikrein by an endothelial cell enzyme system independent of activated forms of plasma factor XII. Prekallikrein activation on endothelial cells results in kinetically favorable single chain urokinase and plasminogen activation. Thus the "physiologic, negatively charged surface" for contact system activation is really the assembly of these proteins on cell membranes and activation by membrane-associated enzymes.
ProjecToR: Agile Reconfigurable Data Center Interconnect

We explore a novel, free-space optics based approach for building data center interconnects. It uses a digital micromirror device (DMD) and mirror assembly combination as a transmitter and a photodetector on top of the rack as a receiver (Figure 1). Our approach enables all pairs of racks to establish direct links, and we can reconfigure such links (i.e., connect different rack pairs) within 12 us. To carry traffic from a source to a destination rack, transmitters and receivers in our interconnect can be dynamically linked in millions of ways. We develop topology construction and routing methods to exploit this flexibility, including a flow scheduling algorithm that is a constant factor approximation to the offline optimal solution. Experiments with a small prototype point to the feasibility of our approach. Simulations using realistic data center workloads show that, compared to the conventional folded-Clos interconnect, our approach can improve mean flow completion time by 30-95% and reduce cost by 25-40%.
Chapter 4 – Resource Sharing: The Evolution

While the illumination and discussion of how traditional interlibrary loan systems can evolve to accommodate a resource-sharing model, there is still a question about the development of new technologies and new ideas that can address the growing influence technology has on the library patrons and the underlying expectations and resources provided by the library. Some of these technologies include new types of resources and how to access them, new ways of tracking and reporting resource sharing shipments and logistics, and using cutting edge machine learning and predictive analytics to analyze and assess the behavior of requests within a resource-sharing unit.
Tumor size and elasticity estimation using Smartphone-based Compression-Induced scope

A simple-to-use, noninvasive, and risk-free system, which will provide accurate identification of potentially life threatening malignant tumors using tactile pressure, is developed. The Smartphone-based Compression-Induced (SCI) Scope will allow physicians to quickly capture the mechanical properties of a benign or malignant tumor with the convenience of a smartphone platform. The size and elasticity property is described using estimating methods from the pressure-induced images of SCI Scope. The device is based on the Apple iPhone 6. The image will be captured through a waveguide. The image information in combination with the force sensor value will be transmitted wirelessly to a computer for processing. The size and elasticity estimation experiments with SCI Scope showed that the size estimation error of 2.31% and estimated relative elastic modulus error of 23.9%.
Empirical Examinations of Modifications and Adaptations to Evidence‐Based Psychotherapies: Methodologies, Impact, and Future Directions

This review describes methods used to examine the modifications and adaptations to evidence-based psychological treatments (EBPTs), assesses what is known about the impact of modifications and adaptations to EBPTs, and makes recommendations for future research and clinical care. One hundred eight primary studies and three meta-analyses were identified. All studies examined planned adaptations, and many simultaneously investigated multiple types of adaptations. With the exception of studies on adding or removing specific EBPT elements, few studies compared adapted EBPTs to the original protocols. There was little evidence that adaptations in the studies were detrimental, but there was also limited consistent evidence that adapted protocols outperformed the original protocols, with the exception of adding components to EBPTs. Implications for EBPT delivery and future research are discussed.
Abstract 16535: Conditional Knockout of the Mitochondrial 18-kDa Translocator Protein Limits Heart Failure

Introduction: Heart failure results in myocyte and mitochondrial death, and is characterized by abnormalities in mitochondrial calcium handling, energy production, and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). The 18-kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) has been shown to be significantly upregulated by heart failure in animals and in explanted hearts from patients, suggesting a vital role for this protein. Hypothesis: In the current experiments, we tested the hypothesis that conditional knockout of the TSPO using Cre inducible TSPO-floxed C57BL/6J mice would limit heart failure resulting from transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Methods: Mice in 4 groups_wild-type (WT) sham, WT TAC, KO sham, and KO TAC_were monitored by weekly echocardiography for 8 weeks, followed by downstream experiments. Results: TAC caused a 46±13% reduction in ejection fraction in WT mice, which was significantly lower in the KO mice (14±10%, P Conclusion: Genetic modulation of the TSPO limits heart failure due to pressure overload, likely mediated by preserving mitochondrial calcium uptake and energy production, and possibly limiting mPTP opening. These data suggest that pharmacologic interventions that inhibit TSPO expression or function can limit heart failure at the sub-cellular level.
Auditory Imagery Contains More Than Audition

Contributions of nonauditory information to auditory imagery are examined. The spontaneous appearance of visual imagery concurrent with intentionally formed auditory imagery, and the similarities of spatial-temporal properties, mnemonic properties, and perceptual properties of auditory imagery and of visual imagery, is considered. A hypothesized distinction between an “inner voice” (which contains kinesthetic information related to speech articulation) and an “inner ear” (which does not) in auditory imagery is discussed, and evidence consistent (verbal transformation effect, judgments and comparisons of imaged content, clinical studies) and inconsistent (evidence against existence of a separate phonological loop, pre-articulatory auditory verbal imagery) with this distinction is considered. Possible relationships of auditory imagery to kinesthetic information from practice and performance of music and dance are considered, and the relationship of auditory imagery and synesthesia is briefly considered.
Statistical Considerations in the Analysis of Rare Variants

Recently, whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing has begun to demonstrate success in the identification of disease-causing genes. Many of these genes exhibit abnormal genetic behavior and low prevalence in the population; these molecules are commonly referred to as rare variants. In this chapter, we provide an overview of rare variants and their scientific relevance in medicine and public health. We then provide a review of existing methods for association, primarily focusing on the sequence kernel association test (SKAT) and related methods. These procedures are related to kernel machines, which we will also describe. Finally, we discuss the implications of rare variants in terms of multiple testing.
Desirability Methods for Evaluating Visual Design

Previous studies show that traditional usability evaluation methods can be problematic for collecting feedback on visual design [1]. Desirability studies have been used by usability practitioners to collect feedback on the affective response to interactive systems, but none allow end users to contribute feedback in the language of visual design experts. We describe how we adapted two traditional user research techniques (card sort, directed storytelling) to collect feedback on visual design. We then compare and contrast the kinds of data gathered from these methods with data gathered in a think-aloud exercise. A mixed-methods research strategy that includes methods adapted for visual design offers a path to engaging end users in a conversation that results in concise and actionable feedback for visual designers.
Perceived Causality and Goal Expectations

The foundation needed for more advanced theory construction has now been completed. As summarized in Fig. 1–4, an attributional theory of motivation begins with a completed event, an outcome. If that outcome is unexpected, important, and/or involves nonattainment of a desired goal, then a causal search is likely to be immediately undertaken. A large number of variables affect the results of this search, including past history information, causal rules, and communications from others. These factors influence what causal decision is reached, that is, which of the many available causes is identified as appropriate to explain the outcome. Each motivational domain and specific activity within that domain has an extremely large number of plausible explanations for outcomes, but a few among these are most dominant. Figure 1–4 lists the most salient causes within achievement- and affiliative-related contexts, headed by the very prominent explanations of high or low ability and high or low effort as determining success or failure. The causal judgment is located within a three-dimensional space representing the properties of causes. The three dimensions are locus, stability, and controllability. The dimensional analysis gives the causes meaning or significance.