cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of chronic dermal exposure to nonlethal doses of methyl parathion on brain regional acetylcholinesterase and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in female rats.

The in vivo and in vitro effects of methyl parathion, a phosphorothionate insecticide, on cholinergic neurotransmitter systems in the brain of rats were investigated. Three groups of adult female rats received 0, 0.1, or 1.0 mg/kg methyl parathion via dermal exposure for 95 days. Exposure to 0.1 mg/kg methyl parathion produced inhibition of AChE in the caudate-putamen and thalamic nuclei, whereas 1.0 mg/kg resulted in inhibition of AChE in most brain regions. The same doses of methyl parathion had no effect on [(3)H]QNB binding to muscarinic receptors in the brain regions examined. The in vitro study demonstrated that methyl parathion causes preferential inhibition of AChE and [(3)H]QNB binding in specific brain regions. As an inhibitor of AChE, methyl paraoxon was 1,000-fold more potent than was methyl parathion. Similarly, methyl paraoxon showed brain region-specific inhibition of the enzyme. Generally, the brain stem was highly sensitive to organophosphate-induced inhibition of AChE activity and [(3)H]QNB binding. Because central respiratory neurons gather in the brain stem, preferential effects there and in other brain regions may underlie lethal toxicity of methyl parathion and other organophosphates.
Hybrid CPU-GPU Solver for Gradient Domain Processing of Massive Images

Gradient domain processing is a computationally expensive image processing technique. Its use for processing massive images, giga or terapixels in size, can take several hours with serial techniques. To address this challenge, parallel algorithms are being developed to make this class of techniques applicable to the largest images available with running times that are more acceptable to the users. To this end we target the most ubiquitous form of computing power available today, which is small or medium scale clusters of commodity hardware. Such clusters are continuously increasing in scale, not only in the number of nodes, but also in the amount of parallelism available within each node in the form of multicore CPUs and GPUs. In this paper we present a hybrid parallel implementation of gradient domain processing for seamless stitching of gigapixel panoramas that utilizes MPI, threading and a CUDA based GPU component. We demonstrate the performance and scalability of our implementation by presenting results from two GPU clusters processing two large data sets.
Interest rate policies and inflation in interdependent economies: Recent policy dilemmas

Abstract This paper examines Federal Reserve Board policies that are premised on a negative short-run association of interest rate movements and the rate of inflation. In particular, econometric evidence is provided, supporting the view that tighter monetary policy appears to raise inflation rates in the short run. Conversely, it is demonstrated that easier monetary policy does not necessarily raise inflation rates in the short run. In the case of uncoordinated monetary restrictiveness, interest rate competition among major countries can produce higher inflation and lower growth than was originally intended.
Presidential address interpenetrating processes: Human agency and the becoming of regional spatial and social structures

Three critical questions are addressed through the juxtaposition of aphorisms, propositions, and empirical fragments pertaining to early nineteenth century enclosures in Skane and the industrial restructuring of Ciudad Juarez. What about the role of human agency in the production and day-to-day perpetuation of economic landscapes, places and regions? What about structuring processes and history in regional science? How is the unbroken flow of concrete, fine-grained human activity within the region related to more macrolevel processes?
Stripe orientation in an anisotropic t − J model

The tilt pattern of the CuO6 octahedra in the low-temperature tetragonal ~LTT! phase of the cuprate superconductors leads to planar anisotropies for the exchange coupling and hopping integrals. Here, we show that these anisotropies provide a possible structural mechanism for the orientation of stripes. A t x-t y-J x-J y model thus serves as an effective Hamiltonian to describe stripe formation and orientation in LTT-phase cuprates. Early Hartree-Fock calculations 1 found evidence for domain-wall formation in doped two-dimensional ~2D! Hubbard and t-J models. In these calculations the domain walls contained one hole per unit cell and separated p-phase-shifted antiferromagnetic ~AF! regions. Subsequent density-matrix-renormalization-group ~DMRG! calculations 2 also found hole-domain walls separating p-phase-shifted AF regions, but in these calculations the linear filling of the horizontal ~or vertical! domain walls corresponded to one hole per two unit cells of the wall. In these calculations, domainwall formation originates as a compromise in the inherent competition between the kinetic and exchange energies which arises when holes are added to a Mott antiferromagnetic insulator. In the parameter regime where horizontal or vertical stripes formed, these fourfold rotationally invariant models did not distinguish between the two orientations. Here we wish to discuss a possible electronic mechanism for
The route of lipid administration affects parenteral nutrition-induced hepatic steatosis in a mouse model.

Abstract Background The etiology of parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated hepatic injury remains unresolved. Recent studies have suggested that the intravenous (IV) lipid emulsion administered with PN may contribute to PN-associated hepatic injury. We therefore examined whether the route of lipid administration would affect the development of PN-associated liver injury in a previously established animal model of PN-induced hepatic steatosis. Methods Mice were fed ad libitum PN solution as their only nutritional source for 19 days with lipid supplementation by either the enteral or the IV route. Control mice received chow alone, and a final group received enteral PN solution without lipid supplementation. Results All mice gained equivalent weight during the study. Mice receiving PN alone or PN with IV lipid developed severe histologic liver damage that was not seen in control mice or in mice receiving PN with enteral lipid. Liver fat content as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy was significantly lower in the control and enteral lipid groups when compared with mice receiving PN alone or with IV lipid. Mice receiving enteral lipid had significantly lower levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase compared with animals receiving PN alone. Conclusions These data provide preliminary evidence that lipid administered through the enteral route protects against PN-associated hepatic injury in an animal model.
Raman Analysis Of The Composite Structures In Diamond Thin Films

Raman spectroscopy has been used to examine diamond thin films produced by various CVD processes. The Raman spectra exhibit, features which suggest that the films are composites of diamond (sp3) and graphite-like (sp2) bonding. A brief outline of Raman scattering from composites is presented. A first attempt at modeling these types of films using composites of diamond and graphite powders is reported. It is found that the Raman features associated with sp2 bonding in the films do not correlate well to features exhibited by microcrystalline graphite.
Noninvasive diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia and intraventricular hemorrhage by Doppler ultrasound

The cerebrovascular hemodynamic alterations in asphyxia and intracerebral-intraventricular hemorrhage were determined by monitoring the pulsatile flow changes in the anterior cerebral arteries using Doppler ultrasound. The pulsatility index measurements, which were calculated from the recorded changes in Doppler frequency shifts, were obtained in four groups of newborn infants with the following diagnoses: Group I-normal term (n=21); Group II-asphyxia (n=12); Group III-IC-IVH (n=14); and Group IV-asymptomatic preterm (n=11). There was no significant difference between PI values of Groups I and IV. Compared to normal term infants, those diagnosed as having asphyxia had significantly lower PI measurements and those with IC-IVH had significantly higher PI values than the asymptomatic preterm infants. Serial Doppler studies were also performed in 22 preterm infants with respiratory distress. One-half of these infants subsequently developed IC-IVH. Prior to hemorrhage, their PI measurements were significantly lower than those who did not eventually have the complication. The low PI values in asphyxia and prior to the onset of IC-IVH indicate vasodilation and decreased resistance to blood flow. In IC-IVH, the high PI measurements denote the opposite. In infants with respiratory distress in the presence of significant vasodilation and lowered vascular resistance, CBF may increase to excessive levels, resulting in IC-IVH.
Polynesian ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) species richness and distribution: a regional survey

Abstract Thirteen Polynesian islands, including five true atolls, an uplifted atoll, and seven high volcanic islands of varying ages, were surveyed for ants by hand collecting techniques. Ten of the thirteen islands had been surveyed previously, and more and species were found in the present survey than were known from all earlier surveys combined, with two exception (Ducie Atoll and Easter Island). This represents the first report of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile Mayr, from Easter Island. L. humile is a very successful pest species which has only recently invaded Easter Island, and is now very abundant and widespread, occurring at 16 of the 17 sample sites scattered across the island. The introduction of this species is almost certainly responsible for the apparent decline in species richness on Easter Island. In general, more species were present on high islands than atolls of a similar size, and elevation was significant while log (area) and latitude were not in a multiple linear regression with ant species number as the dependent variable. Not enough time was spent on the islands to survey their ant faunas completely, and extrapolations from species effort curves and jackknife estimators of earlier, thorough surverys for ants in the society Islands suggest that only about 50% of the total species were collected in the present survey, at least on the high islands. My collections were probably more complete on the atolls. The increase in species numbers from the present survey relative to known species richnesses (particularly when a large fraction of the species actually present were probably not included in the present survey) supports the hypothesis that remote Polynesian islands are not as depauperate in terms of ant species numbers as previously thought.
MEASURING THE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT OF A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: A SIMPLIFIED APPROACH*

The Multiregional Variable Input-Output (MRVIO) model is introduced to measure the development impact of a transportation system. The MRVIO model is a theoretically flexible, computationally simple, and cost-responsive model. Under the MRVIO model, regional input-output coefficients, trade coefficients, and trade flows become cost responsive and easy to compute. The MRVIO model is employed to measure the development impact of the Arkansas waterway during the period of 1974 to 1978. In the study, the U.S. economy is disaggregated into 3 regions and 35 industrial sectors. The MRVIO model estimates the economic conditions of these 3 regions with and without the waterway in terms of industrial output, income, employment, and trade flows.
Nucleon-Nucleon Scattering in Momentum Space: OPEP as Example

A practical formalism is developed for treating nucleonnucleon scattering in momentum space. The non-adiabatic one-pion-exchange potential is used as an example. (auth)
A brief history of protein crystal growth

Abstract The history of protein crystal growth extends over 150 years into the past. In addition to the principles that form the foundation of our methods and techniques, it contains many valuable tools and important ideas that are seldom used today. Offered here is a concise review of protein crystal growth from the first observation to the age of the diffractionists.
Initial Response of ‘Concord’ and ‘Sunbelt’ Grapes to Pruning and Fruit Thinning

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. mechanized, minimal, Vitis labruscana, lag phase, composition SUMMARY. Balanced, dormant hand pruning was compared with minimal and machine box-cut pruning with no fruit thinning, thinning at 27 to 45 days postbloom, or thinning at veraison on Vitis labruscana grape cultivars, Concord and Sunbelt. Weekly berry weights measured during the growing season showed that minimally pruned ‘Concord’ and ‘Sunbelt’ generally had lower berry weights than hand-pruned vines. Lag phase occurred 50 ± 7 days postbloom in ‘Concord’ and 58 ± 7 days postbloom in ‘Sunbelt’. The duration of harvest period was longer for ‘Concord’ than ‘Sunbelt’, and minimally pruned vines without thinning had the most delayed ripening regardless of cultivar or time of fruit thinning. The desired soluble solids of 17% for ‘Concord’ and 18% for ‘Sunbelt’ were achieved without differences in other fruit composition parameters on all treatments. Delaying harvest of minimally pruned vines without thinning by about 7 days was required to achieve the desired soluble solids. Pruning methods had more effect on yield components than time of thinning. At harvest, minimally pruned vines had lower cluster weights, berry weights, and yield per node compared with hand pruning in both cultivars and years. In terms of second year yield response, ‘Sunbelt’ was not as detrimentally impacted by machine and minimal pruning without thinning compared with ‘Concord’. Preliminary results indicate that machine and minimal pruning with and without thinning are viable alternatives to hand pruning for ‘Concord’ and ‘Sunbelt’ grapes in irrigated vineyards with warm, long growing seasons.
Possible Mechanisms Underlying Mucus Secretion in Aspirin-Sensitive Asthma

To study the hypersecretion of mucus in human airways, an in vitro model was developed. The effect of prostaglandins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid, and other mucus-stimulating and mucus-inhibiting agents was studied. The data suggest that arachidonic acid metabolized through its lipoxygenase pathway leads to the formation of potent stimulators of mucus release. Among them are the monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, which are produced in large quantities by human airways, and the leukotrienes, which are generated during allergic reactions of the lung. As the lipoxygenase pathway is the only operant metabolic system available for arachidonic acid in the presence of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—and as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs themselves stimulate mucus production—it is possible that the mechanism responsible for mucus release in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics is the formation of these lipoxygenase products.
Structural power, agency and national liberation: the case of East Timor

The struggle for independence in East Timor, which came to fruition in 1999, illustrates both that agency can be exercised in ways that change social structures and that changing structural relations are necessary for the effective exercise of agency. This paper presents a basic Marxist theoretical framework for analysing structural power, contrasting this with the understanding of structure developed by structurationists. It then examines the Timorese independence struggle at two crucial turning points, showing how differing structural contexts enabled different outcomes at those turning points.
Effects of compliant coatings on radiated sound from a rigid-wall turbulent boundary layer

A theoretical model is developed to investigate the effect of compliant coatings on radiated sound from low Mach-number turbulent boundary layers over otherwise rigid surfaces. Lighthill's analogy is employed and the primary noise source is assumed to be from wall-pressure fluctuations. Parametric studies are performed on the behavior of the material properties such as the speed of sound and density of compliant coatings. Comparisons are made between the results from coated and uncoated rigid walls. At low frequencies, compliant coatings are not effective for noise reduction. At high frequencies, coating materials with low speed of sound and low density provide significant noise reduction.
A comparison of total calcium, corrected calcium, and ionized calcium concentrations as indicators of calcium homeostasis among hypoalbuminemic dogs requiring intensive care

Objective – (1) To evaluate whether total calcium (tCa) correlates with ionized calcium (iCa) in hypoalbuminemic dogs; (2) to evaluate whether calcium adjusted for albumin (Alb), or total protein (TP), or both accurately predict iCa concentrations and hence can be used to monitor calcium homeostasis in critically ill hypoalbuminemic dogs; and (3) to evaluate factors associated with any potential discrepancy in calcium classification between corrected total and ionized values. Design – Prospective observational clinical study. Setting – Small animal intensive care unit in a veterinary medical teaching hospital. Animals – Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with hypoalbuminemia. Interventions – None. Measurements and Main Results – iCa was determined using ion-specific electrode methodology, on heparinized plasma. The tCa concentration was adjusted for Alb and TP using published equations. In total 29% (8/28) of the hypoalbuminemic, critically ill dogs in this study were hypocalcemic at intensive care unit admission, as determined by iCa measurement. Corrected calcium values failed to accurately classify calcium status in 67.9% and 64.3% of cases, according to whether the Alb-adjusted or TP-adjusted values, respectively, were used. The sensitivity and specificity of the tCa to evaluate hypocalcemia was 100% and 47%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the correction formulae were 37.5% and 79% for the Alb-adjusted values and 37.5% and 74% for TP-adjusted values. tCa overestimated the presence of hypocalcemia and underestimated the presence of normocalcemia, while corrected calcium values overestimated the presence of normocalcemia and underestimated the presence of hypocalcemia. Conclusions – Calcium homeostasis in hypoalbuminemic critically ill dogs should be evaluated by iCa concentrations rather than tCa or calcium adjusted for Alb or TP. Given that tCa has 100% sensitivity for detecting hypocalcemia in this population it is recommended that all hypoalbuminemic and critically ill patients with low tCa should be evaluated with an iCa measurement.
Quadratic sensitivities for power system steady-state control

Sensitivity analysis is employed by a variety of power system steady-state control tools, either purely algorithmic, knowledge-based or hybrid. First-order Taylor series expansion of the power flow equations is commonly used to calculate the necessary amount of control and predict the future state of the system, if the control were to be implemented online. This paper introduces the concept of quadratic sensitivity as an extension to the established linear sensitivity approach. Multivariate calculus and tensor algebra are used to derive an analytical expression for the three-dimensional matrix of quadratic sensitivities. Quadratic and linear sensitivities are successively used in voltage control scenarios, simulated on the IEEE 30-bus test system. A comparison between the two approaches in terms of accuracy and run-time is performed. The proposed method improves the accuracy of voltage control by roughly one order of magnitude, provided no discontinuity due to generator reactive power limiting occurs. The effects of discontinuities induced by generator reactive power limiting are also investigated. In such instances, the accuracy of voltage control may be improved by a new generator tracking method.
An optical study of lithium and lithiumoxygen complexes as donor impurities in silicon

Abstract Infrared absorption spectra have been determined for lithium-doped single crystal silicon samples in the energy range 23.0 meV to 45.0 meV. A series of resonant absorptions corresponding to a donor ionization energy of 32.5 meV was found in oxygen-free silicon; it is concluded that this series is due to the monatomic lithium donor. Samples originally containing some oxygen show a series of resonant absorptions corresponding to a donor ionization energy of 39.2 meV. This is attributed to LiO. The complexity of the spectra obtained increases with increasing oxygen content, presumably due to absorption in other lithiumoxygen complexes.
Transitions between intra-wall structures in permalloy thin films

Magnetization structures of the two-dimensional 180 degrees domain walls in Permalloy thin films are studied by numerical micromagnetic simulation. It is found that, in a film with a thickness between 300 and 500 AA, both the LaBonte and the Neel wall structures are energetically stable. Transitions between the two stable wall structures are studied by applying a square pulse field in the film plane and perpendicular to the wall. It is found that the transition from the LaBonte wall structure to the Neel wall structure essentially depends on the area of the field pulse. The results also show that a significant domain wall displacement is associated with the transition from the LaBonte wall structure to the Neel wall structure. It is argued that the transitions between the wall structures could change the local pinning environment and cause unexpected wall motion. >
Synthesis of 2,4-diamino-6-(thioarylmethyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines as dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors.

Six 2,4-diaminopyrido(2,3-d)pyrimidines with a 6-methylthio bridge to an aryl group were synthesized and biologically evaluated as inhibitors of Pneumocystis carinii (pc) and Toxoplasma gondii (tg) dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). The syntheses of analogues 3-8 were achieved by nucleophilic displacementof 2,4-diamino-6-bromomet hylpyrido(2,3- d)pyrimidine 14 with various arylthiols. The a-naphthyl analogue 4 showed the highest selectivity ratios of 3.6 and 8.7 against pcDHFR and tgDHFR, respec- tively, versus rat liver (rl) DHFR. The b-naphthyl analogue 5 exhibited the highest potency within the series with an IC50 value againstpcDHFR and t gDHFR of 0.17 and 0.09 mM, respectively. Analogue 4 was evaluated for in vitro antimycobacterium activity and was shown to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv cells by 58% at a concentration of 6.25 mg/mL. # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ribin, a Protein Encoded by a Message Complementary to rRNA, Modulates Ribosomal Transcription and Cell Proliferation

The control of rRNA transcription, tightly coupled to the cell cycle and growth state of the cell, is a key process for understanding the mechanisms that drive cell proliferation. Here we describe a novel protein, ribin, found in rodents, that binds to the rRNA promoter and stimulates its activity. The protein also interacts with the basal rRNA transcription factor UBF. The open reading frame encoding ribin is 96% complementary to a central region of the large rRNA. This demonstrates that ribosomal DNA-related sequences in higher eukaryotes can be expressed as protein-coding messages. Ribin contains two predicted nuclear localization sequence elements, and green fluorescent protein-ribin fusion proteins localize in the nucleus. Cell lines overexpressing ribin exhibit enhanced rRNA transcription and faster growth. Furthermore, these cells significantly overcome the suppression of rRNA synthesis caused by serum deprivation. On the other hand, the endogenous ribin level correlates positively with the amount of serum in the medium. The data show that ribin is a limiting stimulatory factor for rRNA synthesis in vivo and suggest its involvement in the pathway that adapts ribosomal transcription and cell proliferation to physiological changes.
The status of government publications courses as taught in five midwestern library schools

Abstract Six faculty members from five midwestern library schools have shared their satisfactions and frustrations in teaching courses in government publications. Though the courses are characterized by the diversity which marks the materials with which they are dealing, the instructors have stated their objectives clearly; have indicated course content, which in each case seems eminently appropriate for achieving those objectives; and have reported continuing experimentation with teaching methodologies and assignments as they seek those best suited to the educational needs of their students.
Sequential Analysis of the Social Play of Young Children With Mild Developmental Delays

This study examined the sequential process of social participation with peers for young children with mild developmental delays. Based on measures of sequential dependency, comparisons were made between children with and without developmental delays and across specialized and inclusive settings. The identification of probable and improbable paths from one play state to another also was determined. Results revealed the existence of highly similar sequential play patterns between children with and without mild developmental delays and across settings. The implications of these findings for intervention and the importance of the intrinsic organization of sequential play processes were discussed.
Setting the Counseling Psychology Agenda: Principled Commitments Balanced With Market Realities

This reaction to the Major Contribution in the September 2005 issue of The Counseling Psychologist highlights the implied threats to the survival of academic training programs in counseling psychology. Counseling psychologists are urged to analyze the historical roots of the profession and current market realities and to make principled commitments to determine where, when, and how training programs will fit into the culture of any given college or department.
4J-1 Towards a Molecular Level Understanding of Elasticity in Tissues and Hydrogels

In elasticity imaging, tissues are stimulated with mechanical forces while spatiotemporal strain responses are observed. The basis for diagnostic imaging is that disease processes characteristically alter the structure of connective tissues that determine viscoelastic properties. Time-varying strains for step-like stress stimuli were measured in gelatin hydrogels and normal breast tissue. The medium's mechanical response function - the retardance-time spectrum - was computed. This spectrum is the continuous distribution of time constants that characterizes viscoelastic behavior. Spectra were parameterized using low order discrete rheological models from linear viscoelastic theory to reduce data dimensionality yielding parameters related to stiffness and viscosity: elastic strain and two retardation time constants. Broadband, continuous, bi-modal spectra was obtained for gelatin samples. Similar spectra with narrow bandwidth were found for breast tissue, both characteristic of lightly cross-linked amorphous polymers. Measured time constants in gelatin indicated fast (1-10 s) fluidic behavior and a slower (50-400 s) matrix restructuring. Corresponding parameters in breast were 3.2 plusmn 0.8 s and 42.0 plusmn 28 s. Phantom imaging studies showed that these parameters provided consistently high target contrast. Although the ultra-structure of collagen within gelatin and breast stroma is different, their mechanical behavior is quite similar. Creep in both media are consistent with the molecular theory of entanglement coupling proposed to explain amorphous polymer behavior
Comparative Analysis of Attitudes and Emotions Among Inmates: Does Mental Illness Matter?

This study examines the relationship between behavioral health problems and criminogenic thinking, aggression, self-control, and hopelessness, controlling for other demographic and criminal behavio...
Targeting genes and cells in the progression to heart failure.

In cell electrophysiologic studies, it is known that there is no remarkable difference in the contractile force generated between the nonfailing and the failing heart at low stimulation rates. As beating frequency accelerates, however, failing heart muscles show a decrease in the force of contraction, whereas the force of contraction in normal myocytes increases. These phenomena are called the negative force–frequency relationship and the positive force–frequency relationship, respectively. Despite advances in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and valvular heart disease, they have not resulted in substantial improvements in survival after CHF ensues. According to a survey done by the American Heart Association [1], approximately 4.9 million Americans have CHF and there are about 550,000 new cases per year. Half the patients will be dead within 5 years after being diagnosed with CHF. The outlook is not much better than for most forms of cancer, and an estimated $24.3 billion was spent for the care of CHF patients. However, the recent increasing knowledge of the etiologic basis of CHF and the molecular mechanism causing it is starting to encourage different therapeutic approaches including gene therapy and cell transplantation for CHF. In this review,
Do Diverse Juries Aid or Impede Justice

Both judges and lawyers routinely assume that race or gender, or both, broadly act as place markers for particular viewpoints in American society. Historically, this assumption drove the conclusion that more diversity among jurors equated to more justice. Recently, by contrast, the same assumption has driven the conclusion that juror diversity impairs justice by increasing hung jury rates. This Article tests whether juror diversity increases hung jury rates.
Porcine Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulcers in swine typically occur at two sites, the fundic region and pars esophagea. A variety of infectious agents may be associated with gastric ulcers in the fundic region. Ulceration of the pars esophagea is a distinct clinical syndrome in swine. It can be associated with significant production losses. The cause of the syndrome is obscure and multifactorial in origin, including one or more of the following factors: feeding practices, fineness of feed particles, feed nutrient content, and concurrent gastric bacterial infections (especially with helical bacteria). Control of gastric ulcers is best accomplished through balancing feed quality and feeding practices with acceptable growth performance.
Has RAAS Blockade Reached Its Limits in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy

Medications that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are a cornerstone of diabetic nephropathy treatment. These agents play an important role in slowing the nephropathy progression in patients with diabetes. Clinical outcome trials that investigated use of these drug classes in patients with diabetic nephropathy have demonstrated clinical significant benefit in slowing nephropathy progression only in people with >300 mg/day of proteinuria. Thus, guidelines mandate their use in such patients. Conversely, combinations of RAAS blocking agents in these patients can worsen renal outcomes. Moreover, use of RAAS blockers in patients with a glomerular filtration rate below 45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) is limited by hyperkalemia. New agents that predictably bind excess potassium in the colon offer the possibility of extending RAAS inhibitor use in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) to allow evaluation of RAAS blockade for nephropathy and cardiovascular outcomes. These new potassium-binding agents may provide an opportunity to continue full-dose RAAS inhibition and assess if the benefits of RAAS blockade seen in stage 3 CKD can be extrapolated to persons with stages 4 and 5 CKD, not previously tested due to hyperkalemia.
Investigating the Impact of Preparation Strategies on USMLE Step 1 Performance.

Background The USMLE Step 1 score helps differentiate applicants for competitive residency programs. Students frequently ask medical educators how to prepare for this high-stakes exam. Multiple resources exist such as books, training programs, and question banks. The purpose of this study is to provide medical educators with data on which resources correlate with higher exam scores. Methods 164 medical students at West Virginia University School of Medicine were given a survey following the completion of Step 1. The survey contained questions about resources used and exam date. De-identified data was paired with class quartile rankings and Step 1 scores. Average Step 1 scores were calculated for each resource and a student's t-test was used to compare between groups. Test dates were also broken into quintiles and average Step 1 scores were compared between groups. Results Students who used the USMLE World question bank had higher Step 1 scores (M=229, SE=1.4) compared to students who did not use this resource (M=215, SE=4.2). Commercial preparation courses were not associated with improved scores. The timing of when the exam was taken was also not associated with significant differences between scores. Conclusions Interactive study options offer the best choice to improve USMLE Step 1 scores.
The Taste Tests of Organic Acids

Sour taste is mainly associated with the hydrogen ion concentration, and to a lesser extent, with the degree of dissociation. From the results of P.S.E. determined by taste tests on nine organic acids, the sourness was more intensive in fumaric>tartaric>malic>acetic>succinic>citric>lactic>ascorbic and>gluconic acids.
Weapons and Spaceships: The Military-Industrial Complex

In his farewell address in 1961, President Dwight Eisenhower warned Americans to prevent the growth of a military-industrial complex that threatened to undermine their economic dynamism and political freedom. Two years later, the former four-star general and president elaborated his views: No matter how much we spend for arms, there is no safety in arms alone. Our security is the total product of our economic, intellectual, moral, and military strengths … there is no way in which a country can satisfy the craving for absolute security — but it can easily bankrupt itself, morally and economically, in attempting to reach that illusory goal through arms alone. The military establishment, not productive itself, necessarily must feed on the energy, productivity, and brainpower of the country, and if it takes too much our total strength declines.3
Regulating output impedance using a PI controller to improve the stability of a single phase inverter under weak grid

Explored in this paper is the grid impedance effect on the stability of a single-phase grid connected inverter with an LC filter based on the analysis of inverter output impedance. For a single-phase grid connected inverter, a PI controller is often used to regulate the current injected into the grid. However, the control performance can be influenced when the inverter is connected to a weak grid. Also, the utility grid has background harmonic noise, which can make the injected current distorted. Therefore, analysis of the output impedance of a single-phase grid connected inverter is important for the robustness and stability of the system. By modeling the output impedance of inverter, it can be determined that the proportional gain and integral gain of the controller have an effect on the output impedance. Analytical results show that the ability for harmonic reduction and stability of the system can be improved by adjusting the PI controller parameters. Simulation and experiments using a 1kW single-phase grid connected inverter verify the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Sepsis in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care.

Objectives: In this review, we will discuss risk factors for developing sepsis; the role of biomarkers in establishing an early diagnosis, in monitoring therapeutic efficacy, in stratification, and for the identification of sepsis endotypes; and the pathophysiology and management of severe sepsis and septic shock, with an emphasis on the impact of sepsis on cardiovascular function. Data Source: MEDLINE and PubMed. Conclusions: There is a lot of excitement in the field of sepsis research today. Scientific advances in the diagnosis and clinical staging of sepsis, as well as a personalized approach to the treatment of sepsis, offer tremendous promise for the future. However, at the same time, it is also evident that sepsis mortality has not improved enough, even with progress in our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of sepsis.
Stress Reactivity and Exercise in Women

Stress reactivity can be defined as any physiological response to a perturbation to homeostasis and generally includes both the response and recovery to a stressor. More broadly, in addition to the physiological response, it can include behavioral, subjective, and cognitive response to stress. The focus of this chapter is primarily on stress reactivity as it pertains to the cardiovascular and neuroendocrine response to acute mental laboratory challenges or acute exercise. Stress reactivity is affected by gender, menstrual cycle phase, aging, and exercise. The role of stress reactivity in health and disease is outlined with a specific emphasis on the effects of acute and regular exercise on stress resilience. While the chapter focuses primarily on studies on women, additional studies on men are included for reference in areas where data on women are limited.
Overview of Biochemical Applications of Mass Spectrometry

A broad overview is given of the main applications of mass spectrometry in biochemistry. These include measurements of molecular mass of biomacromolecules and determination of sequence information for proteins and polynucleotides.
Atomic Norm Minimization for Modal Analysis From Random and Compressed Samples

Modal analysis is the process of estimating a system's modal parameters, such as its natural frequencies and mode shapes. One application of modal analysis is in structural health monitoring (SHM), where a network of sensors may be used to collect vibration data from a physical structure, such as a building or bridge. There is a growing interest in developing automated techniques for SHM based on data collected in a wireless sensor network. In order to conserve power and extend battery life, however, it is desirable to minimize the amount of data that must be collected and transmitted in such a sensor network. In this paper, we highlight the fact that modal analysis can be formulated as an atomic norm minimization (ANM) problem, which can be solved efficiently and in some cases recover perfectly a structure's mode shapes and frequencies. We survey a broad class of sampling and compression strategies that one might consider in a physical sensor network, and we provide bounds on the sample complexity of these compressive schemes in order to recover a structure's mode shapes and frequencies via ANM. A main contribution of our paper is to establish a bound on the sample complexity of modal analysis with random temporal compression, and in this scenario we prove that the required number of samples per sensor can actually decrease as the number of sensors increases. We also extend an atomic norm denoising problem to the multiple measurement vector setting in the case of uniform sampling.
A rhythm analysis-based model to predict sedentary behaviors

Sedentary behaviors such as sitting and watching TV are ubiquitous in modern societies. Increases in sedentary time have been linked with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. While smartphones and wearables can now detect sedentary user behaviors, few computational models exist for predicting when they will occur in future. In this paper, we propose a lightweight model to predict future sedentary behaviors, facilitating prevention rather than reactive interventions. Our models are based on the concept of rhythm analysis, an idea proposed by Lefebvre, which postulates that many human behaviors, the use of public spaces, and many phenomena all follow natural rhythms. Our work focuses on detecting the prevailing rhythms of sedentary behaviors and modeling the cyclical rhythm and linear rhythm in Lefebvre's philosophy using periodic functions (history-free) and linear functions (history-dependent) respectively. A person who lies on his couch at the same time every day is an example of a cyclical rhythm, while a person who lies down in exhaustion after vigorous exercise is an example of a linear rhythm. Our preliminary results from analyzing an existing dataset clearly show that rhythmical sedentary patterns do exist. Cyclical rhythms are more common than linear rhythms, and half-day rhythms, daily rhythms, weekly rhythms, and bi-weekly rhythms are clearly observed in a test dataset.
Reflections of a Recreation Educator

(1995). Reflections of a Recreation Educator. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 89-96.
Expression of rat brain excitatory amino acid receptors in Xenopus oocytes.

Xenopus laevis oocytes when injected with rat brain mRNA synthesize neuronal receptors that can be analyzed electrophysiologically. After a post-injection incubation period of 24–72 hours, L-glutamic acid, kainic acid and quisqualic acid caused a dose dependent (10–100 μM) depolarization of the oocyte membrane. The voltage and conductance changes associated with kainate activation were distinguishable from those seen for L-glutamate or quisqualate. There was no response to L-aspartate application and an inconsistent response to N-methyl-D-aspartate.
Primary Insomnia and Sleep Apnea in Pediatric and Adult Populations

Daytime sleepiness can have debilitating effects on morbidity, quality of life, academic and work achievement, and health care costs, yet most adolescents and adults obtain significantly less than the recommended amount of nightly sleep. The literature is filled with evidence that insufficient sleep is associated with a wide range of impairments, including mood problems, physical morbidity such as obesity, increased rate of motor vehicle accidents, and poor academic and occupational achievement. Sleepiness in children is often manifested as oppositional or inattentive behavior and may place youth at risk for mood problems. Alarmingly, more than 30 % of adults report that they experience daytime sleepiness to the extent that it impairs daily activities several days per month or more.
SYSTEM-LEVEL ROBUSTNESS THROUGH INTEGRATED MODELING

Variation reduction strategies have traditionally focused on treating the output of a single manufacturing operation. In practice, however, manufacturing systems are comprised of multiple operations, each of which can add to or reduce product variation. Additionally, the sensitivity of each operation to input variation is a function of the operating point, which can only be changed in conjunction with the operating points of all other operations in that system. As such, optimizing each operation within a system individually does not guarantee lowest end-of-line variation. What is needed instead is a method for conducting a system-level parameter design in which the operating points of each operation are optimized as a complete set to reduce final product variation. The logistics of such an integrated parameter design scheme make changes or designed experiments on the actual system unwieldy or impossible; instead a system level model can be used. In this paper we use Integrated System Models to conduct system-level parameter design. We demonstrate this technique on a model of a sheet stretch-forming manufacturing system. Through this example, we show that selecting operating points while considering the entire system results in a greater reduction in variation than Taguchi-style robust design conducted independently on each of the operations within the system.
Cognitive behavior therapy, temazepam, or both improved short-term outcomes for older adults with persistent insomnia

Source Citation Morin CM, Colecchi C, Stone J, Sood R, Brink D. Behavioral and pharmacological therapies for late-life insomnia. A randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1999 Mar 17:281:991-9.
Automotive Power Transmission Systems

Automotive power transmission systems / , Automotive power transmission systems / , کتابخانه دانشگاه شیراز
Assumptions and Protocol of the Taxonomic Identification of Faunal Remains in Zooarchaeology: a North American Perspective

Identification of the species of animal represented by ancient bones, teeth, and shells based on the size and shape of those materials is one of the most fundamental and foundational steps in paleozoology, yet only scattered comments in the literature regarding this matter have been published. The history of taxonomic identification of faunal remains began with researchers learning which anatomical traits were taxonomically diagnostic; this required the creation of reference collections of skeletons of known taxonomy. To identify the taxon of animal represented by an ancient bone or tooth or shell requires comparison between the taxonomically unknown and reference materials of known taxonomy. The key assumption underpinning taxonomic identification is that anatomical similarity in size and shape of a reference bone and a paleozoological bone signifies genetic similarity and, thus, taxonomic similarity. Reference collections must be large both in terms of the number of species represented and the number of skeletons per species. Anatomical traits are morphological (qualitative), metric (quantitative), and meristic (frequency). Reporting of the identification protocol followed, including the reference skeletons, illustrated guides, and anatomical traits used, is strongly recommended so that what are believed to be taxonomically diagnostic traits can be tested and either used, revised, or discarded by others. An online database listing what are believed to be taxonomically diagnostic traits will increase efficiency, enhance accuracy of identifications, and should prompt re-identification of collections studied in the past.
Prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA: a pilot study

Purpose: This pilot study investigated the prevalence of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in third-grade school children in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA. Methods: A convenience sample of third-grade school children in the Milwaukee Public School System (MPS) participated in the study. Calibrated examiners trained on the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) MIH recommendations examined the children between December 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Children were examined at their schools using a flashlight and mirror after receiving consent from parents/caregivers and assent from each child. Findings were recorded onto a standardized form by one of five trained examiners. Summary statistics were calculated, and bivariate analysis were done to identify factors associated with MIH. Results: A total of 375 children (average age =8.66 years, range 7–12) were examined, 60% females and 41% Hispanics. Overall, 36 (9.6%) of the children demonstrated findings consistent with the diagnosis of MIH. Among the teeth with MIH defects, severe defects were higher in lower molars. There were no statistically significant differences between those with and without MIH by sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in this study. Conclusion: The study revealed that 9.6% of the children examined were affected by MIH. Future studies should focus on statewide and/or nationwide surveys in the United States to ascertain the extent and severity of the condition.