cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of polymer-coated paramagnetic Implants for biomedical oximetry Applications

There are a variety of methods available for measuring and mapping of oxygen concentration in biological tissues. The particulate-based, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry is a powerful technology that allows non-invasive and repetitive monitoring of oxygenation in tissues. Lithium naphthalocyanine (LiNc) forms highly stable paramagnetic crystals which can be used for high resolution oximetry in tissues. To show efficient biocompatibility, long-term in vivo stability and responsiveness of LiNc oximetry probes, as well as for making the probes surgically implantable/ retrievable, we coated LiNc microcrystals with Teflon AF 2400 (TAF) polymeric materials. EPR linewidths of polymer-coated LiNc probes under anoxic conditions as well as at varying partial pressures of oxygen (pO2) did not show appreciable change relative to uncoated LiNc particulates, yet the linewidth of coated LiNc crystals was linearly dependent on varying pO2. The coated implantable probes responded to changes in pO2 quickly and reproducibly, enabling dynamic measurements of oxygenation in real time. The implants were unaffected by biological oxidoreductants. The oxygen sensitivity and stability of the coated LiNc was demonstrated in vivo in mice for more than two months. Thus, new TAF polymer-coated LiNc crystals are potential candidates for future in vivo studies including clinical trials for oxygen measurements in pathophysiological tissues.
Effects of Wildfire on River Water Quality and Riverbed Sediment Phosphorus

Before and after an intense wildfire in a forested area of Colorado in June 2012, river water and sediment samples were collected to study temporal and spatial trends related to the event. Water quality and soil properties were disturbed by the fire, but the magnitude was relatively small without precipitation. After precipitation, in-stream total nitrogen and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations significantly increased in the upstream section located within 10 km of the burned area. Large amounts of particulate P associated with highly correlated total suspended solids were introduced to the upstream section. Along with significantly increased in-stream concentrations of soluble reactive P (SRP) and dissolved organic P (DOP) after rain events, SRP dominated dissolved P in the river replacing DOP that was the main dissolved species before the fire event. In the riverbank, TP load increased significantly after the fire, and silt-clay and organic matter mass concentrations increased after precipitation. Riverbed TP mass concentrations decreased due to a reduced sorption capacity leading to a considerable P release from the sediments. The results indicate that fire-released P species will impact the downstream area of the watershed for a considerable time period as the bank erosion-sorption-desorption cycles in the watershed adjust to the fire-related loading.
The energy landscapes of repeat-containing proteins: topology, cooperativity, and the folding funnels of one-dimensional architectures.

Repeat-proteins are made up of near repetitions of 20– to 40–amino acid stretches. These polypeptides usually fold up into non-globular, elongated architectures that are stabilized by the interactions within each repeat and those between adjacent repeats, but that lack contacts between residues distant in sequence. The inherent symmetries both in primary sequence and three-dimensional structure are reflected in a folding landscape that may be analyzed as a quasi–one-dimensional problem. We present a general description of repeat-protein energy landscapes based on a formal Ising-like treatment of the elementary interaction energetics in and between foldons, whose collective ensemble are treated as spin variables. The overall folding properties of a complete “domain” (the stability and cooperativity of the repeating array) can be derived from this microscopic description. The one-dimensional nature of the model implies there are simple relations for the experimental observables: folding free-energy (ΔGwater) and the cooperativity of denaturation (m-value), which do not ordinarily apply for globular proteins. We show how the parameters for the “coarse-grained” description in terms of foldon spin variables can be extracted from more detailed folding simulations on perfectly funneled landscapes. To illustrate the ideas, we present a case-study of a family of tetratricopeptide (TPR) repeat proteins and quantitatively relate the results to the experimentally observed folding transitions. Based on the dramatic effect that single point mutations exert on the experimentally observed folding behavior, we speculate that natural repeat proteins are “poised” at particular ratios of inter- and intra-element interaction energetics that allow them to readily undergo structural transitions in physiologically relevant conditions, which may be intrinsically related to their biological functions.
Electrical Stunning of Broilers - Basic Concepts and Carcass Quality Implications: A Review

Abstract Electrical stunning continues to be the method of choice for immobilizing broilers prior to slaughter. Recent research as well as personal observations in commercial broiler processing plants indicate a rather broad spectrum of ideas, concepts and approaches to stunning broilers with electrical currents. Basic concepts of electricity, electrical circuits and the physiology of electrical stunning are reviewed in parallel with current research data. Maintenance of humane slaughter conditions and carcass quality attributes of broilers require integration and application of this knowledge in modern-day processing plants.
Diabetes Control Among Hispanics in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Trial

BACKGROUND Hispanics in the United States represent diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and manifest heterogeneous cardiovascular risks including diabetes. It is not known if there are residual differences in the control of diabetes among Hispanic groups given uniform access to diabetes care.
Compositional change of organic matter in rainwater during precipitation events

Ten rain samples were collected at west Los Angeles, California, during two precipitation events. The samples were extracted with CH2Cl2 using a separatory funnel followed by continuous steam distillation extraction. Extracts were analyzed for n-alkanes, UCM of hydrocarbons, PAHs, FAs, benzoic acids and phenols using capillary gas chromatography (see Table 1 for definition of acronyms). The concentrations of some compounds decreased with time, whereas those of other compounds increased during the precipitation. Fluctuations of organic concentrations with time are interpreted as being due to washout effect and transient input of organic matter during the precipitation event. The major factor controlling the inputs is suggested to be wind which carries the organic constituents from biogenic and/or anthropogenic (motor vehicle) sources. These results indicate that the origins of air masses scavenged during a rain event may be traced by analysis of the organic constituents in the rain water.
Circadian actigraphic rest-activity rhythms following surgery for endometrial cancer: A prospective, longitudinal study

Abstract Objective To investigate (1) circadian rest–activity rhythm disturbances among endometrial cancer patients as they recover from surgery in comparison to a historical reference group of women with no cancer history and (2) health- and treatment-related predictors of dysregulated rest–activity rhythms in endometrial cancer patients. Methods 60 endometrial cancer patients participated in a prospective, longitudinal study with actigraphic assessment at 1week, 1month, and 4months post-surgery. 60 women without cancer from an epidemiological sample completed one actigraphic assessment, acting as a reference group. Results On average, results revealed initial significant rest–activity dysregulation at 1week and 1month post-surgery for the endometrial cancer group and then significant recovery in rest–activity patterns at 4months post-surgery. Similarly, the cancer group had significantly more impaired rhythms than the reference group at 1week post-surgery, but demonstrated comparable rhythms by 4months post-surgery. Among the health- and treatment-related variables examined, obesity and receipt of more invasive surgery were found to predict more impaired rhythms at all time points. Conclusion(s) The current study highlights significant disturbances in rest–activity patterns for endometrial cancer patients initially during surgical recovery followed by improvement in these patterns by 4months post-surgery; however, obese patients and those having more invasive surgery demonstrated more impaired rest–activity patterns throughout the 4-month recovery period. Further research is warranted to understand how more impaired rest–activity patterns relate to health and quality of life outcomes.
Adjunctive stimulant use in patients with bipolar disorder: treatment of residual depression and sedation.

Background: Residual depression and medication-induced sedation remain significant problems for many patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Some evidence indicates that bipolar depression may be more responsive to dopaminergic agents, suggesting that adjunctive stimulant medication may be an effective treatment for bipolar depression as well as for medication-induced sedation. However, there are few data regarding the use of these medications in BD, likely due in part to concerns regarding potential stimulant-induced switching and stimulant abuse. Methods: In order to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of psychostimulants in BD, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of eight consecutive individuals from our clinic (five with bipolar I and three with bipolar II) who received adjunctive stimulants (either methylphenidate or amphetamine) within the last 2 years. Primary target symptoms of stimulant therapy included residual depression and medication-induced sedation. The degree of clinical change in target symptoms was estimated, and the Clinical Global Impression-BP Version scale (CGI-BP) was used to evaluate the overall severity of illness at baseline, 6 months after stimulant initiation, and at last visit. Results: The eight patients generally showed moderate clinical improvement in their target symptoms and substantial improvement of overall bipolar illness (mean change in CGI-BP overall score 2.9). There was no evidence of stimulant-induced switching or abuse. The stimulants were well tolerated. Conclusion: The present case series suggests that adjunctive stimulants may be a reasonable therapeutic option for treating residual depression and medication-induced sedation in some patients. Controlled trials are needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of stimulant augmentation in BD.
Semiparametric regression analysis for clustered failure time data

Inference procedures based on the partial likelihood function for the Cox proportional hazards model have been generalised to the case in which the data consist of a large number of independent small groups of correlated failure time observations (Lee, Wei & Amato, 1992; Liang, Self & Chang, 1993; Cai & Prentice, 1997). However, the Cox model may not fit the data well. A class of linear transformation models, which includes the proportional hazards and odds models as special cases, has been studied extensively for univariate event times. In this paper, statistical methods to analyse such correlated observations are proposed for these models. We use the data from a recent study of the genetic aetiology of alcoholism to illustrate the new procedures for estimation, prediction and model selection.
The effect of hydrogen, oxygen, and water fugacity on oxygen diffusion in alkali feldspar

Abstract Oxygen self-diffusion in adularia and albite single crystals was studied hydrothermally at 650°C from 5 to 1500 MPa confining pressure using a combination of hydrogen/oxygen buffers, a hydrogen ion buffer, and variable mole fractions of water (dilution with CO2). Diffusion coefficients (D) were determined from 18O concentration profiles measured with an ion microprobe. There is a good correlation of the D values with water fugacity but not with oxygen fugacity, hydrogen fugacity, hydrogen ion concentration, nor confining pressure over the range for which these parameters could be fixed independent of the water fugacity. Oxygen diffusion must involve the transport of an oxygen-bearing species, and the results of this study suggest that the transport species is molecular water. The rate-limiting step for oxygen diffusion could be either the rate of migration of the molecular water in the crystal or the rate of exchange of its oxygen with the feldspar structure. While protons may play a role in the mechanism of oxygen diffusion in feldspar, above the concentration supplied by pure water additional protons have no measurable effect on diffusion rates.
Stereothresholds in persons with congenital nystagmus and in normal observers during comparable retinal image motion

Despite rapid oscillations of the eyes, visual acuity is close to normal in many observers with congenital nystagmus (CN). This study investigated whether binocular hyperacuity thresholds are also close to normal in observers with CN. To do so, we assessed stereothresholds for horizontally and vertically separated line targets in three normal observers and six observers with idiopathic horizontal CN. Stereothresholds in normal observers are better than in the observers with CN, especially for horizontally-separated targets and very small inter-line separations. Stereothresholds remain better in normal observers than in the observers with CN, even in the presence of conjugate retinal image motion simulating that in jerk nystagmus. However, when the simulated CN wave form also includes disconjugate position variability of the foveation periods, normal observers' stereothresholds become similar to those of approximately half of the observers with CN. We conclude that stereothresholds in observers with CN are degraded by the more-or-less constant motion of the retinal image, by excessive vergence instability and, in some observers, by a neural sensory deficit.
Amifostine: potential for clinically useful cytoprotection

The ability to target malignant cells for cytotoxicity while sparing normal host tissues has proven to be limited. These limitations have resulted in unacceptable toxicity or insufficiently effective therapy. Continuing investigation of new, potentially useful cytotoxic agents must continue. An alternative approach, also worthy of study, is the selective protection of normal tissues. This approach, used in conjunction with available therapeutic agents, may open the therapeutic window and incrementally enhance the effectiveness of cytotoxic therapy. A variety of methods have been used to protect normal tissues selectively. Regional protection can be used for certain organ systems, such as the oral mucosa. Selective protection on a systemic level is more difficult but agents that seem to protect normal but not malignant tissues selectively are being developed. Among these is amifostine, which was originally selected by the U.S. defense department for study as a radio-protectant. Pre-clinical studies have suggested that amifostine is differentially concentrated in normal tissues but not in malignant tissues. Tissue-specific differences in the activity of alkaline phosphatase, which dephosphorylates amifostine to its active metabolite WR-1065, and in pH are thought to be involved in this relative specificity. Clinical studies indicate that amifostine can reduce the myelosuppression produced by cyclophosphamide, the combination of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, and, perhaps, carboplatin. The protective effects of amifostine on non-hematopoietic toxicities are being investigated. Future trials will investigate the integration of amifostine with cytokine-based supportive care in order to define the role of this potentially clinically useful cytoprotectant agent.
Low aerobic fitness and obesity are associated with lower standardized test scores in children.

Objective To investigate whether aerobic fitness and obesity in school children are associated with standardized test performance. Study design Ethnically diverse (n = 1989) 5th, 7th, and 9th graders attending California schools comprised the sample. Aerobic fitness was determined by a 1-mile run/walk test; body mass index (BMI) was obtained from state-mandated measurements. California standardized test scores were obtained from the school district. Results Students whose mile run/walk times exceeded California Fitnessgram standards or whose BMI exceeded Centers for Disease Control sex- and age-specific body weight standards scored lower on California standardized math, reading, and language tests than students with desirable BMI status or fitness level, even after controlling for parent education among other covariates. Ethnic differences in standardized test scores were consistent with ethnic differences in obesity status and aerobic fitness. BMI-for-age was no longer a significant multivariate predictor when covariates included fitness level. Conclusions Low aerobic fitness is common among youth and varies among ethnic groups, and aerobic fitness level predicts performance on standardized tests across ethnic groups. More research is needed to uncover the physiological mechanisms by which aerobic fitness may contribute to performance on standardized academic tests.
Process development for the formation of post-bonding biorecognition layers in microfluidic biosensors

Formation of the biorecognition layers within microfluidic sensor channels must be done after the completion of the channel structure since these layers cannot withstand the wafer bonding temperature. We propose a new post-bonding immobilization process to prepare the enzyme layers within microfluidic channels of electrochemical biosensors. An array of Pt vertical electrodes is electroplated using a SU-8 mold. The cured SU-8 is then removed by plasma etching to expose the Pt electrode and to define the fluidic channel cavity simultaneously. An array of enzyme posts is formed on the Pt surface by either electropolymerizing or photopolymerizing enzyme precursor solutions injected into the channel. Very little report is available about the reactive ion etching (RIE) of SU-8 that is the most critical step in this process. A systematic investigation on the RIE of SU-8 is conducted to obtain the maximum etch rate (1.2 mum/min.) based on different combinations of parameters of CF4 and O2 gas flow, RF power and time.
Underrepresentation of women in clinical trials: why gynecologic oncologists are worried

In gynecologic oncology, significant advances with improved patient outcomes have clearly and thankfully resulted from randomized clinical trials. The recent restructuring of cooperative groups and decreased funding for phase III clinical trials have unintentionally resulted in a 90% reduction of available trials and accrual in gynecologic oncology. This Commentary reviews the history of the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials, highlighting the challenges that threaten the viability of gynecologic oncology clinical research, resulting in a decreased likelihood of improving the survival of women with gynecologic cancer. We suggest an opportunity for partnering with the U.S. government and the private sector to enhance research funding opportunities while increasing advocacy efforts to reinvigorate our clinical trials platform.
Nonparametric Bayes estimation of the survival function and failure rate from record-breaking data

Abstract Record-breaking data is data in which only successive minimums are recorded. A nonparemetric Bayes approach is used to derive an estimator of the survival function and failure rate for this data. A Dirichlet distribution is assumed to be the prior distribution for the failure probabilities assigned to the intervals defined by the consecutive ordered data values. When the parameters of the prior distribution are unknown, an empirical Bayes approach is used to find an estimator for the survival function and failure rate. Using the successive failure times data of air conditioning units on Boeing aircraft introduced by Proschan[6], the nonparametric Bayes estimators of the survival function are plotted against the empirical Bayes estimators and the nonparametric and parametric maximum likelihood estimators of Samaniego and Whitaker ([8], [9]). The results show that the nonparametric Bayes estimator is smoother than the other estimators.
Pharmacotherapy of urolithiasis: evidence from clinical trials

Urolithiasis is a worldwide problem with significant health and economic burdens. Medical therapy that alters the course of stone disease has enormous medical and financial impact. Urolithiasis is a final manifestation of a broad range of etiologies and pathogenesis. The modest progress in understanding the pathophysiology has hampered successful development of targeted therapy. Current regimens are based mostly on rational alteration of urinary biochemistry and physical chemistry to lower the risk of precipitation. In terms of pharmacotherapy, there are drugs to successfully improve hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia, aciduria, hyperuricosuria, and hypercystinuria. These agents have been proven to be effective in randomized controlled trials in improving urinary biochemical and physicochemical risk factors, as well as clinical outcomes. Although our current regimens have clearly improved the management and lives of stone formers, there are still clearly identifiable immense voids in the knowledge of pathophysiology of stone disease that can be filled with combined basic science and clinical studies.
A New Approach to the Extraction of Prostaglandins 6-Keto-F1α, F2α, E2, and E1 from Gastric Mucosa with Quantitative Analysis by Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A simple and reliable method is presented for the extraction of Prostaglandins 6-Keto-F1 α, F2 α, E2 and E1 from gastric mucosa with quantitation by Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography. Extraction is accomplished without the need for the harsh chemicals normally associated with tissue extraction. The efficiency of prostaglandin extraction is demonstrated utilizing radiolabeled prostaglandins. Quantitation of these compounds is compared to measurement by radioimmunoasay.
Fatty acid composition of fat body and malpighian tubules of the tenebrionid beetle, Zophobas atratus: Significance in eicosanoid-mediated physiology

Abstract Total and phospholipid fatty acid composition of fat body and Malpighian tubules from two larval stages, pupae and adults, of Zophobas atratus were analyzed. Saturated and unsaturated C16 and C18 fatty acids were major components and varied by life stage and tissue source. Eicosanoid-precursor fatty acids, including 20:3n-6, 20:4n-6 and 20:5n-3, were present in low quantities and varied by life stage and tissue source. 20:3n-6 was always present in the lowest proportions, indicating that eicosanoids derived from 20:4n-6 and 20:5n-3 (the 2- and 3-series) are likely to be of greater physiological significance in this insect. Fatty acid composition of Z. atratus fat body and Malpighian tubules was independent of diet, suggesting that this insect controls its fatty acid composition to meet the needs of individual tissues and ontogenetic constraints.
Characterization of brown spot disease of gulf coast shrimp

Abstract Adult penaeid shrimp were collected from mariculture raceways, holding tanks, and near-shore waters of Galveston Island, Texas. Those with darkly pigmented lesions were chosen for study. When observed by scanning electron microscopy, diseased cuticle shows dense populations of bacteria within a lesion, whereas normal cuticle shows a relatively low number of bacteria. Some lesions exhibited a morphologically homogeneous population of bacteria while others revealed a heterogeneous or mixed infection. Bacteriological analysis of a homogenate of each lesion revealed the presence of a wide variety of organisms which produced extracellular lipases, proteases, and chitinases. Lipolytic and proteolytic organisms were consistently isolated from all 20 lesions examined, while chitinoclastic bacteria were found in all but two lesions. According to the presumptive isolation scheme used, 10 distinct phenotypes of bacteria were differentiated among the isolates from 20 lesions. These phenotypes were classified into four genera: Vibrio, Alteromonas, Spirillum, and Flavobacterium. Groups of 10 shrimp were abraded and inoculated with representative isolates from each of the 10 phenotypes. Four isolates were able to initiate lesion formation. These were two Vibrio species, one Alteromonas species, and one Spirillum species. All of these four pathogens were lipolytic, while only two were chitinoclastic. This evidence suggests that there is not one specific chitinoclastic bacterium which causes brown spot symptoms, but that a variety of bacteria acting alone or in groups may be the causal agents.
Trans-synaptic Teneurin signalling in neuromuscular synapse organization and target choice

Two Drosophila Teneurin proteins, Ten-m and Ten-a, are shown to be required for neuromuscular synapse organization and target selection. Our molecular understanding of brain wiring has mostly concerned proteins implicated in axon guidance and large-scale dendritic-arborization development. In a pair of papers published this week, Liqun Luo and colleagues now show that two members of the Teneurin family of large transmembrane proteins control the final steps of neuronal targeting. The papers, which focus on the Drosophila olfactory systems and neuromuscular junctions respectively, indicate that Teneurins interact homophilically across the synaptic cleft to ensure proper matching among developing neurons. Synapse assembly requires trans-synaptic signals between the pre- and postsynapse1, but our understanding of the essential organizational molecules involved in this process remains incomplete2. Teneurin proteins are conserved, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-repeat-containing transmembrane proteins with large extracellular domains3. Here we show that two Drosophila Teneurins, Ten-m and Ten-a, are required for neuromuscular synapse organization and target selection. Ten-a is presynaptic whereas Ten-m is mostly postsynaptic; neuronal Ten-a and muscle Ten-m form a complex in vivo. Pre- or postsynaptic Teneurin perturbations cause severe synapse loss and impair many facets of organization trans-synaptically and cell autonomously. These include defects in active zone apposition, release sites, membrane and vesicle organization, and synaptic transmission. Moreover, the presynaptic microtubule and postsynaptic spectrin cytoskeletons are severely disrupted, suggesting a mechanism whereby Teneurins organize the cytoskeleton, which in turn affects other aspects of synapse development. Supporting this, Ten-m physically interacts with α-Spectrin. Genetic analyses of teneurin and neuroligin reveal that they have differential roles that synergize to promote synapse assembly. Finally, at elevated endogenous levels, Ten-m regulates target selection between specific motor neurons and muscles. Our study identifies the Teneurins as a key bi-directional trans-synaptic signal involved in general synapse organization, and demonstrates that proteins such as these can also regulate target selection.
Effects of Water Gas Shift Gases on Pd−Cu Alloy Membrane Surface Morphology and Separation Properties

Palladium−copper alloy membranes (2−4 μm thick), which were deposited on porous ceramic tubular supports by electroless plating, separated H2 from a water gas shift (WGS) mixture at 623−723 K. However, within 120 min at 623 K, the total permeance increased and membrane selectivity decreased. H2, N2, or He did not change the transport properties of the membrane before WGS gas exposure. Annealing in CO2 and CO at 523−723 K increased the height of micron-scale conical hillocks and defect sizes on the membrane surface by at least a factor of 3. Annealing in H2 and He after CO and CO2 exposure decreased the hillock heights by half. The hillocks were clusters of grains with defined valleys. The membrane defects allowed gases other than H2 to permeate through the membrane. Surface topology changes are partially due to the removal of C impurities by CO2 to form CO. Hillock heights on 25-μm-thick cast and rolled Pd−Cu alloy foils, which had no C impurities, increased by a factor of 4 at 723 K in the presence of CO...
Elastomeric polymer light-emitting devices and displays

A stretchable polymer LED is fabricated that is capable of emitting light when subjected to strains as large as 120%. A prototype 5 × 5 pixel monochrome display based on an array of these LEDs is demonstrated.
Reduction of azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, esfenvalerate, and methomyl residues in processed apples.

McIntosh, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious from two years of experimental spray programs using azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, esfenvalerate, and methomyl were processed into frozen apple slices, applesauce, single-strength juice, and juice concentrate. Residue levels were expressed as micrograms per 150 g of apple or the equivalent amount of apple product to calculate the percentage change in these pesticides brought about by processing. Producing single-strength apple juice reduced azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, esfenvalerate, and methomyl residues by 97.6, 100, 97.8, and 78.1%, respectively. Production of applesauce reduced all four compounds by ≥95%. Azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, esfenvalerate, and methomyl residues were reduced in apple slices by 94.1, 85.7, 98.6, and 94.7%, respectively. Processing is shown to be very effective in reducing the levels of these pesticides. Keywords: Pesticides; azinphos-methyl; chlorpyrifos; esfenvalerate; methomyl; apples; food processing; apple slices; applesauce...
Combined effects of protein deficiency and chronic ethanol consumption on rat pancreas

This study was performed in order to delineate the combined effects of protein deficiency and chronic ethanol ingestion on the rat pancreas. Rats fed ethanol in combination with protein-deficient diets developed marked steatosis, whereas alcohol ingestion with nutritionally adequate diets and protein deficiency alone each were associated with a more moderate degree of pancreatic lipid accumulation. On biochemical analysis, it was found that protein deficiency decreased pancreatic phospholipid content. Furthermore, both protein deficiency and chronic ethanol consumption increased pancreatic cholesteryl ester content, and their effects were additive. Functional changes were studied using isolated pancreative acini. Protein deficiency depressed the tissue content of lipase and the ability of pancreatic acini to secrete lipase. Chronic ethanol feeding increased lipase levels in the acini and also their secretory capacity. Thus, to the extent that enzyme accumulation in the pancreas plays a role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic pancreatitis, these results may explain the higher incidence of pancreatitis in well-nourished alcoholics that has been documented in dietary surveys.
Opinion dynamics with bounded confidence in the Bayes risk error divergence sense

Bounded confidence opinion dynamic models have received much recent interest as models of information propagation in social networks and localized distributed averaging. However in the existing literature, opinions are only viewed as abstract quantities rather than as part of a decision-making system. In this work, opinion dynamics are examined when agents are Bayesian decision makers that perform hypothesis testing or signal detection. Bounded confidence is defined on prior probabilities of hypotheses through Bayes risk error divergence, the appropriate measure between priors in hypothesis testing. This definition contrasts with the measure used between opinions in the standard model: absolute error. It is shown that the rapid convergence of prior probabilities to a small number of limiting values is similar to that seen in the standard model. The most interesting finding in this work is that the number of these limiting values changes with the signal-to-noise ratio in the hypothesis testing task. The number of final values or clusters is maximal at intermediate signal-to-noise ratios, suggesting that the most contentious issues lead to the largest number of factions.
Predictive value of stress myocardial perfusion imaging in liver transplant candidates

In summary, these data indicate that SPECT imaging has a poor predictive value for CAD in OLT candidates. Coronary angiography has a primary screening role for this population, especially in patients with multiple cardiac risk factors or a known history of CAD.
Tactual field dependence

The present experiment demonstrates a new phenomenon—tactual field dependence. The tactually perceived orientation of a vertical or horizontal bar located behind a tilted grid is influenced by the orientation of the grid. Although tactual field dependence is analogous in some respects to visual field dependence, there are important differences between the two phenomena. There is no significant correlation between the two varieties of field dependence, and the sex difference found in studies of visual field dependence does not occur in tactual field dependence.
QRS COMPLEXITY AND OUTCOME OF CRT-D THERAPY IN LBBB PATIENTS FROM THE MADIT-CRT

Heart failure patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to determine whether QRS morphology assessed by QRS complexity might identify clinical CRT non-responders. Resting supine 12-lead ECG was obtained from Holter recordings
Information Sensitive Consumers and Market Information

Past research on consumer information has emphasized the effects of informed consumers on the provision of goods by sellers. These comprise supply-side effects. This paper examines the effects of informed consumers on other consumers’ product choices. These are demand-side effects. Directions for research are outlined.
UW PACS prototype performance measurements, computer model, and simulation

ABSTRACTA PACS prototype has been installed and evaluated at the University of Washington. This paper presents the work done in the performance evaluation of the PACS prototype. The work involved network and workstationperformance measurements and development of a simulation model based on the performance measurements. Thesimulation model was then used to do a parametric study of the PACS prototype to pinpoint the bottlenecks andsuggest corrective measures. Results show that there are some local bottlenecks in the PACS prototype and anoverall global bottleneck in the Data Management System (DM5) which forms the hub of the PACS prototype. 1. INTRODUCTION Efforts have been made to develop simulation models of various PACS architectures [1-3]. The simulation modelscan be used to develop a systematic and objective means to propose and evaluate various PACS architectures,estimate the expected cost and performance, and fine-tune the proposed architecture. They can also be used topinpoint the bottlenecks in an already existing system. While Bakker ci al. [1] described a model that can be usedfor the quantification and evaluation of costs in the implementation of a PACS, the others [2-3] described modelsthat help in the performance evaluation of PACS. At the University of Washington, we have developed a simulation
Effects of salicylic acid on mushroom tyrosinase and B16 melanoma cells

Salicylic acid slightly inhibited the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) catalyzed by mushroom tyrosinase noncompetitively without being oxidized. In contrast, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid did not inhibit this enzymatic oxidation if a longer reaction time was observed, although it suppressed the initial rate of the oxidation to a certain extent. Neither acid showed noticeable effects on cultured murine B16-F10 melanoma cells except weak cytotoxicity.
Towards Lightweight Secure Communication Protocols for Passive RFIDs

RFID technology has been applied to many business applications in the past few years. The popularity of RFID technology lies in its ability for automatic identification and low cost. Most existing RFID security protocols utilize cryptography based solutions relying on hash functions and symmetric-key based encryptions, which incur high computational overhead and thus are unsuitable for passive RFID tags. In this paper, we present a lightweight secure reader-tag communication protocol providing secure key lookup, key transportation, reader-tag mutual authentication, and data confidentiality without using traditional cryptography based encryption and hash functions. Our approach is based on light-weight exclusive-or (XOR) one-time pad and modulo addition on passive RFID tags and readers. Our security and performance analysis shows that the proposed solutions are suitable for low-power passive RFID tags.
ZrB2-Based Laminates Produced by Tape Casting

ZrB2-based laminates were produced by tape casting and pressureless sintered at 2150°C in argon atmosphere using silicon nitride as sintering aids. Two different configurations were considered: planar (tile) and tubular (roll). After sintering, the laminates reached different relative densities depending on their composition (with or without SiC additions as secondary phase) or the final shape (tiles or rolls). Traces of the formation of oxygen\xE2\x80\x90free crystalline phases such as B4C and BN were found in all samples. The RT flexural strength of bars cut from the tile configuration was mainly affected by the coarse microstructure, residual porosity, and layer stacking sequence. A very low scattering of the flexural strength values was registered in ZrB2–SiC laminates because of the homogeneous microstructure and the absence of any defects between the layers. Tape casting allowed the production of thin homogenous laminates with a significant reduction of weight and a careful microstructure control.
Robust regression with projection based M-estimators

The robust regression techniques in the RANSAC family are popular today in computer vision, but their performance depends on a user supplied threshold. We eliminate this drawback of RANSAC by reformulating another robust method, the M-estimator, as a projection pursuit optimization problem. The projection based pbM-estimator automatically derives the threshold from univariate kernel density estimates. Nevertheless, the performance of the pbM-estimator equals or exceeds that of RANSAC techniques tuned to the optimal threshold, a value which is never available in practice. Experiments were performed both with synthetic and real data in the affine motion and fundamental matrix estimation tasks.
New antiplatelet drugs

Many clinical trials and pathologic analyses have clearly demonstrated a central role for platelets in the pathophysiology of major cardiovascular disorders, including unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction (MI), transient ischaemia, and stroke following thrombolytic therapy [1,2]. A meta-analysis of 25 randomised trials of various antiplatelet agents that included 29,000 patients revealed a highly significant decrease in non-fatal MI, stroke, total cardiovascular death, and overall mortality in patients treated with antiplatelet agents compared with placebo [3]. These data have triggered intense efforts over the past 10 years in studying the role of the platelet in cardiovascular disorders, and in developing more potent and selective antiplatelet agents. This discussion summarises recent advances in the development and evaluation of these newer agents with particular emphasis on antagonists of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor, since this protein plays a key role in the final common ...
Altered hepatic cholesterol metabolism compensates for disruption of phosphatidylcholine transfer protein in mice

Phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP) is a member of the steroidogenic acute regulatory transfer protein-related domain superfamily and is enriched in liver. To explore a role for PC-TP in h...
Coral reef change detection using Landsats 5 and 7: a case study using Carysfort Reef in the Florida Keys

Satellite data allow for the relatively quick assessment of benthic habitats and can be used for change-detection studies. Landsats 5 and 7, with the Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensors, respectively, provide the longest time series of satellite observations available for coastal researchers. From 1984 to the present, TM (for U.S.) and ETM+ (worldwide), images are abundant for change detection analysis over coral reefs, especially since the inception of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/United States Geological Survey (USGS) Long Term Acquisition Plan (LTAP). The LTAP was implemented to repeatedly and systematically gather Landsat 7/ETM+ data for specific remote sensing of niche communities, i.e., coral reefs. To properly use these data, a minimum set of corrections needs to be made: noise reduction correction, atmospheric: correction, normalization, and ground-truthing. A time series was produced for Carysfort Reef in the Florida Keys from four Landsat 5 and one Landsat 7 images spanning 1984 to 1999. A Mahalanobis distance classification was undertaken to identify four benthic classes: "coral-dominated", "sand", "algae", and "substrate". The results were compared to an in situ database, which included transect and monitoring station data, as well as an aerial photograph. In situ data revealed that Carysfort Reef underwent an extreme loss in coral cover between 1983 and 1999, from 50% coral cover to 4% coral cover, representing a loss of 92% of coral cover. Over a similar time period, Landsat data estimated similar losses, from 33% coral cover to 7% coral cover, which represents a 79% loss in coral cover or "coral-dominated" area.
The Retiree Identity: Gender and Race Differences

OBJECTIVES This study's focus on the retiree identity complements research on institutionalized retirement criteria. We test whether tensions between individuals' own life circumstances and institutionalized retirement criteria manifest themselves in the extent to which individuals assume a retiree identity and in the overlap between self-definitions and attainment of institutionalized retirement criteria. METHODS The analyses rely on logistic regressions and are based on data from the National Survey of Families and Households (N = 1,633). RESULTS Labor force participation serves as the main basis for the retiree identity, but other life experiences (work history, disability, spouse's retirement, economic status, family history) also contribute to individuals' self-identification as retiree and the "fit" between self-identification and attainment of institutionalized retirement criteria. Men's retirement identity seems more closely tied to their attainment of institutionalized retirement criteria and a continuous and successful work career, whereas a variety of life circumstances impinge on women's retiree definitions. Moderately disabled African Americans are more likely to self-identify as partly or fully retired. DISCUSSION While employment constitutes the main reference for individuals' self-definition as retiree, other life circumstances also have some influence. Full understanding of retirement transitions will require more attention to the meaning context of retirement among divergent population groups.
Patterns of molar wear in hunter–gatherers and agriculturalists

Tooth wear records valuable information on diet and methods of food preparation in prehistoric populations or extinct species. In this study, samples of modern and prehistoric hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists are used to test the hypothesis that there are systematic differences in patterns of tooth wear related to major differences in subsistence and food preparation. Flatness of molar wear is compared for five groups of hunter-gatherers (N = 298) and five groups of early agriculturalists (N = 365). Hunter-gather- ers are predicted to develop flatter molar wear due to the mastication of tough and fibrous foods, whereas agriculturalists should develop oblique molar wear due to an increase in the proportion of ground and prepared food in the diet. A method is presented for the quantitative measurement and analysis of flatness of molar wear. Comparisons of wear plane angle are made between teeth matched for the same stage of occlusal surface wear, thus standardizing all groups to the same rate of wear. Agriculturalists develop highly angled occlusal wear planes on the entire molar dentition. Their wear plane angles tend to exceed hunter-gatherers by about 10" in advanced wear. Wear plane angles are similar within subsistence divisions despite regional differences in particular foods. This approach can be used to provide supporting evidence of change in human subsistence and to test dietary hypotheses in hominoid evolution. Tooth wear is one skeletal feature that pre- serves direct evidence of the masticatory be- havior of mammals. Mastication is inti- mately related to diet, and patterns of tooth wear can be used to make inferences about diet in prehistoric populations and extinct
Coordination in Conversation and Rapport

We investigate the role of increasing friendship in dialogue, and propose a first step towards a computational model of the role of long-term relationships in language use between humans and embodied conversational agents. Data came from a study of friends and strangers, who either could or could not see one another, and who were asked to give directions to one-another, three subsequent times. Analysis focused on differences in the use of dialogue acts and non-verbal behaviors, as well as co-occurrences of dialogue acts, eye gaze and head nods, and found a pattern of verbal and nonverbal behavior that differentiates the dialogue of friends from that of strangers, and differentiates early acquaintances from those who have worked together before. Based on these results, we present a model of deepening rapport which would enable an ECA to begin to model patterns of human relationships.