cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Δ8-Desaturase ofEuglena gracilis:An Alternate Pathway for Synthesis of 20-Carbon Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids☆☆☆★

Abstract Desaturation of fatty acids is an important metabolic process. In mammals, 20-carbon and longer polyunsaturated fatty acids are not only incorporated into cellular membranes in a tissue-specific manner, but also serve as the precursors to synthesis of eicosanoid metabolic regulators. The processes of desaturation and elongation in human liver are well characterized, but an alternate Δ8desaturation pathway that may be important in certain tissues or in cancer cells is less well examined. The Δ8-desaturase enzyme introduces a double bond at the 8-position in 20-carbon fatty acids that have an existing Δ11 unsaturation. We have isolated the first fatty acid Δ8-desaturase, from the protistEuglena gracilis,in order to explore this alternate pathway. A full-length cDNA was obtained after reverse transcription of mRNA purified from heterotrophically grownEuglena,followed by PCR amplification with primers degenerate to conserved histidine-rich regions of microsomal desaturases. The protein predicted from the cDNA sequence is highly homologous to Δ5and Δ6desaturases ofCaenhorabditis elegans.When the cDNA was expressed inSaccharomyces cerevisiae,the yeast cultures readily desaturated appropriate 20-carbon fatty acids by inserting an additional double bond at the Δ8-position. The enzyme demonstrated a preference for substrates of metabolic significance, 20:3 Δ11,14,17 and 20:2 Δ11,14. Cloning of a Δ8fatty acid desaturase offers the opportunity to examine an alternate pathway of long chain fatty acid biosynthesis.
Identifying internal and surface crystallization by differential thermal analysis for the glass-to-crystal transformations

Abstract A differential thermal analysis (DTA) method has been developed that identifies and distinguishes surface and internal (bulk) crystallization that occurs during the crystallization of a glass. This method is rapid, convenient and requires only a few (about 6–8) DTA experiments to identify the dominant crystallization mechanism (bulk vs. surface) in the glass. In this method, either the maximum height of the DTA crystallization peak, (δT)p, or the ratio T 2 p (ΔT) p where Tp is the temperature at (δT)p and (ΔT)p is the peak half-width, is determined as a function of size of the glass particles used for the DTA measurements. When analyzed by this technique, an as-quenched lithium disilicate (LS2) glass was found to crystallize predominantly by surface crystallization. The tendency for surface crystallization was enhanced when the glass particles were exposed to moisture prior to DTA. Internal or bulk crystallization dominated over surface crystallization when this LS2 glass was doped with small amounts of platinum. The DTA curves in the literature for several soda-lime-silica glasses as a function of particle size were analyzed by the present method. The analysis showed that Na2O.CaO.2SiO2 and Na2O.2CaO.3SiO2 glasses crystallized by internal crystallization, but surface crystallization was the dominant crystallization mechanism for an Na2O.CaO.3SiO2 glass. These results agree with those obtained from an analysis of the apparent activation energy for crystallization as a function of particle size for these glasses.
AN EFFICIENT METHOD FOR ACCURATELY DETERMINING WEAR VOLUMES OF SLIDERS WITH NON-FLAT WEAR SCARS AND COMPOUND CURVATURES

Abstract Point contact is often used in unidirectional pin-on-disk and reciprocating pin-on-flat sliding friction and wear tests. The slider tip could have either a spherical shape or compound curvatures (such as an ellipsoidal shape), and the worn tip usually is not flat but has unknown curvatures. Current methods for determining the wear volumes of sliders suffer from one or more limitations. For example, the gravimetric method is not able to detect small amounts of wear, and the two-dimensional wear scar size measurement is valid only for flat wear scars. More rigorous methods can be very time consuming, such as the 3D surface profiling method that involves obtaining tedious multiple surface profiles and analyzing a large set of data. In this study, a new “single-trace” analysis is introduced to efficiently evaluate the wear volumes of non-flat worn sliders. This method requires only the measurement of the wear scar size and one trace of profiling to obtain the curvature on the wear cap. The wear volume calculation only involves closed-form algebraic equations. This single-trace method has demonstrated much higher accuracy and fewer limitations than the gravimetric method and 2D method, and has shown good agreement with the 3D method while saving significant surface profiling and data analysis time.
Evolution of a density discontinuity in a delta-function gas

The time evolution of the classical shock-tube configuration or density discontinuity is studied, using the first two terms of a formal series solution to general initial-value problems. The occurrence of the shock and expansion wave for a gas with a repulsive $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function interaction between particles is shown explicitly, using an analytic formula for the time and spatial evolution of the density discontinuity.
GamiMUSTication transforming learning to drive 21st century skills

As vice president of education for Microsoft Corp.'s Worldwide Public Sector organization, Anthony Salcito works with education institutions and partners globally to embrace technology to optimize learning environments and student achievement. In this role, Salcito oversees the worldwide execution of Microsoft's vision for education and its partnership and technology outreach efforts via the Partners in Learning, Partners for Technology Access, and Public and Private Alliances programs. He was the catalyst for Microsoft's involvement in the creation of the School of the Future — Microsoft's participation with the School District of Philadelphia to build an innovative high school in the city of Philadelphia, which has served as a blueprint for Microsoft's worldwide Innovative Schools program. Salcito created the Microsoft Technology Friends Network, which links IT professionals and developers to schools and nonprofits to donate their technical expertise to aid with technology support.
The Effect of Aging on Immune Competence in the Chicken: Antibody-Mediated Immunity

Abstract The plaque forming cell (PFC) response of males exhibited comparable peaks at 1 and 12 months of age and significantly lower values at 3, 6, 18, and 24 months of age. Female PFC responses peaked at 1 month, declined significantly by 3 months, and returned to a high level by 6 months. PFC response of females, unlike that of males, did not decline subsequent to 12 months of age. There were no significant sex differences in antibody titers to the thymic dependent antigen, sheep red blood cells (SRBC), or the thymic independent antigen, Brucella abortus (BA). Peak hemagglutinin values of SRBC occurred between 3 and 6 months of age and declined thereafter. However, titers to BA peaked at 3 months and remained high thereafter.
Partitioning of RNA polymerase activity in live Escherichia coli from analysis of single-molecule diffusive trajectories.

Superresolution fluorescence microscopy is used to locate single copies of RNA polymerase (RNAP) in live Escherichia coli and track their diffusive motion. On a timescale of 0.1–1 s, most copies separate remarkably cleanly into two diffusive states. The “slow” RNAPs, which move indistinguishably from DNA loci, are assigned to specifically bound copies (with fractional population ftrxn) that are initiating transcription, elongating, pausing, or awaiting termination. The “mixed-state” RNAP copies, with effective diffusion constant Dmixed = 0.21 μm2 s−1, are assigned as a rapidly exchanging mixture of nonspecifically bound copies (fns) and copies undergoing free, three-dimensional diffusion within the nucleoids (ffree). Longer trajectories of 7-s duration reveal transitions between the slow and mixed states, corroborating the assignments. Short trajectories of 20-ms duration enable direct observation of the freely diffusing RNAP copies, yielding Dfree = 0.7 μm2 s−1. Analysis of single-particle trajectories provides quantitative estimates of the partitioning of RNAP into different states of activity: ftrxn = 0.54 ± 0.07, fns = 0.28 ± 0.05, ffree = 0.12 ± 0.03, and fnb = 0.06 ± 0.05 (fraction unable to bind to DNA on a 1-s timescale). These fractions disagree with earlier estimates.
Determination of the amount of associated solvents in poly(amic acid)s by thermogravimetry

Abstract A method is presented by which thermogravimetry can be used to determine the amount of associated solvent in samples of solid poly(amic acid)s. Results are confirmed by IR and mass spectrometry. and by experimental weight loss measurements.
Theoretical and experimental optimization of numerical aperture and partial coherence for complementary phase-shift processes

Complementary phase shift processes (c:PSM) have shown great promise for practical implementation of alternating phase shift technology. The incorporation of both binary and phase shift masks into a single resist process requires careful consideration of the illumination conditions. Modeling studies examined the impact of the numerical aperture (NA) and partial coherence (PC) on the depth of focus and exposure latitude of a typical DUV resist process. Experimental verification of the modeling results identified optimal NA/PC conditions for both independent and common mask illumination conditions while demonstrating the utility of lithography simulations for NA/PC optimization in c:PSM processes.
Verification of the coulometric method for the analysis of absorbed hydrogen

Abstract A coulometric method of analysis for hydrogen absorbed in palladium, was checked against a gas flow method which used a programmed temperature rise for the sample and a thermal conductivity detector. It was found that the amount of hydrogen determined coulometrically was linearly proportional to the amount of hydrogen driven out of the metal thermally.
Microwave Pyrolysis of Douglas Fir Sawdust Pellet

Microwave pyrolysis of Douglas fir sawdust pellet was investigated to determine the effects of reaction temperature and time on the yields of bio-oil, biogas, and biochar using a central composition design (CCD) and response surface analysis. The research results indicated that thermochemical conversion reactions can take place rapidly in large-sized biomass pellet by using microwave pyrolysis. The yields of bio-oil and biogas were increased with the reaction temperature and time. The highest yield of bio-oil was 53.9% (wet biomass basis) obtained at 470.7°C and 15min. GC/MS analysis indicated that the bio-oils were mainly composed of phenols, guaiacols, furans, ketones/aldehydes, and organic acids. The phenols and guaiacols accounted for the largest amount of chemicals in the bio-oil, which represented 59.7–78.6% under different conditions. The biogases contained high value chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, methane, and short chain hydrocarbons. A third-order reaction mechanism fits well the microwave pyrolysis of Douglas fir pellet with activation energy of 33.5 kJ/mol and a frequency factor of 3.03 s–1.
Rapid and reversible recruitment of early visual cortex for touch.

Background The loss of vision has been associated with enhanced performance in non-visual tasks such as tactile discrimination and sound localization. Current evidence suggests that these functional gains are linked to the recruitment of the occipital visual cortex for non-visual processing, but the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these crossmodal changes remain uncertain. One possible explanation is that visual deprivation is associated with an unmasking of non-visual input into visual cortex. Methodology/Principal Findings We investigated the effect of sudden, complete and prolonged visual deprivation (five days) in normally sighted adult individuals while they were immersed in an intensive tactile training program. Following the five-day period, blindfolded subjects performed better on a Braille character discrimination task. In the blindfold group, serial fMRI scans revealed an increase in BOLD signal within the occipital cortex in response to tactile stimulation after five days of complete visual deprivation. This increase in signal was no longer present 24 hours after blindfold removal. Finally, reversible disruption of occipital cortex function on the fifth day (by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; rTMS) impaired Braille character recognition ability in the blindfold group but not in non-blindfolded controls. This disruptive effect was no longer evident once the blindfold had been removed for 24 hours. Conclusions/Significance Overall, our findings suggest that sudden and complete visual deprivation in normally sighted individuals can lead to profound, but rapidly reversible, neuroplastic changes by which the occipital cortex becomes engaged in processing of non-visual information. The speed and dynamic nature of the observed changes suggests that normally inhibited or masked functions in the sighted are revealed by visual loss. The unmasking of pre-existing connections and shifts in connectivity represent rapid, early plastic changes, which presumably can lead, if sustained and reinforced, to slower developing, but more permanent structural changes, such as the establishment of new neural connections in the blind.
Mechanical Model Of The Insect Eye

Most optical instruments in use are modeled after the human eye. The design of insect eyes is fundamentally different and is governed by the laws of multiaperture optics. It can be shown that for certain applications, instruments using multiaperture optics are superior to single aperture instruments. For study of multiaperture optics and function of the insect eye a mechanical model resembling an insect eye was constructed. An individual eyelet of the mechanical model consists of a lens system and a detection system. The diameter of the front lens is 2mm (7mm fl), the aperture of the back lens is lmm (2mm fl). Each eyelet has seven optical fibers which transport the incident light to individual detectors. The model has a total of 100 eyelets (700 detectors). Each detector is sequentially read by a multiplexer which is interfaced with a micro computer, which displays the output on a video terminal.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Conformationally constrained analogues of dag .8. Changes in PK-C binding affinity produced by isosteric groups of the 3-O-acyl function in 2-deoxy-L-ribonolactones

Abstract Syntheses of a series of 2-deoxy-L-ribonolactones modified at C-3 with groups isosteric to the 3-O-acyl moiety of the parent 3-O-tetradecanoyl-2-deoxy-L-ribonolactone (1) are reported. Lipophilicity of the molecules was kept constant by maintaining invariant the length of the aliphatic chain. Compound 5 was identified as having an affinity equal to that of 1 in a competitive binding assay that measured the ability of the ligands to displace [3H]-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate from PK-C. The reverse ester function in 5 makes this compound more stable than 1 by preventing β-elimination. Other changes in 1 led to a reduction in affinity.
Starting performance of high-frequency electronic ballasts for four-foot fluorescent lamps

With the rapidly increasing number of electronic ballast manufacturers and ballast products entering the market recently, the compatibility of fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts has become one of the major concerns among specifiers and users. In 1993, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) published ANSI C82.11-1993, which describes recommendations for high-frequency operation of fluorescent lamp ballasts. To address compatibility issues for lamp starting, ANSI C82.11 limits the average value of the RMS glow current to a maximum of 25 milliamps and lamp preheat time to a minimum of 500 milliseconds. The ANSI definitions of glow current and preheat time are made on an ideal lamp starting curve. In reality, some electronic ballasts produce lamp starting curves very different from ANSI definitions, creating difficulties in practical measurements of glow current and preheat time. This research work tested lamp starting characteristics of 17 different electronic ballasts on 2-F40T12 lamps. The results showed that the starting performance of electronic ballasts varied: some met ANSI requirements, but some did not. The results also showed that using electrode voltage can better define preheat time and glow current which can better characterize the starting performance of electronic ballasts, and ensure reliable testing procedures.
Polyphosphoinositides in normal and neoplastic rodent astrocytes.

Abstract Polyphosphoinositides were identified in dispersed cell cultures of normal newborn hamster astrocytes and of a chemically transformed adult rat astrocytoma (C6) and are therefore presumed to be constituents of immature astrocytes in brain. Small amounts were also detected in astrocytomas grown as subcutaneous tumors. These lipids were metabolically highly active, accounting for a substantial fraction of 32Pi incorporated into phospholipids. Astrocytes may thus contain a small pool of polyphosphoinositides metabolically distinct from that in myelin.
On three dimensional point dissipative systems of differential equations with quadratic nonlinearity

Sufficient conditions are developed for three-dimensional quadratic systems with conservative nonlinearities to be point dissipative. The conditions are motivated geometrically. Lorenz systems are shown to fall within the class of systems studied. >
Can We Find It at the Concessions? Understanding Price Elasticity in Professional Sports:

The sports economics literature regularly finds that sports teams price admissions in the inelastic range of demand. Given that marginal revenue is negative in this range, yet marginal cost is alwa...
Oxidation of N-hydroxyguanidines by copper(II): model systems for elucidating the physiological chemistry of the nitric oxide biosynthetic intermediate N-hydroxyl-L-arginine

Abstract The redox chemistry of models of N -hydroxy- l -arginine, the biosynthetic intermediate in the synthesis of NO by the family of nitric oxide synthase enzymes, has been explored experimentally and theoretically. The oxidation of N -hydroxyguanidine model compounds by Cu(II) was studied as a means of establishing possible metabolic fates and intermediates of this important functional group. These studies indicate than an iminoxyl intermediate is formed and may be an important biological species generated from N -hydroxyguanidines including N -hydroxy- l -arginine.
Alone at Night: A feminist Ecological Model of Community Violence

Fear of violence appears to be widespread among women, and many feminist scholars attribute such fear to gender inequality at a societal level. The present article uses qualitative interviews with ...
Relation between mode of pacing and long-term survival in the very elderly.

Abstract OBJECTIVES This study analyzes the relationship between pacing mode and long-term survival in a large group of very elderly patients (≥80 years old). BACKGROUND The relationship between pacing mode and long-term survival is not clear. Because the number of very elderly who are candidates for pacing is increasing, issues related to pacemaker (PM) use in the elderly have important clinical and economic implications. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 432 patients (mean age, 84.5 ± 3.9 years) who received their initial PM (ventricular in 310 and dual chamber in 122) between 1980 and 1992. Follow-up was complete (3.5 ± 2.6 years). Observed survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Age- and gender-matched cohorts from the Minnesota population were used for expected survival. Log-rank test and Cox regression hazard model were used for univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Patients with ventricular PMs appeared to have poor overall survival compared with those with dual-chamber PMs. Observed survival after PM implantation in high grade atrioventricular block (AVB) patients was significantly worse than expected survival of the age- and gender-matched population (p CONCLUSIONS After PM implantation, long-term survival among very elderly patients was not affected by pacing mode after correction of baseline differences. Selection bias was present in pacing mode in the very elderly, with ventricular pacing selected for sicker and older patients, perhaps partly explaining the apparent “beneficial impact on survival” observed with dual-chamber pacing.
Leishmania amazonensis infections in Oryzomys acritus and Oryzomys nitidus from Bolivia.

Three of thirteen Oryzomys acritus, Emmons and Patton 2005 (Rodentia: Muridae: Sigmodontinae) and 3 of 17 Oryzomys nitidus, Thomas 1884, collected from Noel Kempff National Park, Bolivia, from 2002 to 2005, tested positive for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis or L. (L.) mexicana and negative for Leishmania (Viannia) spp. using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on previous records of L. (L.) amazonensis in humans, rodents, and sand flies from Bolivia, and the geographic distributions of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) mexicana, it was concluded that the Oryzomys were infected with L. (L.) amazonensis. These results identify two additional species of Oryzomys as hosts of L. (L.) amazonensis, and identify an ecological region of Bolivia where L. (L.) amazonensis is enzootic.
Complications after outpatient upper GI endoscopy in children: 30-day follow-up

Abstract Objectives Upper GI endoscopy (UGE) is a common procedure performed for evaluation and treatment of various upper GI tract disorders in children. Limited comprehensive data are available on the complications of UGE in adults and particularly in children. The goals of this study were to identify complications and adverse events reported by patients and their parents after outpatient UGE under general anesthesia (GA). Methods Pediatric patients who underwent outpatient UGE under GA between April, 2000 and April, 2001 at the James Whitcomb Hospital for Children were identified. The interviewer obtained verbal consent and performed standardized telephone interviews 30 days after the outpatient UGE. Results A total of 393 patients participated in this survey. Of the patients, 165 (42%) had one or more complications or adverse events. The most common ones reported by patients or parents 30 days after the UGE under GA were sore throat or hoarseness (34.6%), fatigue (6.6%), cough (4.1%), headache (3.3%), excessive gas or burping (2.8%), nausea (2.5%), emesis (2.3%), abdominal pain (2%), fever (2%), behavior problems (1.8%), upper respiratory symptoms (1.3%), excessive drowsiness (0.5%), nosebleed (0.3%), perioral rash (0.3%), and chest pain (0.3%). Ten of 165 patients with complications or adverse events after UGE sought medical assistance. Conclusions Approximately one third of pediatric patients complained of sore throat or hoarseness after UGE under GA. All other reported complications or adverse events were infrequent. We conclude that UGE under GA is safe and well tolerated in pediatric patients.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Masses

This article describes the sonographic appearance of a variety of soft tissue masses. The authors review the current indications of musculoskeletal sonography as a screening and diagnostic imaging modality and its therapeutic role in the management of soft tissue masses.
"The Relationships Between Core Confidence, Causal Attributions, and Performance"

This paper examines propositions that it is not just what happens to us (prior experiences and ability) that affects confidence, but also what we make of it (perceptions of previous experience and ability). Utilizing the core confidence higher-order construct and attribution theory we examine the direct and reciprocal relationship between confidence and causal attributions (perceptions of previous experience). Results from a survey conducted with 596 participants supported direct links between core confidence, causal attributions, and ability beliefs, and reciprocal links between core confidence and causal attributions. In addition, causal attributions and subsequent core confidence predicted subsequent performance.
Properties and plasticity of paired-pulse depression at a central synapse.

Synaptic depression was studied at the axo-axonic connection between the goldfish Mauthner axon and identified cranial relay interneurons using simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic recordings and a paired-pulse stimulus paradigm. We used interstimulus intervals (ISIs) ranging from 10 msec to 1 sec and a cycle time of ∼5 sec. Depression (Δ EPSP/EPSP1) was maximal at the shorter intervals (80%) and decreased exponentially with a τ ∼ 400 msec (360 ± 107 msec, mean ± SD). We found the amplitudes of the first and second EPSP were not correlated, indicating the magnitude of depression does not depend on the amount of transmitter released by the conditioning stimulus. At short ISIs, the latency of EPSP2 was 23% longer than that of EPSP1 and recovered to control with τ ∼ 400 msec, whereas rise time and decay time were not altered significantly. The latency distribution, which is determined by the timing of the first quantum released each trial, was used to derive α(t), the rate of evoked exocytosis after an action potential. α(t) was biphasic, and both components were consistently delayed during depression. Presynaptic manipulations of putative intracellular regulatory pathways, such as Ca2+ and GTPγS injections, preferentially affected the amplitude of EPSP1 or EPSP2. These results are not consistent with simple depletion of the available pool of synaptic vesicles as the major mechanism underlying depression. They rather suggest that it is attributable to a modification or refractoriness of the release process and that there may be multiple pathways subserving evoked exocytosis.
Private Long-Term Care Insurance and the Asset Protection Motive

This research examined the role of assets in the decision to purchase insurance for long-term care using survey data from the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) study. Previous research suggests that assets matter, but the size and direction of the effect varies. An important issue regarding the role of assets has not been explored adequately--whether the effect of assets differs between less wealthy and very wealthy individuals. A methodology to control for this type of variation is employed in this analysis. Results suggest that increases in assets have the greatest influence on the probability that less wealthy individuals own long-term care insurance, and have a negligible impact on the wealthy. This has important implications for policies designed to increase long-term care insurance ownership.
Making UFOs make sense: Ufology, science, and the history of their mutual mistrust:

Reports of unidentified flying objects and alien encounters have sparked amateur research (ufology), government investigations, and popular interest in the subject. Historically, however, scientists have generally greeted the topic with skepticism, most often dismissing ufology as pseudoscience and believers in unidentified flying objects and aliens as irrational or abnormal. Believers, in turn, have expressed doubts about the accuracy of academic science. This study examines the historical sources of the mutual mistrust between ufologists and scientists. It demonstrates that any science doubt surrounding unidentified flying objects and aliens was not primarily due to the ignorance of ufologists about science, but rather a product of the respective research practices of and relations between ufology, the sciences, and government investigative bodies.
Insider trading around new drug approvals

This paper examines the stock market reaction to 167 FDA announcements of new drug approvals during the period 1980 - 1999. Using an event study methodology, the study finds that there are significant positive abnormal returns on the day of the announcement of new drug approvals. However, there is no evidence of significant positive returns prior to the announcement. Accordingly, the paper concludes that any buying pressure arising from insiders anticipating the approval announcement does not affect the value of the stock. Significant returns do not occur until after the announcement, which is consistent with the behavior of an efficient market.
Cross-Border Listing and Price Discovery: Canadian Blue Chips Traded in TSX and NYSE

I extend Yan and Zivot (2007)'s dynamic measure of price discovery based on impulse response functions of structural shocks to a trivariate model with two common trends. To investigate price discovery for 7 Canadian firms cross-border listed in the Toronto Stock Exchange Market (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange Market (NYSE), I analyze the information role of each country to the efficient foreign exchange rate shock and to the individual firm's fundamental value change. In 5 out of 7 firms, I find that the adjustment to the fundamental component of firm's value comes mainly from home (TSX) market. In the remaining of 2 firms the price discovery takes place equally in both home and foreign (NYSE) markets. To the efficient exchange rate shock, price discovery takes place equally in both markets for 5 out of 7 firms and occurs more in the home market for the rest of 2 firms. Compared to a bivariate setup, the empirical results from the trivariate model are same with those from a bivariate model for YZ's dynamic price discovery measure. However the Information Share (IS) and Component Share (CS) give different results to those of dynamic measure in 3 out of 7 firms. This suggests that conclusions about price discovery depend on the estimation method applied.
On the definition of almost characters

We define almost characters of G(Fq), where G is a reductive connected group over a finite field Fq, as explicit linear combinations of irreducible characters. Previously, these were defined assuming that the centre of G is connected.
The relationship of blood transfusion with peri-operative and long-term outcomes after major hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer: a multi-institutional study of 456 patients

Abstract Background Data on prognostic implications of peri-operative blood transfusion around resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) are conflicting. This retrospective study assesses the association of transfusion with complications and disease-specific survival (DSS). Methods Major hepatectomies for CRLM from 2000 to 2010 at three institutions were included. Transfusion was analyzed based on timing and volume. Results Of 456 patients, 140 (30.7%) received transfusions. Transfusion was associated with extended hepatectomy (28.6 vs 18.4%; p = 0.020), tumor size (5.7 vs 4.2 cm; p Conclusion Transfusion with major hepatectomy for colorectal cancer metastases is independently associated with increased complications but not disease-specific survival. Judicious use of transfusion per a blood utilization protocol in the peri-operative period is warranted.
Zoogeography of the Montane Mammals of Colorado

In Colorado the distribution of montane or boreal habitats is at present closely-associated with the local climate produced by the mountains. Peculiarities of this habitat are high precipitation, both in winter and summer, cool temperatures, a continuous water supply and a coniferous forest. Certain mammals are more or less restricted in geographic range, in this part of the continent, to the mountains. In Pleistocene time the distribution of boreal habitat and hence of boreal mammals has undoubtedly fluctuated widely with the advances and retreats of continental and alpine glaciers. The contemporary pattern of distribution is, at least in part, a result of the most recent major glacial advance and retreat which took place in the Wisconsinan Age. It seems probable to us that most contemporary subspecies have differentiated in late Pleistocene time; otherwise the frequent correspondence of their ranges with current topographical and ecological features, which stem from late Pleistocene events in many cases, seems inexplicable. In the western United States the Boreal Zone is found at higher and higher elevations as one proceeds southward until it is scattered on isolated mountain peaks. The presence of isolated populations of boreal mammals on some of these mountains is evidence of a former displacement southward and downward in altitude of the Boreal Zone in a glacial age, presumably the Wisconsin, and subsequent elevation of the Boreal Zone in altitude and latitude in an ensuing interglacial interval, presumably the Recent. These southern, marginal populations …
Wrestling toward the Dawn: The Afro-American Freedom Movement and the Changing Constitution

When one considers the crucial role of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures in shaping the history of the African-American communities of this nation, perhaps it is not surprising that a story from one of those texts should provide a fascinating metaphor for the relationship between black people and the Constitution of the United States. Somehow, generations of human struggle seem wrapped up in the Genesis account of the powerful, ambitiousJacob, wrestling through the night with the mysterious messenger of God, holding on tenaciously though wounded, insisting on receiving a blessing, and finally, as the new day begins, receiving the gift of a new name, perhaps a new identity. In the process, bothJacob and the stranger are forced open to unforeseen, transformative realms of experience.' Certainly, the argument can be made that no segment of this nation's citizenry has so actively wrestled with the meaning, purpose, and purview of the Constitution than those who were originally enslaved with the permission of that document and
Prothrombin Estimation A Procedure and Clinical Interpretations.

SummaryThe difference between prothrombin times of whole and diluted plasma is a more reliable guide to prothrombin activity of the blood than is the prothrombin time of either alone. The difference has been found to be fairly constant in normal individuals. When prolonged, it indicates hypoprothrombinemia. When reduced, it may signify hyperprothrombinemia or an excess of anticoagulants in the blood. The procedure recommended is well suited for following the therapeutic effects of agents which influence the prothrombin level (or activity) such as dicumarol or vitamin K.
Efficacy of selected pesticides against Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank): influences of applied concentration, application substrate, and residual activity over time

Dry-cured ham is protected from arthropod infestations using the fumigant methyl bromide. Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), known as the cheese or ham mite, decreases the quality and quantity of dry-cured hams during the aging process and is a serious economic threat to dry-cured ham companies. Methyl bromide is a strong ozone-depleting substance that is scheduled to be phased out from most uses in the near future. Consequently, developing effective, feasible, and economic alternatives to methyl bromide is the main purpose of the current project. More than ten registered residual pesticides were assessed for toxicity with glass vials treated with different concentrations. Twenty mites were transferred to each vial for 24 h of exposure on contact. Persistence of three of these residual pesticides was evaluated over a 2-month period by applying the recommended label rates to different surfaces. Results indicated that the commercial products of deltamethrin plus chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorphenapyr, and malathion showed promising results for contact toxicity against mites, and chlorphenapyr was highly effective at very low concentrations. Chlorphenapyr was the only pesticide applied to metal, concrete, and wood that was effective at controlling ham mites for 8 weeks. These pesticides are currently registered for use in similar contexts, so they could be considered as new potential control measures for ham mites in ham plants.
Investigation on pollution situation of central air conditioning ventilation system in public places in Nantong

Objective To investigate central air conditioning ventilation system pollution situation in Nantong urban area;to provide basis for health management reinforcement.Methods Totally 44public places equipped with central air conditioning ventilation system,including shopping malls,supermarkets,hotels and hospitals were randomly selected from 2011to 2012for this survey.Inhalable particle matter 10(PM10),duct surface dust,total bacteria count,total fungi count and legionella pneumophila in cooling water samples were determined.Results Qualification rate of total bacterial count,total fungi count,duct surface dust and PM10in 44public places equipped with central air conditioning ventilation systems was 96.7%,97.7%, 92.6%,100.0%,respectively.For 16public places examined in 2011,qualification rate was 87.5%;for 26public places examined in 2012,qualification rate was 84.6%,with no significant difference(P0.05).For 17cooling water samples collected in 2011,positive rate of legionella pneumophila was 11.8%;for 22cooling water samples collected in 2012,positive rate of legionella pneumophila was 36.4%,with no significant difference(P0.05),2-year average positive rate was 25.6%.Qualification rate of public places which were cleaned and not cleaned was 100.0%and 66.7%,respectively,with significant difference(P0.05).Conclusion Central air conditioning ventilation systems in public places still have hygiene problems.Cleaning,sanitation and health management should be enhanced.Health departments supervision should be strengthened.
Survey on the Health Literacy Status of Residents in Shushan District of Hefei City in 2010

Objective To understand the health literacy status of residents in Shushan District so as to provide the evidence for making the future plan to improve health literacy.Methods 150 residents aged 15-69 years old were chosen by random sampling in a community of Shushan District,then face-to-face interview was used to collect information with the questionnaire of health literacy designed by Ministry of Health.Results The outcome showed that the awareness rate of health literacy was 64.6%,and that of healthy concept and basic knowledge,health lifestyles and behaviors and health skills were 65.5%,56.7% and 73.1%,respectively.The overall rate of health literacy was 1.27%.The rates of three dimensions as the health knowledge and attitude,the healthy lifestyle and behaviors and the basic health skills among the participants were 14.7%,12.0% and 55.3%,respectively.The rate of health literacy among residents who was engaged in medicine work were higher than those who was not(P0.05).The rate of health literacy was higher with the education level increased.Conclusion The overall rate of health literacy among residents of Shushan District was lower.Health education should be strengthened to improve health level of residents.
TREATMENT OF PARANITROBENZOIC ACID WASTEWATER BY MICRO-ELECTROLYZATION AND O3 CATALYSIS-OXIDATION

The chemical industry wastewater from the production process of Paranitrobenzoic acid ,which mainly contains acidum benzoicum,nitric acid,nitrobenzene, paranitrobenzoic acid and so on, could be pretreated by micro-electrolyzation and O3 catalysis-oxidation method. The removal rate of CODcr is about 60%. After adding to the wasterwater with a quantity of sanitary waste, it could be treated by biological treatment method. The effluent data such as CODcr and chromaticity meet the level-one standard of Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB8978-1996).
Host miRNA degradation by Herpesvirus saimiri small nuclear RNA requires an unstructured interacting region

Herpesvirus saimiri, an oncogenic herpesvirus, during latency produces seven small nuclear RNAs, called the Herpesvirus saimiri U RNAs (HSUR1-7). HSUR1 mediates degradation of the host microRNA, miR-27, via a process that requires imperfect base-pairing. The decreased levels of miR-27 lead to prolonged T-cell activation and likely contribute to oncogenesis. To gain insight into HSUR1-mediated degradation of miR-27, we probed the in vivo secondary structure of HSUR1 and coupled this with bioinformatic structural analyses. The results suggest that HSUR1 adopts a conformation different than previously believed and that the region complementary to miR-27 lacks stable structure. To determine whether HSUR1 structural flexibility is important for its ability to mediate miR-27 degradation, we performed structurally informative mutagenic analyses of HSUR1. HSUR1 mutants in which the miR-27 binding site sequence is preserved, but sequestered in predicted helices, lose their ability to decrease miR-27 levels. These results indicate that the HSUR1 miR27-binding region must be available in a conformationally flexible segment for noncoding RNA function.
Association of oral flora with orbital complications of acute sinusitis.

BACKGROUND Acute and chronic sinusitis in children and adults can spread to the orbit. Oral flora has been seen in orbital infections, but the extent of synergy between pathogens in such infections remains unknown. METHODS A retrospective case series of patients with complicated sinusitis that involved the orbit from acute sinusitis who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital from January 2000 to December 2014 and who had surgical cultures obtained. Patients were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for periorbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, or orbital abscess. RESULTS Sixteen patients underwent surgical drainage via external drainage or endoscopic sinus surgery of an orbital infection associated with sinusitis and had cultures obtained. Nine patients (56%) grew organisms that exist in oral flora, whereas seven patients (44%) grew common respiratory pathogens. The most common organisms recovered were viridans group streptococcus (VGS) (50%), Staphylococcus aureus (31%), Eikenella corrodens (25%), and Prevotella species (19%). Oral flora anaerobes were cultured alongside a VGS species in seven of eight patients (88%) as opposed to the respiratory pathogens, which were less frequently associated with concomitant VGS infection (29%) (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION There are two main sources for infectious orbital complications from acute sinusitis: respiratory pathogens and oral flora. The high prevalence of concurrent anaerobic oral flora and VGS infection supports a suspected synergy between VGS and other oral organisms.
Preventing anastomotic complications: early results of laparoscopic gastric devascularization two weeks prior to minimally invasive esophagectomy

Laparoscopic gastric devascularization (LGD) is an innovative method to improve gastric conduit perfusion and improve anastomotic healing following esophagectomy. This study reports our early experience with LGD performed two weeks prior to minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent LGD prior to minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy between August 2014 and July 2015 at a large academic medical center. LGD included staging laparoscopy with division of the short gastric vessels, left gastric artery and coronary vein, and posterior gastric attachments. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, clinical stage, use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, perioperative events, length of hospital stay, 60-day readmission, and complications were collected and analyzed. Thirty patients underwent LGD prior to minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, and 21 (70 %) received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. LGD was performed a median of 14.5 (9–42) days prior to esophagectomy. Median operative time was 39 (18–56) minutes, and median length of stay was 0 (0–1) days. There were no complications or readmissions following LGD. MIE was completed laparoscopically in 93 % of patients; two patients required conversion to an open procedure due to mediastinal inflammation following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Five patients (17 %) were readmitted within 60 days of surgery: one (3 %) patient with an anastomotic leak, two (7 %) with pneumonia, and two (7 %) with post-operative nausea and vomiting. One patient (3 %) expired following an anastomotic leak that required reoperation, and no patients developed an anastomotic stricture during the study period. LGD with delayed esophageal resection and reconstruction can be safely performed two weeks prior to MIE with minimal morbidity. The low rate of anastomotic leak (3 %) and absence of anastomotic strictures in this series suggest that this approach may successfully improve gastroesophageal anastomotic healing and reduce the rate of anastomotic complications reported with single-stage approaches.
Obligate and Facultative Brood Reduction in Eagles: An Examination of Factors That Influence Fratricide

Le comportement fratricide chez les Accipitridae apparait lie a des differences relatives de taille au sein de la fratrie, differences elles-memes liees au temps ecoule entre les eclosions, aux differences de poids a l'eclosion, peut-etre au sexe
Statistical competencies for medical research learners: What is fundamental?

Author(s): Enders, Felicity T; Lindsell, Christopher J; Welty, Leah J; Benn, Emma KT; Perkins, Susan M; Mayo, Matthew S; Rahbar, Mohammad H; Kidwell, Kelley M; Thurston, Sally W; Spratt, Heidi; Grambow, Steven C; Larson, Joseph; Carter, Rickey E; Pollock, Brad H; Oster, Robert A | Abstract: IntroductionIt is increasingly essential for medical researchers to be literate in statistics, but the requisite degree of literacy is not the same for every statistical competency in translational research. Statistical competency can range from 'fundamental' (necessary for all) to 'specialized' (necessary for only some). In this study, we determine the degree to which each competency is fundamental or specialized.MethodsWe surveyed members of 4 professional organizations, targeting doctorally trained biostatisticians and epidemiologists who taught statistics to medical research learners in the past 5 years. Respondents rated 24 educational competencies on a 5-point Likert scale anchored by 'fundamental' and 'specialized.'ResultsThere were 112 responses. Nineteen of 24 competencies were fundamental. The competencies considered most fundamental were assessing sources of bias and variation (95%), recognizing one's own limits with regard to statistics (93%), identifying the strengths, and limitations of study designs (93%). The least endorsed items were meta-analysis (34%) and stopping rules (18%).ConclusionWe have identified the statistical competencies needed by all medical researchers. These competencies should be considered when designing statistical curricula for medical researchers and should inform which topics are taught in graduate programs and evidence-based medicine courses where learners need to read and understand the medical research literature.